Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Secret to My Success: Denial
I go back in 10 days and Bobo doesn't take a bottle, so if you want to see stressed, see me when I think about that (often at 3 am). Bobo is going to "Baby Bottle Boot Camp" at the day care on Wednesday. I have scheduled a massage during that time so that I DO NOT THINK ABOUT IT.
My biggest fear is that Bobo will be like Chuckles. I have to keep reminding myself that they are different kids and not compare them blah blah blah, but ugh. Chuckles did a little thing called "reverse cycling" where he slept a lot during the day while I was at work and didn't eat much and then was up all night to eat when he had access to the All-You-Can-Eat smorgasbord that is me. It was wrenching and exhausting and I swear to you, I will wean if Bobo does this just to spite him. Or something. It was greuling. I'm still tired from that. That is the reason my kids at 3-1/2 years apart and not 2 years apart as I had originally planned. In fact, I was thisclose to leaving Chuckles an only child.
Two more things: A big "Eff You" to the good folks who write our tax code. Thanks for nothing. We owe $4 and that is with withholding of Married-Zero for Mr. Long-Suffering and Me. We have 4 dependents so that seems odd to me. At least we didn't owe AMT. Good thing we had Bobo last year or we would have owed thousands.
I was doing some Spring cleaning in the flower beds and took a sharp stick to the eye. It hurts. I abraded my schlera and well, I have excruciating eye pain. Which is always a good time. The hardest part was when I pulled the stick out of my eye where it was stuck and dangling. Actually, the best part was when I told CHuckles to go get Daddy and he did. Very proud of my big big boy.
Oh, one more thing, we went to Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop, which is one of Barack Obama's favorite restaurants in Chicagoland. Food gets a 9. But the restaurant was so uncomfortably warm we had to leave. I mean like 85 or 90 degrees. Chuckles took his sweatshirt off, I was sweating, Bobo turned beet red and fussed but didn't want me to hold him because I was warm. He was hungry so I fed him but I couldn't use my "Hooter Hider" because of the aforementioned heat. Bobo would have burst into flames. At least I was in Illinois where they have Right to Breastfeed in Public Laws. Anyway, good food, bad ambiance.
My biggest fear is that Bobo will be like Chuckles. I have to keep reminding myself that they are different kids and not compare them blah blah blah, but ugh. Chuckles did a little thing called "reverse cycling" where he slept a lot during the day while I was at work and didn't eat much and then was up all night to eat when he had access to the All-You-Can-Eat smorgasbord that is me. It was wrenching and exhausting and I swear to you, I will wean if Bobo does this just to spite him. Or something. It was greuling. I'm still tired from that. That is the reason my kids at 3-1/2 years apart and not 2 years apart as I had originally planned. In fact, I was thisclose to leaving Chuckles an only child.
Two more things: A big "Eff You" to the good folks who write our tax code. Thanks for nothing. We owe $4 and that is with withholding of Married-Zero for Mr. Long-Suffering and Me. We have 4 dependents so that seems odd to me. At least we didn't owe AMT. Good thing we had Bobo last year or we would have owed thousands.
I was doing some Spring cleaning in the flower beds and took a sharp stick to the eye. It hurts. I abraded my schlera and well, I have excruciating eye pain. Which is always a good time. The hardest part was when I pulled the stick out of my eye where it was stuck and dangling. Actually, the best part was when I told CHuckles to go get Daddy and he did. Very proud of my big big boy.
Oh, one more thing, we went to Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop, which is one of Barack Obama's favorite restaurants in Chicagoland. Food gets a 9. But the restaurant was so uncomfortably warm we had to leave. I mean like 85 or 90 degrees. Chuckles took his sweatshirt off, I was sweating, Bobo turned beet red and fussed but didn't want me to hold him because I was warm. He was hungry so I fed him but I couldn't use my "Hooter Hider" because of the aforementioned heat. Bobo would have burst into flames. At least I was in Illinois where they have Right to Breastfeed in Public Laws. Anyway, good food, bad ambiance.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Gah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I try not to be all judgey and everything, but here I'm going to judge....
If you are someone who, for a living, shoots things into little tiny babies, you had better make sure you know what you're doing. Damn sure.
Yesterday was Bobo's 4- month ped appointment. He was administered 3 shots, which covered 8 diseases. Except! One of the shots was wrong! Wrong! Wrong! As in, he was given a vaccine not approved for use in the US in children under 12 months, and approved in Italy for 5 months and up. So, no country in the world approves the use of this vaccine on a 4-month old. And my Bobo got it. Bobo, who has had nothing in his body except breastmilk and vitamins (plus a few correct shots). The very same Bobo who did not receive the Hep B vaccine in the hospital because they would not let me be present for it (to make sure it was done correctly).
