Your Local A&P

Happy Birthday Baby

2010-05-21T21:34:00.001-07:00

Yahoo, Adelaide is 2!

It's a shame that we didn't film this tonight because now she knows how to say "My Birthday!" and "I'm 2!"
Fun times.

Long Gone & Back Again

2010-04-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

Over the past 8 - 12 weeks, my nausea has been heightened by feelings of responsibility and follow-through. But lately I'm running out of excuses. I've eaten chocolate recently, stopped taking Unisom, and even taken seconds over the last 2 weeks.

So now I'm answering e-mails in a timely manner, taking and editing images (AKA photos), and I even sewed something (still working on taking those images, but it's cute!).

Anyway, here's my collection of until recently un-edited and un-posted images from the last couple months. I KNOW, they're ARCHIVES, and you should feel privileged that I have shared them (unless, in fact, you have already given up on this dead page).

Ahem.

Gardening, er, digging... for worms

Picnic with Lily & Tracy

At Rogue, trying to convince herself that Root Beer is a treat and not medicine.

Potty Meeooo (movie).

@ OMSI with idol Bet (Beckett)

And there you have it: our February, March, & half of April, in images.
Chow!

Sad & Happy

2010-03-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

Last-last Friday, our last day with Mr Gatsby...

Last Monday, visible proof of life!

Cocoa part deux

2010-02-13T21:47:00.001-08:00

Another round. Thanks Aunt Tyleen & kids!

Cocoa part deux, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Happy V-Day
xoxo

Our Voodoo

2010-02-07T20:43:00.000-08:00

Did I ever mention the HEX Paul & I have on the local pro football teams? We left St. Louis in 1999, Rams win the Superbowl.

We move North from the Gulf Coast, the Saints get Drew Brees, start having a winning record, and then win the Superbowl today. I'd say Portland's pretty lucky there's no pro football team for us to jinx.

New Challenge at Push-Ups and Playdates

2010-01-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hey regular readers,
Just wanted to share with you the opportunity to participate in a new workout challenge, the Evolution Challenge. Have fun doing 25 or 100 repetitions of one exercise per day this week, and crawl out of the primordial soup and into mammal/humanhood! To get started, click over to my professional blog and comment, or find the event on Facebook and RSVP.

Also, I've already created a modified exercise list for wheelchair-bound individuals as well as children, so if you would like modifications to suit your needs, please let me know.

Good luck!

OFF, pweez!

2010-01-19T20:55:00.001-08:00

"off.", originally uploaded by apkoski.

100 Challenge for Mortals. Check!

2010-01-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

Woo-hoo, everybody! So happy to have you participating in my first group challenge, the 100 Challenge for Mortals. We did it!

Now lets wrap this figurative baby up. First, your fancy schmancy reward is at the bottom. Pick your favorite weblog button/email signature (right click, save image as, etc.). Please let me know if you see no suitable buttons for yourself.

Second, let's do this again! Seriously, this was great fun. Please, ideas or feedback is wonderful. I can't decide whether next week would be good. You endured so many naggy posts over the last seven days. I don't want to leave anyone "jaded and depressed."

Third, let's get the records straight. You Facebook folks will have your 700 reps forever engraved in the internet database. The rest of you have been doing a pretty good job of keeping me updated on your progress.

Which leads me to this: if you haven't updated your participation in a few days, please just drop me an email or comment here or on FB that you've completed the challenge (or I will assume otherwise). You worked hard for this recognition and bragging rights!

apkoski(at)gmail(dot)com

Here's the list so far.

The 700 (or 175) Club

Tyleen S

Theresa S

Sheri L

Shaunna L

Paul K

Morgen B

Mary P

Linda H

Julie F

Jenny S

Jessica B

Erica T

Erin R

Erin S

Elise M

Don S

Ashley R

Participants who completed between 1 and 6 events:

Alicia F

Christina B

Christine W

Dominic A

Heidi H

Jackie A

Jodi N

Katie M

Kari K

Mari B

Marisa D

Melanie C

Mia E

Mimi T

Noelle J

Olivia O

Rumi B

Sara J

Your buttons...

Sunday Challenge: Superwomans (and Supermans)

2010-01-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

Finally, day seven is here! No running for the door now. Time to finish what you started.

We are up to Superwomans... Supermans. Let's just say Superpersons.

Your Challenge this Sunday: 25 Superpersons (mortals) or 100 Superpersons (Immortals)

Click this resource from ACE Fitness, how-to images included.

What happens on Monday? Well, for one thing, you get a day off! And your just rewards, a email signature button or blog button that states your own successful completion of this historic event. Just make sure you come back and visit to pick up your goodies. If you forget to visit again, then I'll thank you now for participating in my made-up funness. The event ended up with 62 Facebook guests, plus several guilty spouses, and about six others for an approximate grand total of at least 70 participants. Yahoo!

Thanks for playing. Let's do this again sometime.

Truly yours,

Anne

Saturday Challenge: Inchworms

2010-01-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

"Inchworm, inchworm, measuring the marigolds."

Does anyone else know that children's song? We have it on our Ann Murray Sings LP, but Miss A is uninterested so far.

Back to the matters at hand though: our challenge! We're nearly finished. PLEASE, don't give up now. You will feel such a sense of accomplishment if you can just get through the rest of this week, not to mention the amazing blog button/email signature reward. And I'll tell you a secret, if you just keep on reading.

First, did you do your burpees?! Yes? Ok, good. I didn't want to scold you in front of your kiddos.

Second, are you ready for inchworms?

Don't worry, if you get past the inchworms, the superpermans/womans are a cinch. Honest! (That's my secret.)

Inchworms

Mortals: Do 25 Inchworms (from plank, walking up & down back to plank is one repetition)

Immortals: 100 Inchworms

See a video of how to perform one here.

Friday Challenge: Triceps Dips

2010-01-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

Like trans fats, the industrial revolutions, and golf, triceps dips are one of humankind's self-created evils. The more you weigh, the harder the exercise, and the stronger you get! So don't worry if you're doing your dips next to some skinny-butt who is flying through their reps; they might not be as strong as you...

Your challenge this Friday: 25 consecutive (yes mere mortals, special for today!) dips

or 100 Dips (Immortals)

Breaking down the Triceps Dip:

Choose your starting position; legs extended or feet under your knees for less intensity.

Technique:

With fingertips facing forward, put your hands on the edge of the table/chair/coffee table/changing table, and hold your hiney within a couple inches of the edge. Then, as my friend Megan would say, "Kiss your shoulder blades together," opening up your chest, and take a deep breath. You're ready to dip.

With your shoulder blades still kissing, slowly lower your body straight down, gently squeezing your elbows in toward each other (but you shouldn't be able to touch them together. If you can... well, you're either unique or your Doc needs to make a house call). Keep lowering your hips straight down toward the floor until your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Then press back up. That's one!

See, It's so easy! Unless...

(See, cats do show love. Thank you very much.)

Hang in there. Only two more days to go!

Anne

Thursday: Burpees!

2010-01-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

Ok peeps. I am tired. I say again, tired. A little bird woke me up an hour early, took a 45 minute nap, and um, "peeped" a lot today. Needless to say, she made doing 100 lunges that much more interesting.

But now it's 8:58 pm and I am relaxing while watching my mate finish up his 100. All is right with the world... except that I have to remind you all that tomorrow is burpee day.

The burpee. (AKA Squat Thrust)

Characteristics and origin: see Wikipedia.

How to do one:

Too Easy? Increase the Intensity: Add a push-up while you're on the floor, and jump up each time you get back to the start..

Feel like puking? How to Reduce the Intensity: If the floor is too far away, you can put your hands on the sofa, the changing table edge, or the bottom step at your house.

Precautions: This exercise can be very strenuous. If you feel lightheaded or 'funny,' please take a break or completely discontinue doing the exercise.
If you have low back pain or a history of back problems please practice the beginner method, stepping out and back rather than jumping.

Mortals: do 25 reps
Immortals: 100!

Thank you very much for all your feedback and questions.
We are almost halfway done. Keep it up!

Wednesday Challenge: Back Lunges

2010-01-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

First off, WOW, everybody! It pleases me to see all 60 of you plugging away at this fun challenge.

And oh boy, this is the day you've been waiting for: Lunge day.

Just a few notes about lunges today:

You're doing 25 (Mortals) or 100 (Immortals) per leg. Remember, they don't have to be done all in one set.
This exercise is a great one for your booty (gluteals), as well as hamstrings, and quads, calves... pretty much your whole leg. But your booty is what'll get sore. Everybody loves that.

