who eats poo?

I debated on posting this blog, but I thought why not right.  This blog is about the happenings in this mama's life.  Not every mama's life, but this mamas!

So I was cleaning the kitchen this morning, as usual when I noticed that all was quiet.  Bad sign! Silence is never good, wanted, but never good.  So I peaked around the corner when I noticed small brown nuggets strewn across the floor.  I had to do a double take.

Is that......is THAT POOP?

Oh shit, as I ran toward my son who was innocently sitting in the middle of it.  And of course as I approached him, he so happily raised his hand to me, and low and behold he was holding a nice chunk of poop!

Oh dear god!

I quickly started to gather all the nuggets, with my bare hands mind you.

Ick, gross, ick, gross I kept repeating.

*insert Max's giggle here.

I ran to the kitchen to grab a wipe. GROSS!

and when I returned, Max was gagging, dry heaving, and spitting up.

Oh shit, he totally ate some shit! I also then started to heave.

Oh Jesus!

I didn't really know what to do at this point.  I wiped his mouth and promptly stripped him of his clothes and threw him in the bath.  Now I am not entirely sure why or how this would help the situation but it seems smart at the time.  It at least gave me a moment to walk away and collect myself.

So now I guess I can say my son has eaten poop.

Does this mean I have failed as a mama, or is this a common right of passage.

Either way, I don't think he will try that one again.

p.s. the poop culprit was Ozzie, my beloved Puggle.

crock pot goodness

I am not sure how I got a subscription to Family Circle, but I'll take it.  I sort of horde magazines, so why not add another to the pile.  Although FC isn't might type of go to magazine, there are some decent tidbits inside.  Like the other day. I found this recipe that looked like a contender.  Most of the ingredients were in my pantry so I decided, why the hell not.  So thank you FC!

It turned out amazing, if I do say so myself.  And that is saying a lot because some of my crock pot creations are horrid.  But I guess you can't really go wrong with a nice, juicy pork shoulder.

So for all you good people, I am will to share.  Just like Family Circle shared with me.

You are welcome :)



Tomatillo Pork Stew
makes 6 servings

2 lbs Pork Shoulder, cut into 2 inch pieces (which I didn't do)
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
2 Onions halved and sliced
4 Cloves or garlic, minced
2 Green peppers ( I used red cause that was in my fridge, and only one)
1 Jar Tomatillo salsa (I used a Verde enchilada sauce which was great, and no preservatives or crappy stuff)
2 tsp Cornmeal
3 Cups rice ( I used brown)
Sour cream optional (An absolute must for me)



Coat slow cooker in non stick cooking spray.  Place pork at bottom. Toss in oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. Toss onions, peppers and garlic on top. Pour salsa evenly on top of that. Easy right?

Cover and cook on high for 6 hours, low for 8.  Stir in cornmeal during the last 15 minutes. Serve with rice.

Now like I've mentioned, I am horrible at following directions.  So in a rush, I threw all ingredients in the pot.  I didn't cut the pork, and I put the corn meal in at the beginning,  No harm no foul.  Came out great!

Enjoy!

sweet dreams....

If you didn't know, I am on the hunt! The hunt for the perfect bedroom.  Now I can visualize what I like and I can ohh, and ahh over pinterest designs but when it comes to creating my own space, I blank out.  So I am going to take my time, and not rush into anything.

Now I am 35 years old, so this isn't my first time buying bedroom furniture, but for some reason it feels like the first time I am "really" creating something that I truly adore.

Of course finding a bargain is a challenge, but one I am not too afraid of conquering.

sooooo....

For Christmas, Santa (Gotta love that Santa) bought me a bed.  I gave Santa a hint, (email) because I know how busy the holiday season can be.  He went with my hint, and Amazon sent it on its way.

amazon

Isn't she gorgeous?

Only issue....It didn't come with the wrap around base as the picture depicted.  I gotta say, I was pretty disappointed.  I mean, why show the picture of the bed, and only send part of it.  I'm debating on contacted Amazon, but I am kind of wimpy.

But anyways, I have been scouring the Internet looking for a new dresser and night stands.  I want something vintage, shabby chic, and stylish.  Easy right?

