Solo Friday

My sleepyhead is fast asleep and it's not even 8 p.m.! And, daddy's ump'ing a baseball game so that means momma is flying solo (again). I was just thinking about how upset I was at your last (aka your first!) birthday party at my appearance. I still have about 45 pounds of extra weight I'm carrying around from the pregnancy and getting sick. I really HATE taking pictures because I'm still so fat and it really shows in my face! I know I should be more active and eat a bit better, too, but I also know that my job can be pretty active and that foodwise I'm more "good" than "bad."

But, my point is (and I do have one!) that I don't want the same thing to happen all over again at your two year birthday bash. SO, I've decided to do something about it this time before it sneaks up on me (again). I am vowing to take you on a walk each weekend (both days!) and to eat even better, too. I really want to take pictures with you while you're still my little baby - ones that I won't be embarassed of.

So here it goes - Today, February 20, I stand (well, actually sit) before you weighing (ok, I can do this) 187 pounds. I'm going to track my progress on this blog and, hopefully, when May rolls around I'll be down a few pounds... and a dress size, too!

Bumbleride Bumbles First Impression, but Delivers Smooth Ride

After spending more than 400 on a jogging stroller, I would assume 'assembly not required' would be standard. Unfortunately, that's not the case for this stroller. It comes in several parts. I was able to put it together fairly smoothly, but the instructions are a bit poor and I had to wing some things on my own. It took me about 30-45 minutes to put it together.

The stroller itself is super-light weight and the seat is comfortably plush. The basket also gets a high score for its deepness, but its width prevents it from holding an average size diaper bag. The cupholder is small and poorly attached. It also gets in the way of collapsing the stroller. In fact, the multi-step collapsing procedure took some getting used to, but after a few times it's gotten to be old hat. The swivel/locking front wheel is great and easy to adjust. The rear footbrake also is easy to use. I also like how the footrest can be adjusted to three different positions. The canopy also provides extensive coverage. (It can be tilted all the way down if you need it to be!) The only other area that disappoints is the fact that the Bumbleride does not come standard with a food/drink tray for your child. There is one that can be bought for an additional $40, however, this should be a standard requirement especially in a stroller that's made to go long distances. Even on quick trips to the grocery store, I'm always giving my child snacks and something to drink.

Overall, after a poor start, Bumbleride comes through in the end with one of the most effortless, easily manueverable strollers I've ever come across (once it's assembled).

Lazy Sunday

This weekend we were supposed to clean, clean, clean. But, the only thing I ended up cleaning up was the TiVo. (In between, Noggin that is.) Today, we went on a few errands and I took you into the pet store to see the fish, birds and cats (sadly, there were no dogs or rats). You seemed quite taken with them all. We'll have to get you pet of some kind this year. The question is - what? An animal in which a cage is its home or one in which our home is its cage?

I'm still a bit sentimental about having to give up Chloe, but she never accepted your place in the house. She was almost always either quite agressive towards you or overly curious and I feared a bite or accident was imminent. I know it was hard for her to be replaced as the darling of the house. It's also our fault for not getting her trained. It would have been easier to control her response to you if she would have listened to our commands. But, being a 60+ pound bulldog who did as she pleased, we had to err on the side of caution. I truly hope she is well with her new family.

My Funny Valentine

I'm sitting here in the dark as you've just (so proudly) turned off all the lights. Tonight, we'll call it mood lighting and the glow of the monitor our candlelight. This Valentine's Day, it's just you and momma as dada is at work, but you know we both love you so.

As I type, I watch you lug around a full-size body pillow and struggle to place it onto the couch. Ever determined, you push it steadily into place and, once set, wander off in search of your next challenge. Now, you sit on the floor with an earnest look on your face, studiously turning the pages of a children's board book. One flip forward, two flips back. You gaze at the pages as if to return to them in tonight's dreams. Butterflies, clouds, teddys and bugs.. on my heartstrings your antics tug.