You all know me enough to know how much I love to rave about a product when I find one that I love. Well, this case is no different. I'm going to highlight two very functional products and why we love them.

First off, Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat priced at $19.99. Ok, some of you may be thinking, what?? That looks like a flimsy booster seat and don't you already have a high chair that you currently use? Yes, actually and I love that one too!

BUT, there still lingered one of our big problems: Every time we go out to eat, all of the high chair straps are broken!! Grr... We have one of those car seat and high chair covers and it works fabulously. However, the straps don't have the plastic connector, they are wrapped up in tiny knots, one strap is missing, etc...the list goes on and one. I can't tell you how happy we are when we come across a high chair that actually has working straps, isn't wobbly, only to be discouraged when we go to slide her to the table and discover that the table is about eye level. REALLY?? Now, with grocery carts it isn't a big deal to keep an eye on her. She's right there in front of me and she enjoys busying herself with different produce, mommy's phone, or what have you. But when we're trying desperately to eat and she crawls out of the chair, wails b/c she can't reach her food (which I'd be upset about too!), is upset for whatever reason, you can understand our level of frustration.

One time, we went to a restaurant that was so brand new they didn't have a high chair. I knew this ahead of time and packed the one that we had. While not too heavy, it was pretty bulky and added on to the weight of all the stuff we typically have as parents. I remembered how pleasant that experience was when I came across this chair. I saw it in the store and really LOVED how compact and light it was. Nothing fancy about it, just a series of light weight plastic with straps, but straps that were intact. GLORY BE!! (And seriously, the heavens parted and the angels sang when I had this amazing revelation!) This past weekend when I was doing my girlfriend brunch, we went to Buzzbrews* and they had such a seat. After the positive experience, I made haste to make the purchase, took it home, wiped it down, and stored it in the car for later use.

Last night, I was in the mood for enchiladas and after a long, long, long day, I just wasn't up for cooking. We went out to our favorite local Mexican joint: El Norte Mexican Grill**. Good stuff right there! As we walked in, we tell him table for 2 and a baby (obvious) and when he asked us if we wanted a high chair two thoughts immediately went into my mind: Groan, their high chairs are too low AND the straps don't work! *BLING* But we have our new booster chair in the car!!! I ran back, saying over my shoulder, make sure we get a table and not a booth! When I returned, I popped off the tray, fastened the straps, and Mari was in the seat in no time flat. We pushed the chair in and whatdoyouknow, she was the proper height!! HIGH FIVE!!

She LOVED her chair. She didn't complain once about being in it. We knew she made it hers when she took her crayon and proceeded to draw on it. While I'm not in love with the colors, this seat is a definite gem and perfect find. Now we aren't ever going to have to worry about using those other high chairs, so long as we have this with us. (blech, how could I forget about all of the pesky germs that probably live in those other high chairs too, not to mention the bits of dried out food and what not??)
Next up is the Tiny Diner Placemat. I can't tell you how much we use this darn thing. I'm just kicking myself every time we leave a restaurant because we forgot the diaper bag that houses the placemat. Also, I really wish it came in purple. In any case, it is wonderful. It keeps all of the food and since she still eats off of a mat (we've tried the dish thing and she just flings it off the table and is upset because she lost the food and is still hungry. baby steps!) or a flat surface, we think this thing is very, very practical. Not only does it keep the food , but it has this little pocket to not only catch falling food, but also helps when you roll up the mat for storage. AND the nifty suction cups on the underside keep it in place. Good stuff!
*Buzzbrews, great place to eat, healthy, organic choices, amazing coffee bar, reasonable prices. The only drawback is that it is quite cozy, but you would only really notice it if you had a child and lugged in a purse and diaper bag and were parked in the corner where you had to squeeze past larger men to get to your chair. Definitely going back!

