TheMacMommy

kissie kissie

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:37:00 +0000

Download now or watch on posterous

IMG_0773.MOV (3287 KB)

xoxoxo
Love,
Keagan

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Happy New Year from The Davis Boys

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0000

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IMG_0744.MOV (677 KB)

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Sending You Some Snuggles

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:58:00 +0000

Hope your Christmas Eve Day is as snuggly as ours! Wishing you togetherness this Holiday Season.

Watching Sid the Science Kid together.

Love,
Lucian & Keagan

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Infant Art Appreciation

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000

I recently built for my family a Mac Media Center. It took us some time to save up for this project, but it's finally put together and working out well. (I'll never say it's complete because I'm always tweaking things about it!) Sometime soon I will document all of the components and how I set it up, but here is a preview of just one of the many ways I'm putting it to use here in our home.

In this example is Keagan at 6 weeks old enjoying some artwork I created for him in the form of a screensaver set to music that plays on the TV. I lay him on the bed in different directions so he learns to turn his head and look from different sides. (Sometimes he favors turning his head to the same side, so this helps with that.) I also roll him over or prop him up on his boppy pillow (with supervision of course) for tummy time to watch this engaging screen saver. Research has shown that the combination of high-contrast patterns in black, white and red, and classical music help to stimulate babies' brains and visual recognition. Keagan is just beginning to find visual stimuli very interesting so I'm trying to foster that.

My Mac media center is basically a MacBook Pro hooked up to a flat-screen TV using HDMI among other cables. All the wires and hardware is neatly tucked away inside of a computer armoire. I control it all using the TV remote, my iPhone and sometimes a bluetooth keyboard. (Reviews are in the works for these products, so stay tuned!) I use the MobileAirMouse app on the iPhone and iPod Touch which turns these devices into a wireless remote.

I created this artwork of basic shapes in black, white, and red using iWork Pages. I used the shapes tool and designed high-contrast patterns on twenty four 8 x 11 pages. Next, I exported the document as a PDF, "printed" it to iPhoto and then exported the images in JPG format to my Pictures folder. Then I set the System Preferences Screen Saver to play a slideshow of the images from that folder. Alternatively you could set System Preferences to use an iPhoto Event as your images source.

An iTunes playlist comprised of sample selections of music courtesy of babytraxaudio.com provides the slideshow soundtrack. (Working on a review for this product too!)

Keagan really enjoys this and it helps calm him when he is fussy. Maybe your baby would like this hi-tech toy as well? I know we do!

Here is a video slideshow I've uploaded of my artwork so you can see what it looks like. You can even view it in HD on a full screen. Just put on your favorite classical iTunes playlist, sit back and relax :)

Enjoy!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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6 Week Smile

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:15:00 +0000

6 Week Wiggles

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Strike A Pose - 6 Weeks

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:21:00 +0000

Nurse. Sleep. Poop and Pee.

Repeat.

Growing strong and mighty. Developing social skills like smiling and foaming at the mouth. (ok, well, little suds bubbles anyhow.)

Chick magnet when worn in a Baby Bjorn on front of Daddy.

Daddy likey.

Wish I had more time to do other things, but sleep is still so overrated these days.

I asked Lucian if we could keep him or if we had to send him back. Lucian said we can keep him. You're all my witnesses!

Just about over my head cold. Little nagging cough left, but feeling better, just tired and joint pains still. Keagan's diaper rash is healing but it doesn't keep him from launching missile attacks on us come diaper changing time.

He giggles a lot in his sleep and sometimes smiles at us when he's conscious which is becoming more and more each day.

It all goes so fast except when I'm waiting for my turn to snooze!

