Silent Night

Each year when Christmas rolls around and the yearly mix of holiday music starts pouring out of speakers at the store, in my car and at work, I find myself gravitated to one holiday theme song. Or should I say the song gravitates toward me. Just a personal "Lynette favorite" that - when I do hear it- it seems to make the clausometer go up a little bit more. In years past it's run the gammit like last years off the beaten path choice of Jo stafford's "It happened in Sun Valley" or the year before - The Christmas waltz - by the Sinatra Family. "Holly Jolly Christmas" also was a favorite in the past. But this year I went more traditional. It sorta caught me off guard - Silent Night. Maybe because our sweet baby James is here or maybe I was thinking of him when I heard it. All I know is this very old song warmed my heart each time I heard it this season. May you find your song this season and may it remind you of all the wonder...shit the fire alarm went off. I have to go save the dog. Enjoy the glow of Christmas Eve.

James @ 6 mo. 19 days

New sweatshirt yo!

Our very first conversation.

Holiday Jbug Outfits!

These arrived today! And thanks to black Friday I got these two cute outfits for super cheap. Hope J To The B likes them.

Baby James @ 6 months

James is six months old today! Happy 1/2 birthday to my favorite little person in the whole world.

RIP Patrice O'Neal

This is so sad. I will miss hearing Patrice on Opie & Anthony. He made that show funny. Period.

Party in my crib 3am!!

Morning dog walk w/ Leia :)

The leaves are changing colors and it was a quiet walk. James fell asleep just minutes after this was taken.

James's activity - 11/8/11 to 11/9/11

Wednesday, November 09, 2011, 5 months, 8 days old (23 w):

	James is Smiling Even though he's sick, he doesn't stop smiling! at 7:40 AM by Lynette
	James's weight: 16 lbs 12 oz (50th) at 7:40 AM by Lynette
	James is wheezing Sounding much better today. The steroid shot and cool mist humidifier are working. at 7:40 AM by Lynette
	James's temperature is 99.1 F Normal at 7:40 AM by Lynette
	At the Doctor again for a follow up. Sounding much better! Got one oral injection of steroid and prescription for 4 more doses if it returns. Staying home with papa today. at 7:40 AM by Lynette
	James seems to be breathing a bit easier. He was up for a feeding but now back in his crib and doing a little better. at 2:44 AM by Lynette

Tuesday, November 08, 2011, 5 months, 7 days old (22 w):

	James's weight: 17 lbs 5 oz (62th) at 10:05 PM by Lynette
	James is wheezing Diagnosed with croup. at 10:04 PM by Lynette
	James's temperature is 98.0 F Took James to PAA - no fever but has croup. at 10:04 PM by Lynette
	Croup? Poor James is breathing hard. We went to the doctor at 7pm tonight. Got mist, and steroid shot in the leg to help ease the swelling so he can breathe. The labored breathing seems to have calmed down and he's sleeping on his stomach. I'll sleep in your room tonight bug. at 10:02 PM by Lynette

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Done with Baby Connect http://www.baby-connect.com

James @ 5 months

James is 5 months old!

The Meeting.

Ah, yes. A life long friendship begins. Meeting eye to eye, James & Leia :)

James @ 20 weeks

James is 4 months and 19 days old! We walked the dog this morning and James wore his new hat!

MMM....Honeycrisp.

Ok, so my Gen X post (if you missed it, it's ok) didn't post on my wall very well, so I just got rid of it. Hey, everyone knows I'm Gen X and I don't need to spell out.

Or do I?

Meanwhile, I am totally enjoying my Wednesday and my Honeycrisp apple.

Can't say I love the baby carrots though. They are too babyish.

Coming this Thanksgiving! The Muppets!

Ok, there is a possibility I will actually get to see this movie in the theater. My parents are coming to visit for Thanksgiving and that's when the movie is released! Jason, do you want to go on a date with me to see the Muppets?

James is into the game!

Thursday

Wonder what James is doing right now? Sleeping? Eating? Playing? One of those anyway. I miss that boy when I'm at work. He is my favorite!

