{ Oh HELLO Baby }

Identity Crisis

2011-05-06T22:11:00.005-05:00

For the last couple of months, my photography and personal brand have been top-of-mind. A year or so ago, I created the above logo (ignore the obnoxious tagline that was supposed to be a rotating thing) in a flurry of creative frustration. I think I need much more wow to stand out amongst very impressive competition in the area.

Most photographers have their names as their business name. Makes a lot of sense--no one else is you, and photography is usually a one-man-band. Plus coming up with a phrase or word to sum up your creative endeavors is incredibly challenging. Oh Hello Baby was the product of the fearful and hormonal days when I first learned that I was pregnant--at age 20 and a junior in college four hours from home. I started the blog to journal for therapeutic reasons and to perhaps be able to show the little man what the early days of his life were like through his mother's eyes. The name, to me, conveys the surprise and excitement of something new and growing. It stays.

But what about the other aspects of my bland and lacking personality should shine through into an identity? What aesthetic obsessions of mine should I incorporate into a business brand? At this point it's just ironic that I majored in something centered on brand development and maintenance.

I've been working with a technique that usually helps me focus: keyword mood boards. A mood board is how the little man's name was fleshed out. On a turquoise sheet of heavyweight paper I jotted down several (40?) boys' names that appealed to me along with qualities that I envisioned my grown-up fetus having. Examples on that "board" were Finn, independent, Bryson, hip, Parker, earthy, etc. etc. all scattered about to fill the page. Gradually I combined and eliminated items to create the combination that I couldn't let go: voila Hudson Sage.
But names are easy.

What design elements do I put on CD labels, envelopes, business cards, blog headers, stickers, letterhead, and more? And even more grating on me is my photography style itself. Each established photographer has editing techniques and principles that guide them and attract like-minded clients. Some photographers rely heavily on black and white. Others use inspired pops of color and urban settings for modern drama. Some specialize in dreamy, floral children's themes; others, rustic grunge. You get the idea. Right now, it feels like the images I churn out are all over the place. I have honed down favorite Photoshop actions, and that helps.

It might help if I had object-obsessions, such as an owl infatuation or an affinity for dress forms, but nothing is jumping out at me. I have collected vintage Pyrex. Those designs aren't cool for the taking. Several decor themes are trendy, which I want to avoid to a degree. Think chandeliers, faux bois, damask, aforementioned owls, birdcages, ornate scrollwork, trees and leaves, dandelions... There is something: past the awful mess that is my discombobulated cottage is a design scheme based mostly on black + white and turquoise + lime. Aaaalso yellow and natural fibers such as burlap and kraft paper. Thus far, my packaging has been kraft and black + white. Solid, but ho-hum. de dum.

I believe it's time to get cracking on my keyword mood board for { oh HELLO baby } photography . This is where you come in to play: feel free to comment with words that either you desire in photography, that you think exemplify a style that I embody or should follow, or something that could work for me. Also don't hesitate to help me hone and eliminate. I'll start:

natural

authentic

retro

modern

rural

fresh

simple

homemade

old-time-country-music

pioneer

handwritten

typewriter

herbal

Scandinavian

hygge (you might have to look that one up)

bright

hazy

hippie

organic

small

{ nowitsyourturn.doit }

Perennial Surprises

2011-04-29T09:48:00.009-05:00

My love affair with my homey, run-down cottage named ~~Midge~~ Midgey Poo continues--as this year there are a few new perennial additions to her completely chaotic and relatively expansive yard. I have watched for over a year and a half and have identified the following highlights of my rental palace's grounds:

at least 4 peonies, only 2 of which bloomed last year

three rusty burn barrels, two of which were converted into lettuce and herb containers, one of which is a possible compost bin

a sidewalk tree (has a chunk of old sidewalk growing out of it)

a tractor tire, once filled with rocks and a stinging insect's nest, now filled with soil and ornamental grasses

a garden hose tree (has several strands of garden hose growing out of it from a long-gone tree house)

two sections of a dry stack retaining wall of sorts that has shifted and fallen into a less than elegant mess--but has several floral surprises including some peonies and hen-and-chicks

tiny siberian squill to greet the spring

a single red tulip

an overwhelming mass of hostas along one side of the house (not my favorites since they are heartily overused)

a perfectly shady spot at the bottom of the hill for a hammock

a low-enough dipping tree branch for a swing

incline and bumps that made for a whale of a Slip-n-slide and will again this summer

Weirdest thing: the yard is often dominated by a curious little creature known as "Hudson" that tromps around and entertains the locals. If you would like to see a fascinating rendition of "Lollipop" complete with umbrella (ala Planet 51) and performed on the sidewalk feel free to meander by when the weather is nice.

New this year: echinacea, hollyhocks, shasta daisies, astilbe, aster, sweet alyssum, sweet peas (fingers crossed for them), four o'clocks, clematis, delphinium, ...and hopefully a new song with a wider range of lyrics.

Windy Country

2011-04-25T20:27:00.005-05:00

Remember that one time I blogged about the new wind turbines that popped up out of nowhere? (How do I remember that blog post?) Well, those towering giants were inadvertently some major players in this weekend's drive-by session.

Seen even through the misty fog, they somehow managed to steal the stage away from new grass and farmy landscapes.

Powerful machines to power our power-needs.

Well, users of MidAmerican that is. Pretty sure our municipal energy comes from good old fashioned hamsters on wheels like the good ol' days. That's the only acceptable purpose of hamsters. What were we talking about? Oh yes. Wind turbines, more hillbill-ily called "windmills" around some parts, but I know that you know the difference.

Gentle giants, I do suppose. Much preferred over hamsters.

A Sunday Drive(by)

2011-04-25T12:47:00.003-05:00

Let's just ignore the fact that this is my first post in ohhh...let's just say a year for rounded-ness's sake. Okay? Thanks! I've been blogging like I attend church. And speaking of which, Sunday (Easter) morning, Hudson and I went for a long-overdue "Drive-by Shooting." Mhmm, that's right--I take my nearly-three-year-old on drive-bys with me. On Easter Sundays.

{ Do note that a drive-by shooting for a lanky white Midwestern blonde means taking the 100mm lens on the DSLR, loading up the Scion xB, and meandering through the countryside, never exiting the car. }

During these outings I refer to Hudson as my "homie." Homie talks too much. And gets way too confused as to the point of this trip. However he does like to roll down his window whenever I do for good measure. What kind of weird example am I setting here? To my defense, homeboy's stools were a tad watery, so a church trip was not in the best interest of other Easter celebrators. You're welcome.

At the end of our trip I had 95 photos. We even shot-up our own backyard! I confess, plenty of farm animals and trees were shot. I plan on loading up a few other posts with examples of these specimens, so here is a teaser: the ever-present bovine aka MooMoo and Baby MooMoo.

Inspiration

2010-06-19T15:20:00.005-05:00

Remember this?

How could you forget, right? Well I finally ~~was forced into re-doing~~ got around to starting the rehab of my lovely 5'x6' bathroom. First step? Besides cleaning and sanding...painting. For some odd reason, I chose to keep it neutral with one of the colors I make fun of the most -- ivory/beige. How boring. How dull. How overused and obnoxious. How very nice and soothing every once in a while if used right.

Well, in normal "me" fashion, I am running away with the re-do idea and have decided that pretty much everything needs changed. With the exception of my shabby-chic, rustic (read: old and gross) mirror and sink cabinets, much is seeing action.

A month or so ago, I found katie daisy on etsy.com, and decided that it was the epitome of me and my life in illustration form. I drooled over her stuff (like seriously) for a while before I plunked down the cash (via PayPal, of course) for two large format prints. Then I tried to find frames for such goofy sizes. Thank you, Michaels. Anyhoo, they make me so extremely happy. Among all of her stunning work which I would loovvve to plaster every space of this shack with, these called out to me as great bathroom fare:

Cheery, pretty, inspiring--just what I need in a nasty bathroom which I roll out of bed into every morning. And so in short, I have decided to base the bathroom decor around it. The whole Shabby Chic nonsense is a bit trendy, overdone, and country-bumpkin for my tastes--normally--but what they hey, we're rolling! I found some vintage bedsheet fabric on sale that will become the shower curtain and window curtain. That is, if my manic bathroom gumption doesn't up and leave before I get the sewing machine out.

Also an inspiration for the upbeat, floral theme? Nature walks with my Huddy Buddy. I took my camera out with us today and then created a calendar-esque collage just for you. Enjoy the pretties.

Hopefully I'll be able to post before-and-afters soon! Wish us luck.

Oh baby...spinach and lettuce!

2010-05-26T15:39:00.003-05:00

Hudson isn't the only thing growing rapidly (age two in one week--say what?!), but our garden is coming along quite swimmingly as well.

I mean, just check out that heirloom 'America' spinach, would ya? Super duper tasty with a vinaigrette, provolone cheese, and bacon crumbles. Yes, I said bacon. Also, I used the bigger leaves in a spinach and mushroom manicotti. If my homegrown tomatoes were harvestable to make sauce, I would never ever leave the garden/kitchen. Never. Ever.

And let's face it, you've never tasted a lettuce salad as good as...

this beautyous mixture made up of eight heirloom varieties from Seed Savers Exchange. So sweet, so delicate...

To say I'm enjoying this gardening stuff is a bit of an understatement. It gives us something to do, something to eat, something to look at, and something to feel good about.

Breaking News! { Midge } is live on Apartment Therapy!

2010-04-21T13:22:00.002-05:00

Heard of ApartmentTherapy.com? Of course you have...well, my Midgey Poo is in the Smallest Coolest contest, and they actually decided to post it! There are aaaamazing small spaces posted by others around the world, and my humble abode is among them.

If you want to give me a pity vote, you can do so within 48 hours before voting closes.

See Midge on the WorldWideWeb!

Uh oh...Mommy needs to watch her mouth?

2010-04-09T12:14:00.002-05:00

I listened for a while in disbelief to see if this was what he was saying. I hadn't blurted it out recently, so who really knows what he was trying to tell me. Once I thought for sure he was urging another word, but it turned out to be "bucket."

Gotta love that Hudsonese.

{ Fresh PHOTO...er, Friday? } Hippity Hoppity

2010-04-03T21:36:00.004-05:00

So { Fresh Photo Friday } hasn't happened in a while...and disregard that it is, indeed, Saturday. We went Easter egg hunting today!

I couldn't even snap a few good ones of the crowd and chaos because I was too busy trying to help Hudson along with his egg gathering. It was getting serious there towards the end. I heard one parent comment that Hudson grabbed the last two eggs (one in each hand) when there were three kids around. Ya snooze ya lose.

We didn't come home with a huge bounty, especially since Hudson stopped to open each of his eggs before putting them in his basket--thereby spilling his two Tootsie Rolls on the ground every time. So the process was this: pick up egg, open egg, notice candy fell, pick up candy, put in candy in basket, pick up egg parts that we dropped to pick up the candy, put those in basket, stand up and stare, meander to another egg eventually, repeat.

In part due to Hudson's urging of "cupcake, cupcake" (code for candy of any sort), most of his dozen bite-size candies are gone before the actual holiday. Not that Mommy helped, of course.

The first of firsts with my firstborn

2010-03-28T15:41:00.004-05:00

These

are onion seeds. You put them in some seed pellets, water them, and they turn into

onion seedlings. Magic, eh? Tell me about it. You might even get all of them to sprout, if you don't have an ornery sprout like mine. Hudson, the little darling that he is, has plucked quite a few of my baby onions from their seed tray. I know this is how they are disappearing since he will declare, "Ucky!" before tossing them in the trash can nearby.

So far, my first real vegetable gardening adventure is off to a fun start. I've kept my peace lilies alive for over 6 months now (divided them all by myself!) which clearly means I'm a master gardener and can handle anything. This year I have BIG plans for a full-on garden. Why start small, I say? Patience just isn't my thing when it comes to trying new things. For example, I took up knitting just long enough to make a potholder. Nevermind that it was intended to be a scarf. Knitting schmitting, anyhow.

Hopefully my massive motivation for gardening (homestead sustainability, cheap food, tasty delights, biodiversity, street cred with the home & garden club) will keep some drive in me until harvest ends.

On the roster of things to (hopefully) grow this year:

Tomatoes (of course) Truth is, I'm not even a big fan of tomatoes. However, I do love me some pasta sauce and salsa. More work to process, but even if I don't feel up to it by the time they're ready I know many fresh tomato enthusiasts.
Green beans
Broccoli
Carrots
Lettuce (a magical blend)
Onions (duh!)
Peas
Potatoes
Spinach
Basil

Chives

I have plenty of yard at this here rental mansion, and I even found the perfect spot for a garden...had it not been for the stupidmotherfriggin walnut tree nearby. Evidently there is a substance in walnut trees (jugalone--of course I've researched heavily) that doesn't get along with vegetables. Specifically, tomatoes and potatoes are no match. I do know that onions, beans, and carrots are "tolerant" of jugalone, but what the hey does "tolerant" really mean? Tolerant as in, "Your jugalone is laughable, walnut tree," or tolerant as in, "Holy crud, there's a very slight chance I miiiight think about producing a veggie."

The next best spot is a ways down the hill and behind the house--not nearly as convenient as the jugalone spot: right next to the house, outside Hudson's room window, and right next to the spigot.

What's a self-proclaimed master amateur gardener girl to do? One thing's for sure, I'm not askin' this crazy loon.

Where oh where?

2010-01-21T21:23:00.006-06:00

If you haven't noticed, I have taken a break from blogging. Where I once blogged 3 times a week has now dwindled to a few rare moments per month. In my early months of pregnancy I started blogging, naively thinking that I would be able to chronicle the daily misadventures of my life with my babe and all his exciting developments, splashed with bits of my profound wisdom and musings.

I was inspired by the likes of Wannabe Hippie and The Pioneer Woman, in addition to all the lovely ladies you read from the BlogHer network under the ad. Mad dedication, I tell you.

