Random Thursday #2

One of my blog friends, Liz, is going to look at a preschool for her daughter tonight. Here is my train of thought:

Wow...that's got to be one heck of an emotional roller coaster for her - her baby all grown up and stuff. Wait...Peanut is going to be a year old in a month! Holy crap! She's that much closer to preschool!

Here's the plan: I'm going to find that Peter Pan fellow, jump him for all his magical, Neverland fairy dust, and douse Peanut in it. She's never growing up, got it? GOT IT?!

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Has anyone else watched the show "Word World?" Little did I know the word drawings I used to make in grammar school would become a show.

Time to...(dum dum dum dum dum) BUILD A WORD!


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Are you having a so-so day right now? Need a little laugh? Stop by the Daddy Files blog and listen to his son laugh uncontrollably at bubbles. There just something about hearing a baby laugh that makes your day better.

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We're still feeling like poo warmed over in this household, but Peanut slept from about 9:30pm until 8:45am. I am a (somewhat) well-rested mama.

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Today's post was brought to you today by the letter H:

Ugh.

Me, sick + hubby, sick = baby, sick

baby, sick = horrible sleeper

That's the story of our life right now.

Gotta go comfort the screecher.

Wednesday whatnots

Happy Johnny Appleseed Day!

In honor of this random holiday, I share with you a camp song/meal prayer I learned a long time ago:


Oh, the Lord is good to me (clap clap)
and so I thank the Lord (clap clap)
for giving me the things I need: the sun and the rain and the apple seed
the Lord is good to me (clap clap)
uh huh (clap clap) uh huh (clap clap)
uh huh uh huh uh huh LET'S EAT!

Now, you could do the educational thing and find information on this fellow and enrich your minds...or you could just go eat an apple. That's mind-enriching AND you get to eat. What could be better?

* * * * *

I missed out on wishing you a Happy Mario Day yesterday (Mar. 10 looks like the word "Mario"...get it?). He was launched as a character in 1983. What a way to make a person feel old, huh? I can still remember blowing on the old school Nintendo cartridges before putting them into the machine. Ah, memories...

* * * * *
It's Wednesday...you know what that means...

Dance Party Time!
(Have no idea what I'm referring to?...read the bottom of this post)

Artist/Band: Journey
Song Title: Any Way You Want It
Kid-friendly?: Yep (seeing as there is only 9 actual words to the whole song, just repeated in different configurations...I think it's OK)

If you're a Celiac, I hope you're not Catholic

As made evident by my profile message to the left, my husband has Celiac disease. Simply put, he cannot have wheat (and many other grain) products. We are not sure if Peanut has a gluten intolerance yet or not, so we are holding off introducing gluten into her diet until well after her first birthday. Anyway...

I am part of a discussion board for "gluten-free" families. One mother brought up an issue - her daughter, who is gluten intolerant, wants to take part in communion in their church. However, they are Catholic and they were told that a gluten-free alternative could not be provided...only a "low-gluten" option. End of story.

I found this odd. Why on earth would the church not be accommodating to people with this disease? A gluten-free communion wafer is still a bread product...it's not like she's asking them to bless and administer a Snickers bar. Our church is happy to provide a gluten-free option for our family, but we are Lutheran.

I won't bore you with all the research I did (it certainly fascinated me, though). I will tell you this - apparently, in order for it to be "valid" Eucharist, the bread must be made from wheat. You can read about it here.

You take gluten out of the communion wafer and *poof* it's not suitable to be used as the body of Christ?

Wow. Is there anyone out there that understands this?

I used to be Catholic...and with as much as I know, I still don't get it.

My head is in a slight fog today. The weather here in the Midwest is all over the map, so my sinuses have to suffer. So, let me apologize ahead of time for any "what in the world is she talking about?" moments.

* * * * *

I'm watching Sesame Street with Peanut. They were reading the story of the princess who kissed the frog. According to them, once she kisses the frog and he turns into a prince, they "became friends and lived happily ever after." Just friends, huh? Wow...you'd think after all she did for the frog, he'd at least ask her to be his girlfriend. Who'd want to buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?

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I was watching "Muppets Take Manhattan" last night (I really do watch big kid shows...I swear!). It's been a long time since the last time I saw it - and I apparently forgot the Swedish chef has human hands. For some reason, this really creeped me out. Anyone else?

