tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83933315336823484732024-03-05T04:20:01.915-06:00The Kiyars on Their Next Big AdventureUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-38499143233344151382011-08-08T08:51:00.000-05:002011-08-08T08:51:42.029-05:00My sister set an example...One of my older sisters does a neat thing, she sends out updates about what is going on in her life to her family and close friends to keep them posted. Anyone remember why I started this blog? Yea...so, I'm going to try and get back into updating a little more regularly.<br />
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In June we had a great family trip to Virginia. We stayed at my sister Karen's beautiful, HUGE, new townhouse in Haymarket and were able to visit lots of friends. I think the highlight of our trip was going to the Dulles Air & Space Center. It was soooo much fun to take Aiden to see the Enterprise and all of the airplanes. He thought it was pretty cool, and because Baris and I are terrible dorks, we also loved it. <br />
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In July the boys and I left Baris at home and spent 2 weeks in Minnesota with our friends. It was a very busy trip. We pretty much had two months of fun in just 2 weeks. One of the highlights (there were many) was the <a href="http://thegoodletdown.blogspot.com/2011/05/boobs-n-brunch-or-boobs-n-brinner.html">Boobs n Brinner</a> event hosted by the <a href="http://thegoodletdown.blogspot.com/">breastfeeding advocacy blog</a> my good friends and I run. We were so excited to have many new mothers come out to have photographs done with their nurslings. We felt just a LITTLE bit famous during the event and really enjoyed the fruits of our labor. <br />
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Things have been relatively slow and quiet since the move here in Columbus. I've been taking the boys to different fun locations where we have been racking up memberships. We go weekly to <a href="http://www.kidscommons.org/">Kids Commons,</a> which is a community children's museum, it's pretty neat. We also have memberships at the Indianapolis Zoo and the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Baris and I BOTH just LOVE the zoo and the children's museum at least as much as Aiden does. On our first trip we decided to let Aiden feed a Giraffe, fairly certain he would be too timid to do it...but he did! He asks to feed the giraffe every time we go now. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvku-JMYqpm99X0cEAK1V1W2u-2pLfU7BdiZi2eqABWZj350nv8L7TVW6N8TDSW5VsXGUsuXVWqSXstmLS13mwQETnjpoVlslYczBHpQGdwOWvZ1vLTskiyTwuSHwd9_Oru5an_LRZt8/s1600/June+Transfer+297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvku-JMYqpm99X0cEAK1V1W2u-2pLfU7BdiZi2eqABWZj350nv8L7TVW6N8TDSW5VsXGUsuXVWqSXstmLS13mwQETnjpoVlslYczBHpQGdwOWvZ1vLTskiyTwuSHwd9_Oru5an_LRZt8/s320/June+Transfer+297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aiden and his new buddy, the Giraffe</td></tr>
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Chase seems to enjoy our outings, there is so much to see for a curious little baby like him. He's so easy going and engaged, definitely a delightful little boy. He is growing so fast and is nearly ready to start walking. We think by the middle of next month he will have his feet in motion and that's the last we will see of him and the little sanity we have left. He is madly in love with his brother and spends his day following Aiden around the house, playing with his toys, and jabbering up a storm. He even imitates Aiden's roars. <br />
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Right now Aiden is taking a toddler gymnastics class at a local gymnastics place and he really really loves it. It's so awesome to see him learning and focusing more each week. It's as much a workout for us as it is for him because he wants to run off as soon as he finishes a round of an activity and we have to chase after him. It doesn't matter though, he still loves it and is learning. In addition to the gymnastics we go weekly to the library for story time. This is an endless challenge in terms of his behavior, but he's geting the idea of participating in group activities slowly but surely. <br />
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We don't generally swim in the lake behind our house...I'm totally skeeved out by ponds, personally, but we have taken Aiden out in the canoe we bought from the previous owners a couple of times and he just loves it. He's surprisingly well-behaved and doesn't tip the boat, so that's good! We spend most of our outdoor time either coloring in the driveway with chalk or playing on the slide and swings off the back deck/patio. We also set up the kid pool every now and then and Aiden will play there for hours. <br />
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We really enjoy the new house. It's wonderful to have a playroom for the boys and to have so much more space. At least once a week I still say "I just love our house." There are lots of things we want to do, but nothing very pressing. My next project is to paint the playroom for the boys, it's going to be super cute and fun. I'll post pictures once we finish it.<br />
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I don't have many pictures to upload right now, but I will get them off the camera and upload a few later. Ta ta for now! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnMSQfYcP8bug5QhLGsjGEau-_xFPdE2178kWxqn2XSx4kgzj-b2GVS_1zXd5U6vBRQIN0gn6DvhfCgKfgTW7e58fJrFWLVSbuaRcC0RzA5BVp0d-aAXmEBOpAMV3rynblw1fLj7Ht80/s1600/June+Transfer+224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnMSQfYcP8bug5QhLGsjGEau-_xFPdE2178kWxqn2XSx4kgzj-b2GVS_1zXd5U6vBRQIN0gn6DvhfCgKfgTW7e58fJrFWLVSbuaRcC0RzA5BVp0d-aAXmEBOpAMV3rynblw1fLj7Ht80/s320/June+Transfer+224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys wrestling on the bed...adorable. