Baby Austen

Yesterday, I held 5 day old baby Austen. She was soft and delicate, tiny and sweet. I could have held her all night, although I enjoy my sleep too much these days. New babies are wondrous wonders.

There's just something about holding a newborn baby that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. As I held her, I remembered holding my own two bears at that age, although they were never that small. She was six pounds of love.

I held her close and she fell asleep in my arms. I observed every perfect feature. Little nose, little eyes, little mouth, little toes... a little baby with a little cry. If they could only stay little, right?

After a moment of wishing my two bears were that little again, I realized that's not really my wish. I loved the newborn stage but have enjoyed every stage since. I wouldn't turn back the clock because I'm so happy with where my toddlers are in their development and look forward to seeing what they learn next. Okay, maybe I would for just one little night.

Congrats, Jen and Nate on your new love. May you enjoy every stage, even the sleepless ones.

Deuce

Today happened to be one of the most beautiful days all year. I know, we have a zillion gorgeous days here, but today was just an unusually warm Fall day. I waited patiently for nap time to end so that the bears and I could go for a walk around the park. When they awakened, I got them ready to go and loaded them into the double stroller.

Oh, what a lovely walk! Just when I picked up my stride with the doublewide, I hear, "I need to go pee." Ainsley had gone just before we left home and we hadn't even made it around the first stretch. Again, "I need to go pee." Fine. I cut through the grass and started making my way to the port-a-potty when Ainsley spots the playground. "We're not going to the playground. Do you really have to pee?" " "Yes," said.

With each step, more dread came over me. I despise stinky port-a-potties and was not looking forward to the time it would take to ready my two year old daughter to go on the potty. We finally reached the blue box and it stunk terribly. TERRIBLY. I whipped out the potty seat from the stroller basket, plopped Ainsley on it and stuck my head out of the door to get some fresh air. I leaned back in, encouraged her to go, and then stuck my head out of the door again. I rushed her out and have no idea if she went or not.

Back in the stroller she went and we were off at a speed walker's pace. Ahhh, what a beautiful day! I was so glad that was over. But then I heard, "I have to go poop." "Really? Really, do you have to go poop?" I asked in the same voice I use when we're in the far back corner of Super Target and she says she has to go potty, all the way in the front of the megastore. "Yes," she said. "Fine. We're going home," I said. "I don't wanna go home!" she exclaimed. I asked her again if she had to go to the bathroom and got the same answer so I turned the stroller around and headed home. The thought of going back to the port-a-potty was just too much. Surely she could make it home. I'd take my chances.

We got home and Ainsley started kicking the leaves around in the backyard while I took Cedar out of the stroller. "Inside!" I demanded. Did she do the deuce? Of course not. But, Cedar did.

Hello November!

After all of the Halloween festivities, we decided to tone things down a bit by walking to our favorite park. Of course, we stopped at the playground before heading home. What a great way to end the weekend and say "Goodbye" to October.

Boo at the Zoo

This was our first time to go to "Boo at the Zoo." My bears, I mean Tiger and Dalmation, loved

trick or treating so much yesterday that we decided to do it again today. Besides, we couldn't pass up an opportunity to spend such a gorgeous day at one of our favorite places. We had a wild time!

Happy Halloween!

The huge snowstorm blew through and we had perfect weather today. My two bears enjoyed being a tiger and a dalmation for the evening. We trick or treated at the Gaylord St. shops and a few neighborhood houses. Ainsley loved asking for candy while Cedar just helped himself.

October Snow

Our first snowstorm came in with a bang! We received close to two feet of snow and it isn't even Halloween yet. The good news is that the weekend will be much warmer for trick-or-treating.

Ainsley was so excited about playing in the snow! She even asked to go skiing and snowboarding! She trudged through the snow, threw it into the air and sat in it giggling. She had a blast!

