My Favorite Birthday Presents

So it's Wednesday here in the blog world. (And in the real world.) Which is a delightful fact because it means we are just 2 days away from another weekend, though this next one isn't quite as long or quite as jolly.

Wednesday used to be the day for 5 Favorites. Do I even have 5 things that are my favorite? Sure, why not? Let's start with my birthday presents.

1. I got a Chromebook! And people I am in love. 

I know, I know everyone is all gaga over their Macs and fancy expensive nonsense.  But FOR ME that stuff is just unnecessary. Brushing off the idea of spending $899+ for a computer that I don't understand (Mac world and I are not friends. Husband tells me that it's easier but my mind doesn't get it.) I just have such little need for fancy.

You know what I use the computer for? I check emails, write blog posts, read blog posts, stalk social media and read news. (Both real and sensational.) Bring on the Chromebook! It's so pretty. It's light weight. It starts amazingly fast. Like you open it and it's ready to use. In all the reviews of the Chromebook the things it scored poorly in were:

• gaming
• video editing
• running Adobe Photoshop etc. 

Yeah. I don't do any of that. And if I did need to, I would call over my wonderful Husband the graphic designer and his Mac at work and fully loaded graphic ready PC at home with all that gobbledy gook software already bought and paid for to do it for me. 

The point is, for my life, the Chromebook is more than adequate and I am loving it. 3 days in and I just get giddy checking my email. I feel good when I use it, much like I imagine the folks with their expensive MacsBooks do. Whatever floats your boat! 

I should also note, my last, very expensive computer purchase in grad school is in just fine condition. Except for the fact the charger port doesn't work. So with the right balance of tape and not moving the computer even a centimeter you can get it to turn on and use it. Alas, life with a toddler has made that a moot idea and so having any device that holds a charge and can be used anywhere makes for a very happy Madeline. 

Thank you Husband and Christopher for getting me the Chromebook. I love it and both of you!

2. Aden and Anais Daydream Blanket. 

Okay. So you know how the entire world of newborn/infant parenting has gone completely ape for the Aden and Anais swaddles? And then Kate Middleton went and registered for them when the world was awaiting Prince George and even more people jumped on board and crashed the site? 

Well... you see my dad has this summer quilt. And it's the perfect weight blanket. I steal it every single time I go home to visit. Because I need a blanket even in the hot weather but I don't like to be hot. With this summer quilt life gets a little bit better. I even took it home with me from Minnesota 2 weeks ago. With reluctant permission from my dad. 

And the angels sang and the world rejoiced, because the breathable, extremely soft Aden and Anais blankets are available in adult sizes. And I got one. 

Wonderful. Heavenly. It's a life changer. I cannot possibly explain how soft and amazing this blanket it. And they only get softer every time you wash it. Pretty much I would recommend this to anyone in the world. If you like blankets. (Who doesn't like blankets? And even if you don't give this one a whirl and lemme know if you change your mind 'kay thanks.)

The one thing I can explain about the blanket is that it has a good weight to it. It's not like covering up with a sheet, it definitely reads as "blanket." But it still is light enough that it breathes and you're not a big sweatball underneath it. Plus it's like super soft in a way that defies logic. Like you just lie there rubbing it between your fingers marveling at just how incredibly soft it is. I have the rayon from bamboo version but it also comes in classic muslin. Both have great reviews.

This is not a blanket for a whole bed, this is a blanket for an individual. It works well for us because we determined very very quickly that our secret to healthy marriage was to not be under the same blanket. If you are in a blanket sharing relationship I would still get one of these to snuggle under on the couch, a hammock, the floor or anywhere else you may need a blanket.

Thank you Mom and Dad for my blanket! It is amazing.
(And if you're curious, my Dad took his summer quilt home with him so we both have great blankets to use without getting overheated.)

Okay, I don't have 5 Favorites. I have 2. And this is already a novel. So let's leave it at 2 shall we?

Labor Day Weekend and a Birthday Recap

It all really started on the car ride home from Minnesota. We have those little mirrors in the car so that I can see C when we're driving. (We are still happily rear-facing.) So, we're somewhere in the midst of nowheresville and we are listening to the radio. Then the catchy "All About That Bass" song came on. And C was just rocking it out in the car seat.

He was so into it. It was hilarious. It is still hilarious 13 days later but slightly less so because the song gets stuck in your head. And we listen to it on endless repeat so he can dance around the living. Now, the kid has super cute moves and also just a lot of jumping. (I call this burning energy which is the part that makes the song on repeat tolerable.)

I am NOT going to link to the song, because you either already know what I am talking about or you don't. And if you don't, I am not going to be responsible for getting this song in your head. Because you may wake up singing it one day soonish and I accept no responsibility for this. But Bonnie has the song on her playlist, and Mary did her lipsync to this super catchy tune. And Sebastian Patton is apparently also regularly rocking out to it.

So this gives you a little insight to how my weekend was, it was all about the bass you see.

