Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Katrina fallout - thoughts and ideas

Wow, I don’t even know where to begin. Having been a hurricane victim and sometime evacuee, my sympathies to the gulf coast. Actually, I take that back. I’ve never been a victim of anything remotely close to what’s going on down south. I had trees fall down in my yard during several hurricanes and I got stuck at my house without power during an ice storm (ok, so it was only for a few hours). I hope to do more than offer my sympathy. That’s not going help anybody.

No “I told you so’s”, but you got to admit, you knew New Orleans was a total gamble. It was only a matter of time before something devastated the city. Are they going to rebuild the city? How about moving it above sea level?

Those poor people stuck in the Super Dome. I don’t think that I would ever go to a government shelter after seeing that. The water is rising and now they are busing them to Houston to the Astrodome. And then there are looters stealing out of homes and stores. The lowest form of life.

Today, there are huge lines at the gas pumps, rising prices, and most likely panic from the masses. I heard on the news today that the EPA is lowering their refinement standards so that oil can be created more quickly. I think that the one good thing that may come out of this hurricane is the unbelievable, in your face, need for more refineries. Perhaps the in-denial environmentalists will back off. Maybe it would be a good time to just go ahead and take over Iraq…it’s all about the oil ya know.

Where’s our foreign aid from other countries? Is anyone going to send in help? Are we going to get money to help alleviate our suffering? Maybe an oil tanker or two? Maybe they’ll give us cut rates on hybrid cars. Or some coupons for Walmart.

I sure would rather our hard earned, hard paid tax dollars stay at home to deal with our problems. Let the other countries deal with their own. I’m tired of the wonderful people of this country, that care and help the unfortunate others, be repaid by insults, nastiness, and violence. I say let them care for themselves. Let a little Darwinism take place. How’s that for hard line? :) Ok, not really. We'll continue to give and continue to be abused. That's the American way.

OHHHHHHH!!! Bush just gave a press conference. He ended with “God bless you”. I’m offended.

Monday, August 29, 2005

Surprise!

Mapgeek, Babygirl, and I headed to Hickory for my Grandmother’s 85th surprise birthday party. But, first, we swung by Charlotte to visit Nato and ‘Manda, since we weren’t supposed to be in Hickory until Saturday (wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise). We got to Charlotte, packed up the stroller, and WALKED to dinner. I sure miss being able to walk anywhere. They live in a great townhouse downtown and in walking proximity of lots of restaurants and bars. Best yet, we got to take the dog too and eat outside at a great pizza place. Then we headed back to the house and up to the rooftop terrace for drinks and watching the beautiful Charlotte skyline. We had a great time! Nato is off for Iraq in a few weeks and we wish him well. Be safe and hurry home! We miss you!

On to Hickory…

My aunt, Wufpakgrl and my mom planned and executed a great party! Well, executed as well as can be expected for a typical family party. My Grandmother seemed to be surprised, though she was probably wondering why all the family members kept showing up out of the blue and all at the same time. The party was at a city park. Wufpakgrl reserved one of the pavilions and the men folk grilled hamburgers and dogs for the party. Yum!

And then there was the reunion aspect of it all. Two of my cousins have new babies. My cousin, that is 3 weeks younger than me, has a new son that is 2 months older than Babygirl. I think they’re gonna be the Tree Monkeys reincarnate. Then, another cousin has a little boy that is 11 months. Cute, cute! Baby Central.

After the party, we all hiked it back over to my Grandmother’s house and “visited”. We “visit” down here in the south. Plopped a quilt down on the floor, put the 2 youngest babies down, and all gawked at them to see if they were going to do something interesting. I don’t know why watching wriggling infants is so fascinating. Then we watched Nascar and popped a couple brews (the Atlanta crew has tainted the fine art of drinking Bud by bringing Scottish ale, but you get the picture).

And my poor Grandmother. Not expecting to house 8 people and feed breakfast to the entire crew on Sunday. My southern hospitality lesson for the weekend…always change the sheets on the beds after guests leave. That way the beds are ready for the next guests, that may show up for some surprise party you don’t know about. My Grandmother rules! She even had tomatoes, her homemade bread, and liver mush ready for us for breakfast!

All in all, a great weekend!

