June 10, 2007
May 21, 2007
May 17, 2007
May 15, 2007
We've survived our first month!
So I've been a little busy lately.I don't spend much time online anymore, have become a terrible correspondent, and have no idea what's going on in the world. However, I could probably tell you how many dirty diapers I've changed today, and what happened on "Guiding Light".
It's noon and I'm still wearing my pajamas and will consider myself lucky today if I get to eat lunch, pee, and shower and put on makeup. (Yes, makeup. I may wear tank tops and cut off sweatpants every day now, but that's no reason to totally fall apart.)
Cooper is doing great. He eats constantly, sleeps occasionally (though not in his bed, that's where we put him if we want to wake him up) and is growing like a weed. He's now over 9lbs and so strong that he's already rolled over. Now if we could just teach him to wash his own bottles, I may get some laundry done sometime this summer.
Cooper is doing great. He eats constantly, sleeps occasionally (though not in his bed, that's where we put him if we want to wake him up) and is growing like a weed. He's now over 9lbs and so strong that he's already rolled over. Now if we could just teach him to wash his own bottles, I may get some laundry done sometime this summer.
April 18, 2007
Look what I got!
Cooper Gregory Seaver, born April 17th at 9:22pm. 7lbs, 11oz, 18 1/2 inches.
We're healthy and thrilled. Thanks to all for your well wishes!
We're healthy and thrilled. Thanks to all for your well wishes!
April 12, 2007
Baby Update: 40 Weeks
Apparently the baby does not care that today was supposed to be his birthday.As you can see, he's still en route.
April 04, 2007
Super Kandis
Rob thinks I’m a hero. Now of course I think I am. Hello? I’m wearing a cape. But how clever am I that I’ve successfully convinced him that I’m somehow amazing for managing to survive pregnancy? After all, it’s not like women all over the world have been doing this for thousands of years. (They have? Well for God’s sake, keep that to yourself! I could potentially score some jewelry out of this.)
Of course the reason Rob thinks I’m so heroic is because I’ve made sure that he knows all of the trials I’m going through while incubating our son. He lived through the ten weeks of miserable whining and nausea that was my first trimester. He gets to hear all about my daily aches and pains, and gets to see me limp around in the evenings like an 80 year-old crone. He’s forced to admire my puffy cankles and hobbit feet. And listen to the moaning and groaning every time I have to get in and out of the car or the bed. And I make sure he knows exactly how many times I had to get up to pee last night. (Six, if anyone is interested.)
Yet he’s managed to survive it all. He hasn’t once given up and snapped “Okay, I get it already! You’re uncomfortable!” He hasn’t once made fun of my freakishly huge belly and puffy ankles, and in fact always does his best to try and make me feel pretty. He makes dinner or goes and picks something up on the nights that I don’t think I can limp around another moment. He’s made many store runs for such essentials as: Dr. Pepper, Blue Bell, and Rolos. He’s assembled more nursery furniture than anyone should ever have to. (“This is the last thing we need, I swear!”) And he’s done all the lifting and carrying and cleaning that I deemed too much for my delicate condition. He took me away to a bed & breakfast in Fredericksburg for a lovely weekend of shopping and eating. And he’s accompanied me on several trips to what has to be a man's version of the seventh ring of hell: Babies R Us.
And I know that as long as he shows our baby boy as much patience as he’s shown me these last 39 weeks, he’s going to be a great dad.
Now, about those brownies I’m craving…
March 20, 2007
Have you seen Squishy?
Our friends Barrett and Heather have lost their beloved pug, Squishy.
They send out this message:
They send out this message: PLEASE HELP! We lost our pug Thursday night (March 15th) at the corner of 14th and Chestnut Ave. (East Austin). She's 5 years-old, fawn colored, fixed, does not have a microchip or a collar on. She responds to her name and also comes when clapping twice. She's very friendly, very sociable, extremely sweet so if you know of anyone who's taken in a stray pug please contact us. Any and all information will be appreciated, call anytime. Ph: (512) 784-0615.