I feel so guilty because I was there and I asked about a million questions to make sure they were all right. And then I was given a print out of the shot record and I was reviewing it and saw that he received the Hep A vaccine instead of the Hep B. THe doctor called today and apologized. Argh! Now what do I do? I love our pediatrician but I have been completely underwhelmed by his office staff (it's not actually his staff as it's a big corporate clinic place so I don't think he gets to pick people). Do I change pediatricians? Do I just step up my diligence (which is already set to Freak Out Code Red Alert)? Do I sue? What do I do? Tell me, dear internets...
If you are someone who, for a living, shoots things into little tiny babies, you had better make sure you know what you're doing. Damn sure.
Yesterday was Bobo's 4- month ped appointment. He was administered 3 shots, which covered 8 diseases. Except! One of the shots was wrong! Wrong! Wrong! As in, he was given a vaccine not approved for use in the US in children under 12 months, and approved in Italy for 5 months and up. So, no country in the world approves the use of this vaccine on a 4-month old. And my Bobo got it. Bobo, who has had nothing in his body except breastmilk and vitamins (plus a few correct shots). The very same Bobo who did not receive the Hep B vaccine in the hospital because they would not let me be present for it (to make sure it was done correctly).
I feel so guilty because I was there and I asked about a million questions to make sure they were all right. And then I was given a print out of the shot record and I was reviewing it and saw that he received the Hep A vaccine instead of the Hep B. THe doctor called today and apologized. Argh! Now what do I do? I love our pediatrician but I have been completely underwhelmed by his office staff (it's not actually his staff as it's a big corporate clinic place so I don't think he gets to pick people). Do I change pediatricians? Do I just step up my diligence (which is already set to Freak Out Code Red Alert)? Do I sue? What do I do? Tell me, dear internets...
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Global Economic Collapse
First off, Bobo was 17 lbs 14 ounces. The ped thinks he's probably a few ounces shy of 18 lbs because of his bout of influenza. It put his growth on hold for a day or two. No big deal. Kid is still huge. 26". Which is odd since he was 26-1/2" two weeks ago, but measuring is hard. And I'll go with it since our baby bucket car seat only goes to 26". And I want him in the bucket.
On to the economy.... The following could be full of unpopular opinions, so I'll start by reminding everyone that I am a libertarian and pretty much think everyone should take care of themselves. That out of the way, here I go spewing my manifesto or something.
AIG Bonuses - These were contractually mandated by the pay structure. If the government didn't want them paid out, they should have put stipulations on the money before they gave it to AIG (or better still, not given AIG one red cent and let the company go bankrupt which would void all contracts and everything could be re-negotiated. This reminds me of a mom who gave her daughter a check to spend on her wedding. It was not enough to cover even half of it and she gave it to her daughter freely and without condition. And THEN, later, started telling her daughter what kind of wedding she had to have since the daughter was spending the mother's money. Ugh! Pay the bills directly, or put conditions on the money upfront. Barney Frank, (D-MA-4th Dist) I am looking at you Mr. Master Grandstander.
On Auto Execs taking private planes to DC to ask for money - OK, I understand that it looks bad. Taking a pay cut for yourself and promising to brown bag it to work every day would probably make some people feel better. But, let's talk about private jets. Let's say these guys make $1,000,000/year. Assume a 75-hour work week. They make $256 per hour. Standing in line at the Northwest Airlines counter, going through security, etc, takes time. And time is money. Plus, they had more than one guy flying to DC for this, so it might just be a little bit economical if the CEO and 2 VPs need to go to DC. Also, many of their employment contracts stipulate private plane travel (of course, they could waive that). And they don't make their own travel arrangements. Their secretaries contact the Corporate Travel Department who handles it. Their time is money and they don't spend their money on the Southwest Airlines website trying to figure out whether flying into BWI and renting a car to DC is the most cost-effective travel route.
Full Disclosure: Many years ago, when I was but a fresh-faced lass right out of college, I lobbied in DC. And I took a private jet. I'd leave for work at 7:30, fly to DC in my smart pants suit, face a full day of lobbying, lobbying, lobbying, fly home, and be back in time to have dinner for my husband on the table by 5 pm. A chauffer-driven car would be waiting for me at the private plane terminal. It would whisk me away to the lawyer or the Deparment of Commerce or wherever. Then I would head to "The Club" for lunch and back to wherever for an afternoon of stiflingly hot conference rooms. Once I saw Al Gore in the private jet terminal (he was in his fat, beard phase after his 2000 loss). I'd like to state that this was THE BEST JOB EVER. It was super hard and sometimes felt like beaurocratic drudgery but the perks were awesome. And the bathrooms were so clean. And they had hand lotion and mouth wash and free tampons because who wants to carry a tampon in her briefcase only to have it tumble out in front of the US Trade Representative. My point is that I was not making $200/hour and even I got to fly in a private jet.
