Even though today's officially the day, we had a party for Ms. A at Thanksgiving with my family. I'm not sure when we'll get a chance to be together like this again, so it was special all the way around.
Everyone helped make the awesome Kermit cake you see below. I made the cake itself, her Aunts mixed the frosting colors, and Justin did the actual Kermit icing. There was a ridiculous amount of love baked into that thing, and get this -- the girl didn't eat it! She just played with it instead. What's that about? My sister and I were stunned. Women in our family never ever ever turn down cake. Obviously she must have inherited this trait from the crazy Swedes in her family. Nutty Swedes.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Happy Birthday to my baby girl
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Aud @ 11 months
Audrey is in a period of phenomenal growth right now. In just the last three or four weeks, she's picked up the following tricks:
- Says "more", "wa wa", and "nie" (no in Polish)
- Identifies, and points to, her hair, teeth, lights, bubbles, and Ringo
- Continues to love books. Her favorites include Kiss Goodnight and I am a Bunny (In fact, she can point to the bunny in every page.)
- Can hold a small cup independently (I'll post a funny pic of this later.)
- Loves music
- Has a thing about copying sounds and noises. Last week she did a pretty good impression of the neighbor's leaf blower.
- Shows pride when she accomplishes things. She'll often clap for herself, which of course prompts us to join her in praise.
- She's ready to walk any minute. In fact, her determination was on big display at Thanksgiving where she spent the entire trip studying her 2 year-old cousin Hunter's moves.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Aud @ 10 (+) Mos
I'm obviously a little late with this one (hence the (+)) but here goes:
- Ms. Audrey's active. In fact, getting this picture is quite an ordeal. Every time we stick her in the chair she lunges head first right off it. Truth be told, 3 seconds after I snapped this pic she was on the floor in tears. And that was with two of us trying to keep her safe. Poor, quick, fearless little thing.
- Aud continues to work on her cruising skills but often gets impatient, drops to her hands and knees and just crawls (fast as lightening) wherever she wants to go. When she does practice walking she prefers to get help with two hands. Rarely though, she'll stand up for a second on her own. This leads me to believe she's saving her walking for her Grandpa at Thanksgiving, or her Granna at Christmas.
- She's said her first words! A couple of weeks ago she started saying "Hi!" complete with a wave. She's also experimenting with "Bye" but isn't sure which one is appropriate for coming or going, which is pretty cute.
- Her interactive board books are quickly becoming a big favorite. She sits by herself and carefully turns each page. She'll touch the bunny, scratch the sand, lift the flap, etc with complete focus and concentration.
- She loves her baby music class, hates her baby gym class.
- She's developed a deep bond with her lovey blankie.
- Seperation anxiety is still an issue. We're begining to wonder if its just her personality. It could be that she just doesn't trust new environments and new people until she's figured them out. Just like her daddy.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Drumming on Pumpkins
We took Audrey to Bengston's yesterday. Most of the rides and other fun features were lost on her at only 10 months, but she enjoyed watching the singing chickens (I have no idea what it is about chickens, but the girl thinks they're awesome), and of course, she loved pounding on pumpkins.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Haircut
We're on vacation. And enjoying every minute of it. Will be back on Monday the 24th with lots of pictures. In the meantime, enjoy these before and after pics of Audball's first haircut. While we were here in LA, I managed to get her to The Yellow Balloon. It's the place my mom used to take us when we were little.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Aud @ 8 mos
Audball:
- Nearly 18 lbs.
- Says "Ba Ba Ba"
- Loves to drink out of a cup. Or rather, loves to put a cup to her lips and spill on herself.
- Beginning to hold her own bottle (not sure how come the cup came first, but oh well.)
- Gets slap-happy when she's sleepy
- Still wary when she meets new people
- Can dart out and crawl away in the blink of an eye (just 7 days into crawling - sheesh!)
- Loves swimming at our local pool
- Can feed herself small pieces of food
- Loves mango, papaya, kiwi, peaches, and anything else we put in front of her.
- When she's trying to figure something out, can focus on it singularly for a ridiculous amount of time
- Needs a hair cut
- Put up safety gates
- Stained the front door
- Master at making Audball laugh
- Picked up another client
- Irritated that summer is almost over and my skin remains fishbelly white.
- Still need to lose the baby weight
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Big "First"
First projectile vomit last night.
I'm pretty sure my initial reaction was supposed to be worry. Instead it was, "Oh man, I'm glad it wasn't me holding her."
Monday, August 03, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Paint Stripping: The Last Mile
You know how marathon runners talk of the last push to get to the finish line? (I say this like I actually talk to marathoners, which I don't. I'm waaaay too out of shape to hang with them. And I can't imagine running 26 miles. I can imagine eating 26 cookies though. And that, my friends, is a problem for another post.)
Anyway, what was I saying? So you know how they have to dig deep and just pull the energy out of their last reserves? That's where Mr. A and I are right now with the house. We're digging deep into the last reserves.
