What A Piece of Work Is (Wo)Man....

"I can't find my neck."

It's hard for me to believe that Little Stuff is 33 weeks old today. Watching her change from the tiny helpless bundle I brought home from the hospital, to the wriggling, wiggling, toddler candidate has been the most fascinating experience of my life.

Today, Izzy can clap her hands, wave "bye-bye," say "Momma" and "Dad-da," and scoot incredibly fast after the cats on her little belly. (They're thrilled, by the way. Deeply. Thrilled.)

As hard as her Daddy and I think we're working, it occured to me that Izzy is working just as hard if not harder. She's had to master sitting up, rolling over, hand eye coordination. Eating solid foods, recognizing Momma and Daddy, nursing, and drinking from a sippy cup. Not to mention crawling, scooting on her back, first words, picking things up, putting them down, blowing raspberries, passing objects from one hand to another, sleeping through the night and finding her toes!

Then there's also all those exhausting photo sessions with relatives and accepting all those compliments from strangers. (yes, yes, I'm adorable. But it's not all about looks people! Sheesh!)

No wonder she needs two naps a day.

"It's exhausting being this cute."

I know that every new parent out there thinks that their children is unique and miraculous and I happily join their ranks. I'm also going to go out on a limb here and say that we're all of us correct. Every child truly is beautiful, fascinating and enchanting, the way every flower is remarkable and lovely.

I guess what having Izzy has taught me is that just because something is common doesn't mean it isn't miraculous. Is a sunset any less astonishing because we see it every day? How long can you stare at the Grand Canyon before it loses its wonder?

So go ahead and enthuse to me about your baby's every nuance and every tiny achievement. I want to hear about it, I really do. I agree, it's wonderful and astonishing and strange. And I'm thrilled for you. I'm thrilled for me! And I can't wait to see what tricks Her Majesty performs next. It's the best reality show in town. I've got to sign off now. My little miracle just blew out her diaper. Looks like someone's been eating peas. Love and luck to you my friends. Enjoy all your miracles, big and small.

"More pease, pleas!"

Fat Joey Knitwear on About.com!

Knitting for Kitties
By Alissa Wolf, About.com Guide
See More About:
animal charities
cats
knitting
The late, great Fat Joey was the inspiration for a knitting business that benefits pets.Photo courtesy of Jill Holland

