I've offically lost it.
It happened today at approximately 6:17.
In the stifling heat
of our incredibly cramped
dirty
noisy
hostel room.
I'm not sure what exactly pushed me over the edge.
It might have been
the four flights of stairs
carrying the stroller
in 100 degree opressive heat
but
I think what finally did it was
having to step over laundry somewhere between the third and fourth floor
stepping into a room faintly reeking of baby shit.
I sat against the wall and started to cry
feeling very
unglobtrottery
A cold shower helped
barely
Now I am just hoping against hope that tomorrow will be better
Fuck
It can't get worse
right?
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Saturday, June 18, 2005
16 minutes at the BK
Hey, you'll never guess where I am blogging from...
Burger King,in Lugano. Zou get 30 minutes free with everz meal. So,I think it is worth feeling sick from fast food for such an...exotic...local from which to blog from.
Not much new, that is to say, too much new to write in 14 minutes. Here's a small recap.
Marseille (So. of France) verz nice, should have spent one more day. The car rental tried to jack us out of money surprise surprise. Nice hotel, terrible rainstorm.
Genoa or Genova on the map, but don't pronounce it genovah because that isn't right. It was cool ONCE loooong before we saw it. I kept trying to picture it in its original gradeur, the way zou see a reallz old man and trz to imagine him back when we was virile. But in the end it was just depressing. But the gelato was good and cheap.
Lugano: Ever so lovelz to be back in Switzerland where it is clean and clean and Edith and Yannick are here. It is wonderful to have some Baby relief. Speaking of pea, she has two monstrous molars, reallz quite scary. She is doing so well, but she is eating . Bread and the occasional Babybel cheese. We hope that this week she'll get back to eating at least one or two vegetables. I'm getting ready to come home, but am not looking forward to living in a studio again. Why oh why can't everz house be built in 7 days like on TV.
Burger King,in Lugano. Zou get 30 minutes free with everz meal. So,I think it is worth feeling sick from fast food for such an...exotic...local from which to blog from.
Not much new, that is to say, too much new to write in 14 minutes. Here's a small recap.
Marseille (So. of France) verz nice, should have spent one more day. The car rental tried to jack us out of money surprise surprise. Nice hotel, terrible rainstorm.
Genoa or Genova on the map, but don't pronounce it genovah because that isn't right. It was cool ONCE loooong before we saw it. I kept trying to picture it in its original gradeur, the way zou see a reallz old man and trz to imagine him back when we was virile. But in the end it was just depressing. But the gelato was good and cheap.
Lugano: Ever so lovelz to be back in Switzerland where it is clean and clean and Edith and Yannick are here. It is wonderful to have some Baby relief. Speaking of pea, she has two monstrous molars, reallz quite scary. She is doing so well, but she is eating . Bread and the occasional Babybel cheese. We hope that this week she'll get back to eating at least one or two vegetables. I'm getting ready to come home, but am not looking forward to living in a studio again. Why oh why can't everz house be built in 7 days like on TV.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Holy crap;
I can blog pictures from Edith's page...
How cool is that shit?!
Here's my caption: EVERYONE drinks in Europe.
How cool is that shit?!
Here's my caption: EVERYONE drinks in Europe.
Link to some photos that don't
show Nora's new haircut.
They are on Alec'S Aunt's flickr page and I'm sure she won't mind all of you tromping over there to take a quick look...Right Edith?
So, we leave Paris on Monday and I can't believe that it has happened so quickly. We have a babysitter coming tonight who is giving us some time to have a civil dinner.
I forgot how completely tiring visiting a place is. Everyday you truck out there ready to cram as much info and sites as possible into a few hours, walking everywhere because go forbid you should be underground and not SEE something and a cab? we all know the only thing you look at in a cab is the meter!
We did manage to get a membership to the local video store across the street. Boy an addict will do anything to get their drug of choice eh?!
Okay, today I am tres fatigue and tres uninspired to write...sorry!
