Happy Halloween Eve

We are leaving tomorrow to attend the 90th birthday celebration of T's grandfather, in Miami. Before I sign off, I wanted to share a few fun kid-costume photographs that I've recently "hearted" on Weheartit.com, the amazing and slightly addictive new visual bookmarking site.  Check out my heart page for details on all these photos and to see more of my favorites. 

While you're soaking in the spooky cuteness, take a listen to a song I discovered today while listening to Regina Spektor Radio on Pandora.  This is Skeleton Song by Kate Nash:

Sleepless Nights

My husband, 16-month-old son and I were up for hours last night, something that has been happening a few times a week for the last month or so.

We have coslept since my son's birth, and for the majority of his life he has been an excellent, sound sleeper. It has only been recently that nights have become incredibly trying. Although the Kiddo is his usual happy self during the day and goes to bed easily, he will start screaming abruptly in the middle of the night seemingly without provocation. He will nurse rather fitfully, but for the most part spends hours tossing and turning and hollering at the top of his lungs. He becomes very averse to being touched or held, buckling his back away from me and DH, and flailing around in general. It is a very disorienting and disheartening thing to experience, and we hurt so much for him, knowing that whatever is bothering him is SO intense. Meanwhile, of course, we are left completely drained.

Usually after a rough night the Kiddo falls asleep at dawn and sleeps solidly for several hours (he is doing so as I type this). By the time he wakes up he's back to his old cheerful, playful self but I'm left exhausted and worn out.

I am not sure what is causing the issue, but I have a couple of theories:

1) Teething. Although most days pass without any extreme teething symptoms (i.e. fever, runny nose, fussing), it is hard to deny that the Kiddo has new teeth popping in like crazy. I can't help but think that this is contributing to his nighttime angst. Maybe the pain is there during the day as well but it intensifies at night? Or maybe it's just that DS is more distracted during the day, busy playing and engaging with the world, whereas at night the teething is front and center and impossible to ignore.

2) General developmental stage. I am amazed by how much the Kiddo is growing every day -- both physically and mentally. Every day is like an explosion of discoveries: language, interpersonal skills, mastering of new concepts. Plus, he's totally developing his own clear identity in a whole new way, with major new tactics of asserting himself and his desires. Every day I look at him and see the baby slipping away and a little boy emerging. It is amazing and exciting for all of us, but it must be quite taxing on him on a deep level at the same time. I've been thinking that the nighttime experiences could be a reflection of that. A kind of release of the tensions that come along with living inside a body/mind that is becoming something entirely new every day.

All that being said, I would love to get back to a peaceful sleep pattern, and soon! The only two things that have provided any kind of relief from the screaming so far are kind of impractical and disruptive in themselves (although preferable to hours of outright violent screaming!) They are:

1) Me getting out of bed and wearing the Kiddo in a wrap. If I do this while bouncing on our yoga ball, he chills out and goes back to sleep. But then, obviously, there I am wide awake, bouncing on a yoga ball, so it doesn't solve the problem of ME getting sleep. Occasionally I am able to lay him back down after a while, but often he just goes berserk again when I start to get him out of the wrap.

2) Last night we actually resorted to playing the Kiddo's favorite movie (Annie) on my laptop in bed. Extreme, I know, and not really a long-term liveable solution, but man did it reverse the agony! Almost instantly those tears were drying and the Kiddo was smiling through It's a Hard Knock Life. This was a desperate-times-call-for-desperate-measures kind of moment, but after so many sleepless nights I'm not really sorry we did it.

Anyway, I guess the bottom line is that I don't have any solid answers, I just felt like sharing and inviting people to advise me on how to cope with this difficult phase.  If you have insights, comment away!

Fun Idea for DIY

Design*Sponge just posted an easy-as-pie tutorial for making these cool family silhouette portraits.  Reminds me of this:

Perhaps I'll do some sort of adaptation of the two ideas...

The Cuddliest Coat

New for Winter 2008 at P-Sling New York.  Found here.

Amazing Photo of the Day

By Heather Champ, Via We Heart It.

"There are millions of people in the world and none of those people is an extra. They're all leads of their own stories."

