tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-108376872024-03-07T22:13:36.406-05:00my sweet babbooThe continuing adventures of Linus and his trusty sidekicks: Wednesday, Eliza, and Peabody.Cheetahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04899015250870984658noreply@blogger.comBlogger622125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-1565814119672359112012-09-13T10:04:00.002-04:002012-09-13T10:04:48.921-04:00Mix and Match style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8CJbdvmqb61jLa2O_Y5Kwnjn19BUqt-2SSHOlqIIQH-Kb2izHOCihu5HkyThEW5W3XDQ2Nm6ViAna4tGqhjhxQ7NSe97jV6SxCnF3mt0QihTxkP2nhe6VcXz3Yax-xm0lFwF/s1600/Ed_style+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8CJbdvmqb61jLa2O_Y5Kwnjn19BUqt-2SSHOlqIIQH-Kb2izHOCihu5HkyThEW5W3XDQ2Nm6ViAna4tGqhjhxQ7NSe97jV6SxCnF3mt0QihTxkP2nhe6VcXz3Yax-xm0lFwF/s400/Ed_style+024.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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Hat: Thrifted (Goodwill), Gymboree brand</div>
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Shirt: Thrifted (Goodwill), brand unknown</div>
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Skirt: Target clearance section, Circo brand</div>
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Socks: Trumpette (likely the most expensive part of this outfit... as "shoes" should be.)</div>
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The bags under the eyes and runny nose come at the cost of sleepless nights and a nasty cold.</div>
<br />@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-21803567892212550762012-09-07T22:23:00.000-04:002012-09-07T22:37:46.128-04:00And I didn't even make cookies... Edison at Six MonthsWhen Linus turned 6 months old, we celebrated by making semi-circle or half cookies. I had every intention of doing something similar for Edison. However, as she is days away from 7 months, I don't think it will be happening.<br />
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I will, however, take a moment to post her stats.<br />
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At six months of age (or technically six months and 12 days of age), Edison was 24.92 inches (the 10 and 3/4's percentile -when you're short the 3/4 matters). She has a noggin that is 42 cm round (the 38th percentile), and despite her oh-so-chunky thighs, she weighed only 14 lbs 6.2 oz (the 14th percentile).<br />
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If you're a grandparent, you may want to compare those stats to Linus's so <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2008/01/growing-growing-growing.html">here are those</a>.<br />
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This girl is such sunshine. She loves to give her "flirty smile" -- similar to Mommy's in that she sticks her tongue out the side of her mouth just a bit. Despite her hearing loss, she dances anytime music is played and loves to jump in her jumper especially with music.<br />
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She's already eating lots of solids as we have to do something to occupy her during family dinners. She's a huge fan of mango, bread, and avocado. She doesn't seem to like bananas or even *gasp* banana bread.<br />
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She laughs easily when tickled but tends to more smile at funny things. She's really into touch&feel books and loves investigating different textures. She's a very steady sitter and she's even beginning to master the controlled fall. She rolls and scoots to get places and is enamored with all things Linus (monster trucks and Legos being favorites). She even seems to have created her own sign language sign for him. Whenever he's near or when she's asked about him, she will touch her head. We figure it's because she has noticed he's a frequent hair twirler. She lights up at the sight of him as does he at her.<br />
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There are no signs of teeth or a full night's sleep, but we love her gummy smiles even at 2 in the morning (and midnight and 4:30 and 6:00 and --).<br />
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<br />@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-91393315483714799152012-08-30T09:42:00.001-04:002012-08-30T09:42:47.537-04:00First Day of Kindergarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lPT9sEf2DPIt4OjUECTqNzT_JlLfICAtloBL9chSs5kgxhLkibP_W38H76ra2b4FnMmblmBU5kBnXAbgHj0ey3lcLsfdQuIRXbe0LFNR5Aq0t2bvrFvKlLUvyyRy0dsXEyLD/s1600/kindergarten_1stday+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lPT9sEf2DPIt4OjUECTqNzT_JlLfICAtloBL9chSs5kgxhLkibP_W38H76ra2b4FnMmblmBU5kBnXAbgHj0ey3lcLsfdQuIRXbe0LFNR5Aq0t2bvrFvKlLUvyyRy0dsXEyLD/s320/kindergarten_1stday+053.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<br />@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-43839666981819078712012-07-25T22:07:00.000-04:002012-07-25T22:08:52.632-04:00A Southern Girl<div class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">As
a 2nd child, Edison didn't have to wait to *exactly* hit that six month
mark before we let her have a little taste of real food. The lucky girl
snagged some ripe delicious Farmers' Market peach from my hand, and I
let her have it. I suppose for a baby grown on chicken biscuits (the
only food that stayed down in 1st trimester), a delicious NC peach was the
perfect first food. She's a southerner through and through.</span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> I eventually broke out the mesh feeder (and the camera) when the pieces of peach remaining were too small for her to hold. </span><br />
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><br /></span></h6>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-73051720647954061482012-04-27T21:49:00.000-04:002012-04-27T21:49:08.035-04:00Peace at Witching Hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUY3fWqtRJJBF1EcKTRsM24ooHkv9wYRwKz4ZSt3cns28xtQTgHC745i4hLjw88Gx5dH0rf1_UvVgmvt1lijYmwy5bnFn0FImmgPY2IsM6lu6pse25sF3pw3XcPQ-9vcp5YXR/s1600/April+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUY3fWqtRJJBF1EcKTRsM24ooHkv9wYRwKz4ZSt3cns28xtQTgHC745i4hLjw88Gx5dH0rf1_UvVgmvt1lijYmwy5bnFn0FImmgPY2IsM6lu6pse25sF3pw3XcPQ-9vcp5YXR/s320/April+004.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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Moby wearing mama + Sound dampening headphones (from Linus's trip to the monster truck show) + the soothing sounds of the vacuum = How peace was found during one witching hour.*<br />
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(The clean rugs were an added bonus.)<br />
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*Witching Hour(s) - That time from 5 o'clock to bedtime where everyone is cranky, fussy, and tired but dinner and a 1,000 others things have to be accomplished.<br />
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<br />@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-2840166888791681962012-04-24T22:13:00.000-04:002012-04-24T22:13:36.641-04:00Edison's Announcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12Pp3Y96QBUd_qYpqeC0SrFbDAZMrsJVilHNptV0sowPmdfa4_h6yjPcXW19J9DE8nGmIBrsN0Y1y7jDTq4IKBXuBvbTuJ-gxUlSI3mUWq36M0_8-8ULKUVYWpQqJnPc2Adp6/s1600/edison_announcet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12Pp3Y96QBUd_qYpqeC0SrFbDAZMrsJVilHNptV0sowPmdfa4_h6yjPcXW19J9DE8nGmIBrsN0Y1y7jDTq4IKBXuBvbTuJ-gxUlSI3mUWq36M0_8-8ULKUVYWpQqJnPc2Adp6/s320/edison_announcet4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I designed it myself using the now defunct <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">Picnik</a>.