Labor day weekend is also most commonly referred to as birthday weekend (except for that will be on hiatus until 2018 but whatever, late Labor Days and all.) was all around successful. It was about as low-key as could be and that was just fine by me. 2 weeks ago we were in Minnesota. Last weekend we went to Indianapolis to see the walrus. I just needed a weekend with minimal effort. The cold I wrote about on Friday morphed into a horrible cough that burns like fire in my lungs. Nice.

Also, apparently 28 is the year that I became an adult because for the first time in my little existence my birthday was not all about me. I mean sure we did things I wanted to do but mostly it revolved around C having a good day.

My parents came to town on Saturday. Which was excellent. I love my family and I was really kind of upset at the idea of not being in Minnesota with them on my birthday. I could get over the loss of the State Fair but was pretty sad that I wouldn't see them. Well they made the trek. (yes it is the same trek for both of us but my mom kind of really hates traveling so it is out of love for me alone she decided to come.)

My birthday was swell. I slept in, not too long but I didn't wake up early either. I had French Toast for breakfast. We spent the morning playing with C and watching him be all about the bass. When C went down for rest, my parents and I headed out for an adventure. (This consisted of going out for frozen yogurt and to the Carter's store because SALES and COUPONS.)

After the adventure we went back to their hotel and just basked in the air conditioning, I played internet on the iPad (my mom's) and they rested a while too. This is when I found Husband's sweet birthday post. I totally cried. After C woke up he and Husband joined us at the hotel for some swimming. Watching C having a great time was really fun for me. I didn't want to do much but I was happy he got to swim!

My guy enjoying the pool. He loves swimming. I just supervised.

Post swimming we went to dinner and then back to our house for cake. In true "putting myself above others" mode I had gotten it in my head earlier in the week to make walrus cupcakes. They were super cute and C's excitement brought me so much happiness and joy that it really was a gift to myself.

Dinner at the Machine Shed and C got to ride on the tractor.
Grandpa also bought him a pig that oinks. 

Walrus Cupcakes of my own invention. I think they're darling. 

After cake I opened my presents, which I must say, are amazing. I know I am very lucky because I got exactly what I wanted and they are all splendid items. I will have another post about the great gifts tomorrow probably in case you need a gift giving guide for someone. Then after C went to sleep and parents left for the evening I got into my pajamas and watched some Netflix in bed.

Yesterday was even more low key. My parents came over then left for the drive home. This made me cry, but I just need to remember they'll be here again soon for the baby. We spent the rest of the day in a big ball of nothing. I did a load of laundry and we watched Master Chef. And that's about all that was accomplished. I loved an extra day home with my guys though.

All in all the first bit of 28 is pretty swell. I am still coughing but it's improving. It was a great weekend all around!

Happy Birthday!

For those of you looking for a daily "dash of snark" you aren't going to get it today. Today you will be hearing a "spoonful of sugar" from the not that snarky husband.

Today is my wife's birthday and I wanted you all to know that. She of course wouldn't come out and say it, so I will. Currently C is asleep and she is out with her parents enjoying some time together. Typically we would be in Minnesota enjoying cheese curds, cookies and 4-H Arts In at the Minnesota State Fair, but this year we are playing it low key at home. This is more than a little bittersweet for my wife, but I think given that she is a little under the weather and due in like 42 days (holy cow! that's soon) it's for the best.

So Happy Birthday wife of mine. I love you as does C and little one on the way. You take such good care of us and we probably don't tell you that enough!

Happy 831!

Kind of a Big Deal

Today is a pretty sweet day.

Ten years ago, at the ripe old age of 17,  I started my first day of college classes.

Then, at 5:30 I was to head to the stage of the theater for the theater scholarship meeting/theater picnic. Which essentially was the big kick off to the year.

This is before Facebook (at least before it came to my college and back in the day you had to wait for them to build it specifically for your school. Don't worry, they figured it out by May.) so I don't have 700 pictures of the day. But I wore my Arts High Football shirt to the picnic. I know that for a fact.

Anyway, I met a lot of really great people at the theater picnic and scholarship meeting. Some of my best friends. And, Husband was there too.

He remembers meeting me. I have NO recollection of him. Which is funny because I remember a lot.

I remember what I wore. What I ate. People I talked to. The after party. Very very specific memories of the after party.

• Ben, who lived on the 5th floor of my dorm, and I were the only two freshmen to attend. From the picnic we walked back to the dorm, dropped off our Death of a Salesman posters in my room and went to the party together. Side note: He was one of my first really good friends until he sort've dated my roommate for about a week and that was the end of him hanging out with me. He did the Disney college program for sophomore year and never came back. As in, he still works for Disney. Currently on one of the cruise ships. 

Back to the party:

• Jenny told Daniel that Andrew was going to sing a song about her. 
• Kathryn, Emily and Katie gave me the play by play on who everyone was. 
• Jake was snuggling with his fiancee (they broke up not soon after in fact) but I was floored that people I was hanging out with would be getting married. 
• I got in a long conversation about the play reading list for Players at Dawn and then determined that I had no interest in waking up at 7:00 to go read plays I'd already read. 
• The one called Mar was drinking wine out of a tall purple cup. And her teeth were stained. I was sitting on a couch and she was sitting on a table behind this couch. In retrospect, it is probable that Husband was in the crowd of people behind the couch I was sitting on. 

