On the Radio

Obviously Critter is listening to NYC electromagnetic waves (the Radio) and his palette for hot music is diverse.. Last Friday, he had a fever, 102.7 (WWFS Fresh 102.7).  I took him to the doctor. Well, I guess Today's Music wasn't Fresh enough for him.The nurse took his temperature and it was a shocking 105.1 (WWPR Power 105.1). Hip Hop ruled the Doctor's office. They gave him a dose of Moltrin and told me to immediately take him to the hospital to have blood and urine taken and tested. A fever in babies is an indication of infection (Read about it here). At the hospital his temperature was 101.1 (WCBS). Critter wasn't singing a happy tune when they took urine (ouch! catheter) or blood (hello! needle). I couldn't look. They asked me to help hold his legs down and with my eyes closed I was holding and singing/talking to try calming him down.

At midnight (at home) his temperature rose to 103.5 (WKTU). He wanted to have a dance party. Heck, it WAS Saturday night. Acetaminophen helped keep it (the fever and dancing) under control for the rest of the night.

On Saturday morning Critter is off his radio station schedule, he woke up with a temperature of 102.5 (there's no station in NYC).

Sunday morning, he turned the dial back to 102.7 (Fresh). In the evening we got a call from the hospital. The blood culture is showing a bacteria.  It could either be, Critter does have a bacteria or the blood got contaminated from the hospital. We went back to the hospital so they can take more blood and be certain. He must like Oldies cause at the hospital is temperature was again 101.1.

Monday morning, Critter brought the dial back to the 80's, 90's and today's R&B, his temperature was 98.7 (WRKS - KISS FM). And has been fever free since.


We're going to the doctor on Wednesday to get results of second blood test.
Tune in then.

Joke

I used to write/perform comedy. Lots of it. The writing just came naturally to me. Sometimes, I'd re-word the bits to see what worked better. What had more impact. What got a bigger laugh.
I hate storytelling comedy. Too long, too boring.
I'm the one-two liner kinda gal. Set up, punch line. 

Sadly, I haven't written anything in a while. Maybe it's I'm consumed with Babyhood. Maybe, it's the fact for a while I haven't had anything to laugh about.

But this morning, this just came to me. Here is the first bit (joke) I'm writing in months.

Joke:

Marriage is hard work. I want to outsource my job.

We Can Work It Out

....or can we?
Sometimes I wonder if a marriage is worth being in if the two people have ceased to communicate or work together.
I'm tired of talking till we can't go on.
I'm tired of fussing and fighting.


I see it often. I know so many people that are unhappy in their marriage (I'm there now). How does it happen? Do people stop caring? Stop talking?

I know what our issues are. Do I want to address and resolve them? I really don't know at this point.
I don't want to think about this anymore. So Sad.

Chick Magnet

Critter REALLY is a Chick Magnet!

When we're out some stranger will always comment how cute he is. And it's usually women. They wave and smile at him; make cute faces to get him to react. And Critter is such a ham, he laps it up. He loves the attention.

Yesterday, we were at The High Line. We're sitting on a bench, my back to the pedestrian walkway and I was taking pictures of Hubby and Critter when from behind me I hear.

"Oooooh, so cute. He's a boy? He's very cute."
I turn around and thank them. It was three young Asians (mid 20's), two female, one male.
Then they ask "Can we take picture?"
Hubby stood up holding Critter and said sure. I got up so I'm not in their photo of Critter. One of the women stands next to Critter, posing, and the man starts taking pictures of them.

HUH? I thought they wanted to take photos of Critter. BUT they wanted to take photos of themselves WITH Critter!
I found it charming and amusing. I wanted to take a photo of this woman posing with Critter but thought it'd be tacky.

BUT when the other woman did the same; standing next to Critter striking a pose; she even posed holding Critter's hand, gazing deep into his eyes; and her male friend was snapping away, I couldn't help myself, I had to take pictures of this love struck woman.

Well, hello there!

Critter is Speechless after the Display of Affection

Hubby and I were scratching our heads after. Like WTF, why would anyone want to take pictures of themselves with some stranger's child? But Okay. Maybe, these two women will start the Asian Division of Critter's Fan Club.

Daddy's Day

Happy Birthday to Critter's Daddy (Hubby)!!