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-54048136451206681082010-10-24T15:05:00.000-05:002010-10-24T15:05:59.664-05:00Trying to get back in the swingOK, here's what's up! I'm now 39 weeks pregnant with our little boy Chase (pardon my appearance...long weekend):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2Jt-AYeHCXIp65Hgw0SDUhu0kTARJBNcEPZV29YgYMcwYEfhJeqP1AOvXLPYXxtnzWFDMYOPP-wtHen7S2Qa5_EtIZhpFdw0FP5FYZu-yLnh6LLXkTfXIZp7aShi_xlYvF8YHK5RQrs/s1600/P1040919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2Jt-AYeHCXIp65Hgw0SDUhu0kTARJBNcEPZV29YgYMcwYEfhJeqP1AOvXLPYXxtnzWFDMYOPP-wtHen7S2Qa5_EtIZhpFdw0FP5FYZu-yLnh6LLXkTfXIZp7aShi_xlYvF8YHK5RQrs/s320/P1040919.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our guess date is next Saturday. I'm prepared but NOT patient about possibly going another 2 or 3 weeks. Really it's not that long! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everything is ready for his arrival at this point. I think he'll be taller than Aiden, maybe a little heavier...I like my babies chunky, so he better come fat or fatten up fast! :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aiden is sick with some mystery fever-bug thing, so I imagine my body will hold off on labor until the family is healthy...kind of crazy how the body works. I have the most amazing midwife, and everytime I see her I'm reminded of that. Aiden's birth was pretty awesome, but this one is going to be even more amazing. I've been spending a lot of time taking Aiden to playgrounds, especially the indoor ones as my body prefers that I just kind of take it easy right now. He also has ECFE every Friday morning, and we're going to try to keep him going to that as much as possible after Chase is born, depending on timing, hopefully we won't miss any classes due to the birth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Baris will be home for 2 weeks after Chase is born to help us all get settled and started on a routine. I anticipate a big adjustment, and I think we're in for it when B goes back to work. Between work and school it's already a challenge with just one. I've seen a lot of friends with kids Aiden's age suddenly become "big kids" when baby comes home though, so hopefully he'll not take it all too hard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The big news this week (well, so far) is that we're getting the carpets cleaned by ZEROREZ! I'm so excited about this it's kind of stupid...lol I've been waiting to have it done for FOREVER! Timing is super awesome for having it done, right before the baby comes and following this icky bug that Aiden has. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">IN other news, here's some blogs for you to follow. My girlfriends and I (otherwise known as the Cool Girls' Club or CGC) started a blog about breastfeeding:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">thegoodletdown.blogspot.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the CGC girls has a preemie baby she regularly blogs about:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">bedrestnbeyond.blogspot.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the other CGC girl just gave birth to her SECOND baby with bilateral club feet (this is INSANELY rare...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">adventureswithtriangles.blogspot.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and right now, that's it! Hopefully some other big news will arrive SOON! In the meantime, I guess I'm taking Aiden trick-or-treating this weekend!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-85497932831798611752010-06-18T22:14:00.002-05:002010-06-18T22:31:21.259-05:00Girl's Night in the company of......well... wieners. That's right, wieners. I could rope not a single gal pal into sipping sparkling non-alcoholic drinks, munching delightful things, painting toes and watching Julie and Julia with me tonight so it was just me, my sparkly juices and my movie. Oh..and my ever-in-toe wiener-wielding terrorist to be, Chase. <div><br /></div><div>My husband wandered upstairs at one point to eat too much ice cream while I was in the middle of the movie and I shoo'd him away. I smacked his cheek and stated, in no uncertain terms, that wieners were not welcome tonight. It has occurred to me, as I told B, that I never spend a moment without a male present, especially now that I am toting one around in my belly, bless his little heart (and wiener). I was even willing to stay up past my bedtime BY MY SELF to just enjoy some MOSTLY male free time...even after my sour and pitiful afternoon during which I spent most of my time feeling whiny and sorry for myself for no other reason than I feel like an "academic widow (tm)," the day was lovely and I had NOTHING to do and NO ONE to do it with. As much as I adore Aiden and enjoy his personality and company...I was really needing an adult today. So I mostly was feeling lonely, homesick (yes, this still happens even after 6 long years), and bored. </div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever, the movie was wonderful and made me laugh and feel less like a robot for a little bit. I'm going to bed...an hour late. I'm up with Aiden in the morning because B is up late studying...again.<br /><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-52746974157136465732010-06-16T13:31:00.005-05:002010-06-16T13:43:20.476-05:00Aren't I awful?<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I just don't know what to blog anymore! B and I found out yesterday that baby number 2 is another bouncing baby boy and we've decided to name him Chase.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iPtL7RPB7lSFWkRWVJAivxCilMCiT3eRZ6SvZpuDaO39r4Ji9cEqmLH-BG42LNUeue-E2xodF-0bd3wrMVL6NwhowSgTv6FFHuxIbGuVaDNnmNNaZ-JcI4wsurQjQIHDFcmqExRdbeQ/s320/Profile+Face.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483441291921878450" /><div>There is baby Chase in profile. He's big, healthy and happy. This pregnancy has been so different from Aiden's. I feel great now, but for 16 weeks I had all-day sickness. I've lost over 30 pounds since I found out I was pregnant...it's crazy!