On helping people who got behind on their mortgages: I'm sympathetic to their plight, but I feel as if they've gotten themselves into the situation and need to just "man up" and get out of it. Now, certainly, some people have circumstances, but other people borrowed more than they reasonably could afford. They lied (or had mortgage brokers lie on their behalf), they borrowed too much, they took risks (option ARM with interest only for first 5 years?), they assumed property values would climb forever (what goes up must come down). I feel like they should have to bear the brunt of the risks they took. The reason it could have paid off big is because the downside is bad. If there is no downside to things, how will people learn not to take risks? I am risk averse by nature. We have a small mortgage. We save money. We live on one income. We live on less than one income. We work for companies that provide benefits. I will never be rich because I don't take risks, but I'm not losing my house due to unpaid medical bills, etc. I do not want to pay for the mistakes of others. I just don't. If they fail and flail, then let that be a lesson to them.
On nationalized health care: I'm against it. I'm actually sort of against today's traditional insurance. I'd prefer high-deductible catstrophic plans that would force people to shop around for the best price on primary and preventive health care.
On government education: I'm against it, but I moved to a good school district (even before I was married and before I had kids because I figured people who pay a premium to live in a good school district are people I would like to have as neighbors and homes in good school districts are easier to sell). If I could get my school district tax dollars back and use them to pick a school for my kids I would, but we will muddle through in our school district with strict parental oversight.
And that's my Libertarian Manifesto. Oh, and my secret for financial success: invest countercyclicly (hmmm, is that spelled correctly?).
On to the economy.... The following could be full of unpopular opinions, so I'll start by reminding everyone that I am a libertarian and pretty much think everyone should take care of themselves. That out of the way, here I go spewing my manifesto or something.
AIG Bonuses - These were contractually mandated by the pay structure. If the government didn't want them paid out, they should have put stipulations on the money before they gave it to AIG (or better still, not given AIG one red cent and let the company go bankrupt which would void all contracts and everything could be re-negotiated. This reminds me of a mom who gave her daughter a check to spend on her wedding. It was not enough to cover even half of it and she gave it to her daughter freely and without condition. And THEN, later, started telling her daughter what kind of wedding she had to have since the daughter was spending the mother's money. Ugh! Pay the bills directly, or put conditions on the money upfront. Barney Frank, (D-MA-4th Dist) I am looking at you Mr. Master Grandstander.
On Auto Execs taking private planes to DC to ask for money - OK, I understand that it looks bad. Taking a pay cut for yourself and promising to brown bag it to work every day would probably make some people feel better. But, let's talk about private jets. Let's say these guys make $1,000,000/year. Assume a 75-hour work week. They make $256 per hour. Standing in line at the Northwest Airlines counter, going through security, etc, takes time. And time is money. Plus, they had more than one guy flying to DC for this, so it might just be a little bit economical if the CEO and 2 VPs need to go to DC. Also, many of their employment contracts stipulate private plane travel (of course, they could waive that). And they don't make their own travel arrangements. Their secretaries contact the Corporate Travel Department who handles it. Their time is money and they don't spend their money on the Southwest Airlines website trying to figure out whether flying into BWI and renting a car to DC is the most cost-effective travel route.
Full Disclosure: Many years ago, when I was but a fresh-faced lass right out of college, I lobbied in DC. And I took a private jet. I'd leave for work at 7:30, fly to DC in my smart pants suit, face a full day of lobbying, lobbying, lobbying, fly home, and be back in time to have dinner for my husband on the table by 5 pm. A chauffer-driven car would be waiting for me at the private plane terminal. It would whisk me away to the lawyer or the Deparment of Commerce or wherever. Then I would head to "The Club" for lunch and back to wherever for an afternoon of stiflingly hot conference rooms. Once I saw Al Gore in the private jet terminal (he was in his fat, beard phase after his 2000 loss). I'd like to state that this was THE BEST JOB EVER. It was super hard and sometimes felt like beaurocratic drudgery but the perks were awesome. And the bathrooms were so clean. And they had hand lotion and mouth wash and free tampons because who wants to carry a tampon in her briefcase only to have it tumble out in front of the US Trade Representative. My point is that I was not making $200/hour and even I got to fly in a private jet.
On helping people who got behind on their mortgages: I'm sympathetic to their plight, but I feel as if they've gotten themselves into the situation and need to just "man up" and get out of it. Now, certainly, some people have circumstances, but other people borrowed more than they reasonably could afford. They lied (or had mortgage brokers lie on their behalf), they borrowed too much, they took risks (option ARM with interest only for first 5 years?), they assumed property values would climb forever (what goes up must come down). I feel like they should have to bear the brunt of the risks they took. The reason it could have paid off big is because the downside is bad. If there is no downside to things, how will people learn not to take risks? I am risk averse by nature. We have a small mortgage. We save money. We live on one income. We live on less than one income. We work for companies that provide benefits. I will never be rich because I don't take risks, but I'm not losing my house due to unpaid medical bills, etc. I do not want to pay for the mistakes of others. I just don't. If they fail and flail, then let that be a lesson to them.
