The boy who will only sleep in his bed or sometimes the car seat fell asleep 10 minutes into our bike ride tonight! We were riding around looking for front yard landscaping ideas in our neighborhood and he suddenly got really quite!
When I got him out to carry him upstairs to bed he woke up unfortunately. He was so sad...and kept asking to go on a bike ride! Poor little guy remembered nothing about the ride! I think he may have been asleep much sooner than we expected!
Glad we found a cheaper way of falling asleep than driving the car around :) Now I just need to perfect lifting him out without waking him!
About a boy. And his mom. And photography. And the occasional sentence fragment.
Monday, June 30, 2008
POTD 063008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Carless Sunday...Yes We Can!
We decided today would be "carless Sunday"! We biked to the farmer's market, played at the park, drank SB's, biked to the Natural Foods Co-Op, took naps midday, and just had a great day! It's funny how quickly I've become possessive of my neighborhood and bitter towards all of the people who drive through it for something else. Especially those who don't know the code of letting bikes have the right of way at stop signs even if the car got there first! I love midtown!
Stay tuned for the post calculating the money we are saving by biking instead of using the car :)
And yes...Ian has made his first political statement! A woman has been at the Farmer's Market with Obama buttons and signs for MONTHS! She is there every Sunday with the same huge smile and kind words...true dedication! She gave Ian a button today (after asking if it was okay...which made me love her even more!)
He was so proud to wear it although he did say it was his police badge!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Young At Art
What fun! We went across the street today for the Young At Art celebration that Friends of Grant Park hosted. Ian was so excited to get to paint. It was amazing to see just how much he has changed since the last time we painted. He now draws almost everything in circles and lots of paint and bright colors. He's started to tell us what he is painting too! 
We also got to meet several people who live just a couple blocks away who also have kids! They are doing such a great job of bringing the neighborhood together and they really understand/share the reasoning behind living in midtown! I love that!
1 Forward 3 Back
One month from today Ian turns 3. I know it is cliched, but I just can't believe that he is already going to be three. When he picked me up from work yesterday he looked at me and said, "mom, I have a surprise for you." Someday I'll explain to him that he's had a surprise for me from the very day I found out he was going to join us!
3 years ago this week Shea and I were taking our very last childbirth class in preparation for the life changing arrival of Mr. Ian. Funny how important things like room decor, accessories, clothing and all of that other "stuff" was! Who knew it was really none of that "stuff" that we were going to need!
3 years ago this week Shea and I were taking our very last childbirth class in preparation for the life changing arrival of Mr. Ian. Funny how important things like room decor, accessories, clothing and all of that other "stuff" was! Who knew it was really none of that "stuff" that we were going to need!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
POTD 062508
I came home this afternoon, opened the door and found this waiting for me :) It is so orange and just that right amount of girly without being too girly! Can't wait to take it for a little ride to the farmer's market! I need to get a basket for it because I can just imagine riding home with fresh flowers, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
POTD 062108
We celebrated Leo's 3rd birthday party today! Ian had a great time, but was really most excited about eating the cake! He'd been happy to play alone most of the party...but as soon as the cake came out he ran for the table, climbed up in a chair and was eager to take part in the festivities! 6 little bites of frosting and he was done. Back to the toys!
Happy Birthday Leo!
Friday, June 20, 2008
POTD 062008
Ian got to go for his first ride behind Shea's new bike! He loved it!! Shea even willingly pulled him around midtown when it was 100 degrees! They came home with huge smiles on their faces! (and a nice icey beverage for me!)
Looks like I'm going shopping since we need to cruise together :)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
POTD 061908
Shea got his new bike!
Unfortunately we both have food poisoning...no riding it and kind of shakey photos of it!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
POTD 061806
Yummmm...prep time 5 minutes, cooking time 10 minutes...easy breazey yummy!
My version of this recipe. I used squash and black beans since that's what the fridge had for me :)
Monday, June 16, 2008
POTD 061608
I love that these two kiddos have known each other their entire lives! They love to play together and Ian has started talking about her ALL OF THE TIME!