Well by golly, I found the dresser.

                                                                            etsy


Isn't she wonderful?
And Tasha was so wonderful to work with.  She even waived the delivery fee.  Love her!!!

So slowly it is coming together.  I will post picks from time to time on the progress.  The funnest part right?  The collection?

~mama

Caspar Baby Pants

"Caspar who" my dear friend spouted back at me.  Ummmm, Casper Baby Pants.  Only the coolest kids band eva!

Yup, this is were my life has taken a shape turn to the left.  No more concerts filled with bright lights, cheap beer and great music.  Now it is all about songs like, My dog has Fleas.  Well at least I still have the cutest dance partner in the room!

The guy in the yellow used to be the singer of Presidents of The United States.
A celebrity!

audience shot! Can you feel the excitement?

who brought the chipmunk?

A great time!

The sand box

We tried something new today....a trip to the indoor sand box. What is this you ask? Well it's a giant space created for indoor beach volleyball enthusiasts. It's a great space. Little chilly, but great concept. Everyday from 9:30-12 they open it up for "little diggers". The bring out a bunch of toys and trucks for the kids to play with. I knew Max would love this. He loves the beach so why wouldn't he?

Apparently Max had been spoiled by the real thing. The warm sun on his back and the crashing of the waves, because he was NOT feeling this beach. He walked on it like it was some foreign nastiness that no child should be subjected to.

I was able to coax him out with the help of the dump trucks, but I could see his displeasure. Spoiled, I tell ya!

My toes were freezing too so I wasn't too sad about leaving. Maybe we will try again in the summer months.

The pink sports car was his favorite!

What a mess......

Not only does Pinterest fulfill my wanna-be crafty persona, it also inspires me to be a better parent. Often times I find myself pinning things I want to do with my monster. Usually a craft or something sensory driven.

Today we were bored in the house and I had little motivation to leave it. So, I combed over my pantry to find something Max might want to explore. And as any good Asian, I found some rice. I dumped it into a container, through some trunks in it and some spoons and tada!!!! Our very own sensory bin!

Max played with it for about 10 minutes until he dumped it out. I held back my panic as small rice bits coveted my floor. I reminded myself this is for Max and clean floors are over-rated. I got on my hands and knees and drove his hot wheels through the rice. He followed right a long.

It was a good time!

Vroom vroom!!!

Am I the only one thinking this?

So I wrote this post weeks ago.  Guess you can tell where my mind was at.  Just an update...I am feeling better and more connected with my ladies.  But it just goes to show how much changes when your life, well, changes.  

Now that I have a year and a half under my belt, insecurities are starting to seep in.  Not in terms of being a good mom or anything, but more about being a good friend.  My life of course has changed immensely in the past 18 months.  Nothing really is as it was.  And I love it.  However, the one thing that most new parents warn you about is how your friendships will change. Mostly with the ones who don't have kids.

My hubby, as sensitive and loving as he is, immediately told me I was probably going to lose all my friend's once I had a baby.  I scoffed at him.  He clearly did not know MY ladies.  Thick as thieves we are.  And no pint sized, poop factory, cute as button baby was going to change that.  And for the most part it hasn't.  But then he had to say.....well it doesn't seem like you see them as much. DoH!

But as I looked in my calender to see what activities I had scheduled for the week, I realized maybe he was right.  Was this a coincidence?  Not too sure. Lets see.....

I reminded myself that it is #1. It's December, the busiest month of the year.  #2. Most of my friends work in the day. And, #3. what was the other reason.......?

Oh that's right.  I am no fun.

This is where my insecurities seeped in.  I am no fun?  Its not about happy hours any more, or getting a bite to eat and talking with out interruption.  Oh no, that ship has sailed.  I can imagine how frustrating it is to have a conversation with me.  I get lost talking to myself, let alone talking with another human.

I mentioned this to my bestie.  And bless her heart she went immediately into questioning her own abilities as a friend and auntie to Max.  But really it wasn't about her, as it was about me? Trying to cling to a social life I once had, and trying to make my new life fit into that other puzzle.  Or maybe mourning the fact that my friends, who are very busy don't really want to spend the day at the zoo where they might get 30% of my attention.  I can't blame them.  Even if they don't say so, its a hard transition.