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<br />@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-84313952834348080772012-04-17T23:04:00.000-04:002012-04-17T23:04:24.517-04:00How an Audiology Appointment Feels Like a Candid Camera EpisodeEdison had her third round of hearing testing today. Hearing testing that requires her to be asleep. Though her first two appointments were challenging, she was still a fairly sleepy newborn. Today, ante was upped. Here's the scenario.<br />
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Picture a sterile, plain medical consultation room. There are bright fluorescent lights overhead, a super firm waiting room loveseat, and a computer cart. There is no rocking chair nor baby friendly surface/bed. The room is located at the end of a long hallway next to a stairwell. The stairwell is the place to sneak off to when making a cellphone call. <br />
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Now, add in a whole slew of wires, cords, in-ear monitors, and electrodes that when jostled just slightly will disrupt the connection and therefore the assessment you are trying to complete. When the electrodes do come loose, they must be reapplied with firm pressure, possibly some additional cold adhesive gel, and loads of tape. Oh, I did mention that those wires and electrodes are attached to a two month old that you are expected to soothe to sleep?!?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOqp69mk9Wg88N7XEvgFJut3NCYiSKDPebuQXFkBaVl-XwFRzBFnBzNNQC5-I5orqFlQeCRIzZVwqOoKOVW79kgaH-Nxb1lPDh9qqplL0fxIzSWJr3C_6SW3Gz18eLaPRlho2/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOqp69mk9Wg88N7XEvgFJut3NCYiSKDPebuQXFkBaVl-XwFRzBFnBzNNQC5-I5orqFlQeCRIzZVwqOoKOVW79kgaH-Nxb1lPDh9qqplL0fxIzSWJr3C_6SW3Gz18eLaPRlho2/s320/IMG_0748.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Yep. That was our morning. <br />
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Attempt #1 - Try to soothe Edison to sleep through nursing (generally the easiest and quickest method.) Just as she's getting drowsy, another patient, a child, decides he's not going along willingly and let's out a piercing scream. Edison is awake.<br />
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Attempt #2 - The audiologist grows tired of waiting and leaves the room. Mommy, more comfortable with the additional privacy, attempts nursing again. Edison is almost asleep when the audiologist pokes her head in to see if Edison is asleep. Edison is awake and the electrodes need to be reattached.<br />
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Attempt #3 - Daddy's turn. The overhead lights are shut off in the hopes that sleep will come sooner. Singing, rocking, and general snuggling with Daddy begins. Daddy and Edison as almost snoozing together when someone's cell phone rings and the call recipient begins carrying on a rather explicit conversation regarding his frustrations with his ex-wife. Edison is awake.<br />
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Attempt #4 - Repeat scenario #2. Edison is awake.<br />
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Attempt #5 - Repeat scenario #2. Edison is awake.<br />
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Attempt #6 - Inform audiologist that we'll crack the door to let her know when Edison is asleep. Begin lawn sprinkler soothing tactic. Don't know the lawn sprinkler? Well, you jiggle and sway side to side while shushing in a rhythm similar to a lawn sprinkler. Shh. Shh. Shh. Shh. Shh. Shh. Shh. Shhhhhhhh. Edison is getting drowsy when someone must take a phone call regarding the installation and subsequent cost of doorknobs in her new home. She is far from satisfied with the bill and numerous "upcharges". Edison is awake. Edison fills her pants. We change Edison's pants.<br />
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It is at this point that we begin to lose it. We are certain that at any minute someone's going to burst through the door and inform us we're on Candid Camera because surely we can't be expected to soothe a baby to sleep in this environment. At home, with all her favorite soothers present, it can sometimes take an hour to soothe Edison to sleep. The very thought of Candid Camera starts us to giggling.<br />
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The giggles gain momentum (and tears) as we place bets on how long we'll have to keep trying. Is there a minimum number of hours we're required to try? Will they charge us for the appointment if we are unable to run the assessment? Because we are soooo not paying hundreds of dollars for two hours of jiggling our baby in their consultation room.<br />
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It's at this moment, we realize that Edison is asleep. She has finally succumbed having jiggled right along with our giggles.<br />
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Now we'll never know how long they would have made us keep trying.<br />
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Oh, and the kicker? We have no further knowledge regarding Edison's possible hearing loss after the test than we did before. We still have to wait and see.<br />
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<br>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-66648947782423336152012-04-11T21:18:00.001-04:002012-04-11T21:19:43.637-04:00Two Months OldSomeone wasn't too thrilled about having her two month photo shoot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Iz2vHiTlqvpnFTeQzD16rZkNgrfgSUmP1c6iIQYZdjYPwsctYYyAhOGMHcZQVsQdSbo0Nhyphenhyphen5QRlRy5ub9-pQr1jugf12KpKgt3Lb2D9oX03lQaVjj9WDu4smX_WDL0wFsHiY/s1600/Edison_2mo+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Iz2vHiTlqvpnFTeQzD16rZkNgrfgSUmP1c6iIQYZdjYPwsctYYyAhOGMHcZQVsQdSbo0Nhyphenhyphen5QRlRy5ub9-pQr1jugf12KpKgt3Lb2D9oX03lQaVjj9WDu4smX_WDL0wFsHiY/s400/Edison_2mo+003.JPG" width="263" /></a></div><br />
<br />
After a little snuggling, she calmed down enough to grab a few decent shots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvPuZKtu7hSqt63uUiFGuImdL-DCOgArv6HsgL31A0cDyvRsbqqqyOGM6NPHSaJq3S7DLV5fBClGFrdcbeO_yWw4mOfOVg61joYid-P-QwouKRAhyMXYJ5xwIPYmVztiy95P2/s1600/Edison_2mo+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisvPuZKtu7hSqt63uUiFGuImdL-DCOgArv6HsgL31A0cDyvRsbqqqyOGM6NPHSaJq3S7DLV5fBClGFrdcbeO_yWw4mOfOVg61joYid-P-QwouKRAhyMXYJ5xwIPYmVztiy95P2/s400/Edison_2mo+044.JPG" width="253" /></a></div><br />
Happy two months, my little one. We love you more than ever.<br />
<br />
<br>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-16830414426561592992012-04-06T21:27:00.001-04:002012-04-06T21:38:08.945-04:00Cool KidsWhat my cool kids will be wearing on Easter Sunday:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhfvP7EL8su1Kk-Q3IhqlCc3HwILFxh9oYfLTh7kLHN8WTy7udTDbiPP0Bh9JhEzqNJMvIJldesRPDFdIQIW4JVzGGBGyYndqzC922s1rxTEIGRc9anj0xGhmtwhZMEKNlilL/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhfvP7EL8su1Kk-Q3IhqlCc3HwILFxh9oYfLTh7kLHN8WTy7udTDbiPP0Bh9JhEzqNJMvIJldesRPDFdIQIW4JVzGGBGyYndqzC922s1rxTEIGRc9anj0xGhmtwhZMEKNlilL/s400/IMG_0615.JPG" width="293" /></a></div><br />
And it only took me purchasing 4 dresses for Edison as well as a white collared shirt for Linus before settling on this outfit tonight.<br />
<br />
