I hate most morning radio shows... except for X96's Radio From Hell show. Whenever I am in the car while they are on, I usually listen to it. They do a segment called Things That Must Go, and I wanted to make my own, because a few things are bugging me.
Things That Must Go
1- This Enfamil RestFull formula -If you choose to use formula, that is fine. I know many moms rely on it for a myriad of different reasons, and I am glad formula exists for that reason (even though I still believe breastfeeding is definitely best). However, this just pisses me off! Babies are not meant to sleep the whole night right away. Their sleep cycles are different from ours for a reason. I think using this would just be for lazy parenting. I personally could never use this, even if I did use formula. I am so freaked out about SIDS and sleep apnea that even when he is asleep, I can't sleep well.
2- Gov. Herbert- I never appreciated how lucky I was, as a more left-leaning person, to have Gov. Huntsman. While he was Republican, he was able to "cross-over" on a lot of issues, such as gay rights and global warming. Well, Gov. Herbert is definitely your typical liberal. He thinks protecting gays from discrimination would be wrong. Okay, I get that some people still think being gay is a choice rather than a biological thing. However, we protect from discrimination against religion, which is definitely a choice. (And if you want an idea of how cruel some people can be, read some of the comments from that link). About global warming, Herbert apparently questions Huntsman's (and most scientists) belief that humans are part of the cause of global warming. You know what, Republicans? Even if global warming is a cyclical thing not caused by us, what is wrong with treating the Earth a little better for the sake of future generations?!
3- 3OH!3's song Don't Trust Me- Maybe it's dumb of me to let a song affect me- however, I seem to hear it a lot flipping through the radio channels because one of our presets is more of a hip-hop station (Adam's choice). The chorus has lyrics that go something like this: "Shush girl, shut your lips. Do the Helen Keller and talk with your hips." I get so frustrated that a song that is so derogatory is still so popular.
Now, I don't want to just be negative, so...
Things That Must Stay
1- Glamour magazine- Last week, I saw a segment on the Today show about this story in the magazine and the positive response it has elicited. I went out and bought the magazine in order to read the article, which was amazing. It was all about having confidence and not talking or thinking negatively about your body. The issue also has an article about a new book called
Half the Sky, which argues that "helping women is the single surest way to change the world." It sounds like a good book, and I applaud a fashion magazine for having stuff like this within its pages.
2- Knowonder! magazine- When I went back to work this week, I discovered this little gem. It's a free magazine (if you can pick it up at a SL county library or other SL area locations) with a story for kids for every day of the month and also includes artwork and games. After you read all the stories, you go online and vote for your favorites and the top three make some money, which I think is great.
3- Baby swings- Seriously! Brayden will not sleep in his crib during the day... we have tried. He will however sleep in our arms, or in his swing. During the week when Adam is at work and I need to clean, I am so thankful he'll sleep in it. And it makes watching him a lot easier for whoever watches him while I am at work (thanks Mom, Dad, and Nicki!).
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Working at the library and reading as much as I do means I usually catch a book before it becomes really popular. Well, I totally missed the boat on this one. I noticed last year that it seemed to be popular, but I made no effort to see what it was about. I think the old-fashioned title threw me off. I kept hearing about it from people, and reading about it online, so I finally gave it a chance. And I am so glad I did!
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is one my favorite books I have read this year. If I had to use one word to describe it, I would say it is charming.
Juliet Ashton is a famous writer who is searching for her next topic to write about after World War II. Due to a common love of the author Charles Lamb, she comes into correspondence with a man who lives in the Channel Islands. She learns of the German Occupation there, and that a group of people who put together a literary society, first as a way to get out of trouble with the Germans. It ended up being a way to cope with the Occupation and what followed.
The book is written in letters, which I really liked. I know some people don't like that though. I don't always, but it fit the tone of this book well. It's somewhat hard to keep track of the secondary characters, and in the end I didn't even bother. It's okay, because you really get a feel for the main characters. As I mentioned before, I know I am late to the game with this one... but if any of my friends who like to read haven't given it a chance, do.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is one my favorite books I have read this year. If I had to use one word to describe it, I would say it is charming.
