Chloe Post: The Retrieval of Daddy

So, on Sunday, Mommy and I went to a really big place. I mean REALLY big. It was filled with people who were in lines and carrying big bags. There were lots of TV screens, but instead of Elmo and Cookie Monster, they just had boring lines of type. They looked all the same to me, but apparently not to Mommy because she stopped at one and looked at it. Then, we sat down, but I was fidgety so Mommy let me out of my stroller. I put Panda Bear in the stroller and Mommy and I pushed him around for a bit. There was a set of stairs like we have at home but they were MOVING. I wanted to investigate, but Mommy lured me away with Yogurt Melts. Then, we waited in the middle of the floor (which seemed odd to me) next to a man with a sign. Mommy said that if I kept looking, I would see someone that I really wanted to see, but I had no idea what she was talking about. Finally, I just plopped down on the floor and encouraged her to keep the Melts a-coming. Then, she smiled and I turned to see what she was looking at and Mommy said, "Chloe, look over there... who do you see?"

And I answered in a loud and happy voice so everyone could hear:

"DADDY!"

Chloe Post: I *Still* Don't Know Where Daddy Is...

(see how confused I am!)

But, boy did Mommy and I have a fun day! We had ladies over for crafting and brunch. I especially enjoyed the Mexican Crustless Quiche and fruit - I didn't even mind sharing my fruit once I was sure Mommy saved some just for me.

I got into the crafting, too - after my nap, Mom-Mom came over and brought me a bunch of Easter presents, including this coloring book. Mommy said that she got "grandmothered" because Mom-Mom brought over lots of Easter grass and markers. Markers are fun and unlike crayons, I can color my face and arms with markers. That makes them better.

See?
:-)

When Mom-Mom left, Mommy and I had some dinner and for dessert, we split a cupcake. YUM. Cupcakes RULE.

What a fun day - I'm so thankful to everyone who came to visit us today!!

Love,

Chloe

Chloe Post: I don't know where Daddy is...

...but tonight Mommy and I shared pizza and a popsicle for dinner and then got a bubble bath because we were covered in lime popsicle. Mommy said "while the cat is away, the mice will play." I don't know what that means, but popsicles rock!

And tomorrow, we're having people over to have brunch and make crafts and then I'm going to hang out with Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop. Mommy straightened up and bought pretty flowers to make our house cheery and fun.

Personally, I'm hoping for another popsicle!

Now Why Won't She Sit Still for ME to Do That?

But, for Miss Stella, of COURSE!

The Checklist Mom-ifesto

Whenever I'm questioned about my seemingly odd organization of my career, I like to remind the questioner that I've left politics, but not the issues that brought me to the field in the first place. Changing gears so abruptly (leaving a vice presidency in a political advertising to help manage a health research program) did leave me a little out of sorts for awhile as I tried to learn the lingo and get used to the pace of research.

But, I feel like I'm hitting my stride. It's been a good week at work - my boss really liked a plan I developed for some new ideas, my hard work in maintaining and marketing our blog (no, not this one) has yielded really impressive results (the past 30 days had 572% more visitors than the same time frame in 2009) and everything is under control and moving forward. It's been a good week at home, too. Chloe and I have had a lot of "Mommy and Me" time. She's so happy and full of love. The Hubs and I are taking such delight in her... and in trying for a sibling for her (keep fingers crossed). I'm busy and I'm tired and I sometimes want to just run to a coffee shop and never come back, but for the most part, I look around and I feel at peace and happy and inspired to keep trying to do things that are just out of reach.

Anyway, what's with the funky title to this post? Speaking of hitting my stride at work, I have to say that I have become completely obsessed with patient safety issues... so I have yet to start the newest Stephen King (shocker) to finish The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande (so awesome, everyone go read)... and I was thinking about something I read on a patient safety list serv the other day where someone asked about Gawande's and Peter Pronovost's work with checklists and asked "Is it really just a checklist?" In his book, Gawande explains that it's not just checking off boxes - it's asking questions, it's assessing if your workspace (whether it be operating room or cockpit or whatever) is set up the way you need for maximum efficiency and success, it's making sure your bases are covered... and it's changing the checklist if it doesn't fit in your institution and coming up with what DOES.

And then it hit me: we could assume that moms who do it differently than us have just adapted the "Mom" checklist to work best in their family and home. Because, I have to tell you, it's so disheartening to have a kick ass week at work and then get on the internet and read people judging others who do it differently. The interwebs are rife with people talking disparagingly about women with careers and about how they made the important choice to stay home because their kid is the most important thing in their life and so they stay home. With their kid. Because that's what good moms do.

So, here's the thing - that IS what some good moms do. And other good moms work full time outside the home. And other good moms work part time outside the home. And still others can't decide which is best for them and so they try different things.

So, here's my professional opinion: stick the judgment in a drawer and go consult your own damn checklists. Heh.