**El Norte Grill, amazingly fresh choices and very authentic. We genuinely feel like we were whisked away to a Mexican Cantina when we first step in. It is whimsically decorated in your typical Mexican regalia, complete with twinkle lights and raffia. So kitsch, but it really works and adds to the overall experience. The first time I went there, I was unimpressed, but that is because my tastebuds were off. I've been pleasantly surprised each time I've gone back. Mom and Carol both love this place, and Don considers it a favorite. If we had the ability to go out to eat every night of the week, El Norte would be on that list (along with Chettinaad Palace and Great Wall) If you are in the neighborhood and want Mexican and local, definitely check this plae out!

Whistling Dragons, Sippys & Carseats, Plus a Movie Review

We're in that in-between age where Mari is starting to express herself and understands that she's her own person. She is really frustrated because she can't always communicate to us what is going on or what she's thinking. She's pretty effective at pointing, doing some signing, and can say some words, but when she wants to convey more complex feelings or thoughts, that's when we get the tantrums. They've started and sometimes are quite funny. We try not to laugh and when they get especially bad, we try not to let it overwhelm us. Sometimes she lashes out and we have to put her in a time out chair. She understands the concept of time out, that it is a form of punishment, but also, it gives her time to let out her frustration and calm down. It is sooooo hard to just let her sit there and cry, though; especially when the tears flow it isn't just screaming. Breaks my heart, to the point that I sometimes have to leave the room and cry myself, but I'm getting better. We're all getting better.

Yesterday, when Don got home, he and Mari will hang out in the office. She has her toys and some books in there. She'll sit and "read" aloud while turning pages or will freely explore the corners of the room. But she keeps her favorite book in the office. It is called If I Had a Dragon/Si Yo Tuviera Un Dragon. She absolutely LOVES when we read her this book. So much so that she will sign more or make a mamama (mas=more in spanish) sound while thrusting the book in our lap or face. Don swears that not only did she beg to have the book read to her, but she also said "dah-go." It was so sweet. There's also a part in the book where they talk about whistling or silbar. During that part of the book, Don and I will pause and whistle out a melody. Him, a fun and whimsical tune. Me, a sassy cat call, ha ha...I think I should get more creative! Well, when we got to that page, wouldn't you know that she was blowing her little cheeks out trying her darndest to whistle. So, so, so precious!! [thank you Carol for the book! I think we may need to get another!]
Avent Magic Cup
Next up, we decided that it was time to put away the bottles and transition on over to sippy cups. We had three different kinds to begin with and the one she really seemed to like the most were the Avent cups. She refuses any cup that has the handles on it! Well, yesterday, we attempted a full day without a bottle. We weren't very successful. She hardly drank any milk, but she did have more water. We're going to keep trying for the next couple of days. This morning, she did have her milk in her cup, but didn't drink all of it and it was a slow go getting her to start. She did, however, refuse to let me hold the cup or put it away. Instead, she insisted on cradling it in her tiny arms like she does her two dolls (one is a plush Lilo from Lilo and Stitch and the other is a little babydoll that we've yet to know the name because Mari hasn't given her one yet). I don't know if I'm rushing her to the next stage. While the doctor recommended it about a month ago, I held off hoping to slowly transition into it. We were pretty successful with juice and water, but not the milk. We'll just have to see. The pacifier is the next step...eeek!

Britax
Also, this past weekend, we broke down and bought Mari a second car seat for the car and decided to put away the carrier and base to be used later. (Sigh! At least we got just over a year's use out of it!) After much research, we finally settled on the Britax Boulevard CS. This was my original choice for a car seat, and when we bought the first one for our Equinox several months ago, we opted for Evenflo Advance primarily because it fit all of our requirements and the price was right. This time, we shelled out the extra dollars and let me tell you, each time we've put her in the seat, it hasn't been one single struggle. She just gets in there and settles in for the ride. I can't say the same about the Evenflo. Plus, the straps won't turn and get caught up like they do on the other. Not a big deal, right, but when you have to reposition them at least once a week, it is kind of a pain. AND best of all, it is made in the USA!!! High five!


