Say WHAT?

It's Friday again and that means it's time for Say WHAT? The AMAZING 80's quote trivia game. In case you haven't played before, here is the down low – At the bottom of this post you will find a quote from an 80's movie. If you choose to play you must, without using the internet as a resource, guess which 80's movie the quote has been taken from. But here is where the rules have changed. If by Sunday we still don't have a winner anyone may go ahead and Google away. The first person to give the correct movie wins! Fun, huh? Leave your guesses in the comments section and if you are the first to correctly identify the quote, you win! I announce the winner on Sunday and that winner receives acknowledgment, linkage and if they have a profile picture I post that also. I recap the winner every Friday and include all of the aforementioned information. And hey, even if you don't know the answer just give me a shout out. I like to know who's stopped by!

Jenn struck again last week so everyone needs to be on their toes...



Time for today's quote. Don't forget to come back on Sunday (or maybe Monday if I'm lazy) to see if you are a winner. Have fun and good luck!



"Believe it or not, but under fire, Animal Mother can be a wonderful human being. All he needs is somebody throwing grenades at him 'til the end of his life."

YouTubesday

Shake Your Rump - Beastie Boys

Cause I wanna.

WoooH! WoooH!

Deaf by Thirty-Five

Things have been a little low around here the past couple of days. There's been some lack of sleep due to really bad headaches and teething. Temper tantrums (Miss A's) have been at an all time high. I've been asking people I know with children if they can feel their eardrums rattle when their kids scream, because I can. The general consensus has been “no”. Bad news for us I guess. I'm predicting that Peter and I will be stone deaf by the time she's five, if not sooner.

I keep asking myself if there is something more I could be doing. I've tried various things. Ignoring her, getting cross and raising my voice, being calm and trying to calm her as well. Nothing works. It's like a hurricane that you just need to wait out. To be honest I'd like to put her outside at these times and board up my doors and windows.

Of course I've been getting a lot of advise. Some I've asked for and some I haven't. I take this advice differently depending on my mood. The most promising thing I'm told is that she'll grow out of it. But then I ask, “when?” and no one knows.

I love her, she's a great kid but lately there have been days when I think “I just can't handle another tantrum, I can't.” But then she'll have one because she doesn't want to get out of the bath or because she doesn't want her jammies on or because life is just so HARD!!! And somehow I get through it and put her to bed. Then I play Unreal Tournament which usually makes me feel better.

So because I had an adequate amount of sleep last night and I'm in a pretty good mood I'm welcoming any advice anyone might have on dealing with temper tantrums. Specifically for 18 months olds. Reasoning with her just isn't happening yet. Ready...Go.

The Best $2.99 I Ever Spent

I'm not sure if any of you out there are familiar with a show by the name of 'The Big Comfy Couch'. It's a Canadian show. It's basically about a clown named Loonette who has a doll named Molly and friends named Major Bedhead and Granny Garbanzo. There is singing, dancing and stories. There is also a cat named Snicklefritz.

A is in love with this show. IN LOVE. It just happened to be on a few times and we discovered how much she paid attention to it. How she smiled, laughed and danced when it was on. Sometimes she even tries to do the 'Clock Stretch'.

So the other day I went to Value Village. I checked out the toy section as usual. I often find vintage Fisher Price toys but on this particular visit I find something better... A Molly doll. I couldn't actually believe it and didn't have to think twice about buying it. Toys are ridiculously cheap there anyway. As long as they are easy to wipe down or throw in the washing machine (that's where Molly ended up soon after arriving to our residence) then they are keepers.

When I brought Molly home that evening I think I became the most popular Mama ever. A immediately knew who she was and tucked her under her arm. By morning she'd forgotten about her which was good because Molly was having a bath and air drying on top of the dryer that day. The following day however I made the mistake of introducing them again before breakfast. A would not be separated from Molly. Molly sat in the highchair with her during breakfast and was even offered toast to share. I had to take pictures because I thought it was sweet although I had to suppress my OCD and not worry that the freshly washed dolly was getting crumbs and butter all over her clean self.

It was rewarding to spend $2.99 and bring so much joy to Miss A. I hope she continues to appreciate affordable gifts as she gets older...

Drum Roll Please...

Jenn from And then there were four... is this weeks winner. I thought 'Back to the Future' would be a pretty easy one for most of you. It's always more fun when you just know it and don't have to look it up.



I admit it. I used to think Michael J. Fox was cute. Then I grew up a bit and realized that Crispin Glover is WAY more my taste. I like em' quirky you know.

Say WHAT?