Moving out of the house to get the paint stripping done was really stressful. Mr. A had a crazy week at work, and the project I've been working on for my job for TWO YEARS finally launched in whirlwind of chaos. We also were dealing with some other stuff that I won't go into here, because believe it or not I do keep some things private. And all the while Audrey was teething and clingy. We didn't have to much wiggle room on scheduling though, so we reached our necks out and stretched for the finish line.
So worth it.
Take a look at the BEFORE:
And now the AFTER:
I want to give a special mention to the wonderful guys who did this work for us. I rarely plug anyone on this site (because you know, its all about ME, ME, ME) but Darrell and his brothers did a really fantastic job. They showed up on time, completed the project on budget, and were communicative and considerate. Their bid was significantly lower than others we got, yet the work was (as you can see) wonderful. They don't write up an elaborate contract or do fancy marketing. They just know their stuff. Which is why I feel compelled to market for them. Chicago Paint Stripping. 312-399-7813. Say Hi from the Andersons.
Ahead: New fence, staining, painting, and decorating!
Almost. There. Almost!!!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Guest post: My hunt for a good $5 wine
Vanessa from Workaholic Mama seems to think my wine habit is actually healthy. Or she's at least an enabler, because this morning she posted a piece I wrote on finding a decent $5 red wine. Enjoy the reviews, and please note that if you stage an intervention for me I will demand video rights and all broadcast/syndication revenue.
Monday, July 20, 2009
But with a baby you don't get schwag.
My hilarious friend and kinda famous online writer, Wendi Aarons, is coming to town to speak at BlogHer this weekend. I’m excited to see her speak and know she’ll blow the crowd away. If you’re going, make sure to check the community keynote and join me in shouting, “Amen Sistah!” at the top of your lungs when she’s finished. She’ll like that.
Wendi and I bonded years ago when we worked in Hollywood as assistants to some legitimately powerful film execs. She was a seasoned film school type, and I was a scattered rookie. She took me under her wing, and within no time I was schooled in critical skills like untraceably passing highly reliable yet snarky actor gossip, booking personal film screenings for my friends and charging it to the studio, and redirecting expensive agency schwag to my home address. It wasn’t all glamour, though. My boss was, well… she was brilliant, but… a handful. And as I was thinking about Wendi’s visit and remembering old times it occurred to me that being an assistant to a studio exec in la la land was actually very good early training for motherhood. For example:
So when Wendi sees me I fully expect her to say, “You haven’t changed a bit.” Not because I haven’t aged, but because when we last worked together, I wasn’t sleeping much either.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Compartmentalization and Maternal Comfort
On Compartmentalization:
I just got back from my longest business trip since Aud was born. Four days away.
The first 3 days were actually pretty easy. I'm a pretty good compartmentalizer, my work was intense and distracting, the hours were long, plus I knew she was being well cared for by our absolutely-perfect nanny and near-perfect husband, so I actually managed to get through it pretty well. I even enjoyed a little wine and dinner out. Woo hoo!
On that last day though - good lord. My 'strong-working mom compartmentalization' strategy fell apart without warning at the Denver airport where I suddenly developed bionic hearing. Every baby's cry in the terminal sounded uncannily like Audrey. And I could see strollers and children everywhere. Throughout the hour or so I was there I fought the urge to grab random babies from unsuspecting mothers' arms and cuddle the bejesus out of them.
Even though she really didn't need it I snuck into her room that night and gently woke her up to give her an extra bottle. She didn't open her eyes. When she finished I rocked her back to sleep against my shoulder, rubbed her back, stroked her legs and inhaled her peaches and cream skin. In the dark of her room my eyes welled with tears. I don't think I've ever been so truly happy to be home.
The next morning when I went to get her from the crib I fully expected a big grin and flapping arms. Instead I was greeted by stone cold blinks and a pout. She didn't break into a smile all morning.
Until the nanny showed up. Then she giggled and squealed like someone just handed her a puppy.
Ouch.
So I had a pang of jealousy, and the classic guilt. But I shook it off quickly because I know motherhood is a marathon not a sprint. And this shit is going to happen and she's going to be OK. And so am I. And I had work to do.... so I couldn't sit there and feel bad about it.
On Maternal Comfort:
We're staying with my in-laws this week while some rather smelly and toxic work gets done in the house (more on that later.) Aud won't let me put her down for a second. I'm sure its her being out of her routine, or teething, or being in a new environment, but she bawls when any of my in-laws touch her. Or when I put her down to change her. Or when I try to make dinner. I keep wishing it would be so nice if she could just chill out. Both so she could bond with them, and so I could blow dry my hair. But this is the ebb and flow of things. Sometimes you get the silent treatment and sometimes your baby clings to you like Velcro.
I've been missing my mom a lot more this week as well. We're approaching the six month anniversary of her death which has been weighing in my mind lately. The actual time since I last talked to her is beginning to feel so achingly distant. Like an island sinking on the horizon as I float away into a life that moves forward. With the house project, our move out here, travel, and some stuff going on at work, I've been over-tired and overburdened too, which makes me yearn for someone who can just quiet me and make me feel better. A mom, say.
