The Suite Spot

Thursday Thoughts

2012-01-19T09:46:00.005-07:00

I may not have 'flow' in motherhood. But I've got pretty awesome kids.

Also "Nix the Pancake Mix" is up, and on the Make and Takes website....yes, this month's Sustainable Living challenge has to do with being your own Betty Crocker and giving up the transfats, HFCS, or whatever else can be found in your breakfast batter mixes. Check it out.

Zoë turned Six-Weeks yesterday. Her update is HERE.

Holden turns three in less than two weeks... that is called craziness, and also possibly 'monkeys jumping on the bed.'

I didn't take these pictures btw. Allison Davis did...and I am so thankful for the moments she captured.

Six Week Zoë Update

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

The way you do the things you do:

Your little coo's and smiles that are starting and becoming more frequent
How you snort when you get really hungry and are nursing (thank you for being a good nurser!!!!)
A hairline that resembles your fathers, though your skin coloring is more like mine (my Mom says I was a very pink baby - for the record, Holden was clear.) Also, you have your brothers eyes, which makes you look similar -- but you are the prettier, more feminine -Mexican version of him.
Already 12 pounds! A week and a half in newborn sized clothing, 4 weeks in 0-3 mo. clothing and we're just starting in on the 3-6 mo tops! (Your legs are still 0-3, thankfully!)
Sleep, sleep, sleep... you are such a good sleeper. I credit your disposition and that we embraced co-sleeping and rooming-in with you from the beginning. (Seriously, at least one 4 - 6 hr stretch a night... this is MONEY!)
Your cry -- it doesn't happen often, but it breaks my heart when you're in the car and it happens, because I know something's wrong.
The rolls & chub on your legs - I love it. I want to squeeze it all the time...it's more precious than diamonds.
Either you're not great at burping, or I am not a good burper -- but either way, we are not a fabulous team at this.

Zoë, I love you so much. I love that we share a name, and that the umlaut at the end of Zoë looks like a crown. I love that you are gorgeous when you sleep -- seriously, sometimes I can't stop starring at you. I love that your brother sees you and says "It's so toot, Mommy." And that he already loves you. I love that our family feels complete with you, and that I have a special friend. I love that you took a bottle from your Daddy yesterday (that makes two total!) You could've shattered his confidence (seriously, he was worried about the rejection), but you did fabulously!

I love your birth story.

I love to tell it.

I love that you came on your own terms, and not a minute too late!

I love that we are an eternal family, and that we have so many adventures ahead of us.

Happy Six-Weeks-old Day, Zoë. We're glad you're here.

Zoë's Birth Story!!!!

2012-01-15T14:36:00.004-07:00

I finally did it! I finally got Zoë's Birth Story written for her, and me ... and you, if you're interested. It can be found here. Hard to believe she'll be six-weeks this Wednesday. Should you chose to partake in the novella, I hope you enjoy hearing about our journey.

Breasts

2012-01-05T14:48:00.005-07:00

Now that I've got your attention, a few thoughts on mine (and other motherly issues):

I visited the Lactation Station today to pick up some nursing/pumping supplies and they gave me a handout, where I read that "women who are breastfeeding one baby normally make between 19 to 30 oz of milk each day." That means that right now, my bosoms apparently think they're feeding twins.... (no seriously, Zoë's eating well and gaining weight, and I'm still pumping an extra 15 - 20 ounces a day just for relief --and because I got Mastitis over the holiday-- but who wants to hear about that? Eeek.)

I should be writing Zoë's birth story, right now... or taking a nap while both my little ones are asleep (we often, ok usually, enjoy family naptime from 1 - 3 or so at the Mangum casa. SCORE!). But instead I have these random thoughts I feel like I need to get out of my head. (**Editor's note: about two seconds after I wrote this, Zoë woke up...of course.**)

Today we crossed that threshold...that scary reality of firsts that eventually had to happen: Running errands as a threesome. That's right: me, Cito and Baby Z hit Smith's Marketplace and the Boob-Store (see above) without Danny, or my Mom or anyone else to help endure the possible storm that I was sure would come. Actually, Holden totally cooperated and Zoë spent most of the time asleep in the sling...expect the worst, hope for the best ... I guess. The one downside being that Zoë had worked herself into some semblance of an awesome little schedule that has been providing me about 7 hours of sleep at night (and often a power nap during the day)... I hope I didn't ruin her.

You know how when people are pregnant, or going to become parents, or having another kid and you ask them "Do you want a boy or a girl?" and they say "I really don't care," they may be telling the truth... but I wasn't. I TOTALLY wanted a girl for this round, for multiple reasons. Danny and I said we're done if it was a girl. Plus, as darling as boy clothes are, I wanted a girl to dress her up in cute feminine clothes, have someone to get mani-pedis with, and have the relationship with like I have with my Mom... Plus (and here's one of the biggest reasons): I did not want to deal with the morality or emotional taxing that came with the circumcision debate/choice. So while I said I didn't care, it was mostly because I didn't want to scar my future offspring by vocalizing perchance I'd wish they were a different sex...Oh and I really wanted to give my daughter the middle name "Suite" just like her two other female cousins; and though Danny said if we had a Zeke he could have Suite as him middle name, I really preferred the sound of Zoë Suite Mangum to Zeke Suite Mangum.

I wonder how many times in her life my daughter will be called Zo Suit Mag-num. I'm betting a lot....

And yes, I'll get to the birth story... goal is the 7th for her 1 month anniversary. And pictures... yes, more pictures...

Photo courtesy of this place....

Resolutions?

2012-01-04T14:17:00.001-07:00

This year I'm not setting a goal to eat less treats, lose weight, or never get mad at my 2yo when his ears aren't working (his ears have been broken a lot more lately- why else wouldn't he mind?)

I'm not going to set a goal to run a marathon (though it could happen) or have Holden diaper free by three (the kid knows how to use the potty and has for sometime- when he ultimately decides underoos are cool is his choice, not mine.)

But I am setting intentions this year;

It is my intention to nurse Zoe through the year (and then evaluate). My milk supply, her needs (physically and emotionally) will take precedence over my desire to again run longer distances or fit back into a size 6 (Though I must say the weight seems to be working itself off much easier with her than with Holden... Maybe it's a breastfeeding verses pumping thing?)

It is my intention to soak up her babyhood. To not be overlyzealous for 'firsts' and let her readiness direct developmental achievements. To savor this special time I will NEVER get again.

It is my intention to be kinder to my husband... To remind myself constantly why we fell in love and treat him the way I did before two kids a mortgage and grown up things got in the way of our giddy-splendid-love affair.

It is my intention to be more spiritually minded.

It is my intention to practice more yoga this year- on my mat, not just in my heart.

And it is my intention to write a best-selling novel so that I can FINALLY afford buy a pair of Manolo Blaniks and have a personal shopper at Nordstrom.

Obviously this list-like me- is a work in progress.

"It's almost Christmas Eve!!!"

2011-12-23T15:41:00.003-07:00

I don't know where Holden figured out this phrase, but he keeps saying it with delight: "It's almost Christmas Eve." In other Holiday Cheer news, when asked why we celebrate Christmas his response is: "Is Jesus' birthday."

As of this minute, he is walking around around the house saying: "Merry Chrismas Daddy." I love that little guy.

Zoë is rockin' the casbah as a baby.

She is serious so easy (comparatively speaking.) Granted, outside of my parents I haven't made the trek with boy kiddos without help, but the nights and days at home are immeasurably easier with her than they were with Little Bits. I think it's because she's such a good nurser AND I am not pumping every two hours to bottle feed... plus she sleeps consistently at night with a good 4 hour stretch (last couple of nights it was 5 1/2 and 6 hours). And yes, I know you're not 'supposed' to let a newborn sleep more than four hours, but she is over 9 lbs and had gained her birth-weight plus almost an entire pound by the 2 weeks mark... this baby is getting plenty of nourishment (and I am just supplemental pumping to make sure I remain BESSIE the MILKBEAST).

Holden as an almost 3-yr old plus Zoë as a newborn (post VBAC) is soooo much easier than being a brand new mom with Holden as a newborn post cesarean. I seriously kind of feel like a functioning member of society... as opposed to an angst ridden hermit.

Just in time for the holidays!!!!

Of course it's a GREEN Christmas...

2011-12-18T10:20:00.006-07:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Many of you probably saw the link on Facebook, but my Monthly article for Make & Takes was featured on Thursday. You can check it out HERE. It showcases some green ideas you can still implement, like my favorite way to wrap presents (presents for my sis-and-bro-in-law below), and also touches on the GREAT CHRISTMAS TREE DEBATE.

Additionally, I thought I'd include a couple of pictures of Holden at the BReakfast with Santa event at Discovery Gateway. Last year Santa kind of freaked him out. This year he ran up to him, kept following him around and asked a few times if he wanted to eat with us. I keep trying to refer to him as "The Spirit of Santa" (yes I believe). But I don't want him to be devastated when he learns the guy doesn't actually come down the chimney and deliver presents. That said, I told Holden at one point that Santa doesn't actually come down our chimney, but he was emphatic that he did. I didn't force the issue or the debate. (I mean seriously, what kind of a crazy person would try to debate with a two year old?!?!? Remind me I said that, how easily I forget!)

But I was honest (though I was always raised to believe if you DON'T believe in the Spirit of Santa, he DOESN'T bring you presents--which is a good compromise I think). Truthfully I'm really glad Holden believes in the magic... it makes it easier for me. Hey, the kid is going to believe what he's going to believe - and I am thankful for it!

A Week Ago Today...

2011-12-14T12:01:00.005-07:00

Zoë Suite Mangum

joined our family. (Yes, no hypen.)

21 hours of labor that lead to

8 pounds 6 ounces and 20 inches of perfection

Birth Story Details to come....

Baby on the Way

2011-12-06T06:41:00.003-07:00

It's Tuesday morning and I've been up since before four. (This happens to me a few nights a week. Maybe it's practice for late-night/early-morning nursing?) Danny and Holden tucked me in last night at nine -- I had a bad case of 42 WEEKS PREGNANT!

Part of me is wondering how I've lasted this long. This morning my skin feels tight and puffy, like I've been on an international flight to Tokyo or something -- seated in coach.

I keep getting friendly texts: "Any baby yet?" or my favorite "How's your cervix?" (Favorable, as far as we can tell... thank you for asking.) I get the feeling I'm not the only person anxious for this kid to make their debut on the outside.

My sister said that when people ask her if I've had my baby yet, she responds "What baby? I don't even think she's pregnant -- she just got fat." But it does kind of feel that way. With the advances in modern medicine, who really waits this long outside of women living in Ghana and those crazy hippies that eat their own placenta after L&D?

But I guess I do. And as much as I was riding the "whoa-is-me misery pregnancy train" last night, I am honestly so thankful for this extra time for my body to get ready for tomorrow's 7:30 am induction (unless by some miracle Baby Z decides today is the big day).

Yesterday the hospital called and the poor guy on the other end said he was calling about my "surgery on Wednesday."

"Oh you've misunderstood," I corrected him. "I'm not have surgery. I'm having a baby." Talk about killing the messenger.

"I'm so sorry," he said. But I just kind of laughed and told him I was "planning on a physiological process (aided by induction.)" He kind of laughed too... possibly thinking "Maybe she doesn't need surgery....but just to be committed."

While I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being nervous about being induced -- I'm in a such a better place this time around. As far as we can tell, all indications are that my body is really preparing for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). I won't go into details -- but my "Bishop's Score" is teetering between 8 & 9 which is a good indication induction will be successful (apparently it's also an indication one could go into labor at anytime, but hospital policy dictates induction at 42 weeks (and I feel like I'm already getting 42-weeks and 5 days since their going by the ultrasound instead of my last menstrual cycle). So yes, actually, that would make me just 2 days shy of 43 weeks... isn't that CRAZY?

I had a Non Stress Test yesterday... the baby looked perfect. Plenty of fluid still, heart rate normal, moving around and having the right number of 'accelerations." It was reassuring.

That said, a few last words for Baby Z in utero.

Hi Baby,

I am excited to meet you. You've been so busy in there. I feel you moving and communicating, and I hope you know you are already so loved. We have had so many scares with you -- it's kind of ironic that yesterday you passed your NST with flying colors. It was like all of the sudden you were telling us: "Hey, I'm fine... in fact I'm better than fine. I could stay in here a few more weeks."

But the truth is Z - we really want you to join us. (And not just because Mommy's getting a bit uncomfortable -- UNDERSTATEMENT). We know you're already a part of our family; and it feels like life is on hold until you get here. Yes, there's always plenty to do (I mean, yes, I could get another spray tan, or clean out some junk drawers, or take up knitting--scratch that last one)...but we need you here.

I can't fully describe it -- but now that it's so close for you to join us, it just seems like our family is missing someone.

I promise to love and cherish you.

I promise to protect you.

I promise to do everything I can to get you here smoothly... but you're going to have to cooperate too Baby Z. It's time to come.

I don't know how else to express that to you. I do believe we chose how we come into this world (your brother did not get the chance to hang out as long as you, obviously). I was younger and I thought I was prepared, and I did my best... but at the same time I feel like I failed him. But I know differently this time, Baby Z. I've tried so hard to balance the safest and best outcome for both of us... but we have to work together.

As your mother, and someone who loves and cares about you, already more than you already know, I am pleading with you to help me do this the best way possible tomorrow. Yes, I am scared. And I wish my faith was more powerful -- powerful enough to protect us both... and maybe it is. But I had to learn with your brother that I am not in control -- and I am still learning that lesson but I am trying.

Thank you for coming into our family. I am so excited to see you face to face. Hopefully it won't be too long...

Your loving mother

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (12/1/11): Still Pushing Along (but wish I was actually "pushing!")

2011-12-01T15:06:00.005-07:00

I guess since I didn't get all 30 days accounted for in November, there's no harm in continuing into December, eh?

OK, the biggest thing that I am thankful for right now is that everything in the pregnancy has mellowed out; and Baby Z looks fine and all indications are healthy at this point. It's kind of crazy to think by my lunar cycle calculations I am 42 weeks tomorrow... that is a long time for being pregnant (in case you didn't know).

Thankfully, I've got a very involved Midwife, and the staff at the U is taking great care of me. As I've mentioned before, we're using the Early Ultrasound Dating as the due date for this baby; so by those calculations, December 7 is the cut off date for Baby Z to cook any longer (that would be the 42 week mark). I swear this kid is going to born with inch long fingernails... and who knows how big?!?!? Though truthfully I don't feel like I have a 9 or 10 pound baby inside me.

As far as gender, I've had two dreams it's a girl, but I'm still leaning towards a boy... I don't really know why. Maybe because 90% of the medical staff refers to Baby Z as a boy? Maybe because that's just what I know?

Anyway, here are some great things about Baby Z and this pregnancy:

No longer posterior. Huzzah! One less thing to worry about.
80% effaced and dilated to a 2.
Amniotic Fluid levels are normal -- still.

Funny thing about the fluid. There was so much worry with the Polyhydramnios and all the extra fluid; but I'm thinking it was just my body's way of preparing for a 10 month pregnancy. Anything measuring "5" and over is apparently considered normal fluid levels at this point, and I measured 11 today and 15 on Monday. With that kind of drop, I fear if I would've started out normal, I may have been too low by this point and most likely have been induced weeks ago (and probably ended up in the OR again).

So see, everything happens for a reason...

Which is why I'm practicing my patience (though it is soooo hard! I am so anxious and excited for this baby to get here! UGH!!!!) But I really want to give my body every chance with this labor and delivery... maybe this is too much information, but I got my membranes stripped today to see if my body was in fact ready and just needing a little help. Seemed a lot more 'natural' than pitocin. It felt like an appropriate decision. Hopefully something good comes from it.

As always, your prayers and positive energy are greatly appreciated.

Come on Baby Z... let's get an exit strategy going SOON!

Image from http://blog.tnsemployeeinsights.com/?cat=79

30 days of Thanksgiving: (11/28/11): Baby Z Update

2011-11-28T21:23:00.004-07:00

OK, no baby -- yet...

But progress people!!! THat's what we've got. We are 70% effaced and at a 1.5 (OH YEAH! That's a whole half a point from last week...I'm surprised this baby just hasn't fallen out of me today.)

The non-stress test for this week looked fine (Baby Z passed!), and my amniotic fluid is normal...again. Huzzah.

I recognize I've been a little quiet lately, but the stomach flu hit our house with a vengeance. First Holden -- for 24 hours; then about 12 hours later....Danny. He took the 24 hour cycle, lost about 12 pounds and 12 hours following him I got my chance at greatness. (I can't think of a way to explain it without being vulgar or sharing details that may in fact pass on symptoms of the stomach flu directly to you.)

So let's just say my stomach was churning and heaving and convulsing and I lost 6 pounds over the weekend. I had high hopes the cramping in my stomach would start some contractions and send me into labor, and it definitely brought some on, but nothing stuck (including any Thanksgiving leftovers I had partaken in earlier on Friday for lunch.)

The good news was, I woke up Sunday morning without cankles and no longer feeling bloated. Totally awesome.

Who gets that kind of a gift in their pregnancy past 40 weeks? See, every cloud has a silver lining.

Image from http://olaabdolhai.blogspot.com

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/22/11): My Mom

2011-11-22T20:34:00.004-07:00

"Mama Suite" with a few of her Grandchildren

Today I'm super grateful for my Mom. She (and Danny's mom) have been so helpful with taking care of Holden.

This morning my poor little guy woke up at 5am throwing up... and continued to do so until this afternoon. I spent time this morning at the Chiropractor's office trying to get this baby turned (s/he is currently posterior) and my mom sat with him and cleaned up after him when he threw up all over our couch, and then again... and washed the dirty blankets and sheets.

She has so much going on, but has helped me so much. I just want to keep this short and sweet and tell her I love her.

Thanks Mom.

(PS. I'm not really sure what's going on with Holden's immunity system lately...flu, croup. I wonder if the stress of Baby Z coming is getting to him?)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/21/11): More Good News Baby Z

2011-11-21T20:43:00.003-07:00

Embracing the Early Ultrasound due date of November 23rd, I approached my (almost) 40-week appointment with a little trepidation today. I still hadn't been 'checked' -- operating under the impression that no news was good news.

As you may recall, with Holden after my induction started and we had undergone about 18 hours of intervention, I was dilated to a 1.5 and still not effaced...so I really didn't want to hear that I wasn't progressing.

When the nurse asked if I wanted to be checked, I responded "not really"...but figured I'd leave it up to my midwife (Lisa).

"I think we should check you," Lisa said.

And guess what?

I'm 50% effaced and dilated to a ONE!

Now I recognize for some, that would be seriously sobering news. But for me, it was such welcome news I started crying and hugged my Midwife.To me, it said "Guess what Sabrena, your body IS capable of doing this. You're not broken. To top it all off, my NST and today's "mini-ultrasound" showed for nearly the 3rd week in a row my amniotic fluid levels are normal.

OK, sure Baby Z is still posterior, but I have every confidence in the world that Baby Z and my body will find a way to work that out too (the fact that I'm going to a Chiropractor for the "Webster Method" on Lisa's recommendation doesn't hurt, either).

Friends, you're prayers and positive energy is SERIOUSLY working.... keep it coming.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/20/11): The List

2011-11-20T20:21:00.005-07:00

Since it's Sunday I just wanted to write a little bit about Holden and church and religion and spirituality.

