Keepin' it real dawg: AI Weekly Wrap Up

Top 5 this Week.

Holy cow, it's Neil Diamond. I luuurve Neil Diamond. We all love Neil Diamond in the BagMomma house. In fact, when we found out that David A. was going to sing "Sweet Caroline" we made for great backup singers and my David even got out his guitar to accompany the music.

But you know what was even better than Neil Diamond night?

Paula totally zoning out and forgetting the show was only half over. Oh yes, that provided the best laughs of the night. Did you miss it? Watch here:


Oh yeah, we have a show to talk about....

Jason Castro: I really did not like Jason at all this week. It was just uncomfortable to watch. He's really starting to bore me. I hate to say it, but he's on his way out. He's just not connecting with the audience anymore.

David Cook: This guy is just good, good, GOOD. The first song was classic David C., and the second song was even better. He's just truly wonderful to watch every week. Love it. I also loved his jacket. Very cool, and custom (I hope he gets to keep it).

Brooke White: Brooke starts singing her first song, and all I'm thinking is SHREK. And then I am thinking that she's really gone bonkers thinking she could sing that song without looking like a total dork. Nope, I hated it. She redeemed herself with the second song, behind the piano. It was like watching a bipolar performance. Too much for me.

David Archuleta: As I noted above, we love "Sweet Caroline", but I'm pretty sure we loved hearing ourselves sing it more than David A. The second song just seemed.... I don't know... like "Leave it to Beaver" style. You know, like Brooke when she's tripping. I REALLY hate to say this, because it's so unpopular to say... but I am just not into David A.'s singing anymore. It's like hearing the same thing over and over. I'm sorry. You can chastise me in the comments.

Syesha Mercado: I loved her first song, not stellar, but she did a great job. I much preferred the second performance, but again, like in the case of Jason... I don't feel her connecting with the audience. She's good, but not that good.

I feel like it's a foregone conclusion that the finale will be David vs. David.. and we are just biding our time until we get there.

Who SHOULD be voted off this week:
Paula
oops, I mean Jason.

Who WILL be voted off this week:
Brooke

Best Performance of the night:
David Cook's second performance.

Sweet as can be...

I love, love strawberries. In fact, I am eating them right now... topped with a little lite whipped cream. Soon (late May-June) I'll be able to pick my own from my local farm stand. I probably have at least 20 recipes that I use over and over, but always looking for something new.

My recent favorite is this strawberry pie which I received the recipe about a month ago. So far we've made it three times. It's great for those counting calories (or WW points) because you can make it almost fat-free.

David also loves strawberries. They are a close second to his other favorite fruit... blueberries. Yep, I'm lucky that he's a fruit lover. I count my blessings every day that he's always been good in that way. How in the world I created a child with a healthy appetite defies logic.

Do you have any favorite strawberry recipes? Share! I am looking for something new for an upcoming barbecue next month.

Scissor Sister

Well, today was farewell to my hair stylist and friend for the last 17 years, M.

It's safe to say we crossed over the service provider/customer realm about 16 1/2 years ago to cackling buddies since.

We reminisced about the old times.... when I was single and looking for love, bad boyfriend drama (there was a ton of that), new careers, and the day she styled my hair for my wedding 13 years ago. We talked about the zillion color changes that topped my head over the last two decades... from blonde, to red to brown and back again.

We were pregnant together in 2002/2003 (her first and my first and only- David), with the same due date at the time (she ultimately had her daughter two weeks early, I had my son two weeks late). We are the same age, and we both talked about turning 40 for the last ten years (after we got over 30), and then when we did finally reach 40 we decided 40 really WAS the new 30 after all.

She is one of the few people in my life that is genuinely interested in my infertility struggle and doesn't avoid talking to me about it (which is refeshing considering most of the people in my life pretend it doesn't exist)....

With each foil or snip of the scissors she knew every detail and up and down in my life. And I hers. We shared makeup tips in our twenties, and knew all the cool clubs in the city. In our thirties we talked about babies, work/life balance, diets, and PBS Kids Sprout channel. Today we discussed what we really think is under Bret Michael's do-rag on "Rock of Love"....

We are and always will be cool.

M. be jetting off to southern states in a few weeks, taking her two little beautious munchkins to reunite with her husband who is already there (working a new gig) and waiting for her.

She is convinced that her moving away will result in my long-awaiting second child. And instead of sharing pictures in person, we wil be forced to communicate via e-mail.

From your mouth to Gods ears, M.....

Safe traveling, sister.

Pollen attacks, and Moms who rock!

Allergies are the worst.

The trees sprouted pollen a few weeks ago, and hubby already has his first sinus infection of the season. And it's a dooooozy....

I know it's bad when my allergies intensify (usually mine are mild). I've been fighting off a killer headache all weekend. And today my eyes are red and I've sneezed only about 50 times.

