tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53233265376021007512024-03-05T03:50:59.442-05:00Diary of A Real MomNJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-65506680716803557672011-04-12T20:34:00.002-04:002011-04-12T20:55:36.471-04:00I'm Back!So clearly New Year Goal Number 3 has been much of a fail as I've taken a four month hiatus from blogging. Truth be told, there is no good reason. I haven't carved out time and I really am bummed about it.<br /><br />When I look back on these last four months, I won't have some sort of epic diary detailing my thoughts everyday and I'm sad about that. Life was lived and life will go on I suppose.<br /><br />I make no promises other than to be better than what I was. There is no place to go but up right?<br /><br />So, here is a list of the things that went on while I was on my blogging break (not in chronological order).<br /><br />1. I weaned Malone. We had a great run for 21 months but it was time. I was getting resentful and he was starting to need to nurse more than I was comfortable with. Over about a 8 week period, we slowly dropped sessions and made new routine to replace our nursing times. Mike really stepped up the plate and now puts Malone to bed most nights.<br /><br />2. I joined Weight Watchers and have lost almost 15 pounds. I have been slacking in that area though too lately and seem to be gaining and losing the same 3 pounds. I need to get more serious about that.<br /><br />3. I am continuing to kick ass at my job. I enjoy my work, so it is easy to do a good job. However, now that the weather is getting nicer I am longing for my SHAM days so I can take Malone to the park and play whenever I want.<br /><br />4. Malone has had a developmental explosion. He knows his colors and shapes, can count, and can identify 95% of letters. His favorite tv show is Wheel of Fortune and shows that feature trains (Chuggington and Thomas) are a close second. If you ask him, he will tell you that his favorite color is pink and most of the time his favorite letter is D, L, or O. He's also very interested in books and likes to read along and say the parts of the story he knows. And, he sings! Favorites songs include: The Wheels On The Bus, Pop Goes The Wiesel, Ring Around The Rosy, Tiny Tim, ABC's, and Rockabye Baby. I also started taking Malone to a parent and me gymnastics class, which he loves (he calls it nastics).<br /><br />5. Mike ran a 10k race!<br /><br />6. My friend Tara's father passed away. It was really sad and upsetting to watch a friend go through the loss of a parent because I've been there myself. I had a lot of old feelings come up but I was still able to be there for her and be a good friend to her. I am really proud of myself for that because it wasn't easy. She gave the most beautiful eulogy I've ever heard.<br /><br />7. We paid off all of our credit card debt! We are slowly on our way to building our wealth and saving for our dream of owning a home. It may take a few years, but we'll get it!<br /><br />8. I have failed at quite a few of my New Years Goals. I joined twitter, but I don't tweet. I still just don't get it! I have not been reading much at all (I just need to find a good book!), I am drinking a fair amount of water, but not enough. I have not competed a craft project at all this year, let alone one each month! I have wasted a ton of time on the internet.<br /><br />9. But I've done okay on some of my other goals. I just started a couch to 5k program and picked out my first race to run. We've joined the Y and I went to spinning class tonight. The biggest challenge I am finding with getting active is carving out the time. I don't get many hours a day with Malone and it is hard to leave to go work out when I could be spending time with him. If I wait until he's in bed, I'm too wiped. And he's up SUPER early in the morning. But, I am working on it. I haven't purchased a fancy new camera, but I'm saving for one! Operation Clutter reduction is underway. It's slow and overwhelming but I am determined!NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-89939740475181648712011-01-04T08:00:00.003-05:002011-01-04T08:14:28.389-05:00Malone's Lunch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmHl6IE32lvquqbg3WhMnF42XJuElRyShla3FSJhzg_sYaCdD2PbJzaSBIUU-pZKkDWE9yDyRshYFwAOUq0aslYiS_zb74NsoDV7VENM-KUR0X2hYnMaO9ZxAt9P3PQXwVic6WJ3hyphenhypheniU0/s1600/Christmas+And+New+Years+2010+132.JPG"><br /></a><br />A lot of moms I know are jumping on the Bento bandwagon. I think that's great- I'm all for moms doing whatever they need to do to get their kids to eat well. Malone has a Bento style lunch box for school mostly because I wanted the option for variety that the different compartments provide.<br /><br />Here is Malone's lunch today.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmHl6IE32lvquqbg3WhMnF42XJuElRyShla3FSJhzg_sYaCdD2PbJzaSBIUU-pZKkDWE9yDyRshYFwAOUq0aslYiS_zb74NsoDV7VENM-KUR0X2hYnMaO9ZxAt9P3PQXwVic6WJ3hyphenhypheniU0/s1600/Christmas+And+New+Years+2010+132.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmHl6IE32lvquqbg3WhMnF42XJuElRyShla3FSJhzg_sYaCdD2PbJzaSBIUU-pZKkDWE9yDyRshYFwAOUq0aslYiS_zb74NsoDV7VENM-KUR0X2hYnMaO9ZxAt9P3PQXwVic6WJ3hyphenhypheniU0/s320/Christmas+And+New+Years+2010+132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558316629708840098" border="0" /></a><br />The top small container has cut watermelon, the bottom small container has Trader Joe's Ginger Cats, and in the large container there are frozen peas (one of Malone's favorites), a piece of string cheese cut into thirds, and rosemary roasted chicken breast. He also has a yogurt.<br /><br />Most days, 95% or more of his lunch is consumed. It would be much easier for me to make him a peanut butter and jelly sandwich everyday, but I'd rather him eat like this- well balanced and with a lot of variety!NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-75437506759915856072011-01-02T18:20:00.003-05:002011-01-02T18:34:07.614-05:00Update: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?Some of you may remember that I wrestled with the idea of going back to work last summer in <a href="http://arealmomsdiary.blogspot.com/2010/07/challenge-130-should-i-stay-or-should-i.html?showComment=1279295677309#c6788295808924124116">this post.