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There are roughly 349 craft projects that I want to do right now. Ok, maybe only 200 - but close enough (first though, I have to complete a gift by Saturday). If I ever won the Lotto or came into a lot of money, after taking care of the necessities and donating a good portion to charity and our church, I'd lavish myself with fabric, yarn, a super-deluxe sewing machine, and other fun craft things. Heck...I'd create a tricked-out craft room. With tons of ORGANIZATION! Oh man...a girl can dream, can't she? Do you think I could get Xzibit to sign on for "Pimp My Craft Room?"

* * * * *
I finished the giveaway elephants on Saturday. So, C. Beth and BeckwithAni, they will be in the mail very soon! Check your email though, because I have a question I need you both to answer before I ship them.

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Dance Party Time!
(Have no idea what I'm referring to?...read the bottom of this post)

Artist/Band: Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
Song Title: Sing, Sing, Sing
Kid-friendly?: Yes

A body part by any other name...

Ah yes, another Fatherhood Friday. Today's topic: body part names

I'm not talking about your arms or feet...

I hope you know where I'm going with this.

In our household, the women-folk have a "hooha" and then some variation of ta-tas/boobies. I would like to clarify that our child will know the proper terminology for each part, but it won't be our 'go-to' word. This applies to any body part, really - how often do you call your collarbone a clavicle?

I know some mothers prefer not to use nicknames for these parts, going straight for the medical terms. They argue that if the child had to communicate something about these parts (lets say, to a doctor or police officer) they wouldn't understand.

I'm all for teaching your child the proper terminology, but the reason above is not a strong argument.

Children are pretty adamant about trying to make you understand what they are saying...so a little thing like a nickname for a part isn't going to stifle what they have to say - they'd probably just point and say "this thing!"

So, here's a question to you: What do you think? Do you have nicknames for these parts?

Random Thursday #1

Since I started doing Fatherhood Fridays last week, I decided it was best to save my random post for a different day and focus my Friday post on one idea (lest the new readers get all sorts of confused).

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Peanut learned how to pivot-crawl in a circle. This lead to a hilarious scene the other night of her circling a toy. If only I had thought to capture it on video.

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Peanut's "Silent Night" book is losing its battery power. She was playing with it yesterday and it sounded like a distorted horror movie tune - complete with creepy flickering lights. Who knew "Silent Night" could be so fear-inducing? I was freaked out. So, it shall remain turned off until we buy a replacement battery. I'm not looking forward to the day when her stand-up monkey toy starts to do the same thing.

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We are raising a howler monkey. She loves to screech, as loud as she can, whenever ShankRabbit and I are hugging...or when we are playing tag around the house she uses this ear-piercing holler as a defense mechanism.

Upon researching 'teh intarwebz' for a picture of this crazy monkey (the real one, not Peanut), I realized our nickname of "howler monkey" is more appropriate than we thought:

...the din can be heard up to three miles (five kilometers) away. ...The noise sends a clear message to other monkeys: This territory is already occupied by a troop.

Wouldn't it be great if I could share video of this with you? Oh, you don't want your ears to bleed? I understand.

Short Wednesday post

I've had this "new post" screen up for an hour and a half. It's not that I can't think of anything to write today, I'm just in the middle of three things...and as all parents know, you try to get as much done during nap time as possible.

A few tidbits...

- I just downloaded the new Joshua Radin CD from Amazon.com for $1.99. Word.

- It is supposed to be in the 40s today! YAHOO! Warm weather, here we come!

- I had a dream last night about going to a job interview .I blame my best friend for that subconscious suggestion. And if you are reading this Beamer, good luck!

Crap...Peanut is awake. See what happens when you try to make a quick post?

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Dance Party Time!
(Have no idea what I'm referring to?...read the bottom of this post)

Artist/Band: Cheap Trick (or the Letters to Cleo cover works, too)
Song Title: I Want You To Want Me
Kid-friendly?: Yes

The concert.

I had the great idea of taking several pictures from the Joshua Radin concert and using them for my post today. However, I was WAY too wrapped up in the concert to think about busting out the camera. I took only one photo...and as you can tell by the quality, I wasn't really focused on making it a great shot:










I enjoyed the concert...that's all that matters.


A HUGE thank you goes to my brother-in-law for inviting me to this concert. I had a blast!

Well, I got a post idea now...

First, I would like to thank the sponsors:

A big thank you to Marvy LePens. Your slim style and excellent ink flow make for a great writing instrument

And, of course, to Peanut. For without your curiosity in things that you're not supposed to have, you wouldn't have tried to steal this from me.

-

When you combine one arm-flailing, angry 10.5 month old and a writing instrument (thankfully capped), one might get an eye injury.