It was going swell until I got caught in the daily grind of an hour (one-way) commute to a full time job with big girl bills and the responsibilities of living alone with a rambunctious toddler. Add in dashes of photography gigs and the Etsy store and here we are. Poor, poor me and my fortunate life. No love for the blog except for some occasional outdated photos. I haven't even dished about Hudson's amazing developments in ages. Did you know the kid can point to objects when you ask him where they are?! Mastery of nouns, oh my! In addition to his verbal accomplishments, Hudson is right on the mark in physicality...meaning he hits, pulls hair, and gnaws like any bratty 1.5 year old you ever did see.

Truth is, I don't get to spend a lot of time with my love bug anymore. And the time that I do get involves me being the complete opposite of a good blogger. Turns out that chronicling the ever-changing antics of my spirited wonder aren't as easy as churning out a few paragraphs before bed.

Don't get me wrong, dear (5) readers, I'm not abandoning this here web log because I'm a lazy son-of-a-gun. I'm just admitting defeat in my earlier pursuits. Instead of the daily diary of every odd sensation and triumphant milestone for Hudson to enjoy later, this little piece of Internet has morphed into a sprinkling of semi-cute blurbs and quick updates.

So here ya go:Looking out, moving forward.

First-time snow man

2010-01-02T09:20:00.008-06:00

If you hadn't heard, the Midwest got hit by a blizzard a few weeks ago. An even more rare event--they closed work. Wahoo! Anyway, it turned out to be a chillingly fun snow day for the little man and I.

Hudson had his first true taste of snow--literally, two feet out the door, Hud faceplanted into the powder. I pulled him back up as soon as I could ~~stop laughing~~ get over there to find that the little adventurer's hood, nose, and neck were packed with snow. Welcome to winter, Huddy Buddy! He was none too impressed.

After that rite of passage, he was a little more than hesitant to be outside, to say the least. I believe the words in his head would have been, "Get me the #^*$ inside, NOW!" However, we were equipped with an inflatable saucer sled coupled with a magnificently sloped hill. A recipe for changing minds, no doubt.

A few treks down on laps, and Hudman was ready to take it on his own.

With a little help, he was exuberant about the " 'now."

Crash!

Hey! Again again again mister!

The sled may or may not have been "holy" by the time we got done. Literally, and in Hudson's eyes.

"Tee!"

2009-12-09T14:55:00.004-06:00

Add this to the list of things Hudson is afraid of, yet insists on messing with:

Our lovely, truly wonderful Christmas tree! Ain't she a beaut? At least 50 times a day Hudson will point in its general direction and say, "Tee!" Then look at me for confirmation.

Because of my fondness for all things handmade and vintage, we nixed the kid-slicing ornaments and went for a felt theme. Handmade felt beads and other thingies.

I also added a couple rusty old buckles from some horse gear we found in the woods.

They're kind of heavy on my burly, lush tree, but she's holding up well. Not bad for our very first tree, right? Thing is, this Mother of the Year lost Hudson's first ornament.

Oh wait, no, I definitely didn't say that, Santa.
Goodlistgoodlistgoodlist...

As I was saying...

2009-11-30T20:11:00.003-06:00

Remember that nonsense jibber jabber this morning? Yeah, I wrote a lovely little blurb from my phone about this and that while commuting to work.
Texting while driving? Lesson learned. Doesn't work anyhoo.

So, the point was, today is was Cyber Monday, and I happen to have ~~devoted~~ set some time away every once in a while to show the world the old pretty things I have collected over the years. I definitely charge for such a sideshow, but this weekend I did a thorough slashing of prices on the finds in order to bring vintage joy to the masses.

If you haven't noticed by my decor and fondness for the off-beat, I'm nostalgic for nostalgia. Or something like that. I'll stop this blabber and let you take a look-see...

My loves, I present:
{ oh HELLO baby } in store form!

Bwahaha, joyous right? See how happy wearing vintage can make you?

Haul out the holly...

2009-11-22T08:20:00.005-06:00

I can't help but be in the Christmas spirit already. Is that a bit premature? I hope I wasn't humming "We Need a Little Christmas" (ala Mame) too loudly at work this week. My holiday cheer isn't the product of radio stations flipping to Holiday tunes or the rampant Christmas marketing going on, but the fact that I finally found the perfect tree. Which I won't be revealing just yet.

In addition, I had an epiphany of sorts about a great Christmas card idea--yet to be executed. The above is a preview of the vibe I'm going for. Down home fun on the modern prairie. Yee haw.

I do suppose these wishful dreams are part of the seasonal feeling, and thank goodness for it, because I sure do hate these gray, frigid Midwestern winters. Who likes going outside and feeling like their body is going to seize up and shatter all at once? Not I, said I.

Anyhoo, I'm broke as ever, so this holiday season will be especially chill (pun alert!). The great perk of being broke is that I have the urge to jump on every free community activity. This last week was the 'big town' next to ours' holiday lighting thingy (ceremony? I dunno.), complete with Santa himself. I was all pumped to go--until I realized I wouldn't be getting home from work until a half-hour after the big she-bang.
Darn you, grown up life.

To be real here, and no offense to the jolly man, appearances by Santa before Thanksgiving are a little too gung-ho for me. Turkey, then reindeer people! It's the natural way.
And as evidenced by my $30 from-China "Pine" tree, Christmas is all about natural around here.

The Midge Reveal... Part 2: Hudson's Room

2009-11-08T14:39:00.003-06:00

Hmm...what could this light and colorful place of a room be?
Let's take a gander.

Judging by the passed-out toddler in that crib, this must be the man of the house's lair.

Indeed, it is.
The little ~~poophead~~ darling has a reading and play nook, which somehow ends up in the yet-to-be-revealed living room more often than not.

Sleeping/changing. Love this crib.

The mobile has origami fishies.

For those curious about Mona, it is a screenprinted poster--way cooler than your average glossy poster.

The end.

See the set on flickr here.

Our new mutt

2009-10-28T21:56:00.004-05:00

Apples or oranges? Cats or dogs? I'm not a big fan of fruit or pets at this point in time.
However, I've been thinking about the furry friends lately. Before I even conceived a child my mom has been threatening to buy my kid a puppy. Why? Well, back in the day I spent 400 of my ~~hard~~ unearned savings to buy an overgrown chihuahua puppy from a store in the mall. I downright staged a protest in the middle of the mall to get that thing. He was like the opposite of the runt of the litter, but that look was heartwrenching. That protest to get him was where my efforts stopped in regards to Chichi. I took him out when I felt like it, and he had free reign to mark the house the rest of the time.

The dog was so nuts that he would attack strangers as they left, rather than when they came in. Needless to say, my mom wasn't pleased that the obnoxiously crazy dog was hers to take out at 6 a.m. in the middle of Midwestern winters.

We had a cat, beloved Boots, who lived to a ripe old age with much less fuss. I do think I'm more of a cat person. Felines have an heir of snob about them and generally keep to themselves unless they're complaining or want something. In comparison to the needy and hyperactive canines, cats are relatively easy. That's totally my style.
{ Don't read too much into the "easy" part, mkay? }

Anyhoo, bless her heart my mom did get Hudson a dog this past weekend or so, and I tell ya what--I love the sucker. I've had my eyes on this very dog for four whole years. Four.

Just have a look-see at this magnificent creature. He (or she?) is excellent with Hudson, is by far the easiest pet you will come across, and oh that beautiful, lustrous coat.

Ta-dah!!

He/she is still unnamed, but surely something will come to me before the lug expires or gets stolen. Don't let the charming good looks fool you...

...it bites!

This, my two blog readers, is where cats fail. They just can't guard an adorable little cottage the way a 150-lb pink bulldog statue can. Thank you, freaking thank you, Grandma, for either being a) forgetful or b) not nearly as vengeful as I had come to believe.

When does this start? Already?!

2009-10-23T06:13:00.006-05:00

My darling dear Hudson has strucken a fancy with the female gender--so much so that a good clean trip to the punkin' patch was overshadowed by a 16-month-old's crush. You see, after a rousing day of errands in the bigger town next to us (home of a Wal-Marts!), we stopped at a sandwich shop where Hudson laid eyes on his very first crush. I don't blame the kid--those pigtails and stuffed animal she was carrying were just too precious. Needless to say, Hudson smeared a few spoonfuls of his yogurt everywhere (bumbling fool) and didn't touch his food until she left the premises. Poor fella.

Then we had to make the trip to the patch--mommy had her camera with, afterall. And what.do.you.know. There she was, a family heir to the great patch itself. Hudson was only temporarily sidetracked from the beauty by the assortment of wagons to ~~haul pumpkins~~ push around to impress the ladies.

Is she looking at me?

How 'bout now?

All in all, my little charmer had a good outing....
it's just Mommy who isn't ready for this.

2009-10-11T08:18:00.001-05:00

Hudson is holding Mommy's phone when she gets a text message. The phone is on vibrate.
Mommy: "What does it say, big man?"
Hudson: " vvvvvvvvv"

{ Fresh Photo Friday }

2009-10-02T05:00:00.001-05:00

Coming Home

2009-09-29T21:37:00.003-05:00

'Tis the season of changing colors, crisper air, and snotty noses from fluctuating temperatures and back-to-school. The air smells different and your body takes notice of the shift in conditions. I feel more and more like cuddling and hibernating with soft things. My preference for bright cheery colors gives a little for more rusty, brown tones. Ah yes--autumn, aka fall to the Midwest.

Fall is the time for football season for those who care. If it weren't for cheerleading, I would be in the negative of that category. One of the exciting peaks of nonprofessional football season is homecoming. Last Friday was my high school's homecoming, and since Hudson and I are actually back in town we joined a bit of the festivities. Ladies and gentlemen, Hudson attended his first real football game.

The ham ate it up of course, recognizing some of his favorite people and getting them to hold him the whole time. In fact, he persuaded one lady to steal popcorn for him. Mind you, he still isn't talking much. Sure, he let out more than a few charming "uh ohs," "see!s," and "ball!" (with point), but this level of control of grown adults is just amusing.

It was a real flashback of sorts for me as the craziness of getting Hudson prepared for the outing after a long day of work reminded me of the hours I would spend perfecting my hair, nails, etc. etc. etc. before a Friday night. I had cheerleading stuff to worry about in addition to the even more important after-plans. Oh high school, sometimes you weren't so bad.

Although high school really wasn't too far off for me, it was the first game I had attended since graduating. Next weekend Hudson and I are making the trek down south to attend the homecoming of a school I attended not so long ago. It has only been since May that we were in the college town last, but it feels longer. Hudson seems like such a bigger kid since we left, and I can only imagine the reactions of our dear ol' pals there when they take a gander at him.

Last year, when we lived with Aunties Val and Allie, Hudson and I would come home to the apartment from a long weekend in the tall corn state to gushing roomies about how much bigger he looked.
They're going to flip.

Val is traveling northward from grad school in Florida to crown the new homecoming queen. Maybe I will get to see this event as last year I was tending to a certain little guy's needs in the women's restroom while Val had one of the most exciting moments of her life. Ahem, Stinker.

One of the best new developments is "The Look." It's hard to describe, but you know it when you see it. A gesture he surely didn't pick up from me (ha), Hud will scrunch his eyebrows down, give his head a good downward tilt and frown in your direction when he's either A) not impressed by your unwillingness to do what he wants or B) doing something that warrants you giving him "The Look." For example, prime "Look" times include you remaining seated when he is trying to pull your body across the room to fetch something for him, or when he's dumping cereal all over the floor and stepping on it.
Not that my darling would ever do such things.

Motherhood and a quickly growing little boy definitely make looking backward a bit more sentimental. Although memories aren't always rosy of times past, fall is the perfect season for reminiscing and catching a good whiff of nostalgia in the cool, crisp air.

The Midge Reveal... Part 1: Kitsch-en

2009-09-13T14:53:00.003-05:00

Because I can only keep one room clean at a time.
Because I only have time to upload a smattering of photos at a time.
And because this room is partly presentable, I give you....
The midge kitchen before and after!

Take a look-see on Flickr here.
Look foward to a few more rooms this week. Feel free to note, comment, ask questions, boo, etc.

Befoorreeee...

{ Fresh Photo Friday } Shooting Babies

2009-09-11T18:12:00.004-05:00

teehee, I'm not REALLY shooting babies

fine, so he's not a baby anymore, but he's still pretty stinkin' little...
...and cute. I may or may not have digitally removed some snot from this photo.

lil miss emerie ella

the newest addition, bailey ann

some "awww" for your Friday and 9/11.

I'm distressed

2009-09-05T21:23:00.000-05:00

"Yeah those dimples on my butt are totally on purpose."

As I'm, uh, STILL @!+#?&/ fixing up Midge, it has got me thinking about home renovations and the insanity that comes with home ownership. (even though I didn't buy the old girl)
Home decor is a stressful issue to many. The trends of home decor are always in flux, like a slightly slower season of couture fashion.

Everyone has their "I would nevers..." especially with fashion. For example, I will never wear high waisted tapered leg mom jeans. With home design, there are even more for me. I will never intentionally place fake wood paneling on my walls. I will never be a victim of the beige-and-tan and everything neutral craze. Face it people, your "neutral and warm" tones of brownish gray are the next decade's boring version harvest gold and avocado greens of the 70s.

One of my "faves" is the incessant proliferation of distressed furniture and furnishing. People have taken chains and hammers to their coffee tables in effort to look "rustic." you're not fooling anyone. Your veneered Laura Ashley end table isn't passing for a charming antique. And filling your living room with "shabby chic" beaten-up wares just makes it look like you let Hudson loose with an assortment of cleavers and hammers.
Now, don't get me wrong; real, genuinely worn antiques and heirlooms are absolultely cool. They actually have character and are fascinating. A faux piece painstakingly worn in just the right spots by a factory worker in India? I'm just sayin' you might be laughing at that here in a few.

The best part is, the people who lament about the teenagers wasting money on hole-y jeans are the same people shelling out beacoup bucks on distressed cabinetry. At least those $30 pair of Levi's won't have to be reluctantly inherited by the next inhabitant.

