He Said/SheSaid

He Said:  Did you fart?

She Said: No.

He Said: Yes you did.

           She Said: No really I didn't....

you know I'd own up to it.

He Said:  You would not. 
You think farts are disgusting.

She Said:  Only when you do it. 

When I fart it's hilarious..... 

 Only at the EyeCanSee house.
Happy Monday friends!

Dear Mom

I had a dream about you the other night.  The first one in a long time.

I had a lot in the beginning, but in all of them you were always alive.

Talking.  Laughing.  Living life like you should be.

This time was different.  This time you had already died.

It was pretty disheartening to wake up knowing that now even in my dreams you're gone.

That even in my dreams you're slipping away.

I was cleaning out the freezer the other day and found a tupperware of your lasagna.  The date written on top in your handwriting.  I pulled it out and looked at it, remembering how you made it right after I went back to work when Jamie was born so I didn't have to cook..  How I ate it for dinner (and sometimes lunch) everyday for a week straight until you finally packed up and froze the rest for later.  I went to throw it out, but couldn't do it.  I couldn't throw away one more piece of you.  Even if it was just some year old frozen lasagna I will never eat.  So I put it near the back to deal with another day.

Then there's the last outfit you bought for Jamie.  It's still hanging in the closet, only worn once because I couldn't bear to let it get messed up.  All year as he would outgrow the countless other things you'd picked out, I knew I always had this one last outfit.  But now it's time to pack that one away too.

Some days are harder than others.  This month seems to be full of them.  It's just not fair.  I miss you.

xoxo,

Em

From the desk of James David EyeCanSee

Well folks, I'm back!

And I've officially turned 14 months.

(No, you didn't miss my 13 month post....mom shorted me a month.  Hmph)

Anyways.  It's been pretty busy round here since my birthday.

I'm officially a full time walker.  No more crawling for this guy, that's baby stuff!  Took me about a month to figure out that whole standing up business, but by September I was off and running.  Literally.  Running.  Mama says if I slowed down, maybe I wouldn't fall so much, but what fun is that?  I've got places to go....people to see!  Stairs to climb!  Oh yes, the stairs.  Moms worst enemy.  I'd play on them all day if she let me.  Up.  Down.  Up.  Down.  Up....well you get the picture.  And heaven's forbid I go down the stairs in a safe manner, it's WAY more cool to go down like a big boy.  Sometimes I hold on, sometimes I just wing it.  Mom blames me for her grey hairs.

As I'm sure you heard, I've been teething for quite some time now.  I officially have one molar on the top with a 2nd getting ready to break through any day now!  It's made me a bit crazy.  And driven mama to drink.  Or maybe it's my new found attitude.  I pretty much like things my way and if you tell me any different I'm not afraid to throw myself on the ground, kicking and screaming in protest.  Hey, I just want to make sure everyone knows what's up....and getting my diaper and or clothes changed is NOT how I want to spend my time.  Sorry mom.

On a happier note, I've also done some pretty awesome things lately.  Figure I better throw mom and dad a bone so they think they're doing something right as parents!  I've officially said my first word besides no, ok and uh-oh.  Car.  Or as mama likes to point out "Cah" cause talking with a Boston accent is way more sophisticated.  Duh.  As for the rest of my babble...it's still Greek to them.  While I might not be belting out sentences yet, I am understanding a ton.  Everyday mom tests me to see what new thing I've learned.  I pretty much amaze her every time.  I will go to the bath, get a book (and numerous other toys), go to my highchair, open/shut doors, "let's go" and many more things.  All on command!  Mama says it's like playing fetch.  Thanks, comparing me to a dog, I see how it is!  I'm also actually playing with my toys now instead of just chewing and throwing them everywhere.  I try to match up my shape blocks to the right holes, I put the phone up to my ear and just gab away, I shoot hoops with my basketball and drive my cars around, even making the car sounds!   I'll even read books....well sorta, I flip through the pages and point at everything.  Close enough though right??  And the best part?  I will help clean up now!  Mama loves that part and I think it's a game!  As for favorites?  Definitly cars (obviously), books and the swing out back I got for my bday.  Everyday mama lets the dog outside and I make a bee line for it....begging to get in.  She pretty much obliges everyday, I mean really....could YOU resist this face??

I'm wearing a mix of everything.  All my 12 mos and 6-12 month summer stuff is still fitting, though if this warm weather keeps up I'm going to be in trouble because it's all getting smaller by the day!  My fall clothes are all 18 mos and 12-18 month with a few 24 mos sleepers thrown in.  Most of it is still HUGE on me, so fingers crossed it lasts awhile.  If I ever fit into it, that is!  For being so tall, mama is confused why she has to roll the waist AND the cuffs just so I'm not tripping over myself.  I'm also still rocking the size 4 or 5 shoes and the middle setting on all my diapers.