They are on Alec'S Aunt's flickr page and I'm sure she won't mind all of you tromping over there to take a quick look...Right Edith?
So, we leave Paris on Monday and I can't believe that it has happened so quickly. We have a babysitter coming tonight who is giving us some time to have a civil dinner.
I forgot how completely tiring visiting a place is. Everyday you truck out there ready to cram as much info and sites as possible into a few hours, walking everywhere because go forbid you should be underground and not SEE something and a cab? we all know the only thing you look at in a cab is the meter!
We did manage to get a membership to the local video store across the street. Boy an addict will do anything to get their drug of choice eh?!
Okay, today I am tres fatigue and tres uninspired to write...sorry!
Friday, June 03, 2005
In which I rant and make several errors
Anybody read that David Sedaris book where he speaks with a lisp and so just avoids using words that have ssses. That is how I feel about the french keyboard. The letters A W M Z . and all the numbers are srewy. All this time and I didn't know how many words needed an m or a w, I mean A, of course that one you'd expect. Anyway I've used up most of my patience with the keys with that little analogy.
The RANT*
The woman who rented us the apartment...I emailed her to tell her that the shower curtain had so much mildew on it that it was unhygenic, she emailed back that she doesn't know what mildew IS, I guess she is one lucky lady. Anyone have a worthy translation for MILDEW?
We are getting eaten alive by something. Each day more and more little bites appear on our arms and legs, do you think she knows what bed bugs are? Alas, we've not seen anything that seems like it could be the culprit.
On the up side***
We had a great day today. We went to the Luxumbourg Gqrdens where they have an amazing playground for kiddies (that's what everyone calls them) and Nora had a friggin ball. There was a group of preschoolers who were intriqued by the thing behind her ear; one of them felt behind her ear to see if she had one too. The sky clouded over and because I had taken the parapluie out of my backpack this morning it started to pour, all the kiddies ran for cover and there was mass hysteria, but in a good way. Nora enjoyed the fuss, but still wanted to play in the rain and she did have a few compatriots.
After the park, Nora fell asleep and we had a wonderful lunch in a noisy, crowded and perfectly Parisian restaurant.
**NOTE SCHEDULE CHANGE***
It has come to our attention that Nora reqires some time out of her stroller during the day. Accordingly, we've alloted 11 til 12 for free for all sand throwing/eating, running around, screeching. After that, it is naptime, no negotiations!
The RANT*
The woman who rented us the apartment...I emailed her to tell her that the shower curtain had so much mildew on it that it was unhygenic, she emailed back that she doesn't know what mildew IS, I guess she is one lucky lady. Anyone have a worthy translation for MILDEW?
We are getting eaten alive by something. Each day more and more little bites appear on our arms and legs, do you think she knows what bed bugs are? Alas, we've not seen anything that seems like it could be the culprit.
On the up side***
We had a great day today. We went to the Luxumbourg Gqrdens where they have an amazing playground for kiddies (that's what everyone calls them) and Nora had a friggin ball. There was a group of preschoolers who were intriqued by the thing behind her ear; one of them felt behind her ear to see if she had one too. The sky clouded over and because I had taken the parapluie out of my backpack this morning it started to pour, all the kiddies ran for cover and there was mass hysteria, but in a good way. Nora enjoyed the fuss, but still wanted to play in the rain and she did have a few compatriots.
After the park, Nora fell asleep and we had a wonderful lunch in a noisy, crowded and perfectly Parisian restaurant.
**NOTE SCHEDULE CHANGE***
It has come to our attention that Nora reqires some time out of her stroller during the day. Accordingly, we've alloted 11 til 12 for free for all sand throwing/eating, running around, screeching. After that, it is naptime, no negotiations!
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
A Paris
At last my appetite for massive quantities of Petite Bateau clothing at cheap prices has been satiated. Alec and I shopped the day away yesterday, finding veritable bargins at every turn.
