mandalei

It’s here!  Hurrah!

Have you ever had one of those days where you just go all out and get alot one, for no real reason?  I am having one of those days (clearly, given the number of posts I have put out today, blogging is on the list of things accomplished).

This morning, while Jack was napping, I worked in the yard (hello, suburban mom).  He woke up, I fed him, and we went for a 2 mile walk.  We got back, I put him down for a nap after I put the bread on to rise, and I worked on getting the kitchen and hall primed, a project that’s been incomplete for months now.  I wrote blog posts.  Did two loads of laundry.  Fed Jack again (we had leftovers of the lamb and tabouleh in between slices of fresh bread.  YUM).  And tonight at 7:30 after Jack is asleep, I am going to a seed party, where the moms in my mom group are all going to plant seeds for the coming growing season.

Sometimes I read what I write and I can’t believe what I just said…

We’ve been pretty busy these last few days.  Jack has been learning how to stand on his own, and has done it here and there for a half second or so (blink and you miss it).  This has been enough to torch his little brain cells, so he’s been all sorts of cranky.  It sure doesn’t help that he’s teething, either.   Here are two gratuitous pictures, for your viewing pleasure:

I’ve also been working outside, now that most of the snow has melted (though not all!) and have been delighted to see that my roses, iris bulbs, and peonies have all made it through the winter.  Hurrah!!  I wasn’t convinced this was possible.  But they all show signs of growth, which is good.  Now let’s see if I can keep them alive in the spring and summer…

We’ve also been grilling every night since we got the new grill, and I made buns to go with the first nights hamburgers.  Holy cow!  Together, hamburgers and fresh buns kick ass.  In a good way.

They’re really easy to make, too, which is nice.  Mix dough, let rise for 45-60 mins, shape, let rise for 30-45, bake at 375.

Hope everyone is enjoying the spring… I know we are!

Ben sez he like

Jack in a box

I don’t know why I bother with teething-specific gewgaws.  All Jack needs is a solid silicone spatula and he’s happy as a pig in… well, he’s happy.  It has just the right amount of give, but it’s also still really firm.  He’s also sitting in the best thing in the world: a chair that hangs from the edge of a table or bar. In this case,Jack is set up so he can watch me cook or do whatever in the kitchen, and he’s got a solid surface he can put stuff on.  He also has a nice handy hole in front of him where he can drop everything, and then look down to see where it went. 

Based on our experiences today, with Jack’s minor surgery:

Always carry 10x the toys you would normally carry. Inevitably they will get thrown or touch something that kind of creeps you out (like the floor), and ou will need to replace it with another. And another. Aaaaand one more.

Also, the pacifier-savers that clip on to the pacifier and attach to the kid’s clothing are lifesavers–see above about things touching the floor.

Bring socks.  Your baby will get cold in the OR under anesthesia, and while they supply a cap, they may or may not tell you to bring your own socks.  We didn’t have socks.

Bring your own bottles. When they give you something for the babe to drink after coming out of anesthesia, like glucose water in a bottle that has a simple screw-on cap/nipple, guaranteed their bottle will leak all over the place. You will want to transfer the beverage to something that a) doesn’t leak and b) your kid will drink from with no problem. If you have a toddler, perhaps that bottle isn’t as familiar as a sippy cup.

Bring your game face.  Your kid will need you to be as calm and happy as possible before the procedure begins.  You can break down in the cafeteria or hallway, as soon as he can’t see you anymore.  Or both.

Be prepared for major screaming when the anesthesia starts to wear off. This doesn’t have so much to do with you as it does with simply feeling really freakin’ weird after anesthesia. Be prepared for *your* reaction, which will be much more stressed-seeming than what the kid will think!

For the most part, if you have a baby, people are much more accepting and tolerant than if you were there for a procedure for yourself.  Noone likes to be in the hospital, and they feel compassion and pity for a little one who has to be there who really has no choice or say in the matter.  This helps a great deal, because people are more likely to open doors for you and your stroller, offer to tell you where the nearest restroom/cafeteria/vending machine is, and also laugh off when your kiddo decides to set up some high pitched squealing action in the corner.  Of course, it sucks for them when you’re in recovery afterwards and your baby is cring louder and harder than he has ever done before.  Sorry!  He has no other choice.  Of course, you’re so focused on your baby and trying to soothe him that you have very few thoughts to spare until he has dropped off into sleep after the anesthesia screaming stops.

*For the record, Jack had surgery to correct a minor issue due to hypospadias.  He’s doing just fine, and has eaten like crazy since we’ve been home.  We put him down for bed, and he seemed to go right to sleep.  Thanks to everyone for their wishes and prayers.