Bradshaws in the news...again!

Be sure to look for Matt who is "not worried about safety".

6 Commonly Held Beliefs Among People Who Lack Common Sense

I love this article from LewRockwell.com. Here's a sample of my favorite parts:

* The constitution is open to interpretation

I love this one. I’m going to employ the transitive law of logic here: If A then B. If B then C. Hence, If A then C.
Here’s A:
If the constitution is open to interpretation then of course, as we’ve seen, every administration will interpret it to their advantage.
Here’s B:
If every administration interprets the constitution differently then that means that it has many meanings.
Here’s C:
If the constitution has many meanings, then it is by definition, meaningless.
Our founding fathers based our entire government, our economic system, our monetary system, our national defense, our justice system, our civil rights on this document. It’s obvious they did not intend for it to be meaningless hence it is not open to interpretation.
Of course "interpretation" here means soulless, slick government lawyers and justices abusing and manipulating its meaning.

* We live in a free market economy and the lack of regulation by the government has caused the current economic recession

Free market: A free market is a market that is free of government intervention and regulation, besides the minimal function of maintaining the legal system and protecting property rights.
There is not a single market in this country that is not regulated or intervened on behalf of the state in the form of taxes, commissions, bureaus, regulatory committees, offices, departments etc…
Therefore, there is no lack of regulation nor free markets since all markets are regulated and therefore, our free market economy does not exist and so couldn’t possibly be the cause of our current economic recession.
A little research on the Internet will show one that prices in all markets are higher due to government regulation and inefficiency while we still have all the same problems we would have without it:
Even though we have the FDA we still have salmonella in food products.
Even though we have the FAA and the TSA we still have hijacked planes and plane crashes.
Even though we have the Department of Education we still have one of the world’s worst education systems.
And the list goes on. This argument is so tired and worn out it’s a sure way to demonstrate that you are in fact going through life fat, drunk and stupid.

* Time travel is possible

As much respect as I have for Albert Einstein, I have to disagree with him. Time travel is in fact not possible.
3.5 million years ago the entire continent of Africa was covered with tropical rain forests and our earliest ancestors were swinging from the treetops to get from place to place.
Then all of a sudden the craziest thing happened: the earth started to warm and the rain forests started to dry up and die. So our ancestors had to come down out of the tree tops and move along the ground to get from place to place.
In doing so, they realized that standing upright on two legs was faster and more efficient. Ladies and gentlemen I give you the earliest homo-sapiens.
It’s obvious that time travel is not possible because if it were, Al Gore and the other environmental nut-jobs would have gone back in time by now, reversed the global warming and saved the rain forests and we wouldn’t be here today.
Even sadder is that if we’re not here today then Al Gore wouldn’t be here today and there would be no Internet.

April 9, 2009
Don Cooper [send him mail] is a Florida native, Navy veteran and Oxford educated economist living and working in the Midwest.
Copyright © 2009 by LewRockwell.com. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit is given.http://www.lewrockwell.com/cooper/cooper12.html

A crappy story

So this Wednesday I had to do the grossest thing I've yet to do as a mom. Here's what happened. Miles and I get home from a playdate and he's crashed out in the car. I lift him up, tuck him in bed and close the door. While reading in the other room I hear him making noises and moving around so, assuming he's not ready for his nap yet, I go into his room and open the door to see (and smell) what he had been doing over the last few minutes.
Apparently he had removed his diaper, found some dookie and decided to go hog wild playing with it. It was EVERYWHERE! All over his crib, his bumper, his sheets, blankie, his clothes, his FACE!? I sighed, stripped him down and began to run the bath water. Then came the fun task of cleaning it all. I must have used about 3 full-sized towels to make sure even the floor was clean - it was insane. How something that little made such a big mess in such a short time frame is truly innovative.
Oh boy if being one is this much fun I can't wait to see what two brings!

What Phoebe thinks of Miles

In answer to Cat's post with Calla's Icanhas pic.

In other news Miles has made up a new phrase. Yesterday he started saying, "Lodle-ee, lodle-ee, oh!" He's also been singing it this morning as well. I think this might be a new catch phrase waiting to sweep the nation!!

Our Little Pro-Walker

Just try and slow him down.

Lenny's Alfresco

Pic caption: "Everyone on McLean - I command your undivided attention!"
One week ago today Memphis was expecting nearly a foot of snow. Tonight, in stark contrast, the temperature is 75 degrees and a perfect opportunity for Miles to have his supper on the patio. In fact, I fancy that this pic makes it look as if he's yelling at everyone on the street.

Happy Spring, everyone!!!

My Little Comedian

This is footage of Miles watching himself from a video I made about a month ago. He just cracks himself up!!

First Chuck E Cheese Experience

Yesterday morning the Bluff City mom group met at the Chuck E in Cordova. Miles is still a little too small to truly enjoy the rides and games but he walked around nonetheless, hands over his head, checking out all the sights and sounds of the restaurant. It's really weird to set foot in there all these years after Matt worked that location. The songs Chuck E sings are just as annoying but the pizza is still good and the new expansion gives the kids a lot more room to run around.
Miles' favorite past time was begging other people for their lunch instead of playing. Oh well. At least there were no major meltdowns and our short stack got more experience being around other kids.

Snow Day: Take 2

The most snow Memphis has seen since 1984 started coming in late Friday night and continued all through Saturday, giving the city an official "snow day" this past Sunday. Miles was a bit too bundled up in his snow bunny suit to actually stand and look at the snow so we sat him on some cardboard and let him watch the dogs run around instead.
Also, Cousin Brad (who is now a tenant here at the Mayflower) came over Saturday night and hung out with us! He and Matt stayed up into the night, drinking beers, long after Miles and I threw in the towel. He's a really sweet, handsome guy and we love having him around our home. He is welcome anytime!!
Hopefully we'll get snow this good next year when Miles is old enough to actually enjoy it. Still, it's a nice change to see the town all covered in a layer of white every now and then.