The apartment is a little less than impressive. It is close to the metro and technically speaking it is still in the city limits (the border is across the street). I'm impressed at the photos that were on the woman's website and looking around the apartment I find myself wondering where exactly she was standing to take the majority of them. It reminds me of our apatment in Beacon Hill, only this place is smaller and now we have a baby. Course it is better than what we've got in CA, at least here there is another room to escape to.
Nora is doing pretty well considering she has cut about 2 molars and still has another two that she is working on: Her new schedule is bed around 8p.m.(or 6p.m.tonight because she wouldn't eat her dinner); up at 6:10; nap around noon. Considering all we're asking of her she does really really well. Today, for the first time, she fell asleep in her stroller, which allowed us a chance to have a civil lunch at a cafe looking up at the Sacre Couer. My time is running low so I have to now look for hostels in Marseille....Email Me, I forgot all your email addresses but I can still access my account.
The apartment is a little less than impressive. It is close to the metro and technically speaking it is still in the city limits (the border is across the street). I'm impressed at the photos that were on the woman's website and looking around the apartment I find myself wondering where exactly she was standing to take the majority of them. It reminds me of our apatment in Beacon Hill, only this place is smaller and now we have a baby. Course it is better than what we've got in CA, at least here there is another room to escape to.
Nora is doing pretty well considering she has cut about 2 molars and still has another two that she is working on: Her new schedule is bed around 8p.m.(or 6p.m.tonight because she wouldn't eat her dinner); up at 6:10; nap around noon. Considering all we're asking of her she does really really well. Today, for the first time, she fell asleep in her stroller, which allowed us a chance to have a civil lunch at a cafe looking up at the Sacre Couer. My time is running low so I have to now look for hostels in Marseille....Email Me, I forgot all your email addresses but I can still access my account.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Still Bernen
Today is our last day in Bern. We´ve not done a whole lot, but that´s okay. We meant to take the train to a small town nearby called Murten, but after visiting the post office and spending 30 swiss francs to send 15 post cards, that´s like 25 bucks. So, we decided that we couldn´t afford to go anywhere today. Okay, that´s all a ruse we are really just lazy. Yesterday, we went to this like area called a lido, that is sorta like a dream for parents with kids, they have a kiddie pool and about three other pools for grownups. All around is grass and trees with shade. There is even an area that is fenced off for topless sunbathing. The kids were so funny, many of them were naked, some had underpants and a few has bathing suits. Nary a swimmer diaper to be seen. I liked that, kids pee in pools, live with it.
Today we´ve been to the train station to reserve seats on the Lausanne - Paris train for monday.That took nearly and hour and right at the end some old swiss ladies reprimanded us for letting Nora walk around barefoot were it was dirty. Um, Switzerland isn´t dirty...have you ever been to Italy?
About the new job...I´m getting excited, but also kind of sad that it is the end of my freedom. Well, actually, I´m sure it will actually mean a lot more freedom for me. It has full benefits eventhough it is part time. Also, if we can arange childcare amongst ourselves that means I get to take home the full salary. That will be great as all my student loans are coming due...
Tomorrow we leave for Lausanne and we´ll stay at Alec´s godmother´s. Should be cool.
Peace out.
Today we´ve been to the train station to reserve seats on the Lausanne - Paris train for monday.That took nearly and hour and right at the end some old swiss ladies reprimanded us for letting Nora walk around barefoot were it was dirty. Um, Switzerland isn´t dirty...have you ever been to Italy?
About the new job...I´m getting excited, but also kind of sad that it is the end of my freedom. Well, actually, I´m sure it will actually mean a lot more freedom for me. It has full benefits eventhough it is part time. Also, if we can arange childcare amongst ourselves that means I get to take home the full salary. That will be great as all my student loans are coming due...
Tomorrow we leave for Lausanne and we´ll stay at Alec´s godmother´s. Should be cool.
