Tuesday, March 30, 2010

mama vents:: hot water

It is time for another vent.  It is Tuesday and we all know how I feel about Tuesdays.  Terrible.  No good, very bad days.  On this terrible Tuesday not only am I sleepless, hungry, and tired but I am also stinky thanks to our hot water heater.

Dear Water Heater,

You have provided so many with warm luxorious showers over the year yet when it comes to my turn I suddenly find your water cold and harsh.  This a recent change in our relationship and I am puzzled as to why you have turned your back on me.

Perhaps it is the strain that our household has been putting on you.  I know the dishwasher and the washing machine don't help.  Perhaps it is the houseguest that has been making a permanent appearance in the apartment downstairs.  Perhaps it is simply that everyone else takes showers longer than necessary.

I don't ask for much.  All I want is a shower.  This is the forth time this week that I have found cold water instead of warm.  I haven't showered since Washington.  I am tired of being stinky.  I smell worse than my wet, muddy dog and spit up covered son. 

So on this terrible Tuesday, please refill your warmth quickly because I am two seconds away from asking the neighbors if I can use their shower.

Much Love,
Stinky Mama

PS While you are at it, will ask the dishwasher loading ferries to come.  Thank you.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

photo therapy:: 5 months

Wow! I can remember when Dale and I were amazed that we survived the first 2 weeks of parenthood.  Now, I can't believe that 5 months has already flown by!  Kannon is eating 
rice and oatmeal at breakfast and dinner time.

 

He sleeps from 9pm-8am, waking up once or twice to eat during the night.  Kannon babbles, sings, screams, and laughs (even at the dog). 


He can sit unassisted for about 2 minutes before toppling over.

  

Kannon is rolling over, putting anything and everything into his mouth.



While parenthood is sometimes full of poopy diapers, spit up, and screaming children, it is also full of love, happiness, and joy.  We still can't believe we got so lucky with this kid.  Happy 5 months!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Mama Confesses:: I miss Seattle

 We arrived in Seattle to be greeted by GIANT Montana posters everywhere....

Our final days in Seattle before moving to Montana were spent cursing at traffic, cigarette smoke, and pollution.  We felt cramped and were more than ready to move to Montana.  We love Montana.  It is open, beautiful, clean, and quiet.  Our first few return trips to Seattle left us happy with our decision to move but on our recent trip to Seattle I was sad to leave.  Don't get me wrong, we love Montana and will be sticking around a little bit longer but Dale and I are talking about the possibility of moving back to the Seattle area.  We have talked about the lifestyle we want and enriching life we want for our children.  I am grateful to have grown up in Montana and while it does offer so many life experiences, it sometimes lacks the culture and diversity that Dale and I love. 



We also miss our friends. We are very isolated in Montana and while we have a few friends and family close by we miss the friends that we have grown so close with over the years.  We miss the friends that we can call at the last minute just to hang out, eat ice cream and vent about life.  We miss having an excuse to make dinner just for friends coming over.  Most of all, we miss sharing our lives with the friends who have stood by us year after year watching us grow.  I never thought of all things Seattle, I would miss our friends the most. 


Our trip was fun.   It was relaxing, full of good food, friends, and laughter.  Kannon slept better than he has weeks as his days were kept full and exciting as he learned of his new surroundings.  Here is how we spent our vacation and why we are missing Seattle:

New Clothes!!

1.)  The Food---We love to cook so it should be no surprise that we set the bar high when it comes to restaurants.  Missoula has a few good places but lacks the diversity we look for in food.  While in Seattle, we enjoyed Spanish cuisine at Tango (twice), chicken masala and shish taok at Cedars, breakfast at Portage Bay, delicious fondue and poppers at Palace Kitchen, sushi at Shiku, thai food at Thaiku, pho at Pho Cyclo, and homemade pasta at Tavolata, and quick pasrties at Piroshky, Piroshky.  Our dining experience in Seattle left us satisfied and wanting more the minute we arrived in Missoula.

