We know you're taking Bar Bri. In fact, we all are. Therefore, if you could stop posting quotes from the lectures in your status, I would really appreciate it. There are only a few funny quotes from each lecture, so it's not like you're pointing out things the rest of us may have missed. I would like to see things I actually care about on my FB home page. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Grumpy
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Triumphs and Tragedies
So as I mentioned in my last post, Timmy started refusing to take a bottle about a week ago.* He has had about 8 bottles per week since he was one week old and never had trouble at all. Then all of the sudden, he adamantly refused to eat unless it was nursing. This was pretty stressful because our new babysitter starts Wednesday. She'll be here 8 hours a day so that I can study for the Bar Exam. Considering Timmy normally eats every 3 or 4 hours, this was going to be a problem.
We tried everything to get him to take a bottle. PJO would try to feed him with me in the other room or out of the apartment, I tried to feed him. We put Timmy facing out and in his bouncer seat. We tried sweetening the deal with a little sugar, and he actually took a bottle with chamomile tea and sugar, but then wouldn't take the breast milk after that. We tried feeding him when he was starving and when he had just woken up from a nap and was happy. No go.
Then we started trying different bottles. Maybe he just had developed an aversion to Dr. Brown's?
We tried an Avent bottle
a Playtex drop-in
a bottle called Adiri
then a Nuby sippy cup
and an Avent sippy cup
In sum, we tried all of these and all of them ended in a big fat fail. He seemed very annoyed that we were persisting. In no event was he going to give in and eat. His hunger strike was a testament to his dedication and stubbornness.
So I called the pediatrician and a lactation consultant. Both said that he is obviously associating Mom with eating and I needed to basically give him the milk in a completely different way. Since he is able to sit up, refuse food by turning away, grab for food and he wants whatever we have, we figured he might be ready to start solids. We originally had wanted to wait until he was 6 months old, but both the doctor and the consultant suggested we try rice cereal since he wasn't going to eat at all during the day otherwise.
Well now I think Timmy might have been planning this all along! He never hesitated for a second, from the very first spoonful, he was gulping down bite after bite of cereal from the spoon.
If we had let him, he would have slurped directly from the bowl. We actually gave him two servings and he looked quite pleased with himself.
I'm still holding out hope that he'll take a bottle from the babysitter when she starts. But I guess if he doesn't we'll still be able to feed him the calories he so desperately needs. er... the calories he so desperately wants and has become accustomed to!
* Thanks for the comments :) I thought that maybe it had something to do with teething, but the teeth don't appear any closer to breaking through than they did a month ago. I think he is just reaching a point where he is that much more aware of everything going on around him and can recognize boobs and bottles. oh well!
We tried everything to get him to take a bottle. PJO would try to feed him with me in the other room or out of the apartment, I tried to feed him. We put Timmy facing out and in his bouncer seat. We tried sweetening the deal with a little sugar, and he actually took a bottle with chamomile tea and sugar, but then wouldn't take the breast milk after that. We tried feeding him when he was starving and when he had just woken up from a nap and was happy. No go.
Then we started trying different bottles. Maybe he just had developed an aversion to Dr. Brown's?
We tried an Avent bottle
a Playtex drop-in
a bottle called Adiri
then a Nuby sippy cup
and an Avent sippy cup
In sum, we tried all of these and all of them ended in a big fat fail. He seemed very annoyed that we were persisting. In no event was he going to give in and eat. His hunger strike was a testament to his dedication and stubbornness.
So I called the pediatrician and a lactation consultant. Both said that he is obviously associating Mom with eating and I needed to basically give him the milk in a completely different way. Since he is able to sit up, refuse food by turning away, grab for food and he wants whatever we have, we figured he might be ready to start solids. We originally had wanted to wait until he was 6 months old, but both the doctor and the consultant suggested we try rice cereal since he wasn't going to eat at all during the day otherwise.
Well now I think Timmy might have been planning this all along! He never hesitated for a second, from the very first spoonful, he was gulping down bite after bite of cereal from the spoon.
If we had let him, he would have slurped directly from the bowl. We actually gave him two servings and he looked quite pleased with himself.
I'm still holding out hope that he'll take a bottle from the babysitter when she starts. But I guess if he doesn't we'll still be able to feed him the calories he so desperately needs. er... the calories he so desperately wants and has become accustomed to!
* Thanks for the comments :) I thought that maybe it had something to do with teething, but the teeth don't appear any closer to breaking through than they did a month ago. I think he is just reaching a point where he is that much more aware of everything going on around him and can recognize boobs and bottles. oh well!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
I Think I Graduated Yesterday
Whirlwind is probably the best way I can describe it. I was slightly distracted by all the family in town and Timmy. I don't feel any different today but when I look at my degree and photos a few weeks from now, maybe it will sink in.
Of course Timmy picked this week, most precisely yesterday, to decide he DID. NOT. WANT. the bottle. Nevermind that he has drank from a bottle since he was a week old. Nevermind that he has happily ingested cold formula before. Nevermind that he has never refused food in any form whatsoever. Yesterday morning he would only nurse. So it turned out that he went from 3am until 4pm without eating. He was irritable, tugging at his ears and had green gunk in his eye, so we thought maybe he had an ear infection or something. Instead of having BBQ, champagne and cake at my place with all my family, we went to the pediatrician. Where OF COURSE he was happy and giggling for everyone. No ear infection. He was just FINE.
