Odd. Most of us out here think the pop-rap song is the best on the album. It's the one getting play on KEXP, at least.

(shrug) It's well-done, I guess. But something about it grates. I don't know why.

I love the second song on the album ("It's Cold") the best so far. I will know more for sure after more listens.

ETA: Claymation music video of one of their songs, "La Pump". It's pretty cool. I like this song too.

Huh. Entertainment Weekly just pointed out to me an Indy Pop band... that consists of a 10-year-old and a 12-year-old. (I suppose they might be 11 and 13 now.) They are called "Smoosh".

Yep, I saw them play a live set at Amoeba and reported on them here. They're unbearably cute and the drummer keeps a good groove and the keyboardist is ridiculously talented.

Stephanie, Owen turned into a fountain of drool at 3 months. His first teeth appeared a few weeks later. But at least I wasn't nursing anymore. *shudder*

I just realized DH's class reunion is a week and a half away. And then the following weekend we have a wedding to attend. I'm going to look like a bloated basketball with bad skin. *sigh*

Mal became a DroolMonster at around 3 months also, and his lower front gums got a bit white, like teeth were imminent. But no sign of teething so far.

I read somewhere that the drool turns on about the time that they start sticking everything in their mouths, as a protective device. This is also why it's extra slimy viscous.

Buffista moms who've taken plane trips with babies: did you use the car seat on the airplane? I'd really like to avoid bringing the carseat and stroller, but I'm not super comfortable with the baby not being in a car seat. (Of course, since we'll probably be flying Luftwaffehansa, the car seat may be too big.)

Raq, how long is the trip? I took Owen on an hour long plane ride at 6 months without a stroller or a car seat--I just used the sling in the airport and held him for the trip. It was fine. It was a night flight so he took a bottle and fell asleep the minute we got into our seat until well after we deplaned.

I think we are looking at a 3 hour flight this time. When we fly back to the States, though, it will be a 13 hour flight.

For that, I'd take a car seat. Waaaaaay too long to hold a baby on your lap.

As a matter of fact, I'd consider emigrating until Mal is six years old.

As a matter of fact, I'd consider emigrating until Mal is six years old.

Heh. By then, he'll be in boarding school.

My other current Mal-related concern is swimming. He loves loves loves being in the bathtub, and I would love to start him swimming. But there are no pools that I know of here. (OK, the Ambassador has one, but he doesn't let anyone use it, which is against regs, but that's a different rant). I'd like to take Mal to the beach, and at least let him splash in the edge of the sea, but Robert's opposed, and the pede forbids direct sun and also sunblock.

As usual, I'm thinking that this problem, like so many others, could be solved by the large application of money (kiddie cabana, full-coverage swimsuit with built-in floats, kepi) but I just checked and we still aren't related to the Bushes.

Our pede - and the bottle - says sunblock is okay at 6 months. Or you could go very late in the day - how sunburned could a kid get at 4pm? Eve has a full-coverage swimsuit that was $20 at the grocery store - it's by Coppertone. I say take him to the beach. And then rinse him thoroughly at home, 'caue sometimes the Mediterranean is nasty.

On the subject of plane trips, are you required to buy a seat for Mal even if he sits in your lap? That's what kept us from using a car seat - in the US under-twos fly free as lap children. I wasn't worried too much about safety, and Eve slept, or was quite charming, for our early flights. (Now, it's another matter - you cannot contain an energetic two-year-old on a plane, but I do recommend you not give her frappuccino before takeoff.) The other thing to remember is, will you need a carseat where you're going? If you'll be traveling in cars you will. We bring ours but check it.