Buzzworthy.....I still like Das Racist.

Check out the NEW edited video with the "homage" to Michael's 1991 "Black or White" video.

I still can't figure out why I like them so much.

If it keeps raining we'll be under water

This is not a weather report. Or maybe it is. Or maybe it's just a Lynette report. Anyways, it's late and I'm up with James and it's still raining. Amazing! While the rain is coming down, let's pass the time with a few thoughts:

• I love Jason.
• I love baby James. He's 14 weeks old today. That's 3 months and 7 days. Yay!
• I saw Jean Claude today.
(guess I should explain the last bullet point)

So, a long time ago- I discovered there is a deer who lives on a small strip of land between Van Dorn street and 395. I may have mentioned it before. I call him Jean Claude...as in Jean Claude Van Dorn. Anyway, the first time i saw the deer, it was a cold wintery day. And that was a few years back. Gosh I cant remember how long ago but i do recall Jason was sure it was a part of my imagination - since then he too has seen the deer, proving I didn't make it up!

So, this deer- i keep seeing it on my way home from work. Sometimes months will go by without a sighting and then- there he is. And just when it seems i have given up hope- he appears. Almost like a good luck sign.

So, tonight- imagine my response when gasp! - there he was -Jean Claude! The last time I saw him was a little over half way through my pregnancy so I was shocked to see him standing there on the fenceline. I started doing the math. Does this mean he survived the earthquake? Yep...although I thought he might have found higher ground. The hurricane? Yes, he did. And 100+ degree heat this summer? Right again. I was so happy to see he was still around!

I wonder how many other people know he is there? You can look for him if you want...if you are on Van Dorn street between Taney and Braddock - look to the strip of land between you and 395 and if you see him, wave "hi". Ahh, The Adventures Of Jean Claude. It could be a good children's book. Here are a few storyline ideas
• Jean Claude eats a sandwich. (it's true, one day I witnessed a man throw a sandwich over the fence.)
• Jean Claude builds a raft. If it keeps raining on the east coast we'll be under water. (the rain part is true)
• Jean Claude makes s'mores. (ok, you get the idea)

I think the rain finally stopped. James is asleep. Goodnight rain. Goodnight James.

Goodnight Jean Claude.

Baby James @ 13 weeks

James is 13 weeks old today!

Leia knew.

For the past few days we thought our dog was dying. I'm not kidding. Leia would go out for a walk, eat breakfast, take a nap and the out of the blue get up and start panting and pacing for no reason...the way she does when it's thunder and lightening at 3am. I remember Jason getting frustrated on Monday saying "our dog is dying!" and me - per usual- doing a google search to find out why. All this panting turns out it could be anything. Not only do dogs pant from heat but also pain. And that range of pain is huge. Everything from bone cancer to an abdominal issues. Arthritis even. Ugh. So, my plan was to take her to the vet. Jason and I both knew she wasn't doing too well, and knowing that she just turned 8 years old I was bracing myself for the worst.

WELL. She's fine now. No panting or pacing. She's acting normal! So we think she knew the earthquake was coming. In fact, when I got home yesterday she ran up to me and jumped on me 10 times over, almost like "see, I told you, I told you, I told you."

I now have a new found respect for my cottony soft friend.

Note: I had no idea Jason would also blog about this today :)

Sat morning hanging w/ James

We did it, we made it through my first week at work and James made it through his first week at daycare. I know there will always be new "firsts" but this was a big one for me.

Happy Saturday! So glad to be home with my little Junebug.

Baby James @ 11 weeks

James is 11 weeks old!

Happy Birthday Leia!

Leia turns 8 years old today! Happy happy day to our favorite most fluffy and soft piece of cotton. We love you to pieces Leia Buns!!

Baby James @ 10 weeks

James is 10 weeks old (as of yesterday)

Baby James @ 8 weeks

James is 8 weeks old today!

Catching some Zzz's

James is asleep. Leia survived a thunderstorm and I did too many squats on the "Your Shape" XBox workout game. All this on my three hours of sleep. Happy Monday afternoon!

