Friday Favorites: Potato Leek Soup
check it out at food love... Oh, yum.
November 17, 2006
November 16, 2006
This week's firsts (I'm assuming that 99% of my readers are either female or my dad, so if you're not, disregard this)
1. First time I looked down in the shower and couldn't see my feet.
2. First time I peed when I sneezed. (First thought "I can't believe that just happened", second thought, "So that's what those Kegel excercises are for...")
1. First time I looked down in the shower and couldn't see my feet.
2. First time I peed when I sneezed. (First thought "I can't believe that just happened", second thought, "So that's what those Kegel excercises are for...")
Once in a while I get emails from a company called "Restoring Order". It's a professional organizing company run by a Christian woman in Portland. She wrote this blurb in the email and I thought it was OUTSTANDING. So I'm sharing it with you. I hope I don't get in trouble for copying and pasting it here, it can only be good business for her. I love her perspective. I heard her speak one time and it was wonderful. Her website is www.restoringorder.com
Just Wait
In about a week, a little baby boy is on the way to the Norris household.
One thing I've experienced throughout the pregnancy—that has surprised me greatly—is foreboding warnings from perfect strangers. My two least favorite words to hear have been "just wait." Over and over again, unsolicited, I have heard this phrase "just wait," followed by some impending threat.
"Just wait until you're up all night" people have said while wagging their fingers at me. "Just wait until he's running around and into everything" ladies have scolded. The most disturbing statement was the woman who—in all seriousness—looked me in the eye and said "just wait until you lose your identity completely."
These threats are never followed by any resolution or action that can be taken; they just dangle awkwardly in the air. (It's not like you can really do anything about the sleep deprivation that all new mothers face. And what is the alternative to an active child who is "into everything"? An inactive, sluggish one?)
I'm not sure why people feel the need to warn new mothers of the changes about to occur. Are these advice-giving women trying to help others avoid the shock they felt as motherhood arrived? Do they really think that mothers-to-be (which they once were) haven't considered—in trepidation and wonderment, how their lives will be irrevocably changed forever? Is there a deeper warning behind their "just wait's? And, most saddening, why are these warnings almost always negative?
Since I can't figure out the source of these warnings, I have decided to convert "just wait" to my own purposes. For me, "just wait" is going to be a promise of the good things to come.
I tell myself: "just wait" until they place him on my chest as he has just begun breathing air for the first time. "Just wait" until he can feel me, his mother, and be comforted by my voice and my smell. "Just wait" until I can kiss his face and his fingers and his toes and drink in his new baby scent. Trevor and I can barely "just wait" until we can share our little boy's name with our extended family—a delicious secret we've been savoring between the two of us. And I can't hardly "just wait" until he smiles or laughs for the first time.
What will he look like? Will we recognize him as a part of ourselves? Will he inherit our curly hair or will he be bald? What will getting to know him be like? What will his first word be, and which blankie will be his snuggly? At that moment when he takes his first steps one day, we both want to be there, but will we? When he falls one day, will be there to catch him? I guess we'll have to "just wait" to learn all these things and more.
Life can be overwhelming and it's so easy to fall into the pattern of negativity. We all do it. It's easier to warn than encourage. It becomes habit to complain rather than compliment. It's easier to point out faults than strengths. We think the worst rather than the best.
What would life be like if we lived with a spirit of encouragement, thankfulness, and anticipation instead of one of negativity? With Thanksgiving approaching, I want to acknowledge and count my blessings. I hope that you can, too.
Instead of communicating in discouraging ways we can decide to communicate encouragement. Instead of complaining about the rain spattering against the windows, we can be thankful for the roof over our head. Rather than dreading change in life—and I'm about to experience a major one—we can anticipate change with joy. After all, change is proof that we are still ALIVE and granted another chapter in our own book of life.
Those with a light and thankful heart can live with purpose. May these wonderful upcoming seasons bring joy to you and yours,
~Vicki Norris (mother-to-be)
Just Wait
In about a week, a little baby boy is on the way to the Norris household.
One thing I've experienced throughout the pregnancy—that has surprised me greatly—is foreboding warnings from perfect strangers. My two least favorite words to hear have been "just wait." Over and over again, unsolicited, I have heard this phrase "just wait," followed by some impending threat.