But, alas, my mom is gone. I'm the mom now.
Last night while I was winding down to sleep it occurred to me I was getting annoyed with Aud because she wanted the same thing I did.
Oh baby girl.
If she wants me to hold her this week while we're all out of whack, so be it.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Audball @ 7 mos
Little Audball rarely sits still anymore She's not quite crawling but leaving her for just a second to sit in the chair is a big risk. She'll propel herself right out onto her face without blinking. Here are some other tricks she's picked up lately:
- Rolls every which way and is learning to skooch back and forth a bit on all fours.
- Addicted to bouncing. The more bounce the better. Add music and she's in fits.
- Shows happiness and displeasure easily.
- Loves exploring everything with her hands and mouth.
- Can identify partially hidden objects.
- Only talkative when she's tired.
- Pulls up on our hands to stand. We're trying to discourage this and get her to crawl first, but the girl wants to stand and walk like crazy.
- Tries to kiss herself in mirrors. (Can you blame her? She's irresistible.)
- Just sprouted two teeth. To which Grandpa Rick responded, "Get her a steak!"
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Sisters are Special. Aunts are Scary.
My sister is on day 4 with us and Aud is still screaming every time she picks her up. Not a little whimpery cry either. She does a full blown OH GOD NO! HOW COULD YOU?! howl when Cheryl tries to hold her.
I don't get it. Apparently Aud has stranger danger for all men, plus her aunt. So odd.
Anyway, this minor hiccup hasn't stopped me from taking advantage of C being here. If she just sits on the floor with her and doesn't touch her while she plays, Audball can deal with her for a little while, which is all this momma needs to get a nice shower in without stress. I even shaved my legs people! My child's psychological health be damned.
Apart from the baby's misery, we've managed to have a nice visit. There have been some good laughs and smiles and also some moments where we both miss my mom. Yesterday actually, my sister mentioned how seeing the baby and playing with her makes her wish my mom was with us. It occurred to me I used to think that way a lot too. Your heart and your logical mind go powerfully out of synch when you experience loss. You ache for fantasies of what could have been. But they were never going to be. After all, if she were still alive, mom would be 2000 miles away and wouldn't see the baby regularly. And I wouldn't think twice about it. But instead I miss her every day as if she lived next door and we were best friends.
Deep breath. Change of topic...
In other more classic "sister-moment" news, C also announced that now that mom's gone it's my job to arrange her wedding. At that point I did my best to channel mom when I said, "Yea, really? Get busy trying to land a man, would ya?"
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
More Data Needed
It appears that the more wine I drink the night before the less likely I am to pack a lunch for my husband in the morning. It could be me just making a correlation, but perhaps more study is needed to determine if this is actually a causal effect.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Because I Said So
Dear Audrey
This morning I went to get you from the crib and you broke into a huge gummy grin. You flapped your arms and kicked your feet hello and my heart skipped thirty beats in return.
15 years from now when you inevitably scream “I hate you mom!” at the top of your lungs and slam a door behind you, please refer back to this post and know there are no adequate words to describe the love I feel for you. And go ahead and just try to toss in a “Why are you doing this to me?!” because no matter what you’re angry about and no matter how much you’ve decided you detest me, I will have enough love for both of us. Always.
Love,
Mom
Monday, June 22, 2009
Look at that hair!
Throughout my life my parents told me they always got comments on how long and dark my hair was as a baby. My mom said she couldn't take me out without a comment.
When my dad and I were at the aquarium a couple of ladies saw Audrey and exclaimed, "Look at that hair!" My dad grabbed me for a second, gasped a bit and shook his head. He said it was like having a flashback 35 years later.
It is pretty spectacular for a 6 month old.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Milestones
So not long ago I started the wretched evil process known as post-partum dieting. I cut out carbs, reduced wine consumption, and actually started working out. Blech. Hate it. But not as much as I hate hate hate being GINORMOUS. So there you go.
With that sort of positive outlook and energy you can imagine the sigh I let out when I hit the scale this morning and found that I have finally reached my pre-pregnancy *all time high* weight. Yeah. That. I’m now back to my pre-pregnancy range, which (I am trying to tell myself), is good. Unfortunately though it’s a number that represents the FATTEST I ever was before having a baby. A number that says I still have a way to go. A number that still sucks.
I remember passing that number (on the way up) when I was at the doctor’s last year. I had a flash of panic that went something like: “Whoa whoa! Red alert people! We are in a whole new territory here. We are experiencing numbers never seen before in LaPlante fat-ass history”, but then I remembered I was pregnant and promptly got myself a big ol’ chocolate chip muffin at the coffee shop downstairs.
Damn muffin. Now I’m paying.
Audrey recently hit a weight and height milestone as well. She’s outgrown most of her 3-6 month clothes. Putting away her little newborn and 3 month outfits made me so wistful. I already miss how snoozy and cuddly she was. I stood in front of her closet thinking, “I wonder what I can do to freeze her at this size.” Hmmm.