</a> To make a long story short, I went back to work full time the week of Halloween. And while I am getting used to not having as many hours with Malone or to get things done in a day, it was absolutely 100% the right decision.<br /><br />I was able to start full time from home with the company I was already working with. It's a great company to work for, the work is interesting, and the employees are treated well. It is a challenge to remain focused and on task while working from home, but for the most part I've been able to really separate home life and work life.<br /><br />Malone is enrolled at daycare center that I am thrilled about. I'm not going to lie, his transition was really rough and it took about 3 weeks for him to really settle in there. His "school" (that's what we call it) went above and beyond to facilitate his transition including bringing in an extra teacher into his room in case he needed to go for a walk outside (which was about the only thing that he didn't freak out about).<br /><br />In the earliest days of his transition, he carried around his lovey (a cat) and a book that had a picture of a mom and little boy (that kind of looked like us). Now, he wakes up in the morning and asks to go to school. It's amazing how resilient kids really are. <br /><br />There are times I miss my SHAM days. I miss the activities Malone and I attended during the week. I miss my SHAM friends- it's harder to get together with them now. But, the extra money is nice and we've fallen into a great routine.<br /><br />I made the right decision and am really lucky that I was able to get a job at the company I wanted to work for.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-82058233990732042002011-01-01T20:16:00.003-05:002011-01-01T20:57:28.407-05:00New Year, New Goals.I'm back. Have you missed me? Because I've missed you. Life got a little hectic after my last post (more on that tomorrow during my 2009 year in review post).<br /><br />I've decided to have 11 goals for 2011. I'm not calling them resolutions- some of them will be pretty easy to stick with, others are major lifestyle overhauls. But that's what the new year is for right?<br /><br />So (insert drum roll here) here they are in no particular order.<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Join Twitter and tweet</span>. Honestly, Twitter is completely baffling to me. I don't get it. I recently talked to a friend who said she felt the same way until she joined.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Lose weight.</span> Right now I'm 184.4 pounds (thank you handy dandy shiny new scale). I'm tired of picking out adorable cute clothing and not having them look great on me because of my chunk. Also, for the long term it needs to be done.<br />2a. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Move more.</span> Goes along with #2. This one is going to be the biggest challenge, I think. Run a 5k race.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Blog at least 4 times a week</span>.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Read 52 books in 52 weeks</span>. I'm going to let Middlesex count as one as I'm only about 1/3 of the way through it.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Save, save, save!</span> Mike and I have dream of being homeowners. One of the easiest ways to do this is going to meal plan better and eat out less.<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Drink more water. </span>It's surprising how often I reach for something other than water to drink. It's free, it's good for me, the consumption of it has GOT TO increase!<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Complete a craft project each month</span>.<br />7a. Purchase a sewing machine and learn how to sew.<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Get rid of the clutter</span>. We have a great living space (minus the super old windows and the sucky heating bill) but little storage space. Combine that with a curious toddler who likes to empty drawers and you get a house that has pockets of clutter EVERYWHERE. I might even get bold and post before and after photos.<br /><br />9. Nine goes along with eight, <span style="font-weight: bold;">make our space more pleasing to the eye</span>- hang pictures on the walls and replace some outdated home furnishings.<br /><br />10. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Purchase a fancy camera</span> like a Cannon Rebel. I've got a pretty good chunk of money set a side for this already.<br />10a. Learn how to use it.<br />10b. Purchase and learn photo editing software.<br /><br />11.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spend more time doing and waste less time on the interne</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">t</span>. With some of the above goals, I think that is doable!NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-66688014589291318462010-07-30T07:03:00.003-04:002010-07-30T07:21:24.529-04:0015/30 Living.After Malone was first born and for a very long time after he was born, I felt like I was just surviving- barely keeping my head above water. Call it postpartum depression, call it a rough adjustment to motherhood, call it whatever you want. But that was what was true for me. And it was my truth for a really long time.<br /><br />I didn't start seeing a therapist, instead started going to a <a href="http://www.motherwoman.org/">MotherWoman</a> group where mother's gather in a space to talk real about motherhood. The space is safe, confidential, and you can speak without being interrupted. The best part of all, no one gives you any advice.<br /><br />I realized I wasn't alone. I realized that other mothers felt the same way that I did.<br /><br />This morning, Mike and Malone are out for a run. I am alone and have a quiet house all to myself for a moment. A precious gift.<br /><br />Now that it's quiet here (and I don't have to worry about when a baby might wake up from a nap), it occurred to me that I'm no longer surviving. I am living. AGAIN.<br /><br />I am taking every moment I can to enjoy life. And boy, is there a lot to enjoy! I don't know when the shift happened, or how long it took me to realize it.