Monster Ball

No, not Monster's Ball, the movie, but Monster Ball.

That's what my son thought of my little monster.

I'm in the process of moving the arms, adding feet, and changing the method of construction on this little guy, as well as coming up with some differently shaped friends.  I imagine it will take my about a month or so to have a pattern, especially since I am also working on fixing our cloth diapers.

Ugh, our cloth diapers.  So, our diapers (Bum Genius) are less than a year old and most of the velcro is destroyed.  I am currently removing the velcro and replacing it with aplix.  I think I'll be done with this in like 2 months, bah.  This is especially annoying because I have a Bummis Tots Bot diaper that has been in circulation for longer than most of my Bum Genius diapers and it is in perfect condition.  Unfortunately, we messed up with the washing of our BGs so they are not under warranty. 

Z: Then and Now

Z came into the world precisely when he wanted to.

He still maintains his need to inform one of when things will be happening.

One of Z's nicknames was Ptery.... because he shrieked like a pterodactyl when he cried.  You know that cry that kids get when they have already whined a little and really, really need/want something?  Well, that is Z's only cry and always has been.

It's like he knows he's a younger brother.  Though, he will probably be just as big as E when he turns 1 in two months.  They are a few inches and two pounds apart in size.

Signed, Indignant at the Park

Dear Someone Else's Nanny,

It is not appropriate to touch someone else's child to overcompensate for the fact that you weren't paying attention to your charge.   Snatching a toy from a child that you have never met before is unnecessary and uncalled for.  Your attitude is repulsive and your methods archaic.  You are serving as a role model not only for your charge, but with the other children you interact with.  If you act like a child you only harm those around you.  I fault myself for being non-confrontational and not speaking up at the park but if a similar event occurs in the future with you or any other caretaker or parent, I will not hesitate.  

Signed,

Indignant at the Park

( disclaimer: not my kid, from google)

Help!  It's 10:30 and I'm already complaining!

Seriously though, my oldest is having a rough day (yay canines!) and we encountered a rude nanny at the park.  I have no problem in general with other children's caretakers at the park.  I try to be cordial to everyone and there are a few parents and nannies that  I speak to regularly.  This was the first time I recall encountering this nanny, though I could be mistaken (I have horrible facial recall).  Anyway, my son apparently snatched a toy from her charge (I didn't see this, but I will assume it happened) and I walked away (10 feet) to go get one of his toys to diffuse the situation.  In the meantime, the nanny (who had been on the phone) gets into the fray (not really a fray, her charge was upset but not crying) and snatched the toy from my son while holding his arm.  This upset E and flipped out.  I have never snatched a toy out of another child's hands and I don't know where this woman got the audacity to do so.  She then proceeded to sit back down on the bench and glare.  In my mind I just see her glaring and I really want to smack her.  I hope I don't see her again.  

E: Then and Now

This is the first picture of my son E.  My husband took it with my camera, thus why it is blurry.  It is amazing how much he has grown and how much emotion this picture stirs up.  I love this boy so much and in a couple of months he will be two!

  

E never stops moving and is a fast learner.  He has a great memory and is quite the little adventurer.  Also, he has plenty of 'tude.

  

Update

So the toe is recuperating.  I skipped going to the doctor's since it seemed like a waste of a copay.  I'm chasing after the kids well enough and was able to put sneakers on today.

In other news, I have found my long abandoned knitting mojo!  I haven't knit anything since E was a couple of months old and it was baby related (wool soaker).  I am currently working on a cardigan, pics to come soon.  Hopefully a pattern as well.  In the meantime I am also thinking about smaller crafts that I can share on the blog, whether seasonal or child related.

While this is a lame update, I should have some cool stuff coming up soon- recipes, crafts and stories on the way!

Chocolate Waffles (or Pancakes)

These chocolate waffles were a great way to start my day.  Super simple to make and easy to customize to your taste.

Chocolate Waffles (or Pancakes)

3/4 cup Flour (I tried both all purpose and whole wheat; great with either or a mix)

1/4 cup Cocoa

3 tbsp Sugar

1 tsp Baking Powder

1 tsp Baking Soda

Dash of Salt

1 Egg

1 cup Milk

3 tbsp Vegetable Oil (any oil, or even melted butter, is fine; for pancakes, use 2 tbsp)

Optional: dash of cinnamon, mini chocolate chips, whatever your heart desires

Mix the dry ingredients together in one bowl and the wet in another, then combine the two.  Seriously.  That easy.  Let the mix sit as your heat up your waffle iron or pancake griddle and then cook as you normally would.  

I prefer to dip my waffles in syrup rather than pour it on top, thus my plain pics = ).

Motherhood is Bad For Your Health

AKA First Philadelphia Irene Victim

(the victim)

Center City Philadelphia- Rain started pelting the Philadelphia area around noon yesterday as the impending Hurricane Irene made her slow ascent up the east coast.  Residents had previously flooded the local groceries stores, emptying the shelves of lighters and booze.  As the sky darkened, one local woman took it upon herself to tidy up her son's room.

That's when tragedy struck.  As the local woman, a mother of two in Center City, went to step over her youngest son (9 months) she miscalculated and hit this:

(the culprit)

Her toes were ensnared in the metal and wood contraption and the woman was forced to do a hop and turn move that would've had the judges on Dancing with The Stars raving.  The local woman then maneuvered herself to fall gently on the floor, at which time her older (21 months) son gave her a big hug...

So yeah, I'm pretty sure I broke my toe.  I imagine going to the ER as we await the worst of the storm would be stupid, so I will be calling my GP tomorrow.  And I hope I never have to show you a picture of my foot again...