 Kannon and his Sophie

2.) The Shopping---Dale and I hate shopping.  We do it once a year usually around Christmas.  Since having a baby, shopping has become a little more necessary as we discover new things for Kannon.  Most of the items I needed for Kannon's arrival I had to buy online, pay shipping, and wait weeks on end for stuff to arrive, just to realize that the item was not as "pictured".  In Seattle, all of our specialty items were found easily without shipping and usually a few blocks from each other.  We got some cloth diapers, sunglasses, a hat, and Sophie, the giraffe, Kannon's new love.  The best part was that we got to try before we buy, a luxury to us.  We debated for weeks on getting Kannon a Sophie.  To us it is practically an expensive dog toy, but the minute Kannon saw it, he picked it up and put it right in his mouth.  Now this toy never leaves his side.  Thank you Seattle for having so many awesome baby stores. 

 Kannon's new sun hat

3.) The Activity---We lead a pretty quiet life in Missoula.  During the winter, we prefer to stay indoors, cook, and only go out if we absolutely have to.  During the summer that changes dramatically as we head out every weekend camping and hiking.  However, in Seattle we were always on the go.  It was so easy and CHEAP.  Dale and I used to walk downtown almost everyday, just to people watch, grab a beer, and talk.  This time, we walked all over Seattle.  We explored Ballard.  We played catch at Golden Gardens. We went to Pike Place.  We adventured at the Zoo.  By the time our trip was over, both Dale and I had to get new shoes because our Danskos were clearly the wrong choice for our journeys.  The whole time, Kannon was with us, in a stroller or on my back checking things out with curious wonder.

 Kannon at the Zoo with some friends

4.) The People---I never thought I would say I miss Seattlites but I do.  They are just so nice. Everywhere we went people asked us how old Kannon was, complimented my BabyHawk,  or just said hello.  Don't get me wrong, people in Montana are nice but it has been hard to make friends and most people look at me like I am crazy when they see the cloth diapers or our array of baby carriers.  I saw more cloth diapering, babywearing families in Seattle in a week than I have ever seen in Montana.  It is nice to not feel alone. 



5.) The Opportunity---We moved to Montana primarily because after a few months of being jobless I finally found a job in Missoula.  However, it took Dale a few months to find a job which was disappointing considering his skills, passion, and work ethic.  Now that my job is nearly finished and Dale is well on his way to becoming a sommelier we are looking ahead at our future.  Montana will be dead-end for Dale.  There are few high end restaurants that need sommeliers and even fewer distribution companies in search of wine reps.  We constantly browse craigslist and winejobs.com and are consistently amazed at the job openings in the wine market in the Seattle/WA/OR area.  It would be easy for Dale to move up the wine ladder and hopefully land his dream job someday living closer to wine country, big cities, and fancy restaurants.  Not too mention, I sold several sets of dryer balls to Seattlites and was excited to see the potential in all those crunchy stores.

All in all, our trip was great.  It left us puzzled and confused as far as what we want for our life and our children's lives.  We don't like traffic or crime.  The schools aren't great.  But the culture and diversity is hard to pass up.  Our friends are close by.  We love the possibilities.  And, being landlocked in Montana is getting a little depressing.  We have some time to think as we aren't heading anywhere soon, but this trip certainly gave us a lot to digest.



We spent the last two days of our vacation in Leavenworth, WA at the Sleeping Lady Resort.  It was the most relaxing, peaceful two days I have had in a long time.  The amenities were amazing.  The food delicious.  And the hot pool.....how I long to return to thee. 


I will say, there is nothing like returning to your own house.  Sinking in to my bed and my favorite pillows was heavenly.  Needless to say, next week I will be ready to pack my bags and head on another adventure....somewhere just anywhere but here.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

The Real World

After 6 days of ignoring emails, phone calls, and the internet it is back to the real world and that means back to work.  Whew.  I checked my emails to find more dryer ball orders to fill, blogs to read, emails to send and a cranky baby who refuses to leave my side after spending 7 hours in the car. 

We are back.  It feels good.  Despite the chaos we have returned to it feels good to have our bed, our kitchen, and our bath.  6 days away from home was clearly too long.  But we did have fun.  I cant wait to post pictures and share all about our adventures. For now that will have to wait but I will leave you with some clues to our fun:  zoo, Sophie, swimming, eating, shopping, and soooo much more. 

Before I return to more pressing issues, like announcing the winner of my first giveaway.  Now, there were only 3 entries, so it wasn't completely what I was hoping for.  But for those of you who did enter, thanks!  I used random.org true random number generator and was given the number 2.....which was:


Jessica Salonga, aka Mrs. Salonga 

Yay!  Another lovely set of dryer balls find their home!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Giveaway!