Peace out.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Bern baby Bern
Okay, I only have 4 minutes to write this post so I wonät be very clever or careful about spelling errors. Here we are in Bern, very nice city and stuff, But here is the big news... I got the Job, I am officially a part of the chemical and nuclear engineering department at UCSB. Hard to believe isnßt it?
More soon....
More soon....
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Schlans
We are still in Schlans, but today we went on a short walk to the Swiss Grand Canyon. It was a nice walk and we had a great time. The weather has been really good so far, sunny and warm. The way people drive around here makes Boston drivers look like Sunday drivers. It is harrowing and I really mean that. I thought I was a bit of a reckless driver, but I have nothing and I mean nothing on these people. And they all seem to be in some kind of agreement. Like, "Yeah, we're likely going to die up around this curve but oh well." I was pretty sick to my stomach after the 30 minute car ride.
We are all on local time now. I still can't believe how well Nora is adjusting to the time change and the travelling.
We'll be heading to Bern on Monday. We are staying at a youth hostel (I thought those days were over) with a private room and shared bath and kitchen and common area. I think it will work out really well because we do NOT want to spend all our time in the same room as Nora. She's great and all, but once she is asleep the real living begins...
We'll use Bern as a base to visit all kinds of other places such as Luzern, Interlaken, and others that are within an hour. We plan to spend five nights there and then move onto Lausanne and stay with Alec's godmother. Then on the 30th it is on to Paris for two whole weeks. I can't wait.
We are all on local time now. I still can't believe how well Nora is adjusting to the time change and the travelling.
We'll be heading to Bern on Monday. We are staying at a youth hostel (I thought those days were over) with a private room and shared bath and kitchen and common area. I think it will work out really well because we do NOT want to spend all our time in the same room as Nora. She's great and all, but once she is asleep the real living begins...
We'll use Bern as a base to visit all kinds of other places such as Luzern, Interlaken, and others that are within an hour. We plan to spend five nights there and then move onto Lausanne and stay with Alec's godmother. Then on the 30th it is on to Paris for two whole weeks. I can't wait.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Knowing What is really important
Setting your TiVo for a six week absence is more than just a technical issue, it is also an exercise in evaluating your life.
What shows do I REALLY value (when there are only 20 hours of time available)? Here is what made the short list:
Starting Over ah duh. But I lucked out, because the season is winding up and there are only 5 or so new episodes. Had this not been the case I would have been fucked.
America's Next Top Model. Again luckily there are onlz (z and y is inverted on the swiss kezboard so please follow suit) two episodes left and one is a dumb recap episode. So onlz one.
Alias. onlz four new episodes.
Desperate Houswives, onlz three or so new episodes.
I think that covers it. Law and Order will probablz be sidelined for awhile which is okaz because I've seen most them.
So we arrived safelz. The plane ride went reallz well and now we are battling the jet lag. Hopefullz we'll kick that dog bz tomorrow. Edith live IN the Alps, I'm not kidding. You look out the window and bam, there thez are, these immese postcard-tzpe mountains complete with snowcaps. So beautiful and sort of surreal. We are trying to plan out our next week. We walked through the village of Schlans (where she lives) and talked to some of the villagers, very european....
More soon.
What shows do I REALLY value (when there are only 20 hours of time available)? Here is what made the short list:
Starting Over ah duh. But I lucked out, because the season is winding up and there are only 5 or so new episodes. Had this not been the case I would have been fucked.
America's Next Top Model. Again luckily there are onlz (z and y is inverted on the swiss kezboard so please follow suit) two episodes left and one is a dumb recap episode. So onlz one.
Alias. onlz four new episodes.
Desperate Houswives, onlz three or so new episodes.
I think that covers it. Law and Order will probablz be sidelined for awhile which is okaz because I've seen most them.
So we arrived safelz. The plane ride went reallz well and now we are battling the jet lag. Hopefullz we'll kick that dog bz tomorrow. Edith live IN the Alps, I'm not kidding. You look out the window and bam, there thez are, these immese postcard-tzpe mountains complete with snowcaps. So beautiful and sort of surreal. We are trying to plan out our next week. We walked through the village of Schlans (where she lives) and talked to some of the villagers, very european....
