Wow! Where did the summer go?? After a brief hiatus in July (post-Granddaddy P’s birthday and pre-Mapgeek’s birthday), we decided to head to Panama City Beach for a long weekend. We haven’t been down there in 3 years. One of my college roommates got married and lives down there. KR (or KO) and her husband own a couple of condo’s RIGHT ON THE BEACH! Lucky for us, one of them was available. And now for my shameless plug of her condos...
The condo was absolutely beautiful! And did I mention RIGHT ON THE BEACH? It was a very large 2-bedroom unit with a huge balcony, washer and dryer, huge kitchen, and TVs in every room. It was even setup for high speed internet (though not wifi at the moment). Both sleep 8 (two bedrooms, sofa bed, and bunk beds in a closet off the eating area – hilarious for kids). They recently decided to rent the units themselves, so I’ll post some contact info when I find out.
I love the gulf coast! It’s white, the water is clear, and the strong gulf stream currents are missing. Plus, we ate some fabulous seafood. I strongly recommend eating at Capt. Anderson’s (PCB standard) and a new place called the Boatyard, which was outstanding. We also ate at our old standby – Shuck-ums. Love those oysters! Mapgeek and I even got a couple of dives in one morning. Not quite Cozumel, but it was great to get wet. I’m really looking forward to going back this fall sometime.
Now we're into football season with the Thursday-Monday of nonstop action. *sigh* Fantasy football, college football, blah blah blah. I used to really like football season, but now it just gets on my nerves. It just gets old after 5 straight days. Hopefully, I’ll feel more involved when it starts getting colder, if it ever does. However, living in Georgia is always a treat when I get to proudly say GO COCKS!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Thursday, August 02, 2007
FYBirthday07
Wow! Busy busy BUSY summer! As you may well remember. This year was even more so because we now have our Jelly Bean (Miss 3.0). BTW – I’ve thus rescinded my previous order (did I aleady mention this? I hate to go back and reread) and will now refer to Miss 2.0 in her original context of Babygirl and Miss 3.0 will henceforth be referred to as Jelly Bean (as we lovingly call her). It’s just cuter and we are all about cute.
I decided in my infinite wisdom to have Jelly Bean christened on Mother’s Day. I knew that I’d be hosting, but I wanted it to be extra special because it’s the first Mother’s Day that I had with both my girls. It was beautiful and Jelly Bean is the best. Happy, happy girl. We had the family in (except for brand new parents, Markyjoe and Niknik) and had a great lunch and day in general. Next was birthday overload week, which was a fun week of dining out at great restaurants. Killer Creek for one…my favorite! We ended May with Memorial Day at the lake. Very nice. And I finally got to drive a front end loader (don’t ask and see the pics when I post them). Woohoo!
June started with Babygirl’s second birthday! Amazing how time has flown by. Since we decided to go to Hilton Head Island for a whole week this year, we had Babygirl’s party on Friday. Then we left on Saturday for HHI. Mapgeek and Babygirl have been taking swimming lessons all spring, so it was only natural that we have a pool party. Our neighborhood pool also has a kiddie pool. Perfect! To avoid the weekend crowd at the pool and so we could leave for HHI Saturday morning, we decided to have the party around lunch on Friday. It was great! Guests showed up around 11 and we had cute food (of course). The highlight, in my opinion, was the strawberry cupcakes that I opted for, rather than a boring old cake. They were made from my Great-Aunt Hon’s recipe and were yummy! They were also a huge hit with the crowd.
Our next huge news, which unfortunately coincided with Babygirl’s birthday party, was that Mapgeek got laid off from Pulte. Long story short, we knew that it was most likely going to happen…and it did. Getting laid off was a blessing in disguise. Not many of us have a month off (serverance) to “try out” other things. Mapgeek had an opportunity to work with Papa C and decided that it might be a great opportunity. So, he is now working for Papa C and Markyjoe doing sales for rock crushing/mining/conveyors/etc. Lots more potential for growth than in consulting. However, he will continue to do some contract work in GIS on the side. For homebuilders. At quite a bit more than they were paying him as an employee. Bummer for them.
