She walks

Almost 10 months old, just like her adoring big brother!!


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Couldn't have express it better myself! Welcome to my life!!

http://www.haikuoftheday.com/haiku_of_the_day/2006/10/a_grumpy_mama.html

The Great New York Breastfeeding Test

Great idea, great article!!



http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/459716p-386692c.html

My last year in my 20s

I'm 29 tomorrow, I can't believe it. The strangest thing about it is that I see 23 year olds and I think I'm still them, but I'm not. I'm 23 + 6 years. 6 years wiser, 2 kids wiser, 3 moves wiser. I don't mid age, moving forward, becoming more me. I look forward to 30, 40, 50 and beyond... I wonder what each new year will bring me.

I don't feel like I need to go backward and be young again. I've lived that, I made it out the other side. I love my life now, in this moment. These ARE the best days of my life.

So, 29 tomorrow. Happy birthday ME!!

What a week!

It all started with my little guy sleeping though the night in his BIG BOY BED! I'm so excited for him, he's so excited for him too!!

Skye, 6.5 months old, is officially crawling (and pulling into a full stand) now. She really gets around too! No more leaving the room and hoping she'll be in the same place when you get back! It's fun because now she can sit up and crawl, so Carter can play with her and she loves it. She loves him, he's her world, she can't wait to do all the cool things her big brother does. And he loves her too, very gentle and thoughtful little boy!

Then after my first adventure out to the zoo with 2 kids by myself, we repurchased our membership. On Wednesday we went to the last of their evening concerts. The music was pretty cool, but too loud for Carter, despite being far away from it. So we enjoyed our picnic dinner then off to explore animals. The animals are frisky at night, we saw an Arctic fox, the anteaters (my new favorite), a tree roo (very soft looking), camels, turtles (or where they tortoise?), a sloth, and I'm sure a few more. We must do this evening zoo trip a few times next year, it wasn't as crowded as during the day or weekends.

Then Thursday a visit from Grandma to get tomato's to can on Friday, then a full day of canning tomato's. They are like little jars on sunshine in the winter!

Now, off to Grandma and Papa's boat for the weekend. It's a long drive, but I'm hoping the kids will sleep. Hope it doesn't rain the whole time! This should be a fun way to close the chapter on summer. BTW, what happened to summer? We were just planting, and now it's over, my little girl went from an infant to trying to be a toddler. Geesh, if you ever want time to pass quickly, just watch kids grow and change, it'll fly by!

Pool School

Carter completed his first swim class on Thursday. He was the most brave boy in the class, jumping in unassisted, bobbing and swimming under the water! What a big boy, I'm so proud!!


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Detroit survey

This one is great Angie!





Answer these questions and re post if you're from Detroit!


1. What kind of Faygo pop is your favorite?

Cream soda


2. Who is you favorite hometown sports team?
Redwings

3. Ever see them in action?
I think so, when I was younger

4. How fast do you usually go on I-696?
70 or so

5. On I-94?
what ever the speed limit is, I'm a rules follower

6. Do you go to the Michigan State Fair?
years ago, its always too damn hot in August

7. How far north do you consider up north?
I think it starts at Frakenmuth and ends at the tippy top of the UP

8. Have you ever been to Mackinac Island?
Every year when I was a kid, but it's been years since I've been.

9. What is your favorite news channel to watch?
NBC channel 4

10. Do you sing the Hanson's Windows song?
Come on everybody, you know the one get it dine. Call 1800 Hanson's, get it done.

11. What about the Empire Carpet song?
Can't think of that one right now

12. Do you have a nickname for Taylor/people from Taylor?

No, I don't, should I??

13. Westland? none for them either

14. Where were you born? Beaumont in RO

15. Where do you live now? Livonia

16. Why did you move? Job

17. Do you hate Detroit cops?
No, I have family members who are PO

18. What city's cops do you hate most?
None

19. Do you play the states lottery?
no, not really

20. If you do, did you know that the proceeds go toward public education?
That's what they say.....

21. Do you go to the Renaissance Festival?
Last time was 4 years ago

22. The Auto Show?
3 years ago, it wasn't fun

23. Ever met any celebrities from Detroit?
Ragity Man :)

24. Play euchre?
Yep, and yes Angie you are smart enough, if my sister can learn it so can you LOL

25. Ever been to Belle Isle?
yeah right before they closed the aquarium

26. Do you know someone that knows any Detroit celebrities? No

27. Do you know where the place on 8 Mile is that they filmed the movie 8 Mile?
In a trailer park?

28. Do you or a family member work at a GM plant?
My Grandpa did for 35 years. Helped invent the air bag and the crash test dummy in the Warren plant.