I love it when he prays. It's usually the same prayer, but it goes like this:

"Thankful for Jesus Christ, and prophet and Holy Ghost. Name of Jesus Christ A-men!"

And when we drive past church he always tells me that "Jesus Christ, and Prophet and Holy Ghost help us." He loves to go to church -- especially nursery. He's got an amazing teacher who teaches him so much. I know she loves him, and it's obvious that he adores and loves her.

That's all for now -- I'll return to my regularly scheduled "snarkiness" tomorrow... or later.

PS. For those of you wondering about the 'progress' on Baby Z's arrival... well that makes two of us. The 18th has obviously come and gone (my "Estimated 40-week Due Date" based on my lunar cycle); so now we embrace the 23rd (the estimated due date based on the early ultrasound). Prayers are welcome... positive birthing energy encourage! (But let's be honest, I may have a super comfy womb, I know this baby will come when the time is right.)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/19/11): My Favorite Wild Thing

2011-11-19T15:28:00.003-07:00

Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak

The reason Holden does not look up is because he's simultaneously playing some bubble game on my iPhone. The kid's a multi-tasker. I especially love having him 'read' this story to me. But doing it from memory is pretty dang impressive.

Let the WILD RUMPUS START!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/18/11): Spray Tan Spectacular

2011-11-18T22:25:00.007-07:00

So I don't know if I'm really thankful for this next bit, but I feel it bears sharing...albeit not too many of the details.

Well, I'll just jump right in, as I can't find an easy way to transition into this one.

Last night I got a spray tan -- well, an airbrush "tan" from Electric Beach. My intent was a quick Mystic, but the airbrush was just $5 more and I got suckered into the idea that it was better coverage and more equal, etc etc.

The difference is that instead of being administered by a machine, it's a girl that sprays you...and you're naked. Awesome, because if there's one thing my 180-lb body (yes, you read that right) enjoys being right now is naked, especially in front of people.

Why would I do such a thing:

Vanity?

Masocism?

Temporary Insanity?

D - all of the above? Hmmmm, most likely.

I joked that I wanted to get a spray tan before the baby came (and a pedicure, and a little waxing done)...part of it was for Saturday Date night, but I think another part of it was to 'feel pretty' in Labor & Delivery.... it doesn't really make sense, unless of course you take into account that with my last child I ended up looking like this:

So yes, I'd say it's fair I'd like to avoid looking (and feeling) like that again.

So let me just give you the round-up of the high points of last night's tanning excursion, and I'll reiterate:

Giant 180 pound pregnant female naked in a rom with bright lights...

The girl/administrator instructs me to put barrier cream (lotion like substance) on my feet and hands..."What about elbows?" I ask. "Oh only if they're really dry." She responds. Lady, I'm pregnant. I think to myself. My body is like the mojave desert.

So the barrier cream...I'm at the point where "slip on" shoes are about my only option, and bending over is not really in the cards right now... and trying to balance on one leg to lotion my feet was about as accessible as my size 6 jeans currently being held in storage in my basement, with no real anticipated date of retrieval.

Then they have you stand on this pedestal-like stage, to emphasize EVERYTHING... the good and the bad (there's only bad at this point).

One of my faves was the sweet girl saying: "I hope when I'm pregnant I have a giant belly like you." Awesome.

I had no choice but to give into the ridiculousness of it all, and so I asked her if she wanted to give me a six pack.

She didn't.

Let's have a safe -- and pretty-- birthing my friends.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/17/11): Green Thanksgiving ideas

2011-11-17T08:00:00.002-07:00

Today I'm grateful for Green Thanksgiving ideas.

I've put together a few sites and thoughts on the subject to check out

for my monthly bit at Make and Takes.

"SAVING THE PLANET ONE TURKEY SANDWICH AT A TIME"

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/16/11):Brothers in Law

2011-11-16T18:46:00.004-07:00

Or Brother in Laws? (Pretty sure it's Brothers-in-Law).

Either way, I have the best of them. Today I'm honoring the two married to my sisters because Dave (Cicely's husband) is celebrating his 30th birthday today, and Wade (and Cassandra) are celebrating 13 years of marriage today.

Cicely and Dave at our Wedding Reception, August 4, 2006

The Smith's: Max, Wade, Cassandra & Tatum

August 4, 2006

I am grateful to both of them for loving my sisters, and putting up with our crazy insane family.

PS. Last year when I posted about them, apparently I used the exact same photos. Guess I need to update my photo bank.

30 days of Thanksgiving: (11/15/11):Nesting

2011-11-15T20:54:00.005-07:00

I'm not a huge fan of blogs that go on and on about homemaking accomplishments -- maybe just because I am jealous I'm not more productive most of the time. Problem is, if I am super 'productive' in home-making, it most likely means my child-making has suffered (i.e. Holden and PBS Kids have spent more than "quality time" together.)

But in my efforts to get things ready for Baby Z, I've been working on the following projects the last few weeks... crazy fanatical homemaker, or just normal "nesting"? Hmmm, you decide:

Canning:

Bottled Plum jam totaling more than 22 cups of preserves
Salsa, sweet and sour sauce, BBQ sauce and spaghetti sauce from more than 70 pounds of tomatoes, 25 pounds of onions and 25 lbs of apples (obviously the red delicious were not used for spaghetti sauce).
Apple sauce bottled and frozen (ready for baby food!)

Apple and cherry pie from scratch, baked and frozen for Thanksgiving.

Veggie Lasagna and Chicken pot pie assembled... ready to thaw and bake (so I don't have to!)

Christmas presents purchased and wrapped (well, not all of them... but about 70% complete!)

Christmas card envelopes addressed, picture collages ordered and picked up, letter written: just waiting to be stuffed and mailed.

Four IKEA drapes hemmed (that means a sewing machine wasn't involved...but way to much bending over was.) Still have four more to go, but not really sure if my lower back can take on the rest of this project.

A Gallon of home-made granola so we have some cereal in this house (man, someday I really wish I just bought a box of Frosted Flakes and called it good!)

Six dozen "Monster Toot-ies" for the nurses, doula/s, midwife/s and hospital staff for labor (Holden has named our signature oatmeal, chocolate chip-sometimes featuring coconut- cookies Monster Cookies). I'm thinking some carrot sticks and hummus would be a delightful addition.

OK, so enough of the list... Baby Z, this is what we've done instead of repainting a nursery or remodeling a kitchen. I feel like this is a much better deal.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/14/11): good news!

2011-11-14T16:27:00.004-07:00

Today I am so thankful for good news!

Last night I woke up in the middle of the night literally thinking Baby Z had just dropped...I could no longer feel him (her?) under my rib cage. I tried not to get too excited about it...but my Midwife verified today that the baby did appear to be lower.

She also mentioned that I looked smaller.... that my belly didn't looks as big, and when she measured I was back down to 37 weeks which made her think my amniotic fluid levels might have gone down (maybe to normal?!?!?)

I was also informed that Baby Z is currently posterior, but she gave me some things to do to get the baby in the right position (pretty much yoga poses so it's not going to be that big of a deal for me)... so I am not real worried about that piece. (I mean considering the things we've had to worry about, that's nothing!!!

After my midwife appointment I had another NST scheduled (Non-stress test) and they checked my fluid levels and for the first time in months I was measuring.....NORMAL!!!!! YEY! And Baby Z had plenty of movement... the nurse said Baby looks great. I am so happy to have some good news and see some 'progress.'

Not that it's up to me, but Saturday would be a really great day to have this baby: My doula just got called to jury duty until Thursday and my Midwife is already on-call Saturday... so I figure not only does that work best with their schedules, but it gives me time to finish getting Holiday Cards addressed & mailed, get a pedi (seriously, maybe a spray-tan? I mean, "if you can't tone it, tan it")... watch the Utes play (labor through the game), check into the hospital that evening and amongst lavender scented oil and Indian Chanting music in the background, let Baby Z fall out of me in a beautiful peaceful/orgasmic birth.

Don't you think that sounds perfect? yeah, me too... let's go with that game plan. :)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/13/11): Danny

2011-11-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

I don't want this to get too sappy. But this weekend I was especially grateful for Danny. Not only did he let me get caught up on some much needed shut-eye Sunday morning by keeping Holden entertained, he somehow managed to cross off a "To-Do" list from Hades (or his wife, kind of the same):

Weather stripping doors,
loads of washing and folding laundry,
Taking care of Holden,
Vacuuming
etc, etc.

The man's a saint. (I don't tell him enough...so I'll just do it publicly and pretend it makes up for it.)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/12/11):The Blessingway

2011-11-12T21:37:00.002-07:00

Today was an amazingly spiritual day...and not just because the Utes chalked up their third Pac-12 win.

I was given an amazing gift today -- a BlessingWay for me and Baby Z by my dear friend Hot Courtney. (You may remember her from posts such as Bounce House Demise or mentions in "Intro to Pole" and "Starts with Baseball, Ends with Alpaca.") Courtney is a fun, spiritual and uplifting woman who I am so blessed to have as a friend. After attending a BlessingWay for a friend, she offered to host one for me, and I couldn't be more grateful.

So just as background, Blessingways come in many forms... my understanding is that they originate from the Navajo culture and have been adapted over years.

An awesome quote from Birthbeads.com:

"It is a very positive ritual, affirming that a woman will have a natural and beautiful birth experience. The ceremony marks a woman's rite of passage. It is a ceremony of empowerment near the time of birthing. Within a circle of friends in a quiet, gentle, spiritual ceremony, those attending will celebrate sisterhood, welcome a new baby to earth and honor mother, birth life and rebirth."

There are many different rituals/experiences/etc that can be used for a Blessingway - from changing the mother to be's hair, to feet washing (or pedicures), chanting, painting henna on mom's belly, etc.

We opted for a Bead/Necklace ceremony.

Courtney had brought a beautiful quote about motherhood and divinity, and then told everyone to share about why they brought their bead and share any positive thoughts about natural childbirth/positive wishes they had for me in my birthing adventure.

We started with me sharing my feelings about Natural Childbirth and why I had chosen this path... and I totally got all emotional talking about my wishes for Holden's birth, and how it didn't work out exactly how I wanted... but that this is something I had desired for as long as I could remember; even before I was old enough to know what an epidural even was.

And then we went around the room and these amazing women -- awesome friends and family members of mine -- took time to share with me their souls as well. I felt so loved and supported. Everyone one should get the opportunity to hear such positive things and feel so adored. It was like I had been Eulogized, but instead of listening in on my own Funeral, we were celebrating a new life joining us.

It was so intimate and spiritual that I almost feel protective of the experience. Like I ought not just throw it out to the blogosphere (I know, this coming from the girl who blogs about sex with her husband....but I guess even I have my limits.)

So now I have this awesome necklace with these charms and beads that I can wear at and during labor to remind me of the strength of women in my life... to remember how supported I am and that they believe in me and that I can do it.

I really feel like the Lord's hand is in this birth -- and yes, I can spew the Sunday School answer that "His hand is in everything." But whereas I may not feel as connected to Baby Z as I did with Holden in utero, I feel like I have more faith in God for this birth experience and His will.

I know that will make the difference -- wherever it leads us. I have such peace about Birth Experience. And while I am continually trying to let go of expectations, I feel so much more open to possibilities and experience this time around.

Thank you to Courtney and these amazing women for helping me understand that today.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/11/11): Modern Medicine

2011-11-11T16:00:00.003-07:00

Wednesday night, and all day yesterday Holden was running a fever... I don't know exactly what degree it hit; but he was definitely warm and his feet were hot (which after more than 2 1/2 years with this kid I know how to tell if he's got a temp.) We took it easy yesterday (which was good for me as my body could use some down time); I addressed Holiday Card envelopes in bed while he watched shows, we both napped and then he hung out at this grandma's while I taught yoga yesterday evening.

His voice was kind of groggy by nightfall; and at about midnight the seal cough came in... me with my wishful thinking was hoping it was not croup. But by this morning it was pretty apparent that's exactly what it was.

Even though he woke up joyful at 6:45 turning to me and saying" "Mommy, I pay wiff my toys." And created this awesome Robot with his blocks:
Here he is showing it off and giving it the reverence it deserves:
But by this afternoon, this was a fairer representation of our little guy:

He's been going from breathing ok, to having that horrible stridor/ Darth Vader sounding breath...it seems to scare me more than him.

The doc gave us a steroid to start him on (which you people know I loathe even giving the kid Tylenol), and I somehow forced it down him crushed in between a layer of whipped cream. It appears to be helping...though the doctor said the second night is usually the worst.

My heart just aches for him. He's such a healthy kid...it seems like even when he's exposed to something, he'll show a sign of starting to get sick and then "BAM!" Like a superhero his immune system sweeps in a knocks it out. I think this is second time he's been sick with cold this year... and he's 2 and 1/2...a veritable WALKING PETRI DISH!

So I guess this doesn't really sound like a post about Thanksgiving... but I am Thankful we could get him into the doctor's today before the weekend. I am thankful that he can take this medicine to help him breathe. And I'm thankful that I can be here with him, and for an awesome husband who negotiates schedules to make everything work.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/10/11): My Midwife

2011-11-10T21:30:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful for my Midwife (ok, technically Midwives, because I am with the Midwife group up at the U.) But Lisa K, is the one I consider 'mine.' She was the first one I met with when I was looking for someone to take me as a VBAC candidate; and she's got such a calm demeanor about her. I love that she's totally on top of things, but doesn't hesitate to follow up with the resident if there's a question about standard of care. I also love that she doesn't shy away from the old school Midwife tricks of the trade: Evening Primrose Oil, Raspberry Leaf Tea, etc. And she'll say, "these are what the old-schhol Midwives did..." all while explaining there's no real scientific backing... but what have you go to lose, eh?

I love that after hearing my birth story with Holden, instead of saying "eek, sounds like you're broken," she followed up with "Hmm, sounds like you needed a little more time to ripen." Exactly... like a piece of fruit, the female parts just need time to ripen.

On Wednesday I had yet another ultrasound (I swear it was my 5th...or more!) and they measured me at 40 weeks 5 Days (I am technically somewhere past the 38 week depending on which 'due date' you're using: Nov 18 or Nov 23). Baby Z weighed in at 8 lbs 14 ounces (give or take a pound)...I'm obviously taking a pound and going with the 7 lb route. But she called today to make sure I wasn't stressed out, and assured me that at this point (and from feeling the baby at my appointment on Monday) that she didn't think I had a nine pounder inside of me, and there was no reason to jump to the conclusion that I needed a c-section. She said, "I still think the best course is to just give your body time to do what it's supposed to do."

Hallelujah!

I just hope my body decides that it's ripening time sooner than later.

PS. Here's a random thought... since I'm delivering at the U, and my uterus will obviously be involved in the blessed process, I'm pretty sure the cheer "Gooooooo Utes!" is taking on a whole new meaning for me at this juncture in my life.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: (11/9/11): Holdenisms

2011-11-09T22:30:00.004-07:00

Kids say the darndest things, eh?

Holden, last month pre-hair cut. Danny took him 'hiking' up silver lake

Here's a list off the top of my head of things I love to hear from Holden (and somethings he says that aren't my favorite, but still crack me up about him.)

"Oh-tay, fine." This statement usually comes after I tell him we have to do something he's not particularly fond of doing before we can do something he is particularly fond of doing
"Love you Mommy." It doesn't matter where or when he says this. I never get tired of hearing it... especially when he says it just out of the blue.
"You want cuddle wiff me?" He'll say this early in the morning, after he has crawled into bed with us
"Don't do that Mommy."
"Shankt you." I don;t know how to exactly describe how he says Thank You, but he's really good at using that phrase.
"Oh sorry bout that." He apologizes for things that don't necessitate an apology... like when he bumps his head, or I tell him to say "I" instead of "me" ... then I have to explain to him he doesn't need to apologize. But apparently he's already caught on to the idea that when someone corrects you, it means you've done something wrong... which breaks my heart a little bit.
As he reaches for my iPhone: "I pay with your phone"
To me and Danny: "You be Batman, I be Superman and you be Wonderwoman"
"What this do?"
"What her/his name?"
"Goooooooo Utes!"
"I pay football."
"You wanna pay {soccer, football, baseball, tackle, etc} wiff me?"
"Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost and Prophet help us." It might also be worth mentioning that when praying, Holden loves to give thanks for Jesus Christ, Holy Ghost and Spider Man. Apparently God the Father has been replaced by a superhero in his world.
"Oh hi, my name Holden, this my Daddy." He's very good at introducing his Dad.

He has also started telling us stories. They always start:

"Once upon a time, there was a" {bear, pumpkin, ghost, pirate, spider, etc.}

"And this" {bear, pumpkin, ghost, pirate, spider, etc. does something... changes every time.}

I need to get one on video, and him reading "Where the Wild Things Are." He had a period of time where it because his favorite 'bathroom time' reading material and so the kid's pretty much got it memorized. It's awesome. I love it when he reads it to me.

I've backed away from the crazy canning and obsessive nesting the past couple of days... and as such we've been spending a lot of time reading and snuggling. I feel like I'm operating against a clock in which I have no idea how much time till the buzzer sounds (kind of like overage in a soccer game.)

I hope I never forget these moments.

30 days of Thanksgiving: (11/8/11): Validation

2011-11-08T22:00:00.003-07:00

So last night we met with our doula(s)* for (what appears to be) the last time before labor. I'm feeling much more calm about this experience. i explained to Emily (our main doula) that I was surprised that I hadn't actually typed up my birthplan as this time with Holden it was about six pages that I was trying to reduce to a single front sided sheet of paper (how's font 8 sound?)

She said that it could just be 2nd child syndrome; but also that I have more faith in my providers...which I think makes sense. So much of what I outlined in my birthplan last time, is just standard practice for the Nurse Midwives at the U (I plan on delivering at the University of Utah hospital if I don't 'accidentally' just give birth in my bathtub at home.)

And I certainly could go on and on about all the things I am thankful for when it comes to the quality of care I've received up there...but what I think I'm really thankful for, is that this time I feel like no matter what happens I will feel more validated in my birth experience.

After Holden was born (via cesarean), I had a lot of guilt, frustration and depression about my birth experience. To try and console me --or just help me snap out of my post-partum funk-- many loved ones would counter with the phrase "All that matters is that you have a healthy baby," (and some would add 'healthy mama.') But I have come to realize that isn't ALL that matters. A woman's birth experience does matter...how she brings her child into this world matters a lot -- and for some more than others.

Yes, of course I'm thrilled that Holden was ok, and I was ok... but that didn't stop me from feeling what I did...and then I had to add guilt to it, trying to figure out why I was so upset when I had a beautiful baby to celebrate.

This time, it will be different... and not necessarily because I'm going to have my fairy-tale natural birth. That may or may not happen.

I may or may not even have a vaginal birth... but I'll be better prepared for any scenario; and know that I've done everything I can to make the best possible scenario for me and my baby...and if a c-section really is in the cards: with health care providers letting me hang on that full 42 weeks, with two doulas and the like, if it comes to that I'll know that this time my birth wasn't high-jacked by the medical community... it just wasn't meant to be.

And that my friends, is called validation...and I imagine that birth experience comes with a lot more peace when you get 'healthy baby, healthy mama.'

*We've had two back up doulas on this journey because the original gal we wanted is in nursing school to be a Nurse Midwife, and was afraid her schedule wouldn't permit her attending our birth. But now it looks like we'll just have both gals for the big reveal! Huzzah.

