tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92945412012-02-16T05:57:19.235-05:00<i>...it's amazing how it grows</i>Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.comBlogger2731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-7448635786751418942012-02-02T22:11:00.002-05:002012-02-02T22:18:18.299-05:00

In case anyone is actually stopping by here any more, I wanted to let you know that I am officially retiring Life in the Dish but haven't given up on sharing with the interwebs. You can find me over at The Dish on This (just down the block and across the street). I wanted to change gears a bit, and it felt too awkward to do it here. (Plus the place is really dusty after all this time sitting

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-40560951799735270762011-02-16T23:26:00.002-05:002011-02-16T23:40:47.361-05:00

I noticed in horror that it has been nearly three months since I updated the blog, and I have only one excuse, one torrid addiction to blame. Facebook. The little quips throughout the day, the immediate interaction with friends, the reading of others' quips en mass in short order. Oh, it is like yummy Internet Nirvana. And it makes me neglect you, dear blog.Of course, it doesn't help that I get

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-29347241999340140602010-11-29T22:44:00.002-05:002010-11-29T23:43:22.305-05:00

I have to say that there is one fantastic thing about having a really short Christmas list this year (besides the ease on the pocket)--I'm nearly done with it. I'm one of those annoying people who wants so much to have just the right gift to give. Of course, I also want to find the bargain of the century. I absolutely detest the Black Friday stampedes (not to mention that I am NOT and never

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-56478580091641688792010-11-21T23:41:00.002-05:002010-11-22T00:00:22.044-05:00

It seems that our lives have become a rerun. The house has been on the market for about six weeks, and the traffic has dropped off to less than a trickle. In the first three weeks, we had six showings and an open house with 10 visits. Pretty fantastic given the time of year and the location of the house. And then...nothing. But we were encouraged by the initial flurry of visitors. Then, the

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-91960761456289056422010-10-07T23:56:00.003-05:002010-10-08T00:07:42.209-05:00

Big news first--Mr. Moo came home from the hospital three days post surgery and hasn't skipped a beat (HA--*beat*) since. In fact, it took all of my energy to keep him from hurting himself as he did have a sternum that had been wired shut and all. But we are past the point in healing where he has any restrictions, and he is proud as punch to show anyone who happens to ask about the surgery his

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-39094906329568934432010-07-16T20:54:00.002-05:002010-07-16T21:06:32.352-05:00

I am happy to report that Mr. Moo's surgery this morning went very well and he is recovering nicely. Not that I will relax until he's, like, 18 or something, but I should be able to sleep tonight even though my bed is only two feet from him (read: the alarms have stopped, finally). I have been warned of a 3am x-ray (although the nurse also said that if I didn't want to get up she could just "

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-67175139211383423322010-07-10T21:16:00.004-05:002010-07-13T12:21:21.436-05:00

I've got a lot on my mind these days, but without question the biggest thing is Mr. Moo's upcoming surgery. Sorry to just drop it on you like that, but I really couldn't come up with a clever way to introduce the topic because, well, I'm a bit of a stressed out mamma at the moment. This coming Friday, my little pumpkin goes under the knife to correct a ventral septal defect (VSD) that he has

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-23774538041330218462010-06-01T14:31:00.002-05:002010-06-01T14:36:53.120-05:00

I was so excited to be chosen as part of the Mom Central blog tour* of You’re Not the Boss of Me: Brat-Proofing Your 4- to 12-Year-Old Child because I feel that no matter how hard I have been trying to avoid it, we are heading down that path in our home. Sure, my oldest just turned five and his younger sister is only two, so I’m really at the beginning of the range Betsy Brown Braun talks about

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-19301840062746949622010-05-26T22:31:00.002-05:002010-05-26T22:52:38.743-05:00

So, after a surprisingly short discussion, we have decided that relocating to the other neighborhood appears to be a really good idea. One of the biggest factors is the dramatic reduction in our commute. Less driving = less stress + more time with the kids + more time for life. I will admit that I often find myself having to stop for a moment to work up the fortitude to stomach the commute

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-79926605022410278172010-05-01T09:23:00.003-05:002010-05-01T09:56:52.888-05:00

(Yes, I've been blog silent, busy busy, yadda yadda, enough of that...)Lately I have been pondering some really expensive ideas. Like moving to a different neighborhood ideas. And I can't seem to shake it. But then it's completely illogical because we really love our house, we have really nice neighbors, and we live about five miles from my parents. All good. But then I see the many goods of

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-18712148093514932442010-03-04T22:59:00.005-05:002010-03-04T23:12:33.015-05:00

So, February goes on the books as the snowiest month in Pittsburgh history, and I have to say...I'm done. I am normally a polar bear at heart. Bring on the cold and snow, and then give me a mug of hot chocolate and a book by which to enjoy it (polar bears don't ski, you know). But feeling as if I am trapped in my own home by the relentless inches that keep piling up all around me? Not so much

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-71767694990107974542010-01-23T19:10:00.002-05:002010-01-23T20:29:11.960-05:00

I got to feed the crafy beast this morning *and* do work for my new job at the same time. Score! One of my fellow staff members will be running a knitting and crocheting class for some of our residents, and because we are a nonprofit, we reached out the the community for donations of yarns and needles. I got an almost immediate response to my request from the lovely Jenn B. who offered a

