Does a Kangaroo have a mother, too?

Update #1: Quick note - a reminder that the Book club is open to EVERYONE. You don't even need to be a regular reader, just drop by for the book. I don't mind - this is a club, NOT clique. The purpose of the book club is to provide an easy and convenient reading outlet for busy, smart, literate (and Hottie Hot Hot) gals like us.

Update #2: Also - awhile back, someone asked that I email them because they wanted advice on baby products - I canNOT find your email address. I swear I was not dissing you and I apologize. Please email me at cagey333(at)gmail(dot)com for questions.

There's a sweet theme going around where mothers are supposed to unabashedly proclaim they are good mothers. Bravo! We need to see more of that around here because this whole "I'm such a bad mother, laugh at my mistakes!" blogging scam is getting a little old. I am not shy to admit that I think I am a good mother. Because I AM. My kid is healthy, happy, learning new things everyday and generally, is very excited about exploring his world. What more could a mother want? So yeah, I'm pretty confident in my sMothering Skillz. Furthermore......Honestly? All the gals in my Blog Life and Real Life are good mothers, too! I don't know a truly bad mother - Not A One. Sure, I don't necessarily agree with everyone's parenting decisions (as they probably don't agree with mine), but in the end, everyone I know wholeheartedly loves their kid(s) and are just trying to do right by them. In my book, that's what makes a GOOD mother.

Adventures in Babysitting
We did test run the New Babysitter last week. Um, judging from the way that Arun followed her to the door as she left, then proceeded to BANG ON THE DOOR and CRY as she walked away to get (er, escape) in her car, I would declare her to be a resounding success. This week, when I came home ALL of the toys were picked up. I wonder if she would be creeped out if I just asked her to move in? The only downside is that like all teenagers, she doesn't want to babysit too much and is only available for 2 hours a week. However, my little eyes spy the Neighbor Girl across the street who is turning 13 next month. The same girl whose mother is going to have her take a babysitting course offered at our hospital. The same enterprising, responsible girl who has begged me two winters in a row to shovel my driveway for cash.

Dear General Public,
If you notice a very pregnant woman furiously waddling after a Runaway 18 Month Old, I kindly ask you look away as you laugh hysterically. While you're at it, avoid eye contact with the food stains on the BACK of my shirt. The aforementioned toddler likes to give me hugs from behind while I am sitting on the floor and he likes to rub his face on my back as we both giggle. And seriously, who the hell would discourage THAT?

The Name Game
Someone asked in the comments how to pronounce the name "Anjali". I've been meaning to post an entire post about my kidz' uneek naymes, but will answer the question quickly here. Anjali is pronounced "ahn-ja-lee". The "j" is a J sound just like in English (like the name James or Jill). It's not a "zh" sound like in French or whatever that is when White People try to make a J fancy-sounding. To my knowledge there is no "zh" sound in Hindi. The name Anjali means "offering with both hands" and has been one of my very favorite girl's names since long before I met a guy named X. It was mere convenience on my part to marry an Indian so I could give my baby girl that name, eh?

Won't Power
Wow - I was very humbled by some of the comments in that last post. I am so NOT a bastion of will power here. My weight gain is a combination of luck and semi-responsible eating. It is fairly easy for me to resist a Krispy Kreme because I don't have a strong sweet tooth. Furthermore, I HAVE to keep my weight gain down to 25 or less because I was ALREADY overweight when I got pregnant. That's nothing to be proud of, quite frankly.

Cerebral Venus Book Club
Here are the selections, vote in the comments! Voting ends Sunday, May 13 at Midnight. Assuming I am not giving birth, we will discuss on June 18th - yes, that is 5 weeks out, but I hate to push it too close to NewKid's due date.

1. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
2. Portrait in Sepia by Isabel Allende
3. Waiting by Ha Jin
   

Oh, Snap.
It makes me chuckle when folks are apologetic about posting pics of their kids. I figure, I'm doing my friends a FAVOR. I have emailed very little Kiddie Spam to my friends - maybe a few in the beginning, but overall, I just save it for the blog. If folks don't like seeing snaps of my kid, then look away.....look away. I post snaps at the end of the blog for a reason. Furthermore, If I am taking the time to read your blog, then yes, I would LOVE to see snaps of your kids and pets, too. Don't apologize! I sure the hell am not.

Puddle Jumper

Help me GOD. Puddles are like a tractor beam these days. And there is a world of difference between a mud puddle and a water puddle. WORLD of difference.

Introspective

Probably trying to plan his next attempt at avoiding a diaper change.

Bye, Bye.

Waving "bye, bye" to all the passing "ghaaars".

Sitting Still, For Now.

Gone in 60 Seconds, for sure.