On nationalized health care: I'm against it. I'm actually sort of against today's traditional insurance. I'd prefer high-deductible catstrophic plans that would force people to shop around for the best price on primary and preventive health care.
On government education: I'm against it, but I moved to a good school district (even before I was married and before I had kids because I figured people who pay a premium to live in a good school district are people I would like to have as neighbors and homes in good school districts are easier to sell). If I could get my school district tax dollars back and use them to pick a school for my kids I would, but we will muddle through in our school district with strict parental oversight.
And that's my Libertarian Manifesto. Oh, and my secret for financial success: invest countercyclicly (hmmm, is that spelled correctly?).
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
St. Patrick's Day
So, it's the 17th of March. And in honor of the beautiful weather we had today, I took the kids to a new National Park near my house. They put in a park at the National Lakeshore, so you could say I took the kids to the beach. In March. And all our noses and cheeks are a little pink now (was quite breezy so not sure whether sun or wind but must put sunscreen back in the diaper bag).
Am going back to work in 2 weeks. Having a major freak-out as Bobo does not take a bottle. In fact, he thinks a bottle is an affront to his dignity or possibly a modified form of waterboarding torture. Whatevs. Am sending him to day care for 4 hours next week for Baby Bottle Boot Camp. They tell me to bring in some milk and one of every kind of bottle I have and at the end of the 4 hours, they will tell me which kind of bottle to send on his first day. Ok, then. And I have a massage scheduled for me during his Boot Camp so that I will NOT be thinking of my poor baby being subjected to an artificial nipple against his will. (Do you think they know that I have, like, 10 kinds of bottles plus two soft-spout sippy cups I have tried?)
Bobo is 4-months old. His ped visit is tomorrow. I am guessing 27", 18 lbs, and 4 shots. We'll see.
I have a bunch of stuff to say about global economic collapse (and an anecdote about when I used to be important and have interesting non-child things to say), but it's after 9 pm and the house is eerily quiet. I best get to bed because the long nights usually start like this.
Am going back to work in 2 weeks. Having a major freak-out as Bobo does not take a bottle. In fact, he thinks a bottle is an affront to his dignity or possibly a modified form of waterboarding torture. Whatevs. Am sending him to day care for 4 hours next week for Baby Bottle Boot Camp. They tell me to bring in some milk and one of every kind of bottle I have and at the end of the 4 hours, they will tell me which kind of bottle to send on his first day. Ok, then. And I have a massage scheduled for me during his Boot Camp so that I will NOT be thinking of my poor baby being subjected to an artificial nipple against his will. (Do you think they know that I have, like, 10 kinds of bottles plus two soft-spout sippy cups I have tried?)
Bobo is 4-months old. His ped visit is tomorrow. I am guessing 27", 18 lbs, and 4 shots. We'll see.
I have a bunch of stuff to say about global economic collapse (and an anecdote about when I used to be important and have interesting non-child things to say), but it's after 9 pm and the house is eerily quiet. I best get to bed because the long nights usually start like this.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
As Good As The News Could Be
99.7
Bobo's temperature at 10 am yesterday after 13 hours with no Tylenol. He was chatty and smiley and had slept through the night (I was up checking his breathing repeatedly, but he slept fine). The pediatrician was very relieved (he confessed that after we left, he kept second-guessing himself and thought we should be in the hospital).
Last night, however, Bobo was up 4 times. Which was fine. No complaints. I'm sure I slept better in my own bed than I ever would on a chair in the hospital. He has no fever, so I have no idea what was up with that. I gave a dose of Tylenol before bed just in case he was achey like I would be with the flu. Maybe it's the 4-month sleep regression. Which would be un-fun, but decidedly better than flu stuff.
And the really really super good news: Bobo's weight was unchanged from Tuesday to Wednesday. 17 lbs, 4 ounces both days. One of my giant fears in life is dehydration so I was super duper glad that we were in the clear on that one.
Speaking of dehydration, we contacted an attorney about the salmonella Chuckles contracted after eating the hummus at the Taste of Chicago (which resulted in severe life-threatening blood poisoning and dehydration). We filed suit. Resolution expected by 2013 or so. Our courts at their speedy best.
Bobo's temperature at 10 am yesterday after 13 hours with no Tylenol. He was chatty and smiley and had slept through the night (I was up checking his breathing repeatedly, but he slept fine). The pediatrician was very relieved (he confessed that after we left, he kept second-guessing himself and thought we should be in the hospital).