I live in a chateau with plenty of bona fide distressed features. Good news is, I'm not one of them. I completely dig the "character" and "charm" that previously loved items carry--and that avacado green fridge is even better the second time around.

Latest development

2009-08-31T21:48:00.001-05:00

Hudson, walking awkwardly after quite a rumble down under...

Mommy: "Did you go potty?"

Shakes head yes and grins.

Mommy: "Should we change your diaper?"

Shakes head no and grins wider, runs off.

Oh.stinkin.no. This means potty training is drawing evermore near.
*runs off*

A relaxing gourmet meal at the grandparents' with a fine young chap

2009-08-27T21:30:00.002-05:00

...such manners and grace.

Not hereditary.

I didn't make this stuff up...

2009-08-23T12:24:00.002-05:00

This, no lie, arrived in my Facebook mailbox the other day. She shall remain nameless, but the perfect combination of nice things + greater relief of mom-guilt is the bomb.com.

"Every once in a while when I am bored I read your blog because it is very entertaining and I like the tips you give on saving the environment. In fact, I am convinced (thanks to you) that if I ever have a child, I am going to use cloth diapers! Anyhow, I saw your new blog about the frozen dinner and I wanted to tell you, my father-in-law runs the plant where they produce the trays for those meals, and it's only a forty minute drive from Iowa, AND HE MAKES EVERYONE THERE AT THE PLANT RECYCLE! And they have switched to green cleaning products! So don't feel so bad!! I just wanted to throw in my two cents! Hope you and Hudson are doing well!"

Ahh, it feels so good.

Thanks a ton girlie!!

Local Cuisine

2009-08-17T19:39:00.002-05:00

I hate the stereotype, but let's face it. I'm the stereotypical hippie/eco/blogging mom. In a very attractive package, I must say.
Ahem.

However, since I've moved back with the less hippie/eco/blogging grandparents, I have become lax in my ways in a variety of areas. Will you believe that I haven't recycled a single thing since mid-June? Okay, that's definitely not true, but it's pretty close. There isn't a designated recycling bin here. No joke. My blood pressure is surely at least a gazillion points higher with that fact alone.

I pride myself on sourcing local food for the Hud-man and myself. Organic, when possible, but according to my years of research local trumps organic by a sheer smidge. Food systems are an important issue, mmkay? (Here is where you nod in agreement.) Our fridge and cabinets are normally stocked with items such as this:

locally produced milk.

Anyhoo, this whole new, full-time big girl job thing I have ~~complained about~~ mentioned? Yeah, it has put a major crimp in my hippie mom ways. The local farmers market is Mondays from 4-6. Do you know what time I return to our handsome villa from aforementioned ~~life sucking employment~~ job? Yep, 6 p.m. We have been void of actual fresh produce for like, three weeks now. THREE WEEKS.

Excuse me. I get a little excited about these things.

But you know what? I recently did this one thing that makes me especially not so proud about my saving-the-world efforts. I purchased this

with the full intention of feeding it to my oh-so-adorable and pesticide-free toddler. In fact, I purchased FOUR since they were on sale.
Sobsobsobsobsob. OHHH the MOM GUILT!

Oh right--I'm still going to feed them to him. Why, you ask? Why would I even dare to microwave pesticide and hormone-laden, mechanically-separated meat and genetically-mutilated, flavorless, nutrient-deficient excuses for vegetables in addition to an obesity-causing, high fructose corn syrup-filled dessert in an endocrine-disrupting and environment-flushing plastic tray? Cuz I feel like it, that's why.

Or more accurately, I don't feel like it. I'm giving myself a tiny break from the extra stressors of chemical-reduced living in order to adjust to my new schedule and decreased lounging time. The last thing I want to do when I get home from my zombifying commute is chop veggies and wait for water to boil.
I'm not saying it's Swanson and Banquet from here on out, but the thought of a quick meal from the freezer won't send me into hyperventilation.

I have, however, found one uplifting aspect of this whole Kid Cuisine mini-ordeal: I have a friend in Missouri who used to work in a factory that stamped those (endocrine-disrupting) plastic trays. Which meeaaaannnns:

LOCAL FOOD!

Question my logic, I dare ya.

Hectic Relief

2009-08-08T18:44:00.002-05:00

I suffered through my first week at the new job. Okay, that was a bit dramatic, there was very little suffering involved. And to be truthful, I don't hate it nearly as much as I had anticipated. Your co-workers really do make a difference. I went in with the mindset that this was not at all what I wanted to be doing and it was just a waste of my talents...and it still probably is, but it is a tolerable waste that is absolutely necessary, financially.

I started with a few other recent college grads, all with bachelors degrees in unrelated fields--take health/fitness and international relations for example. There is even a young single mom in the group. It's amazing how much relief you feel when you realize that others are in the same boat and can relate to your shattered dreams.

Again with the overdramatic statements. You're welcome.

Starting a new job isn't all decorating-your-cubicle and having-a-new-title. Its surely harder than it looks or harder than people remember. Or something like that. For one, just finding the right parking spot and the right door is discombobulating. Then you have to mess with security (or be messed with by security) and figure out how to operate the doors. These suckers can spit you back out if they so choose. For real.

Then there's the name and clique learning, who to fear, and who to befriend. Where are the bathrooms? And why are there showers?

Oh, and then there's a whole new connnfusing computer program and procedure. Y'know, that whole "training" part of a new job. Whatev.

But by far the hardest part is leaving Hudson at daycare everyday, all day. Where is the time I had to just sit and watch him get into stuff? Our cuddle time has been drastically reduced, thanks to my crack-o-dawn schedule. Like his mom, he doesn't take kindly to being woken up. However, he has BEATEN ME UP almost every morning, in both senses of the phrase. He is definitely getting rowdier by the day. I admit to crying a couple times after leaving daycare in the morning--it is heartwrenching to have a childcare worker pry your screaming toddler from your arms so that you can be 60 miles away on a computer all day.

All this, and guess what--thank GOODNESS I have a job. Many aren't so lucky. The job search is so discouraging, I'm just thrilled to have been chosen for something. I don't think my self esteem could have taken much more. I rock.

Drum roll please...

2009-07-29T19:03:00.003-05:00

I got a job.
And I'm not excited about.
What's wrong with this picture? Oh yes, 'tis the little man I will miss so very much. As it looks, this mind numbing temp-to-hire job will have me working 40+ hours a week, plus mandatory overtime on Saturdays. My man, my numero uno, will be spending 11 hours at daycare per day.
If that doesn't make you cry, you clearly aren't his mother.

Why so long, you say? Well, I have an hour commute. If I don't end up with 30 speeding tickets getting home to my boy it's because the cops looked the other way. The really sad part is that this place isn't anywhere I see myself even wanting "my foot in the door." Financial services and the like aren't my cup of tea. But ya know what? I will make a few ends meet and that counts for something. Right? Even if I'm miserable, missing my boy, and asleep at the wheel?

Perhaps I'm looking at this from the wrong angle. Regardless, I start Monday.

In other, EVEN MORE exciting news, I have launched my Etsy space: HERE.
I have plans to list even more goods in the near future. If I sell all my vintage stuff, I can begin work on my handmade goodies.

Question is, where will I find the time now?

Just have to put it out there...

2009-07-26T23:42:00.003-05:00

I need to get something off my itty bitty chest. While we're still in the process of cleansing Midge of all of the tragedy she has dealt with, I thought it would be a good time to air out her wounds and cleanse emotionally... by letting all of the internets gasp at my new residence. It's going to be a while before we actually move in.

I would like to start off with the most splendid of Midge's features. This, my friends, is the W.C. Very much closet-like, as the doorway is just shy of a comfortable height. This is the main impediment to progress, as we are waiting for a floor in this spacious room. You will be relieved to know that the toilet is new. The rest...not so much.

Because I love you and do not want you to experience the most horrific of nightmares in the next few nights, I am sparing you the view of the shower. You will SO thank me later. Also, be thankful that smell-o-net is no where near the immediate future.

Next on Midge's preview debut is BY FAR the most enjoyable of quirks. Midge came with attitude--and a damn good sense of humor. In line with the rest of the place, the sink was a nasty sight. You couldn't even fight the urge to attempt to rinse the nastiness away, or at least check to see if the water was on. Naturally, you turn the water on high to do this. However...look closely.

Midge had a built-in fountain that would moisten your shirt in a spectacular way if the water pressure was high enough. Her sprayer has since been replaced and my best practical joke ruined.

But then there was this...

Don't let the male gender know, but flowers really do have a strange ability to make you forgive and forget. Even when the front part of you is drenched with sulfurous tap water.

{ Oh HEY Look }

2009-07-24T11:10:00.004-05:00

A new header! You know what that means.

Not much.

However, since I'm indecisive, the tagline (currently "because we're awesome") will change periodically at my whim, further confusing the masses. Ha.

Some exciting things have been happening 'round these parts, and I'm exciting to fill you in here soon. I have amassed a startling backlog of photos, which I have partly uploaded to facebook for those who are my bffs--all 677 of 'em. For those who are still on the friendly acquaintence and stalker list, they should be hitting flickr today.

The gist of my life is this:
no job.
still not living at my dear Midge.

You're on the edge of your office chair, aren't you?

Summer Pasta Picnic Salad Pasta Picnic Summer Salad Good outdoor eatin'

2009-07-15T17:03:00.012-05:00

I hate winter. So much so that I still complain about it in the summer. Its gloomy, isolating, quiet, and bone chillingly cold. It doesn't help that I've never had a tremendous amount of "insulation." When spring rolls around I'm a whole new person; I smile at people on the street and am thrilled to leave the house. When summer rolls around, I revel in the season in which laziness is a celebrated quality. Being unemployed has definitely added to my allotted lazy time this year.
Now I finally have a constant companion for the joys of summer--the beach, the pool, golfing, the park, and the ultimate in summer dining:

the picnic.
One inspired and sunny day, I decided a cold pasta salad was in order. Armed with farmers market produce and some free time via Hudson's nap, I threw in some random ingredients and whipped up this:

what I'm calling Summer Picnic Pasta Salad...or Summer Pasta Picnic Salad...or Pasta Picnic Summer Salad...
this is why I don't make recipes. I also didn't measure anything, but I'll surely tell you what's in it.
The secret is, it's best stirred by a tiny yet chubby hand. In vintage Pyrex.

Okay here we go:
Boil some Penne pasta--I like the Omega-3 or Whole Wheat kinds because I'm a hippy. Go with what you feel.
Roast some asparagus in olive oil.
Chop up some green onions and the asparagus. I like only the top two or three cuts from asparagus because I'm picky. Nicky.
The saucy/wet stuff: olive oil, a squirt of honey mustard, some 100% orange juice, a bit of basil, and perhaps some parsley all whisked into a fantastical vinaigrette.
Toss it all together plus some Romano (or possibly some Farmer or Havarti or Fillintheblank) cheese.
Chill in the chillerator til it's chilled to your chilliking. Or eat at room temperature. You're free to decide.

You. must. eat. this. outdoors. Take a blanket, find a table, or use a tailgate. Just enjoy the breeze, the birds, and yes--the bugs. Also absolutely necessary? Run around like a banshee and do a happy dance afterward.

Because this is what non-winter is all about.

Twirl your groove thang

2009-07-14T08:40:00.000-05:00

Let's just say that someone is coming in to his inherited dance abilities.

And that's all I have to say about that.

There ain't no bugs on me...

2009-07-12T10:01:00.008-05:00

Many great minds are arguing that kids these days don't get enough unstructured outdoor playtime. Kids are supposed to be out climbing trees and eating wild berries, but somewhere along the line parents' fears have taken over. Instead, we're all cooped up inside, completely disconnected from where our food comes from and why it matters to keep habitats intact.
We need to give kids more opportunity to do their own thing and get bitten along the way. However, I'm not saying you shouldn't help them identify poison ivy when given the chance.

Encourage your kids to be adventurous, like these kids ~~terrorizing~~ exploring the wildlife of the the great outdoors.

Pry your kids away from the screens and eschew fears of poison plants and vicious plague-spreading insects.

Just look how much fun Hudson is having frolicking in the grass.

Oh wait, what's that behind his ear, you ask? Let's take a closer look.

Hmm, appears to be a bug...

%$@!*&^
Oh yes, that, my friends is an Ixodes scapularis, more commonly known as a tick. Right there on my baby's head.

Funny thing is, I didn't notice until the thing had attached itself to his cheek. A pause for flashbacks to an outdoor ecology lesson that had me fighting ticks like Mike Tyson and we were outta there. Being a camp counselor gave me the experience necessary to remove said tick without a panic. Many thanks, Wildwood.

Good news is Hudson wasn't bothered a bit, and it appears Lyme disease hasn't set in--as it is pretty unlikely to do. Many more outdoor play sessions and terrorizing of wildlife ahead, just maybe with some natural bug repellent.

Our day at the air show

2009-07-05T20:01:00.006-05:00

When we lived in Missouri we lived 10 minutes away from an Air Force base--home of the B2 bomber "2B" exact. We also lived with the worlds greatest female aviator, well as far as I know. This means that I was immersed in more aviation geekery than I ever hoped for...which really isn't very much.

One day at the beginning of June, Hudson and I were planning on going to the botanical gardens when Roomie Allie swooped in with a suggestion.
"I think Hudson should go to his first air show."
(as if there would be many more)

I rolled my eyes, of course, but along we went. After over an hour and a half in traffic (unheard of 'round those parts), we arrived inside the walls of the base. A fun scan by some Air Force peeps with guns, and we were in.

To be truthful, it wasn't just Hudson's first air show; it was mine too. For those who don't know (or care), different types of crazy planes fly in from all over to park and look pretty. Much like a pageant for airplanes I suppose. Some planes are super special and are on the schedule of events to perform. Did you know Jelly Belly jelly beans has a stunt plane? Now you do. Stunt planes from all over were there to do stuff you never ever want to think about when you're flying cross country.

In fact, as we arrived a WWII plane was having landing gear issues and had to make an emergency landing. Who said an air show couldn't be exciting, eh?

