I promised myself that I would get it together this week and make a dinner menu to cut down on take out and general what's-for-dinner aggravation.
Drumroll, please.
Here's what we're eating this week:
Chicken Gyros from Samuari Strong's blog. I am seriously addicted to these. I've made them three times in the last week and I can't get enough!
Escarole and Orzo Soup
Ina Garten's Steak Sanwiches
Pork Chops, cheesy mashed potatoes, and asparagus
BBQ Chicken and Cornbread casserole
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sad Day
We've had our dog, affectionately known as Mr. Puppykins, for about 3 years. We adopted him from the Humane Society and he is my original baby. Before I had Little Man, I dressed him in outfits, holiday-themed bandannas, and even once, a Halloween costume. He only had the best (read: most expensive) dog food, complete with "Life Bits," and whatever gourmet doggie treats he desired. He had his own Christmas stocking, we wrapped presents for him and took him on vacations. He was part of the family in every single way.
But, for about the past year I have been feeling increasingly guilty. You see, Mr. Puppykins has a nasty habit. He bites. Ferociously. He tries to attack nearly every bystander we encounter on walks and God forbid you actually try to enter our home. He's actually bitten two people, and attempted to bite more people than I can count. His behavior has always been a bit embarrassing, but the Humane Society told us that he was abused before we took him and I've always excused his behavior with this fact.
We've been struggling with his behavior nearly since we adopted him. I have read all the Dog Whisperer books and took two dog training classes. We've taken him on long walks, and practiced all the skills they taught us in obedience school. He can sit, stay, shake, and yet he still wants to take a bite out of any passing stranger. He barks relentlessly when we have anyone in our home and will try to attack even our family members.
And today he tried to bite Little Man. That was the last straw.
Mr. Puppykins has been living with my parents for the past couple months. The Smartest Man Alive injured a disc in his back shortly after Little Man was born. With an infant and injured husband to take care of, there just wasn't enough time to watch over a dog who may or may not bite the baby or any number of visitors. But, today Mr. Puppykins came home and it wasn't even an hour before he tried to bite Little Man's fingers while my dad was holding him. He jumped up on the high chair and eyed Little Man with a little too much attention for my liking.
We've been looking for a new home for a few months because we knew that my parents would never be able to keep him permanently and we've always been worried about mixing the dog with the baby especially since he's nearly crawling now. But, Mr. Puppykins reputation precedes him. We even offered a friend with a lot of land and other animals $500 to take him. But, she's met Mr. Puppykins before and she declined.
So we made the hardest decision we've ever had to make. I thank God for my husband, because I never would have been able to follow through with our decision. The Smartest Man Alive took him back to the Humane Society in hopes that he can be adopted by a lonely widow or a single person with Dog Whisperer-talents.
I'm mourning the loss of one of our family members, but more than that, I feel guilty. Guilty because I couldn't train him better. Guilty because I didn't have enough time for him since Little Man was born, and also because I've always bristled at irresponsible people who adopt a pet for the novelty and then give it way once they're bored. I know that's not our situation, but I can't help feeling like I've failed.
But, for about the past year I have been feeling increasingly guilty. You see, Mr. Puppykins has a nasty habit. He bites. Ferociously. He tries to attack nearly every bystander we encounter on walks and God forbid you actually try to enter our home. He's actually bitten two people, and attempted to bite more people than I can count. His behavior has always been a bit embarrassing, but the Humane Society told us that he was abused before we took him and I've always excused his behavior with this fact.
We've been struggling with his behavior nearly since we adopted him. I have read all the Dog Whisperer books and took two dog training classes. We've taken him on long walks, and practiced all the skills they taught us in obedience school. He can sit, stay, shake, and yet he still wants to take a bite out of any passing stranger. He barks relentlessly when we have anyone in our home and will try to attack even our family members.
And today he tried to bite Little Man. That was the last straw.
Mr. Puppykins has been living with my parents for the past couple months. The Smartest Man Alive injured a disc in his back shortly after Little Man was born. With an infant and injured husband to take care of, there just wasn't enough time to watch over a dog who may or may not bite the baby or any number of visitors. But, today Mr. Puppykins came home and it wasn't even an hour before he tried to bite Little Man's fingers while my dad was holding him. He jumped up on the high chair and eyed Little Man with a little too much attention for my liking.
We've been looking for a new home for a few months because we knew that my parents would never be able to keep him permanently and we've always been worried about mixing the dog with the baby especially since he's nearly crawling now. But, Mr. Puppykins reputation precedes him. We even offered a friend with a lot of land and other animals $500 to take him. But, she's met Mr. Puppykins before and she declined.
So we made the hardest decision we've ever had to make. I thank God for my husband, because I never would have been able to follow through with our decision. The Smartest Man Alive took him back to the Humane Society in hopes that he can be adopted by a lonely widow or a single person with Dog Whisperer-talents.
I'm mourning the loss of one of our family members, but more than that, I feel guilty. Guilty because I couldn't train him better. Guilty because I didn't have enough time for him since Little Man was born, and also because I've always bristled at irresponsible people who adopt a pet for the novelty and then give it way once they're bored. I know that's not our situation, but I can't help feeling like I've failed.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Splish Splash...