I never read a Girlfriend's guide to Pregnancy.  I wonder if this was addressed?

But enough ranting.  Like most things, my insecurities ebb and flow.  After talking with my bestie, I feel better.  Not so isolated or quarantined.  Just a mama, navigating this new role, that I come to love more and more everyday.  So ladies if you are reading, get out those umbrellas, we have zoo's to attended and parks to be explored! Whoo HOO! Don't worry I will bring the tumbler of wine.

~mama

all clean....

The cleanse is complete and I am left feeling pretty damn good.  It's a weird feeling, and hard to explain.  I guess the best way to explain it I feel as if I am on a high.  Natural of course.  It sounds odd to say, but I feel more alive, more alert and more rejuvenated.  All this from a cleanse?  Can it be?

Well apparently so.

But why?  What is it about this simple concoction that makes you feel so damn good?

I started looking around the web and most stated the same thing.  That once our body starts the fasting process,(no longer digesting food) it recognizes what is going on and starts to eliminate the "crap" in our system.  The same crap that causes disease, fat, mucus, plaque, etc.  And once it is refueled with a surplus of veggies and fruits, clarity beings, and things start to fall back into balance.  Organs are being revitalized, and energy and metabolism increases.

Do I buy that?  I do because I do feel better, although I don't know :what better" really entails.  But better, is, well better!

I also read that with a fast, if you can, it should be longer to really maximize the benefits.  Maybe next time. :)  I think 3 days was a good starting off point.

Do I recommend it.  I do.  I am still doing research on the benefits of fasting.  Fat, Sick and Almost Dead was recommended to me and I need to finish watching that documentary.  But logically, it makes sense to me.

Just my little ol' opinion though.

Good luck future juicers.

~mama

Cleanse-Day 3

Last day! Last wonderful day.....

I woke this morning thinking thank god today is the last day!

I got out of bed, and let Max slowly wake while I made some tea.  No headache this morning! SWEET!

I knew I was going to go work out this morning so I was trying to mentally prepare myself.  I haven't worked out in about 6 weeks.  That's a shit load of time for me.  And you know how hard it is to get back into a routine.  So I packed Max's breakfast, and I myself ate a whole banana, whoooooooa.  I chugged half of a juice and headed out.

It was a nice balmy 35 degrees this morning.  Another reason I haven't been to keen on working out.  But I was in the car, no turning back now.....

I told myself I was going to take it easy.  I didn't want to pass out or anything.  And over all it was a good workout.  I am sore so I consider that a success.  And I met a cool mama, so bonus.

I hadn't really eaten in about 3 hours so I was getting a little cranky.  I came home and pounded a juice.

I also made myself a little salad.  I was feeling a lot of energy and in pretty good spirits.

And of course that is exactly what I made Max for dinner.  Yup, I must like to torture myself.  And I will admit, I stole five noodles from his kiddie bowl.  That's right, I did it.  Not my proudest moment but a woman has needs :).

I ate more nuts, more juice and one more salad.  Not to shabby of a day!

Am I glad its over?  Hellz yeah.  Would I recommend it?

You will have to read tomorrow to find out :)

~mama

Cleanse-Day 2

Day two was definitely harder.

Woke with a dull headache, and a growling tummy. Also woke at 6:30am to take my father to the airport, who coincidentally missed his flight and I had to go back and pick him up at the airport.  (when did parents get so old? Ha, Love you dad).

Came home, made breakfast, drooled a little over my fathers coffee and my son's yogurt and oatmeal.

Had some green tea.

Then slammed a juice.  I was hungry, and I got a little satisfaction from the juice, but not much. I kept thinking "this sucks and I still have another day".

Was cold most of the day.  Heard that this was a side effect since your tummy isn't creating heat by digesting food, and you are drinking cold beverages. Fantastic!

Ate some almonds and for lunch another baby salad.

Nap time, oh glorious nap time!

I have to admit though, I am not really tired.  This cleanse has given me energy.  Like I can feel it through my skin?  Or I am just cold?  But it feels like I have had too much coffee, almost like I am buzzing around.  Either way I took a nap.