Anyhoo, we walked around and looked at the pretties (air force pilots in flight suits) and some planes too. Did I mention it was the windiest day EV-ER? Allie knew a little something about these planes. I still don't.

We saw the big kahuna

Ooh, a guy in uniform with a gun.

I mean, look! Missiles!
and some "smaller" big kahunas as well.

And just some crazies in general.

In fact, I have no clue which way these photos are supposed to be oriented.

We learned so much that day. Mostly that Hudson is terrified of loud noises, such as those made by various airplanes in the sky. We had to bail early since the big guns were slated for later in the afternoon. All in all, it was a great experience--just a little windy and noisy. It appears that Allie's dream of turning Hudson into a pilot are a little far off but not hopeless.

Thanks, Wings Over Whiteman, for being slightly more interesting than the botanical gardens.

A sneak peek at the old girl

2009-07-04T14:48:00.006-05:00

So a lot of work has been done to Midge-y poo in preparation for Huddy Buddy and I's move-in date. Ignoring the fact that I still don't have a bathroom floor (but will be getting CARPET in the bathroom soon..wtf?) and it still smells like a musty old camper, I have a clearer vision of the cute little cottage she was meant to be. Unfortunately, my limited funds will not allow me to do much to the old girl, but using your imagination is fun, right?
On that note, I thought I would give you a preview of a few things going on at the chateau as of late.

Kitchen curtain, anyone? The background turquoise is reminiscent of an accent wall color in the living room. The green of the pear is reminiscent of the "Sweet Olive" shade of half the kitchen. The tan is reminiscent of my counter top and terribly unfortunate apartment-size gas stove. The yellow, my gorgeous 1950s Formica dining table. The fabric is called Scandinavian Kitchen--and whaddaya know, I'm Scandinavian! If only she were blonde.

No, I don't overthink design choices, I don't know what you're talking about. Moving on...

Hudson's curtain.

Vintage fabric for my room.

These may have something to do with the living room and kitchen curtains...
Can't forget my obsession with these. Heavily-painted cabinet hardware may or may not have been removed in the effort to suitably display my growing ~~neurosis~~ collection.

I can only imagine the mental picture you must have. Truth be told, I'm a little fearful myself. As soon as I retrieve my computer from the ~~robbers~~ computer repair folks or buy an SD card reader, I will further illuminate you with the progress of my "dream" home.

You're on the edge of your seat, I know.

{ Visit ApartmentTherapy.com for an idea of my quirky design style if this is really offending your home interior sensibilities. }

In short, I would like my laptop back. And maybe some stability in general.

2009-06-28T17:09:00.003-05:00

Due to technical difficulties and logistical challenges, I'm typing this on my smartphone. My laptop is having issues-procrastinateable issues because I'm at my parents' house with my mom's laptop. However, mine holds extremely precious photos of Hudson's first year of life on Planet Earth and such (that I was going to backup on discs this week) that I will need eventually. My laptop also has an SD card reader-the only current way I can get photos from my camera to my computer--and what fun is a blog post without pictures? (see previous post for a boring example). My boy is gorgeous and you simply must see.

More about Midge. I have acquired a (green) fridge in addition to a washer and dryer. Hooray for appliances! However, my bathroom still doesn't have a floor and the shower is unbelievably nasty. Trust me on this. AND even after some hot and heavy work with the carpet cleaner, the kitchen floor is still ridiculous. I don't even want to think of what caused such an atrocity.

It really is killing me to not have an easy way to upload photos. Today, for example, Huddy Buddy and I enjoyed a picnic in the perfect Iowa weather. And--get this--the kid is still gorgeous! You would have loved to see. In addition, I have acquired even more vintage Pyrex and Fire King that I just know all of the ~~nerds~~ folks with refined taste that read my blog (maybe one, every few months) will love.

In other news, Hudson says a few syllables that we take to have meaning. And, just a few days ago I got him to combine two goodies. "Hot" + "mama = "hot mama!" I love this talking stuff.
Fine, so it was a trick, but I'm just positive it came straight from the heart.
Just like this super deep post.

Chchchanges

2009-06-18T13:01:00.004-05:00

You guessed it, folks, it's time for a bullet post.

Hey. Y'know what? We moved. Sure did. Hudson and I are now back to my home state, north of Missoura aka Misery.
We may or may not be moving into Midge. The uncertainty comes from the sheer nastiness that is Midge's interior. I will be painting and cleaning as much as I possibly can in the next few weeks in order to make it habitable for the little man and I.
Hudson has been spending a lot of time with Grandma and Grandpa lately so that I can work on Midge. I can't tell you how great it is to have the nanny service. Hudson would be eating a whole heckuvalotta dead bugs (and possibly live ones too) if he had to hang out there for very long.
I will surely post pictures of Midge's interior...as soon as it's fixed up. At it's present state, someone will call family services to ensure that Hudson will not be subjected to the horror.
I'm still unemployed and perpetually working on cover letters and resume updates...when I find the time somewhere between getting a place to live and feeding and rearing my rambunctious toddler.
As you can imagine, it's a pretty hectic life when you're mid-move, still not unpacked, trying to find a job, daycare, set up doctors appointments, still have a life outside your immediate responsibilities, etc.
It kinda stinks waiting for things to fall into place. It will happen eventually, right? Right?
Things to look forward to when I come up for air and can craft a non-bulleted post: Hudson's trip to the airshow and his first encounter with the not-so-great-outdoors. With pictures.

End update. Over and out.

Bring on the rain

2009-06-08T21:21:00.010-05:00

Within the last few weeks, little Huddy Buddy's fears have developed. As evidenced by the balloon-o-doom, some things, even traditionally jolly things, have started to make the big fearless boy crawl back to his momma. The time has come that something in that oversized, barely-toddler brain of his has made the connection that some things just can't be trusted.

It was a warm June day in Missouri and the apartment was getting stuffy. I thought it would be great to release the monster and let him frolic on the deck. The catch? It was precipitating.

I admit that I was a bit curious to see just how wild the wild man would get in a mild summer shower. Clad only in his all-in-one cloth diaper, the little dude was in for his first playin'-in-the-rain experience. Here's how it went down.

Normally, the sound of the door knob turning sends Hudson wobbling toward the great outdoors, and this day was no different. However, as soon as I shut the door behind us...

he was a little apprehensive. He has seen rain before, no doubt, but never have I been so willing to let him freely explore the heavily condensated atmospheric water vapor. Sorry, I mean "wet stuff."

After giving a few quick glances between me and the rain, he was able to part himself from the door.
Where he started the stare-down phase of uncertainty.

So that stuff is coming outta the sky, and landing right abouts there on our deck. If I coordinate my movements approximately 915 millimeters south, that liquid precipitation will be in my peripersonal space.

Needing to examine it further, he cautiously inched toward a different viewpoint.

Once in my peripersonal space, there is a probability that my core body temperature could drop in response to the evaporation of cool H2O on my epidermis. In addition, my developing coordination, likened to a state of intoxication, puts me at risk for an ungraceful splash.

Then I saw it click. The "what the hell" came over him, if you will. Just. do it. baby.

I'm doing it I'm doing it I'm doing it I'm doing it

He kept going.

I'm still doing it I'm still doing it I'm still doing it

And he liked it.

Quite pleasing to the senses, if I do say so myself.

He was splashing around in the tiny puddles in no time at all, like a newly-minted one-year-old should.

Baby luv da wain.

Hudson showed me that he isn't turning into a big sissy face, just getting more diligent about weighing his options first. It just so happens that cuddling with Mommy is a pretty darn good option sometimes. Verdict: playing in the rain rules.

The best year ever: Happy Birthday, Huddy Buddy.

2009-06-03T13:56:00.004-05:00

Dear Hudson Sage,

How do I begin a post about your birthday--your first ever birthday. There are so many ways to say I love you and I'm glad you're here, but none will be perfect enough to truly let you know how much I appreciate your tiny little self and how much your presence has been a gift to me.
"It's been real..." is my style, but probably doesn't convey the importance of such a milestone.
"It all started when..." might be interesting, but will probably be a better story later on.

How about, "I. Just. Love. You." There it is. It's really all that needs to be said. You are the most perfect, precious thing to hit this planet, and I am thankful you made the treacherous journey down my birth canal 365 days ago.

As we know, I thought I was far too young and completely not ready to welcome a little human like you into the world, much less keep you sustained until your first birthday. But guess what--we're soaring. Our first moments together are representative of how our first year as mother and son have been--you loudly enter the world as the tears flow out of my eyes, you smack me right in the face with your slimy little hand and I laugh 'til it hurts. All is well.

Right from the start you were a cuddlebug--not pleased in the least bit unless you were snuggled upright, tummy-to-chest with a comfortable person who absolutely had to be walking around. You have kept everyone on their toes, literally. For quite a while the only way to calm you was to bounce and move and move and move--the definition of a bouncing baby boy. You were a hefty little thing, but what is more special than a chubby, cuddly newborn stud muffin?

You are such a strong, stubborn and hot-tempered little creature. Your persistence is admirable, though exhausting most times. You are oh-so curious, out to explore and taste whatever you can reach. Your smile is contagious. You are so happy to see absolutely everyone, every time. Everyone we meet is your new best friend in your eyes, and they are hilarious and endlessly entertaining to boot.

You are the biggest, most impressive man at your daycare and probably a three-county area. Not that I'm biased, but your shiny blonde locks and toothy grin also make you the most handsome. It's true that you are the sweetest in those rare moments when you are sleeping.

To summarize, I give you this:

This has been the best year of my whole entire life, as I am positive it has also been yours. It has been the most challenging for me, but like most things, the sheer joy and purpose you have brought to my life trumps all of the sleepless, frustrating nights. This is life, baby, dig in.

Happy one year of existence, lil dude, Mommy loves ya.

Meet the balloon of doom

2009-06-02T21:41:00.005-05:00

Such a jolly day, that birthday bash day was--until a little something snuck its way inside.

Turns out, Huddy Buddy isn't such a big fearless explorer afterall. In fact, I have finally found the ONE thing that will keep Hudson away from no-nos.
Am I unethically cultivating his fear for my own benefit? Probably so. But to be fair, Roomie Val and I have given it a good faith effort to acclimate Hudson to the new big scary thing.

What is this thing, you ask?

I present to you, the scariestmotherfunkinthingonplanetearth, according to Hudson Sage:

Tah-dah! It's an absurd cupcake-man adorned birthday balloon that even plays a whimsical birthday tune when tapped (at least 50 times, it promises). Crazy and a little tacky, I admit, but nightmares are not made of these. Hudson remains at least 10 feet from the thing at all times. I may or may not have strategically placed it at the end of the hall, standing watch over the bathroom doors, our room doors, and this cabinet-o-fun that had been completely irresistible to the tot before cupcake-man made his debut:

Notice how the bottom shelves are a little more bare than the top? It wasn't always this way. Hudson has been working on this for a good month now. I know that they make door stops to attempt to "babyproof" cabinets, but this piece belongs to Roomie Allie, and such an undertaking is probably not worth my valuable time since we will be moving at the end of the month anyway.

Here we are, three days post-party and the big happy balloon of doom is hovering a little lower to the ground. Eventually, my baby deterrent will meet the fate of all helium balloons and will have to be taken to a better place. Question is, will I shell out another $10 at Wal-Mart to keep Hudson in line, or will I be a good mommy, $10 richer, and continue to endlessly chase the turd out of the pretties?

*sigh* The complexities of motherhood.

This is why I don't clean...

2009-05-24T19:35:00.003-05:00

...or it's a good excuse at least.

Thought I would vacuum today since it's Sunday, and that is my traditional floor cleaning day (I sound like I do this often--false). It had been awhile since I vacuumed while Hudson was here (preferring my lunch break), but previously he never seemed to mind the noise and liked to watch me push the funny thing all over. I set Hudson in his crib so that he wouldn't chase the vacuum around and ruin his hearing in the process. Males apparently have a hard enough time hearing as it is.

Anyhoo, I finished vacuuming our room in .02 seconds since it's enormous, only to look up and see this quivering back at me:

Nope, never starting that scary vacuum thing ever again.

Progress and Freedom

2009-05-24T19:20:00.004-05:00

The Hudman has new found freedom with his mad walking skillz--however, it doesn't necessarily mean independence.

The little monster has been living it up, walking from place to place on a whim, even carrying treasures with him as he goes. The other day he zoomed down the hallway with a curling iron, "brushing" his pretty locks and walking at the same time. I can't even do that. This new ability to carry things with ease is quite the joy for him. Swinging a book by your side is certainly easier than sliding it along the scratchy carpet under your hand when you're on all fours. However, he's not exactly graceful yet, and I love him for it. The term "toddler" will be exceedingly appropriate for him once he reaches his upcoming birthday.

Previously when I answered questions of "is he walking yet?" with a "no," I was met with, "well oh boy are you in for it!"
I've been in for it from day one with this boy. Not much is different in the things he can manage to get into; he was always very crafty with getting his way. In the last few weeks, however, he has mastered getting on and off the furniture. This means that I can no longer "enjoy" a snack in the living room by avoiding his grasp from the floor--the stinker climbs up on my lap to sample my grub. Today he walked off with half of my cheese sandwich--one quarter to his tummy, the other quarter I found behind the couch.

Even with his adventurous spirit, I still can't catch a moment to myself. Hudson must be climbing up my leg to wherever I'm sitting--or if he does venture out into the depths of the apartment (ha), he makes sure to get into something he's not supposed to be in so that I will once again be at his side. Sometimes it's nice to never truly be alone--but then again, I would like to be able to shut the bathroom door without the sh!+ hitting the fan. HOW. DARE. I. even think about peeing in private. Silly, silly mommy. When will I ever learn?

My how the time flies...

2009-05-13T08:46:00.006-05:00

Hi Blog, it's me...Nicky. I just want to apologize for the extreme neglect you've been feeling as of late. You see, life got in the way of our time together--big time. There was finals week, graduation, family visiting, celebrating, and life in general. Even worse, in the meantime, some pretty big things have happened, like the aforementioned graduation. But things happened even before that, and that is where we will begin the reconciliation today.