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Aiden has been sure to keep me guessing and keep me on my toes. His personality continues to amaze me, he's a little hot head but still the sweetest, snuggliest thing you have ever met. He's 34 inches tall now (almost 3 feet...wow!) and 27 pounds. He doesn't speak a lot, but he communicates with us more and more each day through gestures and vocal inflection...he's kinda funny about it. One day he's just going to say, very academically, "actually mom, that dinosaur doesn't exist" or something like that and I'll probably just wet myself. He fills my days with tantrums and smiles and I think it must be very frustrating to be one-and-a-half sometimes. Grown-ups just don't get it.</div><div><br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieOVL2kNbtyzcyu4-_Rgs-RTknAY5BRIy-q9KbEaTU9YpvMLAlFjrzVdBmcOG9AHh2BZ-Ls9xL56iveoajUdpVyDHaPXtLfBepz7lTUIWnF45iHshDTTKk_ztAXHX3AhkM5B0plG67yaw/s320/DSC_0596.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483442494735323122" /><div>Our next big adventure is a trip to Turkey in August. I'm sure it will be a whirlwind of fun and challenges. I think B will need a few very stiff drinks after traveling with a toddler and a pregnant woman! B is traveling to Indiana for work/school July 25th through July 30th, then we'll be gone from August 4th until the 24th. We get to settle in for just a couple days and then B will be in the UK for work for a week. So much for the back end of summer! LOL!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, that's all you get for now...I hear The Terrorist/Toddlerzilla stirring from a much needed long nap. I better go get him snuggled up and feed him lunch. :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-12923506213142466052009-09-30T11:17:00.002-05:002009-09-30T11:23:17.562-05:00Going on Recordon September 13th, I posted a long, detailed update. Then the crap crashed and I was too busy to repost. BUT, on September 13th Aiden got his third tooth! Today, I noticed the fourth!<br /><br />Here's what's up:<br /><br />At his 9 month check up, he was 21.5 pounds, 29.5 inches. He's currently wearing 18 month clothes, I think he has had a growth spurt since then. <br /><br />He says three things now! Ball (Bah!) and he signs that as well, he said this first one on September 16th, 1 day before turning 10 months old. He also says Dog (dah!) and "ABOO!" When he's playing peek aboo! LOL<br /><br />He stands solo a lot now, and on Saturday, he took his very first step. just one, and he can step, then stand before sitting or plopping on his butt. BUT, it's a first, and he's done it several times. He's getting quite brave. <br /><br />Yesterday he started clapping...probably the cutest thing EVER! <br /><br />That's all I have time for now. Baby is crabbing, and I'm considering taking him for a walk to get some fresh air, even though I'm JUST starting to recover from a cold. I'm posting a picture here until I can get on here and tell you all about our great camping trip at Jay Cooke!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8rDt81UGDV_cgIDZFOHApgdLZCqpUq89dNzNEb9qLmWqPUXuEQwlSmiYyErcZJTy-ghpDhJxU2g2geP-fycGIzk-qdp85YOU-Ke51o42Kw2Z9lhhc9V8RkRJ2X5zodKlo6uBPNtepEA/s1600-h/P1020291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8rDt81UGDV_cgIDZFOHApgdLZCqpUq89dNzNEb9qLmWqPUXuEQwlSmiYyErcZJTy-ghpDhJxU2g2geP-fycGIzk-qdp85YOU-Ke51o42Kw2Z9lhhc9V8RkRJ2X5zodKlo6uBPNtepEA/s320/P1020291.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387296659968585442" /></a><br />This is Aiden and daddy, hiking at St. Croix STate Park.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-9727646709890222252009-09-13T08:04:00.001-05:002009-09-13T08:04:49.222-05:00International Babywearing Weekyep! <br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A8Wd-Rj17jg&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A8Wd-Rj17jg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-48462777495343312142009-08-18T18:23:00.002-05:002009-08-18T18:30:09.698-05:00Growing So fastSo...he grows so fast that I'm going to be updating every other day at this rate! I was recording him playing the other day, he was cruising across me and the front of the loveseat...he let go...and stood. Only for a second or two, but he balanced, and as he started to lose it he just reached forward and went on about playing. We saw him do this last week, but now I have it on video. <br /><br />We also got him this walking toy that he can push around while walking, or it can be converted and he can sit on it and scoot around (he doesn't know how to do that yet). Well, he walked all the way across the floor from the kitchen to the sliding doors day before yesterday. It was so cute!!!! <br /><br />Aiden spends a lot of time with Emily, who is 6 months older than he is, so we see him do things once in a while that we KNOW that he has learned from him. Well, he just did one of those again. He assumed the "downward baby" stance...head on the floor...butt in the air, legs straight, feet on the floor. And he was just hanging out and wiggling his booty. Just like Emily! HAHA!<br /><br />Anyway, Aiden's 9 month appointment is yesterday. Details to come!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-22785761742575916242009-08-12T09:07:00.002-05:002009-08-12T09:49:59.690-05:00The latestWell...Aiden still only has 2 little teefers. LOL, but there looks to be SIX ready to pop on top! I think one morning I'm going to go in to get him from his bed and he'll have 6 pearly whites poking out! <br /><br />So, The day he turned 8 months, July 17th, he pulled himself to a stand. And now that's all he ever wants to do. In the living room, in his crib, in his car seat, in the tub...he just wants to stand stand stand. He's walking along our furniture and going from one piece to the next around the perimiter of the house. He's occaisionally trying to let go and stand unassisted, but mostly he just plops on his butt right now. I'm sure that will not last long...he'll be standing soon. <br /><br />two weeks ago, he started crawling...FOR REAL. He has the worlds fastest army crawl (uses his elbows, but keeps his belly up so there's no friction, lol) but now he also crawls and plods along all over the house. It's the cutest damn thing you've ever seen. <br /><br />He can give me five now, which is also super cute. He thinks it's really funny. and he gives kisses...which is my favorite trick to date BY FAR! He started by giving me kisses, then