Hair Crisis

Riesling's hair is getting so long.  There is this annoying section in the front that is always falling in her eyes.  She refuses (and pretty much has since birth) to wear headbands, barrettes, bows, or hair accessories of any kind.  The eye hair situation was getting so bad that Jim even commented on it.  Finally today with our powers combined we convinced her to wear a little ponytail (like Mommy's).  If only I could now convince her to keep some clothes on.....

A Video

 October 27, 2013

**Apparently I only take videos of Riesling when she is eating.  Maybe because that is the only time she is sitting still and not trying to steal the camera.

Random

My hair has finally gotten really long which means I'm ready to cut it off. Always happens. I just don't take the time to care for it. I'm debating though. Do I do it now or wait until after the baby is born and I start shedding like a dog?  I have 2 weeks before my appointment to decide.  eek!

I have recently inherited a lot of seasonal items from my mother's stash. I nw have some nice serving platters and dishes for the holidays. Do you stow it away in the kitchen or pack it away with the rest of your seasonal decor?

I am looking for a new book to read.  After a horrifying journey through Anna Karenina (it's seriously embarrassing how long it took me to finish that one) I have been hesitant to dive into anything else.  I did start Motherless Daughters for about the 4th time in a decade but not sure that I will actually stick through to the end (pregnancy does make me a little more emotional).  Any suggestions on a decent easy read?

I am trying to finish a photo wall on my stairs that I started....um...well over a year ago?! It has been sifting through photos on the computer and reminiscing.   How did my baby get so big all the sudden?  I love that little girl so much and I can't believe I get to experience the joy of it all over again.  

Riesling hugging the baby(27 week)

Riesling is so excited about babies right now. The anticipation of our new baby must be so hard for her.  She is so loving and caring about the whole situation; kissing and rubbing my belly, talking about the baby all the time, and practicing her big sister skills with her baby doll.  She gets beyond excited to see other babies with friends, around the neighborhood, or even just our in public.  I have a feeling she will want to be overly helpful with some things!  And I know there are a lot of things she just doesn't see coming (like sharing her Mama!).

Monday...

"When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you." 

~Lao Tzu

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.
Lao Tzu
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/lao_tzu.html#UILfj2UvsHPCZlCh.99

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.
Lao Tzu
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/lao_tzu.html#UILfj2UvsHPCZlCh.99

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.
Lao Tzu
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/lao_tzu.html#UILfj2UvsHPCZlCh.99

When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you.
Lao Tzu
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/lao_tzu.html#UILfj2UvsHPCZlCh.99

Parenting

Just a little parenting/motherhood related reading I've enjoyed lately:

The Passion of Parenting.

A nice post for any mom who had a hard time with breastfeeding and nervous about how it will go with another baby.

You are a Good Mama.  Love this!

The Gift of Not Giving. Would you consider this for your kids/family?

First Year of Parenthood.  I can't wait to do it all over again (wink)

 

Halloween 2013

Halloween was so much fun this year.  Last year we made the best of the situation with Hurricane Sandy but it was kinda a flop.  Riesling didn't have a clue what was going on anyways.  I wasn't sure how much she would "get it" this year but she loved it! 

Riesling and I spent most of the day together at my office.  The patients loved seeing us all dressed up.   We went with a family theme again with Riesling as a little cow and Jim and I dressed up as farmers. 

Thankfully Jim was able to get off work early so he could join in on the festivities.  He makes pretty handsome farmer, don't ya think?

I planned on just hitting a few of the neighbors close by then sitting outside to pass out candy.  Boy was I wrong.  We had to drag Riesling home.  She was so tired but just wanted to keep going to houses. She got the hang of it really quick.  We handed her the little pumpkin bucket and a flashlight and she was off. 

 After the first few houses she had her routine down: grab the treats, ask to come inside the house if a cat or dog was spotted, brief visit, then move on the next house even if your parents are still talking.  She was pretty independent about the whole thing.  She really loved seeing all the other kids out in the streets.  She wanted so bad to go with them but we just couldn't keep up. She would say, "the kids! the kids!" Adorable. 

Jim said it was the best Halloween EVER.  It was really was such a special family night for us.  She is really growing up and turning into more of a kid everyday.  We feel so fortunate to live in such a wonderful neighborhood that is exploding with young kids for Riesling to grow up with.  I can just imagine her running around in years to come with all her little friends. It makes me a little weeping but overjoyed at the same time. 

Monday...

"When the witches go riding, and the black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, tis near Halloween."

~Author unknown

Work Life Balance

I came across the link to this article through another blog (although I don't remember which one) a few weeks back and it really stayed with me.  It's definitely something I have struggled with over the last few years.  I was a really ambitious student and young professional.  A real "change the world" kind of young woman.  All that changed when we decided to start a family.  I actually left a really successful well paying job mainly because of my issues with infertility. 

