Disturbing

So I've been on a hunt for a particular foyer table to put in a corner as you walk in our front door... I've searched high and low... and have been unsuccessful. On a last ditch effort, we went to the flea market this afternoon in high hopes. Still came up empty, but I did run into some very interesting stuff. I tell you what, flea markets in West Virginia are NOTHING like flea markets in California.

As a matter of fact, I'm not sure where else in this country would you find oversized underwear meant to be for wall decoration (or at least that's what Mike and I thought they were). Where exactly would one hang something like this? I mean, it doesn't exactly go with any motif... unless you have lamp shades made out of bra cups.

[Pink underwear reads "It's not how deep you fish but how you wiggle your worm." and red underwear reads "I'm retired. This is as dressed up as I get."]

I apologize now if this image causes some disturbing reaction (physically and psychologically) but I find it really baffling that someone will actually pay $19.99 to hang this anywhere!!!! And I thought the singing bass was ridiculous!

On that note, this is my Photo Challenge for Day 3... also taken at the flea market.

Bumps and Bruises Galore!

The past few days, it seems like everytime I turn around, Ethan's sporting a new shiner or scratch or bump.

Yesterday, he was running around the living room and tripped over his own feet and landed face-first on the side of the couch. It took the bruise but 2 seconds to well up, and he looked like he'd been in a fight. Then this morning, he woke up from a nap with a HUGE scratch that lined from his left eye almost to his ear. He took a nap in his crib which had nothing remotely close to being "dangerous" and the only logical explanation is that he had somehow taken his shoe off, and the mark must've come from the velcro. And don't even ask me where that red mark from his nose and another scratch on his forehead come from.

Ah, the joys of being a mom of a VERY busy, VERY curious, VERY active little boy.

Photo Challenge: Day 2

Ok, I didn't say I wasn't going to post ANY photos of Ethan for the challenge! :)

Daddy finally came home today, so needless to say, Ethan was anxious to play. It took me a while to get a good shot of him holding the ball because he just wanted to run around and throw it around so badly... imagine that. It was too cute, I decided to make it my Day 2 shot.

I See You!

Ethan's got a new bestfriend, "Puppy". Actually, he's been reunited with an old friend. He found him a couple of days ago digging through a mound of abandoned toys while on expedition on the far corner of his room. Since then, they've been attached to the hip. I usually don't mind... I bought him after all. Puppy teaches ABC's, 123's, body parts, and sings 10 different nursery rhymes that Ethan loves to dance and sing along to. It's a great learning toy...

...except during the times when mommy forgets to turn the little switch behind Puppy off... and it goes off in the middle of the night (without anyone touching it) screaming "I see you!" and "You're my friend!". Um, it's freaky. It reminds me of that movie where the toys come alive in the middle of the night and starts killing people.

Those are the times that I wish I had hidden it better.

30 Day Photo Challenge

I've accepted a very ambitious challenge to take a photo a day for the next month. I'm a little late since the challenge started at the beginning of March but I'll give it a shot anyway. You're probably thinking, that shouldn't be too hard, you probably take photos everyday. Well... not exactly. Not as much as I want to anyway. I mean I do take a lot of photos of Ethan, but not much of anything else. I used to bring my camera with me to work everyday, but I was afraid I would leave it or it might get damaged so I stopped for a while. Although I ought to start bringing it again, since the weather seems to be getting warmer and I could go and get some shots during my breaks.

But I digress. The rules are simple (in case any of you want to join along):

- Take a picture every day for the month of March (or another month if you want to participate later in the year)

- Tag each image with " 30dayphoto "

- Then post that image to this group so we can all see your work.

- If you like, please also include in your Flickr notes some information about the creation of your image. Let us all learn from your cool pictures.