Meet Jill Holland, Who Purls for Pets:
The first time I met Jill Holland she was knitting…and knitting, and knitting, and knitting.
I first became acquainted with Jill in New York in the spring of 2011 when we were both working at a convention hosted by a suburban Philadelphia ad agency for which I perform freelance copy writing.
Whenever I’d venture into the break room of the hotel where we were working, I’d invariably find Jill there, merrily knitting up a storm.
During the course of a conversation, I learned that Jill is the first-time mom to baby Isabelle; a part-time actress and entertainer, and shares my passion for pets.
When I informed her that I was the Pet Shops Lady for About.com. her eyes lit up; she reached for her cell phone and began proudly showing me pictures of her three kitties. I soon learned of her one great four-legged love.
A Fat Kitty Inspires a Charitable Knitting Business
Jill then produced a business card that read “Fat Joey Knitwear – Warm as a Kitten,” bearing a headshot of a rather cynical looking kitty with a white face and unique gray triangular marking on his nose. He had a mildly annoyed expression on his furry mug that seemed to say, “What are you looking at?!”
Jill wistfully informed me that Joey, the kitty love of her life, had passed on some three years earlier.
She ultimately channeled her grief and her growing love of knitting into a small business through which she donates proceeds from her handiwork to animal causes.
I’ll let her tell how this came about.
The Tale of Betsy Ross and Joey the Kitty
“I learned to knit when I was working as a first person historic interpreter for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.,” Jill revealed. “I wanted to learn a craft that would be appropriate to the 18th century and still allow me to make eye contact with people when we talked.”
“One of my fellow interpreters generously taught me the basics and I quickly became obsessed with knitting, purling, ripping and casting on. Eventually, I portrayed Betsy Ross at the Betsy Ross house in Philadelphia and as my knitting (and spinning) skills grew, so did my fascination with all things wooly.”
Knitting for a Cause - PAWS
“Down the street from the Betsy Ross house is the home of one of my other passions, the [Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society] PAWS Animal Shelter. After my Betsy shift was over, I'd go down there and volunteer, giving kittens flea baths, walking and socializing pit bulls, administering meds, sweeping floors and collecting scratches - ouch! Always, I enjoyed the company of the cheerful, dedicated staff and fabulous furry residents.”
“Fat Joey Knit Wear (warm as a kitten) was created to honor the memory of the late, great Fat Joey. Joey (who was really only ever big-boned) was a foundling rescued from the mean streets of Philadelphia and my constant companion for 12 years. It broke my heart when he passed away three years ago.”
"I thought the best way to remember Joe would be to help other critters have food, medical attention and, eventually, loving homes. Therefore a portion from every sale of FJKW goes to either the Paws shelter in Philadelphia, or City Kitties in West Philly. Sometimes it's 10 percent; sometimes it's a 100 percent! I was thrilled when I first realized my knits would sell and deeply grateful to be able to help the kitties, even in a small way.”
Fat Joey Knitwear made its debut at a craft show held in the Betsy Ross courtyard. Although Jill didn’t have high expectations, she was thrilled when she sold out almost all of her goods that day.
“The PAWS shelter received a nice donation in honor of Joey and we've continued to send goodies to them and City Kitties in West Philly,” she said. “Every year, FJKW donates several scarves to the City Kitties Art Auction. We've also added a blog: The Incredible True Life Adventures of Jill, Dave and Fat Joey and an Etsy store. Fat Joey Knitwear is currently on sale at Sanctuary in Philadelphia.”
“Donating to these shelters helped ease the pain of Joey's passing. We've also adopted three more kitties over the years - Maggie, from PAWS and Sammi and Jake from City Kitties. All three conspire to steal and destroy my knitting, and all three are wonderful, spirited companions.”
I’m sure the kitties of the world would agree that you are also wonderful, Jill.
On their behalf, I wish you continued luck with your knitting for kitties. I am certain there is a special place in heaven for people like you!
(For more information about Fat Joey Knitwear, visit the Etsy online boutique.)

Vote Early and Often!

Everyone's favorite 3-legged therapy dog, Festus, has been nominated for the Hero Dog Awards, sponsored by the American Humane Association. Please vote for him! It's free and easy. Just go to this link to vote for Festus: http://www.herodogawards.org/view-entries.html#view/359/204689Once you're on the page, just scroll down and you'll see Festus' picture and you can click 'Vote' on the right. For every vote cast, Cesar dog food will donate money to the AHA, a worthy cause. So vote for Festus and help the AHA!Vote every 24 hours!

Racing past milestones

For those of you who are just tuning in, Izzy's got tons of new tricks! Lately she seems to be racing past milestones, leaving her Dady and me breathless. It's amazing how much she's changed from the tiny little bundle we brought home from the hospital. She's so much more like a toddler than a baby now. And while we delight in each of her accomplishments, there's a part of me that's already whimpering, "not yet! not yet! Stay my sweet, cuddly bundle for just a little longer!" No chance, Mommy!

This week we saw Izzy passing her toy from one hand back to the other, place her head deliberately down on her Daddy's chest for a snuggle (instead of just letting it flop) and Dave thinks she turned over from her back to her front, although as he wasn't watching at the time we can't confirm this and are watching closely for further developments!

3-Legged Pooch Brings Happiness to Sick Kids

So proud of my friend (and former Director) Domenick Scudera and his Therapy Dog, Festus Go ahead and watch but be prepared for a deluge of warm, fuzzy feelings...Hmmm....Fat Joey wonders...do cats ever become therapy animals? Does anybody know?

!3-Legged Pooch Brings Happiness to Sick Kids

Maggie, Sammi and Jake featured on City Kitties "Where Are They Now ," page!

"Miracle" Maggie, Queen of the Universe

The Terrible Tumbling Tabbies....

Naughty Jake

I iz TOO a Xmas Decorashun!

