Friday, December 31, 2010

The Universe

Emily and I have had a running joke for a long time that the Universe will take care of us. Need some new underwear? Got them! An extension for that big project at work? Done! A job? ... Well not quite. Maybe the Universe is speaking to us, and it just does not want me to work.

It has been an interesting year to say the least, but our joke has turned into more of a mantra for us. Every time we need something it will show up. Even if we don't know we need it, or just started to think about needing something we will find a cheap solution.

For example when Eli was starting to want to both stand and play the Universe sent us a play table. Well  ok, it was a Hanukkah gift from my Aunt Jane. When we needed some new books to read to Eli some Dr. Seuss books showed up at Aldi's. When our family outgrew our family bed we found a way to redesign our room. I could go on and on about the fates and our friends and family that have knowingly or unknowingly helped us this year.

I have been thinking a lot about all of this. I know its all kinda over done and end of the year reflective, but it happens. I feel very blessed. I feel very lucky. I also had one thought that I wanted to pass on to everyone. Don't believe in New Years Resolutions. Instead just be a better person. Do things that make you and others feel good. Try to relax and let the Universe take care of your needs. Everything happens for a reason. Here's to a great 2011!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Ten months going on two years

This little boy has very little in common with the one we brought home 10 months ago.  He's become crazy, danger-seeking, crawling everywhere, pulling up on everything baby.  He's mastering the temper tantrum--when upset will arch his back and flail like a madman while screaming.  If he had an online profile, it would read something like this:

Hobbies: playing in dirt if he can find it, putting anything related to the dogs in his mouth, playing tug of war with Leroy, sneaking up on Jack, banging on things, giving toothy grins when you tell him "un uh", making door stops make the boing noise,  biting/sucking/pulling electrical cords, tipping over the dogs' water bowl, latching onto any and all plastic bags

Food: mashed potatoes, beef, turkey, cheese, whatever it is that you're eating (particularly if there is a limited quantity and you are really hungry and really want to eat it)

Literature: anything by Dr. Seus, Brown Bear, the first half of most books but not usually the second half

Film: Baby Einstein (only when nothing else will work ;-)

Heroes: Leroy (seriously, if Leroy is doing something interesting--he will totally take Leroy over Mommy)

Hates: the car (with a furious  passion, still)

His sleep has changed a lot this month.  He's dropped the 3rd nap and in Kansas City, for some reason, he only thinks he needs one.  Hopefully that's a fluke.  

He tolerates the high chair pretty well and is a pretty good eater.  He eats comically large portions of food and will grunt and reach for more--particularly if we're talking about mashed potatoes or meat.  The boy loves steak.  

Overall, he's become a much more independent boy.  A few months ago, you couldn't really put him down.  Now, he goes on little journeys around the house by himself for 20-30 minutes at a time.  Of course, he still often crawls to our legs where he pulls himself up and reaches to be picked up--but that's just adorable.  And of course, he spends most of his independent time seeking danger.  We have taken to putting him in a cardboard box every now and then.  What?  He likes it.  



Note the intense sorrow that befell him when the toy was taken away.


Trying to pull it together.


Okay, you can have it back.


Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Space


That is a king-sized bed.  It improves the quality of our life by a factor of 10 or so.  We finally have room for the two adults, two pups and one baby who sleep in our bed, and it's just lovely.

A crib was one of the first things we got when we began the nesting process.  I really thought you needed a crib for a baby.  Who knew?  When he was younger we did transfer him to the crib a few times.  Grandmas love to try to get a baby to sleep in a crib.  They've each been successful a time or two.  I very much like our cuddling time though.  And I like the amount of sleep I get.

The king-sized bed is part of our bedroom makeover.  We decorated every other room in the house before Eli showed up.  We hadn't been able to decide what to do with the room.  Finally, a few weeks ago we decided to sell all of the existing furniture (mostly antiques with sustained value) and buy crap from Ikea (sure to be worth half what we paid for it in a year).  The trade down in furniture has helped to fund the makeover and Ikea stuff is really more functional and space efficient.

I've always hated white walls, but Kenny came up with this idea.


White walls with a mint green ceiling.  It's ridiculously peaceful.  

The condition of my space is very important to me.  I can't relax if things are cluttered.  In the process of redecorating we've managed to clean out everything in the bedroom, and it makes me so happy.  A few months ago everything at home was a mess and work was fairly calm.  For months, baby juggling left no time for getting the laundry done, much less keeping anything organized.  We've finally figured out how to occasionally accomplish things around the house (or Eli has gotten to an age where it has become possible).  Right now work is chaotic and home is very smooth.  Maybe I should clean out my cube.  

Friday, December 10, 2010

Video Friday: Moving!

Ok, who cares that its Friday and not Tuesday or that I have not posted in weeks. Here is a new video for you all. Life has just become a lot more difficult for everyone one in this house except for Eli.


On the move! from Kenton Kodner on Vimeo.