We have been scrambling trying to get our stuff to together to head over the mountains and through the woods to Seattle and I completely forgot that today marks my first product review. 

Okay, really, it was just a blurb but needless to say I am really excited!  A sweet Missoula mommy blogger was so excited to start using my dryer balls she blogged about me...and she has TONS of followers.  So I am hoping this means good news for my dryer ball business. 

In honor of this blurb, I am doing my first GIVEAWAY!  That's right, you too can have a set of dryer balls in your home!  To enter to win:

1.) Become a subscriber to this blog.
2.) Leave your email address and comment telling me about a travel adventure. 

I will pick a winner at random on Saturday and let you know by email that you have won.

Until then, happy St. Patrick's Day!  Wish us luck as we journey to Seattle on a 7 hour drive with a 4.5 month old, a dog, and a loaded car!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Mama Confesses:: Babywearing

I have an addiction.  Actually, I have several addictions but most of them don't involve my credit card.  We are pretty "crunchy" parents.  We recycle, eat organic, cloth diaper and babywear.  Yes, babywear---the practice of wearing your baby in a sling, wrap, mei tei whatever.  This is where my story begins.

Kannon in the Ergo

Before Kannon was born we were given a ring sling, Moby wrap and an Ergo Baby Carrier.  Both are great carriers and very popular in Missoula.  I thought our stash would end here.  However, as I started discovering more about the world of babywearing, my addiction started.  I found myself scouring the internet searching for wovens, ring slings. mei teis and more.  At this point, my addiction was harmless--I was happy with my three carriers.
 Kannon in the ring sling

Until I met my BabyHawk Mei Tei.  I begged and pleaded to Dale to get the mei tei. I even fibbed about the price. He agreed and 4 days later the BabyHawk showed up at my door.  When I first heard about babywearing, the BabyHawk was originally on my list, but after we got the Ergo, I settled.

The Ergo was okay.  It will be great when Kannon is a bit older but for right now, the Ergo is like a relationship that needs a lot of work.  I am never really comfortable, always walking on eggshells hoping I don't lose my moment.  Dale likes the Ergo, so for now, it stays.

 Kannon in the BabyHawk

Man oh, man, get between me and my BabyHawk and I will eat your face.  The BabyHawk is like a great relationship--you don't have to work for it and its always comfortable.  The first time I slipped Kannon in, he smiled showing his happiness that we finally found something that would provide comfort and closeness for the both of us.

Kannon in the Kozy

This had me thinking, if the BabyHawk was this comfortable, how about a Kozy--favored by many babywearers for its thicker, wider straps.  So off I went in search of a Kozy.  This time I didn't tell Dale about it.  When the package arrived I hid it and opened it after he went to work.  I tried it on, decided it was okay and hid in it my closet.  The Kozy, is like a really hot affair.  Everybody raves about them, it is sort of exciting but I can't let myself get too comfortable...because really, it just doesn't fit me.  Needless to say, it is still in my closet hiding from Dale.  I pull it out when he leaves the house and go back in forth between breaking up with it or keeping it close by, just in case. 

Kannon in the $15 wrap

Then a horrible thing happened today.  I was running errands and needed to stop by our favorite cloth diapering store, Nature Boy, and sitting in their swap bin was a wrap.  I don't know who makes it, where it came from, but I had to have it.  Fortunately, it was only $15.

Kannon and I wrapped ourselves up and did some chores, he happily played with my hair and even fell asleep.  I have been hoping to get this woven, but I don't want to spend the $100 to get one, so I thought this $15 unknown wrap would be a test.  It was a test---one that passed with flying colors.  Now I need to explain to Dale why I want a $100 woven.

Babywearing has turned into an addiction.  Dale confronted me after the BabyHawk arrived and we had a long conversation about it.  I related it to shoes, because he has an appreciation for them.  I said that the Ergo is like a pair of Chaco's.  Everyone wears them, loves them, and they are easy to slip on.  Mei teis are like a pair of Danskos--they need a little breaking in, but slipping them on is like putting on an old pair of jeans, you just never take them off.  A woven is like a great pair of Italian leather loafers.  Once you have a pair, you never settle for less.  This helped clear the air a bit, but he still doesn't know about the Kozy hiding in my closet and he isn't handing over the cash for the woven.  For now, I guess I will have to let my addiction fester and enjoy the wrap, mei tei, and Ergo.

