Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
FTG videos
I added a bunch of videos to my vimeo account. They are all FTG quality (For The Grands), meaning that some of my audience might not want to endure all of them. Here's a sampling embedded for ya.
Grammar talk from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
First cereal meal from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Grammar talk from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
First cereal meal from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Rainy Morning!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Major life changes? I guess?
I got called in to work 7 hours yesterday. Not bad for a Sunday. I didn't get called out again in the evening - woohoo! More good news is that on our new schedule I don't have any weekend call, only a couple regular shifts on Saturday.
Today is my day off and I'm spending it making Jack happy. We played lots of games, read books, and later are going to take a walk with Jem. We went down to Littleton to have lunch with Ben for the last time. I don't think I've explained on the blog about his work changes yet. Basically, he's been getting very tired of his job and feeling stuck there. During his days with Jack he realized how easily he could do school online during naps. He found a great program at Regis to get his Computer Science degree through online classes. I'm so excited for him to go back to school and get his degree. Regis was really good to me and I know he'll have great classes there. For now, he is taking three pre-reqs through Red Rocks online. He got accepted at Regis and will start classes through them starting in January. At first we thought he would continue to work until then, but we decided that life would be happier if he quit sooner. Tomorrow is his last day. I think we'll do fine on just my salary. It will really pay off when he can launch himself into a new part of his career in a year or two (he's still figuring out how long it will take). In the mean time, I think he's going to have a blast taking classes in a field he loves.
And for no reason, here's a video of me and Jack!
Near and Far from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Jack likes to see himself on the computer screen. This is another boring baby video. I'm whispering "near" and "far" to Jack, so no, there's nothing wrong with your sound. You can't hear anything but Ben's computer fan buzzing.
Today is my day off and I'm spending it making Jack happy. We played lots of games, read books, and later are going to take a walk with Jem. We went down to Littleton to have lunch with Ben for the last time. I don't think I've explained on the blog about his work changes yet. Basically, he's been getting very tired of his job and feeling stuck there. During his days with Jack he realized how easily he could do school online during naps. He found a great program at Regis to get his Computer Science degree through online classes. I'm so excited for him to go back to school and get his degree. Regis was really good to me and I know he'll have great classes there. For now, he is taking three pre-reqs through Red Rocks online. He got accepted at Regis and will start classes through them starting in January. At first we thought he would continue to work until then, but we decided that life would be happier if he quit sooner. Tomorrow is his last day. I think we'll do fine on just my salary. It will really pay off when he can launch himself into a new part of his career in a year or two (he's still figuring out how long it will take). In the mean time, I think he's going to have a blast taking classes in a field he loves.
And for no reason, here's a video of me and Jack!
Near and Far from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Jack likes to see himself on the computer screen. This is another boring baby video. I'm whispering "near" and "far" to Jack, so no, there's nothing wrong with your sound. You can't hear anything but Ben's computer fan buzzing.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Friday, October 08, 2010
Fight the Frump
What is it about post-partum and feeling like a frumpy house-frau? I have to wear blue and black, bleach and blood stained baggy clothes to work. When I'm home I either wear baggy comfortable clothes, or a mish-mash of things bought over the past 15 years that don't fit very well, are out of style, or are plain unflattering but purchased because they were such a steal. This needs to stop. In the words of Twist, "Stop feeling like a fat, ugly failure."
After two weeks of tenuous consideration I marched into Old Navy today and tried on 9 pairs of skinny jeans. I hated this trend three years ago. But seeing that it is still around, and all my bootcut pants hide my legs (my one good body feature I have left), and reading online that bootcuts are becoming the new "mom jeans" I took the plunge. For $16 each it isn't a big risk. I bought two pairs and I'm wearing them around the house today with tags on to see if they will really work.
High on my triumph, I went to Ulta to find new foundation. For years I've used a drugstore powder. It's time to upgrade. I was in the store for only 90 seconds, but accosted by 4 glowing, beautifully made-up women offering me help. I started sweating and felt like hiding my unmade face and tangled hair, quickly becoming overwhelmed by the many expensive foundation options. I retreated to the car, vowing to return with my sister for moral support, and a nicer outfit and base face. If skinny jeans took me 2 weeks and 9 pairs, I better do my research before returning to Ulta. One step at a time.
Let's not even talk about my hair problems.
Instead, here's a cute picture of my baby! Distraction! I'm going to knit and watch 30 Rock!