I can't properly see out of my right eye right now. Let's all hope my vision isn't affected for very long. I would prefer to watch Joshua Radin with both eyes, if possible.

Nothin'. Nada.

I have been sitting here for a good 1/2 hour or so trying to think of what to write. Normally, I can think of at least 5 things...today, I got nothing. So, in a total "I just can't make a real post today," here is a list of 25 random things about me for you to enjoy:

1. I speak about it fondly, but there very few things I miss from my "Chicago" life. I miss living in the city and the friends I had, but I certainly don't miss my dating life. Or the overpriced tiny apartments. Or the noise.

2. I have a very sensitive nose. Too much of a scent/odor can give me an instant headache. That is why I hold my breath when passing people on the street - I don't want to smell them. Maybe it's because of this that I have great lung capacity. Think about it – walking down a street in downtown Chicago. Yeah...enough said.

3. We definitely want to have another kid someday...but seeing as how great our little one has been, we've half-entertained the idea of only having one.

4. I used to work at Victoria's Secret when I was in college. My favorite task was “bunching” the cotton panty tables.

5. Because of #4, I (used to) meticulously organize my underwear drawer – by type, color, and size. Though with a kid, I don't do it as much anymore.

6. I love love love love organization. The Container Store is my porn. I like having containers for everything...but since I don't, a lot of stuff gets thrown into piles/boxes. It makes me sad.

7. I went to a therapist every week from 11 years old until I graduated high school. I miss it.

8. I like to think that I am the same fun, outgoing person I was in high school, but I'm not. I used to love being on stage...now I have severe anxiety attacks just thinking about it. I had to sit down on the stage stairs to give a speech at my best friend's wedding (my legs were shaking so bad I couldn't stand up).

9. It's no secret that I had a rough childhood. Maybe it's insensitive of me, but I hate when people overplay the 'victim' card.

10. I probably would have been a veterinarian (or at least been a volunteer at an animal shelter) if I didn't get so emotionally attached to animals.

11. Giving up my dog was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I check the humane society website on a consistent basis to see if she was returned...even though I know she ended up with someone who could give her the attention I couldn't.

12. I have never felt completely at home in any place I have lived. That is why I don't decorate – I leave that to ShankRabbit. I am hoping that changes with the first house we buy.

13. I've started several art projects to give to one specific person. I can never finish one because I'm nervous what he/she will think of it.

14. If ShankRabbit came up to me today and said his job was taking him to a different state, I'd pack up in a heartbeat. I'd miss friends and family, but I'm tired of the Midwest.

15. I'd love to live in a small town (as long as there was a big town/city not terribly far away).

16. I want to play the uilleann pipes someday.

17. I've had several ideas for possible dream jobs – forensic scientist, miniature maker, the person who makes the clay sculptures for an animation company (like Pixar), luthier, piano tuner, art therapist, microbiologist...the list keeps going.

18. I hate the font Comic Sans. I don't know why.

19. I was thisclose to visiting England for a modeling event, but the trip fell through. I used the money I saved for the deposit on my first apartment.

20. I hate watching fights (fist fights, UFC, etc). In school, kids used to run to watch them, I ran the opposite way. Though, when it comes to people I care about, I'd throw down in a minute. In third grade, I punched a kid because he and his buddy started fighting my brother. They were all two years older than me.

21. I love that my memories are associated with all 5 senses. It makes them very real.

22. My biological mom was a hippie – so pot was no stranger to our household. I had no idea that a glass pipe was drug paraphernalia until I was in 8th grade.

23. I love hearing people's life stories (that probably explains why I love reading people's blogs).

24. My mom was 17 when she joined Ringling Bros. circus. She rode elephants, spun around on the high rope, wore elaborate costumes...I sometimes wish I did the same thing at that age instead of going right to college.

25. One of the most meaningful gifts I ever received was my friends' version of “While You Were Out.” I hope that someday I can do something just as special for them.

* * * * *

Dance Party Time!
(Have no idea what I'm referring to?...read the bottom of this post)

Artist/Band: The Police
Song Title: Message in a Bottle
Kid-friendly?: Yep

Random Friday #4

Welcome, Fatherhood Friday visitors! (Yes, I'm aware I'm not a dad...but the members of dad-blogs are very welcoming to the womenfolk, too).




Sorry about yesterday's text getting smaller and smaller. I have no idea what happened there - and I couldn't fix it, no matter how hard I tried.

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What in the world would require the "rinse only" cycle in the dishwasher? Couldn't you just hand wash/rinse it? I'm thoroughly confused (and, obviously, have never used this option). Has anyone out there used this?