Cedar toddled through the snow but wasn't sure what to think about the fluffy white stuff. After about five minutes, he dove right in to investigate further! He didn't cry when Dear Darling picked him up from his snow plunge but he did get angry when he had to go inside. He was not ready for playtime to end!

Thank goodness my bears love the snow-- we have some snow people to build!

Getting Ready for the Snow

Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Let's just say that my little tyke liked his dinner so much that he even tried to eat the cup. He's pretty skilled at feeding himself with a spoon and loves to dip things. He got a fair amount of food on his face but you should have seen how much he got in his tummy.

First Snowstorm of 2009!

The first snowstorm of the year has hit our city. The snow began to fall yesterday evening and isn't supposed to stop until sometime tomorrow. I'm in my warm cozy house watching the snowflakes dusting my pumpkins on the porch and drinking hot peppermint tea. As I type, I see a person running. I feel like flagging him down to talk about his addiction. I suppose there are a lot of things worse than exercising, but still, I question his sanity. It's cold and there are several inches of snow on the ground. What better excuse to skip working out for one day? I chip a nail and don't workout for a month.

Preschool was closed today due to the storm. Since Ainsley only goes twice a week, missing one day is a bummer. Being stuck inside with two bears is no walk in the park. Can I have a raincheck for another day? How about a snowcheck? I think I'm onto something, so don't steal my idea. Snowcheck, please!

Today was also supposed to be her Halloween party at school. I baked sugar cookies for the event, and sadly, have been forced to eat most of them. Maybe I should have thrown on some gear and joined the runner. It was probably a sign from God that I should get moving. Anybody have some snowshoes I can borrow?

How about that photo of Dear Darling? Is there nothing that man won't do for me? Those silly reporters stand outside during hurricanes to show how hard the wind is blowing so it wasn't a big deal for Dear Darling to stand in the snow in the name of good blogging. I needed a good snow photo so that all of you can see that I'm not exaggerating the amount we've gotten. I know you watch CNN, but it means a lot more when you personally know someone who is living the Headline News.

So, how are we going to dig our way out of this? Hopefully, that nice guy with the kickin' snowblower down the street will be in a charitable mood and make a pass down our sidewalk. But wait, here is my opportunity to burn some calories. I actually like to shovel snow, although I haven't done it since having kids. Yes, I'll add that to the list of things I haven't done since having kids. Dear Darling is much better at it anyway and I don't have the stamina to shovel our corner lot or ten feet of snow. OK, two feet.

While Dear Darling is shoveling tomorrow, my job will be to keep the hot beverages flowing, the heat cranking and the bears happy. Snow and all, it's just another (fabulous) day.

Pumpkin Recipes

In my family, pumpkin pie was always secondary to sweet potato pie. Sweet potato pie holds a prominent place on the Thanksgiving menu, alongside Southern pecan pie. It's almost as important as the turkey. But, I always snag a sliver of pumpkin pie, just because it seems like the Thanksgiving thing to do. It's sort of like cranberry sauce to me. If it's so good, why is it only served once a year?

While I usually don't bake pumpkin pie, I do make other pumpkin recipes. The first is pumpkin dip. It's an easy, kid-friendly recipe that Ainsley likes to help me make and Cedar loves to eat. It's delicious smeared on top of ginger snaps and various types of graham cracker snacks, fruits or toasted breads.

Recipe adapted from The Very Best Baking Kitchen

2 8oz packages of cream cheese, softened

1 15 oz can of pumpkin

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Beat cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Refrigerate for one hour. Let toddlers dip until their hearts' content.

When I'm looking for a healthy snack for the bears, I'll make whole wheat pumpkin muffins. The recipe is right on the can of 365 100% Pumpkin Solid Pack from Whole Foods. Or you can get it below.