We're asking anyone who is on MySpace to please check out our sites Infinity Recording Studios and Circle Line Designs and send a bulletin to everyone you know.(A bulletin on myspace is a message that is sent to every single one of your "myspace friends"). It's a great way to spread the word all across central Texas that we're looking for our pug Squishy. You can copy the information from our MySpace pages for the post or just copy this! The more people that we can reach the better our chances of getting her back home! Plus, it's something you can do from home or work that could have an immense effect! Please help us!
If you have any information you can reach us at 512-784-0615 anytime, day or night. Thanks to anyone and everyone who can take the time to try and help!
March 16, 2007
the lunch of champions
Today I ran up to 7-Eleven during my lunch break to get some gasoline and a snack.
The very nice Indian man at the counter handed me my receipt and said "Thank you and God bless the baby." Which I thought was really kind.
But then I realized that he may think the baby really needs the blessing since his mother is, by all appearances, subsisting on nothing but Slurpees, bbq Fritos, and Ding Dongs.
The very nice Indian man at the counter handed me my receipt and said "Thank you and God bless the baby." Which I thought was really kind.
But then I realized that he may think the baby really needs the blessing since his mother is, by all appearances, subsisting on nothing but Slurpees, bbq Fritos, and Ding Dongs.
March 15, 2007
Beware the Ides of March
"When are you due again?"
"So, how much longer?"
"Wow, you haven't had that baby yet?"
"It seems like you've been pregnant forever."
Yeah, just going for the regular 40 weeks. But thanks. Really.
Edited to add: And this new one, courtesy of my hair stylist:
"Wow, how many babies are in there?"
March 13, 2007
Shoes You Can Use
My favorite flip flop manufacturer, who last year came out with the flip flops with the built in bottle opener, has debuted their newest innovative designs. The Reef Stash comes with a handy drawer for your credit card and key! Useful for those times you don’t want to carry a purse, or you know… pockets.
And the Reef Dram, with a built in flask. You heard me. They have a plastic canteen in the heel with a screw cap that can be opened by using a key that is included, a miniature funnel to insure a clean pour, and a measuring bar on the footbed that shows how much booze is left in your shoe.
And the Reef Dram, with a built in flask. You heard me. They have a plastic canteen in the heel with a screw cap that can be opened by using a key that is included, a miniature funnel to insure a clean pour, and a measuring bar on the footbed that shows how much booze is left in your shoe.
Do they know the way to a spring breaker’s heart or what?
March 12, 2007
Please don't tell the milk nazis where I live.
So for a few months now, I’ve been struggling with a decision. If you’re of the male persuasion, this may be the part where you’ll want to avert your eyes. Because I’m talking about breastfeeding.
I guess I never gave it a whole lot of thought before I got pregnant. I’ve always known it’s the healthiest way to feed your baby. It was impossible to grow up with my mother (who nursed my sister and me for at least 18 months each) and not know the benefits of breastfeeding and the evils of formula. I always assumed I would probably breastfeed my child one day.
But now that I’m about a month away from the actual event, I’ve been doing a lot of reading, and talking to various people I know, and I’m still really torn about what to do. I really do know all of the advertised benefits of breastfeeding. And of course I want the lowered risk of allergies for the baby and lowered risk of cancer for myself. There is definitely the convenience factor for night feedings, of not having to get up out of bed at all (we’ll be using a co-sleeper infant bed). There’s also the added benefit of not having to pay for formula and sterilized water (we’re way to lazy to boil water and wait for it to cool).
