Look who's 1!

Happy Birthday Paige -- what a difference a year makes!

What's wrong with this picture...

Got this catalogue from our local bookstore the other day, with friendly holiday greeting on the back -- shown below. Look closely (or maybe not so closely) -- what's wrong with this message?

Oh dear. As someone who's sent proof-read brochures still containing an error, to newspaper editors across the country no less, I can sympathise... but I do wonder -- did they discover the error and think 'well, we've already spent on the printing, can't waste them', and hope no one would notice? Or do they still have no idea? Until someone's grandmother points it out after the fact, as mine did so many years ago...

9 courses -- but only room for about 6

Last night Ashley surprised me with 5-year-living-together-anniversary dinner out, complete with friendly neighbourhood babysitter (thanks Amber!)

And the surprise venue was a newish Kew restaurant called A Taste of McClements which, as the name suggests, has a tasting-menu style approach. Although I think they will make substitutions (the waiter asked us if everything on the menu looked ok), the basic plan is take what you get on the night. Our 9-course, 17-dish meal included foie gras (twice, in 2 different formats), game, tuna, lamb, pigs' trotters (presuming they came from multiple pigs), bouillabaise (also in 2 formats: one the typical soup; one just, well, chunks of fish), something called a chicken quenelle in a roquefort sauce, lobster, crab, scallops, chocolate cake, violet ice cream... Not so good for the vegetarian or kosher diet. Or anything but the see-food diet...

And how was it? Aside from a bit overwhelming, not bad. I was a little apprehensive before going, because while I'd wanted to try it out, I'd also read a not particularly appealing review (one of the nicer things they said was that everything was overly salty... at least that meant some flavour). The chef had clearly read that review -- most of the food was pleasantly not overly seasoned -- and there were some interesting combinations. I especially liked that unheard-of-before quenelle (yup, a delicate dumpling), and also the herb-encrusted lamb (accompanied by delicious dauphinoise potatoes, my fave). Unfortunately, however, the portions kept getting bigger and bigger as the meal went on. I wouldn't normally complain about getting an entire lamb chop with a meal... however after the 6 previous courses, it was a bit much. The tiny amuse-bouche and half-inch quenelle that started our dinner were misleading, to say the least -- I thought for sure I'd finish the entire thing, but had to throw in the towel pre-dessert, as interesting as they sounded.

A dining experience, to be sure, though I think it's one of those once-is-enough kind of places. And  with only 14 diners on a Saturday night, we may only have a limited time to experience it in any case. So I'm definitely glad we did - though wish I wasn't hungry again the next day!

A little indulgence

So I fiiiiiinally used my baby-shower-gift spa voucher, treating myself to a lovely pedicure morning at Cupcake, a cute spa / cafe / yummy mummy hotspot in Putney (thanks Carmen). The place is specifically geared to mums (and mums-to-be), so they even have a daycare -- but I left Paige home for this one. Public transport on your own is enough to impact that restful post-treatment feeling; wrestling Paige onto the train would not have helped!

The greatest (and most interesting, or at least interesting to anyone who's had a few pedicures) thing, was the pedicure was done lying down! (me, I mean, not the therapist). And it was on a super comfortable warm waterbed (but not too sloshy) table. It was so relaxing I almost fell asleep.

On the downside... pedicures in autumn only work if you have several hours to let the paint dry -- or you're willing to brave the cold in flip-flops. Which I'm definitely not. So the 85% of the pedicure that was not polishing was definitely worth it -- the painting not so much. Ah well -- still a fantastic morning...

C'mon Team Feme

(well, c'mon Team Female didn't really rhyme...)

In any case, Mom, Kara, and my legion of other female followers... get clicking here on the Trivial Pursuit Experiment, and bring victory to the women of the world -- we've got until 9 December to keep those horrid boys from winning -- and holding it over our heads forever. (Ashley still hasn't forgotten his Scrabble success of 2 Christmasses ago...)

New day, new skills!

No fancy toys for Paige, no, no. Paige is a perfect example of our new make-do economy, using ordinary household objects in place of those new-fangled pricy store-bought items. Yessir... rattles & drums? Nah, empty water bottles and tissue boxes. Shiny new walker? No way mom, the laundry basket will do nicely!