Hangin' with James

James is listening to me tell him yet another story about how Leia hates the building fire alarm. Neither of us could comfort her. Poor dog.

"Who ever heard of a snozberry?"

"We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams." - Willy Wonka replied Veruca Salt.

Baby James @ 7 weeks

James is seven weeks old (yesterday)!

Who knew?

Who knew being a mom would mean hanging out at 2:32am on my laptop. I guess I thought about the night feedings for a newborn when I was pregnant, but I never imagined how strange it would be to live this nocturnal life. And how much I really don't mind being up at this hour. It's these middle of the night moments, with the TV off and the sound of the ocean on the Sleep Sheep that I ponder motherhood the most.

I just went into the bathroom. Took my ponytail out of my hair, and looked at myself in the mirror. James did a number on my body. I'm slowly returning (very slowly)to my old self. I don't mind it, I wear my extra tummy weight like a battle scar. Proud of my body for creating this little human and watching the healing process back to my pre-preg state. This Wednesday will mark 6 weeks since I gave birth, and it already seems like James has been in our lives forever.

I don't really have anything too profound to say about motherhood except this...it rocks. Having the awesome responsibility of caring for (no matter how tired you are) this little boy has been amazingly fun...even though I'm losing track of the days. It's hot out, so I don't feel too bad hanging with James all day at home. It's going to be 103 degrees today.

James has finally drifted off to sleep, I can hear little baby snores. Time to catch some ZZZZ's.

Adventure Time marathon today on CN

One of the great things about maternity leave, and having friends with kids...you learn about channels on the Tee Vee you didn't really pay any attention to before. Mainly, the kids channels. Today, Jason and I discovered our new favorite cartoon on Cartoon Network. It's called Adventure Time with Finn and Jake. Adventure and surreal humor. I'm in!





New episodes premiere Monday, July 11 at 8/7c on Cartoon Network. Yay!

Baby James @ 5 weeks

James is five weeks old today!

Beastie Boys "Make Some Noise"

Welcome to this little nocturnal blog of mine. Yep, it's 3:56am as I type this. Just got James to sleep and I've been meaning to update my blog, so why not in the middle of the night! Sounds good to me :)

I know the Beastie Boys put a new album out, but it wasn't until I was home, up in the middle of the night watching some TV with James when I discovered this awesome video for their song "Make Some Noise". This apparently is what happens just after the "Fight For Your Right To Party" video ends...enjoy!

Happy 12th Anniversary Mom & Dad!

That's what James would say if he could talk. But he can't. Not yet anyway. Here is James on our walk today. As always. Snug as a bug.

Baby James @ 3 weeks

James is three weeks old today!

Welcome James Joseph!

James Joseph was born June 1, 2011 at 7:11pm, 6lb 14 oz, 20 inches long.

Conversations With Bert: Andy Samberg, Part 1

NST # 3 + grape juice!

So, I bet you are wondering...when is Lynette gonna have her baby? Good question! This week's double doctor appts went well, no sign of stress during my (his) non stress test (the delicious grape juice got him kicking up a storm) and plenty of fluid in there too. Baby C is also measuring right on (slightly on the smaller side) but I'll take it. We are good. But as of today - I feel the same. So I don't think it will be today. I also was let off the hook about inducing on my due date. They are now treating me as a "normal" person who is pregnant. So the window of when this baby is arriving just got a little bigger.

In other news, my mom is back at UCMC today to get her filter taken out. They put it in before her surgery in December to prevent blood clots. It still amazes me to think this whole time I've been pregnant she has been dealing with ovarian cancer. It has been an interesting 9 months. And to think she was just diagnosed in early April as cancer-free is a miracle. Jason and I were commenting that this is shaping up to be a great summer for my parents. They are planning like 6 vacations! I'm not kidding! They kick off their summer tour at our place - arriving just in time to meet Baby C. Who, in my opinion helped my mom heal. Baby C doesn't know that yet, but I'll tell him someday.

