New Year's Eve

As a quick PS (is it still a PS when it comes at the beginning???) Matthew over at Childs Play put together a Holiday Traditions collection..... check it out.... the Big Dubya and I even contributed.... albeit at the last possible minute (hmmmmm, kinda like this notice, huh?)


Today is day 3 of the diet..... and I'm still sticking with it. I'm down 2 1/2 lbs and I'm feeling really good about myself. Now, if we were being honest (which we aren't) we would admit that the 2 1/2 lbs really just represents a reversal of the bloat that occurred after I pickled myself with wine on Christmas Day. But, we are choosing to ignore that fact and are going to take any progress as encouragement and keep plugging along.

Today is also New Year's Eve..... as I sit here typing, I'm reflecting on New Years' past.... last year (NYE 2004) the Big Dubya and I were in Walt Disney World with Aunt P and Mr Tall Guy.... I was about 15ish weeks pregnant.... still really nauseous all day, but happy to be under the warmth of Florida sun, rather than the cold of Connecticut snow. Other years this day has been spent on Martha's Vineyard, in Vail, at home with friends or at various bars in the Boston area. The thing that always mystifies me about New Year's Eve it is everyone's favorite party night, yet it never fails to disappoint -- It's never as good as it's hyped up to be. My strongest memories of New Years' Eves past are of my friend Jill throwing up on my feet while we were on the T, my coat getting stolen out of Finn McCool's (a long-gone Boston bar that was popular with the underage-crowd), my boyfriend (now husband) getting hammered in Denver and leaving the hats he bought at the brewery in the cab -- and my having to beg him to get out of the middle of the street, a bartender yelling at a "regular" for soaking us with a spray of champagne, going to see Jim Plunkett do his silly little show..... all things that could have happened any old night out.

This year might end up being my favorite.... the 'Lil Dubya's first New Year's Eve.... and we'll be home.... hopefully enjoying a nice dinner, a cozy fire.... still not sure if I can stomach a glass of wine, but I'll try :)

Today's featured diet-friendly product is Subway sandwiches.....


If you are trying to eat lighter, eating out or "on-the-go" is darn-near impossible. McDonald's, BK, Wendy's.... they are all useless when it comes to eating light. Yes, I know.... they all offer grilled this and that or salads. Here's the problem -- If I am in McDonald's or Wendy's.... I'M GETTING FRIES! There is no way around it..... I can't go into french fry heaven and not get some..... and not one of those little puny bags either.

The Numbers:
Calories 280
Fat 4.5 grams
Carbs 46 grams
Fiber 4 grams
WW Points 5

This is based on a turkey breast sub on whole wheat bread -- and, you can get all sorts of good veggies.... lettuce, tomato, cucumber, green peppers, onions...... they not only add flavor, but they add crunch which always helps. Their honey mustard is also yummy!

I'm in Love!

No, I don't mean with the Dubyas..... although I do love them both..... this time, I'm talking about my new toothbrush. Last year, I asked for a sonicare toothbrush for Christmas and ended up not getting one.... so, when I noticed that it had made the Big Dubya's list this year.... I decided to do the right thing.... use my child. That's right, the 'Lil Dubya got his parents his & hers sonicare toothbrushes for Christmas this year and let me tell you..... they are f'ing AWESOME! It's like that feeling you have when you walk out of the dentist's office.... my teeth are all clean and smooth -- I wish we'd gotten them a long time ago!

Today is Day #2 of the big diet.... and we're still going strong (don't laugh, this is an accomplishment for me). Today's featured diet product is SALSA......

(Aunt P claims it's a dieter's condiment). Salsa is so versatile -- it can be used on anything.... sandwiches, potatoes, chicken.... it can add some zip to many diet foods which tend to be bland and flavorless.

The Numbers:
Calories 15
Fat 0 grams
Carbs 3 grams
Fiber 1 gram
Weight Watcher Points 0

This is based on 2 tablespoons of Tostito's Medium Salsa, but most brands are have similar nutritional values.

So grab yourself a jar and Cha Cha Cha!

Today's the Day!

I know most people start their diets on January 1st..... and if they are like me.... they tend to fall off the wagon by say January 3rd..... or maybe 4th if they are particularly committed.

But, I've decided to buck tradition and declare that my diet starts today.... that's right my friends.... it's starting today -- Thursday, December 29th. I'm hoping that by stating it here, in public, to a bunch of friends and strangers..... I'll remain true to my pledge to lose 8-12lbs.

Many of you are probably saying.... why not give yourself the next couple of days and start on Monday with the rest of the world? Well, I could do that..... but, no day is better than today.... and I'm feeling particularly motivated today, so..... Today is the Day!

If only they could make dieting a little bit easier.... I mean, they can put a man on the moon, but they can't make a reduced calorie salad dressing that doesn't taste like a chemical spill. And, here's a question..... why does diet food cost more money than junk food? how is that fair to the chubbies of the world????

As I embark upon my quest to get back into my skinny-girl pants, I'm going to use this space to share with you high-quality, good-tasting, reduced calorie foods that I discover along the way -- please feel free to share back.

The first product I am going to profile is Edy's Slow-Churned Light Ice Cream. This stuff is two-thumbs-up..... Way Up! It's so good, that even the Big Dubya will eat it and he won't eat diet anything!!!


The Numbers:
Calories -- 100
Fat -- 3.5 grams
Carbs -- 15 grams
Fiber -- 0 grams
Weight Watcher Points -- 2

Now this is all based on a 1/2 cup serving of vanilla.... other flavors are available for slightly higher numbers.... and I have yet to be disappointed by any I've tried (Chocolate Chip is Amazing!!!)

Now, the real key is keeping the serving size to a measly 1/2 cup (seriously, who eats a 1/2 cup of ice cream????)...... but the skinny-girl jeans are screaming to get out of the closet.... so I am going to do my best!

Honey, while you were at work today I put together the highchair..... but there are a few pieces left over

So, last Friday.... I had the day off and the Big Dubya had to work. We recently started the 'lil man on cereal.... first rice cereal, but that made him a wee bit gassy.... kept him up at night.....Mrs Big Dubya prefers a baby that sleeps.... so we've opted to move to an oatmeal cereal which seems a bit more agreeable. Anyway, we've been feeding him his cereal in his Bumbo chair.... have you seen 'em?

Aunt P got it for him and it looks kinda silly, but it allows a baby who can't really sit up yet, to sit up..... as long as they can support their own head they are good to go in this contraption -- it's actually worked out great for feeding, but... beware.... although the advertisements would lead you to believe baby can't get out of it.... our genius has found a way..... so, keep a close eye.

Anyway, seeing that we're moving to solids (well..... really just thicker liquids) I figured we might as well start thinking about using the highchair -- so, off to the basement I went and the 'lil man and I began to assemble the highchair. In fairness, it was really me assembling and him playing with the cardboard & papers that came in the box.

Now, I don't know about anybody else -- but I think Fisher Price does a shit job with instructions. I am a fairly intelligent and college educated woman.... I have a Masters degree for God's sake.... yet, I need to read, re-read and re-re-read these instructions before I inevitably end up holding up the pieces I have next to those in the picture in order to try to figure out what the hell they are trying to tell me do. I looked mighty sill, but the 'lil guy got a kick out of me wiggling around all these pieces. I eventually got it all put together.... it even looked like a highchair.... but I had some pieces left over. The 'lil guy was growing impatient, so I decided I'd get the Big Dubya to conduct an audit of my assembly job and figure out where I went amok.