I really want to see Synecdoche, New York.  It looks completely weird and wonderful.

Gloria Lemay's Excellent Advice

One of my favorite birth-activist bloggers, Gloria Lemay, has a FABULOUS post up right now on her amazing blog.  I am so impressed by the usefulness of this information that I feel moved to repost it here and encourage my readers to act on her advice and pass it on.  And of course, you must read more of Gloria's excellent perspectives on home birth, breastfeeding, health, and wellness, here.  (Thank you, Gloria!)

The following was posted by Gloria Lemay on October 28, 2008:

AFTER THE BIRTH, WHAT A FAMILY NEEDS

“Let me know if I can help you in any way when the baby is born.” … “Just let me know if you need a hand.” … “Anything I can do, just give me a call.”

Most pregnant women get these statements from friends and family but shy away from making requests when they are up to their ears in dirty laundry, unmade beds, dust bunnies and countertops crowded with dirty dishes. The myth of “I’m fine, I’m doing great, new motherhood is wonderful, I can cope and my husband is the Rock of Gibraltar” is pervasive in postpartum land. If you’re too shy to ask for help and make straight requests of people, I suggest sending the following list out to your friends and family. These are the things I have found to be missing in every house with a new baby. It’s actually easy and fun for outsiders to remedy these problems for the new parents but there seems to be a lot of confusion about what’s wanted and needed…

1. Buy us toilet paper, milk and beautiful whole grain bread.

2. Buy us a new garbage can with a swing top lid and 6 pairs of black cotton underpants (women’s size____).

3. Make us a big supper salad with feta cheese, black Kalamata olives, toasted almonds, organic green crispy things and a nice homemade dressing on the side. Drop it off and leave right away. Or, buy us frozen lasagna, garlic bread, a bag of salad, a big jug of juice, and maybe some cookies to have for dessert. Drop it off and leave right away.

4. Come over about 2 in the afternoon, hold the baby while I have a hot shower, put me to bed with the baby and then fold all the piles of laundry that have been dumped on the couch, beds or in the room corners. If there’s no laundry to fold yet, do some.

5. Come over at l0 a.m., make me eggs, toast and a 1/2 grapefruit. Clean my fridge and throw out everything you are in doubt about. Don’t ask me about anything; just use your best judgment.

6. Put a sign on my door saying “Dear Friends and Family, Mom and baby need extra rest right now. Please come back in 7 days but phone first. All donations of casserole dinners would be most welcome. Thank you for caring about this family.”

7. Come over in your work clothes and vacuum and dust my house and then leave quietly. It’s tiring for me to chat and have tea with visitors but it will renew my soul to get some rest knowing I will wake up to clean, organized space.

8. Take my older kids for a really fun-filled afternoon to a park, zoo or Science World and feed them healthy food.

9. Come over and give my husband a two hour break so he can go to a coffee shop, pub, hockey rink or some other r & r that will delight him. Fold more laundry.

10. Make me a giant pot of vegetable soup and clean the kitchen completely afterwards. Take a big garbage bag and empty every trash basket in the house and reline with fresh bags.

These are the kindnesses that new families remember and appreciate forever. It’s easy to spend money on gifts but the things that really make a difference are the services for the body and soul described above. Most of your friends and family members don’t know what they can do that won’t be an intrusion. They also can’t devote 40 hours to supporting you but they would be thrilled to devote 4 hours. If you let 10 people help you out for 4 hours, you will have the 40 hours of rested, adult support you really need with a newborn in the house. There’s magic in the little prayer “I need help.”

The Miracle of Birth: Monty Says it Best

I remember seeing a clip of this sketch in The Business of Being Born, and ever since I have wanted to watch the entire piece.  Well, today I looked it up on YouTube.  I don't know what made me laugh harder; "fetus frightening room" or "you're not qualified!"

Barack Behind the Scenes

From this incredible website showing the work of one photographer who has been close to Barack Obama for years:

Four years ago Time photographer Callie Shell met Barack Obama backstage when she was covering presidential candidate John Kerry. She sent her editor more photographs of Obama than Kerry. When asked why, she said, "I do not know. I just have a feeling about him. I think he will be important down the road." Her first photo essay on Obama was two and half years ago. She has stuck with him ever since.