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-90824865540138626192010-01-18T13:01:00.002-05:002010-01-18T13:21:15.719-05:00

I'm not sure if anyone is even stopping by here any more, especially given my extreme blog silence, but seeing as I don't want to give up the blog (and would like very much to start posting here more), I am adding "blogging" to the list of things I will pay more attention to in 2010. My 2010 list is already a pretty interesting collection. To ring in the new year, I got myself a new job. I

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-57621620533171892122009-11-10T16:07:00.001-05:002009-11-10T16:09:17.599-05:00

The red condiment commonly used on French fries is “dippy.” If more than one variety of dippy is available, they are also designated by color, “red dippy, yellow dippy, white dippy,” and so forth.The man with the big white beard and red suit that breaks into kids’ houses at the end of December is called “Tinkerbell.” (Boudica-specific nomenclature)The little squishy, stretchy toy animals (think

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-33070771505611667692009-11-05T14:32:00.007-05:002009-11-05T15:34:05.384-05:00

Back when we first started dating, Mr. D gave me an Italian vegetarian cookbook (I can't remember if I was still a veg-head at that point or had just recently been). I can't find a link to the book or I would share it because it is chock full of lovely recipes. One thing I learned to make from this book is risotto, and while it does take some patience to make, it really is yummy stuff.On Sunday

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-82892137340029997112009-10-29T13:46:00.002-05:002009-10-29T13:54:39.627-05:00

Beyond the obvious fact that I've not posted here for two months (I think that's a new record for me), suffice it to say that I've been crazy busy with work and life and such. But I wanted to share a quick tidbit from the mouths of babes (specifically Mr. Moo):Mr.Moo: Mommy? Who picked you?Me: Picked me? For what?Mr.Moo: Who picked you?{this went back and forth about a half dozen times...

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-37188165376595846742009-08-27T13:52:00.002-05:002009-08-27T14:02:10.155-05:00

Why is it that when you have a few relatively innocuous events coming up, they always seem to rally together into the Horrific Week of Doom? I mean it. I will have weeks go by with not much going on (of substance, that is; I always have something going on in general). Then, all of a sudden, it seems that every event that requires a personal action from me and works on a firm deadline is

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-51412040314960165712009-08-19T10:41:00.003-05:002009-08-19T10:46:16.695-05:00

Mr. Moo, upon waking, starts rambling on at 90mph...Hi Mommy! I'm really hungry! And my mah-keeel-yon is really hungry, too. He would like some fly cereal please.

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-91156918396373714522009-08-11T12:29:00.003-05:002009-08-11T12:30:32.007-05:00

Just chilling out in Rhode Island with the in-laws. The kids are eating up all of the attention with a spoon (or, as my MIL would say, a "shhhpoon").Catch you on the return home...

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-44178937853591809162009-07-27T12:19:00.002-05:002009-07-27T12:26:08.085-05:00

This weekend, as we enjoyed our Saturday morning laze-around in our jammies and eat breakfast event (which doesn't happen nearly as often as I'd like), we realized that Mr. Moo can read without pictures. And a lot faster than we thought, too. As we were surfing the TV menu, trying to find something that would not rot the kids' brains but also not make us want to pull out every last strand of

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-34023900927399479132009-07-20T12:29:00.002-05:002009-07-20T12:55:05.447-05:00

For the last few weeks, our house has been the epicenter of a viral infection* that just won't quit. It's the one that everyone seems to be getting these days--the lingering cough, mild cold-like symptoms, and did I mention the cough? I have been coughing for three weeks now, Mr. D has been coughing for longer, and the kids are following suit. No one is sleeping, everyone is coughing, so it's

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-26203840818112800922009-07-09T23:47:00.004-05:002009-07-09T23:56:11.044-05:00

The lovely folks at Mom Central invited me to be part of the Carefree Ultra Protection Liners blog tour, and I was glad to do it because, well, I’m a woman, I wear pantiliners, and I certainly do have an opinion. But first, I wanted to tell you about a cool giveaway being sponsored by Carefree called the Fresh Start Fund. The Carefree Fresh Start Fund is aimed at helping women make a fresh start

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-16234392283339054422009-07-01T15:43:00.006-05:002009-07-01T16:21:39.828-05:00

I mentioned that we went on vacation a month ago but never followed through with a post, so here is my vacation wrap-up. So you can sleep at night. You're welcome.I have to admit that I am not a person drawn to a beach vacation. Between the extreme risk for repeated melanoma (I'm not getting linky today, but for those new to the blog, I've had it twice already) and my dislike for hot weather, the

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-38246045303598682002009-06-16T22:10:00.002-05:002009-06-16T22:36:49.713-05:00

Wow--it's amazing what a bit of scrambling to finish work before a vacation--followed by said vacation--followed by catching up on work that piled up while you were gone will really eat into blogging time. Sheesh! But, first things first--NO SURGERY for Mr. Moo. Yay and yay. I guess I should have posted that long ago even if it was just that, huh? Bad blogger. Bad. Now, we will go back for

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-33412849300063917192009-05-21T15:50:00.001-05:002009-05-21T15:52:30.019-05:00