I feel horrible. No, I'm not sick. What I mean is, Today is Hubby's b'day and I didn't and am not making a big fanfare over it. And I feel horrible about that. I was initially going to throw him a surprise party at a restaurant, but that got to be too pricey. Then, I wanted to do something special, just the three of us. I wanted to go away for the weekend (4 days). After the whole car fiasco and then we did our taxes (F*CK YOU, IRS!!!), I nixed the idea. The money we would have spend on a weekend getaway is now going toward getting another jalopy.

Then, I thought we can do a day trip. Renting a car and off we'd go. $70 to rent a car in NYC?!?!?!?!? Are they out of their minds?!?!? They can take their economy car and shove it!

Okay, let's just enjoy the day in NYC. We'll take Hubby out for a day on the town. What to do? hhhhmmmm....There are lots of great things to do in NYC. BUT we've practically done and seen EVERYTHING. And I mean it. No, really. Hubby and I aren't idle people. We never sit at home. We love to walk. Enjoy history and architecture. So yeah, we've seen and done most things  in NYC.  I googled and googled. My search for something to do turned up nil. I got so frustrated BUT I became obsessed and determined to find something....anything that we haven't done and would be interested in.

Hubby initially took today off to spend the day together doing the nothing I found. But the weather is so crappy today (rain and cold) that he went into the office and will take Friday off.

I have one more day to find something to do.Maybe, I'll surprise him and buy him a new car. HA! He can only wish.

We will have dinner tonight at our favorite Sushi place.

Scooter

I always wanted a scooter. A few years ago, we actually thought about getting a Vespa. But for a two wheeled machine, they ain't cheap.

 

Well, we got a scooter! It happened a couple of weeks ago. Critter is now on his stomach, lifting his upper body, raising his arms over his head, plops them in front of him and drags the rest of his body. He's on the go! and boy is he going. There isn't a place he hasn't tried to drag him self to....under the sofa, close to the edge of the bed, under chairs, etc.

So, my video making skills aren't the best. And, yes, when he reaches the car I'm pulling it car further away.....hee hee heeeeeeee.

For Sale

Well, the sweet ride is over. Our car is kaput! After it failed me on Sunday, and a look at by the mechanic assessing the transmission needs replacing (we feared this for a while) for a cost of $2,500 - $3,000, we ain't fixing what's broke.....cause we're broke.

We've already put so much $ into repairing this car over the past 3 years we've had it and Hubby doesn't think it's worth putting more into it. If the car didn't have any issues, it would be worth $3,000. So to spend $3,000 to fix it is sorta counterintuitive.

The car runs. It just doesn't go in reverse. So if we can go on in life never having to go backwards, we'd be fine.

I'm not sure what we're going to do with the car. Hubby is going to leave it at his Mom's for now. And I'm not sure what we're going to do for a car. SIGH! Sure we can do without a car. We do live in NYC and there's lots of public transportation. BUT being able to get into a car and go away for a weekend or taking a day trip away from this crazy city is how we used our car...plus, going to see family every week.

Can a bundle of cash land in my lap right NOW.

**Jalopy For Sale**
1999 Cadillac Deville
Brown with Tan Leather Interior
150,000+ miles
Has all the bells and whistles of it's model year
Front seat is a bench so you can stretch out while driving
Runs, just not in reverse
Has Mechanical issues - um, transmission
Has Electrical issues - right hand side windows don't operate
Several lights are on on the dashboard - Very festive

Make an offer - Mommy Diarist needs a new car

And she needs this one!

Baby, You Can Drive My Car

On Sunday, I was coming back from grocery shopping. Critter is now eating like a big boy and needs FOOD!.
There was a parking spot across the street from our building. I started to make a Broken K turn. Turned the wheel all the way to the left, drove forward, stopped, turned the wheel all the way to the right, put the car in reverse, pressed the gas and THE CAR DIDN'T MOVE! I put the car in drive, then reverse, I tried it again. Nope. Didn't move. Well, it did. It jumped forward a bit. The car was facing a building, blocking the garage, on a two way street, perpendicular to traffic with no hopes of moving.