Since then work has never been a top notch, high stress priority for me.  It was hard for me in the beginning not to be an equal contributor to our household income.  It was also hard for me to see my job as a mother and in the home as important rather than necessary.  But I think over time I am coming to realize that I really am Ok with it.  I am really happy to still be active in my profession and love that I have the opportunity to help people achieve a happy and healthier life.  I am also really happy that this occurs on a part time basis, that I can bring Riesling to work with me, and I have control over my schedule and how much my professional life carries over into my family and home life.

I am not at all saying I am necessarily against anyone who choosing otherwise.  I just know that this is what works for me and my family right now.  I know that my professional life and career aspirations will always be there and precious moments of my little babies will not.  I also know that I don't need fancy cars, luxury vacations, or expensive clothes.  "I'm not ambitious, and that's Ok."

 Riesling working with Mommy, May 2013

Letter from Riesling

Hello Friends & Family,

I have really been into music lately.  Some of my favorite songs right now are 'The Wheels on the Bus', 'How much is that doggie in the window', and 'Baa Baa Black Sheep'.  My daddy recently got a new piano and even learned to play some of them for me. He really is the best daddy.  I also received a new CD, Elizabeth Mitchell, Little Seed.  It came in the mail from one of Mommy's friends and has some really great songs that I like to dance along with.  I think my all time favorite album is still Aretha Franklin, Live at the Fillmore West.  Man can that lady sing!

Love always, 

Riesling

Meatballs

Saturday night we had plans to take dinner over to a friend's to celebrate their new home.  She has a four kids ranging from 16-25, all with significant others that are known to be present at even given time.  I wanted to make sure there was enough food to feed a crowd in case there was one in fact present.  I spent Saturday morning prepping as Riesling would allow and all of nap time making a huge crockpot of turkey meatballs and a pan of roasted vegetable pasta. 

The crockpot was on 'low' for about 3 hours and I had recently switched the setting to 'warm'.  Jim had just gotten home from work and we were getting cleaned up and organized to head out.  Out of nowhere the glass lid of the crockpot shattered!  Into my meatballs!  I was honestly dumbfounded for about 5 minutes, just starring at the disaster trying to decide a) what the hell happen and b) what do I do about dinner.  After the shock wore after it was decided that no one wants glass shards in their dinner and the entire batch was contaminated.  Luckily, I had set aside a much smaller batch to freeze and only one of her kids were home for dinner so I still managed to feed everyone with 2 meatballs to spare.  But, seriously Crock Pot how did this happen?!

Baby Butterflies

I wouldn't really consider myself an anxious person.  Not that I never have a case of the jitters over an interview or some kind of big event, but nothing long lasting.  I tend to take the attitude that worrying obsessively over a particularly situation or scenario doesn't do you much good. You are better off trying to actually do something positive with your energy, hopefully helping the situation, instead.  That being said, I think I am suffering from some moderate anxiety related to the arrival of Baby #2 that I just can't seem to shake. 

One would think that I would have less anxiety seeing that I already have a kid and have done all this before.  I don't even really don't recall feeling this way when I was pregnant before.  Maybe because, even though it was all unknown territory, back then I felt like I could handle one little baby.  Now it's no longer one-on-on.  These little munkins are ganging up on me!  I find myself thinking at varies points throughout the day, "what would I do if the baby was here right now?"  Worst of all, I don't feel like there's much I go actually "do" to be productive in preparing for this change.  I am cleaning out, finishing up weird projects, working on some potty time with Riesling, and stock piling crockpot recipes.  I really know deep down that everything will be fine.  It might be hectic for awhile but we will adjust and settle into a new routine, just like we did after Riesling arrived.  I just hate harboring this feeling.  I have some other current stressors,  like a major babysitting crisis, that I'm hoping get resolved soon, lightening my mental load and my cortisol levels.  In the mean time I guess I just have to hit the yoga mat a little more often.

I wonder if it's a common thing among other mothers to be more anxious for a second or third child? 

Letters from Riesling

Hello Friends & Family,

As you all know, I am going to be a big sister pretty darn soon.  I thought I should start getting some things ready.  First things first.  I really wanted out of that baby crib so I decided showed Mommy & Daddy that I didn't need it anymore by getting out all by myself.  I have to admit that getting over the top bar was easier that getting down the side to the floor.  I did have to call for help, but my plan worked.  Now I have a big girl bed on the floor and the crib is free for the new baby. 

I have also been practicing my buckling skills, sometimes like 100 times a day.  I put Puppy into the baby swing, the high chair, or stroller and practicing strapping him in correctly and buckling him up.  I am pretty good at it and think I new baby will like it when I strapped him or her in all day long.  Puppy, Monkey, & Minnie also let me practice dressing them, putting on socks & shoes, and wrapping them in blankets.  I also wipe their noses when I have a cold and share my dinner with them. Mommy says sharing and helping out are part of becoming a big sister.  Doesn't that sound fun!?

