Music video

I love everything about this:

Father and Son (Noel and Noel)

Really, Jess!?!?! Really?!?! or Why I'm a Phan

This post is dedicated to my Texas friends who are surprised by two new facts about me: 1) I like baseball and 2) I'm a Phillies phan.

Number two came before number one. When we moved up here to South Philly, and were bombarded by Phillies paraphernalia, I thought "Geez!! These Philadelphians sure are crazy about their team." I'm serious. Walking down the street, I'd say at least 2/3 of the pedestrians are sporting some Victorino or Utley jersey. And, who is this Utley character? Ladies!! Feast your eyes on this:


He is so hot.

So, at first the air horns blowing out of my neighbors' front doors were annoying, and the Phanatic was weird. But, after spending two seasons in Philadelphia, I've grown to ADORE the air horns and the Phanatic. And John and I find ourselves glued to the TV after Singer has gone to bed, whispering "SHIT!!" and "COME ON, WERTH!!" to each other.

We are super sad that the Phils aren't playing in the World Series this year, and I'm sure we'll still root for the Rangers. But, deep in our hearts, a sad violin will play for our dearly loved team who was so close, but lost in the bottom of the ninth by a stupid strike that wasn't even swung at. SO LAME, HOWARD! But, I love you anyway.

Enjoy a pic of Singer's first trip to the clubhouse. He's a natural born Phan, for sure.

Next year, sweet Phils. Next year,
Jess

Poser

Singer is a little POSER!!! Ask John and Patrick. Every time we whip out the camera, he arches his back and smiles. I swear.

Proof:

See what I mean?!?!?!

Say cheese!
--Jess

Pants-tastic

Thanks, mom, for Singer's magic pants!! They are the coziest, comfiest pants ever. Even though they don't look like anything special, they sure do keep his little diapered behind warm.

Bring it on, Philly winter!
--Jess

PS: John finally added another recipe to Dr. John's Recipe Corner. Check it out...it's a goodie.

TSA slapped my wrist...reprimanded for nursing

I'm so ashamed. TSA felt the need to embarrass me for breastfeeding in public. I'll never do it again.

NOT!!!!!

Below is a letter I wrote to Austin International Airport. This stigma against breastfeeding must stop. There is nothing more natural, and I plan to nurse whenever and wherever Singer needs to eat. I want to raise awareness about this incident. Please assist me in spreading the word, and feel free to contact me for details. It won't get easier to breastfeed unless we educate.

On the morning of October 12, 2010, my husband and I were traveling home to Philadelphia from Austin, Texas with our five-month-old son. At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport the line to the security checkpoint was completely backed up, and passengers were waiting over an hour to walk through the metal detectors.

I could tell our son was hungry and wanted to nurse, but we were stuck in line for at least another twenty minutes. I asked a nearby TSA officer if I could bypass the line to get through so that I could nurse, but he said no. So, my only other option was to nurse while standing in line. I was wearing a cardigan and nursing tank, and my son's body was positioned so that the majority of my breast was covered. I would wager that no one around us had any clue that I was nursing.

When we reached the security checkpoint where a female TSA officer was checking IDs and boarding passes, my son was almost finished nursing. The officer asked me to quit nursing until I reached the other side of security where I could find a restroom to nurse in because "the other passengers aren't used to seeing something so inappropriate". I was shocked by her demanding tone of voice, but I replied calmly, "there is nothing inappropriate about feeding my baby". She then threatened me by saying that if I did not stop nursing she would call someone to assist me. I have no idea what she meant by this ultimatum, but fearing that we would miss our flight, I unlatched my son from my breast and walked through security without any further conflict.

My husband and I were furious at being called "inappropriate" by an authority figure whose job was to monitor the airport's security. How my breastfeeding infant was a cause for TSA involvement, I will never understand.

In Philadelphia, families traveling with infants are ushered through a separate security line. I have never had any issues with TSA in Philadelphia International Airport.

By sending this email, I simply wish to raise a flag.

Heated,
Jess

Singer in the city & my 28th birthday

We went hunting for a secret flea market in Queen Village (my favorite Philly neighborhood!!), and when we finally found it, Singer pooped and we had to go back to the car because I forgot the diaper bag.

Oh well, we got some cute pics on the way.

This five-month-old is really loving his city. After all, he's a natural born Philadelphian.
He had his first cold this week, which was no fun. But, Singer's been a trooper, and hopefully he'll get better soon.

Also, we were supposed to have friends over for dinner, but baby boy's cold made us change our plans. John brought home Birthday Pad Thai instead. It was delish!!



Gotta a feelin' 28 is gonna be a good year,
Jess