Week 13: A New Poem, Friend Dating and the No Nap Zone

New in Week 13? First, some new poetry:

little, muddy shoes lay strewn across 
the kitchen floor like sleeping kittens
whose bellies bulge from too much milk.
when they wake, clods of dirt will
my shadow, be.
I am grounded by it - the sound
of pitter-patter 
-Becca, 2013 (allbrandnewin52.blogspot.com)

There are many new things to report on this week. First, I might as well tell you all that we are dating again, and it is going very well! Henry and I have met some keepers :) Yep, back in the saddle, as they say. You think friend dating is different than romantic dating? Think again. It is a natural part of life if you ever relocate, start or end a job, quit drinking, start drinking, get married or divorced, have kids, or experience any other major change of life, it seems. And friend dating now, I am more picky; I know what I want. I love being sociable, but not to the point where I will just hang out with anyone because they are a warm body. I have recently realized that I want the same thing that I wanted when I met my Husband: A bonafide, normal person without hangups, who doesn't try to one-up you but who, instead, makes you want to be a better person in some way. Negative people, victims, drama queens, multiple personality disorder...you need not apply. I was talking to M about this the other day, and she also brought up the good point that how they treat/discipline their own kids becomes a factor - So true. I have a large amount of respect for moms who correct their children in public places - Moms who are paying attention and not just letting their kids run rampant through the streets, screaming their heads off at 1am...ahem...

I have the best collection of friends a person could ask for, but it is nice to have in-the-flesh folks who you can go on a walk with or saunter into their house and their dog attack-licks you and coffee is ready in a steaming mug of hello how are you and no one blinks twice about the fact that the kids are still in their pajamas at 2pm. And those are the rare ones (or the ones who have moved/are soon-to-be moving, booo!).    

Week 13 represents the 25% milestone! Yes, friends, we are a quarter of the way through 52 :) Here are the new things we did to celebrate:  

• went on a blind friend date and loved both mom and sons

• went to a new playgroup at a new library outside of town

• tried 3 new recipes (red lentil curry, orzo salad, and stuffed cherry tomatoes), all of which I would make again, though I have decided lentils are never as good as they are the second day. Fact.

• went to a new local farm to buy fresh goat milk (Screamin' Oaks in Tonganoxie)

• tried a new mom and pop cafe with blueberry pancakes as big as your head (Mirth Cafe Too) 

• experienced a snow-storm in mid-March

• began 2 new crochet projects, one of which is for ME (a big-time first!!!)

• treated myself to a new pair of DKNY Bermuda skinny shorts, my wardrobe for spring :)

• Henry decided to give up napping. This may be a phase or a new routine, but for the past 2 weeks, he has only gone down a couple of times. He lays in his room and reads his books for about 45 minutes and then gets up. He also is sleeping much longer at night, so I really have nothing to complain about. But I'd be lying if I said this was not an initial shock to the system (in week 13, mommy drank a LOT of wine...)

• tried a new beer! Sofie Belgian Ale 2012 (thank you, M!) It was citrus, honey-cream, and very ripe banana, which was not overpowering due to the very strong, tangy lime overtones. I thought it was good by itself and would have it again.  

• We received a very sweet Easter care package from Daddy this week...complete with Chuck the Truck stickerbook, a steamroller playdough set, and Godiva chocolates :) Best package ever.

Week 12: Precious Life

“It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live.” 

-Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

In Week 12, we experienced many new things, among which was some very happy news! First, Ted and I found out that one of our very closest friends suffered from a bi pulmonary embolism comprised of several blood clots in the lungs. He originally thought he was having a heart attack because the symptoms were essentially the same, so he thankfully called 911 in time. This man is in his mid 30's, does not drink or eat junkfood, is a former gymnast, for goodness' sake, and does not otherwise fit the bill for this condition at all. I was obviously so happy to hear he was okay and well-taken care of, but the thought crossed my mind that, if this man had not made it, he would have lived a very full and purpose-driven life; one that he should be proud of. And the older and more grouchy and cantankerous I become, the more I realize that I don't want to be close to people who I am not truly proud of. Who has time? Vince, if you are reading this, Ted and I love you, and friend, we are damn proud of you.