Love always, 

Riesling

August Recap

In August, I started feeling a little better so we actually left the house for activities other than work and the grocery store.  The first big event was a trip to Paw's farm in New Jersey.  It's a small petting zoo and nature that Jim grew up going to and had very fond memories of.

He was really excited to share it with Riesling.  She was really excited that he did.  He may have been her best day to date.  Have you ever seen a kid so excited to see a cow?

She was seriously overjoyed by the entire experience.  She was trying to climb in the pens with the animals, especially the sheep.  She hugged and squeezed every bit she could.  It was adorable and a really fun little trip.  Way better than the overpriced, crowded zoo. 

The petting zoo was such a big hit that we didn't miss a chance to hit up the local Grange Fair.  This was equally exciting for Riesling.  I was beginning to get concerned that she would think there were sheep everywhere we went.  The ducks and, once again, the sheep were her favorite.  She had the opportunity to plant a few smooches on a sheep or two.

We also hit up the orchard for some peach picking.  Resulting in peach cobbler, peach popsicles, peach for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  YUM! And HooRay for feeling like a real person and eating food again.

Videos

And in case that's not enough Riesling for ya, here's a few July video moments....

She started eating cereal with milk (almond) and a big girl spoon.

And decided that one or more of her 'friends' needs to be at meals with us. She is so sweet and loves to share with Monkey aka Monk.

July Photo Recap

July was an extremely uneventful month.  Riesling got cuter (if that was even possible) and I got sicker (if that was even possible).

 This little dress was something my mom had put away for me from when I was a baby.  It was so sweet to see Riesling wearing it. 

Her hair finally grew enough for real piggy tails (which turned out to be such a good look for her sweet little round face!)

  

She also started to say "cheese" for pictures.  As well as "Cheese" for the food.  It became an obsession.

 Miss Riesling also discovered a little bit of attitude in July.  I think it was a combination of adjusting to some changes in nursing, teething and just overall age related. 

 We had some challenging moments.  Most involved me laying on the couch trying to stay alive while she threw some ridiculous tantrum on the floor in front of me. 

 

Happy girl again...

She became quite the little garden helper in the evenings after Jim got home.  It's still kinda of their thing.  The go out back in the evening and Riesling comes back with all her little treasures covered in dirt and tomato juice.  She LOVES eating veggies straight from the garden. 

My dad came for his annual summer visit and graciously decided to stay for an extended visit.  Riesling really loves her Papa and follows him around all day!

 It was so nice to have a little extra help around the house while I was feeling TERRIBLE.  I know I have said this a million times but I need to keep reminding myself how awful the whole thing was.  I vowed a over and over again that I would bear no more children because of the possibility I would have to go through it again.  The memory is quickly fading now that I am in the glory days of this pregnancy.  I ended up losing over 15 pounds in the month of July...and some very serious episode of vomiting involving blood.  Some days I couldn't even keep down water.  To much information?  Sorry.  Here's another adorable Riesling moment to make us all forget about it.

 I think the most exciting thing that happened in July was taking Papa and Riesling out for ice cream at oWowCow. And even that was not as exciting as last summer.

"Fear, uncertainty, and discomfort are your compasses toward growth."

Have you ever stuck with something just because it's familiar to you, even though you're not 100% satisfied with it?  I think sometimes we can get into a comfort zone and it causes you to slowly lower your expectations over time.  Like going to the grocery store just around the corner even though the produce is crappy, the prices are high, and there are always long waits at the register.  Even if there's another grocery store just a few minutes further away, you will continue to go to the one that you know best.  Or maybe something big like staying at a job or in a bad living situation.

Last week I made two small changes that were LONG overdue.  I was avoiding them for convenience sake alone.  I went to a new hairdresser and switched Riesling to a new pediatrician.  In both cases I didn't start out unhappy or dissatisfied but now that I made the switch I realized how much I had overlooked in both cases.  I got a way better haircut for about 1/2 the price; it was a lot easier to get an evening appointment;  and I found the new stylist a million times easier to converse.

The pediatrician situation was a whole different ballgame.  Sometimes I think as a healthcare provider myself I somehow expect less out of other doctors.  I know how challenging it can be to find good staff. I know how unreasonable and frustrating insurance companies can be.  I experience first hand all the negative things about being a part of the industry.  But wait a minute, that doesn't mean I provide less than the best care I can to my patients.  Why do I think it's Ok when I'm on the other end?

From the very first visit I didn't love Riesling's pediatrician's office.  But, I didn't necessarily hate it either.  The place was just Ok.  But over the last 18 months it seemed like something happened every visit that made be frustrated, annoyed, or angry.  So after a little research and a wonderful consultation with the owner of the new practice, Riesling and future Baby Robinson have a new pediatrician.  I can not tell you how much this doctor and this practice lifted my spirits and renewed my faith in healthcare.  It's crazy what a little time, energy, and shift in your 'comfort zone' can make.