More soon.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Planes, Trains, and Toddlers
Holy Cow, we leave in less than 12 hours, wait, not quite...more like 14, but doesn't 12 Sound better. Alec's aunt called today to inform us that it is 38 degrees FARIENHEINT in CH today and to pack a wool coat for baby Nora, um we don't do wool coats in California. On the bright side she said it should be 75 degrees by Thursday. So, basically we are vacationing in...Boston??!! Just yesterday we were walking on the beach and I was thinking WHY are we leaving here again, oh right, the Shopping.
I'm starting to get a little nervous. Today I watched Alec making a grilled cheese in our "kitchen" and I realized I might actually miss the ole room. I mean we have been here for nine months and I've grown fond of my microwave/toaster oven set up. Honestly, there is no better way to justify having chips and dip for dinner Again when you don't have a proper stove. I do however miss the cookie baking that happened a little too often in Belmont.
In other news, I interviewed for a part-time job out at UCSB today. It is in the Chemical Engineering department (jeez, I don't even know if I spelled that correctly). Don't you think it is a perfect match?! Okay, okay it is for the Physics of Fluids magazine (huh?). Here's why it is a good fit: Part-time, meaning weekday afternoons, 1-5pm, Full benefits-for the whole family, Pay is actually not horrific, I'm intensly interested in fluids. The interview went very well, and I think they might offer me the job, course I am leaving for six weeks, but then again I am Parfait for the position (ie. it is clerical, very, very clerical). So send positive thoughts this away.
Saw Secretary last night, any thoughts?
I'm starting to get a little nervous. Today I watched Alec making a grilled cheese in our "kitchen" and I realized I might actually miss the ole room. I mean we have been here for nine months and I've grown fond of my microwave/toaster oven set up. Honestly, there is no better way to justify having chips and dip for dinner Again when you don't have a proper stove. I do however miss the cookie baking that happened a little too often in Belmont.
In other news, I interviewed for a part-time job out at UCSB today. It is in the Chemical Engineering department (jeez, I don't even know if I spelled that correctly). Don't you think it is a perfect match?! Okay, okay it is for the Physics of Fluids magazine (huh?). Here's why it is a good fit: Part-time, meaning weekday afternoons, 1-5pm, Full benefits-for the whole family, Pay is actually not horrific, I'm intensly interested in fluids. The interview went very well, and I think they might offer me the job, course I am leaving for six weeks, but then again I am Parfait for the position (ie. it is clerical, very, very clerical). So send positive thoughts this away.
Saw Secretary last night, any thoughts?
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Studio 2
So I finally took some pictures of the studio. That is to say, we finally cleaned it and then remembered to take pictures...
So click on this photo and it will take you to the studio photos. Now, maybe Nora's room will follow suit.
Not too much is happening here except for getting ready for the trip. I thought I would be more nervous but, I'm actually really excited. I cannot wait to get outta here. It has rained enough in the past three weeks to delay construction for another week. Tres depressing. So, it is time to get out of town, county, state, country and start living (on credit cards). I'll be checking my email periodically too so don't forget to email me...
Trying to leech cable DSL from Vic an Faye, but have hit a snaffu, but hope to have it all ironed out and up to speed (haa haa) when we get back.
So click on this photo and it will take you to the studio photos. Now, maybe Nora's room will follow suit.
Not too much is happening here except for getting ready for the trip. I thought I would be more nervous but, I'm actually really excited. I cannot wait to get outta here. It has rained enough in the past three weeks to delay construction for another week. Tres depressing. So, it is time to get out of town, county, state, country and start living (on credit cards). I'll be checking my email periodically too so don't forget to email me...
Trying to leech cable DSL from Vic an Faye, but have hit a snaffu, but hope to have it all ironed out and up to speed (haa haa) when we get back.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Solar
We just finished meeting with a solar guy who gave us an estimate. I really, really want to go solar. But why does it have to be so godamn ugly?