<br /><br />I guess I don't really know what the point of this blog today is. And I'm not sure that many of you will even understand where I'm coming from. I think it's one of those things where if you haven't suffered from PPD then it may be hard to understand. I guess maybe today's post is to give a shout out to you mother's out there who aren't really enjoying things. I've been there. Not enjoying life is not the same as not loving our babies. Just keep on keeping on. I hope someday you can also get to the place again where I am today. It's magical. And it's special and extraordinary, especially since it wasn't like this for a long time.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-91277998776789724682010-07-28T22:12:00.003-04:002010-07-28T22:14:32.274-04:0014/30 The thing about summer.I can slowly feel summer winding down.<br />Summer winding down means change.<br />Change I want but am not ready for yet.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-36331328937849170762010-07-27T22:06:00.004-04:002010-07-27T22:15:06.489-04:0011, 12, 13/30 Wicked smaht.Because the work at home job as picked up again, a short 3-in-1 for you tonight.<br /><br />This morning I changed Malone's diaper (full of blueberry poo... ew!), and put him into the pack in play so I could check my work email before we started the day. When I turned around a few minutes later, I found him naked and smiling. I found his diaper full of more blueberry poo.<br /><br />Thats right boys and girls, my kid poo'ed in his diaper and then removed it himself. Not only that, he did not feel the need to play in it and there was really just the mess of me cleaning him up like usual to take care of.<br /><br />My kid may not sleep, but he's wicked smaht (smart for all of you non Boston accent people).NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-84006604077134699632010-07-24T19:15:00.002-04:002010-07-24T19:40:34.556-04:0010/30 Semi Fail.Malone made it clear to us last night that he is not ready to begin night weaning. I had a sneaking suspicion, and I was right. I should have listened to my mommy instinct instead of pushing forward because today I am beyond tired.<br /><br />I nursed Malone around 10:15 and he went back to sleep just fine. He was up again around midnight. I tapped Mike to let him know (he is so used to sleeping through the monitor). Malone did not scream his brains out, but Mike could not get him back to sleep. He tried all of his tricks, singing, rocking, patting, etc. After about 25 minutes, I came in and rescued them both.<br /><br />Here is where the night went down hill for me. Because Mike wasn't able to get Malone to sleep, Malone was WIDE AWAKE and ready to party. So, we were all three wide awake in the middle of the night instead of just Malone and I being semi awake for 5 minutes before falling back asleep.<br /><br />I could not get him settled and it literally took me three hours to get Malone to sleep "for the night" again. The following was repeated three times, nursing until drowsy but awake, putting Malone in the crib and patting his back, heading back to bed, staring at the ceiling worrying about stupid stuff (like the merits of aqua vs teal in polo shirts for little boys), and nodding off only to not make it to full sleep because Malone woke up again.<br /><br />I finally ended up bringing him into bed with us around 3:30. He slept (and nursed) until almost seven.<br /><br />I'm tired today for sure, but hanging in there. We would have been better off just sticking with our usual routine last night.<br /><br />This morning I was poking around in his mouth and discovered that either his top molars or eye teeth are coming in. That certainly explains why last night was not successful. However, I hesitate to call last night a complete fail. There were times when I was able to get Malone back to sleep without nursing and that is new for us.<br /><br />Mike and I talked about it today and have decided to try again in a few weeks. It's difficult because Malone is a higher needs guy. He does not cry it out well. We tried a few times before and he does not really seem able to calm/self soothe himself down. This is typical of high needs kids. Also, he doesn't/will not take a pacifier or suck his fingers. Nor has he attached to a lovey.<br /><br />In other words, he still needs us/me. And it is our job as parents to be flexible and patient with him as we nurture his independence and meet his needs.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-45454198980008067482010-07-23T21:46:00.003-04:002010-07-23T21:58:29.315-04:009/30 Conflicted.Night Weaning Day 1<br /><br />At Malone's 12 month (almost a full month late due to scheduling conflicts) appointment, the doctor suggested that he may be ready to night wean. She also said he may not be ready, but it was certainly okay to try. In other words, he should have the capacity to go a seven or eight hour stretch without nursing.<br /><br />On a good night, our nursing schedule is 6:30 (bed time), 10:30, 2:30, and 4:00 (at which point he comes into bed with us). Tonight, I will take the first 10:30 (give or take) feeding and Mike will take over from there. Our hope is that Malone will be able to be soothed to sleep by Daddy or take a drink of water if he's thirsty but not need me.<br /><br />Since they day he was born, I have been the primary nighttime parent because Mike works. Tonight, the tables turn. It's a strange feeling, to want your baby not to need you. I have to admit that I don't really dig it. <br /><br />But on the other hand.... Sleep! Oh glorious sleep! To think that I could potentially get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep- I'm giddy just thinking about the idea. It's been almost 13 months since I didn't have to get up in the night. And, if you count the zillion times I had to go to the bathroom my last few months of pregnancy, it's probably been close to 16.<br /><br />I know we've got a challenge ahead of us tonight and in the next coming days. I plan to blog about how it's going, so stay tuned for that. The pediatrician said to give it a full week and see how it goes.<br /><br />If it doesn't go well, I'm not sure I'll be able to last that long.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-58537036225019876192010-07-22T19:37:00.003-04:002010-07-22T19:45:12.098-04:008/30 Insert some funny story here.Go ahead and insert a funny story right here. Seriously, tonight I don't have much to give. I've got a baby who is cutting molars and napped 20 minutes total today. Bed time took an hour and a half. It's been "one of those days."