Image from Ask Liza

30 days of Thanksgiving: (11/7/11): 540 Sateen

2011-11-07T23:59:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we can just be grateful for the simple things... like electricity, or iPhones or bed sheets. (Read on).

Monday is usually a cleaning day round here...even though it seems like my home is in an eternal state of disarray, I like things to at least be straightened. It's getting harder and harder to scrub bathrooms and mop floors with my ever expanding condition (although I did manage to lose a pound at the doctor's this week - think it had something to do with my cankles FINALLY getting under control.)

So Monday's also a laundry day (what day isn't laundry day - sheesh?); and I usually change the bed sheets on Monday's as well. Two of our bottom sheets for the King were so worn out, they literally ripped from overuse; so thankfully I got to invest in some new sateen dandies.

When we were married, pretty much all the sheets I registered for were 600, 800 or more thread count (I fell in love with 800-thread count egyptian cotton at the Madison Hotel on a fam trip to Memphis.)

Image from Kiwi Collection

But do you know what is a close second? 540 Sateen from Costco... no joke.

We bought and put these new babies on this week and even with waking up in the middle of the night for pregnancy bladder, I am sleeping like a queen. (540, what a strange and delightful number).

30 days of Thanksgiving: (11/6/11): Snow Day!

2011-11-06T08:00:00.001-07:00

I can handle snow in November. October is just ridiculous, but November...I can handle snow. And I am especially grateful for a husband that is willing to take our little guy out to play in the snow. Holden LOVED building his first snowman. I'm so grateful for my boys.

30 days of Thanksgiving: (11/5/11): Locks of Lovely

2011-11-05T08:00:00.002-06:00

Thankful for a hair stylist that can still make me feel pretty;

even with a giant belly, wobbly bits and at 38-plus weeks pregnant.

Logan, you are a miracle worker.

I've talked about him before, but if you want his magic on your hair, ask for the "Victoria's Secret." Logan can be found at the Landis Aveda salon. He's a miracle worker.

30 days of Thanksgiving: (11/4/11) At this point, just grateful:

2011-11-04T11:19:00.003-06:00

So as I near the end of this pregnancy, there are certain things I can be thankful for (since it's hard to find a silver lining outside of "baby will be here soon" when you look like a bloated hippo).

At this point I'm thankful:

I can still wear my wedding band and engagement ring
I've only had problem getting into one (ok maybe two?) public restrooms*
I don't get/have stretch marks...I really doubt they'll manifest themselves in the next two weeks
My blood pressure has been normal the whole time
My wardrobe may not be glamorous but thanks to a kind sister and my last baby born in Feb, I've got plenty of Fall maternity clothes to wear
I can see a light at the end of the tunnel...I think

30 days of Thanksgiving: 11/3/11 Some friends

2011-11-03T19:50:00.005-06:00

I've written and re-written this post a few times today... but it's eight at night and I need to get something out to the blogosphere to keep the 30 Days of Thanksgiving going...

So I'll say this - I have awesome friends.

Thank you Lindsay for joining us Tues night for leftovers. I love it when Nina stops by. If you were here right now, we could laugh about my cankles like we did after Holden was born and I thought my cesarean stitches were literally going to come apart.

Thank you Brandi for flying up yesterday to SLC to spend 7 hours with me, mostly just talking (my favorite part). I'm glad we got to celebrate your birthday, but it really was amazing just having any excuse to have you here.

And thanks to the ladies from Wed night GNO (pictured above just before I purchased a day old glazed donut from Fresh Market, though we're missing Becky, Becca and Cass in the picture). These gals took me under their wing years ago, right after I had graduated from IWU and moved back to Utah - boyfriendless, jobless and pretty much friendless. Some of them I've lived with. All of them I have annoyed/offended many a time, but they still manage to put up with and include me. I love them dearly. (Gotta cut footloose - yes, we saw it last night).

I have a lot of other friends that worth a mention of two, but I just felt like with the whirlwind of friendspotting Tues and Wed this week, I just had to say thanks.

Part of me feels like I'll be disappearing off the planet once baby gets here (that's what happened with Holden)... are we really just a couple of weeks away? It's hard to believe. These last hurrah's are more meaningful than ever.

Thank you friends.

30 days of Thanksgiving: (11/2/11) Baby Z the Enigma

2011-11-02T10:00:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for you, Baby Z. Even though I really don't know what you are... I mean we've ruled out UFO artificial insemination and whatnot, but your gender continues to elude me. People often ask what I want: girl or boy? I respond "yes."

I may have mentioned before that it would seem a little easier if you were a boy -- because we've got all that Boy stuff already: clothes, toys, baking stuff. But we can't decide on a middle name AND I am not looking forward to the whole circumcision debate again: both sides seem to be a lose-lose to me. So Zeke, I hope when you're older and you read this, you'll forgive me talking about your 'special parts' to the world.

That said, maybe we won't even have to worry about the c-word. Because maybe you are a Zoe. And if that's the case your name is easy: Zoe Suite Mangum (yes, with out the hyphen... but isn't it cool our names will sound the same? I never had a middle name, so my hyphen is the closest thing I've got... though some would say just taking Suite as my middle name would've solved that whole problem anyway. But that would've been too easy on my marriage.) I digress.

If you are a girl, we'll probably need to get one of those kid-kitchens to go with all of Holden's baking stuff...and you'll definitely need some clothes...it will be fun to shop for you, though I'm pretty sure we'll need more disposable income in this house: I often joke with your father that we are not wealthy enough to have a girl at this stage in our relationship because I have seen what's out there for wardrobe options with girls, and it's scary how much money I could spend.

I am excited for you to get here. Due date ranges from the 18th to the 23rd depending on which model you chose: and you're measuring big from what the ultrasound says, and I'm already measuring 39-40 weeks (at 37-plus weeks)...and with the extra fluid, it seems there are a few indicators that you may be coming sooner than later... though it seemed your brother would've stayed in utero for another month if the doctors would've let him.

You're still so high up, it's really unbelievable. I've got such a short amount of time left and I have yet to use one of those belly-belt things that I swore I used with your brother 6 months in: trade-offs, eh?

What can I say except that I am excited to meet you. I'm glad you're already a part of our family, and we're all looking forward to you being here... though I keep reminding myself babies are much easy to care of inside the womb than out of it, but hopefully this time I'll remind myself to enjoy it, instead of being worried I'm doing everything wrong.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: 11/1/11

2011-11-01T19:37:00.004-06:00

Totally thankful I have a tough kid who doesn't get offended when I laugh at him...especially when I should be a little more compassionate (this was posted to fb a few days ago, so you may have already seen it).

Goals - Schmoles

2011-10-23T15:14:00.003-06:00

I am currently in "get everything done before the holidays come" mode; what with baby being due the week of Thanksgiving and all.

That said, I took a look at my goals for 2011 today and thought I might touch base on all the things I had accomplished; and more importantly, point out where I failed miserably and didn't even come close.

You may notice right off the bat that it's a pretty short list, void of real self improvement feats like "be nicer to husband," "read scriptures daily" or "be a better mom." I was trying to be realistic.

Here's the list:

2011 To-Do's

make cheese
get a real blog & website
make/have a baby
do full splits
dry tomatoes
plant potatoes & corn
make yoga video
do photo shoot w/ Sassa
children's book

OK, now here's the breakdown and reflections on the list (in italics).

2011 To-Do's - The first thing that comes to mind is that I didn't actually call these goals. This is just a task-list per se... much like the ones I make each day that say things like "laundry" or "buy distilled vinegar"... Somehow this makes me feel like somewhat less of a failure.

make cheese I still want to do this. It's already happened on a few occasions but mostly in the form of finding a mostly empty sippy cup of Holden's underneath a bed...smells just like cottage cheese. Let's keep this one on the list for next year...
get a real blog & website As you can see, I'm still not the 'real deal.' However, I am pretty stoked about the fact that I got picked up by Make & Takes to do a guest blog once a month... that blog is totally legit, and I even get a little compensation for it. So it's a start...but we'll keep this one on the list for next year too...
make/have a baby Part one of this can definitely be checked off the list -- and with your positive thoughts and prayers, and a little bit of cooperation from my body, Part two should be fully realized next month. Happy Birthing! Check it off the list!
do full splits Keep it on the list... although depending on how childbirth goes, this too could be a accomplished before year's end. (I'm just sayin'.)
dry tomatoes No No No... this did not happen, and I don;t see it happening. But I have managed to bottle/can approximately 70-plus pounds of tomatoes into spaghetti sauce, relish and sweet and sour sauce for the coming year. I'm kind of done with the the tomato thing
plant potatoes & corn The potatoes happened, and they've been harvested (I may have mentioned this before, but Holden referred to it as "digging for dinosaur bones.") The corn will have to wait until next year...or beyond.
make yoga video I thought I had this awesome idea about making a video and giving it away when people asked me for a 'good basic yoga video." Not that there aren't a million DVDs out there; but I don't really 'do' any of those. And I thought it would be fun to have friends and family participate in the making... obviously it didn't happen either since I've spent most of the year pregnant; but my somewhat-monthly appearances on FOX seem to be a nice trade-off. Still waiting for them to post the pregnancy one from earlier this month... (heavy sigh).
do photo shoot w/ Sassa This was a goal to get pictures like the Hard Tail ads with my older sister for my "real website"... but again, the whole pregnancy thing kind of changed the plan... and I've already got plenty of pics of me in yoga poses with a belly (both pregnant and just chubby).
children's book I had this idea for a children's book, which I somehow forgot. Danny keeps asking me to write chick-lit.... as if anyone would really be interested in read that.

So to recap - I didn't really accomplish much this year... well except for grow a person -- and that would've been impossible without Danny. Come to think of it, most of my greatest accomplishments have to do with him, or his help. Guess it hasn't been such a bad year after all.

**Oh and incase you're wondering what that picture has to do with this post, it doesn't. I just thought it was a good idea to include some Holden cuteness...**

Harvest Time

2011-10-22T08:00:00.003-06:00

I love Fall. It's really the best season for fashion (not that I really know anything about that these days -- "Hello maternity pants and shade shirts.") But it's been harvest time in our garden. Farmer's Markets are buzzing. We've got tomatoes coming out of our noses, and I even took my own advice and canned up a storm this year (wanted to have ample spaghetti sauce available for when baby comes). Even my pies for Thanksgiving are sitting in my freezer waiting to be reheated so I can contribute on Turkey Day with more than just cankles if Baby Z decides to stick around past the due date.

A big piece of this inspiration: the vegetable garden, my lavender, pie making and canning comes from up North at the Purple Apple Farm. Remember our "FRENTERs?" (Friends that lived in our basement = Frenters) Well Q's parents live on this amazing farm with apple trees, tons of lavender, chickens, and huge plots of land for vegetables etc. It's amazing. In fact the Dez News did an article about them and cooking with lavender last year.

We got to head up a couple of years ago to pick apples and visit -- Q's Mom Peggy taught me how to make apple pie and the whole day felt like I was an extra on a Martha Stewart with special guest "Barbara Kingsolver." They are homesteaders at their finest.

last Saturday the Nelson's (Quentin & Christie) invited a bunch of friends up for apple picking, food, frolicking and fun. And Holden almost went the whole time without making any of the other kids cry. (Apparently he thought our friend's three year old daughter wanted to play "Touchdown"... although she wasn't aware of the game).

Yesterday I turned part of our harvest into applesauce that I plan on using as baby food in about seven months or so, and I'm going to use the rest of the apples for juice and dried fruit.

I don't know if I'm nesting per se.... with Holden we just decided to overhaul our kitchen and bathroom the week before he was due; so this doesn't feel quite as over the top.

I don;t know what my point is, but I guess I'll just point out we had a wonderful time, and I'm grateful for good friends.

You can see more pictures and read the hilarious quips of Christie on the QNCJ blog. She's definitely worth the price of admission.

Thanks "Tintin" and "Kiss-tee" (as Holden so affectionally refers to them.)

A Green Halloween?

2011-10-20T12:26:00.004-06:00

Looking for your help on this very important question:

What to give the Trick-or-Treaters this year that is still cool but won't send me into a guilt/shame spiral for killing the planet/contributing to tooth decay?

I'm guest blogging about Greener Options for Halloween at Make and Takes today... You should check it out, and of course, leave a comment. (Insert Cheeky Emoticon Here.)

*Image from Green Halloween.

An Open Letter to Baby Z (34 weeks & change)

2011-10-14T07:00:00.003-06:00

So here I am, trying to get caught up on what exactly has been going on with this pregnancy. I was so much better about it with Holden…but things are just different this time. That said, you know how sometimes you blog to document but it’s more for yourself than the blogosphere? Yes, this is one of those occasions. I feel like I should be apologizing for the length of this post, but again, it's really more for me than for you…though as always, you are welcome to partake.

October 3, 2011 at 32 weeks+5 days and obviously counting.

This baby has obviously not "dropped" yet.

Dear Baby Z,

I know I haven’t spent a lot of time documenting your awesome adventures, but the truth is, I feel like we’ve needed to be a little private about you.

Thanks to absurd amounts of technology, the medical community can now scare a mother into thinking hers is a high risk pregnancy without anything ever really being wrong!

I think you know the gist of it, but just to fill you in on a few of the details since you probably won’t remember:

Early in the pregnancy our caregivers were concerned I might have placenta acreta. Yes, super rare…but it is a condition where the placenta is low lying and attaches to the cesarean scar…complications usually range from blood transfusion to DNC or hysterectomy depending on level of severity, regardless of how the baby is delivered. Months ago they shared this bad news with us and so we played the waiting game – “Will it be attached?” “Will it not?” Is mommy going to lose more blood than having her arm ripped off like Grendel from Beowolf? (I was actually informed this can be the case as there is so much blood concentrated in the area, and scar tissue, unlike uterine wall tissue does not contract and close off, in essence).

With a few exceptions, we basically kept this concern on the down-low until we had more information from the follow-up ultrasound (we didn’t want to alarm anyone until we had a better idea of what we were up against).

Ah, were my hopes and dreams for a physiological birth thwarted again? Not necessarily… Baby’s delivery still appeared to be fine, and I was still a candidate for VBAC. It was the afterbirth that was the problem (how exactly does it detach?). The recommendation was that if it was attached that I still try for a vaginal birth, but get an epidural because I’d need to be medicated for an emergency procedure in the OR…and if I wasn’t medicated that meant being knocked out for the procedure and thus, seriously delayed bonding time for baby. (Obviously if it’s between au natural and bonding, I’m going with bonding...feel like I totally got robbed on that one with Holden, and I didn't even have to be put under for my cesarean.)

Thankfully, we we’re thrilled to discover that our prayers had been answered and the placenta was not attached to scar tissue! Huzzah…looks like everything is turning up Sabrena, right?

Well they just couldn’t leave it at that. While the placenta attached where my c-section scar ended, the ultrasound had revealed that I had now been diagnosed with “Polyhydramnios” -- which is a fancy word for “too much amniotic fluid.”

What’s the big deal about that? I mean, usually people don’t have enough fluid – that’s the concern. Apparently I’m just so good at pregnancy that my body’s producing extra fluid to cushion your kicks, squirms and hiccups even more, right?

Well, not exactly….

Turns out the condition can lead to complications from uterine rupture to premature birth or stillbirth. The cause of the condition is unknown – apparently some women just have more fluid, sometimes it’s caused from a birth defect in the baby or diabetes in the mother. But neither of those seem to be a likely cause (I was actually showing low in my glucose test, and from all these ultrasounds all your parts (heart, lungs, kidneys) seem to be functioning well Z, so we’re not really leaning towards a genetic birth defect.)

The truth is, yes, my levels are still high, but you look healthy – I feel you moving a ton, and you’re developing right on schedule...

We’re getting Non-Stress-Tests (NST) weekly to make sure you’re ok. And even though I feel you moving a lot, you still managed to change positions so much at last Friday’s appointment that in 45 minutes you weren’t hitting their ‘marks’ – thus qualifying us for yet another ultrasound and discussions about being admitted to the hospital for overnight monitoring.

Me to Darling Ultrasound Tech: “Admitted? What do you mean admitted?”

D.U.T: “Well, admit you to the hospital for overnight monitoring.”

Me: “What?!?!”

See, I figured I was going in for a routine 20 minute NST, and nearly three hours later they were talking about possibilities of an overnight stay if you didn’t show them you could practice your breathing for 30 seconds.

Although you pretty much waited until the very last few minutes of our half-an-hour window, we passed! Not sure what that says about you, but better cooperation next time would be greatly appreciated from your mother, her nerves and crazed-hormonal-pregnancy-emotions.

Your father, always the tender heart, had made his way to the hospital and surprised me at the ultrasound. It was one of those times I didn’t want to need him, but I was so glad her was there. It’s amazing the power that comes from having your hand held by your best friend. (Remember this when you find the love of your life).

So I guess I’m done “bragging” about my easy pregnancies. The truth is, I don’t get bad morning sickness…I don’t really throw up. I don’t need fluids, and I can remain pretty active throughout my entire pregnancy. But everyone has their own cross to bear when it comes to conception, pregnancy, labor and delivery. I'm learning it doesn't mean it's easy/easier...it's just different. At one time I figured we'd have a 5 or 6 person family; emotionally, I think you may be our cut off point, Z. Mommy's had a difficult time dealing with the "what if's," and it's been no picnic for Dad either.

But yes, still hoping for a physiological birth with you - no meds, no O.R. and no complications would be ideal, but as I learned with your brother, my wants are not always reality. Our main goal - healthy baby, healthy mama.

I love you Baby Z. Hope to see you in about six weeks.

Holden the Goose Whisperer

2011-10-12T14:53:00.006-06:00

Holden and I belong to this awesome neighborhood playgroup. Each mom takes a month a plans an activities for a month, just one day a week.

Last month Little Bits, (Baby Z - still in utero at 34 weeks today) and I hosted: we did a day at the park, one day at Discovery Gateway (Children's Museum), an event at the downtown Library hosted by Lego and then I taught a 30 minute yoga session for kids with a potluck luncheon after at our place.

While at any given month we seldom can make all the activities (except when we were hosting because I strategically planned it around our schedules), we do try to participate as much as possible. The mantra for this group pretty much seems to be "Come When You Can!" Which fits in perfectly to our lifestyle.

Last week's activity was a harvest splendor of sorts at Wheeler Farm: tractor-trailer ride, a hay maze, picking a pumpkin and animals galore. I had never taken Holden there before so he was pretty stoked to play with the ducks and geese (I mean, at the Sun Valley Lodge there's only 2 or 3)... here there were hoards!

In the video you can see him showing me how he gets close and personal with Mother Earth and "eats like a duck" (super sanitary, I'm sure). He'd also chase after them with open arms, and I kept thinking my two year old was going to be the next contestant on "When Animals Attack."

Good thing he finally crossed his arms to make sure the ferocious fowl knew he was harmless. Oh wait...

The good news is, after he told me "that duck eat me" he wanted to stay and play some more with them. I on the other hand was ready to move on before this YouTube video suddenly took a turn for the worse became competition for Shark Week. Let's not temp fate, eh?

"Mmmm, that's good..."

2011-09-23T16:38:00.003-06:00

While I was straightening up the kitchen this afternoon in preparation for "Daddy" to come home, I got out Holden's baking stuff... mostly because he suddenly developed an affinity for the pizza cutter and toddlers plus sharp objects make me nervous (I know, I'm such a 'helicopter' parent.)

He started rolling and mixing and stirring.