Better late than never

Finally -- I've got proof that Paige did indeed take swimming lessons! Hmm... Paige did not exactly take to the water like the proverbial duck, or even her not-so-proverbial Poppy. But give her time -- we could still have a Michaela Phelpette on our hands (less the illegal substance smoking of course). Of course, we're rooting for international tennis prodigy / supermodel (more bucks to support her needy parents), but hey, it'll be her choice. (as long as she chooses the right thing, mind you...).

Eight weeks and counting

Gotta say I'm impressed with 1st Class Celebrations' mailing list planning... never heard of the company before, and what lands on my doorstep only 8 weeks before Paige's birthday? (her first, for those of you who haven't been keeping track)

None other than the company's '1st Birthday Book: filled with everything to make your baby's 1st birthday extra special.' I never knew you could buy so much STUFF for a baby who has absolutely no idea how this day is different from any other. Unfortunately as my child isn't named Alisha, Amelia, or Melika, it doesn't look like any of the personalised things are for us. They do show a t-shirt saying 'I'm Princess Lucy and I am 1' -- so hey, someone in our family can benefit.

Seriously, though -- who is a 1st birthday really for? Certainly not the baby. If we just acknowledge it's for the parents from the outset, then can we do away with pink princess balloons and juice and go for a tasteful flower arrangement and full-bodied shiraz? 

She sits, she stands!

I really wish I had an infrared camera last night. Paige has suddenly become the sitting and standing queen, and her crib is an especially helpful environment.  Usually she goes to sleep almost instantaneously at night, but last night we had a bit of a mare, as she spilled milk all over, so I had to change her clothes just as she was nodding off. I *hoped* it wouldn't wake her too much -but no luck. She fussed and cried for a good 20 minutes after putting her back down. It was nothing too strenuous, however, so we just let her be, and eventually she was quiet.

However -- when I went in to check on her (and this is where that camera would've come in handy) -- she'd fallen asleep sitting up leaning against the bars, poor thing! She must've pulled herself up, but then was too tired (or just not interested) to get herself back down again... wonder if this will be a nightly occurrence! At least the travel cot doesn't have bars, so will be much harder to pull up in. I hope...

Dino-adventure

Yesterday saw me break routine and actually go out somewhere with Paige in the middle of the day. Amazing. And we even ventured onto public transport again without promise of assistance -- double amazing.

Our Thursday adventure was an outing to the Natural History Museum with friend Liz and her two kids, 4 and 1. The adventure was made even more adventurous by the fact neither of us had working mobiles... so we had to plan *in advance* where we'd meet... and then be there *at that time*. Or wait.

Funnily enough, both of us were indeed at the right place at the right time -- and yet we STILL missed each other. Luckily after about 15 minutes of hanging and wandering inside and out the main entrance, we did connect. Phew.

The main beneficiary of our outing was Amelia, the 4-year-old, who's a real dino-phile. I'm not sure how much Paige took in, but she seemed to have a smiley day, and even napped a bit after lunch, so I think more adventures are in store. We only saw the dinosaurs at the museum -- there's only so much museum-going two moms + 3 small children can do -- but it was impressive. Much nicer than I'd remembered, and a scarily realistic animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex thrown in for fun. (well, I say realistic -- it's not like anyone's ever *seen* a T-Rex, all I've got to go on is Jurassic Park and Walking with Dinosaurs...)

As for me, the most exciting part of the day came on the ride home -- when on the tube Paige started playing 'peekaboo' with the museum map. I'd been holding it in front of my face, and pulling it away, and then gave it to her to hold for a little while. I fully expected it to go straight into her mouth... but instead she just held it, turning it over and back a few times. I then noticed she started putting it in front of her face, and then pulled it above her head -- just like peekaboo. Yay Paige!! If only I'd had a video. And of course she's not repeated it since... Ah well -- more tricks to come, I'm sure...

Look Mom!

In the past couple of weeks, Paige has been getting increasingly mobile -- to the point where I can only leave her a few minutes, otherwise who knows where she might end up. For example, yesterday I was in the kitchen, and I left her sitting quietly on her playmat, babbling to herself. I'd look in every minute or two, and she'd still be in essentially the same place. Until... I looked once more, and she'd managed to roll 5 - 6 feet away, to tangle herself under the chair.

