Cub's New Thing

Cub likes to jump off of things - the couch, the side of the pool, the dog - that's not really new.  What's new is his counting before jumping.

He's not really consistent - sometimes he counts to three (which kind of makes sense), but other times he counts to eight or seven and then jumps so Buttin and I aren't always prepared to catch him or cheer.  I'm going to tell his aunt Liz that he's doing complex physics equations before jumping.

Here he is counting before throwing the basketball at me.

Filanthropy Friday

Today's choice was obvious.

I've donated to the American Red Cross on many occasions and today I donated $25 to the American Red Cross Colorado Chapters. 

The news from Colorado reminds me of the news we saw last year from the Bastrop fires.  I wish there was more I could do to help.

Farewell Cheerleader

Three years ago I was training for my first marathon.  I was pregnant with Lumpy (Cash). 

My first marathon (San Antonio Rock N Roll) wasn't exactly record breaking (unless you count it as the slowest) or really very comfortable, but I did it with my mom and I have lots of good memories.

One of the BEST memories of my first marathon is of our cheerleader, Bill.

Keep in mind, it was my mom's first marathon, my first marathon and I was twenty weeks pregnant and our ONLY cheerleader was my mom's former patient and friend, Bill McDonald.  Buttin wasn't there, my dad wasn't there and I loved teasing them both for comfortably sitting on a couch watching TV while a man who was walking with a cane met us no less than 6 times on the course. 

Since that race Bill has continued to follow my running and motherhood progress on this blog and on Facebook.  He had an incredibly silly sense of humor, but could also write very encouraging comments.  Bill became like a funny, say anything kind of uncle.  

During the past couple of years Bill has been between illness and recovery, but never stopped making silly puns or funny comments. He's had tumors in his spine for years and he recently went into the hospital for another tumor removal operation.  His wife, Judy, has been writing Facebook updates periodically and although Bill was not recovering, I felt confident he would get there eventually.  Sadly, last night Bill passed away.  

I didn't know uncle Bill very well, but I feel sad.  Maybe it's the pregnancy hormones or maybe it's remembering how I felt during my first pregnancy when I was getting to know Bill (even if it was just online).  

He was a great cheerleader.  Rest in peace, Bill.

In other news, it was only 102 degrees today so Cub and I went outside for about an hour this afternoon.  I was miserable (even in the shade), but Cub had a blast. 

Wordless Wednesday

This shirt has only been on for about 15 minutes - very drooly Cub.

Quick Pic

I had dinner with Liz this evening (a classy affair of KFC at her house) so not much time to write tonight.

I asked Buttin to make sure he got a picture of Cub.

Here's the pic I got.

Misfit Monday

Misfits love to give work to other misfits.

If you wait around long enough (not doing a job) another misfit will come along and maybe you can ask them to do the job that you don't want to do.  Some misfits are nice and take the additional work.  I'm thankful for nice misfits.

Today's picture is kind of a cheat.  It's about 100 bazillion degrees outside this week so I encouraged (bribed) Cub to stay inside this afternoon.  The pictures I get inside aren't very good, so here's an outside picture from him yesterday.

Butt Breath

There have been many side-effects from Cub's adenoid removal - pain (for him), sleepless nights (me and Buttin), irritability (for him and maybe a little us) and lots of snuggles (kind of a positive).  However, by far, the worst side-effect (with the exception of Cub's pain) has been Cub's breath.  Buttin calls it BUTT BREATH.

At first, it smelled like maybe he hadn't brushed his teeth in two weeks.  Gradually it started to smell like very old garbage left out in the 100 degree heat for a month.  His breath became pretty intolerable at night when he was sleeping (and breathing) right in my (or Buttin's) face, but he was sleeping peacefully and I think the potency of his breath helped to knock me out.  Now, his breath smells like a shit diaper (hence Buttin's term of endearment - butt breath).  Buttin and I have asked each other on no fewer than five occasions if "that smell" is Cub's butt (poop diaper) or his mouth. 

Here's little Butt Breath eating a snack.

And So I Tried Acupuncture

I've kind of been at my wits end with my tingly feet (aka, maybe Guillain-Barre).

So yesterday, I decided to try acupuncture.  My chiropractor (who is also a nurse practitioner) also does acupuncture.  He said more of his patients have experienced relief from acupuncture than anything else he's done.  I'm hopeful, but honestly at this point if someone told me standing on my head and reciting the alphabet would help - I'd do it (and my friend Liz would be there recording it).  