It seems as though those brief swimmy lessons must have paid off.
Little Man was a very messy eater tonight and had to go straight from the highchair to the tub. Since the Smartest Man Alive was coaching lacrosse tonight and Little Man has been getting out some baby angst ALL DAY, I was kind of dreading this chore. He's already fussy today (could Tooth Watch '09 be coming to a climax?!) I thought the water would surely make him howl.
Pleasant surprise: Little Man played with a sponge, wash cloth, splashed, and just generally had a good time in the bath tub. I poured water over his head: Not a peep. His bath toys escaped his tiny grasp: Not so much as a whine. I wiped his face: He looked up at me with a giant smile.
Hallelujah!
Little Man was a very messy eater tonight and had to go straight from the highchair to the tub. Since the Smartest Man Alive was coaching lacrosse tonight and Little Man has been getting out some baby angst ALL DAY, I was kind of dreading this chore. He's already fussy today (could Tooth Watch '09 be coming to a climax?!) I thought the water would surely make him howl.
Pleasant surprise: Little Man played with a sponge, wash cloth, splashed, and just generally had a good time in the bath tub. I poured water over his head: Not a peep. His bath toys escaped his tiny grasp: Not so much as a whine. I wiped his face: He looked up at me with a giant smile.
Hallelujah!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Hi Ho Hi Ho...It's back to work I go.
I haven't been writing much because this week has been a blur. Between going back to work and daycare, starting swimmy lessons, and the general maintenance that comes with running a household, we've been pooped.
So, just to catch you up on our exciting life, here's a few tidbits.
*To say Little Man hates the water would be an understatement. See evidence below:
Well, living in Florida I feel obligated to teach him to swim at an early age. After all, summer storms here can create the equivalent of Lake Michigan in your front yard after 10 minutes of rain. So, I signed him up for lessons at our local public pool. Unfortunately, the only lessons they had available before NEXT summer was scheduled for our first week back to school and, conveniently, during Little Man's nap time.
But, I like living on the edge. So, off we went. The first lesson was the worst. He cried for 20 minutes out of the 30 minute lesson. In his defense, he was tired and our swim instructor splashed him in the face almost immediately. In the end, he did much better, but I'm not sure we're going to continue the lessons this time. We've already been shown how to help him kick and float and we might just practice that on our own time. Then, we'll get lessons again next summer when he's a little bigger.
*I've adopted a Little Engine That Could mantra about going back to work. Since I've already done it once after maternity leave, I figured going back to work after summer break would be a breeze. But, it's not. Anytime you leave your baby it's tough. Whether you work one day a week or five. I'm trying to think of how lucky I am to have wonderful childcare and a job I love doing.
*I'm working on creating a dinner schedule each week. I usually wait until about 3 o'clock when I get home from school to decide what we're having for dinner. This leads to unnecessary grocery trips, an excess of take-out, and just general annoyance. This time, I'm just going to DO IT.
So, just to catch you up on our exciting life, here's a few tidbits.
*To say Little Man hates the water would be an understatement. See evidence below:
Well, living in Florida I feel obligated to teach him to swim at an early age. After all, summer storms here can create the equivalent of Lake Michigan in your front yard after 10 minutes of rain. So, I signed him up for lessons at our local public pool. Unfortunately, the only lessons they had available before NEXT summer was scheduled for our first week back to school and, conveniently, during Little Man's nap time.
But, I like living on the edge. So, off we went. The first lesson was the worst. He cried for 20 minutes out of the 30 minute lesson. In his defense, he was tired and our swim instructor splashed him in the face almost immediately. In the end, he did much better, but I'm not sure we're going to continue the lessons this time. We've already been shown how to help him kick and float and we might just practice that on our own time. Then, we'll get lessons again next summer when he's a little bigger.
*I've adopted a Little Engine That Could mantra about going back to work. Since I've already done it once after maternity leave, I figured going back to work after summer break would be a breeze. But, it's not. Anytime you leave your baby it's tough. Whether you work one day a week or five. I'm trying to think of how lucky I am to have wonderful childcare and a job I love doing.
*I'm working on creating a dinner schedule each week. I usually wait until about 3 o'clock when I get home from school to decide what we're having for dinner. This leads to unnecessary grocery trips, an excess of take-out, and just general annoyance. This time, I'm just going to DO IT.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Victory!
Little Man has been going to physical therapy once a week since he was about two months old. He has torticollis, a condition where his neck muscles aren't strengthened on one side, causing his head to tilt and creating a flat spot on his head. It's often caused by positioning in the womb, and doctors recommend physically therapy. But, a small percentage of babies need surgery to lengthen the neck muscle.
We've done all kinds of exercises at home and gone to weekly visits with a physical therapist. The goal of therapy is to strengthen his neck muscles so the tilt eventually disappears.
This week, we got great news from the physical therapist that he can decrease his therapy to twice a month! Hooray!