For the record, this dress is not my favorite. There's a little white eyelet dress that has pink seersucker trim and a frilly petticoat that was. However, trying to coordinate a little boy with pale pink seersucker is pretty much impossible.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty pleased with what I settled on. When I put it together, it just felt right. Linus really isn't the type of kid who should be wearing a crisp white button-up. He's too much of a mess for that. Brightly colored t-shirt and jeans are WAY more his speed.<br />
<br />
The added bonus was that with the exception of the vest, we already owned Linus's outfit. Edison's outfit is new but so is she.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Do you try to coordinate your kids or select special outfits for holidays?<br />
<br />
<br />
Sources:<br />
Yellow t-shirt - already owned, Target<br />
Striped vest - <a href="http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TCPSearch?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&N=0&Ne=&Nao=0&sale=0&url=SearchView&Ntt=vest">Children's Place</a><br />
Royal blue jeans - already owned, <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/96288?article=96288-D#article=96288-B">H&M</a><br />
Lapel Flower - already owned, unknown<br />
Hairband - already owned, Etsy (wish I knew where exactly... was a gift)<br />
Dress - <a href="http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_-1_861801_551351_24101%7C132920_newborn%7Cgirls_newborn">Children's Place</a><br />
Pants - already owned, Carter's@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-15016117381577826742012-04-05T21:28:00.000-04:002012-04-05T21:28:09.348-04:00Cuteness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa-zlL5uh0F7v5TAhkYNBwhJCddmJHEDaWTxIMPykTQAQYIzDw-SgBfVQs9CHLo28r2L9ZFnpKeTJiEQ2QyFG-FEUlESDCTr8qSIL-ogooleoEjuLpWg1nUWlEJQ3K-JkF76K/s1600/April%252C+BigBro%252C+LilSis+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGa-zlL5uh0F7v5TAhkYNBwhJCddmJHEDaWTxIMPykTQAQYIzDw-SgBfVQs9CHLo28r2L9ZFnpKeTJiEQ2QyFG-FEUlESDCTr8qSIL-ogooleoEjuLpWg1nUWlEJQ3K-JkF76K/s400/April%252C+BigBro%252C+LilSis+006.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This sweet thing started smiling last Tuesday (the 27th), and she smartly chose to bestow the first smile on her momma.<br />
<br />
I haven't been able to catch one with the camera, but I did get smiles #3, 4, & 5 on video. Mind you, I had to show a little boob to get smile #5 -- but isn't that always the way?!? <br />
<br />
And this morning I had to haul out the camera before preschool (and right as Edison wanted to fall asleep) because I *had* to capture this sweetness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut1rMZKFTzFxF5r-OJF5RwAwLEUTn1P8de_QbzIPpGMjvp8B_NL4TebamFROFs6vy6fl45n6KLbb-eZxL3X2fmrOugEgvzsu1kigLeobN00g6r5hdFjnQvsIC1X8wVJb6YN5-/s1600/April%252C+BigBro%252C+LilSis+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhut1rMZKFTzFxF5r-OJF5RwAwLEUTn1P8de_QbzIPpGMjvp8B_NL4TebamFROFs6vy6fl45n6KLbb-eZxL3X2fmrOugEgvzsu1kigLeobN00g6r5hdFjnQvsIC1X8wVJb6YN5-/s400/April%252C+BigBro%252C+LilSis+010.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Yes, they are both wearing their sibling shirts and their 'whoosh-whoosh' (Adidas) pants. This was not of my planning, but Linus's. He insisted on it.<br />
<br />
<br>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-39200848828297728822012-03-28T14:12:00.004-04:002012-03-28T14:15:48.893-04:00Queen of *this* WednesdayI am on top of my game today. After two miserable <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2012/03/wednesdays.html">Wednesdays</a>, I just have to document how well this one is rolling.<br />
<br />
So far today I have:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Nursed and diapered Edison numerous times.</li>
<li>Rocked her down for her morning nap in a timely fashion.</li>
<li>Played 3 rounds of <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2009/03/here-comes-peter-cottontail.html">Easter egg hunt practice</a> with Linus.</li>
<li>Nursed and diapered Edison several more times.</li>
<li>Finagled* Linus into picking up his toys in the living room and moving them back up to his room. </li>
<li>Held Edison until she fell asleep for her afternoon nap.</li>
<li>Set out a decently healthy lunch for my family.</li>
<li>Ate lunch together with my family (minus Edison, who was napping).</li>
<li>Convinced, er-- bribed** Linus to take a nap.</li>
<li>Made a <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/06/teriyaki-sauce/">teriyaki marinade</a> for our kebab dinner.</li>
<li>Cut up the onion and red pepper in preparation for tonight's kebabs.</li>
<li>Made a rhubarb pie with shortbread tart crust and crumble topping. (Pie crust takes too long.)</li>
</ul><br />
Now, this may all go out the wide open windows in 5 minutes (or when I have to persuade Linus to clean his disaster of a room), but for now, in this minute, I'm savoring my success.<br />
<br />
<br />
<hr><br />
* I set out a box and told him he had a choice, he could choose to take his toys upstairs to his room or he could just take the easy way out and put them in the box that was going to the thrift store. His choice. (I'm going to try this again with the room pick-up issue. Fingers crossed for success.)<br />
<br />
** I told him that we could do a <a href="http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/2012/03/illuminated-easter-egg-hunt.html">nighttime Easter egg hunt</a> <i>only</i> if he took a nap. I may have even said something about how nocturnal animals (his current obsession) have to sleep during the day in order to hunt at night.<br />
<p><br><br />
</p>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-5565945635371408632012-03-21T22:06:00.000-04:002012-03-21T22:06:15.422-04:00WednesdaysApparently Wednesdays are to be the death of me. Which at least is saying that the other six days aren't so bad.<br />
<br />
I wrote my <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2012/03/holding-my-breath.html">last post</a>, in which I was basically freaking out, on a Wednesday. Today is also Wednesday and I can honestly say, I may be suffering some post-traumatic stress.<br />
<br />
You see, Wednesday is Linus's day off from preschool -- meaning he is home with Edison and me all day. That means, he is wanting his mommy to meet all of his needs from non-stop playing to being the wall to which he continually chatters (chicken crossing the road jokes are his new favorite thing) to using any unsupervised time to find mud or other forms of destruction. It is exhausting. Add in the fact that Edison is used to having my attention or, at least, warm body to snuggle unending and it's a recipe for disaster or at least a loss of my sanity.<br />
<br />
Last week, Wednesday combined with the recent news of Edison's hearing loss to lead to my melting down. I can only take so much. Today, despite being the first Wednesday where Adrian worked full time, I was at least able to pull myself together during the ten minutes in which Adrian dragged both children down the street for a "walk."<br />
<br />
But again, the good news is that the other six days of the week are better. Edison doesn't seem to have signs of colic. (Huge sigh of relief on my part.) She can wail with the best of them but can generally be soothed. Plus, she sleeps decent <i>most</i> nights and is a nursing champ.<br />
<br />
It's still hard but it's survivable. It helps that I received SO MUCH support from friends after my last post (Thank YOU) and was reassured about Edison's general health during her 1 month pediatrician visit.<br />
<br />
So... we're here. We're surviving. Just please ignore the sticky floor, huge laundry pile, and kid whose shirt was on backwards all day.<br />
