A Crystal Ball for Baby Sizes?

Our average-sized, perfectly perfect baby

When I was pregnant with Mac, I had several doctors guesstimate what his birth weight would be. Most were clear that theirs was just a ballpark figure; none used an ultrasound to back up any claims.

On the day I delivered, though, a doctor literally felt my stomach (not quite like rubbing Buddha's belly, but close) and told me newborn Mac would weigh "between 7 and 8 pounds."

If I had to guess, I'd say three-quarters of babies are born in that general weight range.

Sure enough, our Mac was born 12 days early weighing 7 pounds and 10 ounces, squarely in the range the doctor predicted. He felt so proud to have been correct!

While my course of treatment and delivery were not affected my doctors' guesses as to Mac's size, I have friends with different experiences. One petite coworker was given a c-section after an ultrasound indicated her baby might be over 9 pounds. Hours later, after what she considers an "unnecessary c-section," her daughter was born weighing barely 6 pounds.

On the other hand, a friend was allowed to go a full week past her due date with the idea that her small (read: 6-ish pounds) baby needed more time to fatten up. When he arrived, he was well over the 9 pound mark.

Anecdotal evidence aside, I wasn't surprised when a friend posted the link to an article indicating how rarely ultrasounds accurately predict a baby's size.

I've always known that guessing a baby's weight is an art, not a science. I imagine doctors take into account the birth weight and current size of each parent, plus the size and weight gain of the mother and the growth pattern of the baby so far.

For the record, I was long (21.5") and lean (5 pounds, 4 ounces), born four full weeks early. Bradley was just as long and born full term, right around 9 pounds.

Mac was born on his own schedule, fully cooked - and I'm so thankful for that. I'm also beyond thankful that his delivery day wasn't affected, either through a recommended c-section or in any other way, by an inaccurate weight guess.

This isn't intended to be a preachy post, just a reminder of what we all know: you know your body and your baby best. Ultrasounds can indicate things, but they can't confirm weight down to a tee. Well, not until they invent an itsy-bitsy scale they can plop right under your tummy to determine your bundle's exact weight.

I trust and listen to my doctors, but I also appreciate that they included my and Bradley's thoughts into their determinations. And that most of them didn't treat their pre-delivery guesstimates to be spot-on predictions of what would come to be.

Moms and moms-to-be, have you had any experience with this? Eerily accurate or totally off-base guesses at your little ones' size?

Even Pettier Pet Peeves

It was comforting to find I'm not the only gal in the world who has nitpicky misuses of the English language that drive her batty.

In the days since I've written that post, I have found that my pet peeves are many. A few I missed on the first go round:

1. It's y'all, y'all. The incorrect abbreviations of y'all are everywhere. The apostrophe contracts the word you, so it belongs between the y and the all. Often seen as yall, ya'll (contraction of ya all, I suppose?) and even yal'l. Maybe that one was a typo?

2. Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. (See: The King and I.) The abbreviation etc. stands for et cetera, a Latin phrase meaning "and other things." Sometimes mispronounced ECK cetera or abbreviated ect. I warned you I was that cool kid in Latin class for five years. Hang on; there's more coming.

3. Vice-versa. Not vice-a-versa. This means "conversely" or "the other way around."

4. Just breathe. Breath is a noun; breathe is a verb. Your advice to someone panicking should either be "deep breaths" or "just breathe," not "just breath."

5. One last comma. Perhaps this is just a style preference, but to me it stands out as an error. There is no need for a comma before the "and" when you're listing a series of things. In other words, it's appropriate to ask for "apples, bananas and oranges" rather than plopping another comma down after "bananas." Hey, I said this list was petty. After years of proofing for school and for a living, though, I'm very mindful of it. I may throw unnecessary commas out sometimes, but never before an "and."