A rear lunge or reverse lunge is simple. You start out standing tall. Step one foot waaaaaaay back until you think you're about to fall over (one leg's length away). Reach your back knee toward the floor. Here's more info and a video from ExRx.

If your front knee glides forward until it's hanging out in front (and above) your toes, then you haven't stepped back far enough. Keep that front knee over your foot!
If you feel like you're going to tip over onto your sofa or toddler every time you lunge, try stepping back wide, like you're lunging on railroad tracks (that are a little wider than hip width apart).

If doing this exercise properly still hurts your knees, hips or ankles a lot, try stepping back but not lowering your back knee toward the floor.

All right, lemme know when you're done with your lunges!

- Immortal A

Tuesday: Sit-Up Challenge

2010-01-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

Aaaah, Sit-ups. Are we talking the old fashioned kind or the Gym Bunny kind?

Well, you tell me. Either way, you start by lying flat on your back, with knees bent, belly button to spine, hands not behind head.

Before we continue, a little background:

Sit-ups work your rectus abdominis (your six pack!) ... somewhat. They also recruit your deep hip flexor muscles, your quads (front of your thigh), your obliques, and a few smaller leg muscles.

Several years ago, at the dawn of "Six Pack Abs" programs and "Guts and Butts" classes, "we" decided that sit-ups are unsafe and ineffective, and that we should never do another one as long as we live. Well, we found out later that this really depends the individual. If you have a history of low back pain, are deconditioned (AKA out of shape), or are feeling acute low back pain during sit-ups, then sit-ups are not for you.

Otherwise, sit-up away! The benefits to doing a sit-up over a crunch are that you're simulating a functional activity that your body will have to perform multiple times every day for the rest of it's life, and that it is a good whole-body exercise (which is cool if you're short on time).

Follow these great instructions from ExRx.com, and see pictures below for a How To. Feel free to comment on the gaudy hot pink arm warmers. I am secure in my armwarmerhood.

CRUNCHES
So... if you're still reading then it's probably because you decided that you're not yet strong enough for push-ups or you have a kooky back. Fear not, you're still gonna feel something, and it'll make you stronger.

Ahem, the crunch:

Crunches primarily use the rectus abdominis, because the low back does not leave the floor (which eliminates help from the hip flexors). This makes crunches a more ab-specific exercise than sit-ups.

Note to Crunchers: Please do not perform exercises to the likeness of The Thai crunch, which "is performed by hitting the stomach after full contraction. This variation is used by Muay Thai fighters to condition the core to take hits from punches or knees." according to Wikipedia

Commence Push-ups!

2010-01-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

Today is it! Let's get this challenge started right.

Don't forget; you're doing either the 25 Challenge for Mortals, or the 100 Challenge for Immortals (or both, totaling 125 of each exercise!)

Don't forget your Push-up options and precautions. Check in here or on FB when you've done your reps!

Good luck!

Anne

Photo courtesy of Mari Bartlett,

Challenge Prep & Day 1:

2010-01-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

If you've received my Facebook invitation, then you are aware that there are now two challenge categories from which to choose. You, my friends and fam., get to pick which one you want to participate in. Here are your choices:

The 25 Challenge for Mortals: Do 25 repetitions of each day's exercise for the week. (recommended for beginners and infrequent exercisers)

The 100 Challenge for Immortals: Do 100 (!) repetitions of each day's exercise.

(recommended for.... you know who you are. Don't make me get pushy)

Instructions for Both Challenges:

After you complete each days' repetitions, post it in the comments section below, or check in by responding to my Facebook posts. If you don't have time to log, that's cool. I'll live, I guess. OR you could just post your entire week's log at the end of the challenge.... but doing it every day will keep you more honest. I'm just saying....

____________________________________________________

And so without further delay,

Kicking off this ridiculous challenge are Push-Ups! What are push-ups good for? They give you a strong chest and arms, essential for kid or grandkid acrobatics!

Here is a video explaining how to do a basic push-up, as well as a modified push-up and a push-up that is more challenging than the basic.

If the modified push-up strains your neck or back, try doing the exercise with your hands on the arm of a sofa or chair back (that has been pushed against the wall).

Remember, you don't have to do all 25 or 100 at once! Often I'll sew a row, do x push-ups, sew a row, do x push-ups etc. (I like mixing medias.), or do a set in the morning, a set during nap time, and the other 3 sets before I climb into bed (not recommended).

Please send me any questions throughout. I want you to do this with success, people!

Anne

apkoski(at)gmail(dot)com

A Challenge Made for Mortals

2010-01-08T13:01:00.001-08:00

Last week I started a 7-day challenge for myself: complete 100 repetitions per day of a single exercise (per day) between Jan. 1 and Jan 7. I invited others to participate, but am not sure if anyone did.

Now it's seven days later, and dang, that was not easy. In fact, I have to admit, I did some of the day's exercises the weenie way, and finished them a day late a few times. But I did all 700 reps! Which makes me a winner, and eligible for this honorable distinction:

And I feel great. So then I got to thinking; why can't my friends and family try it too? Why not plan a 7-day challenge that everyone can participate in, including anyone who doesn't do these exercises on a regular basis, or has never tried them?

So you're in?!

Oh, right, right, right. The exercises.

Ok, here we go:

Monday, Jan. 11: 25 Push-ups

Tuesday, Jan. 12: 25 Sit-Ups

Wednesday, Jan. 13: 25 Back lunges (per leg)

Thursday, Jan. 14: 25 Burpees

Friday, Jan. 15: 25 Dips

Saturday, Jan. 16: 25 Inchworms

Sunday, Jan. 17: 25 Superpersons

NOW you're wondering, "Well I can't do push-ups, so I'm off the hook." Wrong. I will be posting numerous modifications (i.e.: do your push-ups against the wall) for each exercise, as well as video instructions for each exercise. So EVERYBODY can do it!

What I need from you: tell me "I'm In!"

Write a comment (or email me [apkoski(at)gmail(dot)com] if you don't want to create a Google account required for leaving comments) containing those or similar words, do the exercises with me throughout the week, and at the end of the week I will present you with your very own Button/Certificate.

Yippee!

Popcorn!

2010-01-06T21:22:00.001-08:00

Popcorn!
Originally uploaded by apkoski

Our favorite music right now is the stuff that makes Adelaide dance. That means Peter Paul & Mommy, MJ's Thriller, and Snacktime. Aaaah, Snacktime. Let's just say for now that it's lucky for us that she isn't in love with Barney, Teletubbies, or Alvin and the Chipmunks.

My brother Matt gave Miss A this album when she was 7 months old, and it took until the summer for her to grin whenever we started playing their tunes. Well, now we've turned another corner: lyrics.... and accompaniments.

Number ten is IT this week. We'll let you know what's next....

Muppets, perhaps?

I could live with that.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T21:49:00.001-08:00

2009 December Snow, originally uploaded by apkoski.

My 2010 (Mostly superficial) Predictions

Big purchase: designer jeans.

Won't be able to live without: coffee, decaf.

Won't be able to go to sleep without: flossing

Gray hairs: to the power of 3

Gonna try: skiing again, more date nights.

Gonna avoid: unhealthy food I don't absolutely love.

Gonna spend more time: focusing on what I'm doing at the moment, with my guy.

Need to: renew my professional certification, save for three plane tickets.

Can't wait to see: what happens next!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T19:56:00.001-08:00

Another year – wait, another decade - has just sped past us. Ten years ago we had just moved to Mississippi; we earned just enough to pay rent and buy beer. Our days are now filled with play, having snacks, picking up, and taking naps. By the end of the coming decade we will be fulfilling an entire new set of ventures. Butthat’s okay! We love what today brings us. We’re enjoying family visits and visitors, our growing list of friends and ‘little’ friends, and our favorite Portland spots.
We wish you all the best in the next decade, whatever it brings you!

Love,
APA

We are all ok

2009-12-17T12:41:00.000-08:00

Despite the circling tornado inside our house, we continue to survive. But fear not; we have a solution: designate a room to hold all her 'stuff,' complete with a door and a toy box, and lots of room to destroy things.

I want my Pie Safe back. Unfortunately her memory has surpassed that of a goldfish's, so I assume it'll take some training and definitely a lock, before we can reclaim the space.

In between disaster clean-up we've been doing fun things like riding the Holiday Express steam train through Portland, and working on the car seat.

And we got our tree up!

First Hot Chocolate... documented

2009-12-07T21:43:00.001-08:00

Peeps, this doesn't even need narration.

