Learning to drive stick.

We have two cars, one I know how to drive and one I haven't a clue.  In April we bought a Ford Fiesta and my hubby has always wanted a manual car so I said sure.  I figured I would learn, but knew better than to try while I was puking and prego (however we did go out once in my mother-in-law's car in March for a few brief minutes before I puked).  So here we are in July.  I figured it was time to learn. 

Years ago I had driven a stick car once or twice for the fun of it.  I was ok but never really learned much.  Now I might actually need to get to work in this car, yikes!  I have taken the Fiesta out three times now (by myself) in the neighborhood and learned a few things.    

Things that are important to know.  1) Putting the car into first gear when you think it is third sounds bad and I am guessing isn't good for the car.  2) Shift gears without your foot on the gas.  Ryan tells me he mentioned this before my third time out....I think he didn't.  3) When in doubt put the clutch in.  Or pull over.  4) Trying to get going from a stop sign in second gear doesn't work too well.  First gear seems to work better.  5) Turning into the driveway at 20 mph while in second gear with Ryan in the garage causes him gray hair. 

The most comical part occurred last night when I was at a 4 way stop.  There was a car full of teenage (my best guess) boys.  I had my windows rolled down as did they.  They whistled at me and yelled "hey baby."  I laughed and let them go.  This is what I was thinking,  "Um, yeah, what do you want with an almost 30 year old, mother of two who hasn't showered today, got puked on multiple times and yup I'm pretty sure my left breast is now leaking milk".  Go find a nice girl half my age.  Apparently Ryan is right about one thing, I look cute driving his car. 

A clean bill of health!

Yesterday I had my 6 week postpartum check with my OB.  I had seen her 3 other times since Euan was born but this was the last official check.  Two of the other visits were for blood pressure issues and the last time I was there was for mastitis.  This time everything was perfect including my BP which was 118/76!  Yay!!  My doc and her assistant were joking that I'll have to call just to say hi since they are so used to seeing me every other week if not more often. 

It was really really nice to hear everything was good.  That hasn't happened since I was pregnant, something was always off.  It is also quite amazing to me how much better I feel now than I did while I was pregnant.  The other day my mom and I were talking about them being here to help with Fiona while I was pregnant.  Of course now it seems silly to me, taking care of Fiona alone isn't that hard....then I remembered I could barely care for myself more or less a one year old.  It just reminds me how terrible I felt and what a world of difference it is today.  I am still tired like every new mom is, but I will take that any day of the week! 

Soy free, dairy free = Happy Euan!

My Dad kindly reminded me the other day that I've never updated everyone on how Euan has been doing since I've gone to a restricted diet.  So I figured it was time I did and I am so pleased I have good news to report!

Euan "playing" outside!

I've been dairy & soy free for about 3 weeks now.  It has made a very obvious difference in Euan's life.  He is pooping about 6-7 times per day now which is pretty normal and it isn't pure water (sorry for the poopy details but hey, it's my blog).  He is vomiting less, he still has random spit ups but the big vomiting has stopped.  He doesn't want to eat all the time, he cluster feeds sometimes but is able to go a few hours at a crack.  He is so much happier!!  He doesn't cry and have terrible gas anymore.....YAY!  The whole thing makes me smile.  People ask about my being on a restricted diet and seeing the difference in Euan is worth any Taco Bell I could eat.  

Fiona loving life!

I have two kids with food issues.  Big deal.  They are happy and that is all that matters....we will deal with all the food stuff as it comes.  Happy kids make for a happy Mama! 

The best vacation....ever.

Paradise Found

Not sure if anyone has noticed the background picture of the blog or not but it is one of my very favorite pictures.  For those of you with smaller screens you might only be seeing sky so the photo is to the right.  The beach from Kamares, a city on the island of Sifnos, in Greece.  This was taken in September 2008 when Ryan and I were on the best vacation ever. 

Port City of Kamares, Our Home

Why was it the best?  Because it was an actual vacation!  Half the time vacation is full of plans and museums and activities and you come home exhausted.  These vacations are also good and we've done them.  But this was relaxing in every sense of the word.  We spent 9 nights in this little beach town and there was literally NOTHING to do.  Our biggest stressors on this vacation were which of the 3 places open for lunch should we eat at?  Red or white wine with dinner?  Where on the empty beach would you like to put the towel down?  Which book should I read next?  It was heaven on earth.  We had not a care in the world and we loved every second.  I often drift away to the beach and can feel the warm sun on my skin, the sand underneath me and hear the waves crashing.  It is a vivid memory I can easily bring back and it just makes me smile. 

Our last night.

We're going back.  It might be in 20 years but we will get there.  I have no doubt.  It was a magical time filled with nothing really but each other and paradise.  I highly suggest it. 