Umm, you're going to hate me for keeping this one from you for so long...but...

HUDSON CAN WALK.

Yep. I sorry.

It started while we were back at Grandma and Grandpa's in April. April 24 to be exact. The lil booger just let go and took off. Here he is on April 27, walking for a bit, then pretending his legs don't work while laughing at me.

Oh, and he will also run off with any exercise ball in the vicinity.

So far, he possesses the walking capability, but 90% of the time chooses to rely on modes of transportation that require all four limbs on the ground.

And then there was graduation. Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Ken came down to see me in my 5 seconds of fame. Well, Grandma came to see it live, while Grandpa and Uncle Ken watched it online from home--not because they had swine flu (excuse me, H1N1), but because they menfolk were tending to the ~~terror~~ babe.

Hudson got to stay in the motel with Grandma and Grandpa on Friday and Saturday nights--and you know what that means--maybe? I hit the town. For the third time in two weeks, which also translates to the third time since October. It was fun. Lots and lots of fun. However, it didn't help my sleep deprivation in the least bit.

So I've graduated, school is done forever, and Hudson can walk. So what does the future hold? At the moment, I'm still trying to catch up on the other things in my life that I have neglected. That should take about two weeks. I have an interview on Tuesday. I start back working for the Professor on Wednesday. The job search most definitely continues--if I ever find the time and this walking, still biting, mischievous monkey ever gets off my back. Turns out being unemployed isn't as easy as it looks.

I've also missed some { Fresh Photo Friday }s in this time. So to make up for it, I give you these:

I hope my absence has only made the heart grow fonder.

Four years of my life and one gazillion dollars for a piece of paper and now a "congratulatory nod of the head"

2009-05-07T12:14:00.003-05:00

Bahahahaha. Maybe it's the quart of espresso I have ingested in the last few days, but I can't stop laughing about the e-mail I received a few moments ago from the university:

"The University of (Noneofyourbusiness) is doing its part to help minimize the potential impact of the H1N1 virus while globally health care and public health professionals work to contain the virus. As a result, and solely as a precautionary measure, the commencement ceremony will include a cordial and congratulatory nod of the head from the university president instead of the traditional handshake.

To limit possible spread of any virus and safeguard the health of those in attendance, notices will be posted at all entrances to the Multipurpose Building asking persons who exhibit any flu-like symptoms to please go home to minimize exposure to others. They are encouraged to view the event by following steps outlined at (universitywebsite).

Administratordude, Ed.D.
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
Office of Student Affairs "

What the hell am I supposed to do in return? Curtsy? Up-nod? Try to pound-it-dawg?
I mean, he doesn't have to lick his hands after each shake. And for the rest of the graduates, a post-shake squirt of hand sanitizer wouldn't be too crazy, would it?
Please tell me I'm not the only one who finds this slightly ridiculous and/or hilarious.

And so the end begins...

2009-05-03T22:14:00.003-05:00

This is my final finals week. I'm happy to say the least.
If you would like to count down with me, here is what I have to barrel through to get that uber-expensive piece of paper on Saturday:
Monday

2 design projects starting Monday and ending Friday

Edit audio project

Fashion Promotion final exam
Tuesday

Essay

Mass Media Advertising final exam

Book return--quite the task...
Wednesday

Media Literacy final projects
Thursday

Work: go through an entire tube of red ink, operate the ancient, sacred Scantron machine
Friday

Work: crunch numbers, determine final grades for Art students, therefore destroying their lives

Return library books

Welcome Grandma and Grandpa to to the area

Saturday

The sweet, sweet bliss that is getting out of this institution with a diploma in only four years. Two-hour ceremony, 5 seconds of fame.

In addition, I will be mailing Hudson's birthday party invitations, continuing interviews, correspondence, and writing for my volunteer position, wrangling Hudson, and making time to eat and sleep.

All in all, this is far from my worst finals week. It's actually--dare I say it--kind of easy.

Guy stuff

2009-04-29T11:38:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I wonder if Hudson's estrogen-filled life will somehow impact him. I wonder if maybe he will be less interested in guy things, or be less able to relate to his friends that grew up around other beings with penises.

But then I see Hudson around a male, and I realize that such things just might be genetic after all. For example, Hudson must, at all times, dominate the remote. He's also quite the slob. And then there was this:

especially this action right here

Yep, I can rest assured that Hudson will be able to kick back with the rest of his XY-chromosomed buddies. What you can't see from that crappy cell phone pic is that Hudson was making Nate feed him popcorn--Hudson is totally capable of pawing the popcorn and feeding himself. However, it was all about total relaxation and the Celtics vs. the Bulls in double overtime.

It looks as if this

might not have such a big impact afterall.

Living a cartoon

2009-04-23T08:54:00.001-05:00

Basically from the day I peed on that stick (all those sticks), I have been signed up for developmental e-mails from BabyCenter. They provide advice and other tidbits for expecting and new mommas. I especially loved the weekly updates during my pregnancy that let me know what size the Hudster was in my belly. Comparisons such as sesame seed, avocado, and cantaloupe really set the tone for that week's cravings.

After Hudson was born, the e-mails were eerily spot-on with Hudson's development. A few days of Hud's constant babbling would be followed by an e-mail saying, "Your baby may seem to have a lot to say lately..."

Every so often, once a month perhaps, a cartoon by Cathy Thorne is included. I have posted some of the timely cartoons before. This one is exceptionally timely, hence this post.

Ugghhhhh. The job search continues.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

2009-04-22T12:44:00.005-05:00

Happy Earth Day!
This Earth Day, I thought I would inspire my readers with a list of all the ways that I (we) are green. In reality, I'm just curious to see how many I can come up with. See how many you do, and how many you can add.
Here we go!

I'm a vegetarian.
We cloth diaper and wipe.
I wash on cold.
With homemade laundry detergent, and vinegar as a fabric softener.
We use real towels in the kitchen, as opposed to the paper variety.
I unplug my appliances when they're not in use.
I have drastically cut my plastic usage.
We recycle: paper, plastic, metal, glass.
Old clothing is donated, not thrown out. Even stained stuff will find a reuse through most donation centers.
I buy organic whenever possible, including textiles.
I love love love farmers markets.
I turn the lights off in rooms that I'm not using.
Most of the time, I drip dry.
I use a reusable tote for groceries...when I remember.
I have a copper-T (Paragard), the most environmentally-friendly contraceptive.
Now, thanks in part to Hudson's presence, I drive the speed limit and don't waste gas.
I buy used clothing for Hudson and myself whenever practical.
I clean with eco-friendly cleaners, such as vinegar.
I meal plan and waste less food.
I have made a conscious effort to reduce my packaged food consumption.
I have a Klean Kanteen reusable water bottle--BPA and other chemical-free.
I have a house plant (peace lily) to help filter the indoor air.
We're planting heirloom tomatoes at Grandma and Grandpa's this spring.
I'm politically active on environmental issues.
I make Hudson's baby food using organic or locally produced food.
I breastfeed. (Although I'm sensing that weaning is on the horizon...)
Almost all of the cosmetics I choose are unscented. A good chunk are organic.
I have minimized and simplified my beauty routine--saving money, time, AND the environment.
Hudson's soap and oils are unscented and organic.
I consider seasonality when purchasing produce from the supermarket.

I say 30 is good enough for the moment. I will surely think of more later, as I have tremendous eco-guilt.

This Earth Day, Hudson is doing his part by soiling his cloth diapers and making sure they are getting properly used. Also, he has just finished his organic squash meal, prepared in a second-hand glass dish and fed with an heirloom (well, from now on...) silver spoon.

And I'm just positive he was trying to call his Congressional representatives about environmental issues on my phone a few minutes ago.

{ Fresh Photo Friday } A love affair...

2009-04-17T11:32:00.002-05:00

For not being allowed to watch TV, the boy sure loves him a remote. He can get the backs off the battery chamber, so don't expect any remotes around here to actually function. So glad he has all of those shiny, colorful toys in the corner.

My current second-place love

2009-04-15T16:37:00.002-05:00

I got something new...any guesses?

Don't.

Questions about a 10-month-old Hudson

2009-04-11T21:36:00.003-05:00

Why do babies' heads have to smell so sweet? Why is it that he looks the cutest when he's sitting on the floor, pot belly out as far as it will go, inspecting his latest find? Or when he's inserting his chubby toes into his mouth during a diaper change? Or when he scrunches up his face and tightens his whole body because he's so excited?
Why, when Hudson plops his slobbery mouth on my ear in the morning and screams AAAHHH, is it the best way to wake up?
Why is he just sooo darn cute?
Is this why children are spoiled?

{ Fresh Photo Friday } Rockstar edition

2009-04-10T08:33:00.001-05:00

One...month...

2009-04-09T21:12:00.003-05:00

Exactly one month until I graduate from this ~~hell hole~~ fine university. Ohhh yesss.
This push to the finish isn't so easy--there are papers to write and presentations to give and all that other ucky academic stuff that I'm soooo totally over. Can't we just call it "good enough?"
I have resume renovations to do, and on top of that I've been dreaming about starting some sort of creative business during my likely unemployment time. I would tell you about it, but I'm paranoid that you'll steal my idea. You know you would.

One month. One month. One month + two months = lease here is up. Such a short time, so many uncertainties. Aaaah!

I need sleep.

Stuck in March

2009-04-04T10:29:00.002-05:00

It's going to March around here for a long time.
Perhaps.

You see, Hudson zapped my old laptop the other night while I was working on an hour-long design project for a class. Zapped it. No kidding. Baby grabbed the monitor and ZAP! it went dead. Never to be brought back to life again. Well, it's being worked on.

Hopefully just saving some of the files off of it is possible, because in reality, it should have been dead a long time ago. I couldn't even use the thing to type as it had a mind of its own.

However, what it did have was priceless. My favoritest software:
PictureIt! 99. As in, 19-99. As in 10 years ago--a DECADE. Yes, I was using decade-old software to do all of my design stuff. (With the help of a newer PictureIt! to print, since the 99 wouldn't print it.)

PictureIt! 99 is not compatible with Vista, which this laptop uses. Therefore, I'm S.O.L. for a while. I just might have to give in and figure out current software afterall. Except I most definitely can't afford any of it. What's a girl to do!? { Anyone have any Adobe Creative Suite they can pirate to me? }

So, as you might have noticed, that header up there ^ says March 2009. Which it will be, because I say so, until I can get another header made, probably on some free internet thingermabobber.

I hope you like March, because I sure don't.

Go baby go!

2009-04-01T22:25:00.003-05:00

Hudson is learning things at an accelerated pace now. It seems like yesterday that he was just a blob in my lap, flinging his limbs about at random. Now, he can navigate our tiny apartment and avoid dangerous obstacles--if he wanted to.

Hud's daycare "teacher" (head baby-caretaker) went ga-ga over Hudson when she brought out the walking toy and watched him effortlessly take it wherever he wanted. She kept repeating, "that's just WONDERFUL!" that he could back it up and turn when he got stuck or ran into something.

Below is an example of his amazing walking-with-walker skills. We got this fantastic toy while on our luxurious Iowan spring break. Don't worry about turning on your sound, it's just my obnoxious, encouraging mommy-voice and Hudson's excited squeals. Okay, Hudson is worth it.

Me so proud.

He is His Mother's Son

2009-03-28T18:51:00.002-05:00

...or however that saying goes.
Whatever the wordage, Hudson is already making inappropriate jokes, and pretty funny ones at that.
Tonight, Roomie Val was getting all gussied up and beautified for her fraternity (it's an honors thing) formal. She, in full makeup and hair, was scoping out the alcohol section in the kitchen when Hudson, all important-like, waddled his little butt over to the babygate between the kitchen and living room. His crawl was a little more awkward than normal since he was clutching something in his hand. Val, noticing this, asked him what he had in his paw.

That's when Hudson threw a condom at her.

With remarkable accuracy.

Then cackled hysterically.

See post below for further explanation.

{ Fresh Photo Friday } Late, again...

2009-03-28T14:40:00.003-05:00

I'm not even going to change the date on the post and make you think you're crazy this time. Today is Saturday.

This is my little poophead, who now gets into everything. Seriously--he's IN everything. Drawers, cabinets, you name it. Above he is in the drawer to his changing table/crib, filled with lots of cloth diapering goodies. (On the floor are Dulce Wrappers custom hemp inserts)

And then, there is this:

BUT, before you look, let me explain. Oh hell, nevermind.

So Roomie Val and I were CAs (community advisors/aka RAs) last year. If you are a CA/RA, Trojan will send you a CASE of condoms. Before we moved in, Val and Allie made the bottom drawer of the entertainment center the leftover condom stash drawer. Our funny little secret.
Not so funny when the little tyke discovers it, right?

Actually, it's hilarious.

Isn't there something ironic about this?

I'm going to hell, this I know. Just call Family Services now.

Please...

2009-03-23T22:37:00.003-05:00

...bear with me for the time being, as my European Union class will be SUCKING THE LIFE OUT OF ME with papers/negotiations, in addition to my other obligations (other classes, single parenting, working, pro-bonoing, trying to find a job, etc.).

Think happy thoughts.
Spring is upon us, and I'm getting smarter.

(that's not me, nor did I take this photo)

Spring Wants

2009-03-21T23:06:00.001-05:00

Every once in a while, I like to reveal my consumerist wants here. It's refreshing to get them out in the open--and who knows, maybe one of these companies will find me and give me lots of money and/or products. Yep, I'm a dreamer. Hudson's version could be coming up shortly. Let's get started, shall we?

{ I realized that y'all are too lazy to actually click on links, so I'm presenting this Wants post with images. You're welcome. }

No, this is not for who you're thinking. This is a Wustof knife, the cream of the crop, some say. I would be able to deal with a chef's or santoku. My research has found that they run around $120 a piece. That's the equivalent of two weeks' work study pay. But to slice and dice with ease?

You're right, it's not that priceless.