Our new babysitter starts on Wednesday and I'm not sure what to tell her about feeding him. We're trying to give him a bottle more often but at what point do I need to just give in and nurse? Even though he used to take a bottle just fine from me, I have left the room so PJO could give it to him and he still won't take it. Is it too early to just start feeding him steak or whatever we're eating, because I'm pretty sure he would eat that.
Of course Timmy picked this week, most precisely yesterday, to decide he DID. NOT. WANT. the bottle. Nevermind that he has drank from a bottle since he was a week old. Nevermind that he has happily ingested cold formula before. Nevermind that he has never refused food in any form whatsoever. Yesterday morning he would only nurse. So it turned out that he went from 3am until 4pm without eating. He was irritable, tugging at his ears and had green gunk in his eye, so we thought maybe he had an ear infection or something. Instead of having BBQ, champagne and cake at my place with all my family, we went to the pediatrician. Where OF COURSE he was happy and giggling for everyone. No ear infection. He was just FINE.
Our new babysitter starts on Wednesday and I'm not sure what to tell her about feeding him. We're trying to give him a bottle more often but at what point do I need to just give in and nurse? Even though he used to take a bottle just fine from me, I have left the room so PJO could give it to him and he still won't take it. Is it too early to just start feeding him steak or whatever we're eating, because I'm pretty sure he would eat that.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
An Ode to Law School
Tomorrow morning I graduate from law school. PJO, Timmy, my parents, brothers and PJO's parents will all be there supporting me. Many of the good friends I have made will be beside me. The professors that have mentored me will stand before me. I'll be there to bid adieu to a great experience and chapter of my life.
I remember that first day of orientation, being so nervous because everyone always talks about how hard law school is and because I didn't know what to expect. I honestly didn't even know what a tort was until about halfway through my first class. That seems like just yesterday except now law school is the furthest thing from daunting. It's more like my comfort zone now.
If there is one thing law school has taught me, it's to believe in myself (despite infrequent meltdowns). I've always been independent and usually very self-confident, but sometimes when everything rolls off my back so easily, it is just an outward manifestation of and overcompensation for the insecurity I secretly feel. These days, I really believe in myself even when the odds are stacked against me. If I had told that nervous girl at orientation that I would be graduating a married mother of one with a good job lined up and mostly good memories of law school, I am not sure I would have believed it myself.
The past three years have reminded me that it's dangerous to compare yourself to others. I got through school by doing what seemed right to me and ignoring what everyone else said and did. I can count the number of times I stayed up past midnight doing work on one hand. Sometimes I would sit in a class on the first day and feel completely overwhelmed by the amount of work I would need to do in order to really understand the material. Feeling that way made eventually learning everything that much more rewarding.
I honestly hope that even if my days as a student are over, I remember and apply the lessons I've learned here to all aspects of my life. Whatever path my career follows and wherever I end up, I will really cherish memories from these past three years.
It makes me want to cry thinking about everything thhat my family has done to help me get here. I remember when I moved out here from New York and I needed a car, my parents both gave me some money for a down payment. My dad drove me up to school for a tour and my mom sent care packages during finals. They always seemed really proud that I was in law school...
My biggest thanks has to go to PJO. I mean seriously, he sacrificed more than I did for law school. He moved away from his family for the first time--across the country no less--to be with me. He worked and supported me while I brought in no money. Not only that, but he put up with wedding nonsense and then baby nonsense. I always say "we paid for our own wedding" but really, PJO paid for it (since I had no income). He makes a lot of little sacrifices all the time... like taking off work the days I have final exams and taking Timmy out to play so I can study.
He put up amazingly well with all the ridiculous law school talk that inevitably permeated every social event we went to and didn't complain. I think he even tried to learn some of the stuff I was studying so that we could talk about it together. Most of all he was loving, patient and kept me incredibly grounded.
Up until now I hadn't felt proud for graduating law school. Law school was just my occupation...it was just what I did. Graduating was simply the logical result. But when I think about how quickly the last three years have passed by, it suddenly reminds me of the blur that Timmy's babyhood has been. Before it's too late, I want to really stop and soak up every minute. This was truly one of the best times of my life, maybe not in the same way that college was, but no less great. Instead of being sad that it's over, I want to be happy to be finishing and successfully moving on to the next great thing in my life, whatever that may be!
I remember that first day of orientation, being so nervous because everyone always talks about how hard law school is and because I didn't know what to expect. I honestly didn't even know what a tort was until about halfway through my first class. That seems like just yesterday except now law school is the furthest thing from daunting. It's more like my comfort zone now.
If there is one thing law school has taught me, it's to believe in myself (despite infrequent meltdowns). I've always been independent and usually very self-confident, but sometimes when everything rolls off my back so easily, it is just an outward manifestation of and overcompensation for the insecurity I secretly feel. These days, I really believe in myself even when the odds are stacked against me. If I had told that nervous girl at orientation that I would be graduating a married mother of one with a good job lined up and mostly good memories of law school, I am not sure I would have believed it myself.
The past three years have reminded me that it's dangerous to compare yourself to others. I got through school by doing what seemed right to me and ignoring what everyone else said and did. I can count the number of times I stayed up past midnight doing work on one hand. Sometimes I would sit in a class on the first day and feel completely overwhelmed by the amount of work I would need to do in order to really understand the material. Feeling that way made eventually learning everything that much more rewarding.
