I put Sam's high chair together. Now he has a high chair, a saucer ("the office" where he accomplishes important stuff), two bouncy seats, a pack-n-play, a swing and a Bumbo seat, most of them in our living room.
The house has taken on primary colors as its most prominent decor, and everything either lights up, plays music, moves, spins, shakes, turns or whistles.
It looks like Fisher Price threw up.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
First Sniffles
My little fella has a cold and I've held him, snuggled on the couch in a blanket, for 2 days. I remember friends telling me about times their kids were sick, and they made it sound awful; but, strangely, I'm enjoying holding him, wiping his wee nose and rubbing his head. We simply stare at each other with no words or sounds, like two souls who were meant to be together.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Marriage License
Well, it's almost official...Matt and I got our marriage license yesterday! It was fun, and only cost $18. ; )~
We had to raise our right hand and swear that everything on our form was true, and that we'd love each other forever. How many people say that and don't think about what it really means? I meant it.
Of course, the women at the County Clerk's office were swooning over Matt. I arrived first (he's always late, bless his heart) and when he got there they all said, "This handsome man walking in has to be yours." I turned around and said, "Yep, that's him. I'm marrying him."
We celebrated the getting-of-the-marriage-license (we celebrate everything) at MacNiven's, where we met almost exactly 3 years ago. I followed Matt home in the snow storm, smiling all the way.
We're getting married next weekend and Jason & Beth are watching our little angel for us while we sneak off to the woods for a private ceremony; Sam, by the way cut a second tooth this week and began on solid baby food. I love watching each stage of his life, and he is simply adorable (and huge...20 lbs now). He just fell asleep while watching me type this. Mmmmm. Love him.
Matt and I watched the lunar eclipse form between the bare tree branches on another gray winter night this week. We held hands and I felt so blessed for having my little family.
We had to raise our right hand and swear that everything on our form was true, and that we'd love each other forever. How many people say that and don't think about what it really means? I meant it.
Of course, the women at the County Clerk's office were swooning over Matt. I arrived first (he's always late, bless his heart) and when he got there they all said, "This handsome man walking in has to be yours." I turned around and said, "Yep, that's him. I'm marrying him."
We celebrated the getting-of-the-marriage-license (we celebrate everything) at MacNiven's, where we met almost exactly 3 years ago. I followed Matt home in the snow storm, smiling all the way.
We're getting married next weekend and Jason & Beth are watching our little angel for us while we sneak off to the woods for a private ceremony; Sam, by the way cut a second tooth this week and began on solid baby food. I love watching each stage of his life, and he is simply adorable (and huge...20 lbs now). He just fell asleep while watching me type this. Mmmmm. Love him.
Matt and I watched the lunar eclipse form between the bare tree branches on another gray winter night this week. We held hands and I felt so blessed for having my little family.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Dexter
Last night Matt and I watched the TV show Dexter, which CBS picked up from Showtime due to the writer's strike. I had to check out the lead guy, Michael C. Hall, who Anne dates (Fun fact: he went to Earlham College in Richmond, IN). He is very adorable in a Matt Damon-way (not my type), but the show completely creeped me out. That makes 2 people, Dexter's boss on the show and me, who he creeps out.
I had nightmares all night and woke up twice thinking that I heard someone knocking on the front door, and someone who wasn't Sam breathing in the next room. I am too sensitive for horror. It also disturbs me, although Mr. Hall is a good actor, that shows about crime and serial killers are what America wants to watch. I just want to watch the Simpsons and old Everybody Loves Raymond episodes. Can't we all just not chop each other up?
I had nightmares all night and woke up twice thinking that I heard someone knocking on the front door, and someone who wasn't Sam breathing in the next room. I am too sensitive for horror. It also disturbs me, although Mr. Hall is a good actor, that shows about crime and serial killers are what America wants to watch. I just want to watch the Simpsons and old Everybody Loves Raymond episodes. Can't we all just not chop each other up?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Momentum
What a great week so far. Obama is leading Clinton and McCain (my feeling on both: snooze), and Sam's first tooth is coming in! He was chewing on my finger and I felt it. Heaven.
I watched the Primaries in excitement. Don't want to jinx it.
One of Obama's Harvard professors said that he was the most brilliant student he ever had.
I doubt President Bush ever made the honor role. Why spend money on education or poor people's health care when we can spend it on war?
There will always be the poor. There will always be poverty. Hell, several of them lived in my building downtown. Families raising kids in 800 square feet, going off to their menial jobs each day trying to earn...grocery money. They'll never get ahead; and why should honest, needy people suffer at the hands of those who "take advantage" of the system? Don't plenty of corporations take advantage of the system? Um, like drug companies, for instance!