However, I don’t really want to breastfeed. Of course I want all of the benefits, without actually having to do any of the work. But I find that I’m just not one of those people who feels a burning need to nurse their child. And no, it’s not because I think it’s icky nor am I embarrassed that I have boobs. Although I dread the idea of having to use a breast pump at work. Our setting at work is less than ideal, and though I’m not embarrassed about the boobs, I don’t exactly like the idea of drawing attention to them in front of all the pervs that seem to populate my office. The biggest con I have about breastfeeding is the fact that Rob has expressed a desire to help in the feeding equally, from the beginning. And when you have a husband willing to take on some of the night feedings so that you can get more rest, why would you want to turn that down? It would also give him an opportunity to get over his fear that he might break the baby, allowing for some important bonding time. There’s also the added peace of mind that would come with knowing that Rob would be able to care for our son easily, whether I’ve had time to pump milk or not.
Lately, the more I read, the more offended I become by so much of the breastfeeding literature. There’s of course the pervasive guilt factor: that if you don’t breastfeed, you’re a selfish mother. And then there’s the advocating of “exclusive breastfeeding” (no use of bottles or pacifiers). That may work out really well for the women who don’t have to, or don’t wish to go back to work six weeks (the standard maternity leave in the US) after giving birth. But it’s simply not realistic in this day and age. And besides not being realistic, I think it excludes the father in an unhealthy way. What’s the point of dual parenting if you can’t share equally in the tasks?
Some of the other pro-breastfeeding propaganda that bothers me:
Increases bonding between mother and baby. I don’t doubt this is true, but does that mean women who don’t breastfeed don’t bond with their babies? It seems that the act of feeding and cuddling your baby is how we bond, regardless of what that food source is. And when the father is also able to share in the feeding, he’s able to bond with the baby equally.
Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q. Possibly. Or not. According to this recent study, “Breastfed babies are smarter because their mothers are clever in the first place, not because of any advantage of breastfeeding itself, a study suggests. Researchers found breastfeeding mothers tended to be more intelligent, more highly educated, and likely to provide a more stimulating home environment.” And I can’t help but noticing that my formula fed husband, though not as smart as I am of course, definitely has stronger math, and geography skills than I do.
Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby's immune system. That’s probably true, but then I was sick so often as a child, that I had my tonsils out and tubes put in my ears (due to the numerous ear infections) by the time I was four years-old. My formula fed husband, though a seasonal allergy sufferer, still has his tonsils and tube-free ears.
Formula feeding increases risk of children developing diabetes. Yeah, so does McDonald’s and sodas and our sedentary American lifestyles. Statistically, kids in this country are getting fatter. We all are. I refuse to blame this one on the formula.
Formula feeding may increase risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). And that’s one scary reason right there, isn’t it? But then again, they’re still not sure what causes SIDS at all. According to this excellent article, there’s some evidence to indicate that the reason breastfed babies are at a lower risk of dying from SIDS is due to the fact that they’re more likely to be sleeping in the same room as their parents (thus having their breathing monitored). That seems to advocate co-sleeping more than nursing.
Formula-fed babies are more at risk for obesity in later life. Oh yeah? Have you seen me lately?
Breastfeeding is easier than using formula. Except for the fact that breastfeeding infants feed every 1 ½ to two hours, whereas formula fed babies feed every three hours or so. I don’t know about you, but that extra hour of sleep nearly clinches it for me.
Facilitates proper dental and jaw development, less money spent on corrective orthodontia. I don’t buy that for a second. That part is all genetics. I spent $3,000 on orthodontia for my breastfed self.
Basically, the whole thing makes my brain hurt. I do believe that breastfeeding is best, I really do. But I also don’t believe that the millions of mothers who have to, or choose to use formula are horrible people who don’t care about their baby’s health. If I do end up breastfeeding, it’s very likely that I would only do it for 3-6 months, not the one year or more that the American Academy of Pediatrics advocates. But whatever choice I make, it’s going to be because that’s what Rob and I decide is best for our family. And I hope people are respectful of our decision.
Edited to add: Interesting article from a formula feeding mom.
I guess I never gave it a whole lot of thought before I got pregnant. I’ve always known it’s the healthiest way to feed your baby. It was impossible to grow up with my mother (who nursed my sister and me for at least 18 months each) and not know the benefits of breastfeeding and the evils of formula. I always assumed I would probably breastfeed my child one day.