Anyhow, the 10 year anniversary of meeting Husband (even if I don't remember it) should be remembered and acknowledged somehow. So I am doing that. Crazy. 10 years! I feel old! 

7QT of Nothing

The most random quick takes ever.

1. Good Days and Bad Days

My brother loves to say this. And it's true. Well let's be realistic for a minute and say "good days and exasperating days." I can't even say C's twos are terrible but they're certainly frustrating some days. Today might be one of those days. Heaven help us.

2. Summer Colds

C had a 24 hour cold on Tuesday into Wednesday. I had it Wednesday into Thursday. Luckily both of us seem right as rain today. I am glad.

3. Labor Day Weekend

An odd weekend for me. One of my yearly favorites but this year we will not be driving to Minnesota and going to the fair which is the typical plan for the weekend. I am really doing okay with this, the only things I deeply regret missing are the cheese curds because they're never as good as at the fair and then the 4-H Arts in. That's my most favorite thing to watch. But ah well.

To redeem the weekend my parents are coming here! Hey-O!

4. The Elusive French Toast Combo

I know that French Toast has eggs in it already. I know. But why is it so hard to have a combo? Most of the time you can have your plate of French Toast. But what if you want hash browns and a meat with it? That's all I'm saying.

5. Getting Ready

We moved the crib and set up her dresser last night. (Husband moved, I cleaned the crib. So same thing really as we.) I think I'll probably clean the car seat this weekend too and we'll call that the barest of minimums but enough that it satisfies me. You know, just in case this baby opts to come early. Doubtful. So so doubtful.

6. Winnie the Pooh

We are going through a Winnie the Pooh phase. I think it's because he likes it when Pooh says "Christopher." It's always fun when teddy bears say your name. This phase has taught me that old school Pooh is infinitely better than new Pooh. The Tigger Movie is actually really sort've depressing. And it's adorable when the phrase that's picked up and repeated all the time is "Oh Bother."

7. Filtered Water

I love my Britta water bottle with a filter. I put a new filter in last night and it's practically life changing over here.


Happy Friday. Not even interesting enough quick takes to link up with but there ya go.

Let Me Bore You With My Thoughts on Toothpaste

Once upon a time when we went to Florida in April our hotel had Aquafresh Toothpaste. It was even in the room description which was nice because I knew I wouldn't have to pack toothpaste. I'm going to say, it didn't make that much of an impact on me at the time.

But when C and I were kicking it with my parentals last week, they had the Aquafresh and I was really grooving on how clean my mouth felt. Like really clean. And it was lasting a lot longer than my Crest Pro-Health cleanliness feeling.

As fate would have it, we were practically out of toothpaste, which is odd because I buy the toothpaste at Sam's Club so there is usually ample supply. But we were low. And my mom gave me her extra tube because she got a 2 pack. (Maybe they had a coupon? I don't know.)

What I do know, is that Husband is also grooving on the cleanliness of his mouth too. I enjoy saying Aquafresh because it's just a fun word all around. The orange stripe is interesting and something I wasn't expecting because orange toothpaste that still tastes like mint? Plus  it was free ninety nine so that's pretty great too. What I'm saying is I am happy with my toothpaste.

I know the world is all "let's make our own natural toothpaste or just do the oil pulling thing." And that's swell. Really. Enjoy that. I'll be over here with my Aquafresh.

This is totally reading like a sponsored post. Sorry. It really isn't. I just like the toothpaste.

*If the people at Aquafresh see this and feel like throwing something my way I'd take it.*

The Not Exciting Days

Sometimes the days run together. Okay, often times the days run together. Didn't I just do laundry? (Probably.) Has it been enough days since the last time we had Macaroni and Cheese? (Probably Not.) But these are the last few days of this normal.

47 days until the estimated due date. And goodness this baby is going to keep us on our toes. Between several different major players in the equation (Husband, my parents, the doula and someone to watch C while my parents are on the way.) there is no one time that would be particularly convenient for baby girl to show up. Like we get a choice. (Okay I know some people do get a choice for valid reason but none of the valid reasons apply to me at this time.)

Funny enough any and all days work for me. But I am not yet at that point where I just want to be "done." Sure I could live without the heartburn. And I wish that my back didn't hurt so much. But for the most part all of this has been pretty doable. We even got some girl specific clothes so... I mean that's pretty good.

It seems so bizarre that there are so few days left of being just a family of three. In some ways I feel completely unprepared, like we should be doing more. But really, I just feel like savoring the opportunity to do nothing specific. To read the books when C wants to read books. To play train table now while I can devote all time to just playing train table. To go grocery shopping and to Target with only one kid in tow.

To go do anything by myself because soon even that is going to be hard for a while.

So yes, the days seem remarkably similar most of the time. But that's just fine with me. I'll take it.