I've developed some separation issues lately which has been hard on everyone.  There are days when I want to be carried constantly.  Don't even think about putting me down or a tantrum will be soon to follow.  Also makes drop off at daycare a bit more interesting.  Mom's sure glad she only does it sometimes, because it's way more fun to pick me up when I'm happy and smiling then to tear my death grip off her leg so she can leave.  I've also decided that sometimes it's lonely in my room at night.  So I get up around 2 and scream until someone comes in to save me.  It's fun times for everyone.  I've also formed a strong attachment to my blankie and my paci.  When mom isn't looking I sometimes sneak them out of my room.  Like she isn't going to notice the white tail following me down the hall.  That mom, she's one smart cookie, I can't get anything past her!

Well folks.  I guess that's it.  Until next month!      

Not everyone wants to be June Cleaver

A few weeks ago I took Jamie to a Gymboree class. I was so excited to have found one in our area...and on a Saturday no less. A working mother's dream come true!  I couldn't wait for some mommy and me time.  I was also hoping to maybe meet a cool mom friend or two. Instead I met a nice enough mom, and then I lied to her. It was a little white lie, but a lie nonetheless. One I've told a few times before. You see upon meeting this mom, I told her how I was glad they offered Saturday classes for us working moms. She stared at me with a look of horror on her face. Had I said something wrong? She immediately responded with a snarky tone, I don't work....I'm a full time mom. Oh, I said, you're so lucky I wish I could stay at home too. And there it was. The lie. It kinda just happened. Like word vomit to avoid the judging that was brewing in her mind.  Truth be told, I don't want to be a stay at home mom.  However when I say it out loud, women look at me and my child with pity in their eyes.  How could any mother possibly WANT to work?  Surely if she could quit, she would. 
I feel like I'm an anomaly in the working mom world. Everyday I read blogs and talk to women who would give anything to quit their jobs and stay at home. Not me, I actually like what I do and if given the opportunity to quit, would probably still work at least a day or two. I had a whole life, a career, before my son was born.  I worked hard for four years in college to achieve my dream. Why should my new role as a mommy mean leaving my old identity behind? Why can't I be both?

I used to think there I was missing some vital "mom" gene for thinking this way. For not wanting to spend every waking, breathing moment with my child.  For having a baby knowing full well he'd *gasp* be a daycare kid, causing women everywhere to clutch their pearls.  Was I being a bad mom?  Was I doing the wrong thing?  Should I want to stay home?  But then I realized, being a mom is like everything else. There's no right or wrong way to do it.  Just do what's best for you and your family. And this?  This just works for us. I like the balance we've found.  I like the independence I get at work.  It helps me maintain a little piece of "Emily" before she became "Jamie's mom."
 Do I sometimes feel like I'm burning at both ends? Yep, doesn't every mom? Are there days when I drop Jamie off and he's clinging to my leg, begging me not to go, that I want to just scoop him up and run back home, never returning to work again? Sure. I'm not heartless. I'm still a mom who loves her son more than anything in the world. But most days he runs in, not giving our goodbye a second thought. Are there days when my house is a mess and we eat cereal for dinner because sneaking in a trip to the park or a few more snuggles with Jamie was more important? You better believe it. Because working outside the home doesn't make you a part time mom, you still do that full time too.

So do I think that other mom is lucky to be a SAHM? Absolutely. Because that's what she wants. That's what works for her.  But next time when I get those sad "Oh....she's a working mom" looks, there will be no little white lies, because I'm proud of what I do. Proud of the choice I made. And in my opinion, that makes me a pretty great {working} mom.

Tasty Tuesday: Creamy Chicken Parmesan

So not only did I cook something last week that wasn't Hamburger Helper or frozen waffles....I actually tried a new recipe.  Shocked?  I know, me too!  I needed something new to do with chicken, so I headed off to my friends at Kraft.com and perused their top chicken recipes until I found this winner.  It was a recipe for two, but you could easily double it for more.  The husband gave it two thumbs up, it's one of their healthy living choices and it was fairly easy for a week night meal so I think we'll try it again soon!  Enjoy!

Creamy Chicken Parmesan

what you need:

3 Reduced Fat Ritz crackers, finely crushed

2 Tbsp Grated Parmesan cheese

2 small boneless chicken breasts

1 can fat free, reduced sodium chicken broth

1/4 c water

1/2 c orzo pasta, uncooked

1 tsp oil

2 oz low fat cream cheese

1 c mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas and green beans) thawed

make it

MIX cracker crumbs and 1T Parmesan on small plate.  Rinse chicken; dip in crumb mixture, turning to coat evenly.