6. Which and that. The words "which" and "that" are not always interchangeable. Visually speaking, though, it drives me crazy to see "which" used without a comma. Grammar Girl explains it all beautifully here, but my point boils down to: if you're going to use "which," you need to put a comma before it. Well, not if you're using a preposition beforehand. (Think "in which," etc.) Okay, end rant.

Think I'm totally neurotic yet?

Disclaimer: Plenty of bright people make mistakes. I certainly do. As a matter of fact, I pronounced archetype "arch-a-type" for years. As in the golden arches, not Noah's boat. Eep.

I pronounced breathy "breathe-y" in English class and discotheque (this is really terrible) "disc-oth-kway" in Physics while reading a word problem. (That is what years of Latin pronunciation will do to you, friends. Thankfully, a few years of French straightened me right out - but not in time.) Nothing like a room of laughing peers to correct your pronunciation!

I'm not great with punctuation inside quotation marks. The look of a question mark after a quotation mark rubs me the wrong way, so I often rework sentences to avoid that. See here to learn about what I mean.

A commenter on my previous post pointed out something I do, though she may not have realized it. I use ellipses quite often. (An ellipsis is the fabulous little collection of three dots used when you're trailing off, as I do so often...) Evidently spaces belong between the periods? I'm so set in my ways that the change looks too awkward to me.

For that matter, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to stop typing two spaces after a period. I sure am trying, though. Darn middle school typing class! I am thankful for the ability to type 100+ words a minute, as it makes my type-happy life a lot easier. My fingers work faster than my brain, though, and I may never outgrow the double spacing ingrained in me in keyboarding class... (Oops, there's that ellipsis again!)

Children of the '90s: Urkel's Back!

I knew I knew that face. Starring in a Cee-Lo video is quite a jump from his "Did I do thaaaaaat?" days, don't you think?

If only his love interest were Laura Winslow...

Drugstore Deals

Long ago, I was a single girl on a limited budget that somehow stretched in the most superficial of departments. Before special events, I found wiggle room for a manicure, pedicure and spray tan. My hair was trimmed regularly, whitening strips were in heavy rotation and my makeup, though by no means expertly applied, was from my favorite department store and Sephora brands.

Walking down Walgreens' cosmetics aisle resulted in a basket with a half-dozen lip glosses and a few hair products that were rarely, if ever, used. Mix in the glow of youth and I had a lot of time, energy and money on my side.

These days I have far less time, disposable income and brain cells to devote to the cause. While I hope this doesn't mean I've "let myself go," I find that my focus is on other things more often than not. Do I still want to look cute? Absolutely. Do I have the same resources to do so? Notsomuch.

Sure, I still snag what I need, but my goal is (cringe) value. Sephora sales and free shipping codes, Belk gift cards used for beloved MAC classics and drugstore coupons cashed in to make those brands an even better deal.

Lately I've found a few drugstore items that are even more than I (ha) bargained for - and you know you take a risk when you pick up something new there. Unlike the big box beauty stores, there are no "try before you buy" luxuries, but I've gotten lucky lately and had to share.

Cover Girl NatureLuxe Foundation: I got a free full-sized sample of this through BzzAgent, a program I highly recommend, and I adore it. It's light, with perfect coverage and no heavy feeling. A perfect texture and finish, for just under $10. (I have a few $2 off coupons to share if you're interested - just shout!)

Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara: I have approximately two eyelashes, both thin and short. As dark as my hair is, it seems epically unfair, but that's another story for another day. I got the waterproof formula, which evidently cuts down on its fabulousness, but this mascara promises to help your lashes grow. Jury's still out on that aspect, but I like the lack of clumpiness and overall look. Not nearly as dramatic as...