I am not a golfer—never have been, don’t expect that I ever will be. But for some reason as I was thinking of a way to compose this post, the interjection, “Fore!” jumped into my head as a summary of the holding pattern I find our lives in at the moment. Golfers will yell “Fore!” because it sounds a lot nicer than, “Hey you! I’m sending a hard round object in your direction so you might want

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-66195428012022860222009-05-08T22:51:00.003-05:002009-05-08T23:03:11.737-05:00

This woman, this Alice...she gets me. She really gets me. From her pearls of wisdom circa Monday:"It's so humiliating, being such an emotional slave to one's hormonal cycles. I woke up this morning and I was all, wait, why is the world a terrible place all of a sudden? Then I looked at the calendar and realized what was up. This is an improvement on my usual routine, which is to cry and rage

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-88899442551477810802009-05-05T10:50:00.002-05:002009-05-05T10:55:01.173-05:00

Do any of you watch Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern? I found his show on the Travel Channel shortly after we signed up for cable TV, and I have been a fan ever since. Even my kids have gotten into the action. Mr. Moo will ask if we can watch the “man that eats the funny things.” I spend most of the show playing a game of “Would You Eat That?” with the others in the room. I am usually

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-21360697985136144922009-04-29T14:21:00.003-05:002009-04-29T14:33:00.100-05:00

I was catching up on my blog reading today over lunch and realized that I won an awesome prize over at Cecily's blog. A year of Typepad. Sweet! Of course, she mentioned the contest outcome in her blog, complete with a link to my blog (thanks, Cec!), and it immediately dawned on me that I haven't updated in WAY too long. That's the blog equivalent of leaving dirty underwear strewn around the

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-32484174952437603362009-04-11T22:29:00.002-05:002009-04-11T22:50:37.253-05:00

The eggs are dyed, the baskets are hidden, and the bunny needs to get to sleep. But I thought I'd send out a quick hello before that standing date with my pillow. May I just say that the pollen levels this spring are completely kicking my butt? Sheesh. I have had hay fever since I was 12 and each year is a random collection of symptoms. Out of the collection of runny nose, itchy eyes, rash,

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-22048640618626810732009-04-02T14:40:00.003-05:002009-04-02T15:06:44.546-05:00

Last night, the whole family was doing a little pee-pee dance because Boudica used the potty. Yay! It was completely unexpected, but when she started pulling on her diaper and looking distressed, we figured what the heck--might as well try the potty. I know that it's only one time, but my little girl is a bullheaded thing. If she sets her mind to doing something, she's going to do it (gee, I

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-63549456901700430412009-03-24T22:19:00.002-05:002009-03-24T22:27:44.671-05:00

My mother relayed this little conversation gem from her day with the kids:Scene: the kids are splashing around in the tub together...Mr.Moo: Grandma! Boudica doesn't have a pee-er! Why, grandma? Where is it? I can't see it!Grandma: It's ok, she has one. Don't worry.Mr.Moo: Grandma! Grandma! Where is Boudica's pee-er?!? Where? I want to see it.Grandma (squirming): Don't worry about it

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-24067541876192418162009-03-10T15:04:00.007-05:002009-03-10T15:24:32.738-05:00

This past weekend was my first girls' weekend getaway since the kids were born, and it was well overdue and much needed. The problem is, I can't seem to get my brain to get back into gear now that I am home and am expected to work. It's as if my brain turned into a bowl of goo while I let it relax. That'll teach me to drink margaritas (sweet, sweet nectar...) on the beach at sunset.See, when

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-18095990468380278842009-03-04T09:22:00.003-05:002009-03-04T09:25:15.060-05:00

I have another giveaway going on over at the Savvy blog. So far, I only have one entry, so your chances are good! The giveaway is a book called Alphaboat, and it has adorable illustrations paired with witty little poems that tell a story whose main characters are letters. The kids will love it and you'll love it. Now go give me some bloggy love at the other site and enter, ok?

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-63329935738729700572009-03-03T23:20:00.002-05:002009-03-03T23:30:09.526-05:00

Best cartoon line of the day:"Thomas' voice was muffled by his bush."This was said shortly after the narrator (George Carlin...may he RIP) read the part about how the front of his engine was festooned with his bush.I mean, seriously, did Carlin get through those lines in just one take? 'Cause I would have been ROFL.

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-57047658637402141122009-02-19T12:49:00.005-05:002009-02-23T10:32:06.200-05:00

I am completely stoked that I got one of the woot shirts today. It was designed by Wil Wheaton and whispers sweet nothings to the mega-geek-gamer in me.The school visit yesterday was a bit chaotic, but overall I really liked the place. We're going back on Saturday for the open house and will be turning in our applications. I was on the fence until I found out that Boudica can also go there

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-67028289054084918012009-02-17T10:38:00.002-05:002009-02-17T10:55:08.701-05:00

Before I forget, I wanted to let you all know about a cool giveaway at one of the Savvy city sites (Silicon Valley). She is giving away a book that chronicles one woman's struggles with infertility. Since a lot of us have been on that island/boat/etc, I thought I'd share. The contest is open until Feb 26.Ok, on to life. I've been so lax in posting here that I'm not sure how to catch up. I'll

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-73207675947495104102009-02-09T11:25:00.004-05:002009-02-12T12:05:52.377-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am hosting a giveaway at Being Savvy Pittsburgh for a subscription to Highlights High-Five Magazine. Mr. Moo absolutely loves it, so it gets the preschool sticky-thumbs-up of approval. The winner can either keep the subscription or give it as a gift, so don't feel like you can't enter if you don't have any kids in the house in that age range (2-6).