A Wonderful Ending for Maggie, Sammi & Jake
by Meg on May 27, 2011
in Success Stories


Jill and her husband are the willing servants of three kitty dictators. Their first one is Maggie, who was just a tiny sneezing kitten when they brought her home from the PAWS shelter, where Jill volunteered. Jill didn’t know it at the time, but Maggie had picked up parvo virus, since her previous owners had never bothered to have her vaccinated for anything. Maggie bled out all over the house one night — it was horrible. Her parents rushed to to the Penn Vet Hospital and then to The Cat Doctor. Maggie was actually dying on the table when a blood transfusion from the vet’s cat, Figaro, brought her back to life. Unbelievably, Maggie survived her bout with the disease and overcame multiple viral and upper respiratory infections as well. Since Dave and Jill were now regulars at The Cat Doctors, they got to know the staff pretty well. That was how they learned about City Kitties. When they wanted to find a companion for Mags, they came to us!


Their second kitty, Sammi (formerly Samosa, Hester‘s daughter and sibling of Emma, Lucy, and Binx), is a sweet natured orange tabby and the most maternal of their herd. Sammi is forever trying to groom her kitty siblings and her human companions as well. When Dave and Jill give their daughter a bath, Sammi hops up on their backs and supervises, making sure they don’t miss anything! And when their daughter cries, Sammi comes looking through the house for Jill, to make sure she knows about it. You don’t need expensive baby monitors when Nana Sammi is on duty! One of Jill’s favorite things about Sammi is how, when Jill was heavily pregnant and miserable, Sammi would sit on her feet and read mysteries with her every night. Jill is still trying to think of a way to thank Sammi (perhaps Jill will forgive Sammi for peeing on their wedding quilt…although Sammi still maintains her innocence).

This brings us to Jake (formerly Lennox), a foundling from the mean streets of West Philly. He is cuteness and mischief personified. His one bad eye is a result of an infection picked up when he was a stray and gives him a distinctly piratical look. This is appropriate, since he is also an accomplished sneak thief. Baby pacifiers and toys, every pen in the house, earrings, hair elastics, champagne corks, paper clips, etc. all find their way to his secret stash behind the refrigerator. Despite his kleptomaniac streak, Jake is one of the most affectionate kittens Jill has ever met. He LOVES his Daddy and gives him a personal escort to every room in the house. Like Sammi, he likes to supervise bath time. He is insatiably curious, and loves to hide out in the dishwasher, and if he can get in it, the refrigerator.

Best friends
Jake and Sammi are especially good friends. It must be a “tabby” thing. Jake loves nothing more in life than pouncing and wrestling with his sister. They race each other around the house in what their parents refer to as the Kitty 500. They have wrestling matches nightly, when they form orange and black tumbleweeds as they roll around the house together. All three kitties LOVE hanging out on the screened in porch, pretending that they are wild predators. The backyard faces a nature preserve, where deer, possums and birds of every sort are frequent visitors, so it makes for some VERY good kitty TV.
Jill and Dave’s lives would not be complete without their critters. Maggie, Sammi and Jake bring them unconditional love and laughter every day and make life SO much more interesting. Jill and Dave are so grateful to City Kitties for rescuing their fur people. City Kitties is so grateful to Jill and Dave for providing such amazing homes for three wonderful kitties. What a happy ending for three fuzzballs!

Fat Joey on About.com!!!!

http://petshops.about.com/od/Petservices/p/Knitting-For-Kitties.htm


WOW, are we excited today at Fat Joey Knitwear. Writer Alissa Wolf, the Pet Shop lady for About.com (I know you've heard of it) published a story about Fat Joey Knitwear! It's a lovely piece - we are touched and very grateful for Alissa's interest. NOW GO READ IT! FAT JOEY COMMANDS YOU!

Fat Joey Knitwear has a Facebook page!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=729198242#!/pages/Fat-Joey-Knitwear/145873235485888

It's true! Feel free to visit us on Facebook and "Like" us. (We know you're gonna love us!)