On that note, this is my photo for today: Day 1

Night Night

Since Mike's been out of town, Ethan's been sleeping in our bed with me. What can I say... I hate to sleep alone when I don't have to. Mike says I shouldn't let him do that since his sleep routine gets all out of whack, but I beg to differ. He gets back into his own bed when daddy gets back... it's like he knows that he's just keeping me company -- even if it means kicking mommy in the spleen at 2am. Besides, I like snuggling with the little fella... I really ought to do it more often before he gets any bigger! On that note... I'm off to bed. And I leave you with this.....

Electronic Leash

I did something incredibly stupid over the weekend. I thought it'd be a good idea to clean my car (way overdue anyway). So I was trying to grab a handful of garbage from the backseat -- which was a disgusting mixture of fastfood paperbags, toy wrappers, junk mail, abandoned sippy cups and missing pacifiers -- and then I tossed it all over to the trashcan (that had at least an inch of water from the rainstorm the day before) and didn't realize I had my cellphone in the same hand.

After much sterilizing and "quick fix" with the blowdryer (which I probably just made worse by frying a circuit somewhere), my cellphone gave up on me. So for TWO days, I had to live without it...... two stinking days, and I thought I was going to die.

On Sunday, I had to take Mike to the airport (which is half an hour away from home) only to get home and find out that I had to drive all the way back to pick him up because he had missed his flight and wasn't leaving for another 7 hours. That's 60 miles wasted on my gastank that could've been saved had I had my cellphone. And this morning, I was stuck in traffic for an hour because of several accidents on the highway and I couldn't call work to let them know I'm going to be late because I didn't have my cellphone. Not to mention I don't like to go anywhere with Ethan without it, in case something were to happen and I needed to call for help.

I hadn't realized I was so dependent on it. Sure I was going berserk because of all those things mentioned above.... but really, deep inside, I was mad because I felt robbed without my camera phone. That camera phone can go where my digital camera can't and some of the most adorable photos, I have to say, were taken at the most unopportuned time with that little 1.3MP.

But the world is right again... I got my replacement phone today and I am a satisfied woman. :)

Skin

I don't know what it was about today... Ethan spent half the time either without a shirt on or just in his diapers. He ate naked, played naked, even read naked -- I'm pretty sure he'd run around buck naked all day long if we let him, but Mike's too afraid Ethan would leave us little presents around the house. I just think he gets it from his dad.....

A New Obsession

So I've been toying around with this whole idea of digital scrapbooking for a while. I've always felt guilty jumping into it because I haven't even started Ethan's baby scrapbook that I want to make for his first year. I'm horrible, I know. I have all the pieces together, I just haven't had a chance to lay everything out the way I want them to.

Last night, I got a really bad creative itch and I initally entertained the idea of going outside to photograph the stormy skies. But it was too cold for this California girl, so instead I started perusing through the digital scrapbook pages I've downloaded within the past month and I came up with this.

Last weekend, I was very fortunate to photograph little Miss Sophie for her 1st birthday. I felt *pink* last night so I used her as my inspiration for my first digital scrapbook page. Kim: In case you want this file, feel free to use it on your page :)

I have to admit, I've enjoyed putting this together that I'm pretty convinced after (if ever) I finish Ethan's first baby book, that it'd be easier to do digital scrapbooks than the traditional one. No more glue sticks or scattered paper scrap debris. It's really kind of addicting!

More to come!

Runaways

I mentioned in my other post that my hubby's been understanding and sweet the past couple of rough weeks, and I just want to say that I couldn't be happier and more lucky.

Two weekends ago, he had planned a great getaway for us both... booked rooms at a fancy couples only resort, set up to meet my mother-in-law to babysit and even packed my clothes. But the penny-pincher that I am, convinced him to re-schedule the resort for a less-expensive weekend (we'll be going sometime in April) and just "wing it" like we used to always do --- so much for killing the mood, right?

So we drove and drove and drove til we couldn't drive anymore. And we spent hours just talking in the midst of trying to figure out where our final destination was going to be. Truth was, I don't think it mattered. We still spent the whole weekend together, just the two of us... and had a blast. We really ought to run away more often...