Last night, however, Bobo was up 4 times. Which was fine. No complaints. I'm sure I slept better in my own bed than I ever would on a chair in the hospital. He has no fever, so I have no idea what was up with that. I gave a dose of Tylenol before bed just in case he was achey like I would be with the flu. Maybe it's the 4-month sleep regression. Which would be un-fun, but decidedly better than flu stuff.
And the really really super good news: Bobo's weight was unchanged from Tuesday to Wednesday. 17 lbs, 4 ounces both days. One of my giant fears in life is dehydration so I was super duper glad that we were in the clear on that one.
Speaking of dehydration, we contacted an attorney about the salmonella Chuckles contracted after eating the hummus at the Taste of Chicago (which resulted in severe life-threatening blood poisoning and dehydration). We filed suit. Resolution expected by 2013 or so. Our courts at their speedy best.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
I Hate It When This Happens
104.3
Answer: Bobo's temperature at the pediatrician today. I called shortly after 7 this morning. Got a 12:15 appointment (they didn't start until noon). And things got progressively worse until we got there. Bobo was given the maximum tylenol dosage based on his 7.4 kg weight (95th percentile!). His nasal swab is positive for influenza. Mr. Long-Suffering, Chuckles, and I were all vaccinated, so who is the SOB who infected my tiny little baby? All sad and lethargic and weepy and sleepy. We are expected back in the pediatrician's office every day until he is better (unless of course they decide to hospitalize him...which was a decidedly real possibility today). If he does not show improvement, they are going to start prodding him, drawing blood, and doing X-rays (to check for secondary pneumonia). The long night of comfort and nursing is ahead of me. Wish me luck and coffee. Oh, and I am starting to feel a little hot myself.
Answer: Bobo's temperature at the pediatrician today. I called shortly after 7 this morning. Got a 12:15 appointment (they didn't start until noon). And things got progressively worse until we got there. Bobo was given the maximum tylenol dosage based on his 7.4 kg weight (95th percentile!). His nasal swab is positive for influenza. Mr. Long-Suffering, Chuckles, and I were all vaccinated, so who is the SOB who infected my tiny little baby? All sad and lethargic and weepy and sleepy. We are expected back in the pediatrician's office every day until he is better (unless of course they decide to hospitalize him...which was a decidedly real possibility today). If he does not show improvement, they are going to start prodding him, drawing blood, and doing X-rays (to check for secondary pneumonia). The long night of comfort and nursing is ahead of me. Wish me luck and coffee. Oh, and I am starting to feel a little hot myself.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword
But...
Actions Speak Louder Than Words.
Discuss
A smart man learns from his mistakes. A wise man learns from the mistakes of others.
I hope my sons will be wise.
Juile (who I think is Julie with a typo...it's OK, have you seen my TEH?) writes: "...I've heard that some insurance companies charge you slightly higher rates if you drive a red car....of course that could be another line my mother fed me (along with cigarettes are the gateway drug to heroin, and convertables make you old before your time)...."
Jamington tells me that some friend of hers had a mom who told her daughter that she had asthma and was deathly allergic to cigarette smoke. So, if she smoked, she'd die and if she hung around smokers, she'd wind up in the emergency room. Okeed Dokee then. I do not think the friend wound up smoking. I should think not.
What lies did your parents tell you that you've since found out are not true?
I walked in and said, "With my trade-in, I need to walk out the door paying X, however you need to get to it." The first dealer said he could do no better than X plus $747. I said I could not do that, and I walked out. Mr. Long-Suffering was heart-broken and I pretty much had to drag him out of there. He really wanted that car. I was stoic. I don't need a new car. I said, "Let's just go to some other dealer, tell them we will buy it right now today if they sell it for X.". He thought I was batty (but he often thinks that, so it's not like it's news). They came back with X plus $1500. I said, "That's a shame, because I would've bought it and would like to have it." They said, write the number here and initial it and I will take it to my boss. I did, and they took it. I bought the car. I got Cyber Grey. I pick it up tomorrow. I think I got an awesome price.
I bought the car from a dealer in an "Enterprise Zone" which is a nice way of saying economically blighted. There are certain considerations granted to businesses in the enterprise zone so their ongoing costs are lower (lower taxes and even some subsidies to retain/attract businesses). Perhaps this is why they were able to meet my price and the good neighborhood dealer just a mile from my house couldn't (I go to Story Time at the library with the dealer who did not sell me my car).
Actions Speak Louder Than Words.
Discuss
A smart man learns from his mistakes. A wise man learns from the mistakes of others.
I hope my sons will be wise.