It's Friday again and that means it's time for Say WHAT? The AMAZING 80's quote trivia game. In case you haven't played before, here is the down low – At the bottom of this post you will find a quote from an 80's movie. If you choose to play you must, without using the internet as a resource, guess which 80's movie the quote has been taken from. But here is where the rules have changed. If by Sunday we still don't have a winner anyone may go ahead and Google away. The first person to give the correct movie wins! Fun, huh? Leave your guesses in the comments section and if you are the first to correctly identify the quote, you win! I announce the winner on Sunday and that winner receives acknowledgment, linkage and if they have a profile picture I post that also. I recap the winner every Friday and include all of the aforementioned information. And hey, even if you don't know the answer just give me a shout out. I like to know who's stopped by!

Jenn won last week. It was a hard one which had to be Googled. This week's quote should be ridiculously easy. Just to mix it up.



Time for today's quote. Don't forget to come back on Sunday (or maybe Monday if I'm lazy) to see if you are a winner. Have fun and good luck!




“Last night, Darth Vader came down from planet Vulcan and told me that if I didn't take Lorraine out that he'd melt my brain.”

YouTubesday

Today YouTubesday will take us on a trip down memory lane. To a show that first aired in the late 80's and ended during my grade eleven year. “Life Goes On” had a huge impact on me. Especially the relationship between Jesse and Becca. During most episodes of the fourth season I was reduced to a sobbing, hysterical puddle on the floor at some point. The first five minutes of this particular episode nearly killed me and I was so upset that I distinctly remember my sister shocked at seeing me in such a state, reminding me “It's just a television show!” I had to splash cold water on my face during the commercial break to gain composure.

I forced anyone who was friends with me at that time to watch episodes that I had on tape and LIKE them, or else. Looking back it's a shock I had any friends at all. My love of this show at that time could not be described by any other word than obsession! I have calmed down a bit over the years but other shows that ranked up there in the obsessive category were “My So Called Life”, “X-Files”, “Dark Angel”, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel”. I am SUCH a shipper.

Anyway, here is a video of the wrap up of a great series.

Music-ee Meme

I have been tagged by Bon for a music meme. I have never heard of this one before and since I am too busy cleaning up poo to write a real post this will do nicely.

List seven songs you are into right now...no matter what they are. BUT. They must be songs you are presently enjoying. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

(I'm also going to link the videos from YouTube because that's what I did with most of Bon's songs.)

1.Fix You – Coldplay (Also known as my Canadian Idol Audition piece)
2.Raoul – The Automatic
3.Calm Down Dearest – Jamie T
4.Sweet Troubled Soul – Stellastarr* (Thanks Beth!)
5.Lesley Parlafitt – Bromheads Jacket
6.Starz In Their Eyes – Just Jack
7.Blue Monday – New Order

Now, who to tag...

1. The Big Fugr
2. Nikkie
3. This Single Spark
4. Sugarmama
5. Plantain
6. Jenn
7. Beth

Looking at this list I happen to know all of these folks will have cool taste in music. I can't wait to see what songs are on their lists.

Diapers are for Babies

I knew it was coming. I predicted it here. No amount of wishing it wouldn't happen could have stopped it.

Yesterday Miss A was in her crib 'napping' she took off every stitch of clothing which included – diaper, tights, onesie and jeans. Her diaper had poo in it. She gleefully smeared in all over her bottom sheet. After inspecting and cleaning her up it seemed she did most of the job with her feet.

Overall I thought I handled it quite well considering how frustrated I felt, not only with what she'd done but also with yet another day of nap refusal. I did count my blessings that she hadn't smeared it on the wall or anything that wasn't easily washable. I didn't even think of getting a photo. Although I guess that some of you with weak stomachs wouldn't be interested in seeing that anyhow.

As you can see she just doesn't think anyone should be wearing diapers or clothes for that matter. She gets very upset when I attempt to redress her dolls. Strange.







I am praying for a quick end to this phase. I'm not sure I'm up to it really. Not to mention I'm fairly certain that if Peter was confronted with the same mess he might just toss his cookies.

So This One Was Hard, Huh?

After being given permission to Google Jenn from And then there were four... won Say WHAT? for this week. I believe she said this was "the cheaters way" (sorry if I misquoted you Jenn) but I say that since it's in the rules then - it's not cheating. It's just not as satisfying as knowing without looking it up.



As I'm sure you've all noticed I've just started posting You Tube stuff from the movies I take quotes from. It's much easier than looking for good photos. But would you believe that there seems to be nothing on YouTube for 'Roxanne'? Since no one seemed to know this quote perhaps you would believe it. Anyway, in lieu of a 'Roxanne' video here's Steve Martin playing the Banjo on the Muppet Show.