Fun times.

I wanted to also mention I have a new blogging gig over at the (about to be launched) New Jersey Moms Blog... a sister site to the growing conglomerate of Silicon Valley Moms Blogs. I am excited to be a writer with a fabulous bunch of ladies, so do drop by, won't you??

Check out my recent post today, on this Earth Day. It's just me ranting about gas prices and pontificating about Fred Flintstone. Riveting material, I know....

While you're there, check out my fellow contributors as well, and even click out to the other regional sites. We are all Moms, and we have a lot to say....!

Who's ready for a roadtrip to South Dakota?

Found this via my blogging buddy Kim. Apparently I've ignored the entire Pacific Northwest and the Midwest (even traveling like a dog for work all these years... you'd think I've been everywhere by now).

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/map.php

http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/map.php

Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet

My blog was ready to self destruct this morning. I think I got a little too confident that I could rule HTML, and who am I kidding? I may be in the technology business, but I have no right to be arms length from my blog template. After cursing at my computer to hell and back, I think I fixed my wrongdoings.

So, sorry if you arrived at BagMomma.net to find, well, nothing for a short-time. I apologize for being a complete loser. By the way, if you know someone who designs blog templates, let me know. I am feeling like I need a blog makeover.

That being said, there will be no American Idol review today. I know, I know... Mariah Carey makes for such good blog fodder, but I am neck deep in my work today with a deadline.

What I will say is I was blown over by David Cook. Not even considering the sympathy vote (although I did tear up when they showed his brother in the audience). And, I've decided that should I ever consider hair extensions, I want Brooke's hair. That blonde, tousled look is something I could never get my hair to do in a million years.

And how BIG was her hair?

"Jacked up to Jesus!" ...one of my favorite lines about big hair, from the former big hair queen herself, Reba McEntire.

Amen.

All things random...

I found out last week that my hair stylist is moving to Florida. accccckkk! She is a good friend as well. I've known her for nearly 17 years, and it won't be the same without her. Now I have to find a new stylist (I'll probably stay with the same salon), which is a big decision. What to do, what to do.....

I've also been a little silent on something else I've been doing, which is losing weight! So far, I've lost 13 pounds. I figure there are so few things I can CONTROL in my life.. while I've been busy trying to wrap my arms around infertility and adoption I think I found something I can do that is positive and somewhat controllable...

Speaking of infertility... I haven't been talking much about it because I am still in a holding pattern. I need to make a consult appointment with the RE for next steps, but we are not in a rush. Reason being, we have vacation coming up in 4 weeks and I can't do IVF remotely from Hilton Head, SC. lol. So I am taking a little "infertility siesta". I just don't want to think about it right now. I figure we will do the consult before vacation so we can get the insurance and meds out of the way in the meantime. Or whatever we decide to do (or NOT do).

The adoption front.... is moving slow. Truth is we are in a weird spot deciding on an agency. Our country choice (did I mention this before?) is China... but because the waaaiting is draaaawing out so much on a China adoption, we are likely going right to SN (special needs). Still long, but not as insanely long. The question is, go with a China only agency that has a stellar reputation or another agency with other country options? You would think, duh, Shelli go with the latter... but there's some positives and negatives that don't make for an easy answer. So we think and research more and think some more. My goal is to get the wheels moving in the next month.

And lastly, but not leastly (is leastly a word? I think not), I am an Auntie again. My BIL and SIL had a little boy last week. This is my third nephew (first on my husband's side). He is cute as a button. J- I know you are probably far too deep in diapers and doctor appointments to read my blog, but a hearty congratulations (again) to you and C.

The Happy Wanderer

David has turned over a new an unexpected leaf. Surely we couldn't count on him to be the perfect little man 24/7.

The fact is, he's 4 going on 5 in a few weeks and starting to really push the boundaries of the parent/child relationship.

Exhibit 1 (Home Improvement Store)
After David test drove all of the John Deere riding tractors on display (and repeated attempts to remove him from said tractors and lectures on how he needs to put on his "listening ears" and actually LISTEN to Mommy and Daddy) he started the hiding game. Hiding meaning ducking into the shelves in the aisles and pretending he has disappeared. He thought it was a riot running ahead of us and hiding. That was until we ducked to the side and his head popped out and he didn't see us. Of course the game was over at that point. Wide eyed he looked around, and when WE popped into view he laughed.

OK, lesson not learned.

S. stomped out of the store in a fit. Mad that David wouldn't listen. Wait, who's the adult here anyway?


Exhibit 2 (Children's Clothing Store)
We needed to but the growing boy some tank tops for our upcoming vacation next month, so we entered the store at the "witching hour". In other words, naptime. Upon opening the door, we heard the store blasting loud music (shopping ambiance???) and David decided to break out into his finest dance moves in the middle of the Boys 4-12 section.