Dale has no room to talk because he babywears.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

"Its a Boy.....or girl" Cabbage Salad

This time last year I was peeing on cabbage.   Errr, more like cabbage water.

I gave in to Old Wives Tales and decided to do my own gender test using cabbage water.  Last time, it came up boy 3 times and girl once.  This time, after hiding the cabbage from my husband, it came up the same.  3 times a boy, 1 time a girl.

To do this test, you boil half a head of red cabbage for 10 minutes.  Strain and reserve the water and let it cool to room temperature. Add 1 oz cabbage water and 1 oz of firts morning urine that has also cooled to room temperature.  If it turns redish/pink its a boy.  If it turns bluish/dark purple its a girl.

With Kannon most of our gender tests proved correct.  I also knew the moment I tested positive that he would be a boy.  I have no "gut" feeling with this pregnancy, lets just hope it is not both!  So until the 20- week ultrasound, I will continue to test every Old Wives Tale in the book.

In the meantime, I had a surplus of red cabbage and decided I needed to fess up or make something delicious to hide my guilt.  (Really, who buys cabbage just to pee on??)  I had been having cravings for a delicious spicy red cabbage salad that we have had before at Papaluci's in Belmont Shore, CA and I decided to try my hand at replicating such.

It turned out pretty good.  Not quite the same as Papaluci's, but it satisfied my craving, one that would be otherwise hard to fulfill from 2,000 miles away.  Better yet, it gave me another reason to buy cabbage.


Not-Quite Papaluci's Spicy Red Cabbage Salad
Ingredients:
1/2 head of Red Cabbage, thinly sliced
5-7 cloves of minced garlic
Red Wine Vinegar
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper

1.)  Toss cabbage, garlic, a dash of salt & pepper, and equal parts of red wine vinegar & olive oil.  (I used a cup of each).

2.) Place your salad in a shallow dish--a casserole or baking dish works perfectly. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours, tossing every so often to really flavor the cabbage.

3.) Serve yourself a huge bowl and wish you were at Papaluci's.  Go for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths.  Then hide the evidence from anyone who likes red cabbage, because it is purely divine. 

Friday, March 12, 2010

Celebrating Cereal

It seems silly, but these past few days we have been celebrating over cereal.  Kannon started rice cereal evidence of his growing up.  With each bite he takes he becomes a better eater, more independent, and begs to use the spoon.

We were going to wait a few more months to start solids but Kannon's stuffy nose had better plans.  After 2-3 days of eating barely 10 ounces, we gave him some cereal and he licked the bowl clean.  While I was worried about this big milestone, Kannon showed he was more than ready! 

Kannon was never the biggest morning eater but now with cereal on the menu, he couldn't be more excited.  We have also added an evening meal, right before his bath, so clean-up is a breeze.

All the cereal must be doing some good because he has been rolling over like crazy, sleeping over 8 hours in a stretch, talking, and laughing more.  The truth is, the cereal isn't to blame, rather its just a sign of my son growing up.

In a final note, we got a new video camera!  It is nothing fancy but at least we can see what we are shooting now!



Follow the link to see Kannon in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na1HOYMWnNM

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Selll me your car!!!

HELP!!!! I need help choosing a new car!  Dale and I are finally trading in my 2001 Toyota Camry for something a little bigger as our family expands.  It is just clear to us that my little car is not going to seat 2 carseats, 2 adults, a dog and all our stuff.  So we need to upgrade.  Talk about some tough decision making!  I had no idea the market was filled with so many options.  Fancy me and help me choose a car!

Our Needs:
Somewhat fuel efficient
Seats 5+
Hatchback
Winter Ready
Dog Friendly
Spacious for camping gear
4WD (not an absolute must)
Between 2002-2007 model
Under $10,000


God forbid if anyone of you recommend a minivan.  I am 24 and while I love growing up and being a mom, I don't know if I am ready to be a soccer mom, van driving mom.  What's next?  Playdates and princess pageants???

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

photo therapy:: comfort food

Here are some pics to make you smile! 

My little top chef.....

He didn't really help me make his cereal, he just watched...

...and then he got a little impatient and VERY excited

He had his first bowl of rice cereal...and he loved every bite!

He licked the bowl clean!