Was a happy Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T20:06:00.001-08:00

... And "why we haven't posted video files in like, forever."

Well, we got a new camera. Maybe you've noticed?!! ... or not. Anyway, I feel more confident with the manual functions of my olderish Panasonic than I do with my plain old new DSLR. And it's so fancy that it doesn't take video.

We have some archives, but now is not the time. I have a major deadline, a Chrismakwanzahanukkastice Art and Gift Sale to prepare for!

So here is one afternoon of our Thanksgiving week, the only part I've processed, in a picture story (so no more text needed). We went downtown to the cafe. Please enjoy.

leaf PLUS heart, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Simply Amazin

2009-11-09T21:40:00.000-08:00

We survived. Fever number two of Miss Adelaide's little life. I'm bragging a bit, about only having a truly sick kid twice in 18 months (colds don't count).

So Hand Food and Mouth Disease... did Paul or I ever have it? Can't recall? That means we didn't.

Because if we did, you'd remember the 5 days of so much screaming that you dug out the ear plugs, and you'd remember sitting us down shirtless on the kitchen floor and feeding us a frozen candy bar in order to help 'bring down the fever' (and to have 5 scream-free minutes), and you'd -remember being awoken in the wee hours with shouts for "water-water-water-milk-water-milk-milk!"
And then, six days later, after it was almost all over, you would have rewarded yourself kindly with a bowl of something warm and healthy. Nothing beats a salad.

It's good to be back to normal around here.

Halloween in Piggies

2009-10-31T21:41:00.001-07:00

Piggies, originally uploaded by apkoski.

We're kicking it early tonight so we can be spry for our 4:30 wake-up call, which happens to work out just right as we ride the sugar wave back down.

Hope your Halloween is as fun as ours!

But wait, there's MORE!

2009-10-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

Remember how last week I gave you two great ways to burn more fat during your workout??!

Yeah?!

Ok, folks, well today I'm sharing MORE (MORE - More - more) secrets to successful fat burning workouts!

That's right!

Ok.

Enough of that excited fitness guru voice. I can NOT keep that up for very long, so let's cut to the chase. Today I'm sharing some valuable, research-based information on eating and exercising well for fat loss, courtesy of the formidable Dr. Len Kravitz (you wish. No, this Kravitz is definitely not the rock star). Here we go.

Listen up, early AM exercisers:

If your exercise routine begins with rolling out of bed, please, for goodness sakes, please eat something! Research shows that after fasting all night, morning workouts will be 20-25% less effective (you'll move >20% slower & therefore burn >20% fewer calories) unless you eat something before the workout.

If your goal is to lose body fat, pick a low-glycemic index food, encouraging your body to use stored fat energy for exercise fuel rather than the food you just ate.
For example, eat a quarter of an apple, a few spoonfuls of yogurt, a half glass of skim milk, a handful of dates.

Dieters, beware:

If you're dieting (ie, significantly reducing the number of calories you eat per day with the goal of losing fat), please incorporate exercise into the program.

With dieting alone, studies show that up to 28% of the weight lost is muscle. This causes your metabolism to slooooowwwww down, resetting the vicious dieting cycle.
With dieting plus regular cardiovascular exercise, approx. 4% of body weight lost is muscle.
With dieting plus resistance training, individuals lose less than 1% of their original muscle mass.

See, now isn't that nice? I'd love to hear if you're trying any of these strategies!

Forgot to Pick up Kettle Korn,

2009-10-13T13:14:00.001-07:00

Hay Ride., originally uploaded by apkoski.

but otherwise our trip out to The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island was just about perfect! Paul had Columbus Day off (yesterday, you un-patriots!) so we made the most of it. That meant taking the opportunity to go get a pumpkin without parking a mile from the barn, without paying $1.50/pound, without getting muddy up to our knees, and without tromping through fields of pumpkins that had "done been picked through."

Oh yeeeeahhhhh...

We got one.

Nevermind. The stem (the best part) broke.

Must find a new one. Where to look?!

Ok, now we're good. Kisses.

Hay ride, petting animal barn, & market were fun too! Just forgot that Kettle Korn...

Now off to see Aunt Marci for dinner! We are about to work hard on her to babysit. A bedtime babysit. We are not afraid.

Aren't those sibs cute together?

2009-10-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

Our Bodies are Like Girl Scouts: they're always prepared... for the famine, that is. (And if you're a woman, then for childbearing too.) We store about 45 times more fat energy than carbohydrate energy. If necessary, we could walk for a long, long time.

Well, so? Let's get walking! More fat burned, less fat on me. Sounds good!

Most popular cardiovascular exercise equipment notoriously offers "Fat Burn" mode. You step on the elliptical trainer and the first thing it asks for is your weight. Disgusted, you hit the up arrow until your neighbor glance over, and then you stab the "Enter" button. This really leaves you little choice when next the machine asks you which workout you'd like to select. You choose "Fat Burn," of course.

"Fat Burn" mode programs the cardio machine to maintain a low resistance or speed throughout the workout. This workout programming is based on a scientifically supported theory that says we burn a greater percentage of fat during low- and moderate-intensity activities compared to high-intensity exercise. In fact, the lower the demand of the activity, the greater percentage of fat we burn. So deductively, sitting still is the perfect fat-burning exercise (at 1oo%)! Right?

No, not exactly.

You see, exercising to lose body fat should not be a leisurely read-your-People-Mag-while-listening-to-your-iPod-type of experience. For fat loss through exercise to be successful, you have to work hard. I'm really sorry. :)

Here's why: math. This is one example.

If you don't want to visit the link, cheat now and read the verdict: the person who chooses to work at a higher intensity burns more calories and more fat calories despite burning a lower portion of fat, when compared to the person who exercised at a lower, fat-burning intensity. Yahoo!

Here's more good news: your body can be trained to be more efficient at burning fat. Simply, "the more fit you are, the better you will become at burning fat at the same exercise intensity." Two effective methods are:

Interval Training: High intensity work followed by active rest, 1-2 times per week. Examples are here, & here. Or try a Fartlek for a real good challenge.
Go Very Long: Keep moving for more than 90-120 minutes at a moderate intensity.

Both interval training and Going Long can be difficult to approach on your own. Please email me if you have questions about ways to go about it: athletewithin (at) gmail (dot) com.

Happy Fat Burning!

Anne

A Letter to the Fans

2009-10-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Eagerly Anticipating in ______,

Good news has arrived at your doorstep; I have just finished writing my first Push-ups & Playdates post. But then... then I read the program for my fitness workshop taking place tomorrow, and one of the most well-known experts in our field, Dr. Len Kravitz, will be speaking on the very topic I was about post about. I KNOW. What are the odds....

So tonight, instead of posting my first ever Push-ups & Playdates (which I worked on during the better part of two naptimes) only to regret missing out on sharing all the good stuff I will be learning tomorrow, I will delay the release until Sunday (sorry, celebrating our Anniversary Saturday night).

Nonetheless, I feel inclined to at least introduce the topic as to whet your appetite (or to create a life-long aversion to my ranting and preaching on all things exercise- and health-related). See attached.

Sincerely,

The slowest writer ever.

Ahem.

Many fitness myths have been formed, clung to, debunked, and subsequently desperately clung to over the years. One like no other is the Fat Burn myth, perpetuated by "fat burn" programming on cardiovascular equipment, poorly informed exercise professionals, and the vast availability victims, young-to-middle-age women.

That's right fellow xx's, us. We are slaves to the fat burn program, and don't you try to deny it! Too many times I have seen us fall into its ugliness; we go to the gym, get out our magazine, our iPod, climb aboard the elliptical trainer and start slogging along at breakneck slow. Because we are burning fat, the mortal enemy.

Ladies. We are such suckers.

For the answers to your fat loss prayers, please return Sunday evening. Cheers!

Zoo-ooo!

2009-10-08T12:39:00.001-07:00

Zoo Choo Choo, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Zoo boot camp is ending soon, so we've been trying to do everything we want before then. So Monday we took the Zoo train. Adelaide loved it!

Coming Soon....

2009-10-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

A series I like to nickname nagging and preaching will begin to make appearances from time to time in the not-so-distant future. I figure it's my chance to dispense unsolicited opinions and information on the topic of human movement and the ridiculousness that arrives with it. I'm talking about the 4-minute Cross Trainer, carbs, The Biggest Loser, bulking up, ultra-athletes, your core... the possibilities are endless.

Enter,

See ya soon!