It was freezing but love kept us warm :)

Great shot of downtown Cleveland on our night out

I need a pick-me-up

I feel exhausted - physically, emotionally, psychologically. The past three weeks at work have been extra hectic especially having to cover for a co-worker who's on medical leave. The past two days were spent with the rest of my team on a retreat. And while a retreat sounds pleasingly relaxing, I'm afraid it wasn't that kind of a retreat.

This gloomy, unpredictable weather isn't much help either. For about the past week and a half, I have felt like I'm coming down with "something" although I'm not really sure what it is. I get these on-and-off random headaches and my body feels sore on top of having the usual cough and cold -- which only make those days at work especially gruelling. One morning, I would feel completely fine, and then feel like I've been hit by a truck by the afternoon.

Coming home is my only salvation. Ethan never fails to cheer me up and Mike has been really sweet by helping with some chores around the house. And while I wish those were enough, I still can't help feeling so drained.

Today, I dug in my archives and tried to look at some photos I took from last Spring in hopes it would give me some hope. I wish Spring was here... maybe things won't look so gloomy then.

Re-Introductions

I've heard more than once before that babies naturally know how to swim, because of the environment that they are in prior to birth. Instinctively, I guess I can kind of see an infant kicking his/her leg if you put them in a body of water, much like Ethan did when we gave him his first bath. But somehow, I have a hard time believing that they would actually "know" how to swim... or I'm probably just underestimating the little ones. After all, a baby duck, after breaking out of its shell and gathering up enough energy, will instinctively follow the mom.

Anyway, somebody then told me that there is only a small window of opportunity after birth, when an infant can be re-introduced to a larger body of water and be able to "remember" how to swim. Apparently, Ethan's crossed that threshold so we signed him up (and both mommy and daddy) for some swimming "lessons" with no hesitation and hope he wouldn't drown!

First time Ethan seeing something larger than the tub (with the exception of the ocean, which he saw for the first -and only- time at 9 weeks old in California).


This is Ethan testing the temperature of the water, which I hope can be fixed to somewhat warmer during the next couple of weeks after the construction/fixes gets done.


Learning how to float without any kind of floatation device.


Our future surfer boy!


This is Ethan trying to make a break. Who could blame him? That water was too cold!

Another Reason for Sunday Mornings

Before Ethan, I thought Sunday mornings were reserved for only two sets of people: the ones who had a rough Saturday night so they spend the next day sleeping in and the ones who self-controllably get up and stagger to church. Today, I realized there was a whole other category that I could now fall under. The ones who get up and are blessed with smiles like this......

Bath Time!

Bath photos seem to be the trend of the week, so I'll bite! It's been a while since I've posted any photos of the naked baby anyway :)

Ethan LOVES his bath... loves to splash too, especially getting mommy or daddy wet. Recently though, he's been wanting to take all his toys and dump them out of the tub (I think it started when his mouth got caught in the fish hook on his Little People boat)...

Unsolicited Advice

Elevator conversations are a funny thing. When you're in a 7x7 box of steel suspended by hoist cables, your biggest concerns are 1. you leave enough space around you so that people don't think it's ok to pile in there to test the maximum weight limit, 2. you can hold your breath for as long as it takes in case you get stuck beside someone who doesn't believe in deodorants, and 3. you push the right button. Inevitably, when confined in that small of a space, strangers feel compelled to make small talk even if they comment on the most palpable thing like the weather. But this morning, on my way up to my floor, I got blindsighted.

"Oh my God, the last time I remember seeing you, you were a skinny little thing with a big baby belly," a lady from the other side mused. It took me about 2 seconds to realize that she was talking to me. Now I admit I can be very bad with names, but I don't even recall ever seeing this lady before. To be polite, I gave out a small laugh.

"My baby is one now... and growing by the minute," I responded. And then she said something that stung... and even after the elevator doors opened and she walked out to the floor, I was still trying to process it.

"I hope you're ready! As a mom, you can kiss your identity goodbye!", she said as the elevator doors closed. At first, I wasn't quite sure whether to take it as a joke or a threat. Is it true? Do we really lose our identities when we join the secret club of parenthood? I like to think not.