Next up was the annual Hilton Head trip. Mapgeek and I have decided to start going for the full week every other year. Unfortunately, due to Babygirl deciding to hang out in utero for an extra week, her birthday falls smack in the middle of that week. Every year. Forever and ever Amen. This year was actually our first full week at HHI. It was fabulous! Though, two months later, I can’t remember a single thing that we did. Beach, ate, pool, ate, shopped, ate, etc.
The big deal of the year was that BOTH my parents turned the big SIX-OH this year. My brothers and I decided back in March that we were going to try for a surprise party for them. After much scheduling drama, the first weekend that really made sense was the end of June…a month after Grandmommy P’s birthday and a week before Granddaddy P’s. We all plotted and schemed until my mother started telling me about a surprise party she was thinking of planning for my dad. THE NEXT WEEK!! So, no more surprise for Grandmommy. Which turned out great, because I needed help. From Mom. As usual, of course. The party was great! My dad had no idea. We had it at our neighborhood clubhouse, complete with Dusty’s Barbeque catering (great eastern NC style), and tunes supplied by my Aunt Wufpakgrl. It was especially memorable for me because as long as I can remember, I’ve never attempted to “get” my dad (that I can recall). I think Dads in general are much overlooked by society. I think there should be a whole day dedicated especially to the much loved male members of our family circle. Oh….wait…..
Since the decline of our social and party life, I’ve been sitting around, twiddling my fingers just waiting for the next thing. I don’t know how I survive without pressure. I just LIVE for planning!
Stay tuned….
I decided in my infinite wisdom to have Jelly Bean christened on Mother’s Day. I knew that I’d be hosting, but I wanted it to be extra special because it’s the first Mother’s Day that I had with both my girls. It was beautiful and Jelly Bean is the best. Happy, happy girl. We had the family in (except for brand new parents, Markyjoe and Niknik) and had a great lunch and day in general. Next was birthday overload week, which was a fun week of dining out at great restaurants. Killer Creek for one…my favorite! We ended May with Memorial Day at the lake. Very nice. And I finally got to drive a front end loader (don’t ask and see the pics when I post them). Woohoo!
June started with Babygirl’s second birthday! Amazing how time has flown by. Since we decided to go to Hilton Head Island for a whole week this year, we had Babygirl’s party on Friday. Then we left on Saturday for HHI. Mapgeek and Babygirl have been taking swimming lessons all spring, so it was only natural that we have a pool party. Our neighborhood pool also has a kiddie pool. Perfect! To avoid the weekend crowd at the pool and so we could leave for HHI Saturday morning, we decided to have the party around lunch on Friday. It was great! Guests showed up around 11 and we had cute food (of course). The highlight, in my opinion, was the strawberry cupcakes that I opted for, rather than a boring old cake. They were made from my Great-Aunt Hon’s recipe and were yummy! They were also a huge hit with the crowd.
Our next huge news, which unfortunately coincided with Babygirl’s birthday party, was that Mapgeek got laid off from Pulte. Long story short, we knew that it was most likely going to happen…and it did. Getting laid off was a blessing in disguise. Not many of us have a month off (serverance) to “try out” other things. Mapgeek had an opportunity to work with Papa C and decided that it might be a great opportunity. So, he is now working for Papa C and Markyjoe doing sales for rock crushing/mining/conveyors/etc. Lots more potential for growth than in consulting. However, he will continue to do some contract work in GIS on the side. For homebuilders. At quite a bit more than they were paying him as an employee. Bummer for them.