Still Ticking

2009-09-30T13:33:00.001-07:00

Experimenting with words:

Words, originally uploaded by apkoski.

and other delicacies.

Happy last day of September,
A

Antic and Fall Duds

2009-09-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

We are starting to feel like fall here. Forty-degree temperature swings from am to mid-day, our neighbor's tree is turning, and I was invited to play in a basketball league starting next week.

Adelaide is growing out of summer clothes, and we're slowly replacing them with cozy clothes.

Uggs on loan:

Sometimes we go indoors... usually just to sleep. On this rare visit she demonstrates another way to get down the stairs:

Blowing kisses to you all in her new Christmas sweater. Thanks Gma Mary!

Ta-ta,

First at The Island

2009-09-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

For four years we've driven past the bridge, heard about the pumpkin patch traffic jams, sent regrets for its Thursday night farm concerts, but until today had never set foot on Sauvie Island. Ta-da, we made it! Though its nothing like it, Sauvie is the closest thing to Ocracoke Island I've seen... maybe just because it's an island.

It was a foggy morning

at the beach.

But then it broke.

We went on a 15-minute 'hike,' picked blackberries and saw a neat plant.

We went to the Farm. Had some flame-roasted corn, dipped in a crock pot of melted butter...

Met the farm dog.

Looked at flowers, thought about U-Picking... didn't.
We'll have to come back for a pumpkin, wagon ride, and a honey dripper (Ours never made it into the bag).

Sharing

2009-09-08T21:06:00.001-07:00

Sharing, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Something I've done too little of lately. There are many reasons.

For one, our house has been slammed by Toddler. Vaccine has side effects, its better to just ride it out. Her favorite things right now are "die-die!" (Outside), and "djabagduk" (garbage truck), and "wheeeeee!" (whee!). There are once-bitten cherry tomatoes strewn about our yard, veritable landmines for Mr P.

Oh, and I've been spending my 3 free hours per day on sewing... er, cutting. I cut, and press, and cut. The sewing room is next to the nursery; I'm convinced that the baby will wake up if I sew during nap time.

And I was riding in a van or running for about 50 hours since the last time I posted. Sorry there's no pictures of anyone actually running. I was a poor photo documentarian, partly due to my low ISO issues. But that's another fundraiser for another time. (um, Maybe Christmas?) Anyway, you'll get the gist here and here.

And I've been makin' food. Lots of food. The weather begged it: Rhubarb Bread, Moosewood's basic bread, granola bars, Chicken Tikka Masala, big salad night with homemade honey mustard dressing. All are yu-um.

See ya sooner than later!

In the Making

2009-08-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

I can feel it coming. I no longer wake up with the blaring sun. We need to bring sweatshirts and wear socks in the morning. The just finished summertime sleep sack may have to wait.

The grass is verrrr-ry crusty.

The Zoo is verrr-y wonderful.
Yesterday we saw Tigers, Meerkats, Polar Bears, Sun Bears, Elephants, Warty Pigs, and Zebras.

More baking going on.
No canning this year.

Ever had Chocolate Zucchini Bread? If you put about 1/2 cup too much zucchini in, it feels just like bread pudding in your mouth, but without the bourbon sauce. Don't eat it all in one sitting!

Midwest Tour, Part 4

2009-08-14T21:21:00.000-07:00

The end of our Midwest trip (a week ago already) took place in St Louis, which is where the camera died. So-o, we have exactly two (2) photos of kiddo and Grandpa at the pool.

In STL Paul's parents gave us a tour of their fitness center, Lifetime Fitness, which is amazingly huge and beautiful. There is granite everywhere, the snack bar has actual real foods, and they have at least 3 pools and 900 treadmills. We got to try out one of those pools, and it was fun. Paul & I went down the big slides; raced a couple times. He won. More mass.

I wish we had more photos of St Louis because Adelaide had turned that house into her own playground pretty quickly and it was pretty funny. Hopefully G&G have a few to share?

Jump over our crazy flight home, doing laundry, getting back onto a sleep schedule, and waiting for the car seat to be found & returned. Yesterday I met my birth class friends at the park and we played and had snacks. Orion & Gabe are also 14 months old, and you can tell.

For example, they know where their belly buttons are.

And sometimes they're not afraid to cuddle somebody else's mom.

And they know how to crawl through the tunnel. Or just sit.
Next week, play date at the zoo!

Midwest Tour, Part 3

2009-08-13T06:34:00.001-07:00

There was a part 2, right? Oh right! Columbia... Adelaide's first Indian food experience, going shopping, going to the Farmers Market for "Bloooooo" berries.

Next was Iowa!
We held long jump contests.

Start Line, originally uploaded by apkoski.

We played at the park.

We had a reunion.

Ate a bunch of food.... sat around.

Met Katie Kackler, one of the cutest and simultaneously annoying toys of almost ever.

It was a good stop. How do I never manage to photograph the host & hostess? They are too quick.

More On Midwest

2009-08-09T13:00:00.001-07:00

After two 2+ hour flights, one lost car seat, a 9:00 sushi order, and sharing a pillow with 2 cats, we are home. So.... 3 Days in Columbia (MO), 3 in Washington (IA), and 2 in St. Louis. We took fewer and fewer pictures as the week went on. By St. Louis the camera battery had died.

In Columbia, it was all about the babe. We read baby books.

We watched the baby.

We played with the baby.

I discovered (well, Adelaide did) this great little block wagon and decide to try out my depth of field skills. Needs work, but not too shabby.

We spent one afternoon at the mall (because it doesn't take much to entertain a toddler), and tried the carousel. She was most excited when it wasn't moving. :0

Midwest Tour, Part 1

2009-08-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

Today we find ourselves in the not-too-hot (and "between spectacular and comfortable dew point") Mid-America. And it's no myth, there's lots of corn out here.

We spent the first 3 days of the week in lovely Columbia, however we did not watch the 4 am news there, so I'm not sure how the weather stacked up. It was nice enough to go for a morning run and not have sweat drip off your elbows. It was also nice enough to run amongst the trees and grass, and not be chased by a dozen deer flies.

It was also nice enough to go to the Farmers Market and get some vegetables. See, Dad & Sandi actually plan their grocery shopping to not get the peppers and asparagus from Mexico because they are available at the FM. And another cool thing is that they can get there and home again in under an hour. Twice. ;)
And another good thing is that they give out free noodle samples. She's in heaven.
Look at those midwestern wimps. Umbrellas.

And more corn. Truckloads.

I didn't know till recently that there was no apostrophe in Farmers Market, so sorry for all those prior references to the FM that included apostrophes.

Ok, more on Columbia later. For God's sake, people, hang on to your hats.

On Ducks

2009-08-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

"Dahh!" is everything these days, and once in a while she's right. (um, in this case, Dah = Duck. Just barely.)
Anyway.
Ducks, she loves them.

And if you throw a few rocks in the water...

they come a scurrying.
Because they're used to getting food thrown.
Aren't they so cute?
Just a few more.
Blue Lakes resort ducks really know how to entertain a kid.
And they're so patient for food. Sorry babies.

And we're off Again

2009-07-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Didn't even have a chance to post on the last trip, and here we go again. Last week was NoCal; this week is the Midwest. We'll be gone for a week and a day, touring three groups of grandparents and seeing some friends too!

We drove last week, and Adelaide did really well. The only issue was camping, but who could blame her really. Bugs, cold air, babies crying - oh wait, that was us. Anyway, brief photo journal of the trip:

Two of our Activities

2009-07-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately we didn't have the camera the day she tooled around the back yard with her diaper around her ankles. Yes, so cute.

Happy 4th E'rybody

2009-07-04T21:31:00.001-07:00

Red, White, & Blue!

The grass is starting to croak.

The car is almost ready for its first oil change.

Summer is surely here.

In honor, we went to the farmers market today.
It was so busy. People are serious about their blueberry flats and artisan bread and collards and free range eggs.

Electric Acoustic Guitar Guy. Adelaide should have brought a tip jar too.

Beautiful Peonies. By the time we got to those we could afford 2.

XO

The Good thing about a Cold

2009-06-25T15:21:00.001-07:00

You can't smell poopy diapers.

This image was captured just before bedtime; 7:30. We love the solstice here. Dusk at 9:45.

Making things Around Here

2009-06-14T21:16:00.001-07:00

Tops

Dirty, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Upcycled Dress

Belts

Napkins

We're also enjoying birthday presents!

sorry for flashing y'all. It happens...

Aaaaaahhhh.

2009-06-06T09:04:00.001-07:00

Cherries, originally uploaded by apkoski.