There is no way to monitor who is deserving and who isn't. Just assume that everyone is deserving and let go. My college friend died of cancer because he was only 24, and couldn't "yet" afford health insurance. Did he deserve that?
I remember coming home one evening in high school, and my dad was crying. Worried, I asked him what was wrong; he hugged me and said, "Jill, there are so many people suffering in the world." That is the kind of passion I want to teach my son.
And "liberal" is just a 7-letter word meaning generous, after all. I wish I had more money to give.
My Canadian friends have it right. Would I wait in line to have surgery so a single mother could provide health care to her children and herself? You bet I would.
There is no perfect plan, but there is now hope for others.
I watched the Primaries in excitement. Don't want to jinx it.
One of Obama's Harvard professors said that he was the most brilliant student he ever had.
I doubt President Bush ever made the honor role. Why spend money on education or poor people's health care when we can spend it on war?
There will always be the poor. There will always be poverty. Hell, several of them lived in my building downtown. Families raising kids in 800 square feet, going off to their menial jobs each day trying to earn...grocery money. They'll never get ahead; and why should honest, needy people suffer at the hands of those who "take advantage" of the system? Don't plenty of corporations take advantage of the system? Um, like drug companies, for instance!
There is no way to monitor who is deserving and who isn't. Just assume that everyone is deserving and let go. My college friend died of cancer because he was only 24, and couldn't "yet" afford health insurance. Did he deserve that?
I remember coming home one evening in high school, and my dad was crying. Worried, I asked him what was wrong; he hugged me and said, "Jill, there are so many people suffering in the world." That is the kind of passion I want to teach my son.
And "liberal" is just a 7-letter word meaning generous, after all. I wish I had more money to give.
My Canadian friends have it right. Would I wait in line to have surgery so a single mother could provide health care to her children and herself? You bet I would.
There is no perfect plan, but there is now hope for others.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
The Quads: Sweet 17
As if I don't feel old enough with the constant dark circles under my eyes, fits of insomnia, a growing passion for the weather channel...the Quadruplets are turning 17 this Sunday!
Tonight I went shopping for gift cards for Ty, Nick and Lo Lo. Deb said, "They love BW3!" I drove to Broad Ripple -- easy enough, since we live in Broad Ripple -- and found Buffalo Wild Wings. "Shit," I thought (I really did think this) "Where is BW3?"
I drove to Castleton because I remembered seeing a "wings" place there. Again, Buffalo Wild Wings. I called Matt: Where in the hell is BW3? I can only find Buffalo Wild Wings!!
Matt said, "Jill (you idiot) that is BW3."
No it isn't.
Yes it is.
No.
Yes. Ok, go inside and ask them where BW3 is (*chuckling*).
Damn it.
For those of you who are also old, Buffalo Wild Wings is BW3. This is not a place where I eat. I called Matt back and said, "Grammatically, BW3 is inncorrect: ther are only 2 Ws."
He replied, "In tiny letters, it says "Wet and Wild Wings."
Being old, I couldn't read the small print.
Damn it all to hell.
Tonight I went shopping for gift cards for Ty, Nick and Lo Lo. Deb said, "They love BW3!" I drove to Broad Ripple -- easy enough, since we live in Broad Ripple -- and found Buffalo Wild Wings. "Shit," I thought (I really did think this) "Where is BW3?"
I drove to Castleton because I remembered seeing a "wings" place there. Again, Buffalo Wild Wings. I called Matt: Where in the hell is BW3? I can only find Buffalo Wild Wings!!
Matt said, "Jill (you idiot) that is BW3."
No it isn't.
Yes it is.
No.
Yes. Ok, go inside and ask them where BW3 is (*chuckling*).
Damn it.
For those of you who are also old, Buffalo Wild Wings is BW3. This is not a place where I eat. I called Matt back and said, "Grammatically, BW3 is inncorrect: ther are only 2 Ws."
He replied, "In tiny letters, it says "Wet and Wild Wings."
Being old, I couldn't read the small print.
Damn it all to hell.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Privacy Act
Well, many have asked why my blog is now private. I was steps away from receiving either a boiling rabbit, or a death threat cut out from individual magazine letters.
Is INtake now called Indy.com? They do realize that they are a newpaper and not a website, right? I'm so out of it.