Although I think he would have preferred just to do the assembly himself, he graciously agreed to find homes for my left-over pieces and all is right in the world!

Confessions of a Drunk Dialer

So...... this was the Christmas where my mother learned that all three of her children are drunks.... yes, Aunt P, Uncle Ro-ro and Mrs Big Dubya all got HAMMERED for Christmas.

The Dubyas (Big & 'Lil) and I woke up very early on Sunday morning..... showered, fed the 'lil man, opened presents and got on the road.... first stop..... my parents' house. We arrived around 11 and it was around 11:45 that we all decided it was okay to have a beer..... Dubya's rationale: "They're drinking in Vegas"

I should have known I was in trouble as soon as that first beer was cracked.... they were going down like they knew the way.... and the supply was bountiful! Dinner was to be served at 3:00ish, I figured that would be a great way to slow down the buzz...... a big prime rib dinner. Just as we sat down to eat, the 'lil man spit up all over me.... so, I excused myself and went to change (him and myself) by the time I got back to the table.... my dinner was cold and my wine glass was full -- it only made sense to abandon the dinner and enjoy the wine. Yes my friends, this is when I switched over to Merlot.

Wrapped up dinner and were at the Big Dubya's parents' house by 4:00...... Dubya's sister-in-law and I launched into a bottle of Merlot...... and promptly polished it off. Sadly, there was no more Merlot..... and I'm not sure why we thought this would be a good time to hit the mother-in-law's Pinot Grigio, but..... we did..... and I'll be damned..... it started to hit back!

The Big Dubya poured me into our car.... and brought me back to my parents' house where we were staying. It's only about a 5-mile ride.... just long enough for me to call my friend in Colorado and an old college roommate for the obligatory "I LOVE YOU, MAN.... MERRY CHRISTMAS" calls.... Drunk girls cannot be trusted with cell phones!!!!


Once in the house, my mother's disappointment was palpable.... she was not only unimpressed with my inebriated condition.... she was very upset to be putting a second plastered child to bed..... apparently Aunt P had made her own phone calls (to friends, parents of friends....) and then "passed out from the drink" a couple of hours before.

Dubya's friend 40 was playing cards with Uncle Ro-ro when we arrived...... they were in better condition than me, but I'm not sure they stayed that way..... we were all looking kind of rough this morning when we got up.... and there was quite a bit of debris (remnants of Chinese food.... empty beer bottles/cans..... shot glasses)

Overall it was a great Christmas.... despite all the people I now have to call with apologies... my in-laws, friend in Colorado, college roommate, my parents, 40 (who I kinda teased about a girl he pretends he's not interested in)......

I really thought that I'd seen the last of making morning-after apologies....... on the bright side.... I was making all I love you/I miss you calls..... better than the other kind, right?

Well, Here we are..... Christmas Eve

First and foremost.... From the Dubyas to all of our friends -- Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and may everyone have a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2006!

The 'lil man & I got the morning off to an early start.... we figured we'd run to WalMart quick this morning -- be there when it opened, get in and out. Normally, I wouldn't bother, but the 'lil man has outgrown his size-one diapers and I had two choices.... head to the store and get some size twos, or just change his clothes everytime he peed through his size ones.... we opted for packing away the size ones for a 'liller Dubya to be named later (no, there isn't one in the works yet, but.... we can hope) and heading to the store for some size twos.

I should have known we were in for trouble when the WalMart parking lot was full..... at 7:00am? Well, silly Mrs Big Dubya soon learned that WalMart has been open 24-hours a day since 12/16.... Hmmmmm, who knew? Well, apparently all the nutjobs who were already there!
We were lucky, we grabbed our Pampers and headed to check-out.... there was no line and we were on our way! We got home, fed the 'lil man and started the first of several batches of holiday eggnogg (see yesterday's post for recipe). It really is just a heartattack in a fancy glass, but.... the Big Dubya likes it and his Dad said that it reminded him of the nogg Dubya's grandma used to make when he was a 'lil guy.... ahhhhh, how could I refuse??? -- besides, it's not a lot of effort for me, it makes the house smell great (fresh grated nutmeg) and it seems to be the only thing that I can do that the other daughters-in-law (who are Martha Stewarts in training) can't (or don't) do.

A friend from work stopped by with the cutest outfit for the 'lil guy.... people are so kind... and now the 'lil guy, after performing cute baby duty for the friend, is snoozin' in his swing (thank God for the swing!)

Holiday Viewing Guide:
ABC Family
12:00 Jingle All the Way
2:00 A Very Brady Christmas
4:00 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
6:00 Jack Frost (Animated)
7:00 Frosty's Winter Wonderland
8:00 Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
9:00 The Year Without a Santa Claus
10:00 Rudolph's Shiny New Year
PBS
8:00 Happy Holidays: The Best of Andy Williams' Christmas Shows
NBC
8:00 It's a Wonderful Life (Still haven't seen it....)
Lifetime
7:00 Noel
9:00 Recipe for a Perfect Christmas
Foodnetwork
9:00 AllStar Holiday Party
HGTV
8:00 The White House Christmas 2005
9:00 All Out Christmas
History
8:00 Christmas Unwrapped
9:00 In the footsteps of Jesus
BET
7:30 Ashanti's Christmas (I don't ask why, I just report the news people)
8:00 Christmas Memories
TBS
8:00 A Christmas Story
Disney
8:00 Twas the Night
Discovery
Jesus the Complete Story (7:00, 8:00, 9:00....)

Mrs Big Dubya's Homemade Eggnogg Recipe

Over at Dadcentric, the fellas have been sharing their recipes for holiday cheer -- so here's a favorite from the Dubya house:

EggNogg:

Combine 1 cup of whole milk with 1 cup of heavy cream and set it aside

In a large bowl, whisk together one dozen egg yolks with 1 1/3 cups of sugar and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground nutmeg -- just until they are well-combined.... don't over-whisk. Notes: Room temperature eggs make separating out the yolks a bit easier on the hands and.... don't waste your time with pre-ground nutmeg.... invest in a microplane and grate it yourself -- once you've had it fresh ground, you'll never use the pre-ground stuff again.

Next, whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, followed by 2 cups of heavy cream -- make sure you get all the stuff up off the bottom of the bowl with the whisk..... that egg/sugar mixture is sticky and tends to get caked on the bottom of the bowl.

Pour contents into large pot/saucepan and place over low/med heat. You'll need to stir it continuously until it thickens. I use a candy thermometer and get the mixture to about 175 degrees.... that gets you the right consistency and ensures the eggs are cooked through. Note: a wooden spoon works well here..... if you choose to use a whisk, you'll end up whipping quite a bit of air into the mixture -- the eggnog will have a frothy almost coolwhip like consistency. Again, make sure you stir up all the "stuff" that cakes on the bottom of the pot -- the egg/sugar mixture tends to settle and stick if you don't stir enough.

Once you get to 175 degrees (or the consistnecy of heavy cream) take off the heat -- don't overheat the mixture.... it will curdle on you. Stir in the reserved whole milk/heavy cream mixture and then pour entire mixture through a strainer and into a pitcher. Put the pitcher in the fridge for a minimum of 3 hours.... cover and then chill for a bit longer.

Serve with your favorite booze -- we use Jameson in the Dubya household, but.... Cognac, dark rum or bourbon are favorites -- top with whipped cream and a dusting of fresh ground nutmeg.