I honestly hope that even if my days as a student are over, I remember and apply the lessons I've learned here to all aspects of my life. Whatever path my career follows and wherever I end up, I will really cherish memories from these past three years.
It makes me want to cry thinking about everything thhat my family has done to help me get here. I remember when I moved out here from New York and I needed a car, my parents both gave me some money for a down payment. My dad drove me up to school for a tour and my mom sent care packages during finals. They always seemed really proud that I was in law school...
My biggest thanks has to go to PJO. I mean seriously, he sacrificed more than I did for law school. He moved away from his family for the first time--across the country no less--to be with me. He worked and supported me while I brought in no money. Not only that, but he put up with wedding nonsense and then baby nonsense. I always say "we paid for our own wedding" but really, PJO paid for it (since I had no income). He makes a lot of little sacrifices all the time... like taking off work the days I have final exams and taking Timmy out to play so I can study.
He put up amazingly well with all the ridiculous law school talk that inevitably permeated every social event we went to and didn't complain. I think he even tried to learn some of the stuff I was studying so that we could talk about it together. Most of all he was loving, patient and kept me incredibly grounded.
Up until now I hadn't felt proud for graduating law school. Law school was just my occupation...it was just what I did. Graduating was simply the logical result. But when I think about how quickly the last three years have passed by, it suddenly reminds me of the blur that Timmy's babyhood has been. Before it's too late, I want to really stop and soak up every minute. This was truly one of the best times of my life, maybe not in the same way that college was, but no less great. Instead of being sad that it's over, I want to be happy to be finishing and successfully moving on to the next great thing in my life, whatever that may be!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Leaving on a good, err,,,the worst note
I just got my last grade back. It's official. This was my worst semester of law school grade-wise. It feels pretty shitty.
I laughed when I got my Remedies grade...it was a point below the median. I can pretty much chalk it up to very poor test taking ability, but I deserved a bad grade because I didn't pay attention or read all semester, so whatever.
Then I got my grade in business planning. You know, the class with basically no new material. My fifth class with this professor. The professor whose other classes were a significant boost to my G.P.A. It was a B+ or A- (we have a grading system where you get a number on a 100 point scale, so what letter grade it is depends on the curve). I mean, this is pretty pathetic, I should have gotten a much higher grade. I have a feeling it was my poor job on the take-home midterm (writing a business plan), as that counted for 30% and I felt pretty good about the actual final. I was pretty upset by this, but at the end of the day, it didn't move my overall G.P.A. too much, so I could get over it.
But then I got my last grade for my Bioethics seminar. The median. UGH. I actually thought I would be getting a high A in that class. We got graded for class participation and 10 reaction memos, plus a paper topic proposal, outline and the paper itself. I know I got dinged two points for reaction memos and 1 point for my topic proposal, but that is only 3 out of 100. My paper was awesome. Seriously, I objectively think it was great. Perfect blue-book style footnoting, tons of research, unique proposal. Awesome. So what the fuck?!
Before this semester, I said that I had a job and all I had to do was graduate, so I didn't care that having a baby was going to interfere with school. Turns out, I do kind of care...I'm insecure enough that I sort of need positive reinforcement from grades. I'm embarrassed that I won't graduate higher in my class, especially since I feel like I already have to justify going to a lower ranked school than most people I work with. I'm actually kind of confused as to how I got such low grades. I'm pissed that my last taste of law school will be such a black mark on my transcript. My confidence is totally shaken. And now I'm thinking, if I can't get a good grade in some silly law school class then what if I also can't pass something important, like the Bar exam? Did I take on too much, thinking I could handle life the same way I did before having a baby? What if I'm just not cut out for being a lawyer? Or what if I can't handle working at a big firm, where will I go and how will I pay off loans?
Ok, so maybe I'm being slightly dramatic. In truth, I know I'll be just fine. I know that I will graduate, that the important thing is having my family and a job. But right now I just want to allow myself to wallow in self-pity and think about all the ways in which I screwed up.
I probably won't though. Looking at this face all day will be much more therapeutic.
*update* so I emailed the last two profs, and it turns out the forced median is what screwed me. I lost 2 points in business planning and SEVEN points in bioethics because the classes are graded on a strict curve and the median HAS to be an 83. Le sigh
I laughed when I got my Remedies grade...it was a point below the median. I can pretty much chalk it up to very poor test taking ability, but I deserved a bad grade because I didn't pay attention or read all semester, so whatever.
Then I got my grade in business planning. You know, the class with basically no new material. My fifth class with this professor. The professor whose other classes were a significant boost to my G.P.A. It was a B+ or A- (we have a grading system where you get a number on a 100 point scale, so what letter grade it is depends on the curve). I mean, this is pretty pathetic, I should have gotten a much higher grade. I have a feeling it was my poor job on the take-home midterm (writing a business plan), as that counted for 30% and I felt pretty good about the actual final. I was pretty upset by this, but at the end of the day, it didn't move my overall G.P.A. too much, so I could get over it.