Thursday, August 25, 2005


Feet!! I have feet!! Posted by Picasa

Monday, August 22, 2005


Tired out from all this vacationing. Posted by Picasa

Sunbathing with Mommy! (Ok, not really, I only had her out for a minute because she was crying...please no lectures!) Posted by Picasa

Ready for the beach. Posted by Picasa

Sweet surfin'! Posted by Picasa

Babygirl and Daddy being hotel bar flies. Posted by Picasa

Is it hot enough for ya?

I know you have all been anxiously waiting for the update from our vacation to Hilton Head. We had such a great time! Though things were somewhat slower and we didn’t have as much beach/pool time as normal. Just as well, cause it was HOT, HOT, HOT. I hear it’s that way all over the south lately.

We left our house Thursday morning. I got up early figuring it was going to take us a while to get moving. Babies sure do take a lot of coordination and timing to mobilize. Got to account for the feedings and diaper changing. We dropped of the granddog over at Grandmommy P’s and then we were finally beach bound! Of course, it’s like 11:30 by this time. Anyway, uneventful trip.

We stayed at the Crown Plaza Resort on Shipyard Plantation. Nice hotel with all the amenities we wanted if we needed to stick close to home. Having never gone on an official vacation with Babygirl, who knows what was going to happen.

When we got to the hotel around 5. We dropped off our stuff (and we had A LOT of stuff – parents have one bag, baby has five) and headed with Babygirl down to check out the surf. The hotel itself is set back from the beach, so we walked down the hotel paths and boardwalk to the sand. We took a quick look and decided to head to the hotel bar for some Happy Hour appetizers and drinks. Babygirl was a hit with the English waitress. On a side note, all the waitresses in the hotel seemed to be British. Not sure what’s up with that…. We then went to Steamers in Coligny Plaza, which has been one of my favorite places to eat since they have cheap oysters and beer. Babygirl got fussy right at the end, but I think I’m finally figuring out that 8-9 is her fussy time and we were there a little late.

We got up Friday morning and headed for the beach around 11. We put Babygirl in her carrier that then fits in the stroller. Luckily the east coast has more packed sand, so you can push a stroller relatively easy. We walked about 15 minute down the beach, then headed back, deciding that Babygirl was too hot all cooped up in the stroller. We headed back to Coligny for lunch and then had to deal with the feeding thing, so we didn’t get back to the pool until after 4. The first day at the pool was pretty easy. We found a couple chairs in the shade. We also figured out that Babygirl may be too small to ride in the stroller, but it sure makes a nice, covered play area for her. So we hung out at the pool for an hour or so. We then showered and headed back to the hotel bar for more Happy Hour treats before retiring to our room for some yummy room service and TV.

Our last day, Saturday, we decided to get to the pool “early” and claim a primo spot in the shade for the afternoon. We quickly discovered that “early” in kiddie-land is not at 11:00. All the parents and their kids had already claimed the shade areas. We did find a couple chairs in the shade, which became more sunny as the day progressed. Babygirl napped in her stroller while Mommy and Daddy read and took quick dips to cool off. All was fine, hot as heck, but ok until Babygirl either got bit by a fly or got too hot and woke up. So, back to the room at 2 for the afternoon. Getting smarter as the days went on, we decided to head out earlier for dinner since Babygirl seems to nap in the late in the afternoon or early evening time. So, we went back to Steamers for oysters and then to Wild Wing for Daddy’s fix. Babygirl was a champ. By far, the best kid in the place. I’m still trying to figure out why we go all the way to HHI for vacation and end up eating at Wild Wing.

Anyways, that was the trip! Got up Sunday and came home – nothing exciting except for me trying to pump in the car (just let me know when we pass someone). We’re looking forward to our next vacation, though I hope it’s much cooler than this one….temperature speaking of course.

(On a side note, I finished the new Harry Potter book. I loved it and can’t wait to read the final one! On another side note, Mapgeek and I both started reading Secrets of the Baby Whisperer. I believe my friend Jaygee gave it to me at a shower. Good book for parents and I highly recommend it if you’re having problems with an infant. Which we aren't, but it is insightful.)

Monday, August 15, 2005

Smelly cat, oh smelly cat!

Ok, I was just watching the Friends episode where Phoebe and Chris Isaak sing Smelly Cat. Seemed appropriate here. :)

I have to blog about this. I often wonder what people are thinking. The woman that is protesting in front of the President's ranch...what's up with that? I pride myself on being able to somewhat understand and empathize with most sides of an issue. And then there's reality.