<br />
Focus on this instead -- I know I am.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7o0BviCzrgamab9ugzL7_j0XmAnbWjAS8rp0sbgoMHIn3Ydr9t2e6ns2nKpa6_1ucmwlPP1ivcC2Uk27QKcyiIW_fvT6ZdzgLj59jjAAXgI1WQYn7rQCCALL9_zVfOJm6sR1/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7o0BviCzrgamab9ugzL7_j0XmAnbWjAS8rp0sbgoMHIn3Ydr9t2e6ns2nKpa6_1ucmwlPP1ivcC2Uk27QKcyiIW_fvT6ZdzgLj59jjAAXgI1WQYn7rQCCALL9_zVfOJm6sR1/s320/IMG_0501.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The face of one milk drunk baby.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-49682152482136325012012-03-14T22:40:00.001-04:002012-03-15T16:45:31.825-04:00Holding My BreathI guess that's pretty much how you can sum up the first month of my dear sweet Edison's life. <br />
<br />
Holding my breath... after Edison received a "Refer" rather than a "Pass" on her newborn infant hearing screening.<br />
<br />
Holding my breath... waiting for both Edison and I to get past the cold that won't quit.<br />
<br />
Holding my breath... hoping I don't fall into the depths of postpartum depression.<br />
<br />
Holding my breath... hoping she doesn't suffer the colic that her brother did (and what might have increased that postpartum depression.)<br />
<br />
<insert here="" video=""><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qKxsyptNaXk" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Holding my breath... waiting for someone, anyone really, to reach out and offer help or support.<br />
<br />
And now, holding my breath... wondering what life will bring for a little girl who will likely need to wear a hearing aid for the rest of her life. <br />
<br />
Holding my breath...<br />
<br />
</insert>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-34616471212348363582012-02-11T13:35:00.000-05:002012-02-11T13:35:50.588-05:00Welcome, Edison Skye!<object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2F64009708%40N00%2Fsets%2F72157629273802997%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2F64009708%40N00%2Fsets%2F72157629273802997%2F&set_id=72157629273802997&jump_to="></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=109615"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=109615" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2F64009708%40N00%2Fsets%2F72157629273802997%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2F64009708%40N00%2Fsets%2F72157629273802997%2F&set_id=72157629273802997&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-40880180736548423052012-01-17T08:08:00.000-05:002012-01-23T20:10:01.307-05:00Almost There36 weeks and 2 days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ILNSWxzrAbM1TQvyFaB8fgadgrfkVD9P5u7eqcWxvBVl-te5V2YeCvnALeI2wVgpLOiCzZROGo6lfVznqWdOi2zZgkP1640lTUELs8tIJwqyC3KO65cXfAqHxUjWbpHjXlhd/s1600/36wks+2days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ILNSWxzrAbM1TQvyFaB8fgadgrfkVD9P5u7eqcWxvBVl-te5V2YeCvnALeI2wVgpLOiCzZROGo6lfVznqWdOi2zZgkP1640lTUELs8tIJwqyC3KO65cXfAqHxUjWbpHjXlhd/s320/36wks+2days.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-65857611130009176152011-09-19T17:53:00.001-04:002011-09-19T17:53:49.766-04:00How to Get a 4 Year Old to Really Smile for a PhotographYep, Linus is happy about having a baby sister, but that's not why he's smiling in those <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2011/09/were-you-right.html">gender reveal photos</a>.<br />
<br />
Nope.<br />
<br />
He's smiling because we did the one thing we knew for sure would coax a real smile out of him.<br />
<br />
No, not the smile he gives when you tell him to "Smile!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7UPG9ku2XrhI2rBoIIuKTFneQCpyFYt2aF2FnB5skeHbwHAok2gYn0EA-hS_l9xN_YnyitOZlMfAfNWLA0BVBGs3BdP8LZfZRJvgRoCkfqf1AxCF9IR4JZFjDYDrawIRT-rF/s1600/baby2+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7UPG9ku2XrhI2rBoIIuKTFneQCpyFYt2aF2FnB5skeHbwHAok2gYn0EA-hS_l9xN_YnyitOZlMfAfNWLA0BVBGs3BdP8LZfZRJvgRoCkfqf1AxCF9IR4JZFjDYDrawIRT-rF/s320/baby2+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "smile." Terrible, isn't it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Did we feed him? Doughnuts are always good. Bribe him? Monster trucks, Matchbox cars, oh my?<br />
<br />
Nope. It was easier than that. We just ask him to say "<i>Stinky cat bottom</i>," and the smiles and giggles began to flow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafdzEhwd_3KX2pTd3bTyT_ZYMoIRWflqD3pJmJJc6sDu27mmLmRHa2pfCqiuN9KZVB1uRotG89CPJvX0xDeg1IcuingOUxZNB9KT9NWwgMLMBHorajAuvIyqWSbLf05mJzOdV/s1600/baby2+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafdzEhwd_3KX2pTd3bTyT_ZYMoIRWflqD3pJmJJc6sDu27mmLmRHa2pfCqiuN9KZVB1uRotG89CPJvX0xDeg1IcuingOUxZNB9KT9NWwgMLMBHorajAuvIyqWSbLf05mJzOdV/s320/baby2+036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing the joke with little sis. "Hey baby, stinky cat bottoms! Ha ha ha! That's funny!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Ah, four year olds -- where anything referencing poop or behinds is sure to get a laugh.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>(*Please note that we reserve this tactic for only the most <b>extreme</b> situations. Generally we discourage most potty humor as it can get really, really annoying really, really quickly.)</i>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-40796483299818047542011-09-13T15:08:00.000-04:002011-09-13T15:08:39.457-04:00Were you right?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaXkEsKhx9mMiPyns1Yy8gMHC7xaHpB1xr_9TCeKP3FeXmn-ksI9e-CqH9-zLLGscX56iPyEvfV43u_DD5RnfN-gOlm3RgU6aTT0DA6fJEu2dMwmFuUcORb2GapCAt_27UGaa/s1600/baby2+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaXkEsKhx9mMiPyns1Yy8gMHC7xaHpB1xr_9TCeKP3FeXmn-ksI9e-CqH9-zLLGscX56iPyEvfV43u_DD5RnfN-gOlm3RgU6aTT0DA6fJEu2dMwmFuUcORb2GapCAt_27UGaa/s320/baby2+010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Do you have a guess?<br />
<br />
La<br />
<br />
la<br />
<br />
la<br />
<br />
la<br />
<br />
la<br />
<br />
la<br />
<br />
la<br />
<br />
la<br />
<br />
la <br />
<br />
<br />
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Do you think you're right? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpRPpoH4bNF-RJCsBYzQHnsmNAkeubvDYLx2SHmW_hpQnTRu5ePghZoJ2ZEk7dwWwQ1-fJYxlPZAygiJqgw9lGJ4f4nwg5z7904UX0tqYMREYmaVKC2rx6X7ZHvfGqay6IaIU/s1600/baby2+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpRPpoH4bNF-RJCsBYzQHnsmNAkeubvDYLx2SHmW_hpQnTRu5ePghZoJ2ZEk7dwWwQ1-fJYxlPZAygiJqgw9lGJ4f4nwg5z7904UX0tqYMREYmaVKC2rx6X7ZHvfGqay6IaIU/s320/baby2+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Are you ready?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Nj2uzJjO0Fslkn_MciM3QwVLBvlumje6Z8TSlaaCUaQRIoCu6uuJqmaRDKJhRcCfXcCfsMhgHg4EDlP-lVBNmsov6yTOR6kzI7OrsMOjdFf7BsM6KBI6NZEj0R6Lxzjj-Ari/s1600/baby2+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Nj2uzJjO0Fslkn_MciM3QwVLBvlumje6Z8TSlaaCUaQRIoCu6uuJqmaRDKJhRcCfXcCfsMhgHg4EDlP-lVBNmsov6yTOR6kzI7OrsMOjdFf7BsM6KBI6NZEj0R6Lxzjj-Ari/s320/baby2+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Are you sure you're ready? <br />