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-47316878472366045082009-01-26T14:19:00.003-05:002009-01-26T14:23:05.876-05:00

One of the good things about being more “out” about my location is that I can now tell you about cool things that I have done around town without being so vague. Yesterday, we went to a symphony concert that was part of our subscription, and I was so moved by the performance that I wanted to tell you about it. We have, without question, a world-class group of musicians. At many of the season’s

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-35362978206507882212009-01-21T13:13:00.003-05:002009-01-21T13:24:23.991-05:00

I have the best time conversing with my son. I mean, who knew that you could actually converse with a three-year old (I didn't before I was a mom) and enjoy it, too?Thoughts On Election DayMe: Mr. Moo, did you know that today is a very special day?Moo: Is it my birthday?Me: No, we get a new president today (spent another sentence or so explaining the president...)Moo: What does he have for

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-50376897213257250242009-01-21T12:51:00.001-05:002009-01-21T12:53:03.956-05:00

Thought for the day...When the okra in your soup is actually jalapeno pepper, you will have an entirely different lunch than you anticipated.

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-76581346143846619982009-01-16T15:32:00.002-05:002009-01-16T15:49:28.773-05:00

Not that there could ever be a good time for something like the crash of flight 1549 to occur, but did it have to occur only an hour before I bought plane tickets? And, of course, I have spent the last week debating whether to get Boudica her own ticket* because she would be better off in a car seat if anything goes wrong (yes, I do really do a "worst case" thing in my head when we travel). I

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-25500937203265257822009-01-12T10:49:00.006-05:002009-01-12T10:59:26.146-05:00

Yes, it's January and I am finally getting to the post where I share our Christmas picture. This year, the kids actually agreed to pose with each other and stopped roughhousing for long enough for me to snap this one:We actually took quite a few that day, but it shortly dissolved into something more like this:And then we all went to visit Santa where the small ones proceeded to completely freak

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-68155344492707207832009-01-06T00:02:00.002-05:002009-01-06T00:19:51.819-05:00

I have written so many awesome posts in the last few weeks. In my head. If I could just hit a button to transmit them to the blog or at the very least save them, you'd have a lot more to read. As it is, I get to the keyboard and try to remember the really cool thing I wanted to say and draw a complete blank.Before I forget, I am hosting a GIVEAWAY over on the Savvy blog, so go check it out and

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-10878749929997791532008-12-12T15:27:00.003-05:002008-12-12T15:32:08.546-05:00

On my way to work (and to the kids' daycare) we pass a house with an old-style display of Santa and his reindeer on the porch roof. You know, those molded plastic decorations with the light inside? Classic. Yesterday, I happened to look more closely at the display and realized that something was wrong. My caffeine-deprived brain finally saw the problem.It appeared that the homeowner had

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-54493210715039521992008-12-11T14:48:00.002-05:002008-12-11T14:54:53.339-05:00

New post at the other place with some gift ideas for those that want something a little different. I thought you all might like the list, too.Other than that, I'm neck deep and beyond in grant editing, so posting will be short and sweet.Toodles!

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-73556104755515030362008-12-09T08:00:00.002-05:002008-12-09T08:00:04.803-05:00

From today through December 20, you can enter a daily giveaway at the Savvy Source and make your holidays a little brighter. Go ahead, click on the *other* new shiny button to the right and you'll go straight to the giveaways. Grab a shiny button for your own blog and be entered in the December 22 grand prize giveaway. And, while you're over at the holiday site, check out what a lot of Savvy

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-65720022206791199022008-12-08T15:06:00.004-05:002008-12-08T17:23:32.451-05:00

I'm back from my turkey-induced coma for about five minutes while my brain rests from grant editing. You may have noticed a new, shiny button in the sidebar. I have picked up a new blogging gig where I actually get paid to tell people what I think. Who agreed to that? Just kidding. I am serving as the Savvy Source city editor for my hometown, which has been great and slightly unnerving. The

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-73016738892450410442008-11-26T23:57:00.002-05:002008-11-27T00:07:55.074-05:00

I wanted to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to any American folk tuning in and Happy Thursday to everyone else. Hey, you can have a happy Thursday now and then, right?Today we will dine at my parent's house with the usual menu, and I wouldn't change a thing. I love that I am back in my hometown so that I can share the holidays with family. I wish that it were easier for Mr. D's parents to come here

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-61881963319991008802008-11-18T23:32:00.002-05:002008-11-18T23:44:17.880-05:00

I have just spent the last five days visiting my cousin and her family whilst Mr. D attended a conference (that I normally attend, too, but...well...kids and all*). However, since he was headed off to DC, I decided that we should invade my cousin's home and tour the museums all week. Mission #1 was accomplished. Mission #2? Well, not so much. Yesterday we were scheduled to meet a friend for

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-59100145948658536322008-11-05T14:46:00.003-05:002008-11-05T14:52:14.712-05:00

I love that the motto of our president elect is "Yes We Can." It's simple, it's appropriate, and it's motivational. It makes one believe that anything is possible, and I think yesterday's election results are evidence that it's true. And I love most of all that "Yes WE Can" implies that we're in this together, working as a team. I am truly excited about an Obama presidency. Now where did I

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-91012614043936983762008-11-04T10:16:00.002-05:002008-11-04T10:19:26.732-05:00

I voted this morning. How about you? Go out and make your voice heard.