Juliet Ashton is a famous writer who is searching for her next topic to write about after World War II. Due to a common love of the author Charles Lamb, she comes into correspondence with a man who lives in the Channel Islands. She learns of the German Occupation there, and that a group of people who put together a literary society, first as a way to get out of trouble with the Germans. It ended up being a way to cope with the Occupation and what followed.
The book is written in letters, which I really liked. I know some people don't like that though. I don't always, but it fit the tone of this book well. It's somewhat hard to keep track of the secondary characters, and in the end I didn't even bother. It's okay, because you really get a feel for the main characters. As I mentioned before, I know I am late to the game with this one... but if any of my friends who like to read haven't given it a chance, do.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Julie and Julia
I enjoyed this movie. When I first heard about it becoming a movie, I wasn't interested in seeing it. A friend at work had tried reading the book it was based on and did not like it at all. She said that Julie Powell was arrogant and self-serving.
But then I heard who was in it. Amy Adams and Meryl Streep. I really enjoy their work. And then I saw the trailer and it actually looked like a cute, fun movie.
For the most part, it was. I love that it was also based on Julia Child's book about her time in France. If it had only been about Julie Powell's project, I would not have liked it. Because her character is a bit selfish. You can tell she adores the attention she receives from her blog. At the same time, all bloggers probably do. She even mentions that anyone with a blog is me, me, me all the time.
The movie scenes based on Julia Child's life were wonderful, seriously wonderful. The whole movie could have been a biopic of her life, and I would have liked it even more. Meryl Streep did an amazing job (Amy Adams definitely pulled her weight as well). I loved learning about Julia's relationship with her husband, and his full support of her endeavors.
I love movies about people "finding themselves," or finding their passion in life. Whenever I see a movie, or read a book with that premise, I usually leave feeling inspired if it is done right, and Julie and Julia was done right.
Great movie all in all. And I'll leave you with the same warning my friend Stephanie gave to me. Plan on being hungry when it's over! Luckily, Kimberly and I had thought about that and decided to grab a bite to eat afterwards.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Eight
8 things I'm looking forward to:
-seeing Julia and Julia with Kimberly and both our babes tomorrow
-going to the Farmer's Market with Karen this weekend
-getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight
-Autumn (love the weather, the colors, etc.)
-seeing how the book I am reading ends
-Halloween
-having tomorrow and Wednesday off
-going to bed
8 things I did yesterday:
-read part of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
-cleaned
-cried while thinking about going back to work
-enjoyed a yummy WW friendly lunch of steak (small portions) and veggies
-tried tilapia (sp?) and portabella mushrooms for the first time
-laundry
-went to a Unitarian church (mostly just to do something different since we had no church)
-loved my hubby and my baby
8 things I wish I could do:
-play the guitar
-run a marathon (not a very good runner, but I hope to at last run a half someday)
-move out of Utah someday, at least for a few years
-keep my house cleaner
-be a sub at the library instead of a regular so I can be home even more with Brayden (but I can't, we need the insurance)
-speak a foreign language
-go sky-diving
-get a tattoo (I'm only semi-serious...don't know if I would ever go through with it)
8 TV shows I watch:
-The Office
-The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
-The Biggest Loser
-Gossip Girl
-Scrubs
-reruns of Friends, Arrested Development, Gilmore Girls, etc)
8 things I collect:
-Willow Tree Figurines (although I have enough now and don't really want many more)
-baby clothes
-books
-blogs in my Google Reader
-recipes
-pictures
-purses
-magnets
What are 8 things you are excited about?
-seeing Brayden as he grows up, seeing the person he becomes
-growing old with Adam
-eventually getting a Master's degree
-future family vacations
-the idea that I will never run out of good books to read
-enjoying all the baby milestones and firsts of Brayden's
-fitting into all the clothes I bought last year again
-seeing Where the Wild Things Are and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
-seeing Julia and Julia with Kimberly and both our babes tomorrow
-going to the Farmer's Market with Karen this weekend
-getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight
-Autumn (love the weather, the colors, etc.)
