Thursday, July 31, 2008
End of a Streak?
We're over halfway into 2008, meaning Cher has less than 18 months to produce another #1 song if she plans on extending her streak to 5 consecutive decades. Anyone losing sleep over this yet?
Ordinary Experiences...Entry #2...The Mailman
The Mailman and Sedona
Why does our dog (and most dogs) hate The Mailman?
Apparently, I've been reacting to Sedona's vicious mailman behavior completely wrong. My (as is with most pet owners) initial response is to scold Sedona and hold her mouth shut..."No...We don't bark at the mailman...bad girl...go upstairs..."etc. According to this website, I need to react with postive reinforcement. Perhaps I should give this a try...or is it too late?
The things you think about when you are at home all day...
Why does our dog (and most dogs) hate The Mailman?
Apparently, I've been reacting to Sedona's vicious mailman behavior completely wrong. My (as is with most pet owners) initial response is to scold Sedona and hold her mouth shut..."No...We don't bark at the mailman...bad girl...go upstairs..."etc. According to this website, I need to react with postive reinforcement. Perhaps I should give this a try...or is it too late?
The things you think about when you are at home all day...
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Ordinary Experiences...Entry #1...Dr. Appointments
Blogging doesn't come easy for me...I don't really know what to write about. I know what you're thinking - the topics are endless...but that is exactly why it is so hard. Recently, I was talking to my girlfriends and asking their advice. They suggested that I write about my ordinary experiences...so, here goes nothing...I hope you enjoy...
Dr. Appointments
Today I had my 7-week postpartum visit. No worries - I'm completely recovered from Edwin's delivery. However, I wanted to comment on the amount of wasted time spent waiting to be seen by the doctor. My appointment was scheduled for 1:10pm and I didn't get called back until 2:10pm. I spent that entire hour watching medical updates on one TV and soaps on the other, listening to three young boys complain about being thirsty, browsing multiple magazines that I have absolutely no interest in, sending text messages, pacing, etc. The most frustrating part - once I got called back, my appointment took 20 minutes. Unbelievable! I'm thankful to our neighbor (Shenna) for watching Edwin. Don't think he would've made the wait!
Dr. Appointments
Today I had my 7-week postpartum visit. No worries - I'm completely recovered from Edwin's delivery. However, I wanted to comment on the amount of wasted time spent waiting to be seen by the doctor. My appointment was scheduled for 1:10pm and I didn't get called back until 2:10pm. I spent that entire hour watching medical updates on one TV and soaps on the other, listening to three young boys complain about being thirsty, browsing multiple magazines that I have absolutely no interest in, sending text messages, pacing, etc. The most frustrating part - once I got called back, my appointment took 20 minutes. Unbelievable! I'm thankful to our neighbor (Shenna) for watching Edwin. Don't think he would've made the wait!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Growing Up Too Fast
Everyone warned me...and they were right. Babies aren't "babies" for very long. Edwin will be 7 weeks old on Thursday - unbelievable! He has changed so much since I first saw him. He's gotten so much bigger and is developing a great personality. He is so much fun...I'm lucky to be able to spend each day with him. He's holding his head up by himself and LOVES his bumbo seat...
I think I've grown up a lot since he was born. Becoming a mom makes you think about things you never thought about before. It's crazy to think that I only need 2-3 hours of sleep at a time to function. Everyone tells me to sleep while he sleeps...but to be honest, I'd rather watch him sleep. He is so peaceful and cute...it melts my heart.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Kentucky
Mindy and I have lived in this state for nearly 4 years now, and the cultural differences between here and the state within eyesight to the north will never cease to amaze us. I could list example after example, but that’s not the point of this post.
I just want to mention a 30-second spot that’s been running on our local cable channels for the past few months sponsored/produced by the state of Kentucky. It‘s done in black-and-white and features quick dialogue-less scenes of diverse people looking happy while a forgettable song plays in the background. Toward the end of the commercial, these words are heard via voice-over: "if you're pregnant, don't drink or smoke, take your vitamins and see a doctor."
I wonder if any other states are running this kind of ad, or if this is unique to my current state of residence. I’ll try to find this on the web to share, but as of this posting, it’s not on YouTube.
I just want to mention a 30-second spot that’s been running on our local cable channels for the past few months sponsored/produced by the state of Kentucky. It‘s done in black-and-white and features quick dialogue-less scenes of diverse people looking happy while a forgettable song plays in the background. Toward the end of the commercial, these words are heard via voice-over: "if you're pregnant, don't drink or smoke, take your vitamins and see a doctor."
I wonder if any other states are running this kind of ad, or if this is unique to my current state of residence. I’ll try to find this on the web to share, but as of this posting, it’s not on YouTube.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Daily Constitutionals
Edwin has recently joined Sedona and me for our daily walks, throughout which I keep him constantly informed of the names of the streets and directions we're heading.