1c all-purpose flour

3/4c whole wheat flour

3 tbs sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp salt

1 beaten egg

3/4c skim milk

2 tbs butter, melted

1/2c canned pumpkin

Preheat over to 375 degrees. Lightly oil muffin tin. In a large bowl, stir together the first 7 ingredients. In a small bowl, combine egg, milk and butter; stir in pumpkin. Stir contents of the small bowl into the large bowl, just until moistened. Spoon into muffin tin and bake for 15-18 minutes. My bears love these muffins served warm with cold milk. Me, too.

A Fall Weekend

Sometimes on Sunday nights I find myself asking the question, "Where did the weekend go?" Tonight, I'm just feeling like it was a wonderful weekend, played at a steady pace. I'm happily content, wrapped in a warm blanket on the couch with the Cardinals-Giants football game on in the background.

Yesterday, Ainsley had soccer practice in the park followed by time at the playground. We always enjoy hanging out with other families while the kiddos play. It was a beautiful Fall morning and the park was buzzing with activity, including a cross country race. I escaped to the mall in the afternoon while Dear Darling played with the bears. To top it off, we ordered pizza and had a relaxing evening.

Today, we went to the Fall Festival at Ainsley's preschool. There were so many activities, I don't know where to begin! Ainsley enjoyed playing the games (fishing for prizes, bowling, plinko) and jumping in the bounce castle. She loves the bounce castle so much that we should just buy one. Cedar had fun on the riding toys, especially the little car. He enthusiastically said, "Beep-Beep!" while driving and honking the horn. Dear Darling and I enjoyed the hayride through our neighborhood even though Ainsley said the horses were "stinky." The bears had a blast and were playful all evening. Everyone was happy. And that's the way it should be.

Trying Twos

The twos aren't terrible but they are trying. VERY TRYING. Ainsley is trying to learn new things and I am trying to maintain my sanity. It's a difficult time for me but an important time developmentally for her.

Ainsley wants to do everything herself. She dresses herself and, as you've heard, undresses herself. She is "day" potty trained, sleeps in a "big girl" bed" and has a pretty good vocabulary. She even carries her lunchbox to preschool.

But, times are trying. Ainsley gets unhappy when she doesn't get her way. Or when she's overtired. And when I make her wear pants. Especially, when I make her wear pants. So, I'm trying to figure out ways to discipline her while also helping her learn and grow. The last thing I want to do is to break her spirit but we all need boundaries.

The twos are filled with trying moments but also lots of beautiful ones. My baby girl is wonderful and sweet and everything that a little girl should be. Temper and all, she is perfect. Sometimes, I look at her and just can't believe how much love I have for her. She has this sweet spirit that makes my world a better place. Her temper lets me know that she's alive, has opinions, drive and passion. I wouldn't change a thing.

The twos are definitely trying, but I hear the threes are worse.

Out of her shell

Ainsley sang at the top of her lungs today at preschool. Her teacher, Miss Tammy, said it was so cute! I wonder if she really thought that since it happened at the beginning of naptime. Maybe she sang the other children to sleep.

Ainsley is usually soft-spoken but has been coming out of her shell lately. Last Wednesday, she came right out of her clothes. We hosted playgroup at our house. Things were going swell until everyone went outside to play in the backyard. Then, Ainsley stripped down to her birthday suit! There is a first time for everything, but hopefully that will be the last time that happens.

A couple more

Pumpkins

The weekend was filled with plans although most got cancelled. My bears, including Dear Darling, just weren't feeling well. Still, I dressed them up on Friday so that we could go to a Pumpkin Patch. They had fun running through the pumpkins but their glassy eyes and red noses didn't make for great photos. Ainsley and I also made it to a birthday party for friends Cooper and Jace on Saturday. She had been fussy most of the day, but not one to miss a party, she rallied and had a good time. Let's hope for a better, healthier week.

It's a Crock

Yesterday, I didn't know whether to cry or to cheer. I used a crock pot for the very first time to cook my mother-in-law's chili recipe. While dinner was good, I was a bit distraught. Nothing has made me feel more like June Cleaver than this crock pot. The next thing you know, I'll be moving to the suburbs.