But then I got my last grade for my Bioethics seminar. The median. UGH. I actually thought I would be getting a high A in that class. We got graded for class participation and 10 reaction memos, plus a paper topic proposal, outline and the paper itself. I know I got dinged two points for reaction memos and 1 point for my topic proposal, but that is only 3 out of 100. My paper was awesome. Seriously, I objectively think it was great. Perfect blue-book style footnoting, tons of research, unique proposal. Awesome. So what the fuck?!
Before this semester, I said that I had a job and all I had to do was graduate, so I didn't care that having a baby was going to interfere with school. Turns out, I do kind of care...I'm insecure enough that I sort of need positive reinforcement from grades. I'm embarrassed that I won't graduate higher in my class, especially since I feel like I already have to justify going to a lower ranked school than most people I work with. I'm actually kind of confused as to how I got such low grades. I'm pissed that my last taste of law school will be such a black mark on my transcript. My confidence is totally shaken. And now I'm thinking, if I can't get a good grade in some silly law school class then what if I also can't pass something important, like the Bar exam? Did I take on too much, thinking I could handle life the same way I did before having a baby? What if I'm just not cut out for being a lawyer? Or what if I can't handle working at a big firm, where will I go and how will I pay off loans?
Ok, so maybe I'm being slightly dramatic. In truth, I know I'll be just fine. I know that I will graduate, that the important thing is having my family and a job. But right now I just want to allow myself to wallow in self-pity and think about all the ways in which I screwed up.
I probably won't though. Looking at this face all day will be much more therapeutic.
*update* so I emailed the last two profs, and it turns out the forced median is what screwed me. I lost 2 points in business planning and SEVEN points in bioethics because the classes are graded on a strict curve and the median HAS to be an 83. Le sigh
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Things that happen on study-free weekends
PJO is taking the CFA exam (level II) in a few weeks. He held off studying on weekends until I was done with finals to watch Timmy, but now I am on full-time Timmy duty until that exam is over (at which point I will probably need to catch up on Bar Prep).
Anyway, I had forgotten how much fun weekends can be, and I'll be really glad when all three of us can enjoy them as a family!
Saturday we took a walk to one of my favorite places...Sur La Table. (It's dangerously located less than a mile away). I picked up a Cherry pitter, which was one of the best purchases I've made for my kitchen in a while. Thanks to Oxo good grips, I'm sitting on my couch with a bowl full of cherries and there's no mess!
I also got these and I am super excited to try them tomorrow. I don't really drink soda, but I have a weakness for sparkling water. When I found a good deal on San Pellegrino at Costco a while ago, I bought a case. So now I'll be sipping it with a hint of lime!
This morning all of us went to Costco before PJO went to his office to study for the rest of the day. I ordered my graduation cake (Chocolate-Chocolate-Chocolate...mmm) and we bought a few other things with our handy little coupon booklet.
We got Starbucks on the way home, and I think they've created a new addict.
Other than that, there was lots of tummy time, walks, reading books and patty-cake. We've also been getting ready for PJO's parents to visit on Wednesday and my family to join them up here on Friday for graduation. The apartment is now much cleaner and more organized, making for a happy LEO.
oh and you know, we rolled around during dinner tonight when the earthquakes started. Ahhh, California!
Life is good.
Anyway, I had forgotten how much fun weekends can be, and I'll be really glad when all three of us can enjoy them as a family!
Saturday we took a walk to one of my favorite places...Sur La Table. (It's dangerously located less than a mile away). I picked up a Cherry pitter, which was one of the best purchases I've made for my kitchen in a while. Thanks to Oxo good grips, I'm sitting on my couch with a bowl full of cherries and there's no mess!
I also got these and I am super excited to try them tomorrow. I don't really drink soda, but I have a weakness for sparkling water. When I found a good deal on San Pellegrino at Costco a while ago, I bought a case. So now I'll be sipping it with a hint of lime!
This morning all of us went to Costco before PJO went to his office to study for the rest of the day. I ordered my graduation cake (Chocolate-Chocolate-Chocolate...mmm) and we bought a few other things with our handy little coupon booklet.
We got Starbucks on the way home, and I think they've created a new addict.
Other than that, there was lots of tummy time, walks, reading books and patty-cake. We've also been getting ready for PJO's parents to visit on Wednesday and my family to join them up here on Friday for graduation. The apartment is now much cleaner and more organized, making for a happy LEO.
oh and you know, we rolled around during dinner tonight when the earthquakes started. Ahhh, California!
Life is good.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Nerd Alert
The plan was to take at least this whole week "off"... enjoy the free time between finals and bar prep. Instead, curiosity took over and I couldn't help but wonder what the iPod lectures would be like and how I would actually learn/study the material. It's not that I can't wait to dive into actually learning, more like I couldn't wait to plan out my study schedule for the summer. Also, I am anxious to plan a trip to Staples for some pretty new study supplies.
Anyway, I listened to the introduction to CA Bar Bri lecture while I took Timmy on a walk yesterday. I learned all about the format of the test, what subjects will be on it, how much each part counts for, what scores are generally needed to pass and the Bar Bri method of learning all the material.
Let me just say, if we didn't have the enormous book of worksheets* to fill out as we listen to the lectures, I would be doing one each time I go for a walk with Timmy (at least twice a day). It's so easy to concentrate for an hour at a time when there is a quiet baby, no phone, no internet and I'm out enjoying the sunny weather. I'm still toying with the thought of listening to a lecture or two at the gym, but I'm not sure I can fill out a worksheet there either. I guess I could be a total gunner and listen to the lectures while out and about, then go through them later to fill out the sheets? hmmmm....