This picture kills me though! Can't you just see exactly what they are going to look like as teenagers? Can't you see the trouble they both are thinking about causing? I'm worried already! They continued to pose like this every time I got the camera out! They even agreed to doing a cheek to cheek shot!
They crack me up!
***ETA click on the photo to see Ian's entire face! For some reason blogspot cut him off!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
POTD 061508
It was a happy father's day for Shea! Of course, you can't really go wrong if you give him a little Guinness for breakfast and buy him a chain saw at home depot!
OH my god!! I hadn't realized until I typed this that he did indeed mix a chainsaw and beer today!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Yes...He's My Child!
I think there is no mistaking that we are related! He wants to wear our glasses all the time! I think I need to explain to him that given his genes...he'll get his own soon enough!And a little page I made today. Credits here
Happy Birthday To Shea
We celebrated Shea's birthday today! And in less than 10 days his new birthday/father's day gift should arrive!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I clearly need a break!
Yesterday started out so well! Shea and I got out of the house on time, dropped Ian off at preschool on time, me off at work on time, and Shea got to school on time. Since I don't work everyday and my work is always at a different location that is no small accomplishment! Difficult to create a routine when my job is not routine!
I walked into the building, found my typical training room not set up for my class. I asked the student assistant (who is truly brilliant) which room I was in and she gave me a confused look and said, "I don't remember." That was my first clue that something was seriously wrong. I followed her to her desk to confirm exactly what was wrong!! I had arrived at my client CalPERS when I was supposed to be at my client CalSTRS!!!
ahhhh no car, no keys, no materials for CalSTRS...AND...somehow no number for the manager at CalSTRS!!
I left frantic messages with everyone I could think of at CalSTRS since at 745am no one was at work yet! Then I began to decipher what I was going to do with myself 5 miles away from where I was supposed to be, no way to get into my house, no transportation, just my bag and my phone!!
With the help of my brother Justin I decided it made the most sense to take the bus to his store, get a ride from him to Shea's school, get keys and at least I could get into the house and have a somewhat productive day even though it wouldn't be the day I'd planned. (oh and probably figure out a way to keep CalSTRS from kicking me to curb forever!)
I began the walk...in heals...which I never wear, but on this particular Tuesday was sporting an extremely cute outfit that just required heals! About three blocks away my phone rang. CALSTRS! I'm not sure what I expected from them, but the response I got was the BEST! Having not listened to any of my messages, they were worried I was stuck in traffic or something worse had happened. Most embarrassing explanation ever from me followed!
Did they cancel class? Tell me I'm a loser? Post to their intranet to never hire me again? Nope! They picked me up! Yep, the training manager Katie drove across town, put me in her car, took me back to their office all while trainer Cindy ran an icebreaker with the group, student Youmaly copied materials for the class, and the class just rolled with it! Could you ask for a better client??!
I walked in 40 minutes late. Greeted the class, told my story, apologized and we went on like nothing had happened!!
Wow...what a day! I love CalSTRS!
I walked into the building, found my typical training room not set up for my class. I asked the student assistant (who is truly brilliant) which room I was in and she gave me a confused look and said, "I don't remember." That was my first clue that something was seriously wrong. I followed her to her desk to confirm exactly what was wrong!! I had arrived at my client CalPERS when I was supposed to be at my client CalSTRS!!!
ahhhh no car, no keys, no materials for CalSTRS...AND...somehow no number for the manager at CalSTRS!!
I left frantic messages with everyone I could think of at CalSTRS since at 745am no one was at work yet! Then I began to decipher what I was going to do with myself 5 miles away from where I was supposed to be, no way to get into my house, no transportation, just my bag and my phone!!
With the help of my brother Justin I decided it made the most sense to take the bus to his store, get a ride from him to Shea's school, get keys and at least I could get into the house and have a somewhat productive day even though it wouldn't be the day I'd planned. (oh and probably figure out a way to keep CalSTRS from kicking me to curb forever!)