Here's my leg with needles in it.  

As a side note, I hate needles so even my trying it should prove my desperation.  Honestly, I didn't even feel most of the needles, but a couple of them hit some sensitive areas in my knee and ankle and I was not a fan of those.  No relief yet, but I figure I need to give it a few treatments.

Cubbie finally seems to be returning to his normal self.  The past three nights have been somewhat difficult - he's been sleeping (or rolling around) in our bed for a few hours and Buttin and I don't get much sleep.  Tonight, for the first time in four nights, he had a bath that lasted 30 seconds and did not involve tears.  I'm hopeful we'll all get some sleep tonight.

Here's Cubbie playing at the bounce house this afternoon, he's pointing at a chicken! 

Filanthropy Friday

Today's donation isn't really a donation - it's more of an investment.

If any of my readers also follow Shut Up + Run you've heard about another female jogger being killed while out of a run.  Sarah Hart was the mother of three and about 10 - 11 weeks pregnant when murdered.  It's so scary, sad and senseless.

Shut Up + Run wrote a post about staying safe while running (because many runners go it alone) and received a ton of feedback - everything from pepper spray to making eye contact with everyone.   I find it difficult to believe (because when I do go run, I'm already carrying SO much stuff), but some runners even carry handguns.   I'm not really running very much right now (maybe you've heard - my feet/legs tingle), but I'm strongly considering starting to carry a personal alarm (or maybe a log of cookie dough) when I go out for walks.   

I learned about the BIA GPS Sports Watch from Shut Up + Run.  I've never given money to a Kickstarter campaign before, but the BIA GPS Sports Watch sounds awesome.   Bia is currently developing an awesome GPS watch that also has the capability of sending a safety alert message including your GPS position to loved ones while you're running (to bad it doesn't also shoot cookie dough or work as a taser). 

I invested $40 and for my investment, I get a technical tshirt and the knowledge that I'm helping fund a great product.  The interesting thing about Kickstarter is that if the project isn't fully funded by the cut off date (in this case, July 12th), you don't get billed (but then I also wouldn't get my shirt).  

Tired

Last night Cubbie slept in bed with us, which meant no one got much sleep.

Cash man stayed home from school today and played with Miss Hannah - - at the pool!

Brave Boy

For all my worry yesterday, Cash was beyond brave today when having his adenoids removed.

This morning he woke up (right around 6:00) and asked for his "cookies".  I told him we could eat later and he never asked for food or milk or water again (until after surgery).  We played and watched dump truck videos for about 45 minutes before heading to the hospital.

The hospital check-in process was quick and efficient and Cub was hamming it up for the doctors and nurses.

 He went back to the operating room holding the anesthesiologist's hand and never once looked back at us. 

The doctor came out to visit us in the waiting room about 15 minutes later and said Cash's adenoids were HUGE.  Cash woke up about 15 minutes later and we went back in the recovery room to comfort him (this was the only time he was NOT happy).  He cried for quite a while in the recovery room.  The nurse said that the dizzy feeling is strange and little kids just cry because they don't understand the sensation.  After about 30 minutes of crying, the nurse suggested we leave because sometimes little kids feel trapped and just want to get home.  She was right (she wasn't just trying to get rid of us).  As soon as we got outside - the crying stopped.  He was still a little groggy on the car ride home, but no tears.

When we got home he laid around for about 30 minutes and then got up and started dancing.  Here he is resting with Buttin. 

Miss Hannah came over to stay with Cash around 10:30 and he didn't even notice that I left.

Miss Hannah said Cash fell asleep in the chair once and fell asleep while at the park swinging a couple of times, but he didn't take a real nap.  Here he is asleep in the swing  - it's pretty cute (but looks pretty uncomfortable).

Cub & Chicken

Today's Misfit Monday is being interrupted for updates on Cub & Chicken.

Tomorrow morning Cub is having his adenoids removed.  I feel silly admitting it, but I'm much more concerned about keeping our little two-year-old from eating or drinking than the procedure itself.  It just feels cruel to keep him from food and water (even though I understand it) when he doesn't comprehend the logic.  

I got some advice today from fellow parents and his teachers at school.  Everyone recommended distraction and keeping him up a little later.  His teacher also recommended letting go of my anxiety because Cub will sense it.  She also said to be direct and honest when he asks for food.  She said we should not apologize or say "I wish I could give you food . . ." because that sends mixed messages - apparently - Cub currently thinks I'm "all powerful".  We should just say "We're not eating right now, but we'll eat later."  Hmm . . .easier said than done.