Holiday Viewing Guide:
ABC Family
7:00 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys
8:30 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
10:30 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (an encore presentation)
Disney
8:00 Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas

Woman delivers 14lb baby!

Nope, this headline wasn't on the cover of the National Enquirer.... it was on CBS News.

I can only say one word.... OUCH!

Luckily (or mercifully) this bundle of joy was delivered via c-section, but.... man that's one big baby! I guess I can't help but find the mother's claim of "We had no clue" as to the impending size, a bit hard to believe..... I mean maybe she didn't know the baby would be 14lbs, but I'm guessing she wasn't expecting her to be a feather-like 6-pounder.

Holiday Viewing Guide:
ABC Family
7:00 Rudolph's Shiny New Year
8:00 Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the Jim Carey version)
10:30 Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (an encore presentation of the Jim Carey version)
Lifetime
7:00 His and Hers Christmas
9:00 Christmas in my Hometown
Foodnetwork
9:00 Gingerbread challenge
TCM
8:00 A Christmas Story
Toon
7:30 The Legend of Frosty the Snowman

Holiday Mail

There's something so nice about holiday mail.... but, I think a few themes emerge --

The long lost friend card-- Everyone has those people that they just can't manage to keep in touch with during the year, and they use the holidays as an opportunity (excuse) to reach out to them -- find out what they've been doing since last year, even though there is a certain level of certainty that you won't be speaking to them again 'til next year at this time, you still look forward to the correspondence and the insincere promises to do better at keeping in touch

The mended fence card -- You had a bit of a falling out with a good friend/relative/neighbor.... the holidays are a perfect time to get in touch and act like nothing ever happened -- this is probably the only time of year where such a tactic would work.

The Oh shit, THEY sent me a card?!?!?! card -- You know, the people you completely forgot to send a card to (or you didn't think you had to send a card to)....

There are a few courses of corrective action that can be employed here (you see this phenomenon in gift-giving as well). If the card comes early in the season.... (first or second week of December) you can easily pop a card in the mail to them.... they'll just think you are a later-card-sender than they are or that the cards simply passed each other in the mail.

If the card comes Christmas week.... you need to make a choice -- either you send them a card, or you don't.

If you opt to send them a card, it almost looks like you are trying to cover up the fact that you forgot/didn't care enough to send them one to begin with.

If you don't send them a card.... you are just kind of telling them flat out -- "I don't like you enough to send you a card, and you should feel pretty stupid for sending me one". Or maybe you are saying "I messed up and I respect you too much to send you a card this late, but you bet your ass that I'll be sending you one before you get the chance to send me one next year."

Now, don't think you are in this alone - as the unrequited card sender needs to make a choice too.... do they send you a card next year even though you didn't send one to them this year?

If they do, it's kind of pathetic.... nobody likes a one-way card. BUT if they don't send one, it's equally pathetic as.... what kind of big baby stops sending cards just because they didn't get one back? And what if they didn't send one last year, but because you sent one to them last year, they send one to you this year and you didn't send one to them...... hmmmmm, something to ponder.

One year I was just obscenely unorganized.... so I skipped Christmas cards all together -- instead, I opted to send everyone I have ever met a St. Patrick's Day card -- it made sense at the time -- there are some striking parallels between the holidays.... the prominence of the color green, there is the fantastic focus on alcohol and how different are the Christmas Tree and the Four Leaf Clover anyway, huh?

Holiday Viewing Guide:
PBS
9:00 Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
10:00 A St. Olaf Christmas in Norway
Lifetime
7:00 Deck the Halls
9:00 Holiday Affair
FoodNetwork
8:00 AllStar Holiday Party
ABC Family
7:00 Jack Frost
8:00 A Very Brady Christmas
10:00 A Very Brady Christmas

Gotta love the guidos

Other bloggers have been posting on their favorite holiday songs..... I thought I'd share the lyrics to one of the more amusing ones that I've heard -- it's been around for a few years, but I've only heard it once this year -- it was the other day while I was battling the unwashed at the Dollar Store (hey, it's a good place to get cheap giftbags). If you haven't heard it, it's worth tracking down... although the lyrics are funny.... the song itself is funnier.

Twelve Days of a Guido Christmas
On the first day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
A ride in his IROC-Z.
On the second day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
Two guinea tees,And a ride in his IROC-Z.
On the third day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
All tree Godfadda's,Two guinea tees,And a ride in his IROC-Z.
On the fourth day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
Four fresh cannolis,All tree Godfadda's,Two guinea tees,And a ride in his IROC-Z.
On the fifth day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
Five pinky rings!Four fresh cannolis,All tree Godfadda's,Two guinea tees,And a ride in his IROC-Z.
On the sixth day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
Six Sergio Tacchinis,Five pinky rings!Four fresh cannolis,All tree Godfadda's,Two guinea tees,And a ride in his IROC-Z.
On the seventh day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
Seven Piazza jerseys,Six Sergio Tacchinis,Five pinky rings!Four fresh cannolis,All tree Godfadda's,Two guinea tees,And a ride in his IROC-Z.
On the eighth day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
Eight fuggetaboutits,Seven Piazza jerseys,Six Sergio Tacchinis,Five pinky rings!Four fresh cannolis,All tree Godfadda's,Two guinea tees,And a ride in his IROC-Z.
On the ninth day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
Nine balls-a-grabbing,Eight fuggetaboutits,Seven Piazza jerseys,Six Sergio Tacchinis,Five pinky rings!Four fresh cannolis,All tree Godfadda's,Two guinea tees,And a ride in his IROC-Z.
On the tenth day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
Ten hand gestures,Nine balls-a-grabbing,Eight fuggetaboutits,Seven Piazza jerseys,Six Sergio Tacchinis,Five pinky rings!Four fresh cannolis,All tree Godfadda's,Two guinea tees,And a ride in his IROC-Z.
On the eleventh day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
Eleven Sinatra CDs,Ten hand gestures,Nine balls-a-grabbing,Eight fuggetaboutits,Seven Piazza jerseys,Six Sergio Tacchinis,Five pinky rings!Four fresh cannolis,All tree Godfadda's,Two guinea tees,And a ride in his IROC-Z.
On the twelfth day of Christmas my paesan gave to me,
Twelve globs of hair gel,Eleven Sinatra CDs,Ten hand gestures,Nine balls-a-grabbing,Eight fuggetaboutits,Seven Piazza jerseys,Six Sergio Tacchinis,Five pinky rings!Four fresh cannolis,All tree Godfadda's,Two guinea tees,And a ride in his IROC-Z.

Holiday Viewing Guide:
ABC Family
7:00 A Very Barry Christmas
8:00 Eloise at Christmastime
Toon
7:30 Bill and Mandy Save Christmas
Disney
8:00 The Ultimate Christmas Present

Ah-hem, Ah-hem

We've all done it.... thrown out a little cough in order to get someone's attention. Well, my 'lil man has learned the finer art of coughing. Yes, at 6 months old, he coughs (rather snottily, I might add) to get our attention.

A few weeks ago, he had a small headcold... and when he coughed -- the Big Dubya and I would look over.... smile at him, assure him that he was okay and then he'd smile back. Well, now he "coughs" anytime he wants our attention. If his swing music stops "ah-hem, ah-hem" -- if his vibrating chair stops vibrating "ah-hem, ah-hem" -- if we are having a conversation that doesn't include him -- "ah-hem, ah-hem". Our beautiful baby boy has turned into a rude house guest -- and we fall for it every single time.