<br /><br />I hear the ice cream man. Gotta run!NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-28168035114881342652010-07-21T18:57:00.002-04:002010-07-21T19:20:33.917-04:007/30 Almost Famous.There is a little place in town that Mike and I adore, especially because they serve awesome breakfast. This place focuses on using local ingredients as much as possible. Close your eyes and picture it with me, farm fresh eggs, potatoes so fresh they still taste a little sweet, and veggies that did not travel via airplane to be part of your omelet.<br /><br />This place has self serve coffee and you can choose your favorite mug off of their mug tree. A great deal of the our story has taken place here. We became regulars of sorts, waking up early on Sunday mornings to beat the breakfast crowd. While we didn't always know the names of the people who worked there, we knew their faces and they knew ours.<br /><br />Early in my pregnancy with Malone, I had a craving that could only be curbed by this place. At least twice and sometimes three times a week, I drove 20 minutes out of my way to go there on my way to work. If you know anything about pregnancy cravings, you know that when you have one you will go at great lengths to satisfy them.<br /><br />I began ordering my own concoction, aka the most sinful breakfast sandwich on the face of the earth- a grilled (with butter) everything bagel with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon. This affectionately became known as "the pregnant lady special" and there were days they had one ready for me before I even arrived.<br /><br />After Malone was born, we attempted and failed at our usual Sunday breakfast routine (thanks mid-morning nap) and we hadn't been back to our little place until today.<br /><br />As soon as we walked through the door, one of the servers recognized me.<br /><br />"Hey, I was just thinking about you!" she said excitedly. "<br /><br />"How are you? Look! There's your baby... boy he's cute."<br /><br />"My partner and I were playing the what if game and I asked her if she was on death row what would be her last meal. She said hands down it would be the pregnant lady special! She thinks it's the best breakfast sandwich ever. She even thinks we should put it on the menu!"<br /><br />So there you have it, my heart attack on a bagel sandwich invention and I are almost famous.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-48378803115990941442010-07-20T20:30:00.003-04:002010-07-20T20:55:38.874-04:006/30 It's Not Me- Midweek Edtion.<center> <a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/"> <img src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/NotMeMondayButtonV6copy.jpg" width="”400”" /> </a></center><br /><br /><br />This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to <a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/">her blog</a> to read what she and everyone else have <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> been doing this week<br /><br />It's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Not</span> Me- Midweek edition.<br /><br />I do<span style="font-weight: bold;"> not </span>ordinarily think the man who drives the ice cream truck around our neighborhood each summer night must be some kind of creep with no life. I have <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> thought this about him since the first time I heard his jingle bells ring to let all of the kids know that he was making his rounds.<br /><br />He does <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> drive a tricked out revived from the junk yard ice cream truck. And, I do <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> secretly judge parents who give their kids money to have a face to face encounter with the ice cream man.<br /><br />I do <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> listen to the ice cream jingle every night at 7:00 pm and make horrifically awful assumptions about a person I have never met.<br /><br />Tonight, when I heard the familiar tune come rolling down the street I did <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> sprint into the bedroom and ask my husband if he wanted something.<br /><br />He did <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> say "A Choco Taco please."<br /><br />I did <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> scramble through the house, searching for loose change and dollar bills.<br /><br />I was <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> so excited to see that I hadn't missed the ice cream man that I jumped up and down on our sidewalk and waved like some sort high school cheerleader.<br /><br />When the ice cream man pulled over, I was <span style="font-weight: bold;">not </span>overcome with indecision about which ice cream bar to choose.<br /><br />The ice cream man did <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> smile patiently at me while I searched and looked at each ice cream illustration, comparing and contrasting the Bomb Pop vs the one with the candy crunch center.<br /><br />When I got back into the house, I did <span style="font-weight: bold;">not </span>realize I had no bra on.<br /><br />I do <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> think the ice cream man is still creepy.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-56742062270809678332010-07-19T20:17:00.005-04:002010-07-19T20:33:45.810-04:005/30 I want.Malone had 4 first birthday parties due to the fact that we have family and friends spread from here Cape Cod to IL. He had 1 party in IL, 1 party with friends and family here in the valley, 1 big group party with all of his little friends who are also turning 1 this summer, and 1 party on the Cape with our Cape family.<br /><br />We started a tradition of having guests sign a children's book. The book we choose for this year was Dr. Suess's Happy Birthday To You.<br /><br />Below is part of my birthday letter to Malone.<br /><br />You have taught me so much this pat year. You have grown from a 7 pound 11 ounce newborn into a 23 pound tike. I've grown into the person I have always wanted to be, a mom. Your mom. I want you to know that I have done my very best to savor our first year together.