The goal:
Edwin will know his way around the neighborhood at an early age. He'll be able to find his way home when lost and be on his way to becoming an expert at directions. (My following-your-nose ability is one of the best skills I inherited from my dad.)
The reality:
Usually about a block and a half into our excursion, Edwin looks something like this...
Anyway...if Edwin takes anything away from these walks, it'll probably be his first words being "Sedona, heel!"
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Date Night
Last summer on our final pre-baby vacation, Mindy and I spent a week in New York City. On one of those NYC evenings, we enjoyed Mamma Mia on Broadway and dinner at Tao. With no vacation planned this summer, we decided to do the Newport version of that night out: dinner at AOI and Mamma Mia at the AMC.
Not wanting to spoil the thrilling plot twists that Mamma Mia offers the viewer, I'll provide only one comment: uh, Pierce Brosnan singing, uh...
P.S.: Thanks to Aunt Jessica for babysitting (she got to experience the euphoria that is Edwin's classic 20-minutes-before-scheduled-feeding meltdown).
Not wanting to spoil the thrilling plot twists that Mamma Mia offers the viewer, I'll provide only one comment: uh, Pierce Brosnan singing, uh...
P.S.: Thanks to Aunt Jessica for babysitting (she got to experience the euphoria that is Edwin's classic 20-minutes-before-scheduled-feeding meltdown).
Friday, July 25, 2008
Street Parking Etiquette
Take any open spots in front of your own house. If all spots closest to your own house are taken, then, and only then, park in front of your neighbor's house. These are the rules, no?
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Pirates
Proof that the state of Kentucky has at least 2 Pittsburgh Pirate fans:
Of course if Edwin wants to tread the ethically ambiguous line (like his father has the past decade or so) by cheering for the Reds at the same time, that's really not a problem. You don't run into too many moral dilemmas when your 2 favorite teams are locked in an incessant battle for last place. Now, as far his favorite NFL franchise is concerned, well...
Posing for this Pirate-themed photo got me thinking about the idea of having a pirate for a sports team nickname. Variations of the pirate concept is used for countless pro, college and high school sports teams. Weren't pirates pretty terrible people? In fact just yesterday when I was reading to Edwin from The Economist magazine (yes, I read to Edwin on various subjects-finance, economics, politics-because Mindy thinks talking to him helps him learn...since I have no idea what to say to a month old baby, I might as well get some reading done and talk to my son at the same time), I learned that modern day pirates are currently wreaking havoc in the Indian Ocean. Wouldn't this be like having "the terrorists" as common mascots 150 years from now?
Update from today's earlier post: I broke down and dropped the 9 bucks on 6'er of Oberon...well worth it. Offer still stands on the 3 remaining fruity beers.
Of course if Edwin wants to tread the ethically ambiguous line (like his father has the past decade or so) by cheering for the Reds at the same time, that's really not a problem. You don't run into too many moral dilemmas when your 2 favorite teams are locked in an incessant battle for last place. Now, as far his favorite NFL franchise is concerned, well...
Posing for this Pirate-themed photo got me thinking about the idea of having a pirate for a sports team nickname. Variations of the pirate concept is used for countless pro, college and high school sports teams. Weren't pirates pretty terrible people? In fact just yesterday when I was reading to Edwin from The Economist magazine (yes, I read to Edwin on various subjects-finance, economics, politics-because Mindy thinks talking to him helps him learn...since I have no idea what to say to a month old baby, I might as well get some reading done and talk to my son at the same time), I learned that modern day pirates are currently wreaking havoc in the Indian Ocean. Wouldn't this be like having "the terrorists" as common mascots 150 years from now?
Update from today's earlier post: I broke down and dropped the 9 bucks on 6'er of Oberon...well worth it. Offer still stands on the 3 remaining fruity beers.
A Purchase Regretted
Now with another mouth to feed, we're trying to exercise a little more restraint on our spending. One of my contributions to this initiative is buying cheaper 6-packs. Last night I passed over Oberon on sale for $8.99 (usually $9.99) and tried something different: Leinenkugels Berry Weiss.
It was only $5.99; so I figured it'd be a good deal. I drank my first bottle with dinner. At that point its strange taste was overshadowed by the amazing chicken pot pie I was enjoying (the last in a series of dinners that 4 of our generous neighbors organized to ease the burden of our post-delivery life). Halfway into my 2nd bottle, I realized the beer I was drinking was nearly indistinguishable from fruit juice. I threw that half-drunk bottle away and focused my attention on Edwin trying out his play mat.
Not yet having learned my lesson, later in the evening I took a few sips from a 3rd bottle. That was the point that I announced to Mindy that it was the worst beer I have ever tasted and threw that one away as well.
