Dreaming with Midnite

Archive for 2010

Just Another Manic Monday Author: Erin Nov 30

The title of this post, while created on the car ride home from New York, also aptly explains why this is being posted on Tuesday, rather than its assigned Monday. The race to get home Sunday night, bathe the babe and get her excited-to-be-home self in bed, get her to school Monday morning and begin the process of getting back to normal caused Monday to just FLY by. I didn’t even get my laptop set up and plugged in until 7pm. Yes, I was getting the shakes by that time. Now, on to the McFatty report!

This week’s weight: 156.6

After a week of traveling the U.S. east coast by car, living out of hotels, and enjoying a magnificent Thanksgiving feast, I am completely ambivalent towards the number on the scale. Despite feeling physically fat and lazy, it was a mentally and emotionally satisfying week. What more can you ask for of a family holiday?

A longer recap of our vacation is forthcoming, but for now I’ll say I missed my mom and brother, and wish my brother didn’t work in retail so that they could have come with us. My daughter is the most amazing almost 2 year old on the face of the Earth, and I am so proud of her adaptability last week. I’m impressed by my husband’s ability to drive for hours on end listening to an audiobook (Fatal System Error by Joseph Menn).

Florida and Georgia are very flat and boring to drive. South and North Carolina have GORGEOUS fall colors right now, and along with gentle rolling hills make for an enjoyable ride. Virginia offers great mountain views, as well as some great food and gas options. We spent so little time in West Virginia and Maryland that it’s hard to have an opinion.

I never want to go through Pennsylvania again (If anyone from there can tell me why I SHOULD go again, please let me know!). The roads are terrible and the people are rude and seem unhappy. The only saving grace was the Crayola Factory in Easton. Upstate New York is full of sleepy farm towns, but many of them are finally getting big city amenities (like Barnes and Noble and Panera! ).

Now I’m off to continue Monday’s chores and to get all of the babe’s school and Christmas pictures picked up. This is definitely going to be a fun month!

Category: McFattyMonday | Leave a Comment

McFatty Monday Author: Erin Nov 15

My second installment to this lovely (HA!) meme is going to recap what I ate this past week and my workouts. I’m hoping that by doing this (again), I will recognize what my “mistakes” are and I can work them out. I didn’t pay super close attention to what I ate, but the only glaring error is the five brownies I ate on Sunday. This is what happens when I bake things and they don’t get put away. I also didn’t do any working out this past week because the babe and I were a bit under the weather. We were VERY lazy.

Side notes: I will not be recording my eats again unless something is just the bestest thing I have eaten in longer than I can remember.

Monday is fun day, also known as Mom’s Morning Out. It will be rare for healthy food to be consumed on a Monday.

I debated long and hard over desserts, because there were so many things I wanted (like Halloween candy) but I knew that I would be writing it down for this post, and really didn’t want to have to admit to eating two dozen mini Reese’s cups. Instead, I have to admit to five brownies. Sigh.

Most breakfast and lunches are shared with the babe.

This week’s weight: 154.4

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday
Cinnamon Crunch bagel w/ hazelnut cream cheese Chai tea latte Egg salad sandwich Cheese filled ravioli w/ meat balls Greek salad	Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spice coffee at home w/ ¼ cup of milk and a packet of Equal French toast(Split between me and the babe) Steak n Shake 2 shooters with cheese and frisco sauce and fries Halloween pack of Sour Patch Kids boneless 7-bone chuck steak rice and green beans dark chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookie	Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Spice coffee at home with ¼ cup of milk and 2 packets of Equal Sausage biscuits with maple syrup Grilled ham and cheese on a sandwich thin 4 mini reese’s cups Pasta with marinara and parmesan cheese Bowl of strawberries and pineapple Pretzels and snack size Hershey bar
Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Hawaiian Toast w/ butter Half a Turkey Cranberry sub, salt and vinegar potato chips and pomegranate and orange red tea. Quick chili over mashed potatoes Pretzels and snack size Hershey bar	Kashi TLC Cranberry Walnut Turkey wrap, pasta salad, potato chips Santa’s White Christmas latte (nonfat) Chicken crepes, side baby green salad w/ vinaigrette, tomato basil bisque, pumpkin bread, fried pickles w/ ranch	Apple spice pancakes w/ maple syup Lee’s quesadilla explosion salad Oven bbq pork w/ potatoes and onions Tostitos w/ salsa and chili cheese dip Brownie
Sunday
Brownie Cinnamon roll coffee w/ ¼ c whole milk and 2 packets Equal Chicken salad sandwich with Fire roasted chipotle Tostitos Brownie 2 more brownies… Chinese chicken with mushroom rice and roasted veggies Dried cherries Brownie

Category: McFattyMonday | 3 Comments

5QF Randomness Author: Erin Nov 11

1. What is the most physically painful thing that has ever happened to you?
C-section. ‘Nuff said.

2. How much sleep do you get at night?
Depends on what I do during my free time and how the babe sleeps. Usually 7-8 hours.