<br /><br />We have spent a lot of time together looking face to face as you nursed. We have witnessed one of God's greatest gifts- the sunrise. There were nights you had to be held and rocked because you were sick. I held you close, listening to your every breath and just felt so thankful and happy that you are mine (and Daddy's).<br /><br />The love I feel for you makes my heart tingle- it is stronger than the rays of the sun and deeper than the deepest part of the ocean. I never knew this love existed until I had you. (I love your Daddy very much, but it is a different kind of love).<br /><br />There are so many things I want for you, poodle pie and at times I get overwhelmed just thinking about it. As your mom there is so much on my shoulders to make sure you get everything you need.<br /><br />I want for you to grow up respecting others and seeing the opportunity you have to learn from those who are different.<br /><br />I want for you to value education and to care about the world.<br /><br />I want for you to know what it feels like to truly be part of a community and to be a good community member.<br /><br />I want for you to know how to make good financial decisions and to own your own home.<br /><br />I want for you to savor life and to see the beauty in simplicity.<br /><br />I want you to know that you'll be okay when/if the love of your life breaks your heart.<br /><br />I want for you to know that Dad and I will always be here for you and I want you to feel safe talking to us.<br /><br />I want you to remember your roots and spend time learning your family history from your elders.<br /><br />I want you to know how to be a good friend.<br /><br />I want you to know the satisfaction of a job well done.<br /><br />I want you to travel and experience as much of the world as you can.<br /><br />I want you to be open to trying new things.<br /><br />I want you to find a meaningful way to give back- remember that saving the world starts in your own back yard.<br /><br />I want you to taste the goodness that is local produce and a perfectly grilled steak.<br /><br />I want you to love, to love deeply, and to love with your whole heart.<br /><br />As your Mommy, I will do my best to help you discover and grow. I promise to teach you all that I know. I will give you as many experiences and opportunities as I can to help you grow into the man I want you to be. I will try my hardest to nurture your interests and foster your talents. In the words of Abe Lincoln, "Whatever you are, be a good one."<br /><br />I love you my little snuggle puppy.<br />Happy First Birthday.<br /><br />Love,<br />MommyNJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-70925768569944510182010-07-18T21:24:00.011-04:002010-07-18T21:55:08.735-04:004/30 Cheating.I'm tired, hot, and just home from vacation. This weekend Steven, Carrie, and my nephew Andrew joined us on Cape Cod. Below are my favorite pictures from our trip to the beach.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">At the beach where they spent almost summer day of the childhood playing at, two brothers and their sons walk towards the water during low tide.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMkjNAX-4NHbMvqT-V3WThY9a3oHQbG3GRB4r4jm5UJsiTknayMr3yLEJCdujsM_WEyNbKIUFsybviqfLg5nNCXgfexTf4z_vEOVBIlpvmvZWOgXPERFD8H3U_IPFjE8roCmpPnS-ScFd/s1600/110.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMkjNAX-4NHbMvqT-V3WThY9a3oHQbG3GRB4r4jm5UJsiTknayMr3yLEJCdujsM_WEyNbKIUFsybviqfLg5nNCXgfexTf4z_vEOVBIlpvmvZWOgXPERFD8H3U_IPFjE8roCmpPnS-ScFd/s320/110.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495423538850632674" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfTu5-XT7HhU4naR712Ogk25o4jAZRVnFk9SrkYRmPeZLORoVBVzfshH6pRoV3BuFGpHWMwJCmXZpZjdZ8GGd6hdT1yjDDzfwbpnk1CmLA-WCwPaAYPKdIPUBSJ0FsbQaHbBx3HKYzv0T/s1600/115.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgfTu5-XT7HhU4naR712Ogk25o4jAZRVnFk9SrkYRmPeZLORoVBVzfshH6pRoV3BuFGpHWMwJCmXZpZjdZ8GGd6hdT1yjDDzfwbpnk1CmLA-WCwPaAYPKdIPUBSJ0FsbQaHbBx3HKYzv0T/s320/115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495424340413528194" border="0" /></a><br />Auntie Carrie and Malone share a melty coconut ice pop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSPdPuRZBvwE35K5Guwh9uO-ffBDKkg85EVU5aCLMqMNJAvDpzPQT32uJZ1R_RpOs8eGjv14IAkPXJNIeGfubcy2QcTYOHuSloMTvhjkPqn969XABa9V_bq0c1Mc8f5N7laFr30xPX8-Y/s1600/099.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSPdPuRZBvwE35K5Guwh9uO-ffBDKkg85EVU5aCLMqMNJAvDpzPQT32uJZ1R_RpOs8eGjv14IAkPXJNIeGfubcy2QcTYOHuSloMTvhjkPqn969XABa9V_bq0c1Mc8f5N7laFr30xPX8-Y/s320/099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495428556857813058" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A cute one of our little family of three.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAj_tS-vR-F0nqXVnx8z5e0lQYssMUKIItaogAYRT8W6vAffieK7iBIL18OK4Lk3xHTaz5qm0vxfCWnoVzlLyxToqEnIxL_m1yLSGL_l-eMO6DTRbJE0hVJ9BzIlfe8EXD5-2HKrLMiW5A/s1600/120.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAj_tS-vR-F0nqXVnx8z5e0lQYssMUKIItaogAYRT8W6vAffieK7iBIL18OK4Lk3xHTaz5qm0vxfCWnoVzlLyxToqEnIxL_m1yLSGL_l-eMO6DTRbJE0hVJ9BzIlfe8EXD5-2HKrLMiW5A/s320/120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495427865896807234" border="0" /></a>NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-27415069009838642372010-07-17T19:59:00.002-04:002010-07-17T20:14:52.763-04:003/30 4 in Blue.Last night, 4 Marines came to my hometown in their Dress Blues. They found the mother of the fallen soldier at work. Today, my small town of 2500 mourns the loss of a young soldier who was killed in Afghanistan. The kid was a year younger than I was.<br /><br />Now that I have a son, the thought of another mother losing her son makes my heart weep.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-72620645512970196732010-07-16T19:49:00.003-04:002010-07-16T20:50:06.456-04:002/30 And then it was for us.I'm not an overtly religious person. I know what I believe and why I believe it and if you don't care to believe the same thing as me, I'm okay with that.<br /><br />Whenever I am driving and meet an ambulance or fire truck, I always say a quick little prayer for whomever the EMTs or firemen are going to rescue. I've done this for the better part of 18 years. The prayer isn't fancy. I don't always say it out loud, but I always say a quick little something. If it's an ambulance, I pray for a speedy recovery and wisdom for the EMTs, nurses, and doctors the person hurt might encounter. If it's a fire truck, I pray for the safety of the firemen, the safety of the family and animals who may be in the fire, and that the family's most prized photographs and life mementos would be spared.