Say WHAT?

It's Friday again and that means it's time for Say WHAT? The AMAZING 80's quote trivia game. In case you haven't played before, here is the down low – At the bottom of this post you will find a quote from an 80's movie. If you choose to play you must, without using the internet as a resource, guess which 80's movie the quote has been taken from. But here is where the rules have changed. If by Sunday we still don't have a winner anyone may go ahead and Google away. The first person to give the correct movie wins! Fun, huh? Leave your guesses in the comments section and if you are the first to correctly identify the quote, you win! I announce the winner on Sunday and that winner receives acknowledgment, linkage and if they have a profile picture I post that also. I recap the winner every Friday and include all of the aforementioned information. And hey, even if you don't know the answer just give me a shout out. I like to know who's stopped by!

My friend Omar won AGAIN last week. Apparently robots and computers are his niche so I'm choosing a quote from a movie with neither to try to stump him.

Time for today's quote. Don't forget to come back on Sunday (or maybe Monday if I'm lazy) to see if you are a winner. Have fun and good luck!



“I have nothing against cute. I just wish I could meet someone with half a brain this time. “

YouTubesday

I was desperately seeking something different to post for todays YouTubesday. I thought “I'm in the mood for something funny.” And I'm sure everyone else could use a laugh too. Of course if you don't know The Cure at all this likely won't be funny to you. If this is the case watch this YouTubesday first.

This is from a British sketch comedy show I'd never heard of before called Newman and Baddiel in Pieces. The fact that I find this funny is further evidence that I should have been born in England and that I am a Brit at heart. I also find this funny because it's a song I sing to Miss A. Well not the little teapot part. And not so depressed sounding either.

Cuteness and Cuddles

One of my best friends had a baby girl yesterday. 9lbs 2 ½ ounces! I was so excited for her because finally (this is her third child) she was able to have a midwife as she had always wanted to. The birth pretty much went awesome other than she was a tad on the large side... the baby I mean!

My friend called me shortly after having her sounding all normal and fine as though nothing major, like giving birth, had just taken place. She sounded the same way when she called me after her last baby was born, all nonchalant and stuff. I think she is a born mother.

It has been a while again since I have been up to the maternity ward in the hospital. It still sends all kinds of positive and negative feelings rushing back to me. My friend seemed to be doing as awesome as she sounded on the telephone. Her husband was cuddled up with the baby but I got to hold her for a while. She was sweet and tiny and she didn't even scare me at all. Probably because I knew I didn't have to take her home and look after her. That always helps. Still holding the little soul made me feel a little twinge of desire to have another one. And I figure that's promising when compared to my feelings of totally ditching the whole idea.

Because my friend has an incredible green thumb I couldn't resist getting her baby these. My friend thought they were great. And I also got baby's big brother a Bob the Builder book and big sister a princess coloring book. I hope it makes them feel a little less left out to get something since new babies always get a ton of gifts.



This friend is my inspiration. She is a fabulous mother and makes it all look easy, from giving birth to potty training and beyond. Yet she tells me the truth about the trials and tribulations that motherhood brings. I'm glad this is yet another bond that we share.

We're OKAY!

Today one of the fears that I'm sure all mothers who have a child in their arms while walking outside in the winter became my reality. That's right. I fell. While carrying Miss A to our house from the car. I was being careful but my feet slipped right from under me and I fell right on top of her. She sort of fell in the snowbank which sounds alright except that the snowbank has kind of melted and hardened a bit. I knew right away that she had hit her head on the snow and she started crying immediately. I think I had time to say “Oh sh!t!” on the way down.

All I could do was pick myself up and go inside with my hysterical baby. I took her hat off first afraid that her head might be cut or something. I couldn't even find a bump. Upon inspection I determined that she seemed to be okay. I checked out my knee which was stinging to find a bit of a scrape. I guess that the fall had simply frightened her which was why she'd cried so hard. She would have likely cried less if she actually had been hurt, tough little monkey that she is. I was relieved and now I feel like going outside and bashing at the ice with a sharp shovel to diffuse my anger. Honestly though I can't believe something like this has never happened before. I suppose I should consider myself lucky.

In other news I had my second counseling appointment today. It seemed more productive. I felt more comfortable and the experience was more positive. My counselor seemed warmer this time and I think we accomplished more. I was also much more emotional. I left feeling better but also drained.