Holiday Viewing Guide:
ABC Family
7:00 Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (once again... a classic, one of my favorites)
8:00 Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
BET
8:00 A Diva's Christmas Carol (I saw this on E a few years ago, it's not really that bad.... stars Vanessa William.... a Diva who won't give her back-up singers & roadies Christmas off)
Disney
8:00 Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas
Toon
8:00 Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
9:00 Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the animated one.... a can't miss)

The Angry Masses

So, yesterday I attempted to run some errands in the afternoon. Nothing gets people pissed off and grumpy like holiday shopping.... and I am no different.

I started off by heading to the place where the gene pool obviously has no lifeguard -- KMart. I needed to get some inexpensive stocking hangers for our mantle.... I wanted the ones pictured above, but the Big Dubya and I were too slow and the Pottery Barn sold out of them.... boo-hoo. Anyway, I ran over to the local KMart because despite the fact that I really can't stand her -- Martha Stewart makes some good stuff for her KMart collection -- it's generally pretty cheap without looking cheap... I figured I could get some stocking hangers to tide us over until we can get the ones I want next year.

I got to KMart's parking lot and I should have been clued in that this was going to be an adventure. People (big burly men) are screaming out their car windows at each other -- a dispute over a parking spot. Here's a hint fellas.... take a spot a little further away from the store.... believe it or not, with the time you've wasted showing us just how macho you are, you could have been inside by now. I parked -- went inside and there were plenty of bargains to be had. I went and found some hangers that would suit my needs, but.... they were snowmen and the Big Dubya's not the biggest fan (his mother inundated us with snowmen decorations a few years ago and as a result, he instituted a moratorium on snowmen decor). So, I figured I'll try a couple more places and would come back if necessary (MISTAKE #1..... should have bought the damn snowmen). Went next door to the Family Dollar..... (MISTAKE #2...the clientele in this place makes KMart look like Nieman Marcus). Left there... a little traumatized, but largely unscathed... went to the Hallmark store that is next to that. They had nothing -- but, I saw the female version of Edward Scissorhands that sometimes delivers our Dominoes pizza.... she's just as scary during the day as she is at night.... if only she had some cheesy bread on her.

Hopped back in the car.... decided to hit TJMaxx... need some frames for the grandparents... maybe they'll have some stocking hangers. On my way, I noticed Walgreens having a big holiday decoration sale.... quick stop in there... you never know. Sure enough, they have really, really cheap stocking hangers.... this is great.... sort through the bins... find 3 that aren't broken.... get in line to pay..... I'm next in line -- FABULOUS! Woman in front of me has two shopping carts full of merchandise (at Walgreens.... who knew?) And then it began.... each product would ring in, she'd incredulously question the price.... $4.79???? I thought that was $4.69.... I don't want it... VOID..... this went on, and on, and on for 25 minutes (I only wish I was exaggerating) -- rainchecks, coupons... a circular in hand. The dude behind me kept sighing very dramatically.... and repeating over and over again... "all I want is some snacks" -- yep, that's what he had in his hands.... snacks. The cashier finally announces her total $103 and change..... she hands over her credit card..... and it won't go through. Are you kidding me??????? Clerk assures her that it's not her card.... it's the computer... he'll go out back and call it in. I give up and leave..... they aren't worth this!

T.J. Maxx is packed, but they have frames..... more than I wanted to spend, but.... at this point I don't care. Went to Brooks Pharmacy, KB Toys and another Dollar Store.... no dice on the hangers, but now I need a beer.... a big one -- I head home -- The Big Dubya agrees to lift the snowman ban and he heads to KMart -- phewww -- the stockings are hung!

Holiday Viewing Guide:
ABC Family
1:30 To Grandmother's House We Go
3:30 Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July
5:30 Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the Jim Carey one)
8:00 Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (encore presentation of the Jim Carey one)
WB
8:00 The Wizard of OZ (a classic)
FoodNetwork
8:00 AllStar Holiday Party
Toon
7:30 The Christmas Dinasour
Hallmark
7:00 Silent Night

Pay for torture

This morning Aunt P and I were supposed to go get pedicures..... at the last minute, Aunt P was unable to attend -- but the Big Dubya convinced me that I should go anyway -- as it's a nice treat for me that I only indulge in every once in a while.

While I was there, I got an eyebrow wax.... as I was lying there, it occurred to me that we women are out of our freakin' minds. No man would ever volunteer to have hot wax dripped on their face only to have it ripped off in an effort to remove perfectly harmless hair. As if the hot-wax-ripping wasn't enough.... the technician then proceeds to take the sharpest tweezers ever made... (I think these things must be used for surgery or something) and tweeze out whatever hair and/or now dried wax remains -- and, to add to the insanity.... we not only pay for this "service", we tip them for doing an exceptionally excruciating job!

My eyebrows do look fabulous, though!

Holiday Viewing Guide:
ABC Family
12:00 Prancer
2:00 Mr St. Nick
4:00 A Holiday to Remember
6:00 Three Days
8:00 Christmas in Boston
10:00 Christmas in Boston (an encore presentation)
CBS
8:00 Frosty the Snowman (a must-see holiday classic)
8:30 Frosty Returns (a knock-off of the original)
9:00 Robbie the Reindeer in Hooves of Fire
9:30 Robbie the Reindeer in Legend of the Lost Tribe
TBA
8:00 Home Alone
Disney
8:00 The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
Hallmark
7:00 Single Santa Seeks Mrs Claus
9:00 Meet the Santas

What are you feeding this kid, concrete?

Yes friends -- today was pediatrician day.... and the 'lil man did wonderfully. Granted, I had to fly solo for the shots (not too happy about that), but... I am thrilled to report that my 'lil man is not so little anymore. He weighed in at a whopping 13lbs 15oz this morning -- an impressive weight gain of 4lbs in 2 months -- he's certainly come a long way!

Holiday Viewing Guide:
ABC
8:00 A Charlie Brown Christmas (A can't miss classic)
WB
8:30 A Scooby Doo Christmas
Lifetime
7:00 A Recipe for a Perfect Christmas
9:00 On the Second Day of Christmas
Food Network
8:00 Emeril's Happy Holidays
Toon
8:00 Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
8:30 Bill & Mandy Save Christmas
ABC Family
8:00 Jingle All the Way

Things I hate about winter!

Bah humbug!

Winter stinks.... yeah, you get the pretty snow and the cozy sweaters... you get the warm drinks and the holidays... BUT, you also get the crappy stuff

-- Gross salt all over my car (have to be careful not to rub up against it when you get in)
-- Gross salt all over my shoes & pant legs (YUCK!)
-- It's f'ing COLD!
-- My skin is so dry, it hurts -- and I'm flaking everywhere
-- Everyone is sick... headcolds, coughs, runny noses
-- My hair is full of static (cool tip though, pat your head with fabric softener sheet or spray your brush w/ static guard.... sheet smells better though)

Holiday Viewing Guide
ABC Family
7:00 The Year Without a Santa Claus (I know it's been on before, but I LOVE IT!)
8:00 Snow
ABC
8:00 The Santa Claus (Very cute, even if it is new)
Food Network
8:00 Paula's Southern Christmas (good fatty comfort food)
9:00 Sandra Lee's Semi-homemade Holiday (her food's usually not that great, but you get some good short-cut ideas)
10:00 A Barefoot Contessa Holiday (upscale good fatty food)
Toon
8:00 The Legend of Frosty the Snowman

*** Note, to those (like myself) who forgot to watch the Grinch last night... it will be showed again on Friday night on the Toon network

These are a few of my favorite things....