My guess is she aimed for the chair for another new favourite game -- pulling herself up to stand. She's allllmost got it, but not quite, unless the conditions are just right. Like in her crib -- the top rail and side bars, along with overall stability make it a perfect pull-me-up. I'm a bit scared at the number of things around this flat that are less than stable, however. We definitely need to do some child-proofing, and soon!

[but no, Mom, you won't need stair gates for our visit; she's not that quick -- yet!]

What is wrong with this picture?

 

Ok, look again. Look closely. Now check the date the sale happens, with the date the e-mail was sent to me.

Yep, thanks NFL UK -- way to build an audience. Not that I necessarily would've gone -- but as I'm not the time traveller's wife, nor a time traveller myself, receiving this e-mail nearly 24 hours late, meant I'm definitely not going to be able to purchase tickets.

Happy 9 months Paige

When do you stop quoting months for a child's age? Is it at about 2 years? I know plenty of people who say their child is '21 months', '19 months', etc... but not a lot of '27 months'. I can't seem to remember when I stopped with the weeks calculation -- maybe about 5 - 6 months. Saying she's '37 weeks' just sounds a bit odd.

Her most recent achievement is the faceplant. She's trying soooo hard to crawl but is just. not. quite. there.  She starts from a sitting position, leans incredibly far forward until she's perched on both hands, one knee, and the other leg splayed out to the side. Slowly, slowly, with great determination, she manages to pull that other leg in, and for a split second she's balanced on hands and knees. Unfortunately, this is where it all starts to go wrong... after wobbling in this position for a few seconds, she decides to make her move. Which is often both hands launching forward at the same time as her back legs slide flat. Which equals face plant. Which also equals frustrated Paige... I know I shouldn't laugh - but her determination is so cute.  I wish I had a video of it, but of course the second I get the camera out it's too late!

Will she be crawling properly by the time we get to Vermont in only THREE WEEKS??

Tea and races

Busy busy weekend for a change -- venturing into central London both Saturday and Sunday, amazing.

Saturday was a girlie afternoon outing -- helping friend Carmen indulge in some 'me' (well, 'us') time before the arrival of Carmenette later this month. Five of us descended on the Langham's Palm Court to enjoy an afternoon tea of deliciously wicked cakes and devilishly delectable sandwiches (salmon, cucumber, roast beef... hold the crusts, natch). And don't forget about the scones, and the Palm Court's special cupcakes. Er, and some tea to drink as well -- though a bit superflous really. Groan... And yet I was still able to eat dinner later that night. Fancy that.

An unexpected treat of the day was spying on what looked to be a gorgeous and glamorous wedding -- the cermony was held in All Soul's Church across the road from the hotel, and the reception in the hotel's Grand Ballroom, so we were able to see the whole fantastically dressed party make their way through the lobby. The bride had a lovely, close fitting ivory lace gown, and the bridesmaids were in dusty rose. In addition, a group of about 8 - 10 older women were in vibrant fuschia and gold raw silk African dress, lending an even more joyous air to the occasion. Ah... I love weddings!

Sunday was an altogether healthier affair, as I took place in my first post-Paige running event: the Adidas 5k Women's Challenge in Hyde Park. I've done this race almost every year since it started in 1998, so it's got plenty of sentimental import for me. And this year was no different, with the special treat of both husband and baby at the finish line. I actually got a bit choked up nearing the end, thinking of Paige waiting, and hoping to do her proud (not of course that she had a clue what was going on.) That -- and thinking of Ashley's encouragement as well -- spurred me to sprint when I saw the finish line, meaning I completed the race in 30:09. Not my best time, but pretty close. And considering my limited training, and the hordes of walkers who'd started in the wrong wave I had to pass, I was pretty happy.

Unfortunately, I was concentrating so hard on those last few hundred metres, I never saw aforementioned husband and baby... but knowing they were there was (almost) good enough. And there's always next year!

