Somehow the image of Kaynga is kind of funny..."Great...I turn my back and you guys stick me with a kid. Gee, thanks."

Mom seriously is more likely to listen to anyone other than her own children about stuff like this.

Totally. When I get Mom to the doctor's office, I back off and let the assistants take over. They think she's adorable and they cosset and flirt with her, and have her eating out of their hands. Gives me a break from wrassling with her, and gives her a break from me "browbeating" her about stuff she doesn't care about.

I'm using the five-minute oats right now, and I really like them better than steel-cut or the one-minute. I like to see the oats, rather than the broken mealy pieces, and the texture is fun. A goodly portion of nutmeg, cinnamon and a dash of salt in the water, bring to a boil and let simmer while I unload the dish drainer or wash up a few dishes. A splash of skim milk and a pinch of sugar, and yum!

In fruit news, I'm using a handful of frozen whole strawberries and another handful of frozen whole peach slices, plus a banana and a splash of OJ along with my unflavored protein powder and water for my protein smoothies. And usually both whole frozen blackberries and blueberries in lowfat plain yogurt. Either yogurt or smoothie daily. The yogurt is cool; if you toss the berries lightly in the yogurt and let it sit for a few minutes, then toss again, you have a frosty treat that's not a bad substitute for sherbet or ice cream. Plus, no sugar, aside from what's naturally in the fruit.

Shut it.

Here's a hint: Next time don't use the pinking shears.

Good thing your kid's got a bullet proof cute.

I'm using the five-minute oats right now, and I really like them better than steel-cut or the one-minute. I like to see the oats, rather than the broken mealy pieces, and the texture is fun.

My oatmeal sister!

You just gave me more ammo for my catocrite argument in Natter.

sniff I decided I need to unsub from Natter during the week so as to be somewhat productive. Sad now. Will try and threadsuck and skim on the weekends.

My mother makes oatmeal with milk, I use water. I do the 5 minutes in the microwave at half power thing. Adding whatever looks good. I always have lots of fruit in the house for my fruit monster kids.

Yum. Just had oatmeal and coffee. Now I must slap my hair into pigtails and walk to the little cigar shop for some smokes.

My doctor wants me to do a sleep study (in about 6 weeks when and if my HMO authorizes it). Anyone done one? What are they like?

Ohhhhh. I decided to be all practical and also giving-Hec-a-break-in-the-evenings, and on my way back from dropping off his sister at the airport swung by TJ's and got two jars of Thai simmer sauce and some veggies for simmering (all carefully selected to be non-gas-inducing for Matilda, who spent most of yesterday yowling in pain after I unwisely had new and unfamiliar spices in my dinner on Saturday). The veggies have been simmering for ages and are smelling and tasting fantastic; some TJ's mixed brown rice, all nutty and yum, is almost finished cooking, and the whole thing will be enough for three or four swoony meals. Considering it all came out of cans and plastic bags, I'm absurdly proud and happy.

Matilda had another four shots this morning and soldiered through them like a brave little toaster. She did turn brick red and scream in fury, but was less teary, and got peaceful again with just a bit of cuddling and snuzzling. The nurse was amazed at how quickly she soothed, and the doctor said she continues to look PERFECT.

Also, up over 10 pounds! Go team growing baby!

She's on her playmat now (propped up because of her snuffly nose), considering the various mobiles and pull toys dangling around her. I love her so much it's suffocating me! t /Holly Hunter in Raising Arizona

All you mamas are too damned cute. You might be cuter than your kidlets...if that's possible.

Picspam! I went to another Steampunk and zombies party on Saturday: [link]

It wasn't *really* a party (it was a group photo shoot to create more images for the Unhallowed Metropolis rpg that is coming out this summer), but it involved dressing up, indulging in snacky food, and seeing people I like, so I'm calling it a party.