But now that I’m about a month away from the actual event, I’ve been doing a lot of reading, and talking to various people I know, and I’m still really torn about what to do. I really do know all of the advertised benefits of breastfeeding. And of course I want the lowered risk of allergies for the baby and lowered risk of cancer for myself. There is definitely the convenience factor for night feedings, of not having to get up out of bed at all (we’ll be using a co-sleeper infant bed). There’s also the added benefit of not having to pay for formula and sterilized water (we’re way to lazy to boil water and wait for it to cool).
However, I don’t really want to breastfeed. Of course I want all of the benefits, without actually having to do any of the work. But I find that I’m just not one of those people who feels a burning need to nurse their child. And no, it’s not because I think it’s icky nor am I embarrassed that I have boobs. Although I dread the idea of having to use a breast pump at work. Our setting at work is less than ideal, and though I’m not embarrassed about the boobs, I don’t exactly like the idea of drawing attention to them in front of all the pervs that seem to populate my office. The biggest con I have about breastfeeding is the fact that Rob has expressed a desire to help in the feeding equally, from the beginning. And when you have a husband willing to take on some of the night feedings so that you can get more rest, why would you want to turn that down? It would also give him an opportunity to get over his fear that he might break the baby, allowing for some important bonding time. There’s also the added peace of mind that would come with knowing that Rob would be able to care for our son easily, whether I’ve had time to pump milk or not.
Lately, the more I read, the more offended I become by so much of the breastfeeding literature. There’s of course the pervasive guilt factor: that if you don’t breastfeed, you’re a selfish mother. And then there’s the advocating of “exclusive breastfeeding” (no use of bottles or pacifiers). That may work out really well for the women who don’t have to, or don’t wish to go back to work six weeks (the standard maternity leave in the US) after giving birth. But it’s simply not realistic in this day and age. And besides not being realistic, I think it excludes the father in an unhealthy way. What’s the point of dual parenting if you can’t share equally in the tasks?
Some of the other pro-breastfeeding propaganda that bothers me:
Increases bonding between mother and baby. I don’t doubt this is true, but does that mean women who don’t breastfeed don’t bond with their babies? It seems that the act of feeding and cuddling your baby is how we bond, regardless of what that food source is. And when the father is also able to share in the feeding, he’s able to bond with the baby equally.
Formula Feeding is associated with lower I.Q. Possibly. Or not. According to this recent study, “Breastfed babies are smarter because their mothers are clever in the first place, not because of any advantage of breastfeeding itself, a study suggests. Researchers found breastfeeding mothers tended to be more intelligent, more highly educated, and likely to provide a more stimulating home environment.” And I can’t help but noticing that my formula fed husband, though not as smart as I am of course, definitely has stronger math, and geography skills than I do.
Breast milk contains immunities to diseases and aids in the development of baby's immune system. That’s probably true, but then I was sick so often as a child, that I had my tonsils out and tubes put in my ears (due to the numerous ear infections) by the time I was four years-old. My formula fed husband, though a seasonal allergy sufferer, still has his tonsils and tube-free ears.
Formula feeding increases risk of children developing diabetes. Yeah, so does McDonald’s and sodas and our sedentary American lifestyles. Statistically, kids in this country are getting fatter. We all are. I refuse to blame this one on the formula.
Formula feeding may increase risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). And that’s one scary reason right there, isn’t it? But then again, they’re still not sure what causes SIDS at all. According to this excellent article, there’s some evidence to indicate that the reason breastfed babies are at a lower risk of dying from SIDS is due to the fact that they’re more likely to be sleeping in the same room as their parents (thus having their breathing monitored). That seems to advocate co-sleeping more than nursing.
Formula-fed babies are more at risk for obesity in later life. Oh yeah? Have you seen me lately?
Breastfeeding is easier than using formula. Except for the fact that breastfeeding infants feed every 1 ½ to two hours, whereas formula fed babies feed every three hours or so. I don’t know about you, but that extra hour of sleep nearly clinches it for me.