Maybelline Falsies Flared: Such a transformation. I've tried the much-loved DiorShow mascara and, while I love the rosewater scent, I find this formula to be just as good for a third of the price. And on sale at Target! (Run!) As I said, anything that makes me look like I even have eyelashes is a vast improvement. Revlon Colorburst Lip Gloss: From the "quilted" top to the half-brush, half-tip applicator, this lip gloss feels far more luxurious than something for sale on a drugstore shelf. I loved it so much I went back for another! (Bonus: They put coupons in the Sunday paper. And evidently you can get them for $0.29 at CVS as part of a bigger deal. So worth it.)

elf Bronzer: Oddly enough, I don't use this product as a bronzer too often. The pink makes a fabulous, sheer blush and the other colors are perfect summer eyeshadows. And for $3, you can't beat it! For those of you with a more natural tan hue, using it for its intended purpose would probably be fabulous. This arctic tan speaks for itself, though.

Don't get me wrong, I still find that my Bare Minerals powder and a few annual essentials are worth the trip to and expense of department stores, but drugstore deals are making my summer a lot more fun. Have you found any new products I need to try?

What's Not to Love?

A few things that have just made my week:

1. Duchess Catherine recycling outfits for a royal wedding last weekend. Zara Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne and first cousin of Prince William, was married in the first large gathering of "senior royals" since that other wedding back in April.

Knowing, undoubtedly, how interested the press would be in her outfit, the Duchess deferred to the bride by rewearing a recent LA acquisition the night before the wedding and pulling out an even older ensemble for the nuptials themselves.

If this doesn't completely win over every last member of the House of Windsor, I don't know what will! (Not that she hasn't won their hearts already, but truly... What a thoughtful gesture!)

Kelly Osborne, daughter of Ozzy, has come out saying she would wear a new dress every day if she were a Queen-to-be. Essentially criticizing the Duchess' recessionista strategy. You can't please everyone, I suppose, and Kelly O is likely at the bottom of Catherine's "must win over" list. Just above those of us in America, I'm guessing!

For a great recap of Kate's great recycles, look here.

2. There has been a lot of blogosphere chatter lately about the implied superiority of Southerners, the rigidity of their evidently unspoken "rules" (no jeans before a first birthday, no going out without makeup, among others) and the flippant use of the term "Yankees" for people who aren't from 'round here.

I adore being from the South. I love raising our Mac here. Our deep sense of history, collectively and as indviduals, means the world to me - and I love that anyone can feel a part of it. That said, I think there are some real misunderstandings about what it means to be Southern.

I'm a passionate fan of Garden & Gun, particularly the latest issue with a special section on the fabulousness of Greenville. (Go buy it!) I loved this piece, about redefining what it means to be a Southern belle in modern times. I consider it a must read! It says a great deal about the women who live here and the attributes we aspire to have.

I don't ever want being Southern to be perceived as a liability, which I have found throughout my life to be the case for many - even people living here. I do, however, think everyone has strong traditions and deeply-felt reasons to love where they live, as they should. No implied superiority here, but I will say don't knock it 'til you come to visit. You may be blown away!

Not to say the South or its crazy band of residents are perfect, but no place is. I have a great book called The Seven Signs of Southerness that quotes Southern artists and writers and politicians on the peculiarities of their stomping grounds. The feeling is unanimous: we're weird, we're different and we like it that way. And why shouldn't we? If you don't like who you are and where you live, it's probably time to make some changes.

As far as what you or your children wear when you leave the house, that's entirely up to you. Don't forget, though, that kids have eyes; one day they'll look back at pictures and laugh. This is true whether they're in smocked jon jons or skinny jeans - it's a rite of passage.

I don't consider myself better than people in other parts of the country because I live here, but I do consider myself very, very blessed to have the privilege. I hope others feel the same.

3. What if your "something old" were really, really old? I loved this story about a St. Louis bride who wore an inherited wedding dress (from 1884!!) on her big day. So much history! I've heard of borrowed veils, passed-down sixpence coins and a few heirloom dresses, but nothing with this many generations under its satin belt. So jealous! Who wouldn't love to have a gorgeous piece of their family's history from so long ago?

22 + 2 = 2?!

