Don't Call me Mommy

There's something about the word Mommy that bothers me. Maybe it is because I never remember calling my own mother mommy. Every time I hear the word Mommy I think of a whiny three year old who is trying to get their way. So when I got pregnant there was no question in my mind that I wanted Alyson to call me Mama. When I hear the word Mama I think of a wholesome family for some reason - a Mama who is cooking in the kitchen, a Mama who is comforting her kids, a Mama who is the best! I am not southern but for some reason it just feels more right to me. It's been a little tough falling out of the Mommy trap since everyone else refers to me as Mommy but we will get there. Alyson knows and that is all that matters. Whenever Bret or I say Mama she smiles real big. When someone says Mommy she looks puzzled. The kid knows what is up. So Mama and Daddy it is. Though I'll probably be wishing for Mommy when she gets older and starts calling me the dreaded... Mom....

Great NFL referee or GREATEST NFL referee?

Who needs a Dining Room?

When Bret and I bought this house I promised he could have the downstairs rec room as a music space. I claimed the third bedroom as my office so it only seemed fair that he should get a room. We knew it would only be for a few years until Alyson was older and then we would turn it into a playroom. After all, how many toys could a three month old really have? We should have known better. Already the house is being overrun with Allie toys and we are wondering where are we going to put them all?

Bret and I had this conversation last night while we were standing in our enormous empty dining room, which we don't have furniture for and would probably only use once or twice anyway. It's a big, bright sunny room right off the kitchen and right next to the living and family rooms. The entertainer in me who has always wanted a nice little dining rooms set with a nice chandelier says don't do it. But the practical side of me that says wouldn't it be a great fun space to fun around in says screw the dining room - who needs it. Let's make it a play room. Plus, it would give me an excuse to buy the Pottery Barn Kids kitchen set... What do you think? Send in your comments!!!

"Do the Dance"

I thought there was nothing better in the world than seeing my daughter smile, but laughing really takes the cake. Here's Allie "Doing the Dance." Something Daddie made up during a late night feeding session a month or so ago. She loves it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is my turkey face.

Three Months Old

New pictures of Alyson!

I know, I know. I have been neglecting bear tracks. Turns out, moving with a two month old isn't advisable. And having a baby naming ceremony at your house three weeks later definitely isn't advisable. But now that we are settled in no more excuses. Here are some recent pictures of baby Alyson from her baby naming ceremony - sort of like a Jewish Christaining minus the water. It was an absolutely perfect day. Allie smiled at the Rabbi the entire time.