I think I will probably start doing a lecture every night after Timmy goes to bed pretty soon. The pace schedule they sent me tells us to start studying this Saturday and go straight through (7 days a week) until the Bar. That's just crazy talk, I'm clearly going to take days off. But since my babysitter doesn't start until June, I figure I need to get some studying in while I can for the rest of May.
So, moral of the story, I'm kind of excited to start studying for the Bar. Even though final exams were stressful, I always secretly enjoyed those few weeks. Something about making a study schedule, being in charge of what I did every day and then constantly crossing things off my list was so satisfying. And I think this will be kind of like that, except it will last 2 months instead of 2 weeks. And there will be a total of 18 hours of exam taking in a 3 day period. I know that the first time there is something fun I want to do (i.e. go to the beach) I will hate everything about the test. But for now, looking forward to the challenge.
*Why do they have to make the worksheet book the biggest one of all? Did they not think it would be nice to be able to carry it around easily since we'll need it like every day? (It's the second one from the top...see?!?! HUGE)
also, I have to give credit where credit is due...this picture is a blatant rip off of LL's photo from last year, except more posed and with a much less interested baby.
Anyway, I listened to the introduction to CA Bar Bri lecture while I took Timmy on a walk yesterday. I learned all about the format of the test, what subjects will be on it, how much each part counts for, what scores are generally needed to pass and the Bar Bri method of learning all the material.
Let me just say, if we didn't have the enormous book of worksheets* to fill out as we listen to the lectures, I would be doing one each time I go for a walk with Timmy (at least twice a day). It's so easy to concentrate for an hour at a time when there is a quiet baby, no phone, no internet and I'm out enjoying the sunny weather. I'm still toying with the thought of listening to a lecture or two at the gym, but I'm not sure I can fill out a worksheet there either. I guess I could be a total gunner and listen to the lectures while out and about, then go through them later to fill out the sheets? hmmmm....
I think I will probably start doing a lecture every night after Timmy goes to bed pretty soon. The pace schedule they sent me tells us to start studying this Saturday and go straight through (7 days a week) until the Bar. That's just crazy talk, I'm clearly going to take days off. But since my babysitter doesn't start until June, I figure I need to get some studying in while I can for the rest of May.
So, moral of the story, I'm kind of excited to start studying for the Bar. Even though final exams were stressful, I always secretly enjoyed those few weeks. Something about making a study schedule, being in charge of what I did every day and then constantly crossing things off my list was so satisfying. And I think this will be kind of like that, except it will last 2 months instead of 2 weeks. And there will be a total of 18 hours of exam taking in a 3 day period. I know that the first time there is something fun I want to do (i.e. go to the beach) I will hate everything about the test. But for now, looking forward to the challenge.
*Why do they have to make the worksheet book the biggest one of all? Did they not think it would be nice to be able to carry it around easily since we'll need it like every day? (It's the second one from the top...see?!?! HUGE)
also, I have to give credit where credit is due...this picture is a blatant rip off of LL's photo from last year, except more posed and with a much less interested baby.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Funny
"(443): i chose cheese fries over sex for the third time this week."
Not as good as postsecret, but this site could occupy me for hours.
Not as good as postsecret, but this site could occupy me for hours.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
End of an Era
I finished my last exam today. I think it went pretty well. I don't really feel a big sense of relief, probably because a) I already felt like I was done after my Remedies exam and b) I know that I still have to start studying for the bar soon.
Either way... WOO! I'm done with law school!
We graduate a week from Friday on May 22nd. They hand out our actual diplomas on the stage, so I will be finding out all of my grades before then. Don't really care too much what they are.
After the test today, PJO, Timmy and I went up to Paradise Cove in Malibu for Nachos and Mojitos. It was a gorgeous day and relaxing with my two guys felt amazing.
Either way... WOO! I'm done with law school!
We graduate a week from Friday on May 22nd. They hand out our actual diplomas on the stage, so I will be finding out all of my grades before then. Don't really care too much what they are.
After the test today, PJO, Timmy and I went up to Paradise Cove in Malibu for Nachos and Mojitos. It was a gorgeous day and relaxing with my two guys felt amazing.
Monday, May 11, 2009
If Timmy Ruled the World:
All diaper sizes would cost the same amount...Doesn't he deserve cheap diapers like all the other 4 1/2 month old babies?
Carters would make sleep 'n plays up to 24 month size ... no more cute little themed sleepers once he grows out of size 9 months!*
Infant car seats would have age limits rather than height and weight limits. We can barely lift his seat, but we're going to miss the convenience in about a month when we have to buy a bigger convertible carseat!
You would be able to eat In-n-Out and Wahoo's Fish tacos at any age. Those things constantly taunt him with their deliciousness, yet the Doc says no solid food yet.
Pants--and their belly-restricting waistbands--would always be optional.
Teleporting would be the normal way to travel, so he could see his Daddy's family and his baby friend Richie whenever he wanted.
People would only talk to him in a sing-songy, high-pitched voice. He loves that.
When I told him that he doesn't always get to make up the rules, he wasn't happy:
I guess we'll have to work up toward world domination.
*Seriously, what's up with that? Even at Target, when they're called "Just One Year" they only go up to 9 months!