MOVIE REVIEWS

First off, I watched Dan in Real Life online via Netflix. I'd been on the fence to watch this movie because the trailers didn't readily agree with me. From the trailers, I wasn't sure what was actually going on. But wow...what a wonderfully beautiful story filled with awkward moments. Not just those romantic awkward moments, but genuine family awkward moments. You know what I'm talking about. I could probably outline an exact moment in regards to my family, but this is about a movie review, so I'll refrain. Anyway, I really enjoyed it. There were some definite laugh out loud moments, some angry moments, and some incredibly heart wrenching moments where I just sat there and bawled. I made it a point to add this to my list of must owns! Steve Carell is hilarious, yes, but in this role, it showed a vulnerable side that I only caught glimpses of in Get Smart. I also love, love, love Juliette Binoche. She's simply amazing and that smile of hers is incredible! The entire cast, for that matter, is just awesome!
Next is Killer of Sheep another movie that has been out for ages and I'm totally and completely ashamed to admit that I didn't know of it already. Don put it in our Netflix queue thinking I would enjoy it and boy did I. I watched it twice and I still haven't sent it back! I need to find this movie and buy it. It was so real. It truly took you back to that time and era. There are several scenes of the children playing and it reminded me of my childhood. From age 2 to age 10, I spent in a predominantly black neighborhood. It was a very friendly neighborhood with neighbors that actually talked to one another. However, when it came to the schoolyard, there were times when kids would be kids and they were rough, both verbally and physically. Lucky for me, I was best friends with a gal who had many brothers and cousins, so I was "protected" from any harm. I guess for this reason, the movie really reached out to me. There I go again with personal anecdotes. Anyway, this is the best quote about the movie:

"If Killer of Sheep were an Italian film from 1953, we would have every scene memorized."— MICHAEL TOLKIN, SCREENWRITER

Powerful words, right there. But seriously, it was so very honest. Despite the low budget, the filming was spot on. If you aren't a fan of theater, with live acting, then you probably aren't going to like this movie. I would consider myself a fan of all types of film. So much so that I took a Film Appreciation: History of Movies class my last semester in college. I don't recall this film being on the list of required materials, let alone one that was screened in class. Then again, it was just recently restored and last year it was screened, unfortunately, it didn't make it over to Texas. In any event, it was a great film.
Happy Earth Day!

Va va Keratin!

Today, I had the opportunity to get a keratin treatment on my hair by my stylist, Keri Kirchoff (call 817-521-5316 for more information). I arrived and I was quickly briefed on what to expect.

First, she washed my hair 4 times with a clarifying shampoo. Next, she completely blow dried my hair and that's the craziness that you see in the before picture. I actually had another before picture, but it pretty much looked like this one, so I used this one since you can get a better idea of how my hair looks. After that, she started to apply the Keratin in small sections, just covering it enough, and not completely saturating. I had to let it set on my head and then she flat ironed it out completely, in equally small sections like before. Before she started to flat iron it, my hair felt so spongy and I cracked a joke that it felt like a brillo pad moisturized with twigs and berries. Seriously, it felt like a REALLY bad wig. But slowly, the heat from the flat iron activated the product and instantly my hair had that va va voom look. I was sold.

It looks great, feels incredible, and I can't believe the difference! Now I can't wash my hair until Friday, nor can I pin it back, put it in a pony tail, or tie back in any way. This is going to definitely be a challenge, but my patience will pay off dividends! I was assured an extra week, possibly even two for following directions (the treatment will yield approximately 12 - 16 weeks of silky, shiny, smooth hair...just in time for summer!!!). So here's to hoping that my patience will kick into over drive!!!

Seriously, give Keri a call, she's a miracle worker!!

Happy Birthday Missy!

Hope you have a fabulous day!! I'm so glad that Brother found you. Cheers to many more!!

Hot dogs, Cold Beer Here, Peanuts, GetyerpeaNUTS!