he started giving his toys and his favorite book (Rainbow Rob) kisses. Then he kissed daddy <3 and now he kisses his uncle Jake and aunt Jackie all the time too. All that's well and good...but my heart melted when he grabbed his best friend Emily, hugged her, and gave her a bunch of kisses. Total kodak moment (defined as....when you DON'T have your camera). <br /><br />I'm trying to teach him to clap, and he thinks that's great too. He has always liked clapping sounds! A few weeks ago we got some funny video of him slamming some toys around...he was very very into it. Lots of noise, very cute. I owe some video posting (what don't I owe...) so I'll get on that this week. <br /><br />Oh, and on Monday I taught him how to climb the stairs. LOL! It's cute to watch him crawl up the stairs. <br /><br />I think the races are out of the plan right now. I ran into some serious pain and issues with my knees. So I have been doing low impact exercise for a few weeks. I'm afraid to run because I was hurting so bad for a week after my last run. then it suddenly stopped, I don't know what happened, but I didn't like it. I'll try again in a few weeks, I'm going to do some PT on my own, and hopefully that will prevent it happening again. Although, my husbands doctor says he doesn't recommend running for ANYONE, nevermind someone with pre-existing knee problems. I should stick to cycling maybe...I could get really into that and I wouldn't ahve to force myself! HA! <br /><br />I'm strongly considering putting the doula work on hold for a bit and getting a part time job. Money is a bit tight and B is having a hard hard time finding a new job. He really needs it, he's miserable where he is now...and it shows in every way. That's super hard on us. In addition the company is destroying our health insurance. Our out of pocket maximum is going up by $4000 next year, they are charging $1200 more a year in premiums, coverage is going down, and they have eliminated prescription coverage. We simply can't afford to work for them anymore. :( <br /><br />Anyway, that's what's news around here!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-74392439549781234112009-06-29T08:57:00.002-05:002009-06-29T09:05:45.555-05:00when plans changeWell, no big vacation for my birthday. :-\ The money just isn't going to pan out. This economy blows, our groceries are more than 2 times what they used to be! UGH! I have to start school in the fall again, and the community colleges here are SO EXTREMELY STUPIDLY EXPENSIVE that I can't afford to be messing around going camping and stuff. I have a theory about why they are so costly...but it's not for mixed ears. It's looking less and less like I"m going to Utah in the fall too, which really kills me. <br /><br />I'm not sure if I mentioned, but Aiden now has TWO teeth. :-) What a little champ. He also regularly sleeps through the night now, and takes good naps during the day. He's been having fun playing at the pool, riding in the bike trailer, going to Jackie's house to play with Emily and visiting all around. He needs to go in soon to get his shots (we're on an alternate schedule, so he gets some shots at 7 months), but we don't have to have a check up until he's 9 months old! He's getting so big. He can scoot all over the place now, and he's fast. I'm sure he'll move quickly to a crawl, and we think he'll walk before he turns 1. <br /><br />Speaking of turning 1, all our friends are invited to come out for his birthday in November. We are not sure if we want to do the big party on the 14th or the 21st, but probably the 14th since I'm going to be running in the Turkey Day 5K on the 22nd, don't want to be all loaded with cake and stuff! It will be here in Blaine, but probably at my friend's house, she has more space to entertain than I do!<br /><br />I better jet, Jesse is coming in about 24 hours and I have to make this house ready for her to be here for a whole week! SO EXCITED!!!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-78906030131948251672009-06-25T11:29:00.002-05:002009-06-25T11:32:49.741-05:00UpcomingWell, I'm doing my best to make the most of our short summer. The biggest thing coming up is that Jesse and Gracie are coming in less than a week! They will be here on Tuesday! I'm so excited! The timing couldn't be more perfect, afterall...that is my rest day from my training! <br /><br />Other than being on call for two mammas in July, not much else will be happening until August. For my birthday B and I are going on a little mini vacation with Aiden, we are going to go camp near the Wisconsin Dells, details to follow when we find a site and make a plan! :-)<br /><br />Then there is the half marathon, I also have a mamma due in August. After all that we are taking a camping trip with our friends and neighbors: Crystal, Doug, and Levi. Should be fun, it's going to be a fun Summer. I will post more funness as it happens!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-9408856948941620782009-06-20T21:33:00.003-05:002009-06-20T21:40:31.333-05:00Updates!Aiden got his first tooth the day before he turned 7 months old! :-) FINALLY! I'm pretty sure the second one is RIGHT behind it since we have a resurgence of super fuss going on. Hopefully he/we will get a break after that. He's also scooting at last, started doing that on Wednesday! Aiden just looks bigger everyday. Some mornings I look at his feet and wonder where they came from, they used to be so tiny, and now he wears a size 3 shoe! Holy cow!<br /><br />Along with Aiden's first tooth came my first grey hair. I'm not joking, I spotted it in the mirror (the damn thing has been growing a long time, it's as long as the rest of my hair) just a week before that tooth broke. I don't think it's a coincidence.<br /><br />HOWEVER, Aiden's sleep patterns are SO much improved over the last 3 weeks or so! He's a totally different baby since we've gotten his sleep sorted out. It makes me so happy that he's sleeping at night, not only because it means I'M sleeping at night but also because his temperment is so much more pleasant when he's well rested! :-) That's my big boy!