Carters would make sleep 'n plays up to 24 month size ... no more cute little themed sleepers once he grows out of size 9 months!*
Infant car seats would have age limits rather than height and weight limits. We can barely lift his seat, but we're going to miss the convenience in about a month when we have to buy a bigger convertible carseat!
You would be able to eat In-n-Out and Wahoo's Fish tacos at any age. Those things constantly taunt him with their deliciousness, yet the Doc says no solid food yet.
Pants--and their belly-restricting waistbands--would always be optional.
Teleporting would be the normal way to travel, so he could see his Daddy's family and his baby friend Richie whenever he wanted.
People would only talk to him in a sing-songy, high-pitched voice. He loves that.
When I told him that he doesn't always get to make up the rules, he wasn't happy:
I guess we'll have to work up toward world domination.
*Seriously, what's up with that? Even at Target, when they're called "Just One Year" they only go up to 9 months!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
To all the moms out there, I hope your families are treating you as well as mine is treating me today!
We took a nice little walk to the Farmer's Market for a delicious breakfast picnic...fresh omelet and pancakes. Then we headed to Peet's Coffee and walked home as the sun was finally peaking through the clouds.
*updated to add the highlight(s) of my day...everywhere I went, strangers would smile and say "Happy Mother's Day!" Some would do an exaggerated cheer and others would politely ask if it was my first mother's day, then smile adoringly at Timmy and wish me a good day. I loved it. It just seems so sweet, like the whole world is perfect and cares about their mommies. Isn't it funny how something I loathed while pregnant (the strangers coming up and talking to me) is something I love so much with a baby?
We took a nice little walk to the Farmer's Market for a delicious breakfast picnic...fresh omelet and pancakes. Then we headed to Peet's Coffee and walked home as the sun was finally peaking through the clouds.
*updated to add the highlight(s) of my day...everywhere I went, strangers would smile and say "Happy Mother's Day!" Some would do an exaggerated cheer and others would politely ask if it was my first mother's day, then smile adoringly at Timmy and wish me a good day. I loved it. It just seems so sweet, like the whole world is perfect and cares about their mommies. Isn't it funny how something I loathed while pregnant (the strangers coming up and talking to me) is something I love so much with a baby?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Granola In Me
Last night we watched The Business of Being Born by accident. It was one of those shows that I would never have thought to watch, but after a few minutes, I couldn't stop. And you know what? It was good! I really liked it. I mean, I could have probably lived a complete fulfilled life without ever seeing Ricki Lake naked, but you know, whatever.
The whole documentary is basically praising doulas/midwifes/homebirths and saying that OBs are not very qualified to handle a normal delivery. The mantra was labor is natural, beautiful, something women should not be afraid of, but should embrace. Very crunchy if you ask me.
I may have said this a time or two before, but I hated being pregnant. For me, it was not a bonding experience. In fact, I didn't think of Timmy as a real baby until he was actually born. I didn't "glow." I hated the attention that came with it. I hated how my body changed. I hated all the restrictions on my diet and activities. I was not terrified of labor but I didn't look forward to it either. I couldn't understand why women make birth plans... what music was playing, the lighting, the people there...none of that seemed important or even relevant. Labor was just a means to the end... having the baby in my arms.
Imagine my surprise when the whole process of giving birth was just awesome and amazing. Kind of like when you have a really good workout, the pain (what little I felt) made the high at the end even better. The surprise and wonderment of seeing your baby that you've been imagining for 9 months. Being catered to by everyone. The excitement that everyone around you shares. The fact that you're no longer pregnant! A lot of women say they feel empowered by it. I guess that's true...not that it was some super difficult feat in my case, but just because it's the coolest thing physically I have ever done and look at what I have to show for it! A baby who I automatically love more than I ever thought possible! And to think, if Timmy had waited a day longer to make his appearance, I would have been induced. Knowing what I know now--how easy labor can be if it comes on naturally--I would be super hesitant to get induced next time around.
Breastfeeding was the same way. I scoffed at stories of "the incredible bonding" and thought that was some more of the hyper-emotional, hormonal talk. I planned to do it for as long as it felt right because it was good for the baby and it was cheaper and easier than formula. But you know what? I like it. I like that my body in a year's time has completely nourished Timmy from a little seedling to a toddler-sized 4 month old. I like holding him close to me 6 times a day, when he curls his fingers around my shirt and sighs contentedly. I like that he needs me and I need him every day.
This documentary was cool because it wants women to take charge of childbirth. Even if it's not going to be a great experience and it is more about just getting that baby in your arms, information is empowering. Given that my first baby was over 9 1/2 pounds, I'm not sure a natural, drug-free childbirth is in my future... that epidural was pretty f*cking amazing. But I would seriously consider getting a doula or midwife next time. Someone who I can meet before I'm in the hospital and I already know. Someone who can make it a more enjoyable experience. Why did no one tell me about this before?
Maybe that's just the granola in me.
*p.s. Since we're on the topic, congrats to Trannyhead on Version 2.0 on the way :)
The whole documentary is basically praising doulas/midwifes/homebirths and saying that OBs are not very qualified to handle a normal delivery. The mantra was labor is natural, beautiful, something women should not be afraid of, but should embrace. Very crunchy if you ask me.