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La<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiueIw0bXVrkgQ5aoLctipXP0RGN5bME7g6kwGHcQMTJU3atLsl7cxtZcOQ8WseT69TbVT30zNRzEmlGzjKk9TR6VBKSwRM1SwFbYzkDJpJsyaJapRXtIaTr83d4c7eSzWAj3/s1600/baby2+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiueIw0bXVrkgQ5aoLctipXP0RGN5bME7g6kwGHcQMTJU3atLsl7cxtZcOQ8WseT69TbVT30zNRzEmlGzjKk9TR6VBKSwRM1SwFbYzkDJpJsyaJapRXtIaTr83d4c7eSzWAj3/s320/baby2+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Linus could not be more excited. It's exactly what he wanted. We'll see what he thinks in about 10 years.@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-561949818116449152011-05-08T16:17:00.000-04:002011-05-08T16:17:26.928-04:00Bye, Bye Training Wheels, Here Comes LinusWhen you've been riding bikes since <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2008/11/look-out-lance-here-comes-linus.html">before you could walk</a>, and have been leaving your parents in the dust <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2009/09/need-for-speed.html">on your Strider</a> since you were two, then it would be expected that you'd be able to zip around on a regular, albeit tiny, Trek bicycle.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zuXFRgomDZM" width="425"></iframe><br />
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Pretty sure our next stop will be to see how the pedal bike performs out at the <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2010/12/solite-park-is-for-cyclists.html">Solite Pump Park</a>.@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-90389488584363292032011-02-13T23:27:00.003-05:002011-02-13T23:31:15.832-05:00Valentines for a Car LoverI saw this really fantastic idea for <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/wheel-fun-671648/">vehicle valentines</a> over at <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/">Family Fun</a>. Knowing that I have a <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2011/01/painters-tape-interstate.html">car fanatic</a>, I decided they were perfect.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6S7Sq3z0i49kpHiWJHhvX_RgzXOAhCx9UJkCCbtef3vu20oZM6ILi2moZTwFKlpJ7nPg89tzvYOw0shxAkO-KTFowNVJOQHBRcGzPJ8eJgasCKOxgqf5fR0050wfm8Wws4py/s1600/valentines+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6S7Sq3z0i49kpHiWJHhvX_RgzXOAhCx9UJkCCbtef3vu20oZM6ILi2moZTwFKlpJ7nPg89tzvYOw0shxAkO-KTFowNVJOQHBRcGzPJ8eJgasCKOxgqf5fR0050wfm8Wws4py/s400/valentines+023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vehicle valentine for Linus's classmate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Here's how I set everything up during the now-sporadic nap time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8YIWz7s9I0ndPNXvS3ra0qOcVFwQSP2Nmky-nwQqF9Rev3vXEJR8YWnHCXgCmDuZfdd5nb-zoK4nnQyZSj9oLgDcGdK_kIf4EtALQzg0HQHpXuQYVnvMgHlkTSSLamg7LPer/s1600/vday%252C+linus%252C+late+winter+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8YIWz7s9I0ndPNXvS3ra0qOcVFwQSP2Nmky-nwQqF9Rev3vXEJR8YWnHCXgCmDuZfdd5nb-zoK4nnQyZSj9oLgDcGdK_kIf4EtALQzg0HQHpXuQYVnvMgHlkTSSLamg7LPer/s400/vday%252C+linus%252C+late+winter+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crafting set-up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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I drew a "Go" line and a "Stop" line. I figured that a few traffic signals would help slow down the cars and keep them from racing their paint covered wheels right onto my dining room table. Of course, I still took precautionary measures and covered a large area with butcher paper.<br />
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For the cards, I used oversized index cards that I already had and folded them in half. For the paint, I again went with what I had and grabbed a bottle of dark brown acrylic crafting paint.<br />
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When Linus awoke, he was ready to dive (or should I say drive) right in.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKmUrciDMWG1DKFcdi9eAlkAt8pz4vQIW8ogJXPBrBK5XA0iZ8gsghXvNi96bPX1YgzuuncNvlrBe6TDxL-5d2v0Qpp2LKiB5BCyNeh_LwZ2-6KBhnspJjsH0S0egpx7lP-Ua/s1600/vday%252C+linus%252C+late+winter+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKmUrciDMWG1DKFcdi9eAlkAt8pz4vQIW8ogJXPBrBK5XA0iZ8gsghXvNi96bPX1YgzuuncNvlrBe6TDxL-5d2v0Qpp2LKiB5BCyNeh_LwZ2-6KBhnspJjsH0S0egpx7lP-Ua/s320/vday%252C+linus%252C+late+winter+014.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNizHm_zMIZOVvVyXB-b6UKyU_3R4sllFX6Bf04vGe_Qa5SgyHQ7UkatdHy3yssT-jERQsueonJ9l-GVsUTtqheE1JdPNaM425RaJuiHAXsY6G7azMaREUThG9JN8IBZPXtHQ/s1600/vday%252C+linus%252C+late+winter+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNizHm_zMIZOVvVyXB-b6UKyU_3R4sllFX6Bf04vGe_Qa5SgyHQ7UkatdHy3yssT-jERQsueonJ9l-GVsUTtqheE1JdPNaM425RaJuiHAXsY6G7azMaREUThG9JN8IBZPXtHQ/s320/vday%252C+linus%252C+late+winter+021.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
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Once they dried (about one Bob the Builder episode later), I grabbed a red marker and added the text.<br />
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Some of the phrases we used:<br />
<ul><li><i>You're a "wheely" good friend.</i></li>
<li><i>I "wheely" love you.</i></li>
<li><i>You're a "wheely" great teacher.</i></li>
<li><i>"Wheel" you be my Valentine?</i></li>
</ul>A few days later, after he had signed them all (and we'd mailed the family ones), we journeyed over to Foster's Market to pick up the car chocolates. Linus absolutely LOVES these chocolates, admiring them every time we are there.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6dKTN6ex3w8vYhy_DfPwxaQd8n4Y7v7fadsHM4vqcSVZN1rSnCwk70klTSQbUK_JDqQT5vK1fSGVDbTgO_PAKLqkYntzVsF-2FTqTOrwTd2kL6wY6eXCFwAWOwoMP-itTsLr/s1600/valentines+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6dKTN6ex3w8vYhy_DfPwxaQd8n4Y7v7fadsHM4vqcSVZN1rSnCwk70klTSQbUK_JDqQT5vK1fSGVDbTgO_PAKLqkYntzVsF-2FTqTOrwTd2kL6wY6eXCFwAWOwoMP-itTsLr/s400/valentines+016.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He signed his own name.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The chocolate cars are attached with some double-sided, foam tape tabs. I did that step on my own, although it was simple enough Linus could have helped (if it hadn't been past bedtime.)<br />
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I gotta say, I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out. They clearly represent Linus's interests, have zero commercialization, and definitely required his participation.<i> </i>Plus, making our own saved having to drag Linus into Target risking the possible temper fit as we hurried past the toy section.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7e3-kFEyLkNS3LiD-FNGyXEfMN4Rvj9WuncHPQ_IC2BFjKB9978uIy9q4GztYDg87nqI-aRgfdVDV045IhI67k2Xky42xtPqzj-L9X2WTItykJopws2EU-tQxxJNfIf76XXm/s1600/valentines+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7e3-kFEyLkNS3LiD-FNGyXEfMN4Rvj9WuncHPQ_IC2BFjKB9978uIy9q4GztYDg87nqI-aRgfdVDV045IhI67k2Xky42xtPqzj-L9X2WTItykJopws2EU-tQxxJNfIf76XXm/s400/valentines+020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed vehicle valentines.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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How about you? Did you make your own Valentines or did you opt for the less messy, store-bought route? Do you like to get your craft on for Valentines Day?@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-35214142434266684792011-02-03T19:13:00.000-05:002011-02-03T19:13:52.710-05:00Living Room Redecorating: A S-L-O-W Process<i>(Sorry for the delay. Two no-nap days in a row kind of halts the blogging.)</i><br />
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Now that you've seen the <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2011/02/living-room-freshen-up.html">living room's new gray paint color</a>, I thought it would be fun to look back at how the room has evolved.<br />