Yes, folks, it is that time of year again. Time to break out the gear and pack the special bags for baseball! I may have gone into detail of my fondness for the game, but you have to understand, I really LOVE baseball. The bright green grass, the crack-thwack of the wooden bats (or clinks for high school or college games), the vendors hollerin and tossin' goods, the smell of hot dogs, squealing kids running to and fro' totin' a ball or worn glove, all of the fabulous caps, and the general rumble of the audience. Talk about loads of memories and nostalgia. I very nearly married a ballplayer and I'm certain it was just because he was a ballplayer, because the moment he stopped playing, the mystique wore off. ha ha...but no, in all seriousness, baseball and I have a springtime love affair, lasting all summer long. (Do you know how utterly happy I am in the fall with both baseball AND college football??!! Now I understand the reason I'm so depressed in January and February, ha ha!)

Anyway, we ventured out to the Ballpark for our inaugural game of the season. It warms my heart to see that Mari LOVES baseball as much as I do. She really took to the music, the food, and especially the gear! Not once did she freak out, even with all of my hootin' and heckling. She got so into it that when Daddy and I gave high five to one another, Mari held up her little hand, expectantly. *swoon* That's my girl!

Here is the view of the field from our seats on Home Run Porch. Even though we couldn't see the Jumbotron (and I didn't get there early enough to settle in to keep score), it was a perfect view!

Here's my family. At this point, the Rangers were getting blown out 10 - 4! YIKES!
Here's a self portrait from our seats. Mari was starting to wind down at this point since it was about half an hour past her bedtime. I was gluttonous and overdid it with the food. Yep, had my hot dog(s), brat, and cheese fries w/ jalapenos (hala-payn-ahhs as the very TEXAN server said). And I wonder why my belly ached when I got home. LOL
This one was grabbed when we met up with my friend on our way out. Good timing because the Rangers were rallying! I turned Mari's cap into a rally cap! It was a good run, but the Rangers lost 10 -9. Dangit!
We're heading back the day after my birthday. It should be a good game against the Astros! Thanks Mom and Dad for going and for all of the INCREDIBLE memories growing up!

Speaking of basebally, here's a list of the other parks I've visited:

Dodgers Stadium AKA Chavez Ravine: Los Angeles, CA
We took several trips to LA growing up and I look back on those trips with fond memories. I remember happily wearing my Dodger blue t-shirts (my favorite nightshirt, to this day, is a Dodger's shirt!) My great uncle played for the Dodgers and this stadium always holds a special place in my heart. We had the blue hair beanies, Gagne-game-over shows, fireworks galore, and blue bats! Plus, views of downtown LA on the horizon. I'm getting melancholy thinking about it. *sigh*


Angel Stadium of Anaheim, formerly Edison International Field
Home of the Rally Monkey!
I first came to this stadium with my father and made another trip a few years later with my dad and beloved. They have this rally monkey that gets everyone fired up and ready for a rally. It's quite hilarious and highly effective!



Tropicana Field: St. Pete, FL
Complete with indoor beach and cownose rays. Honestly, visiting this stadium depressed me. The players were working so hard and seemed like they were the only ones who really wanted to be there. Tickets were ridiculously cheap and once inside, there weren't many fans. Granted, it was in the middle of the week when I went, but still. I did think the entire area was really pretty and it could've been a better experience, but wasn't.


Coors Field: Denver, CO
A row of purple seats that mark the mile high point. Going to this game gave me shivers when I walked up to the park. I was so happy and giddy when we visited. We were in town for a wedding and celebrating our 2 year wedding anniversary. A month later, we learned of Mari's existence. :) Anyway, the game was excellent, getting to it was easy, the ambiance perfect. This is definitely one of those that we'll have to go back to!

Minute Maid Park: Houston, TX
Formerly Enron Field. I loved the retractable roof on this baby! The outfield was small and I determined that this was a hitters dream park. They've, since, proven me right.


And I have to admit that I haven't been to a game at the following places, but I've been in close enough proximity on the outside and was visibly upset because it wasn't baseball season or they had away games.

• Safeco Field
• PETCO Park
  
• Citi Field (flown overhead several times)

Feliz dia de Pascua!

This is just a photo montage.





Hope you all had a fabulous Easter!

sick in the city

My last night in NYC, I went out with some wonderful friends. I ate an amazing home cooked dinner, we enjoyed a good Malbec, and talked everything from life after college, marriage, and great literature! We were definitely celebrating life.