Next up was the annual Hilton Head trip. Mapgeek and I have decided to start going for the full week every other year. Unfortunately, due to Babygirl deciding to hang out in utero for an extra week, her birthday falls smack in the middle of that week. Every year. Forever and ever Amen. This year was actually our first full week at HHI. It was fabulous! Though, two months later, I can’t remember a single thing that we did. Beach, ate, pool, ate, shopped, ate, etc.
The big deal of the year was that BOTH my parents turned the big SIX-OH this year. My brothers and I decided back in March that we were going to try for a surprise party for them. After much scheduling drama, the first weekend that really made sense was the end of June…a month after Grandmommy P’s birthday and a week before Granddaddy P’s. We all plotted and schemed until my mother started telling me about a surprise party she was thinking of planning for my dad. THE NEXT WEEK!! So, no more surprise for Grandmommy. Which turned out great, because I needed help. From Mom. As usual, of course. The party was great! My dad had no idea. We had it at our neighborhood clubhouse, complete with Dusty’s Barbeque catering (great eastern NC style), and tunes supplied by my Aunt Wufpakgrl. It was especially memorable for me because as long as I can remember, I’ve never attempted to “get” my dad (that I can recall). I think Dads in general are much overlooked by society. I think there should be a whole day dedicated especially to the much loved male members of our family circle. Oh….wait…..
Since the decline of our social and party life, I’ve been sitting around, twiddling my fingers just waiting for the next thing. I don’t know how I survive without pressure. I just LIVE for planning!
Stay tuned….
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Nerd Test
Just because....
My score below. I knew I had tendencies, but am relieved that I'm a low-ranking nerd.
38% scored higher (more nerdy), 2% scored the same, and 60% scored lower (less nerdy).
What does this mean?
Your nerdiness is:Low Ranking Nerd. Definitely a nerd but low on the totem pole of nerds.
My score below. I knew I had tendencies, but am relieved that I'm a low-ranking nerd.
38% scored higher (more nerdy), 2% scored the same, and 60% scored lower (less nerdy).
What does this mean?
Your nerdiness is:Low Ranking Nerd. Definitely a nerd but low on the totem pole of nerds.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Democratic candidates
From the Democratic debate the other night, which I didn’t watch, but caught up on the general theme this morning.
At the conclusion of the two-hour debate, the candidates were asked what their top priority would be for their first 100 days in office:
—Edwards: "travel the world" and "re-establish America's moral authority."
Moral authority? This sounds like we’re going to go out to the world and force our views on the world. And this would be his top priority??
—Clinton: bring home U.S. troops from Iraq.
I think the troops should be pressed to finish the job in Iraq before coming home. Is this what she’s talking about, or just up and leave Iraq? Regardless, I do believe that Iraq is doomed. It’s a cultural issue and we’re probably not going to solve it (unless maybe we push our Moral Authority?)
—Obama: bring home U.S. troops and push for national health care.
HUGE red flag. I would ABSOLUTELY NOT vote for anyone for a national health care program. Why does he think Andrew Speaker was trying so hard to get home? Because our healthcare is one of the best in the world!
—New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson: upgrade U.S. schools and push a $40,000-a-year minimum wage for teachers.
Ok, a good idea in theory. Wonder how he proposes to upgrade the schools? Is this really a top priority at this moment?
—Delaware Sen. Joe Biden: end the war in Iraq and defuse tensions with Iran and North Korea.
Wonder how he proposes to “defuse tensions?”
—Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich: help "reshape the world for peace" and end all nuclear weapons.
Ok, he sounds like a hippy. I wouldn’t vote for him.
—Former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel: Remind Congressional leaders they can end the war in Iraq now.
Well that’s original.
—Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd: "Restore constitutional rights in this country."
Such as?
Debates are great but I sure would like to hear details about how they are going to do what they say.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
It's that time again!