Customers thought he was cute, but S. was further annoyed. Especially since David shimmied and shaked his booty to the adjoining Girls section, out of view.

I have to admit, I couldn't keep a straight face. By this point watching him dance made me laugh. And it's hard to say "David GET OVER HERE, STAY WITH MOMMY AND DADDY!" while giggling. S. was still annoyed. Very annoyed and despite hushed conversation in the corner of the store, David still was hyped up. And Daddy had enough.


We ended the day with David falling asleep during dinner at home, and not waking up until this morning.

I think he wore himself out.

Shortly after, S. dropped into bed and was asleep before I even got into bed. Looks like Daddy wore himself out too.

Parenting... fun, eh?

So cute yet so devilish.

The Blueberry Farmer

The air smells sweeter in the Spring, doesn't it?

The one thing that excites me about Spring is the anticipation of all things green. Green grass, green trees, and fresh produce.

I am a sucker for the little farm markets all over the suburbs that feature home-grown fruits and veggies. There is just something about fruit and vegetables that are "locally grown". It tastes different. And then there's the homemade baked goods, but let's not go there. I haven't had breakfast yet.

David has a thing for local blueberries. This goes waaaaay back to his toddler years. He knows when you are trying to "trick him". Don't bother trying to pass off blueberries imported from Canada. He can pick out a blueberry grown in NJ with a blindfold.

Now that winter is behind us and my daffodils are in their last full bloom, David realizes the summer is not far behind... so last week he asked when the "blueberries are coming".

"Not until July buddy..." I explained. "unless you want the other ones."
"ewww, no Mommy. Those are yucky."

So it was no surprise this morning when he announced he wanted to plant a garden this summer. With his favorite things of course... blueberries. That way we don't have to drive to buy them.

Sounded logical to him. And then he explained... "I want to plant 33 bajillion blueberry plants. Ummmmm, no, I changed my mind. Just two thousand blueberry plants."

I asked why two thousand? And then he went on further to say that his plan would mean he would have to take down the fence in our yard and grow them in the neighbor's yard too. But he would pay our neighbor to use their yard, and provide a small green patch of grass for their dogs because dogs need grass, you know. And then he would put in "huge sprinklers" to water the bushes. He would pay the neighbor's kids to help pick the blueberries. He mentioned selling them in the front yard. (To compete with our neighbor's kids lemonade stand, I guess).

I think I have a budding entrepreneur on my hands.

Keepin' it real dawg: AI Weekly Wrap Up

Top 8 this Week.

Inspirational week. I was waiting to be inspired. For the most part I was, except for a few (one) performance that was decidedly uninspiring. Read on...

Michael Johns: I liked last week better, but I still think this was good. Randy, you were harsh, dude. I do agree that he hasn't found his place/style. If I wished anything for him it would be to go back to the bluesy thing. Digging the ascot though.

Syesha Mercado: Oh Syesha... you just had to go do that, didn't you? As if we all haven't warned you enough about singing BIG songs, now you tromped on another BIG song, and you just MAKE everyone want to compare you to the original. If I had advice for Syesha, it would be to go your OWN thing. Stop it already... we know you have a voice. ahrghh.

Jason Castro: Me likes it. The ukulele was way cool man. And I love this version of the song. A+ for song choice.

Kristy Lee Cook: You have to hand it to Kristy, she knows when to pull it out. When I first heard she was doing Martina McBride I was a wee bit nervous. After all, Martina is the Whitney of country ya'll. But you know what? Kristy did a great job. I was happy for her.

David Cook: Was I the only one that didn't immediately know this song? But then I did. And then I was sad because I wasn't excited about his performance. It was o-k, but not fabulous. But let's face it, he's not going anywhere this week.

Carly Smithson: She seemed so MAD singing this song. Wait, wasn't this supposed to be inspirational? I was left with the distinct feeling that Carly is definitely on the chopping block this week. And color me not inspired in the least.

David Archuleta: Let me say that when I see David sing, my heart is all a pitter patter. He's just so darn cute. Maybe it's the "David" thing, but I just feel like being his Mommy and giving him a hug. What a talent.

Brooke White: Safe song. Love the song, but I wonder is Brooke really so sunshiney all the time? I mean ALL the time? To be honest, I don't see her winning this competition, but I like her because of her realness (or perceived realness). I bet in real life she probably is a very good friend.

Who SHOULD be voted off this week:
Syesha or Carly

Who WILL be voted off this week:
Maybe no one, it is America Gives Back Week.. so they might save all and chop two next week....

Best Performance of the night:
well, duh, David A. of course.

A confession

You probably have realized that I've been absent a bit.... not posting as I normally do, lurking, commenting on others blogs. And I'm not ignoring you (or going away for that matter, heavens, no...)