Unfortunately, when it came time to opening the Sparkling Shiraz (which, by the name, I should've steered clear!), that was a different story. At first taste, my senses picked up, but I thought nothing of it. I just thought it was a little sharp. Sharper than a normal shiraz, but still. I finished it up and then came time to go home. My belly was feeling all sorts of wonky, but I thought nothing of it. I hopped in a cab and headed back to my room.

I made it safely there, took a long shower and then it started happening. I proceeded to get violently ill for the next couple of hours. I managed to fall asleep, only to awake and once again be under attack. (I'll only mention that not ALL of those times did I make it to the bathroom. It was only after the fact that I chose to spend my last night on a cold marble floor clutching the wastebasket.) I had a couple of pretty important meetings, but I was just hoping to have enough in me to make it to the airport and fly home. After a few more hours of this and poor attempts at packing, I composed myself just enough to go into the office. This was just as bad as that awful stomach virus we had at the first of the year.

I was there for about half an hour when the fits started again. Ugh! (Seriously, I'm turning green just thinking about it!) I made it to one meeting and apologized over and over again for missing the other one. We made plans to discuss on the phone any necessary follow-ups, but let me tell you I felt horrible about it and felt horrible for feeling horrible. I pulled myself together and elected to head to the airport early to fly standby.

I got sick only one more time before going down for a surprisingly pleasant cab ride. It took all my efforts to not make him stop on the way, but the cool wind on my face seemed to help. I walked at a snails pace inside and they helped me through. I forced restraint when waiting in the security line. I must've counted every single pair of shoes and tiles I could see. When I finally made it through, I managed to miss the flight that was heading out that second. I did, however get on the next flight out. That would've put me back home two hours earlier than planned.

I walked onto the plane and of course, was welcomed by a middle seat in the very rear. *great* The man on the aisle was really friendly and wanted to talk to me. I hated to be rude, but I just sat there frozen, clutching my water bottle, and the tiny white courtesy bag the airline provides in the seat pocket. I think he got the hint. An hour into the flight and my belly started to grumble again. I requested some ginger ale and crackers. The lady gave me the fruit and cheese the crackers and didn't charge me the $3 for it. So nice! I slowly nibbled at my crackers and sipped the ginger ale.

Half an hour later, we were told that we had to detour to Nashville because of the strong winds in Dallas. My heart sank. We were flying circles over Nashville for something that seemed like forever, when we finally landed. I felt a little better once we were on the ground, but my belly was still feeling all sorts of out of sorts. Oddly enough, the live music playing in the airport soothed my soul. I called up Momma and gave her an update. I'd be seeing her the next day, but something about hearing your mother's voice when you don't feel well always brightens the spirit.

I walked around the airport. I felt well enough to eat, so I ordered a plain baked potato. I didn't realize how hungry I was, until I sat down to eat it when they started to re-board us. Now don't get me wrong, I was happy to get home, but I was really hungry. Feeling more like myself, I started chatting with my fellow row-mates. The gal was fresh out of colleged working for Teach America and on her spring break to visit her friend in Guatemala (who happens to volunteer for the Peace Corps). The guy next to me works as a foreman for new Chuck E. Cheese's. (At the end of the flight, he offered me a free pass to take Mari since she's NEVER been. We will take her soon since he was so kind to offer it to us.)

Upon take off, I once again clutched the tiny bag, breathing in and out slowing, channeling Mari's birth. I went to my happy place and once the fasten seat belt sign was off and we were cruising at a normal pace, I (my tummy) felt much better.

By the time I got home that night, I looked like a dried out street rat about to croak. My darling daughter and husband took pity on me and let me relax and enjoy the night without guilt, despite the fact that we had quite a bit of family heading to down in a matter of hours.

I was grateful to be home.

NYC: Central Park Run & Chola

After work, I was flat out exhausted from the day of travel and working. Let me tell you, 4AM comes mighty early when you don't go to bed until midnight. And instead of sleeping on the plane, I was quite productive!