3. How long did you believe in Santa Claus? How did you find out that he does not exist?
It was some time in middle school, and I don’t remember how I found out. I know it wasn’t traumatizing, and might have had something to do with an odd family ritual a good friend has.

4. What was the last movie you saw in a theater?
Life As We Know It. Great movie, but I cried FAR too much. Before that I saw Easy A and before THAT, I saw Vampires Suck. I’ve seen three movies since August! WooHoo!

5. What do you wear to bed?
It depends on the weather. Usually a t-shirt and undies, more as necessary. I watch the weather eagerly starting in December for Florida’s “cold” nights so I can wear my flannels. I <3 flannel. And I’ve been lucky enough this year to already have an opportunity to wear them!

Category: 5QF, Getting to know me | 6 Comments

The Joy That Is Mom’s Morning Out Author: Erin Nov 10

I realized this past Friday that I haven’t written much about my daughter’s adventure with school since progress was made several weeks ago. Every week she gets a little bit better. She still cries at dropoff, but I’m assured that that is short lived, and rarely cries at pickup any more. She listens to stories and songs, although always from her safe spot near the door. She LOVES crafts and playground time, and is now eating at school, even if it is FAR less than she would eat at home.

Baby steps.

Shortly after progress was made, we started going to Tumble Time at the Y and then she would play in the child development center (Does anyone know why they give it such a complicated name???) while I tortured myself on the treadmill. The first time was terrible. They were looking up my name to come find me when I came back for her. Luckily I’d planned the shortest of treadmill workouts ever and was back before I had to cut it short. Since then, just like with school, she cries at dropoff, but loves playing with the cars and dinosaurs and coloring when the crayons are available.

Since she is now more comfortable at the Y and school, it makes it even easier to REALLY take time for me while she’s away. This Monday I got a pedicure while she was at school, and I’m trying to find time before our trip to New York for Thanksgiving to get a haircut and brow wax. In the mean time, I’m going to stare at my pretty toes, which are wearing a color called I’m Suzi and I’m A Chocoholic. Love.

I hate getting my hair cut. I can’t explain why, but I do. If something goes wrong, it will grow back, it will just take a little time. No big deal, right? My brain doesn’t wrap around it that way. So my hair has always been “straight cut” at either short, medium or long length. I’m tired of it. I want something medium length, easy to manage and that can be thrown back in a ponytail for the gym or beach, but doesn’t just hang there every other day of the week. Recommendations appreciated.

What do you do in your free time? Do you have an irrational dislike of anything?

Category: General | 3 Comments

McFatty Monday Author: Erin Nov 07

I’m pissed off that I have to join this meme. Okok, I don’t HAVE to do anything, but this is the way I feel more accountable for my weight loss or lack thereof.

Let me back up a little and explain.

In January, my husband and I laid out some guidelines about how to lose 15% of our body weight by the beginning of December. I started the year at 161.2 pounds. Between dietary changes and an increasingly active toddler, I dropped down to somewhere around the 146 mark and just knew that I could switch to a maintenance plan, throw in a little more activity and make my goal of 137 pounds by December.

This failed. Miserably. After a few weeks of being on the go and trying to balance what I ate, I realized that, for some reason, my pants didn’t really fit again. For the first time in at least a month, I stepped on the scale. And it told me I weighed 156 pounds.

I went into denial. There was no way I could have gained back that much weight, I must have a system full of water, my hormones must be messing with me, there were a million excuses. So I kept stepping on the scale. And it kept telling me I was 156 pounds. And my pants weren’t fitting well.

Now, I need help. I need the cheerleaders on the interwebz to encourage me throughout the tough holiday season.

Will you be my cheerleader?

