there's something about Ernie

Seriously...is it just me or is there something clearly wrong here?

Observe.
Exhibit A:

The high end Pampers Swaddler (in my humble opinion, the KING of disposable diapers):

A healthy happy and clearly interactive Ernie.

Exhibit B:

The Pampers Baby Dry with stttreeetcchhhhy tabs. Although still effective, this is a lower quality diaper. A zoned out Ernie gazes at us. He has had one too many hits with the snake if you get my meaning.

This is the gateway diaper.

Exhibit C:

The non stttreeetcchhhhy tabbed Pampers Baby Dry. This is the Job-Lot diaper. Ernie is kicking back enjoying a cold one. Do you see the manic look in his eye?

I understand that a higher priced diaper can mean a higher quality diaper.

But a higher quality puppet?

Oh....and who the heck is this guy?

Lessons

I learned three very important things yesterday.

The first; That Lumpy is benign.

The second; The place I mentally send myself to stay calm during painful medical procedures has changed. It is no longer the rolling hills of my childhood in Vermont.

I now find myself in a soft rocking chair in the solace of Riley's room. Just the two of us, quietly nursing.

That is where I am at peace and where I draw the strength I need to fight the battles my body insists on putting me through.

Finally; There is actually a much better route to Trader Joe's then going through downtown Worcester. (For the record it's pronounced Wusta).

...well thank goodness for that.

Four

You are 4 months old.

You laugh and laugh and laugh.

You're entire body lights up when you see us.

You love to stand "like a person" and screech with excitement at your new skill.

You smile with flailing arms and kicking legs.

You have opinions and do not hesitate to let us know what you think, good and bad.

You love "your kitty"; Blossom the oldest of the cats who never seems to leave your side.

You are patient and so very friendly.

You are a joyful and happy baby...
...and we are blessed.

tastes like chicken

Chicken.

For me, chicken is one of the funniest words in the English language. It is. Second only to Monkey.

Funny word, funny bird but the idea of eating one is absurd.

heh

When I was 5 I asked my mother what chicken was.

She told me. (such a bad move that)

I threw a holy terror hissy fit, how could she have done that to me? How could she have fed me a formally living creature?? I felt betrayed. I soundly refused to ever eat meat again.

I stuck to it and was a veggie most of my young life. My diet was a battle between me and my Mother and there were times when she would win and I would relent.

But for the most part that was that.

I would no longer eat meat, any meat related product, or any morsal that may have come in contact with meat, a meat related product or a utensil that was used in the preperation of meat or a meat related product.

There was that pork dumpling in disguise in 2003, but thankfully I recognized it for what it was and spat it out.

Violently.

On Future Spouse's coffee table.

While he was eating.

...and he still married me.

My point...while enjoying Thai food last week there was an incident.

I was munching away when something very peculiar found in its way into my mouth.

This was my inner monologue:

Munch munch munch...
hmmm what is this?
munch munch munch...
This tastes really familiar...munch
I have not had this vegetable in a really long time (I actually did say that to myself...what is this vegetable?)
...what is this...
munch munch *swallow*....realization

Oh.My.RuntothebathroomandtrynottothrowupthatwasSOgrossbutkindofgoodinawaybutGROSSamaznghowitwasthetextureandnotthetastethatgaveitawayandIthinkIamgoingtobesickNOifIpukethisupIwillnevereatThaiagainandIloveThaifightitfightit!

...and that is how the clock on when I last ate meat was reset to zero.

It's Not Easy Being Green.

I have returned from the Green Mountain State and from a very colorful and enjoyable Easter with BF and family.

The highlights....

*********************************************

Spouse whining to me on the phone Easter morning when I told him he had to go hunt out his Easter basket.

"...but I'm Jewwwiiiisshh...."

Ha! Every year he says this and every year I hide his basket full of goodies that are so well, good, that he will be forced to retrieve them.

*********************************************

While nursing the baby I over hear this exchange in BF's kitchen...

The Terrorist: "What Daddy doing up there?"

BF: "He is changing out the light bulbs"

The Terrorist: "But why?"

BF: "He is changing them to energy efficient bulbs"

The Terrorist: "But WHY?"

BF: "So we can be green"

The Terrorist: (wailing) "BUT I DON"T WANNA BE GWEEEENNNNN!"

******************************************

And finally for your viewing pleasure:

Drama Queen playing with Baby Riley (as she will forever be known, named so by The Terrorist and even I am calling her that now).

Yes it is your run of the mill cute video of my baby and my favorite kid...but just hang on until the end folks, turn up your sound and listen. Despite her claims otherwise that is indeed BF singing in the back ground...




...I can just imagine the booty shaking that was going on. Do you think I should cut her a break? It was her Birthday weekend after all.

The Evolution of Laughter

Yeah...that's our big ass TV. Spouse bought that before we were married. I had no say. Oh and the picture on the TV. Well that is Brother and Spouse after the Superbowl. Usually I wouldn't have a picture on the TV itself, but this was a triumphant moment you see; so it holds a place of honor.

Babe and I are off to Vermont to spend Easter with BF and family. Nothing like egg hunting in the snow I always say.

Happy Easter!!!

Literary Speaking

My dark literary tastes have left me lost in my life as a new parent. My urge to immerse myself in a world of dreadful things is over. At least for now.

I asked for 'Happy Reading' suggestions. No more Holocaust and horror for me...I wanted sunshine, roses and puppy dog tales.

Megan suggested Marley and Me, which is one of my favorites. So much so that I own it in hard cover...A true test of a beloved book! Did you know they were making it into a movie?? With Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. I am not sure why I know that but I do.

Cheryl made mention of a book called Troll which immediately peeked my interest. She is yet (hem) to get back to me (hem hem) with the authors name.

(hem)

Like what...she has 4 kids and is home schooling or something like that. The nerve right?

Mayzie said Goodnight Moon, which along with The Runaway Bunny and The Foot Book is a daily read. I must say. Love it!

BF suggested Days and Nights at Pemberly, which for those who are wondering what that is...it is like Jane Austen porn. Nice huh. It's so worth it but start with Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife.

Oh boy does he take her.

Heather suggested Debbie Macomber and Amber has a list (could I have expected any less from a dutiful employee of my favorite store?) Jan Karon, Lorna Landvik, Fannie Flagg, and Wicked. The last of which is the only one I have read.

It looks like it is going to be a very busy summer and the ladies at the library will know me and the babe quite well.

For starters I took Andi's advice. A book I have been wanting to read (and with the movie being made I had to get moving!) The Time Travelers Wife.

I am half way through it and and loving it.

If only I could read while playing Peek-A-Boo.

Really...a game I obviously took for granted all these years...because to a 3 1/2 month old it is the greatest game EVER and that is what I do all day long.

Thank you for your wonderful ideas!