Playdate with Calla

Miles and I had a playdate yesterday at Bill & Catherine's house. Baby Calla was an absolute angel, making cute little baby noises at any given moment. It took Miles a good half hour to warm up to his unfamiliar surroundings but after awhile he was walking right up to Bill and Charlie, looking for some dudes to play with. Poor Charlie was a trooper as the conversation descended, as it always does when women with children gather together, into talk of c-sections, nursing techniques and of course our periods. There was also discussion of organized religion and overthrowing the government but we'll address those topics later.

In any case Miles and I had a great time and can't wait to visit with Cat and Aimee again soon. There's even talk of making this a weekly get-together and we would be happy to host the next "Conference of Mommies".

Girls' Night Out

Thanks to Jennifer and Rach for a great night out at Molly's this last Saturday. I can't remember the last time I had a margarita and forgot how tasty they are!

I also made it out to Nocturnal for a bit to watch Graf and Danari spin for the first time in around 10 years. It was totally awesome to hear some classic house music and see some old friends. And to think I was afraid I'd lost my rhythm after not clubbing all these years. Pshaw!

It's Official

Miles has taken a few, shaky steps in the past couple of weeks but last night he REALLY floored us. He walked from the TV all the way across the room to the computer without losing his balance!
We're making it official: February 14, 2009 is the authoritative date our baby boy took his first steps!!! Here is a short sampling of what's to come.

Happy Valentine's Day

To my heart's true, forever Valentine.
Love,
Mama

My child will eat anything!

Aside from the fact that Miles has yet to say no to ANY food we've offered he has reached new heights in culinary distinction. Matt was eating a bag of flaming hot Cheetos the other night when our little man walked right up, chose a small piece and shoved it into his mouth. To our surprise he didn't spit it out! In fact, he reached for another!!
This kid really will eat absolutely anything.

A Joyous Moment of Glory

This morning, at approx. 9:15 Miles is cruising around the coffee table while I watch TV on the couch. He makes his way over to me and leans in for a cuddle, as he often does, when he opens his mouth and clear as day says, "Mama."

It has happened! My baby boy now associates the name Mama with me!! All my many weeks of repeating the word to him over and over have finally paid off. I can truly say that never a more beautiful word has ever been spoken in my presence. :)
Now, to move on with "Dada"...

Super Superbowl Sunday

I'm not a big fan of football but I'm a big supporter of Superbowl parties. They have great food, great commercials and great company so our 2009 Superbowl Sunday was no exception to years past. Miles had a great day playing, eating and learning how to send text messages on the iPhone.
Muchas gracias to our host and good friend Paul Pitts for accommodating us tonight. We had a terrific time and it's blatantly obvious our little man is your newest tiny buddy.
Also, a shout out to our new friend: "other Matt". ;)

No longer my baby

Yesterday we took Short Stack to the doc for his one year appointment. Everything is ship shape and he's right on schedule as far as weight, length, speech and physical developments. He told us it's ok to put Miles on a diet consisting of 100% regular food and change his bottles from formula over to whole milk. So today I used the last bit of the can we had and am now giving him nothing but regular milk in his bottles.

My baby's no longer an infant. He's growing up on me. It's the most bittersweet thing I think a parent ever goes through.

Rod Blagojevich's Theme Song

So everyone now knows this egomaniac is the first governor to be impeached and booted from office in over 20 years. Tonight I send out a suggestion to the former governor: call Bob Seger immediately and license this (most horrible song in history) as your theme song.

This is a town where everyone is reachin' for the top
This is a place where second best will never do
It's ok to want to shine
But once you step across that line
No matter where you hide I'm comin' after you

No matter how the race is run
It always ends the same
Another room without a view waits downtown
You can shake me for a while
Live it up in style
No matter what you do
I'm going to take you down

Shakedown, breakdown, takedown
Everybody wants into the crowded line
Breakdown, takedown, you're busted

Snow Day!!

This is the second snow Miles has witnessed but I'm not sure the first one counts, since he was only a few weeks old and fell asleep on me during the pictures. So, this morning we got him all bundled up, put him on his car and ventured out into the courtyard! The novelty lasted all of about 10 minutes before he started realizing how cold it was and demanded to go back into the toasty warmth of the house. However, we did get some really cute pics of him before the tantrum.

Happy Belated, Short Stack!

Yesterday was Miles' actual birthday but it was pretty uneventful. At exactly 8:10 yesterday morning I lit a candle, Matt and I sang happy birthday and then blew it out for him. He was, of course, unimpressed with our tribute but instead wanted access to the lit candle.
Later we took him to Huey's for lunch where he flirted with all the waitstaff who kept coming by to see the "birthday boy". He had his fill of fries, bread and roast beef from my french dip.

It was last Sunday that made him the star of the show! Earlier in the afternoon I hosted a potluck for my online SAHM group. Miles was intimidated with all these adults and kids invading his home and pretty much had to keep both Matt or myself within view at all times.
However, when they left and the visitors for his party started to show up he switched gears. I put on his "Fun to be 1!" t-shirt and he became the toast of the town. Just like his Mama as long as he's the center of attention he's happy. ;) He loved his first taste of cake and destroyed it as he sat in his vintage high chair. It's second generation, passed down from his Uncle Preston who also ate his very first cake sitting in the same spot. All his friends were very generous, getting him lots of great gifts that he proceeded to play with the whole day following his party.

It's been a long road to get where we are now but we're proud to say we "made it" through the first year. 1 year down, on our way to 2!!