Election time is fast approaching and if you're like me, it's time to brush up on where you stand politically and then which person most closely agrees with you. And I'm so tired of hearing "liberal" and "conservative" and the first question out of anyone's mouth to put you in a party is "Are you pro-life or pro-choice?". I mean.....puh-leeze....like that's an issue that is ever going to affect me. As me if I'm pro-individual or pro-common good? Or if I'm for free trade? Or if I want my taxes raised (heck yeah!). Oh, wait...I guess the biggest political divider this day and age is the all important question of whether you are in favor of Kyoto. Go ahead....ask me!
The world's smallest political quiz. Take this, be honest, and let me know.
The world's smallest political quiz. Take this, be honest, and let me know.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Babygirl Dancing Machine
Check out 2.0! She's a dancing fool! We took her to Wild Wing's in Marietta on Saturday to attend the Crawfish Festival. Her uncle is a manager there, plus it's one of our favorite places. Bands, crawfish, wings, beer, etc. Reminds me of the good old college days.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Wow!
Found this link on Drudge. It's from the tornados that hit the central US on Friday. Amazing! (these people are nuts!)
Monday, April 30, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
North Korea Scare
I just watched part of a very interesting National Geographic. It was “Inside North Korea”. Is anyone else worried about the nuclear weapon-bearing fanatics in that country? I sure as heck am. I’m definitely gonna be reading about our presidential candidates platforms and will only consider voting for someone that’s going to deal with this.
The episode was about a South Korean doctor that was allowed into North Korea for ten days to do cataract surgery on about 1000 people and heal their blindness. For some reason that I’m not clear on, a few National Geographic people were allowed into the country and secretly filmed about North Korea.
At the end, when they removed the bandages of the previously blind people, these poor souls were praising and bowing to a portrait of their “Great General”, saying things like “We praise our great general…Our children will be faithful for generations to come…”. And then came the kicker. This old man get up and shouted to the picture in front of the newly healed thousand, “With these eyes, I will pick up a gun and kill everyone of the Americans and terminate them from the world.”
One interesting point that the article made was that North Koreans blame America for their country splitting and all the hardships that exist in North Korea. And people want to negotiate with this or allow them to have access to these weapons? I sure don’t.
The episode was about a South Korean doctor that was allowed into North Korea for ten days to do cataract surgery on about 1000 people and heal their blindness. For some reason that I’m not clear on, a few National Geographic people were allowed into the country and secretly filmed about North Korea.
At the end, when they removed the bandages of the previously blind people, these poor souls were praising and bowing to a portrait of their “Great General”, saying things like “We praise our great general…Our children will be faithful for generations to come…”. And then came the kicker. This old man get up and shouted to the picture in front of the newly healed thousand, “With these eyes, I will pick up a gun and kill everyone of the Americans and terminate them from the world.”
One interesting point that the article made was that North Koreans blame America for their country splitting and all the hardships that exist in North Korea. And people want to negotiate with this or allow them to have access to these weapons? I sure don’t.
Happy Birthday Curleycuz!
The Curleygirl babies have a cousin! And it’s a Curleyboy! Uncle Markyjo and Aunt Niknik had a bouncing baby boy two weeks ago. Curleycuz is as cute as the girls and apparently just as happy. Must be in the genes! The four of us made the trek to Columbia, SC on Curleycuz’s birthday to officially welcome him. Miss 2.0 is already showing signs of babysitter material with her sister and with baby Curleycuz. Of course, Miss 3.0 has no idea. Anyways, we are all excited to add to our extended family and are looking forward to this summer at the beach and to our little ones interacting!
Yay cousins!
Yay cousins!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Finally!
Sanjaya is *finally* gone. I haven't been watching the main show except for snipits here and there. I hate commercials which keeps me from watching some of the most popular shows, but that's another story. I did, however, catch Sanjaya's Bonnie Rait karoke performance the other night. He definitely can sing in key, but that's about it. No pizazz, nothing extraordinary, no energy, nothing. Bland, bland, bland. And now we're back to a real singing competition.