How do you spend your numbered days? Are you proud of them? Do you think God is proud of them?

We also received the news that my baby brother (Brother #3) and his wife are expecting their first child! Could this be the 7th boy, or will we finally have a little girl in the family? I can't wait to find out! Will and Whitney are going to make excellent parents. 

Other new things to report for Week 12:

• I finished East of Eden and began a non-fiction (memoir): Reading Lolita in Tehran. I am inhaling every word like a crack addict. Not only does Nafasi write BEAUTIFULLY, but if ever words had meaning, this compilation is indeed a powerful source of it! Regarding East of Eden, I loved it and am so glad I read it, but I was not crazy about the way he ended it. I guess it had to end, sometime. Perhaps I just don't like endings.

• Henry and I went to the Crayola store in downtown Kansas City. It was so much fun! We got some new triangle crayons with 24 colors (not the huge, chunky box of 4 colors you see at the store). Henry loves it when I color pictures of the Thomas the Train characters. Luckily, trains are easy :) I am otherwise a terrible artist! One day, he'll realize that :)

• My 2-year old actually, willingly, tried a "new" fruit, ate the whole thing, and asked for more. This is HUGE because at 12 months old up until now, he started refusing any food with a slimy or wet texture. He has only willingly eaten bananas, raisins, and apple slices (but rarely apple slices). I continued to offer him fresh fruits (and veggies) the entire last year, which I am now glad of!

• Henry also has started sharing with me. He is NOT a good sharer at all, so this was awesome to see. And he shared his stickers, no less. Pretty big time :) He's getting so grown-up! 

• Okay, one more new Henry thing and I'll stop: Naps...He has started not taking one 1-2 days per week. On those days, he sleeps for like 11-12 straight hours and wakes up a very happy boy, so I don't mind (too much).    

Week 11: Marshmallows on the Potty and a New Running Partner

What's new for Week 11? What? Where? How am I supposed to keep track of the weeks when I don't even know what day of the week it is? Well, friends, that is what happens when you spend 85% of your time in the bathroom and/or talking about the bathroom and/or making the bathroom the place to be. We have books...stacks and stacks of glorious books. We have marshmallows for a successful potty, and we have the portable DVD player, complete with Blues Clues and stacks of clean undies. Who wouldn't want to hang out in this bathroom, I ask you? Is it working? Well, kind of. I have noticed he is dry a lot more when I go to check him, and he seems to like going in there. My gut tells me he may be on the early end of the spectrum for all of this right now because he doesn't always wake up dry, but we have time, and he is willing, so we're headed down the path at least. 

Other new things for Week 11:

• A new running partner! I prefer to run solo 99% of the time, but my friend, Meghan and I went for a short running date together early on in the week. We did good! That particular day, I don't think I would have run had we not been meeting. It was cold, rainy, windy, and it was my first real run after being sick for so long. I would have bagged that run for a mug of hot tea and building Duplo houses in a heartbeat. And thus, the reason we need running partners from time to time. I think M will be a good running partner because she has that quality about her where she will try anything, and she's fun. The thing with Meghan is that she is built like a super model, so one of her legs literally comes up to my head, and one of her steps is 3 of my hobbit steps :) 

• First lot box of used children's books from eBay: $6 for 30 awesome books!!! So fantastic.

• Memory! Remember that game? Henry and I have been playing it a while now, and he finally gets what a match is. Super cute, and probably my favorite game besides I-Spy. Kid games are so fun! 

• Henry's first chest cold: Terrifying experience, in general, and yes, I woke up every 2 hours for 3 days straight to check on his breathing. And yes, he's getting better. And yes, I am beyond tired and beyond thankful for my healthy little chubby-cheeked boy. Words will never express my gratitude for his health or for the listening ears of family and friends who kept me sane this week.