Juile (who I think is Julie with a typo...it's OK, have you seen my TEH?) writes: "...I've heard that some insurance companies charge you slightly higher rates if you drive a red car....of course that could be another line my mother fed me (along with cigarettes are the gateway drug to heroin, and convertables make you old before your time)...."
Jamington tells me that some friend of hers had a mom who told her daughter that she had asthma and was deathly allergic to cigarette smoke. So, if she smoked, she'd die and if she hung around smokers, she'd wind up in the emergency room. Okeed Dokee then. I do not think the friend wound up smoking. I should think not.
What lies did your parents tell you that you've since found out are not true?
- My mother was not so much into the imparting of life lessons, but if she had been, I'd be laughing now at the thought that having sex once could get you pregnant! Ha ha ha ha ha. Well, actually, I suppose I technically got pregnant from having sex once (but you know after weeks of drugs, tests, monitoring, etc).
- Flipping the lights on and off really fast does not, apparently, cause the house to catch fire. I recently heard myself chastise Chuckles with that and my husband just looked at me like I was nuts. "What? That doesn't cause a fire?"
- You are allowed to eat more than one banana a day. I have no idea why my mother told me there was a limit. I'm guessing they were expensive.
I walked in and said, "With my trade-in, I need to walk out the door paying X, however you need to get to it." The first dealer said he could do no better than X plus $747. I said I could not do that, and I walked out. Mr. Long-Suffering was heart-broken and I pretty much had to drag him out of there. He really wanted that car. I was stoic. I don't need a new car. I said, "Let's just go to some other dealer, tell them we will buy it right now today if they sell it for X.". He thought I was batty (but he often thinks that, so it's not like it's news). They came back with X plus $1500. I said, "That's a shame, because I would've bought it and would like to have it." They said, write the number here and initial it and I will take it to my boss. I did, and they took it. I bought the car. I got Cyber Grey. I pick it up tomorrow. I think I got an awesome price.
I bought the car from a dealer in an "Enterprise Zone" which is a nice way of saying economically blighted. There are certain considerations granted to businesses in the enterprise zone so their ongoing costs are lower (lower taxes and even some subsidies to retain/attract businesses). Perhaps this is why they were able to meet my price and the good neighborhood dealer just a mile from my house couldn't (I go to Story Time at the library with the dealer who did not sell me my car).
Friday, February 20, 2009
Huzzah
Chuckles earned his Dinoco Helicopter today.
He had his seventh consecutive dry diaper this morning. He went to bed at 6:35 last night (husband was working late and I had enough and he was tired...no struggle either...Bobo bouncing in the Bjorn while I was reading stories, etc), got up just after 10 pm to go potty, and slept until after 6 this morning. Woo Hoo. Pride, swoon.
My life these days is quite boring (even to me). Would you like me to tell you what I watch on TV (The Price is Right) or the state of Bobo's diapers (Size 3, soiled daily)? I could tell you about the Abercrombie sweater I found at Goodwill for my brand-obsessed 14-year old sister. I also found a Tommy Hilfiger sweater and West Seal sweater along with three Anxiety layered tees. I'm going to tell her I got them on ebay because somehow, I think that will be better in her social set.
And I am thisclose to buying a new car, but I think I need to wait a bit. We're getting the Chevy Traverse. I've read reviews, checked Consumer Reports, checked US News, driven it, and it just comes out better than the Honda Pilot (I can't believe it either). We're debating the trim level and the color. I'm leaning toward LS in Cyber Grey, but maybe LT1 in Dark Cherry. Decisions decisions. And I want to make sure I get a good price and they really aren't doing that much on this vehicle right now. It's the only thing bringing people into the showrooms. It was really quite funny being at the dealer. Ten groups of people or so and 8 of them looking at the Traverse.
He had his seventh consecutive dry diaper this morning. He went to bed at 6:35 last night (husband was working late and I had enough and he was tired...no struggle either...Bobo bouncing in the Bjorn while I was reading stories, etc), got up just after 10 pm to go potty, and slept until after 6 this morning. Woo Hoo. Pride, swoon.
My life these days is quite boring (even to me). Would you like me to tell you what I watch on TV (The Price is Right) or the state of Bobo's diapers (Size 3, soiled daily)? I could tell you about the Abercrombie sweater I found at Goodwill for my brand-obsessed 14-year old sister. I also found a Tommy Hilfiger sweater and West Seal sweater along with three Anxiety layered tees. I'm going to tell her I got them on ebay because somehow, I think that will be better in her social set.