-seeing how the book I am reading ends
-Halloween
-having tomorrow and Wednesday off
-going to bed
8 things I did yesterday:
-read part of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
-cleaned
-cried while thinking about going back to work
-enjoyed a yummy WW friendly lunch of steak (small portions) and veggies
-tried tilapia (sp?) and portabella mushrooms for the first time
-laundry
-went to a Unitarian church (mostly just to do something different since we had no church)
-loved my hubby and my baby
8 things I wish I could do:
-play the guitar
-run a marathon (not a very good runner, but I hope to at last run a half someday)
-move out of Utah someday, at least for a few years
-keep my house cleaner
-be a sub at the library instead of a regular so I can be home even more with Brayden (but I can't, we need the insurance)
-speak a foreign language
-go sky-diving
-get a tattoo (I'm only semi-serious...don't know if I would ever go through with it)
8 TV shows I watch:
-The Office
-The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
-The Biggest Loser
-Gossip Girl
-Scrubs
-reruns of Friends, Arrested Development, Gilmore Girls, etc)
8 things I collect:
-Willow Tree Figurines (although I have enough now and don't really want many more)
-baby clothes
-books
-blogs in my Google Reader
-recipes
-pictures
-purses
-magnets
What are 8 things you are excited about?
-seeing Brayden as he grows up, seeing the person he becomes
-growing old with Adam
-eventually getting a Master's degree
-future family vacations
-the idea that I will never run out of good books to read
-enjoying all the baby milestones and firsts of Brayden's
-fitting into all the clothes I bought last year again
-seeing Where the Wild Things Are and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Seven weeks
I cannot believe seven weeks has gone by... seven weeks and three days to be exact. Time has been on my mind a lot this weekend, for various reasons.
The most pressing thing is that I go back to work tomorrow. Now, I like my job...don't get me wrong. In fact, I really like it. And I trust the people who are going to watch Brayden (Adam, my parents and my sister). I know he'll be in good hands. But it's hard to believe that I will be away from him for 20 hours a week (plus driving back and forth). He seems to have done okay the few times I have left him, but he is definitely a momma's boy when I am around, so I hope he does okay. This picture kinda shows what a momma's boy he is. Adam is holding him at the restaurant table, and when I started talking, he kept trying to turn his head to see me.
The second thing is how big he is getting! He is doing so good on holding his head up, and on using his leg muscles to support some of his weight. Truthfully, I mostly mean about his weight though. He's in about the 95th percentile. I shouldn't be surprised, seeing as he was big at birth. And I know he'll lose some of the baby fat once he is more mobile. It's sad, though- I have already had to put away some 0-3 months clothes. He's not even 2 months! And he's in size 2 diapers! He weighs about 13 lbs, even more if my method of weighing myself and then me holding him is accurate. Here's a picture of him today. I put him in an outfit I really like on him. He hadn't worn it in awhile though because we have so many clothes for him. The onesie and the shorts are both 0-3 months. The onesie was a little tight both lengthwise and widthwise. The shorts are obviously tight widthwise, as evidenced by his "muffin top."
The other two things have to do with money. We had to buy diapers this weekend. Until now, we haven't had to buy any. We've used what the hospital sent home with us, and what our WONDERFUL family and friends gave us. I capitalize that because until yesterdy, I had no idea diapers were so freaking expensive! What's funny is that if he had been smaller we would have made it at least another two weeks without having to buy any, but we were not able to use all of the newborn diapers from the hospital and from my friend Kimberly. (I don't have a picture to go with the diapers, but here's one of him in his car seat. I like to say that sometimes in the car, he becomes a "zen Buddha." It fits, okay?! First, he's a chubster, like Buddha. Second, the way his legs and little hands are reminds me of someone meditating.)