"I'm baking dough-nuts!" He told me. I came over to try his creation. After pouring some imagined creation into a little red tart mold, I tasted the best make believed liquid doughnut of my life.

"MMMM, that's good!" We both proclaimed.

I love my little Chef Boy-R-Awesome!

A Harvest Day and a Staycation

2011-09-03T11:14:00.004-06:00

So it's a little bit odd for the Mangums to enjoy a "Stay-Cation" on a 3-day weekend. But it's already proving to be a fabulous holiday. Yesterday we kicked off celebrating the labor force by making pinecone birdfeeders with the cousins; and then hit up Friday Night Lights at Cottonwood High School to support some kids from the neighborhood.

As I'm writing this, Utah State is beating Auburn 21-14 at the half (though it's not the first time USU has given a ranked team a scare). I like the Aggies (I mean, they're no Utes), but I can't remember wanting them to beat a team so badly since they claimed a "W" over BYU last year.

But before we camped out in front of the big screen in our basement to usher in Fall (Danny has gotten me addicted to College Football), we visited Salt Lake's Downtown Farmer's Market for breakfast pastries and a grip of fresh fruit (pie cherries, a watermelon too heavy for me to carry, plus fresh peaches and apples); and Holden and I trekked to the great outdoors (ok, just our yard) to do a little reaping of what we had sowed earlier in the season.

We picked the beets he planted, and I plan on roasting them to eat today. He ate a carrot (dirt and all) from the planter boxes, plus cherry tomatoes and then we dug up potatoes. This was by far our favorite part. Thanks to PBS Kids (yes my child watches TV now), he has learned from Dinosaur Train's "Dr. Scott the Paleontologist" about fossils...and as such, he told me he was "Digging for Dinosaur bones" as we played in mother earth in search of potatoes. We talked about fossils and dug some more. He searched for "T-Rex" and then would light up with excitement when he'd uncover a potato.

I know I talk about having a garden for environmental reasons, etc, but more than anything, I feel like some days the time we spend together out there is such a special time. There are so many positive things that come from our garden space. Potatoes are so cheap and easy -- but they seem to be the highlight of the garden this year. We're definitely planting them next year... he'll need to show his sibling how an expert digs for dinosaur bones.

On being pregnant...

2011-08-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

So I don't really get those people that say "I love being pregnant." I know there's not a lot of them out there, but there are definitely some. What I don't get is what you love about it?

Me, a month ago celebrating 5yrs with Danny in my Buddah Belly shirt...

that "T is working a lot harder these days.

I mean, yes, I love the extra attention.

And there's the fact that people seem to be a little kinder and gentler with a pregnant woman.

For the most part that I give myself permission to eat dessert anytime I want, because my belly is already rapidly expanding and I have now learned I can in fact lose my "baby-weight"... all it takes is training for and running a marathon. Ha!

But I don't really get the LOVE.

Don't hate me, but I'm just going to throw out there that I have really easy pregnancies. I have yet to puke this round, have hardly had any morning sickness and although I was tired, I still managed to fit in twp triathlons and Ragnar....like I said, I've got it pretty easy.

At the IronGirl tri in Vegas with a sign made by my guy-

I'm just shy of 12 weeks here (I think).

But that wet suit wouldn't be flattering even if I was 0 weeks

Yes, I've had a bit of back pain this time around (could be the 36 pound toddler I lift way too much); but nothing so painful or sickness so bad I'd write home about it... or blog about it. (Wait, see what I just did there? I said it wasn't so bad that I'd blog about it, but I totally did blog about it. It'a like I'm complaining without you even knowing I'm complainig...except now you do because I just told you.)

So the moral of the story: well there really isn't one.

I've got just three months left (yes, it's gone fast for me too), and I figure I ought to do something to start connecting with this baby. Perhaps it's because I had some special experiences with Holden in utero (I swear I heard the kid talking to me even before I saw the ultrasound, so I knew he was a boy before the picture-pages tech did). And sine I knew the sex, I knew the name (at the time the ONLY boy name Danny and I could agree on)... so I could already refer to him as a person.

But with this little one, since we're not finding out the gender until game day... and s/he hasn't had any solid communication with me (outside the kicks and hiccups), it feels different. At first, I referred to Baby Mangum as 'he'... I think it was more habit out of calling Holden he while I was pregnant.

But just a couple of weeks ago, Danny and I finally decided on a girls name we both really liked (we've decided not to mention it to anyone because people have the strangest habit of telling you if they don't like your baby name, or they'll say things like "Oh you can't name your baby that" ... which does nothing but make things awkward down the road, and if you do in fact name your kiddo that, you'll always remember that at one time or another they didn't approve of your kid's name.)

But once a kid is named, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who would say "You can't name your baby that" because you already have. They may say "that's an interesting name" or "I've never heard of that before" or "We had a dog named {insert name here}"... but who is going to tell you that's a horrible idea once you've actually named the thing?

(I'm off topic).

Anyway, the point is, now that we found/agreed on a girl's name (we've already decided Zeke for a boy, and no I don't really care if you like it or not)... all of the sudden I felt like I knew who this baby was. And SHE seemed a lot more real to me. And I imagined her with dark brown curls, olive skin, brown eyes and a charming disposition -- kind of like Holden except that they would look nothing alike and she would showcase some of my gene pool.

Holden sporting his official sumer wear...

complete with (chemical-free) SPF 30-everywhere just

to keep him a nice shade of vanilla.

And it's not that I really feel a feminine energy in me or anything -- I can't really tell. Which I am basically chalking up to the fact that I really have no idea if the baby is a girl or a boy, but I do hope she's ready to join the madness that is our home life.

So Baby "Z" (that's what we'll go with until we know you a little better), here are a few things to think about before you make your grand appearance:

Your brother is a great kid. He's got a lot of energy. he loves to use the phrase "Fight Bad Guys". I keep telling him we fight corporate greed and world hunger (not each other), but he still insists on trying to recreate action sequences from Kung Fu Panda. May the force be with you...
Sometimes he sticks his lovies on my stomach and says "Baby so happy"... I think he's willing to share his toys with you, but he also asked me earlier this week if you have toys and specifically a Fire Engine (which he calls "Gi-eye-ahs" for some strange reason).
Don't think that just because there is no crib in our house that you don't have a place to sleep. It's just not really our thing. If you want a crib we can get one, but your brother roomed in with us for so long, and then transitioned to a mattress on the floor once he could crawl, that it never really made sense.
We travel - a lot. Whether we're talking about weekend jaunts to Eden or St. George, being swanky in Sun Valley, our every-other-year escapades in Hawaii or a yearly Disney adventure, we like to get out and play. So it would really work out best for everyone involved if you were ok with being mobile ...and being a great nurser would also be a plus (memories of pumping on the bathroom floor of Delta's Crown Room make me REALLY hopeful you're more of a boob-man, or gal, than your brother.)
Your Mom is kind of a freak. I wish I could tell you that you'll be that kid who has the cool parents growing up (which may be the case for your Dad), but your mom is weird. She has all these crazy ideas about mothering, and mother earth, and breast milk, co-sleeping, potty-learning and cleaning products... You might be the weird kid, or just the cool kid with a weird Mom... but we do CRAZY FUN things (like for instance, Skydiving as a toddler). But she's just a bit off the beaten path.

Holden, all suited up for his big flight.

Welcome to the family Little Z.

Edible Panties!

2011-08-24T15:47:00.007-06:00

I'll start off this post by stating the obvious: this is not a post about potty training (though I guess I could mention we are ever so close to "graduation but still not 100% diaper free), nor is it an announcement that we have in fact started using THESE that came so highly recommended by so many of you when you found out we were cloth diapering part-time.

But it is to say that Holden has experienced (yet) another first. We took him to the Blue Botique last night! Here he is carefully surveying the 'BAD GUY' section of costumes:

Now before you get too judgmental on me, the purchase was not for my own personal collection (*Besides, I really try to steer clear of buying pasties/sex-toys when I'm pregnant, just as a general rule). But we needed to pick up gifts for a cousin's Wedding Shower (i.e. who would be responsible for the shock factor if not Mr. Suite-Mangum and yours truly?), and although Harmon's is great for buying local, their sensual oil and edible thong collection just wasn't what I was hoping for.

So in our list of things to do, item number 3 on the FHE errand list: Sex-Shop with Toddler.

I knew we were in for fun when we pulled up to the storefront and Holden pointed to the mannequins in the window with their lingerie and wings and said "Butterfly." Ahhh the innocence of youth.

As you can see from the following picture, I'm raising a concerned shopper:

Holden fell in love with a cake-topper that had a bride pulling her groom on the ground by the tie. "I play with this?" He kept asking. And at one point, he also tried to duck under the doors that marked off the special "ADULTS ONLY" section of there store where the merchandise is even more...scandalous, shall we say? Such an explorer, my little guy.

But needless to say, the mainstream section was titillating enough for all of us.

And yes, I recognize this is not a store for children - but I really wanted Danny to help me pick something out (he is after all, the funny one in the relationship...and it's for his side of the family, so his filter is always a little better than mine).

Thanks to a very knowledgable saleswoman who took us right to the section we needed for an easy purchase (his and hers gifts -- you can use your imagination on this one); and we were in and out of the store in about 15 minutes.

My favorite part of the adventure was when one pink haired and very pierced sales clerk turned around towards Holden, and her appearance took him aback for a moment. He shook his fists near his belly like he does when he's cold or to signal he's a little scared. I'm just glad he didn't shout "BAD GUY" before we left.

It's become more apparent every day that I'm out of the running for any "Mother of the year Awards." (Especially when I share these antics with the world?!?!?) But I will say we are having fun.

Ahhh parenting - never what you expect, is it?

Nice Cans!

2011-08-23T17:09:00.003-06:00

In case you missed it, my guest blog on Make & Takes 3rd Thursday is all about my cans...I don't mean to boast, but this year's crop promises to be especially --shall we say? -- tasty.

Check it out here.

Also, for you Salt Laker's, I'll be visiting the local Fox 13 channel again this week: Sunday Morning around 7:45. DOn;t blink or you'll miss "Sun Salutation Sunday!"

Namaste.

He Can Fly!

2011-08-14T20:14:00.006-06:00

I've mentioned this more than once in conversation over the past week, but I'm not sure if indoor skydiving is an appropriate activity for a child who has yet to say his entire ABC's. Nevertheless, last week we took a mini-break with Cassandra (my elder sister) and her kids an overnighted in Upstate Utah (aka Ogden Valley, the Eden property) and of course hit up Lagoon the following day.

On the way up to Eden, we played in Ogden's Solomon Center. Cassandra, her husband and kids did the indoor surfing at FLOW-RIDE. Then all the kids went rock climbing at iRock. Holden mostly enjoys being pulled up via harness as high as he can go, and then 'repelling' back down. I let Danny handle that one.

**Side note about my sister (and her family): most people that meet/know me think I have a lot of energy. Cassandra operates on an even more elevated plane. We call it "Smith-Time" because they are like the Energizer Bunny - seriously going, and going, and going... It is hard to keep up when I'm not pregnant, so this was an intense 48 hours for Holden and me.**

The real highlight of the trip came at the iFly. Check it out:

So before you judge me too harshly, I would like to say that while Danny and I thought it would be cool to have him do it, kids are supposed to be at least three. We planned on watching the cousins. But Holden was so interested in the training video, and kept saying "I fly. I fly." And then "my turn" during the demo phase of the training. The instructor was awesome and worked with Holden... saying he could "take him flying."

After the training, I had a little exchange with the instructor about Cito's age:

Me: "OK. but they really need to be three right?"

iFlyGuy:"Yeah, but I mean he's three, right?"

Me: "Well, almost."

iFly:" But I mean, he's three, right?" (Big smile).

Me: "Well, sort of..."

iFLy:"I mean, if you round up he' be three, right?"

Me: "Oh yeah! Absolutely!"

So Danny signed Holden's life away, along with our right to sue should anything go wrong and we got Little Bits suited up - earplugs (I could not believe he was willing to keep these in), goggles (couldn't believe he didn't throw a fit), helmet and his jump suit. He looked adorable, but I was still pretty nervous he was more excited about the idea of flying.

The first round I was laughing and crying (as you could probably tell from the first video)...I was so nervous for him. I wanted him to like it, because he was so excited about it. And I was so proud that he had done so well. He waited so patiently, watched his cousins and then went for it. (Danny and I had to sit outside the flying tunnel so he was with his cousins, my mom, Cassandra a a couple of other fliers). Which was even harder for me, because I felt like I should be sitting next to him, or helping him in some way (what exactly I thought I could do I have no idea, but that MamaBear instinct kicks in, and you feel like you ought to be something.)

Anyway, it was hard to tell if he liked it, but afterwards he signed "more" to us through the window. So we let him go another round (it was paid for, and he wanted to, so why not, eh?)

Here's the finale. Holden's second round. (Sorry my voice is so annoying... you may prefer to watch it without sound). By the way, in case you can't tell, I am in love with his cheeks.

More Yoga, Trashy Earth Articles, Another Baby and Summer Stuff

2011-07-21T09:00:00.000-06:00

Eating-Up Arts Fest - June 2011

It seems pretty ridiculous to me that I haven't blogged in a month. That' so not like me. Where's my catharsis? Where's my vernacular vomit of the mind? Where's my outpouring of too much information: stories of poop and potty training and all the brilliant culinary masterpieces I've been (rem, supposed to have been) creating with flow and ease?

Yeah, not so much here.

If you haven't noticed, this blog has basically become the link to two sites: my monthly yoga spots on Fox and my "Third Thursday bit" on Make and Takes (which oddly enough, hit the blogosphere this morning).

And yes, there's plenty to talk about: Holden's love of Lagoon, our gardens, my uncanny ability to grow mint and lavender, the fact we've been EC-ing for more than two years and Cito is still not 100% diaper-free (though getting closer).

There's a baby on it's way... I'm 22 weeks, finishing up the 5th month and easing into my 6th month (breaking out maternity clothes and coming to terms with the fact that I really do "look" pregnant -- especially by the end of the day). We chose not to find out the sex -- well, I chose and Danny went along because I'm kind of a militant matriarchal tyrant, and that's even before you figure in pregnancy hormones.

We are officially a one car family: Danny sold his Subaru earlier this summer and opted for a sage-green Buddy Scooter (he's so comfortable in his manhood). Apparently he's already started looking at cars. :)

I still want to blog about our Disney Cruise experience (I took notes because I knew it would take me a while to get around to it); and I'd like to jot down a little more info about our RAGNAR experience (about 15 weeks preggers and a head cold that peaked right around my 2am run).

Plus there's the 4th of July festivities (Holden rode in the Millcreek Lions Club Parade with his cousin Max in a powerwheel), Holden's new found love of Lagoon (Danny bought season's passes for me and little bits), naked tea parties and Holden's first "friend birthday party." It was cowboy party for a neighborhood friend and they had a friggin' pony in their back yard (more on this awesomeness later.)

I'm sure eventually I'll get around to it.

But in the meantime, the links for this past week:

Last Saturday I had my sister Celeste help for a "Core Cultivation" segment on Fox 13. She did a great job (especially since she's not really a practicing yogi). And of course, the link to Make and Takes: a riveting little piece about getting started with composting. (It's borderline life changing).

Well, there you go... me doing my 'stuff' trying to save the world one toddler, yoga asana or article at a time. No matter how much things change, they really just stay the same, eh?

Third Thursday = Guest Bloggin'!

2011-06-16T13:24:00.002-06:00

It's that time of the month again. (Ew, not that time. I'm 17 weeks preggers remember?)

Nah, it's time for my monthly bit at Make and Takes.

Check it out HERE.

Peace love and farmers markets....

Holden Helps the Guys

2011-06-10T15:29:00.010-06:00

It's officially summer time at the Mangum household. How do I know? Because my hair is getting washed almost every day from time in the swimming pool, there's usually dirt in my fingernails (even with the pool time) and my son seems to look less like me each day as I turn a deeper shade of brown and he is doused in California Baby Sunscreen ensuring none of his Mexican heritage shines through (seriously, could the kid be any whiter?)

We spent the morning in the yard: shoveling, watering, digging and even tasting (we have RADISHES! Wahooo!)

The landscapers have also been here a few times already this summer and the yard is coming along splendidly. They were here last night finishing up the border around our front lawn and getting the bark laid to help aid in weed protection.

Whenever they are here, Holden is convinced he needs to "help the guys." THat's what he was saying right before Danny caught him on the iPhone doing this:

Today he helped in a different way. After I had prepped the last few areas for beets, pumpkins and cucumbers, Holden helped me sow seeds of love and then some.

It started out fine. A long thin strip just smaller than an inch deep to drop in the beet seeds. Before I could blink, it moved from meticulous movement to handfuls of seeds being thrown over a 6 foot strip of earth. Holden's "beet row" is going to be a glorious mixture of beet greens and root veggies. I gave up caring that wasn't going to look exactly as I had planned. I know it will be perfect.

We moved onto the squash and the two "mounds" I prepared for hills of 6 seeds each, turned into two entire packets of seeds being dumped into a little patch of ground about 4 feet long and a foot or so wide..

It's going to be epic.

I love my little gardener.

The Bad Guys

2011-05-31T14:56:00.003-06:00

Photo Credit www.zazzle.com

So I've mentioned part of this on facebook, and to a few of you already -- but we have had a lot of "Bad Guy" talk at our house.

The other day I was reading The Economist. It was the issue just following Bin Laden being taken down. Opposite his picture, was a picture of Obama. Holden, interested in what Mommy was doing pointed to the pictures.

I showed him Osama and said "Bad Guy," and then he pointed to Obama and I said "Good Guy." Soon after he started assigning "Good Guy / Bad Guy" to everyone.

The dude with his hair slicked back? Bad Guy.
Tyrannosaurus Rex (or "Sharp Tooth" at our house)? Bad Guy
Dad? Good Guy... or Happy Guy.

He'll use Good Guy and Happy Guy interchangeably.

The "Bad Guys" are also responsible for a host of problems in our home.

Holden's Blue Bus missing? Bad Guys.

Lovely disappears? Bad Guys.

Mind you, this is not me making the assignments -- it's ALL Cito. Danny tried to tell Holden yesterday that T-Rex was not a bad guy, just misunderstood.I've been on 'repeat mode' with the phrase, "They're not bad guys. Some have just made bad choices."

Today, whilst riding his balance bike into the living room without his helmet, I asked him what was missing from his head. He told me (or at least tried to say) "helmet" to which I responded, "Where did it go?"

He immediately followed up with: "Bad guys took it."

Should I be concerned there are random villains constantly looming throughout my house and causing bedlam and mayhem?

Green Thumbs & Dirty Fingernails

2011-05-19T08:21:00.004-06:00

I'm guest blogging over at Make & Takes today for my monthly bit on living more sustainably for you and your family.We're talking about gardening with kiddos. There's a great pic (if I do say so myself) of last year's lavender garden and one of my faves of Holden with one of his little gourds. His hair is also ridiculously blonde.

Hope you'll check it out.

Barefoot & Pregnant: My IronGirl Details

2011-05-17T10:13:00.003-06:00

Yep, that's right people. Turns out over the past three months-- that have included a raw food week, two triathlons AND pole dancing lesson-- I have also been growing a little person inside of me. Huzzah!

I'm just past the 12 week mark, so of course it's time to share the news with the blogosphere.