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-23619184473939017012008-10-22T16:26:00.003-05:002008-10-22T16:33:50.385-05:00

If you notice, I avoid discussing politics around here for the most part. It's not that I don't have an opinion, I just don't feel compelled to put it to a post. I've shared with IRL friends my trepidation about the running mate without a penis. Many other bloggers have said their piece on the matter, and most have said it better than I could. But, this little number HAD to be posted on my

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-55666627854857626552008-10-20T11:00:00.002-05:002008-10-20T11:04:22.184-05:00

Just a quick hello and apology for the blog silence. Between getting a big grant out the door and attacking my laundry monster, life has been busy. I need to keep this short but promise to be back soon with a long overdue cookbook review. I baked. And took pictures. And I will share it with you. Soon.In the meantime, I leave you with a big hug from SC:

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-17928909617316466072008-09-23T13:48:00.010-05:002008-09-23T15:28:30.608-05:00

For those keeping score, SC turned one two Saturdays ago. You may also notice that date being within the blog blackout period I experienced, so no big celebratory post for the little girl. We actually had her birthday bash on Labor Day weekend to allow some out of town family members to attend more easily. But I had decided to wait and post everything on the actual day. I'm only 10 days late.

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-62653777886503193292008-09-17T13:43:00.006-05:002008-09-17T14:22:14.585-05:00

I am not quite certain why, but this is the first time I have been able to access my blog since, well, my last post. So, I first must send my apologies to MotherTalk because they asked me to review this book back on September 11. I had everything read, written, and ready. Luckily, I have not missed the entire tour...just my scheduled day.On to the book! I have been drawn in repeatedly to

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-1317495397569880402008-09-03T12:40:00.002-05:002008-09-03T12:43:16.148-05:00

When walking on a street with no sidewalks, you should walk facing traffic. So, in the United States, that would be on the left. It is also best if you walk single file instead of spread out into the lane of traffic that you cannot see because it is behind you. Seriously. Does no one teach this any more?

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-30561994273056394532008-08-20T16:13:00.002-05:002008-08-20T16:19:20.334-05:00

In the car this morning:Me: Gabriel, please stop chewing with your mouth open. You sound like a friggin' animal! (I normally hold back using even the "nice" swear words, but chewing noises make me lose my cool)Gabe: {indignantly} Mommy, I am not a friggin' animal! Said, of course, clear as day. Yeah, I'm that mom. Go ahead. Shun me.

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-7086653125405457022008-08-19T11:53:00.000-05:002008-08-19T11:54:26.135-05:00

Last night just as I was drifting off, I was yanked from the verge of peaceful slumber by the telltale sound of squealing tires, impact, glass breaking, and a speedy departure. Fearing a hit and run in front of our house, I ran to the front window to see that someone had swerved through our front yard and distributed our trash and recycling bin (full of glass, of course) all over the yard and

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-10157620639781846452008-08-17T12:29:00.002-05:002008-08-17T12:39:29.454-05:00

I'm short on time, but I thought I'd tickle you with some Gabe-isms. Latte = milk (Yes, I know that most of you realize this, but you'd be surprised how many people think the kid is asking for coffee.)Has no words = doesn't talk ("Mommy, the squirrel has no words.") Cheesy bread = grilled cheeseMonster, Donkey, and Lady = Shrek movie10, 9 ...... 3, 2, 1, BLASTOFF! = the microwave is

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-67346714387403668712008-08-12T22:35:00.003-05:002008-08-12T23:26:58.881-05:00

I have decided that I need a bit of structure in the blogginess to keep me posting on a regular basis. And something that has been on my mind a lot more in the last year is being "green." How green am I? What can I do to be a little greener? Is it really making a difference to the planet? Let me say up front that I am far from the greenest person you will meet. But I'm also not the, um,

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-19327961873348822972008-08-05T20:09:00.002-05:002008-08-06T10:02:46.275-05:00

Many thanks for the support the other day. I probably made Mr. D sound like a monster, but, to his defense, I really was being a bit of a pain in the butt. I was getting quite overwhelmed with work and ended up taking out my stress on the people closest to me. I know that's totally normal, but I still feel bad for doing it. So, don't send hate vibes to Mr. D. He needs all the help he can get

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-8332506591514818632008-07-24T22:37:00.002-05:002008-07-24T22:40:51.757-05:00

You know you are having a bad morning (and rubbing it off all over your family) when your spouse turns to you and says, "Hey, when are you going to be done nursing so that you can start taking antidepressants?"