29. How fast do you go on 8 Mile?
The speed limit, again rules follower

30. Is 9 Mile the new 8 Mile?
Huh? No


31. What clubs do you go to?
yeah, I'm a HUGE clubber :)

32. Ever been to the Renaissance Center?
Yep

33. What schools do/did you go to? Milford

34. Who did you want to go forward in the playoffs more this year Red Wings or Pistons?
Redwings

35. Which direction does Outer Drive go?
NESW

36. Ever go to the Gratiot Cruise?
No

37. Woodward Cruise?
No

38. Harper Cruise? No

39. Ever buy weed or any other drugs in Detroit?
No

40. Did you cry when Rosa Parks died? I did, but I was either pregnant or just postpartum. Oh, who am I kidding, I cried when Mr. Rodgers died.

41. What about when Proof died? Ok, not him

42. Or Joe C.? No

43. Do you think Detroit did a good job hosting the Super Bowl this year?
Yeah, but all was have left to remember it id a stupid blue football shaped bridge on telegraph.

44. Do you know any Down River Ho's?
No

45. Is the owner of your local party store or gas station Arabic?
Yeah

46. Do you still go to Hardee's?

I think the nearest Hardee's is in Flint and BTW yuck!

47. Do you have a favorite weatherman? My husband :) hey hon, what's the weather today?

48. Don't you love potholes?
oh yeah, they are great

49. What station do you listen to?
971fm 760wjr public radio 91.7

50. Its May (or August, whatever) Do you still have an ice scraper in your car?
Yes

51. Do you happen to know what the point of the lights in the underpasses is on I-696?
I think it's to help your eyes adjust depending on the light level outside, more lights on during the day and less at night. That said, Carter loves the tunnels!

52. When is the last time you went to the Detroit Zoo?
We had a membership last year, but I think the zoo sucks. I'm so sad for the animals and it's too spread out. And now they charge an arm and a leg for the train? They suck.


53. What do you think about all the summer construction on the freeways?
My favorite part of living in Detroit.

54. How often do you go over to Canada?
At least once a summer, my parents have a boat over there.

55. Ever go to Greektown? Hmm...4 years ago, before children. Went to see the casino and get some OPA!

56. Do you travel up to Traverse City for the Cherry Festival?

I hate crowds, so no.

57. Tell me you don't actually stop at red lights in Detroit?
In Detroit proper? Yes I always stop at red lights.

58. Where in the hell is Bad Axe?

In my son's hand (see picture). Hope this isn't some sort of sign of things to come!

59. Have you been to Hell? Hahahaha, I went to church camp there!


60. Where is the coolest place to hang out and meet new people in your city?
I'm not cool so I don't know, but I sometimes meet friends for coffee in RO or Troy

61. Where are the coolest places to hang out downtown? Um, Comerica? I don't know, Ford field. See, I'm not cool.


62. What about the coolest places to eat? Cool place to eat, any place you order at the counter and then sit down. Two kids = fast service is a must! I love Chilpote lately :)



63. See a concert?
Hmm...Reba pre children, she rocked!

64. Have you been to Comerica Park or Ford Field yet?
Nope, but I want to go to Comerica, maybe next year so Carter can see a real pro baseball game.

65. What are your thoughts about Mayor Kilpatrick?
BLING

66. Who do you think is the worst judge in Detroit/Metro Detroit?
Ummmm....I have no idea, haven't had the pleasure of running into any.

67. Have you climbed the sand dunes?
Yes :)


68. Do you go to any festivals downtown?
We did Tastfest a few years ago, Pontiac's is way better!

69. Where's the roundabout?
I thought those were in Indiana

70. Do you go to Cedar Point every year?

Sure, when I was a kid, our marching band played there every year (see, told you I wasn't cool)

Happy 3rd Birthday Carter!

5 months

It seems hard to believe that Skye is 5 months already! Her little personality is coming out and it's such a joy to watch her grow! She is every bit as friendly, social and happy as her big brother was at this age, and oh yeah, every bit as active too! She rolls in both directions and has now started the scoot! Darn it, I wanted a little lap baby that didn't have ambitions to walk till she was two. LOL!

