Are you a member of the Minivan Mafia?

Why do I call it that? Because so many of these Moms in their minivans drive them like they are trying to run you off the road. I have nothing against Moms or minivans. I love being a Mom, and minivans are fine, but I don't drive one, and if I have my way I will not drive one. I've driven (not owned, but driven) minivans, and they have many advantages - decent gas mileage, roomy, easy to drive, can transport a developing nation in the third row, etc. But there's just something about a minivan. Every time I think about owning and driving one, I feel like I should put on my white Keds, Mom jeans and Reindeer sweater, let my roots grow out, and just give UP. In other words, I equate the minivan to losing every part of myself that feels young, hip, attractive or anywhere near to being under 45. I am not criticizing others - I am sure there are many minivan Moms who don't fit in my mental stereotype, but this is the vision I have of myself if I were to get behind the wheel of a minivan. I'm sure there will come a time when Matt and I will have to battle it out over our next form of transportation. Despite the fact that the Honda is still going strong (220,000+miles, thank you very much), we don't foresee the Jetta lasting more than another 3 years (if we are very lucky). And if we have another baby, your basic 4 door sedan is not going to cut it. Any suggestions? Can anyone else relate to my feelings about losing my youthful self in the depths of a Honda Odyssey? I think I am just feeling the effects of another birthday around the corner.

Marshmallow Animals

I LOVE THIS:

http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/look/look-marshmallow-animals-048036 I foresee waking up to marshmallow sculptures on our kiddos' birthdays (although the little lamb would be awesome for Easter).

How's it Going?

It's a simple question, and one I have been answering with the usual "everything is good". Here's the more detailed answer: It's a little crazy! I expected it to be challenging, but after 4 years, I forgot about the grumpiness induced by severe lack of sleep, the inability to get anything done (including completing a shower without hearing him cry), and of course, we are learning the tricks of juggling two instead of one. Malaina is adjusting pretty well, but I think she really feels the loss of attention. We try hard to give her extra loves and attention, but the jealousy flares up occasionally. She does like to hold him and kiss him, but doesn't quite understand how delicate he is. We keep telling her that he will be much more fun in "a little while". We also talk about how much he's going to look up to her and how she needs to lead by example.

Justin is growing and doing well. I'm breastfeeding, and he eats well. We've tried the bottle a few times, and although he takes it without complaint, I'm going to stick with nursing for as long as I can. He is sleeping better at night, and usually goes down between 10:30 or 11, and wakes up just twice before 7 am. We're co-sleeping right now, and everyone is pretty happy with the results. I know this is controversial to some, but it works for us. I feel that not only do I get more sleep this way, but he fusses less at night, and goes back to sleep more quickly. We tried the crib for the first few weeks, and he doesn't hate it, but he definitely fusses more and wakes up more frequently. Justin isn't much of a fusser, and generally only gets grumpy when he's tired at night. He's also taken to the pacifier, and usually uses it to fall asleep at night.

I'm back at work this week, and it's been fairly quiet so far. It's definitely been tough to try and get things done and care for both kids. I forgot how demanding a newborn can be (and we are lucky that Justin is generally a very easy baby), and often don't have dinner ready on time, or laundry caught up. Luckily, Matt and I exist on our own schedules, and we're both taking these new changes day by day. I know it will only get better.

I lost most of the baby weight by the end of week 1 (all but 5 lbs), but still have a squishy tummy. I bought a stability ball, and have been doing some light ab exercises to try and firm things up. As the weather gets better (and less like the windstorm it's been this week), I hope to get out and walk with the kids a few times a week. Our complex also has a small gym, and when the weather gets hot, I want to get into the gym and start using the elliptical and treadmill. Now that my thyroid is stable and my energy is good, I hope that I can finally get rid of the extra weight I've been carrying for the last few years.

In other news: Matt only has about 6 weeks left in his first year of med school! Time has flown (especially since the beginning of the year), and I can hardly believe that year 1 is almost over. I hope we can get away to Chicago for a long weekend this summer, and spend some quality family time at Lincoln Park Zoo and Navy Pier. We're also going to sign Malaina up for swim lessons this summer - gotta keep Mom on the go!

Justin is 4 weeks old today!

Hard to believe it's been a month already. He's grown and changed so much in the last 4 weeks. He's gone from being a tiny infant to a big, strong boy, and I can't imagine the changes that are yet to come. His eyebrows and eyelashes are growing in nicely, and the hair on his head is getting darker and longer (although it's a bit patchy from losing it in spots). His eyes are becoming a lighter shade of blue each day. We don't have a scale at home, so I don't know how much he weighs, but from the size of his baby belly I'd say that he's very healthy. He's sleeping better at night, and I'm getting to know his routine and moods. He's not too much of a crier, but will occasionally give a holler just to remind us that he's here. He likes to spend time in his bouncy chair and will even watch the fish and bubbles while the ocean sounds play. Nicknames: Little J, Tiger, Stinky McStinkerton. Justin, we love you so much, and are so happy that you've made us a family of 4!

Thought for the Week - #32

Listen Carefully: Every collaborator who enters our orbit brings with him or her a world more strange and complex than any we could ever hope to imagine. By listening to the details and the subtlety of their needs, desires, or ambitions, we fold their world onto our own. Neither party will ever be the same.

I generally prefer to be a listener rather than a participator. I'm not a stalker (those days are long over), but I like to watch people and learn from what I see, and listen to what they have to say. I'm also very shy around those I don't know well (not to be mistaken for the aloofness that I generally project), and it's easier for me to listen, watch and learn rather to dive right in and throw out my opinions. I also think I'm not terribly interesting, and I'd rather listen to someone else talk. That's why I love blogging. It gives you a tiny, risk-free window into another world, complete with pictures.

Movies I Can't Wait to See

I like movies, but don't have to be the first in line to see a movie when it premieres in the theaters. The last movie I saw in the theater was Juno (highly recommend it), and I am pretty sure that anything prior to that was something animated. But I am SO excited that 2008 will debut two movies that I have been waiting for. And yes, my calendar is marked for opening weekend on both.
First, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Ok, who doesn't love a little Indy? This 4th movie has been a long time coming, and I am curious to see how well Harrison Ford does as the quintessential adventurer (it's been more than a few years since he donned that fedora and whip). For a girl who loves historical fiction, mystery and a little adventure, Indy is the ideal protagonist: daring, clever, and educated, with a great sense of humor. Plus he's easy on the eyes.
Next, Quantum of Solace - the next Bond flick. Where do I begin? Sean Connery left some very big shoes to fill when he retired from the Bond role, and I was never thrilled with Timothy Dalton or Pierce Brosnan. But Daniel Craig? Oh Daniel, Daniel, Daniel.... I am close to speechless. Casino Royale was nearly perfect. I loved Dame Judy Dench as 'M', there was a good use of technology without being heavy-handed, the storyline was fast-paced and compelling, and of course there's our boy Daniel. Although he's not classically handsome, he is athletic, a little aloof, a quick thinker, and willing to finish what he starts. Plus he's an international spy. M'mm, M'mm good.

New pics

A little tummy time last week
The Weather on Thursday, March 27th. Happy Spring?
Nap time at the Huff house
In his car seat - big surprise, he sleeps better here than he does in his crib. His hair also looks very red/ blonde in this pic.... much like Malaina's did when she was his age.