Last month, you might have remembered a post where I talked about figuring out where to go from here... infertility-wise.

After a ton of soul-searching, we are pretty close to making some life-changing decisions.

I've realized something very important, or should I say "we" in that my husband is totally on-board with this too...

We don't need another biological child to make our family whole. That being said, we agree on one big thing... being a family of three isn't the end for us. Someone is still missing.

I've pretty much abandoned the idea of traipsing the U.S. looking for a new RE that can pinpoint the cause of my recurrent pregnancy loss. Sure, if I were wealthy, and had all the time in the world I might spend thousands of dollars to find "a reason", but a reason does not necessarily equal a baby. And the most magical RE in the world can't promise a baby.

After 5 miscarriages... let's be honest... I am starting to bet against myself. Realistically, the chances of us having another pregnancy that works is pretty low.

I think our plan now with the RE is perhaps try one IVF (perhaps w/ PGD) for shits and giggles in June. If it doesn't work, I can still pay the medical bills and call it a day.

MY BODY won't be the focus anymore. I don't want it to be. I have been on this road for three years and frankly, I am done. I know people who can ride the Infertility Rollercoaster for years upon years, but I know in my heart that I can't do it anymore. This has ruled my life, my every moment. And it's a freaking crime.

I want my life back, and by this summer I will.

So, the big news I guess... we are 99.9% ready to roll on adoption. As you know, I've been researching for a month now, and we are very close to choosing an agency. We decided to pursue international adoption.... Domestic is too much of a gamble and even that isn't a "sure-thing". We are tired of gambling money and emotions, and are quite fine with having to wait awhile, so long as there is a child at the end of the road.

We are considering the "waiting child" program... for those of you not familiar with what that is... it's the program all agencies offer that includes children with mild to moderate special needs.

The goal is to complete our family, and I am starting to feel very confident that this is the path we are meant to take.

Remember when I talked about wishing someone would "send a sign" to let us know we are making the right decision?

Well, the signs have been coming fast and furious... and I can't ignore them.

Keepin' it real dawg: AI Weekly Wrap Up

Top 9 this Week.

I do love Dolly Parton. Such a sweet lady. Of course I know this to be true via my Mom who met Dolly about a year ago before a show in Atlantic City. Dolly spent a long time chatting with my Mom and my Aunt, and had to be pulled away (hello Dolly? you have a show to do) by her "people", otherwise my Mom was sure she would have gone on for another hour of chit chat. I love celebs who aren't full of themselves.

Oh yeah, the show. I had high expectations. But I came to the conclusion that Dolly is indeed so brilliant, that her not singing a song can lead to disastrous results.

David (my David) couldn't join me to provide comment. He was tired, and nodded off early.

Brooke White: I think she did a good job. I love the song "Jolene" and I expected her to do more with it. I would have rather that she slowed the song down more and really did something out of the box. A'right for me dawg.

David Cook: I love this guy. And I loved the version of the song. I think I am overusing the word "love", but how could you not when talking about David Cook?

Ramiele Malubay: She's little, she's cute, she's sassy... but I am so underwhelmed by her lately. And, please, does her stylist insist on torturing her with those freaking jumper dresses? Is this a fad I am not aware of? The performance was mediocre, sorry dude.

Jason Castro: Another performance I could have lived without. What is wrong with this week? I know the judges thought it was ok, but I hated it. I was waiting for Dolly to walk out and start singing the song the way it should be sung. Oh, Jason, you just are starting to bore me.

Carly Smithson: I thought she did a great job. Her voice is just great, compared to some of the other girls. I hated that Simon was so blunt dissing her choice of outfits.... but he's right. She needs a wardrobe makeover, STAT!

David Archuleta: Like the voice of an angel this kid. He does make it look effortless, doesn't he? That's all that needs to be said.

Kristy Lee Cook: Kristy, you know what? I think you didn't suck this week. Even though I missed talking about your "star spangled" performance last week (which I thought was over hyped by the way), but I think you did a very decent job this week. For redeeming yourself, I promise not to wish for you to be voted out this week.

Syesha Mercado: Sighhhhhhhh. I just KNEW she was going to pick this song. Please people, haven't you learned ANYTHING over the last 7 seasons of Idol. Do NOT sing Whitney or Celine. This performance was.... predictable, as Simon might say. I didn't dislike it.. in fact this is one of the best songs written by Dolly... but I didn't feel uplifted by the performance.

Michael Johns: I hate that they had to rush the judges... poor Michael gets to sing at 8:58PM and they nearly ran the show credits over his face. Because dude rocked tonight. This was the perfect song for him. PERFECT. Thank goodness.


Who SHOULD be voted off this week:
Ramiele

Who WILL be voted off this week:
Ramiele, but I worry for Carly.

Best Performance of the night:
Michael