I mean really now is solar the equivelent of Ugg boot. Something that feels good but looks bad. I mean we're building a house here, something most people take enormous pride in and just because I want to be a responsible citizen I have to slap up some truly horrific looking panels on the roof? No thanks. Not to mention the 15K. I had initially wanted integrated roof tile panels, they are still solar looking but at least not in that "I have solar pride" kind of way. Subtle, there, but not in your face...yeah that's what I want.
I mean really now is solar the equivelent of Ugg boot. Something that feels good but looks bad. I mean we're building a house here, something most people take enormous pride in and just because I want to be a responsible citizen I have to slap up some truly horrific looking panels on the roof? No thanks. Not to mention the 15K. I had initially wanted integrated roof tile panels, they are still solar looking but at least not in that "I have solar pride" kind of way. Subtle, there, but not in your face...yeah that's what I want.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Miss Handy
Nora loves to help so she assisted on this ikea assembly. It is her very own table and chair set. She loves to sit at the table and color.
Yesterday we went to the beach for a late lunch. There is this great place called the Shoreline. They have tables in the sand. After lunch we went to the waves, which Nora loved. She was very good at standing still while the waves washed over her feet. When they'd wash out she'd run towards them. Makes me wonder what kind of relationship she'll have with the ocean as she grows up. Me, I saw the ocean for the first time when I was 5. I don't remember it really, but I've seen pictures. I like the ocean, I like living on the ocean. It feels comforting to know that it is always there, a steady boundary and constant reference. Being in the water is another story altogether. I like lakes. Salt water tastes yucky. And you never know about tides, currents, and what is under there.
I saw the movie The Upside of Anger. I wanted to see it because, well, Felicity is in it. But, I was worried because Kevin Costner is in it. But, then again so is Joan Allen. Well, I really liked it, a lot. It was this great mix of sadness and comedy which felt realistic. And it was good to see Felicity again.
Yesterday we went to the beach for a late lunch. There is this great place called the Shoreline. They have tables in the sand. After lunch we went to the waves, which Nora loved. She was very good at standing still while the waves washed over her feet. When they'd wash out she'd run towards them. Makes me wonder what kind of relationship she'll have with the ocean as she grows up. Me, I saw the ocean for the first time when I was 5. I don't remember it really, but I've seen pictures. I like the ocean, I like living on the ocean. It feels comforting to know that it is always there, a steady boundary and constant reference. Being in the water is another story altogether. I like lakes. Salt water tastes yucky. And you never know about tides, currents, and what is under there.
I saw the movie The Upside of Anger. I wanted to see it because, well, Felicity is in it. But, I was worried because Kevin Costner is in it. But, then again so is Joan Allen. Well, I really liked it, a lot. It was this great mix of sadness and comedy which felt realistic. And it was good to see Felicity again.
Friday, April 15, 2005
NOT getting her way
A complete stranger posted a comment on this pic on Flickr. Unless you of you weirdos is posing as Larry Dimik (Eunice?). It's funny though, how babies break down traditional societal boundaries. Otherwise straightlaced folks suddenly break into baby talk around her. It is especially fun to watch at design stores. Men who spend their day selling doors, windows, and concrete begin to talk in high pitched voice to entice Nora into being held.
There is a lot of activity on the hole today. I call it the hole, but really it is the beginnings of our house. Many men are moving dirt and digging trenches. I'm glad that Victor is always on hand to oversee. It can be a little scary to trust that all these holes and posts are correct.
A picture of the progress is TK.
There is a lot of activity on the hole today. I call it the hole, but really it is the beginnings of our house. Many men are moving dirt and digging trenches. I'm glad that Victor is always on hand to oversee. It can be a little scary to trust that all these holes and posts are correct.
A picture of the progress is TK.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
The little Paddler
Love this part of Summer!
