Baby Updates

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Ethan Updates:
1) Ethan is walking. He’s not steady, or sturdy, mind you. But he can get up unassisted, and walk about 8 steps, tops. He started last week, and we are very excited.
2) Ethan is taking his pants off. Is this normal? I’ve walked into his room a handful of times to get him out of his crib, and he has thrown his pants on the floor.
3) Ethan has given up the bottle! He’s still not ready to fully steer the sippy cup, but he’s more apt to drink from it, and he will take control of the cup every so often.

Can’t seem to capture the moment hands-free, but this is a cute pic of daddy & ethan together.

Great Baby/Toddler Food - Chicken & Apple Bites

Do you have any good kiddo foods? I'd love you to send some this way! (Without milk/egg products.)

This great recipe came from “Wholesome Meals for Babies & Toddlers.” It’s not quick to cook, but I double the recipe, stick them in the freezer & pull out 2-3 at a time. I LOVE having these on hand in the freezer. Also, in addition to the ingredients below, I add just a wee bit of salt. These are listed for babies 9-12 months, but there is really no limit to age here. Lance really likes them.

1 apple, peeled, cored & grated
2 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
½ red onion, chopped
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
scant 1 cup fresh whole-wheat bread crumbs
1 tbsp concentrated chicken stock
Salt
whole-wheat flour, for coating
corn or sunflower-seed oil, for pan-frying

Spread out the apple on a clean dish towel or paper towels & press out all excess moisture. Put the cooked chicken, apple, onion, parsley, bread crumbs, stock & salt to taste in a food processor and pulse briefly until well combined. Spread the flour out on a plate. Divide the mixture into 20 or more mini portions, shape each portion into a ball and roll in the flour. Heat a little oil in a nonskillet over medium heat and cook the balls for 5-8 minutes, or until golden brown all over and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot or cold.

A Flashback

Deanna sent me this picture from like 10 years ago. Wow, I'm feeling very old. Anyway, I show this to Lance...embarrassed of my days when I hated exercise & revolted against my mother's healthy cooking. (Ice Cream & Lucky Charms for lunch seemed like a good idea.)

He looks at me and says, "I think you looked cute!" (Awww....I love this man.) "Unless," he goes on to say, "You feel better about how you look now. Then I'd say, 'Wow. You've changed SO much.'"

Funny how we women work. Both were right answers. Good job Lance. You escaped the trap yet again.

The Poser & Her Mac

I know there are many of you asking, “Is She posing for the camera? What a goof.” Okay, I’m only sort-of posing. That actually WAS a legitimate picture of me coming in from the grocery. But I did take the picture myself.

You see, I must begin by saying say that Macs are the best computer on the planet. And they now come with a Photo Booth – just push a button on your computer, wait for the 3, 2, 1 countdown, and “Snap!”

No camera required. No crazy camera propping/tilting fiascos & setting of a timer. No cords and photo transfers. It takes the picture, loads it onto your photo gallery. Many times, I just hold the laptop up to Ethan if I want to take a quick picture for our blog, or if there’s a fleeting moment before me.

My grocery picture was actually taken as I walked in the door. I just hit the countdown button on my computer and “Viola.” So I may take lots of Photo Booth pictures, and I am a bit of a goof, but I’m not completely posing in my pictures. But who knows, unless we’re totally oblivious to the camera, aren’t we always posing…just a tiny little bit?

(Pictured - us “posing” for the Photo Booth)

Photo Preview

Here's a little preview of the 1-year portraits Rich Kalonick took of Ethan this week. I've not been very good about getting good shots of Ethan, but this definitely made up for it! There are so many good ones to choose from!!

Clothes on a Budget

Too funny. So, we all appreciate a good top from Walmart. And since we’re all shopping in the same stores, let’s talk about how great Target is. Yesterday’s grocery shot features my new Target top, which has also been just hiding out in the closet until a warm day. I have to exercise total discipline when I walk into Target now. Their new designer clothes beckon me to come peruse the racks. I try hard to resist.