Love,

Keagan & Mommy

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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smile

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:01:00 +0000

Download now or watch on posterous

IMG_0685.MOV (3464 KB)

Love,
Keagan

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Week 3 Update

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:38:00 +0000

I can't believe Keagan will soon be a month old. Time flies! One day kind of just turns into the next. There isn't really much of a today or tomorrow right now. Many times I just love to watch him sleep. You would think with all the sleeping he does that I'd be getting more sleep! Well, he sleeps a lot, but it's only for 2 to 3 hour increments each time. Sometimes Nate gives him a bottle and lets me sleep so I can get closer to a 4 hour nap but it doesn't happen much. My mother-in-law has been a godsend coming over during the week and helping out. I don't know what I'd do without her. I'm so grateful for her help and so happy Lucian has such a great relationship with his grandmother. It reminds me of my relationship with my own Grandmom.

Right now both Nate and I have head colds. I've since lost my voice and I squeak when I talk. It sounds funny. It's not so funny when I'm trying to give a distracted 3 year old instructions however. We're trying to recover but it's extra hard when we're both sick at the same time on top of having a new baby to care for on top of keeping a 3 year old from feeling left out. Lucian has a sore throat and runny nose but he doesn't act like he's sick. We're debating keeping him home from school on Monday. Keagan is stuffy and has a severe diaper rash from yeast. We went to an urgent care on Friday and got prescription Nystatin for it. I hope it helps because he is really uncomfortable and fussy because of the diaper rash. I would go to sleep but he keeps fussing and then falling back to sleep and I fear the moment I pass out he'll really wake up.

Yesterday, Lucian started playing with a little baby Cabbage Patch Kid doll (it's mine from childhood — a little boy infant named Ian) and it's been so adorable watching him interact with "his baby" and all the pretending and mimicking he's been doing. Today we gave the babies a bath. He puts his baby doll in Keagan's car seat and drags him all around the house taking him "places" like the "kleenex" — which in Lucian Language means "clinic" as in doctor or hospital. He also has one of those Fisher Price doctor kits he likes to play with. It's all so cute. Lucian is a really great big brother and he loves Keagan, but he also likes to pester the baby which can get annoying. I know it's hard for him to contain his excitement and it's even harder to be patient waiting for his little brother to get big enough for him to play with. He's doing a little bit of regressing when it comes to potty training which we were told by many to expect. It's not so bad and we're dealing with it. We try our best to make sure Lucian doesn't feel left out. I try to spend time with just him whenever I can. I keep reminding him how he is the little boy of my dreams.

Nursing is getting a little better except for the yeast diaper rash on Keagan now. He doesn't have thrush luckily. I'm still experiencing some soreness but it's mostly manageable now. Sometimes the pain really curls my toes but I know it won't last forever. The engorgement is better under control now too. Now comes the fun part of trying to figure out what's best for me to eat and what to avoid so it doesn't irritate him. Dairy is going to be hard to cut down, but that's the first culprit I suspect. I've been through this all before but it's amazing what you have to relearn 3 years later. Also there is new information so I'll be doing some research! I've also gone to a breast feeding support group twice now and I really like it and hope I can keep going. It's hard taking Lucian but we'll see how it goes. Even a "seasoned breastfeeder" like myself has much to learn and I've gotten a lot of helpful tips and information. It also feels so good to share my experiences with others in hopes I can help another mom out.

Here are some recent snapshots and notes. I LOVE using my iPhone to snap pics of Keagan. I also love making little movie clips. I wish I had more time to post what I've accumulated. They say the second-born doesn't get much in the way of photos or documentation compared to the first-born. I'm trying to not go overboard, but I also don't want Keagan to feel left out later on. Doing pretty good about that so far. I wish the movies were better quality though. I'm in the process of researching digital cameras. We got a new one we really like but there are just a few things that make me want to take it back and get an upgraded model.

Anyhow....just wanted this to be a quickie update...here are the latest snapshots!

Chillin on my Boppy. It's so luxurious and comfy with this 2-sided cover. Each side is a different fabric and this brown fabric is soooo soft! Mommy and I just love it! It helps make nursing more comfy and snuggly. (Thanks Najeeb! This is something we got with your gift certificate. You're the best!)

ahhhh. so snuggly on my boppy. Mommy just loves to watch me sleep.

Dooood! Wassup?

I just work here.

I'm getting so big! 10 lbs. 2 oz now :) woohoo!

mmmmmm booooobeeee juice. peeing on everyone who dares change my diaper. he he he he

yawn

stretch!