In another news, Izzy has raced passed another milestone and can now grab the cats' tails as they pass. She professes herself to be "delighted" with this new ability to graps desired objects. "I was thinking about how much I'd like to grab that orange tail and stuff it into my mouth and all of a sudden my hand just shot out and I DID IT," enthuses the chubby cheeked 4 month old. "It was like magic! Now I can do anything!"

The cats were not available for comment.

Obi-Wan Kenobi Is Dead, Vader Says - Galactic Empire Times

Obi-Wan Kenobi Is Dead, Vader Says - Galactic Empire Times

Need a giggle?

I may have to have this framed and hanging in my office. PRICE. LESS.

Little Izzy Duck Feet

Our Little Duckling, at 3 1/2 months. Right now she is upstairs, having a long and animated conversation with Julie, the baby on the diapers package and Izzy's new BFF. Don't forget to call YOUR best friend and wish them a Happy Easter!

The Secret Diary of Susan Isabelle

MY DAY (written to her Grandparents who are vacationing in St. Martins)


By Susan Isabelle Holland


Thursday February 17th

Today I went for my very first walk in the stroller! There was so much to see! Jake the kitten got out of the house when Mommy took me outside. She had to chase him through the holly bushes and all around the yard. Then, when we came home, he got out again! Why was Mommy calling him "Jesus Christ?" I thought his name was Jake!

Then Mommy made a boo-boo. She was talking to Daddy on the phone while she changed my diaper. I was so excited to hear Daddy's voice that I started to pee. Mommy said "Oh, crap," and so I did - all over her hand and the changing table. Mommy said she's going Cuckoo. Where's Cuckoo? Is it near St. Martins?

Friday February 18th

I have been very busy today. For breakfast, I had milk. I nursed and nursed and nursed. Then I threw it up. On Mommy. Oops!
After that I decided to go for a long walk. Except I can't walk yet, so Mommy had to do it for me. We walked all around the house, again and again and again. Oh it was so exciting! Then Mommy had to put me down. She said she hurt her back. Poor Mommy. She really ought to rest more.

Daddy said we were having Company, so I had to have a bath. Oh, I liked my bath, it felt so warm and good. I felt so relaxed, I pooped in the tub. Then I got another bath! Hooray!

After my bath, I did not feel a bit sleepy. I wanted to be walked around the house again. Mommy and Daddy kept trying to cheat and sit down. I cried and screamed until they got back up and moving. I'm only trying to help. Mommy will never lose all that baby weight if she keeps sitting down.

Then Company came - hooray! Poor Mr. Ayres has even less hair than I do. I felt so sorry for him, I cried the whole time he was here. Company didn't stay very long. I wonder why?

Mommy says that I have been a Fuss Factory all day today. I don't know what she means by that. How can I be a Fuss Factory? I thought I was a little girl!

Dinner was more milk- my favorite! I nursed and nursed and nursed and guess what? I threw up again! Oops! Mommy shouldn't hold me so close to her face after dinner. She'll learn. Oh, and I peed my pants. But just a little bit. That hardly even counts. By the way, who's Jose Cuervo? Mommy keeps asking for him. Is he my Uncle?

VIDEO: Snow Blower Revenge

Is it mature? Is it petty? Maybe....but it's awful funny! ;)

You go see now

Oh, you've got to check out this link for yourselves. I don't know if it's actually real, but it's very entertaining, so who cares? And of course, animal lover that I am, you know which side I'M on.....Happy Monday, everybody!

http://wizardstimelordsandstarkids.tumblr.com/post/2822022225/two-churche

I just want to add, that if my pets aren't there, how is it heaven?

My Deep Dark Secret...

This post was inspired by the comment my friend left on a recent entry. For your reading pleasure, I've posted both her remarks and my response here. If you find yourself so inspired, you may leave your own deep, dark confession in the comment section. We'd never tell a soul.....

Hannah said...
So glad Maggie is back to her old self! How on earth did she swallow an entire shoelace? And where did you find the time to actually update your blog?? you are SuperWoman!!
January 31, 2011 9:25 AM

Hannah, I've been keeping a secret from you for a long time. I actually am....a Superhero. The whole Musical Theater thing was just a cover for my crime fighting, vigilante, -ss kicking lifestyle. I have a bat cave, an invisible jet and the ability to communicate with fish. (Not as useful as one might suppose.) My arch enemies include nasty baristas, cat haters and anyone who drives up the cost of knitting yarn. My kryptonite is (obviously) a good cosmopolitan. (or 3.) I have no other weaknesses. My mission in life is to rid the world of people who suck. Oh, my other powers include sarcasm, dry wit and smart -ssedness.