Speaking of singers, did you hear that Def Leppard is coming to Atlanta? In August, at Lakewood...
Speaking of singers, did you hear that Def Leppard is coming to Atlanta? In August, at Lakewood...
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Toddler Rule #4
If you find yourself having to venture forth to the Land of Chuck E. Cheese, the bastion of all things evil, be sure to do the following:
- Make sure that your toddler has been fed prior to visiting the home of hell-spawn, otherwise, your kid might starve.
- Pad your kid with extra diapers so you can limit the diaper changing while there and avoid the inevitable wrestling match when you try to pull your kid away from the RIDES RIDES RIDES to clean him up.
- Don't turn your attention for a minute, or your kid might climb into the kid-sized gerbil maze and get stuck in a tube that's bolted to the ceiling, approximately 10 feet above your head.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
American Idol Weigh-in
I have to put my 2 cents in...
I watched the opening rounds, when all the real entertainment happens. I tell ya, Sundance had one of the strongest, best voices I've heard and I was really surprised that he got bounced so early. Anyhow, this kid, Sanjaya, isn't all that spectacular. And he's an annoying little teeny-bopper to boot. I'd have cut him much, much earlier. It seems those in the American public that follow American Idol are letting the media sway their minds (ya think????).
I watched the opening rounds, when all the real entertainment happens. I tell ya, Sundance had one of the strongest, best voices I've heard and I was really surprised that he got bounced so early. Anyhow, this kid, Sanjaya, isn't all that spectacular. And he's an annoying little teeny-bopper to boot. I'd have cut him much, much earlier. It seems those in the American public that follow American Idol are letting the media sway their minds (ya think????).
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
The death of BBQ
Belgium to impose tax on barbequing to fight global warming
Mapgeek is in big trouble now. Wonder what's considered a "grilling session"?
Mapgeek is in big trouble now. Wonder what's considered a "grilling session"?
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Is Fred Thompson gonna do it?
How exciting! I like Fred Thompson, even though Tennessee also managed to produce Gore. The big question becomes will he run and who I like better - him or Guiliani (no way am I EVER gonna vote for a Democrap, such as they are). The even BIGGER question is will the American public put another Republican in office. Guiliani might have a better chance for the more educated because he's more socially liberal. However, with the ignorant American public, Fred Thompson might have a better chance because he's on the highly watched Law & Order.
Exciting stuff!
Exciting stuff!
Friday, March 09, 2007
Yikes!
Anyone remember when Eddie Van Halen was decent looking?
This reaffirms the pitfalls of crystal meth. Talk about scaring someone straight.
This reaffirms the pitfalls of crystal meth. Talk about scaring someone straight.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Footloose Reborn
Ok, this is one of the stupidest things I have ever heard. The small town of Lilburn, GA, located in the huge Atlanta suburban Gwinnett County, has decided to ban all karaoke and trivia in it's bars. They apparently don't want to have a "bar scene" so have started banning all "bar-type" activities - poker tournaments, video games, trivia, pool tables, and karaoke. The mayor, Jack Bolton, also states that they don't want "...dance clubs, party clubs, or bars." What's a party club? Taking into account that Georgia STILL has blue laws...Lilburn is turning into quite the "family" town.
Your tax dollars at work people. Having some Mayor dictate to you how to run your private business. Except for the blue laws - that would be the gov'ner.
Your tax dollars at work people. Having some Mayor dictate to you how to run your private business. Except for the blue laws - that would be the gov'ner.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Toddler Rule #22
When engaging in Naked Time* during a potty training session, make sure to be on a non-carpeted area with no access to furniture, clothes, rugs, or other items that may become damaged when wet. Preferably, Naked Time should be held in a tiled bathroom or linoleum or tiled kitchen, with the training toilet within reach.
*Naked Time is defined as the 30 minutes or so in which the parent nakifies the toddler and tries to entice him or her to sit and remain seated on a potty training device in the hopes that said toddler will pee or poop with accuracy.