Still growing

Took Paige for her 8 - 10 month 'developmental' check up today. Although they'll weigh your baby at any time (well, any time the well baby clinic is open, so any of 3 1/2 hours of the week), they'll only measure said baby at prescribed intervals: 6 - 8 weeks, 8 - 10 months, and, er, I think 2 1/2 years. Other than that you're on your own.

I also thought they were supposed to check developmental milestones, but really didn't know what to expect. And after the weigh-in (19 1/2 pounds -- 75th percentile), and measure-in (72.5cm -- 98th!), all the Health Visitor did was ask 'So, how's she doing'? Well, she looks fine to me, but isn't that part of your job Ms H V to tell me how she's doing? What do I know, she's the only baby I have; I've got relatively little to compare her to!

To be fair, she did ask a few other questions: 'Is she standing with help, is she rolling, (er, do you mean off the bed? yep, she passed that milestone a while back!), is she saying da-da-da-da, ba-ba-ba-ba (yes on the da, no on the ba... does that make her a half-wit?)... but that was about it for the 'check-up'.

Ah well, as long as she keeps up the giggles I'm not worried!

Separated by a common language

Once again, I am surpised at the differences between the American and English languages. So close, and yet... Case in point: What would you call this:
If you're American, I'm thinking you'll guess crib. Nope. Over here it's a cot. Or technically a cot-bed, which I think is marginally larger than a cot, and can convert into a bed. Isn't a cot a bed, you ask? Y'know, those narrow things you sleep on at camp? Er, I guess not.

For some reason, a crib is only the smaller version you put a newborn in. Not to be confused with the reaaally small one, which would be called a Moses basket, which some newborns get instead. Eek.

What I really don't understand is how in a few hundred years our language has diverged in such random spots. Presumably little babies of English emigrants to America slept in something -- and it was called the same thing on both sides of the pond. And yet at some stage, when production and naming of said items were being standardised (the industrial era?), the English decided on crib to cot, and Americans said hey, crib's enough for us. Unless it's a small rocking one, in which case we'll use cradle. Which, as far as I can tell, isn't in regular use in the UK.

Augh!! See -- I will be raising a bilingual child!

Happy 2/3 Birthday Paige!

Yep, 2/3 of the year gone, slowly creeping towards that all exciting 1st Birthday... I must say, that as each successive month becomes a smaller percentage of her life to date, the developmental changes get a little less frequent. As such, fewer new things since the last partial birthday update... but what she can do, she can do better! (no you can't, yes I can, no you can't, yes I can, yes I can, yes I caaaaaaaaaaan!)

Like - sitting up... Paige is pretty sturdy, but I'm still not quite ready to leave her sitting without some sort of back up, be it my leg, a pillow, etc. And she shows relatively little inclination for figuring how to sit up herself -- not sure when that will happen.

And teeth... same old, same old -- lots of drooling, as usual, but nothing visible. Yet. Like mother, like daughter I guess!

Crawling? Er, no. Talking? Nothing recognisable. Food -- yep, lots, but nothing new. Enough to bring her to 19 pounds, so despite all that appears to come out, some of it must be sticking.

We did reach a milestone this weekend, however... we've finally turned the pram around. Sigh. I know it's good for her to see more of the big wild world -- but I already miss smiling and chatting at her (because I wouldn't say I'm chatting *with* her yet) as we stroll.

Saturday Outing

Had a lovely weekend, starting with an afternoon off on Saturday while Ashley looked after the little princess. After a somewhat rainy lunch in a nevertheless super-crowded Borough Market, Nadia (Ashley's colleague Gerhard's wife) and I headed to the Menier Chocolate Factory. No longer making delectable sweet treats, it's now a cosy theatre and restaurant.

Playing at the moment is a fun revue, Forbidden Broadway which skewers current -- and not so current! -- musicals left and right. Among my favourites was the big pre-intermission number, '10 Years More', about the ever-running Les Mis; another was 'Gotta Have a Puppet', covering Avenue Q, the Lion King, and, er, one more show that has puppet-type gimmicks.

The parodies flew thick & fast, from 'Andrew Lloyd, TV Star' (Jesus Christ, Superstar tune, all the rest covered as well) and 'It's All Camp' (Hairspray, Legally Blond, Priscilla'); Wicked, Chicago, and even Annie got it as well.