That said, I hope you understand a little more fully why my tri-training kind of went to pot last month. I finished the SHAC triathlon with a renewed sense of determination, getting a little taste of what this body could be capable of...and then that blessed first trimester exhaustion hit me, and my ever so familiar aversion to the nauseating scent of fried chicken. Once that happened, I realized it was time to find out if my (as they say in Juno) "Eggo's prego."

OK, so recap on the race (if you're interested):

800 m swim (17 minutes, 1 second): Super crazy turbulent waters. And we started pretty far in the back of the pack so by the time I got in the water I felt like a fish in a koi pond feeding. Swimming in open water is NOTHING like swimming in a pool. Form flies out the door to keep your bearings because you literally cannot see in front of you.

Transition 1: (6 minutes 7 seconds.) I should've practiced getting that wet suit off before race day... it was pretty comical. And yes, I kick it old school style started the bike in my swimsuit (no bike/tri shorts) and some vibrams. A piece of work I am.

14ish-mile Bike: (57 min 39 seconds): Yes, I'm disappointed in my performance here. But it's my fault. My chain fell off in the first 1/2 mile, and while I'm sure they had support teams all along the way, I think the race staff figured we could at least managed the first mile on our own. I was shifting on the uphill, and apparently my 'components' were off a little bit anyway... (And one would probably learn this if they had actually ridden their bike outdoors.) So failure to plan, is a plan to fail - eh? I had to stop twice (once to 'fix' it, and another because it never sounded quite right until around mile seven,) and even then I was somewhat limited to what gears I even dared use. I think it probably cost me about seven minutes... (frown and a huffy breath, here).

Transition 2 (1 min 55 secs): Dump the bike, grab some water and head out... don't even need to change shoes with the Five Fingers. Oh and I put on a running skirt, because as fabulous as my wobbly bits are, I didn't think Vegas was ready for my jelly....

5k Run (31:26): It didn't take long to realize that shoes would've been nice for the run. I was thinking it was 'trail running,' which is fine with the Vibrams. But a construction zone that is all rocks the size of my big toe and larger? Not really ideal for a newbie 'minimalist' (aka wannabe barefoot) runner like me. I felt like I had to be pretty careful about where I was stepping and I think that affected my pace a bit. I was hoping to be about 3 minutes faster on the run too...

So that takes me about 10 minutes off what I was hoping for. But Danny said I need to "stop being so 'effing' competitive" (no seriously, those were his words when I kept replaying my perceived failure to him, over, and over, and over again). And I didn't get much training in... e

So final time: 1:54:08

Looking back I'm actually pretty stoked to be under two hours... especially pregnant, right?

Speaking of this poor, blessed fetus in my belly... what I've already put the kid through!

Hey welcome to Suite-Mangum madness little one. This is just a sampling of what's to come for you!!!!

BACK to Yoga on Fox

2011-05-13T16:30:00.003-06:00

Holden shows his Dad a little Down-Doggie Action after a run

So I'll be doing another Yoga Segment on FOX 13 this weekend. Our focus will focus on a few sample postures for a healthy back and spine.

Where: Your TV (if you're local, Fox 13)

When: Saturday morning, 8:30ish

Who: Yours truly and my older sister Cassandra will be my demo girl/model

Why: Because the world needs yoga, and this is the closest I'll ever get to calling a truce with Bill O'Reilly

Namaste

PS. I know I'm behind a bit on blogging... but I have a million (give or take a few hundred thousand) posts in my head about the IronGirl, our Disney Cruise and how happy my heart is it's time to work in the garden again. (I know, the carrot posts promise to be even more riveting than last year's. I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat. All in due time...)

The Blessing, and anniversary

2011-05-03T08:00:00.001-06:00

Two years ago, this was the first Sunday in May, which also coincided with Holden's blessing day at Church. My dearest friend Lindsay Morgan took the pen and jotted down the beautiful things Danny had said and blessed our little guy with.

I found them to frame them and put them in Holden's room last week, and thought it was worth documenting and writing down a bit of what I remember.

Holdencito,

Your Father has blessed you with amazing talents and desires. Take a look-see:

Knowledge that the Lord loves you
A Cheery disposition
Blessed with Faith
A keen attention to the feelings of the Spirit
Patience, and the ability to use it through affliction and hardship
To be civically minded, seek opportunities to serve others and those that are less fortunate
A keen intellect, with a desire to learn academically and spiritually
Blessed with a respect of women, especially your mother
No desire compromise any daughter of God
A desire to serve a full time mission
That you may find a choice daughter of God, and enter the temple with her
A personal relationship with God and Christ
The ability to communicate through prayer

And all other blessings that God sees you stand in need of.

I love you, Little Bits. Oh and before I forget, I love how when we're at a restaurant and I ask you if you want noodles or pizza to eat, you say: "Zee-Pa!" I just didn't want to forget to write that one down either....

In honor of this weekend's IronGirl

2011-04-28T16:00:00.004-06:00

Image from Mapmyride.com

You know when you've got a race coming up, and you think to yourself, "I have done the training. I've worked hard and put in the time." And even if you're not exactly sure how it's going to go, you can feel confident in your preparation.

Yeah... this weekend is not going to be that race.

For reasons not really worth disclosing at this point, I ought to just say I haven't been real motivated. Which kind of blows, because after the SHAC triathlon I got a taste for how fun and how much potential I have as a triathlete.

Likewise, I kept thinking I was going to piece together my videos from SHAC, and then just post that with a few snippets of typeface; but it never happened...

(The following is the long-winded version of my memories from the race...which could've been showcased in with 3 excel columns and a bunch of videos, only one of which I'm including.)

OK, so here's the breakdown from the triathlon on April 2:

Final Time: 1:13:13.7

400 yd Swim: 7 minutes and two seconds

T1 (that's tri speak for transition 1, apparently): One minutes 37 seconds

10 Mile Bike: 36 minutes and 40 seconds (Help me with the math... is that pacing at 16.4 miles/hr?)

T2: 1 minute and one second (I only had to rack my bike and throw on my running skirt)

3 mile Run: 26 minutes and 50 seconds (Under a nine-minute mile which is pretty decent for me considering I couldn't feel my legs or get a deep breath for the first mile!)

The final results showed me missing a medal by one minute...but it's all smoke and mirrors because the 1st and 2nd place finishers in my division also happened to be the leaders overall for the women (so I technically took 6th out of the 30 - 34 yr old ladies).

Here are some of my fonder memories:

Comparatively speaking I did pretty good in the swim (4th in my division). But my older sister heard I did it in 7 minutes and was positively embarrassed for me... tough crowd at the Suite house. (If you look in the far right corner of the video you can see me 'trot' to my lane and then dive in... Danny get's a flip turn and calls it good. He also says he hates hearing his voice on the video, so if you're watching this and he's sitting next to you turn down your computer volume).

The fact that I don't wear bike shorts because there's NEVER enough padding for my sit-bones and girl parts; so I opted for one of those awesome foamy-blubber-seat covers instead and just rode in my one-piece swim suit and Vibrams (that's right; those clipy-foot pedals scare me). Yes, I looked pretty classic in a short-bus kind of way.

Making the second loop on my bike, in front of LOADS of spectators and my husband, I did not shift appropriately for the hill out of the parking lot and managed to make a few horrible sounds with my bike, a lot of grunting and a cadence that would barely register as actual movement. A guy even yelled at me "PEDDLE FASTER!" (Thanks for the motivation sir.)

I am kind of a pathetic biker overall. Danny will tell you that while I can rally on the hills ... it's the straightaways, and the slight declines that I struggle with. (OK so not so much downhill...I mean, everyone rallies at that right? But I mean just enough of a decent to not qualify as straight.) Hubs says I look like I'm out for Sunday ride on a cruiser--my body moves all around, I smile a lot, my elbows are out and my form's totally ski-wampus... so there's room for improvement obviously. Again, I don't use clips. Which reminds me...

The nice thing about Vibrams is that you don't really need to have dry feet to wear them so your transitions go faster... especially if you're wearing them FOR THE BIKE AND YOUR RUN

There's just too many wobbly bits with all my lovely-lady-lumps to run in a swimsuit; so I opted for a running skirt for the last transition. But I'm sure some of the spectators had wished I'd covered up a bit before the run, because I think the one thing missing from my bike transitions was pineapple (you know, to go with all my cottage cheese?)

When I got off the bike and actually started my run, my ear were plugged and I couldn't get a deep breath. I felt like I was plodding along at a 12 - 15 minute mile pace. And it was at that point I thought to myself "WHAT THEY HELL WAS I THINKING WHEN I SIGNED UP FOR THIS?!?!"

I am happy to report, I think Yoga translates well for triathlons since I didn't really train for the SHAC either and did ok. As I mentioned on facebook and a few of you, I can only hope the same proves true with Pole Dancing classes and the IronGirl. It's a different kind of cross-training, but a transferable skill nonetheless.

Happy Earth Day, of course

2011-04-22T09:09:00.002-06:00

Happy Tree Hugger Day Friends! What a GOOD FRIDAY it is!

We have been celebrating all week.

It started with Meat-Free Monday (and Tuesday, Wed, Thurs and today, actually.)
Read The Lorax -- again and again and again and again.
Started my first 'official' bit as a regular contributor for Make & Takes talking about living more sustainably for your family and the planet. If you didn't check it out yesterday, just head on over via HERE.
And Holden and I spent a good chunk of the day in the dirt and mud and with the worms getting part of our garden prepped. We also got some seeds in the ground; but who knows how they'll do with this weather being so awful.

So last year for Earth Day I did a post about what we were trying to do as a family to be more green. It's funny to look back at that now and see how we don't really 'try' anymore with that list...it's just a part of us. Like Yoda said (paraphrased): There is no try, only do or do not.

But this year, I've got a much bigger list... With the help of Practically Green and a five minute quiz you can see where you rank: somewhere between "barely green" and "wicked green." I didn't make the top cut, as my "Solidly Green" ranking comes with PLENTY of room for improvement; but living sustainably is not an overnight process.

Once you've taken the quiz and your score is tallied, you can earn badges of green honor in different areas of your life. I've gotta admit, I dig my "Natural Baby Badge." I totally double dog dare you to check it out.

Just in Time for Earth Day!

2011-04-21T07:45:00.003-06:00

Welcome friends! Come join me and the crafting-mommy-blog world of lovelies over at Make & Takes today. I'm their newest contributor, and I'll be offering challenges and talking about sustainable living for you, your family and the environment every 3rd Thursday of the month.

PS. With Earth Day tomorrow I just wanted to remind you to pick up your copy of Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax." Holden and I have been enjoying it all month!

Intro to Pole

2011-04-05T21:26:00.007-06:00

Oh my goodness you crazy people. It is soooooo not what you think. There is no way I could become a firefighter!

Nah, I just started taking some random pole dancing classes in Sugar House to get more in touch with my feminine grrrrrrr... (or girrrl, depending on how you view that.) As if Danny and I didn't learn our lesson from the (primarily) unused copies of Carmen Electra's Strip Tease Aerobics...but this new dance class seemed like a good idea: five lessons, one month to turn me into a raging sex goddess.

The "Groupon" technically came in my Christmas stocking from Santa Clause (dirty old man). Now that I think about it, so did the Carmen Electra DVDs years ago (super dirty old man).

I've got a few friends that have taken the classes. Ok, one friend (Hot Courtney, but she never blogged about it, so I think she may have wanted to keep it a secret... don't tell, ok?) And my sister-in-law swears by the classes. She's a leggy blonde with zero inhibitions (and that's sober).

After Monday night's "Intro to Pole" bit, I've decided I might do better in class if I came with my hair "Victoria Secreted Out," red lipstick and a boob job... either that or a tranquilizer. You've really got to own your feminine wiles in there. I mostly owned a bruise on my inner thigh from mis-shooting a 'spin' (yes, they teach you that your first night!). But I'm sure it will come.

One of my favorite parts of the class is how the instructor kept referring to our ta-ta's as "the sisters." It saddened me that my sisters had relocated south for the winter and had made no indication they were ever coming back.

Danny says it doesn't seem like I liked it. I mean, I did, It's just not what I was expecting. I mean, they literally teach you to dance on a pole. (I know right, like what else would 'pole dancing' be?) But for some reason I wasn't expecting the blatant references to dollar-bill tips and 'only getting hundreds.' Sure I thought the whole bar-dancing thing was tacitly implied, but not blatantly expressed. They're really teaching a skill-set here, people.

It's like a vocational school for exotic body movement (and I'm not talking about the kind with bongo drums and the phrase 'interpretive' they use on So You Think You Can Dance.)

The ridiculous truth is that I think I actually want to be good at this. I don't know what for (I've never been a good dancer). And it's not like I've got a fireman's pole in my house to just practice/show off on. But I get so competitive with things. Like it's a skill I really ought to have in my back pocket? So I can change my facebook bio to something more like this:

Enjoys parenting her adorable and spirited toddler Holden, saving the planet, barefoot running, triathalons*, yoga and pole dancing (not necessarily in that order.)

*PS. Tri went great on Saturday. Details coming soon... mostly when I can figure out how to piece the video footage together. And yes, that makes 2 triathlons in 12 years. I am practically a triathlete - no?

Tri, Try Again

2011-04-01T15:00:00.005-06:00

So tomorrow I am 'doing' a triathalon. It's just a sprint -- don't be too impressed. I signed up months ago thinking that would give me a little extra boost before the IronGirl Sprint Triathalon at the end of the month. I'm not much of a biker, cyclist... whatever. Last October Danny and I did a 30 miler in Sun Valley a week after the SG Marathon. My running was what saved me. My butt thought it would never be the same... even with one of those cheesy foam seat covers for losers. I haven't been outside on a bike since then. I know it's usually the swimming portion that makes people nervous for tri's; but I was a swimmer growing up and through most of High school. You can get away with a lot through form when you're swimming less than a mile. This is not the first time I'm attempting such a challenge. More than 10 years ago, armed with a serious case of exercise addiction, and an adventurous whim I attempted my first Sprint Triathalon. I trained on a mountain bike, only swam about 3 times in the 3 months prior to the race AND made a decision at the last minute to use my 10-speed from my childhood as my official race bike. I was so nervous I was going to lose a chain (thus why I had trained on the mountain bike), that I did the whole thing in the same high gear.... But catch this: I won my division. The caveat is that there was also a 'pool walkers' division. And I think some of the walkers passed me on the bikeride and the run...but they didn't swim. So different divisions... and, ha! I am reigning champion. Turns out tomorrow morning there is no pool walkers division... so I'm not really expecting to come home with the gold. PS. There is something wrong with my paragraph "enter" key. Apparently it is out of com-ish.

And on the Sabbath Day of Raw Vegan Food, even God rested

2011-03-28T21:44:00.003-06:00

So I totally caved... Saturday night after the Holi Color Festival. It wasn't so much that all that color throwing had me working up some uncontrollable appetite. No, it was more a combination of eating a handful of carrots and grapes with a glass of pinapple juice to sustain me until three in the afternoon; and as we were leaving the festival we made the mistake of walking past a few of the food vendors with curry deliciousness and roasted chicken wafting through the air.

It was like the devil had been clothed in Chicken Tikka Masala... come to steal my detox right from underneath me!

Danny kept talking about hitting up the Bombay House for date night; and after eating (literally) like a rabbit for the better part of the week, I had nothing left to fight off temptation.

And that's true in so many ways:

A random sampling of the 'fare' from Omars.

These are the raw vegan sushi option.

I think they use crushed macadameia nuts in place of rice.

That food (or lack there of) made me loopy. Danny and I joke that I hadn't won an argument with him in five days. My brain seemed to stop working. I wasn't as quick witted (well, for me. It's a sliding scale, you know). I couldn't form complete thoughts or sentences. Even at yoga (when I wasn't on the verge of blacking out), I had to concentrate so hard on what the instructor was saying... just to get my body in the right position. I just kind of always felt a step behind.

Danny's logic was that even God rested on the 7th Day--and moreoever, that my "Sabbath' (or sabbatical from vegan-raw)should start at Sundown. I texted my lady-friends to tell them I was hanging up the jersey early, and by nightfall, I had indulged in amazing Indiana Food and coconut cream pie (not so Indian, but still amazing)... oh, and had managed to gain every bit of weight lost in the experiment back in water weight and happiness.

THE END

Well for now at least. I've got a bit more to report on... especially now that I can think again. But for now, I will say I am glad the experiment is over with and I don;t ever have to do that again. At least not for 6 days... 3 is fine. A week is just crazy.

Coloring Throwing with Krishna

2011-03-26T21:27:00.008-06:00

This Spring I wanted to start anew Mangum Family Tradition: attending the "Color Throwing Festival" celebrating "Holi" / the welcoming of Spring. In India, they use (used?) crushed up flower petals, but at the Spanish Fork Lotus Krishna Temple we purchased bags of colored chalk for $12 and had the time of our lives.

Holden was a little bit timid at first.

He was trying to figure out why we were telling him

to throw things when usually we're asking him not to do so.

But he found his way:

Mangum Family Christmas Pictures: December 2012

And another one...

The official "color throwing" happened every two hours (we hit the 1pm dance). With a countdown rivaling the ushering in of New Years, a rainbow of color fills the sky and then bleeds into a hazy mist of some pinkish brown and purple. It's pretty amazing to see. The above picture and two below were taken just moments after the coutdown.

I love this picture for some reason... It was just so cool to be at this neat

celebration of life and beginning with my boys. I'm glad my husband's

open minded enough to bring our little guy to things like this.

Here we are on the balcony of the Lotus temple looking down at the crazy mosh pit below with the band playing "Hare hare Krishna Krishna, Ram Hare Hare." Needless to say, we kept our distance from the crowd surfing madness, but we danced a little from the distance. The energy was pretty infectious.

This is a picture of Holden's frustration with us that he does not get to hold the iPhone. This is also about the time we decided it was time to make the trek back home.

Danny and Holden outside the grounds

(You can see the Lotus Temple in the background.)

My Fruitneral: Day 6 of the Raw Vegan Week Challenge

2011-03-26T08:01:00.010-06:00

You'd think I'm pregnant with the odd dreams I've been having about raw food (I'm not, I assure you. Though I'd kind of like to be actually.) Ugh! Two more days.... chant with me:

TWO MORE DAYS!

What irks me is I could've bought a gorgeous pair of stilettos and a hand bag from Nordstrom with the amount of money we've spent at Omar's alone this week...but if it wasn't for him, and his delicious sauces at Rawtopia, I'd be stuck cursing citrus fruit and lettuce wedges (well, cursing them more than I already do).

In case you're just joining us, I am on a week long challenge of eating only RAW-VEGAN-FOOD with a few friends. I've lost a few pounds (apparently it's fluctuating a little bit as I was 139.5 this morning). But it's supposed to be super healthy for you. According to the never-wrong, always perfectly cited Wikipedia:

"Raw vegans believe that foods cooked above [115 degrees] have lost much of their nutritional value and are less healthy or even harmful to the body. Typical foods include fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouted grains and legumes.[...]Raw vegans can be subdivided into fruitarians, juicearians, or sproutarians. Fruitarians eat primarily or exclusively fruits and nuts. Juicearians process their raw plant foods into juice. Sproutarians adhere to a diet consisting mainly of sprouted seeds."

I feel like I'm a combination of all three. But that quote seems kind of odd to me, because Notting Hill had me believe that a Fruitarian was something a little different:

"Keziah: We believe that fruits and vegetables have feeling so we think cooking is cruel. We only eat things that have actually fallen off a tree or bush - that are, in fact, dead already.
William: Right. Right. Interesting stuff. So, these carrots...
Keziah: Have been murdered, yes.