A fellow blogstress suggested this fun post, so here it goes:

• The way little bums look in those tiny little jeans.....
  
• The sound of Declan's laughs & giggles
  
• The smell in the air right before it snows
  
• Holding hands
  
• Being snowed-in in front of a warm fire
  
• Lazy rainy days
  
• Cozy blankets
  
• Declan's head on my shoulder and that big sigh he lets out just before he goes to sleep
  
• A nice glass of wine with my hubby at the end of a long day/week
  
• Good food (and lots of drinks) enjoyed with good friends
  
• Coming home after being away
  
• The way my teeth feel after they've been cleaned
  
• Seeing my parents be grandparents
  

Holiday Viewing Guide
WB
8:00 Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the good old original one... a can't miss)
TNT
8:00 Christmas in Washington 2005
9:00 A Christmas Carol
ABC Family
7:00 Rudolph's Shiny New Year
8:00 Christmas in Boston

There is no place for modesty in motherhood

I was raised in one of those Irish-Catholic families... yes, my parents are right off the boat from Ireland (or as my father would correct me.... right off of a 747). And as such, we were raised in a fairly strict fashion -- which included what would probably be considered an extreme sense of modesty. Growing up, my friends often teased me about this modesty, but.... it's there -- it's just the way I am..... whatever!

Well, it seems that modesty is just not a factor once you embark on the adventure known as motherhood. From that first OB/GYN apt, you quickly learn that you will be on display for all the world to see, and you may as well just get used to it. Yes, I know most women wisely go for their annual check-up and it's probably a fairly invasive experience -- but..... having a baby is a whole different kettle of fish.

To begin with.... nobody ever tells you that the first ultrasound isn't like the ones you see on TV. Being the rookie that I was, I was all ready for the doctor to lube up one of those paddles and go to town on my somewhat flat tummy.... but no, I was only 8 weeks along at that point so the ultrasound was administered using a very different instrument -- thank God the doctor wasn't focused on my face, as I'm sure the look of shock was probably quite evident. The next ultrasound was the kind you see on TV, but..... the Big Dubya was with me.... nobody'd ever come to one of these appointments with me before.... very odd experience.

Because I delivered the 'lil man a month or so early, I never had to endure the "exams" that occur toward the end of a full-term pregnancy.... but, don't think I missed out on all the fun.... the emergency c-section was quite a trip! First, the room is full of nurses, doctors, technicians, the Big Dubya -- and the patient (in this case me) is just lying there being poked, prodded, stuck with needles and hooked up to machines...... all the while people are rushing around. Thank God I was totally drugged-up, otherwise I would have been completely mortified.... just lying there... an almost totally naked beached whale.

After the delivery.... things don't get much better for our heroine.... as she needs assistance attending to the simplest, most basic of her hygiene needs. After a day or so, a nurse asked me if I planned on breast-feeding.... well, yeah I had -- but, maybe you haven't heard, my baby was taken to a hospital 30 miles away and I'm stuck here! She then asks if my milk has "come-in"? Well gee, I dunno.... I think so.... she then proceeds to reach under my gown and gropes me... grabs a whole handful of boob -- oh yeah, your milk's coming in just fine -- I'll get you a pump. Huh? You can just do that?

Lucky for me, my in-laws came to visit.... and during their visit one nurse came in and asked how the pumping went IN FRONT OF MY FATHER-IN-LAW!!! Another nurse came in to examine my incision.... just whips down the covers to check it out..... GREEAAATTT! How'd you like the show Mr Bigger Dubya? Was that as fun for you as it was for me? I've never seen man run to look out a window so fast! Apparently Mr Bigger Dubya ascribes to my brand of modesty too.

After a while, this cavalier attitude toward my modesty started to rub off...the Big Dubya started chatting to the nurses about breast feeding, pumping production..... and then I heard him on the phone with people discussing the fact that the 'lil man preferred the left side to the right UMMMM HELLO!!!! I'm not sure he quite understood why all this candor might make me a bit uncomfortable.... and why I might like to introduce a bit of discretion back into our lives, but once the crying started he figured it out pretty damn quick and dialed it down a bit.

Today's Holiday Viewing Guide:
ABC Family
7:00 Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
7:30 The Leprechaun's Christmas Gold
8:00 Santa Claus is Coming to Town
9:00 The Year Without a Santa Claus

How much is that Doggy in the Window....

So, we were back in our hometown again this weekend -- nephew's (yo-yo-bro's son) 2nd birthday party..... The Big Dubya said we didn't have to go, but I insisted. Not that I didn't have 456 other things that I should have done this weekend, but.... when the Big Dubya and I started dating -- he always thought it was cool that I knew my cousins. I know them, keep in touch with them and some of them were a fairly big part of my growing up -- he doesn't have that, he hardly knows most of his cousins -- and I think he's missed out. The 'lil Dubya has 5 cousins now and they don't live near us, and although he's too young to remember yesterday's party -- I think going to these things is important -- and I'll try to take him whenever we can.

On our way to the party, we stopped to see the Big Dubya's parents -- they have an excersaucer (the 'lil man's favorite activity) so I put him in it.... let him stretch his legs after being cooped up in the car. For the first time, their dog caught his eye and he started to shriek with delight. The dog wasn't doing a whole lot of anything (well, except stinking to high-heaven) -- but our 'lil man couldn't take his eyes off of her. She's become a bit skittish around children (the 5 cousins have taught her a few tough lessons), so she kept her distance -- but he could have watched her wag her tail all day long.....

Today's Holiday Viewing Guide
ABC Family
7:00 Pinnochio's Christmas
8:00 Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

Picture Day!

Well, yesterday was picture day for the Dubyas..... we had the 'lil guy's 6-mos/holiday photos done.... photo places are an amazing racket. They take tons of gorgeous pictures of your kids and then coerce you into buying way too many.... far more than you'll ever, ever need. The Big Dubya and I (in fairness, mostly I) fell into the trap for his 3-mos pictures.... so I swore not to get bamboozled again. We were going to be strong.... we were going to buy the bare minimum and no more... we can always go back for more if we find we need them. It was a good solid plan!

We got there, and I've never seen such a collection of unfortunate looking children. Of course I am a tiny bit biased, but.... we were blessed with a gorgeous child..... not everyone is so lucky. (Yes, I know... hell.... table for one). So when Beth, the photographer, sat us down to go through our proofs...... the cute factor was dialed up to 11. I mean not only were we surrounded by tons of not-so-cute kids.....and their really awkward looking parents, but our little guy is quite photogenic.... (unless you want him dressed in a santa suit, sitting in a box in front of our Christmas tree so you can take a God-damn photo for the WalMart generated Christmas Card!!!) So, yes folks.... you guessed it.... we over-bought and over-spent again.... AND, we joined their "club" so, we are going to be over-buying and over-spending at this particular place for the rest of the year.



Today's Holiday Viewing Guide
ABC Family
1:00 Richie Rich's Christmas Wish
3:00 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
7:00 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (encore presentation)
WB
7:00 Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
Hallmark
7:00 A Carol Christmas
9:00 Santa, Jr
FX
7:30 Die Hard with a Vengeance
5:00 Die Hard 2

It Snowed!

The weatherman predicted 2-4 inches, then 4-7 inches....but, by the time I saw that report, we were already passed it. In the end, we got about a foot of snow..... and it is pretty (easy for me to say, the Big Dubya did all the shoveling).