“Fear, uncertainty and discomfort are your compasses toward growth.” - See more at: http://exploreforayear.com/clarity/45-inspiring-quotes-change#sthash.OdtVHo6Z.dpuf

 

“Fear, uncertainty and discomfort are your compasses toward growth.” - See more at: http://exploreforayear.com/clarity/45-inspiring-quotes-change#sthash.OdtVHo6Z.dpuf

June Photo Recap

 I have gotten so behind on events and happenings from the last few months. I have a ton of pictures piled up, some that I sadly just got around to downloading.  I feel like I need to catch up a little bit before I can dive into current day.  Riesling has grown up so much since the beginning of the summer and I don't want to miss a whole section of her changing, so I keep putting off posting current stuff until I catch up on the old stuff. It's just piling up and this point so I thought I should do a little recap of the last few months. 

Riesling's buddy Archer celebrates his 1st birthday at Duck, Duck Goose....

Surprise! There's a baby in mommy's belly.  She just found out so we can't tell anyone yet.

Father's Day Weekend at the beach....

Mild nausea and vomiting have set in at this point but I have no idea what absolute hell is ahead of me.

Some general fun in the sun cuteness....

 

And Aunt Jenn & Austin come to visit....

 At which point I had entered a serious state of all day "morning sickness" and was the worst host and no fun at all.  I took about 5 pictures the whole time they were here.  And probably at least 5 times a day I said to Jenn, "can you watch Riesling for a second while I go throw up."  Good times.  Poor Austin didn't even get to go out for ice cream. But Uncle Jim did help him catch lightening bugs....

 And ended the month of June. 

Strawberry Picking

I'm soooo behind on editing pictures from this summer.  Even though we've picked about a million other vegetables and fruits since and Riesling has grown so much and is practically an entirely new kid since these pictures were taken,  I just couldn't resist posting these ones of her strawberry picking back in June.

 She had excellent picking form (or maybe she was pooping?!)

 

And only ate a few (dozen!).  I think she actually liked them better with a little dirt on them.

 

 

 It was a nice early morning family outing resulting in lots of yummy strawberry treats, including our annual jam making (although not our best batch this year but I'm not sure why).  Previous Robinson family strawberry adventures here and here. 

Letters from Riesling

Hello Friends & Family,

I guess my mom finally let the cat out of the bag, I'm going to be a big sister!  Doesn't that sound so exciting?  I'm not exactly sure what it means but everyone gets so happy and cheery when they talk about that I figure it must be something fun.  They keep talking about a baby in Mommy's belly. Apparently she swallowed in on accident. I don't really know what a kind of baby it is, but I'm really hoping for a Baa Baa.  Baa Baa's are my favorite!!  We went to a petting zoo and the fair this month and I loved them the most.  I think the duckies were a close second.  I am having such a fun summer.

Love always, 

Riesling

Donuts

I have been  the most intense craving for donuts lately. Not just any donuts, specifically ones from Rod's Donut Shop in Uhrichsville, OH. You know just a quick 7 hour trip. There is something about this place that makes them a million times better than Dunkin or Krispy Kreme could ever hope to achieve. Growing up we use to joke that it was the lingering cigarette smoke that made the difference (Back in the days when everyone smoked indoors probably including the old lady making them every morning). That proabably sounds disgusting but i am telling you these things are legendary. 

At first I was thinking creamstick then recently I switched to salivating over a good old fashion glazed. I think it was after I saw a recipe in a magazine for grilled glazed donuts with strawberry cream dipping sauce. I can barely keep the drool off the keyboard right now.   

Truth be told. I don't even really like donuts. I remember having them on special occasions as a kid but honestly in the last 15 years I can probably count the number of those breakfast pastries I have consumed on one hand. 

So why now am I waking at sunrise with images of dancing little ring shaped fried dough fresh in my head for the a sweet night of dreaming? 

Why have I been absent from the ole blog for over two months?

Why did I lose 15 lbs and convert to a strict diet of toast and ginger ale for those two months ?

Before your imagination gets the best of you I'll just come out with it.....Robinson baby #2 is on the way! After surviving way to many weeks of all day "morning" sickness, I have finally come out of the fog and started to function as a real human being again. It was seriously a rough go this round. I think I may have signed some documents consenting to never again even thinking about having another baby. In fact I may have even sent Jim out for a vasectomy to ensure I never had to endure that level of suffering again. 

I am 15 weeks along with an estimated due date of January 30, 2014. We like our winter babies. I have plans to get some picture editing done and get some updated posts up on Riesling over the weekend. I know you have been lonely without me but you can wipe your tears away, I am back.