This afternoon I took Cub to the pool (who is now counting to three and jumping off the edge and into my arms) to wear him out.  We also stuffed him with every food he wanted - four cookies?  OK!  two packages of fruit snacks? Absolutely!  He also ate some cheese and milk.  We kept him up about 45 minutes later than usual, so hopefully all of this keeps him in bed a little longer  (6:15 would be ideal).   

Please, please, please Cubbie sleep in and don't ask for food in the morning. 

I had my 13.5 week Chicken appointment this morning with my wonderful midwife - Midwifey (creative, I know).  Chicken is doing well - heart rate is 155.  I HAVE NOT gained "a generous" amount of weight since my last appointment (I've actually lost), which is surprising because I haven't been able to run and my first trimester diet has consisted mostly of fried cheese, popcorn and chicken fried steak.  

My next appointment is in five weeks and that's when we'll do the anatomy ultrasound.   

Here is Cub today giving me the what for because I tried to help him pull his wagon to the pool.  

Relaxing Fathers Day

A Day For Buttin

Buttin has been in Louisiana most of the week.  He needed a day of nothing. 

Today was a pre-Father's Day relaxation day for him - including, a massage, lunch and a movie (I went to the movie too).

Cub and I spent most of the morning at the park or the pool.

He has a new favorite game at the pool - it's called - "Fetch Mama".  He throws the ball in the pool and I have to jump in and get it - it's pretty complicated.

PS  I'm getting very tired of tingly, non-running feet.  I'm even starting to get jealous of the people I see running at 2:00 in the afternoon.  If I"m ever able to run again, I promise to never, ever complain about the heat (or the cold).

Filanthropy Friday

Sunday is Father's Day.

In honor of Buttin, I donated $20 to the American Film Institute.

It's no big secret that Buttin loves movies (and tv).  I think Buttin mentions at least once a week how he can't wait to watch (insert random movie title) with Cash when he gets older. 

The American Film Institute's goal is preserve the history and promote the future of film and I know it's a cause Buttin supports.

The Pool

Cub spent two full days  playing at the pool with Mormor, so I couldn't wait to get home this afternoon and take him to the pool.  I even bought him a bag of swim diapers ($11 for 18 diapers - sheesh - I need to get into the diaper business) that make him look like a sumo wrestler when he walks.

When I got home, he was still napping.  Mormor headed home and I waited for Cub to wake up.  I purposely went into his room and started moving things around to encourage him to wake up.  He woke up and I asked him if he wanted to go to the pool, he said, "no".  I waited for two hours and then finally he decided he wanted to go outside, to the pool.

When we got to the pool, he was more timid than Mormor had described.  Maybe, he thought I was just new to the whole pool thing or maybe it was because I dunked him immediately.  Oh well, we still had a good time playing around the pool. 

Wordless Wednesday

I Got A Bike!

It's been quite a long time since I've written about running - what with all the tingly feet.  I should change the name of my blog to Walking (Eating or Moping) With Lumpy and Chicken. 

Well, yesterday I got a recumbent stationary bike (the laziest, but most comfortable kind of bike).  I'm looking forward to starting my bike workouts, but I'll probably still do some walking outside - I enjoy the fresh air and feeling of movement.

Here is Cash man today.  Of course, it was cloudy and breezy so he DIDN'T want to go outside until about 10 minutes before bath time - go figure. 

Misfit Monday

I'm not allowed to buy stuff anymore.

Our copy machine died last week.  I found a used one on Craigslist and Buttin and I picked it up last week (it was huge and heavy).  Turns out I bought a broken copy machine (a copy machine repair person confirmed the death).  Buttin is currently trying to get a hold of the attorney (yes, an attorney) who sold it to me.  So far, the attorney is not answering our phone calls.

Today we bought another used copy machine from the copy machine repair guy's business.  By the end of the day, it stopped working.  Thankfully, this copy machine has a thirty day warranty. 

Here is Cash today (outside in the 100 degree afternoon heat) playing on our neighborhood park.

Sunday Movie Reviews

Prometheus 

Meh.  It was kind of disappointing. It was more boring than scary, but to be fair, it wasn't very scary. 