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-64794948089886554322008-07-18T09:11:00.003-05:002008-07-18T09:21:24.939-05:00

Can you tell that I read Barren Mare? I didn't realize that I totally stole her blog entry title. Oops. Sorry, Mare! I know that bloggers are generally pretty good about sharing words (especially when it's a title for a bunch of thoughts strung together...). My brain has just been so mushy that I didn't realize I had used the exact title until I clicked over there this morning to see what

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-60855625630257642662008-07-15T09:06:00.002-05:002008-07-15T09:16:43.000-05:00

I have been so lax about posting and so much has been happening that I feel like I could never quite catch up. So, to bring everyone up to speed, I figured I’d do another one of those bit and pieces posts.Gabriel will be moving up to the preschool room at his daycare at the end of the month. Preschool! It completely boggles my mind (but he is also completely ready for it...I have been worried

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-26295743396957511252008-07-09T22:49:00.003-05:002008-07-09T23:03:47.794-05:00

This is one of those posts that I can pull out when Gabe is going on his first date. Or to the prom. Or some other teen-angst inspiring event.We are still working (slowly) on the potty training. So, on the weekends we tend to run a pants-free household. And 99% of the time, the pee goes in the potty. That other stuff? Well, someone (and I won't name names) tends to save that until nap time

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-75138221784473737292008-07-02T16:29:00.003-05:002008-07-02T16:44:12.116-05:00

...was trusting the bus schedule. I had one of the most horrific mornings on record. I had high hopes that it would be a good one when I actually felt rested upon waking. I haven't felt that way in a long time. Really long. I promptly found an outfit that (a) fit and (b) was clean. I even went so far as to iron my pants, a task I normally ignore fervently. Then, I left the house for work,

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-19647179675804688592008-06-19T20:58:00.005-05:002008-06-19T22:24:07.223-05:00

When I received my copy of The Pregnancy Journal by A. Christine Harris, Ph.D., I was skeptical that a book with a day to day format would appeal to me. I am not someone who does well with too rigorous a routine. If I were to classify my routine, "routine" would be far from accurate. But I really enjoyed having the opportunity to review this book. And had I known about it when I was pregnant

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-71655628765622286872008-06-03T15:06:00.003-05:002008-06-03T15:42:26.604-05:00

Hello? Hello?Yes- I'm still here. Can't seem to form a coherent thought to save my life and, what, with the writing-as-a-career thing going on that's not so good. So, I've been spending time at work banging my head against a wall trying to finish my projects and then coming up with exactly how to word something late in the evening. To harness the productivity, I've taken to working after the

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-38355549471707018982008-05-20T09:43:00.006-05:002008-05-20T10:03:45.840-05:00

If you've been following my musings for long enough, you probably read all about the fact that I am a Sweet Adeline, and that my chorus goes to competition each year. Last year, we marched on to the stage ready to make a name for ourselves. Ready to own the competition. And, once again, we came home as bridesmaids. Although the many years of getting screwed by the judges made us far from

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-91162245237232965542008-05-13T21:02:00.004-05:002008-05-13T21:13:38.584-05:00

When I received the Working Woman's Pregnancy Book in the mail from MotherTalk, I decided that the best time to read it would be over lunch at work. After all, I'm a busy working mom who used to be a working pregnant woman. Context is everything. Then, it quickly dawned on me that if I were reading a pregnancy book at work I would have to first explain that, no, I’m not pregnant. Then, I

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-45574326218678247482008-05-05T15:31:00.002-05:002008-05-05T15:39:13.851-05:00

My life has gone from busy to super duper uber busy in a matter of a week. It's throwing me for a bit of a loop, if you must know the truth. And I know that you must know the truth. Essentially, a lot of work projects are happening in tandem, I have a few more projects on my plate because we just lost a member of our team (no, she didn't die...she's just moving on to greener pastures. Oh,

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-37720417213952188362008-04-02T15:10:00.002-05:002008-04-02T15:19:09.008-05:00

I'm in the middle of work deadlines. Wait; when am I not? Anyway, only time for a quick note today. First, I reread my review from Monday and realized that I may not have been entirely clear on this fact, but I did like the book. I was in a bit of a mood and was coming down off of a high-carb weekend, so the detox was making me a bit more snarky than usual. I expect that the author

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-75540433976394845362008-03-31T12:17:00.007-05:002008-03-31T14:41:05.277-05:00

Have you ever met someone and your first impression was, “Holy crap, chica- could you tone it down a notch?” Then, of course, you find that you are crossing paths with said chica at least daily. At first, you want to hide when you see her. Then, you chat a bit more, overhear her talking to others, and maybe even get to meet her kids. And slowly, you realize that not only does she not grate on

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-77363248217946371672008-03-26T13:31:00.003-05:002008-03-26T13:39:43.204-05:00

That sound you hear is my weight loss bucket slowly filling. Or emptying. Or...gah...whatever it is supposed to do when you're losing weight. Today's weigh in showed another 0.8 pounds lost. A small amount but moving in the right direction. I'll take it. Our WW leader said that with the nursing, I should only aim to lose about a pound a week. But we are also working on a slight step-back

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-4055831416005064792008-03-17T13:21:00.003-05:002008-03-17T13:41:48.891-05:00

HeartfeltMy little girl turned six months last Thursday, and she's as pleasant a kid as ever. Everyone who meets her asks if she really smiles like that all the time. And I can truthfully say, yes- she does- unless she's hungry. Then it's all about the food and the food must happen NOW. She is babbling constantly and it ranges from an almost growl to a shriek to a string of syllables that

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-27622541173927841072008-03-12T10:15:00.003-05:002008-03-12T10:20:06.261-05:00

...that I like to eat dessert while watching The Biggest Loser?