Is INtake now called Indy.com? They do realize that they are a newpaper and not a website, right? I'm so out of it.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Return of the Gloom
Sam and I returned to the "Blizzard of 2008": 2 inches of snow, a dead car battery, more gray days and a pile of laundry. Baby boy did so well on both flights (he and I both noticed other, bad, less-evolved babies crying around us). Sam gives that huge smile freely, and people were eating it up.
We had a nice, relaxing time. I sat by the pool and got some suntan lines, and I pulled a "Matt" several times in the morning, where I'd pretend not to hear Sam crying, allowing my mom to get up with him. I needed a break, and she gave me one. She cried when we left, and if Sam knew about sensitivity and emotions, he would have cried too. He and grandma are "tight."
Matt was in California, securing our place in the sun, but he and Sam talked daily. Sam knows "phone" and "Dada" and he was very happy to grunt and breathe for Matt.
Matt and I have rekindled this goo-goo-staring-into-one-another's-eye thing. It's hard to find time for romance and smooching, but it's getting easier. I said, "Now get me my ring!"
Fact is, I want an "estate" ring, that's completely unique. Odd, huh?
We're going to a dinner party tonight that includes the kids of 5 couples - should be relaxing and fun. ; )
We had a nice, relaxing time. I sat by the pool and got some suntan lines, and I pulled a "Matt" several times in the morning, where I'd pretend not to hear Sam crying, allowing my mom to get up with him. I needed a break, and she gave me one. She cried when we left, and if Sam knew about sensitivity and emotions, he would have cried too. He and grandma are "tight."
Matt was in California, securing our place in the sun, but he and Sam talked daily. Sam knows "phone" and "Dada" and he was very happy to grunt and breathe for Matt.
Matt and I have rekindled this goo-goo-staring-into-one-another's-eye thing. It's hard to find time for romance and smooching, but it's getting easier. I said, "Now get me my ring!"
Fact is, I want an "estate" ring, that's completely unique. Odd, huh?
We're going to a dinner party tonight that includes the kids of 5 couples - should be relaxing and fun. ; )
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
I need the sunshine and palm trees of Florida...
Remember that TV ad from the '80s? "When you need it bad, we've got it good, come to Florida!"
....Taking Sam to Naples tomorrow. I'm both excited and nervous. I've often shot looks at women with babies screaming on planes, and now I'm potentially that woman. God will get his revenge.
I got my hair highlighted yesterday, and I had to feign ignorance when asked, "What in the world did your last colorist do to your hair?" I was way too embarrassed to admit that my mother was my last colorist (and equally embarrassed that I still refer to "colorists" as "hair dressers"), and that she talked me into letting her color my hair. Oh my God, disaster...it was orange in places. It's fixed now, and I just shrugged and said, "I have no idea what she did." heh heh heh.
I've packed 2 huge suitcases for Sam and me for 6 days. So very me.
So, now that crazies can't see, here are some family photos. : )
....Taking Sam to Naples tomorrow. I'm both excited and nervous. I've often shot looks at women with babies screaming on planes, and now I'm potentially that woman. God will get his revenge.
I got my hair highlighted yesterday, and I had to feign ignorance when asked, "What in the world did your last colorist do to your hair?" I was way too embarrassed to admit that my mother was my last colorist (and equally embarrassed that I still refer to "colorists" as "hair dressers"), and that she talked me into letting her color my hair. Oh my God, disaster...it was orange in places. It's fixed now, and I just shrugged and said, "I have no idea what she did." heh heh heh.
I've packed 2 huge suitcases for Sam and me for 6 days. So very me.
So, now that crazies can't see, here are some family photos. : )
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Correction
I love sentimental men. I emailed Matt "Happy three years of knowing me," and he replied, "Wasn't it yesterday?"
He's right. I'm a mom and I've lost my mind and its knack for remembering dates.
*sigh*
He's right. I'm a mom and I've lost my mind and its knack for remembering dates.
*sigh*
Three Years With Matt
We met three years ago today! My, but a lot has happened. : )
I made my blog private because of the "crazies." If you know someone who reads this, or would like to read it, send me their email address and I'll invite them.
We've decided to go to California wine country for our honeymoon instead of Mexico; I can't be away from Samuel for that long. We're going in April because we'll be in Cali for Matt's friend's wedding, anyway. California wine country is more my bag. Yeeeeah.
Sam is 18 pounds and is breaking my arms and back. Kids are for the young. I never hear about Eric's sister complaining about her back, and she has a big boy too. She's young. I hate her (just kidding). I feel the full depth of age lately, but I'm getting my hair highlighted today so all is right with the world.
Ta ta...
I made my blog private because of the "crazies." If you know someone who reads this, or would like to read it, send me their email address and I'll invite them.