Funnily enough, one of the women in the 4-person cast reeeeally reminded me of Bernadette Peters, but when they did an homage to Sondheim (Sunday in the Park, Into the Woods, and, er, another), it was the other actress who specifically said 'I'm Bernadette Peters'. Ah well.

Fortunately even if I haven't seen all of the shows they covered, I knew enough to get most of the jokes. Though will have to check out what 'Spring Awakening' is all about... seems to be quite scandalous, as it was compared to Equus and Hair in terms of pushing things on stage! (Though checking out the link, it appears to have closed -- wonder how long it will last in FB then?)

Wild Child

Pretty interesting article by Michael Chabon in The New York Review of Books a few weeks ago: The Wilderness of Childhood. Relatively oft-repeated lament, that our children are growing up much more protected than in the good ol' days, with parental fear replacing common sense, despite the fact that stranger-danger has remained fairly consistent (and low) for decades.

And it's true -- I rarely if ever see children walking to school without a parent, or playing on the Green out front without adult supervision. So different from my day (oh, cast my mind back into the eons ago) where I got myself to school from age 5 (right mom?) whether by foot or bus. And I certainly remember riding my bike all over (admittedly small) Durham, NH, especially to the library and swimming pool.

Those were my adventures, as Chabon characterises those adult-less forays. But what I found most thought-provoking about his article is not so much the fact children are more protected these days, but how it might affect literature of the future. As so much story telling is based around adventures and journeys, what happens when the writers of tomorrow have no experience of adventuring themselves today?

As a parent, now, though... how much adventuring will I let Paige do? I'd like to think I'll be laid back about her wanders... but imagine that's unlikely to be the case as I watch her every (eventual) step.

Weekend adventures

This Sunday, with Ashley's cousin Deb and kids, we ventured into London via a less frequently used method of transport these days -- boating down the River Thames. Less frequently used, because it takes 50% longer, only makes 2 - 3 trips / day, and costs about 3 times as much. But the trade-off is a gentle journey and a different perspective on London -- never a bad thing.

We went as far as Westminster (well, we would've gone further, but that's where the boat stops), Elbows out for protection, we somehow made it through the massive crowds near the London Eye, Aquarium, and Dali Museum (huh? I always wonder what that's doing in London...) to one of my favourite spots -- the Southbank Centre.

As part of its latest exhibition -- "Walking in my mind" -- the Hayward Gallery on Southbank has decorated the nearby trees with polka-dot wraps. And passers-by have decorated the trees. We were encouraged to do so ourselves by a little girl signing her name... and so we did. And then I saw the next sign... oh well - at least we weren't the first.

As far as legal interactive art goes, we also participated in the Southbank Summer Snapshot booth -- so now Paige, Ashley & I are recorded for all eternity. Or at least as long as Flickr survives...

Burn baby burn...

Huh. Turns out there's no law against bonfires in Richmond, no matter how residential your area may be.

Why do I know this? Yesterday was a lovely sunny day, so we had most of the windows in the flat open. About 2:30, I noticed a burning smell -- which we first thought was the regular weekend barbecue in the pub next door. But I quickly realised it was a much stronger, less meaty smell... and that's when I noticed the smoke - and lots of it. And realised the smell had completely filled our little flat, of course Paige's room most of all.

Turns our our other side neighbour was having a little bonfire. Full of righteous indignation (is there any other kind?) I thought 'This cannot possibly be legal!', at the same time wondering if I would have the nerve to call any sort of nuisance patrol, and risk neighbourly tension.

But turns out, though the firestarted did not 'give neighbours advance notice' as required, I don't think I'd have a case.

Fortunately it stopped early enough for me to open the windows again and air the place out before bed.

Funny thing is - I actually quite like bonfires... but my preference for them is on a crisp Autumn evening, out in the countryside somewhere -- not invading my flat! Then again, I do keep telling Ashley we don't really live in London -- and here's the proof.

Secret Starbucks

What the? Starbucks is introducing 'unbranded' stores? 'Stealth cafes'? Starbucks, Starbucks, Starbucks... I love ya, but just don't see how this will work.