"Just wait until you're up all night" people have said while wagging their fingers at me. "Just wait until he's running around and into everything" ladies have scolded. The most disturbing statement was the woman who—in all seriousness—looked me in the eye and said "just wait until you lose your identity completely."
These threats are never followed by any resolution or action that can be taken; they just dangle awkwardly in the air. (It's not like you can really do anything about the sleep deprivation that all new mothers face. And what is the alternative to an active child who is "into everything"? An inactive, sluggish one?)
I'm not sure why people feel the need to warn new mothers of the changes about to occur. Are these advice-giving women trying to help others avoid the shock they felt as motherhood arrived? Do they really think that mothers-to-be (which they once were) haven't considered—in trepidation and wonderment, how their lives will be irrevocably changed forever? Is there a deeper warning behind their "just wait's? And, most saddening, why are these warnings almost always negative?
Since I can't figure out the source of these warnings, I have decided to convert "just wait" to my own purposes. For me, "just wait" is going to be a promise of the good things to come.
I tell myself: "just wait" until they place him on my chest as he has just begun breathing air for the first time. "Just wait" until he can feel me, his mother, and be comforted by my voice and my smell. "Just wait" until I can kiss his face and his fingers and his toes and drink in his new baby scent. Trevor and I can barely "just wait" until we can share our little boy's name with our extended family—a delicious secret we've been savoring between the two of us. And I can't hardly "just wait" until he smiles or laughs for the first time.
What will he look like? Will we recognize him as a part of ourselves? Will he inherit our curly hair or will he be bald? What will getting to know him be like? What will his first word be, and which blankie will be his snuggly? At that moment when he takes his first steps one day, we both want to be there, but will we? When he falls one day, will be there to catch him? I guess we'll have to "just wait" to learn all these things and more.
Life can be overwhelming and it's so easy to fall into the pattern of negativity. We all do it. It's easier to warn than encourage. It becomes habit to complain rather than compliment. It's easier to point out faults than strengths. We think the worst rather than the best.
What would life be like if we lived with a spirit of encouragement, thankfulness, and anticipation instead of one of negativity? With Thanksgiving approaching, I want to acknowledge and count my blessings. I hope that you can, too.
Instead of communicating in discouraging ways we can decide to communicate encouragement. Instead of complaining about the rain spattering against the windows, we can be thankful for the roof over our head. Rather than dreading change in life—and I'm about to experience a major one—we can anticipate change with joy. After all, change is proof that we are still ALIVE and granted another chapter in our own book of life.
Those with a light and thankful heart can live with purpose. May these wonderful upcoming seasons bring joy to you and yours,
~Vicki Norris (mother-to-be)
November 15, 2006
November 14, 2006
Wow, I just cannot stop myself today. Here is an article that made me mad. Especially this line,
"We've always known that dads were economically important to kids, but this suggests that the way dads interact may make a difference, especially in dual-earner families."
Heaven help us, have father's roles become purely economic? Of course they make a difference! Every day I thank God for my husband. His impact on our child will be phenomenal! His role is not a matter of money! OK, I feel better now.
"We've always known that dads were economically important to kids, but this suggests that the way dads interact may make a difference, especially in dual-earner families."
Heaven help us, have father's roles become purely economic? Of course they make a difference! Every day I thank God for my husband. His impact on our child will be phenomenal! His role is not a matter of money! OK, I feel better now.
The rain just never ends... Here - read for yourself. It's pretty bad when you have to move branches out of the way just to get to work. Paul and I are particularly miffed because the flooding has damaged and closed (until further notice) our absolute favorite place to snowshoe - Mt. Ranier National Park. And yes, I specifically asked the doc if I could snowshoe. The next storm is supposed to be worse than the last. So if you don't hear from me for a while I've probably drown.
Blustery Days and such...
