Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Finding Child Care

It's always a bit difficult even under the best circumstances, but most everyone has to find childcare at some point in time.

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services allows you to search for state licensed child care facilities in your area. Best of all, you can see detailed results of state inspections, which occur twice a year in a licensed daycare. For each provider, you can learn when they were most recently inspected and what issues were discovered in the facility (the play area wasn't safe, the cots blocking exits, etc.) It is very interesting reading, although maybe a little alarming.

The ODJFS also has a guide for parents choosing day care.

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

First sentence?

Today I heard my daughter say, "Okaaay Bay-bee. Buh-bye."

I'm going to assume that she was just stringing some sounds together rather than trying to communicate with me.
This pleases me to no end

Oak
OAK
You are boisterous and affectionate. You are the
kind of tree that takes nothing sitting down,
and is always ready for an adventure. You like
to see everything that goes on around you. You
like the warm weather, but you flourish when
the nights tend to grow slightly colder. You
are someone who likes to extend your days into
the night hours because you never want to leave
anything unfinished. You love an audience when
you do things and you like to show off
sometimes, but others admire your attitude. You
fear past mistakes coming back to haunt you,
but try to live day by day. You admire the
strength of others and try to find the same in
yourself. When you leave this word, you want to
make an impression so that you'll never be
forgotten.


What's Your Inner Tree?
brought to you by Quizilla

I've always been partial to oaks.

Monday, March 22, 2004

Looks like Juvenile Court isn't the only target for the Plain Dealer newspaper.

Tuesday, March 16, 2004

Let's just settle in for a nice cuppa...

camomile
you are camomile tea......you are very calm, and
you like to be warm, relaxed, and cozy. You
tend to have a calming effect on people, and
your friends often come to you with problems.


(with pics) what tea are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

I like chamomile tea (how is it spelled?) but lately I've been in an Earl Grey mood. I also love Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice, but there was none to be found when we went to the grocery a few nights ago.
Girls in Little League

I wanted to do something for Women's History month so here it is. Maria Pepe tried out for the Young Dem's Little League team in New Jersey. After playing three games, the coach told her that she could no longer play on the team because the Little League organization had threatened to revoke her team's charter. She quit, but NOW took up her case ( and several other cases across the U.S.). After two years of legal battles, Maria was too old to participate in Little League when the Hearing Examiner for the Civil Rights Division ruled that Little League teams had to admit girls to its teams. I also found an Alumni profile of Maria Pepe at Fairleigh Dickinson University's site.

Title IX is a beautiful thing.

Monday, March 15, 2004

My Husband will be greatful

Sesame Street should start airing new episodes on PBS starting Monday April 5, 2004. The 35th season will kick off with a prime time special featuring Elmo learning about the History of Sesame Street--a little something for the kids and the parents. We may watch it. I'd kind of like to see Mr. Hooper again. And the picture of Ernie with the clay head of Bert--one of my favorite moments. And I'd like to see just about anything with Kermit. I loved seeing him interview fairy tale characters when I was a kid.

I seem to have diverted from Sesame Street to Nostalgia Lane.

And I learned about the new season here. Who knew?
Feeling the Love

87% Of The Internet Loves Me!
I am loved by 87% of the population, including:
9053 people who love quiz takers
9436 people who love people who like vegetables
4293 people who love lawyers
In return, I love 80% of the population, including:
13647 night people
760 movie stars
1880 puppies
show the love at spacefem.com


Kind of random and fun. I'll do more substantive posts eventually.

Saturday, March 13, 2004

Stepping up to my soapbox...

This kind of reporting is shameful. Instead of focusing on the facts and the operation of the law, Mr. Pohlman reports emotion and outrage. Whatever happened to objectivity in the news?!?!?! He could have produced a very informative piece about the issue of sexual offenders in schools, instead he appears to be searching for someone to blame. This is one of the many reasons why I don't watch his station anymore.
An update on the Mahoning County Juvenile Court budget controversy.
From Licking County, Ohio...More Females Entering Juvenile Justice System.
GO CUBS!!!
And not to worry...the complete sentences thing...a one-time event. We are now back to good old point and grunt communication (or point and scream as the case may be).
OK...I took one of your quizzes, ME1.

Yellow Vibes
Your Energy is Yellow. You are generous, bright,
and expressive. An excellent communicator, you
keep your audience captivated with your
animated storytelling. Sometimes you talk too
much, but when you learn to listen you will be
sought out for your talents to advise.

The communications field appeals to you as a
profession. Public speaking, writing, radio,
acting or teaching would also be good career
choices.


What color is your energy?
brought to you by Quizilla

Friday, March 12, 2004

Breastfeeding Supplies

Kelly Mom posted a great resource page for what a breastfeeding mom really needs. And a second page to discuss the extras that may benefit a breastfeeding mom.

What have I found useful:

A supportive husband
A lactation consultant
pillows
sling
breastfeeding websites and mommy message boards
stools and foot rests
Large cups of water
breastpump
some nursing clothes (to help my comfort leve in the beginning)

I was overdue for a breastfeeding post.

