Saturday, March 28, 2009

What We're Up To

So we've had a "busy" week...here are some randoms for your reading pleasure (there is a ton of sarcasm in that statement...I doubt that any of you will find this post entertaining...you have been warned).

-We are starting to take Eli out more. He'll be six weeks old tomorrow! This week we took him to a surprise wedding shower for one of the custodial ladies at the school, I took him to my dr.'s appt., we took him to McDonalds, I took him to Panera, and we took him to a Spelling Bee that Ben put on for his building. He's quite the popular guy.

-I had my 6 week check-up this week and everything looks good. That's all I'm going to say on that b/c I don't want to gross people out.

-Eli had his 6 week check-up. Here are his stats: he weighs 10lbs and is 22 inches long. He's in the 50th percentile for his weight and head size and in the 75th percentile for height. I'm thinking we're going to have a tall, skinny kid. My brother looked like an Ethiopian giant until he started grad school, so he could take after him. He also got his first shot and I cried (so did he). So sad. I'm glad he's healthy. (Ben asked me when I would stop worrying about him and his well-being and I said when I'm dead).

-I'm trying to work up the nerve to start running again. I was doing so well before I knew I was pregnant. Then I was scared to run when I was pregnant...and now I need to run to work off pregnancy weight so that I don't have to buy a new wardrobe.

-Eli is breastfeeding, but he's finicky. Sometimes he will and sometimes he seems like he'd rather be getting a lobotomy...so we'll see how it goes.

-Opening day is next Monday. I'm glad that Ben has a son who can share in the excitement with him. I get excited, but I think it will be more fun to experience with his son. Eli has a lot of Tigers clothing, but we'll see if he fits into any of it for next week.

-I finally got out all my Thank You's for my Feb. 7 shower and postpartum baby gifts. I'm really good at the procrastination. I meant to get them done the weekend he was born, but that didn't work out.

-I've watched Twilight an embarrassing number of times since purchasing it a week ago. I am so proud of my daily accomplishments which include not showering and looking at the cutest kid all day.

-And I'm boring myself...so signing off.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Play that Funky Music

I decided to post yet another list of musical delights. These are songs that have monopolized the air ways (is it ways or waves?) in the Element and the Parker apartment. Am I a bad mother for trying to instill some musical taste in her son other than Baby Einstein. They're not bad songs that will lead him to become ICP's roadie. Don't worry, we still listen to Baby Einstein and Jungle Jam. I digress...

These are some mellifluous melodies that will be sure to dazzle the ears...and SOUL (read "soul" as spoken by Andre the Giant in Princess Bride).

1. Her Morning Elegance- Oren Lavie - I was introduced to this guy's music via a YouTube video of the song by the same name. AMAZING (thanks Anna!). He reminds me of Amos Lee crossed with AWESOME. His music has a classic feel to it. I've listened to this song 5 gazillion times and have not tired of it yet.

2.Wonderwall - Ryan Adams- I love the original as it takes me back to my freshman year of high school (Oasis was the first non-Christian c.d. I purchased). This is an amazing cover...I would describe it as chilling. I know the song has been out a while, but I've just discovered it's awesomeness.

3. All the Wild Horses - Ray LaMontagne - I'm slightly obsessed with this guy's music right now. I love his scratchy vocals and acoustic sound. His music kind of reminds me of some of Van Morrison's music. This song has a sweet string melody. This song is not from his most current c.d., but it's still a download must.

4. Trouble - Ray LaMontagne--See, I told you and there's another one coming. Again, this song is not from his most current c.d., but wow, it's a keeper. This has a definite soul sound to it.

5. You are the Best Thing- Ray LaMontagne--This is the current from his latest c.d. and I think he played it on SNL when he was on. This is just a fun song and it kind of reminds me of the musical stylings of Mr. Al Green.

6. 15 Steps - Radiohead -- I bought In Rainbows when it came out and instantly loved this song. Does the fact that it plays at the end of Twilight make me love it even more? Maybe...but it's just a cool song complete with all the idiosyncrasy we all know and love from Radiohead.

7. The Dress Looks Nice On You - Sufjan Stevens -- This is from an older Sufjan album (Seven Swans), but I like the guitar and Sufjan's vocals on the song. Plus no music list is complete without Sufjan. Please.

8. Dream - Priscilla Ahn -- I may have put this on a previous list, but it's still so magical. I sing this song to Eli when I'm rocking him to sleep. It has a sweet melody and enchanting lyrics.

9. Ruby Rises - Oren Lavie -- Another one from Mr. Lavie. For some reason this song reminds me of The Beatles -- not sure anyone would agree with me on that, but maybe it connects to some happy subconscious memory I have of listening to The Beatles in the family mini-van on the way to Lake Tahoe when I was younger.