Our refrigerator, not being at capacity at the moment, leaves me room to save the last 3 bottles indefinitely; probably until our next major grocery run. Realizing this post hasn't been the greatest sales pitch, I invite you, The Ross Experience reader, to stop by the house and try a bottle (or 3).
It was only $5.99; so I figured it'd be a good deal. I drank my first bottle with dinner. At that point its strange taste was overshadowed by the amazing chicken pot pie I was enjoying (the last in a series of dinners that 4 of our generous neighbors organized to ease the burden of our post-delivery life). Halfway into my 2nd bottle, I realized the beer I was drinking was nearly indistinguishable from fruit juice. I threw that half-drunk bottle away and focused my attention on Edwin trying out his play mat.
Not yet having learned my lesson, later in the evening I took a few sips from a 3rd bottle. That was the point that I announced to Mindy that it was the worst beer I have ever tasted and threw that one away as well.
Our refrigerator, not being at capacity at the moment, leaves me room to save the last 3 bottles indefinitely; probably until our next major grocery run. Realizing this post hasn't been the greatest sales pitch, I invite you, The Ross Experience reader, to stop by the house and try a bottle (or 3).
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Edwin is One Month Old!
Edwin is one month old. He now weighs 9 lbs 8.7 ozs. He is getting more active everyday - smiling, focusing, and making lots of new noises!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Online Fitness/Nutrition Support
Thanks for the comments on dieting while nursing...I've decided to change my plan. I'm using a program called BabyFit and this system sets up a program that adheres to nursing guidelines. For anyone interested in setting up an online program to help with fitness/nutrition goals check out SparkPeople or if you are pregnant/trying to get pregnant, check out BabyFit. It is a great tool and it is 100% FREE!!!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Happy July 4th!
Our first 4th of July with Edwin:
Yes, that's right. Edwin celebrated his very first 4th of July at the Golden Dragon Buffet in Middletown, Ohio:
Dinner at the Chinese buffet got us thinking of other ideas that always follow this natural progression:
- beforehand...it sounds great (really great!)
- during...you enjoy it (only marginally)
- afterward...you regret it (sometimes severely!)
- later on...you (inevitably) repeat your mistake
So far we've come up with: other buffets (think: Golden Coral or Frisch's), tequila shots (or any shots for that matter), late night trips to Argosy, and purchasing a new Chris Henry jersey after each reinstatement.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Learning to be a Mom!
Everyone warned me that being a mom is the hardest job that exists...and although I believed them, I must say I didn't truly understand what that meant until now. Edwin is the most demanding boss I've ever had!
Nursing is extremely difficult. It is one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had, but one of the most frustrating. It is hard being the only person who can feed Edwin 24-7. The complete exhaustion is getting better...my new "normal" is becoming a reality.
Edwin has slept in his crib for the past 2 nights. Although it is hard to not have him in the room with me (he was sleeping in a bassinet)...I'm finally able to get some sleep. He's sleeping for 3 to 3-1/2 hours at a time...My mom got us our video monitor and we are so thankful for it. It is so nice to wake up and be able to check him from the comfort of my bed.
As for my recovery, I'm pretty much back to normal. For the sake of our readers who are squeamish, I won't share the details of recovering from delivery - but I will say that everything people warned me about is true. I had a relatively easy labor/delivery...and I still needed a few weeks to get back to feeling good. Next week I'm starting weight watchers. I'm starting the long journey of losing the pregnancy weight. In preparation for pregnancy, I had lost a lot of weight and now I'll be working to get it all back off.
I learn more about Edwin and he learns more about me each day...eventually we'll have a system and the organized/industrious/detail-oriented Mindy simply cannot wait!
Nursing is extremely difficult. It is one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had, but one of the most frustrating. It is hard being the only person who can feed Edwin 24-7. The complete exhaustion is getting better...my new "normal" is becoming a reality.
Edwin has slept in his crib for the past 2 nights. Although it is hard to not have him in the room with me (he was sleeping in a bassinet)...I'm finally able to get some sleep. He's sleeping for 3 to 3-1/2 hours at a time...My mom got us our video monitor and we are so thankful for it. It is so nice to wake up and be able to check him from the comfort of my bed.
As for my recovery, I'm pretty much back to normal. For the sake of our readers who are squeamish, I won't share the details of recovering from delivery - but I will say that everything people warned me about is true. I had a relatively easy labor/delivery...and I still needed a few weeks to get back to feeling good. Next week I'm starting weight watchers. I'm starting the long journey of losing the pregnancy weight. In preparation for pregnancy, I had lost a lot of weight and now I'll be working to get it all back off.
I learn more about Edwin and he learns more about me each day...eventually we'll have a system and the organized/industrious/detail-oriented Mindy simply cannot wait!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
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