Proud moment

My daughter figured out how to use a straw on the very first attempt.

Okay, so it's no "My kid can speak in complete sentences," but it's all I've got tonight.
Quiz girl rides again

You are Pipkin!
You are Pipkin! Cutie!


Which Watership Down Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla


Umm first time I tried it I got Bigwig--I think it was due to my love of any Queen song. So Iwent back and picked the song that actually describes me.
I'm pink?

Pink Vibes
Your Energy is Pink. You have achieved a perfect
balance between spiritual awareness and
material existence. You are usually
affectionate and warm, showing compassion and
love for others. Others find you genuine,
cooperative and friendly. You are a
humanitarian and you possess a deep
understanding of life. You may aspire to
philanthropy, or you may find yourself heading
or volunteering for agencies that create change
for the good of the whole. You are a leader
and are willing to take on much responsibility.


What color is your energy?
brought to you by Quizilla

What's up with that?
Friday Five

1. What was the last song you heard? Not sure--it was something from Baby Galileo as I walked from the kitchen to the computer room (Hubby is amusing the dear daughter).

2. What were the last two movies you saw? I did this a few weeks ago: The Return of the King, which I loved, and Legally Blonde, which I'm trying to erase from my memory.

3. What were the last three things you purchased? conditioner, frizz ease and tums smooth disolve

4. What four things do you need to do this weekend? Buy Groceries, mail bills, take Angie to music class tomorrow and vacuum.

5. Who are the last five people you talked to? Hubby, daughter, cashier at Target, waitress at Chi-Chi's (hence the need for tums), and an attorney (work related--I'm not suing Chi-Chi's for the price of some Tums).

Thursday, March 11, 2004

Pardon me one moment while I burst with pride over my son's latest accomplishment. Tonight, he offered his first real sentence-based communication with me.

I asked him at dinner, "Did you have a good day today?"

As usual, he said, "Yes."

Then came my usual, "And what did you do?"

This is normally where our conversation degrades into unintelligible baby babble. But not tonight! Tonight he looked me square in the eyes and said fairly clearly, "I danced with Ashley." (Ashley would be one of his many girlfriends at daycare)

I know it's not going to cure cancer or anything, but the mere fact that I had an actual conversation with my son brings tears to my eyes. I remember the moment in the hospital when I looked at him and realized I would actually be taking him home and accepting responsibility for what was then his little helpless blob of a person. Today, I understand him and he understands me! I only pray that we continue to understand each other as the years pass.

Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Women Divided

Amanda at the DotMoms has a good post on the different roles women have and how that affects our views of one another and how we do and don't support one another. Ms Magazine Blog has a post suggesting that part of the problem is the labels: Stay at home mom versus working moms.

It is frustrating that women are not more supportive of one another. I'd have to agree with Melissa's comments at DotMoms: the desire to shoot down another person comes from insecurity about our own choices and secret envy of the other person's position.

The important thing to remember is that every child and every family is unique. Each families needs can't and shouldn't be met in the same way. I've tried very hard to support all of the mommies I've known, even when their choices are completely at odds with my own parenting skills. Unfortunately, not all the mothers have shown me the same consideration. Somehow, they get caught up in the idea that their way is the only way.

It's less stressful for me to accept and acknowledge that what works for some mothers, does not work for me or my family. I only have to look at my beautiful, clever girl to know that our "system" is working for us.
Ms. joins the Blogosphere


Ms Magazine now has a blog. It is a very interesting look at women in culture, politics and media. However, I'm not fond of the layout. Seriously people, archives are a good idea. Better than arrows.

Of course, I've added it to our blogroll.

Tuesday, March 09, 2004

Hearing Little Voices

I contemplated blogging something tonight, but I keep hearing a little voice running down the hall saying, "Mommie. Mommiiieeee." So I think I know where my place in the universe is tonight. I'll blog more productively when I've caught more sleep.

Happy International Women's Day to everyone!
If you are in a non-serious parenting sort of mood, take a peek at ironycentral. Be warned that there is some offensive language and the material is not all "warm and fuzzy" parenting material. Maybe that's why some of it made me laugh out loud...really loud.

I particularly enjoyed Literacy is tedious, as I currently could do without the stimulation of the repeated theatrical renderings of Baby's First Nursery Rhymes.
Hey ME1...can you ad nursingmom.com/blogger to our list of Mommy bloggers?

Have I told you lately what a wonderful job you do keeping this blog all set up for us?

THANK YOU!!!

Saturday, March 06, 2004

J.K. Rowling Web Chat

To celebrate World Book Day, J.K. Rowling participated in a web chat. The Leaky Cauldron has the transcript here. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you definitely want to read the tantalizing tidbits about book six and seven. She clears up a few rumors and misconceptions as well.