*Naked Time is defined as the 30 minutes or so in which the parent nakifies the toddler and tries to entice him or her to sit and remain seated on a potty training device in the hopes that said toddler will pee or poop with accuracy.
Food of the Gods
I’ve settled into the suburban stereotype and am looking forward to the day I can put a soccer ball sticker on the back of my gas guzzling Lexus SUV. And become a room mother (do they still do that?), join the PTA, and play tennis. Though my tennis game is greatly lacking, our neighborhood is a big ALTA neighborhood and I’m starting to feel left out. More on that later.
Mapgeek and I used to cook these elaborate meals from awesome looking recipes we’d see on Food Network, or out of our Spanish cookbooks, or out of Bon Appetit or Southern Living magazines (yummy!). I usually plan our menu for the week and do all the grocery shopping on Sundays. This week I found a couple fabulous recipes online. In the interest of trying to get back to a post-pregnancy, healthy diet (though I haven’t given up my Doritos or Kisses yet), I planned a mostly healthy meal from a couple recipes I saw on Food Network. Long story short…that dang meal took over an hour to make! In the midst of a cranky toddler and whining, hungry infant. And all this happening as soon as Mapgeek gets home, which he loves. Which leads me to The Food of the Gods…
Casseroles! We have a collection of frozen meals from our wonderful, fabulous, amazing, family and friends. And believe it or not, only one lasagna! I put one of our frozen delicacies in the fridge the night before to thaw, which it never completely does, but who cares! Then around 4:30, I pop that scrumptious pan of goodness in the oven and let it go. No muss, no fuss. When Mapgeek gets home (5:30-6:00), I break out one of those convenient, yet healthy Salads in a Bag, or steam some frozen, pre-cut veggies. And shazaam! All done ‘cept for tossing the disposable casserole pan (yay Gladware!), and washing 2 dishes and 1 pot.
So, I’m now on the hunt for new casserole recipes. Put a little work ahead of time (like on the weekend, when I actually have some time), buy some disposable pans (yay! No dishes!), and whip up a couple of half batches (to limit leftovers – who wants to eat the same casserole for 3 days), and freeze the suckers.
So, so suburban…anyone want to swap recipes? :)
Mapgeek and I used to cook these elaborate meals from awesome looking recipes we’d see on Food Network, or out of our Spanish cookbooks, or out of Bon Appetit or Southern Living magazines (yummy!). I usually plan our menu for the week and do all the grocery shopping on Sundays. This week I found a couple fabulous recipes online. In the interest of trying to get back to a post-pregnancy, healthy diet (though I haven’t given up my Doritos or Kisses yet), I planned a mostly healthy meal from a couple recipes I saw on Food Network. Long story short…that dang meal took over an hour to make! In the midst of a cranky toddler and whining, hungry infant. And all this happening as soon as Mapgeek gets home, which he loves. Which leads me to The Food of the Gods…
Casseroles! We have a collection of frozen meals from our wonderful, fabulous, amazing, family and friends. And believe it or not, only one lasagna! I put one of our frozen delicacies in the fridge the night before to thaw, which it never completely does, but who cares! Then around 4:30, I pop that scrumptious pan of goodness in the oven and let it go. No muss, no fuss. When Mapgeek gets home (5:30-6:00), I break out one of those convenient, yet healthy Salads in a Bag, or steam some frozen, pre-cut veggies. And shazaam! All done ‘cept for tossing the disposable casserole pan (yay Gladware!), and washing 2 dishes and 1 pot.
So, I’m now on the hunt for new casserole recipes. Put a little work ahead of time (like on the weekend, when I actually have some time), buy some disposable pans (yay! No dishes!), and whip up a couple of half batches (to limit leftovers – who wants to eat the same casserole for 3 days), and freeze the suckers.