Got milk? I had some issues with plugged ducts the first 2 weeks my milk came in and so I had to pump often to keep the engorgement down otherwise Keagan couldn't latch on and it was next to impossible to sleep with these milk jugs!

Pretty proud of my stash, but I really didn't expect to end up with this surplus. There is close to a half gallon of milk in our freezer now. Luckily I'm doing better and not having to pump much any more. I probably over-stimulated myself in the process but I was terrified of getting mastitis from being backed up so I kept pumping. Things have calmed down a little more now. Moooooooo!!!

P.S.

Please don't tell Ben & Jerry about this!

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My Boys

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:47:00 +0000

Just got the boys' photos back from processing this past Friday. The first school portrait and newborn hospital photo are quite a reality check — but it's a welcomed one. I'm a proud Mama!

Lucian

3 years old

1st School Photo

(Preschool)

Keagan Rowan Davis

Monday, November 2, 2009

6:28 am

8 lbs., 6 oz.

19 inches long

(hospital photo)

Quickie Update

Lucian is loving being a big brother and he is very proud. He's still adjusting, but he's happy for the most part. He really loves his baby brother and gets excited whenever he wakes up. Keagan, of course, still sleeps a lot. When he isn't sleeping, he's eating or making dirty diapers. There isn't a whole lot of awake time just yet, but it's coming. I'm trying so hard to savor these moments while he's so little yet because I now know just how very fast it all goes by. Sometimes it's hard to sleep because I just want to hold him, stare at him and watch him sleep and grow.

Nursing has been a challenge but I know we will make it. It was harder the first time around and we got through it. This time it's just frustrating and when I'm in pain, my patience runs thin. These last two weeks I have been exhausted and had to go to the doctor to be treated for it. I'm still not getting the ideal amount of sleep, but at least I'm getting better at trying to grab it when I can. My goal is to get at least one four-hour nap in each day. So far I've only accomplished it a couple of times, but it's better than none. I think I'm getting a little bit better at managing my milk supply which is one of the issues that has been keeping me from sleeping. Most of it is from anxiety. I have a hard time asking for help and relaxing. My joints stiffen up while I sleep and I always wake up in excruciating pain so I get anxious about waking up before I even fall asleep because I don't look forward to the pain.

When I nursed Lucian, my milk supply was average. I had just enough and was always feeling like I had to work to keep my supply up. I felt especially threatened when I went back to work full time. This time, it's completely different. I'm staying home, so I'm at least relaxed about that part, but this time, I'm actually overproducing and overwhelmed by it. I sort of got myself into a little trouble because I was pumping too much and didn't realize it. I was just doing what the lactation consultant told me to do, but I don't think she realized just how much milk I was producing! I was so paranoid about getting mastitis like I had last time so I kept pumping to drain myself. I kept getting backed up, so I kept pumping and ended up with a huge surplus of milk now stashed in the freezer. I'm not exactly complaining, but I just think back now and probably could have handled it a little differently. I guess I just went into autopilot mode and did what I knew to do from the last time which was keep pumping — keep the milk moving. I never expected to be able to produce so much and now I'm working on trying to scale it all back a bit. The tricky part is trying to do it without getting backed up so much, which is very painful and makes it hard to sleep.

Needless to say, Keagan has checked out very well with his first two pediatrician checkups. He's gained one pound and grown an inch in just one week's time! He's now 9 lbs., 10 oz, and 20 inches long.

I miss blogging and socializing, but I need to lay low for a bit longer so I can fit in time for resting and healing. I still have lots of projects and podcasting planned so I have much to look forward to. I do need to socialize from time to time and keeping in touch with friends and family through facebook and other social outlets has been really good for me. We've been out of the house a couple of times besides doctor appointments, but I realize it's easy to overdo it this early on.

I've been cleared to drive short distances, but still don't feel all that comfortable with it just yet. I still have some painkillers I take occasionally when the pain is too much, but I try to watch it. I know I shouldn't be on the road without sufficient sleep. Walking and standing for long periods is still painful, but I'm working on it.