Chloe and Mommy Sittin' in a... Chair

Last night, after dinner, Chloe and I retired to the living room to watch a little Sesame Street and enjoy a sippy cup. We snuggled together in the big blue chair and she was more interested in turning around and giving me lots of hugs, kisses and smiles than she was in watching Bert and Ernie. I couldn't believe my luck - normally she is too busy to stop and snuggle with her Mommy. Of course, when Elmo came on screen, I had to go back to waiting my turn (Mommy is not nearly as compelling as Elmo), but I'll take it.

It was the best part of my week, hands down.

Wacky Wednesday: Slipper Day!

Yesterday was Wear Your Slippers to School Day as part of the Wacky Wednesday series, so Chloe was stylin' in her Spiderman slippers for the day. As you can see in this picture, she is now doing the cutest thing. Every day this week she has grabbed my keys when I come to pick her up. She then races to the door and tries to leave. When I open the door, she gets mad when I a) pick her up to carry her thru the parking lot and b) take the keys from her so that I may drive the car. There is then much fussing for half the ride home... then she forgets why she is mad and starts playing with her bears, only occasionally offering up an "eh, eh, eh" lest I forget that she was mad at me.

Chloe Post: Illness be Gone

Whew. Here I am last night - relieved that my family is finally finished with the stomach flu. On Thursday, I began the infestation. I then passed it to Mommy and Daddy over the weekend. Mommy and Daddy were mystified that such a little baby would have the capacity to distribute such maximum germ warfare into our small home. But, I did. Oh, boy I sure did.

This is another picture of me being happy. Mommy says I look a little dorky in this shot, but that I should include it because it shows my awesome teeth. Whoot.

Cavegirl!

Wacky Wednesday

Happy St. Patrick's Day... and Happy Crazy Sock Day!

Chloe Post: Nutrition and Rhinos

When you have as busy of a social calendar as I do, it's important to keep your energy up and stay hydrated. As I get to be a bigger girl, Mommy and Daddy have to fight to keep up with my growing needs and newly discovered favorites.

For example, last weekend, Mommy learned a little parenting lesson. She learned that if you think that you will just share a little of your cheesy eggs with Chloe, you will walk away hungry. I'm pleased to say that Mommy learned her lesson well and this weekend, provided me my own plate. She says I have my own lessons to learn since I haven't successfully managed to use the spoon correctly thru an entire meal, but I'm only 14 months old and she's 35, so you tell me who should know more about this stuff.

Anyway, I'm glad I got plenty of protein - we had a busy day! Mommy and Miss Stella took me to see the Easter Bunny (a very confusing individual), we bought shoes, went to Starbucks and then went to Michael's. While Mommy shopped for crafting supplies, Miss Stella and I had fun playing with these hats. Miss Stella got this one for me and it is so fun! I like to wear it and try it on my animals and see Mommy wear it.

Whew - after such a busy day, I enjoyed winding down for the night with a nightcap. I am a big girl, so I use a sippy cup... except for my nightly bottle. It's nice to end the night with an old friend.

So, there you have it - a quick run down on how to stay happy and healthy while on the run!

Love,
Chloe

Not Me Monday

It was definitely NOT ME who said to her darling husband last night, "you know I really love this kid, but sometimes she can be a real (insert bad word)."

It was not me who watched Chloe empty a bowl of chicken, noodles and carrots into her lap and then laugh at me. It was not me who asked her to not drip milk out of her sippy cup onto the floor and then watched her laugh at me. It was not me who told her she was really gross when she licked spilled water off the floor and then laughed at me. It was not me who had a battle with her on whether or not I wanted her to touch the dirty dishes in the dishwasher (NO) or go sit in time out on the mat (YES)... a battle which she somehow turned into a game of tag which included, guess what - LAUGHING AT ME.

Not ME. Must have been Chloe's other mother.

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Chloe Post: Wacky Wednesday - Teddy Bear Day

Mommy has been feeling a little under the weather, which impacts our regular blogging activities, so we apologize for the delay... last week's Wacky Wednesday was Teddy Bear Day. Mommy gathered all my Pooh Bears together and let me pick one to bring. She said it was a surprise pick, defeating Birthday Pooh, Pooh Dressed as a Bee and (most surprising) Dragon. (Daddy said that's a good thing because Dragon is really his and he doesn't wanting it getting lost at day care.)

Anyway, here are a couple of pictures... including hugs with my BFF.

Love,
Chloe

Chloe Post: Dress Me Up in Your Love

Sometimes, I like to take Mommy's things from a box that is clearly not a Chloe box and sometimes, Mommy actually lets me walk around with the things I collect. She thought it was pretty cool that I selected a red necklace and red watch... since they match my red Spiderman slippers. Girls can like Spiderman, too. And dress up. I'm multi-faceted.

