The Hot Zone Just Got Hotter

Croup-proof pacifierDropping Ryder off at day care on Friday, there was a seemingly innocuous note tacked to the cork message board with his name on it. Last week there was also a note, it contained a newsletter telling about the employee of the month and offering nutritious recipes for kids. This week was different. The note started off with the heading, “YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO CROUP”. It highlighted symptoms that include…a barking cough & wheezing while sleeping, all announced in an exaggerated frilly font. Really. Good job doomsday-note-author. I was slightly concerned when I read the headline containing news of croup exposure, but my concerns faded as I saw the pleasant and playful typography used in its announcement. Continue reading

Doc Brown is Dead to Me

I have never had the great displeasure of meeting Dr. Brown and my cynical side can’t be convinced that there really is an actual person known as “Dr. Brown.” What I do know, is that his name is attached to a series of products – in particular, the “Natural Flow” bottles that seem to be widely available for purchase.

I have little doubt that Dr. Brown – whether he exists as man or corporation – loves babies. Unfortunately, it has become obvious to me that Doc Brown’s love of babies is directly proportional only to his hatred of the parents of these very same infants. This curious dynamic, admittedly, requires additional explanation. Allow me do the heavy lifting. Continue reading

You are not ‘funny’

Ryder - Not Amused

Apparently Ryder is at the stage where he should be giggling. My mom came for a visit a few weeks ago with one of her goals being just that. Make Ryder giggle. This turned out to be a lofty goal (see Day Care is a Hot Zone) as the buddy wasn’t feeling his tiptop self. My mom left dejected, but certain that we’d get a giggle any day. About a week ago I took him to the doctor for a well-baby visit to get some vaccinations, and check in on his overall health. So, the doctor was asking me questions about his development…Does he smile? Check. Does he grab things? Check. Does he roll over? Check (slightly ahead of schedule apparently. bravo.) Does he giggle? No. Long pause. Thoughts were swirling in my head…maybe he doesn’t think talking crazy and making goofy noises is funny. Maybe he has a refined sense of humor and he’s just waiting for the good stuff…sarcasm. Of course I went home and started on a crazed frenzy trying to elicit a giggle. Day after day. Ryan got on board this past weekend. I hear him yell from the other room, “Quick, Cait hurry!” I run in and Ryan says, “he did it! he giggled…twice!”. 
Apparently my presence crushed the excitement as subsequent tries yielded only a few smiles and a tiny fart. 
 
At least I can rest easy for the next doctor’s visit.