People who like Starbucks will go to you whatever branding you've got. People who *don't* like Starbucks may go once, but if they find out the 15th Avenue Tea & Coffee is actually the evil empire of coffee, they're not only unlikely to come back, it will just reinforce the idea of a sneaky company, doing whatever it can to capture sales.

And as for the bit about these stores being more community focused -- erm, can't Starbucks do that anyway? How does the corporate branding and Starbucks name impede having local poetry readings or other events and activities specific to the area? The good Starbucks do those things already -- like one near us that has a special children's play area and hosts mother & baby groups.

Finally, from a financial standpoint, I can't imagine these little local cafes are scalable -- there will be no economies to be gained from rolling out this concept in cities across the country / world. So each one will be similar to launching a brand new cafe, which needs to build a brand new customer base, with brand new design and brand new brand. Or they'll replicate the idea from place to place, which will make them, um, another Starbucks. So much for the local stealth idea.

As a Starbucks lover, I hope I'm wrong... but this just doesn't seem the best way to go.

PS -- any Seattlites reading this (and I can think of 2), can you send me a picture of any of these new cafes when they open, if you happen to find one, hidden as they are?

Ligyrophobia?

That's a fear of loud noises, by the way, at least according to The Phobia List. And I think Paige may be a ligyrophobe... She's never been particularly found of the garbage disposal, so we tend to run it in short bursts, and try to do it when she's out of the room, or when one of us can be giving her a cuddle at the same time.

Well, today I learned the vacuum cleaner is another no-no. And before you say 'Hey - she's 7 months old! Does that mean this is the first time you've vacuumed in 7+ months?' I'll let you know that *yes* I have vacuumed in that time! But always when Paige has been out on a walk with Ashley. And in fact I was *going* to vacuum yesterday afternoon, but decided to accompany daddy and daughter on their walk (aka, Starbucks run) for a change.

So hmm -- guess that means no more vacuuming for me. Shame. At least until Paige is a little older and I can send her out on walks by herself.

What demographic am I in?

I read today that Facebook is introducing more targeting tools for advertisers. I'm all for that -- I really don't mind seeing ads on a free service, especially if they're actually for things I might be interested in.

I'm hoping that targeting isn't fully in place yet, however... otherwise I wonder what my profile says about me that I just received *this* ad!

Time to up my game

Hmm... my infinitely wittier, well-read, interestingly-opinionated and altogether more erudite brother-in-law now has a blog. Must up my game. Write more. And get some opinions somewhere. Or at least do some things worth opining on. (On which I feel worthy of opining?)

Paige's new baby group

It's a bit hard to see, because everyone moves around quite a bit, but Paige is in the back on the right...

Thanks Nana!!

Thanks very much Nana for these very cute pants, made by hand with love. And I think Paige's keister is about the only place that doesn't get sticky banana-sweet potato-pea-carrot goop on it whenever she eats, so the lovely handiwork should stay clean!

Where did 6 months go??

Phew! Thank goodness it didn't rain this past Saturday -- the date set for the "Can-you-believe-they're-six-months-already" picnic. Five of the six couples who started NCT classes last November as twosomes (with bumps) met up in Kew Gardens as trios. We found the shadiest spot possible, spread our many blankets, and ate far too much food (with still plenty of leftovers -- isn't that always the way).

The babies were (mostly) happy and playful, and relatively easy to manage. If we have another picnic next summer, I imagine no more relaxing on blankets -- rather we'll all be chasing every which way. And a group photo will be even more difficult to capture!

Not that it was particularly easy to get a great shot of all of them now -- sure, they'll all lie there. But look at the camera? All 5 at the same time? Hmm... This photo is the best shot I think; I've also attached the 'Making of...' video!

(Babies l to r)
Paige (well, duh - no idea what she's doing here); Zack (Nathalie & John's); Oscar (Juliet & Nick's); Evie (Helen & Andrew's); Ben (Katrina & Phil's)

Jumptastic!

A million thank-yous to Janelle for Paige's new favourite toy, the Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo. Given how active Paige is, we had a feeling she'd like it -- but it was good to see theory in action. She LOOOOOOVES it -- the photo and video can only convey about 1% of how much.

Now we just need to convince her to stop growing for a while, so she doesn't outgrow it too quickly!