All clean!!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Every Woman Needs.....


....the Isadora Chameleon Dress

My friend, Miriam, recently showed me this dress on Etsy and I am in LOVE. I have decided that I am willing to put a dent in my budget to buy this dress and wear it 19 different ways....yes 19 ways!!!



It is made of awesome material, available in every color, that will stretch with my pregnancy. Its cool, comfortable, and super glamorous.

I have decided that every woman needs this dress as it is perfect. Imagine the possibilities....a little black dress that can be worn 19 different ways!!!! My suitcase to Europe would have been a lot lighter had the Chameleon dress been there!!!

Watch these videos to see just how versatile this dress is!

...oh, did I mention they also do wedding and bridal party dresses???

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Daddy Logic

Kannon has been sick the past few days--nothing really serious, just a mild cold, cough, and stuffy nose. Nonetheless, it has kept us waking up on the hour, every hour, to comfort Kannon while he experience his "first cold".

It is hell. My heart breaks at every cough and I am struggling every moment between calling the doctor and "letting it pass".

He is getting better but now that his nose is looking somewhat like Niagara Falls and our bulb syringe disappeared (thanks Sascha) we have no way to get those cruddy boogers out. How do you tell a 4-month old to blow?

Dale's answer: Just suck them out.

!#&(*&$!(#*$&!(#*$& Whhhhaaat???

Of course, he didn't say he would suck them out.....he was asking me.

So that's right, I sucked my son's boogers out. With my mouth. It was a bit salty, really not all that different from own.

Not only am I a poop juggling, diaper changing, burping, spit up covered mom---I am a snot sucker. Do I get the supermom award of the year for this?

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Confession of the Week

I am too tired to get real food and Kannon is only going to sleep for 20 minutes. What am I doing?

Watching the Bachelor and spreading Nutella all over some crackers.

I never saw my life heading down this road....

4 Months!!!



I was going to post this a few days ago but we wanted to wait until we got the official stats at Kannon's 4 month appointment yesterday.

Kannon is weighing in at 14 lbs 1 ounce and measuring 24 1/2 inches. At his 2 month appointment Kannon was a little on the small side but he has caught up now nearly doubling his birth weight!

As usual, the doctor gave us praises for growing and raising such a beautiful and healthy baby. Kannon was all smiles until the shots came....



He cried for 20 minutes--coughing, crying, and tears streaming down his face. We got home and he slept most of day away in my arms begging for warmth and comfort.

We got a little scare last night, when Kannon's temperature spiked to 101.4 and he clung on to me like a little monkey. After some tylenol and a warm bottle, he fell asleep and thankfully woke up with things back to normal this morning.

Now that things have returned to normalcy, here are some updates:

1.) Kannon is growing rapidly and has finally moved out his 0-3 months clothes and into his 3-6 months clothes. Of course, those clothes aren't going far now that #2 is on the way!



2.) We have discovered that Kannon like tummy time spent completely naked. We lay him on top of some cloth diapers and he rolls from belly to back over and over again. He hasn't quite rolled from back to belly yet, but he's trying!




3.) Kannon's little hands are reaching for everything. I can no longer type with him in my lap as he attempts to mimic my typing, deleting emails and writing non sense. He has started going after anything in his reach, including our cat's tails!



4.) We have discovered how to make Kannon laugh. He is ticklish on his chest and sides and goes bananas if you tickle him. It is the most soul satisfying laugh I have ever heard!

5.) Kannon is afraid of guitars...YES, GUITARS! Dalyn tried to serenade him and he immediately starting crying! She changed the tune and Kannon was soon trying to sing along with her.

6.) Kannon has started using his voice in other ways than just crying. He spends most of his morning talking to his monkey, elephant, and lion. Dale and I just listen and try to interpret all of his mutterings.



7.) Kannon has graduated to the big bath, after he consistently tried rolling himself out of the little tub. He is much happier now that he has room to splash and bathe.



Kannon is the center of attention around our house. We love the challenges we have with Kannon. Likewise, we adore every small moment with Kannon, the glimpses of love and happiness that he reveals. Some-days, it is hard, but Dale and I have learned to humor ourselves in the challenges and take pride in our successes. I find myself racing home during any errand or trip to the office just be home with my boys! I cant get enough waking hours with Kannon.....and I still sneak in at night just to give him a kiss!