At a time when I feel like I am on total political overload, Ms. Shell's photos stopped me in my tracks and reminded me what a historic moment we're in.  Go to this website to see more of her breathtaking photos and the illuminating captions that accompany them.

Via notcot.org.

The Prettiest Pumpkins...

...that I've seen.  By Martha.

Cartonlandia Wowza

What is up with all the prodigious cardboard-box artistry going on these days?  I have no idea, but me likey.  Witness the fabulousness that is Cartonlandia, by artist Ana Serrano.  See also, this recent post.

Worst Date Movie Ever

Last night T and I had the all-too-rare treat of a date night, and we opted to go see Changeling. I was eager to see Ms. I-Breastfeed-Proudly-On-the-Cover-of-W-Magazine Jolie's latest performance, especially with the Oscar buzz she's been getting.  T was like (and I paraphrase), "Clint Eastwood, woot!".  

We were pretty oblivious to the subject matter of the flick.  Well, as it turns out, it's basically a full-on horror movie, based on a true story. Which is not to say it wasn't magnificently made or wonderfully performed.  As T so aptly put it as we sat, shell-shocked, through the closing credits; "that was the best movie I ever hated."

The themes were important, as it dealt with the disempowerment of women and government corruption.  The heroine was inspiring, as she endured unimaginable circumstances courageously and with an impressively tenacious spirit, all while sticking it to the Man.  Angelina looks as smashing in a straitjacket as she does a cloche.  

Other than that, the movie gave me a headache and a stomachache. Have you seen it?

Poladroid Joy

I have to share an amazing discovery with you:  this incredible website will instantly transform your regular digital photos into faux polaroids (or "poladroids").  All you have to do is download the program, and then drag and drop your images onto the camera icon -- with a very polaroid-esque little whirr and a zip (even the sound effects are accurate!) the icon "spits out" your revised image, and moments later (it slowly develops before your eyes!) you have a Poladroid.  Genius. Addictive.  Now go try it and post a comment here with a link to your favorite images!

Some of my personal favorites so far, top to bottom:

Me, in Central Park, eight months preggers.

Me and the teensy Kiddo.

My sis and me (Happy 21st birthday yesterday, E!).

View of Paris, from the Sacre Coeur.

See more on my Flickr photostream...

We Have a Winner!!!

Congratulations to Bmommy, winner of the Little Alouette Maple Teether Giveaway!

Thanks to all who participated by leaving a comment, and BIG thanks to Amy from Little Alouette!

Photo: Is it spring yet?, originally uploaded by Miss Aniela.

Things I Heart this Weekend...

• The beautiful, love-filled Flickr photostream of Akihiro Furuta. My favorite, the image above, is called "Flower Which Blooms in Winter."
• An amazing design for a family bike, via Minor Details.
• Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum is hedging their bets on the election.
• An incredible round-up of vintage pin-up girl hairstyle instructions.  Great ideas for halloween (or whenever, if you roll like that!).
• Ingenious improvisational bathtub for the kids.
• Breathtaking use of Flickr images.  Via Automatism.
• A super-fly way to keep track of the stuff you love online.  
• Two self-described Old Ladies (and best friends for 60 years!), speaking their minds.

Have a marvelous weekend, and don't forget to participate in the giveaway by leaving a comment on the post below!

xoxo,

L

Marvelous Giveaway! Maple Teether by Little Alouette

Check out these gorgeous, handmade Maple Teethers by Etsy Seller Little Alouette!

Little Alouette is a small, Ohio-based family venture of four people: Master British Craftsman Dad, Writer Mom, and two wee ones who help with many things such as finishing toys, testing toys, and providing the inspiration to create. Little Alouette believes in using materials that are locally sourced and uses Ohio Maple when whenever possible. All products are finished with certified organic seed oil.

The winner of this Marvelous Giveaway will receive one Maple Teether by Little Alouette!

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment with your email address on this post by Sunday, October 26, at midnight, PST. One comment per person, please. The winner will be randomly picked and announced on Monday, October 27.