Woke with a worse headache and broke down.  I made myself a half cup of coffee.  And it was awesome.  A delicious cup of Joe.

Sucked down a few more juices and was in a decent mood.  That was until I made my father and Max dinner.  Grilled cheese and Mac and cheese.  Dear god, kill me now.  SO badly I wanted to sneak a bite.  But, I held back.  I did however make it known in the house that I WAS NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT!

Had some edamame, and commiserated with my neighbor who persuaded me to do this cleanse in the first place. ( she didn't really persuade me, just mentioned she was doing one so I joined in, like a dummy)  She plugs her nose while she drinks the juice.  It's entertaining to watch.

Day two done.  One more day and salvation!

I do feel better, even with all the whining.  But I still don't know why I am doing this.  I need to do more research.

Cleanse-Day 1

In my previous post I mentioned that the monster woke at 5:30 in the morning.  Not pleased!  I immediately played out my day and I for saw a tired, grumpy mama running on little sleep, no food and no coffee.

To my surprise, I wasn't very tired.  I had a dull headache for most of the day, but not bad enough to take anything.

I was however, hungry.  Not starving, but hungry.  Hungry for the routine of eating.  The smell of food.  The ritual of it all.

I got over it.  But I think tomorrow will be harder.  I can feel it.

So my day consisted of...

Waking up and making Max some breakfast.  So badly I wanted to pop some of his waffle in my mouth, but I held back.  I made some green tea instead.

About an hour later I cracked up open my first juice.  OH DEAR GOD!  It was like straight veggies.  Where was the sweetness? It was called sweet green for god sakes.

I choked it down.  I know it is because I am not used to ingesting that amount of veggie in a sitting, or lets be honest, ever.  But man it was intense.  But I gotta say, I did feel better right after it.  Like my body was going, ahhhhhhhhh.

So after the juice, I ate some almonds and carrots and kept myself busy.  I napped which helped time pass and I drank another one.  This one was better.  Cucumber, pineapple, and ginger. Way easier to get down.

So then the Essential Veggie.  Oh damn.

So its about 5:00 now and I really needed some eating action.  Like really, the action of eating.  I made a baby salad with some chicken.  It helped.  And oddly enough it tasted amazing. Maybe it was my taste buds appreciating the non juiced meal?  I don't know, but it was a damn good salad.  I have a feeling real food is going to taste fantastic come Thursday.  I have already started concocting a menu.

So out of 6 bottles of juice I drank 4.  Not quite the quota, but drinking that much of anything in one day is hard for me.  Tomorrow I will do better.

~mama

Wish me luck....

I've decided to do a juice cleanse. Why on earth would I subject myself to such torture you ask? I'm not real sure actually. To see if I can, to see if they work? Or maybe to just I humor my sado masochistic side?

Of course on this day Max decides to wake at 5:30. Usually he gives me till 7:30 until the wild rumpus starts. Ugh! And no coffee too boot. Why yes, I am rethinking this cleanse and I haven't even really started!

I suppose I shouldn't wimp out so early. But this damn cleanse better make me feel super human!

I will keep you posted....

Wish me luck!

Pins and needles.....

I'm not the most consistent football fan, but I following along enough. The last few games have left me anxious and grateful for cocktails :). Now it's the play-offs!!! It's getting real folks. Max is in his gear (watching Caillou on my computer) and my father and I are in the couch.

Currently I am still sipping my coffee but the hard cider in my fridge is looking mighty good to me.....

But even with all my butterflies, I'm feeling pretty good having my dad in town watching football with me and teaching Max how to throw the ball!

Also, the sun is out in Seattle and I am getting ready to throw some pigs-in-a- blanket in the oven. Guess it could be worse, but please Seahawks! Don't fail me now!!!!

10,000 Thank Yous

Today I reached 10,000 pages views.

Holy Crap!

I just wanted to say Thank You to those who read Meet Maxwell, and thank you for your kind words and for following along.

I have to admit, I feel as if I am running out of things to say.....How many times can I write about this or that.  Is it getting boring? Redundant?

I am seeking inspiration from Pinterest and things, in hopes to spruce up this blog.  Maybe some more DIY's, you know the ones that don't completely come out like crap.  Or recipes???  Guest bloggers? (friends of my mine that are super crafty in departments I have no idea about).

