Blah blah blah log

My own mom called me yesterday. She had a confession. She confessed to me that she has an addiction, one that she has not been able to satisfy for 16 days (17 days today). She is a junkie of my blog. And everyday she logs onto her computer to check for updates. Well, before she brought it to my attention, I hadn't even realized that I haven't blogged in that long. And she is having serious withdrawal.

Being so far from family and friends, I forget that my daily routine can be kind of exciting. That the new little things that the little man does are new. But, sometimes I just get tired of hearing myself talk. While thinking about this, I came to the conclusion that "blog" is actually a combination of the words blah blah blah and log. Nonetheless, I will try with due diligence to blah blah log more frequently.

Here goes....

... thinking to myself... What to talk about? Oh, baby J (can anyone think of a better nickname for my little man? He isn't really a baby anymore, but toddler J sounds strange. And I am already acquainted with another blogger who calls her little guy "the toddler". Suggestions would be appreciated.)

Where was I? Oh, baby J and a friend of ours, Tony, were sitting together reading a book last Monday. Tony did the reading and baby J turned the pages. After papa and Tony left for work, I overheard baby J talking in his bedroom. Granted, he doesn't say many words yet, but he says a lot. When I peeked in on him, there he sat on the floor with a book on his lap. He was turning the pages and pointing at the words. As he was pointing, he was saying "this this that this this that this this that". I'm so glad that I have an avid reader already!

Quiet moments in the bathroom.

Picture it...

A hectic day finally resolves to a beautiful afternoon at home. Baby J calmly Swiffers the floors. (BTW- kids love Swiffers and they're great because the play and clean simulataneously).

I decide to use the moment to "powder my nose" (for the genuinely naive, I wasn't powdering, I was peeing). I hear a jiggle of the door handle.

The next thing I see is an eager little boy Swiffering away in the bathroom. Peaceful bathroom moments no more.

Can you find the hidden dairy?

Whenever we have a sleep setback, I immediately examine baby J and my diets. And I am usually right. So, here are some of my surprising findings over the past few months. Remember, dairy doesn't have to be listed as an allergen on food labels and is often disguised as "filler" or "flavoring". The only way to know for sure is to call a food manufacturer.

Having a child with food allergies makes a parent very alert of ingredients and food labels. In the list below, can you detect which seven (7) contain dairy?

Gorton's Fish Sticks
Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon
Dinty Moore Beef Stew
McDonald's French Fries
Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup
Veggie Slices brand Cheese Food Alternative
Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs
Johnsonville Bratwurst
Frito Corn Chips
Rice-A-Roni Chicken Rice
Imperial Margarine
Int'l Delight Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer
Barilla Spaghetti Noodles

Ready for the shocking surprise?
Gorton's Fish Sticks- as well as most products dipped in batter
McDonald's French Fries- dipped in a milk bath prior to frying; similar process with most fast food restaurants
Veggie Slices brand Cheese Food Alternative
Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs- most hot dogs contain a dairy powder filler; only one that doesn't is Hebrew National. Any meat product marked kosher will be 100% dairy-free according to ancient Jewish tradition
Johnsonville Bratwurst- same as hot dogs and most sausage products, including Italian and Polish sausages
Imperial Margarine contains sweet cream. The only butter substitue I have found is Smart Balance Light (labeled Vegan).
Int'l Delight Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer

The lesson, read labels in detail, especially when allergies are involved.

Every time papa leaves his seat on the sofa...

... Baby J takes his space, and the remote. Boys are born boys!

You can dress 'em up...

... but you can't take 'em out.

In anticipation of one of our annual Bible conventions, I purchased baby J this suit. I was so excited because it just seemed so classic. The little tie has grey sailboats on it. When I dressed him in it, I couldn't get over how adorable he looked, my little guy. But recently, I have found that the best way to stave off the morning meltdown is to give him a pair of shoes to wear. I handed him his little beige wingtips to play with. Guess what he decided he wanted instead?!? As is evident by the photo, his black Batman snow boots. I can list at least 5 ways that these were so wrong for the outfit- # 1) black, # 2) rubber, # 3) Batman, # 4) it was nearly 50 degrees outside, and, of course, # 5) not what I would've picked out.

But he was content for the entire one-hour commute. Hopefully, he eventually outgrows the uncoordinated phase. Until then, at least we can halt a meltdown as easily as giving him a pair of Batman boots.

Anyone know the Recommended Daily Value for Crayola?

Baby J loves to color...

... but he seems to have a greater effect on the color of his face than he does on the paper. Looking forward to more green poop. It's like having a newborn infant all over again.

Good, clean fun.

Some parents have to fight with their children to take baths. Others (myself included) can't convince them when it's over. He's been playing contentedly in an empty bathtub for 10 minutes now. Good, clean fun, in my opinion.