And do you have a Plato’s Closet near you? I hope so, because it’s a great place to find deals. Mostly, they sell super-trendy teen clothes on consignment. Most I wouldn’t wear. But they have tons of jeans & basic tops from Gap, Abercrombie, etc. I’m a bit embarrassed to go in (feeling old), but it’s worth it.

Finally, I must lament the fact that Anthropologie is opening up in Nashville soon. If I had a endless clothing budget, this is how I would dress. I don’t think I’ve ever actually bought anything there, but now I’ll have to just watch other people walking around in the adorable clothes. Torture.

So my battle with consumerism continues. I'm not over it today, nor will I be anytime soon. I would be lying if I said I didn't hope their was a day that I could buy as many clothes as I wanted, from wherever I wanted. But I'm working to be content with what I have. Most days I am. Until I see one of you ladies or gents with something I want, and then it rears it's ugly head again.

For now, I'll just savor the designer duds of Target, Walmart, and Plato's Closet. They really do rock.

This Scene Look Familiar?

If you are a mom, you know this feeling. A dozen grocery bags in hand, baby bag on the shoulder, and squirming baby in your arms as you unlock the front door.

But what you can’t see is that these bags are quite wrinkled because they are coming home from their second trip to the grocery. I usually bring my own cloth tote grocery bags, but today I forgot them. I did, however, have a stash of grocery bags in the car, so I took them inside to reuse them.

I used to think “paper” was the easy choice at the check out counter. I still think so, but seems like they aren’t all that great either. Click here or here for the paper vs. plastic debate. Anyway, that’s why I'm trying to bring my own these days.

Of course, they always act like I’m crazy when I bring in my own bags, but I’m saving the planet, one bag at a time. It’s such a simple thing. Join me on my crusade…

To buy your own reusable grocery bag, check out ReusableBags.com. If you are crafty, you can make your own. Here’s one grocery bag pattern. I’m sure more are available online.

Heavenly Day

If you were cooped up in an office today, I AM SORRY FOR YOU! Yesterday was the most amazing day. The weather was gorgeous, and Lance bought me the new Patty Griffin CD. The album highlight is “Heavenly Day,” and yesterday certainly was one.

After my run, Ethan & I met with local artist Julia Martin, who will be painting his portrait.

I rushed home & put on my new Wal-Mart top that’s been just waiting for a warm day. This afternoon we met Kerry & her awesome dogs at the park. And then finally, I came home to find Drew & Lance visiting on out back patio. It was great to visit with him & talk about his upcoming arrival!!

Oh, today made me so excited about spring!!!

Good Things for Running.

Here are my 2 favorite running tools. First of all, you've got to check out WalkJogRun.net. It's a very cool site that maps out running routes all across the country. It makes it easy to track how far you are walking or running. Type in your address or route, and it gives you distances for said route.

Secondly, I finally busted out (Lance's) iPod Shuffle for this morning's run. It's tiny, tiny, tiny and I would not have even noticed I was wearing it, were it not for the fact that Survivor was blasting a little "Eye of the Tiger" to get me going. Very cool.

New Craft - E's Pillow

Yesterday I made a little pillow for Ethan. I was excited to give it to him this morning, but he promptly threw it across the room (see photo at left) ...Seems like he doesn't yet appreciate my effort. Maybe next time I'll add flashing lights or something.

Ethan Photos

Ethan had fun today with his wagon. Daddy pulled him around the kitchen & which Ethan thought was quite fun.

Also, I just like this last little picture of him as well, so I thought I'd share.

PS. Girl Scout Cookies came in last week, and I'm in BIG trouble. We got 2 boxes last week & they are both gone. Most (okay, nearly all) eaten by me.

Good News

Good News - Patty Griffin's new album came out a few weeks ago!!!