Feel free to email this post to your family and friends to spread the word. Good luck, and happy commenting! Big "thank you" to Little Alouette!

xo
Leigh

An Afternoon at the Museum

Yesterday the Kiddo and I were treated to a visit to the Guggenheim Museum with T's grandmother!  We had a wonderful time.  We were all quite taken by the beautiful restoration of the exterior of the building...

...And the Kiddo was riveted by looking up from inside the famous spiraling walkway...

We were impressed and moved by the scope of the photography exhibit we saw -- a career retrospective of the artist Catherine Opie.  The Kiddo and I admired this large self-portrait of the photographer with her son.  He kept saying "Mama!" in a delighted tone of voice as he took it in from the comfort of the Ergo...

After we left, we walked over to the reservoir to gasp at the very dramatic sky and dazzlingly platinum sunlight.  The wind nearly bowled us over!

Etsy Find of the Day: MiChiMa

I adore these soft felt letters from Etsy seller MiChiMa!  The Kiddo is starting to really be aware of letters and numbers and I could see us having fun for days with a set of these :)

Photo of the Day

I just had to post this pumpkin fantasia!  By Martha, of course.  Via Lovely Morning.

Grosgrain Amazing

If you are not familiar with the site Grosgrain, you should be.  Kathleen Dougherty is an insanely talented and prolific seamstress who is forever blogging about the beautiful outfits she makes for her girls.  The most amazing thing is that she gives many of the outfits away on her site!  I know.  Doesn't really make sense, but people, let's not ask questions. Let's just run over to Grosgrain and enter to win this incredible Marie Antoinette-inspired costume.  Just in time for Halloween!  Click here.

The Most Chic Nursing Dress...

...I've ever seen.  By Isabella Oliver.  Via the fabulous Domestic Reflections.  

Well hello again!

Sorry about that three-day absence!  I  came down with a nasty cold last week which I'm just beginning to shake.  Between my incessant sinus headaches and the Kiddo's restless nights (teething, I think?), I just haven't had the wherewithall to blog.  But today I'm feeling much better and the Kiddo slumbers peacefully beside me, so I'm taking the opportunity to post.  

I want to share this with you, sent in by my new friend, Rachel.  I grew up loving the comic strip, For Better or For Worse, and have missed it in recent years since our paper of choice doesn't have a Sunday Funnies section.  Well, Rachel made my day when she shared the strip that ran yesterday, featuring babywearing!  Click on the image to see all the details:

Don'tcha Just Love This Kitchen?

I think it's awesome.  Via Desire to Inspire.

Thanks, Aphrochic!

One of my favorite design and decor blogs, Aphrochic: Modern. Soulful. Style, has posted about my home office!  I submitted photos of my embellished IKEA armoire for the "Inspired Home Office" contest yesterday, but I was so surprised and delighted when Jeanine posted about my project this afternoon.  Jump over to the super-fabulous Aphrochic and check it out!

"Anti-Schoolers" in the New York Times

The New York Times ran an interesting story today about unschooling, a little-known and often misunderstood offshoot of the home schooling movement.  As someone who was raised in an unschooling family, I was thrilled to read such an informative and well-written article on the topic in such a mainstream publication.  I urge you to read the article and leave me a comment letting me know your thoughts!

Before you go, let me leave you with one of my favorite quotes relating to the deficiencies of school-based learning, by one of the greatest and most famous teachers of all time:

"I am beginning to suspect all elaborate and special systems of education. They seem to me to be built upon the supposition that every child is a kind of idiot who must be taught to think. Whereas, if the child is left to himself, he will think more and better, if less showily. Let him go and come freely, let him touch real things and combine his impressions for himself, instead of sitting indoors at a little round table, while a sweet-voiced teacher suggests that he build a stone wall with his wooden blocks, or make a rainbow out of strips of coloured paper, or plant straw trees in bead flower-pots. Such teaching fills the mind with artificial associations that must be got rid of, before the child can develop independent ideas out of actual experience." 

-- Anne Sullivan

photo, Michael Falco for The New York Times