She is *in love* with Carter. Watched everything he does like a hawk. What's he eating, what's he playing with, what's he doing, where is he going, why can't I do that? He is very generous with her and we've found that having their car seats together in the car has been more helpful than apart as he is her personal entrainer.

Still no solids yet, just milk, but boy is she interested! When she puts a toy in her month she sort of looks at it like 'why isn't this giving me anything?' She's a good eater though, as evidenced by her chubby thighs and bright eyes :) Love that mama's milk!



We've been enjoying summer in our backyard but we did make it out to mom and dad's beach last week. Skye enjoyed her first dunk in Dunham Lake, it was so warm and we found a nice shady spot. She seems to really enjoy the water. Big brother was having the time of his life, so anxious to swim, can't wait to start official toddler swim classes in a few weeks.



Other than that, Skye Aimee is just pure joy, the kind of blessing we didn't know we needed till she was with us!

How I've spent my summer

Honestly the best thing that's happened to my lawn. May seem boring to most but to me it's hours of enjoyment! LOL!

http://www.hound-dog.com/weed_hound.htm

How I've spent my summer

Honestly the best thing that's happened to my lawn. May seem boring to most but to me it's hours of enjoyment! LOL!

http://www.hound-dog.com/weed_hound.htm

Michigan Native

This is great! I'll make you out-of-state Michiganders miss MI for sure!!

And I'm sure you transplants will get a kick out of it too!!

Enjoy!

http://www.michigannative.com/ma_home.shtml

Technology

I love seeing how technology effects my children growing up. I love that Carter looks to see what the picture looks like right after it's taken. No film processing in his life time! VHS Tapes will be what 8 tracks are to my generation. BTW, he calls all dics CDDVD's, I figure he's covering all the bases that way!

The cutest was yesterday when him and I made 'email' cookies (he's misunderstood Oatmeal). How adorable!!



And oh yeah, I posted 3 month comparison pictures in my slide show, check back every month to see how the kids have grown and changed!!

Vampire

When I became pregnant with Carter I quickly realized that I have issues with the sun. Even minimum exposure will result in a night filled with burning, itchy skin and red bumps. So, summer after summer I deal with it the best I can, sunblock, finding shadows to stand in, hats, avoid the daylight. My latest batch of internet self diagnosis brought up a vampire website! So, that's it, I'm officially declaring myself a vampire, never to leave the house during daylight hours again!!

http://www.drinkdeeplyanddream.com/realvampire/sunallergy.html

Message from a 2 year old

Message from a Two Year Old




-- Author Unknown



Please be glad that I'm growing up, even though I am doing my separating by acting contrary and stubborn and by saying no thirty-seven hundred times a day.



Please let me continue to be dependent on you even though I act very independent and say, "I don't want you." I still need to be held some and protected.


Please let me feel that independence is safe by watching me and protecting me even when I am insisting on doing things myself.


Please have a few sensible rules and enforce them. This will provide a nice, firm wall against which I can say, "No" and "You can't make me!" Please enforce them anyway. That will help me feel secure and not be scared that when I say, "I won't!" or start to think for myself, you might go away and leave me.


Please, when you request that I pick up my toys, insist that I do that. If you manipulate me into doing things, I won't need to learn to think. And if you force me, I won't have the chance to learn to think.


Please don't be afraid of my anger. I have to experiment with my anger and try out different ways of expressing it. Then I find out how you respond. I especially don't want to end up afraid of my own anger. You help me a lot when you watch and listen to my anger in a very matter of fact, accepting way, and don't let me hurt myself or others.


Please demand that I think about what I am feeling. I will be crippled if I grow up believing that I can't think and feel at the same time. It won't help me if I believe that when I am mad or scared I can't think. Those are the times that I will need to think most clearly.


Please expect me to start taking other people's feelings and wants into account. Do this even though I say, "I don't care!" when you tell me Susie feels bad because I broke her truck. And please don't ask me to take care of YOU. If you want me not to run in the street, tell me to do it for my safety - for ME. Don't tell me that I make YOU worry. I don't even know what worry means. If I am making you do that, I might get so scared that I won't have time to practice resisting and separating.


Sometimes I'm not very sure about what I need or think or want, so please encourage me to know those things. I'm sure that I can figure it out if you push me a little and have faith in me.


Please help me to learn how to think and to say, "No" and to handle my anger now, while I am still little enough for you to protect me.


And please love me and hold me when I want to be held. I love you.