So, so suburban…anyone want to swap recipes? :)
Monday, February 19, 2007
Shopping adventures
Not sure how maternity leave managed to go by so fast. The first week I was home alone, I was actually stir crazy in the house. And then we got into the groove. It is much, much harder with two that are different ages (though I'm SURE twins have challenges all their own). Miss 2.0 is now a total toddler and into everything. Though she loves Miss 3.0 and being a big sister. I really did attempt to "do" stuff with the girls, but it's been so cold making all activities have to be indoors.
(DECREE - Curleygirl 2.0 will henceforth be referred to as "2.0" and Curleygirl 3.0 will be known as "3.0")
Here's our typical outing (substitute any store here).
1. Getting ready
I was so looking forward to shopping for new clothes! I did finally buy a double stroller, so I'm fully capable of toting them both around. First of all, have to get everyone dressed and with clean diapers. Then, depending on how long we plan to be gone, I usually have to feed 3.0, which is another 20-30 minutes. Packing up consists of diapers and wipes all around, snacks and juice for 2.0 to keep her happy, and we can't forget Tigger (or all hell breaks loose), and then a change of clothes for 2.0 just in case. So now we're clothed, clean, fed, and packed.
2. The trip
The first thing I do, is make sure I have the correct stroller in the car (it really stinks to get somewhere and have the wrong stroller). Then I load up the diaper bag and anything else I need. I put 2.0 in the car first because inevitably she gets into something if I don't. And half the time I get her strapped in and hear "Poo-poo! Change diaper!". Then I get to unload her, run upstairs (again), and change the diaper. All the time hoping and praying that 3.0 isn't pooping in the meantime. Now I load up 2.0 and get her all strapped in. I've usually already got 3.0 strapped into the baby carrier, so I just pop her into the car. Whew! Now we're ready to go!
3. The mall
We get to the mall and I have full intention of spending at least an hour shopping for my new non-maternity clothes, which I've been daydreaming about for a month. I decide to stick with Macy's because that's where we parked and it's an in and out, rather than having to go all through the mall. I first get the stroller out, load it up with the diaper bag and anything else. I then put 3.0 in the back. And, then I get out 2.0. I put 2.0 in the front and strap her down, all the while listening to her cry "Tigger!! Tigger!!". So, I get Tigger and hand him off. And we're off.
I wrestle with the doors to get into the d*&mn store and head for the women's section. As I squeeze the stroller into the racks of clothes and start to browse, I notice that the racks next to me are tilting and some of the shirts are falling off the hanger. Whoops! Toddler Stroller Rule #1 - don't get her within arms reach of ANYTHING. As I tell her no and pull the silks out of her hands, I get a piercing scream "NOOOOOOO!". So, I head for the displays near the wide aisle where 2.0 can't reach anything. Of course, nothing is on sale on the aisle displays, but no matter - we're rich! *sigh*
Upon realizing she can't grab anything, 2.0 immediately begins with the "Down! Down!". I'm like "yeah, right". So, I break out the snacks and juice and give them to her. Whew - a moment to shop again! I start looking at the nice, skinny, new clothes when Tigger decides to take a header off the stroller. Hand him back, and next goes the cup. I'm also beginning to notice Goldfish on the floor. Feeling guilty, I pick up the Goldfish and instead of giving her a bunch, I start handing them off one by one so they go straight to the mouth. 2.0 lets me know right away that I can't seem to keep up the pace of Goldfish distribution and clothes adoration, so I just hand her the bag and silently hope no one notices all the fish that are jumping ship. Five more minutes of peace.
About this time I hear a "phhhtttlllrrrprpppp" coming from the back of the stroller and a gosh-awful smell along with it. I sigh and head for the door. Wonder how quickly they ship?
(DECREE - Curleygirl 2.0 will henceforth be referred to as "2.0" and Curleygirl 3.0 will be known as "3.0")
Here's our typical outing (substitute any store here).
