to top

Harry Potter, Abridged [Comics]

After visiting Harry Potter: The Exhibition in person, AND knowing that the final movie is due to be released in theaters in just a couple of months, I have slowly started to re-read the entire series again (probably for about the sixth time). I don't know what it is about J.K. Rowling, but that woman can write. There is just so much to love about each book and I discover new things every time I re-read each title. I am usually not one to go with the crowds when it comes to current popular culture (I wholeheartedly agreed with Stephen King when he said, “Both Rowling and Meyer, they’re speaking directly to young people…. The real difference is that Jo Rowling...

Continue reading

The Gender Guessing Game

It is no secret that I would prefer BebeDeux to be a boy. If so we'd have one of each and we'd be done! Be that as it may, I wouldn't be upset if BebeDeux turns out to be a girl. After all, dontcha know that two girls are the best? ;-) We were excited to find out Claire's gender when I was pregnant with her and it is no different with this baby. But I will most likely have to wait until my Level 2 Ultrasound to find out — a whole six more weeks! — and I will be the first to admit that I'm already growing impatient. That's why I decided to turn to early gender determination tests. These aren't old...

Continue reading

A Chemistry Kit with No Chemicals

Last night, The Daily What featured a children's chemistry set called Chemistry 60 which boasts "60 fun activities with no chemicals." Sadly enough, I was not surprised. You already know my thoughts on this matter. It's actually a pretty clever marketing technique when you think about it. Because most children's chemistry kits available to consumers today are quite similar to Chemistry 60 in that they do not contain any inoffensive, potentially dangerous materials (aside from small parts which may be considered choking hazards). By outwardly admitting — and boasting — its lack of actual chemicals, the manufacturer has gained substantial publicity of viral proportions. You can be sure that J and I will be purchasing for our kids chemistry sets that contain actual chemicals.  :-)...

Continue reading

Because She Loves Me Most

I once read that a baby will cry hardest to her mother (or the primary caretaker) because, just like adults, babies reserve their most passionate and deepest emotions for those they love most. Our household is a perfect example of this. When Claire is around me, she WILL make it known if she is displeased in the slightest bit. Whining, fussing, crying, tantrums, you name it. But when she is in the care of others she is more subdued and much less vocal. She will also only take short naps when I am watching her — which I can only guess stems from her desire to spend as much waking time as possible with me. My SIL has the pleasure of getting 2-hour...

Continue reading