I don't see anything wrong with protest, or sitting outside the President's front door in order to make a point. What if this woman actually gets what she wants? What if the US pulls out of Iraq? And Israel out of Palestine? Does anyone honestly think that this will stop terrorism? I mean really? If so, then we'll have to agree to disagree because I don't think it will make any difference. The terrorists will find some other reason to hate us and try to kill us and I honestly don't believe they will stop. Peaceful religion ya know.

And as far as her not paying taxes...that'll show 'em!

Take your best shot

I officially do not like booster shots. Especially when they aren't mine. Babygirl got her 2 month shots today. Her first round, at one month, upset the poo out of me. She screamed bloody murder. I think I thought it was going to be more like the dog's shots. In and out before the dog can react. Not so.

In anticipation for her FOUR separate shots that she was going to get today, Mommy got teary. I held poor Babygirl's hands while the mean old nurse did a BAM BAM in one leg, and then a BAM BAM in the other leg. Babygirl immediately started crying, though it didn't seem as loud as it did at one month. When it was all over, I picked her up, did the "poor baby" thing, and cooed at her for a minute. I laid her back down to dress her, so I could coo at her poor pouty face some more. Babygirl started laughing instead. So much for baby pity. I guess she's not old enough to realize that at times like these, it would be in her best interest to work it a little.

On the other hand, the checkup went great! She's up to 10 1/2 pounds and 22 inches. Smack in the middle of the percentile pack. The doc said her head has a "beautiful shape" and did we "rotate her"? I also got the lecture about having nothing in the crib besides the baby and the mattress. I didn't have the heart to tell the doc that there are 5 stuffed animals, a pillowy thing, 4 blankets, and an aquarium. So far, Babygirl has avoided choking on the aquarium so we haven't been too worried about it. We've also given up swaddling her. She never liked it much to begin with and now she screams at night if she can't stick her fingers in her mouth. She'll hardly take the pacifier anymore either, having discovered the joys of fists.

Now that we are "free", Babygirl and I made our first official outing to...where else...the grocery store! Needed more diapers and Mommy needed lunch. Tomorrow, we're off to our exercise class again. I think we may finally venture down to the office to see Daddy and all our coworkers that have been so sweet asking about Babygirl. Then maybe we'll finally be able to go to the pool!

Friday, August 12, 2005


My favorite toys! Posted by Picasa

Cute Babygirl Games

The picture above shows Babygirl's favorite toy/game. It's a plush stackable wtih four animals from Pottery Barn Kids. Super soft. I take the animals and rub them on her face while making kissy sounds. Babygirl squeals with laughter! I've never seen her do anything like it. The best part is that the animals have holes in them, so she sticks her arms through and does the "gathering" thing where she brings them up to her chest and face. Then she tries to eat them, while laughing the whole time.

It's the cutest, sweetest, funniest thing I've ever seen! That's my Babygirl!

Thursday, August 11, 2005


Munchkin and Great-Grandmommy - Early morning at the lake (sleepy babygirl)! Posted by Picasa

How to exercise with a baby

This morning, my neighbor, Mega-mom, and I went to exercise. Before I tell you about this awesome class that we went to, let me first tell you about Mega-mom. She's got FOUR boys that are 4 and under. The twins are 4, the middle one is almost 2, and the youngest turns 1 in October. Hence, the Mega-mom dub. I don't know how she does it. But anyways...

Roswell Parks and Rec has community classes for all sorts of stuff. Art classes (painting, pottery, sculpting, mosaics, etc), all kinds of sports groups (tennis, soccer, baseball), education classes (languages, computers), and exercise classes. I was looking for something to do this fall to try to get the flab back in its proper place and came up on this class called Stroller Striders. I seemed to recall Mega-mom telling me about it so I gave her a call to get the scoop. Lo and behold, she is currently in that class and is also signed up this fall. So, she invited me along for today's morning class.

I followed Mega-mom and the troops over to the East Roswell Park at 9:15. The Roswell City parks are super nice. They have community centers, tennis courts, softball fields, soccer fields, and paved trails running throughout. Our old house was adjacent to the main park in west Roswell, which had a pool too. Sure miss being able to walk out the door and across the creek into the park. Anyhow, I digress.