Then it occurred to me that I needed to save the outfits for… get this… the next baby.
Can I just skip the losing weight thing and jump right to the muffins again? Not a good reason to get pregnant, right?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Grandpa Visit
My father came out to see Audball this weekend. It wasn't a great start -- as soon as he walked in she presented her patented "men are scary" quivering pout followed by loud sad sobs -- but she managed to warm up to him when he made funny faces during dinner.
We visited the aquarium downtown and took dad on a walking tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright homes nearby. Audrey was oblivious to the fish and the gorgeous architecture but it didn't matter of course. It was just nice to help my dad get out and see the smile on his face as he enjoyed his granddaughter.
It was really hard not to think about my mom and what she'll miss but my dad is focused on having a positive outlook toward his "new normal", so for his sake we kept things upbeat. She would have wanted us to live life and move forward. She also would have loved seeing Audrey laugh and grab her grandpa's face.
I miss her.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Audball @ 6 months
- 26.5 inches long - now 75%
- 15 lbs 10 oz - still 50%
- Head was measured but I've already blocked it
- No teeth yet, but a lot of drool
- Rollin', rollin', rollin'
- Sits up confidently
- Doesn't cry when she topples over - such a tough girl
- Likes to eat. And feeds herself. So far approves of sweet potatoes, pears, and peas.
- Less spitting up
- Super active - into everything she can reach
- Loves scratching things with her fingernails
- Scared of most men (fine with us)
- Deeply in love with Ringo
- Has been suggesting to her daddy she needs a puppy.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
She's Six Months
And she's ready for a haircut already. I'm going to try to wait until we go to LA in August. I really want her first haircut to be at the Yellow Balloon, where I used to go when I was tiny. We'll see if we can hold out. 
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Hot
We're finally going to install a fence around our backyard.
I want to go on record as saying this is the sexiest picture of my husband, ever. 
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Catching up
I'm scheduled for a business trip next week, and between that and getting back from the trip to New Orleans last week, it made sense to us to just relax at home this weekend. Or chillax, if you're down with hip language of the kids these days. Which we are, natch.
I took the opportunity during the downtime to uploaded party photos and some other randoms. Enjoy...
When mother nature decides to skip blossoms, make your own.
Beautiful Chloe got into the spirit.
It occurred to me we suddenly threw parties with babies. When did we all have babies?
It occurred to the husband that he suddenly had free labor hanging around, so he had them help plant another cherry tree.
Aud finally got out to see Grandpa's woods.
After all that, she needed a bath. And a mohawk.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Audball = Party Girl
So in traveling to the world's most un-baby-friendly city we learned our little Audball is quite a trooper. She happily tolerated skipped naps, late dinners, and coos of admiration by well-intentioned southern ladies who ran nice shops but talked awfully funny and loud and put their faces a little too close for comfort. She also learned to sleep in her stroller while marching bands played and police sirens blared just a few feet away. (Seriously.)
We were very impressed and proud of our baby girl, but not as proud as we were of Mr. Anderson's brother, who graduated from Tulane's law school after a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Well done, M!
As it goes, my most fond memory of New Orleans (aside from the beignets at Cafe Du Monde) will be one particular moment we had on Bourbon Street. (BTW - Never did I imagine that the first time I'd take in the Bourbon Street scene I'd be accompanied by my BABY, but here goes...)
After dinner our family poured out of the restaurant directly onto Bourbon St to find it in full party mode. The oddity of pushing a baby in a stroller while surrounded by girls going wild for beads was pretty funny to everyone so the hubby and I agreed to take a picture in front of the street sign to commemorate the event.
Just seconds after this picture was taken a guy on a balcony across from us shouted "Hey you. I know you're breastfeeding! Show your t*ts!"
Without even thinking about it, I whipped out the double bird. It was a classy moment for all involved but I couldn't help myself. Every time I tell the story now it cracks me up a little bit more. As my friend Deborah pointed out, that's one for the baby book.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Activia and a Personal Assistant
Both things I clearly need.
So you know how when you book a flight they give you both a departure time and an arrival time? Well, today's lesson is this: don't confuse them. If you do you'll miss your flight to New Orleans and drive your husband to his seriously angry place. (And yes, I flew twice a week for 19 months not too long ago. So, YEEESSSS, I should have KNOWN BETTER. No, I don't know what happened. Motherhood, maybe?)
And so also, you know how when you take antibiotics it kills all the beneficial bacteria in your stomach? Well, today's *other* lesson is this: without beneficial bacteria keeping your stomach happy and balanced you really shouldn't push it with the 2 day old pork leftovers.
So yeah. We're home. Waiting for the next flight while I take Pepto. Good times.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Venice Style
So I got a random spam advertising that "Venice Beach Style" was all the rage this summer (and NOW ON SALE!) And I admit, it got me. It at least piqued my curiosity a little. After all, I grew up in West LA.... and I used to live a block away from Venice beach. I have a fondness for that easy breezy style. So I thought maybe I'd click in and see if there was something there for me.
