High Fashion

I try whenever I can to let the kids choose what they're going to wear. I want them to be independent, and I don't want to squash any creativity they might choose to express. However, I realized the other day that both Zippy and Munchkin have ended up with my. . . unique fashion sense. This is what they wanted to look like for the day:

Yes, that's an ER doctor shirt from the dress-up box. And I don't even know what to say about Zippy's hair. That's how he wanted it, and I've let it get WAY too long. I let Zippy keep his hair, but I did make Munchkin change into something that would at least keep her warm when we went outside. So sorry, kids. You'll have to look elsewhere for good fashion advice.

After such an eye-opening realization, I was doubly amused when Rae called that afternoon. The conversation was as follows:

Rae: They asked for names of French fashion designers and I could only name one. Do you remember any more?

Me: Um. . . . . .

And then I just had to start laughing. I mean really, Rae, you've known me 14 years now. Have I ever done (or more importantly, worn) anything that would make you think I would know who French fashion designers are? I love that you think I would.

You guys are just lucky my kids are dressed and that I don't show up in public in my body suits and bright broomstick skirts from the early 90s. Man I rocked that look. Sigh.

Comfort Food

I woke up this morning to a not good, very bad, horrible day. It didn't help that it's been nearly a week since I was able to do anything productive. Little Man has had a fever since Tuesday morning. He's either been nursing, sleeping, or hysterically crying. And the nusing and sleeping didn't last nearly as long as I would like. I haven't even had a chance to buy groceries.

So, this morning when he woke up at 5:30 am, I was grumpy. And tired. And seriously craving some comfort food. But, since it's Sunday, I didn't want to go to the store for anything. But I remembered that I had heard of a dish called potato knish on a show about potatoes the other day. (And don't ask why I watched a full hour program about potatoes--I couldn't explain it now if I tried) When I found a recipe, it sounded even better. Especially since I already had everything I would need to make it.

Fast forward a couple hours to when Little Man finally falls asleep again, and Zippy and Munchkin are watching a movie. I went to the kitchen, worked for a while, and came ended up with these:




Oh Lands. Oh my. Oh Oh Oh OOOOOOOOOOOH. One bite and, glory be, it's like I've died and gone to Forks!

This is the finest comfort food ever!!! I can't wait to tinker with the recipe and figure out what else I can do with these little packets of goodness. But for today, this simple version flavored with cheese and thyme were perfection. Bliss. Nearly good enough that, were I actually eating them in Forks, I might simply float away into the ether. Except these hearty parcels will keep you firmly planted on the ground--nice and heavy and solid.

They're basically bundles of mashed potatoes wrapped up with other bits of goodness inside a sort-of pastry. mmmmmmmmmmmm. I could eat them all day. And paired with home-canned peaches and pears, they make one satisfying comfort lunch. With the added benefit of making me feel all Suzy Homemaker for a few minutes.

Z-Man better hope I don't get hungry again before he gets home--otherwise he'll just have to wait until next time.

You Just Never Know

I'm constantly amazed at what I learn from my kids. Who knew there was so much I didn't know. For example, I, in my ignorance, thought this was a basket. Just a plain, somewhat ugly, plastic basket that should be used to hold toys.

I was, however, very wrong. Zippy has informed me in no uncertain terms that I was mistaken. This is no ordinary basket. This is the Eternal Basket of Happiness. And whoever posesses it is granted, well, happiness--forever. Also, and this was very important, if the posessor of this basket did not wish to share it, all others would be unhappy forever. I have very good evidence of said unhappiness.

Don't worry, though. Mommy has reasserted ownership of this very important basket. And I like to share. Therefore, here's your dose of happy for the day:

WOW

OK, I know I'm way slow with this post. And I know there's probably a lot that I should say at this point. But in the haze of sleepless nights, my brain isn't working well enough to think of a single one of them. So, all I can say about the past 2 weeks is "Wow." He's here, he's perfect, and I'm exhausted. I'll catch up with everyone later, I promise.

Counting Down

I've got just under 4 weeks until my due date. That means it could be anywhere from 2-6 weeks more. I'm hoping for the 2. So, I figured it was time for another belly pic. This may be the last one I post--since I'm not loving how huge I look and feel. And since I'm struggling to just survive these last few days. So, here it is folks:

Another Belly Pic

So, here's the latest belly pic, courtesy of my good friend AmyO. I was out to dinner with some girlfriends--and had the best time! I'm now only 7 and 1/2 weeks from my due date. Yes, I still have some time to get even bigger--if you can believe it. I've started growing out of my maternity clothes. Which means I'll probably be down to 1 or 2 outfits by the time this little guy gets here.

I had some very helpful friends point out that, with all the drama of last fall, by the time this baby gets here, I'll have been pregnant for a year. Yep. A full year of pregnancy. Unfortunately, I had already realized that. I'm so ready to be done. But at least this pic is prettier than the last one. Thanks Amy!

NOT TRUE!

I've heard it said that "Silence is Golden". Yeah, right. At my house, silence means this is happening:

Now I need to go clean a windowsill and Munchkin while I try not to cry. So much for my complete success of a day.