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-4964239802028487752008-03-05T14:33:00.002-05:002008-03-05T14:49:05.810-05:00

My little girl has turned into an eating machine of mythic proportions. I know that periodically kids get into an eating frenzy of sorts when they hit a growth spurt. For Gabe, the frenzy would last a couple of days, and then he'd be back to his old self. As of today, SC has been feasting like a mad woman for four days. It's like she can't possibly be filled. A bottomless pit. All the

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-10468221430945905162008-03-04T14:25:00.004-05:002008-03-04T14:33:45.303-05:00

.If you understand this image, you may be interested to know that Gary Gygax has died. I did not embrace the RPG world until graduate school, but I have taken many a fantastic journey through the realm of "creative group storytelling with dice," (how I describe gaming to non-gamers). May all your hits be crits, Gary.

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-5595965202333815072008-02-27T16:07:00.003-05:002008-02-27T16:23:56.966-05:00

So, um, yes- I may have been delerious when I wrote that last post. Sorry 'bout that. Really.Anyway, we're into a new week that, so far, has been illness free. Ok, puking free. I still have a cough that is taking up squatters rights in my lungs. Mr. D keeps telling me to go to the doc's, but I'm not listening (laa, laa, laa...can't hear you). I guess I just don't feel sick enough to (a)

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-88480499071624995252008-02-22T13:10:00.002-05:002008-02-22T13:18:41.107-05:00

Welcome to the festival that really rocks the house! We got it all, I tell ya. Not only are you gonna feel the heat baby--like a fever, oh yeah--but then you're gonna hit the flipside with some monsta' chills. You be illin' if you be chillin', right? And then...oh, yeah, when you don't think you can take no more...you're gonna take a wild ride on the porcelain express! Heck, you'll be so

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-23995823794077051462008-02-18T11:18:00.001-05:002008-02-18T11:18:53.900-05:00

SC had her first bout of vomitus maximus last night at bedtime. I’m not sure what triggered it, but she was eating cereal like crazy yesterday, so it could have been either the sheer volume of food, the fact that I added a small spoon of sweet potatoes for flavor on the last feeding, or a tummy bug thingy. I was ruling out the last one merely based on the fact that after she threw everything up

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-6668588085554530032008-02-13T16:25:00.002-05:002008-02-13T16:30:04.713-05:00

Well, I managed to lose 1.6 pounds in the last week (please note the decimal- I'm not that good). I had hoped it would be more, but I also messed up by not drinking enough water. Every time I have a slow loss week, it's the water. So, have I had a lot of water today? No. I am a slow learner. But I am down a WW point for my daily total, which means that the middle number in my weight changed

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-22392763006596269432008-02-06T16:03:00.000-05:002008-02-06T16:10:10.056-05:00

Today, as promised, I went to my first WW at work session in about a year and a half. It felt good to see a lot of the same faces (lifetime members- and those still working) and it felt good to be taking charge of my waistline again.True, knowing how the system works, I could just as easily track my eating and such on my own. But something about the accountability makes me that much more

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-2573282862448766212008-02-05T13:18:00.000-05:002008-02-05T13:35:03.631-05:00

I'm home today with a mix of germs attacking my body. It's not all that surprising considering that in the last two weeks I have been juggling sick kids, deadlines, and dual funerals. That's a whole lot of opportunities for exposure. I actually feel better just having slept in today, so I am on the road to recovery.Tomorrow I start back with Wei*ght Wat*chers. There will be an "at work"

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-45342157204022469002008-01-27T11:00:00.000-05:002008-01-28T11:06:12.006-05:00

Things are a bit harried right now, so this will be short. In brief, kids keep having real or mystery* illnesses, my aunt passed away on Friday**, and work continues along at a good clip. Which is why this post is about nothing but fun! I present to you the clothing item of SC's that I completely covet:Yes, I am a shoe whore. To be more accurate, I am a comfy, funky shoe whore. And these

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-18761721024897444052008-01-15T09:38:00.000-05:002008-01-15T09:45:01.841-05:00

I decided on Sunday that we would try a little rice cereal for SC. She was officially four months old and by even the most casual observation one could tell that she wanted FOOD and she wanted it NOW NOW NOW. Outcome? Well, she gobbled up every bit of the half-ounce of milk with cereal, had no trouble with the spoon, and by the end had grabbed the spoon out of my hands so that she could put it

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-80995289816352222582008-01-11T12:59:00.000-05:002008-01-11T13:20:33.861-05:00

I have lots of random thoughts and nothing terribly blog-worthy this week, sorry. But, because I'm a sharing kind of person, I'll empty my brain for you.*Monday I got a battery for my new toy, and I am completely smitten. It does me good like no other, and I love it even more because I wooted it. (BTW- its AFW content. What were you thinking I bought?)*Monday night I slept in my own bed. All

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-15952255960627306872008-01-04T11:08:00.000-05:002008-01-04T11:21:55.458-05:00

Dawn posted an interesting privilege meme on Wednesday, and I decided to see how many of the items apply to me. In the same style as Dawn, I have bolded the ones that apply to me and made comments where appropriate. Then, just because I noticed a striking difference, I posted the meme again but answered it from the perspective of my children. Obviously, some items for them cannot be answered at

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-12359287963787997642008-01-02T13:41:00.000-05:002008-01-02T13:43:46.100-05:00

Sorry for the extended silence, but with all of the preholiday chaos at work (huge deadline on December 21), in our house (houseguests arriving on Dec 21 and baptism for SC on the 22nd), with travel (headed off to see the in-laws on the 23rd...with a 12.5 hour drive each way), and the postholiday lack of internet access, I haven’t really had a chance to catch up. I am still attempting to regain

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-87602550955051631682007-12-10T14:17:00.000-05:002007-12-10T14:22:36.381-05:00

Gabe, in an effort to help me with SC, came up with this gem last night:Gabe: I can feed the baby the bottle?Me: (not looking) No, honey, mommy is feeding the baby.Gabe: (insisting) Give the baby bottle? And I finally look up to see Gabe pulling down the neck of his shirt to expose his nipple. A little off on the concept, but a nice offer I guess.

