Confirmed case of Travelitis Virus

We now have a confirmed trend of Travel-itis Virus.  Albeit a small sample size (of 1).  Elliot contracted her first ear infection, (and 1st antibiotics) just 2 days before our last trip in December. 

And now, a mere 18 hours before her parents leave town, Elliot is draining a gallon an hour from her eyes and nose. 

Maybe she is allergic to packing suitcases?

Traveling aside, she is the picture of health year round.

I heart 9 by Design on Bravo

So, 9 by design is Bravo's new show. A counter-culture answer to the Duggar.  Oh, the large families of America are so diverse. 

Basic Premise:  Hip Artsy Rich Manhattan Couple with 7 kids (0-11) does cool stuff.  And, they named one of their boys "Five".  huh?

Amateur Review:  LOVE IT!  In so much as they make having 7 kids look like what all the cool people are doing.  And it taps into Izaak and my love of remodeling old houses. One clip shows their remodel of a run down sex club.  Guess we have nothing on that.

Summary:  it's on Hulu.  Or, click here to watch the first episode.   Watch it and get back to me.  Did you like it???  Or, is it lame like me? 

“Take Our Children to the Park ... And Leave Them There Day.”

The NYTimes Sunday magazine had an interesting article yesterday.  I am adding a link here so that you can read it.

To summarize, Lenore Skenazy, a mother is proposing letting kids play at the park by themselves...saying that crime rates today are similar to the 70s and 80s.  So, if you could do it then, you should be able to do it now.  Of course, Elliot will not be partaking in this proposed holiday.  She is three.  But the premise seems sounds to me.  I remember wandering far and wide sometimes with friends, sometimes on a bike.  Before the advent of cellphones, my parents did not always know where I was, and had few ways of tracking me down. Growing up I was more likely to hear, "Go play outside and be home by dark".  Yet, it feels dangerous to parent that way, thirty years later.

I liked this article because it questions this new norm of (over)parenting.  Good food thought, especially was Elliot gets older and express a need for more freedom. 

In other news,  Happy Birthday Day, Izaak!  May you continue to grow older, so gracefully.  (Don't kill me for the pictures, I couldn't help myself) (Pictures courtesy of Father-Daughter dance troupe)

And miracles happen to those who wait.

and wait and wait and wait some more for THREE years!  But friends, the time has come.  PIGTAILS on our bald baby :)

Izaak and I were terribly excited that the clips held.  Elliot was excited too. (see photo above for what that looks like) 

She is the one who thought we should take a photo to document it.  So, in honor of her pigtails...I am posting the proof.

Artisan Bread. yum yum

Yummy new library book may end up on my kitchen shelf permanently. Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day is genius and easy. My old bread recipe (along with kneading, rising, proofing) is so last week.  I have been making beautiful bread and the bakery perfect crusty outside.  My old bread recipe was fine, but labor intensive and was good sandwich bread...however, this new stuff is just begging for garlic butter. 

Here is a photo of my 1st recipe test run. (and a pic of the book cover to compare)...

and 10 minutes later. (Izaak, EL and I are shameless fans of warm carb smothered in melty butter)

And a link to the new recipe. But you should really just check out the book.

Information regarding Russian Adoption Snafu

I have found this recent happening with an adoption parent sending a child back to Russia alone heartbreaking. This parent probably had pure motives when adopting - only to find out that human psychology is fragile indeed (both hers and the boy's). I have no idea what education or information she received during the adoption process - or how known/disclosed the boy's issues were - but this is a sad case whatever the case.

According to the New York Times, "Ms. Hansen — who sent Justin back to Russia unaccompanied with a note that said the boy “is violent and has severe psychopathic issues."
This boy is back in Russia after 6 months in the United States, during which time he became an American citizen. ABC news cites that several Russian families have requested to adopt this boy - but authorities are unclear about how that would pan out as he is legally an American.

For anyone looking for more information, or if learning about this for the first time, I have included some links below.

In a Diplomatic Limbo While Waiting to Adopt

Adopted Boy Sent Back to Russia Showing No Signs of Violent Behavior, Russian Officials Say

Russia furious over adopted boy return from US

US delegation to visit Moscow to discuss adoptions

Overheard in our house

2yo: Dad, act like a lady not a shark.


(what?!)


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Newborn Breast Crawl

A website that I frequent recently had a post about the newborn breast crawl. Fascinating what those little things can do, if given the chance. Thanks to DrMomma and Peaceful Parenting for posting this video. (please do not link over if you are scared of babies, women, or nipples :)

peaceful parenting: Newborn Breast Crawl




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Egg Coloring (or, Easter part 2)

2010's master piece creations.

umm, baby?! you are coloring the wrong thing (2008)

Now your hand (and face, and chair) is green, but, that egg is still white. (2008)

two years later, technique perfected.

Easter Egg Hunts: a 3-year retrospective

Elliot loves Easter more than Halloween, almost as much as Christmas and her birthday. So, yesterday was a good day for her. Izaak and I also battle a sweet tooth. We think nothing of raiding the trick o'treat bag for ourselves. So, Easter egg hunts and 'candy scrambles' are not so bad for us either. Because of our diligent parenting, we have scoped out the best Easter egg hunts in town (ranked by quality and quantity of candy). As of this last weekend, we have established a three year tradition of hitting the Boise Zoo 'Egg-stravaganza' followed by the Ann Morrison Park Scramble.

Elliot is well-taught by Izaak on Easter Hunt Etiquette:

1. lil'pushing not a punishable offensive
   
2. outrunning smaller children in a dash to a cache is okay
   
3. 'pickbasketing' is just wrong
   

We probably shouldn't let her play peewee soccer. We coach too much from the sidelines.

In honor of Easter Egg Hunt fun - please enjoy a 3-year pictorial retrospective.

2008

2009

2010

Cookies, cookies and other notes

We made cookies today. Thought I'd share the recipe 'cause it is consistently good. It is hard to find egg-free cookies that taste wonderful. Probably hate 9 out of every 10 we make. Thanks to Vegan Planet.

• 2c flour



• 1/2 t baking soda



• 1/2 t salt



• 1c packed brown sugar



• 1/4 c maple syrup



• 1/2 c corn oil



• 2 T ground flax w/6 T water



• 1 t vanilla



• 2 cups total of choc chips/coconut/nuts + whatever

Bake at 350 for 12-15 min.

And these cookies are made out of felt. I made them for Elliot's tea set and little kitchen. No recipes :) but a link to a website with lots of felt play food ideas...

And other notes:

• If March is in like a lion out like a lamb, why did it hail and snow on the 1st day of April?



• 18 weeks midwife appointment today. 20 lbs up. Baby is an active swimmer. Izaak has already felt it once or twice.