There was no school yesterday because of a wind and rainstorm that cut power to most of the little community I teach in, but not my house. So I was at the gym, getting ready for the day and I get a message on my cell phone telling me there's no school. My first reaction is "YIPEEE!" My second thought is, "What am I going to do all day?" Now, normally this would not be a problem but it was a three (now four) day weekend and I had been extremely efficient. Paul was not around for me to hang out with and he had taken the computer WITH him (no blogging or obsessing over baby names on the internet?)! I had two choices, watch daytime television or be creative. You mom's are all probably laughing. I know, in just five months I will pray to God to have the problem of nothing to do, but right now, in my childless and efficient state, it was a problem. Don't worry, I am very good at relaxing and soon found myself in an overstuffed chair at Starbucks with a parenting magazine (doing my homework, you see). Then I meandered on home and organized my whole closet, putting all the clothes that no longer fit (which is about half of them) into boxes. Then I started on a knitting project, then I started on another knitting project, then I read, then I made myself the most gormet taco salad you have ever seen. You get the picture. I went over to my mom and dad's just as they were hooking up the generator to their fridge. At this point they'd been without power for sixteen hours.
ME: "Wouldn't it be funny if as soon as you got the fridge working the power came on?"
They didn't think that would be very funny, but you know what happened? About 30 second after they hooked it up the power blinked back on.
November 11, 2006
November 10, 2006
November 04, 2006
I heart comments! How lucky am I? I love all the comments that you have been leaving. I especially love to know that people actually read my blog. I think I would blog even no one read my blog, because I love to write. But it's special to know that you care. I'm jealous of the three hundred episodes of AIO that Sarah and Paul have stored up for thier little someday monkeys. I love the positive comments about the names - especially from Grampa Mark :) I think that I will continue in the Peter's tradition and make all two year olds listen to AIO, I'm sure she loves it! And I love that Jeana took the time to find out what my names mean.
I tend to be a blogstalker myself. I read the blogs of persons I have no connection with, except for maybe similar values and beliefs or interests. It's kind of relaxing, like watching TV. Of course I love to read the blogs of you all that I actually know, to keep up with your lives. My Dad just started a blog, I think it's called "did I buy that?" but I can't find it on blogsearch. I'll have to get the specifics from him.
Someone once told me that pregnant people have better immune systems. Well, that's is a lie! I have been sick twice now. And I have this itchy nose, itchy eyes type thing, like allergies, that I can't get rid of. This morning I am a bit miserable. I probably need to start eating better. Paul has been getting rid of stuff in preparation for the baby (in some cases actually burning it). We have a small "office" where we will put the crib and changing table. We already scored a crib for 50$ at a garage sale. And since the space has no windows I think I will put up some of those decorative lights. Our barn apartment is not really "baby friendly" and we will definately have to move before the little one starts walking around.
Have a great Saturday! I can hear the wind and rain outside and we are in for a very blustery weekend. It was raining so hard yesterday that the kids had to play under the playshed for all three recesses. It wasn't supposed to start raining until later today but I hear it already. I think I will get my candles out just in case the power goes out.
I tend to be a blogstalker myself. I read the blogs of persons I have no connection with, except for maybe similar values and beliefs or interests. It's kind of relaxing, like watching TV. Of course I love to read the blogs of you all that I actually know, to keep up with your lives. My Dad just started a blog, I think it's called "did I buy that?" but I can't find it on blogsearch. I'll have to get the specifics from him.
Someone once told me that pregnant people have better immune systems. Well, that's is a lie! I have been sick twice now. And I have this itchy nose, itchy eyes type thing, like allergies, that I can't get rid of. This morning I am a bit miserable. I probably need to start eating better. Paul has been getting rid of stuff in preparation for the baby (in some cases actually burning it). We have a small "office" where we will put the crib and changing table. We already scored a crib for 50$ at a garage sale. And since the space has no windows I think I will put up some of those decorative lights. Our barn apartment is not really "baby friendly" and we will definately have to move before the little one starts walking around.
Have a great Saturday! I can hear the wind and rain outside and we are in for a very blustery weekend. It was raining so hard yesterday that the kids had to play under the playshed for all three recesses. It wasn't supposed to start raining until later today but I hear it already. I think I will get my candles out just in case the power goes out.
November 03, 2006
Friday Favorites: Adventures in OdysseyI absolutely can't wait for my kids to be old enough to listen to Adventures in Odyssey. Of course by then it will be "so ten years ago mom!" I don't care, I'll listen to it on my own. I used to wash dishes at a certain time each night that I knew it would be on the radio. Unfortunately, our local radio station only plays in on Saturday mornings now.
Have a great weekend! We are in for a wet one here in Washington. I am going home to make soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.
October 31, 2006
Baby Robinson is four months old today!