Yes --- life's changed since Ethan was born. I no longer worry if my haircut makes my face look fat or whether my legs have been shaved within the past 3 days (sometimes even weeks). Instead, I obsess whether Ethan is getting enough fruits and vegetables everyday.... if his socks match his outfit.... or if we've taken every thing important or dangerous out of reach since he gets into everything.

But no, I don't think I've lost my identity... I just gained a new one. A more powerful one in fact -- one where I'm responsible for shaping this whole other individual to self-directing. I am still the crazy Anne that gets pissed off whenever someone cuts me off (I get so mad that my knuckles start making dents on the steering wheel), only I get even MORE mad when they cut me off while Ethan's in the car with me. I'm still the same person who enjoys photographing life, except now I have a family that I would love nothing more than to capture every loving minute of our lives. I'm still the same person that Mike married who loves surprises and traveling to new and exciting places, except that I think spending $1000 on a weekend getaway is a bit too much.

I don't look at life now as if there is a whole new life before that I miss, because I trully don't. And if I were asked to trade my blessings now for what I had before, my answer would be a resounding no.

Who'd want to give this up?

Mohawk No-Mo

I just had to add.... this probably wouldn't been a much better "before" photo before I forced Ethan to sport a buzz cut.

It was just out of control! :)

Big Boy Haircut

I've never really been fond of those little boys who walk around with long, shaggy, bowlcut haircuts. So when we took Ethan to get his second haircut this weekend, I opted for the "buzz cut" similar to what Mike has. I didn't expect that $15 later, my baby would like he was 2 years older!!!

Before

After

How depressing.....

On the Air Again

Whoever said that radio is only for ugly people who can't make it on tv... lied. Mike and I are cute as a button and we rule on the radio. :) Of course, being on the local show in Charleston was as different as light and day from when we were on the air in Bosnia almost 3 years ago. It's a whole different ballgame when your audience doesn't speak a foreign language, for one. Second, since we weren't ruled by the FCC regs, we pretty much did/said whatever we wanted with zero fear of repercussion. Here, you better be damn sure you don't say anything offensive or you'll have the station's general manager on your ass before the next jingle's over.

With that said, I have to admit I miss being on the air sometimes. So when the local top 40 station advertised that they were looking for folks to come in and help on the Friday morning show, I eagerly entered our names in the draw. Now despite the overdo of mainstream Gwen-Stefani-pop, I actually listen to Coach & Libby every morning on my way to work because frankly... they remind me of how Mike and I used to bicker on the radio. Sure enough, they called about a week after and we were set.

We were supposed to be there bright and early on Friday morning at 7am to start the show. We arranged for an alternate babysitter since the daycare doesn't open until 7, and made sure we padded our time in case we got lost -- LOST being the operative word. We got there 20 minutes late and I ended up being a laughing stock with my lack of ability to follow the directions to the radio station for the remainder of the show. Har Har.

They also thought it would be amusing to have Mike and I play in their minimized version of the Newlywed Game. I got booted out of the studio while C&L asked Mike some questions live on the air. I was tempted to try to listen in so I could get a heads up on the questions, but I thought to myself... Mike and I know each other like the back of our hands --- this will be a piece of cake.

Question #1: On a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the best... how would you rate your "love life"?
Mike: 8
Anne: 11 (what a freaken idiot answer was that?)

Question #2: What is Anne's favorite food?
Mike: Chocolate
Anne: Thai food (not even REMOTELY close)

Question #3: How would you describe your first kiss? Excellent, okay, needed work.
Mike: Excellent
Anne: Excellent (I said if Mike valued his life, he would've said excellent, and he did!)

The best part of the show was arguing as to why guys are so clueless when it comes to Valentines day. Mike and Coach argued that women should just make it easier on them and tell them what we want EXACTLY. Libby and I countered that if men paid attention, that they would (or at least should) have an idea of what their woman would like/appreciate for Valentines... and that women ALWAYS expect something for Valentines, even if they say they don't... because that's just how we are.