<br /><br />I've been lucky and blessed to never have really been on the other side of these prayers, <a href="http://arealmomsdiary.blogspot.com/2010/02/from-my-other-blog.html">save for the time I had to call 911 because I burnt my tater tots. </a>I had a pretty good streak going. Until Sunday when Malone pulled down Meme's towel rack and sliced his index finger open.<br /><br />To say that I were scared is an understatement. I was paralyzed with fear, but had to continue to care for and comfort Malone.<br /><br />There was a LOT of blood and we couldn't see how deep the wound was. I was sure we were headed for the ER for a few stitches. The EMT's were able to get the bleeding to stop after about 30 minutes and it wasn't long before Malone was his usual self again.<br /><br />After the EMT's left, I realized how much those 18 years of prayers really meant someone in crisis. And I hoped that someone out there prayed for us as they pulled over to let the ambulance go by.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-81247108795954529772010-07-15T14:31:00.003-04:002010-07-15T14:49:07.969-04:00Challenge 1/30. Should I stay or should I go?I've been at home with Malone now for almost exactly 12.5 months. If you count the amount of time I was on bedrest, I've been home with Malone for closer to 14 months. In any case, I've been out of the office world for awhile. That doesn't mean that I haven't been working, I have a wonderful part time work at home gig. I work for a company that I am completely over the moon about in terms of the product they put out and the way they handle their business. The job I do is flexible- it doesn't have to be done during a set time of day. I receive assignments with deadlines and as long as I can meet the deadline it doesn't matter what time of the day I chose to work.<br /><br />It sounds like a mother's dream- a flexible (and legitimate) work at home job that pays well with flexible hours. And for most other moms it probably is.<br /><br />The challenge I've found with this position is that there are just not enough hours in the day for me to get everything done. I am with Malone all day and on most days start working as soon as supper is over and he is in bed, finishing just in time for me to go to bed. Rinse, lather, repeat. Somewhere in there, I've got to fit all of the things that come long with being a real grown up- the bills, the laundry, cleaning the house, and finding a little time for me.<br /><br />On the other side of the coin, this position has given me the chance to be my son's primary care giver for every single day of his young life. And we've had a blast together. We've taken day trips to Children's museums, had lunch with daddy and other friends, gone to the movies, gone to farmers markets, gone to story time at the library- the list goes on and on. All of this has been done during the 9-5 work day.<br /><br />But, at the very end of the day I feel like going back to work is the right thing for me. Especially (and only) if I can get a position in the office of my work at home job. I think that any other position at any other company would not be worth it.<br /><br />If I get a job in the office, Malone would have to go to daycare. I truly believe that he would have a blast. He is social and outgoing, curious and full of adventure. He's ripe and eager to learn. And I'm oddly okay with it.<br /><br />After two weeks of going back and forth, trying to work up the nerve to call my old coworker (I used to actually work in this office two years ago), I finally did. Only to hear that right now there are no openings in the office.<br /><br />I was bummed to say the least. But the thing about the industry is that its really growing. I'm going to check back in with her mid August but until then, I wonder if the grass just seems greener on the other side?NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-55033175510625477902010-07-15T14:26:00.003-04:002010-07-15T14:30:59.955-04:00Challenge.It seems to be that the thing about blogging is that I'm not as faithful to making time for it as I want to be. I desire to write everyday but can't seem to carve out the time to make sure it gets done. I have big hopes and dreams for this blog and I can't achieve them if I don't get in the habit of writing everyday. I'm challenging myself to blog everyday for the next 30 days.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-89120805955615308652010-05-30T11:47:00.003-04:002010-05-30T11:59:41.445-04:00Dancing.Dear Malone,<br /><br />I'm sitting here in Meme's living room. I've got the house all to myself. You're off on a walk with Meme and Daddy has gone for a run. I'm enjoying a small break from the responsibilty that is caring for you. It's like pushing the reset button as I sip on fancy coffee from Starbucks, feel the breeze come in through the window, and enjoy the birds singing.<br /><br />This morning our little family of three went to the market to pick up a few things for Meme. As we entered through the market's doors, we were greeted with the music of steel drums.<br /><br /> If you were to ask Daddy, he would tell you that I hate dancing. Its true. The thing about me and dancing is that I feel like I'll make a fool out of myself- I haven't got much rhythm and so I always feel so silly.<br /><br />But while you and I were standing in line waiting to order coffee, I felt the music. Together (I was wearing you via the BabyHawk), you and I started to sway and dance. I couldn't stop my feet from moving and you couldn't stop your hands from waving. I didn't care about feeling silly. We were in our own little world for a few moments- lost to the beat and sound of the drums. Daddy watched from the strawberry section and he agreed, the moment was truly magical.<br /><br />Forever with love,<br />MommyNJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-27026853153391409062010-05-29T21:13:00.002-04:002010-05-29T21:23:15.053-04:00BeachDear Malone,<br /><br />Today was the first time Daddy and I took you to the beach. We went to the bay by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Meme's</span> house- to the same beach that Daddy and I have gone to every summer since we've met. We didn't know what to except or how you'd feel about the sand and water.