1. Getting ready
I was so looking forward to shopping for new clothes! I did finally buy a double stroller, so I'm fully capable of toting them both around. First of all, have to get everyone dressed and with clean diapers. Then, depending on how long we plan to be gone, I usually have to feed 3.0, which is another 20-30 minutes. Packing up consists of diapers and wipes all around, snacks and juice for 2.0 to keep her happy, and we can't forget Tigger (or all hell breaks loose), and then a change of clothes for 2.0 just in case. So now we're clothed, clean, fed, and packed.
2. The trip
The first thing I do, is make sure I have the correct stroller in the car (it really stinks to get somewhere and have the wrong stroller). Then I load up the diaper bag and anything else I need. I put 2.0 in the car first because inevitably she gets into something if I don't. And half the time I get her strapped in and hear "Poo-poo! Change diaper!". Then I get to unload her, run upstairs (again), and change the diaper. All the time hoping and praying that 3.0 isn't pooping in the meantime. Now I load up 2.0 and get her all strapped in. I've usually already got 3.0 strapped into the baby carrier, so I just pop her into the car. Whew! Now we're ready to go!
3. The mall
We get to the mall and I have full intention of spending at least an hour shopping for my new non-maternity clothes, which I've been daydreaming about for a month. I decide to stick with Macy's because that's where we parked and it's an in and out, rather than having to go all through the mall. I first get the stroller out, load it up with the diaper bag and anything else. I then put 3.0 in the back. And, then I get out 2.0. I put 2.0 in the front and strap her down, all the while listening to her cry "Tigger!! Tigger!!". So, I get Tigger and hand him off. And we're off.
I wrestle with the doors to get into the d*&mn store and head for the women's section. As I squeeze the stroller into the racks of clothes and start to browse, I notice that the racks next to me are tilting and some of the shirts are falling off the hanger. Whoops! Toddler Stroller Rule #1 - don't get her within arms reach of ANYTHING. As I tell her no and pull the silks out of her hands, I get a piercing scream "NOOOOOOO!". So, I head for the displays near the wide aisle where 2.0 can't reach anything. Of course, nothing is on sale on the aisle displays, but no matter - we're rich! *sigh*
Upon realizing she can't grab anything, 2.0 immediately begins with the "Down! Down!". I'm like "yeah, right". So, I break out the snacks and juice and give them to her. Whew - a moment to shop again! I start looking at the nice, skinny, new clothes when Tigger decides to take a header off the stroller. Hand him back, and next goes the cup. I'm also beginning to notice Goldfish on the floor. Feeling guilty, I pick up the Goldfish and instead of giving her a bunch, I start handing them off one by one so they go straight to the mouth. 2.0 lets me know right away that I can't seem to keep up the pace of Goldfish distribution and clothes adoration, so I just hand her the bag and silently hope no one notices all the fish that are jumping ship. Five more minutes of peace.
About this time I hear a "phhhtttlllrrrprpppp" coming from the back of the stroller and a gosh-awful smell along with it. I sigh and head for the door. Wonder how quickly they ship?
Monday, January 08, 2007
She's Here!
Curleygirl v.3.0 joined us on January 4, 2007. We discovered the week before that she in fact did not turn as was previously thought. Which actually explained a lot…why the doctor couldn’t feel her head, why my ribs were feeling so bruised. It also appeared that she was in a awkward position with the cord to attempt to manually move her. So, a c-section was scheduled for January 4. After a brief bout of disappointment, and a wonderful pros/cons session with Mapgeek, I decided a c-section might be easier (not that I had a choice). Curleygirl v.3.0 weighed 7 lb 4oz and was 20 inches long – slightly bigger than v.2.0. She does look more like me than Babygirl and she is obviously a really pretty baby. :) She’s also been really good so far. She only cries when hungry, which never lasts long, and she seems to be very content just sitting and looking around. I’ve forgotten how much fun newborns are. Makes me long for number 3….
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