Overall, I'm happy with the progress I'm making because it's been better compared to the first time, but it's still frustrating how long it takes to recover from a Cesarian Section at my age and for how out of shape I am. I do feel a lot more prepared this time around and have some better coping mechanisms in place.

For now though, the top priority is sleep, so good night!

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Little Dreamer

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:59:00 +0000

Caught Keagan being cute ;)

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Hush Little Baby

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:25:00 +0000

My boys. Kinda surreal to use plural form now. Feels good. :)

Something tells me this might make for a good blackmail video later in life -- proof that there was a time when they didn't want to beat the snot out of each other?

Saving this one for posterity!

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Diaper Rash Sucks :(

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:39:00 +0000

Poor Keagan has some pretty nasty diaper rash so I've been letting him "air out" on a towel on the floor. Tonight we had a "picnic" in Mommy & Daddy's bedroom on a blanket on the floor so we could all hang out with Keagan while eating dinner together. (well, at least Keagan was literally hanging out!) He has been such a trooper through it all. He only cries for diaper changes, hunger and attention...the usual.

He is such a great baby! I can't get enough of kissing him and running my lips over his peach fuzz. Every time I look at Lucian, I'm reminded just how fast time goes and how quickly they grow up so I'm trying to savor this time even through the sleep deprivation, engorgement and incision pain. (Percoset is a great Mother's Little Helper right now, but it's soon time to start weaning myself off of it.)

The good thing is, it's all just temporary.

The bad thing is, it's all just temporary.

I know can't stop time, and wouldn't want to necessarily, but at least I can make memories of moments in time that will hopefully last forever :)

These are little reminders that life is tough, but we get by.

"This is so NOT the spa experience I was hoping for!"

(airing out diaper rash)

"I'd rather have a bikini wax right about now instead of this diaper rash!"

Happier Moments

I can't get enough of his peach fuzz!

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On Our Way Home

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:08:00 +0000

Can't wait to see Lucian!!!

Melissa Davis
TheMacMommy
Sent from my iPhone

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The Arrival of Keagan Rowan Davis

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:05:00 +0000

Here are some photos taken over the past few days documenting the arrival of our newest son, Keagan Rowan.(see slideshow — if your browser lets it load — or click on the link to the online album.)

Keagan was born on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 6:28 am via Cesarian Section performed at TMC in Tucson, Arizona.

Keagan weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and measured 19 in. long. He latched on and nursed soon after delivery.

http://picasaweb.google.com/themacmommy/KeaganRowanSArrival?feat=directlink

The surgery went very well despite large amounts of scar tissue from the previous C-section that made it take a little longer to get him out. That made it a little stressful for me, but luckily this time, the warming bed where they were getting Keagan cleaned up was within my view from the operating table and watching my baby helped to keep me a little distracted from the surgery and all of the movement. It was nice watching Nate get to cut the cord and be there to greet our new son and talk to him. One thing I loved was that I was able to touch my baby and kiss him and see more of his body this time around. (Last time all I got was a burrito baby shoved in my face and all I could see was Lucian's nose!) My arms weren't strapped down this time, so I could actually raise my hand and touch him. That made me very happy.

There was lots of laughing going on around the warming table because it turns out, Keagan peed FIVE times during the time he was there in the OR! When he was taken back to the recovery room for the APGAR test, (he scored 8/9) he then proceeded to poop as well. So, we were well assured that all his plumbing was in proper working order right from the start.

I found the surgery to be somewhat less traumatic this time around. I was still scared because I knew what to expect and wasn't looking forward to it. I was a bit more relaxed and felt like I was in good hands. My anesthesiologist was extremely nice and talked with me throughout and answered any questions I had. He was super great about putting the epidural in and I was very proud of myself for staying still while the needle went in. There was one part of the surgery where I began to panic. The numbing sensation was climbing up into my lungs and I felt like I couldn't breathe. My tongue felt like it was swelling and I couldn't feel my throat when I attempted to swallow. The anesthesiologist gave me two puffs of my Albuterol and that seemed to help. I was able to calm down a little more but still got the shakes really bad. Later, after surgery, one of the side effects from the drugs is that it makes you itch like crazy. I accidently pulled some of the skin off my nose from itching it so much. It's healing along with all the other boo boos I've since received during my time here. As usual, my veins alway present an issue and one attempt to start an IV left a very colorful mark.