After two weeks of tenuous consideration I marched into Old Navy today and tried on 9 pairs of skinny jeans. I hated this trend three years ago. But seeing that it is still around, and all my bootcut pants hide my legs (my one good body feature I have left), and reading online that bootcuts are becoming the new "mom jeans" I took the plunge. For $16 each it isn't a big risk. I bought two pairs and I'm wearing them around the house today with tags on to see if they will really work.
High on my triumph, I went to Ulta to find new foundation. For years I've used a drugstore powder. It's time to upgrade. I was in the store for only 90 seconds, but accosted by 4 glowing, beautifully made-up women offering me help. I started sweating and felt like hiding my unmade face and tangled hair, quickly becoming overwhelmed by the many expensive foundation options. I retreated to the car, vowing to return with my sister for moral support, and a nicer outfit and base face. If skinny jeans took me 2 weeks and 9 pairs, I better do my research before returning to Ulta. One step at a time.
Let's not even talk about my hair problems.
Instead, here's a cute picture of my baby! Distraction! I'm going to knit and watch 30 Rock!
Starting (semi) solids
We got the go ahead to start feeding Jack solid foods at his last check-up. (BTW, he's 80% for weight at 16 pounds, 11 ounces. He's off the charts for height at 28 1/4 inches. That matches the 99% for a SIX month old.)
Despite our spoon being too big, he seemed to enjoy it. Unsure at first of what to do with this sludgy, tasteless stuff we were putting in his mouth, he looked very confused. But soon he figured out it was fun to play with in his mouth and having me repeatedly put a spoon to his mouth was SUPER fun. He started grabbing my hand and pulling it in. I think he ate just 2 teaspoons of rice cereal. Oh well, that's not the point. We'll get a smaller spoon and keep practicing for fun.
Curious:
Hesitant:
Determined:
Surprise:
Confusion:
Epiphany:
Approval:
And there's a few more posted on flickr. To congratulate him on this momentous step forward, Ben handed his shiny new TI-83 to Jack. Ben had to get one for his math class and Jack has been lusting after its buttons.
Smug:
Sniff, my little boy is growing up too fast! First rice cereal and now graphing linear equations!
Despite our spoon being too big, he seemed to enjoy it. Unsure at first of what to do with this sludgy, tasteless stuff we were putting in his mouth, he looked very confused. But soon he figured out it was fun to play with in his mouth and having me repeatedly put a spoon to his mouth was SUPER fun. He started grabbing my hand and pulling it in. I think he ate just 2 teaspoons of rice cereal. Oh well, that's not the point. We'll get a smaller spoon and keep practicing for fun.
I now present the Emotions of Eating, by Jack D. Mason.
Curious:
Hesitant:
Determined:
Surprise:
Confusion:
Epiphany:
Approval:
And there's a few more posted on flickr. To congratulate him on this momentous step forward, Ben handed his shiny new TI-83 to Jack. Ben had to get one for his math class and Jack has been lusting after its buttons.
Smug:
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Four months old
My baby is four months today! I can't believe he's already four months/ only four months.
He's becoming so interested in the world around him. He wants everything in his mouth and can look out the window for a long time.
He has an itchy head from cradle cap. It's the most darling thing to see him feebly scratch his head with his fingers he can only sort of control, and his hands that only barely reach the top of his head.
He would rather stand than sit. He recently discovered his toes plays with them when he's on his back. He turns to his side a lot but hasn't mastered turning over yet.
We love him so much. It's exciting to see what new things he has started to do every day. (Except for teeth. I'm not excited about the teething thing, and I think it's just around the corner.)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Needles Clacking
I can smell the cool air coming! Fall invigorates my knitting lust. I have several projects to report. You already saw the blue vest and green tri peak hat I made for Jack. I also posted about the forest green meathead hat. But here's an action shot.
I think I also talked about these sweaters I knit while in GJ. Here they are finished. It's too warm to wear them yet.
I made a knit hat from the "Aviatrix" pattern. I used some soft, stretchy yarn from my stash, and didn't know its weight or brand. Even though I made the 0-3 month size and small needles, it knit up huge! It must be bulkier weight than I guessed. The hat fits me perfectly.
I remade the hat in cashmerino aran for Jack in a manly orangey red. Smaller yarn weight and small needles, so it fits! These photos are from before I blocked it. I still need to get a button. I'll have to post more photos when it's cool enough for me to force the finished hat on his head.