Most intriguing for me:

Wormtail's debt
Wizarding parents can home school
Sirius's motobike
Book Six has the shortest stay at Privett Drive yet.
More about Sirius (and Snape)

And tons of hints of things to come. What she would say was as enticing as what she would say. I can't wait for the next book to be published. Too bad she says she'll never publish her notes.

This concludes this week's geek mommy blogfest.
Best interests remain the standard in California...in order to prevent a convicted rapist from exercising parental rights.

The dissent states, "Given the prevalence in today's world of fractured families and the relative ease of qualifying as a presumed 'natural father' -- especially under the majority's analysis in this case," he wrote, "thousands of biological fathers in California may now be at risk … although they have a loving, healthy and well-developed relationship with their children."

My question is...why is it the responsibility of the state to preserve those "loving, healthy and well-developed relationship(s)" where the biological fathers haven't done so themselves? Sounds like an effort to allow bio dads to maintain relationships without legal responsibilities...a concept which I find disgusting.

Friday, March 05, 2004

Good Grief
Charlie Brown
You are Charlie Brown!


Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Yeah I take myself too seriously at times, but I didn't see this one coming.

Do you think it was because I picked Social Worker?

Breasfeeding mommies deserve an award

So give yourself one by posting these very cool awards on your blog or website. Be kind, save it to your own server first. And a big thanks to Kelly Mom for making them available.

Even if you could only nurse for a few days--you deserve a purple heart for trying.

Cue Geek Mommy happy dance music again

The Farscape miniseries has nearly wrapped. This quote gave me some trepidation: "We have produced 22 episodes worth of work in 4 mini-movies, so get ready for Farscape on Acid!" Be very afraid.

Thursday, March 04, 2004

Firefly movie: Cue Geek Mommy happy dance music

It's going to start filming in June and should be released in 2005. Yippee.
And apparently the entire cast will return.

Take that FOX network.

Tuesday, March 02, 2004

We celebrated Seuss; Did you?

I bought Hop on Pop for her.

And Gramma bought: Green Eggs and Ham, Fox in Socks, and Go Dog Go.

My poor girl, no one wants to read to her. Hah. Tonight, she has carried books from Gramma, to Daddy then to me.
Celebrate IBCLC Day

That would be International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Day and it is tomorrow, Wednesday March 3rd. ILCA suggests some activities to promote the day and awareness of the great service lactation consultants perform. Go here to learn more about IBCLCs. Kelly Mom also has a wonderful page explaining what Lactation Consultants do. If you want to become a Lactation Consultant, go here, the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

I personally am very greatful to a lactation consultant. She boosted my self-confidence and helped my girl and I to get the hang of breastfeeding. If you are planning to breastfeed, or if you are trying to breastfeed and are struggling, I highly recommend that you find a lactation consultant. Ask your pediatrician if she/he recommends a lactation consultant, or go here to find one at the IBCLC site.

And to my lactation consultant, Madonna Fasimpaur (I've referred to you here), a whole-hearted thank you. It's been twenty months and we're still nursing. You provided much needed help and I am incredibly greatful.

Monday, March 01, 2004

Tomorrow would have been the Doctor's Birthday

Dr Seuss that is. He'd have been 100. Seussville is the official site for celebrations, so pop on over and take a look. The National Education Association has a site for celebrating the Seussentennial (thanks to the Center for Seussian Studies). Here's a fun teacher's resource page on Dr. Seuss. There are few early childhood authors who so capably inspire kids with a love of language. I haven't found one who could surpass him in whimsy or delight.

I will attempt to read "And to think that I saw it on Mulbery Street" to the darling girl. She'll try to rip the pages, but she enjoys Seuss just like her mommy and daddy. But we will not be serving Green Eggs and Ham.
Giddy Geek Mommy

Well baby girl watched the oscars with me. She really enjoyed the musical performances--I may need to pick up the Triplettes of Belleville soundtrack for her.

After my little post here, I must admit that I was very pleased with the results of the Oscars. And a sanctimonious "Pbbbbfflllllttt" to those out there who are trying to rain on the LOTR parage. Fie!

Most stunning for me: How genuinely giddy and filled with child-like delight Annie Lennox was at winning. I had this mental image of her as cool and commanding, a bit hard to fluster--a result of being an MTV kid when they still played music videos and watching countless Eurythmics videos. I was so happy for her because she was so thrilled. And she looked gorgeous. And I love the song (the baby girl loved the song too). All right Mommie Annie Lennox!

Super Tuesday in Ohio

Well tomorrow is Super Tuesday in Ohio.

You can find some information about the Presidential candidates here (thanks to the National League of Women Voters Democracy Net).

Here's a link to the League of Women Voters' page on Statewide elections.

Here is information for Cuyahoga County and another for Cleveland.

Unfortunately, the other Northeastern Ohio LWV sites were either non-existent (Helloooo Ashtabula County), referred back to the state LWV (Thanks for naught Geauga) or out-dated (Hey Lake County--the general election was three months ago). Come on Ladies, roll with the times get some info on the internet.

Happy voting everyone.