Moonrise Kingdom

I loved this movie.  I'm not even a big fan like Wes Anderson movies, but this one was perfect.

Here's a picture of Cub from this afternoon playing "snuggle puppy". 

Basketball Cub

Buttin and I (two of the biggest tv and movie watchers to ever exist) have managed to parent a child who only wants to be outside.

Now that it's getting really, really warm outside - we've created a new weekend plan:  Morning - Outside; Afternoon - Bounce House.

Here's Cub playing basketball this morning.

After about 45 minutes of running after the ball (he really is good at fetch), he needed a drink of water.

Filanthropy Friday

On Saturday, I'll Have Another, will attempt to win the Triple Crown.

This may come as a shock (to none of you), but I'm not really an outdoor or farm kind of girl; however, I do find horses fascinating.  They're just so freaking beautiful to watch - standing, walking or running.

In other horse related news, Barbie's daughter has been at horse camp this week.  I think it's great for city-kids to be exposed to animals and the outdoors (which is why I let Cub play with rolly-pollies on our sidewalk - it's almost like horse camp).

In honor of horses, I gave $20 this week to the Healing with Horses Ranch in Manor, Texas.   The ranch provides therapy (via horses) to people (especially children) with cognitive, physical or emotional challenges. 

Notice Anything New?

I'll give you a hint:  it's my blog header.

For my one blog reader who doesn't know already - I'm pregnant! 

Buttin and I are expecting "chicken" in mid-December.  I'm feeling great - just a little tired and (still) tingly footed.

Thankfully, our neighborhood park's new equipment was usable today!

Cub had a good time playing (and posing) on all the new stuff.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday To Me!

I had a wonderful day at the spa with Liz - I'm so relaxed right now that I can't write very much.

Here's Cub playing air conditioning in Buttin's truck.

Misfit Monday

Sometimes our customers are misfits.

Sometimes our customers are a-hole misfits.

Here is a conversation I had on the phone with an ultra-mega a-hole.

Me:  Hello, Carpet Warehouse.

A-hole:  How much for a piece of carpet?

Me:  Do you mean a remnant?

A-hole:  Yeah, like the left over piece.

Me:  Oh, it's a pretty big range - maybe $75 - $200, but the best thing to do is to come to our warehouse and see what remnants we have available.

A-hole:  Well that's retarded. 

Me:  Excuse me?

A-hole:  Well, I talked to another carpet company and they told me the same price range, but you're just retarded if you think I'm going to pay that much money.  I just need something to park my car on.

Me:  OK, well you can come see what we have available.

A-hole:  It sounds like a waste of time.  What would a brand new small piece of your cheapest carpet cost me?

Me:  Oh, about $75 - $100

A-hole:  That's just retarded.  You're going to charge me $75 - $100 for a piece of brand new carpet and $75 - $200 for a remnant?

Me:  Well, they're both new pieces of carpet.  The remnants aren't used.

A-hole:  You're retarded.  I hope you all go out of business and don't sell one more piece of carpet, never.

Me:  "click"

Yeah.  Sometimes answering the phones is lots of fun. 

Cash man says "hold you" when you wants to be picked up and carried.  Today, he met a deer friend and kept telling it "hold you".  I don't think Cub understood that the deer had no desire or capability to hold him.

Park

This morning we went to the park and it was like some cruel joke.

Lots of new equipment, but also lots of bars and construction tapey-stuff keeping us from playing on the new equipment. 

Instead of breaking into the park, we went to the basketball courts, which is one of my favorite places to let Cub burn off some energy.  He closes the gate and then runs around like a crazy toddler, kicking the the ball.  He just sprints from end to end of the court - running is so much fun when you're a toddler. 

He enjoys trying to make a basket.

And I enjoy chasing him (after an hour, we're both pretty tired). 

Filanthropy Friday

I was listening to the news this morning and there was a story about the huge growth in population of seniors and pre-seniors in Central Texas.

The population is growing substantially, but the services are not keeping pace.  As a result, more cases of neglect are being reported and most of the neglect cases are "self-neglect".   Sadly, many elderly do not want to ask for help or don't know how to get help.

This week I donated $25 to Meals On Wheels and More in Austin, Texas.  Not only do they provide meal services to the homebound, but they also help with home repairs, make friendly phone calls to check in on their clients and provide vet transportation for clients' pets (I love that one).

My $25 donation will provide 10 meals and other services to the beneficiaries of Meals On Wheels and More.