What should I name it?

One of the worst parts of recovery was dealing with the IV. I was hooked up to a monitor that had alarms on it for my oxygen, heart rate and IV fluid intake. They had to put the IV in near my right elbow, so every time I used my arm, the alarm would sound. Trying to nurse and get in and out of bed set it off constantly. I was ready to throw it out the window and so was Nate. Luckily I didn't have to deal with it for too long, but unfortunately, I think I may be suffering from some nipple trauma because of the difficulty of the cords in the way during nursing sessions. I'm really, really sore right now and many different parts are extremely raw and sensitive.

I'm looking forward to being discharged tomorrow (Thursday) after getting my staples from my incision removed. Today was a pretty decent day getting around. I'm on a regimen of pain killers and Motrin to manage the pain. Sleeping is next to impossible here at the hospital and if and when I do manage to get sleep, it's a nap for about 2 hours max.

I really miss my Lucian and can not wait to see him at home. Nate and I were heartbroken when we found out Lucian would not be allowed to visit at the hospital because of the flu season. (No kids under 12). So, we're really looking forward to getting home so the boys can meet each other! They have presents to give each other :)

This whole experience is still very surreal yet and I'm sure it will be for quite a while. Keagan looks so much like Lucian in the face, it's like I just had a cloned baby! Keagan has white-blond hair and blue eyes, so that's the main difference. He's also a tad smaller than Lucian was as well. Sometimes I have to take off his little cap just to be reminded this is Keagan and not Lucian! Of course, Nate and I have already called Keagan by his big brother's name instead several times now.

Now that the pain meds are kicking in and Keagan has been fed, I'm going to try and snooze. Sorry if there are lots of typos. My eyes are failing to focus now and my ears are ringing so it's time to take a break and nap.

Thanks to everyone who has written me. I wish I could respond back to everyone, but just know that it all means so much to me. Your feedback, prayers, encouragement and advise has really helped me to begin recovering so much faster!

Hope you all enjoy the photos and I'll try to update and write more later. I also have a couple of cute movies I'll want to post later.

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Say Hello To Keagan

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:07:00 +0000

Daddy & Mommy are FINALLY going to try and rest now that Keagan has finally nursed again. He's great at it, just very lethargic at times.

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Labor Data & Update

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:19:00 +0000

This is what the data looks like from the iPhone app called "Baby's Coming" which is a free contraction timer app. I'm also using an app called "Total Baby" which is aimed at logging info on the baby like feedings, wet diapers, dr appts, etc. I'm actually using it now to log info about ME that I know the hospital staff will likely ask me later. It sounds awful, and truth be told, it's not pretty but when you have a c-section, you end up being monitored just like the baby and they even measure your pee and poop to make sure your organs are working once they put you back together after they extract the baby. Meds will be dosed on a tight schedule and also meals. So, I figured why not add myself as one of the "children" that needs to be logged. I just entered my last meal, meds I've taken & noted my contraction info, among other details so I'll hopefully know what answers to give nurses when they ask after I've been admitted.

I've had to stop several times now while writing this to note my contractions & re-copy & paste the new data!

Baby is still active and moving a lot. I really think he wants out soon.

The surgery is scheduled for 12 noon today, so hopefully we can hold out for it, but 11 hours feels like a long time to be like this so unless these contractions start spreading out like they did an hour ago, we may have to leave earlier for the hospital than planned.

The OB on call told me to try and rest up (yeah, right!) and to just report to the hospital once we have a consistant pattern of contractions lasting 1 min and 5-10 mins apart for at least an hour. Well, I can check the 1 minute duration off the list and I can also check off the 5-10 min. intervals, but the consistant for 1 hour is what I'm working on now. Also, they can not cut me open until I've not had any food for more than 6 hours. Looking at my food log in the Total Baby app, it tells me it's only been closer to 5 hrs. since I last ate. So, we couldn't even leave for the hospital for another 1 hr. anyway.