William: Murdered? Poor carrots. How beastly!"

When I think about how many carrots I've murdered this week, it almost makes me want to give up the whole project and stick to eating non-food items. You know like things created in a lab by food-science doctors with a relentless industrial marketing machine and lobbyists on capital hill that try to tell us we're better off eating a protein-shake with maltodexrin, soy lecithin and 20 other varieties of soy and corn products than say...some spinach?

Or not.

I guess I'll stick to murdering my vegetables for a couple of more days. Crazy to think they're being eaten alive. Well to paraphrase my little sister regarding the raw-food-project: "Hey, it's your fruitneral." Or the carrots funeral, depending on how you look at it.

Sesame Street: Feist sings 1,2,3,4

2011-03-25T13:03:00.000-06:00

This makes my heart happy. And Holden likes it too.

Day 5: March Madness

2011-03-25T08:39:00.008-06:00

The bullet points to kick off Day 5 of my week-long Vegan Raw Food challenge.

Scale says 138.5 Is this a detox or a crash diet? That's a pound a day.
Omar's again last night: For dessert I indulged in a raw lemon pie with strawberries. it felt sinful but it wasn't cheating.
I have spent way too much money on food this week (like the equivalent of a month's worth; including our 'eating out' indulgence money.) It's a good thing we don't budget or I'd really be battling some guilt issues.
My skin feels really soft.
I just have the weekend to make it through.
I feel pretty good - though I'm awaiting some kind of 'awakening' that I'm doubtful is going to happen: lets call it being cautiously optimist.

My favorite quotes from Danny about the challenge:

"No wonder deer spend their entire lives trying to find food."
[After eating 1/4 of a 'pizza' from Omar's and some almond hummus]: "My mouth is full--not my stomach."

In other cleansing & vibrance news:

Danny joined me for his first hot-yoga Bikram class yesterday evening. He did great for the entire 90 minutes. I was so proud of him. In eagle pose he even got his arms underneath one another, and the instructor said: "Danny you're really flexible." Which is not something my husband is used to hearing about himself at yoga classes.

The truth is I get pretty giddy and fall even more in love when him when he practices wiht me, because yoga is such a hugh part of my life. And it may be the heart-expanding raw-food talking, but isn't it awesome when we get to share the things we love with the people we love?

Day 4 of Vegan-Raw-Food Week

2011-03-24T09:13:00.002-06:00

So Tuesday night it was chicken, and last night I dreamt of potatoes.... roasted with olive oil, rosemary and colby jack cheese. Yummers. Soon enough, I remind myself.

The scale says 140...so that's basically a pound a day. Call it water-weight, toxins, junkies...whatever you want, but I actually feel smaller. (Unless I put on my skinny jeans right out of the dryer. That's always a humbling experience.)

I think I'm past the worst of it. And by lunch today I'll be officially half way.

Danny's been a great sport about it too. We've modified his eating a bit. He's joining me in the vegan thing (and staying away from processed sugars/starches) this week. He's eating what I eat for breakfast and dinner, but he'll enjoy steamed veggies at lunch ...he also had my home-made hummus with carrot sticks last night for dinner. (Garbonzo beans are 'cooked' before I grind them with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil and cumin...so the 'cooking' obviously puts hummus off the list for me.) But this 'cleanse' is not really as far of a jump for me as it is for him; and he goes out to eat for lunch with business people every day...and they're not dining at Omar's, you know?

Other than that, this new food regime continues to have me wrestling with questions about my food and lately, I've been asking myself what I've been learning from this experiment.

It's not really like me to deny my body something it's craving so much. Like say, hummus. (I mean home-made hummus is not exactly the equivalent of a hostess powdered doughnut six-pack).

Usually, when I can tell I really need something (e.g. craving roast when I was pregnant with Holden), I eat it. Unfortunately, I also have the nasty habit of eating what I want--not just what I need. (My past cupcake addictions are great examples...not to mention how I stuffed my face during the holidays after I finally got below 140 lbs; and subsequently gained it all back as a result).

Though right now, I don't crave cupcakes or brownies and candy isn't even on the radar (though I'm not really a candy person anyway)...my body seems pretty content with the amount of natural sugars I'm getting from all this fruit. But a slice of home-made pizza with whole wheat pita bread crust? That may be the first thing I indulge in.

I guess what I'm learning is to distinguish the wants verses needs in my body. This is also teaching me just how overwhelming the food-processing industrial machine is...you can't even buy 'almond milk' without have some kind of additive.

Even my beloved canned garbonzo beans are processed with "sugar, salt, calcium chloride, sodium sulfate and calcium disodium EDTA." (Michael Pollan would be so disappointed.) I have no idea what half of those things are, but I'm really glad I've been at least rinsing them off in the past. Guess I'll be starting another tradition of cooking my own lentils too.

Chapter 3 (Adventures in Raw Food-Day 3 of the Week-long Challenge))

2011-03-23T10:10:00.004-06:00

I dreamt I ate chicken last night...and I still woke up kind of hungry. But it doesn't take much to take that 'edge' off. For breakfast, a banana and some fresh juiced pineapple did the trick.

Holden was under the weather yesterday so last night was a little rough (not just the poultry nightmares). Danny got the shakes all of the sudden and cursed: "I can't live off this food. I'm a high performance athlete!" We chuckled together as he hasn't worked out in almost a week.

Today is supposed to be the hardest day. But I can't imagine feeling worse than I did at yoga yesterday morning. Six in the morning can be painful in of itself. But the 90 minutes of 106-degree room and what felt like 90% humidity (though it was probably closer to 40) seemed to force my body into an early purge of emotion and toxins.

I kept having to stop and take breaks... which is not my norm for most-things-physical: I'm more of one to 'push through' the uneasiness. More than a few times I would stand up and the room started getting black spots all over it, my ears got that weird hollowing sound, I was swaying back and forth and couldn't hear what the instructor was saying.

Eventually we made it down to the ground and as I lay on the floor, my hands got really tingly (like when your leg falls asleep) and my fingers started curling into themselves. I looked down and my hands -- they suddenly appeared to have Bikram-onset-rheumatoid-arthritis.

It was all really strange.

And I had RSVP'd for the Advanced session that evening.

I kept thinking to myself there is no way I can do this.

Who knew fruits and veggies were so dark and powerful?

But the day continued, I drank a bunch of water, took a nap with Holden (oh the bliss of just one child!), had some lettuce & guacamole wraps and found myself getting dressed for yoga.

Then Holden puked all over me.

And by the time I got in the car at six pm I was wondering if the universe was sending me a message -- like maybe you've had enough for today?

I vowed if I got in a car accident on the way to the studio, I'd know it wasn't meant to be.

But I made it; and the class was full and the energy was amazing. (A few of the people in the class compete at the Yoga Asana National Championships... which sounds like an oxymoron to me, but it's their thing... not mine.) It is inspiring what they can do with their minds and bodies.

And as I mentioned last night, I had one of the best classes of my life. And I was the least tired I've ever been in one of those classes. And it was like I had given a new lease on life; and my body was a little more bendy, and my heart felt a little more full and my cells seemed reenergized.

**Alternate Indie Film Post Ending**

And Holden puked on Danny while I was gone.

Adventures in Raw Foodie-ness (Chapter 2)

2011-03-22T13:53:00.008-06:00

Day two of my experiment - same weight: 143... heavy sigh. Changing your diet is a lot like exercise -- somehow I feel like after a hard workout (or a day of eating raw) I should magically be 10 lbs thinner.

But I am feeling pretty fabulous... teetering on the edge of hungry, but feeling pretty good. I've heard that the body needs a certain amount of '"fat" to feel full: so do the Omega-3s in avocado count?

Besides wondering how I am going to push through an extra dose of hot yoga tonight, I am wishing I had the secret recipe to Omar's Almond Curried dipping sauce that our vegan nori-rolls came with last night. It just makes everything better.

A Great Debate -or- A Different Kind of March Madness

I've also been doing a lot of thinking (or obsessing?) about the vegan/vegatarian thing. It made sense to me NOT to be a vegan with all the processed soy products and fake-sausage patties and faux-margarine, faux-food products. None of that stuff really seemed like a eco-conscious choice once you figured the oil/gas equation for plastic, packaging, shipping, the food science processing, etc. As I've mentioned on so many occasions, I prefer to eat Food. Real Food. Not Food-like products.

Vegetarian made a little more sense: it's such a wide scope and you seem to be able to eat a little more sustainable. . . and for me, my body almost seems to crave it during the summer. (Though I usually end up being one of those Octo-Lacto Vegetarians: so I grant myself the luxury of eggs and dairy).

I dig the idea of being a free-range seasonal eater (very little meat/animal products except in the colder months and eating what's local): seems like this choice would have the least amount of environmental implications... you're living off the land, taking proper steps for food storage during the months where the snow means limited local produce. And it seems to be a lot more consistent with what I believe on a religious level (spiritually, I'm not exactly sure.) But then again when it comes to animal slaughter, no matter how nice that chicken's life has been, I always seem to end up coming back to the mantra "It still hurts to be killed."

And full circle back to the Raw-Vegan-Foodist thing. So you definitely win points for staying clear of all the personal and environmental horrors associated with mass meat/poultry/etc consumption, and your eating minimally packaged foods (I mean just how much packaging does a raw yam come with, you know?) But the bigger question is where is all your produce coming from?

I mentioned I didn't buy all organic produce. But even if I did, there's not a plethora of local anything right now in SLC. Things (organic and conventionally grown alike) are being shipped from all over the world to my local Costco (where I bought the bulk of our fruit & veggie eats for the week). I picked up some stuff at Liberty Heights Fresh, Whole Foods, and my local Smiths. But how sustainable is it to eat raw when there's still snow on the ground?

Unless you're growing bean sprouts in a backyard green house, how is this lifestyle choice sustainable in Utah?

I find myself wrestling with questions like these all the time. Often when I'm peeling a banana because that monkey food is NEVER in season in Utah. :)

But I'll continue to wrestle with the moral and ethical questions about my food choices probably forever. Regardless, I think on a cellular level my body is grateful for the overhaul. Day three tomorrow: and usually the most challenging for any cleanse. (I remember this from my past life when I was addicted to Diet Mt. Dew. I was also eating out twice a day and would've considered boneless buffalo wings and fries with ranch dressing from Wingers one of my favorite meals. My how things change. )

Today's Raw Eats & Treats:

breakfast: "Island Smoothie:" Fresh pineapple and mango with frozen banana, home-made almond milk, avocado and apple juice.

Snacks: carrot & bell pepper sticks with guacamole, banana, more of Alyssa's cacao/coconut date "brownie" deliciousness, asian pear slices, orange slices.

Lunch: Romaine lettuce wraps with chopped cucumber, orange bell pepper, onion, alfalfa sprouts, guacamole and that divine curried almond sauce left over from last night. (What am I going to do tomorrow when I run out?!?!)

**UPDATE: 9:30 pm**

I had the same romaine lettuce wrap for dinner that I had for lunch and another bite of the 'brownie'; but I seriously had the greatest Bikram class of my life. Just got back from my second Bikram class today (I get to attend the 'advanced' class occasionally).

But seriously, I feel AMAZING! I wasn't perfect, but my body was getting into poses it has never been in before. I didn't even really feel tired; and the class is and hour and 45 minutes -- yes, hot, humid yoga. This morning at the beginner class I was getting lightheaded and kept feeling like I was going to blackout/pass out.

Is it possible my 'horrid 3rd day' was moved to 6 am this morning because of the yoga practice? Or more like 3 hrs and 15 minutes of yoga?

Only time will tell.

BUT I FEEL RADIANT!

Adventures in Raw Foodie-ness (Chapter 1)

2011-03-21T21:19:00.002-06:00

So it's on! Today starts my week long experiment as a vegan raw foodie. What this basically means is that I will ONLY be eating plant food that's not processed (I think the technical temperature is below 110 degrees or so.)

So here's how it's going so far:

Had a genius idea to hit up Whole Foods and Costco (even though I do not heart Whole Foods one single bit). The 'make your own Peanut Butter machine ended up exploding all over me; and it wasn't until I got home that I realized the peanuts are probably pre-roasted (so I can't have it anyway). But at least my black sweater smelled like organic Skippy....
I don't really want to think about how much money I've spent on produce today (a mixture of organic and conventional. If we're only eating plants I don't want to limit myself to apples, carrots and spinach!). But anyway, it makes me mad the government subsides corn and soybeans for fillers in tomato sauce and everything else... why aren't they subsidizing whole foods like apples and carrots? But I maintain, the question is NOT "Why does a organic produce cost so much more?" but why is all of that other 'food' so cheap?" I mean seriously, do you stop to think about the personal and environmental devastation that comes from eating cheap food in mass quantities? Ugh! (Oh and if not, just rent "Food, Inc" and then you'll catch a glimpse of what I'm saying.)
Also, special thanks to my mother-in-law for lending me her juicer a year ago when I wanted to make Holden his own organic juice. I still have it and today made a batch of apple juice today. FAB-U-LOUS... and so sweet!

You may be wondering why I'm doing this?

Well, the answer is kind of three part:

Even though I'm not a fan of 'dieting' per se, I feel like my body needs a little 'spring cleaning.' Whereas DETOX, can come with a host of negative associations, this little experiment is a great kick-start to refocus my healthy eating choices (I have been engaging a little too much in trysts with white flour.) This is just a little kick-start to get back focused on minimally processed whole food focused lifestyle.
I've got a few friends that are doing it. See, there's these girls from highschool that I get together with a couple of times a month (maybe?), and a few months ago we came up with the ridiculous idea of having sex every day for 30 days straight. And so when we're together we just decide to do things like that... so thus, the raw food idea. (Though I think Danny is a little bummed the Raw-Food Challenge is not accompanied by anything directly affecting his libido.)
Why not?

Today's menu items included:

Breakfast:

Green Fruit Smoothie with Avocado, spinach, melon, pineapple, OJ, blueberries and a hand-full of almonds that had been soaked in water overnight (I'm going to make my own almond milk).

Lunch:

Carrots dipped in Guacomole (avocado, tomatoes, white onion and line juice); fresh mango slices, a hand-full of almonds and some apple juice.

Dinner:

We actually kicked off the raw food week with a little get together at my house. We fed the kiddos whole wheat organic pasta with parmesean and then let them entertain themselves whilst the adults indulged in raw food concoctions like "live almond hummus, with cabbage, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and parsley"; tabouli (parsley, tomatoes, red onion, mint, etc); loads of fresh veggie 'bites"; fresh guacamole; and a spiced curried seaweed roll with macadamia nut rice, avocado, tomatoes, zucchini, onions and alfafa sprouts. (The sweet curried almond sauce was AMAZING!) For dessert we noshed on a raw date, coconut and cacao "brownie" served with chilled strawberry citrus "soup."

Pictures hopefully tomorrow....

Oh and today I am weighing in at 143. I am excited for a little 'cleanse.' (HCG can suck-it.) This is way cooler.

St. Patty's Day Traditions (& Kitchen Explosions)

2011-03-16T21:30:00.003-06:00

"CLUNG--K!"

"pssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss....."

That my friends is the sounds of a 16 oz can of Murphy's Stout crashing to the floor and slowly exploding in my kitchen. Holden continues his experiments with gravity...

This round's score:

Gravity: One

Mom: ZERO

The Can After the Fact - notice the easy pour 'spout' now

deformed for perfect kitchen spraying action.

Tomorrow's St. Patty's Day, and even though we're not Irish (though Holden definitely has the skin-tone for it), somehow I created a new tradition last year by making Guinness Cupcakes.

The were kind of ridiculous.

The batter spilled all over the tops of the muffin tins and middles sunk so low that the only way to make them look remotely normal was to fill in three inches of frosting in the center. Danny loved them, and asked for them again (yeah, sure the alcohol bakes out). And being the agreeable and submissive wife that I am known and loved for, I obliged. Also, I'm kicking off a Raw Diet Week on Monday and of course dragging Danny along, so the man deserves a tall one: even if it is in cupcake format.

So the cupcakes?

I had Little Bits help me.

Besides his stellar performance in the "Irish Beer exploding all over my kitchen" bit, his contributions include:

Dumping Cocoa powder all over the counter.

Turning the cake flour box upside down, which later resulted in this:

He also managed to spoon teaspoons full of the sourcream-egg mixture on his chest (he was aiming for his mouth).

In Holden's defense, he is great at cracking eggs. I always let him do the first 'whack on the kitchen counter' and then I follow up with another, or just separate the shell and put it in the batter.

He's also super supportive and of what we're making. For example, yesterday we were making almond biscotti from scratch. I thought I completely had this recipe dialed; as it's been a go-to quick treat for the past month. But somehow I made the dreaded mistake of baking soda instead of baking powder... but every time Holden dipped his slimy mitts in my batter and licked his fingers he'd say, "MMMMMMMMMmmmmmMMMMMM." So the kid really knows how to lift my spirits. (I still ended up throwing out all 3 dozen, though... sad.)

But when he looks that great in a baker's hat, how could I ever think of being upset at him?

Regardless, I guess our St. Patty's day tradition is officially that...a tradition! I just hope next year comes without the beer explosions. Seems like they'd appreciate that more in Chicago or Boston.

Little Sample of Holden's maneuvers and way sweet kitchen skills.

Also, he gets some flour in his eye....

and yes, I have a problem closing my kitchen cupboards when I cook. I'm sure it stems from my relationship with my father, or something...

PS. Special thanks to my dear friend *Emily for hooking me up with the stout. She was making Irish Stew and had an extra can that saved me from buying more beer than I'd know what to do with.

*Names have been changed to protect the Mormon innocent... or have they?

While the TOM-Cat's Away...

2011-03-14T21:17:00.004-06:00

Danny had to work tonight. And by work, I mean "he's entertaining clients at the Jazz game in the suite." Needless to say, he's digging his new job. I am happy about it too...because obviously my husband would do that part for free.

Holden was a little devastated when he found out his Dad had to leave again (once he got home from the office); but we made do.

Dinner consisted of apples, oranges and fresh sliced organic pineapple from Bountiful Baskets (the pasta dish I made was nasty when we tried it at 4 this afternoon, so we went with what we love.)

We read a few chapters of Black Beauty (the adapted illustrated classic in novel format with pictures), and looked at the National Geographic 'hippo' book we borrowed from his Grandma. And then we did a little yoga:

Holden getting into Down Dog

A little 'flamingo' balancing action...

can you see his right leg up behind his knee?

And my favorite kind of yoga...

where I say "Show me your happy face, " and we get this.

Namaste.

The BREAST Kind of Protest

2011-03-09T13:15:00.006-07:00

So it's no secret that I heart boobs (no wait, that's my husband.) But I heart breastfeeding...

Not that Holden and I were any good at it. We tried and tried and cried and cried and tried some more. I've mentioned on numerous occasions that even with lactation consultants (yes, that's plural), LeLeche League meetings, nurses, doctors, nipple shields, SNS system and everything short of trying a wet nurse, Holden and I gave it our best shot BUT he refused to latch completely at four months. As such, I was left to pump for the remainder (and a little beyond) his first year of life. Granted, my milk production levels were a bit 'abnormal.' I was producing so much milk Winder Farms was worried I'd start my own dairy operation.

But pumping is not my favorite thing.