All in all, the show went great. They joked about giving us weekend jobs, but even if they were serious, I don't think either Mike and I would have time for that kind of extra curricular activity. It's a nice thought though!

Happy <3 Day!

Rollin'

Ethan got introduced to a whole new concept in mobility this weekend. It was Matt's last weekend in Ohio and we were looking for something we could do collectively.. and while the slopes sounded good in theory --- it was just too cold for this California girl. So someone evidently thought it would be fun to visit the good ol' roller rink (where it's warm and toasty) and of course, I couldn't pass up a good kodak opportunity. I honestly didn't even think they made skates that small, but I was quickly disproved.

Daddy, what are those round bulky things under my new shoe?


Whoaaaaaaaa. I just learned to walk and now I'm supposed to learn how to roll?


My mommy and daddy are helping me.....


I think I'm starting to get the hang of this!!


Or maybe not.....

I've Been Tagged.......

So I've been tagged by Kim to dish out six weird things about myself. Now I don't like to be called weird -- because that's something I call my husband. Instead, I consider myself eccentric and quaint.... colorful, even. But for my blogger viewers' pleasure, I guess I could come up with a thing or two that might be deemed odd by some.

1. I have six years of active military training and my grappling partner in hand-to-hand combat can tell you I can kick ass (or I used to anyway). I am proficiently trained in arsenal weapons from grenade launchers, pistols to machine guns AND I'm a qualified sharpshooter with a rifle...... but I can't kill a stupid spider.

2. I only pick my nose when I'm in the bathroom. I get frantically uncomfortable with just the thought of someone else seeing me stretch my nostrills digging for treasure.

3. I am notorious for picking things up with my feet to prevent having to bend down. Whether it's a lost sock, a penny, or a remote control... I can wrap my long, monkey toes (what can I say, I've been blessed) around almost anything -- except to hang upside down from a tree. Maybe I'll work on that....

4. When I'm using a public restroom and they don't have any sheet protectors, I take massive lengths of toilet paper and layer them up on the seat before sitting down. And yes, I refuse to "squat"... that's even more gross especially since we don't have a hose that we can aim. Trust me, I've peed in holes on the ground before... if there's a seat, you're damn straight I'm sitting on it.

5. For at least 6 months (stemmed from pregnancy through post-partum), I ate the same McDonalds #5 breakfast combo every single day -- Steak, egg and cheese with a large sweet tea. I finally broke the disgusting habit about 2 months ago after I dropped grease on a brand new suede jacket Mike bought for me. Unfortunately, even after a $50 drycleaning bill, the coat couldn't be saved.

6. I absolutely CANNOT watch a horror movie -- especially the ones with ghosts/spirits -- without having to sleep with the lights on that night. Just last night, I couldn't pass up a cuddle moment with hubby, so I reluctantly agreed to watch Grudge 2. I woke up at midnight and I swear I kept hearing that throat-wrenching sound the murdered girl makes in the movie... so I got up and turned the bathroom light on (the hallway light was already on) AND turned the tv on in an effort to mask the white noise.


I could probably go on and on, but I wouldn't want you to think I'm too weird :)

Time to pass on the buck to Joana, Mary, Keryn, and everyone else who wants to join the bandwagon. Tag, you're it!

Pursuit of the Shadow

Ethan made a new discovery this weekend --- he discovered his own shadow. The same shadow he chased around the parking lot for 10 minutes... trying feverishly to stomp on it with his spanking new Stride Rites. He kept pointing as if he wanted me to join the pursuit. But I was too busy gawking at how determined he was to catch it.

The Thinker

It's amazing how much Ethan has grown into this little person so intrigued by everything around him. We didn't have to teach him that... he learned that on his own. It's like he knows that everything around him serves a bigger purpose -- and it's so tantalizing to watch him process his thoughts... even though his decisions are only solely based on his immediate needs.

We've got ourselves a thinker. And everyday, I can't wait to find out what he thinks of next....