Today's HolidayViewing Guide
ABC Family
12:00 pm I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
2:00 Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
4:30 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
8:00 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (encore presentation)
12:00 am Chirstmas Every Day
NBC
8:00 It's a Wonderful Life (I've never seen it!)
ABC
8:30 Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The Jim Carey Version)
Hallmark
7:00 A Boyfriend for Christmas
9:00 Single Santa Seeks Mrs Claus

15 Shopping Days 'til Christmas....

So here we are, on the cusp of the second-to-last weekend before Christmas. The malls are out of control -- people are willing to kill for a parking space and families are at each others' throats..... AAAAHHHH, the holidays -- aren't they grand?

With only two weeks to go, I'm surprised (and somewhat comforted by the fact) that we've only received a couple of Christmas cards.... must mean that everyone else is facing the same challenges we are.... a baby who won't sit still, keep his hands out of his mouth, smile with his eyes open or just plain old keeps tipping over just as the photo snaps...... the list of holiday photo challenges is a long one when you've got a baby -- but it really is a lot of fun! The Big Dubya and I have agreed -- if I can't get a better picture today -- then we have to go with one of the ones we have..... cross your fingers, or we'll be sending all of our friends and family something like this!

On the bright side, the 'lil man and I are house-bound by the snow today.... so we'll have plenty of time to try to get this photo right (The Big Dubya would be wise to bring home some vast quantities of wine). Yes folks, Cape Buffalo's snow dance worked and we are getting dumped on (her latest blog entry is time stamped at 3:05am and school still hadn't been closed, so.... I'm hoping she did indeed get her long yearned for snow day). It's a very pretty day here in CT,.... I love snow. Not that I'm much of a "do-stuff-outside-in-the-cold" type, but I am definitely a light a fire, bake some cookies, drink some good wine (or fancy alcoholic coffee drink) type..... I'm half-hoping that the roads are treacherous enough that the Big Dubya will come home early.

Tonight's Holiday Viewing Guide
ABC Family
7:00 The Little Drummer Boy
7:30 The Little Drummer Boy (Book II)
8:00 Prancer
ABC
8:00 I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown
Fox
8:00 Dear Santa
Lifetime
7:00 I'll Be Home for Christmas

What do you get your boss?

Today's holiday quandry.... what (if anything) do you get for your boss?

I've heard things that range from the chinsy to the ridiculous. Aunt P said that she & her colleagues eached kicked in a few bucks and got her boss (a new homeowner) a gift card to Home Depot. I suppose that's okay.... Generally in years past, I got my boss some candy -- either fancy chocolates or one of those cutesy M&M Dispensers.... figuring he/she could leave in on their desk and share with the group. That has always served me well... as, it was small enough not to make him/her feel bad if they weren't returning the gift, but substantial enough that if they did get me something then I didn't feel like I wasn't reciprocating.

When I started this job.... imagine my surprise when my peers asked for my contribution toward a group gift.... I went into my purse to grab a $10 or maybe a $20 and quickly learned that the suggested contribution was $75 -- they'd decided to get him a Mont Blanc pen (forgive me... writing instrument).

To me, that was a bit excessive -- but.... I didn't want to be the "one" who didn't contribute, so... I coughed up the dough. In fairness, he did take us out for a fancy holiday lunch (not, $75 fancy, but ... fancy nonetheless). Last year, the other two pen-givers had moved on to other jobs.... I resorted back to my Lindt truffles.... and still felt just fine eating the fancy lunch. This year, I may shake things up a bit.... Ghirardelli looks good, don't you think?

Holiday Viewing Guide
ABC Family
8:00 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (looks kinda cute from the previews... kinda like Home Alone/Dennis the Menace kind of antics....)

Christmas Eve Traditions

So, since I was a 'lil girl.... we've always had Chinese take-out on Christmas Eve. Aunt P would take-down and call-in the order (how do they always do it in 10 minutes??), Uncle RoRo would go pick it up.... so, when the Big Dubya and I started doing holidays together, I was thrilled to learn that it was a tradition in his family too -- and we agreed, that it was something we'd like to continue when we started our own little family.

Fast-forward a bit, we dated, got engaged, then married... bought our house, moved to CT, started our little family..... all was right on track. But then, the unthinkable happened.... there is no good Chinese food around us. We found a take-away right at the bottom of our hill..... it was perfect, except the food sucked! I found another, down near the center of town.... turns out, it's the same freakin' people.... food sucks! I found a third, this must be the place -- NOPE, I fell for it again, it's same damn people and the food still SUCKS!!!! Turns out that there are 5 Chinese take-outs in our town and 4 of them are owned by the same suck-ass-food people. The fifth also blows (turns out under-age kids can drink there and that's how he manages to stay open) but at least it's owned by a different family -- sucky food with a twist.

So, in an effort to find edible Chinese food.... I started stopping at random places on my way home from work.... essentialy auditioning them to provide our Christmas Eve dinner. Imagine my shock and horror when I discovered that one is just as bad as the next. In fairness, usually they have one redeeming quality.... they can make an okay egg roll, but the rice looks like it was swept up off the floor -- or, their spare ribs are good, but what the hell kind of bird are they trying to pass off as chicken? I didn't grow up in Chinatown people... my expectations are not that high!!!!

We held one such audition last night.... and in fairness, this place was probably the best we've had so far (this is not saying a whole lot!) and will likely be the "winner" -- primarily because the crunch is on and we are running out of both candidates and audition time.... but how hard is it to find a decent lo mein?

Tonight's TV line up
ABC Family
7:00 The Year Withouth A Santa Clause (one of my favorites)
8:00 Santa Clause is Comin' to Town (another one of my favorites)
9:00 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys (they kinda went to the Rudolph well a few too many times, but..... it's still a good Christmas staple)

In search of a good Santa

So, this is the 'lil man's first Christmas..... the Big Dubya got us a damn near perfect tree and we decorated it over the weekend. Since then, we've been doing our best to get a good picture for the Christmas card.... easier said than done, but with a little patience we'll get it.

Next on the list is a picture taken with Santa.... and not just any old Santa.... a good Santa. Almost every mall in America has a Santa.... but some are better than others. C'mon you've seen them.... the Santa that's too skinny or too fat. The Santa who's all wig... or not enough wig. The Santa that's too young, or who's dark hair & eyebrows stick out from under the disguise. The Santa who seems just a little to pervy.....

I've been scouting the local malls.... and there isn't a good Santa in the lot. We were a bit spoiled when we lived in Boston -- one of the suburban malls has an awesome Santa.... looks just like CocaCola's Santa -- and you can tell this guy lives all year to play Santa -- he's wonderful with the children (and the parents). I've been trying to convince the Big Dubya that it's worth the trip back -- he thinks I've been hitting the egg nogg. I just want the 'lil guy's first Christmas to be magical.... right down to his first picture with Santa.

TIVO Alert!

or VCR Alert! (for the old farts who are still using VCRs.... )
ABC
8:00 Charlie Brown Christmas (A Can't Miss Classic!!)

ABC Family (Repeats, but....)
7:00 Frosty's Winter Wonderland (A good holiday staple)
7:30 Twas The Night Before Christmas (One of my all-time favorites!)
8:00 Chasing Christmas (Change the damn channel.... Charlie Brown is on ABC!!)

In the Dubya household, we are still trying to get a good photo of the 'lil man for the Christmas Card.... red eyes, yawning, drooling, looking the wrong way, closed eyes, falling over..... we've got one that "will do" but it's not "the one".