I hope you can forgive me for keeping this secret for you and leading a double life, but I only did it for your protection, as my honorary BFF For Life. I most sincerely hope that by revealing to you my long held secret, I have not put you or your family in jeopardy. My warmest regards to you and your family. I'm off now to perform yet another Superhero, Herculean task- nursing my infant daughter while knitting (stockinette stitch) By The Power of Greyskull and Up, Up and Away,
Love, Me

Izzy's first fart joke

This entry is for my friend Bryan D. of Chicago, who requested more fart humor. I live butt to serve my readers. (Get it? Get it?? Butt? Aww, c'mon, be a sport!)



So one of the many surprises of new parenthood is that babies...err...poot just as loudly as adults! Who knew? Just now my little poop factory tooted so loudly she frightened the cats, who were napping nearby. My goodness, young lady! But I digress....as a fan of what my mother calls crude male humor, I can truly appreciate well timed, carefully crafted potty humor. Apparently, so does my daughter.



The other day, Izzy waited until I had just bent my head low over her diaper....and let out a rip roaring toot....right in my face! As I reeled back in horror, she said "aah!" and smiled, one of her first. Gotcha, Mommy! As disgusting as it was, I couldn't help but chuckle. Leave it to my kid.....the human whoopee cushion.....

Izzy, the human whoopie cushion

Sleep Deprivation Experiment, Day 37. (or, I miss my friend Jim Beam)

No more yakking! Please!

Phew. Dave and I were congratulating ourselves last weekend on how well we'd done this first month with our new baby. We figured we had this parenting thing down - no problem! Why, it's a piece of (diaper) cake! (You all know where this is going, right? I can feel you out there smirking in cyberspace.) This week has been a touch rockier...and Mommy and Daddy are just the tiniest bit frazzled.

The toughest day was Tuesday....when Izzy had vomited all down the front of me...twice...and then Maggie the cat started to follow her example...all over the house. By mid afternoon it was evident to me that Maggie was working on something much bigger than a hairball (she's a long haired cat and thus entitled to the occasional yak) and I was VERY concerned.

Of course, I only realized how bad the problem was AFTER the vet's office had closed for the day. By then Maggie had gotten sick all over the house (did I mention we have white carpets, inherited from the previous owners who evidently had no small children or pets?) wasn't eating and was uttering heartbreaking and pathetic little cries. Oh, I HATE it, HATE it, when one of my critters isn't well. It hits me right where I live.

I hadn't slept well for days 'cause Izzy is inconsolable if someone isn't holding her 24/7. Like many babies her age, if you don't hold her, she won't sleep. Now I'm happy to snuggle my munchkin and make her feel secure, but it does make it a teeny bit hard to get in all those frivolous luxuries, like sleeping and eating and brushing my teeth. Add to the mix nursemaiding a horkimg, howling feline and you have a recipe for tears- mine.

Thank God for the cavalry, in this case, my Momma, who arrived bearing a chicken for dinner, a big box of chocolate donuts (which would be gone by morning) and endless reassurances that Maggie the horking cat would be just fine. She put the chicken in the fridge, settled the baby in her lap and sent me straight to bed.

It's truly amazing what a two hour nap can do when you're at the end of your tether, so to speak.

At about two A.M. Maggie finally expelled the problem - yards and yards of what appear to be a shoelace- the kind you find in men's dress shoes. How and where she found that (and WHY she decided to eat it) will forever remain a mystery. (And yes, she coughed it up in a giant pile of sick on the white carpet, inches away from the more forgiving linoleum floor. Atta girl, Mags.)

But we don't care about the carpets (much) - our Maggie is back to health. She's eating like a champ, climbing into my lap (overtop of the baby) for snuggles and trying to scale the Christmas tree. (Yes, we still have it up - don't you judge me!)