Finally, I have a sweater started for myself. I ordered some great yarn from Knit Picks and already knit through the first skein. This photo is from the start - it's about 4 inches longer than shown here.
I also have my lacy rainbow shawl kicking around, and the argyle sweater for Jack. It's probably too big for him this winter, so I slowed down my work on it. Plus I have 6 skeins of blue heather yarn I spun on my wheel that needs to be knit into a cardigan. So much to do! Good thing the good TV shows are back on air for me to knit along.
Emptying the camera
Here are some photos I've had knocking around.
The three of us together!
Kristin, Jenni, and Coral came to visit. We put them down for tummy time together.
It did not go well.
But we got some nice group photos afterward. (Thank you Ben!)
The three of us together!
Kristin, Jenni, and Coral came to visit. We put them down for tummy time together.
It did not go well.
But we got some nice group photos afterward. (Thank you Ben!)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Play Day with Jack!
Ben and I were both off of work today. Aside from a TON of errands and the five poopy diapers this morning (he usually only poops every other day - so thanks for the plums, Ida!), we had lots of time to give Jack love and attention.
Galloping - an easy game for me to play and a nice alternative to the wretched tummy time.
Galloping Jack from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Rocket - Ben makes better sound effects than me. His rides also last longer than mine.
Rocket Jack from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Jumper - Still too young to enjoy the jumper. He used it just to do some freestyle standing, which was mildly entertaining for him. (The sheepskin serves as an impromptu floor pad because carpet tacks poke through on the threshold.)
Standing in his Jumper from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Wrist Rattles - Grandma Betty sent over rattles that attach to his arms and legs. He immediately wanted it in his mouth, but couldn't quite figure out the physics that it would require.
Wrist Rattle Jack from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Sock rattles - Not wanting to overwhelm him, we did hands and feet separately. This was close to his bedtime, so his play was not very enthusiastic, but he got a good handle on reaching for these bugs.
Sock Rattles Jack from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
(If you are counting outfit changes due to various fluids today, the answer is SIX for Jack plus two for me and Ben each)
PS: Ben wants the world to know that we got an awesome new modem called a Deugaster or something, and it gets 25 megabitso thingies speed. Apparently this is hella fast and he immediately called his boyfriends to brag. They were duly impressed.
Galloping - an easy game for me to play and a nice alternative to the wretched tummy time.
Galloping Jack from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Rocket - Ben makes better sound effects than me. His rides also last longer than mine.
Rocket Jack from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Jumper - Still too young to enjoy the jumper. He used it just to do some freestyle standing, which was mildly entertaining for him. (The sheepskin serves as an impromptu floor pad because carpet tacks poke through on the threshold.)
Standing in his Jumper from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Wrist Rattles - Grandma Betty sent over rattles that attach to his arms and legs. He immediately wanted it in his mouth, but couldn't quite figure out the physics that it would require.
Wrist Rattle Jack from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Sock rattles - Not wanting to overwhelm him, we did hands and feet separately. This was close to his bedtime, so his play was not very enthusiastic, but he got a good handle on reaching for these bugs.
Sock Rattles Jack from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
(If you are counting outfit changes due to various fluids today, the answer is SIX for Jack plus two for me and Ben each)
PS: Ben wants the world to know that we got an awesome new modem called a Deugaster or something, and it gets 25 megabitso thingies speed. Apparently this is hella fast and he immediately called his boyfriends to brag. They were duly impressed.
Monday, September 20, 2010
A weekend with the Grands
My folks came out for the weekend and we ate it up! No, seriously. There was a lot of food. Damascus Middle Eastern, Goodtimes, Walnut Pizzeria, Sweet Action, Yianni's Greek, Blue Sky Cafe, and Cafe Rio. Between the eating we did some shopping - Amanda got some drama costumes, mom and I loaded up on craft projects, hit the Apple store, and I got a new luscious leather purse. It makes me feel like a grown-up!
The highlight of the trip was seeing the Tutankhamun exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. Ben and I have been listening to a lecture series about Egypt's history. It's been a fascinating story to hear while we drive. We were excited to see all the artifacts we had been reading about.
Most of my pictures are my parents playing with their grandson. Enjoy!
The highlight of the trip was seeing the Tutankhamun exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. Ben and I have been listening to a lecture series about Egypt's history. It's been a fascinating story to hear while we drive. We were excited to see all the artifacts we had been reading about.