Tonight's Holiday Specials:
ABC Family
7:00 Jack Frost (the 1-hour animated one)
8:00 Jack Frost (a newer 2-hour one starring Kelly Preston & Michael Keaton)

And today's Post:
So, yesterday we spend the day doing family things.... that made me happy.

We decorated our tree while listening to Christmas tunes.... I baked cookies and wrapped Christmas presents while it snowed outside..... a very Norman Rockwell Sunday in the Dubya household. I put the 'lil man in the Baby Bjorn so that I'd have both hands free to decorate the tree.... he LOVED it! He watched the lights and listened to the music.... next year we'll be chasing him around, but this year he was content to just watch the festivities. Then, we dressed him up in his santa-suit to take a photo for the Christmas Card..... he looked so adorable..... and has fallen in love with tissue paper. Loves to move it around and listen to it crinkle and crunch..... The pictures came out just okay(what did people do before digital???)..... we're going to try again this evening... the 'lil man was still not feeling 100%... teething and we are still having random episodes of projectile vomit...., so... we didn't want to push our luck with him.

Yours, Mine & Ours

I've never been a big movie person.... I don't go to theatre more than once every couple of years.... I don't really rent movies.... the Big Dubya rents them and I usually fall asleep before the opening credits have wrapped up. With a few exceptions.... movies and TV.... are just not really my cup of tea. But, growing up in a suburb of Boston, we were treated to Channel 56 (long before it was associated with the WB). Channel 56 was cool (with the exception of Creature Double Feature which was just plain creepy) because they used to play all the old movies on Sunday afternoons. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Herbie the Love Bug -- I even got to see Don Knotts in The Incredible Mr Limpet, long before he was Mr. Furley on Three's Company. I think this is why I was so bummed to hear that they are re-making Yours Mine & Ours . The original was such a wonderful movie.... a widowed Lucille Ball falls in love with and then marries an also widowed Henry Fonda.... the glitch, she has 8 children -- he has 10! It's a great, wholesome family movie about merging two large and different families. The basic concepts are still very applicable today.... yet, Hollywood feels the need to re-make it. It's kind of arrogant for anyone to think they could improve upon the original.... I mean... Lucille Ball, Henry Fonda, Tom Bosley..... do you get any better than that???? It's a shame that because Hollywood can't make a real original movie....they choose to rip-off and ruin the classics.

Today's Holiday Line Up:
ABC Family
12:00 Santa and Pete (huh? never heard of it)
2:00 The Christmas Lights (again, never heard of it)
4:00 Three Days (ditto)
6:00 Snow (ditto)
8:00 Chasing Christmas (World Premier of new ABC Family Holiday Movie)
10:00 Chasing Christmas (Encore Presentation)

He Doesn't Even Know It's Christmas....

For today's Holiday Viewing Schedule.... Please see yesterday's post. And, thanks to Brandi for her recommendation of Jack Frost.... I know I've seen it, and I think I liked it... but can't remember for sure.... will keep you posted.... it's on at 5:00.... and I'll be watching


Now, onto today's post..... Our son was 6 months old yesterday..... it's been the best 6 months of my life. I've hated Christmas for the past few years.... my grandmother, who I adored, died tragically in a fire.... it happened during Christmas week and I've hated the holiday ever since. I've just simply been unable to separate the two.

Somehow, this year is different.... it's like Christmas has been reborn for me. I couldn't wait to get our tree this year (the Big Dubya got it this morning -- an as usual, he did a phenomenal job), I couldn't wait to put up our wreath, to put candles in the windows, to start shopping for gifts..... because Christmas is about the magic in a child's eyes. Yes, I know the true spirit of Christmas is not Santa, it's not the gift-giving..... but, we must all admit that there is a world of difference between Christmas spent in a house full of adults and Christmas spent in a house with a small child.

But here's the thing.... our 'lil man is too small to understand gifts..... Santa.... wrapping paper.... any of it. He's going to be more amused by the tissue paper than he will with the presents or decorations. I asked the Big Dubya.... "Are we going to buy him gifts?".... and if so, "Are we going to wrap them?"

The Big Dubya, who LOVES Christmas , (has all the ornaments he made out of macaroni and construction paper when he was a kid) said of course we are going to get him presents, and wrap them and video tape us helping him open them.... this is his FIRST CHRISTMAS!!!!

I'm interested to hear what other people did (plan to do) for Baby's First Christmas.... Did you buy gifts? Did you wrap them? Who were they from? Mammy & Daddy? or Santa?

For your viewing pleasure

Sadly, tonight's line up is nothing to write-home about....

ABC Family (check your local listings)
7:00pm Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
7:30pm The Story of the First Christmas Snow
8:00pm Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

I've never seen any of them, so I can't help you with any witty insight.

Now, tomorrow's line up appeared to be super-fantastic at first glance -- starting at noon time tomorrow, ABC Family is running a 12-hour holiday program marathon YIPPPPEEEE -- but upon a closer review..... it was just a marketing ploy.... I've never even heard some of them, some are really just okay (with 12 hours, I suppose they need to include some "filler") and then there are some that are just not worthwhile. For your reference, I've highlighted the ones Mrs Big Dubya Considers a "can't miss" in RED....

ABC Family Kicks it off at
Noon -- Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July (like this one was necessary!)
2:00 -- The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
3:00 -- The Story of the First Snow
3:30 -- Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
4:00 -- Pinoocchio's Christmas
5:00 -- Jack Frost (a good holiday staple)
6:00 -- Frosty's Winter Wonderland (a good holiday staple)
7:00 -- Rudolph's Shiny New Year
8:00 -- Santa Claus is Coming to Town
9:00 -- A Very Barry Christmas
10:00 -- The Year Without a Santa Claus
11:00 -- The Little Drummer Boy
11:30 -- The Little Drummer Boy Book II (huh?)
12:00 -- The Stingiest Man in Town
1:00 -- Cricket on the Hearth

Hopefully this list was helpful...

Fa-lalala-la-lalala-la-la

This just in..... CapeBuffalo has committed to a holiday-related post each day. I have accepted this as a challenge..... not that she really challenged me or anything, but I'm kinda competitive, so..... I needed to join the holiday fun.

I will publish the official Mrs Big Dubya Holiday Viewing Guide each day through Christmas.... yes, you could just look it up in TV Guide, but... c'mon humor me!

Tonight on ABCFamily (check your local listings)
7:00 Frosty's Winter Wonderland -- not my favorite, but a good holiday staple
7:30 Twas the Night Before Christmas -- one of the best.... a can't miss
8:00 The Year Without a Santa Claus -- another one of the best.... can't miss
9:00 Rudolph's Stupid (oops, I mean Shiny) New Year -- DRRRRR -- complete waste of film... what's with the kid with the ears?

Enjoy!

Gift Giving

Well, the Big Dubya alluded to it over at DadCentric -- but I feel a little bit of a need to defend myself.....

We buy Christmas gifts (yes, they are Christmas gifts... not holiday gifts... we celebrate Christmas, damn it!) for our families, not EVERYONE as he so cutely exaggerated. Historically, we did buy for our entire family.... but we have made some modifications as the years have passed. I think, what truly is at issue here is how we define "family". I have 20 aunts & uncles and 29 first-cousins (we are Irish, afterall), and we do not buy for any of them.... weddings, new babies -- absolutely we send something.... but, birthdays, Christmas.... nope.... there are simply too many..... most of them get a Christmas card (assuming I have a current address) but, that's it!

