Archive for the 'Shopping' Category

In One End, Out The Other

Published June 10, 2011 Food , Growing , Photos , Poo-Poo , Shopping 1 Comment

What used to constitute an epic Friday night and what now consistutes an epic Friday night require very, VERY different bases of measurement.  Regardless, by my current code book of standards, this evening was monumental for our household.  First, during a run through Target, the store that inherits a significant portion of my semi-monthly income, I picked up a package of Buzz Lightyear and Lightning McQueen underwear and informed Jack that he could wear his big boy briefs as soon as he starts going poo poo in the toilet.  He has known for quite some time where his poop is “supposed” to go, but feigned the most stoic of interest in execution…until this week.  We’ve gotten many-a-tinkle into (and around) his special potty, but #2s remained an elusive, diaper-only experience.  Perhaps the more he observes his pals in daycare squatting on the throne, the more he determines he’s ready.  Or perhaps this evening’s Disney-themed Jockey investment was just the catalyst we needed.  Regardless, when Kent noticed Jack sneaking humbly around the corner of the basement couch, he invited him to try the toilet and Jack, shockingly, agreed.  His first lil’ turd…so proud! 

Second, I was inspired to give Bobby his first taste of solid grains [the term "solid" being relative, of course] this evening.  While many parents wait until 6 months to kick off the cereal, both of my boys exhibited noticeable interest in eating much earlier.  With a week left until his 4-month birthday, and several days of practice in his hand-me-down Bumbo seat behind him, Jack and I partnered to test Bobby’s beginner prowess with a spoon.  He was a natural, of course, grabbing at my fingers and pulling the spoon back towards his mouth; manipulating his tongue outwards and contemplating the harmonious taste of the soft mash of whole grains and breast milk. 

Jack, who has started to exhibit more noticeable signs of jealousy lately, spent the first few moments ignoring his own meal and claiming he wanted Bobby’s cereal.  To appease him, I asked if he wanted to help teach Bobby how to use a spoon, like only big brothers can do, which he did with focus and gentleness. 

Amazing how much joy one can derive from moments of such fundamental development.  Tonight, a night just  like any other, turned out to be extraordinary.

Relief and Life Decision

Published July 23, 2009 Motherhood , Shopping , Travel/Moving , Working Mom 2 Comments

Kent started his new job on Monday in DC.  I took some time off work to tag along on the trip with Jack and spend the week hunting for houses and caregiving.  What started as the most overwhelming and daunting task has at least been narrowed to reasonable choices.  We have four houses picked out on which we can make an offer.  Of those four, only one house could eventually offer me the chance to stop working if I so choose when #2 is more than just a figment of our imagination.  Of course, it’s the house we like the least.  Of the houses we like the best, one is listed at about $50K higher than the absolute maximum price we set for ourselves, but has the most incredible property (backing onto a wooded nature trail that leads to the river) and the other would require us to build and then rent prior to the delivery of the finished product.  In the next few days, Kent and I have very serious decisions to make.

As much as I would absolutely adore being a SAHM, a career is a difficult thing to walk away from, particularly with an income that will provide my child with luxuries many others don’t have (not to mention a better retirement for me and my husband).  I’ve battled with the concept since Jack was conceived and even moreso since Jack was born.  But I experienced the most incredible wave of relief yesterday when I walked into the third potential caregiving center on my list and was absolutely blown away by what the center could offer to Jack.  The inside of the building looked like a mini Las Vegas casino for children (sans slot machines) with an art room, a library, a spanish room, a computer room, a water park, a gazebo…and the infants were separated by 6 month increments as opposed to being thrown all together in a tiny classroom.  Even though we haven’t purchased a home yet, I secured Jack’s September start at this center right away because I felt immediately that it had more to offer Jack for his development than I could by staying home. 

Wish us luck.  I am starting to see the small speck that is the light at the end of our relocation tunnel.

Hair and Hats

Published June 27, 2009 Family History , Grandparents , Photos , Shopping 1 Comment

Back in my single days I remember a moment my mom spotted a beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed little girl toddling through a mall and suggested that she was eager to have a grandchild just like that (hint, hint).  I couldn’t help but laugh because my reflection was nothing but masses of dark brown curls and unless I married a Swedish albino, the likelihood of blonde offspring was as probable as the sky falling.  When Jack popped out with a thin layer of black curls, I knew I’d been right. 

But the older he gets, the lighter his hair is turning and maybe, just maybe, he’ll end up with the same flaxen locks his dad sported as a toddler. 

What happens when Daddy gives Jack his evening bath.

What happens when Daddy gives Jack his evening bath.

Although his ultimate hair and eye colors are anyone’s guess at the moment, one thing I do know for certain is that Jack’s new hat might be the cutest baby boy accessory…ever.   

Captain Drool after his round of 18.

Captain Drool after his round of 18.

Babies R Us Has Me Suckered

Published March 26, 2009 Playtime , Shopping 2 Comments

The first time I walked into a Babies R Us to deliberate a baby registry, I turned around five minutes later and walked back out.  I was three months pregnant and woefully intimidated by all the ‘stuff’ I was going to need for my pending newborn; a sensory overload.  But now that Jack is born, my attitude has shifted diametrically.  I used to visit the store because I had to – now I frequent the store for no particular reason at all, except that it’s the perfect walking distance from my house.  I take a near daily stroll with Jack nestled happily in his Baby Bjorn against my chest and 50% of the time we end up at Babies R Us.  The money I used to drop on my Saturday night life is now spent on infant accessories.   I have yet to step inside a Babies R Us and leave empty handed, regardless of whether Jack needs anything or not.  I go in for one item and exit with ten.  Today my goal was to purchase a sun shade for Jack’s car window, but whim carried me through the aisles like a rat to a pied piper’s tune and Jack became the proud owner of four books; two DVDs; three onesies; three pairs of pants; and four pairs of socks (in addition to the sun shade and a baby-viewing mirror for Mommy’s car), none of which were necessities.  I just can’t help myself!

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