Facilitates proper dental and jaw development, less money spent on corrective orthodontia. I don’t buy that for a second. That part is all genetics. I spent $3,000 on orthodontia for my breastfed self.
Basically, the whole thing makes my brain hurt. I do believe that breastfeeding is best, I really do. But I also don’t believe that the millions of mothers who have to, or choose to use formula are horrible people who don’t care about their baby’s health. If I do end up breastfeeding, it’s very likely that I would only do it for 3-6 months, not the one year or more that the American Academy of Pediatrics advocates. But whatever choice I make, it’s going to be because that’s what Rob and I decide is best for our family. And I hope people are respectful of our decision.
Edited to add: Interesting article from a formula feeding mom.
February 26, 2007
Can I do this for a living?
Okay, well I called eight out of 11. But completely missing Best Picture is a pretty big flub. Early on I leaned towards The Departed, just because the Academy seems to like big ensemble casts full of big names. But when the critics seems so dismissive, I didn't think it had a chance. I could have gone either way on the Best Director category, so I'm not really surprised Scorsese nabbed that one. At least I called Best Supporting Actor and Animated Feature correctly. In your face Roger Ebert.
February 24, 2007
My Oscar Picks at 7:10pm on Feb. 24th
I'll tell you the truth. I really don't feel as confident about my picks this year. I usually agree with a lot of Ebert's reviews, but I'm not feeling Eddie Murphy for Best Supporting Actor. Bowfinger? Really?
The Best Director category could go either way. Martin Scorsese has never won, but most critics agree The Departed isn't his best work. And the Academy loves them some Clint Eastwood.
I am also having an impossible time with the Best Animated Feature and Best Motion Picture. Honestly, none of the nominees for best picture have that special something that makes them an obvious choice. Of the nominees, I think I prefer Little Miss Sunshine, but that seems an awfully cheesy way for the Academy to go. Yes, the same Academy that gave the award to Titanic. I just feel sure they won't go with Babel.
Performance by an actor in a leading role
Forest Whitaker in The Last King of Scotland
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Alan Arkin in Little Miss Sunshine
Performance by an actress in a leading role
Helen Mirren in The Queen
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls
Best animated feature film of the year
Happy Feet
Achievement in cinematography
Pan's Labyrinth
Achievement in directing
Letters from Iwo Jima
Best documentary feature
An Inconvenient Truth
Adapted screenplay
Children of Men
Original screenplay
Little Miss Sunshine
Best motion picture of the year
Letters from Iwo Jima
The Best Director category could go either way. Martin Scorsese has never won, but most critics agree The Departed isn't his best work. And the Academy loves them some Clint Eastwood.
I am also having an impossible time with the Best Animated Feature and Best Motion Picture. Honestly, none of the nominees for best picture have that special something that makes them an obvious choice. Of the nominees, I think I prefer Little Miss Sunshine, but that seems an awfully cheesy way for the Academy to go. Yes, the same Academy that gave the award to Titanic. I just feel sure they won't go with Babel.
Performance by an actor in a leading role
Forest Whitaker in The Last King of Scotland
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Alan Arkin in Little Miss Sunshine
Performance by an actress in a leading role
Helen Mirren in The Queen
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls
Best animated feature film of the year
Happy Feet
Achievement in cinematography
Pan's Labyrinth
Achievement in directing
Letters from Iwo Jima
Best documentary feature
An Inconvenient Truth
Adapted screenplay
Children of Men
Original screenplay
Little Miss Sunshine
Best motion picture of the year
Letters from Iwo Jima
February 23, 2007
Yes, I’m still alive.
Know how I know? The lower back pain, heel spur, waddling, the huge belly that feels like I’m carrying a bowling ball, ridiculously fast growing fingernails, congestion, exhaustion, sleeplessness, leg cramps, and other assorted aches and pains. Oh, and the fact that I had to get up to pee six times last night. Seven weeks to go, and this kid better be on time.