I may have said this a time or two before, but I hated being pregnant. For me, it was not a bonding experience. In fact, I didn't think of Timmy as a real baby until he was actually born. I didn't "glow." I hated the attention that came with it. I hated how my body changed. I hated all the restrictions on my diet and activities. I was not terrified of labor but I didn't look forward to it either. I couldn't understand why women make birth plans... what music was playing, the lighting, the people there...none of that seemed important or even relevant. Labor was just a means to the end... having the baby in my arms.
Imagine my surprise when the whole process of giving birth was just awesome and amazing. Kind of like when you have a really good workout, the pain (what little I felt) made the high at the end even better. The surprise and wonderment of seeing your baby that you've been imagining for 9 months. Being catered to by everyone. The excitement that everyone around you shares. The fact that you're no longer pregnant! A lot of women say they feel empowered by it. I guess that's true...not that it was some super difficult feat in my case, but just because it's the coolest thing physically I have ever done and look at what I have to show for it! A baby who I automatically love more than I ever thought possible! And to think, if Timmy had waited a day longer to make his appearance, I would have been induced. Knowing what I know now--how easy labor can be if it comes on naturally--I would be super hesitant to get induced next time around.
Breastfeeding was the same way. I scoffed at stories of "the incredible bonding" and thought that was some more of the hyper-emotional, hormonal talk. I planned to do it for as long as it felt right because it was good for the baby and it was cheaper and easier than formula. But you know what? I like it. I like that my body in a year's time has completely nourished Timmy from a little seedling to a toddler-sized 4 month old. I like holding him close to me 6 times a day, when he curls his fingers around my shirt and sighs contentedly. I like that he needs me and I need him every day.
This documentary was cool because it wants women to take charge of childbirth. Even if it's not going to be a great experience and it is more about just getting that baby in your arms, information is empowering. Given that my first baby was over 9 1/2 pounds, I'm not sure a natural, drug-free childbirth is in my future... that epidural was pretty f*cking amazing. But I would seriously consider getting a doula or midwife next time. Someone who I can meet before I'm in the hospital and I already know. Someone who can make it a more enjoyable experience. Why did no one tell me about this before?
Maybe that's just the granola in me.
*p.s. Since we're on the topic, congrats to Trannyhead on Version 2.0 on the way :)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Refreshed and Ready for Summer
This morning I woke up to silence. No alarm clock. No baby crying. Weird. I lay there trying to remember what time I had fed Timmy, and upon realizing I hadn't, I freaked out. Jumping out of bed faster than ever before, I raced into the nursery. Staring up at me with eyes wide open and fingers in his smiling mouth, Timmy was perfectly happy in his crib. He had slept from 7:45pm to 6:30am. It wasn't the longest he's ever gone without waking up, but it was the first time he woke up at a reasonable hour.
I felt reinvigorated. Today was spent walking around in the sunny 75 degree weather, playing with an extremely giggly baby and enjoying life. Suddenly I feel the need to revamp my life and do things that produce some sort of tangible evidence of living well.
The first two things I want to do?
1. Work out ... ok, actually no... I want to be active outdoors. When I study all day, and plan my day around naps and eating schedules, it's easy to become totally sedentary. Which makes me feel lazy. Which makes me be lazy. So I'm going to try out Stroller Strides next week. The first class is free, so I figure I have nothing to lose. I'm hoping to meet some other moms in the neighborhood, although I might change my mind after meeting West LA mothers.
2. Cook more real food. Since we had Timmy, making real meals has fallen by the wayside. Spending time to go grocery shopping, prepare food, cook it and then eat it just doesn't seem worth it when that time could otherwise be spent sleeping. Or studying. Or sleeping.
But I've had enough of frozen meals and ordering out.
My old stand-bys are are getting old: chicken, rice and veggies or pork chops and applesauce. Crock pot meals are more for winter weather. Pasta is ok once in a while, but it's kind of heavy for warm weather. I really want some fun, easy and tasty recipes for summer.
So who has a good recipe or cook book recommendation?
I felt reinvigorated. Today was spent walking around in the sunny 75 degree weather, playing with an extremely giggly baby and enjoying life. Suddenly I feel the need to revamp my life and do things that produce some sort of tangible evidence of living well.
The first two things I want to do?
1. Work out ... ok, actually no... I want to be active outdoors. When I study all day, and plan my day around naps and eating schedules, it's easy to become totally sedentary. Which makes me feel lazy. Which makes me be lazy. So I'm going to try out Stroller Strides next week. The first class is free, so I figure I have nothing to lose. I'm hoping to meet some other moms in the neighborhood, although I might change my mind after meeting West LA mothers.
2. Cook more real food. Since we had Timmy, making real meals has fallen by the wayside. Spending time to go grocery shopping, prepare food, cook it and then eat it just doesn't seem worth it when that time could otherwise be spent sleeping. Or studying. Or sleeping.
But I've had enough of frozen meals and ordering out.
My old stand-bys are are getting old: chicken, rice and veggies or pork chops and applesauce. Crock pot meals are more for winter weather. Pasta is ok once in a while, but it's kind of heavy for warm weather. I really want some fun, easy and tasty recipes for summer.
So who has a good recipe or cook book recommendation?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Why I hate open-book exams
Alternatively titled: That didn't go well.
I took my remedies final yesterday. I actually think I knew enough to do well, but I just didn't. A for effort (if we're only taking this weekend into consideration...), D- for execution.