Chloe Post: Going to the Park

I love the park! On Saturday, Mommy and Daddy and I went out for a walk and we went to this cool park close to our house. It has a bunch of slides, swings and a baseball diamond for when I get bigger.

My favorite was sliding! I've been learning to use the indoor slide at school, so this was pretty easy for me...

...but I also like to slide with Mommy and Daddy.

I used to like swinging, but I no longer like swinging.

At all.

When we were out and about, we also found ANOTHER park that's actually on our own street! We never knew! So, Sunday, when Daddy had to work, Mommy took me to that park. They have the same slides! I do love to slide.

Chloe Post: Party in My Room

Whoo Hoo! I cleaned UP at the Cozy Tots sale this weekend!! Mommy left early Saturday morning to drive up to Bryn Athyn to check things out and she came home with some new clothes and a barely used jacket and other cute things for me... but wait until you see my new loot!!

She told Daddy that she wasn't going to get anything that makes noise because "we already have that covered" and that she was only looking for things that I could use with my imagination.

First up: I love playing with the magnetic drawing pads at school and Mommy said she was really sad that she couldn't find one at the sale... but then she foraged and saw it underneath other stuff. She said it's possible that another Mommy was also reaching for it, but my Mommy is fast!





Used MagnaDoodle, missing small choking hazard magnets, but fully functional with magnetic pen. Cost to Mommy: $2 and perhaps karma points if the other Mommy really WAS making a grab.

Next up, I believe that Mommy has reported to you all about how I am taking such good care of Teresa. Well, now Teresa has her own bed! Sometimes, she still sleeps with me, but this way we can play. Mommy found this small receiving blanket so Teresa will stay warm. I also like to climb onto Teresa's bed with her, but Mommy says that won't work long term.







Very gently used plastic Dora bed. Cost to Mommy: $4

But, here it is - the very most fabulous. Mommy said she debated this because she thought Daddy would think that she was nuts. She even walked away, but then kept on coming back because she knew how much I would love it. Oh, look. Look at how FABULOUS. I am a movie star.





Plastic vanity table with star-shaped mirror and matching chair. Cost to Mommy: the manicure and pedicure she planned to get after the sale - $25. Mommy does get points for creativity - getting this thing in the car was a trick.

Calculations by Mommy:
Total spent at Cozy Tots for the above + a bunch of clothes = $55
Seeing Chloe scream with excitement as I came up the steps with all her stuff and also watching her climb up to her makeup table every chance she gets = Priceless

Way to Go, Grams!

Congratulations to Grams for being the first donor to join us in sponsoring Kim (our 3-Day walker of March). Chloe will send you a little something. :-)

If you want to donate, please look over there on the right and click on Kim's link. Go 3-Day!!

Chloe Post: An Update from the Panda Room and an Homage to Dr. Seuss

Here I am on Wacky Wednesday!

Miss Anita decided that we will have Wacky Wednesday every week in March to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday. The first one was Hat Day, so I wore this cool hat that Aunt JoJo got for me. As you can see, I am also enjoying my strawberries... not sure why Miss Stella had to take the picture mid-bite so I have such a peculiar look on my face, but there you go.

(I love strawberries. Whenever I see them, I say MUH! Which means "more, please, Mother.")

I also thought I should give a report about how things are going in the Panda Room. Things are great! I am having lots of fun with what Grams calls "dramatic play" and I love playing with all my new friends. Today, when I got to school, Zoe saw me and she ran out of the room to give me a hug. We're BFF.

Pandas are Full of Love

Ed and I have been so excited to see the growing changes in Chloe since she has joined the Panda room. She is "talking" a bunch more, playing more "big girl" games with Teresa and she is becoming quite the social butterfly. She now blows kisses and gives hugs to all the kids in her class.

And one of the best parts? They run her so ragged that she sleeps GREAT at night. LOL

Chloe Post: Raise a Glass

I am SO ready for summer. I'm currently in training for all those weekends at the shore because Mommy told me that two-fisted drinking is practically an Olympic event in Sea Isle. A girl has to be prepared.

Chloe Post: A Freaking Headband?! Are you serious?

Sigh.

See, Mommy gets these ideas in her head. She thinks that she can dress me however she wants, accessorize me however she wants, and then expect me to be ok with all of it as long as she says, "Who's a pretty baby? Who is? CHLOE IS."

There is no way in hell this headband will still be on my head when she picks me up this afternoon. It's not happening, Mommy.

Sponsored 3-Day Walker for March

This month's walker is posted over there on the right. Kim Theil is a multi-year walker from Chicago. Chloe is proud to lend her support to Kim's efforts!

Remember, the first reader to support Kim's walk and comment on one of our posts that you did so will get a little treat. (NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL) Last month's winner not eligible... or Aunt Jennifer would be jumping on all the goodies!




(You know it's true.)

(Because you are a loyal 3-Day walker.)

(And you love goodies.)

(And Kevin has yet to send me cookies.)