In other news, my mom finished a new sweater and diaper bag just for me.
I have a new online wishlist at Kaboodle. Because the two baby registries (Target and Babies R Us) and the three page Amazon wishlist really wasn't sufficient enough to document the sheer amount of stuff I covet on the web.
Rob and I are checking out Super Suppers this weekend. Anyone else try that? We thought it would be a good supplement to our Greenling produce deliveries. And plus, we’re really tired of all the stuff we know how to cook. So, short of hiring a personal chef, this is kind of our only hope.
Sunday is the Oscars! I’ll be working on my Oscar picks to post before then. Last year I correctly predicted 9 out of 11 categories. I don’t anticipate doing as well this year. None of the nominated films have buzz that reaches Brokeback proportions.
And Lamb! Poor, poor Sheriff Lamb. Michael Muhney said he was heartbroken about the decision to kill Sheriff Lamb off "Veronica Mars", but he was still glad that the plot point remained under wraps until it aired. Love him. And I'm really disappointed that we'll probably never really learn about Lamb's motivations. Like the time Duncan and Veronica broke into the Manning's house and exposed the child abuse going on in the house. Lamb relased them without a word. It was one of the most complicated and haunting moments of last season. And now we'll never know what it meant. Show your Lamb/Michael Muhney love by checking him out in whatever pilot is lucky enough to get him.
In other news, my mom finished a new sweater and diaper bag just for me.
I have a new online wishlist at Kaboodle. Because the two baby registries (Target and Babies R Us) and the three page Amazon wishlist really wasn't sufficient enough to document the sheer amount of stuff I covet on the web.
Rob and I are checking out Super Suppers this weekend. Anyone else try that? We thought it would be a good supplement to our Greenling produce deliveries. And plus, we’re really tired of all the stuff we know how to cook. So, short of hiring a personal chef, this is kind of our only hope.
Sunday is the Oscars! I’ll be working on my Oscar picks to post before then. Last year I correctly predicted 9 out of 11 categories. I don’t anticipate doing as well this year. None of the nominated films have buzz that reaches Brokeback proportions.
And Lamb! Poor, poor Sheriff Lamb. Michael Muhney said he was heartbroken about the decision to kill Sheriff Lamb off "Veronica Mars", but he was still glad that the plot point remained under wraps until it aired. Love him. And I'm really disappointed that we'll probably never really learn about Lamb's motivations. Like the time Duncan and Veronica broke into the Manning's house and exposed the child abuse going on in the house. Lamb relased them without a word. It was one of the most complicated and haunting moments of last season. And now we'll never know what it meant. Show your Lamb/Michael Muhney love by checking him out in whatever pilot is lucky enough to get him.
January 28, 2007
how I spent my weekend
The nursery is complete! (Except for the curtains my mom is still working on.)
And Rob thinks my belly is taking up the entire house.
And Rob thinks my belly is taking up the entire house.
January 22, 2007
Can you hear the angels?
Have you noticed that the sun is now shining a little bit brighter? That the air smells just a little bit cleaner? The birds are singing sweeter? And everyone around you is just a little bit nicer?
There's only one reason for that.
It's Girl Scout cookie season. All's right with the world.
There's only one reason for that.
It's Girl Scout cookie season. All's right with the world.
January 20, 2007
the stylish baby
Okay, it's possible I'm going overboard.
But have you seen a cuter outfit? All cuteness courtesy of Uncommon Goods. If you're wondering what to get the baby, he also wants the one that says "I can't read".
But have you seen a cuter outfit? All cuteness courtesy of Uncommon Goods. If you're wondering what to get the baby, he also wants the one that says "I can't read".
January 14, 2007
January 12, 2007
self portrait: 27 weeks
I call it "barefoot and pregnant".
I can't tell you what a relief it is to see that I apparently still have feet. I haven't seen them in a while. There's been a mountain range blocking my view.
I can't tell you what a relief it is to see that I apparently still have feet. I haven't seen them in a while. There's been a mountain range blocking my view.
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