The essays were kind of racehorse exams, but instead of just typing like crazy, I kept looking everything up to make sure I got the rule exactly right. And then of course I didn't find what I was looking for right away. And then time was going in slow motion and I couldn't comprehend what the question was even asking or what I was saying. Everything was just a big blur and I didn't care enough to pull it together and attempt a coherent answer. I am glad the prof doesn't know who I am, because otherwise I might actually be embarrassed if he found out I wrote that.
I think I did well on the multiple choice questions (1/3 of the grade), but the essays were pretty terrible (I'm sure I didn't even get to a lot of issues and those that I did, I just outlined some of them).
Oh well. I don't care too much. I feel some pressure to do better on my business planning final now to help offset my Remedies grade. (Offset! I know that rule! Why didn't I write what I knew on the exam! ughhhhhhh)
Business Planning is next Tuesday, so I have one more week.
It's weird, but I am not counting down the days or even really looking forward to being done. Graduation will be a very exciting day, but finishing law school just means I should be starting bar bri... (actually, I should be starting it 5 days before graduation according to the schedule).
Today I enjoyed cuddling and napping with Timmy in my bed (for just the second time ever!) and I felt like things will probably be just fine post-law school:
I took my remedies final yesterday. I actually think I knew enough to do well, but I just didn't. A for effort (if we're only taking this weekend into consideration...), D- for execution.
The essays were kind of racehorse exams, but instead of just typing like crazy, I kept looking everything up to make sure I got the rule exactly right. And then of course I didn't find what I was looking for right away. And then time was going in slow motion and I couldn't comprehend what the question was even asking or what I was saying. Everything was just a big blur and I didn't care enough to pull it together and attempt a coherent answer. I am glad the prof doesn't know who I am, because otherwise I might actually be embarrassed if he found out I wrote that.
I think I did well on the multiple choice questions (1/3 of the grade), but the essays were pretty terrible (I'm sure I didn't even get to a lot of issues and those that I did, I just outlined some of them).
Oh well. I don't care too much. I feel some pressure to do better on my business planning final now to help offset my Remedies grade. (Offset! I know that rule! Why didn't I write what I knew on the exam! ughhhhhhh)
Business Planning is next Tuesday, so I have one more week.
It's weird, but I am not counting down the days or even really looking forward to being done. Graduation will be a very exciting day, but finishing law school just means I should be starting bar bri... (actually, I should be starting it 5 days before graduation according to the schedule).
Today I enjoyed cuddling and napping with Timmy in my bed (for just the second time ever!) and I felt like things will probably be just fine post-law school:
Sunday, May 3, 2009
F is for Fun...and Finals ... and Failing
I have a remedies final tomorrow. I seriously might be less prepared for it than I was for the two classes I took pass-fail. I read for class once this semester, paid attention in class for probably a total of 70 minutes and have only barely made it through reading someone else's outline once. So studying for this final exam is a bit of a challenge. But since I started knowing so little, I feel like my study time is actually very productive because learning even the most basic rules and cases is making leaps and bounds.
The hard part? Surprisingly, it's not finding the motivation. I really wish I could have studied more for this class (although I don't really regret not paying attention all semester). It's finding uninterrupted study time.
I learned pretty early on in the semester that it's damn near impossible to study when I'm alone with Timmy, even if he takes a little nap. This is shocking to Timmy!
PJO has been on Timmy duty this weekend so I could study, but it's not like I can just disappear to school all day for 12 hours. I have to feed him or pump every few hours. This makes school a non-option and the local library pretty unappealing. In our little apartment, there isn't a designated spot to do any work, so I made one.
My mom has a little card table that is about 4 feet by a foot and a half... just small enough to fit in a spot in our bedroom between my side of the bed and the wall. I took one of the chairs for our kitchen table and made myself a nice little desk. I have enough room for all my outlines and practice exams and it has a good view (well, it has a window).
Between the hour it takes for me to be awake, pumping or nursing several times a day and eating myself, my study time is cut down a lot. But at least I'm getting lots of help from the cats! (They go crazy when the windows are open because they can hear and see the birds outside)
So what does Timmy think of my chances on the Remedies exam?
The hard part? Surprisingly, it's not finding the motivation. I really wish I could have studied more for this class (although I don't really regret not paying attention all semester). It's finding uninterrupted study time.
I learned pretty early on in the semester that it's damn near impossible to study when I'm alone with Timmy, even if he takes a little nap. This is shocking to Timmy!
PJO has been on Timmy duty this weekend so I could study, but it's not like I can just disappear to school all day for 12 hours. I have to feed him or pump every few hours. This makes school a non-option and the local library pretty unappealing. In our little apartment, there isn't a designated spot to do any work, so I made one.
My mom has a little card table that is about 4 feet by a foot and a half... just small enough to fit in a spot in our bedroom between my side of the bed and the wall. I took one of the chairs for our kitchen table and made myself a nice little desk. I have enough room for all my outlines and practice exams and it has a good view (well, it has a window).
Between the hour it takes for me to be awake, pumping or nursing several times a day and eating myself, my study time is cut down a lot. But at least I'm getting lots of help from the cats! (They go crazy when the windows are open because they can hear and see the birds outside)
So what does Timmy think of my chances on the Remedies exam?
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