Most of my pictures are my parents playing with their grandson. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Sultry Han
HD unit uses Star Wars characters to ID their med carts. Whenever I
pass by this pouty picture of Han Solo I feel warm fuzzies.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Roll over!
When we got home from the grocery store Jack was asleep in his carseat. I don't like leaving him in there, so I picked him up knowing that he would likely wake up from the 8 minute nap. I laid him on the living room floor and let him play while I put groceries away and checked email. I noticed he was quiet.
Huh. That's not how I put him down.
He seemed pleased with himself when I flipped him over.
Ready to try again!
It's coldie! (in the words of Zaley)
Dang yo, it's actually cold! And I'm feeling it because I'm not pregnant - woo! I love a day where I can put on my flannel pants and sweat shirt, and dress my kiddo in footie pajamas. A kid who has learned to turn on his side and squirm all over, so blankets don't keep him warm because he'll end up 180 degrees from where you put him down, sucking on one corner of the blanket, and kicking the crib with fury because it makes a loud noise. Yeah, that's what I found 20 minutes after he was supposed to be down for a nap. So now we're taking pictures.
I did NOT get called in again last night, let the angels sing. I didn't mind working late, with overtime and holiday AND callback pay stacked, I think earned September's mortgage payment in one day! But enough was enough and I'm grateful for a relatively full night's sleep.
Enough work talk. More pictures! Saturday we went to the Botanic Gardens and then lunch at Steve's Snappin' Dogs. Both were a pleasure.
Find more pictures from the gardens on Ben's flickr site here.
We went to Cafe Rio for dinner and Sweet Action for dessert (Earl Grey for Ben, Raspberry Chip for me and Brian.) Brian jokingly offered Jack some ice cream and got a delightful response. Poor kid is so teased! [Let the record show that I'm firmly against giving Jack anything but breastmilk at this point. Please don't feed my baby other things.]
Yes please! from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Sunday I put Jack in the sweater vest I knit before he was born. Good thing I tried - I almost missed the window of fit time!
More pictures here.
These smiles didn't last. During church he dissolved into a puddle of crankiness that kept me out of the whole meeting and made me bolt for the car as soon as the closing prayer amen-ed. I think he was reacting to being dragged all over Denver the day before. Oh well, it was worth it. Sunday his Grandparents Mason came for a short visit, along with Ben's aunt Jean. They marveled at how fast he's growing. I couldn't agree more.
I did NOT get called in again last night, let the angels sing. I didn't mind working late, with overtime and holiday AND callback pay stacked, I think earned September's mortgage payment in one day! But enough was enough and I'm grateful for a relatively full night's sleep.
Enough work talk. More pictures! Saturday we went to the Botanic Gardens and then lunch at Steve's Snappin' Dogs. Both were a pleasure.
We went to Cafe Rio for dinner and Sweet Action for dessert (Earl Grey for Ben, Raspberry Chip for me and Brian.) Brian jokingly offered Jack some ice cream and got a delightful response. Poor kid is so teased! [Let the record show that I'm firmly against giving Jack anything but breastmilk at this point. Please don't feed my baby other things.]
Yes please! from Rachel Mason on Vimeo.
Sunday I put Jack in the sweater vest I knit before he was born. Good thing I tried - I almost missed the window of fit time!
These smiles didn't last. During church he dissolved into a puddle of crankiness that kept me out of the whole meeting and made me bolt for the car as soon as the closing prayer amen-ed. I think he was reacting to being dragged all over Denver the day before. Oh well, it was worth it. Sunday his Grandparents Mason came for a short visit, along with Ben's aunt Jean. They marveled at how fast he's growing. I couldn't agree more.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Typical Day Home
Today was a mellow day off. We went to the lactation support group for a weight check. He's 15 pounds 5 ounces, which is 85th percentile. Down a little bit but still nothing to sneeze at. I made a listless trip to Target while he slept in the carseat/shopping cart. I was looking for more clothes by The Little Seed but it seems that Denver has sold out already! Too bad. I became a fan after seeing how well the colors stayed bright after washing. Most baby clothes fade very fast. Also, I found out the company was started by Punky Brewster! Gotta love it.
At home we played, he napped, I knit and watched Pushing Daisies. Then I made chicken teriyaki for dinner. Ben came home, we ate and put Jack back to bed. I sent Ben out for ice cream so we can have dessert while we watch Burn Notice. I hope we can finish an episode before Jack wakes up again.
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