BWAHAHAHAHA.
This was the first ensemble I was shown. Actually, I'm laughing out loud looking at it again. Can you believe how great this is? I can just imagine it: The man and I have a 4th of July party coming up later this summer. Let me just grab my SUPER SHORT SHINEY GYM SHORTS and pair them with my HOOKER GLADIATOR PUMPS and be off to celebrate. Oh my, how easy breezy beachy I'd be! And what a slammin' deal too. Originally $188.00, now just $56.40! Whoa!
Helllooooo! What the hell was ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY EIGHT DOLLARS? For just the SHORTS!
I can't type anymore. I'm laughing too hard.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
No thinking = Great Mother's Day. Who knew?
I was afraid to set up too many expectations for today. For one, obviously, because of my mom. But for another, because it was my first. So a few days back I let go and just decided to not worry about it and let the day roll. My goals were simple: enjoy my new family, cherish my daughter, see what Mother's Day feels like - for me.
We went to brunch down the street, swung in swings at the park and took several naps. It was wonderfully relaxing and felt so indulgent. (Important disclosure: the wickedly naughty cocktail at 10 am brunch didn't hurt.) And I liked how complete strangers and neighbors tell you "Happy Mothers Day". It's a unique and lovely recognition.
Just a really great day. And a great lesson. I didn't think about the past, I didn't worry about the future. No coulda/shoulda stuff. I just concentrated on the sweet smile of my baby girl, her peaches and cream breath, and the joy on the face of my husband as she grabbed at his scratchy beard while cuddled in his arms.
It's all good.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Mother's Day
Obviously I knew Mother's Day would be hard. I've been bracing myself, actually. But it comes at you from everywhere. One unavoidable reminder -- for the last few days I've been getting spam emails reminding me that I should tell my mom how much I love her, or should make sure to send her flowers, etc. So it's been a big week of wincing and unsubscribing.
I got a piece of great advice from my friend Heidi though. She suggested I take the money I would have spent on a gift for mom and buy myself something she would have wanted me to have. I still had the gift certificate she gave me for Christmas too, so I took that and combined it with the money I would have spent on her and bought an outrageously expensive pair of sunglasses with a little more glam than I normally would be into. (My mom LOVED glam. She was a Joan Collin's lovin' big gold wearing glam queen.) AND I got 25% off by charming the guy behind the counter, which she would have enjoyed. It was pretty fun.
So even though I was quite happy with my purchase, when I got to the car I burst into tears. Normally at that moment I would call her to tell her how I spent the gift card. But no.
It washes over you suddenly. You breathe and then you move on. Or in my case, I called my sister and she helped me breathe and move on.
I've been taking a lot of comfort in the fact that my last Mother's Day gift to my mom was (and this is her words) her "best ever". Last year on Mother's Day I told my mom I was pregnant. She was the happiest I've ever heard her.
So I'm just going to focus on that. Best ever.
Mom and Me. My last picture with her. My shower. October 2008.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Audball @ 5 months
- 26.5 inches long - still 90%
- 14 lbs 9 oz. - still 50%
- Loves to grab her toes, toys, my shirt, my mouth, my hair, etc.
- That which can go in mouth should go in mouth, including heels.
- Short attention span - but super focused when she wants to be
- Rollie pollie little bug
- Thisclose to sitting up by herself
- Gets attention by squealing
- Locates us by the sound of our voices
- Still spitting up a lot - on meds
- Needs to eat more milk
- Starting to eat rice cereal
- Has broken open my heart
Monday, May 04, 2009
Yep. Times have changed...
Putting together a party now is very different experience now.
I am so wiped out I can't believe it. Party went well. More Later.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Medicine Cabinet
People go through medicine cabinets at parties, don't they?
Dammit. That's one more thing to clean.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Awh boooo
So you know how we're having a Hanami this weekend to celebrate the blossoming of our cherry tree?
Um. No blossoms.
This second picture is me looking more closely and saying, "Really?"
It blossomed last year. I called the tree guy we bought it from and asked about it. (I can't decide if he thought I was a neurotic freak or if he really loved the fact that I was so concerned about my tree. Toss up there.) Ultimately his wise and professional assessment was, "well, that happens sometimes."
**Sigh**
Can't get worked up about it. We'll make our own damn blossoms. No one is keeping me from those cases of sake and Asahi.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Happy Birthday Mr. Anderson
Those of you who've read the blog a while know I am hopelessly in la la love with my husband. It's sick really.
I will spare you all and not publish a mushy post this year. He'd prefer it that way I'm sure.
So here we go...
Just keepin' it real with a birthday shout out to the Man.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth Day
I forgot it was Earth Day until this morning when I found I had a crapload of spam in my inbox telling me so. Here are some of my favorite subject lines:
· Get Green with Online Banking
· Win a free Green T Shirt!
· How much money will you save by GOING GREEN?
· Best Deals Ever! Earth Day early birds SAVE!
