Riley and Avery

So, I've put my two weeks in at Starbucks. Sorry, Mom and Mina, no discounts at Starbucks for us when I'm in Maryland. It just wasn't worth it, Riley crying every time I put on a black shirt or black pair of pants, screaming whenever I pumped breastmilk, pleading with me not to go to work, and her constant fear that I may be going to work at any moment. She's consistently been well-behaved for Rudi, but the constant worries are hard to bear. And Avery has never settled in the routine of being cared for by Rudi. She cries for two-and-a-half hours until Rudi takes the girls in for my 10 minute break, for a total of about 10 hours of screaming per week. I don't want my child to be a dummy. Those of you who doubt the science behind the "crying it out" theory and stupidity can find an article on the subject here. It's really not worth it for the $150 or less that I bring home every other week. And then Rudi is mad and frustrated when I come home. And then I'm mad because he didn't clean up like he criticises me for not doing while he's at work. It's all really bad, and really unfortunate, because I did like the feeling of working.

Riley has made a little friend at school. Her name is Lorelait (pronounced "Lorelai" I think). Sometimes I find them holding hands. It's really rather cute. I think I let them become better friends through the holidays, then try to arrange a playdate.

I am eagerly awaiting a shipment of wool diaper covers that I ordered on the internet. Used ones on ebay. I want to try wool because they stay warm even when they are damp, which will be useful during the Colorado winter. I want to knit some, but thought I'd give wool a try before going through the time and expense of knitting my own. I also want to try the wool longies, which are diaper cover and warm pants all in one. Wool has to be lanolized every few months, so we'll see if I think they're worth it.

I chopped off my hair today, not that I needed to lose another pound. Ever since I started this dairy-free and egg-free diet, my hair has been horrible and my nails have been splitting. Gross.

Speaking of gross, a couple of 20 yr-old girls and I were talking at work about body shape and body images and such. I mentioned that my tummy skin hangs off my bellybutton like curtains (getting a mental image yet? Disgusting huh?) especially since I've lost a little weight. One of the girls wanted to see, so I showed her. I don't think that she'll be having kids any time soon. Or never.

Can I mention how Riley prefers going potty in public restrooms? How messed up is that? If we stayed out all day, she would never have an accident. Only at home. If I ask her to go potty because were going to Barnes & Noble, for instance, she says, "not thanks, they have a potty there." And sure enough, she'll go to their potty once or twice (she pees and poops separately). I don't know what's wrong with our bathroom. I keep it clean. Maybe I should hang a toilet mint on the rim, install industrial paper towel dispensers, and stock up on butt-scratching toilet paper. Then maybe she'll like going potty at home.

Mom, you may not want to read on...I found a piece of art on the internet that I want to get as a tattoo on my arm to represent my relationship with Riley and Avery. I went to the tattoo parlor yesterday, but they were closed Monday-Wednesday. Slackers. I don't want to go anywhere else, because this place was named the best in the Springs for eleven years running now. I'll have to wait it out. I am eager to see if it'll work as a tattoo, how big it'll have to be, etc. I like it, any one else have thoughts? (except for you, Mom, I know that you read this anyway!) Here's a picture of it...