We've decided to go to California wine country for our honeymoon instead of Mexico; I can't be away from Samuel for that long. We're going in April because we'll be in Cali for Matt's friend's wedding, anyway. California wine country is more my bag. Yeeeeah.
Sam is 18 pounds and is breaking my arms and back. Kids are for the young. I never hear about Eric's sister complaining about her back, and she has a big boy too. She's young. I hate her (just kidding). I feel the full depth of age lately, but I'm getting my hair highlighted today so all is right with the world.
Ta ta...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Man Bank
As a kid, everyone had piggy banks; I had this. My mom owned a children's clothing store and she brought this home for me on what I considered a sullen afternoon, saying, "Some day you'll appreciate it." I always kept it in the back of my closet because I was embarrassed to have a weird man-head as a bank. Now I love it. You'll not find him on E-bay. ; )Coffee Shopper
Sam entertained the masses at my dad's house last night while Matt and I snuggled at our favorite winter bar, the Wellington, for a bit. It's nice to get a break, although we always end up talking about Sam and all of his wonders. He really enjoys being up at my dad's because there's a lot more chaos than we can produce.
Matt's cousin Maggie is our new "sitter" and she's home with the rugrat right now while I freelance at a coffee shop. I can make a lot more hourly than we pay for babysitting, so it's time for me to get out once in a while and work. This freelance life just may work!
After several years of hording, I discovered yesterday that I have almost 100,000 airline miles collected on my credit card (yikes - isn't that a mile per dollar??). One word to Matt: Italy. I'll buy!
Matt asked me last night if I'd like to move to Dubai for a year. I said, "Let me think about it. No." I'm afraid I wouldn't feel safe with a baby in a Middle Eastern city. Plus, the money there is mostly from Russian mafia and the like, and I know I'd mouth-off to someone with whom I disagreed and get imprisoned for life; then Sam would be forced to let a stranger hold him 18 hours a day and make his bottles. No way.
Anyhoo, time to work.
Hi Alex - I'll call you soon. Thanks for reading.
Matt's cousin Maggie is our new "sitter" and she's home with the rugrat right now while I freelance at a coffee shop. I can make a lot more hourly than we pay for babysitting, so it's time for me to get out once in a while and work. This freelance life just may work!
After several years of hording, I discovered yesterday that I have almost 100,000 airline miles collected on my credit card (yikes - isn't that a mile per dollar??). One word to Matt: Italy. I'll buy!
Matt asked me last night if I'd like to move to Dubai for a year. I said, "Let me think about it. No." I'm afraid I wouldn't feel safe with a baby in a Middle Eastern city. Plus, the money there is mostly from Russian mafia and the like, and I know I'd mouth-off to someone with whom I disagreed and get imprisoned for life; then Sam would be forced to let a stranger hold him 18 hours a day and make his bottles. No way.
Anyhoo, time to work.
Hi Alex - I'll call you soon. Thanks for reading.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Dinner Late Again
Matt is grilling something called "Beer Butt Chicken." You don't want to know. I kid you not, we're regressing. White trash cooking - gotta love it.
I chatted with my friend tonight who's trying to decide his next world trip. I said, "Well, I'm feeding Sam and watching Ghost Busters on VH1, so it all sounds good to me. A good moment for me is when Sam burps, and a good day is 2 dirty diapers."
He laughed and said, "I hear it's temporary."
Yes it is, and it's all great anyway you slice it (except dirty diapers, which we just fold and discard).
I chatted with my friend tonight who's trying to decide his next world trip. I said, "Well, I'm feeding Sam and watching Ghost Busters on VH1, so it all sounds good to me. A good moment for me is when Sam burps, and a good day is 2 dirty diapers."
He laughed and said, "I hear it's temporary."
Yes it is, and it's all great anyway you slice it (except dirty diapers, which we just fold and discard).
Friday, January 11, 2008
Oh, bama
Last Friday Sullivan's, this Friday pizza ... and Susy & Andrew's company. Yea guests!
Not only do Matt and I (and now Sam) look alike, but now we have matching phones. Matt brought home 2 new HTC "Touch" last night, Germany's version of the iPhone. It's very super cool and I must learn to use this weekend!
Naples very soon. Mexican honeymoon in February. California April. The travelin' life's for me.
Hillary looks like a fish under a magnifying glass. I told Sam to watch out for women who vote only because the candidate is a woman. A rich, political-grubbing, man-eating, fish-under-a-magnifying-glass whose only real emotion is anger. Hold tight Obama.
January is a month made of granite, ice and darkness. February's not much better, though by March I feel the sun rising and living things awakening again.