Week 10: Kidney Bean Quinoa Burgers

Week 10 already?! Where does the time go? In Week 10, we tried a few new meatless recipes. Henry is basically already a vegetarian, except for fish, and of course, did not eat any of the new stuff I made, and that is fine :) The focus is on trying to rebuild my immune system and decongest my poor liver, after being sick for so long, being on antibiotics, and taking a gazillion supplements and medicines and sleep-aids...Just lookin' for an easy-on-my-tummy diet for a while. In addition, I have been trying to replace one of my daily fruits with a veggie to get more minerals and detoxifying goodness. AND trying not to be a fatty because I had gained back a few pounds from my original 30. Not a travesty. Not worried about it - just wanting to see that lovely 140 on Friday mornings :) It makes me happy. Thanks for the recipe, Momma :) Here is my modified version of the original:

Quinoa Kidney Bean Burgers

made 4 patties

[Served on a whole wheat bun with 1tsp mayo, (you could use Veganaise or nothing at all) some smoked paprika and Siracha, and 2 slices of avocado]

1 can of kidney beans, rinsed, drained, and mashed, leaving a few big chunks of bean

1/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup water

1 cup bread crumbs (I used Progresso Italian but you could just make your own)

1/4 cup minced yellow bell pepper

2 tbs minced onion

1 large minced garlic clove

1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground pepper because I like a lot

2 tbs hot sauce (I used this Tennessee hot sauce we had in our fridge)

2 eggs

2 tbs olive oil

Directions: Bring quinoa and water to a boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed for about 15-20 minutes (it did not take this long on my stove). Mash beans (I used a potato masher but you could use a fork). Lightly beat eggs in a mixing bowl (I always let my eggs get to room temp before using in any recipe, I learned it in an online British baking class and will never go back). Add bean mixture, quinoa, bread crumbs, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, black pepper and hot pepper sauce. Mix and form into patties (the original recipe said 5, which is ridiculous, unless you are a mouse). Heat olive oil in skillet and fry patties about 2-3 min per side. SUPER yum. 

 

Other new things we tried or accomplished in Week 10:

• New bedtime routine of reading a couple of stories in bed and leaving the door cracked a bit. He requested these things after we got back from San Diego and our roadtrip and every night was a total meltdown. He was used to Ted and I (or just me) sleeping in the same room as him for 5 weeks, so this new routine probably spun from that. I am more than happy to comply, as I love bedtime stories with my Buddy, and I love that he has his favorites, and it makes him happy. 

• Got to know our new fish. We love him. His name is also Sharkbait, in case you are curious. And he is also a Beta. This one seems a little less inbred and eats his food. RIP Sharkbait #1.

• Finished Sister-in-law Jenn's baby blankets for her M.O.P.S. auction. 

• 3 new non-fiction books: 8th Grade Science, Our Changing Earth, and Life Science :) All registered for both the Middle Grade Praxis II and the VCLA (State of VA required reading and writing test) and have been in contact with the Educate VA program director. Very excited! 

Week 9: Oscars Parties and Puppy Dogpiles

We did not try as many new things in Week 9 because I spent most of it being sick and road-tripping back to Kansas with my favorite 2-year old buddy. But, in spite of the continued and worsening sickness, our last days in San Diego with Daddy were happy ones and included one of my new favorite memories. I spent much of our last full day as a family together for a long while in Urgent Care, but Henry and Ted had some good quality time together, which made all of us happy. I was too sick to even be sad at that point, and all I remember is going into the bedroom to lay elevated on some pillows, after taking copious amounts of randoms, which included something with codeine as well as ZzzQuil, nasal spray, and essential oils. I turned on the Oscars, and my sweet husband and son crawled up in bed with me with their new Thomas the Train I-spy book, and we had the absolute best cuddle time ever AND we got to witness that spectacular mini-show of Les Miserable (Ted was especially excited about that part). And finally...eventually...I fell asleep in a big puppy-love pile. 

