debo_go_go

Andrew: Do you think I could rock a leather cuff bracelet?

Me: *unable to speak, tears in eyes, chuckle*

Milo is such a sweet and happy baby. After getting throught the first rough newborn months, he's taken a turn to being an amazing little guy. Everyday, more personality comes through and there is absolutely nothing like hearing your baby giggle and squeal. I've become that mom who makes silly faces and will do almost anything to get smiles and giggles. Right now he's taking a nap in his newly put together crib and has managed to get himself sideways. Sweet baby. And remove a sock.

I've never really gotten the hang of regularly writing on LJ, and although my intentions are good, it just doesn't happen with the fluidity that I'd expect or imagine others write with. Therefore, this year I'm going to make an effort. I figure, if I post at least 6 times, I've probably doubled my number. But, just so last year doesn't go forgotten here's a list in somewhat of an order of what I could have written about.

• The year started out full of optimism and then I was told I had a 1% chance of having a baby with my own eggs.
• Had IUI against the odds.
• Got pregnant anyway.
• Sold a $100,000+ window job – a personal best.
• Jamaica in February with Andrew for medical conference. Snorkeled. Sailed. Enjoyed the beach and the Ritz.
• NYC in April to visit A’s parents – saw South Pacific(amazing).
• At work, sales was told our commission would be cut by 50% and I spent way too much energy trying to decide if I should stay or go.
• Cleveland for All Bal.
• Andrew and I take midsummer California roadtrip: Napa, San Francisco, Monterey, Caramel, Redwoods, Los Angeles, Ensenada
• Spend the night in the hospital with a pregnancy related issue and a bit of a scare.
• Illinois to visit my family in August.
• Bought new scooter…Yippee!
• Still selling doors and windows.
• Start having pregnancy induced high blood pressure issues (PIH) and am ordered on bedrest (which I somewhat complied).
• Old scooter stolen…CRAP!
• Had a baby (Milo).
• Debilitating Postpartum Depression which Andrew hangs tough with more love and compassion than imaginable.
• My mom comes to visit for about a week to help with me and baby.
• Andrew’s dad and stepmom come to help with me and baby.
• Take two months off from work.
• Commissions back to where they used to be.
• Got a new car (Volvo)…yippee!
• Andrew, Milo and I to Illinois again in December for Christmas.

Which one? Both?
Please discuss.

Milo is 8 weeks old today and weighs 10lbs 3oz Oh my goodness, my baby is growing up!

Poor Darwin. He has a few irrational fears: cats, conch shells, icicles, and the sound of snow sliding off the roof. As the sun began to melt the snow on the roof this morning, I could tell the poor fellow was not going to relax and take his mid-morning nap. In addition to shaking all over and some panting, he follows whoever is home and would probably climb into your skin if at all possible. I was in the shower and I could see his nose poking at the curtain and around the corner. I turned my back for a moment and he was scaling the back of the tub, which is one of those bigger jacuzzi-style tubs, and hopped in. Not once, but twice. This is the dog who doesn't like showers, raindrops, or sprinklers, but love to swim. At this point, I thought it was the ideal time for him to have a bath. Poor Darwin.

I grew up with Madonna. Without doing any serious research on dates, I'm pretty sure I was in high school when Madge made her debut onto the pop music scene. I've always enjoyed (although not always loved) her music, but have also had a deep a facination for the way she promoted herself and kept changing her look/music/ideology etc.

Last night Andrew and I happily joined thousands of others - mostly women - at the Pepsi Center for the show. She did not disappoint.

Baby Milo finally made (2-1/2 weeks ago), and 2 weeks early, weighing in at 6lbs 7oz and 20" long, and incredibly sweet. Without all the crazy details at this time, we had a rough delivery that even shocked Andrew. Then Milo and I ended up spending a couple nights in the hospital for his jaundice. The day after he was released, I was admitted for pulmonary edema. Oh, and I had an infection as well. All is well now, but it's been a rough couple weeks both physically and emotionally. I cry more than Milo. I hope I get the hang of this mommy thing soon.

Great weekend was had by all. Beginning Monday eve, we began hosting Andrew's sister Vivian for the holiday weekend and by Tuesday eve, Evan and his dad and stepmom Carolyn were here. Tuesday night we took in the Bare Naked Ladies at Magnus Arena. This is the third time I've seen the band and would probably see them every chance I got; they have such charisma! Weds night we all went out for Thai at Thai Spice, which received the 'foodie seal of approval' from the group, including the NYC and SF crowd. Thursday brought craziness our kitchen has seldom seen. We love entertaining and do so quite frequently, but a few challenges presented themselves this time, number one challenge being the size of our kitchen and dining room(both small) and the number of guests(11). We rose to the challenge with our deep fried turkey and I manned the sautee station(stove) and had...ok, get this....4 burners, 3 dishes in the oven, and plates warming in the microwave ALL AT THE SAME TIME; I am WOMAN! Anyway, much delicious food was consumed, much wine was drunk, and much good conversation was had. Friday morning we cooked a big group breakfast with eggs from Evan's chickens and evening took us to see the local version of URINETOWN with the famil. By Saturday eve, Andrew and I were left alone to recuperate. Last night we checked out BORAT..hehe!

Enough of the laundry list of the weekend, though. Entertaining has it's stresses, whether there are overnights involved, or just a meal. I always wonder if my guests are comfortable, are they enjoying themselves, do they like the food, etc? Although a big holiday meal is a lot of work, and we had many people using our small kitchen, it was so laid back and pleasant in every way. My inlaws are a sophisticated bunch and are so low maintainance and full of energy that they're such a treat to have around, and I look forward to many future get-togethers.

Sidebar: Darwin managed to snag a grand total of 8 bagles over the weekend, 5 on Friday and 3 more on Sat. He is on a diet. Again.

Dear Republican Party,

A round of applause to you for doing such an outstanding job the past couple years. Not for the efforts in your fight against terrorism with the never-ending war in Iraq, your fights against equality in so many ways, or your rallying of the religious right. Not for your concern for affordable healthcare or a robust economy that benefits EVERYONE, not just your uber-rich cronies.

Hat go off and thank yous abound for for a bang-up job at decimating your own party. Well done!

A Smiling Dem