· Red Light Goes Green
· Get a Free Roll of Reynolds Wrap Foil from 100% Recycled Aluminum
I’m not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, it's for the greater good. On the other, it's turned into a total marketing ploy. I, for one, am a bit tired of being told to be green. I way too cynical a person maybe. I can’t just recycle a can, I have to figure out what’s really green. Does the can go to your regular old dump anyway? Or when it goes to a “good dump” do they cart it off 500 miles in big gas guzzling trucks?
Yea, yea, I know I'm overthinking. And I already know a couple of you who are probably laughing right now. (Bishand comes to mind first.) I think trying to do our home remodel as green as possible put me over the edge in this area. It was a giant exercise in contradictions. Yes, I want eco-friendly cabinets that don't offgas chemicals, but if they come from replenishable wood that's soft aren't they going to warp over time and end up in a dump anyway? And what about the fact that those special cabinets have to come from Oregon - on a truck - which requires fuel?? (Can you see my eyes roll to the back of my head?)
So today, to celebrate Earth day, I’ve decided to.... let go. Fine. I'll be GREEN. I'm just going to toss this can of Diet Coke in the recycling bin and go ahead click on that last email.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Hanami 2009
In 2004 Mr. Anderson and I went on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan. By sheer luck we arrived in Tokyo in the middle of prime cherry blossom season. We spent a fantastic day soaking up the blossom bliss at Ueno park, one of the country's most popular Cherry Blossom viewing locations, with over 1000 trees. I was enchanted by every aspect of it. Not only is it just beautiful to behold, but the spirit of the occasion is awesome. It's a communal exercise in "being in the moment". Everyone sits under the trees admiring their beauty and enjoying each other's company. All day. You hear the word "utsukushii" (meaning "beautiful") from every corner. Oh, and everyone gets drunk on sake.
So, way back then we vowed we'd throw our own Hanami someday. And when we moved into the house, Mr. Anderson planted a Cherry tree for me in the front yard. (Yea, he's that good, people.) And now it's time! We're on watch. From what I can tell we're about a week or two away.
In the meantime, enjoy these pics from our trip in 2003...
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Perfect
Photo credit: My fab friend Maia. Letsdoshots.com - LA, NY and Chicago.
I've been wrestling with how I react when people use the word "perfect" to describe Audball. I think I'm generally self-conscious agreeing Audrey is "perfect" because it seems so immodest. And just sorta weird. But you know what? I'm soooo overthinking this. Right now, she's PERFECT. Perfect smelling. Perfect smiling. Perfect laughing. Perfect feet finding. PER-FECT!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
TMI warning. Discussion involving girly business.
Seriously. If you're a male (like my FIL or my dad) stop reading now. You won't like it.
Ah, who am I kidding? They never visit anyway. Ladies? Shall we...
So yesterday my body made it violently clear that its ready to have another baby. I'm sort of floored by this. Already? Really? I'm not breastfeeding, which I guess means this shouldn't have been a surprise, but REALLY? I just am feeling human again. And my body is... oh jesus... a DISASTER. I guess I'm somewhat horrified and amazed at the same time. It's a marvelous thing, the female body. It's breathtaking, really. But wow.
And here's a hilarious thought -- before I got pregnant and the whole back thing happened our plan was to actually pop two kids out one right after another. (I'm not getting any younger, remember?) So if I were to follow the plan now we'd be fine with this turn of events. Happy probably! Let me say today though --- OH NO. Whoa boy. Let's slow this down. Age be damned. I need a breather. At least a little one. And the back needs to heal.
In other TMI news. I paid $50 to find out when my mom went through menopause. Yea, that's a weird one, right? Recently it occurred to me I had no idea when my mom went through it and at some point down the road I think I'm going to want to know that sort of info. And probably lots of other medical history facts that I never bothered to ask her about (you know, because she was supposed to live a while.) And not just for me - for my sister and Aud... So I paid to get a copy of her medical records. It arrived -- all 64 pages of it -- with a huge thud. I could understand absolutely NOTHING from the doctors notes, but found myself sad looking at mom's writing. Each little check mark on a form (you know, "no, no history of seizures" etc.) felt oddly like a little piece of her. It was harder than I expected.
I got what I wanted though. In 2007 she wrote down her last cycle was 5 years prior. So she was 55. Now I know.
If anyone knows a doctor who would be willing to translate the rest, I'd be appreciative.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Useless
I'm hormonal and blue today. In case you came here to the site wondering how we were doing. Argh.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Aud @ 4 months
Can you believe this pic? Already such a big girl.
Stats:
- 13 pounds, 10 oz - 50th percentile.
- 26 inches long - 95th percentile (Yea, I'm highly suspicious of the last measurement. She grew 2 inches in one month? Hmmm)
- Refused head measurement
- Sleeping well (without her swaddle no less!)