The handsomest men I know

Mac is 22 months old today. When I'm asked how old he is, I usually respond, "He'll be two in October." For ages, I could barely choke out "one" as an answer to the same question. Now Mac is undeniably not just one.

Pushing TWO. My baby boy is no longer. Tear.

The good news? The toddler who has replaced him is a delight. A busy, loud, challenging delight.

The last month has been a wonderful one. We spent a full week at the beach, visited the Upstate Children's Museum, splashed a-plenty at the pool and watched Mac have his first swim lessons.


Mac has worked on mastering stairs, a thousand new words, the understanding that Big Bird's name isn't "Elmo bird" and an even more impressive ability to mimic everything he hears and narrate everything he does and sees.

I told Mac once earlier this week, as he was crying, no less, that I loved him "to the moon." He stopped crying immediately and said, "Love you moon, Mama." Now he says it almost hourly. Melt me!

Clearly Mac has picked up on my reaction, as he yelled through his closed bedroom door several times after I put him down: "Dud joo moon, Mommy! Dud joo, moon!"

Mac has doubled his number of teeth this month. A slow teether, he had four up top and two on the bottom until just last week. He cut four molars and, even as I type, is busting out two new bottom teeth to balance out the little pearlies up top. Whew, that's some hard work. And it looks like a few more may be in store. He's making up for lost teething time, that's for sure.

I can't wait to see what my twenty-two month-old has in store for us in the coming days. I'm going to hang on to "one" as long as I can, though. (Cue "Jack and Diane" playing in the background.)

Where has this summer gone? October 5 will be here before we know it.

A Walk Down Library Lane

One of the my favorite things, for as long has I can remember, has been reading. Getting so sucked into a book that I'm sad to see it end and spending hours thinking about the characters, rewriting their endings and pondering sequels.

I hope Mac grows up with the same ability to lose himself in a story; I plan to instill in him the same excitement about going to the library that my mom gave me. Sure, there are other ways to read books nowadays, but the wonder of turning a page and seeing an illustration in living color can't be overstated. And my little bookworm seems to be on the right track so far.

Yes, it's true that right now all he does is shout out every miniscule detail he sees on the page ("sunshine! clock! hat! flower! mouse - squeak squeak! monkey! juice! car - vroom vroom!") but surely that will translate itself into reading voraciously one day, right?

I came across a list of "must read" children's authors and it got me reminiscing about my favorite storytellers from a few decades back.

Here were the author's suggestions for top ten authors and their most prized works, in descending order:

10. Ludwig Bemelman: Madeline
9. Roald Dahl: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
8. J.K. Rowling: Harry Potter
7. Margery Williams: Velveteen Rabit
6. Katherine Paterson: Bridge to Terabithia
5. Janell Cannon: Stellaluna
4. Judy Blume: Fudge
3. Dr. Seuss: Green Eggs and Ham
2. Maurice Sendak: Where the Wild Things Are
1. Shel Silverstein: Where the Sidewalk Ends

Would you add any to this list? I'm not familiar with Janell Cannon and I (eep) haven't read any of the Harry Potter books, so my top ten would also include:

Eric Carle: Anything! For the tiniest of readers, his colorful, timeless stories about hungry caterpillars and sharp-eyed bears are classics.

Chris Van Allsburg: The Polar Express (Runner up: Jumanji)

Beverly Cleary: Anything, but particularly the Ramona books.

Arnold Lobel: Frog and Toad

Peggy Parish: Amelia Bedelia

Harry Allard: Miss Nelson Is Missing!

Don Freeman: Corduroy

Marc Brown: The Arthur series

My favorite baby gift books are Goodnight Moon, Runaway Bunny, Pat the Bunny and (new addition!) the Stinkyface series.

What am I missing? Any favorites from your childhood libraries or must-give gifts for parents-to-be?

Side note: Library Lane is the name of my china pattern. See how I substituted Library for Memory? I amuse myself sometimes...