"I'm stuck. The car won't move." I yelled into the phone to Hubby.
I explained to him and he came down with Critter to see if he can move the Jalopy. NOPE! I called AAA so we can have the car towed. Meanwhile, Hubby moved the car forward on the sidewalk so cars can get out of the garage.Yep, there was a car waiting to get by while we frantically were trying to move it. Hubby and I both got so frustrated with the situation. Hubby dealt with the towing and I  went home with Critter to put away his Sweet Potatoes, carrots, apples, pears, etc. Hey, the kid can eat!

Car is now sitting at a mechanic, awaiting it's fate. Do we repair it? It's a 1999 Cadillac Deville



It's had it's share of problems recently. Hubby is tired of car issues and wants to get another (new) car. I love this car. We've had it for 3 years. We bought it from a friend in the south. It was her Mama's. We drove it up from Louisana and call her our Southern Belle. She's a beauty. She was the top of the line when she came out. She's such a great smooth ride. I don't want to see her go.

Music for the Soul

Music always makes me feel better.
Plus I always love seeing Mick Jagger doing his crazy dances.



Hey, at least I don't put up

Drained

On Tuesday I started writing a post about Dr. Seuss to put up on Wednesday, the day of his birthday. So, where is the post you ask? Why aren't I updating this blog regularly?

Haven't you heard? I'm in a slump. Things aren't great right now. I'm emotionally drained.
I'm not going to share lots of info with you, my loyal reader. Let's just say: Marriage isn't easy. Maybe I'll rant about it one day. Just not today.

"The world has grown suspicious of anything that looks like a happily married life"

- Oscar Wilde

Headache

Yesterday, I woke up and my head hurt. I went about my day. Took Critter to the library, came back, fed him , he napped and I laid down with him. Well after that I couldn't get up. Every time I tried to pick my head up off the pillow, a sharp pain would shoot thru my head. It felt like there was an object in my head and when I moved, it was going to split my brain in two. What if my brain exploded? Is that possible?

I've never really had a headache. Was this what it felt like?

Wonder Girls

Not sure what the lyrics are but the name of the song is 'Headache'

Slump

So you came here looking for something new to read?
Well, I'm in a Slump. A Funk.
Hopefully this will pass. Please come back tomorrow and Friday.

Amour

 

  My Heart Belongs to Mom

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Blah!

I started writing something to put up here but couldn't get into it.
I feel BLAH! I don't feel like doing anything. I just want to sit on the sofa and stare at my kid.
Please visit the site Tomorrow and Friday. Hopefully, I'll be out of this funk.

But in the mean time, Enjoy George Carlin.

GOL!

Hubby doesn't really care about watching sports on TV. He's not a loyal fan to a team or sport and doesn't  need or want to watch games. During baseball season, I'm not dragged to a stadium to watch men chew wads of gum while they try to hit a ball with a wooden stick. During football season, Sundays don't revolve around him sitting in front of the TV with a bowl of chips as men huddle on TV.

I'm the luckiest woman on earth!

Occasionally, when it's a big game (playoffs, world series, super bowl, etc.), he may want to watch.
Yesterday, we went to Hubby's brother's house to watch the Stupor Bowl. I know nothing about the sport. I watch with one eye, asking lots of questions. Hubby has tried numerous times to explain it to me and gave up. I just don't get it. I know the concept of the game. Get the ball from one end of the field to the other. I don't understand the first down thing, why they run and kick the ball all the way across the field to no one, why they get a penalty for dancing in the touchdown area after scoring, etc. I root (sorta) for the team that's from the city I've been to and liked or the team wearing the prettier uniforms. Um, why were they both wearing yellow yesterday?? That should be a big No No! Yesterday, I was rooting for the team my bro-n-law wasn't. I was cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Hubby wanted them to win also. And they did. Can I call it or what?

It was a very boring game. No exciting moments. I missed Christinal Aguilera flubbing the National Anthem Drat! No watching o'er the ramparts that were streaming so gallantly?



No fat guy; hired only to block and push people around; getting a hold of the ball and making a run for the touchdown area. The commercials were a snoozefest. NOT one great one. There were a few OK ones. None worth linking clips to here.

I'm glad the half time show was of a group that didn't need respirators on stand by. We suffered too many years of old bands that put on a boring show. You can thank Janet Jackson for that.
 Did anyone else think the sound was off during the half time show, especially when Fergie was singing?