- Found her feet
- Very little head slumping when she's propped up
- Grabbing, holding and sucking toys
- Anticipates the bottle and makes sure we know she wants it
- Likes to look at things up close
- Holds her head up when on her tummy, and rolls over
- Sleeping on her side. Left, to be specific. And perpendicularly in her crib. Seriously. No matter what way we put her down, this is how we find her when she wakes up. She makes sure to touch her head and her feet to the opposing bumpers. Maybe because it's a little more cozy?
- "Talking" and squealing
- Playing
- The fishes in her aquarium
- Watching Ringo
- Daddy
- Twirling her hair in her fingers
- Scratching the wall next to her changing table with her fingers.
- Having her morning bottle taken away before she's had 4 oz.
- Sudden noises. Particularly Velcro. It's evil and makes her cry.
- Being bored
- Shots
- Being cold and wet after a bath.
Get used to it, right?
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Oy My Back
Today is the one year anniversary of my back injury. Reflecting on it this morning I re-ran through the blog fully expecting to find a ton of posts on the subject but was surprised that there weren't any really. So odd. The actual pain of the injury couldn't be more fresh in my mind. And the months and months of therapy were such a huge part of my life. In fact, I still go to physical therapy today.
At the time I think I was so stressed and depressed I just couldn't share. If I actually talked about the pain or released what I really had to say it would have been pretty dark. So I made a choice I guess. I chose to blog about my pregnancy and the joy of our upcoming arrival rather than dwell on the excruciating pain and miserable journey I was on for my back to heal. It wasn't totally honest I suppose but everyone wants to hear about a baby, not a bad back. And frankly for my own mental health I wanted to focus on the baby too.
One year later, I'm SO MUCH BETTER. Holy Mother-of-Jesus am I better! Just incredible. And so with that, I'll commemorate the year with a few reflections...
First off - know that I'm not sure how I hurt my back. Prior to the injury I'd been flying twice a week and working at a desk hunched over for hours with no regard for ergonomic support. (And yes, I can see you straightening your back now. Haaha.) Even though I was working out with a trainer and was stronger than I'd been in years, I wasn't focusing on my core which apparently was a very HUGE mistake. Oy. I also had been skiing recently and even worse, snowboarding for the first time, which strained it even further. Plus I had recently slipped on ice on our front steps and taken a pretty decent fall. And, of course, I got pregnant. Later I found out that my new pregnancy hormones may have actually loosened my joints and helped secure the perfect storm to not only badly herniate my L4/L5 discs, but also make me unable to heal quickly.
I remember the morning so well. I was so thrilled to be home in Chicago. I'd arranged to work here that week and at that point I hadn't spent 7 consistent days with my husband since Christmas. We'd also just learned I was pregnant. So that Monday morning I rolled out of bed and popped to my feet with a smile on my face. Immediately it was like a lightning bolt shot through my body. Such incredible pain. So much that I called out to Mr.A immediately. He helped me back to bed and we both tried to shake it off as a temporary issue. I even took some Advil without knowing you're not supposed to when you're pregnant.
Two days later we were in the emergency room. I was 7 weeks pregnant and being told that normally I would be given some good drugs and steroids but since I was pregnant it was going to be dicey. I should probably talk to my OB about pain killers. But I didn't have one yet. When I found one she told me she didn't deal with backs and couldn't help me. (Bitch. I can't help but seethe with anger about that woman. She was so cold and indifferent while I was hunched over in such obvious pain. I have since sought vengeance through a bad yelp review.) Anyway - then I was referred to a back doctor, but there was immediate talk of surgery and risk to the baby so I freaked out. It was horrible. All the while I couldn't walk without support and was constantly curled over at a 90 degree angle.
Finally I was referred to the Chicago Rehab Institute where there are doctors who specialized in spinal issues for pregnant women. Everything changed. My new doctor was a savior. She referred me to an OB she could work with and together they put me on drugs that took the edge off without hurting the baby. They reassured me that I could do this. I just needed to go to physical therapy twice a week until the baby was born. Um yea. Did I mention that I fly twice a week for work?
I didn't go back to Denver for two months. My job was amazing about it but I still needed to work from home so I built a home office in bed and actually found the distraction pretty helpful. One thing though - I couldn't tell them I was pregnant! They were baffled when every week I wasn't better. I got endless emails from co-workers with advice and "helpful" stories of friends who had bad backs but had taken steroids and been better in a matter of days and so... you know... you should see about that.
I often had to rock myself for hours to ease the pain. I would wake up every two hours through the night. My awesome, patient husband had to sleep in the guest room. I would count the minutes to my next pill and then feel guilty after taking each one. I was trying to make peace with the fact that I was going to deliver a crack baby.
Thank God the pregnancy continued without an issue. The baby was looking perfectly healthy even if I wasn't. Although I remember thinking it was just ridiculous at one point in physical therapy when they started to coach me in how to puke without lurching forward and hurting my back. Seriously. Are you kidding me? Its enough that I need to puke but now I have to puke in SPECIAL WAY?