Of course I would've preferred to nurse him...in the home, on the phone, at the store or on the floor. I would've preferred to nurse him here or there or anywhere...Instead, I was pumping on airplanes, in lavatories, in the the handicapped stall of Delta's Crown Room, at church, once of the floor of a Massage Envy shop after a flat tire, and the list goes on, and on, and on.

That's why it makes me sad when things like this happen:

"On January 30, Norika Aita was nursing her 11-month-old daughter, Elaine, on a bench near an escalator in the [Hirshhorn Smithsonian] museum when a security guard told her to move to a restroom to breastfeed. When Aita found no seat other than a toilet in the restroom, she returned to sit on another bench and resumed nursing. Another security guard then approached her and said, 'Mom, you cannot do that.'"

Obviously these security guards didn't know about the governments Right to Breastfeed act.

When Holden was nursing, he refused to latch if there was anything covering his face -- blanket, hooter hider (you get the point). I couldn't 'cover up' or my son wouldn't latch. So I guess to keep people from feeling uncomfortable, I was just supposed to let my kid starve...no wait, whip out a bottle because that wasn't weird? Except it is...if you really think about it. Nursing is one of the most natural things a mother can do for her child (granted, it wasn't easy for us, but it's still natural).

Plastic nipples, pumps, glass and bottles... they're about as un-natural as you can come by for feeding a baby. And before you think I'm passing judgement, let me remind you I've been there -- I get it. It's not available for everyone. Those 'un-natural' things made it possible for me to feed my child.

But that's not my point. My point is tolerance for those who are nursing.

We live in a pretty jacked up society... where women can parade around scantily clad with hardly anything on top, or wear swimsuits that may only cover a small portion of their bosoms; and their bodies (for the most part) are celebrated. (If you don't believe me, just look at any summer issue of US Weekly.) But a mother sits on bench to feed her child how-nature-intended and people start to squirm.

Bless you Western Civilization... but this is not progress by my standards.

Fortunately, the story from the museum has a positive outcome. Volunteers, boob-activists and the museum all got together for a nurse-in (yes, it's how you imagine, minus the signs that say "Save the Ta-Ta's"):

"The tone of the nurse-in was celebratory and communal, with mothers, fathers, babies and children of all ages happily chatting, nursing, and enjoying the art. Museum staffers were supportive and enthusiastic about drawing such a crowd. 'We’re glad you’re here,' beamed Hirshhorn Director of Administration and Finance Anthony (Chris) Walloo, who is expecting his first child in April and chatted with mothers about the best options for baby carriers."

Art and breasts? Sounds like there was a little something for everyone.

You can check out the full story on Mothering.com HERE.

Before the Birthday Month Ends...

2011-02-25T15:44:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to make sure I had this moment from 2/1/11 accurately documented.

Kids Yoga - The Video Spot

2011-02-21T21:00:00.005-07:00

So I've got the link to Saturday's Yoga Segment on Fox 13. I must say, not my finest video spot (remember I used to speak to the press for a living?) I seem to have lost my edge. But if you're still inclined, you can watch it here.

I was a little distracted.

I brought my Mom to watch Holden, thinking he might do a Down Dog or balance in his "Flamingo" (which he does, in front of the standing camera so you can't see it)...I wasn't expecting him to cooperate fully; but I thought maybe, just maybe, he'd give the camera a little Namaste bow, or something like that. But as you can see, he spent most of the time wandering around in front of the cameras, and then trying to mount his cousin Max in Savasana.

Also, about the time Tamara (the news anchor) asked me about the yoga class I was going to be teaching today at Discovery Gateway, Holden pointed to me in one of the television monitors and yelled "MOM!" Because I was on TV, naturally... and obviously it's way more exciting to see your Mom on TV, than say, in real person standing right behind you. (Does this say something about our family's media policy?)

Anyway you look at it, I was -- to say the least -- a little distracted.

My Mom said she didn't want to grab him because she didn't want him to yell; and the camera people obviously loved him. But I couldn't seem to form complete sentences or thoughts. This often happens to me as a mother -- not speaking coherently -- even when I'm not on TV with my toddler.

But my niece and nephew did awesome. I was so proud of them. And Holden is just so friggin' cute... in fact, here he is practicing Savasana (Dead Body pose) at church a few weeks ago.

As a side note, this has only happened once

(Holden falling asleep in the pew as a toddler);

but let me assure you it was every bit as good as I imagined it would be.

Why You Should Listen to Me

2011-02-18T14:28:00.006-07:00

Actually, you shouldn't.

I'm not qualified to give advice about ANYTHING.

I'm not crafty.

My house isn't feng shui'd (I don't even know how to make that word a verb).

I write with way to many typos.

My blog isn't even a REAL one (you know what I mean).

I don't have a degree in early childhood education. If memory serves, I got a C+ in my "Child Development Class" at UVU, at barely passed "Family Relations." However, I did ace "Survey of International Terrorism," and quickly changed my major to Political Science.

I eat way to many treats (so I can't dole out nutrition advice).

I haven't renewed my Sierra Club membership in years so the GREEN movement won't call me their own.

I only made it four months nursing and then had to pump the remaining eight months. (A failure of a breastfeeding mother I was...)

My kid has been EC-ing for over 18 months and he's still not diaper free.

The most I've ever run barefoot-barefoot is five miles... everything else is with socks, or vibrams... or some other form of barefoot-cheating.

I've never even been to India or lived in an ashram. So am I really even a yogi?

Actually, yes...I am. And I still wouldn't consider me an expert about anything; but I will say that I do love yoga. And I love Holden practicing yoga. And I'm going to talk about Kids Yoga and the things I love about it tomorrow on FOX 13 news at 8:30am (give or take a few minutes).

So you don't need to listen me; but I do invite you to watch. . .

I could be Hot too -or- Beyonce in my Water Closet

2011-02-09T15:00:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a day of cleaning... no seriously, I got one of those Screamin' Daily Deals (kind of like Groupon) for three hours of cleaning; so of course I spent the entirety of Tuesday morning (and most of Monday) trying to get my house ready for the cleaners. Sounds a bit ridiculous right? But I didn't want to waste their time with rearranging my piles of junk when they could be scrubbing my toddler floors and potty training bathrooms (ick).

My point is, come see my house today because it will never look like this again... scratch that' if you don't get here by dinner-time all bets are off.

No, my real point is, what I did is not glamourous. And while Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" was playing in the background (I had my 'marathon running mix' on); I stared thinking how hot she looks in that Deja-vu video, and how luscious that woman is... all those fans blowing her hair and her getting more bounce to the ounce and curves going crazy (literally)... perfectly chosen designer 'outfits,' perfectly choreographed moves and not so much as her eyeliner smugged (unless it's done on purpose).

She's like a Kings of Leon song ("Your Sex is on Fire") perfectly packaged to make people like my husband salivate (ok me too); but more importantly, (and while most likely NOT her intent), to make people like me feel frumpy.

But then it dawned on me, I could look hot too if I had millions of dollars behind me -- dressing me, 'fanning' me perfectly, photoshopping my wobbly bits...and don't even get me started on making time for working out. This woman's body is part of her 'brand.' I'm doing my best just trying to lose baby weight and get an endorphin rush to stay off Paxil.

Sure nobody's paying money to watch yours truly--the un-single lady --put her hand up in a cup (so to speak) or get Bootylicious. And the only 'fanning' I'm getting in Mommyland are ceiling fans and in our loo (not so fabulous).... but I'm pretty sure the MTV machine could even make this mama look like hot sex on a platter.

But better yet, I just think about how glamourous Beyonce would look scrubbing my toilets. Fan optional.

Danny Turns 28

2011-02-04T07:40:00.001-07:00

So I was thinking, Danny turns 28 on the 5th of this month--what if I posted my Happy Birthday Blog to Danny, in the same fashion as i did for Holden... I think it would sound something like this:

I can't believe how fast time flies! It seems just yesterday I was looking at you and thinking "he's way tooo young for me to date; but he's super cute; and it's a free meal so I am open to whatever the universe has in store."

Seriously, here you are, at our wedding... not looking a day over 19. I'm such a cradle robber. ;)

Favorite foods

Sadly for the most part you prefer processed to home made. In fact, some of the biggest compliments I get from you would be when you say things like "these home made cinnamon rolls [that took me 4 hours to make] are almost as good as Rhodes bake-n-serve!"

You love pizza... Papa Johns is your favorite; but you're pretty good at tearing up my home made variety of a Margarita. (If I cheat and use white flour and a tsp or two or sugar in the dough, you like it waaay better than my whole wheat sinker variety.)

You don't think soup qualifies as a main course...even if it's cream based. (Craziness!)

Hobbies & Such

You seem to be getting along really well with the kids at the MWSBF playground.

Sports

Holden has you watching way too much Sports Center; but it's hard to say no. You love Softball season the best and have recently started working out diligently with a personal trainer. Your biceps are back...and even though one might expect my politics to dictate otherwise, I would like some tickets to the gun show.

You are a great athlete. You love to ski, and are great at it (even though you don't get to go much anymore).

You are a creature of habit -- which I find comforting, because you're willing to try new things. And your predicability makes me feel more wild and crazy than I really am -- and I need that.

On the EC front

Like Holden, you are doing so well with your POTTY-ing! You pretty much always put the seat down after yourself -- huzzah! So feng shui of you, Danny.

Other thoughts

You have the world's greatest smile...it melts my heart when you are genuinely happy about something. And I love to hear you laugh. Especially the one that sounds like there is something mischievous going on underneath the chuckle.

You love looking at pictures of, and reading about, other people's lives (especially on fb). I am glad it has moved from your TMZ addiction to at least people we know... but you never really update your own status on fb or twitter. (We are kind of opposite that way).

You tell great stories.

You have the patience of Job and you are really good at sharing.

You listen to what I would qualify as pretty crappy music packaged for the masses...but since I am no longer a subscriber to Spin or RollingStone and don't hang out at Kilby Court anymore, I don't really know what would be worth listening to anyway (although, I'm pretty sure if i asked the hipsters at Estes pizza, they'd set us on the right course).

You are always well behaved when Holden is babysitting you...

I love you.

Plummeting to our Bounce House Demise -or- Death by PlayDate

2011-02-02T21:25:00.006-07:00

Today was almost the end.

Death by Bounce House - what a way to go.

No seriously, I took Holden to "Bouncin' off the Walls." We are in a play group, that we never really go to; but Hot Courtney was in charge this month and I adore her; and I think socialization opportunities are good for Little Bits because play-dates are much different than Story time / music time / yoga time. I mean, I don't want to over schedule him...but...but, I'm getting away from the point.

ANYWAY:

So Hot Courtney is in charge of the neighborhood play group calendar for February. She plans the play-date for Bouncin' Off the Walls... a place with bounce houses and blow-up slides GALORE; and on Wednesdays it's just five-bones for kids up to 5 yrs old....and ONLY kids up to five from 10am-1pm.

BRILLIANT! I think. Holden loves jumping, and there won't be big kids to kill him. THis sounds PERFECT (and parents play for FREE!)

Huzzah!

So we trek out to Sandy; use the Garmin (of course) because 90th and 94oo south are soooo confusing once you're west of the Freeway...and we proceed to get our bounce on.

Of course he wants the slide... and not the small one: the 25 foot, two-and-a-half story slide that requires oxygen and a sherpa to get to the top. But we make it.

It's awkward; and I suddenly think that I probably didn't need to do any cardio this morning because my legs were tired just from hauling my darling 30-pounder to the top.

We slide.

We slide some more.

At one point, a mommy (we'll call her *Mommy A) from the group points to her little 2 1/2 year old daughter making her way to the top to slide by herself (it's her first time without mom.) We can't believe her BRAVERY!

Holden and I make our way back up to the top where another Mom (Mommy B) from playgroup is with her darling 20 month old daughter waiting for their turn.

At this point, I should mention that in our past slides I made the following observations:

A) First off, it seemed so odd to me that there was no one there to 'ref' the flow of people on the slide. No management telling people when to go or not go... just a free for all of bodies, moms/dads, toddlers and preschoolers sliding to their hearts content.

B) The slide did not seem to have the same structural integrity of the some of the other pieces. It seemed like it needed a little more air -- if you know what I mean. I even noticed a giant hole at the bottom with air seeping out of it; that made me think what a waste of energy...

But both of these were fleeting points in the back of my mind... much like when I notice someone chose an odd outfit to wear. I don't spend a lot of time dwelling on it; it's just there and it passes...

But I digress.

So Mommy B and I are at the top of the ginormous slide and the entrance seems bottlenecked. Some of the kids have decided they don't want to go down just yet -- which is fine, but as they are waiting, more kids are piling up behind us; and Mommy B can't get to the other side of the 'start line' to get her daughter situated to go down the slide.

So we are stuck too.

And as we're waiting for the other kids to go, more children are piling up behind us in line and start climbing over one another to get their turn... since 5-and-unders aren't really known for the their patience (or regard for queue etiquette.)

So with all the kids piling up, the launch zone for the slide begins to tip, so no one can get to the point to go down. The kids in the front now have no chance to go down because they're suddenly bunched in the corner by the side...all the while, each new child that bottlenecks on the steps or crawls over another to get his/her 'turn' means more people cramped into the corner and the 'platform/launch/starting point' is now at a 45-degree angle and no one can move.

I'm holding Holden in my arms because it's chaos... and at about the precise moment I think "this thing is going to tip over... no that's not possible"...

It happens.

It implodes.

The corner falls over and two adults and some 10 -15 kids plummet two-and-a half stories to the ground.

SCREAMS - YELLS ... and an erie free-fall follow.

I have Holden in my arms and turn in my shoulder to brace him from the impact. Fortunately, it's absorbed in my shoulder and what air is left in the blow-up death slide.

Moms are screaming and yelling:

"GET THE KIDS OUT! GET THE KIDS OUT!"

I am trying to get my bearings and parents are trying to yank kids out from under the blown-up-yet deflated mess. Holden is in my arms and Mommy A yells that her daughter is underneath someone.

Some how I hand Holden to an adult (at which point I think he starts crying because everyone is screaming; and I have just passed him off to hysterical strangers)... but I'm trapped underneath toddlers and preschoolers, so I can't really move and I look down and there's a little pink mess at my feet. I grab the girl and hand her off. And hand off some other kids. And Mommy B is handing me kids as fast as I am handing them to the parents standing outside of the slide.

"GET OUT! GET OUT! WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THERE'S NO KIDS UNDERNEATH!"

We hand off the last child. Mommy B and I are trying to get out of the blow-up mess (Mommy B still has her little one); and we climb out as fast as we can.

"Holden!" I yell. (Thankfully, no one was underneath.)

He is crying and obviously distraught.

He points to the slide.

Oh my gosh, I think. THIS TOTALLY TRAUMATIZED HIM!

He keeps pointing to the slide.

"I know," I say. "That was so scary.

He points to the slide again.

I keep trying to calm him.

And then it occurs to me; my child is not traumatized at all from the fall. He's heartbroken he waited his turn and never got to actually slide.

Fortunately for us; management opened up another room... with a more structurally sound ginormous slide... and they even got smart and metered participation.

Holden slid down that one about five more times before I called it quits for lunch and a little R&R (read:naps). I figured a near-death experience warranted some mid-day down time.

*Names have been changed to protect the innocent and because I don't know if the mommy's in play group would be weirded out I'm talking about their children to the blogosphere. Except for Hot Courtney - why would we change her name? Who wouldn't want to be called Hot Courtney? I would want to be called Hot Courtney and my name isn't even Courtney, it's Sabrena.... I'm just sayin'.

Don't Blink -Or- Holden's Officially Two

2011-02-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Seriously, don't blink. You might miss something. Or I might. Really, you're two? Holden? Already? It makes me feel extra super guilty I was trying to figure out how to get you to sleep through the night at 6 weeks. Ha! Seems so silly and ridiculous and exhausting all at the same time. Such a precious time... and now it's gone.

But I'm grateful for today. Still freaking out that you're two.

Six month's ago I posted a little bit about your likes and dislikes. Some things have changed; but you're pretty much the same guy... just with better hair and way cooler t-shirts (thank you Babinski's.)

But here are somethings I jotted down about you in the past six months (in no particular order).

Favorite foods of the past six months: dried and fresh blueberries, avocado, bananas, oats, (just plain oats, I don't even need to make them into oatmeal, though sometimes I do) olives, apples (eating them whole is your favorite way to partake),

grapes, cheese pizza (though you don't really eat the cheese), cupcakes (mostly just the frosting, though)

watermelon, those cracker-like orange "fish" (your Grandma gives them to you, not me), raisins, parmesan cheese (grated or slivered, but the REAL stuff...not that Kraft cheese-product), honeydew and broccoli.

Holden's order of broccoli and wheat toast at One Man band Diner (I was not so disciplined)

At the Real Game, you wanted to steal the olives from the burrito of the lady sitting next to us.

In the late summer -- harvest time-- it was pretty standard fare to see your shirts decorated with tomato seeds. You loved picking them from the vine and eating them straightaway. You also loved eating plums from our tree; but someone else would have to pick them for you.

At SLC's Gallery Stroll...he's so hip. I didn't go to a Gallery Stroll until I was in college.

During this past six months, you really started identifying pictures of Jesus and saying his name...oddly enough, pretty much anyone you see with a brown beard you seem to think is Jesus; and anyone with a white beard is "Ho Ho Ho" (what you call Santa.)

You're super attached to your father and have been for quite some time. You ask for him to put you to bed, and he's the first thing you ask for in the morning. One of the few sentences you put together is "Where my Dad?"

On August 12th (barely 18 months), you took all the pans and lids out of my pan/lid drawer. However, after being asked - you put them ALL back away. I was pretty impressed.

Around this time, you also started figuring out how to build your own train track--specifically the bridge portion of your track. You heart "toot-toot"... which I think means "Choo-Choo" with translates to "trains!"

In September, you would randomly move your hands in the "wheels on the bus" motion. We go to "Book Babies" at the Library about once a week for stories, songs and playtime with the other tots. You are always the most LIVELY of the bunch.

Same with yoga - at our Monday morning "Mommy & Me" class, you really seem most interested in hugging the Arjuna statue, feeding almonds to Ganesh and touching EVERYTHING on the alter. You also like tossing the blocks around the room (not part of the organized routine) and doing your own thing. I try to practice my patience and be in the moment... because like Book Babies, you are the most active little yogi in the room (though you do have a fierce Down Dog and melt my heart every time you bow in the "namaste" song.)

You got another hair cut in September; I think I'm going to let it grow until the summer. I love your curly locks...and you don't really love getting your hair cut; so it works both ways.

You love your cousins. You especially like to give your cousins Faye (6 weeks your elder) hugs. She likes about one form you; and then needs her space. You think her pushing you away is a game...she doesn't.

Second ear infection of your life at 23 months. You figured out that bubble gum antibiotics taste way better than Children's tylenol.

Despite how adorable you look in them, you do not like footie pajamas. We tried 2 pair for Christmas; and it was a struggle to get you into them... and usually involved tears if you had to keep them on. So no more footie PJs. (Who doesn't like footie pajamas?!?!?!)

You finally learned the word "no." Just 2 1/2 weeks ago, you learned it. You picked it up and decided you enjoy saying it in a sing-song manner. It doesn't come out very often, but it always catches me off guard when you say it...I'm used to 'Uh-uh." (Which seems a little easier to stomach to me than no, for some reason.)

You still love sports -- playing them, watching them with Dad. You love watching movies...I pretty much always feel guilty about it, but we let you (especially with your ear infection and this crappy weather!)