There were 7 moms in the class. Mega-mom dropped off the twins at the playground with a sitter and our classmates older kids. We met at a trail head, parked the strollers, and warmed up with stretches. Then we all unlocked the strollers and walked FAST along the paved trail to another little area and parked. We then proceeded to do jumping jacks in front of our strollers. Most likely for the kids' entertainment. Then we booked it on over to the next area, where we did a lot of squats while singing "Row, row, row your boat". We continued on throughout the park, stopping periodically for more torture and singing, for an hour. The hardest part was trying to do steps on a 2-foot high planted area while singing "You are my sunshine". Whew, I'm out of shape!

Needless to say, I'm signed up with Mega-mom for class twice a week this fall. I'm sure it will be great once fall gets here, with the cooler fall mornings. That always inspires me!

I wonder what the buff guys running through the park think of a bunch of moms pushing strollers, singing "This old man. He played one. He played knick knack on my thumb....."?

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

On a roll!

Babygirl has slept all night for a week! That's of course, once she actually GOES to sleep. She's not doing that until around midnight. However, this is heaven for Mommy and Daddy! Only one more week until shots! I've been counting down the days until we're free! After that, I have big plans for Babygirl and me. Shopping at the mall, lunch with friends, afternoons at the pool. No more being housebound!

The three of us (Mapgeek, Babygirl, and me) are going on our first official vacation next week. We wanted a beachside resort at Hilton Head. After exhausting our search on Orbitz and Expedia, we went on Hotwire (plug here) and looked up hotels. We ended up with a great deal at the Crown Plaza Hilton Head. Three days of lounging at the pool with the poolside bar and the big umbrellas. Within sight of the beach without having to deal with Babygirl and sand. Though we will have to venture out in the surf! I'm gonna read the Harry Potter book I got and still haven't read. And, I started reading another funny set of books. The Sweet Potato Queens' Big Ass Box of Love. It's Deep South meets Sex in the City. Hilarious, especially if you're a 30-something, southern female. It reminds me of a girl I know, to a 't'.

I've also started working again. From home, around 2 hours a day. Babygirl naps most of the morning, so far so good. Though it is work, but it gives me something to do. That is until we're free and can spend the mornings at the pool. Haha!

Friday, August 05, 2005


Whew, relaxing in the bath after a busy day! Posted by Picasa

Now, hangin' with the bunny Posted by Picasa

Big yawn, big feet Posted by Picasa

Cuddlin' with my bear Posted by Picasa

Daddy's Little Girl Posted by Picasa

The Queen

Babygirl has been hanging out with Grandma Curley all week. GC has been great keeping her while Mommy (that's me!) got to go to the dentist one day (yay.), on a hot date with Daddy, and finally get beautified after months, one birth, and total lifestyle change. Yesterday, they played dressup with all Babygirl's cute, cute clothes that she's gotten. GC took some great pictures! So, you are ALL gonna have to bear with me as I post a bunch of them. Enjoy!

Monday, August 01, 2005

Never Wake A Sleeping Baby

I think Babygirl has finally succumbed to a routine. She has consistently gone to sleep between 11 and 12 for the last 4-5 nights. AND, she’s slept the entire night for the last two nights. Are 7-week old babies supposed to sleep the whole night?? We decided not to wake her during the night anymore and let her wake us up instead. Some wise friends we have told us “never wake a sleeping baby”. Haha!

Anyways, we’re all awake, alert, and refreshed here in Roswell! Except, Babygirl, who is back asleep for her morning nap. :)

Introducing Babygirl

Mapgeek submitted a paper a while ago to the ESRI user conference (some geo-geeky thing) in San Diego. So, he was off last week for the sunnier side of the country, while Babygirl (not yet able to go in public) and I were left to fend for ourselves. We loaded up the Pack-n-Play in the back of Grandmommy's Lexus, and headed for the hills of NC and TN.

We went to Great-Grandmommy E's house in Hickory, NC for a couple days. Babygirl got to meet both Great-Grandmommies and her two great aunts. I'm so glad that she got to see my grandmothers while still so young. It was a real treat! Then, Grandmommy, Great-Grandmommy E, Babygirl, and I headed for the lake in Kingston, TN. Babygirl's great aunt, my aunt Wufpakgirl, met up with us the next morning after visiting her new grandbaby in Knoxville. We had a couple more relaxing days at the lake with all the womens. Babygirl was great! Was an absolute angel for not being put down for 4 days. We were sad to come home, but very happy to see Daddy (aka Mapgeek).

Sure wish we could have seen beautiful San Diego! Next time...