It's going to be a long process. I need to make a concerted effort to stop looking at everyone else and thinking “See, they're normal. What's wrong with me?” Not that I want everyone to be messed up but I realize that how people may appear on the outside is not necessarily how they are on the inside. In fact other people may look at me and think “Look at her, she has it all together.” Which let me tell you, I certainly do NOT.



And finally, I don't know if you all noticed my new profile picture. I've been wanting to put up a new one for some time but none of our pictures seemed right. This one was taken during one of those rare moments when we caught A looking at the camera. And smiling no less! I think it's quite sweet. These days in most of our photos of her we get bizarre looks like this one...

Before the Spring

The snow is melting in a hurry so I thought I'd better post these photos while you all can still remember what snow is.

These were taken one evening while Peter and I tried to tidy up the snowy mess. Miss A like going for rides on the shovel...

On Fire!

After complaining that it has taken him months to win my game my friend Omar has won for the second time in a month. I think he's been fooling us all with his supposed ignorance and now he's going to win all the time. Seriously though Omar, if you are going to keep winning you have to start a blog or at least get a page at IMDB that I can link to!

Our quote was selected from the movie 'War Games' which is also apparently one of Omar's favorites. Does that make you think I'm even cooler? I must fess up that it is actually Peter's influence on me that caused me to choose this film. It's also one of his favorites.

For those of you that haven't seen it here's the trailer.

Say WHAT?

It's Friday again and that means it's time for Say WHAT? The AMAZING 80's quote trivia game. In case you haven't played before, here is the down low – At the bottom of this post you will find a quote from an 80's movie. If you choose to play you must, without using the internet as a resource, guess which 80's movie the quote has been taken from. But here is where the rules have changed. If by Sunday we still don't have a winner anyone may go ahead and Google away. The first person to give the correct movie wins! Fun, huh? Leave your guesses in the comments section and if you are the first to correctly identify the quote, you win! I announce the winner on Sunday and that winner receives acknowledgment, linkage and if they have a profile picture I post that also. I recap the winner every Friday and include all of the aforementioned information. And hey, even if you don't know the answer just give me a shout out. I like to know who's stopped by!

Last weeks winner was my good friend KT. Hey you, we should make a supper date!

Also, another friend of mine has a birthday coming up really soon. Stop by and wish her a happy one.

Time for today's quote. Don't forget to come back on Sunday (or maybe Monday if I'm lazy) to see if you are a winner. Have fun and good luck!




“What you see on these screens up here is a fantasy; a computer enhanced hallucination! “

YouTubesday

This is a blast from the past for all you folks that may be like me... Up to your armpits in snow!

Just try to imagine what it would feel like to have the summer sun shining on your faces and water lapping up onto your toes. Or, if you can't stand the sight of me in my bathing suit just close your eyes and listen to the sound of the waves and Miss A's excited splashing.

We've Come Along Way Baby

Just over seventeen months ago when I was dealing with a brand new jaundiced baby, breast pumps and Mastitis I would have never been able to relate to the feelings I'm having today.

Today and for the past couple of weeks Miss A has been increasingly uninterested in breastfeeding. This seems to occur mostly during the before and after naps feedings. We go about our usual routine and when I try to lay her back for a drink she cries and wants to stay sitting up. She will usually cuddle, suck her thumb and even lay her head down on my shoulder but when I try to lay her down again she protests.

I have been comfortable with the way she's been self weaning until now. It's been gradual, painless and even convenient. But I'm wondering if she's nearly ready to stop altogether and to be honest I'm feeling a bit distressed about it. I had fully intended on continuing until she was two, now it's looking like we won't make it that far.

It's funny because like I said, at the beginning we had so many struggles and I often considered quitting but I pushed through. I honestly didn't think I'd be upset when she one day decided to quit. In fact I thought I'd be happy. But the thing is I'm not. I'm not exactly sad either, just confused. I'm not sure if I'm reading her right or not.

At this age there are a lot of situations where it's like “Listen, I know you want to climb up on the dresser but it's not safe and I want the best for you so get down please...” I'm wondering if this breastfeeding thing is the same, that I need to be persistent because I know what is best. Perhaps she thinks she's too busy for it. My concern is if she stops nursing in the afternoon my milk supply will definitely drop. I know, I keep forgetting how amazing our bodies can be and that they adapt in whatever way it needs to.

I also don't want to try to force her to continue if she is truly done. Since this is my first time I have no idea how to go about this. Also, I imagine it's different with every child. Sigh. I would appreciate any ideas, opinions or suggestions that any fellow breastfeeders may have. And for those of you who might be all “You're STILL breastfeeding and your kid is 1 and 1/2!? Gross!” Well, yes I am. And no, it's not.