<br /><br />In other news, I have just attended two births that were real eye openers for me. My little window into the OB world is anything but rose colored. I feel angry and frustrated on behalf of women in this country who are led down this by their care providers of one intervention after another. So unnecessary. That's really all I can say. Unfortunately, I think my obvious frustration with these harmful routine interventions alienates me from some long time friends. Sometimes I think women would rather NOT know that there are other ways.<br /><br /><a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2007/aug/13/health/he-induction13">Here's</a> a good article to read about inductions, it's so rampant right now it makes me sick. Inductions definitely contribute to this nations OUTRAGEOUS c/s rates. Want to know something interesting? As we spend more and more money on maternity care....our maternal and fetal outcomes aren't going up...they are going down. Fancy that huh?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-82825512498810342632009-05-26T19:36:00.002-05:002009-05-26T19:39:06.347-05:00I promised!Aiden is such a moose! His physical went well today! He came in at 27inches and 18.5 pounds! He's a big big boy! He was showing his doctor all his neat tricks like sitting up, standing, jumping, and rolling all around! He even showed off his sign for "pick me up" which is what he interprets the "all done" sign to mean. LOL He didn't like getting his shot, but we got him settled down and all was well. He took two long naps today with me (I was so tired, but what's new).<br /><br />I haven't gotten jack done around the house, so I'm going to go clean the kitchen before I go for a walk. Mr. Man is in bed already. :-) Oh to be small.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-32989297067260281322009-05-24T22:07:00.003-05:002009-05-24T22:23:00.929-05:00IT LIVES!This blog has been pitiful the last couple months. I apologize to my loyal followers.<br /><br />Aiden is a BEAST! Tuesday is his 6 month physical, I'll update on height and weight after that appointment.<br /><br />He still sleeps very very poorly day and night and that has been a constant drain. Actually the primary reason I don't post on here much recently. I'm so very sleep deprived, but Baris and I have worked out a schedule to ease some of that insanity for me so I can get some rest over the weekends.<br /><br />Other than not sleeping, Aiden is just awesome. He has learned to roll all around. On Mother's Day he demonstrated his all new mastery of the back and forth rolling...over and over and over again. Just last week he showed me how he could be one place...then NOT! Simply by rolling across the floor, stopping, changing direction, and rolling again. He can hold himself up on hands and knees for a little bit, but doesn't do it much unless I put him like that. I don't think he likes it. He's trying to scoot on his tummy, but for now he's decided that scooting on his back will do. This trick is tons of fun at diaper changes, as you might imagine. He loves to jump jump jump his jiggles out, he gets super excited and if I just hold him, he goes bonkers jumping up and down. It's so cute. He's laughing a lot more now. He's still stingy about it, but I hear it more often. I'll do anything to make him laugh, and do it until he will laugh no more because I just love the sound of it and the look on his face when he's laughing. He thinks my friend's 3.5 year old is so funny when he jumps off the couch, just laughs his little jiggly baby butt off at him!<br /><br />He's eating a lot of foods now. I've made him sweet potatoes (the current favorite), applesauce, pears, peas and carrots, and avocado (which he didn't like). He's also had peaches, green beans, and squash. I even give him yogurt melts and he loves those! The only thing I have to say about all this is that I miss the exclusively-breastfed-poo that didn't stink. HAHAHA! He eats twice a day now, and knows that it's coming when I put him in his high chair. He gets all excited. When I'm feeding him he goes "mmm! mmm! mmm!" :)<br /><br />He is SUCH a water baby! He just LOVES being in the water, watching water, touching it, splashing, and loves his Baby Neptune movie all about water. I took him to Long Lake today with his girlfriend Emily, who turned one yesterday, and put his feet in the lake. He wiggled his toes and kicked his feet to splash the water. He just loved it. It was a beautiful afternoon.<br /><br />A few weeks ago Emily's Mommy and I took the babies to the park to swing for the first time. I think Aiden likes it, but he's so busy studying things that he doesn't get all excited. His little girlfriend gets ALL jazzed up though! The babies just love the park!<br /><br />So that's pretty much all that's new. The only other thing going on is my new blog:<br /><a href="http://megztheflabfighter.blogspot.com/">http://megztheflabfighter.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br />So now I have two blogs. I'm commited to once a week on the other blog, so I'll post on this one at least that much. :-)<br /><br />I hope all my readers aren't too rabid. I would post a picture of Aiden from recently except my husband hasn't finished migrating my files over after reformatting it (a task that took him three months to get to by the way...those of you who see him regularly can feel free to give him S*** about that). Hopefully by my next post it will be done and I can get you a new cute shot of my little man!<br /><br />All the best,<br /><br />MegzUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-44255280070043397372009-04-13T15:22:00.002-05:002009-04-13T20:47:33.703-05:00So Much!I have so much to share because it's been forever since I posted. If you want to know why...<br /><br />AIDEN IS TEETHING and never sleeps anyway.<br /><br />I seem to have found the trick for his daytime naps though, and he's been asleep an hour. So I can blog briefly about what's up.