Now, our friends..... I have two very close girlfriends.... they were my bridesmaids, I was a bridesmaid in one of their weddings, maid-of-honor (chief-bridesmaid) in the other. Dubya & I are godparents to one of their children. We no-longer buy gifts for these friends, I do get something small for each of their children (both have two). This to me is not EVERYONE, it's four little girls.

My immediate family is small.... my parents, me (and my men), Aunt P (and now Mr Tall Guy) and Brother RoRo.... if we didn't buy for each other... there'd be no presents.... just a poorly decorated tree in my parents' living room. Dubya's immediate family has gotten quite large.... his parents.... Dubya, me & the 'lil man.... Medium J, his wife and three 'lil J's and then his Youngest younger Brother (who I haven't given a catchy pseudonym yet), his wife and their two youngin's -- so beginning last year, we all agreed we'd only buy for his parents and the kids.... the kids could get a small token for their godparent.... usually a t-shirt or a bottle of something yummy (Dubya got Bailey's... YUMMMM). I suspect we'll follow a similar model in my family once there is more than just one grandchild, but for now..... this is what we do.

Yes, I do toss the mailman a few bucks.... and yes, I will get something for my boss and the women who care for our tiny little baby every day... something small.... chocolate usually works best. And, this year.... after examining the list, we'll add one more little girl.... because back on June 3rd, it occurred to me that our family has expanded and drrrrr I didn't even know it.

The Buffalos have become part of our inner-circle.... our closest friends. They didn't start out that way.... they started out as Dubya's work friends..... then they slowly became my friends too..... and then Dubya and the Buffalos changed jobs and we all kept in touch, so they morphed from work-friends to real friends..... and then on June 2nd, we had a mini-crisis.... not a real earth-shattering crisis.... but our little world was sent spinning with the arrival of our pre-mature little miracle.... and who did the Big Dubya call first???..... our families. (Beware, here comes the moral of the story and the awww shucks moment) See, when your world is falling apart -- you reach out to the people who matter and sometimes.... who those people turn out to be surprises you. When the 'lil guy arrived.... we called our parents and our siblings..... and we called a few close friends who are, to me, our extended family. Don't get me wrong... I don't believe in going into debt over Christmas -- that's just stupid .... but a small token once a year to tell a child that you love them is okay in my book!

Pink Eye

First, the Update:
The 'lil Dubya is feeling significantly better.... he stopped puking once I brought him home yesterday, but then again... he didn't eat much and slept quite a bit. He & I cuddled on the couch most of the afternoon.... he even sat in on a few of my conference calls... made some astute observations but remained quiet for the rest of the time. This morning we went back & forth and back & forth as to what to do today. In the end, I'm not sure where we landed.... the Big Dubya said he'd stay home so the 'lil guy could sleep in .... and see how he felt when he woke up. If he was still not 100% they'd stay home for some more cuddle time, but if he was okay then they'd both head to school/work a bit late. I'm still waiting to hear...

Now, onto today's post:

While we were in AZ, the 'lil man had a head cold... he's been battling this head cold for weeks.... every time I think he's finally going to fully come down with it, he seems over it.... and then the sniffles start again -- I wish he'd just get it or get past it. Anyway, he had the eye boogers while we were in AZ, he'd wake up in the middle of the night with his little eyes gooed shut.... kind of disconcerting for him, but a warm, damp face cloth does the trick nicely. The Big Dubya was quite concerned... me, I wasn't as concerned because I've battled my own share of eye snot. My girlfriend who was with us is a nurse (will be a fully graduated NP in about 3 weeks) and the mother of two more snotty kids, and she assured him (us) that it's normal and not to be worried. The 'lil guy never had any redness.... just the goo.

Well, on our trip home on Friday, the Big Dubya's eye started to itch... and then water.... and then itch some more. You've all seen it... this is how it starts.... then came the snot, the swelling and the "pink" -- by the time we landed at my parents house on Friday night, the Big Dubya looked like he'd gone 8 rounds with Mike Tyson. Apparently, my husband has lived 38½ years without ever having eye boogers..... I didn't know that was possible. He was really alarmed.... by his reaction, you would have thought blood was pouring from his eyes! I tried to comfort him and let him know that it's very, very common and that he should take care not to touch his other eye.... as having two pink eyes sucks! But, he was just not hearing it -- "Mrs Big Dubya, this is serious". I advised a warm face cloth and to swab it out with a hot Q-tip.... this helped and he was improving, although it was still looking rough -- and I'm not sure he believed me when I told him it was really very, very common.

Of course, given the opportunity, I have to be the nagging wife and tell him to call the doctor for an RX (when I know damn well that despite my pleas for the past 3 years, he has not found a GP in our area and has no doctor to call). When we got home, he went to the store and found some over-the-counter stuff that seems to have done the trick.... the swelling is down and the majority of the pink has cleared up. I learned from the teachers (when I picked the 'lil man up yesterday) that there was a mass pink-eye outbreak while we were away last week.... they had worried that the 'lil man would come down with it while we were away, but no... not the 'lil man.... the big one.

Sick Pumpkin

So, this morning we were right on schedule... and then just as we were getting ready to put him in his car seat, the 'lil man tossed his milk.... all over the exersaucer. I grabbed him, while the Big Dubya cleaned up the mess. The 'lil guy didn't seem to notice anything happened -- wasn't one bit upset -- no fever -- so I just chalked it up to his not eating slow enough and we went on our way.

When we got to school, I mentioned what had happened to his teacher. She agreed that he looked fine and would probably just be hungry earlier in the day. I hung out for a while, just to be safe -- and eventually headed to work, confident that he was fine.

Around 11, I got the call.... it was the first time, and it probably won't be the last -- but at that moment I wanted one of those Star-Trek beam things to beam me to his daycare center -- my baby needed his mommy and it was going to take me at least 45 minutes to get to him. Apparently, the 'lil man had been vomiting all morning and one of us needed to go get him right away. I called the Big Dubya and got voicemail, we had talked about this.... if someone needed to go get him in a case like this, it would likely be him.... he's got a bit more flexibility than I, and he works in a far more family-friendly office -- so I text messaged his phone and left him an email..... nothing. So, I went to see my boss -- he was stuck behind closed doors in a meeting..... so I did it.... I left him an email telling him the situation and I was on my way. Kind of ballsy to leave without getting to speak to him, but what was the alternative?

10 minutes into my trip (which was behind every slow car/bus/truck in CT) the Big Dubya called... he was also on his way home.... not to care for our sick baby, but because he too was under the weather.... seems like they both have the same tummy bug.

When I got to daycare, the 'lil man was wrapped in his blanket.... just waiting for me. I don't usually get pick-up duty, so today was particularly rewarding..... he was pale, tired and cranky -- but as soon as I picked him up, he smiled and relaxed, like he knew it was going to be okay. Of course, he hasn't puked since I got him home, but.... that's the way these things go.

Farewell

To younger kids, he's Daniel-san's Mr Miyagi..... c'mon we've all said it "Wax-On, Wax-Off" or "Paint the Fence".... and how did he manage to catch that fly with chopsticks? I can't even eat properly with them.

To older kids, he's the loveable diner owner Arnold from Happy Days....

I was sad when the Bid Dubya told me that Pat Morita passed away over the weekend -- I never met him, not even sure I ever saw/read an interview with him, but he seemed like a nice man, his characters were part of my growing up and became part of pop culture and I was sad to hear he was gone.