At one point, Critter was sitting on bro-n-law's lap and he got hold of the remote. I guess Critter was also bored with the game cause he pressed some buttons on the remote and we were watching the game with Spanish commentary. And just at the moment, the Packers scored a touchdown. GOOOOOOOOOOL!
Critter was rooting for Telemundo. Ay Papi!

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

Mondays (weather permitting), I take Critter to the public library for a Babies and Books "class". There's usually two dozen kids with their parents or guardians/nannies. I can't say I've befriended any of the parents, just engage in small talk.

Last Monday I saw a woman I hadn't seen in a few weeks (we hadn't gone cause of the snow). We've previously chatted. Her son is almost 2 years old and she's pregnant.

Before the class, I saw her across the room and asked very loudly, loud enough for all to hear, "You're still pregnant?"
"I'm done. I had the baby." She replied.
I was horrified! I just did (said) what I hated done (said) to me! I was so embarrassed. How do I correct this wrong? What do I say to this woman?
"I'm so sorry" I replied. "When did you have the baby?"
Oh, dear goodness!! That wasn't better. Sounded like I'm sorry she had a baby.
H-E-L-P  M-E!!
I wanted to tuck Critter under my arm and make a run for it. I'm such an idiot. I have no social skills. I try to be funny and sometimes it comes out rude or insulting. Many times I'm so not PC. Actually, I don't mind being not PC. I hate political correctness. It always seems to come across phony; Sugar coated phrases not to insult anyone.

I felt really bad. Sure, she still looked pregnant, but did I need to remind her she still has the pudge? I'm sure to many I still look preggo (7 months later). Heck, sometimes I feel like I still have a preggo belly.

"When did you have the baby?" I asked.
"Ten days ago" She replied
"TEN DAYS AGO!" I belted. "Wow, and you're out and about? You're my hero".
Did I just call this woman My Hero? (Wind beneath My Wings)?
The Toddler room the class is held in isn't very big. I felt all eyes were on us as this conversation (me, making an ass out of myself) was going on.
"I had to get out." she politely replied. The class started, she sat across the room from me.

I really feel bad for Critter. I'm probably going to ruin his social life.

Year of the Rabbit

Happy Chinese New Year!

(learn here about it)

I really don't know much about Chinese culture. Growing up my older sister and I had two friends that were Chinese (and also sisters). I was a pre-teen and never asked about their heritage. All I wanted to know was when they could come out to play. They lived a block away and we'd often go ring their bell and then hit the street and play handball against the corner building. When I was a teen, they moved to a different neighborhood; which later became Brooklyn's Chinatown.

I really don't like Chinese food. Probably because I've only had the Americanized version of it. This crap that's passed off at fast food joints ain't the real thing. Every dish tastes the same to me. It all has this glaze of soy sauced film like goo. I love food. Thai food being my favorite. And I will only go to this place for Thai. I like spicy tangy flavors (probably where Critter gets his palette from and has asked me to plant a lemon tree on the fire escape for him). I've always wanted real authentic Chinese food. I imagine it as quite tasty with a burst of flavors. Sure we live in NYC and there's a huge Chinatown practically in our backyard but picking a restaurant to eat at always mystified me. Which one is good? Which ones are the real deal? Do we go to one full of Asian diners?

The other day, my Bro-n-law, sis-n-law and 3 of their kids came over. We ordered from Grand Sichuan House, a local restaurant that I've read rave reviews about.
"What do you want?" My sister-n-law asked her husband .
After he scanned the menu, he selected something from the "American Section", Chicken with Garlic Sauce - UGH!!
"And get me an egg roll." He added.
"They don't have egg rolls." She replied.
I immediately liked this place!
"How can they not have egg rolls?" He hollered.
"This place is supposed to be authentic." I replied.
I got the Shrimp with Citrus Flavor  and Dan Dan Noodles and my SIL got Cumin Beef.
"What the heck is that? My BIL asked looking at the Chicken with Garlic Sauce. "It doesn't look like it".
And NO it didn't look nor taste like Chicken with Garlic sauce from the typical Chinese places I've previously had.
I"M LIKING this place!

