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| State Capitol, Madison WI - February 19, 2010 |
Washington DC, Day 1
10 years ago
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Scenic Sunday
I missed last Sunday because I was here:
It was a great, energizing crowd. And even though I'm not a union member, it was great to be there and join the movement even if for only 1 hour (our visit to the capitol was not about protesting, but to eat good food and visit a good friend).
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Swim class
I enrolled Wes in swim class and we had our first class this week. Our local YMCA is one of the only places with an indoor pool that has infant swim classes. They start at 6 months old. So for the next 8 weeks, Wes will be channeling his inner-Michael Phelps.
At our local cloth diaper store, I bought him cute little swim diapers from Wee Wave. They look like little speedos (i.e. not like trunks) and have a waterproof outer layer and cloth inner layer. I was told that he could wear just these in the water (no other diaper needed) and they are reusable -- so for $10, it's better on your wallet and the enviroment.
I had never been to the Y before so I made sure to get there 1/2 hour before his class, and that was a good thing because the lockers rooms are not infant friendly. There's really no place to put a baby while you're getting dressed. After class was even worse because now you're all wet. We all laughed that the class is only 1/2 hour long, but getting ready to go home took another 1/2 hour. Next class I am bringing a stroller (one of the other mom's had her's and told me she learned the hard way), and a bag for our wet clothes (a no brainer, but I totally forgot).
In the pool, I didn't know how he would react to getting into the water, and whether or not he would be a wet noodle that would wriggle out of my arms, so I was nervous. Maybe it's because he's too young to have fear, or because water is very natural, but Wes didn't fuss at all. The water is 95 degrees so it's a sauna, it's 2 ft high so we're all scrunched down low; we sang songs that helped with arm and leg movement as well as putting them on their backs, a bucket of rubber duckies helped them try and "swim" for something, and (my favorite) the dumbell -- the older kids can grab on, but I put Wes's arms over it and he floated around. He was really good for the whole thing, his face was so relaxed I thought he might fall asleep.
Despite the crazy locker room situation, I'm looking forward to next week.
At our local cloth diaper store, I bought him cute little swim diapers from Wee Wave. They look like little speedos (i.e. not like trunks) and have a waterproof outer layer and cloth inner layer. I was told that he could wear just these in the water (no other diaper needed) and they are reusable -- so for $10, it's better on your wallet and the enviroment.
I had never been to the Y before so I made sure to get there 1/2 hour before his class, and that was a good thing because the lockers rooms are not infant friendly. There's really no place to put a baby while you're getting dressed. After class was even worse because now you're all wet. We all laughed that the class is only 1/2 hour long, but getting ready to go home took another 1/2 hour. Next class I am bringing a stroller (one of the other mom's had her's and told me she learned the hard way), and a bag for our wet clothes (a no brainer, but I totally forgot).
In the pool, I didn't know how he would react to getting into the water, and whether or not he would be a wet noodle that would wriggle out of my arms, so I was nervous. Maybe it's because he's too young to have fear, or because water is very natural, but Wes didn't fuss at all. The water is 95 degrees so it's a sauna, it's 2 ft high so we're all scrunched down low; we sang songs that helped with arm and leg movement as well as putting them on their backs, a bucket of rubber duckies helped them try and "swim" for something, and (my favorite) the dumbell -- the older kids can grab on, but I put Wes's arms over it and he floated around. He was really good for the whole thing, his face was so relaxed I thought he might fall asleep.
Despite the crazy locker room situation, I'm looking forward to next week.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Madison weekend
Ed. note: I added some photos from our trip and the video of the sparring giraffes.
For the first time since the baby's been born, I thought it might be good for me to get away for a weekend. My plan was to come to Madison, visit my good friend M, stay at a B&B, and sleep without interruption. (and if I happened to stumble into a spa that would be ok too).
But I thought it would be more fun to drag along my mom (she doesn't always get away), so here we are. We made these plans before the state legislation debacle so we got a room at the Hilton, but our plans for hanging out and eating around Capitol square were squashed.
No worries. After gobbling scones this morning at Lazy Jane's, we headed to M's then lunch and the Zoo. It's close to her house, free, and was pretty cool -- orangutans, Siberian tiger, sparring giraffes (video to come).
Then we headed to the Capitol to join the protests and dance to "power to the people!" I loved the energy of the protest, the parents who brought their kids, and the creative signs ("walker eats kittens"). Now, back in the hotel to get warm and rest our feet -- dinner tonight with M at a place NOT on the square. (Update: Actually - we did eat on the square at Graze. It was a great restaurant starting out with cockatils and truffle popcorn at the bar, then cheese platter, and I had a delicious burger for dinner. The next morning, we went to Bradbury's for coffee and crepes and I had a really good Nutella muffin, too.)
For the first time since the baby's been born, I thought it might be good for me to get away for a weekend. My plan was to come to Madison, visit my good friend M, stay at a B&B, and sleep without interruption. (and if I happened to stumble into a spa that would be ok too).
