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drool action shot

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Pictures of Monkeys

My friend David just sent me this. It is, quite simply, the most entertaining page of pictures of monkeys I have every seen. I especially like the explanation of the monkey disc jockey.

Pictures of Monkeys

My friend David just sent me this. It is, quite simply, the most entertaining page of pictures of monkeys I have every seen. I especially like the explanation of the monkey disc jockey.

Some Thoughts on the First Cold

I feel I need to explain my silence from September 2 - September 15. I will be honest and admit that now that we have the Dish and a PVR, my television-watching career has really taken off. Weekly doses of "Sex & the City," daily doses of "The Daily Show," and double daily doses of "The West Wing" on Bravo does not a good blogger make, even without the commercials.

But mostly I was silent because Annabella got her first cold. It may have been allergies, we're still not sure. After two trips and one late night call to the doctor, he still had no explanation. He did, however, dig in her ear with something that looked like a twist tie and a staple fashioned into a tiny shovel. It looked very painful and scary and there was a lot of crying, mostly by me.

After about a week of sniffling, it looked like Annabella was pulling on her ear, which is usually sign of an infection. The doctor prescribed antibiotics, but told us not to give them to her unless things got worse. We filled the prescription, but we never gave her any of it, because she got better.

The first cold is a horrible experience. Think of how painful it is for you not to be able to breathe out of your nose. And then imagine what it's like not to have any idea why. Eating is nearly impossible and soothing yourself with a pacifier -- forget about it. It was a tough few weeks, but now that I'm through it and out the other end, I'm here to let you know that it's not that bad. Babies are tougher than you think.

Some Thoughts on the First Cold

I feel I need to explain my silence from September 2 - September 15. I will be honest and admit that now that we have the Dish and a PVR, my television-watching career has really taken off. Weekly doses of "Sex & the City," daily doses of "The Daily Show," and double daily doses of "The West Wing" on Bravo does not a good blogger make, even without the commercials.

But mostly I was silent because Annabella got her first cold. It may have been allergies, we're still not sure. After two trips and one late night call to the doctor, he still had no explanation. He did, however, dig in her ear with something that looked like a twist tie and a staple fashioned into a tiny shovel. It looked very painful and scary and there was a lot of crying, mostly by me.

After about a week of sniffling, it looked like Annabella was pulling on her ear, which is usually sign of an infection. The doctor prescribed antibiotics, but told us not to give them to her unless things got worse. We filled the prescription, but we never gave her any of it, because she got better.

The first cold is a horrible experience. Think of how painful it is for you not to be able to breathe out of your nose. And then imagine what it's like not to have any idea why. Eating is nearly impossible and soothing yourself with a pacifier -- forget about it. It was a tough few weeks, but now that I'm through it and out the other end, I'm here to let you know that it's not that bad. Babies are tougher than you think.

Monkey Mouth

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Monkey Mouth

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Solids

Annabella is a little over 5 months old, which means it's about time to start her on solid food. The doctor said we could start whenever we wanted, but for some reason we've been reluctant.

It's been a challenge, but somehow we've been able to avoid feeding Annabella any formula. There's nothing wrong with formula. I am not a breastfeeding zealot. All the same, I think nursing has been good for both of us. Besides the obvious health benefits, being able to store up milk and give it to her while we're apart has made me feel a lot better about not being with her while I'm at work three days a week.

I guess that's the "some reason" I've been reluctant. Although starting rice cereal doesn't mean I'll stop nursing, it does mean leaving one stage and entering another.

This past weekend, when we had our heads turned, Annabella ate a napkin. She spit most of it up, but I guess that means that even though I'm not ready, I think it's time to admit that she probably is.

Solids

Annabella is a little over 5 months old, which means it's about time to start her on solid food. The doctor said we could start whenever we wanted, but for some reason we've been reluctant.

It's been a challenge, but somehow we've been able to avoid feeding Annabella any formula. There's nothing wrong with formula. I am not a breastfeeding zealot. All the same, I think nursing has been good for both of us. Besides the obvious health benefits, being able to store up milk and give it to her while we're apart has made me feel a lot better about not being with her while I'm at work three days a week.

I guess that's the "some reason" I've been reluctant. Although starting rice cereal doesn't mean I'll stop nursing, it does mean leaving one stage and entering another.

This past weekend, when we had our heads turned, Annabella ate a napkin. She spit most of it up, but I guess that means that even though I'm not ready, I think it's time to admit that she probably is.