This is a cloudy, peaceful June morning. I am sipping from my first cup of home brewed coffee in over a year, eating some fresh cherries and tallying my week of boot camp. Baby and daddy are taking an early am nap downstairs. It is oh so quiet.

In fact, I've had time to look through the Williams Sonoma catalog that came yesterday, full of silly grilling tools (does your may need a jalapeno pepper roaster? Or perhaps a pizza que grill or grill tray for making nachos… on the grill?). Save Father's Day, I'd be shopping for myself, and get these beautiful little cake stands.

Hmm, this coffee is a little hard to take. Meh. Now lattes I can handle. Once or twice a week I am dropping $3.10. Maybe instead (to save money, uh-huh) I could get myself this nifty little latte/cappuccino maker, the Bialetti Mukka. It is so cute, with it's little man fill line!

Oh. I digress... What else is going on? I'm trying to come up with a good excuse to skip running this morning.

I'm folding diapers on the side.

What else? I would love to work on some sewing projects that are overdue. I would love for our dining room floor to be clean, and to not be the one responsible for making it so. I'd enjoy a scone to go with -- no, to mask -- the coffee grounds taste in my mouth. Ok, yech. This coffee is going bye-bye. Wave bye-bye coffee!

Anyone like decaf? Such a shame...

By Thee Way,

2009-06-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, grannies & greats, the Babe Walks (and talks):

Romance is not Dead

2009-06-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

Flowers for the lady from Sir Beckett!
Awww.

Oh! She "dropped" them!

Rejection or flirting?

Par-tay!

2009-05-28T12:37:00.001-07:00

Little Miss A turned 1 last Friday. So we had a party. With cake.

Pretty Good?, originally uploaded by apkoski.

And party hats.

And burping babies with their mamas.
And new toys.
And a party dress.
Did I mention hats?

And a little fussiness. But that's just because 2 molars are coming in.But she has a good response: "Badass," it says.

Hooray!

The Girl is One.

2009-05-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today is the birthday. Tomorrow is the party!

Disappear, Reappear

2009-05-20T12:13:00.001-07:00

This week we reappear!

Been busy with this and that -
making stuff for my shop instead of Plue.

Picnic Napkins, originally uploaded by apkoski.

But making stuff for Plue also.

Most all, we're preparing for a 1-year old birthday party!

On Three..... "awwwwwwwwwwww!" I know; I am too proud.

Reminders

2009-05-10T14:39:00.001-07:00

first photo booth, originally uploaded by apkoski.

This month...
In a public place, someone pointed out a Cheerio stuck to my thigh.

I left for the party with eyeliner on one eye only.

All the time, "Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma."

I got an awesome present today!

Same Story Different Day

2009-05-04T13:30:00.001-07:00

Only 4 Miles To Go!, originally uploaded by apkoski.

OF COURSE, it's raining. It wouldn't feel right to run a half marathon without a nice steady rain! My first half was 3 years ago in June: rainy and cold. My second was last October: Rainy and cool. And now we're here in Eugene. Hooray!

To friends who couldn't make it, you were missed. To Paul & Adelaide, thanks for putting up with the rain, getting lost, and dragging your butts across Oregon for me.

Some fun things:

This is the first race I've run that has bands playing throughout the course. A little Pink Floyd goes a long way.

And fans! Oh, the crowd! It is definitely the biggest (road race) spectator group I've ever run in front of. It makes me cry.

I passed an old guy who had Sharpeed on his race number, "#98: X marathon, #99: Eugene Marathon, #100: Maui Marathon." I was going to shake his hand but he had socks in one and food in the other.

We got to see some of beautiful Eugene, the famous Hayward Field, and eat at Cafe Yumm. Dangit, missed Prince Pücklers.

Today we're all recovering and (I'm) reveling in self-satisfaction; napping, not exercising, drinking hot chocolate out of demitasse. Where's my Bon-Bons?!

A

Apologies to the Peets Peeps

2009-05-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

I am writing my sincerest apology to the lovely Thursday morning relaxing child-free, lap top using, business meeting, trying to enjoy retirement, men and women of Peets on Hawthorne for my precarious dismounting and mounting of my child to and from our Ergo baby carrier. It has been over 10 months since I have reviewed said apparatus instructions of solo loading for back carrying position, and have, for the last few months, been attempting the two-person loading procedure for back carrying position, with much luck and little deftitude, by myself.

Reliving your pause in conversation, gaping stares, whipping heads, the barista rushing around the counter crying "What can I do?! Do you need help?," my quiet businesswoman neighbor attempting to lessen the awkwardness and absurdity of the potential crisis at hand offering, "I only tried carrying my kids in front," I have realized the udder wrongness of my technique. Furthermore, I have been motivated to take a refresher course in the Ergo baby Carrier single-person back loading procedures and am becoming talented and deft at the much safer maneuver.
Sorry and thank you,
The mom who likes to push her kid really high on the swing

Adendum
Adelaide has never fallen out; just seems to be a difficult and potentially dangerous way of loading her. Its just very strenuous and involves the baby being responsible for her own balance. Here's the right way, if you're interested, for the solo hip loading to back procedures.

Kids Eat...

2009-04-30T08:26:00.001-07:00

Pears.

Dirt.
Books.

It's Here

2009-04-27T08:13:00.001-07:00

This is what Spring looks like in our back yard.
Or is it backyard? Note the tulips. Our own little t-fest.
Paul's hops grow several inches a day. No kidding.
Doesn't that gnome have a cute hiney?

The Little Men Next Door, originally uploaded by apkoski.

All done.

Warm, Edible Love

2009-04-23T14:34:00.001-07:00

Good Morning Muffins, originally uploaded by apkoski.

These are the muffins I made this morning. These are the muffins of which I ate 2 (TWO) this morning. These are the muffins I will make again this weekend, after I go to the store and buy another jar of marmalade. Chocolate is much better than muffins, but right now the muffins are winning.
Thank you for your evil influences, Pioneer Woman.

Anne

This Post Needs no Explanation

2009-04-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

:: Walken by Wilco, Sky Blue Sky, 2007 ::

Nice Quiet Shoes

2009-04-20T08:57:00.001-07:00

Nice Quiet Shoes, originally uploaded by apkoski.

There is a LOT of screeching going on around here, so for balance, here's a picture of some nice quiet shoes.

Hope you're having picnic weather too!

Easter Roundup

2009-04-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

This Easter was a fun one, having the kiddo along and all! We didn't hide eggs or baskets, but we did have brunch with some birth class friends. It was fun to watch the babies climb over each other.

This Easter was also special because Adelaide received several cards (with cash!) and packages: books, stuffed bunnies, toys. You guys are too thoughtful!

We're also going outside a LOT nowadays. It has been pretty beautiful out.

Garden Planning

2009-04-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

I took some time last month to measure out our front lawn and sketch up a to scale depiction of the garden space we're digging out right now (although somehow the actual garden looks like it won't fit all that stuff on the layout).

Can ya read all that scribble (Actually, if you click on the image it comes up crystal clear in a new window.) I'm going for shades of yellow, chartreuse, and orange, infused with a healthy dose of purple. I want mostly perennials and evergreens. The house is 'margarita green,' according to our lush neighbors, and the mailbox, house numbers, and planter are copper. The space gets strong afternoon sun (6-7 hrs), so I'm going for drought-tolerant plants. Any suggestions for the gap?

PS - Anybody visited the Amazon(d0t)com apparel shop yet?

Where's Adelaide? ...

2009-04-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Here she is!

That was fun.

Happy Easter Weekend Everybody

2009-04-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

Clockwise from 8:00, Papa Bear, Baby Bear, Mama Bear.

Apple Blossom Clematis and new Cotinus to put in the ground.

Peeking north over our good neighbor fence at our good neighbor's Star Magnolia.

Happy Easter!

Keeping Up

2009-04-11T08:35:00.001-07:00

Last time I posted it was March. It was raining every day. We washed the guest bed sheets twice, said an unceremonious goodbye to our old Accord, and entertained a traveling window salesman into the wee hours of a Friday night.It was a productive, fun, tiring month.

Chasing, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Then April came. The weather has been wonderful, so we've invested in some baby sunblock (the cheap stuff, not the $25 bottle. Yes, really.) and went outside. Between breaks digging dirt, rocks, and sticks out of Adelaide's mouth, we've managed to also dig out a portion of the front lawn with plans to create curb appeal. I don't think I can get it done without Mr. P's help; his forearms are animalistic.