I've never hosted an Oscar party before, but I think I will, from now on. Especially if there is a Thomas the Train, puppy-pajama dogpile with my sweet family included :)  

Henry and I are home now, safe and sound, and I am slowly but surely starting to feel better. I am thankful for our special time with Auntie Shana, Uncle Eddy, Cousin Ira and Baby Leif and with our other good friends in San Diego (and so, so sorry for missing the ones we missed due to being sick!) 

We miss our other Third already. I feel like I left with a lot of doubts and nervousness about how this year was going to work and whether or not any of us (Ted, Henry, or myself) were strong enough to handle (insert whatever you can think of inserting, here). I think I came back knowing that I am not, and being totally okay with it because Ted and Henry aren't either. 'Cause ya know what? None of us are that strong - We aren't supposed to be. So, you just accept weakness sometimes and move forward - And often times that is when you finally allow growth and healing and figure out what it is you are supposed to be doing. It helps especially, when you come home to find a homemade lasagna and pot of daffodils on your counter :) 
  

In addition, I left with a 2-year old and came home with a 2.25-year old. Apparently, there is a difference! Most amazing, impressive kid, this one. I just loved driving home across New Mexico and Northern Texas with him in the bright morning sun. I will never forget that. I hopefully will forget how over road-tripping he was by the time we were in Northern Oklahoma :)

Other new things I tried in Week 9:

• Dermatologica skincare products. I love Proactiv, but here in Kansas my pruny skin cannot handle that much Benzoyl Peroxide. Plus, it's time for some grown-up makeup.

• ZzzQuil. I love this product. It works. 5/5 stars.

• Chicken tortilla soup from Islands - So yummy for sick mommas (but without the cheese).

Week 8: The Best Dates Ever and my Quest for A World Covered in Curry

Week 8 brought with it so many new things! First, lets start with food. I don't think I have mentioned that I have had this horrible and annoying upper respiratory funk for the last couple of weeks. It started with a dry, hacking cough and moved to my sinuses, and then just left me with an overall din of fatigue and exhaustion and scratchy throat. All the while, none of it was a show-stopper (except that one day when Henry watched Thomas and Friends 40 times in a row and I couldn't peel myself off of the couch longer than it took to change a diaper or peel a banana). So mostly, we just partied through it like we do. When I am sick like that, I crave sushi and curry like there is no tomorrow. Thus, I tried 2 new foods this week: curried kale chips and curried tofu salad with pineapple, dried cranberries and cashews. Both were amazing, so stay tuned for the post where I try to recreate them (and post recipes).

My Lover was working like crazy again this week, but we did manage to squeeze in an actual, romantical sushi date at On The Rocks in La Jolla (across the street from our first date at a coffee shop called The Living Room). While dating my husband is not new, it is still exciting because it is rare, and he's still the only person I ever want to go on a romantical date with.

And speaking of dates, Henry and I had our first ever momma-son coffee date! Now you have to realize that this boy has been a runner since the moment he figured out how to walk. He hates hand-holding when it is needed (unless he's sitting by me on the couch or on the beach). Hand-holding = screaming bloody murder every time. The stroller has been our friend in public places, and we don't participate in activities near traffic or streets or steep ravines or malls, etc. without either having him in the stroller or carrying him. He is also a big, heavy boy, so carrying him has become pretty challenging. Then came the refusal to sit in the stroller :) We had been practicing walking next to momma on the hiking trails and on the sidewalk for a couple of months now...Fast-forward to trying it out in public places here in San Diego, and he now walks next to momma the whole way AND stays by me (as long as he can say "hi" to everyone in the coffee shop while I am ordering)!!! A Christmas miracle!!! Just one of those little things to most people, but pure happiness for me! yay. I am very good with this, even though it means my buddy is growing up very fast. My little Love...

Other new things for Week 8:

• Got and began studying for Praxis II exam in July (middle grade science...also surprised myself by doing well on the physics and solar system questions). Very exciting!