Here is a schedule of our Summer:
May 17
Leave for Zurich
May30-June13
Paris
June14-June20
South of France, suggestions of precisely where are greatly appreciated
June21-June27
Venice
June 28
Return to Santa Barbara
June29-July29
Read for UCSB class again
July 27ish-Aug1
In Boston for Institute
September
Victor and Faye are in Spain
House to ourselves
Guests welcome
Here is a schedule of our Summer:
May 17
Leave for Zurich
May30-June13
Paris
June14-June20
South of France, suggestions of precisely where are greatly appreciated
June21-June27
Venice
June 28
Return to Santa Barbara
June29-July29
Read for UCSB class again
July 27ish-Aug1
In Boston for Institute
September
Victor and Faye are in Spain
House to ourselves
Guests welcome
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Pigtail
Take a good look, this is the hairstyle that Nora will be sporting for a good long time. The pig's tails are a hit. I actually can't believe that she lets me put them in at all. Of course, I have a maximum of 4.5 seconds to do each one. All the pressure of not hurting her (too much) and the time constraint mean that more often than not they're not exactly even, straight, or centered. Instead, they look like baby horns.
Alec and I spent the weekend in LA and I have to say and eventhough I tried to embrace LA as my nearest metropolitan city, I find it soul-less, without character, and utterly void of community.
But still it was fun :)
We looked at stuff for the house and ate good meals and went to an amazingly upscale mall. One that brought the happy fakery of Vegas to Hollywood. It was good to be away from Baby Nora. We couldn't believe the freedom of sleeping in, the luxury of making multiple stops, the spontinaity of getting stuck in traffic, and the joy of eating my own lunch, all of it.
Of course we did purchase a couple of baby related items.
First, a swing for the tree. Installed today and baby ready tomorrow.
Second, a paddling pool. So damn cute, pictures are upcoming.
Third, baby backpack. No, not a Nora-sized pack; one that she fits into. So we can literally carry her around Europe on our backs. So far she thinks it's groovy, while I'm still trying to put up with the indignity of wearing my child on my body instead of having her nestled in a stylish stroller.
Alec and I spent the weekend in LA and I have to say and eventhough I tried to embrace LA as my nearest metropolitan city, I find it soul-less, without character, and utterly void of community.
But still it was fun :)
We looked at stuff for the house and ate good meals and went to an amazingly upscale mall. One that brought the happy fakery of Vegas to Hollywood. It was good to be away from Baby Nora. We couldn't believe the freedom of sleeping in, the luxury of making multiple stops, the spontinaity of getting stuck in traffic, and the joy of eating my own lunch, all of it.
Of course we did purchase a couple of baby related items.
First, a swing for the tree. Installed today and baby ready tomorrow.
Second, a paddling pool. So damn cute, pictures are upcoming.
Third, baby backpack. No, not a Nora-sized pack; one that she fits into. So we can literally carry her around Europe on our backs. So far she thinks it's groovy, while I'm still trying to put up with the indignity of wearing my child on my body instead of having her nestled in a stylish stroller.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Look Ma'
Nora is a learning machine. Here she is just a few days ago on her maiden spoon voyage. Today she was much, much better. Yesterday we hung out around the compound and she walked around the gravel, sand, and bark and had a grand ol' time.
Today has been marvelous too, we've been sitting in the sun and reading books and as soon as she gets up from her nap I fully intend to take her to a park with baby Sydney.
Last week Nora met the SB quadruplets. She was pretty freaked out, but handled it with aplomb. It's funny to think that she will probably be going to the same school as them, maybe even dating one or more of them?! Well, for now we'll just focus on the spoon skills.
Today has been marvelous too, we've been sitting in the sun and reading books and as soon as she gets up from her nap I fully intend to take her to a park with baby Sydney.