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My friend Jennifer was asking me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/My-Sweet-Babboo/144341765623461">Facebook</a> how I decorate so I can change paint colors without having to change everything, so let's take a look.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stage 1 - New homeowners make do.</span> <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Living Room Furniture" height="239" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1114/622516969_10f922c049.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginnings of a living room. (Circa 2003)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's the room in it's first stage. Before our apartment lease was even up, we'd managed to cover the previous owner's pumpkin orange with a more subtle gray-ish green (Fen from Martha's defunct line at Sherwin-Williams).<br />
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This photo was just over a year after we moved in. We'd saved some money and purchased a few pieces of furniture. Of course, if you know anything about Ikea furniture, you'll know that these are the cheapest piece you can still call a couch.(The blue chair was the actual color I chose. The other slipcover must have been in the wash.)<br />
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The matchstick blinds and wedding decor pedestals complete the "new home owner" look.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stage 2 - More Saving, More Additions</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64009708@N00/2668967330/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Room Rearrangement by AA_Bartel, on Flickr"><img alt="Room Rearrangement" height="300" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/2668967330_85b836fde4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room for at least 5 years. (Circa 2004-2009)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
This is what the living room was settled on for quite a few years. You'll note the addition of 4 flexible coffee tables (constructed by my hubby), sequined sheers from West Elm, additional A's, new chair slipcovers (thank goodness), and a stylish hand-me-down lamp. From about 2004 until 2009, the room generally looked like this. I liked it. It was a very Zen room and aside from new furniture arrangements, I left it be.<br />
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It's not like we weren't busy. During those 5 years, we painted every other room, remodeled our bathroom, bought a new car, had a baby, installed new siding, landscaped the yard...<br />
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We were busy and the living room was good -- until those delicate white curtains begin to look a bit beige with a few cat claw tears here and there.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stage 3 - New Curtains, Same Old Furniture</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Living Room Updates" height="300" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3421805721_bae056ea44.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living room with new curtains. (Circa 2009)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span> </span><br />
As a stay-at-home mom, I found myself often "<a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2008/09/with-great-power-comes-great.html">playing</a>" in the living room (go ahead click the link, and see Linus circa 2008). When I wasn't staring at my handsome son, I was staring at those <i>now </i>dingy white curtains. They had to be replaced.<br />
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I found these on major sale at PBTeen and was hyped. I was so excited, I quickly clicked buy before even thinking about length. Yep, the major sale was for the 54" curtains.<br />
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I hung them, not wanting to admit to my husband that the length was anything but intentional. They looked alright -- sort of retro, or at least that's what I told myself. And at least the cats couldn't play in them anymore.<br />
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They stuck around for quite a while thanks to top-notch quality, and I had to patiently await the perfect excuse to say bye-bye to those curtains. Enter red furniture -- the perfect excuse.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Stay tuned for the continuing saga of "A living room grows up." </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">In the meantime, I want to know what your BIGGEST style mistake has been? Fuchsia prom dress? Pink tiled bathroom? Too-short curtains? Let's hear it.</span></i><br />
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</span>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-79983925762134992462011-02-01T10:50:00.000-05:002011-02-01T10:50:40.707-05:00Living Room Freshen-upI mentioned yesterday that I <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2011/01/things-i-did-while-i-wasnt-blogging.html">painted my living room</a>. Let me tell you, choosing a gray is EXTREMELY difficult.<br />
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I wanted one that was in the same family as the bit of gray hiding in my Anthropologie curtains, but I didn't want it to be that dark. Honestly, I wanted it about the same saturation level as our previous color -"Fen," a sage-y green from Martha's defunct line at Sherwin-Williams.<br />
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I started the process of choosing a color with at least 40 paint chips. I slowly pulled the ones that appeared purple and the ones that appeared too brown. I moved the paint chips from sunlight to shade and from near trim to away from trim until I had it down to 5. From there, I had Adrian choose. (He's pretty good at that kind of thing - And he has the degree to prove it.) Plus, I would have hemmed and hawed for days unable to commit. <br />
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Once Adrian chose (the one I was most leaning towards), I just went for it.<br />
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When the boys caught up with me at the Lowe's, I had two gallons of paint purchased. No samples for me -- that would just allow me to procrastinate longer.<br />
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Of course, as I was applying the paint, I fretted about it's lavender quality. Luckily once dry, most of the purple undertones smoothed out (despite the appearance in this photo) leaving a nice "Perfect Griege" (a Sherwin-Williams color). <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qXZx5O9jyP0pw3_yZlLrU9E5KynABaOVhzZU5x1RhsQmcFeElrX50OjzQ5fZxvpA4hwNnM8T0mh_Ivz4QKFqKgU63ywlxVSXo9iUvJ6miRWEnL_gSU_c6WMLAY4cqPsLLBwk/s1600/living_room+082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qXZx5O9jyP0pw3_yZlLrU9E5KynABaOVhzZU5x1RhsQmcFeElrX50OjzQ5fZxvpA4hwNnM8T0mh_Ivz4QKFqKgU63ywlxVSXo9iUvJ6miRWEnL_gSU_c6WMLAY4cqPsLLBwk/s400/living_room+082.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New paint! Living room looking southeast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvPDmE8wbOV8mZROrBItszNIhbUY9n_R1u3m7_ZHErn-B8alaxb7pfXDoKgdKecCg0pPFUDJMvLxlhpMVrTdoWgDMCg6q8KsRBZR7Wu03twaUDtNwnxSdbS7sHk8Iehk_oqyx/s1600/living_room+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvPDmE8wbOV8mZROrBItszNIhbUY9n_R1u3m7_ZHErn-B8alaxb7pfXDoKgdKecCg0pPFUDJMvLxlhpMVrTdoWgDMCg6q8KsRBZR7Wu03twaUDtNwnxSdbS7sHk8Iehk_oqyx/s400/living_room+083.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New paint! Living room looking north. Front door to the right.<br />