I began the walk...in heals...which I never wear, but on this particular Tuesday was sporting an extremely cute outfit that just required heals! About three blocks away my phone rang. CALSTRS! I'm not sure what I expected from them, but the response I got was the BEST! Having not listened to any of my messages, they were worried I was stuck in traffic or something worse had happened. Most embarrassing explanation ever from me followed!
Did they cancel class? Tell me I'm a loser? Post to their intranet to never hire me again? Nope! They picked me up! Yep, the training manager Katie drove across town, put me in her car, took me back to their office all while trainer Cindy ran an icebreaker with the group, student Youmaly copied materials for the class, and the class just rolled with it! Could you ask for a better client??!
I walked in 40 minutes late. Greeted the class, told my story, apologized and we went on like nothing had happened!!
Wow...what a day! I love CalSTRS!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Hearts
As I near the big milestone of four decades on this planet, I've been a bit focused on my heart. Making it happy, keeping it healthy, ensuring it has a home. Many of you know how much of of my life has been defined by my heart...
Today I came across this little girls story and it touched my heart...especially the post about her scar. It makes my experience seem like nothing. What are you doing for your heart?!
Today I came across this little girls story and it touched my heart...especially the post about her scar. It makes my experience seem like nothing. What are you doing for your heart?!
Jubillee Cake Recipe
Here's the recipe! Keep in mind it is a bit denser than typical cake, but is super healthy! You can eat it without guilt :) The recipe is from the book Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure.
2 cups whole wheat flout
1 cup (or less) sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup vanilla oat or nonfat soy milk (I used nonfat soy milk)
1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water (egg replacer, I grind my own flaxseeds for the meal)
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix the first four ingredients in a medium bowl
3. Mix the remaining ingredients in a large bowl
4. Pour dry ingredients into liquid and stir by hand or beat until no lumps remain (easy by hand)
5. Spread evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans or one 8x13 inch baking pan
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and cake doesn't feel sticky to the touch
7. Cool before removing from pan.
I topped mine with Chocolate Sauce (and snuck a little between the layers)
Chocolate Sauce
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients. Mix well and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
This sauce is decidant!! It would be great to dip strawberries...or well...a spoon!
You can find similar recipes at Fat Free Vegan.
2 cups whole wheat flout
1 cup (or less) sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup vanilla oat or nonfat soy milk (I used nonfat soy milk)
1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water (egg replacer, I grind my own flaxseeds for the meal)
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix the first four ingredients in a medium bowl
3. Mix the remaining ingredients in a large bowl
4. Pour dry ingredients into liquid and stir by hand or beat until no lumps remain (easy by hand)
5. Spread evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans or one 8x13 inch baking pan
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and cake doesn't feel sticky to the touch
7. Cool before removing from pan.
I topped mine with Chocolate Sauce (and snuck a little between the layers)
Chocolate Sauce
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients. Mix well and cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
This sauce is decidant!! It would be great to dip strawberries...or well...a spoon!
You can find similar recipes at Fat Free Vegan.
Friday, June 06, 2008
POTD 060608
Yummmmm and fat free! We celebrated the beginning of Shea's Jubillee tonight with a little cake! Ian helped make it which was a bit of a riot! He had his own little bowl and helped mix my ingredients and his own. He'd jump off his stool, run in the other room, do something (certainly something important) climb back up his stool and repeat the entire process again!
When Shea got home he met him at the front door and said "I want to eat it!" So we did! Before dinner even!!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Stinker!
Today Ian was in rare form! If he could get into something, move something, or mess with something he did. He found the rug in front of the back door and brought it to the front door. As he carefully put it into place I called him a stinker.
He looked right at my and said, "No momma, I a pooper!"
What a stinker he is!
He looked right at my and said, "No momma, I a pooper!"
What a stinker he is!
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Did I Do This?
Ian is a sweet little guy. He has a great disposition and just a soft little spirit. Yes, I'm his mom and I'm severely biased. Okay, he does sometimes cry for no reason, he sometimes whines to get his way and okay, I probably shouldn't overlook this incident.