Feeling Like Good Parents

About two weeks ago Peter and I were making supper together. He was on biscuit detail. Miss A decided that her Dada needed her assistance. I was making turkey meatballs so my hands were a mess and Peter's were covered in dough and flour so neither of us were able to stop her.



We were both standing there cringing as she became covered in flour but then we stopped and realized – Hey, she's having fun. The flour would come off and eating some dough wouldn't kill her. We relaxed. We even let her use the cookie cutter to help make the biscuits.




Eventually she became bored and discovered that making supper is hard work. I think you can see that here in her expression. (the same expression I wear when I am making supper) I brushed the flour off and away she went.



It was a neat moment (or few moments) for Peter and I. We realized that sometimes we are so busy telling her to not touch that, be careful, don't do that, get down... that we forget to let her just have fun. When we saw how happy she was to just get up there and 'help' even though we knew it would be an awful mess, it was worth it.

I predict that Miss A will teach us many lessons like this one along the way. Getting her parents to just lighten up already! Parenting is a journey, isn't it?

You've got the Cutest Little Labor Face

I decided to take part in a photo tag. Stefanie started it over at Adventures in Babywearing. Check out her new profile picture... she looks like a model for goodness sakes!

So all those who take part are supposed to post a 'belly shot' from when they were expecting. I've posted this picture before but here it is again... in all it's un-retouched glory.




Not only is this a photo of me pregnant but I also happened to be in labor and only about five hours away from giving birth. I like to call my expression my 'labor face'. You can see I have the exact same expression earlier in the day both here



and here




during an outdoor church service and potluck lunch which followed. It could also be called the 'Holy Crap I'm about to become a mother!' face.

Miss A was born naturally at 3:14 AM at 8lbs 7ozs. I still can't believe that was nearly two years ago. And when I think back to how she was in those early days - stubborn and sometimes angry at the world, I realize that not much has changed. For some strange reason I find that kind of comforting.

My Friends Are Smart

For the second week in a row one of my real life friends won Say WHAT? KT is not a blogger (although she'd write the pants off me I'm sure) and she also hasn't starred in any commercials (that I'm aware of). She is however a fantastic mother, has an amazing sense of humor, and she's a wonderful person.

St. Elmo's Fire was indeed the movie quote this week. Although to clear things up it was actually Jules (Demi Moore) saying it to Billy (Rob Lowe). I haven't seen this movie in ages. Watching this video kinda makes me want to. I can't believe how much smoking they do in this movie. I guess that just goes to show how things have changed. You rarely see that anymore.

Watch. Enjoy. Get Nostalgic.

Say WHAT?

It's Friday again and that means it's time for Say WHAT? The AMAZING 80's quote trivia game. In case you haven't played before, here is the down low – At the bottom of this post you will find a quote from an 80's movie. If you choose to play you must, without using the internet as a resource, guess which 80's movie the quote has been taken from. But here is where the rules have changed. If by Sunday we still don't have a winner anyone may go ahead and Google away. The first person to give the correct movie wins! Fun, huh? Leave your guesses in the comments section and if you are the first to correctly identify the quote, you win! I announce the winner on Sunday and that winner receives acknowledgment, linkage and if they have a profile picture I post that also. I recap the winner every Friday and include all of the aforementioned information. And hey, even if you don't know the answer just give me a shout out. I like to know who's stopped by!

My friend Omar won for the first time last week. I don't think it will be his last either!

Time for today's quote. Don't forget to come back on Sunday (or maybe Monday if I'm lazy) to see if you are a winner. Have fun and good luck!



“You break my heart. Then again, you break everyone's heart.”

YouTubesday

I thought this video was really good. I really like Craig Ferguson a lot and after seeing this I not only think he's funny but I have so much respect for him.

I have been extremely disturbed by how the media made light of the whole 'Britney Spears gone wild' weekend. When I heard about the head shaving thing my curiosity got the better of me and I looked at the pictures on the internet. I felt sick. You could just tell by looking at her that she was in serious trouble.

I'm not her biggest fan by any stretch of the imagination and I'm not about to make excuses for her behavior but I think it's pretty obvious that she needs help. I can relate to this. I'm not going to shave my head or anything but I think perhaps I can understand what made her feel like doing it. And the fact that the media is treating her very public breakdown like a big joke is awful. What's worse is that a lot of people are eating it up. We are being brainwashed into thinking stuff that is horrible and totally messed up is actually funny and entertaining. I think Craig Ferguson says it better that I do so I'll leave it to him...