I took some Tylenol PM & I'm starting to feel sleepy but I just don't see how I'll sleep through these contractions!

Well, that's the update for now. Nate is sleeping and I'm trying to lay down and rest in between contractions & going potty which is extremely hard to do when it feels like there is an ice pick in my bladder!!

I'm taking it minute by minute. Thanks so much for all of your prayers, thoughts, tweets, posts, and phone calls. It really means so much to Nate and I.

I'm going to keep resting while pressing the start/stop button on the iPhone app. It does really make it so much easier to rest because of the minimal effort to use the app. I can keep the lights off, Nate can sleep (which is what I need him to do!), I can lie on my side and just reach out a finger to the iPhone I have setting right here by my bedside and touch the screen.

Bags are packed & ready. Gadgets are charging. Computers are backed up. Lucian is sleeping over at Oma & Opa's house. Mom French braided my hair & alarms are set.

Rock n Roll!

Event	Details
Contraction	1:09:04 AM (duration: 1 min 30s, interval: 7 min 1s)
Contraction	12:59:59 AM (duration: 2 min 2s, interval: 6 min 19s)
Contraction	12:52:01 AM (duration: 1 min 39s, interval: 5 min 21s)
Contraction	12:45:34 AM (duration: 1 min 5s, interval: 9 min 37s)
Contraction	12:35:05 AM (duration: 50s, interval: 6 min 35s)
Contraction	12:26:48 AM (duration: 1 min 41s, interval: 6 min 1s)
Contraction	12:18:38 AM (duration: 2 min 8s, interval: 4 min 34s)
Contraction	12:12:36 AM (duration: 1 min 27s, interval: 2 min 6s)
Contraction	12:09:45 AM (duration: 44s, interval: 8 min 54s)
Contraction	11:58:58 PM (duration: 1 min 52s, interval: 2s)
Contraction	11:58:55 PM (duration: 1s, interval: 8 min 14s)
Contraction	11:48:54 PM (duration: 1 min 45s, interval: 8 min 14s)
Contraction	11:39:44 PM (duration: 55s, interval: 23 min 14s)
Contraction	11:14:44 PM (duration: 1 min 45s, interval: 28 min 45s)
Contraction	10:44:40 PM (duration: 1 min 17s, interval: 12 min 44s)
Contraction	10:31:09 PM (duration: 47s, interval: 12 min 35s)
Contraction	10:17:29 PM (duration: 1 min 4s, interval: 14 min 21s)
Contraction	10:01:55 PM (duration: 1 min 12s, interval: 31 min 20s)
Contraction	9:28:48 PM (duration: 1 min 46s, interval: 13 min 43s)
Contraction	9:13:52 PM (duration: 1 min 11s, interval: 9 min 19s)
Contraction	9:03:21 PM (duration: 1 min 11s, interval: 9 min 57s)
Contraction	8:51:53 PM (duration: 1 min 31s, interval: 7 min 38s)
Contraction	8:42:25 PM (duration: 1 min 48s, interval: 7 min 22s)
Contraction	8:33:28 PM (duration: 1 min 34s, interval: 5 min 31s)
Contraction	8:25:27 PM (duration: 2 min 30s, interval: 16 min 24s)
Contraction	8:07:05 PM (duration: 1 min 57s, interval: N/A)
Exported with "Baby's coming" iPhone application.

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Rockabye Baby! Music Review & Contest!

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:03:00 +0000

I've been wanting to tell you all about this great music I've been listening to and what better way to do that than by showing you someone else's review and managing to throw my name in the hat for a prize at the same time?!!!

The Feminist Shopper blog has a great review up — almost sounds like one I'd likely write myself (especially the part about Steven Tyler's lyrics for, well, not how you can get pregnant all by yourself) — so why reinvent the wheel, ya know? (especially not while I'm due to give birth a just a few days!)