But I thought it would be more fun to drag along my mom (she doesn't always get away), so here we are. We made these plans before the state legislation debacle so we got a room at the Hilton, but our plans for hanging out and eating around Capitol square were squashed.
Then we headed to the Capitol to join the protests and dance to "power to the people!" I loved the energy of the protest, the parents who brought their kids, and the creative signs ("walker eats kittens"). Now, back in the hotel to get warm and rest our feet -- dinner tonight with M at a place NOT on the square. (Update: Actually - we did eat on the square at Graze. It was a great restaurant starting out with cockatils and truffle popcorn at the bar, then cheese platter, and I had a delicious burger for dinner. The next morning, we went to Bradbury's for coffee and crepes and I had a really good Nutella muffin, too.)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Cleaning the Basement: New Years Resolution #2
95% Done!
One Saturday in January, Matt and I took advantage of Wes's 2-hour morning nap and went gangbusters on the basement. We bought some new bins, got rid of a ton of stuff (hello, resale shop), and cleaned out all my dad's junk that has been lingering down there for too long.
We just need to now organize all the bins so we know what's what. That shouldn't be too hard, the worst part is DONE.
Now I can go down into the basement and not get hives from the mess!
One Saturday in January, Matt and I took advantage of Wes's 2-hour morning nap and went gangbusters on the basement. We bought some new bins, got rid of a ton of stuff (hello, resale shop), and cleaned out all my dad's junk that has been lingering down there for too long.
We just need to now organize all the bins so we know what's what. That shouldn't be too hard, the worst part is DONE.
Now I can go down into the basement and not get hives from the mess!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day Dinner
The guys were at it again! (See V-day 2009) Amy & I enjoyed a delicious dinner courtesy of our wonderful husbands.
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| Table all set |
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| Matt is making Madeleines! |
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| The chefs |
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| Mussels |
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| Green bean & olive salad |
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| Pimontene rubbed pork tenderloin, baby purple carrots and potatoes with a romesco sauce |
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| Cake & Coffee |
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| Wait, that's not your typical coffee! Molecular gastronomy at work |
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Scenic Sunday
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| Door County, Wisconsin - October 2008 |
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Boot Camp: Half-way Point
Regarding New Years Resolution #1: Boot Camp, I was supposd to check in at the 4 week point (February 4th), but the blizzard caused the Park District to close down for 3 days last week so I gave myself another week of working out.
So how is it going?
Boot Camp is still hard but after 3 weeks my body has gotten adjusted (it's not sore with every step I take). Then we got a week off (blizzard) and this week has been really hard again (and sore).
I have way more energy than I had before - which is good with the baby, all the lifting and playing and carting him around - but I'm surprised that I haven't lost any weight. I feel better, and Matt says I look better, and I noticed that my size 12 jeans (that I had to buy after the baby was born) are much looser than before (even a belt is awkward). That's probably because my hips and waist got a little smaller, but I was hoping for some weight shedding!
Overall, I don't want to quit. The week we had off, I felt terrible not working out so I know this is good for me no matter how many squats they make us do!
So how is it going?
Boot Camp is still hard but after 3 weeks my body has gotten adjusted (it's not sore with every step I take). Then we got a week off (blizzard) and this week has been really hard again (and sore).
I have way more energy than I had before - which is good with the baby, all the lifting and playing and carting him around - but I'm surprised that I haven't lost any weight. I feel better, and Matt says I look better, and I noticed that my size 12 jeans (that I had to buy after the baby was born) are much looser than before (even a belt is awkward). That's probably because my hips and waist got a little smaller, but I was hoping for some weight shedding!
Overall, I don't want to quit. The week we had off, I felt terrible not working out so I know this is good for me no matter how many squats they make us do!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Still Co-Sleeping + Video
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| from BabyCenter |
But this does cause problems, right?
And here's a video of Wes laughing at our cat (who was just walking by). He loves the cats!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Scenic Sunday
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| Look UP Chicago -- July 9, 2010 Taken with Nikon D60 |
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
6 month check up & Fever
I just discovered that there is nothing more terrifying than holding your infant who's burning up with a fever. You are totally responsible for this little life, yet you feel helpless. He looks into your eyes and your stomach sinks, hands burning at the touch of his face, forehead. What do you do? You're trying to read signs - is he lethargic, is he crying because he's in pain. Is it meningitis? Is it the shots he just got that morning? Calling the pediatrician at 10:30 at night, you sound like a madwoman on the phone, but if you don't call what could happen?
THE STORY:
Yesterday, I took Wesley in for his 6 month well check-up and vaccinations. The things I was worried about -- him not rolling over yet, the constant battle with cradle crap, the necessary swaddling -- are all no cause for concern. Wes looked great. From his 4 month visit he gained 3 lbs now weighing 19lbs 6oz (up from 15lb 15oz); and grew another 1-1/2" now measuring 28". This puts him in the 77% and 90% respectively. I can start him on Stage 2 foods now, and feed him as much as he wants during the day. At this visit, he received his necessary vaccinations including the flu shot. He cried but was easily soothed (unlike the other times when we carried a screaming baby out of the office).