• New sushi place - Yummy Sushi off of Carmel Mt Road...5/5 stars from this sushi connoisseur! Plus extra credit for having 2 saltwater tanks in the middle of the restaurant. 

• Sweet potato kale salad from Jimbo's in Rancho Bernardo.

• Beta-glucan and Symbiotics colostrum-pineapple chewables for rebuilding my immune system (suggested by Sister-in-law, Shana).

• Began and almost finished new crochet project for Sister-in-law Jenn's MOPS group auction.     

Week 7: Mermaids and Talking to the Ocean

Week 7 has been a busy and wonderful week in San Diego! We have had great fun visiting our old stomping grounds and have tried many new things. Ted has been working very hard getting his crew ready to pass inspections for their upcoming deployment and fitting in quality family time with us while we are here. Of course, we wish we could see more of him, but I cannot be sad about being able to get in quality girl time and conversations with my best friends and my son, every day! One of my favorite new things that we did this week was just sit on the beach and watch the waves crash against the sand (Henry and I). He seems to love doing this as much as running in the sand, and one day he just plopped down and I sat down next to him, and we began telling our story of the little boy who talks to the ocean. This may top my favorite Henry memory list :) What an amazing son I have. 

Other new things we did or tried in Week 7:

• A new beer! Coronado Brewing Co. Mermaid's Red Amber Ale: Ted did not care for this because it was too hoppy and therefore too much like an IPA and unlike his favorite nutty ambers that teeter on being brown ales (in my opinion). I normally dislike IPAs as well because they taste like perfume, but I have to say, I liked how they did this. Even though it was hoppy, it had just enough of a fruity twist to overpower the floral notes, and what I ended up getting was something along the lines of peach and rose petal hues. I actually liked it, which is weird because I normally do not like any hint of fruit or floral in my beer, whatsoever. I guess this is a great example of how complex craft beers can be and why one should continue to try new things :)

• Balboa Park Science Center: One of my girlfriends here has a daughter Henry's age, so we took them to the upstairs area of the IMAX Science Center, where they have this great play/discovery room for kiddos under 5. We've done a couple of things like this before with Henry, and he seemed to be a little overwhelmed and overstimulated, and it wasn't all that fun. So, I was really happy that he had such a great time here and wanted to stay and explore all of the activities. He is at the perfect age for this stuff at this point, but up until this point, I really don't think he has been. Every kid is so different! I love spending time with other kids his age and noticing all of the diversity in 2-year olds.

• 1-20: Henry can now count to 20, which is cool, but the concept of "how many" doesn't necessarily have anything to do with being able to count. For example, if I ask him how many feet he has, he may count to 2 or 4, depending on his mood :) He also seems to have a good memory for numbers such as street addresses and such. 

• The Little Red Caboose: We got a new book, and he loves reading it to us, which is also a new thing (him reading to us). He is a very good memorizer. Future botanist? :)

• I finished a crochet project (that was a fast one!)...

• I think I have officially decided what I am going to do when I grow up (what I am going to do for a career when Henry starts pre-school when we move to Northern Virginia next year). I've known I was not going to go back to being a field biologist or a consultant since I left my job. I thought for a long time about going for my Master's in Occupational Therapy and teaching people how to do the small things that will empower them to live their lives again after they've been in accidents. I've also thought about getting my teaching credential and teaching biology and/or earth science at the Jr High level. I've been thinking heavily about this all year, and I think I am going to teach. When I was interning after college, I got a lot of opportunity to teach environmental science projects to kids of all ages, but Jr High was my favorite, and having strong female role models in the science community is a topic that is becoming more and more important to me the older I get. I think it would be fun because I have 10 years of experience working in the field and could (hopefully) transfer that passion of nature and of science to kids. The idea of being a substitute teacher for a while also appeals to me because I could get teaching experience while still being able to be there for my family in the way that I would like to be. I haven't really talked to a lot of people about any of this, so if any of this comes as a shock to anyone, hopefully it is a good shock :) 

          Climb aboard, explorers!! :)