Anyway, like I said, after work, I did a quick change and immediately went to Central Park for a run. It was glorious! There were so many people running, walking, and biking. I saw a handful of men pushing strollers and only 1 female pushing a stroller. It was pretty cool. The flowers and trees were budding and I was mad that I didn't have little red with me. In the middle of my run, though, I did stop at the Bethesda fountain and snapped this photo. Isn't it beautiful? I was immediately flooded with thoughts of my beloved, because just a month ago, we were right there, holding hands, baby strapped to the front and just watching the world go by. bliss.
Upon my return to the room, I had these lovelies smiling at me. The romantic in Don came out and had these beauties delivered to me. They were there happy and being beautiful. Exactly the way it made me feel!!I lazied around for a bit before rinsing off and heading out to dinner. I stopped at Sephora for some more Dior Show mascara and an eyeliner (since I forgot mine!). I forgot how much I enjoy that show. It was a rich 40 degrees out, but I didn't feel too cold. I had it in my head to eat Indian, so I went back to that restaurant Don and I visited back in November. I wanted comfort food and was not in the mood to be disappointed.

They sat me right up front, but I didn't mind. I tucked in and sipped on my mango lassi while deciding what to eat. The crispy bread appetizer was good, but kept getting stuck in my teeth. The chutneys were AMAZING!

Here is my appetizer: lamb chops with cilantro, onions, and red peppers. I was careful to avoid the peppers, but I did get accidentally eat one. That's ok, it wasn't too bad, especially because of the lassi.
Here is the scene of while waiting for the next course. Mango lassi, silverware, crispy bread, and water.
Ahhh...finally arrived! Basmati rice with mutta paneer, spicy mixed veggies, rice puffs, and naan. I ate myself sick and still had enough to feed two more. I was in heaven! The food gave me the happies and I left there verfiably food drunk!
In typical style, I bagged up the leftovers and found a homeless guy to share with. I apologized over and over that I didn't have any water (because it was slightly spicy), but this time I remembered the plasticware! He'd commented, "ahhh...this bread is still warm and delicious!!" Talk about flutterbies all over.

A passerby on the street gave me a knowing smile and actually said, "thanks!" It choked me up a bit and I quickly ran inside to my room to settle in for the night.

So go on out there today and RAK* a stranger!!! You'll feel so much better for it!

*random act of kindness

BLUEBONNETS!

Bluebonnets are the state flower of Texas. They've always held a special place in my heart, going way back to when I was a Girl Scout. I look forward to them every year, even more now to get pics of Mari in them. Anyway, here are some of my favorites:

not strep, but sinusitis

I've been suffering the better part of this week under the weather. I've been doing my best to psych myself out. What especially helps to lift the spirits are reconnecting with long lost kindred spirits. Like phantoms, they fade from your life, but you are so very, very happy when they reappear. LOVESIT.

Tonight, I noticed angry tonsils covered in little white spots. It was like a bacteria party all up in there. I panicked and insisted on going to the minor emergency clinic. We opted for CareNow and upon arrival, I was taken aback. I couldn't believe that Bella's Lullaby from the Twilight soundtrack had made it to muzak. But then I looked up and realized that they were playing Twilight on the TV in the waiting room. I settled in thinking that maybe waiting around wouldn't be so bad. Less than 20 minutes later and I was whisked away into the other waiting room. I was uncomfortable knowing I'd gained 5lbs this week. And this is because I was actually attempting to diet. Horrible. Oh well. I sent Don home with Mari because we'd forgotten the diaper bag. I laid down and by this point, the movie was over and Shrek had started.

The Doc walked in and swabbed my throat. She left me and another 15 minutes later she came back. No strep throat (hooray for not being contagious!), but I did have an acute case of sinusitis. I left with 3 prescriptions in hand, wishing I had a giant bottle of chloraseptic! Ugh...

In any case, I'll be back at work tomorrow nursing my ailment with plenty of hot, hot tea, antibiotics, and cough drops. Wheeee!! I heart allergy season! How are all of you holding up?