If you're having a baby, put this music on your baby registry. I did and good friends of ours got us the Lullaby Renditions Bob Marley CD and we LOVE it! If you know of a friend having a baby, this music would make a fantastic baby shower gift.

We now have in our collection: Lullaby Renditions of Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Queen. I have a combination of CD and digital versions I downloaded from iTunes. (hint: you can get them for less on iTunes than the CD version. Just a tip.) Just go to iTunes and do a search for "Rockabye Baby" or "Lullaby Renditions" and you'll see them all.

I loaded all of the music into iTunes and created a play list just for our new baby. I play this play list on our media center in our bedroom with the iTunes visualizer using the "Jelly" theme.

Can you say "drool?" It's a totally trippy ambience having this kind of music play softly while the visualizer puts a soft glow throughout the room. Very soothing in that Grateful Dead-Jefferson Starship-concert-visuals-type-of-way. (Minus all the pot smoke and actual tripping going on.) (So I've been told ;)

Anyhow, check out her review and enter the contest yourself. Hurry! Time is running out!

I hope I win because I really want to add the Eagles to my collection!!!

Cheeeeeeesecaaaake

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:42:00 +0000

If you are on an iPhone or iPod Touch with the Food Network Nighttime App installed, click Cheesecake.

If you are on an iPhone or iPod Touch but do not have the Food Network Nighttime App installed, click: Cheesecake.

Not on an iPhone or iPod Touch? Click here for the Food Network site.

Damn you, Matt!!!!

You're lucky I have sugar free cheesecake pudding for emergencies like this. Nate is breaking the glass right now to make me some while I lie here and deal with contractions. ;)

Lucian & Daddy are going to give me a back rub. Then it's cheesecake time!!

Trying to enjoy this last week of pregnancy.

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I Was In Las Vegas. again. sorta. Did Ya Miss Me?

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:17:00 +0000

My Tweet Made the Big Screen at Blogworld!

Thanks to Allison Sheridan for snapping this photo! Cool beans!!

I love being able to "virtually attend" Blogworld Expo every year. One of these days I will try to get there "in the flesh."

One of these days I won't have a child attached to me. These times don't last forever, so Blogworld-Live will just have to wait. Since I've been in nesting mode and preparing for the arrival of our new baby, I didn't get to follow along quite as much, but I did manage to see bits and pieces by following my favorite peeps on twitter and watching a webcast or two. Same as last year, I managed to get in some little contribution to Allison and her Nosillacast, which is always fun to do.

I "virtually" attended last year and had lots of fun. Read about my adventures in couch surfing from last year.

Don't forget to check out my podcast, Moms Gone Geek and listen to our interview with Allison Sheridan, who presented at #bwe09 this year.

Even better yet, SUBSCRIBE!

We have a few more shows still on ice that we'll be producing and publishing soon. (Before baby gets here, I hope!!!)

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It's October, Don't Be a Boob!

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:55:00 +0000

The Month of October is a Busy Month!

Now you have the dual responsibility to check both your boobs AND your wifi connections! October is just the month designated to promote awareness for these responsibilities you should enact all year round.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's also now National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Check out the

Susan G. Komen for the Cure website for more information on Breast Cancer and bringing awareness.

Pink for October is a website that shows you how you can be involved by making your blog or website pink for the month of October to bring about awareness.

Don't Be a Boob!

Check your network connections in your home and make sure you are secure. Don't leave your wifi connections unlocked. Protect them with a password and try to use something other than standard WEP if you can. Know what internet safety means and teach these skills to your children.

Homeland Security has a helpful website with resources about internet safety.

Also check out On Guard Online.

My good buddies over at The Typical Mac User Podcast know a thing or two or twenty about computer security. Always a great resource to learn more about security on the Mac.

Bart Busshots is a good friend who is also very knowledgeable about computer and internet security. You can find him on several podcasts discussing the topic of security.

Watch the President's Message

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MGG 024 Gone Geek With Allison Sheridan

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:00:00 +0000

Listen to this episode of Moms Gone Geek.