Meanwhile, Adelaide is nearing 11 months and has recently mastered the game of Peek-a-Boo. So apologetically, we have more baby movie to share with you. Ahem.

Proof!

2009-04-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

She moves!

Spring Manifesto

2009-03-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

This spring I will finish washing the walls, and collect paint chips with thoughts of brighter, lighter surfaces.

This will be the spring of more walks to the store, the park, and to visit friends, rain or shine.

I will plant more food and less fluff in our garden, and use the compost responsibly, rather than let it sit unchurned for another season.

This spring I will enjoy sitting with my family on the patio and enjoy their company and all the fun of our backyard.

This spring is all about bringing the camera along.

I will offer up good company and share food with friends and visitors, and good old fashioned correspondence to those who enjoy it most.

Trouble

2009-03-19T07:12:00.001-07:00

Troublemaker-is-my-middle-name-especially-in-the-fridge, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Ok, so she didn't open the fridge herself, but she did get the peas down and have a couple. She loves to play in there while I'm getting food out for meals. I'm sure "don't let your baby play in the fridge" isn't on the tip list at EERE.

[Indeed, "Troublemaker is my middle name."]

Speaking of cute things, check out Paul's new toy, an EEE. It's so tiny!

A Week with Grandma

2009-03-16T20:55:00.001-07:00

We are having quite the time this week with Adelaide's Grandma Mary.My mom has been in town for 4 days, and we've already gone to the zoo, a letterboxing event, the mall, downtown to the Pearl, the plant nursery, and to a few other letterboxing locations, which are a secret and I have been told that I will be disliked by many if I squeal on those locations.

It's been busy but fun.

The letterboxing event was called the Ides Of March, and it was an experience for all of us. As the Event name suggests, it was based around the Romans and Ceasar. Sunday morning, we went to the Oracle (the host lady's house) and were dispensed wisdom (letterboxing clues) and fortified ourselves with coffee cake and coffee. Then commenced the Spoils of War (letterboxing: 4 hours to find over 20 letterboxes). We located one box and then went home to tend the baby.

The event concluded with the Roman Triumph (dinner) at DiNicola's, so we went, donning togas and our carrying letterboxing gear. We talked with other letterboxers and watched a game of Clue, Roman style play out, and traded stamps (which you can only get if you have solved a clue shared online by each letterboxer). They seemed like very nice, pretty normal people, but there was some weirdness.

In no particular order...

1. Everyone was wearing TOGAS and didn't seem to mind. Thespians, perhaps?

2. Everyone referred to themselves by their "Trail Name." So I would say, "Hi, I'm Annie Walnuts," when introduced to someone.

3. A Boxing Buddy won a prize at the prize drawing. When his name was called, the owner carried his buddy, a pocket-sized stuffed monkey, to the prize tray where the monkey proceeded to sniff out his prize, take a nap on the tray, and then jump back into his owner's pocket with the prize.

4. Serious letterboxers carry tool boxes containing a colorful array of stamp pads, markers, stamps, and other secret letterboxing stuff.

Wow, only four. That wasn't so bad.

Enjoying

2009-03-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

Sunlight after dinner and Flickr Clock. OMG, babies in other countries do cute funny things too! We had to contribute.

Cheetos for babies. She will drink them.

That even though we'd normally say, "Meh, cheesy." We still had to take a picture of our baby wearing our sunglasses. How cute!
Crawling practice is tough work!
Cheers 'till tomorrow. We will have a special visitor, so wall scrubbing will have to wait.

More Signs of Spring

2009-03-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

Spring Cleaning is a daunting word. Let's just say we're putting some tired, old, nasty babies to bed.
Step 1: Remove all milk vomit & spit-up splatter from lower surfaces.

Step 2: Mop, mop, mop (now that the baby is eating off the floor):

Step 3: Wipe down the walls. Yes... surprisingly disgusting, since every wall in our house except for the kitchen is texturized like a ceiling. Somebody went orange peel gun crazy up in here.

Step 4: You'll have to ask Paul. My list ends here. ;)

Happy Weekend

Little Tricks

2009-03-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

I've been learning some new Photoshop tricks via Ree and the American Mum, and it's been fun. Albeit, my pictures don't look nearly as pretty as theirs. Here's one thing I learned. See the fix?

Before (with post-pregnancy cowlick):

After: (without cowlick.)
Thank you clone tool!

Now, about that splotchy prego skin...

Somebody's Been Reading the Blog

2009-03-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

We received two strands of Mardi Gras Beads in the mail Saturday. Real ones, like, from New Orleans. They've given Adelaide many consecutive minutes of fun; maybe 10 in a row even! See?

Thank you Mia!

I guess the beads are a sign of Spring, as are strewn Easter candy wrappers, and the need for an occasional smoothie.

Also slowly producing more for Etsy and starting to think about more bibs for Plue. Here's part of the last batch, in mundane form. (The bibs look much better on. And when did they get so small? They look silly on my 9-month-old.)

Carnival -- Let's DANCE!

2009-02-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Mardi Gras! All those years of living down south and we didn't come away with any keeper beads. Not that any of them are worth keeping, unless you can inspect each necklace at arm's length and recall, "I got that one by lifting my shirt/skirt," and I can honestly say that I've never had the pleasure of doing that.

So what's a Yankee with a brief stint in the Deep South to do on a holiday such as this? Besides wear some purple, gold, and green, find some Boilt Crawfish to suck on! At Safeway today, I reached for a styrafoam tray of 8 boiled crawfish priced at $4, and scoffed. On Friday afternoons when the Seafood Market sign would flash "Hot Crawfish," Paul & I used to stop off and pick up a grocery bag full of them, along with a sixer of something easy to guzzle. Safeway probably doesn't use Zatarain's anyway.

In lieu of celebrating in traditional carnival-like fashion, I instead decided to learn the Slumdog Millionaire dance. I have NO business dancing; not even faux hip-hop or Bollywood. Nonetheless, the dance is coming along quite nicely. Inside I am bursting for Paul to ask for a demonstration...

Doing Civic Duty

2009-02-21T21:13:00.000-08:00

Did I forget to mention my shopping trip last Sunday? It was the figurative icing, intentional or not, far as V-Day goes in our house. Nicely situated in the Pearl are a multitude of women's fitness apparel shops, so I shopped for "work" clothes, and made a little stop at Anthro for those cute bowls I've been admiring for the past couple years. All under 3 hours -- a new long in our house. I was the only shopper at Lucy, and was treated very nicely. Also took care of opening an exercise professional account there and at Lululemon. SO excited to use my discounts!

And I guess we're the bargain hunters, not the hunker downers. A new mattress and vehicle are both on the horizon. AND we need a better way to keep baby's food. Right now we serve in half-cup ramekins and other porcelin 'pinch' bowls, and store them in the fridge covered with saran wrap, or in our smallest tupperware boxes (two tablespoons of mashed whatever in a 2-cup box just takes up space). We're looking at the BabyCubes and these Tellfresh Boxes. Anyone remember what you used?

Here's one more image, just because it's too cute to skip!

I Heart Three Day Weekends

2009-02-17T21:33:00.001-08:00

presents, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Paul got Prez Day off, so Sunday felt like Saturday and so on. It was nice.
We had a fun Valentine's Day, making cookies at a friend's house and later having a yummy dinner with an AWESOME dessert.

I have been wanting ice cream cake since the last time I had it. That was almost 6 months ago.

A cool surprise came Fedex today. Adelaide got a handmade music box from her Great Grandparents! It plays Teddy Bear's Picnic when you lift the lid. It's beautiful, Great Grandpa! (There was only a little crying after the end of the vide0.)

This afternoon Adelaide & I walked down to Woodstock to our local children's shop today and picked up a plain white muslin swaddling blanket. I've been asked to embellish it for display, with the idea that other people might want to buy their own white swaddling blanket and try it too. Any ideas on embellishments?

Practicing

2009-02-16T08:37:00.001-08:00

She's on the verge of mobility, folks. We are gate shopping soon.

-A

One Person's Shot Glass...

2009-02-10T20:21:00.000-08:00

Is another's water glass.

Bottom's up!
Thanks Aunt Marci!

Oh Sweet Weekend!

2009-02-09T21:15:00.001-08:00

The last week has been more or less routine, with a cold and some extra work; a new Etsy project and ideas about making birthday cards. Starting this week, we have an average of just over one family birthday per week until April.
Paul has been advancing through the Travis Fingerpicking book. Both us girls are enjoying that.