And WHY HAVE I NEVER had Dan Dan Noodles before???????
OMG! They were sooooo good; spicy and tangy.
I want to try more items from the menu. I just might like Chinese Food (the real deal) after all.

Now, as for this rabbit. Makes me want to go out and get one. Not the animal, but the toy ;-)
And if you go chasing rabbits, and you know you're going to fall.......

Snow!

I love snow. I like looking at it. I love playing in it. After a fresh snowfall the city looks gorgeous. There's a hush and tranquility in the air.



This is the longest stretch of time that snow has been on the ground in New York City. Since Dec. 26th 2010, we've seen the white stuff on the sidewalks. Seems like every week we get a few more feet to add to the mountains of shoveled snow.

During and after a snow storm people are out in full force shoveling the driveways,  the sidewalks in front of their homes, making a path for people to walk.....or maybe not.

My phat middle finger goes up to homeowners that only shovel a path wide enough for a one legged skinny person. Hey, I'm pushing a baby carriage and I can't through!

I couldn't get the stroller through this path. Had to walk in the street.

Critter's stroller barely made it through this path

My other phat middle finger goes up to homeowners that don't shovel ALL the snow from in front of their house so after a cold day it turns to ice. I'm talkin' to you, homeowners of 9422 Ridge Boulevard.
The house takes up two corners and they NEVER shovel thoroughly. Every time I want to go anywhere I have to walk by the house. And since it has snowed, when I walk past that house I (and the stroller) have had to walk in the street with traffic! Oh and in the fall, they don't rake their leaves off the sidewalk. The house is for sale, here's the link. At the closing, the broker should give the new owner's a shovel and a rake.

9422 Ridge Boulevard icy Path

And if I had another hand, that middle finger would go up to whoever is supposed to clear the snow from the crosswalks.

On Monday, when these photos were taken. I was walking to the library and I came upon a narrow path. It was just wide enough for the stroller BUT there was a hand truck blocking the path. I was livid...after just going around a Poland Spring truck blocking the crosswalk and curb cut! I ram the hand truck with the stroller, it moves forward a few inches and then falls to the right into the bank of shoveled snow. At that point the Poland Spring delivery man comes down the stairs from the home and says "I'll move that for you."
"Don't bother, I'll move it." I replied as I leaned forward, lifted the heavy sucker and threw it into the snow bank. Did I mention the hand truck was HEAVY!



I think there's more snow on the way. Aaaaarrrrgggghhhh! Am I supposed to stay home cause I can't walk on the sidewalks with a stroller? Or should I knock on people's doors and ask them to help me push the stroller through the too narrow path they've created?

Lemon Tree

Lemon Tree
....but the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.

On Sunday morning we were at a friend's restaurant for Brunch and Hubby wanted to see Critter make a sour puss face like most kids do when they taste lemon for the first time. So his friend brought out a wedge of lemon and they set about experimenting with my kid. A normal mother would stop them but all I said was 'Wait, Wait, let me get the camera".

Hubby was holding Critter. He took a wedge of lemon, brought it up to Critter's face. Critter opened his mouth and in went the lemon. NOT a flinch! NO cringing when he tasted it. NO upturned face. NO flicking the tongue up and down to get the taste out of his mouth. All he did after the first taste was lean in to get more....and more.

I do have a video. I won't put it up because Hubby is in it.
But believe me it was uneventful.

When Push Comes to Shove

Critter wants to explore more and more. I don't stop him. I let him touch and hold things as long as there are no  small or loose parts. He wants to grab EVERYTHING. When we're holding him and walking, he'll reach out and touch whatever is within reach; like an athlete slapping people's outstretched arms as s/he runs by. Whatever is in our hands, he'll grab and be persistent in getting it. I'll be changing his diaper and he'll contort his body and reach for whatever happens to be around.

BUT with this stage of exploring comes a price. I'll be holding my little Grabber kissing him and if something catches his eye and he has to have it, his arms will come up and push my face away while he leans forward toward the object.

I'm being pushed aside! My kid would rather look at the light switch than be kissed by me! He'll push my affection away to get to a red bowl. SIGH!



I know! I know! Not an appropriate song for a baby blog but a) it has Push in the name b) I like the beat

Is this better? (I wanna push you around, I will, I will)



or this

how about this? (don't push me so hard, don't push so far)