She smiles

http://www.dropshots.com/day.php?userid=94590&cdate=20060331&ctime=093327

100 Things about me

1. I love to make lists

2. I was born in 1977

3. in Royal Oak, MI

4. And lived in Huntington Woods till I was 12

5. I taught myself how to knit

6. I love people

7. I like reality TV

8. My mom died when I was 4

9. I love Canada

10. I drive a Chevy Impala

11. I've walked on the Appalachain trail

12. I don't like watching kids TV shows

13. I love cats and dog, just not in my house

14. I love doing laundry

15. I have freckles

16. I love being pregnant, but never again!

17. I hate cheaply made stuff

18. I say hi to strangers

19. My favorite color is purple

20. I really don't like talking on the phone

21. I'm always bored, looking for the next thing to do!

22. I was the last person I know to get a cell phone

23. My Grandpa taught me how to tie my shoes

24. I attempted to birth at home, but…

25. I sadly had two c-sections

26. I was baptized at the Shrine of the Little Flower

27. It seems my hair is always in a ponytail

28. I live in Livonia

29. I chew on pens

30. I like using coupons, although I never buy the Sunday paper

31. I love yahoo groups, I belong to too many

32. I help run a local AP mom's group

33. I am a moderator on mothering.com

34. I love to cook

35. but I'm a terrible baker

36. I kill houseplants

37. I got married when I was 23

38. I had chicken pox when I was 17

39. I've bought and sold things on Ebay

40. I was a telemarketer, inbound and outbound calls

41. I still can't mulitply

42. I don't like action movies for the most part

43. I love to sing, although I'm terrible

44. I want to go back to college one day, just not sure for what

45. I was once a bartender

46. I've seen the Grand Canyon

47. I wish we could move back to the country

48. I love salt

49. I have been to three countries other than the US

50. I lived in Tennessee for two years (and hated it)

51. I hate drama

52. I love to laugh

53. I live in Kalamazoo after high school

54. I have not painted my nails in years

55. or dyed my hair

56. I love reading everything and anything!

57. I've used the same brand shampoo for years and years

58. I have green eyes

59. and blonde hair

60. I love my Grandma

61. I love artichokes

62. I've been to Vegas, but I was just 12 at the time

63. I have a paypal account

64. I bite my nails

65. I hate _____showers (baby, bridal)

66. I love going downtown Detroit

67. I like diet coke

68. I love to drive

69. I love my In-Laws and the whole Kalamazoo family!

70. I would love to raise chickens and cows

71. My middle name is Aimee

72. I have one brother, one sister

73. I have one daughter, one son

74. I like my coffee with cream

75. I count on my fingers

76. I love living in Michigan

77. I'm sort of a homebody

78. I am a true Virgo

79. I am scared of spiders

80. I love talk radio

81. I love the cold, and hate the heat

82. I go geocaching

83. I love olives

84. I taught myself and my son sign language

85. and I've already started showing my daughter signs

86. I used to play the French horn

87. But I was really, really bad

88. My husband says I snore, but I don't believe it

89. I'm a homeowner

90. and I own my own business (although not off the ground yet)

91. I have on tattoo

92. I have many ear piercing

93. I still want to pierce my nose, one day

94. I love shopping in Farmers Markets

95. I need glasses, but I don't ever wear then

96. I love knowing about the next newest thing around

97. I graduated in 1995

98. I tap my fingers when I'm thinking

99. I hate picking up toys

100. This took me about an hour to complete

Cool website!

http://www.whattorent.com/index.php

The Toddler Whisper

or should I say the Whispering toddler? Carter has started the most adorable habit of practicing what he's going to say before he says it. He sort of covers his mouth and does a quick run though before making whatever big announcement he needs to make. Like 'Let's go inside playground!'

On the Skye front I don't think everyone knows yet, so here's her big announcement. She was born with two teeth! That's right, my little girl is filling her role as an unusual Aquarius and starting life with a head start. The funniest thing is I want to tell Carter that 'no baby sister can't have cheese, she has no teeth yet' but low and behold, she does! But we do need to check it out, make sure it's not a third set of teeth.

Errands and Wallet and Haircuts, Oh my!

Paul and I have figured out a great way to run errands with two kids, wait until nap time! We actually already figured it out with Carter, but forgot about it till today. So the secret is wait till the children are good and tired then drive a distance no less than 10 minutes away, once they are sleeping one person can go shopping at the store of their choice while the other waits in the car with sleeping kids, perfect! The only downside is if one wakes up then surely the other will be robbed of much needed sleep. But so far, so good!