Last week Nora met the SB quadruplets. She was pretty freaked out, but handled it with aplomb. It's funny to think that she will probably be going to the same school as them, maybe even dating one or more of them?! Well, for now we'll just focus on the spoon skills.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
The Happy Homeowners
Well, except for the fact that we don't actually own a home. But this weekend we get to pretend because Vic and Faye are out of town. They went to Mexico on Thursday and are due back Monday. Alec and I spent a very productive Saturday as follows:
8:00 am Breakfast at D'Angelos
9:30 am Alec heads to work to put in some overtime while Nora and I head home and she goes down for her nap.
10:00 I paint one of the storage areas in the newly converted attic space.
11:00 I shower, pick up the house, water outside, and sit in the sun while knitting.
12:00 Spend time researching solar technology for the new house. Also look for the best possible place to stay in LA for next weekend. Read some of my Grammar and Style for Idiots book.
1:30 Check to make sure baby is still breathing.
Alec gets home.
We play outside in the sand, gravel, and dirt. We "clean up" the studio in honor of our guests: Jill, John, and baby Sydney.
6:30 Pick up Jessica at the airport.
7:30 Eat Tri-tip and chat with friends.
8:30 Nora goes to bed sans bath.
9:30 They leave and we do dishes and settle in to watch L&O SVU.
Night.
8:00 am Breakfast at D'Angelos
9:30 am Alec heads to work to put in some overtime while Nora and I head home and she goes down for her nap.
10:00 I paint one of the storage areas in the newly converted attic space.
11:00 I shower, pick up the house, water outside, and sit in the sun while knitting.
12:00 Spend time researching solar technology for the new house. Also look for the best possible place to stay in LA for next weekend. Read some of my Grammar and Style for Idiots book.
1:30 Check to make sure baby is still breathing.
Alec gets home.
We play outside in the sand, gravel, and dirt. We "clean up" the studio in honor of our guests: Jill, John, and baby Sydney.
6:30 Pick up Jessica at the airport.
7:30 Eat Tri-tip and chat with friends.
8:30 Nora goes to bed sans bath.
9:30 They leave and we do dishes and settle in to watch L&O SVU.
Night.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
A book is to read
Nora loves books. She grabs them and looks at them all the time. Sometimes she grabs one and sits for a little SSR. It's funny because we don't have the ritual of reading a book at bedtime, as I thought we would. We do it sporadically. But this week she has started pointing to her book shelf after her bottle and asking "more". What is her favorite? Duh...Goodnight Moon. Another fave is Good Dog Carl. She was fascinated by this one at the doctor's office and so I bought it for her. I swear it is the only book for her I've bought at sticker price.
Now that the walking is progressing apace another developmental "issue" has arisen. That of the temper tantrum. The synopsis is bascially this:
Nora: I love doing things on my own.
Mom: Time to ____________.
Nora: But, this is just getting good, look I've walked all the way over to the dirt pile and I'm examining each and pebble/piece of dirt.
Mom: Seriously, we have to a) change your diaper, b) go to the store, c) take a nap, d) watch Dr. Phil.
Nora (shaking hands): No, I don't want to do THAT.
Mom (picking up baby): Let's go (in a singsoning-if I use this tone she'll forget about it-kind of voice).
Nora (squirming and pinching) FUck yOu.
This happens more frequently out in public and in the car, so leaving the house hardly seems worth it.
Now that the walking is progressing apace another developmental "issue" has arisen. That of the temper tantrum. The synopsis is bascially this:
Nora: I love doing things on my own.
Mom: Time to ____________.
Nora: But, this is just getting good, look I've walked all the way over to the dirt pile and I'm examining each and pebble/piece of dirt.
Mom: Seriously, we have to a) change your diaper, b) go to the store, c) take a nap, d) watch Dr. Phil.
Nora (shaking hands): No, I don't want to do THAT.
Mom (picking up baby): Let's go (in a singsoning-if I use this tone she'll forget about it-kind of voice).
Nora (squirming and pinching) FUck yOu.
This happens more frequently out in public and in the car, so leaving the house hardly seems worth it.
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