Not only do Matt and I (and now Sam) look alike, but now we have matching phones. Matt brought home 2 new HTC "Touch" last night, Germany's version of the iPhone. It's very super cool and I must learn to use this weekend!
Naples very soon. Mexican honeymoon in February. California April. The travelin' life's for me.
Hillary looks like a fish under a magnifying glass. I told Sam to watch out for women who vote only because the candidate is a woman. A rich, political-grubbing, man-eating, fish-under-a-magnifying-glass whose only real emotion is anger. Hold tight Obama.
January is a month made of granite, ice and darkness. February's not much better, though by March I feel the sun rising and living things awakening again.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Juno
I ventured outside the family unit today. I went to see Juno at Keystone Arts, ordered a diet Coke and found a seat by myself. I had never been to a movie alone: it was fantastic. I found a two-seater and sat on the outside. When late-comers arrived in pairs, I could honestly shrug and say, "Sorry, only one seat here." Awesome!
Juno was not only the best movie I've seen in a long time, but the only movie I've seen in a long time. I bawled (quietly, secretly, the lonesome dove), and I missed Sam and Matt. Honestly, the prospect of giving a child up for adoption had me so slippery sentimental that I almost couldn't make it through the second reel (hint: when watching a movie, look for the black dot to appear in the right corner screen; this means that it's time to change the reel).
I've read a lot about the author of the movie, a former stripper. She seems pretty flawless to me. The little girl in the movie, Ellen something-or-other, deserves an Oscar.
Soundtrack was cheerful; a little immature, but they did slip one Belle & Sebastian in there (band from Glasgow that I love).
Anyway, Matt said, "Take as much time as you like."
I raced home after the movie.
Juno was not only the best movie I've seen in a long time, but the only movie I've seen in a long time. I bawled (quietly, secretly, the lonesome dove), and I missed Sam and Matt. Honestly, the prospect of giving a child up for adoption had me so slippery sentimental that I almost couldn't make it through the second reel (hint: when watching a movie, look for the black dot to appear in the right corner screen; this means that it's time to change the reel).
I've read a lot about the author of the movie, a former stripper. She seems pretty flawless to me. The little girl in the movie, Ellen something-or-other, deserves an Oscar.
Soundtrack was cheerful; a little immature, but they did slip one Belle & Sebastian in there (band from Glasgow that I love).
Anyway, Matt said, "Take as much time as you like."
I raced home after the movie.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Wish I Was A Sylvia Plath
I bought Matt a chef's hat for Christmas with his name embroidered on it. He needs to quit law and open a restaurant. Law sucks the marrow from the soul. He made brussel sprouts for me tonight - the best ever (my fave, I'm quite strange, this much I know).
We listened to Ryan Adams, who Sam loves (the song Sylvia Plath...a favorite for you fellow iTunes junkies: buy it!). Ryan has many masterpieces.
Matt is giving me the entire day off tomorrow. Huh? What?! I'm going to see the movie Juno, probably followed by a quick trip to Target and an hour or so immersed in literature. All will be done alone, which doesn't happen much anymore (but the trade off is so worth it).
One of the best things about having a baby is reconnecting with people from my past. I have great friends. Gord S, especially, sends me the most positive insight on parenthood; I can feel that guy's smile stretched across my computer screen. Everyone is so kind telling me that I'm a good mom, which feels good after a long day of holding my 15-pounder. Whew, he's a biggie.
Shari P. stopped by today and met Sam. She's a waif herself, and after holding him for a few minutes, she interupted me, saying, "This kid is so freakin' heavy." Funny.
Creativing writing is striking; goodnight.
We listened to Ryan Adams, who Sam loves (the song Sylvia Plath...a favorite for you fellow iTunes junkies: buy it!). Ryan has many masterpieces.
Matt is giving me the entire day off tomorrow. Huh? What?! I'm going to see the movie Juno, probably followed by a quick trip to Target and an hour or so immersed in literature. All will be done alone, which doesn't happen much anymore (but the trade off is so worth it).
One of the best things about having a baby is reconnecting with people from my past. I have great friends. Gord S, especially, sends me the most positive insight on parenthood; I can feel that guy's smile stretched across my computer screen. Everyone is so kind telling me that I'm a good mom, which feels good after a long day of holding my 15-pounder. Whew, he's a biggie.
Shari P. stopped by today and met Sam. She's a waif herself, and after holding him for a few minutes, she interupted me, saying, "This kid is so freakin' heavy." Funny.
Creativing writing is striking; goodnight.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
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