Long story short, sanity and order have once more been restored to our little Kingdom. Izzy still won't sleep on her own, but you know what? Those late night infomercials can be DAMNED entertaining!

Maggie sez "shoelaces = delicious!"

So THIS is what happens to my spare change!

Has Jake been stealing from me in order to support his "nip" habit?

Baby, It's COLD outside!

"C'mon Rudolph- let's GO!"


When did I move to Siberia? According to all the morning newscasters, it's colder than a brass witch's... well...never mind...(though just once, wouldn't you LOVE to hear your local weatherman say it like that? Giggle, giggle...) They did mention, however, that any skin that was exposed for more than 10 minutes was at risk for frostbite- oo! Make sure you have your Fat Joey Knitwear scarves and hats on today! They come with Fat Joey's Guarantee to keep you warm as a kitten!






Fat Joey Knits. You know you want one!

In honor of it being such a godawful frosty day and the fact that with a newborn, I can't, in fact, occupy myself by drinking copious amounts of mulled wine and schnapps, I will turn to other comforts instead. Besides, Izzy got me up at 5 am, let me fortify myself with strong coffee and then promptly fell back asleep in her bassinette, leaving me staring down an enormous caffiene high. No fair, Iz!

Nothing left for me to do now but make soup! Not just any sorry old broth, mind you, nothing will do for today but my famous, delicious, once-you've -had -it -you'll -never -go -back -to -chicken, PEANUT BUTTER SOUP! That's right, I said PEANUT BUTTER. This is one of the first things I learned to cook, and love it or hate it....you'll never forget it!

It's actually a Cream of Peanut soup, quite civilized, but that name doesn't have the shock value of the other. But seriously, you should try this at least once...it is warm, rich, creamy and makes your house smell incredible. It's also fabulous cold the next day. And because I love all my readers so, here's the secret recipe, given to me by my mother, who got it from her friend Patsy Crichton, who got it from the Kings Arms Tavern, in Williamsburg, V.A.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup butter



• 1 cup finely chopped celery



• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion



• 1 Tablespooon flour



• 1 cup chunk style (In Fat Joey's Test Kitchen we like Jif Super Crunchy)



• 3 cans (13 3/4 oz size) chicken broth



• 2 cups heavy cream (told you it was creamy)

1. In hot butter in a 4 Qt. saucepan, saute onions and celery until tender, about 5 minutes

2. Remove from heat. Add in flour and peanut butter, stirring until peanut butter is melted. Gradually stir in chicken broth.

3. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.

4. Stir in heavy cream, heat for a few minutes longer.

5. Serve with a green salad and yummy bread. Revel in your culinary awesomeness. Enjoy!

1 Month Birthday!

Our little Snookums is one month old today! It doesn't feel like it's been that long AT ALL since I had her on Christmas Day....where has the time gone? Grammy and Pop-pop are coming over tonight for a spaghetti dinner in her honor. To commemorate Izzeroo's original debut, here are a couple of snaps.

I'm publishing this post, then I'm diving into bed for a (delicious! heavenly! ) nap. Don't care what anyone says, the breast pump, not penicillin, is the greatest invention of all time. Enjoy!

P.S. Took Izzy out to her first Mexican restaurant last night. And yes, she ate the worm!


Izzy at one day old. The infant in the photo on the right is me, at the same age.


My wide eyed girl at two days old.

Daddy and baby, just after delivery.

The Infanta

My (fairy) Godmother is an incredibly talented photographer. For proof, I offer up these little gems, Izzy and me at 3 weeks. This sweet close up of her dear face made me cry- my heart was so full. The third one made me cry because you can't see my fine lines or dark circles, and it wasn't even retouched!! (um...was it, Auntie?)

Oh, those chubby cheeks! (hers, not mine...)

Vintage Amethyst: *Pretty Mr & Mrs Garlands*

One of the most fun things about blogs is that you get to discover treasures that you would otherwise never come across. Vintage Amethyst is one of the prettiest blogs I've ever seen...but better still, it's connected to a shop, so you can acquire the things you admire. (Get it? Get it? I rhymed.) Here's what I fell in love with today...only 5 pounds (that's ten bucks for us Yanks) and completely sweet and adorable. Enjoy the blog- I'm going back right now to nose around some more!