<br /><br />Virginia:<br /><br />AMAZING. I had a great time. I never wanted to come home. Two weeks was awesome, I could have done 2 decades and been satisfied. I took Aiden to the aquarium with his Mamma Jesse, Fiance Gracie, and Auntie Karen. We had family portraits done with my sisters and my mom. We made pottery, we had more pictures done, we went visiting and bouncing all around. It was FANTASTIC. I missed out on a baby shower that I REALLY wanted to go to because Aiden started getting an ear infection right before we had to fly home. I got him all better with a homeopathic remedy though and life was good. Sadly I missed what was probably the best baby shower ever! :( My only regret from the trip.<br /><br />Aiden's 4 Month Appt:<br /><br />He's huge. Hands down. 3 weeks ago he weighed in at 16lbs 4oz...which is 75th percentile for weight. What's more shocking is that he's 27 inches tall, putting him at 95th for height! He had his two vaccines like a champ, showed off for the doctors, and flirted with the nurses.<br /><br />Aiden in General:<br /><br />Well, he's teething...that's a challenge, but Hylands is AWESOME. He's having cereal twice a day now, and it's so cute I could die! He rolls on his tummy all the time, and I think in the next couple weeks I"ll be telling everyone about how well he scoots, cuz he's trying REALLY hard. He's sitting pretty well, sometimes without his arms for a short while, but mostly balancing on his arms. It's a neat trick! He likes to jump when you hold him...his little legs are crazy. Bathtime is still his favorite thing in the world...especially since he has found his toes (he found those in Virginia, along with his shreaky voice...) and he spends much of bathtime trying to suck them, and splashing his feet in the water. He's coming up on 5 months...i can't believe he's been with us so long! He'll be in college before I know it! He's still the sweetest and cuddliest little boy you've ever met, and he loves loves loves to talk! He has much to say, so you better listen up. :-)<br /><br />News about B:<br /><br />We got a letter a week ago from Immigration...B has his citizenship interview and test at the end of May...he will officially be a citizen by the end of June. I'm so excited I could burst. This opens up a lot of opportunities in the area we want to be in. I'm physically ill thinking about going home finally...I want it SOOO bad.<br /><br />-----<br /><br />So I started this post at 3:00 this afternoon. It is now 8:48 and I'm adding a note. Aiden sat unassisted today...no arms on the floor or anything. That was this evening just before dinner. He did it quite a few times even! What a big boy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-64575182594176534902009-02-26T17:33:00.002-06:002009-02-26T20:19:45.479-06:00I Dub You...Sir Man-enoughSo B is coming down with a cold again, just as I'm getting over one and we tried a remedy for him that involves making a Cayan Pepper tea...add honey and in this case Rum...drink...HOT. LOL I told him he wasn't man enough to finish. But he did...so I, in my greatness...dubbed him Sir ManEnough! LOLUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-40006639666895468062009-02-18T06:38:00.002-06:002009-02-18T07:12:41.512-06:00A 3 Month MiracleSo I changed my tune yesterday about his sleeping arrangements. I decided that Aiden is a big boy now and he needs to start sleeping longer. So I've adapted a set bedtime, and a set routine (which will continue with set nap times today). By golly...it worked. He slept 7 HOURS STRAIGHT last night. let me just put this into perspective for my readers. The night before last...he woke up...every. two. hours. Clearly that's what spurred me to put my foot down. I'll be satisfied if I can get him to sleep for 5 hours at a go regularly at night, but I wouldlove it if he continue his 7 hour stretch! In addition he'll be sleeping in his bassinet soon...I wanted him in there last night, but the way the mattress/pad in it sits, it makes me worry that he'll have trouble breathing. It sags a bit, which brings his chin to his chest, which is clearly uncomfortable for him from watching him last night. So I moved him back into our bed until I can figure out how to fix the problem.<br /><br />So Aiden is officially 3 months old! He is just so adorable, looks like a miniature big boy now! He learned a new trick for his 3 month birthday yesterday....he has been able to roll onto his side for a few weeks now...but yesterday he demonstrated his ability to use that trick to maneuver himself around...he turns...in place by repeatedly rolling back and forth from his side to his back and scootching some how. I haven't figured it out....I just know he chases me across the bed with this trick, and that he is exactly perpendicular this morning to the position he was in when he fell asleep after nursing at 4am. Always clockwise. I'm going to have to get some kind of gate for this guy soon to keep him contained. I give it another month, max, before he's found some way to motor his way from one place to another.<br /><br />He has also become mr. chatty pants. He's got a lot to say, and he's so very excited to say it...to anyone!! Sunday night he was with some borrowed Grandmas who were lending a very interested ear to his antics and he got so into it that he up and threw his head back and laughed. That's only the second time he's laughed, and the first time I've seen him do it! He talked and talked with those grandmas until he was plum out of steam. I guess he had a lot to say, and who can blame him, he's been pretty quiet the first three months. He has been chatting a whole lot since Sunday. His face is very expressive when he talks<br /><br />The cutest thing (to me) that he's doing right now is reaching for us. If daddy is holding him and he wants me, he leans real hard towards me and puts his arms out for me. If I'm holding him and he wants daddy, he does the same thing to daddy. It's the sweetest thing!<br /><br />Well the beast has risen, and eaten. Time to get him changed and dressed for his day! I have a chiropractor appointment this morning, and later He has an appointment for two of his shots (we're doing an alternate vax schedule) at 3 (that will interfere with naptime). Tonight is a birth community meet and greet with the health east midwives...I better remember my cards!