Category: McFattyMonday | 3 Comments

Kids and Television Author: Erin Nov 06

Let’s take a few moments and be honest. How many of you let your children watch TV every day? *raises hand* How many of you feel a little bit guilty about this? *raises hand again* Is there anyone who feels REALLY guilty? *looks around*

Why? Why do we judge ourselves so harshly for allowing our kid(s) to watch TV? Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (5 episodes per day on Disney) teaches colors, patterns, counting, and basic math, among other topics. Wonder Pets (NickJr) teaches teamwork. The Fresh Beat Band and Jack’s Big Music Show (also NickJr) expose kids to music, rhythm, and even some dancing. Imagination Movers (Disney) help teach kids problem solving skills and teamwork.

These are all essential life skills being taught in a “language” that small kids understand and are happy to see.
Usually, the argument against TV is the lack of physical movement while watching. This might be a concern with older kids, but is a toddler EVER still? My almost 2 year old dances to every theme song and end credit music. She spends the rest of the show scaling the furniture while watching the shows out of the corner of her eye. She chases the cats until she can squash them with love.

Another concern is that parents are using the TV as a babysitter. This can be a concern, because you really can’t trust a toddler to stay where you put them, no matter how well behaved they are. There is nothing that replaces the attention of a parent or caregiver. You’re just inviting trouble if you trust the TV to take care of your child for long periods of time.

There are several times per day when my daughter is left “alone” with the TV. Usually, it is because I have to go to the bathroom or I’m gathering laundry. Occasionally I have taken the world’s fastest shower while she drinks her milk and helps Mickey solve his daily dilemmas. But it is NEVER her sole companion for longer than 10 minutes. Even on the days when I take a shower while she’s awake, I shower, throw a robe on, check on her, THEN go get dressed.
She rarely notices, and is happy to curl up in my lap upon my return and name all the Clubhouse friends while they do the hot dog dance. Then we talk about how many friends there were in the episode, what colors they wore, the problems they solved…

EVERYTHING a toddler sees and does is a learning experience, and why should we keep our kids isolated by teaching them only what we know? Why not expand our knowledge as parents and educators with the help of professionals to enrich our kids? I learn or am reminded of something every day while watching the silly shows on Playhouse Disney and NickJr, and it makes me want to teach these things to my daughter, and share the experiences she sees on TV with her in real life.
With this kind of use, how is TV bad for kids?

Category: hot topic | Leave a Comment

What WAS in my diaper bag??? Author: Erin Nov 04

As a woman, I’m a strange one. I prefer small bags, and do what it takes to fit everything into my preferred bag of the moment, including some severe organization. The diaper bag I chose for everyday use was Carter’s Suede Mini Diaper Bag. Even though some days it was a stretch to get everything we’d need inside, I LOVED this bag.

The outside pockets were for “mom” stuff. My wallet, phone, keys and water bottle, plus coupons or a book depending on the destination. The inside contained a water bottle for formula, 2 bottles ready to go, a bib, burpcloth/washcloth, spoon, jar of baby food, rattle/teether, and my travel diaper changing kit. That’s not the EXACT one I had, but it’s the closest I could find quickly. In general, this is what I carried around with me for the first year of my daughter’s life.

Now that my daughter is going on 2, I don’t need nearly as many things when we go out, so I’m back to using a regular purse, and still a small one at that! I was disappointed to be unable to find my primary bag on an internet search (it would probably help if I could actually remember what it was called…) but this is my secondary bag. All that goes in here for my daughter is a sippy cup, a book/toy, snack, and wipes. The rest of the space is MINE! I now leave the travel diaper changing pad in my car with diapers and wipes along with the umbrella stroller and an umbrella. With these items and a little ingenuity, we can be gone from morning til bedtime. Any longer though, will require other packing.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this trip through my diaper bag and purse! It was a fun topic for me to write about.

Category: Getting to know me | 9 Comments

Halloweekend Author: Erin Nov 01

I admit it, I totally stole the title from PB and Jenny. It’s an awesome title, and really describes the fun that was had, so I hope she doesn’t mind.

For the first time ever on my blog, I’m going to give you a mostly picture post. It’s the best way to show off everything we’ve been doing, which includes my rock star, a glimpse at our trip to Cocoa Beach, the destruction of my kitchen during the Halloween Baking Extravaganza, Disney Hollywood Studios and Trick or Treating! Enjoy! We sure did.

Category: Alyson | 3 Comments

Yep, I Did It Again Author: Erin Oct 22

It’s been a week without blogging, and 5QF is here to give me a swift kick in the rear. I swear I intend to blog, but right now, the babe’s and my schedule is far too busy for that. I don’t like that, but until swim lessons are over, there isn’t a whole lot I can do to change that. Unfortunately, lessons don’t end until December, so these will be interesting times. This post is already off to an interesting start, because I’m not sure I’ve ever used the word “that” so many times in such a short span of text.