Who knows.  Any suggestions?

But how I digress.  This is more about Thank Yous.  I have to admit, I feel a little special that I have any followers at all.  It makes this mama blush!

xoxoxox

Currently......

Taken from  www.HarvestingKale.blogspot.com.  Go take a look see!

THIS WEEKS THEMES:

MISSING, THINKING, CONSIDERING, MOVING, PLAYING

Max IS CURRENTLY.....

MISSING all the craziness of Christmas.  But loving all the new toys he is playing with.

MOVING  all over the place.  Walking, running, climbing.  He wants to do down the stairs now and does not want to be carried down.  He reaches his little hand up to grab mine.  Pretty sweet!  But I gotta make sure I have my patience pants on.  

PLAYING with cars, cars, cars. And some trains.  He is loving his new book, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site.  He LOVES it.  All I have to do is mention it and he will drop everything he is doing to grab it.  He even is starting to read along and says SHHHHH at the appropriate time.  I heart that!

I AM CURRENTLY......

MISSING  my hubby to left last night for the East Coast.  Also sleeping in a little.  Max has been getting up about an hour earlier than usual.  Doesn't sound too bad, but I am having a hard time adjusting.  I have resorted to being that bad mom who throws on some Caillou in hopes of 27 more minutes of shut eye.  Also missing working out.  I haven't worded out in over a month due to xmas chaos, and a house full of sickies.  Time to get my arse in gear.

THINKING about the new year and what it will hold.  Also how to make this blog better and more interesting for me and others. 

CONSIDERING an over seas trip with the family.  Thinking Italy in September! Also playing around with ideas on how I am going to redecorate my bedroom.  Get ready pinterest.

What are you currently up to?

snow day!

growing up in Alaska I remember loving sledding!  I didn't care for too many winter sports (as if sledding is a sport) but I did enjoy me some sledding.

Last year we took Max on a little snow sledding adventure which was initially fun, but ended with a slight case of frost nip, courtesy of dadda.

But with out being dissuaded, we went out again.  A little older and wiser this time.

Fun was had by all, especially the daddies who I think we totally reliving some childhood memories.

a new additon...

Oh no, not that sort of addition.

This addition comes in the form of space.  Much needed storage space.  Its hard to come by in our condo.  We have absolutely have none to spare.  Not even a square to spare.

But alas, we have put our brains together and ikea'ed our way into a storage solution.

Now the hubby does not fancy himself a builder, but for some reason got a wild hair up his butt and decided to take on this huge project.  Personally I think it was just so he could buy tools.  (Which is very manly.) but what do I care, what ever the reason, I go with it. I love construction.  I love change. And I love that we don't have to pay outrageous labour fees.

Go Hubby!!!

before

as you can see, we have a mini carpenter on our hands

original wall is a tumblin' down

new cabinets going up

operation destruction

prepping the wall paper

wall paper up and drying

Max could care less

wall painting and trim getting nailed on

panels going up..

sound proofing

Maxwell approved

So after some weeks of a messy house and constant saw dust, we are done with the majority of the project.  Now we are on to operation door.  Not sure the hubby wants to take on that project or will hire out.  Custom making a 13 foot door is no easy task.

I am excited for redecorating Max's room.  I'm adding bits of orange through out his room.  I can't wait to see the finished product.

Stay tuned.

~mama

Experince Music Project

Did you know that the EMP was voted one of the Top Ten ugliest buildings. 

Mean!

Well what do you think?

Guess its not for everybody.

But housed inside is a plethora of amazement.  A Rock and Roll museum and some sci-fi goodness.  Last year I went to see Jim Henson's Muppet expo.  It was pretty fantastic!

This trip we went with our friends the "S's"  We scoped out the Nirvana exhibit and Jimmy Hendrix.  It's cool looking back at some musicians that really made their mark in history.  Most gone too soon.

tour stops Hendrix made while in England.

Nirvanas stage props

a young Jagger 

EMP also has a sound lab, very cool for the kiddos.

Max is a natural drummer.  Help me god...

Playing with dada

                                               and for your enjoyment and little dancing...