you're kidding...another plane trip?

Yup. that's right. we did. The Minneapolis/St. Paul trip. It was also a bit of hell. Perhaps not quite as hellish as the Tejas trip, but the flames were licking nonetheless. So, did you know that A. does not travel well? Perhaps you are saying (you nonexistent you, you) that you knew this already - why did we not know this? We did know this, but we went and took the horrible plane trip anyway. Because...

we are insane.

One good point? We went to a zoo. A. loved the wee little duckies and the big orangutangs and gorillas. She was still cranky anyway. Another good point? The St. Paul Children's Museum. Go, go, go there! It was amazing. 5 floors of fun, even for toddlers, even a little fun for babies. The Habitot, as in Habitrail, was super. We actually got to sit a moment while she went up and down stairs and ramps and such. The only annoying thing at the Habitot was the bigger kids that tried feats of daring-do like taking a flying leap off the top of a set of stairs. I am thinking - why, oh why are you giving my little daredevil ideas, you little !!$&#*$^! And she played in a water table for several glorious minutes. And ran and ran around, ready, it seemed, to leave us behind at every dash. She is an independent child, she is.

And we got to see some friends. And a Fountains of Wayne concert. And I did not puke on the plane. And I did not have the "I am still on this freaking plane" feeling for days after we got home. So, yes slightly less hellish. M. says to me on the last late-at-night and late-in-flight plane that perhaps we should not fly with A. for a while.

Halle-freaking-lujah.

Bye-bye na-na

Well, it's official. Breastfeeding is really over. That day of A's 18-month b-day was really it. It is only slightly missed - otherwise it is very freeing. If weaning can possibly be child-directed, as in mama, no thanks, I am done, then that's a good way I think. But, really, I believe whatever way is best for the whole family, is, well...best for the whole family. But I am happy with the whole process for the most part. Could have done without the biting, thanks! But it was lovely really. very sweet.

Bye-bye na-na.

Hellooooo margaritas and teeth whitening!

Since then we have gone to Tejas to see family and go to a wedding. Can I say...it was hell! We traveled like people that do not have an 18-month old - lesson learned, I hope. Flew to Houston on Fri, drove to Austin on Sunday, went to a wedding of my good friend for 2 1/2 minutes before A. freaked, stayed in Austin sun night, drove back to Houston on Mon, flew home on Tues. A. was, uh...not pleased. Cranky, bouncy, punchy, sleepy, not-sleepy, fussy, hungry, not-hungry - did I say bouncy. As in - on my queasy stomach - for hours?!

lordy. it was a mess. I am still recovering over a week later. no really. On the final 4-hour late bumpy storm-chasing flight, the woman in front of me, looking fresh and posh, said "You look exhausted dear." Dear? I must have really looked like complete crap to get the term of endearment. And I did. I still feel like I am on that damn plane. could someone give me an astronaut's inner ear for my next birthday?

And then I guess I caught a bug - not a cute bug - an ugly bug. with nasty tummy issues and a fever and chills.

We are flying to Minneapolis in August to see M's family. Could you guess that I am not looking forward to it? Can I get out of it? Hmmmm. Let's think...no. Could I just sit way far away in another seat? Hmmmm. perhaps? Ugh. Ugh. So jealous am I of those plane travelers that can just sit, read, chat, have cocktails, move their damn heads, without feeling barfy.

Little prayer to the gods of genetics:
Please let A. escape this inner ear hell.

Whew! Whining feels good. Thank goodness no one will read this.

No na-na

wow - what a fabulous day with A. Ok, that sounds weird - there are many fabulous days with my little poo machine. But, with M being out of town (again!) and me being tired and having to work on a saturday - I brought A, she was such a trooper! And with no screaming and yelling all day - none! Well, maybe some whining, and that was mostly me. I feel a little guilty saying it, but I think it has to do with the glorious and also bittersweet fact that there was no, absolutley no na-na today. she didn't even ask for it. Maybe she has finally realized that it just isn't the same bountiful na-na it used to be? maybe she has realized that mama's wincing and frustation from baby teeth on the "you-know-whats" kinda might be a not so happy thing? Maybe it was just a fluke. Don't know. Tomorrow might be another thing alltogether. But today - today was a no na-na on her 18-month 1/2 birthday, O.M.G. good day.


(yeah - I will miss it.)

It took 9 years????

In the school of "why in the heck did it take me so long to do this?" this morning I venured down some paths leading to the river while on a working walk today. Being a staff photographer for a New England village/museum (for 9 years, yup!) affords me the excuse to go out walking on a lovely day like today as long as I bring my camera. I am on a mission to get pics while getting fit - wish me luck.

Anyway, I have strolled BY the river many a time, but not gotten too close. (So lazy as to not want to go off the road and find a path through the poison oak, ya know.) But today I did and it was so darn purty! Reflections and water and good light and peace and quiet, but for the hum and buzz of farm equipment in the distance. Okay - I kinda wish there were a few passing clouds out so I could have the big-ole diffuser effect, but morning light is softer thankfully.

I got my shoes and cuffs all soggy from the dew. Had to go barefoot at the office for a bit - aw heck! Took this pic (to the right) of a view of the river that seems to be the same view I saw in a late 19th century postcard. These are the days I love my job!

sick pookiebear

ok, so when will the daycare disease stop it's crap?! Atti is sick again. Fever, crankyness, earache/ick. It comes just in time for the weekend, when mama is off work. poor bear.

venturing...

First post. oh boy. See you in two months when I get myself together to do another! wheneverly wheneverly