It's not that I mind taking him to therapy each week. It's actually kind of fun because the therapy is mainly exercises disguised as playing. But, when your baby is eight months old and still flops his head to one side, people start looking at you funny. Plus, it effects all sorts of other mobility milestones. As other babies his age are crawling, Little Man is still working up the strength to get moving.
We've done all kinds of exercises at home and gone to weekly visits with a physical therapist. The goal of therapy is to strengthen his neck muscles so the tilt eventually disappears.
This week, we got great news from the physical therapist that he can decrease his therapy to twice a month! Hooray!
It's not that I mind taking him to therapy each week. It's actually kind of fun because the therapy is mainly exercises disguised as playing. But, when your baby is eight months old and still flops his head to one side, people start looking at you funny. Plus, it effects all sorts of other mobility milestones. As other babies his age are crawling, Little Man is still working up the strength to get moving.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Update: Operation Must Lose Baby Weight NOW!
Operation Must Lose Baby Weight NOW! has been in full effect for about a month. I do feel a lot better and enjoy my time walking with my buddies. BUT -- I apparently have lost zero pounds. That's right: I haven't lost any weight even though I'm busting my rear-end waking up at 6 a.m. (during the SUMMER) and walking about 3 miles per day. I was about to blame this on a simple errant scale -- but I've weighed myself on several different scales and I'm afraid I'll need to accept the truth.
I'm trying to stay focused on the goal: Running the Disney 5K in January. But, things are getting desperate! I'm not the most patient of people when it comes to seeing results (or not).
I also have another dilemma: School is starting soon and I will need clothes to wear. Not just the flowy dresses and stretch pants I've been wearing all summer, but, like, professional clothes. I have informed the Smartest Man Alive that I will no longer be wearing maternity clothes. It has been far too long and I just refuse. So, a shopping trip may be in order. Even though I love shopping, I hate to spend a ton of cash on clothes I don't plan on wearing too long.
So tell me, how did you lose your baby weight? How long did it take?
I'm trying to stay focused on the goal: Running the Disney 5K in January. But, things are getting desperate! I'm not the most patient of people when it comes to seeing results (or not).
I also have another dilemma: School is starting soon and I will need clothes to wear. Not just the flowy dresses and stretch pants I've been wearing all summer, but, like, professional clothes. I have informed the Smartest Man Alive that I will no longer be wearing maternity clothes. It has been far too long and I just refuse. So, a shopping trip may be in order. Even though I love shopping, I hate to spend a ton of cash on clothes I don't plan on wearing too long.
So tell me, how did you lose your baby weight? How long did it take?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Independence Day
I know July 4th has passed. We're talking about Little Man's Independence here. Up until now he's been a cute, cuddly, smiley baby who has done whatever we desire. We've taken him to restaurants, parks, libraries, museums, really anywhere we wanted to go. But, I'm starting to sense a change in him.
We used to quietly read to him every night and he would snuggle in our laps looking at the book and perhaps reaching to touch the pictures. But, lately he's started squirming, arching his back, reaching to wiggle out of his mama's arms and protesting -- quite loudly -- if he is unsuccessful. When I sit him on my lap while we're eating at friends' homes or restaurants, he bangs loudly on the table, snatches food unceremoniously off others' plates, and reaches for whatever sharp and sparkly objects he can find. He's decided he doesn't much care for his car seat and wriggles and protests as I strap him in.
Don't get me wrong: His new skills are cute and I'm proud of all the new things he's learning. But, I'm a little sad that this new change is coming. He'll be crawling soon, feeding himself, and wanting to cuddle even less. Once school starts and we're all back to work and our normal routine, time is going to fly even faster.
Do I look like a big boy to you?
We used to quietly read to him every night and he would snuggle in our laps looking at the book and perhaps reaching to touch the pictures. But, lately he's started squirming, arching his back, reaching to wiggle out of his mama's arms and protesting -- quite loudly -- if he is unsuccessful. When I sit him on my lap while we're eating at friends' homes or restaurants, he bangs loudly on the table, snatches food unceremoniously off others' plates, and reaches for whatever sharp and sparkly objects he can find. He's decided he doesn't much care for his car seat and wriggles and protests as I strap him in.
Don't get me wrong: His new skills are cute and I'm proud of all the new things he's learning. But, I'm a little sad that this new change is coming. He'll be crawling soon, feeding himself, and wanting to cuddle even less. Once school starts and we're all back to work and our normal routine, time is going to fly even faster.
Do I look like a big boy to you?
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Yum!
I made this Rum Pineapple Upside Down Cake to bring to a friend's house. It was DELICIOUS and quite easy to make. I love to cook, but I'm not the best baker. This recipe from Mixing Bowl was foolproof!
I was even thinking that next time, instead of making a cake, this could make excellent cupcakes. You could just chop up the pineapple, place them in the bottom of a cupcake tin, and distribute the brown sugar/rum mixture evenly.
I was even thinking that next time, instead of making a cake, this could make excellent cupcakes. You could just chop up the pineapple, place them in the bottom of a cupcake tin, and distribute the brown sugar/rum mixture evenly.
Doesn't it look yummy?
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