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-46240786092601378352009-02-17T19:48:00.002-06:002009-02-17T22:46:24.747-06:00Aiden's Future WifeThis is Gracie...she'll be two in June...they've been destined to be together since her birth!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/vagrl22/Februrary%202009/?action=view&current=P1160025.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="372" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k125/vagrl22/Februrary%202009/P1160025.jpg" width="500" border="0" /></a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-26245997262248798322009-02-14T22:57:00.002-06:002009-02-14T23:21:34.278-06:00Blog Neglected Sadly in FebruaryShame on me!<br /><br />Aiden will be 3 whole months on Tuesday...where does the time go...are you amazed? Cuz I sure am. Not a whole lot going on. Aiden does something new almost every single day, so I just can't keep track at all anymore. He rolls to his side, and sometimes onto his belly. He talks a lot. He's REALLY into his hands right now, and he likes to put toys in his mouth at every opportunity. He's turned into such a ladies man...always flirting with all the girls. I took him to the pool at the Y a few days ago and he L-O-V-E-D it! It was so cute, and he looked so darling in his swim trunks. HAHA! He's been doing a good job over the last week of just sleeping by himself for his naps. Granted, he only does it if he's in his swing or on our bed (on our bed most of the time) but it's one step to his own bed and it's progress! We'll do one more week of practicing sleeping alone, then I"ll try to get him to sleep alone in his crib for naps. A little here, a little there. He doesn't have to be fully transitioned until June, but I want him used to sleeping in his crib when it comes time to have him start sleeping there. I think as soon as he starts sleeping through the night I'll put him in his pack n play next to us until it's time for him to go to his crib at night.<br /><br />In other news<br /><br />I am counting down to my trip to Virginia...TAKE ME HOME! I'm so excited to take Aiden HOME! It's going to be great! We're going to the monuments, the Baltimore Aquarium, possibly the national Zoo. I'm taking him to the mountains, if the weather is good a short hike at Sky Meadows, I'm soooo excited.<br /><br />I rearranged the living/dining room...I don't know why I never thought of this before...it's so ROOMY and I didn't even take out any of the furniture!!! now I have all this room to sit around on the floor with Aiden and play!<br /><br />We are also getting ready to finish up the Den finally. Next weekend we are getting rid of B's nasty old desk and book shelves and replacing them with one sleek unit that will fill his needs FAR better. It will finally be the man den...essentially the last room we really had any plans to do anything with...it will be done. That means...something should come down the pipe and we can move! LOL! We have seen a trickle in the pipe...but I can't say anything yet, it's too soon.<br /><br />I have been hired by my first private (non friend) client!!! wHOOOOOOT! I didn't think she was going to hire me, I just didn't get that vibe, but I was SOOO happy when she did. AND, I just had another interview on Friday, and I did get a good vibe from her, so I might have TWO clients in May! WHOOT!<br /><br />That's all for now. I'm cold, and sleepy, and the baby needs a good snuggle!<br /><br />Hugs from us,<br />MegUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-92008332637460259752009-01-30T17:16:00.002-06:002009-01-30T17:19:21.182-06:00Friday FiveI almost never remember to do my Friday Five, but better to do it occaisionally than never at all!<br /><br />Today I am thankful that<br /><br />1. B did not get laid off in the recent round of "headcount" reductions at the office.<br /><br />2. sushi is so damn delicious at Taiko.<br /><br />3. I have a friend who doesn't mind watching Aiden for me.<br /><br />4. I have the cooking co-op every week with some awesome women<br /><br />5. I am surrounded by so many awesome doula women...these are my people.<br /><br />(I'm grateful for a 6th thing I've been informed I'm not allowed to post about for another few weeks! No, I'm not pregnant!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-73981958982362302702009-01-30T17:13:00.002-06:002009-01-30T17:16:53.882-06:00Milestones!Signs my big boy is growing up!<br /><br />1. He's rolling from his back to his side and his side to his back now! I think even he gets excited about this cuz today he did it on his floor mat and then OOOO'd at me. HAHAHA!<br /><br />2. He's already outgrowing most of his 0-3 month clothes. Except Carter's...they run true to HIS size.<br /><br />3. He's whacking his toys, and will put anything I put in his hand...into his mouth. He even grabs them successfully from time to time!<br /><br />4. He loves "rough" games like bouncing his butt on the bed, raspberries on his belly, flying, gentle tosses in the air, etc.<br /><br />5. He now splashes and kicks in the bath! He's very excitable.<br /><br />6. He reaches for our faces with his hand, and says hello to us if he hasn't seen us in a while. ie: after a nap, in the mornings, or when B comes home from work.<br /><br />Time just FLIES!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-31871274188007423072009-01-27T20:14:00.000-06:002009-01-27T20:14:23.262-06:00Pictures are back!<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwOo4x7frg4ngN419jTgtw5HTlFCRhEU8w9w7mz9NFVTt1cura14f5uk2TpQg267MOLGNNIPx2sF2Iwg8ttTPTK-grsZASbdBHvwveVeEM-w9uLlpJAZ_vVJPoWgOc8IoxrB0RfTKvaM/s1600-h/Vertical+Fam.jpg"><img alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwOo4x7frg4ngN419jTgtw5HTlFCRhEU8w9w7mz9NFVTt1cura14f5uk2TpQg267MOLGNNIPx2sF2Iwg8ttTPTK-grsZASbdBHvwveVeEM-w9uLlpJAZ_vVJPoWgOc8IoxrB0RfTKvaM/s320/Vertical+Fam.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br />So here is one of our portraits from January 17th. This is scanned in and apparently there is dust on our glass, but it's better than nothing! Aiden is wearing a white BumGenius! We will have more to post soon. We are ordering a CD that has ALL of the pictures that were taken (there were only two "bad" ones) and we'll get to sharing them soon!