This is a pic of a fetus at four months (but it's not my baby, I know some of you were confused last time). According to Jeana (and my doctor and the internet) I should be able to feel my baby move anytime now. Interesting story about Jeana, she and I found out we were prengnant on the same day! The morning after I took the test, I got a myspace bulletin that said she took a test last night and found it was positive. She is due a few weeks before me and this is her second child. So she's an experienced mama. We've been swapping stories ever since. A link to her blog is on my blogroll.
Fun quote from today: "Teacher, your belly is cute. It's nice and fat."
In about a month we will have our official "finding out" ultrasound. And we will not keep it a secret from you. Although, I now understand why people sometime keep the name a secret. I will seriously consider this with my next pregnancy. People don't seem to understand that I don't really care what their opinion of my choice in names is. If anything it makes me more decided to use the name. Probably about five people now have let me know that they don't care for the names. And since I know you are wondering what they are, I will tell you, but they are subject to change without notice.
Boy: Elias Paul Robinson (Eli for short)
Girl: Eliza Joy Robinson or Eliza Jane Robinson (Ellie for short) or Eva Jane Robinson
Now please don't leave a comment telling me you don't like the name. I am certain to delete it. If, however, you have something positive to say about the name, by all means let me know.
October 29, 2006
I'm not buying it! (or - my theory about maternity clothes)
warning: this may be long and boring to you if you are not currently or are not ever planning to be pregnant
Yesterday, I went to Portland to shop for maternity clothes. I made this special trip because shopping for maternity clothes anywhere within thirty miles of my house is - well - depressing for me. I have a hard time finding clothes for my normal body because I am a long person, I have long arms and long legs, making places like Target a virtual impossibility. Little did I know, that shopping for maternity clothes ANYWHERE would be well - depressing. Now, another thing is, I am a picky shopper, I don't ever by anything I don't love. I also shop alone, as a rule, because other people slow me down, with the exception of my mom, who I've been shopping with, well, since day one. Another things is, I don't go shopping very often, so when I do it's with a strategy and it's serious. All that to say, I am not your typical shopper.
Before I started shopping I was really looking forward to this stage of pregnancy when I got to start wearing maternity clothes because I LOVE the way a pregnant body looks! And don't get me wrong, I love my little bump :) BUT - I am disappointed that most maternity clothes seem expressly purposed to COVER UP that bump and not to accentuate the beauty of it. Plus, maybe I'm being a little snooty here, I think they are ugly. There, I said it, they are ugly, that's my opinion. One little thing, there are a few designers that make beautiful maternity clothes, but, and here's the big surprise, your can't buy them for under 50 bucks a piece, which is alot to pay for something you are only going to wear for 6 months.
So my plan of attack when I entered Portland was to hit the resale shops. However, most resale shops that carry maternity clothes are resale kids clothes with about two racks of resale or consignment maternity clothes. I had the best luck at Picolina in the Clinton neighborhood. I bought 2 things there. I hit maybe 6 of these kind of shops, thinking it would be the cheapest way to buy the things I needed. I was really disappointed. Not only did nothing fit, it wasn't my syle, and I felt like I was being covered up, "tented" if you will. Finally, I decided to stop into my favorite "normal clothes" store because I needed a break. I was complaining to the person there about not being able to find maternity clothes.
"oh hoooooooney", she said, "I never wore maternity clothes with any of my kids."
I stared blankly at her.
"oh yeah, I just wore normal clothes that were very stretchy."
And with that, she started filling up my dressing room with clothes that would fit me in pregnancy and beyond. Let me tell you, I think this could actually work. It seems stupid (yeah, I said stupid) to buy clothes that you don't really like and are only going to wear for 6 months. I think someone has tricked us pregnant women into thinking that we actually NEED this stuff.
But I bet you are wondering how this works, how regular clothes could actually fit your pregnant body. Let me tell you what I bought yesterday:
1. one black skirt that fits under my belly
2. two very long and stretchy long sleeved t-shirts (fortunately this happens to be "in" right now so I found them easily)
3. one of those really long sweaters that go down to your knees
My plan is this: don't waste my money on maternity clothes. We'll see how this plan works but right now I think it's a good one. Who knows, I may be so huge in my 7th or 8th month that I just have to go out and buy the wretched stuff.