And I am thisclose to buying a new car, but I think I need to wait a bit. We're getting the Chevy Traverse. I've read reviews, checked Consumer Reports, checked US News, driven it, and it just comes out better than the Honda Pilot (I can't believe it either). We're debating the trim level and the color. I'm leaning toward LS in Cyber Grey, but maybe LT1 in Dark Cherry. Decisions decisions. And I want to make sure I get a good price and they really aren't doing that much on this vehicle right now. It's the only thing bringing people into the showrooms. It was really quite funny being at the dealer. Ten groups of people or so and 8 of them looking at the Traverse.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A Whole Bunch of Stuff all rolled into one post
- I love Medela. I just called their customer service and they did some troubleshooting on my pump and are sending me a new cover for the pump as mine is hosed. I have a 2004 model pump, and they are still sending it. Woo Hoo. ANd they told me to try using it with the battery pack to see whether I severed a wire in my power cord by rolling up the cord around the transformer. Word to the Wise: Do not coil the wire around the transformer for easy storage.
- Car Shopping is fun and not fun at the same time. I find the whole negotiation process terribly stressful and frustrating. Next time I go in, I will just say, I need to get to this price through rebates and a trade in or I just can't do it. Hopefully, that will work. We'll see.
- I love the letter S. I never read that Happiest Baby book, but I hear the gist is that stuff that starts with S can calm your kid. Right now, Bobo is in his crib sleeping because I swaddled him, rolled him to his side, stuck a pacifier in his mouth so he could suck, and then stood while stepping around and jostling him and swaying until he fell asleep. I hope he stays that way too because he is a crackenheimer right now.
- Chuckles's BFF is back at his school and they were like long-lost lovers reunited this morning running through a field of blocks toward each other with arms wide open.
- I have had a cold and I think (even though I haven't taken anything for it) that my milk is less-plentiful because my body is using energy to heal me. Bobo is none-too-happy about this turn of events and let me know about that all night long. Whee. I try not to take his sleeping for advantage after the no-sleeper I had in Chuckles, but I guess I have come to expect a certain level of sleep these days.
- Chuckles has learned the phrase "Mommy Time" as in, "I need my mommy time." He usually utters these words just as I have sat down to feed Bobo so that's super guilt-inducing.
- My mother-in-law thinks I am slowing freezing the kids to death. SHe did some babysitting on Monday (my birthday) so we could car shop sans enfants and when I came back the heat was set at 70 (about 5 degrees warmer than we keep it) and Bobo was in a fleecey outfit and a blanket. Poor kid was probably sweating.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Car Shopping
Global economic collapse makes me want to buy a new car. Well, that and a rear-facing car seat that makes it uncomfortable for anyone (me) to sit in the passenger seat of both of our cars.
Our vehicles are 7.5 and nearly 1o years old. We currently have a mid-size family sedan (Honda Accord) and a crew cab pick up truck (mine!).
We aren't sure which vehicle we would be replacing (if any) or maybe both.
There are two tactics we're considering. One is buying two vehicles that fit all of us. Maybe a new Accord (the new version is larger) and a Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, or a Honda Pilot.
The other tactic is buying me something small, cheap, safe, and with good gas mileage (maybe a Versa or a Matrix). My husband would not be allowed in this vehicle (he's a big guy and trying to find something comfortable for him is a challenge in and of itself). I would put the rear-facing car seat behind the passenger seat and just bring that seat all the way forward and leave it there. I still want 4 doors though because, really. Then, for our second vehicle, we would get something like a Pilot or Acadia (something that can haul and tow as well as hold all of us at the same time, comfortably).
Any opinions?
Our vehicles are 7.5 and nearly 1o years old. We currently have a mid-size family sedan (Honda Accord) and a crew cab pick up truck (mine!).
We aren't sure which vehicle we would be replacing (if any) or maybe both.
There are two tactics we're considering. One is buying two vehicles that fit all of us. Maybe a new Accord (the new version is larger) and a Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, or a Honda Pilot.
The other tactic is buying me something small, cheap, safe, and with good gas mileage (maybe a Versa or a Matrix). My husband would not be allowed in this vehicle (he's a big guy and trying to find something comfortable for him is a challenge in and of itself). I would put the rear-facing car seat behind the passenger seat and just bring that seat all the way forward and leave it there. I still want 4 doors though because, really. Then, for our second vehicle, we would get something like a Pilot or Acadia (something that can haul and tow as well as hold all of us at the same time, comfortably).
Any opinions?
If that's "green", I'll eat Sir Topham Hatt's Hat
The cleaning lady came on Thursday. She was testing out a new line of "green" products that are infused with essential oils. The floor cleaner really did smell nice, but it gave me a head ache. See, she was spraying it on the floor in the nursery and the explosive gas alarm starting going off (don't ask why the explosive gas alarm is in Bobo's room). So, we moved the alarm to fresh air (the front porch) and went about our day frantically calling Mr. Long-Suffering to find out if I had irreparable lung damage. Then, just for fun, we recreated the conditions in CHuckles's room and the alarm went off again. So, what's in this "green" product? The ingredient list was not on the bottle but there's some kind of solvent or something.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Rookie Mistake Leads to Ultimate Quest
So, Chuckles has been potty trained since Halloween 2007. However, he is still wearing diapers at night. I never made an issue of it since he's such a crap sleeper, I did not care. However, he will be turning 4 this spring and Size 6 diapers don't really fit all that well. I needed to switch him to Huggie Goodnites or Pampers UnderJams, which are like a buck a piece. He's only wet about half the time, so I'd be throwing $3.50 out per week. In the garbage. Without even using it. The economics just didn't seem to be working out in my favor.