So the countdown continues. Stay tuned everybody!

NST #2 (two weeks & 2 days to go)

Each Tuesday in May I'm getting a NST (non-stress test) and fluid check at the hospital. Well, I should say, baby C is getting these check-ups. So far, we've passed the test two weeks in a row. Whoo Whoo. I know they are keeping an eye on me b/c of my age- and that's fine. I want the baby to be safe. Here is the printout of the NST in action. The top line is the baby's heartbeat and the bottom line (all the way to the right on the photo) is my contractions. I wasn't having any this week but I did last week. Its crazy to think sometime in the next two weeks I'm having a baby. Honestly couldn't be more excited and scared all at once. And there will be birthday cake. Jason promised me (us). My prediction is I'll go all the way to May 27th- any other predictions out there?

Best part of today...

Das Racist – “You Oughta Know”



I heard this song on the way to work today. It (so far) has been the best part about my day...although it is taco night - so.....that'll be cool too. OH - and throw in the new of the death of Osama bin Laden...and you've got yourself a pretty good Monday.

Here's more info on the song:

"Hilarious new track from Das Racist. Not a cover of the popular Alanis Morrissette song, more like a twisted interpretation of a Billy Joel hit, where the guys lazily mimic Billy’s vocals during the choruses. These guys aren’t for everyone, but they’re here to remind you not to take things too seriously. You’re bound to laugh at least a couple of times while listening to their brand new mixtape Shut Up, Dude, which was released online for free a couple of weeks ago."

Tina Fey Shares A Prayer For Her Daughter

With our own little one on the way, I had to repost this Tina Fey prayer...and I have to get my copy of Bossypants ASAP!

Tina Fey Shares A Prayer For Her Daughter

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.

May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it's the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach's eye, not the Beauty.

When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her
When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called "Hell Drop," "Tower of Torture," or "The Death Spiral Rock 'N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith," and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels.

What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I'm asking You, because if I knew, I'd be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.

Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, That she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.

And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.

"My mother did this for me once," she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby's neck. "My mother did this for me." And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I'll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.

Amen.

Hey Baby Hey Baby Hey!

"...girls say, boys say - hey baby hey baby hey..."

It was music to my ears Saturday as two of my favorite people put together an awesome Baby shower! (Thanks C and C) It was a "release" party theme (as in record release- OMG so creative and so me) complete with a "name that tune" game and some rockin' food, drinks and cake! Plus, both of our Moms traveled out to Virginia for the event. A truly special day.

The Nursery

Before the overflow of baby gear takes up every corner - I wanted to take a moment and thank Jason for helping me create this room for our upcoming addition. It was really fun picking everything out and seeing it all come together. We were actually really happy on how it turned out!

No Fishing

On one of our recent trips to storage (making that second bedroom into a nursery has been so fun) Jason stumbled upon his tackle box. One of my favorite memories early in our relationship- while we were still dating- was taking Jason to Bena,MN for a full week of fishing. (something I'd been doing every year since birth.) I was filled with joy to share Bena with Jason and he took it all in like a sponge. You know that moment when you see someone come into their own. I saw Jason do that in Bena. He loved it. We were in God's country, at dawn, with our poles in the water and I still can't think of anything that tops that. The cool thing is, I know we'll be back. And we'll get to teach another generation where to find the best fishing spot.

Drink up!

Today I chugged some orange drink at the doctor for my glucose test. They call it glucola. glug glug glug. To me, it tasted more like the Orange Drink you get from McDonalds which I haven't had for years- do they still sell it? Speaking of which...my Mom and Dad said the Shamrock Shakes are here!! Everybody, to the golden arches!

Paint Day, Step 5

Step 5: Be proud! Good job everybody! We are both happy with the color we picked - "Uncertain Gray" cause it sorta looks blue.

Paint Day, Step 4

Step 4: I stepped out of the room while Jason rolled on. Yes, Jason's team building 2008 shirt really does say "Mission: Possible" :)

Paint Day, Step 3

Step 3: Paint the trim. (I just realized these are all pics of Jason working. I was working too.)