<div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-65916371065024931772009-01-25T21:11:00.001-06:002009-01-25T23:12:46.963-06:00I want it.Bad.<br /><a href="http://www.mobywrap.com/p-114-born-free-wrap.aspx">http://www.mobywrap.com/p-114-born-free-wrap.aspx</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-18843990264280099982009-01-22T14:26:00.002-06:002009-01-22T15:42:47.340-06:00Our Big Boy!Aiden's growth continues to amaze me! His 2 month check up was yesterday. He was totally flirting with his pediatrician which I thought was so adorable. BUT, our little hunk is 13lbs 3oz, and 23 inches tall now! He's put on 3 pounds since his appointment last month! He got his first vaccinations...we are using an alternative vaccination schedule, I'm so glad, because he only had one shot yesterday, and one oral vaccine. He did great, didn't even cry when his leg got pinned down...in fact he grinned at the nurse. What a ham. :-)<br /><br />I've been loading video of our booger (unedited...and I mostly sound like an idiot in them...but Aiden is cute) onto youtube. Here's my main page: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/DoulaMegz">http://www.youtube.com/user/DoulaMegz</a><br /><br />He's a totally stubborn about naps, but we're working on it! I've posted a 5th album on picasa if you want to take a look!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-75261451470644598882009-01-19T12:23:00.004-06:002009-01-19T12:34:28.611-06:00Too cute...<div>Here's that world class grin!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293072819538547954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbUXLzUO6pSBH5XxR90Zj488EWcpZxYLpZ_ckEIDN6oRWxncabgEuBdR48hTydi71pmqIQ3WDLLCQOwvW4KSeLmkEDcit1k-VmH0rX_nfidpogfwqsZ8jqgrJKw1N5xASLTT5cGfdfW8/s320/P1000697.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293073176865266514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5fdpSYAFhb5xIhMuekk6CYwYtvLyzL6v1874EHAefQN0XUFfNOWoCGbka66KOU7FyW0u4k-L8Qhs2kPIsmBSjFllOCIFkRXYkFW81TGYTRHlgC7ePUHafSrPSar5GWtLn7sHmfGNbb0/s320/P1000698.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />Now your day is worth finishing... ;-)<br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8393331533682348473.post-27031194942381001202009-01-19T10:05:00.002-06:002009-01-19T10:32:19.633-06:00Thoughts Before the InaugurationIt totally doesn't matter who you voted for, and I'll share here that I DID vote for Obama in this election. I've NEVER been so conflicted on election day, and yes, I think I was voting for who I felt was the lesser of two evils...even though at the core, I'm pretty freakin' conservative. That said, on election night I remember thinking "oh...yeah, he IS a black man, and this IS a big deal" because prior to that, I didn't even realize that Obama was black. To me, he was a man, a politician, auditioning for the biggest job in our country. So I want to just say to my family and friends who pepper all ends of the political spectrum, that you can't help but be proud to finally live in these times. Today is MLK day...and tomorrow...we inaugurate our first black president. Isn't that just amazing? I didn't vote for him because he was black, but I am floored by the progress we are making in our society. As Americans we should all unite and be proud of the growth...be grateful for Martin Luther King Jr.'s contribution to tomorrow's historic events, and pray to whoever or whatever that Obama does his best to take our country in a better direction. Politicians are politicians so my expectations are colored by that understanding, but this defines my generation and I hope that the definition is a good one.<br /><br />And about Bush...He is just a man, we are all capable of making mistakes. Much as I have disagreed and been disatisfied with the way he and his administration have governed my country (yes, people...MY country!) he has made many sacrifices to govern...and I know that beyond his presidency, he is defined by more than just his politics, and underneath it all...again...he is just a man, and I hope that our country can be grateful for the experience of the last 8 years, the good and bad, because we are who and what we are based on the sum of our experiences. In addition...the president doesn't call all the shots...those of you familiar with the structure of our government know that we have a nifty system of checks and balances...we elected that legislature (and the upcoming one as well) and the real power lies in that legislature. We as American people need to take ownership for our own mistakes as participants in this government.<br /><br />Furthermore, we as Americans need to take ownership for our failing economy. A society based on credit, loaning, instant gratification is bound to collapse. As consumers "we" have done this to ourselves...the businesses just met the demand of the people. I firmly believe that the politicians played a VERY limited role in the collapse of our economy. If you can't afford it...DON'T BUY IT because you don't NEED it! Get over the entitlement complex America! Earn the things you want, earn your prosperity, get off the credit cards, and live within your means. If these things had been happening all along...our economy wouldn't be a mess.<br /><br />and before someone says I'm not PC for saying "Black" instead of "African american..." Obama is NOT African American. My husband is Turkish American, my son is American, Obama is American...he did not grow up in Africa...and for that matter, neither did the blacks in the country for the most part. He is not African, he is American. so yes, i say Black. MLK said black too, so get over it. I'm not white...I'm AMERICAN.<br />---<br /><br />ah..Parenthood. My little boy is MY LIFE. I want to do all the right things by him. I'm tired of advice. It causes me to put undo pressure on myself...and when I have to make a decision...it's too hard to figure out which opinion is mine! My baby is 2 months old, he's still alive...I'm doing good I think! LOL I hope Aiden grows up in a country more stable than it has been in the last decade or so. No more squeeky wheels please...if you're a minority, shut uUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0