<br /><br />As soon as we put you down on the sand, you were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">interested</span>. You had a great time running your hands and fingers through it discovering it's texture.<br /><br />At first, you weren't so sure about the waves and water. The water was coming in since it was high tide and it created a nice little shallow area for you to sit. The waves came in and at first you were scared. One came in a little fast and when it got to us, you cried. But eventually you started to show your adventurous side and crawled in deeper. You wanted to have a nurse so we went back in and sat with Meme. After you were finished she filled a bucket with some sand and water. You really liked that! You sat forever splashing your hands in the water and then sucking the salty sleeve of your rash guard.<br /><br />Later, just you and I went and sat at the water. As the waves came in you hollered and chatted to them, smiling and laughing the whole time. After a bit, daddy came in too.<br /><br />We had a great day at the beach. When we got back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Meme's</span> house, you and I took a glorious three hour nap. I really needed it- you've been keeping me up a lot lately.<br /><br />With love,<br />MommyNJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-44321679091809626472010-05-06T08:56:00.003-04:002010-05-06T09:12:07.265-04:00DH.In internet message board land, DH is a term that refers to one's husband. It's short for <span style="font-style: italic;">darling (or darn) husband. </span><br /><br />My DH and I do not have a perfect marriage. I say that because I don't think anyone has a perfect marriage. It's just not possible. However, we both work really hard to have a good marriage. We've learned each others Love Language and worked really hard to be good communicators. We very seldom fight as we can usually get things worked out before it escalates. We bear one another's burdens and work cooperatively to make sure all of the "stuff/chores" of life get done.<br /><br />Currently, we work opposite schedules. I stay home with the baby during the day while he goes to work. After he comes home and we've had dinner as a family, I work. This schedule isn't ideal, but it allows me to be Malone's primary caregiver (and save on daycare costs). It doesn't leave a lot of room in our day to spend time together sans baby.<br /><br />Yet, I still feel as connected to him and in love with him as the day we got married. I've been working hard to facilitate this connection, one that could so very easily been lost. We've gone to the park on lunch time dates, enjoying a few stolen moments of conversation while the baby sleeps in his car seat. We've taken a few seconds to snuggle before getting up out of bed to get Malone in the morning.<br /><br />DH, you still make me feel ooey-goey inside. I love you more than shoes.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-73826426008387932282010-04-24T22:48:00.004-04:002010-04-24T23:17:12.565-04:00Girls Night.Tonight, I took some time for a little self care. I spent 3 glorious hours away from the baby and husband and went out for dinner with friends. What is amazing about these friends is that some are people I probably would have never become friends with on my own. However, we are linked because we all had babies with in 3 months of each other and met when our babies were quite small through a program at the local hospital.<br /><br />These mamas are amazing and really more than just friends. It's deeper- sister like almost. But sister isn't the right word either. These girls are my tribe. They know my kid, and I know theirs. They've got my back, they've been there every step of my parenthood way walking right along side with me.<br /><br />The level of mutual respect is out of this world. While our parenting styles and choices may look different from the other's, we all acknowledge that as Mamas we're just trying to to the best we can for ourselves and families.<br /><br />Tonight we had conversations that were so silly we cried. We discussed teething, weaning, trying to conceive more babies, and everything else in between.<br /><br />People search their entire life for friends like these.<br /><br />I am so blessed.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-56743131330919964802010-04-23T19:10:00.002-04:002010-04-23T19:35:22.329-04:00Today.Today was one of those days that challenged me to my very core.<br /><br />Today, I do not love 3 days post banana consuming poo explosion.<br />Today, I do not love the fact that my kid must play with his penis at every diaper change including the above poo explosion.<br />Today, I do not love this headache I have now had for 2 days.<br /><br />Today, I had to work extra hard to be the mother I want to be- to be loving, sympathetic, nurturing, kind, and positive.<br />Today, for a little while I longed for the days when Mike and I were D.I.N.K.S. (DUAL INCOME NO KIDS).<br /><br />Today, a baby boy looked at me. And it was like a little mini mirror staring back at me.<br />Today, a baby boy made faces at me and laughed while Daddy told bedtime stories.<br />Today, a baby boy crawled from across the room and reached up for me.<br /><br />Today, I am so thankful to be a mom.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-72923019491599623402010-04-22T17:57:00.004-04:002010-04-22T18:53:20.206-04:00Green.Growing up I have very specific memories of my Grandma and Grandpa (my dad's parents) and my Nana and Papa (my mom's parents) and the way they ran their household. There are things they did on a regular basis that were good for the environment before "being green" was trendy and cool. If I had to guess, they did these things because doing so saved a little money or helped someone in need.<br /><br />My Grandma and Grandpa always saved food scraps in a cardboard milk container. They kept it in the freezer and when the containers got full they gave them to my Aunt Linda to feed to her dog. Aluminum cans were crushed using a hand crusher, saved, and then taken to the recycling center in exchange for a few dollars.