The other thing related to money is that I start Weight Watchers again this last week. When you become pregnant, you are kind of put on hold, but if you join back before your baby is 8 weeks, you don't have to pay the registration fee again. It's weird to get back into tracking and looking at the nutritional info more closely. I kind of let it all go during pregnancy and gained way too much (as anyone who saw me in the last month of it could attest to). It's weird though. I get 10 extra points because I am breastfeeding, so I don't even feel like I am dieting or anything. Except for the fact that I won't be having fast food anymore, except for the occasional Chick-Fil-A. Which reminds me- let it be known that I have not had even the smallest bit of chocolate for over two weeks now! On August 5th, he was extremely fussy. I was just about at my wit's end. Well, the culprit was mostly likely chocolate, because I had had a lot of it on both the 4th and the 5th. So I decided to give it up for now. I might start having some again when he is on solids. Apparently at that point, their stomachs can handle some of the stuff they couldn't before, so moms can start having the "forbidden food" again. But for now, I'm doing it for his sake, for my waist's sake, and just to know that I have the willpower to do it. I never thought I could go even a week without chocolate. Usually I had some everyday, even if it was just a small amount. Anyways, enough with my rambling. I'll just leave you with one last picture, if you've gotten this far! It's not a great picture, but it shows his huge smile!
I don't know why it is showing it sideways, sorry you have to turn your head to really see it well!
The most pressing thing is that I go back to work tomorrow. Now, I like my job...don't get me wrong. In fact, I really like it. And I trust the people who are going to watch Brayden (Adam, my parents and my sister). I know he'll be in good hands. But it's hard to believe that I will be away from him for 20 hours a week (plus driving back and forth). He seems to have done okay the few times I have left him, but he is definitely a momma's boy when I am around, so I hope he does okay. This picture kinda shows what a momma's boy he is. Adam is holding him at the restaurant table, and when I started talking, he kept trying to turn his head to see me.
The second thing is how big he is getting! He is doing so good on holding his head up, and on using his leg muscles to support some of his weight. Truthfully, I mostly mean about his weight though. He's in about the 95th percentile. I shouldn't be surprised, seeing as he was big at birth. And I know he'll lose some of the baby fat once he is more mobile. It's sad, though- I have already had to put away some 0-3 months clothes. He's not even 2 months! And he's in size 2 diapers! He weighs about 13 lbs, even more if my method of weighing myself and then me holding him is accurate. Here's a picture of him today. I put him in an outfit I really like on him. He hadn't worn it in awhile though because we have so many clothes for him. The onesie and the shorts are both 0-3 months. The onesie was a little tight both lengthwise and widthwise. The shorts are obviously tight widthwise, as evidenced by his "muffin top."
The other two things have to do with money. We had to buy diapers this weekend. Until now, we haven't had to buy any. We've used what the hospital sent home with us, and what our WONDERFUL family and friends gave us. I capitalize that because until yesterdy, I had no idea diapers were so freaking expensive! What's funny is that if he had been smaller we would have made it at least another two weeks without having to buy any, but we were not able to use all of the newborn diapers from the hospital and from my friend Kimberly. (I don't have a picture to go with the diapers, but here's one of him in his car seat. I like to say that sometimes in the car, he becomes a "zen Buddha." It fits, okay?! First, he's a chubster, like Buddha. Second, the way his legs and little hands are reminds me of someone meditating.)
The other thing related to money is that I start Weight Watchers again this last week. When you become pregnant, you are kind of put on hold, but if you join back before your baby is 8 weeks, you don't have to pay the registration fee again. It's weird to get back into tracking and looking at the nutritional info more closely. I kind of let it all go during pregnancy and gained way too much (as anyone who saw me in the last month of it could attest to). It's weird though. I get 10 extra points because I am breastfeeding, so I don't even feel like I am dieting or anything. Except for the fact that I won't be having fast food anymore, except for the occasional Chick-Fil-A. Which reminds me- let it be known that I have not had even the smallest bit of chocolate for over two weeks now! On August 5th, he was extremely fussy. I was just about at my wit's end. Well, the culprit was mostly likely chocolate, because I had had a lot of it on both the 4th and the 5th. So I decided to give it up for now. I might start having some again when he is on solids. Apparently at that point, their stomachs can handle some of the stuff they couldn't before, so moms can start having the "forbidden food" again. But for now, I'm doing it for his sake, for my waist's sake, and just to know that I have the willpower to do it. I never thought I could go even a week without chocolate. Usually I had some everyday, even if it was just a small amount. Anyways, enough with my rambling. I'll just leave you with one last picture, if you've gotten this far! It's not a great picture, but it shows his huge smile!