A spring/summer dress. I like the maxi dresses this season as they are less likely to blow up in the wind and show the world my ~~saggy, cellulitey saddlebags~~ tanned and toned glutes. This hot Old Navy number came in an e-mail. I went to the Web site--oh yes, it's not even AVAILABLE TO BUY! They sold out already, apparently, and that sucks. Not that I have sufficient funds anyhoo.

I want a cat. Not this one, specifically, but a cat nonetheless. I realize that many out there despise cats, but I've really really tried being a dog person and it just didn't work out. You have to take dogs out in the elements to walk and do their thing and they STILL pee and poop all over the house. I think a cat suits my lazy, bitchy personality much better. As for when I will actually live in a pet-friendly dwelling, we may never know.

A garden. A vegetable garden, preferably, but I'm not picky. I want my own patch of soil to plant a shit-ton of stuff in so I can reap the benefits and be all one-with-the-earth and stuff. Y'know. I've been drooling at the thought for oh, say, SIX years now. There is the possibility of a container garden at this location, but whaddaya know, I'll be moving again here in a few months and transporting tubs of dirt in addition to the rest of my ~~crap~~ belongings isn't sexy.

Tea towels. Oooh baby have I been drooling over tea towels lately. There are mahvelous tea towels available on etsy and I want 'em all. Screenprinted, quilted, embroidered, etc. etc. They're like a spring makeover for your oven front.

This style of ring (from etsy) excites me for several reasons. First, the wire-wrapped nest look is symbolic of my mother status. Second, Hudson and I share the birth month of June, whose birthstone is sometimes pearl.

I figured out some more reasons and then promptly forgot them. Yes, I do rock. Thanks for noticing.

I like this fabric from Kokka Japan. It's printed on both sides, making it perfect, perhaps, for reusable cloth napkins for Hudson when he gets older. And a bunch of other things.

NOT PICTURED: The Eating Bean Sampler from Seed Savers Exchange. I like beans. They're cheap, yummy, and nutritious. Seed Savers is about heirloom and rare seeds that help maintain biodiversity and such. Yup. I'm going to buy most of my seeds for my nonexistent garden from them. Yup.

I have decided that I like J.Crew. A lot. There's not much more to say about it, other than it's out of my price range and such. But I like them. And they have a swim skirt that I need to cover my aforementioned ~~saggy cellulitey saddlebags~~ tanned and toned glutes. Let's talk about shoes.

I like these strappy, happy spring things. Brightly colored flats just scream SPRING, don't they?
I swear I'm not hearing voices.

These are from (gasp!) the makers of the dreaded Crocs. I don't hold that against them in the least bit, especially since I spent a summer in Crocs. They're pretty great camp counselor footwear.

And then there are these...

Me want! The truth is, I don't actually like to wear shoes. I think this is a great compromise. The main consumers of this product are runners/hikers/athletic types, but psh--I can pretend. I have a feeling they will work just as well for navigating the treacherous aisles of the local grocery as they do on the trail.

And now on to the bigger, splashier wants of my list. These are the "aren't-happenin'-in-a-long-time" wants.

This most beautiful Electra bike. How awesome would Hud and I look, cruising down the streets on our retro-cool bicycles? I can picture it now: Hudson and I, out in the sunshine, gliding gracefully side by side. Mine with a basket for our farmers market produce, his with a cute little chinga-chinga bell. Our silky blond locks blowing freely in the breeze...
Bliss.

If you didn't think, WHY AREN'T YOU WEARING HELMETS?! you're in big trouble.

This is a Gocco. It's like a small personal screenprinting device. Kinda complicated. But you can make awesome things with it. See here.

Yep, this is the big one. I want a DSLR so very badly. My heart yearns to make beautiful photos. Add in Photoshop software and I would be outta control. Realistically, I would take any old point-and-shoot at the moment, but I what I really really really want is this.

And then there is...

Midge.

{ Finds! }

2009-03-17T20:48:00.006-05:00

Ohhh yes.
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh yes.

We went a thriftin' today, and it was marvelous. You won't believe what I got. Well, those who know me won't be surprised in the least bit, actually. I'll let the photos do the talking.
The spotlight stealer? This:

I had a major change of heart today. I went from dreaming of this dining table...

...to this?

You simply must click here to see the rest of our finds. Be sure to read the notes on each picture to get the full details. There is an antique involved.

{ Fresh Photo Friday } J Edition

2009-03-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

J has clothes! And accessories! Isn't she tres chic? The 'fro just ties it all together, I know. Turns out that we're the same size (ha, her boobs are bigger).

(The artwork to the left is of my roommate, by my roommate)

Coming soon to an { Oh Hello Baby } blog near you...

photographic evidence of what Hudson has been up to
spring desires
SPRING BREAK '09 in Iowa, baby!

I still hate bedtime.

2009-03-10T20:26:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's bitch and moan season around here, so get over it.

Last week at the doctor's office (Hudson is 9 months! Holy smokes!) the nurse asked me if Hudson was waking up in the night at all. At all? I thought. What I wouldn't give for "not at all." Instead, I replied with a sweet yes. "For how long does he wake up?" she asked.
I laughed. I couldn't hold it in. This required some thinking. "Ummm...about five times, I'd say."
"Five times?" she replied with sympathy, "You poor thing."
Tell me about it, sister.

I wasn't exactly sure how often Hudson woke up on average, being all groggy and stuff, but I thought five was a good guess. A few nights ago, just for kicks, I kept track of how often the Hudster woke up. I only counted the times that required action by me--feeding, bouncing, etc. Seems the babe is completely incapable of soothing himself whatsoever.
The results? Well, Hud konked out on the early side (there was no stopping it, like usual), and before I sauntered into bed myself around 9:30, he had woken up three times. Then 12:09. Then 3:49. 5:07 and finally 6:07--up for the day.
Six times, total, if you don't count the morning wakey.
Close enough.

Lately I've been trying to hold him off to a later bedtime, just to see if it would help. So far, not so good. Nighttime is party time for the nine month old 'round these parts. The tough thing is that I can't leave him to figure this self-soothing stuff out on his own--aka the Ferber method--because I have two roomies in close quarters, and pissy neighbors below. The teet is the only thing that can soothe him after 10 p.m., and anyone who has read the post below knows why that is not a mutually enjoyable experience.

What's a sleep deprived mommy-student-employee-volunteer to do?
Whiskey or vodka? Whiskey for me, vodka for him?

Sprink break: three days and counting.

Can you direct me to the battered moms' shelter?

2009-03-07T18:58:00.005-06:00

The coffeetable. My shoulders. My shirt. Allie's skirt. ALL fabric. The entertainment center. Every toy. The couch. Every piece of everything. Most importantly--my nipples.

I CAN'T HANDLE THE BITING!!

Kid doesn't even have a tooth poking through at the moment and it's ridiculous. I won't be wearing anything sleeveless this spring or summer, as I'm sure to get odd looks in my present state. He's sneaky, he is. He goes in for a nice cuddle/hug and CLAMP!--a nice moutful of my epidermis. I try to push his forehead away to deter him, and if it works, the least thing I have to worry about is a slobbery and boogery shirt.

The real kicker is that every time he has finished a feeding, he sliiidddesss his clamped jaw down my nipple, like those annoying people do with their forks. It's completely unpredictible and most certainly unpleasant.

MAKE IT STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

{ Fresh Photo Friday }

2009-03-07T08:07:00.002-06:00

...happened with a facebook album update. Here are a couple highlights: (further evidence that I need to get myself an actual digital camera, rather than my phone)

Where did I go?

2009-03-01T11:56:00.003-06:00

I think I now understand why I've read about so many moms reasserting that they are, in fact, people too. You've probably heard it yourself. Lately, I've come to feel a little less "person-like." The weather and time of year are partly to blame, since they limit outdoor and social activities, but to get to my point--I feel like Hudson's slave. Already. Those with pre-teens and teenagers are probably laughing their heinys off, since not only are they still waiting on their "babies," but they have to drive them around too.
Let's examine.

I have no friends anymore. The get-together-that-never-was from the last post pretty much confirmed this. I have only myself to blame for not keeping connected to those in my life, but evidently I'm easily stressed and like to shut myself off from the world. My bad, really. I've been in solitary confinement for the last 9+ months, so my social skills have self-destructed.
I think I inherited hermit/homebody-ness. Since my sister and I moved out, my dad has rediscovered the small town bar scene, but I don't really ever remember my parents inviting people over or getting a babysitter for us while they went out to have a good time. They worked a lot to support my spoiled little self and were pretty worn out by the time the weekend rolled around. I don't think I like this trait in myself. I definitely didn't inherit the workaholic part, so why don't I have the inclination to frolic in the social scene?
I have a smidge of a perfectionist tendency. For me, this translates to uber-worrying mom syndrome. I'm totally going to be the overbearing mother that sends a list of acceptable foods and activities with Hudson when he goes to a friend's house. Don't the other parents know that there are TOXIC ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING CHEMICALS in everything? And that the earth will turn to rubbish if you even think about using an item made out of hydrocarbons? I read today that you aren't supposed to let kids play in bare soil, due to the lead risk. Say what? Hudson can't even make a mud pie or else he will be "developmentally delayed"? Frikkin frack. I need to get this kid a bubble, ASAP. (and then my mind says, said bubble will probably be made of plastic, or worse, a form of plastic called vinyl which off-gasses harmful chemicals...etc. etc.)
I'm pale, zitty, saggy-butted, and my fashion class is making me realize how little I know/care about my appearance. I used to be obsessed with anything you would find in a glossy fashion magazine. Now I'm one step away from forgoing hygiene all together and moving to a hippie farm, long leg hair and all. Oprah's shlumpadinka is me. Now where's my makeover?

Hopefully this %#&$@* snow melts and the sun comes out soon, because I'm ready to kick the winter doldrums and shlumpakinkaness to the curb. I'm saving up for a babysitter, if I ever let go of my uber-worrying mom syndrome enough to trust someone for more than an hour. And then eventually perhaps I'll get some self-esteem and do something about all this. Eventually, perhaps.

Whoooaa

2009-02-24T19:51:00.000-06:00

Oh yes, it's time for a bullet-post.

I'm sick. Hudson's sick too, but more in the pukey sort of way than the freakin'-nose-won't-unstuff way that I am.
Grandma and Grandpa are in town. They have my sick little boy at a hotel. I'm supposed to be partying--currently sitting at home, alone, watching Juno with 50+ rainbow layered Jell-O shots in the fridge. Clearly, sitting on the couch with a box of tissues and an extra large Gatorade at 10:30 is the cool way to party.
We went out to eat tonight. Too bad I couldn't taste a darn thing. I'm betting it was good.
My car, after being wonderfully repaired over winter break, now has another owie. Some truck-driving boy ran into the side of Boxy. He used the classic, "the sun was in my eyes" excuse. Hudson wasn't with, and I'm a-okay. Thanks for your concern.

***

The above was from Friday, when my cold was a lot worse. I'm happy to say it's improving and I feel slightly less like dying. Not much. I thought Hud was improving as well, however, poor baby barfed allll ovverrr my bed when we were playing tonight. Mattress is soaked. He went straight into the bath and the sheets, pillowcases, clothes, etc. went into the wash. I hate barf.
In other news, but still a part of this completely random post, my womb is now home to a copper-wrapped plastic T known as Paragard. It means no babies for 10 years if I don't want one. And I don't...at the moment. I don't have to worry about daily, weekly, monthly, etc. birth control. This sucker runs on a decade schedule. Insertion wasn't fun, but it wasn't horrendous either. It has few side effects and it won't interfere with breastfeeding. It's also the most cost effective form of birth control if you keep it in for two years.
Thing is, I was and am on the most effective, cost effective birth control plan--abstinence. Woo hoo!
Everyone is sick. I'm talkin' everyone. My boss asked me if he had been snoring today, since his cold meds were making him drowsy. He also asked me to alert him if he became unconscious while walking. He did just fine, thank goodness. Roomie Val has been perpetually sick since winter break. Student teaching will do that to you, I hear.
Speaking of breaks, I can't wait to spend spring break at the all-inclusive resort known as Chateau de Parents. Free room and board, and I can tan. Babysitting is provided, on occasion, with a little sweet-talking.
I love libraries. I especially love viewing the online card catalogs and the reserve feature at some places. It's like free online shopping for books. Try it.
Find me a job.

End crazy post.

Hanky-Panky

2009-02-23T16:25:00.002-06:00

I'm sick. Hudson's still a little sick. The worst part of being sick? Runny/stuffy/achy nose. It's especially tormenting for me since my eco-conscience beats me up every time I use a tissue.

Yes, I have tremendous eco-guilt. I've considered switching to a cool fabric hanky (handkerchief), but I just can't figure out a way to use it more than once without getting snot ev-er-y-where. My dad evidently can. My grandpas could. Why can't I? What's the secret? I wouldn't even care if people thought I was totally weird or gross using one, as long as I didn't have cold slimy snot all over. And what happens to the inside of your pocket? Snot city, I assume.

I want to be a hanky user, I do. But until I figure this out--I'm sorry, Mother Nature. Pass the tissue.

It's about time...

2009-02-14T11:43:00.003-06:00

...that Hudson started helping with the housework! He particularly enjoys laundry duty.

{ I was going to save these for next week's FPF, but you deserve a treat on Valentine's Day! }

{ Fresh Photo Friday }

2009-02-13T22:02:00.002-06:00

Hudson's first big boy bath

Christmas has Bah-Humbug; what does Valentine's Day have?

2009-02-12T18:49:00.006-06:00

This morning I found a note in Hudson's daycare mailbox with a list of the names of his "daycare mates." When it was time for me to pick him up, he had a cute little paper bag with hearts next to his coat hook. When I went to sign him out, there was a sign: "There is a list of names in your child's mailbox, please bring Valentines for your child's classmates!"

Sooo...Valentine's Day is Saturday...tomorrow is Friday...that means...

I'm supposed to whip up some Valentines...tonight.

Frack.

This is a university daycare, meaning the majority of moms that use the daycare are full-time students--with lots and lots of college homework. Translation: GIVE ME MORE THAN ONE NIGHT TO PREPARE VALENTINES!