After the visit, he seemed fine; he ate, slept, and played all happily. Then around 830pm, he took his last bottle but didn't finish it (unlike him) and by 930pm was shaking with cold. I went to bed with him to comfort him and woke up at 1030pm to a red-hot baby. His axillary (underarm) temperature was 102.7. I freaked out!I told Matt to get dressed and that we were headed to the ER, but I called my mom first who said call the Pediatrician. The doctor on duty said give him Tylenol (which he had already 2 doses to ease the pain in his legs from the shots) and see how he was in the morning; sometimes vaccinations have this effect.
All night he burned up and I could barely sleep, just watching him as I lay in bed (of course he was back in bed with us now). I would wake him 1 hr after the Tylenol doses to see if the fever was going down (usually did to 101.3) and made sure he took in plenty of formula. I was a wreck.
This morning his temperature was 101.3 at 630am but I hesitated giving another dose of Tylenol because of overdosing. At 745am it was still 101.3 and I called the doctor (answer: no need to panic, keep up the Tylenol and add ibuprofen). At 1030am (I still hadn't given him any more Tylenol and was waiting for my mom to bring some ibuprofen), his temp was 103.7 -- I lost it and gave him the medicine and got in to see the doctor. Throughout all this he was lethargic, wasn't smiling, wasn't himself...
At the doc's his temp had come down to 100.4 and as far as we could tell, he might be reacting from the flu vaccine. Remedy: keep him hydrated, keep him on Tylenol//ibuprofen if the temp reads 101+, keep him hydrated (all said very kindly). It could be a viral infection but we won't know until more time elapses. I'm supposed to watch him and comfort him and call the doctor if anything changes.
At last I checked (3:30pm) his temp was down to normal (98.4), his head is less warm, and he's sleeping in the Moby as I type on the computer. I'm hoping this is the end of the fever.
THE STORY:
Yesterday, I took Wesley in for his 6 month well check-up and vaccinations. The things I was worried about -- him not rolling over yet, the constant battle with cradle crap, the necessary swaddling -- are all no cause for concern. Wes looked great. From his 4 month visit he gained 3 lbs now weighing 19lbs 6oz (up from 15lb 15oz); and grew another 1-1/2" now measuring 28". This puts him in the 77% and 90% respectively. I can start him on Stage 2 foods now, and feed him as much as he wants during the day. At this visit, he received his necessary vaccinations including the flu shot. He cried but was easily soothed (unlike the other times when we carried a screaming baby out of the office).
After the visit, he seemed fine; he ate, slept, and played all happily. Then around 830pm, he took his last bottle but didn't finish it (unlike him) and by 930pm was shaking with cold. I went to bed with him to comfort him and woke up at 1030pm to a red-hot baby. His axillary (underarm) temperature was 102.7. I freaked out!I told Matt to get dressed and that we were headed to the ER, but I called my mom first who said call the Pediatrician. The doctor on duty said give him Tylenol (which he had already 2 doses to ease the pain in his legs from the shots) and see how he was in the morning; sometimes vaccinations have this effect.
All night he burned up and I could barely sleep, just watching him as I lay in bed (of course he was back in bed with us now). I would wake him 1 hr after the Tylenol doses to see if the fever was going down (usually did to 101.3) and made sure he took in plenty of formula. I was a wreck.
This morning his temperature was 101.3 at 630am but I hesitated giving another dose of Tylenol because of overdosing. At 745am it was still 101.3 and I called the doctor (answer: no need to panic, keep up the Tylenol and add ibuprofen). At 1030am (I still hadn't given him any more Tylenol and was waiting for my mom to bring some ibuprofen), his temp was 103.7 -- I lost it and gave him the medicine and got in to see the doctor. Throughout all this he was lethargic, wasn't smiling, wasn't himself...
At the doc's his temp had come down to 100.4 and as far as we could tell, he might be reacting from the flu vaccine. Remedy: keep him hydrated, keep him on Tylenol//ibuprofen if the temp reads 101+, keep him hydrated (all said very kindly). It could be a viral infection but we won't know until more time elapses. I'm supposed to watch him and comfort him and call the doctor if anything changes.
At last I checked (3:30pm) his temp was down to normal (98.4), his head is less warm, and he's sleeping in the Moby as I type on the computer. I'm hoping this is the end of the fever.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow day baking
These are adapted from Dorie Greenspan's Baking cookbook - adapted in that I use less butter and sugar and they are still awesome! This is her chocolate chip cookie recipe with cocoa to make them double chocolate. So good, it's hard not to eat each batch as they come out of the oven.
The park district is closed yesterday and tomorrow so Matt & I had to do a boot camp DVD last night so we totally earned this!
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