Vintage Amethyst: *Pretty Mr & Mrs Garlands*

I've been married for 7 years...is it too late for me to order mine? ;)

More I Cannot Wish You....

One of the nicest things I could wish for all my readers out there is a village full of friends like mine. It's been one heckuva year for our little family. Last year at this time, Dave and I lived in an apartment in Philly with two cats. Fast forward twelve months- we've got a HOUSE, a BABY and 3 CATS!

House

Baby

Third Cat

I've gone from part time actress and office temp to full time Mommy and milk factory (the pay's not as good but the benefits are amazing!) I've also gone from someone who dreads functioning on less than 9 hours of sleep to someone who gets really, really excited about getting 4...all in a row! Ooo!



But one of the biggest things I've noticed about our year is how our friends and family have gathered around us, offering congratulations, support, love, diapers, dinner, baby sitting, shoulders to cry on, rides to the doctor's office, etc. We've been overwhelmed with good wishes and loving acts. And it's not just the usual fanfare that surrounds a first baby- people have done all of that for us and more. I can only surmise that we are surrounded by exceptionally generous, warm hearted, funny and gracious people. I'm touched far beyond my ability to express it and so happy that my daughter will be raised in this loving circle of friends.





* (I just have to laugh...as I was writing this entry, the mail came, with a delightful package from my Momma's friend Diana in England...she'd sent a piece of antique Wedgwood pottery from England for Izzy's collection...2 hours later my husband arrived from the office...laden with goodies for Izzy from his co-workers...mind you, these folks have already thrown us a baby shower....but they are still sending loot! Today Izzy received a Raggedy Ann doll and a hella cute tutu that I can't wait to put her in....oh, and my mother arrived bearing cereal (for me) and more baby wipes...thus proving my point....y'all are too much! Thank you for the thoughtful gifts, cards, dinners and loving wishes. My husband thanks you, my baby thanks you and I thank you!)

Part of my wonderful village

While Her Majesty Sleeps....

Apologies, Friends, for disappearing for a while. As you know, I popped out my first baby on Christmas Day, and even though she is an excellent nurser and generally an all around terrific baby, she is a lot of work! (My Momma always said, "They cute, but they a lotta work!" Touche, Momma, touche.)

So while Her Majesty sleeps, I'll try to piece together a blog entry, with all the news that's fit to print.

Today I indulged in a bit of online shopping. So far I've resisted the urge to buy Izzy a lot of things, since she's been receiving so many generous gifts from friends and family and I figure that she'd benefit more by me putting the money into her college fund. The strain of not purchasing her cute things has plagued me mightily, so when I read in my (many volumes) of baby literature that mobiles stimulate brain activity and get the little squirts ready for learning I was all too eager to whip out my Visa. Here's the mobile we bought today.....

I was tempted to skip the mobile all together, til my Dad told me how much I'd loved my own as a baby. He said I used to talk to the Raggedy Anns on mine like we were best friends. Aww! How could I deny Isabelle the same pleasure? So there you are, my daughter. I hope that your bears bring you many happy moments. Hey...did somebody just fill up a diaper? Oh my...whoever said that breast fed babies' diapers don't stink is a bald faced liar....back to work!


"Mommy...I've got something for you!"

Santa Baby

"So, you pull the sleigh and I'll give out the presents, OK?"

Christmas Day Baby

Just a quick post while HRH (Her Royal Majesty) is sleeping.....

Guess who showed up on Christmas Day? Susan Isabelle was born at 5:53 A.M. weighing 8 pounds 2 ounces and twenty inches long. She has slate gray eyes and a headful of dark hair and is (of course) the most beautiful thing I've ever seen....the second most beautiful thing being the doctor with my epidural....

More pictures and stories to come, I just wanted to pop in and tell you the news officially..she's out! She's out! And she's perfect! And sometimes she even sleeps! Woo-hoo! Love and luck to you all in 2011. May it be full of blessings of all shapes and sizes!