Blog Love/Hate + Eric Update

So this weekend I deleted a bunch of posts because my brother made me nervous about possible stalkers out there. That, plus I've been self-conscious about my posts. Anyway, right after I deleted them, Lance got mad & said I shouldn't delete them. Then, I got an email from Genah, who said thanks for posting about Eric's situation, she knew him & wouldn't have found out any other way about what was going on. So I'm over the "hate" part of the love/hate relationship. Sorry to those who actually enjoy reading my ramblings. I can't promise that I won't have another blog-binge-and-purge incident again. But I just want to repost about Eric's situation since it was one that I deleted...

Eric Volz, a Nashville native, climber, and acquaintence of Lance's was declared GUILTY for the murder of his girlfriend in Nicaraugua several days ago. This is tragic, as there is no evidence to suggest he is guilty, and the decision was based on the political tension that they feel towards Americans . Click here for updates to the case.

It's Our Duty to Care

Ever since Ethan was born, I’ve begun to CARE more about things than I used to. I used to think the idea of caring was a good one, but I just never felt terribly motivated to care myself. But I’ve been thinking more and more about my role on this planet. I’ve been thinking about my duty to be a good steward to the earth as well as my calling to give & love others across the globe. That leads me to a myriad of topics that I’m interested in – the problems of Poverty, Waste, Pollution, Personal Health. These are all enormous problems to focus on, but many changes can be made in such simple ways. I will share ideas & problems with you as I come across them. Some of my ramblings may bore you to tears, but they are such important issues that I would love to focus on these together. (Pictured above is us at Made in the Streets in Nairobi, Kenya in 2005.)

I'm reading"The End of Poverty" by Jeffrey Sachs right now. It's not light reading and I don't promise to read it quickly, but I would love to have folks to discuss it with if you want to check it out!

Sewing Projects

I've taken a bit to sewing lately. This is my first baby blanket. I think it turned out pretty well!! The sewing has been a lot of fun, but of course I can't leave it just as a fun thing to do. You probably don't know this, but I LOVE business. I have a tendancy to get things blown a bit out of proportion. If you like baking, I will suddenly have a business plan and idea cooked up for you about how you can mass market your goodies. Anyway, all that to say that I've toyed with the idea of making & selling some stuff, but I think I have a long way to go before I do that. Well, the crafting is fun at least!

Ice Princess

Ok. I came in today from my run, and Lance has been watching Ethan. "Whatcha watching?" I ask.

Ice Princess, replies Lance...I laugh.

"Actually, it was pretty good!" he says...I laugh again. "I am TOTALLY blogging about you!" I say.

To which, he says, "Joan Cusack really came around in the end. She went to the recital and everything!"

See Courtney? We all have some TV shows that we're embarrased to enjoy!

Sloss Baby Shower

This afternoon we went to a shower for Drew & Casey Sloss. Their second shower in one year! For those of you who know them, they got pregnant just a few months after getting married! Not only was it a surprise, but they didn't actually know she was pregnant for quite some time! Anyway, we played a very funny game - we melted 5 different chocolate bars onto diapers & made people guess what the chocolate was. It was so funny to see people inspecting, sniffing, and maybe even tasting a very gross looking pile of brown mess.

Heifer International

I’ve become a big fan of Heifer International. They give animals to those in need in impoverished countries, ask that the recipients pass on their offspring, and also are heavily invested in developing long-term environmental solutions that help agricultural production. This is by far an oversimplification of their work - they do so much more.

They send us their magazine, World Ark. Lance would tell me that they were good, but I never read them. But recently, I began reading them, and they are GREAT. Wonderful articles about why I should care that catfish are declining in Cambodia, how free trade affects fair trade, and how my buying roses affects lives of workers in Guatemala.

To Get their Magazines, call 1-800-422-0474. Or you can read exerpts of World Ark online.

Another cool website is HungerMovement.org, which lists practical ways to end hunger & has some interesting articles.

