Protein

You may remember that MaryP is allergic to peanut butter. Thankfully not scary anapylactic allergic - but just an inconvenient topical rash allergic. The pediatrician thinks the allergy should go away in a few years and we're keeping our fingers crossed. Meanwhile, we haven't been eating a whole lot of peanutbutter sandwhiches around here.

Yesterday we were at Costco when we spotted samples of their Almond butter on cracker. (Don't you just love free samples?!) Anyway, since I already knew MaryP was not allergic to almonds (or any other nuts) we gave it a go. And she LOVED it. Woo-hoo! So of course we had to buy a jar of the stuff. I have to say, I like my processed, sweetend PB better, but the almond butter isn't too bad. Now she can have AB&J and I'm so excited because lets face it, PB, or AB, is a staple for any household. Right?????




As long as we're discussing protein I should mention that Wood and I got a little extra protein today as well. We were eating our oatmeal when Wood stops and starts closely examining his food. A tiny brown bug to be specific. I stopped eating and looked more closely at my bowl. And yeah, the little brown flecks I assumed were from the oats were actually weevils!! Blech. I don't know, between lint and weevils I think I've had enough food excitement for one week, thank you very much.

Gross

MaryP came up to me a few minutes ago saying "Yummmm". At a quick glance I thought she had chocolate around her mouth and I wondered where she'd found a piece of chocolate. Closer inspection, however, revealed that it was not chocolate but black lint around her mouth and on her hands. Gross!! I don't know if there had been a piece of food in there too or not, and I don't think I really want to know. There is a plastic grate that has been loose on the bottom of our refrigerator. She was playing with her magnets and must have gotten it off. The lint underneath was thick and has been collecting for who knows how many years. She'd shoved a bunch of her magnets under there as well. I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised she ate lint seeing as how she also eats dirt if you're not watching her. Maybe there is a deficiency in her diet? I'll have to have Wood see if he can fix the grate tonight before she gets another hankering. Yuck!

"Bring on the Beef" or "Great Expectations"

So lately I have really wanted to eat beef. Lots of it. Not chicken or pork. Beef. Doesn't matter if its jerky, roast, hamburger, or steak.

Also, MaryP has been saying that there is a baby in my belly, her belly, and Dad's belly, or leg or whatever comes to her cute little mind.

I guess what I am beating around the bush trying to say, is that we are expecting a new addition in late September.

I have some morning sickness, but it is much better than with MaryP. Wood thinks it's because it is a boy. I just hope that this is a trend that will continue independent of the child's gender.

Well, there you have it. We're expecting, and we think it's great!

Paying the Piper

Yes, all the heady giddiness at the prospect of getting hand made things from others is almost gone, but I still have something left to fulfill my half of the bargain. So here goes!

---- ATTENTION SHOPPERS ----

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!

My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It’ll be done this year. {translation: you may be waiting a little while}
4. You have no clue what it’s going to be … it may be cards, a poem, a bookmark, something yummy or a complete surprise to you (and me!) … who knows? not you, that’s for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
6. Most importantly, you must offer the same deal on your blog - the first 5 people to comment on your blog (or if you do not have a blog, facebook) get something made by YOU!

The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me …

---- THANK YOU ----

OK, I also have to share a picture of MaryP and her best friend for those that may not jump on this First Five band wagon.

MaryP is learning a lot of new things right now. Among other things she is putting things away, saying many more words, building rudimentary block towers, climbing more than ever, and showing love to most everybody she meets. We were waiting to be seated in Olive Garden the other day, and she saw a girl that was probably 3 years old. She just walked up to her and gave her the biggest, gentlest hug. Then she did it again about 3 minutes later, as well as hugging the girl's little brother. She is very good about showing love to others and being gentle (most of the time). She is a real cutie pie. I'm glad she has friends to play with and that she enjoys being with them.