<br /><br />In the summer time there was an abundance of fruit and veggies from their garden. I remember their patio table being full of some of the biggest, juiciest tomatoes I had ever seen and tasted. Tomato juice was made and put in the cellar for winter, along with spaghetti sauce. There were enough tomatoes to share with neighbors and friends. I also remember helping to put up pickles and making jam out of strawberries from the garden. If there wasn't enough strawberries, we would go to a strawberry patch a few miles out of town.<br /><br />Back then, I think they did it because that is what you did. You kept a garden so you could help feed your family. I was just home this past weekend and when I went to visit my 78 year old Grandmother in the afternoon, I found her in her garden harvesting the asparagus. Her garden is about 1/2 of the size it was when I was growing up. But it is still there, and she is still growing things with the help of my uncle who lives with her. I find myself moved by this. For some reason, it matters to me. Perhaps because it such a part of who I am and I cannot have a garden of my own because we rent and do not have any yard space. But someday, we will. And I hope my grandchildren will grow up with the same fond memories of my garden that I have of my Grandparents.<br /><br />My Nana and Papa did not keep a garden, but were/are "green" in other ways. For as long as I can remember, we've have always used cloth napkins at their house. My Nana and Papa love to shop at tags sales and consignment stores for items they need before purchasing new. In most cases they do not purchase new items unless they have not been able to find them used elsewhere first.<br /><br />In fact, my Papa lives for salvaging items that people have thrown out for the garbage man. My Papa is a great woodworker and carpenter and often picks up dressers or other pieces of furniture, refurbishes them, and then donates them to local charities as items to be sold in silent auctions. He has quite a name for himself doing this and his pieces often sell for several hundred dollars. When my high school ripped out their old wooden bleachers from the gym, he got the wood, and has used it to make everything from bookcases to shadow boxes to benches.<br /><br />Both my Grandmother and my Nana used cloth diapers on their kids, as did my mom with me. Malone is also in cloth diapers. He gets one disposable diaper that is used overnight. My Grandmother and Nana didn't have a choice, but my mother and I did. I don't know what my mom's motivation was to use cloth on me. I like to think that she knew the environmental impact but if I had to venture to guess, I would say that it probably had more to do with finances. Either way, I'll take it.<br /><br />I spent a little bit of time today reflecting on the things my family is doing to keep the Earth a happy place.<br /><br />Today, as with all days, when it came time to run our errands I planned out our route so that it was the one that required the least amount of gas. When we went to the market, we used reusable grocery bags and several of the items that were purchased were grown/manufactured within a 100 mile radius of where we live. And, while I was tempted to purchase a bottle of water in the check out line, I opted instead to drink water out of my reusable water bottle. This afternoon, Mike came home from work for lunch. When it was time to go back to work, we carpooled into town since Malone and I were heading in for a meeting. At dinner tonight we used our cloth napkins which is a habit we need to get into instead of using paper. I have a whole stack of recyclables that need to be rinsed so they can go into their bins. Finally, as with everyday Malone wore cloth diapers instead of disposable ones.<br /><br />Could we be doing more? Certainly. I would love to compost and have a garden, but as a renter I don't see that happening until we buy a house of our own. I would also love to be able to hang our laundry out on the line, but that will also have to wait. But for now, we'll keep on doing what we do. Every little bit counts towards a brighter future for my children's grandchildren.NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323326537602100751.post-79234668880535490282010-04-21T19:52:00.003-04:002010-04-21T20:18:23.436-04:00Time Flies.Wow. Another month lost (or gained depending on how you look at it).<br /><br />In this past month I've let life get too busy and I've gotten myself in too deep. I've neglected this blog which is part of my self care plan. I know that when I write, I feel better. Yet, somehow it is so easy not to make the time to do it.<br /><br />In terms of getting in too deep, I had a good wake up call this past week while Malone and I spent some time with my family living the country life. I reminded that simplicity is good and there is much that can be gained from moving at a slower pace.<br /><br />Malone and I had the opportunity to spend a bit of the afternoon with a classmate of mine and her daughter who is about 6 months older than Malone. Its funny how life works out sometimes, this person and I did not get a long AT ALL in high school and I felt like at times could barely function together in the same space despite having common interests. What a difference 10 years make.<br /><br />In the last month my little boy has decided to grow up a little. He's a full on crawler, pulling up, can climb up stairs, and babbles in conversation form, using tone and inflection in his voice. Listening to him lecture someone is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. He's working on "SO BIG" which is a Midwestern baby trick and has stood with no hands for a few seconds before loosing his balance.<br /><br />During Malone's littlest days, I went to a new mother's program at my hospital (birth to four months). My friend Kate and I always next to each other, nursing our little tiny boys (who were less than six weeks old). Often, we'd look at the 3 or 4 month old babies and say "our boys are never going to be this big." Today on the plane back to MA, my almost 10 month Malone and I sat in front of a woman who was flying with her 4 month old baby girl. She looked so tiny compared to my big guy.<br /><br />Is it cliche to start wailing "where has the time gone" already?NJ @ A Pocket Full Of Dinosaurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05266374500971545475noreply@blogger.com0