10. Flightless Bird, American Mouth - Iron and Wine -- Iron and Wine has been a favorite of mine for a couple years. Okay, okay I admit, this song is from Twilight, but that does not detract from its melodic stylings. I feel like I should be wearing a poodle skirt and dancing with my guy to this song. It has a definite doowop sound to it.

11. Proof- Coldplay -- My sister introduced me to this single. It has the whiny Chris Martin vocals that I love. It kind of reminds me of "Fix You", but I like it more.

The End...must attend to hungry child.

6.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

I call this, "Eli with hats"


Lowell Hall hat that Miriam Quillen made for him


Again, Lowell Hall hat during tummy time; b/c it gets cold on the floor


Detroit Tigers hat that his Aunt Stephanie bought for him; "What up my gangstas?"


I'm sure he'll fit into it by opening day


Please, no more photos

I Need a Book To Read

I need a book to read. Any suggestions (other than Moby Dick)?

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Stealing from Rachel

So, I too (like my dear friend, Rachel) am posting the random notes of my life. Life just doesn't seem to afford me a static state of mind lately.

-Clothing: I need clothes. I seriously have been rotating 3 pairs of sweatpants over the last month. This post-partum figure has put me into a limbo clothing state. My maternity clothes are too big and my pre-pregnancy clothes are too snug, thus the sweatpants. I am itching to start some exercise program, but I'm waiting the full 6 weeks until I pull out my Dancing with the Stars workout DVD. Old Navy, anyone?

-It's the small things: It's interesting what makes a mom excited, such as a really big poopy, a good breastfeed, a smile, sleeping four hours at a time, etc. Life certainly is different.

-Twilight on DVD: Is anyone else (of adult age) excited about Twilight on DVD this Saturday? Anyone? Just me? Awesome.

-Midnight television: Okay, so there is nothing...NOTHING on TV between the hours of 1am and 6am. In fact, I liken late night television to a visit to WalMart in Jackson--slightly depressing.

-Target withdrawal-Fact: I have not stepped foot in a Target for 5 weeks. I can sometimes be found rocking back and forth in a corner wringing an empty Target bag.

-Going to bed with the cutest two boys in the world: That's what I'm going to do now.

Good-night, Internet.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

1 Month



Happy 1 month, Eli!

I cannot believe you have been in our lives for a month! You are such an amazing gift. Your dad and I just stare at you and comment on how perfect you are. Today, I had you propped up on my legs and was talking to you and you looked at me and smiled this amazing smile. And you were awake--it wasn't one of those I'm in my REM stage of sleep smiles--it was a real smile. You did it again a few minutes later! It took my breath away. I would step in front of a bus for that smile. True, that would be taking it a bit far just for a smile, but yowza, kid--what a face!

Now, about that breastfeeding thing...could you, please? For momma and her constantly running inner monologue about how I'm already screwing you up b/c I suck at breastfeeding?

Monday, March 9, 2009

Life Post-Partum

I haven't written in a while mainly due to the lack of sleep. My cognitive skills are not as sharp as they were when I was able to sleep 5 hours straight. So life is somewhat, um...different to put it mildly. I cannot believe how much a 7 pound person can change life so dramatically. I am loving every minute of his existence. Here's what's consumed me for the last 3 1/2 weeks:

Sleep (or lack of): Eli wakes up every 2 or 3 hours at night. I thought I knew what tired was when I started teaching, but I stand corrected. I fell asleep while feeding him last night and was startled awake by my head falling. So cliche, I know. It's not only him waking up that keeps me from my precious REM, but my constant need to check his breathing. Can we say neurotic mother?

La Leche League Loser: Breastfeeding has proven to be one of the most challenging, emotional tasks I have ever taken on. Eli is not a fan. He'll eat sometimes, but a lot of the time, he just screams as if the sight of his dinner conjures up images of a clown or equally disturbing images. I guess he's going to be a butt guy. We're still trying; I really don't want to give up. Needless to say, I'm pumping a lot, b/c I want him to at least get the good stuff.

Ben as a dad: Seeing Ben with Eli has made me fall in love with him all over again (sorry for all the cliches in this post--but deal with it). He is an amazing dad! Thos two are going to be great pals.

Cabin fever: So, I'm not taking him to "meet" people until he's 6 weeks old (we've got another 2 weeks to go)...so we don't leave the apartment a lot. I left him for the first time (Ben was the babysitter) this past Sunday to do stuff at school. I was gone for 3 hours--the longest 3 hours of my life.

Stage mom: So, I keep having these dreams that Eli is way advanced for his age. One night I had a dream that he got up and walked out of the room b/c he had to use the potty...and he was the age he is now. I also have dreams that he talks to me. Am I subconsciously pushing my son too hard?

I'll try to be better at posting as soon as I get my feet under me.