I took advantage of Hudson/Val bonding time and churned out a very basic design for Hudson's treats. A few clicks, printing on cardstock, cutting with scalloped scissors, glue-dotting to a peanut butter cup packet and voila! Hudson's very first Valentine for kids who don't eat solid food and couldn't care less if there are meaningless cards in a sack for them:

...but wait, what does that say? Here, let me show you the design.

Happy Valentine's Day, kiddos!

Starr Velvetthong. Doesn't that have a nice ring to it?

2009-02-09T19:29:00.008-06:00

What is it about salespeople that make it hard for me to say no? What is it about me that makes it hard for me to say no? For some reason, I want this complete, fake stranger to like me, and I want her to get a paycheck...so she can buy more makeup to cake on her face and tell me that I look like hell.

I would be a terrrrible salesperson. I'm just an all-round weakling when it comes to sales. I don't have the personality traits that would enable me to persuade anyone to do anything. My sales pitch would sound something like this: "Here's this nifty product. I know it's not what you need and it's overpriced, but if you could just try it out for like, two minutes, maybe even just one, that would be okay...
You're right, it is stupid. Sorry to bother you..."

I'll tell you where I'm coming from. Saturday, my ex-roomie, Hudson and I took a trip to the city. Since my main destination was closed, we perused the rest of the area. Christine talked me into letting a semi-charismatic saleschica use bacteria-infested, unsanitized brushes to "buff" mineral makeup all over my un-prettified face. Then I spent way too much money to buy said mineral makeup with fresh brushes. Hudson laughed at me. I wasn't even all that impressed with the makeup--I still looked like a 21-year-old mom with no sleep and a bad SmartStyle haircut.
In short, I have buyer's remorse.

My mom convinced me to keep it, rather than drive the two-hour, $7 (as I calculated) round-trip to return it. Mom pointed out that I would want it for job hunting in May...and June, July, August, September, November, etc. I told her she was right, strip clubs love a pretty face. I'm sure that will be the only type of place hiring. There's always an adult entertainment business, right? And since the makeup kit came with two tubs of foundation, I could use the one whole tub to mask my post-baby bod.

Moral of the story: I think I'll stick to online shopping, where I run the show and don't have to think about what my stripper name would be.

{No, I definitely would not ever seriously think about becoming a stripper. My success in that industry would come from people paying me to put my clothes back on. }

Here's where I got my stripper name.

The Story of J

2009-02-03T07:54:00.007-06:00

So J is our new roommate, and I brought her on the scene without asking the other two roommates. I think it will work out regardless.
You see, J was in a poor position. She was closeted with her friends, and even though she's a beauty, she was deemed no longer useful to the general public. J was destined for a life on the streets, but I changed all that.
Facing extreme discrimination due to her amputee status (missing her left arm), J was told she was no longer welcome back home. So, despite my own intense embarrassment and physical injury (I cut the back of my heel open on the door), I took J home, and here she is. I have even had to loan her some of my clothes. Poor thing.
With some TLC, J will once again be a productive member of society--even if she turns out to be a homebody. She will have a purpose, and that purpose will be more honorable and way more earth-friendly than where, sadly, a few of her friends are going to end up.
To see a photo of J, click here.

P.S. Hudson is fascinated with J, he digs her. I think the feeling is mutual, but it's hard to tell.

Just watch this!

2009-02-02T23:02:00.003-06:00

(sorry about the advertisement at the beginning--it's worth sitting through, however)

We call her "J"

2009-02-02T22:49:00.003-06:00

This is our new roommate. She's an amputee. Don't ask. I'll tell you later.

Because...

2009-01-30T22:35:00.002-06:00

The February header is up a few days early. Why?
1. The January header went up late.
2. I like it.
3. I'm impatient.
4. I can.

Yay for February!

The Quiet

2009-01-29T06:46:00.003-06:00

So far, in my whole seven months of momhood, I've learned that it's not exactly the crying and screaming you should be terrified of--it's The Quiet. I'm sure The Quiet only gets worse as he gets older, but right now, The Quiet is what I fear.

The Quiet happens immediately following something shocking and painful. The Quiet is the stage between the event and the poo hitting the fan. Say, for example, if Little Boy has fallen off the bed--not that that has ever happened, no siree Bob. Here is a rundown of what it might have sounded like, if it had happened: *thud*...The Quiet...ASGVLIGJATUQWOTUQJAFLDJASJERTQLSFAAEJFG09AS8GU03JQKZ!!!!!!

The Quiet is also a signal that he has found something extremely intriguing and should probably keep it on the down-low. Say, for example, Mommy's textbook with lots of pages to rip or an electrical cord or outlet. When the babbling and grunting stop, I get worried.

I can hardly wait for Little Boy to get a little bit less little, when The "Nothing" happens...
as in, "What are you up to, Handsome?"
"...Nothing"
*flushes jewelry down the toilet*

25 things

2009-01-27T14:29:00.007-06:00

Because I've been feeling rather "blah" lately (is it laziness? is it winter? is it postpartum? who cares?), I'm going to post a meme-ish thing I was tagged for (thanks, Elliot)--but I'm going to put my own spin on it.
Instead of 25 random things about me (because, again, who cares?) I'm going to make it 25 random links...which ultimately will reveal things about me. And for your sake, you need to explore this thing called the internet some more.
Here goes:

Much like how a male spends a good part of his day thinking about sex, I spend a pathetic amount of time thinking about how someday my future abode will look like one of these. Screw the french-country-shabby-chic-casual-traditional-Southern Living style that pervades the area. I'm especially drawn to this one for some reason. The colors, I do suppose.

Along the same lines, this Parents Magazine article nearly made me pee with glee. Is it the white walls/eclectic furniture/bright color combo that does it for me? I think so. I fully intend on having a picnic table as my dining room table. Steal my idea and I'm taking it out on your granny. I like to hit you where it hurts. Also see picture 3.

Because of my Fashion Promotions class, I was drawn here. Being far, far away from NYC, it's pretty nifty to see what uber-retailers do with their window displays. I like 2007 Barneys. I forwarded the link to my fashion professor, but I haven't heard back from her. I'm not sure she even knows how e-mail works. She wheels a huge cart thing with her to class every day. The cart contains boxes of file folders and overhead transparencies. I thought we donated all of those to museums.

I really should have majored in something with more of a design emphasis. Too bad the world is saturated with designers. Here is a humorous response from a graphic designer regarding those who think they know design better than the designer.

This isn't a link, but all the local current/new/soon-to-be/ever-to-be mommies and daddies should come to this:

I'm starting to think I'll never make it to 25 before I have to pick up Hudson in an hour. The boss let me off two hours early today, and I chose to enjoy my "free" time at home and let Hudson enjoy his time with his buddies at daycare. Or that's what I'm telling myself. Just click here.

And here.

And also here.

This is the sippy cup I would like to get Hudson, although it is mucho expensive for a sippy. It will convert to a regular bottle, though. I have the 27 ouncer. I like it in orange with a blue insulator sleeve. This is also nice, however it isn't receiving that great of reviews. Or I could just sit Hudson in the bathtub and make him practice with a big kid cup every day.

Speaking of which, Hudson took his first big boy bath without the infant tub a couple days ago. Picture for FPF? We shall see. This isn't a link either, but you know I'm a rule-breaker. Even if they're my own rules.

This is my new pump. I love it.

I want a lot of things, evidently, as this list is polluted with "stuff"--argh!

And I quit. Not even halfway done. That lasted long. A novel attempt, I say. If you clicked on any of those links, great job, I appreciate your interest. Now I'm off to take some St. John's Wort, an herb that really needs a new name.

Blogging about logging

2009-01-23T18:38:00.004-06:00

I'm supposed to keep a log of all the media I consume over the weekend. This includes books, magazines, radio, television, and--gasp--internet. I have to write down how much time, what I was doing, who with, who owns the media, etc. etc. We're supposed to log which Web sites we visit. I fully plan on being a good student and participating in this assignment, but I'm totally not mentioning
this, or that I spend 10 hours a day here.

Ain't happenin'. And I'm not posting my blog URL, in case I need to vent about this professor in the near future. But he seems like a pretty okay guy--minus this bitchin' log.

...and then there was more holga...

2009-01-23T18:23:00.001-06:00

See the latest n greatest here.

Hello from Helga the Holga

2009-01-21T14:24:00.001-06:00

New/old Holga 35mm photos are up on my flickr. Check 'em out?

{ Fresh Photo Friday } A trivia question

2009-01-16T20:10:00.005-06:00

This (adorable) little boy's age is...?

a.) 14 months

b.) 1 year

c.) 10 months

d.) 85 years

Clearly it must be D, with his hairline and grumpiness lately. Actually, it kind of looks like he has a stubble mohawk here. And don't blame me for the outfit--this is partially daycare's doing.

But anyhoo, Handsome thinks he's older than he is. He loves to stand at the edge of anything and is starting to "cruise"--usually the development phase after crawling, which he hasn't officially done (correctly) yet.

His sixth tooth finally poked its nasty little head through on the top, but now its twin on the other side is giving him grief. Argh to teething!

Oh, and he's really 7 months. Don't tell him, though.

{ and sorry about the crappy cell phone picture }

Things that make me say, "like, totally, duhhh"

2009-01-14T11:49:00.004-06:00

I'm sorry, but someone needs to tell a ton of fashion majors here at my university that you don't need a degree to work in retail. I think it should be me.

I had to take a few free-choice, upper-level electives to get out of this hell hole and graduate in May, so I decided to take Fashion Promotions--something that sounded easy and slightly relevant to my PR degree. What an awesome choice it is. After being wowed by the totally deep conversations going on before class started (late), the professor didn't disappoint.

This woman resembles a plump, graying Delta Burke in her glory days (it's mainly the hair), and talks in a high-pitched, uber nice and wispy tone. After she revealed that she lives on the military base nearby, it was easy for me to place that she was somewhat of a trophy wife. Her knowledge of the fashion world has undoubtedly come from her time spent at the mall with her husband's allowance.

I don't really want to dog on this woman too much as I'm sure she has legitimate credentials, but she really made me laugh to myself when, after telling an irrelevant story about going to church and being there on Christmas, she asked the class whether everyone went to church on Christmas then looked around the room for those nodding in agreement. She followed this by remarking, "Well, I hope so. You should find a good church."

She also remarked that the majority of the fashion majors who have gone on to find actual work makeup the majority of visual merchandisers (aka window dressers) from here to Texas. This struck a chord with me as I did my high school career paper on "visual merchandising"--more as a joke.

In the class we will analyze advertisements (who can't do that? everyone's a critic of ads), design some bulletin boards in the building and make displays in the classroom and halls. This will be, by far, one of the most fun classes yet.

After my estrogen-filled fashion class, I headed straight to my political science class--where I am the only female, and we talk about things like foreign policy and, you know, other things that require half a brain.

Farewell, free time!

2009-01-12T19:53:00.003-06:00

Tonight is the very last night of my last winter break. Classes start tomorrow, and I'm a little heartbroken. I'll miss you, winter break. Your month full of very few responsibilities will be very much missed when I'm out in the real world, hopefully earning a real paycheck.

Hudson and I stood in some long lines today to get my parking permit and books. Thank goodness for wrap carriers--that boy is hev-vay! Twenty-two pounds to be exact--nearly 23. If I'm not mistaken, my seven-month-old is the same weight as the average one-year-old. Chunker chunker chunker.

I made a quick decision regarding one of my classes last week, and I'm definitely kicking myself for it. I switched out a Civil Rights and Liberties class for The European Union. I dropped the CR&L due to its emphasis on constitutional law--something that really doesn't click with me. However, I looked at the syllabus for the EU, and I'm in for a full workload. Numerous papers, a presentation, "negotiations," plus exams aren't what I had in mind for my final semester. I was thinking more along the lines of show up, take some notes, a midterm and a final and I'm outta there. "Coasting," if you will. But for some reason professors think every student is as jazzed about the subject as they are. I'm not a class participator. Get over it.

Pending a discussion with my boss, I will also be working every day from 1 to 3 or 4ish. Getting back into the routine is the hardest part. Hudson and I had a nice chat tonight about how much he's going to love being back at daycare with his pals and teachers. I didn't mention that they wouldn't be giving him the same amount of constant attention that he had grown accustomed to over break. We'll see how this goes...

The last couple days my big man has skipped his morning nap in favor of a tidbit longer noon nap. Fine by me. And in stark contrast to the previous weeks, we have followed a bedtime routine that has worked two nights in a row. After feeding activities (both his and mine), Hudson gets a bath, I read as much out of a Dr. Seuss book as he will allow, then nurse and play some Beatles lullabies. Rocking in our creaky old rocker ensues if he's putting up a good fight. Bedtime is between 7:30-8:30.

Wish us luck that this will continue, as his bedtime issues were really grating on my emotional system. The EU+sleep issues+biting would make for one rotten final semester.

Au revoir, winter break. Unless I become a teacher (doubtful), you are my last. *tear*

{ Fresh Photo Friday }

2009-01-09T12:39:00.004-06:00

Pending Hudson's cooperation, I will be updating the banner today.

A lazy day in pajamas, in the massage recliner with the remote:

The things you do to try to get a baby to smile:

the calm

2009-01-06T11:49:00.003-06:00

I love it when after a relaxing feeding, Hudson lays back into my arms--belly full, body quiet. He doesn't move around or babble, just sits there calm, looking into my eyes, half awake-half asleep, fully satisfied.

And then he lets out a big, rumbling fart. Then grins.

It's the times like these that I will cherish the most. My little stinker.

Oh poo...

2009-01-05T11:35:00.003-06:00

I have fallen so far into the depths of momhood that I am now crafting a post about baby poop. Yes, it's getting bad. You might want to stop reading now.

I hate poop. Not that anyone loves it, but let me tell you: aside from diarrhea, transitioning-to-solids baby poo is the worst.