I'd like to hear from my girlfriends: have you had problems of this kind? what was your take on maternity clothes? do you think I can make it?
warning: this may be long and boring to you if you are not currently or are not ever planning to be pregnant
Yesterday, I went to Portland to shop for maternity clothes. I made this special trip because shopping for maternity clothes anywhere within thirty miles of my house is - well - depressing for me. I have a hard time finding clothes for my normal body because I am a long person, I have long arms and long legs, making places like Target a virtual impossibility. Little did I know, that shopping for maternity clothes ANYWHERE would be well - depressing. Now, another thing is, I am a picky shopper, I don't ever by anything I don't love. I also shop alone, as a rule, because other people slow me down, with the exception of my mom, who I've been shopping with, well, since day one. Another things is, I don't go shopping very often, so when I do it's with a strategy and it's serious. All that to say, I am not your typical shopper.
Before I started shopping I was really looking forward to this stage of pregnancy when I got to start wearing maternity clothes because I LOVE the way a pregnant body looks! And don't get me wrong, I love my little bump :) BUT - I am disappointed that most maternity clothes seem expressly purposed to COVER UP that bump and not to accentuate the beauty of it. Plus, maybe I'm being a little snooty here, I think they are ugly. There, I said it, they are ugly, that's my opinion. One little thing, there are a few designers that make beautiful maternity clothes, but, and here's the big surprise, your can't buy them for under 50 bucks a piece, which is alot to pay for something you are only going to wear for 6 months.
So my plan of attack when I entered Portland was to hit the resale shops. However, most resale shops that carry maternity clothes are resale kids clothes with about two racks of resale or consignment maternity clothes. I had the best luck at Picolina in the Clinton neighborhood. I bought 2 things there. I hit maybe 6 of these kind of shops, thinking it would be the cheapest way to buy the things I needed. I was really disappointed. Not only did nothing fit, it wasn't my syle, and I felt like I was being covered up, "tented" if you will. Finally, I decided to stop into my favorite "normal clothes" store because I needed a break. I was complaining to the person there about not being able to find maternity clothes.
"oh hoooooooney", she said, "I never wore maternity clothes with any of my kids."
I stared blankly at her.
"oh yeah, I just wore normal clothes that were very stretchy."
And with that, she started filling up my dressing room with clothes that would fit me in pregnancy and beyond. Let me tell you, I think this could actually work. It seems stupid (yeah, I said stupid) to buy clothes that you don't really like and are only going to wear for 6 months. I think someone has tricked us pregnant women into thinking that we actually NEED this stuff.
But I bet you are wondering how this works, how regular clothes could actually fit your pregnant body. Let me tell you what I bought yesterday:
1. one black skirt that fits under my belly
2. two very long and stretchy long sleeved t-shirts (fortunately this happens to be "in" right now so I found them easily)
3. one of those really long sweaters that go down to your knees
My plan is this: don't waste my money on maternity clothes. We'll see how this plan works but right now I think it's a good one. Who knows, I may be so huge in my 7th or 8th month that I just have to go out and buy the wretched stuff.
I'd like to hear from my girlfriends: have you had problems of this kind? what was your take on maternity clothes? do you think I can make it?
From Babycenter:
"At around 4 inches long, crown to rump, your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 ounces. He's busy inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which will help the air sacs in his lungs develop. His legs are growing longer than his arms now, and he can move all his joints and limbs. That means his hands are more functional, too. Sweat glands are appearing, and although his eyelids are fused shut, he can sense light. If you were to shine a flashlight at your tummy, he'd be likely to move away from the beam."
"At around 4 inches long, crown to rump, your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 ounces. He's busy inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which will help the air sacs in his lungs develop. His legs are growing longer than his arms now, and he can move all his joints and limbs. That means his hands are more functional, too. Sweat glands are appearing, and although his eyelids are fused shut, he can sense light. If you were to shine a flashlight at your tummy, he'd be likely to move away from the beam."
October 27, 2006
October 24, 2006
October 20, 2006
Friday Favorites: Netflix
I will never go to the video store again. I love netflix. I used to have a strict one movie a month rule, but I found that if I chose the 5.99 plan on netflix, I can get two movies a month and don't even have to spend gas money driving to the movie rental place. Once I paid about 4.50 for the movie and spent gas to get there and back to drop it off, the difference is only a few cents, plus, I get two movies instead of one, and they have a better selection.
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