In this episode, we interview über geeky Mom, Allison Sheridan of the NosillaCast podcast. (or the "Nosillycast" as my son, Lucian, likes to call it) We discuss how she's gone "the way of the geek" and what that means to her from a Mom's point of view personally and professionally.

Allison shares her stories about life as a geeky mom and how she's evolved into a popular podcaster with the support of her kids and her Soul Mate/Husband, Steve. You won't want to miss the sage advice she has to offer — all this week on Moms Gone Geek.

Subscribe to the NosillaCast Mac Podcast hosted at http://podfeet.com

Follow Allison on Twitter at http://twitter.com/podfeet

Go see Allison is speak at the BlogWorld and New Media Expo 2009!

"I'll be doing a talk entitled Podcaster Starter Kit where I'll walk through all the tools to get started and some advice on why you need the different tools. My talk is Friday October 16th at 11:30am!"

http://www.blogworldexpo.com/

Allison is listed as number 224

Other Podcasting Contributions by Allison Sheridan

Mac Roundtable at http://macroundtable.com

Mac Reviewcast at http://macreviewcast.com

Just How Geeky Do Moms Get?

Before there was Excel or iCal, there was this thing called a pencil and you could draw a hand-made graph of your basal body temperature. This is helpful information to have when trying to conceive. Here is the graph Allison saved when they were trying to conceive their daughter. (Hi Lindsay, you weren't just planned, you were plotted!)

Allison's anecdote on the memory attached to this graph, "The best part though is that I flipped it over and on the back was a draft of a love note to my husband after we had become pregnant with "Orsen" telling him how happy I was with our life and how excited I was about the upcoming adventure. Lindsay's nick name in the womb was Orsen because of a joke by Dave Barry where he said, "Women who are pregnant often mention that they're eating for two, but they don't realize the other person is not the size of Orsen Wells."

Balance

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:34:00 +0000

A family member posted a question on Facebook asking advice about balancing work and family.

Someone put something in my powdered juice mix. This was my answer and I can't believe the box let me type it all in there.

✂ ☺ ✂ ☺ ✂ ☺ ✂ ☺ ✂ ☺ ✂ ☺ ✂ ☺ ✂ ☺ ✂ ☺ ✂ ☺ ✂ ☺

I think Balance is the Holy Grail of Motherhood and we're on a constant quest to achieve it. The fact that we don't always achieve Balance keeps us humble. I think some people can afford to make it all look and smell good; the rest of us do the best we can with what we have.

It is possible to do more with less. I didn't say it was comfortable, but when you do it for a while, you get used to it. Bonuses are truly special that way.

Unfortunately, I always strive to be a better parent than my parents were. I say unfortunately because I'd rather be trying to emulate good parents; not trying to undo and break cycles of generations of abuse from all angles. Again, I work with what I have and try to improve upon it. Liquor nor drugs are the answer, but sometimes they are an aide, especially when prescribed. Better living through chemistry, but pick your poison carefully.

It also has something to do with what you define as "work." If you do something you enjoy, you'll never work. Tasks for which you are compensated monetarily will coexist with tasks for which you're compensated in that which is much more valuable than money. If you have priorities in order and put yourself and people first before things in your life and keep it simple, it gives you wiggle room for something closer to what may resemble balance.

Thank God for the life you live and the people in it. Nothing else matters quite as much.

Ok, that was fun. Now, excuse me now while I go back to freaking out about more important things in life like whether or not the slip covers are on straight and the kid put his books and toys away. Because, when I can't control what's happening to my body and I'm getting cut open in less than 20 days and will soon have a screaming infant again...you know...balance is making sure the coffee cups in the sink don't topple over and wake everyone up just when I finally pass out.

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Whatever It Was, He's Lost It

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

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A Few of My Favorite Things

themacmommy@gmail.com (TheMacMommy) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:11:00 +0000

in addition to my purple MacBook Pro and purple iPhone, of course!

Working on documenting and posting about The Media Center of my Dreams along with a review of a wireless keyboard....stay tuned!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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