BRING 1 cup broth and water to boil in medium saucepan on medium-high heat.  Add orzo; simmer on medium low heat 9 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender.  Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat.  Add chicken, cook 5-6 min on each side or until done.  Remove chicken from skillet.

ADD cream cheese and remaining broth to skillet.  Bring to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly.  Simmer 3 min or until thickened.  (I also added garlic, cause, who doesn't like garlic)  Meanwhile, add vegetables to orzo mixture, simmer 2 min.

SPOON orzo mixture onto two plates; top with chicken.  Stir remaining Parmesan into sauce, spoon over chicken.

Bon Appetite!

A better ending would have been nice

Last year when it was official that the Huskers would be joining the Big 10, my sweet talking to score some tickets to the Ohio State game began!  Not an easy task for a Buckeye Grad when all of her family are Huskers through and through.  Luckily my dad's sister took pity on us and gave up two of her seats.  Mission accomplished!  We were stoked! 



Memorial Stadium. Where it all went down

So, Friday evening our little family of three loaded into the car and began our trek to Nebraska.

We stay Friday night in Omaha with my aunt, then after dropping Jamie off with one of my best friends, were off to Lincoln.



Your eyes do not deceive you.  I am in fact wearing {what used to be} my lucky buckeye hat.  Apparently the 2003 National Championship game used up all the luck, cause it brought none on Saturday.



We tailgated.  We enjoyed some friendly heckling with their fans and even found a few fellow Ohio Staters.   It was a good day.  Until the game happened.



At least we had kick ass seats

The first half was great!  We pretty much dominated the field and left the Huskers wishing they had stayed in the Big 12.  Well shortly after our QB got injured, the tables turned....and well, let's just say the ending wasn't so pretty and we left with our Buckeye's hanging low.



You know how you can tell we took this at the beginning of the game?  We're still smiling.

Welcome to the Big 10 Nebraska, consider this win a Big 12 parting gift.  Next year you're in our house and I don't think we'll be so accommodating!

And on a completely unrelated note.  Yesterday we went to my friend's little girls 1st Birthday party and I snatched this quick pic on her front porch.  Who is this little boy and what did he do with my baby??

One more step towards a crunchy life

As if cloth diapering didn't make me granola enough....I've taken it one step further.

I bought an Amber teething necklace.

Go ahead, laugh if you must.  Even I don't always recognize the holistic, hippy mom I've become, but when you've been dealing with a teething toddler, non stop, for TWO months and only have ONE new tooth to show for all the pain and suffering...you'll try just about anything.

Honestly, I was getting tired of giving him Tylenol and Motrin constantly.  Might as well have tapped a vein as often as we were giving it.  When his eyes lit up like Christmas at the mere sight of the bottle, his hands clapping, his mouth opening like a little bird....I decided we needed to find something new.

I bought some of the "black market" Humphrey's Teething tablets now that they're back on the shelves.  They work OK....better than orajel which was a big waste of time, but not the relief I was hoping for.

I had seen several of the moms on my cloth diapering message board talk about these teething necklaces, so I looked into it.

Amber is a natural pain reliever.  When worn, the warmth of the skin causes succinic acid to be released, helping with all sorts of pain.  Arthritis.  Back pain.  And yep you guessed it, teething.  The amount of positive reviews and testimonials I found was astounding....enough for me to click "Add to basket" and check out faster than you can say "molars are the devil."

There are several different ones you can choose from in a variety of shapes and colors.  They say the lighter the stone, the more succinic acid it contains, making it slightly more effective than the darker ones.  I went with a multi-colored one since the light butter yellow was sold out.  Figured this way, I was at least getting some of the lightest stones.

 We've only had it a few weeks and unfortunately daycare won't let him wear it there.  Said it's a choking hazard.  I tried to explain that each stone is individually knotted so if it were to break, the most that would come off is one stone....but it seemed to fall on deaf ears.  They already think I'm a little crazy, what with the cloth diapering and all.  I think this was too much for them.  Disappointed, I gave in without much of a fight.

I wasn't giving up all together though, at home it's pretty much on all the time.  At night I put it around his ankle, and on the weekends he wears it 24/7.  I honestly can't say I've noticed a HUGE difference.  Certainly not the night and day turn around some people claim, but a big part of me knows that not wearing it consistently probably has a lot to do with it.  I can say however, that we've definitely stopped giving Motrin as much.  So to me, that's worth it.  Plus the darn thing is pretty cute.  I can't believe how many people comment on it when we're out!

Have any of you tried one??  What are your teething lifesavers?