This photo most accurately shows the color.</td></tr>
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Tomorrow, we'll take a look at how the room has evolved (like this<a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2010/10/evolution-of-room.html"> evolution of Linus's room</a>) from it's very earliest "Holy cow, we can afford furniture" days to it's current "Family hang-out" status.@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-53613482470435429032011-01-31T12:07:00.001-05:002011-01-31T12:07:57.739-05:00Things I Did While I Wasn't BloggingI haven't been here much lately. I'm quite a failure at the whole <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2011/01/its-new-year-and-new-me.html">scheduled blogging</a> thing -- which is really quite weird as I tend to LOVE schedules. Just another thing about me that disappeared at childbirth.<br />
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In lieu of blogging, I've been accomplishing awesomeness elsewhere. Therefore I give you...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Five Awesome Things I Accomplished While I Wasn't Blogging</span><br />
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1. Roasted and pureed a ginormous Cinderella pumpkin that resulted in 2 loaves of pumpkin bread, 1 batch of pumpkin doughnut muffins, 2 dozen pumpkin spice cookies, and a dozen pumpkin-blueberry muffins. And that didn't even use it all. I still have THREE 15 ounce jars of pureed pumpkin in the freezer. That's a lot of pumpkin for $5. <br />
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2. Sewed an adorable Valentine garland. It was simple, I just cut out hearts instead of the <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2007/03/polka-dot-baby-shower.html">circles</a> I've done in the past.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTTDGy6BKUIBn-GvSzPfhfX_rVp3wF8Yjvs0Xc3pNkrdOXDX3slL3AbEztCtYgZ3KHYmsfNXS8MicGa5fS91zFPQiu3t-0J-l13f6Qx8QZ0PteDr6f4J9hRnMe_colB5xCPBH/s1600/living_room+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTTDGy6BKUIBn-GvSzPfhfX_rVp3wF8Yjvs0Xc3pNkrdOXDX3slL3AbEztCtYgZ3KHYmsfNXS8MicGa5fS91zFPQiu3t-0J-l13f6Qx8QZ0PteDr6f4J9hRnMe_colB5xCPBH/s400/living_room+019.JPG" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Felt heart garland hung from mantle.</td></tr>
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3. Stumbled upon my best <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2011/01/mismatched-mugs-thrift-store-craft.html">Rescue Mission thrift store</a> find yet. A set of eight of my pattern of Crate and Barrel dishes. The plates were 50 cents each. That's four dollars for a set of eight. Now if only I could find bowls. Now I don't have to fret so much about Linus setting the table.<br />
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4. Gave myself the manicure and pedicure that was long overdue. <br />
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5. I gave myself a manicure and the next day I decided was the perfect time to repaint the living room. Bye, bye manicure. While Linus was at preschool Monday morning, I cut in and applied the first coat of "Perfect Griege" to the living room. We then spent Tuesday climbing over paint supplies and scattered furniture until I could use the second day of preschool to complete the job. I even got a wee bit adventurous this time around and ended my Sherwin-Williams loyalty. I wanted a zero VOC paint. Sherwin-Williams doesn't make one available in super saturated colors, but Olympic does. Not only did I save brain cells, but I also saved money. And the paint -- awesome. I highly recommend it.<br />
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How about you? What kind of awesomeness are you achieving offline?@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-16745872135773744972011-01-24T22:07:00.000-05:002011-01-24T22:07:43.651-05:00How to Walk Away from a Sponsored Blogging Event with a Great Story<span style="font-size: large;">Alternatively titled: Party Foul</span><br />
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Step 1 - Attend event with whole family in tow despite napless day and potential "late" night.<br />
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Step 2 - Stuff napless three year old FULL of his favorite <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/noodlescompany">Noodles & Company</a> meal - macaroni and cheese with tofu. (Don't tell me you don't eat too much when it's FREE food.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefIUfu7y7K8-3FeYemqecq3ktQPxIKobmHSKCDcpqk25UzOMYW_14fDO_OChFP2_rvDMq2D88gWi8YIO2B4_UJluZS-ZdFBbqKEPgeJ8syPvO9brGn45FBl5OwTWvDwjBHMqY/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefIUfu7y7K8-3FeYemqecq3ktQPxIKobmHSKCDcpqk25UzOMYW_14fDO_OChFP2_rvDMq2D88gWi8YIO2B4_UJluZS-ZdFBbqKEPgeJ8syPvO9brGn45FBl5OwTWvDwjBHMqY/s400/IMG_0110.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digging into his Noodles and Company mac and cheese with tofu.</td></tr>
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Step 3 - Release overstuffed preschooler from confined booth and watch him run up and down aisle between booths.<br />
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Step 4 - Get the little guy REALLY excited to have his picture taken as part of the event.<br />
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Step 5 - Try to remain composed as entire contents of kiddo's stomach explodes down the front of your shirt.<br />
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Step 6 -Gather the last shreds of your dignity, your preschooler who still wants to have his picture taken, and your take-away bag full of vomit covered clothes and leave.<br />
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Step 7 - Compose your blog post, tweets of apology, and list of thank you's mentally to control gag reflex as you journey home in a noxious tank top.<br />
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Kid's got a thing or two to learn before we send him off to college.<br />
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College Party Rule #1 - Do NOT vomit on the host's floor.<br />
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And the family would like to thank --<br />
<ul><li>The staff of the new <a href="http://www.noodles.com/locations/location.php?s=857">Noodles & Company Brier Creek</a> for not only cleaning up the wreckage but doing it with a smile and not a single look of judgment. <i>Saintly, absolutely saintly</i>. I only wish we could have stayed for more deliciousness.</li>
<li>My friend <a href="http://babyjernigan.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a> for being the Mom of the Year and having a spare set of pants ready in the car. Without Kelly, Linus would have been riding home in his tighty-whiteys. Brrr.</li>
<li><a href="http://carolinamama1.blogspot.com/">Carolina Mama</a> for being so cool and understanding despite the party foul.</li>
<li>All the other mamas in attendance who were so <a href="http://motherhoodintheindustry.blogspot.com/">quick with the napkins</a>, <a href="http://www.onemomsworld.com/">words of reassurance</a>, and concern for Linus. If ya have to have an embarrassing <i>mom</i>ent, you want to do it with other moms around. They totally understand.</li>