We went out and did our duty for the nation this weekend, consumerizing and such. Our plywood mantel finally looks pathetic enough to consider replacing, after we found a great big mirror to install above it. A shiny white set of service for 8 was unwrapped, washed and placed in the cupboard Saturday. I am so psyched about our new Demitasse set!
And I even managed to finish a Valentine special for posting.
-A

34 - Year Campaign

2009-01-28T07:38:00.000-08:00

starts now. We're still working on a slogan.

Obamacon Yourself!
-A

Abundant Sunshine

2009-01-26T07:26:00.000-08:00

We are going outside today for sure.

Sunny

High
42° F


Precip:		0%

Abundant sunshine. High 42F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.

Despite this.
-A

Mmmmmmm..... Pad Thai Night

2009-01-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

We love Pad Thai night. It's not our first:
Nor will it be the last:
Yu-um. Bonus: peanuts were free, sort of.

JanuarYAY!

2009-01-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

Well. It's already mid-January. The new president is here, my flu is now one week long gone, and we've just been to Paradise and back. Paul's Grandma Ellen was an excellent hostess; coaxed us to have seconds/thirds, helped us bundle up when we went outside, made sure we didn't read in the dark or sit too close to the tv, and ensured that we enjoyed ourselves on Leftover Liquor Sunday. Too sweet.

Now it's time to plan the rest of the year, clean extra hard, get in shape, deliver a trunk-load to Goodwill, and replace some of it with shiny new, operable stuff. The latter is at the top of our list right now. But we are waiting patiently; I always forget about the lull of sales in January. Retailers are so kind, giving us the month to un-Max our credit cards. I digress.
Tell me though, is now a good time to replace our crappy Target floor lamp with a nice "big kid" lamp (AKA, one worth more than $20)? The baby shows some signs of being able to crawl someday and is also practicing her Balancing on Two Feet act. Its very cute but she's already bonking her head daily.Oy, growing pains!

- A

Dieting Tips

2009-01-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

I lost 8 pounds in one day!
Ask me how at www.pukeyourselfthin.com

I'm off the wagon though, and the first thing I wanted: HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup). All last evening and this morning I kept trying, and finally my body said "Ok, but..."

If you're in the market for some good HFCS, try Chex Mix Turtle Bars. They're in the cereal aisle at the grocery, and they are awesome. Caramelly sweet, salty, & crunchy with chocolate on them. AND they're a "Good source of WHOLE GRAIN!*" (Surprisingly, asterisk turned out to not be a disclaimer.)
Anyway, I was about to get Nature Valley Peanut Butter Granola Bars -- you know, the ones that come 2-per pack, are a little dry & crumbly but do the job -- but when I compared Nutrition Fact labels, the Turtle bars had twice as much fiber (4), the same amount of sugar (11) (but fewer carbs, if you care about that), a little less protein (2), and less fat (3.5)v.
My verdict: given the choice between a healthy looking granola bar and a candy bar looking 'Bar,' pick the one with chocolate on top! After all, a granola bar is a TREAT, not a SNACK, or worse yet, BREAKFAST!!

Whew. Guess I'm feeling better. Happy New Year's Resolutions. That was your free tip.

-A

Camera is on Break

2009-01-09T20:33:00.001-08:00

She gives me kisses sometimes. I swear it. Slimy ones.
She says mama and dada to us. Seriously.
She wants to help me turn the page.
And she loves to flirt with the camera.

-A

Img. by Gma Sandi

Christmas Trip : Success

2009-01-07T20:58:00.001-08:00

Friday night late we arrived back to a slightly snowy Portland, having chalked up a ski trip, a Farkle tournament, a day of flu, a sugar cookie fiesta (my own personal party), a stay in the Danny DeVito room, a yoga class, and a nice sandblasted hike.

I forgot to mention several screechy mid-night awakenings (people who can sleep with their kid in bed - or in the same room - are deaf, I tell you).

Oh - and NO line at the airline ticket counter! AND the baby slept on the plane on the way home. Hallelujah!!!

Here is a photo journal of our Colorado Christmas trip:

Tangrams

Yoga Class

Sing along

Hanging with Dad

Farkle Practice

Rockin' with Grandmother

More games

Tea

Uncle Luke's Downhill Ski Face

Tyleen's house

Peek-A-Boo!

Merry Christmas Everyone

2008-12-24T20:03:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Anna the Angel was procured at our new Goodwill down the street. She was an easy kit, but it still took me about a week to put together. Good thing for deadlines.

We are heading off to Colorado Friday, weather willing. We'll be out of cell phone and internet range, so see you when we get back!
Merry Christmas!

~ A

Birth Day

2008-12-23T15:09:00.001-08:00

7/12ths, originally uploaded by apkoski.

6:33 am Wake up to cooing baby. Ache all over. Trouble breathing. Birthday cold.

7:30 Take a nap while baby naps.

8:00 Read final pages of book club book + tea & oatmeal.

8:45 Opened birthday presents. Thank you!

9:00 Have Coconut Dream Bar.

9:05 Have Coconut Dream Bar.

9:15 Take Shower.

12:00 Change from brown lounge pants into blue lounge pants.

12:15 Have grilled ham & cheese on Baby Pumpernickel + Orange.

12:20 Watch Paul Shovel walk.

12:30 Exhaust list of baby activities. Decide to talk like pirates. Look up pirate names and talk like pirates. My name is something-crotch; Adelaide's pirate name is flowy & pretty.

12:45 Discover leftover window markers from H2C and draw pictures on oven. Consider writing "Help!" on kitchen window but reconsider after cleaning duties are weighed.

1:10 Feed baby and let her fall asleep on me for the first time in many many months.

1:12 Take half dose of Dayquil & Coconut Dream Bar

1:30 Much better.

2:10 Nap.

3:10 Shovel out driveway gate. Consider shoveling alley but change my mind and go inside for a hot chocolate.

3:40 Can only find Mocha hot coco mix but try to gag down anyway, unsuccessfully. Have Coconut dream bar instead.

6:30 Bath time + bed time for baby. Happy 7/12ths, Love!

7:00 Kick back hard cider & birthday dinner.

7:30 Kick back Tylenol Sinus half dose + Tylenol.

8:30 Enjoy Chocolate Mud Pudding with whipped topping.

9:00 Pump + dump

9:30 Made it to 33. Bedtime.

~ Inspired by Lola & Marci

Are We There Yet?

2008-12-21T11:50:00.001-08:00

Window, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Today is Day 8 of the 08 Snow Event, or Arctic Blast, or whatever phrase your local news station has dubbed. Without watching more "continuous special coverage," I'd say that yesterday we got about 8 inches of blowing snow, with a bit of freezing rain on top (enough so that you can almost walk on it if you are a kid). I suppose some reflecting is warranted, given the magnitude of the event, and since it'll be over in a couple days...
Or not. What did I want to write about? My head is fuzzy with congestion and ache. This cold.
One thing I keep reading on Blogs is about how much they got done over the past few days. First I get all jealous and snotty because 'I never get anything done anymore!'. But then upon reflecting (damn, I am), I realized that we've accomplished quite a bit. We made 4 holiday confections (candied citrus peel, cranberry bliss bars, peppermint bark, and coconut dream bars), processed & sent off Christmas cards (for a couple of you, remember that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery), vacuumed, finished Christmas shopping, mailed packages, and finished making some tiny pants and a tiny hat, to be modeled soon.

Miss Adelaide is holding up just barely. We saw tooth number 2 poking up this morning accompanied by a tirade of screams. We are doing our best to keep her entertained without opening the presents early!

Is one more snow day enough for me to read the last 200 pages of my book club book?

-A

A Recipe you Don't want to Try

2008-12-19T07:41:00.001-08:00

bunny it's cold outside, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Curmudgeons

4/6 Days Snow, packed tightly into small house
1 Pan Cranberry Bliss Bars
1 Ziplock Baggie Peppermint Bark
1 Ziplock Baggie Candied Orange & Grapefruit peel
1 Teething Baby
Substitute: eating sweets for exercise

Mix all ingredients and let fester. Sprinkle in beginnings of a cold, flu, or whatever this crap is.
Makes: pants tight, head ache, family cranky.

Done and DONE

2008-12-14T09:13:00.001-08:00

Wrap & package presents. DONE
Make Peppermint Bark. DONE

Today is a snow day. Yahoo! We can no longer see the grass, several accidents are reported, the Western Cullinary Institute Food Safety class is canceled, chains are required on all highways...! Of course, we need to get to the store for more children's Tylenol (baby has one tooth and another is about to break through!). Whiskey instead?