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I use two spoons at mealtimes with Peanut. One for me to feed her; the other for her to play with (so she won't snatch the food one out of my hand...as she so frequently does). Recently, I had to upgrade to three spoons because she steals BOTH spoons - one for each hand. I'm all about being a kid and exploring and having fun, but when you use your spoons like this...



...and prevent me from getting food into your mouth, then we've got issues.

Consequently, I go through NINE spoons a day. Ugh. My hands are chapped from all of the spoon-washing I have to do each day.

* * * * *
We have dance parties in our household. The who, what, when, where and why doesn't matter - if someone calls out "dance party!" you drop everything and dance. Typically, this has been during dinner prep time (when ShankRabbit is home). I can't explain how proud I am to see Peanut sitting on the floor laughing and bouncing to the beat of the music. *tear*

In honor of this, I will be posting a "dance party song of the day." I think I'm going to do this on Mondays and Wednesdays - because, let's face it, Mondays and Wednesdays tend to drag along (at least for me). If you have a song that you'd like to recommend for our dance parties, please post a comment or drop me an email. I love discovering new music.

Buuut...since I'm thinking about it, I start one off for the weekend -

Artist/Band: Motion City Soundtrack
Song Title: The Future Freaks Me Out
Kid-friendly?: There is one f-bomb in there, but I typically sing "Ah, flip it!" really loud over that part.

Sisters, sisters...

Thank you, title writing skills. Not only do you royally suck, but you've gotten the "White Christmas" song stuck in my head.


As you know, I did a giveaway last week and announced the winner on Saturday - Beckiwithani (and C. Beth won as well because she referred her). And for those that don't know, they are twin sisters.

I gave them several options of fabrics to choose from - many colors of flannel, fleece, cotton, etc. They emailed me (separately) what choice they made. Here it is, verbatim -

Beckiwithani: "I love the purple stars fabric, and I think it would look nice with white accents. (Was I correct that one of those whites is a softer fabric? Hard to tell from the pic. But if so, that's the one I'd like as an accent. If not, plain muslin or whatever is fine.)

C. Beth: "Okay, I really like the [purple] star fabric. Would either of the white fabrics (in the All Fabrics pic) look good for ears and belly?"

I had to re-read these emails several times (and double-check that they did not cc: each other). Did they really choose the same fabric - even down to the accents?

Yep.

* * * * *

Peanut used to wake up at 8-8:30am. Now, it is between 7:15-7:30am.

Ugh.

I really need to start going to bed sooner. Or I need to drink more coffee in the morning. I have a feeling the latter will win by a landslide.


Speaking of wake-up times...here's a question for the parents/caregivers. When it comes to daylight savings time, do you adjust your child's bedtime accordingly? Do they wake up at the adjusted time?

Peanut was too young to notice a difference this past fall. But now that "spring ahead" is coming up, I'm concerned my I-have-serious-issues-with-change daughter may just blow a gasket.

Joshua Radin

For a long time, I never had one specific favorite artist or band. If someone asked the question, I would answer, "well, depends on my mood."
Come to think of it, 99% of the people I know would probably answer the same way. Huh. Is there anyone out there that has ONE favorite artist/band?

A few years ago, I found myself looking for an artist/band that had a "folky" feel...but not too folky. And I believe I can credit my dear friends A&B for helping me with this quest. Their first dance song at their wedding was "Paperweight" - Joshua Radin and Schuyler Fisk (I love that song!). I was intrigued by this Joshua guy...wondering what his other stuff sounded like.

Well, I really liked it. I saw him in concert a short time later, when he was on tour with Schuyler Fisk...and that's when it happened. I discovered my new favorite artist. If someone were to ask me today, who's your favorite artist or band, I can confidently say, "Well, depends on my mood...but I can never go wrong with Joshua Radin."

So, if you haven't heard his music yet, go check him out. You can go to his website or his myspace page to get a sampling of his music.

And, if you really, really like him...click on the link to the left. His song "I'd Rather Be With You" is up for VH1's top 20.

* * * * *
So, why did I share all this with you?

1. He's amazing. Mm hmm.

B. My brother-in-law just asked if I'd like to go to a Joshua Radin concert on Monday night. WaitletmethinkaboutitYES PLEASE!


That is all.

Peanut Scissorhands, the Demon Child

How to make sure you are diligent about clipping your daughters fingernails -

get sliced across the cheek with one of her talons.

Ow.