Anyway, around Thanksgiving, we casually mentioned that he might want to try keeping his diaper dry. We also mentioned that milk and water turn into pee and going before bed helps you stay dry all night and so on. When the new year came around, we started putting stickers on the calendar in the morning when the diaper was dry. After a week or so, I asked, "Chuckles, if you keep your diaper dry seven nights in a row, you might get a prize. What do you think you would want?" And he instantly said that he would like the Disney Pixar Cars Red the Fire Truck 1:55 die cast vehicle. Alrighty then. There's something about the certitude that's refreshing.
Flash forward to two days ago. For the first time ever, he's kept his diaper dry 4 days in a row and I realize that I should go buy Red so that I have him/it here when the day comes. I have now been to Meijer, two Targets, Lo*Mart, Big Lots!, Dollar General, and a handful of Walgreens. Every single store has Cars vehicles but none of them had Red. I picked up a Dinoco Helicopter and have been assured that it can fill the gap until a Red can be obtained. I need to find Red.
Apparently, these vehicles are shipped to the stores in mixed lots and the boxes can have anything in them. According to the lady at the second Target, they can't go into the back and bring out more until the display is depleted. The Target display was half-empty, which I pointed out, but apparently, it needs to be more depleted than that (no wonder our Target always looks so poorly-stocked). I'm trying to more Walgreens tomorrow and a pair of Oscos and then next week, I'll try the Targets again since they should be unstocked and restocked by then. If you are looking for Snot Rod, Boost, or Lizzie, those are in great supply at all the stores right now.
Take-Away Lesson: Have the prize in hand prior to promising it. Also, if your kid has/likes a lovey, have two. Both lessons I have learned the hard way.
Anyway, around Thanksgiving, we casually mentioned that he might want to try keeping his diaper dry. We also mentioned that milk and water turn into pee and going before bed helps you stay dry all night and so on. When the new year came around, we started putting stickers on the calendar in the morning when the diaper was dry. After a week or so, I asked, "Chuckles, if you keep your diaper dry seven nights in a row, you might get a prize. What do you think you would want?" And he instantly said that he would like the Disney Pixar Cars Red the Fire Truck 1:55 die cast vehicle. Alrighty then. There's something about the certitude that's refreshing.
Flash forward to two days ago. For the first time ever, he's kept his diaper dry 4 days in a row and I realize that I should go buy Red so that I have him/it here when the day comes. I have now been to Meijer, two Targets, Lo*Mart, Big Lots!, Dollar General, and a handful of Walgreens. Every single store has Cars vehicles but none of them had Red. I picked up a Dinoco Helicopter and have been assured that it can fill the gap until a Red can be obtained. I need to find Red.
Apparently, these vehicles are shipped to the stores in mixed lots and the boxes can have anything in them. According to the lady at the second Target, they can't go into the back and bring out more until the display is depleted. The Target display was half-empty, which I pointed out, but apparently, it needs to be more depleted than that (no wonder our Target always looks so poorly-stocked). I'm trying to more Walgreens tomorrow and a pair of Oscos and then next week, I'll try the Targets again since they should be unstocked and restocked by then. If you are looking for Snot Rod, Boost, or Lizzie, those are in great supply at all the stores right now.
Take-Away Lesson: Have the prize in hand prior to promising it. Also, if your kid has/likes a lovey, have two. Both lessons I have learned the hard way.
New Phase
I like to call Bobo's current developmental phase "The Littlest Pot-Smoker". He has found his hands and studies them with great interest.
The Contents of My Kitchen Drawer
I have a cleaning lady coming today and before she can clean, i had to put things away. That drawer in the kitchen got the following additions: the box from the inside of a stuffed animal that makes it play music, masking tape, shoe polish, a screwdriver, playing cards, take-out menus, tic tacs, four crayons, six sheets of stickers, paperwork forms that are half-completed, some Lansinoh breastmilk storage bags, a handful of birthday cake candles, two half-used batteries (size AA), nineteen pens that may or may not work, and Mr. Potatohead's ear. There is no way all of this stuff is supposed to go in this drawer together. Where is this stuff supposed to go?
Sunday, February 01, 2009
The Unspeakable Thing
more details on the post below. Still, so so horrible. It torments me at night.
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