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-33238578116008152862007-12-07T11:29:00.000-05:002007-12-10T14:17:50.744-05:00

Overheard one morningGabe: Mommy, what’s that? (pointing to my bra as I’m getting dressed)Me: This? (pointing to same as I continue dressing)Gabe: (excitedly jumping) Oh! That holds the baby water!Dinner on the “hoof”Gabe: Whatcha doin’?Me: Feeding the baby.Gabe: (looking curiously) Baby eats the belly button?And now we start saving for therapy...Me: (pumping)Gabe: Mommy? Whatcha doin’?

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-2118102485890469542007-11-27T16:23:00.000-05:002007-11-27T16:25:13.790-05:00

I am officially back to work full time now, and so far things are going well. In reality, I started back to work last week (ergo the blog silence) and worked half of Monday and all day Tuesday. It helped to take a bit of the shock off of the return. Don’t get me wrong, I am not weeping or gnashing my teeth (I always love that biblical description) at my return to work. In fact, I welcome the

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-2369963093440831702007-11-07T22:20:00.000-05:002007-11-07T22:42:42.079-05:00

I know that there are far greater offenses to make one qualify for world's worst mother, so hopefully ignoring the fact that it is Halloween, especially when it is your daughter's first Halloween, doesn't put me in the WWM hall of fame. I think the combination of sleep deprivation and Gabe's lingering respiratory infection just made it that much less attractive to go parading around for candy

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-34322614085033319492007-10-25T23:14:00.000-05:002007-10-25T23:32:07.817-05:00

For those who did not catch the news today, it seems that there is now a recall on Bumbo seats. The recall stems from the fact that if you leave a child unattended in the seat, they can fall out of the seat if they arch their back or move vigorously. And if you leave the child in the seat on an elevated surface (like a table) and the child manages to wriggle out of the seat...get this...they

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-48382837148538162812007-10-16T11:37:00.000-05:002007-10-16T11:49:09.582-05:00

My little one turned one month on Saturday. Amazing. She is already holding her head up well and "talks" to anything that will listen- mommy, pillows, toys. She also manages to track things with her eyes pretty well. I think we have an evil genius on our hands. Just like mommy...hee, hee. Oh, and to help her along, she heard her first Nobel laureate speak on Friday. True, she slept through

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-68134028912406352642007-10-05T12:59:00.000-05:002007-10-05T13:22:36.364-05:00

I'm getting behind in a lot of things these days, including blogging. I'll catch up eventually, but the combination of nursing all the time and the guilt of copious layers of dirt accumulating in my house tends to keep me away from the computer. Oh, and the dialup. That tends to put a downer on the whole internet experience. Since we both have direct access at work and need little from home,

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-91524659259444473462007-09-27T10:19:00.000-05:002007-09-27T10:36:50.579-05:00

I am amazed to report that SC is two weeks old. Amazed that we were blessed with an oops pregnancy that actually went to term and also amazed that it has only been two weeks. I think part of the latter is the fact that she is so much bigger than Gabe was at this age. In fact, by the time he got to this size, he was at least two months old- possibly closer to three (based on clothing

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-8094851408077971862007-09-24T11:44:00.000-05:002007-09-24T12:03:28.488-05:00

I was looking through some of the baby pictures the other day and spied this one in the bunch. Mr. D took this right before I got in the car to deliver Gabe to daycare on the 13th before heading over to the hospital for my c-section. (I just loved being able to do that- be a part of Gabe's routine for that day and then see him that night with the new baby. Precious.) Anyway, I saw the picture

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-44343159025512935202007-09-21T13:59:00.000-05:002007-09-21T14:05:01.829-05:00

One of my favorite types of book is the suspense thriller. I’m not so picky about the exact underlying premise, but I love when an author weaves a tantalizing tale that keeps me guessing till the end. That’s why when MotherTalk asked for bloggers to review a new suspense thriller, I jumped at the chance. Interred With Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell is, in a word, exciting. To add a few

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9294541.post-54495683232814364932007-09-20T12:27:00.000-05:002007-09-20T12:52:02.476-05:00

Sorry for the blog silence, but as you can see- LittleGirl has arrived! She was born at her scheduled c-section on September 13, weighing in at 8lb6oz and measuring 22" long. I now understand why she was so darn crowded in there. Oh, and her name is Sie*na Carmi*na (ignore the *s- her name is just waaaaay too Googleable for my comfort- from here on out she'll be SC).The c-section was great- no

Jenn (dish)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02235027548873530253noreply@blogger.com7