It was great when Hudson was exclusively breastfed--although it was loose/wet/the consistency of applesauce, it never smelled. The other awesome benefit was that I never had to deal with the poop again before throwing diapers in the wash. I still don't have to, per say, but things just "come out" better.

The uninitiated are probably thinking, she's crazy to dunk diapers in the toilet! And they are totally right--I would be crazy to dunk diapers in the toilet, but I'm definitely not doing that. And wouldn't. Sick. I am far too prissy to ever deal with touching poop. Instead, we have one of these:

This nifty little number attaches to the toilet and will spray poop off of a diaper clear into tomorrow if you have it cranked up to high. No poopy hands here.

But you know who does have poopy hands? Grandma. The brave lady decided to check on the status of Huddy's diaper last night by using the old-fashioned method. Since she is inexperienced in the Hud-poo department, she didn't realize that his BMs are evil and will wait on the edge for you. With a fingertip full of fully-digested organic green beans, she rushed over to hand him off. Lesson learned, I'd say.

The smell test and at-least-every-two-hours rule are sufficient afterall.

{ Fresh Photo Friday } What I've been up to...

2009-01-02T00:00:00.001-06:00

Making baby food...

...but wait, what's that fabric I see at the top of these photos? Ah yes, that rainbow material is cut-up sweaters saved from the Salvation Army thrift store. They make my take on this, one of Hudson's Christmas presents:

and a few have turned out like this:

six panels instead of eight, and just boring, solid rainbow colors. The new ones have taggies and jingle bells inside. Wahoo!

{ they aren't as oddly-shaped as pictured, it's all in how you fluff 'em }

Resolutions Schmesolutions.

2008-12-31T20:43:00.004-06:00

Okay, so I know it's January and that banner up there should be changed. However, here's the deal: you see my car is in the shop getting fixed, and my jump drive is on my keychain, and I need my jump drive because I do design stuff with an outdated program that doesn't work with Vista. The crappy computer I do design stuff on won't even connect to the internet anymore, so e-mailing it to myself isn't an option. You're just going to have to wait until Saturday at the earliest for a site update. My apologies.
And then my dog ate my homework. And then I found five dollars.

For now, let's reflect on 2008. Let's see...well, early in the year I was pregnant and preparing for the arrival of Baby Boy. Then mid-year, I had Baby Boy. Then the rest of the year I spent night and day caring for Baby Boy. The end. Wow, time flies.

I was stupid enough to make some resolutions at the beginning of the year, so let's take some time to evaluate those now, if I remember them correctly.

Have a healthy baby boy: check. Y'know why this one was completed? 'Cuz it really wasn't up to me. That's the best kind of resolution, one that doesn't depend on your self-discipline.
Keep my room clean: fail. It was clean for a while, and in spurts, but my dorm room door was shut for most of second semester because of overall disgustingness. I don't regret it--it was my one last hurrah to be the laziest, most pitiful person ever. Now I have another human being to look after and all that jazz.
Answer the phone when people call: ehhh...56% success rate, I'd say. The odds are still pretty iffy as to whether I'll answer when you call, but they're better overall. Leave a voicemail and your chance of hearing my voice through telecommunication improves even more.

And now, for some 2009 resolutions.

Graduate.
Get a ~~job~~ career. This one is going to be pretty darn tough, considering this economy b.s. I could use some assistance in this department. If you know of a public relations job come Mayish, shoot me a line or 10.

Uhh, yep. That's all I can come up with for now.
How did you do on your resolution(s)? Did you forget about it in February, like the rest of the population? Did you even make any? { slacker }

Home on the range

2008-12-28T13:29:00.008-06:00

I've been home, completely free of work/school responsibilities for approximately two weeks. With winter break half gone, I think it's time to update you on what we've been up to for my last-ever winter break.

Hudson is on the move. When Huddy is on the loose, watch out. Well, mainly just watch your cell phone, remote or power cords. Using a unique method of rolling and cross-legged army crawling (as exhibited in the video below), baby can now propel himself in any direction he chooses. Why is it that babies, with a floor full of awesome toys, instead prefer to play with chair legs, cardboard boxes and mommies?

Hudson is also a mobile garbage disposal. Any concoction of fruits and veggies I mix up, he downs like it's nothin'. Pea-sweet potato? Yum. Avocado-cereal-carrot? Delish. I've been making Hud's food under the guidance of Annabel Karmel--and in case you aren't floating around in the baby food world, Karmel is a kid food expert from across the pond. A friend of a friend gave me her book Top 100 Baby Purees. It has some great info on the basics of making baby food and when to introduce certain foods. However, some recipes just make me roll my eyes. Take these for example:

-Braised beef with carrot, parsnip, and sweet potato
-Sweet potato and lamb casserole (~~Pretty~~ Definitely sure Hudson will not be experiencing lamb any time soon. Isn't it kind of weird to feed a baby another baby animal?)
-Pasta with hidden vegetables (15 ingredients, complete with mascarpone cheese)
-Fillet of cod with spinach in a cheese sauce (sounds like something off a prix fixe menu)
-Fillet of fish with cheese sauce and vegetables (ingredients include flounder or haddock, 3 black peppercorns, a leek, and a sprig of parsley--to freshen his breath?)

Puh-leez. I wonder if Miss Karmel even has children. If so, I'm guessing she either has a nanny or a personal baby chef. Either way, Hudson will not be dining gourmet while I eat my EasyMac.

Besides cooking and child-rearing, I've also been partaking in the domestic duty of sewing. I dusted off my sewing machine (literally) and have been making balls out of some sweaters I bought at the Salvation Army. Maybe I'll show you one later. Maybe.

Hudson enjoyed his first Christmas, as far as I could tell, anyway.

Santa brought him plenty of toys and clothes. And don't you worry, Hudson now has a full work week of baby legwarmers.

That's all for now, folks!

{ Fresh Photo Friday } Video Edition

2008-12-26T16:23:00.004-06:00

This FPF, Hudson would just like to update you on his crawling progress.

Someday soon I'll write a post of substance. Promise.

To: You, From: Us

2008-12-24T19:28:00.003-06:00

{ See the rest of the designs here }

7 Days, Day 5: Where am I?

2008-12-24T13:51:00.003-06:00

Today's theme is Where am I?, and I totally didn't do the requisite planning to concoct a fabulous shot like one of these Where's Waldo-inspired photos. I decided on this picture for today:

Where am I? Which one is "me"?

(in the world's dirtiest mirror... *embarassed*)

Straight & classy, post-funeral

-or-

Curly & funky, post-rough night

Back view of "the haircut."

7 Days, Day 4

2008-12-23T23:36:00.002-06:00

7 Days entry today:
Still tipsy after an impromptu class reunion at the bar after Michaela's visitation, so I will keep this brief:
Here is me, trying to wash out the bad haircutness.
No such luck. Thank goodness curls can disguise a multitude of hair sins.
A hair stylist classmate told me yesterday that I needed her number. Ouch.

7 Days, Day 3

2008-12-22T21:32:00.004-06:00

Heatwave in the hometown! It's currently a toasty 14 degrees with a windchill of -3. That's the highest it's been in a while. Time to break out the flip flops and margaritas. Well, maybe just the margaritas.

We were hit with a semi-unexpected snow when Hudson and I were out visiting Auntie Jessy. I thought we were leaving in good time to beat the nastiness, however, it was too slick to make it up a nice-sized hill and my windshield wipers stopped working. I stopped a couple times to try to remedy the problem, but with no success. We headed back to Nate and Jessy's and called Grandpa, who got in his four-wheel-drive pickup to retrieve us.

Maybe big trucks do serve a purpose besides hogging gas and polluting the earth. How about that?

Anyhoo, here is my 7 Days picture today. It's a stretch, as you can see. Those are my feet (awkwardly positioned) behind my adorable baby boy. Hardly a self-portrait, but it has to count for today as I've just gotten a short haircut that I'm not ready to reveal yet. Enjoy:

Oh, and my parents' 30th wedding anniversary was today. Pretty nifty, huh?

7 Days, Day 2: Winter Solstice

2008-12-21T10:00:00.004-06:00

There are two theme days this 7 Days, Day 2 being Winter Solstice and Day 5 being Where am I?

Here is how I'm "celebrating" this year's winter solstice (aka the longest night of the year):

tanning.

Scoff all you want, but tanning helps my SAD (seasonal affective disorder), which I have diagnosed myself with. Light therapy is proven to help, and since my parents own a tanning bed I figure I might as well use it while I'm here.

How are you celebrating winter/summer solstice? Do you even know what it is?

7 Days, Day 1

2008-12-20T20:52:00.003-06:00

I'm doing "7 Days" this winter season. It's like when people take a photo of themself every day for 365 days, but for the less committed, like myself. Heck, I probably won't even complete this week. But hey, how 'bout a little optimism tonight?

I'm a rule-breaker, if you haven't noticed. Bad to the ass. Therefore, I'm posting two self-portraits because I simply couldn't decide. Yes, they are both terrible and unlike me, but I'm feeling the pressure to get something up before midnight.

This is the camera I have to work with. It's the 'rents'. I wish Holga was digital. Of course, I could always use the Picnik action, but it's just not the same.

Don't expect any of these 7 Days portraits to picture me wearing makeup. Sorry Charlie.

Found my hair chopsticks while I'm home for the holidays. It was much neater before I attempted to perfect it for the picture. Don't you hate how that happens?

Brain freeze

2008-12-20T19:55:00.004-06:00

When I drove home on that terrible night for winter break, I was expecting home to be tranquil and stress-free.
Okay, it has been.
However, the break thus far hasn't been without its quirks. And now I wonder how all of those stay-at-home-mommybloggers do it. Do they have kids that nap longer than 20 minutes? Will their kids sleep without being firmly latched on to their nipple? Kids that will entertain themselves for longer than 10 minutes, tops?

Question is, is Hudson spoiled or just needy?

Besides my baby-saturated life, there have been a few added bouts of "excitement" like these for example:

Last night at around 3 a.m. (technically this morning, I know), a classmate evidently shot herself in the head during an argument with her boyfriend. With an inoperable wound and no brain activity, they took her off life support this afternoon, and she officially passed away a couple hours ago. As things go in a small town, rumors are swirling about whether he shot her or she really shot herself. Sad, bad deal.
It's super cold. And super snowy/icy. Of course luck has it that we're officially snowed in when all I really want to do is get out of the house and see friends around home. Argh.
I hate winter. It makes me all depressed and stuff. S.A.D., technically. I need sunshine and warm, wonderful breezes to operate. I'm not happy unless I'm barefoot, and this chill really makes that difficult.
Everyone is pregnant or has a newborn. I'm convinced. Everyone. Have you checked lately?
Because we're snowed in, I have cooked, pureed and frozen the following organic foods for Huddy Buddy: pears, apples, carrots (orange and yellow/white), yams, peas. Still to be done: broccoli. Bananas don't need cookin' or freezin', neither do avocados. Spank goodness.
So far this is the third time I've had to get up in the process of writing this post to soothe Hudson back to sleep. How do babies gain self-soothing ability? Can I buy that somewhere? Because I'd give my firstborn--oh wait, nevermind.
20,000,000: The number of Baby Einstein videos sold by Disney through 2006. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under two. Fine, so that factoid really had nothing to do with recent events, but I just hate Baby Einstein. And I really don't like TV anymore. There, I said it.

As you can see, being home for the holidays has me nearly out of my mind. I've been thinking of picking my knitting needles back up, however, I don't know where they might be.

And Hudson surely does not have the patience for that sort of hobby.

What would you do if you had a whole month off with no real responsibilities?

In Memoriam

2008-12-15T13:27:00.006-06:00

I'm not really ready to talk about this, but you need to know. Something truly tragic happened last night, and it's all my fault. The guilt is overwhelming--seriously. As the temperatures in Kansas City dropped to the single digits, I was the worst mommy possible and left Ganon in the car. I completely forgot about him.
I forgot about him.
Ganon, my beautiful betta baby, froze to death because I'm an airhead. What a horrible way to go.
The day was hectic as we were rushing around getting ready to head back home for the holidays for a month. A lot of stuff to pack. I was being hurried as we were late to go see the grandparents. I nearly forgot Ganon on the counter as we were leaving. That should have been my first sign. He would have been better off if I left him at the apartment. The thought never crossed my mind that I would need to take him inside while we were at the grandparents' for dinner.
Stupid stupid stupid.
How ironic this post is now...turns out I'm really the worst mommy ever.
Rest in peace my little swimmer. I hope there are lots of freeze-dried bloodworms where you are.

Ganon
~Feb. 7, 2007-Dec. 14, 2008

Ganon passed away late Sunday evening after a tragic accident in his travel/vacation home.
Ganon was a gorgeous multicolored Siamese Fighting Fish, handpicked for his wonderful personality and luster by his adoptive mother and father on February 7, 2007 at the local Wal-Mart.
Ganon's sparkling personality attracted admirers where ever his fantastically-decorated, spacious apartment was located. As a young fish, Ganon was a hit in the all-girls dorm, Yeater, where he lived (scandalously) for a semester. It was during his stay in Yeater Hall that Ganon learned many tricks, including a crowd-pleasing ability to jump out of the water to retrieve a pellet off his mother's finger.
Ganon endured many trips to Iowa to see his extended family, where recently he enjoyed visits with family members Red and Slimey. He has also resided in Kansas City, Mo., Houts-Hosey Hall and Apt. B8. He was the official mascot of 2nd floor Houts-Hosey while his mother was the community advisor during the 07-08 school year.
Ganon became a big brother in June of this year when Hudson joined the family. Ganon was a selfless big brother and was hardly ever jealous of his human sibling. Ganon volunteered his apartment light as much-needed illumination for countless middle-of-the-night diaper changes for his little brother.
Services were held Sunday, December 14, attended by his adoptive father. Survivors include his mother, Nicky; little brother, Hudson; grandparents Carole and Roger; aunt, Missy; roomies Val, Allie, Christine, Julie, and Katie; countless fans and admirers.
For more information about Ganon's impressive aquatic life, see here.

Please feel free to leave comforting words and memories of Ganon's time on earth.