While I was waiting for Paul to finish up in his choice of store (the local camping/outdoor store) I decided to clean out my wallet. Note to self: stash a book or magazine in the car. You know I think your wallet says a lot about you. First of all my wallet is at least 6 years old, but I finally found one I like and so I'm sticking with it. It's not like it's falling apart or anything, and it's everything I wanted in a wallet! Let's see, I'm a registered voter with my current address on both my drivers licence and voters registration. I'm a MIGO member with a membership card, lucky me! My son is a patient of the Henry Ford system, noted by the 'blue card' in his name. I'm a member of the Detroit Zoo but only for another 25 days (must sneak in another free visit before it expires!) I'm a Costco member (sorry Jill). I belong to a local credit union instead of a 'big box' bank. I drive a GM car equipped with On Star, which I secretly hope to use before my one free year expires. (but no accidents, just hope to lock my keys in or something) And finally, most telling, I have a serious addiction to punch cards. I have no less than 10 in my wallet right now from noodles to children's resell. It's a addiction, collecting punches. If you'd asked me yesterday if I collected anything I would have said no, but today I know better!

One of my big errands today was a haircut. At this point that happens about three times a year for me, so it's a big deal. I decided to 'cheap out' and go to the local Great Clips. I generally know better and believe you get what you pay for. But I also know that there are plenty of great stylists working at these places too, it's just hit or miss. Well today I missed! I had a picture of the cut I wanted and everything! It was like the lady was afraid to cut my hair! She was going on the whole time about how beautiful it was, and my natural color was so pretty. I left looking like I needed a haircut, LOL! Oh well at least it's got some style to it. I just need to not wait 5 months to get it cut again and remember to go to a place that cost more than $11!!

Overall a good Saturday, just can't wait till it's warmer than 40 and we can get outside and enjoy!

So Shelly (my wonderful MIL) asked the question, why no blogs Michelle? Well here is the answer shortly


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Since this video was taken (a whole week ago) she's sitting up on her own and gets around quite well. I can't believe it's happening already :( too soon. Six months old today (look for updated slide show any day now). Anyway, she keeps me on my toes, additionally Carter's been swimming EVERYDAY at 7pm for the last week and a half, he loves it BTW. Quite the little fish this one, swims underwater (you wouldn't want to see that Shelly, it's quite nerve wracking) and jumps in off the side without anyone to catch him.

Paul is doing great at his new job. Seems to have made a few friends there. Of course birthday party leftover food will help with that!

I've been asked to become a Le Leche League leader and I'm going to do it, woo hoo! I'm so excited about challenging my brain a little bit, I've been feeling it's too mushy lately with poopy diapers ;) The process will help me with communication skills and I'll be doing something I like, helping people, with a subject I fell I'm rather familiar with, breastfeeding (heck, it's been 3 years of it already!)

But all that said, I need to be better about not just filling out surveys and blogging and bulleting them, but actually blogging. Maybe I need a more 'grown up' space to do that in. Hmmm...more stuff to think about!

Spring Break is Over!

I haven't really experienced a spring break since I was in college 9 years ago, so they have come and gone without much notice from me. Until this year. My family got to spend several wonderful days with my fantastic sister and her great boyfriend. I have really enjoyed getting to know Kevin better and spending time with my sister is always bonus. But now, Monique is back at MSU, studying hard, becoming more learned, LOL! Thanks for the fun times guys, can't wait till this summer break!! We still need a 'sister day' too!


Currently reading :
kids are worth it! Revised Edition : Giving Your Child the Gift of Inner Discipline (Harperresource Book)
By Barbara Coloroso
Release date: By 01 September, 2002

Drive

Drive


So, I wonder why it is that you can't drive for two weeks after a major surgery? Are they worried that I'm suddenly going to pass out or go manic or something? It's the strangest thing to me. I mean if I'm that bad off, shouldn't I be in a hospital or somewhere not at home taking care of two kids?

Anyway, today was my first driving day :D Quite a bit of excitement around here! But now the question is where do you go with a newborn and a toddler? My answer today was a Le Leche meeting ,but darn it those only happen twice a month. What about tomorrow and the next day? I'm sure I'll manage just fine but Carter is bouncing off the walls of this house!

Happy two week birthday Skye, you have brought much beauty and joy to our lives!!

Welcome Skye Aimee!

Skye Aimee was born Wednesday February 15th at 4:11pm She weighed in a a good 9lbs 14oz Mom and Baby are both doing well. Big brother Carter is adjusting to life with baby.