The only remarkable event of the past week is my daughter’s nose meeting the carpet at school and getting a nasty rug burn. It’s gross and I feel so bad for her, but it doesn’t seem to bother her at all. In the mean time, I find myself cuddling her more, and my husband is buying her fave foods and toys, to make her feel better. She feels fine, we’re the ones who feel bad. Such is the life of a parent…

On to the main attraction.

1. Who is the better cook, you or your spouse?
I really don’t think either of us is better than the other. I cook more often, which can lead to frequently repeating recipes, and I prefer sweet things, so it can be difficult for me to find dinner inspiration. My husband enjoys creating complicated menus, or “discovering” a meal by digging through the pantry until inspiration hits.

2. How often do you talk to your mom?
Almost every day. Wait, do you mean literally talk to my mom? If so, probly three times per week, but my mom and I text nearly every day.

3. Are you adventurous in the kitchen or stick to the recipe?
I don’t seem to know how to follow a recipe. It almost pains me to do so. There’s always an ingredient where I’m like, “Oh! I prefer this to these.” Or, “Wow, that’s a lot of fat, let’s trim that down a little.”

4. Is your second toe longer than your big toe?
Yes, and people think I’m a freak for this. I don’t care.

5. Do you dress up for Halloween? (Bonus question: What will you be this year?)
Generally, no, I do not dress up for Halloween. If there’s a themed party, sure. Otherwise, not so much. I prefer fall decorations and family Thanksgivings to trying to scare the crap out of people and stuffing ourselves with candy.

Category: 5QF, Getting to know me | One Comment

It’s That Time of Week Again! Author: Erin Oct 14

It seems like I really only feel like writing when 5QF rolls around. No, that’s not right. I’m so surprised that time goes by as quickly as it does that before I know it, it’s Thursday night and the sneak peek is showing up in my Reader.

We’re still in our routine of 5 days on and 2 days off, which keeps us pretty busy. Since there wasn’t Story Time at the library this week, we took a trip to the beach instead. It’s amazing how relaxing the beach is, even when if I don’t glop on sunscreen I turn into a lobster. The babe is still afraid of the water, but we get a little better every time.

We also did the hour plus drive without toys for the babe. I’m trying to prepare her for the super long car trip we have planned to NY for Thanksgiving. I’m hoping the ride itself will amuse her for awhile, then we can start the DVD player or open up a coloring book. If any one has other suggestions for amusing an almost 2 year old in the car, they are greatly appreciated. Also, if you know any great places to stop just off the highway from Florida to New York, those recommendations are appreciated as well.

Enough of my rambling, you’re here to see my responses to Mama’s 5QF!

1. What is your favorite Halloween candy?
I love most candy. There is not a Halloween candy that I would want that I can’t get at another time during the year. My favorite sweet treat to eat during the Halloween season is the home made treats I make. Candy corn cookies and pumpkin tea cakes were a hit this year, and I still have another trick or two up my sleeve before I switch to Thanksgiving treats.

2. Do you fold your socks?
I always fold my socks. That statement is a little misleading though, because I generally don’t wear socks. I wear socks to the Y. So folding one or two pair(s) of socks is cake. My daughter doesn’t wear socks very much either, so hers aren’t a chore. My husband’s annoy the crap out of me. He used to have a thousand pairs of socks that were all different kinds so they all only had ONE match. This has improved, but folding his socks is still the most hated moments of my laundry time.

3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?
Exactly how many changes my body would make after pregnancy. I’m sure the other moms out there are nodding their heads with me. They tell you things won’t be the same, and they mean it, in every way possible. You just don’t realize how many ways there are until it happens.

4. What is the most significant difference between you and your significant other?
Ummm… I don’t know. Our spending habits? He buys every thing he can come up with a solid reason for, and I don’t buy anything over $20 without a mile long list of reasons that it’s a good idea. Even with a mile long list of reasons, I don’t always make high dollar purchases. Hell, I’m having a hard time filling up the gas tank in my new SUV without feeling “bad.”

5. What are three words you would use to describe yourself? (And, just for fun…if your significant other is around, ask him/her what 3 words they would use to describe you!!)
I hate these questions. Caring. Loyal. Well, those 2 were easy, now a third… I’m trying to be positive… Friendly.

Caring, loyal, and friendly.

Really.

Category: 5QF, Getting to know me | One Comment

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