I remember several of my mommy friends telling me to "Just throw it in the crock pot" whenever I was looking for something to cook for a crowd. I may have well been talking to aliens because they were not speaking my language. A crock pot cook I am not.

After I dumped all the ingredients into the pot, I quickly emailed my friend Tina for a reality check. "Do you have a crock pot?" I asked. "Yes," she said. Whew! I haven't crossed into the darkness of marriage, kids and mom jeans. There's still hope of maintaining some sense of my former self. She continued, "But, it's still in the box in the basement."

I sighed. But, she has one. She and her husband went out and bought a crock pot, so that counts. Right? They don't have children so there's no need for such a practical item. I just needed a little validation that regular people outside of Mommyville own crock pots.

Still, owning a crock pot and using one is a different story. Then, I remembered going to a girls' gathering at my single friend's house and lo and behold, there was a crock pot full of meatballs! Even single gals own crock pots. Lord Almighty, I am saved!

I cheered because I didn't have to cook tonight since we have a vat of chili. And I thought I was channelling a 1950s homemaker until I found out that you have a crock pot, too. Send me your recipes.

Grandparents

The grandparents arrived on Friday just as fresh baked cookies were coming out of the oven. Ainsley and I made Grandpa Ron's favorite, oatmeal cranberry walnut. We wanted to give them a warm welcome.

We spent Friday evening catching up over pizza. Grandma Susan thought both bears had changed a lot since the summer. The kiddos had a great time hanging out with their grandparents and loved getting so much attention.

The rest of the weekend revolved mostly around football. My LSU Tigers weren't able to defeat the Florida Gators last night but at least the jambalaya was good. Today, the Denver Broncos beat the New England Patriots! Grandpa Ron is a diehard Patriots fan but he was a pretty good sport about the loss. We took the light rail to the stadium, ate some brats and managed to stay warm at the game. It was so much fun! Ainsley and Cedar had a great time with Nanny Maria while we were at the game. What an awesome weekend!

Flexibility

A month ago, I registered for a "Women and Weights" class. I paid for the four week session and was really looking forward to working out with four other women and a personal trainer. This was much needed "me time."

As luck would have it, both bears got sick, one after the other. Lingering colds, runny noses and an ear infection prevented me from dropping them off at kids' club and working on this wimpy body. I made two out of eight classes.

It's hard for me not to stick to something. I'm a planner. I always show up early for appointments. I keep commitments. I follow through. Each week, I called the personal trainer and said, "My child is sick. Hopefully, I can make the next class." But, my attendance record never improved.

Simply put, my children have changed everything. Their needs come before my own. I willingly took on that responsibility when I decided to become a parent. It's not all about me anymore or Dear Darling. It's about making sure their needs are met and then balancing our individual desires.

I'm disappointed that, once again, my exercise efforts have been halted. But, I have two wonderful children, and one day, this muffin top will be no more. We could all be a little more flexible, even if it doesn't come from yoga.

Floss Anyone?

Naughty

Innocent

Ainsley Goes to the Circus!

The Corner Bakery

16th St. Mall Bus

Cotton Candy

Yesterday, the Hartleys came in town! We had a great visit and Ainsley loved having four other kids (Megan, Hannah, Trey and Michele) in the house. She got lots of attention and spent some quality time with her Nanny Mel. Dear Darling and I loved hanging out with our dear friends and watching all the kids together. Not to be left out, Cedar decided to get some attention of his own by waking everyone by crying during the night. But hey, he's just one year old.

Today, Ainsley and I went to the circus with the Hartleys. Ainsley enjoyed eating cotton candy while watching the show. It was fun to see the kids' eyes glued to the performance. Everyone had a blast!

While we were away, Dear Darling and Cedar had guy time. They enjoyed a beautiful Sunday afternoon of naps and football.

Go Grizzlies!