I developed a new appreciation for people with spinal injuries. Everything I did was so difficult. Opening doors was a challenge. I needed a chair to shower. I remember hobbling down the street to go to the chiropractor and feeling people stare at me because I was so curled over. Or noticing others just wouldn't make eye contact. I couldn't take care of myself. I resented people who could walk upright. I was missing spring in Chicago! I couldn't contribute to the household. Mr. A had to do everything. I felt horrible. God, to live like that. My eyes water just thinking about it.
When I was finally cleared for flights at 16 weeks pregnant I had a new outlook on the world. I lived like an 80 year-old. I walked really slowly. I sought out handicapped aisles and toilet stalls. I needed to ask for help from complete strangers. It was incredibly humbling. Before I got really pregnant, people often gave me dirty or rolled their eyes at me when I asked for help with my bag. Assholes.
When my belly got big I actually got better. The weight shifted me forward which actually helped stabilize my back and lock in the disc. And at 22 weeks I got to a point where I could tolerate pain without drugs. My 8 minute walk to work from my apartment was 20 minutes, but dammit I was managing it. It was so great to stand up straight!
As you know from my labor story, I had to make some accommodations for my back but everything turned out OK in the end. Audrey was fine, thank God. When I cried when Aud was born it wasn't just because we were finally a family. I cried because it was finally over. And my back was finally clear of the baby so I could take drugs (Hallelujah!) and begin healing for real.
I am so grateful to my husband for his help through the whole experience. Ours was not a sweet and cuddly pregnancy by any stretch. To find out your wife is pregnant and to have her land on bedrest 10 days later was a shitty hand to be dealt. But he stepped up. He cooked, cleaned and cared for me, and held me while I cried in pain. And cried some more because of hormones. His strength should surprise no one at this point. He's my rock.
I still need to be mindful of my back now. I can't pick Audrey up off the floor or out of the crib without an issue, and I definitely find myself in some discomfort at the end of every day. I'm working on it though. We want to have another baby and I ain't getting any younger.
When I was in the worst of it at the hospital I sat in the waiting room next to a paraplegic woman who was pregnant. That, my friends, will give you perspective.
I am so grateful, and so fortunate.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Cathy LaPlante Day
So today is mom's birthday. She would have been 62 years young. In the last few days I've thought about how I wanted to manage myself through this day and here's how I'm approaching it: It's bad enough that Jan. 22 will forever be marked as the anniversary of the most horrible day of my life. I refusing to give up another precious day of the year to sadness.
So instead I'm trying to use the moments when I think of mom today to "bank" some positive memories of her. It's a weird instinct I've had a lot lately. Apparently it happens when you lose someone you loved. When you're hit with a memory you have this incredible urge to rerun, rerun and rerun it. Like memorization. Logic being there won't be any more memories, so you want to hold on to each all the more tightly.
Sigh.
So with that - here are some things that have occurred to me today:
She was great with birthdays. She loved buying adorable cakes when we were young. I remember one in particular that I loved -- a cake formed around a barbie doll standing straight up. She wore a big hoop skirt made of cake. With big frosting to make it look puffy and beautifully draped.
Also - there was a year we were really into Knight Rider so for my birthday mom rented a Trans Am and drove me and my friend Debbie around town and pretended it was KIT. I totally remember flying north on the 405 with the sunroof open, shouting to "KIT" to turbo boost as mom smiled and laughed.
My big Disneyland birthday. I am so impressed she did this now, actually. I think when I was in 7th grade (maybe 8th?) she took me and bunch of my girlfriends from school to Disneyland for the day and then we stayed over at the Disneyland hotel. We were hooting and hollering on the balcony of the hotel at one point - trying to attract attention from boys below. I'm sure she loved that. Somewhere there's an old style portrait of us in sailor suits with mom behind us. I have to try to find that picture.
And of course - for my 16th birthday mom surprised me by flying me to Vegas for the day and taught me to play blackjack. With real money! She winked at the dealer when he asked my age and told him, "Oh today's her birthday and she's 21. You can trust me on that. I was there!" On the flight back she told me to tell my father I’d gone to school, then we’d been shopping. Best birthday present ever.
So this is good. I'm smiling. And wondering if my husband will mind if I sneak Audrey to Vegas when she's 16. Hmmm...
If I think of more I'll post them as the day goes on.
5:19 pm - We just found a box with tons of Disney videos in the garage. So funny we should uncover them today. Mom used to give them to us as gifts over the years. She always worried when they advertised limited edition copies that by the time we had kids we wouldn't be able to get one.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Anderson Pooper Reports
Last week Granna Jan came out for her spring break to hang out with Aud. It was a productive and fun week for both of them. For one, Audrey learned to roll over to her back. Here's a little video where she demonstrates her skills:
For another, Granna Jan made curtains for Audrey's room. I'm particularly happy about this because I had actually planned on doing it myself, but I have absolutely no idea how to sew. Um yea. Kinda one of those things I can't really explain well. So anyway, this was a source of some anxiety for me and I'm very grateful to have it done. (And done well!) Thank you Jan!
Here's a shot of Granna and Audrey. Looking good, ladies!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
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