</ul>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-19252708510937570122011-01-16T13:38:00.002-05:002011-01-16T23:11:17.824-05:00What's Linus Eating? - This Week's Menu PlanI know I'm not posting as regularly as my scheduling self would like, but I'm doing my best not to stress about it. I figure <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2011/01/its-new-year-and-new-me.html">the schedule</a> helps me even when ideas are lacking but that I don't have to feel confined by it.<br />
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That being said, I'm officially declaring that menu and recipe sharing can take place anytime during the weekend. I don't always get the planning done on Saturday, since my shopping tends to take place on Monday mornings while Linus is at preschool.<br />
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Here's what we'll be eating this week.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday- Leftovers</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Time to clear out the fridge in preparation for the next grocery run, so Sunday is a leftovers day. Lucky for us, I figure freezer food is fair game on leftover day so we indulged in some <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/">Pioneer Woman</a> cinnamon rolls (recipe from the <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2010/01/pioneer-woman-cookbook-review-err-rave.html">Pioneer Woman cookbook</a>). Dare I say, they may have even been better after freezing as the gooey frosting had time to soak in during the thaw.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Monday-<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <strike>Out to Dinner</strike> (Update below)</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<strike><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We've been invited by <a href="http://carolinamamablog.com/">Carolina Mama</a> to join a group of fellow bloggers at <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/noodlescompany">Noodles and Co</a>. The restaurant wants to show off their menu and we're happy to participate. Afterall, Linus feels there's never a bad time for a serving of their Macaroni and Cheese with double broccoli and tofu (yes, he's weird), and I'm just happy for the option of adding more veggies.</span></span></span></span></strike><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Update: </span></span></span></span>Scratch that. Noodles & Co is the 24th. Thanks to my friend Kelly, we didn't drive all the way out there. I have it on my calendar right -- just not in my head. Good thing I made that double batch of Spinach-Chicken Casserole.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday- Pioneer Woman's Chicken Pot Pie</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.thelingenfelsers.blogspot.com/">Adrian's cousin Amy</a> has a new member who joined the family in mid-December, so we're doing our part to help the transition to a family of 4 by providing food. Nothing is better for a nursing mama then a little indulgent pot pie. Of course, I doubled the recipe so we'll be having ours on Tuesday. This recipe is also from her cookbook.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday- <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/sesame-beef">Sesame Beef with Rice</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had fondue for Christmas Eve and the freezer still contains some of the unused steak so we'll use it up with this Martha recipe from <a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2008/03/food-everyday.html">our favorite Everyday Foods</a>.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday- Chipotle Pinto Beans with Cornbread</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm a sucker for a good pot of beans. Problem is, Adrian has never been a big fan claiming they are too bland for his tastes. So, I'm trying a different recipe from my<a href="http://www.mysweetbabboo.com/2010/05/three-things-i-love-thursday.html"> other favorite cookbook Simply in Season</a> with a little more spiciness. Hope he likes it. </span></span> Plus, it's a good excuse to again use my cast iron skillet my parents got me for Christmas to make<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/perfect-skillet-cornbread"> skillet cornbread</a>.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Friday- Frozen Soup</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I stashed away quite a few soups this Fall. We're gonna play Eenie Meanie Miney Mo and pick one. I love easy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span><br />
Last week, we tried quite a few new recipes and discovered some new favorites. The one I'm already making again is another Everyday Food recipe. <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/chicken-and-spinach-casserole">Chicken and Spinach Casserole</a> from the October 2010 issue is a fast and easy dish that uses leftover chicken from a batch you made or the rotisserie chicken you picked up at the store. Today, I'm making a double batch, one for us and one for Amy.<br />
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That's what we're eating. What's on your table? Any old favorites? How about new ones?@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10837687.post-6936171354647903302011-01-13T08:02:00.001-05:002011-01-13T08:02:00.512-05:00Painter's Tape InterstateWith just a role of painter's tape and a handful of Matchbox cars, you can keep your car aficionado occupied for at least one snowy winter afternoon. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ98FJnu_FvnVc-mVygORjw_IDVW-eT3Ni5AQvPwjwAMISOo1GskjDdrAvleYhlk5AXN4XQYNwCSI5VeJjVuML0xDddNdCpjpoWQYl_B03aey5KTk4_ZS33XYg6_Zh6PiLVQ0/s1600/tape_road+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ98FJnu_FvnVc-mVygORjw_IDVW-eT3Ni5AQvPwjwAMISOo1GskjDdrAvleYhlk5AXN4XQYNwCSI5VeJjVuML0xDddNdCpjpoWQYl_B03aey5KTk4_ZS33XYg6_Zh6PiLVQ0/s400/tape_road+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying out a road or two. </td></tr>
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I started out trying to show Linus how to lay his own roads, but he had trouble with tearing the tape. We then moved onto laying strips which he did for a while until the sticky tape frustrated him. In the end, I did most of the road work and he did the driving. Typical man.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtpa6smF00Vb_lsdaFngTdx9mTcO3bYLMQBGV7UTCDnr1Jkwyf6AJoz6ph13yTw19vo-bISwmbdhl5hyphenhyphenPWhwcnl9ckFLqqId9fr7rYe_7qrwkxjn3ClakfV_lzLzsgucHiQ2R/s1600/tape_road+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtpa6smF00Vb_lsdaFngTdx9mTcO3bYLMQBGV7UTCDnr1Jkwyf6AJoz6ph13yTw19vo-bISwmbdhl5hyphenhyphenPWhwcnl9ckFLqqId9fr7rYe_7qrwkxjn3ClakfV_lzLzsgucHiQ2R/s400/tape_road+005.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grid, what grid? This is urban living, yo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVvvjbSmAsDUaI2F5rpOQzssmMtXFd-VB1UWsz5LU177H-_fHOF8ThBUfbzshS-2Y1p8kWJvm_Mae9ce83xB0UbAJuIEf9iXs9g6gqMU5_cjs2SBiu6LTor7sOZQ9isb0x15e/s1600/tape_road+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVvvjbSmAsDUaI2F5rpOQzssmMtXFd-VB1UWsz5LU177H-_fHOF8ThBUfbzshS-2Y1p8kWJvm_Mae9ce83xB0UbAJuIEf9iXs9g6gqMU5_cjs2SBiu6LTor7sOZQ9isb0x15e/s400/tape_road+008.JPG" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tanker truck coming through.</td></tr>
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In the evening, Daddy even added a wrapping paper tube tunnel, and the fun began anew.<br />
<br>@sweetbabboohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15414489876832313768noreply@blogger.com3