New Party Trick

Well, the croup saga continues, now placing my upcoming San Francisco weekend in jeopardy (more on that later). And, I'm not really complaining - shit happens and frankly, Makeda is the one who's actually suffering here, not me. But anyway, we went for another checkup to the pediatrician yesterday, and he sent us back to the hospital for an impromptu meeting with an ENT specialist. It was a long morning, and Makeda was not inclined to wake from her nap once she'd settled into the car seat. So I slung her over my shoulder like the 26 lb sack of potatoes that she is, and managed to check her in at Admissions, go back to the car for the diaper bag, and then into the ENT waiting room, all without waking her up. I sat next to the fishtank in the hopes that the burbling would keep her asleep. The burbling was very effective, especially to one sad little mom who has not slept more than 2 hours straight in over a week and is now also carrying a 26 lb sack of potatoes. We were wakened by the specialist standing over us asking us if we'd like a few more minutes to nap before we came into his office.

Anyway, the end result is that croup sucks and can last forever and there's nothing he can do and there's no point in drugging Makeda further (her mother - that's another matter). Also known as the diagnosis of "suck it up". But my point to all this was that I have turned into a farm animal. I have successfully napped in the upright position with a baby slung over my shoulder - without dropping her. This continues my successful record of not dropping her, even once, which I think is one of the slamdunk signs of being a good mother. Next month - sleeping while standing up. It can be done, I'm sure...

Happy Makedaversary! Without the Bells and Whistles

Also known as the weekend that wasn't. For the second time in a row actually, since my 5 star weekend at ShuttersontheBeach the previous weekend got truncated so I could jet home to my croupy child (American Airlines generously agreed to fly me out of LA Saturday night at the last minute on their last available seat for only (gasp! what a deal! US$2100)). Common sense prevailed and I flew out on the 7am Sunday morning on Air Canada instead for a $175 change fee. That was just the beginning. Over the last 7 days there's been 3 trips to emergency and 24 hours in residence at Children's hospital. 3 homecoming anniversary parties cancelled. I haven't slept more than 2 hours consecutively in over a week. I don't know which is worse - what I've just described - or the fact that Pierce Brosnan was staying at our hotel and no matter how many hours I spent drinking in the lounge, I couldn't manage to "bump into him". Somebody throw me a bone...

Happy Belated Birthmother's Day Fozia

Thanks to Habeshachild, I have a new occasion to bookmark. Apparently, the day before Mother's Day is Birthmom Day. I love that. Even I cannot forget something that falls the day before the world's biggest hallmark holiday. Not that I need to set a day aside to remember Fozia. She's never far from my thoughts.

I've spoken of Fozia before. I don't have a lot to add. She's smart. She's funny. She's the bravest person I know. There's a picture of us together in Makeda's bedroom. I'm not going to post it on the internet, but if you're at my place, I'd be happy to introduce you. This is her, holding Makeda and saying goodbye. Someday I'll reunite them.

I hope she's safe. I hope she still believes she made the right decision. I hope she's receiving my pictures. And in two years or so, when I travel again to bring home Makeda's little sister, I hope to see her again.

Happy Birthmom's Day Fozia.

xox

You Know I Don't Like to Brag But...

Is she frickin' cute or what?!?. Enjoy.

Countdown...

Well, not really. More like countdown to the countdown. Homestudy is finished, forms notarized, applicable letters written. So who's holding things up??? That would be me! Just finalizing that photo album and then we're off to the races (again).

Because I Don't Have Enuf On My Plate, That's Why

Recently, I made the career enhancing, social life crippling/sleep depriving, decision to serve, at the pleasure of the Board, as a member of the CFA Institute's Disciplinary Review Committee. This entails serving on hearing panels which review the professional conduct of holders of the CFA designation (or aspirants thereto). Since the entire world, apparently, revolves around the EST timezone, and all hearings are held at 8:30am EST, for me out here in Lotus land, that means 5:30am hearings. No, that is not a typo. That is a.m., not p.m. Furthermore, this is not a revenue producing gig. I am serving my CFA profession gratis. So, imagine my delight at finding out that the semi-annual in-person meeting is.... here. Check it out. AND, I'm stayin' on for the weekend, after the conference. C'mon. Admit it. You were laughing at me but now you're jealous. Just a little bit.

On a completely different topic, Miss M and I crossed the border on Sunday and went to La Connor, Wash. to tiptoe through the tulips with her grandparents and cousin Jenna.

And later this week, I have something very special for y'all. So stay tuned.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

No, not mine. Mine is definitely not speaking in full sentences. My boss' child, however, now HE is speaking in full sentences. And they're good sentences. The kind that issue forth from a precocious 8 year old. Spence came to work to stay with daddy for awhile yesterday.

Me: Hey Spence, got anything good to tell me about your dad?
Spence (after some serious thought): Yeah, I got something. The look of the devil child crossed his face. I knew this would be good.
Me: Whatcha got?
Spence: My daddy doesn't sleep in his pj's at night. He sleeps in his underwear.
Me: Wow! That is waaayyy too much information, but thanks.

Then I told his assistant, who also thought it was way too much information, but thought it worthwhile to pass around. I know payback's a bitch, but Makeda will have nothing useful for sometime to come and I figure by then I'll be working somewhere else.