Paint Day, Step 2

Step 2: ask your dog for some help. Your will no doubt be more helpful than ours.

Saturday, Paint Day :)

Step one: pick a color and finish taping off the outlets.

This would work, right?

Gonna learn this on guitar. No, it's not a lullaby - it's Cheap Trick!  But it seems appropriate to sing to a baby, no?

A G D A
            A                                 A/G#
         I want you to want me
           F#m                            F#m/E
         I need you to need me
              D                               D/C#
         I'd love you to love me
               A                                    A/G#
         I'm beggin' you to beg me
           F#m                             F#m/E 
         I want you to want me
           D                                 D/C#
         I need you to need me
              A                               A/G#
         I'd love you to love me
                       F#m                              B
                  I'd shine up my old brown shoes
                       G                              A
                  I'd put on a brand new shirt
                       F#m                           B
                  I'd get home early from work
                               G                  F#m
                  If you'd say that you love me
                           A                                         E
                           Didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'
                                F#m                                      D
                          Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'
                          A                                                             E
                          Feelin' all alone without a friend you know you feel like dyin'
                                 F#m                                              D
                          Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'

         I want you to want me
         I need you to need me
         I'd love you to love me
         I'm beggin' you to beg me
                  I'd shine up my old brown shoes
                  I'd put on a brand new shirt
                  I'd get home early from work
                  If you'd say that you love me
                           Didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'
                           Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'
                           Feelin' all alone without a friend you know you feel like dyin'
                           Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'
                                             *Solo*     A E F#m D

                           Feelin' all alone without a friend you know you feel like dyin'
                           Oh, didn't I, didn't I, didn't I see you cryin'

         I want you to want me
         I need you to need me
         I'd love you to love me
         I'm beggin' you to beg me
 

They called.

The baby furniture place called. Our stuff has arrived! Wow. They told us 10-14 weeks and it's only going to take 5 weeks. We paid for delivery AND set up so this won't be "Jason Production"- nope...someone else will be putting the crib together for us. Although for the record, Jason could have easily assembled a crib on his own. He is very manly.
With the news of our furniture delivery, Jason taped up all the doors and windows and we have a few blue color swatches hanging... Most we don't like. We'll paint on Saturday.

Empty Room, Waiting

Seems like it took forever, but we finally cleared out our guest/office/music/book room on Sunday to make way for baby C. I keep walking in there to try to imagine what the future holds. Can't quite grasp it yet, but I'm getting excited. I want to meet this little person!

Things have evolved.

Last weekend at church we got a special take home box of goodies as part of the Love series. And considering Valentine's Day is Monday, the box included some candy- a few Hershey kisses and a box of classic Sweethearts. I popped the box of Sweethearts in my bag this morning before work as a Friday treat.
First, let me tell you. Things have changed in the Sweetheart flavor department. It's been years since I've eaten - what I remember being chalky tasteless conversation hearts - but I am here to tell you things have changed! The yellow hearts taste like lemon, the green hearts taste like green apple....whoa...so different from the I don't even remember old flavors. And not only that, the conversations themselves have evolved. I just pulled a blue heart from the box that said "text me". Do you realize how valuable this piece of candy would be to an 8th grader??? I'd would have killed for it back in junior high. Our conversation hearts were vague at best. With NO flavor.

So, I'm pretty much jealous. The new flavors, new sayings. But I'm also excited that, maybe just maybe that terribly shy girl or boy in junior high might just get their wish if they play their cards right. Text me.

Shot with my Hipstamatic for iPhone
Lens: Roboto Glitter
Flash: Off
Film: BlacKeys B+W

Operation Birthday Re-Do

From my last post, it's safe to say my birthday didn't totally rock...sitting in a three hour traffic jam in a snowstorm wasn't my idea of fun...but Jason promised he'd make it up to me. So, last night we DID go out to eat and as you can see "Operation Birthday Re-Do" continues today. Thanks for making me this awesome cake, Jason!!! Can't wait to eat some :-)