Cheep Cheep

According to the Economist, chickens are the new thing... Of course, Lucy could've told them that already!

What a difference a day makes!

Well, a couple of days... only 2 days ago, Paige could only sit up with support -- and today? Look mom, no hands! OK, so she can only stay up for about 10 - 15 seconds, but today 15 seconds, tomorrow who knows?!

Happy 1/2 Birthday Paige

OMG, cannot believe it's been nearly 2 months since I've posted anything -- belated birthday resolution: must do better!

And will start by saying Happy Half-Birthday Paige. So that's where my posting time's gone! Recent accomplishments of the nearly 16-pound darling:
--eating (ish) real food... likes: apple, banana, peach, pear; dislikes: broccoli, peas, vegetables of all sorts
--turning over from front to back. Occasionally, that is, when she can remember where to move her arm.
--sitting up, nearly. Sooooo close...

erm -- looks like she's got a bunch of almost and nearly-theres.... guess that means I'd better post more regularly, to keep those updates coming.

And here's what a difference 6 months makes...

Hair today, gone tomorrow

If only these hair bands had existed when I was a baby -- no more taping bows onto my fuzzy head. Although I am a teeny bit suspicious that there are no photos in the gallery (am I missing something), and the how-to instructions are illustrated with photos of a doll. I can't imagine Paige sitting still for the styling, and definitely not the hair spray!

Maybe we'll just wait for her to acquire hair the old-fashioned way...

Happy 1/3 Birthday Paige!

Yep, 4 months have gone by, amazing. Even more amazing when I compare pictures from those first weeks with today.

I think my favourite thing about her getting older is every day discovering new things she's learned... in the past few weeks, she's started grabbing for toys (which go straight into her mouth, assuming a pacifier's not there already), and she's able to hold her head a bit more when on her stomach for tummy time. She's also begun to blow bubbles and make raspberry sounds -- supposedly on the way to talking (and if she's anything like her mom, once she starts, that's it for us all!)

Even more fun is finding out the little things that make her laugh... like for some reason, she goes crazy with giggles if you make snorting noises at her. And today I discovered that if I have her on my knees while I do sit ups, she laughs almost every time I pull myself up to look at her -- but only if I count the sit up at the same time. Now there's an incentive to exercise!

So happy 4 months Paige, here's looking forward to the many changes that will happen over the next 4!!

If I won the lottery...

... sure I'd get the house, travel, etc... but THIS would be my frivolous purchase. I can't explain why, but I love, Love, LOVE this bag.

Have passport, will travel!

Paige's passport came today, complete with bruiser convict photo... I cannot believe THIS is what she'll be travelling with for the next 5 years. Of course, we still need to get her a US one -- maybe that will look a tiny bit more like her!

Happy Mum's Day! (UK style)

To my wonderful mother -- I heard this story about later-in-life Bat Mitzvahs on NPR, and thought of you. I'm still so proud of your efforts (at much younger than 91!), and so happy I was able to be there to support you Mom!

Sitcom Map

Saw this the other day, thanks DanMeth.com... clearly there's a gap in the market for a sitcom based in the Montana/Wyoming/Idaho area. Possibly an adopted-at-birth, raised-on-the-upper-West-Side man is disowned by his parents, and comes to live with his newly-discovered neo-Nazi militia brother, and hilarious wacky odd-couple-esque adventures ensue...

Happy 1/4 Birthday Paige

Wow -- we've made it to 3 months. And amazingly enough, things are actually getting into a little more of a routine, just as everyone says. What changes have we racked up over the past 3 months?

• Nearly doubling in size -- at last weigh in, over a week ago, Paige tipped the scales at 11 1/2 pounds... she must be hitting near 12 by now
• Much more focusing of the eyes -- especially when she looks at her parents, which of course melts their hearts
• Smiling, smiling and more smiling -- which results in more heart melting -- though we do have a difficult time capturing this on camera (the smiling, not the heart melting)
• Cooing, gurgling, and other adorable baby noises -- I'll miss them once they turn into real words like 'I WANT' or 'NO!'
• And the most recent accomplishment? More sleep -- yay! It's only been a few days, but we're getting 5 - 7 hour stretches each night, which should only get more frequent (I hope).