Peppermint bark was a partial success. After experimenting with various ways to make candy cane bits, Paul suggested grinding them in the nut grinder. Hand cranked nut grinders make a 'perfect' size peppermint piece, unlike the coffee grinder, mortar & pestle, and mallet & ziplock techniques. Unfortuately the tines are no match for a Splenda Candy Cane; three broke off into the pile of bits.
Also, if you look over the left shoulder of the candy cane bits you'll see that the dark chocolate (semi-sweet morsels) did not melt. Instead they turned into a big pile of poo, as Paul put it. Anyone know why?

Alas, below lies the finished product: beautiful yummy white chocolate peppermint bark, noteably not stuck to the wax paper lining. Thanks for the recipe Mimi!
Ok, on to Candied Citrus Peels.

-A

The Verdict

2008-12-13T20:14:00.001-08:00

bang-bang, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Thank you for your feedback on baking and topping peppermint bark! I'll save those naked pictures for another day...

Tonight is peppermint bark-making night. Yesterday at the grocery store I got confused on the peppermint bark topper, starlight mints. I was looking for the wrong stuff - Brachs (mint) stars, which I'm pretty sure don't exist anyway. I think I'm going to start with a layer of semisweet chocolate (melted Nestle chips), and then add the white chocolate layer ('melted Callebaut), and then the mints, pressed into the chocolate. Candy canes will be used for bits. I know, exciting.

-A

-- And by the way, I only mentioned the naked pictures because it seemed like Paul was the only one reading this self- & offspring-gratuitous site. And I knew he'd appreciate them! ;)

Learning Independent Play.... sort of

2008-12-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

Check out Adelaide's new exersaucer! We almost bought one new and then found the exact one we wanted on Craigslist. Score!!

Anyway, we've needed to work on independent play for a little while now but couldn't because we had nowhere suitable to put her without a crash/tipping over incident. We're at the "I'm just around the corner" stage now. Yay. Anyway, here's day 1 of the experience. Notice she's not really playing but watching me.

Now, one real important question: What type of peppermint should I use to embellish my Martha Stewart Peppermint Bark (because a sprinkling of pounded up starlight mints just isn't enough)? Candy Canes, Brachs discs, other? And isn't anyone else out there baking for Christmas?? Comment, People, or I'm gonna start posting naked pictures!! (that's a threat)

- A

Recipe Swap

2008-12-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

My holiday baking season started this weekend and I couldn't be more excited! We're already done with pumpkin and on to chocolate. White chocolate, to be more specific. I've decided that white chocolate is much more elegant and seasonally appropriate than its deliciously evil siblings, milk and dark chocolate. It's pure, the good guy, the virgin chocolate, yet still an oxymoron: "white" chocolate? Lemme just go feed my white chocolate Labrador while I sip on some white chocolate cocoa. Oh, I guess that stuff does exist.
I digress. Anyway, in the coming weeks I will be using white chocolate to make pistachio-cranberry bark, and cranberry bliss bars. Aside from Ghiradelli peppermint bark, cranberry bliss bars are my favorite treat right now. They were recently made popular by Starbucks, who now sells a cranberry bliss bar "value pack" for $13.95 at the register (rather than getting one for $2.35). Whatever. Just know that they are To. Die. For. Here is the unofficial recipe, and pictures will follow, if I remember before they're all gone.
I would love to know what you're baking for the harlidays! Please leave your list in the comments, and recipe links if you got 'em.

-A

Out Come the Lights

2008-11-30T20:34:00.001-08:00

Out Come the Lights, originally uploaded by apkoski.

This week we celebrated Thanksgiving, Adelaide's one-half birthday, and decorating the tree (well, the reliable Dr. Seuss palm plant). We are far from able to child proof all our decor, tree lights included. Is it okay if she sucks on the cord between the lights, but not the lights?

The baby got really excited when we plugged them in -- but the camera wouldn't focus. We got these:

Now we just have to fit in finding and mailing gifts, writing the Christmas letter, making our favorite treats, and have some fun in the mean time.

Happy December 1!

-A

Happy .5

2008-11-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

Happy one-half Birthday today, baby Adelaide! Learning about Elvish name translations via the Chicken, I found out her name (the derivative, Adele) is Arwen (like of Middle Earth). Despite the JRR Tolken reference, Paul & I love the name!! Maybe we can sneak it in as a nickname somehow.

Miss A's special day was capped off with a enjoyable afternoon. Adelaide tasted Avocado and decided Bananas are still tops, just behind mamas milk. Then we took a walk to Woodstock Village, satisfied our future late night popcorn needs with a 1 pound bag of kernels from Safeway, and then visited the grand opening of Plue, "a neighborhood children's store."

I had arranged to sell some of my sewn goods through them so it was fun to see them on display (top shelf). Adelaide was impressed to silence by all the people and colorful sights in the store.

-A

Musical Girl

2008-11-15T13:16:00.000-08:00

Adelaide likes to play! (nuff said. My space bar is malfunctioning. Perhaps because there'ssome spit up in there...)

Whoa!

2008-11-14T08:06:00.001-08:00

Appropriately, originally uploaded by apkoski.

Adelaide has been working on her sitting skills, and much to her chagrin, is not always successful. The key is balance, as it is with everything. If you eat spaghetti with bechamel sauce one day, work out a little harder and eat a bit less the next. If you're having a really busy week, you should inject a couple extra intentional breaks into it. If you lean back and lose your balance, throw your arms and legs out to keep from tipping over. You get the idea. Homeostasis.

Why is it then, that everything tends to happen in great big chunks of stuff?

"Ok, after 4 years of the same haircut, change it to ttttthis one, nnnnow. I found it in a magazine about an hour ago."

"Why, yes, a 5 pm interview fits into my schedule."

"Oh, my tire's flat? Of course I can change it myself! Rain & the screaming baby in the back seat just make it more of a fun challenge."

"Sure I can sew all that for you in 2 weeks. What, do you think I sleep?"

Piled on top of the normal stuff:

"Oh, that's just a little (8") puddle of spit-up (at the Post Office counter). I can tell it's making you uncomfortable so I'll clean it up before I pay you."

"I know you want a kiss Paul, but between the cat's daily facials and Adeaide's chin sucking, I don't think I can fit you in."

"Yeah, what is for dinner?"

We are back to normal again.
-A

Rice; no Roni

2008-11-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

Adelaide received her first "solid" meal, rice cereal, this weekend! At the same time, her vocalization skills have improved immensely. Coincidence? I think not.
Yes folks (particularly fellow airline passengers on our upcoming Christmas flight), she now squeals, screeches, and screams. It began on Saturday... the same day we fed her rice cereal for the first time. Who knows what verbiage she'll possess by December. Apparently rice cereal is like Wheaties - or sugar - for babies.

EEEEEeeeeeeee!

-A

Signs that the world is beginning and ending.

2008-11-05T12:59:00.001-08:00

Simultaneously.

I mean, you know how after you do something really big like run a big race or go on a big shopping spree or a super-fun vacation, and then afterward for a couple days you're like all, "Blah, man. The election's over, & now I feel all blah." Maybe I had too much hard cider? Or maybe I've been talking to too many nanny applicants, like this one who emailed yesterday.

HI

I'VE GOT 10+ YEARS EXP. WITH 6MO.-12 YEARS OLD----I'M A RETURNING PSU STUDENT GRADUATING NEXT YEAR
I HAVE GREAT VOLUNTEER EXP. UNDER MY BELT WITH ELEM SCHOOLS AND AFTER SCHOOL PROG (ELMONICA AND PETER BOSCO B4 IT WAS TORN DOWN) I HAVE ALSO VOLUNTEERED WITH HOMELESS AND DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED INDIVIDUALS...THE LAST BABY I TOOK CARE OF WAS 7MO. OVER THE SUMMER BUT THE FAMILY MOVED BACK TO NORFOLK VA.

I HAVE MY OWN TRANSPORTATION SERVICE (I DON'T DRIVE DUE TO VISION) WITH 24HR NOTICE

I HAVE SOLID REFS. I'VE ALSO HAD CBC DONE LAST YEAR BECUZ OF VOLUNTEERING

RATES: 1-2 DAYS A WEEK $10 HR
3-5 DAYS A WEEK $40 A DAY (AVERAGES APROX $6.67 FOR 6HRS.)

CASH ONLY DUE TO SCHOOL FUNDING
THANKS NO EXCEPTIONS

ONLY CALL IF SERIOUS 503 XXX XXXX

Are YOU Serious!? I don't even know where to begin.

-A