You loves animals -- especially horses, elephants, dogs, gorillas, and giraffes.

We're still EC-ing. No diaper-FREEdom to announce just yet. But I just keep reminding myself to 'trust the process.' Because being patient has paid off for us in other areas, like:

You are finally sleeping through the night! In your BIG BOY BED! Not three hours and then sneaking into Mommy & Daddy's bed; not six hours or eight hours (and calling it sleeping through the night)...but 10 hour stretches! No sleep training. No crying it out. Just laying down, tucking you in at night and taking the time....

Don't blink. But I love you....and Happy Birthday Little Bits.

Down Doggie at the DG***

2011-01-23T21:12:00.007-07:00

So we are alive. Sometimes I tweet about it; sometimes I update my fb status about it; but mostly I just blog telepathically in my mind, and then don't realize until the 23rd an entire month has passed with out documenting our comings and goings on the web+log.

In a nutshell, life is good. Both of the boys have bdays next month, and I somehow convinced Danny that (even though we have a balance on our AMEX) the universe wants us to take a Disney cruise to the Bahamas to celebrate their birthdays, Valentines Day AND Mother's Day this Spring (this really took the pressure off me stalking **Dan Patrick for the next two weeks trying to get an autographed copy of his mug).

There were just so many signs pointing in that direction (of the cruise, not so much DP's mug). First, I haven't been tan in what feels like ages (except that fake spray-on for the Snooki-bit). B, Danny and I definitely need some alone time, and our room comes with a sheet-like curtain of sorts in our cabin to pull across for privacy. Thirdly, we had Skymiles for two plane tickets...so its like the universe would not take NO for an answer (or maybe that was just me. I can be kind of persuasive if I need to be.)

Any-who... on the docket for next month? More yoga! But with a shift in focus to Holden -- which only makes sense. He will be two!

Here's the little guy showing off Balasana (child's pose)***

We've been loving our Mommy & Me Yoga class at Shiva Center with Brandi Allen. It's been a great way to kick-off our week and get Holden started on his own yogic path of discovery. Actually, his favorite parts involving nose-honking the studio's Arjuna statue and trying to feed the Ganesh figurine almonds from the alter, but it's a safe-place for me. And now I get a chance to pay it forward.

I will be guest instructing two days (four classes) at Discovery Gateway -- SLC's Children's Museum- - next month leading the 18 month - 3 yr old "Music in Motion" class focusing on YOGA! My segments will be Monday the 7th and (President's Day) the 21st at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. From my understanding, classes are FREE for members, and for single-day visitors the ($8.00?) cost of admission into the museum covers the class as well. Classes cap at 12 students, so it's first-come first-serve basis.

It also looks like I'll also be making another appearance on FOX's weekend morning show next month -- most likely Saturday the 19th . The focus will be on the benefits of Kids Yoga and easy ways to get your little ones involved in body movement and creative exploration yoga-style. I'll let you know more details as they firm up.

In the meantime, if you're wondering about the bajillion benefits that can come from kids practicing yoga, check out this awesome article that ran last spring in the Columbia Tribune. And then join us for a class!

Namaste friends.

*Whit and Bridge and any other DG's - do you get nostalgic and think I'm talking about your college stomping ground when you read that?

**Danny's Man-Crush. My husband was once asked who he would most like to go to lunch with if space and time were of no consequence and he responded, "I know I should say like Ghandi or Jesus, but I think Id have to go with Dan Patrick."

**It would be more truthful to say he was protesting Down-dog. If I remember correctly, I was anxious to get a photo of his yoga skills and he was anxious to prove he wasn't interested in showing off for the camera. But you get the idea.

Another (yogic) TV spot

2011-01-09T13:51:00.003-07:00

Ok friends!

I got the link this time for my spot on FOX 13 "Good Day Utah" for Saturday's morning spot. Thanks to my sister for pinch-hitting as our model/demonstrator at the last minute. That meant I didn't have to pull my hair in a pony tail for television. HUZZZZZZZ-ZAH!

So while not a lot has changed since I did TV interviews for SkyWest, one key thing made a huge difference for me: Mainly that I would've been fired for wearing yoga pants on air as a corporate spokesperson...now, it's just part of the wardrobe. Love it!

OK, so it was a lot of fun to do. If you missed the link on Facbook, and want to check it out, just click here.

Luvs for the New Year. And Namaste.

The Situation -or- All Snookied Out

2011-01-03T11:49:00.005-07:00

So yes, that is me. With plastic press-on nails and a 'poof ' on my head that rallies any Jersey Shore cast member (and it's done with out help from an infomercial bump-it). Danny and I attended a costume themed New Years Eve party and *won the costume contest!

*FINE PRINT: Ok, we actually took second because the host and hostess of these parties ALWAYS have the best get ups...one year they went as American Gladiators. This year they were David Bowie from the Labyrinth and that Jennifer Connely character... AMAZING! But we took home the prize because they are gracious and pretended like we were almost as awesome as they are.

Danny of course was "The Situation." And I obviously was that Snooki bit (though, I could've played this much better a year ago -- 20-plus pounds heavier and a few cup sizes larger. But no worries, I just stuffed two socks in my bra to help make up for 'lost times.')

Danny's sister Suggested the idea...and even helped provide a bunch of the wardrobe. (Her husband went as a 'tool' for Halloween, and she works at Bebe, so her wardrobe has a plethora of shorty skirts to chose from).

In addition to my horrid plastic press on nails, I opted for some delightful blue eye shadow, and I made sure and got a spray tan with the full level 3 bronze dye to get as orange as possible. (Oh, and MAC bronzer - bronzer - bronzer also helped!)

The dude at the tanning salon (who strangely resembled Danny in his costume) told me that the added dye would wash off with water so no to shower until my 'event' was over. Which meant I got to spend the day (and night) smelling oddly like teriyaki sauce. Don't tell me you don't know what I'm talking about...

But the best part of the 'Mystic Aftermath' had to be at Bikram Yoga on New Years Day. Since I had in fact left the dye alone, and did not shower before sweaty yoga, I was not 7 minutes into class I bent over for 'hands to feet pose' and noticed giant beads of orangish-brown sweat dripping down my shins like someone had in fact poured teriyaki sauce on my legs.

Ringing in the new year with STYLE!

Mangum-out.

The Theme! (and intentions)

2011-01-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year all!

This is a two fold post - first, it serves to get all that resolution crap out of the way. But second, and more importantly, I'm announcing the THEME for 2011! (Can you stand it!)

OK, here's the deal. I'm don't want to make any resolutions this year (they sound so 'U.N. peacekeeping Mission' to me, eh?) Some years I make them (not Un Peace Keeping Resolutions, but just resolutions), and some years I don't...

But I definitely have a "To Do" list.

This year I'd like to:

Make my own cheese (even just once)
Get a 'real' blog and a grown up website
Do the splits
Dry tomatoes
Plant and harvest potatoes & corn (and a bunch of other stuff; but I didn't do these last time)
(Take a more active role?)/ Better support Holden in becoming an EC graduate and Diaper Free!
Paint our bedroom "Still Moment" by FreshAire
Bottle so many cans of Spaghetti sauce/tomatoes that canned tomato sauce will be rendered useless to me
Get a pedicure (at least) quarterly

Moving on:

I like how in a lot of Yoga classes (and I often do this with my students), the instructor will invite you to 'set an intention'. The first time I heard this, I thought "Oh, set a goal." And as if the teacher had read my mind, she said "This is not a goal" and something about the interconnectedness of everything and how setting the intention makes it already realized (which sounds a lot like THE SECRET to me, but I dig it.)

And this year's intentions:

Be kinder to my husband, and more patient with my child
Eat consciously for a more sustainable planet
(a subset of the last bullet point, but a key) Eat animals that have had happy lives (call it wild, free range, or whatever you please. It's more than 'organic'... it's about sustainability and consciousness. Besides, I'm usually a vegetarian in the summer anyway
Run, Run, Run
Yoga a go-go
Make a Baby

Which leads me to the year's theme (and thanks to everyone who submitted ideas):

BABY MAKIN'S HEAVEN IN 2011!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T00:00:00.002-07:00

OK, here's our Christmas Family Update. Many of you probably got one in the mail, but I'll put it here for the others interested and a few additions (since time moves so fast in Mangum-land!) ;)

The Bullet Points (aka our 2010 Wrap Up)

Together we

Traveled to New York AND Hawaii with Danny’s family
Went to California with the Suite-side and hung out with M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E
Painted our living/dining room and have (almost) removed all the random blue painter’s tape that keeps showing up sporadically in the crevices
Survived assembling a composter for the garden (this is a bigger deal than we are letting on)
Spent a lot of time down south (in Saint George) and up north (“Upstate Utah” in Eden) and even took a couple of overnights in Park City

Sabrena

Mom = 24/7, doin’ Mom things,
Took up running, did a few races, and finished her first marathon (Saint George, Fall 2010)
Planted a garden (with Danny & Holden;s help)…and gardened and weeded and gardened some more (the boys were not as active in this part)…and then ate the fruits of our labor.
Baked and cooked and read — a lot
Tried to save the planet…again
Taught some yoga, took some yoga, tried some martial arts yoga, took up HOT yoga
Is looking for a new theme for baby #2, but how do you top Holden’s legendary mantra “Procreate in 2008”?!?! (We are not announcing ANYTHING)...Three months until Danny's new *insurance kicks in, so we are in 'practice' verses 'trying' mode.

Danny

Is in his second year working at Zions Bank and keeps getting promotions despite the recession SCRATCH THAT!
Just got a new job working at Mountain West Small Business Finance (my Dad's place of work) as a Credit Analyst. Among many things we will be enjoying with the new job at MWSBF, one key piece is much better Health Insurance (thus the 3 month interregnum to make sure there's not slimy insurance talk for 'pre-existing condition)
Spends “free time” (ha!) working with the Scouts and as the Discovery Gateway -- Salt Lake’s Children’s Museum -- Chairman of the Development Committee (Holden loves the fringe benefits that come with Daddy’s community service!)
Is still celebrating Brandon Burton’s block at the Utah football game (especially since there wasn't much to cheer for at the Bowl game)
Loves to ride his bike and wishes his wife would provide as many opportunities for him to ride as he has provided for her running
Perfected his patience through supporting Sabrena in her new hobbies (e.g. organic gardening, bouts of vegetarianism, buying local, finding a free-range turkey from a local farm for Thanksgiving, et cetera, et cetera)
Is Holden’s best bud and has already taught his son how to ‘wind up’ before pitching (in our living room, of course)
Played a little softball, but not enough.
Watched a bit of Sports Center, but not enough (this point is heavily contested in the home, as to how much television is a bit/a lot).
Can categorically deny that mushrooms do not make vegetarian pasta sauce “hearty,” despite some very compelling arguments from his wife

Holden

Loves bay-ball (baseball), boot-ball (football) and bah-ball (basketball)
Is a great helper in the kitchen and loves to bake with Mommy
Has early signs of a green thumb (if bowling pumpkins in our living room is any indicator?)
Prefers to pick and eat cherry tomatoes and carrots from the garden – dirt and all
Discovered marshmallows much to his mother’s chagrin (of course I didn’t introduce him!)
Is a bibliophile like his mother – favorites include “Andy Warhol’s: Flowers,” “Stephen Colbert’s: I Am America and So Can You” and “Sandra Boyntons: Pajama Time” (lately he's been in-love with this John Deer Flip Book he found at his cousins. I don't think it really fits in with the Michael Pollan flow I'm trying to recreate around here.)
Unlike his mom, is a SERIOUS DOG LOVER. He’s already in cahoots with Dad for a puppy…
Can speak in tongues, obviously. (We assume that’s what the animal noises are? Maybe it’s just his love of God’s creatures great and small, though he tried to mount an emu at the petting-zoo this fall, so the jury’s still out.)
Is an active participant in Mommy & Me Yoga (on and off his mat at the studio) and loves Book Babies at the Library
Turns two in February; and is constant entertainment and the main source of joy for his parents.

We’ve had a great year and are thankful for health, happiness and the tremendous opportunities we’ve been given. We hope you and yours are doing well; and wish you all the joys of the season. All our best – Danny, Sabrena & Holden

You can follow our misadventures at www.suitespots.blogspot.com

This letter printed on Eco-Friendly “forests paper”- 2 trees planted for every 1 harvested (But this is obviously a digital version...)

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

P.S. Holden is getting a balance bike for Christmas. I seriously can't wait!

Through the Holidaze

2010-12-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

So this is the first time in a few years that I haven't posted for the 12 days of Christmas; but my 30 Days of Thanksgiving (ok, 25-plus?) darn-near plumb-posted me out. :) Please say that last sentence with a southern belle accent... or a british accent for kicks.

But there are a few things worth noting (at least that I can remember) that I want to jot down (forgive me if I've already posted these.)

Tis the season:

Holden got croup this month. It was really scary for us having never experienced it first hand as parents. Fortunately it was not so bad he had to go to the ER, but we did end up going to the doctors after the worst of it had passed and he got that steroid shot, which made his attention span even smaller than normal. (Ever heard the expression, "You're like a two year old on steroids? Well, maybe we invented it, but with good reason.)
Holden still isn't speaking 'properly' (?), but he does think every word has a sound. Not just animals. For example, when I ask him to say "Santa" occasionally, he'll say "anta"... but mostly says "Ho Ho Ho" with inflection on the second Ho. It's really quite adorable.

Our Awesome Little Family posing with "hoHOho" at the Discovery Gateway "Breakfast with Santa" on Saturday. He ate breakfast with us and then we had a whole hour with the children's museum to ourselves... oh, and Santa played too!

Holden also likes to run around the house with a clothes basket on his head...usually when he's just in a diaper or training pants. I think he got this one from Danny (not so much the training pants or diaper part. Just thought I'd clarify... stranger things have happened at this house)
WE ARE STILL EC-ing. (It's been almost a year and a half!!!) Good thing there are so many environmental benefits, because it's getting long...yes, I know he's not even two yet. People ask me all the time if Holden's potty trained. My response? "Potty-trained, yes. Diaper-free, no," And believe me, there is a difference.
This year I feel the most 'ready' for Christmas in the gifts, and cards, and all that jazz arena...but I've felt like I'm lacking in the spiritual side this year. Usually it so much easier for me to feel more spiritually at Christmas time. I haven't had as many experiences this year, but I know I can always 'get that feeling' when I'm holding or snuggling with Holden and I think about Mary caring for her new little babe...and the conditions in which she brought for that child. Then yes, I definitely feel something.

Foot in my mouth

2010-12-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

You know when you're trying to give someone a compliment, but instead you end up saying something really stupid? For example, if you say something to the effective of:

"No way you can have a daughter that old! You look sooooo young. You must've been 12 when you started having kids!"

But it turns out she got pregnant in high school and so you weren't that far off?

I'm not saying this happened to me (recently)... I'm just saying I say crap like this all the time.

If I had a camera with me right now, I would take a picture of myself in a yoga pose sticking my foot in my mouth.

Thirsty

2010-12-19T07:07:00.003-07:00

The picture is a little blurry, but Danny took this last night:

One milk, one water.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: 30-ish?

2010-12-04T16:28:00.005-07:00

OK, I know I didn't exactly complete my 30-day Thanksgiving challenge; but I came close, and the month was filled with gratitude.

Speaking of Thanksgiving; we spent the Holiday up at "The Barn." It's the Mangum's second home in Upstate Utah (aka Ogden Valley) and our dear friend Allison Davis took family photos of the entire Mangum clan.

You can check out a sampling here.

Personally, I didn't think we could get any cuter than last year's bit...I mean we did go with the whole "christmas a sweater" thing. But I think these look great. (Wait, did I saw "we?" I meant Holden...)

Not that you care, but Danny even picked out my coat as a present. He is so metro with his keen shopping eye.

I'll be posting more pics when the CD arrives.

Thanks Allison!!!!

Cheers!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Twenty-Nine

2010-11-29T21:08:00.005-07:00

An open letter to the toddler residing in my home that may or may-not be named Holden:

Dear Sir,

Please forgive the ridiculous behavior of yours truly today. It really is inexcusable; that someone as old as me could have a fuse so short. What separates me from the animals? Apparently nothing. You deserve better.

I fail you so often.

Fortunately for both of us, I once read that long term memory doesn't set in until closer to three. Hopefully, I'll have things better figured out by then. But chances are - not really.

It's not that I forget that you're (not yet) two. It's just that I haven't spent a great deal of time detailing exactly how 22-month olds (give or take 2 days?) act/react. So I expect too much. I expect rationale and reasoning and you to not hit people or things when you need attention. I expect you to communicate mild mannerly (assuming you have inherited this genetic predisposition from your father, because it certainly doesn't come from me.)

I expect you...

To enjoy getting your hair cut?

To walk next to me a the grocery store (seriously, even for a gallon of milk, why didn't I just put you in the cart?)

To completely ignore the stack of blocks on the side of the room at yoga that beg for destruction?

To leave the instructor's bag alone when beanie babies are falling out of the top?

To not want marshmallows? (I'm still upset with your grandpa for introducing you to those food-like monstrosities.)

To not be upset when you're nap has obviously been cut short and the only thing you ate for lunch was noodles?

To want to wear mittens because it's 'better' for you?

SERIOUSLY?!?

What's wrong with me?

Why am I not more patient?

Why am I not better?

How can I feel like I have failed you so early when our journey has barely begun?

Please forgive me.

Please be patient with me.

I promise to do better.

I am so thankful for you.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Twenty-Eight

2010-11-28T07:05:00.005-07:00

OK, the path of not-so-dedicated posting has continued... can I make them up for extra credit? Is later better than never. Do posts filled with more than one piece of gratitude make up for the lack of days? Is it more important to keep the number of posts consistent or is it more about my conscience saying "you said you would post every day" that is really the issue?

Only time will tell.

Right now I am in the play room with my toddler who is sporting his red "Utes" sweatshirt and holding onto his Ute football, rolling around the ground pretending to recover a fumble (our Friendters' bedroom is directly below. I bet they are thrilled with this at 7 am on a Sunday morning. But like Q said, "He's so cute he can get away with a lot more." (So true.)

Let me get right to the point on this snowy Sunday morning in the S-L-C. (Since I've been babbling for the past 3 paragraphs).

After Saturday Night's Game. The girl taking the picture was so cold and excited she couldn't stop shaking; so this is the best photo-op we got. :)

(Of course) I 'm grateful the Utes won.

I'm thankful I got to spend the game in the company of my husband.

I'm thankful for the 7th-row 50-yard line seat hook-up from my old man.

I'm grateful for the two zoobie fans sitting next to us that were civil and good-natured.

(Danny and I are ALWAYS next to someone from that team down south when we go to the Holy War Game...doesn't matter if it's the muss or crimson club 50-yard line. How does that happen?)

I'm grateful for those handwarmers that I stuck in the bottom of my boots so my piggie-toes didn't get frost bite.

I'm grateful for hot chocolate (really the only thing worth consuming at a ball game..I tried the pizza, gag!)

And I'm thankful for Brandon Burton.

30 Days of Thanksgiving- soft star

2010-11-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

(This was supposed to be posted on Tues; but I never got to it...)

I love Soft Star Shoes. And yes, I love Robeez too. But I feel like Soft Star are the greatest parts of Robeez , but functionally superior.

Check out these. Who wouldn't want these delicious boots for their toddler to use in inclement weather. (Right now, Holden's sporting a pair of galoshes he can hardly walk in.)