I don't know why it is showing it sideways, sorry you have to turn your head to really see it well!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Finally
posting his newborn pictures only three weeks later. He was two and a half weeks old when these were taken. We got them done at Target, and the ladies there were amazing. He had a blowout diaper while one of them was holding him, and she didn't care. They also didn't mind leaving the studio for me to nurse him in the middle of the session because he was getting fussy. Anyways, here are the pictures. They scanned a little weird with lightness in the corner of most of the pictures (they are not that way IRL).
This one is my favorite because I see it as his newborn look, his "what in the world is going on in this new crazy place?" look. I love it! He's just about 6 weeks now, and he hardly makes this face now.
My 2nd favorite
This one is Adam's favorite.
This one is Adam's favorite.
This one is my favorite because I see it as his newborn look, his "what in the world is going on in this new crazy place?" look. I love it! He's just about 6 weeks now, and he hardly makes this face now.
My 2nd favorite
This one is Adam's favorite.
This one is Adam's favorite.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
So...
Yeah, I haven't been posting much. Haven't had too much to say. I'm just enjoying my time at home with Brayden while I have it. I am starting to get out more with him though, which has been nice. I am currently pre-occupied with two things (other than the baby of course):
-When I am home, there is a good chance the tv show Friends is on. I own the first two seasons, so I started with those and I'm now on season 4 thanks to the library. It's a little weird to re-watch it now. I forgot how good it was! It was weird to start on the first season where Ross mentions his age (26). I'm 26, but for some reason they still feel older than me on the show. I'm sure that's because I was so much younger when I watched it the first time, and because I know the actors from the show are in their 40s. I really enjoyed watching all of the stuff that had to do with Ben and his birth.... and of course I have enjoyed watching Ross and Rachel. I also have noticed foreshadowing for Monica and Chandler that I never noticed before. Anyways, enough about a tv show.
-The second thing I am pre-occuiped with is breastfeeding. I know this is a touchy subject for some, but I feel like I need to get some of my feelings out. Luckily, I have found an outlet. The Utah Breastfeeding Coalition is having events all month long down at the Main library. I have only been to one so far, but it was great. To put my opinion plainly, I believe that women have the right to choose not to breastfeed, and that is fine, but I firmly believe that society has almost made breastfeeding seem unnatural and that is just wrong. I have many more opinions on the subject, but I don't want to offend anyone or step on any toes, so I will leave it at that.
And to end on a happy note, here is the most recent pic of my little babe taking a nap with his daddy so I can be on the computer:
-When I am home, there is a good chance the tv show Friends is on. I own the first two seasons, so I started with those and I'm now on season 4 thanks to the library. It's a little weird to re-watch it now. I forgot how good it was! It was weird to start on the first season where Ross mentions his age (26). I'm 26, but for some reason they still feel older than me on the show. I'm sure that's because I was so much younger when I watched it the first time, and because I know the actors from the show are in their 40s. I really enjoyed watching all of the stuff that had to do with Ben and his birth.... and of course I have enjoyed watching Ross and Rachel. I also have noticed foreshadowing for Monica and Chandler that I never noticed before. Anyways, enough about a tv show.
-The second thing I am pre-occuiped with is breastfeeding. I know this is a touchy subject for some, but I feel like I need to get some of my feelings out. Luckily, I have found an outlet. The Utah Breastfeeding Coalition is having events all month long down at the Main library. I have only been to one so far, but it was great. To put my opinion plainly, I believe that women have the right to choose not to breastfeed, and that is fine, but I firmly believe that society has almost made breastfeeding seem unnatural and that is just wrong. I have many more opinions on the subject, but I don't want to offend anyone or step on any toes, so I will leave it at that.
And to end on a happy note, here is the most recent pic of my little babe taking a nap with his daddy so I can be on the computer:
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