For more information on Sifnos or Greece please check out Matt Barrett's Guide to Greece.  It's freakishly detailed and a wonderful resource.  Incidentally, we accompanied his mother on our flight back to the states and had a nice conversation with her in the Athens airport.  Small world.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all of the Dad's, Grandpa's, Father's to be and all those men who are the Father figures in someones life!  I am privileged enough to have two phenomenal men on my life that I would like to honor today.  My Dad and my husband.  Both different and yet have some great similarities and qualities! 

My Dad is hands down a great guy.  For those of you who know my Dad, you know he hates that I am even mentioning him....too bad!  It is well deserved.  He would do anything for his kids and he does.  The past year has just showcased every good quality he has.  Selfless.  Caring.  Hard-working.  Loving.  I really could go on and on.  I have seen a lot more of my Dad in the past months than I used to.  I never get sick of him or mad at him.  I really enjoy the time we have together.  We are always chatting about anything from poop (the kids, not ours) to politics.  He is everything a girl could ask for in a Dad and Grandfather.  He holds my hair when I vomit and he changes my kids poopy diapers.  The man is incredible in so many ways.  I am so glad I call him my Dad.  Guys like him don't come around very often, then along came Ryan. 

I've raved about my outstanding husband before, but he is really a phenomenal Dad.  I call him "The Daddyman."  Not exactly sure where that came from but it fits him well.  While he and my Dad have pretty different personalities they share some of those same great qualities.  Watching Ryan interact with the kids is heartwarming.  Fiona lights up when he comes home after hours of saying "Da-da."  I think he lights up a little more though.  I know he would do anything for his kids.  Watching the love grow between him and Euan is priceless.  

Happy Father's Day Dad & Ryan.  I love you both. 

Baby Books: Endearing Memories or Stress Producers

So is it just me or are baby books just around to cause parental anxiety?  I say this for two reasons. 

First of all, Ryan and I did a great job with Fiona's for about the first 2 months.  Then I did an ok job at writing in it but we fell off the wagon when it came to pictures.  Then there were those special pages - first vacations, holidays and such that were just left blank.  Of course when we got pregnant with Euan we knew we had to get hers "done" or at least caught up before he arrived.  So the weekend before Euan arrived Fiona's baby book was done, all the pictures printed and written in as best as we could.  I didn't find this very enjoyable, it actually stressed me out.  I felt like a bad mom for not having it done and was under the gun to get it done. 

Currently I feel guilty about not writing in Euan's.  Well, when I finished Fiona's I did write a few things in his (you know the, "who is your mom" page stuff).  I honestly didn't realize I hadn't written in his since he was born until last week.  There came the Mommy guilt.  I've kept the goodies from the hospital and cards from people to go in it and they are all sitting on top of the book on my dresser.  It is now calling my name and yet I am already behind.  Ahhhh! 

So I am wondering if people actually look at their baby books?  I really would like to know, please tell me!  We have Ryan's and we found it when we were looking for a baby picture of him after Fiona was born.  I don't think I've seen a baby book of mine (sorry Mom if I have and I don't remember it). 

Oh, and I am sure I will finish Euan's as I would feel too bad not to!  Although, I should probably start it first.  Maybe I'll do just that...it is 8:50pm though.  I think I'll go to bed.

Natural Flavors = Frustration

Natural flavors are two words I never thought twice about until I started reading food labels.  Now they drive me crazy.  Excuse me for saying but what the hell is a natural flavor?  I know companies want to keep their secret recipes secret but can't you just tell me what is in your food or beverage so I know if I can eat it?  It is no secret that Fiona has food allergies and I modified my diet while breastfeeding her.  Now of course her diet is different too.  I have again changed my diet for Euan. 

Today I got very irritated with the term natural flavors as I bought some dry roasted sun flower seeds (yup, I take full responsibility for not reading the label in the store, my fault and I will put my guard back up).  I get home, Fiona is sleeping, Euan is sleeping and I go to have a snack.  As I have a handful I look at the label and I roll my eyes and have some choice words as the last ingredient is natural flavors.  I stupidly assumed the one and only ingredient would be sunflower seeds.  Again, I will get my food guard back up and rolling.  

According to Title 21, Section 101, part 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations:
"The term natural flavor or natural flavoring means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional."

So really anything but the kitchen sink.  We got burned by the term natural flavors with Fiona.  The moral of the story is avoid natural flavors and read a label on the next thing you eat - there will probably be some natural flavors. 

One more thing....for those of you who know me, I drink Pepsi.  Last ingredient is natural flavors.  I spoke with multiple people at Pepsi who assure me there is no soy in Pepsi.  We've tested that, they are correct.