* * * * *

As I posted before, we attended a wedding reception on Saturday. We had a lot of fun, but this threw off Peanut's routine. She went to bed WAY late, got up an hour earlier and spent Sunday being "clingy demon child." Think Jack-Jack from "The Incredibles"...minus the cute baby part. Of course, with all the change going on, her nap/eating schedule went to crap...thus causing another late bedtime and a 4am wake-up call.

By Monday morning, this was the conversation ShankRabbit and I had once we heard her babbling in the monitor:

Me: *grumble, grumble* I SO don't want to get up.
SR: Heh. Yeah, I don't think she's very high up on your list right now...
Me: No. She's just below coffee.


I love her. Really I do.

The new hair

We have successfully located our battery charger. Therefore, I can show you the promised "new hair" photos.

We attended a friend's wedding on Saturday. My brother-in-law and his wife were watching Peanut for us while we partied like rock stars (or at least made an attempt):



A lot of fun was had. A lot a lot.

And I can tell you one thing for certain (as pointed out today by a friend who also attended): we are not 21 anymore.

The photo choices

As you can see, I changed out the photo of me from the left-hand side of the blog. I thought the previous photo looked a little too 'drugged' for my taste (I swear I wasn't). Thinking my darling husband must have some kind of photo for me to use, I looked through our photo folders...

Let me just show you the kind of stuff I'm working with -


Reeeal attractive there, Isabella. Stuffing your face...how hot.


Serious girl is serious.


Really? Food again?!...you know if you keep it up, people are going to think all you do is eat.


Yep. You're a heifer.


Sleeping with your mouth open. How, uh...attractive. I think. Why don't you show them your drooly pillow too?


A little too excited. Yes, it's a football game...caaaalm down, girl.


Let me see if I understand. You fashioned a top...out of your pant legs?
I have no words.

A Winner!

And there we have it, folks...a random number has been chosen. After making sure everyone was assigned a proper number (had to exclude any posts that didn't count...like ShankRabbit's and mine), I consulted random.org for a number...and it was...

8

Congratulations, beckiwithani!

And since she was referred by C. Beth, she wins as well!

So ladies, please email me at jenniferisabella [at] gmail [dot] com to discuss fabrics and such.

To everyone else, thank you for your comments. It's always nice to feel the love every once in a while (even if it was solicited by free things).

Random Friday #3

I'm not really sure if this is the 3rd Random Friday or not...so, I'm declaring it to be so. Here we go -

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This is a picture the homemade teething biscuits I made for Peanut, all set for the freezer. They were easy to make and taste exactly like sugar cookies. Really! I have no problem admitting I ate one...or two...

* * * * *
Have you ever been in such a rush to get out of the house that you forgot to brush your teeth? Ok, maybe a few of you can agree.

And since you ran out of gum the day before, you grab a peppermint candy cane to munch on as you run out the door?
I didn't think so.

* * * * *
Peanut was playing with her fridge letters last night and pulled a few off. These were the only letters she removed:



Now, is she from Boston and trying to tell me she wants to party or does she need a bathroom break?
Maybe it's a different word entirely. I've never been good at anagrams.

No creative title comes to mind

Sorry about the crappy post today. Three reasons why -

1. I didn't do my usual evening write up the night before. Peanut was trying to negotiate her actual bedtime (read: took A LONG time for her to finally crash for this night).

2. I took Peanut to the eye doctor today to participate in the InfantSEE program (free eye exam for children under a year old). She wasn't too happy about getting a light in her eyes and eye drops, but she did pretty well. And I - er, she - even got crayons out of the visit, too.

3. I wanted my giveaway to be the first post on this blog for a little while longer. And if you missed it, go here.

* * * * *
Did I mention I got my hair cut and colored on Tuesday?

I went to a new stylist. There's nothing wrong with Sarah, the girl I always go to...it's just that a gift certificate to a different salon = new stylist for the day.

I get a little nervous going to someone new. I have very curly hair that can be quite temperamental - there is a history of bad haircuts to back me up on this one. Like this one (though this was for a hair show...it's supposed to be wild and crazy):


Me, circa 2001
Three shades of red and itty-bitty "fringe" on my forehead. Not too bad, really. However, once I got home and showered, the semi-permanent red color on top bled, leaving behind a ketchup and mustard hue. So hot.


But, after all was said and done...I'm happy with it. And no, it does not look anything like this photo. Thank God.

I'll post a picture eventually. I still haven't found my camera battery charger. Do you know where it is? Your guess is as good as mine right now.