Today was Ian's Preschool Summer Kick off. Kind of the post graduation party for all those 5 year old kiddos who are moving on to kindergarden. We went thinking it would be like many preschool events that we've attended -- go for a few minutes, eat the potluck food (I hate potluck...I need far more control and information about the food that I indulge in than a potluck offers), and then head out of there.
Today was different though.
I ended up spending most of the time talking to Ian's teacher and other staff who spend the day with Ian, hearing how much they like him. How sweet he is. How easy he is. How quiet he is. One of the staff told me about how willing he is to let her change his diaper and then pointed out all of the kids who weren't so willing or nice!
I'm sure the smile on my face was HUGE as I thanked them when inside what I was really thinking was, "oh my do you know how lucky I am? do you know how neurotic he probably should be and how neurotic I was for the first 8 months of his life?" Yep...I'm pretty certain his little sweet adorable loved personality is all him!! I got lucky!
Today was Ian's Preschool Summer Kick off. Kind of the post graduation party for all those 5 year old kiddos who are moving on to kindergarden. We went thinking it would be like many preschool events that we've attended -- go for a few minutes, eat the potluck food (I hate potluck...I need far more control and information about the food that I indulge in than a potluck offers), and then head out of there.
Today was different though.
I ended up spending most of the time talking to Ian's teacher and other staff who spend the day with Ian, hearing how much they like him. How sweet he is. How easy he is. How quiet he is. One of the staff told me about how willing he is to let her change his diaper and then pointed out all of the kids who weren't so willing or nice!
I'm sure the smile on my face was HUGE as I thanked them when inside what I was really thinking was, "oh my do you know how lucky I am? do you know how neurotic he probably should be and how neurotic I was for the first 8 months of his life?" Yep...I'm pretty certain his little sweet adorable loved personality is all him!! I got lucky!
Monday, June 02, 2008
To Post Or Not To Post
Nothing really happened today.
I refused to unpack anything.
I'm tired and should be sleeping.
I have to work tomorrow.
That's it...
I refused to unpack anything.
I'm tired and should be sleeping.
I have to work tomorrow.
That's it...
Sunday, June 01, 2008
MOVED!
We are done!
Well...at least with the moving out and the cleaning part! Now we just need to get unpacked and situated in our new house! We are loving it! It has just the right amount of quirkiness to match me!! I'm sitting in the living room right now listening to a gentle breeze through the trees ignoring all of the boxes piled around me!!
The move was long, but went well. My family is AMAZING! We couldn't have done this one without them...from watching Ian to cleaning stinky dirty places that you could only ask family to clean! My mom set up my entire kitchen while we were moving everything and even cooked us dinner our first night at home! What a great treat! I hated to see her go home!
We dropped my brother's truck off tonight and drove 5 blocks home and Ian was out in those 5 blocks at 430PM! I was able to carry him upstairs, take his pants off, change his diaper and he still was out! I think he may be down for the night! He was a trooper and actually seems so much happier here!
Glad to be done...and looking forward to taking a long time to settle in! We aren't going anywhere so really, what's the hurry??!!
Well...at least with the moving out and the cleaning part! Now we just need to get unpacked and situated in our new house! We are loving it! It has just the right amount of quirkiness to match me!! I'm sitting in the living room right now listening to a gentle breeze through the trees ignoring all of the boxes piled around me!!
The move was long, but went well. My family is AMAZING! We couldn't have done this one without them...from watching Ian to cleaning stinky dirty places that you could only ask family to clean! My mom set up my entire kitchen while we were moving everything and even cooked us dinner our first night at home! What a great treat! I hated to see her go home!
We dropped my brother's truck off tonight and drove 5 blocks home and Ian was out in those 5 blocks at 430PM! I was able to carry him upstairs, take his pants off, change his diaper and he still was out! I think he may be down for the night! He was a trooper and actually seems so much happier here!
Glad to be done...and looking forward to taking a long time to settle in! We aren't going anywhere so really, what's the hurry??!!
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Of course, Ian asked for the goose. He's just a bit confused!
I now have lawn art in my living room!