So not bad, and only more exciting advances to come over the next 3 -- can't wait!

Say cheese!

Yesterday's grand adventure? Getting Paige her passport photos -- this little girl is definitely going to be an international jetsetter, so need to get her a passport ASAP.

According to British Passport Service rules, for a baby, the eyes don't have to be open, but it does need to be face forward, and with both ears showing. And Mom cannot be in the picture -- not even a few fingers propping Baby in place. Hmm... how to achieve this with a not-quite-3-month-old who can't even hold her head up?

Luckily, our friendly neighbourhood Snappy-Snaps is all prepared for baby shots, and it turned out to be much easier than expected. They have a little white pillow head rest -- you just lay the baby's head on the pillow and get out of the shot, holding up the rest of the body underneath. They then take the photo from overhead.

And as you can see from the photo, it worked a treat. And like all passport photos, it doesn't look anything like her. And it will look even less like her as she uses it over time -- as I understand, this passport will be good until her 5th birthday... I'm thinking her appearance may have changed a bit by then!

Incredible growing baby

OK, it may not be incredible that a baby is growing. I guess really that's what said baby is supposed to be doing, what with all that feeding and sleeping. But still -- it seems pretty amazing that just on milk Paige can nearly double in size in 10 weeks. As of today, she's 5.05 kg (or 11 lb 2 oz for you imperialists)

To see what almost doubling in size looks like -- the picture on the left is at about 2 weeks; on the right is today...

Same great taste??

Starbucks selling instant coffee?? What the??? If it's as good as Starbucks, then why buy the real stuff. And if it's not, how can it possible help the company to sell an inferior product?

Howie, Howie, Howie... how can this be restoring Starbucks to its original glory?

Reading list

I finally got around to reading the December 2005 (eek - I'm a little behind) issue of the Swarthmore Bulletin, and found an article about the 'Essential Reading' for every Swarthmore student... Looks like I need to go back -- 4 years at Swat and I only managed 3 from the list. (Pride & Prejudice, Lord of the Rings, and Stephen Jay Gould's Burgess Shale, in case anyone's wondering...)

Pinksplosion

When did it become impossible to buy baby girl clothes in anything but pink?? I don't remember what I wore as a baby (er, what I was dressed in) but I've certainly seen pictures of little-girl me, in all shades of orange, yellow, greens (well - it was the 70's, after all). I even remember a red plaid pant suit. But no pink.

But today - that's all there is... As you can see in this photo of all the clothes we've bought/received for Paige so far... aside from a little beige and white -- it's pink, pink and more pink.

A few recent articles have been highlighting this, thanks to PR efforts around the book Toxic Childhood. I especially like the nugget from the BBC that pink used to be for boys because it is 'a more decided and stronger colour'. Is pink inherently bad? No, of course not. And if you truly like pink, hey, great, go for it. But how boring is a world where 50% of the population is marked out by one and only one colour? What happened to variety?

And of course, as a non- girly-girl myself... why does it have to be pink?

Books into art

If I could afford real, proper, grown-up art, this is the sort of thing I'd buy. Su Blackwell turns books into intricately cut paper sculptures -- unlike anything I've seen. A few of her pieces were displayed at the V&A recently as part of their Blood on Paper exhibit. V&A? Books? Books as modern art?? My kind of trifecta!

Public transport travails

Finally took Paige on public transport yesterday -- tube and bus -- and must say, it takes military planning. Not only are you faced with the normal baby-related stuff (pack enough nappies, possible change of clothes, when/where will you be able to feed, etc...) but you also need to consider which stations (if any) are stroller-accessible.

You'd think in this age of disability-awareness, all would be (if a station is wheelchair accessible, then it's buggy-friendly as well) but no such luck. So to get to the hospital for her appointment, I needed to change lines just to make sure that when I got to Earl's Court station, I was on the line that has the lift (Piccadilly), not the one with the stairs (District.).

And according to this news release, only about a sixth of the tube stations are accessible - and they're on track to have 1/4 accessible by 2010. That's ridiculous! And looking at the map, most of the accessible stops are suburban -- making any central London visits a challenge at best.

Hmm... I wonder what other big-city subway accessibility is like... And in the meantime, buses are definitely the way to go.