Ethan Clapped!!

I am experiencing the pride of a mother - Ethan Clapped!! Brooks McInteer has been clapping since he was like 5 months or something absurd. I've secretly been jealous. But today Ethan clapped! And he is clapping like crazy! During lunch, I made up a song to the tune of "My God is so big..." it goes like this, "My Ethan's so big, so strong and so mighty. There's nothing my Ethan won't eat. (Clap Clap.)" And then I shovel a bite of carrot & rice in his mouth. So he started clapping along!!! I was so excited. So I clapped for him. And then he clapped. So I clapped again. We kept going like this for a while. I'm so proud, I just wanted to share this moment with you.

Bottle - HELP! (Part 2)

Thanks so much for the ideas thus far. I haven't tried the straw, but have tried a variety of sippys. Here's Ethan with a few of the test subjects (avent, playtex & first years. we do have nuby & others) I should probably clarify - Ethan DOES like the sippy. He likes to throw it, to shake little milk drops everywhere, to hide it in cabinets, etc. Just not drinking from it. You have all made me feel better about him not dying of thirst. Another problem is that this was our bedtime ritual. So I guess I will have to transition that as well. I guess I'll just keep buying & trying different types of cups & straws! Plus add a little patience to the mix!

Any other ideas or encouragement, Please post!! Moms/Dads, when did your little ones completely give up the bottle?

Bottle Retirement – HELP!!

I’m confused about how to do this. I’m supposed to be completely transitioning to sippy cups, but it’s easier said than done! I have 3 problems. First of all, Ethan doesn’t care for the sippy cup. The only way he’ll drink from it is if I hold it. And then, he’ll drink only 3 ounces a day if we’re lucky. Secondly, how do we transition from warm bottle of formula to a cold bottle of milk? I’m warming it (just a bit), because he won’t drink the cold milk right now! (Photo Illustrates Ethan's feelings for cold milk.) And last of all, how much fluids is he supposed to have now? I think I read that he should be drinking 24 ounces a day, which will NOT be happening right now if we just do a sippy cup.

Thoughts? I’m confused!!!

Someone Stop Me

I know you may think that I've started a blog to brag about the fabulous accomplish- ments of my son. Yes, that's partly true. But also to tell you about the absurd and the embarrasing parts of life also. So here's the embarrasing...I make Lance hide the Oreos. When he forgets to hide them for me, I end up eating...oh...like 30? Oh, my belly aches. I think I might be sick.

Meanwhile in Nashville

First of all, thanks for your emotional support through my post-blog-life crisis. I now have a blog-support-A-Team. You first responders know who you are. It feels good to be loved.

Meanwhile in our house, the air is dry (no, it's not hairspray.) Outside the ground is white.




Right now, I'm testing some vegan zucchini bread & vegan brownies. One day I'll post some recipes in case any of you need any good non-dairy, non-egg options. P.S. We're not actually vegan, but we never ate a ton of meat. Now that Ethan can't have dairy & eggs, a lot of what we eat happens to be vegan (which is no animal products.)

Sick. Tired...Sick & Tired

I've been blogging for like a week, and already I'm considering quitting. Maybe because I've had a cold for the past week. Or maybe because I'm wondering who I'm doing this for. Is this for me, or for the millions that I think will read about my fabulous little life? I think I'm getting a complex because I don't have many comments on my blog. (But Thanks Amy, Darci, Liz, Caroline, Christine, Karina & Dad.)

So I've decided in the past week that I am blogging in a quest of self awareness. It's not about who's paying attention. This is my outlet.

So, feel free to comment. Or not. Whatever, it really doesn't matter. Really. I mean it. Even if this would be the perfect time to tell me how you love my blog, really there's no pressure.

So I'll close by saying, "Goodnight Carrie & just keep on posting pictures. Looking at them again will give you (me) something to do between feeding bites of oatmeal to your kid tomorrow morning"