Oh, the Places My Pump Will Go!

...I take it to the office, I take it to a show. I have been blessed with the ability to nurse my daughter since she was born. At about 3 months old she decided she wanted the milk from a bottle and I've been pumping every three hours ever since. My ugly Medela Pump In Style goes with me every where! It's exhausting at times but I feel good about providing my daughter breast milk during these early months of her life. Now that I'm back at work, it allows me to feel close to Addie when we are apart. At times pumping is challenging; finding an electrical outlet, storing the milk at the right temperature, cleaning the bottles, and setting aside the time to sit down and actually pump. I've run into some interesting situation looking for a spot to pump. The most interesting place my pump has gone is Capitol Hill.

A few weeks ago the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing titled: "Radiological Response: Assessing Laboratory Infrastructure". I work closely with national laboratory response infrastructure issues and my client testified for the record, therefore I attended the hearing. I ended up in the picture of the witness panel, my head is tiny but it's there. Anyway, the hearing took place during one of my lovely scheduled pumping sessions so I packed my pump along. Security gave me a funny look when they X-rayed my disguised pump as we entered the Rayburn House Office Building, but I just slung it over my shoulder and ignored them. The hearing plugged along with a few unscheduled breaks for the committee members to go vote. I uncomfortably watched the clock as it approached and then eventually passed the hour for me to pump. Finally, I snuck out to the women's restroom which had a seating area but no outlet!!! I stopped a female staffer in the hall and asked if there was a public space with an outlet I could use. She explained that there are plans to create nursing stations on the Hill but I was out of luck today. So I just waited until I got back to the office where I have a designated office for pumping. By far, this was my strangest pumping experience but I'm sure it won't be the oddest place my pump will go!

Happy Engagement

Congratulations to Talina and Pete on their engagement! Pete popped the question on Saturday in Seattle at the top of the Space Needle. What a romantic spot. I am so happy for the two of you. The pure joy you have for one another is overwhelming. You make such a beautiful couple! It was just meant to be!

I like to call Talina my third sister, and in all the years I have known her I have never witnessed her as happy as she is with Pete. I am beyond excited for you and can't wait to be the Matron of Honor when you tie the knot. We'll get Addie started on her walking lessons so she can toddle down the aisle as the flower girl, even if she has to hold my hand! We love you both, Congrats.

Sunday in Maryland

Today was a perfect family day, jam packed with friends and family. Our friend Heather dropped in to say hi and share a pumpkin chocolate chip muffin and a cup a coffee (that's the way every morning should start). Then we were off to Maryland to meet Baby Eli! Wow, what a beautiful little boy. He is melt your heart adorable, and a good baby. These kids can't get any cuter. We told Ben to hold on tight to Addie! We couldn't be happier for our friends Joe and Elyse! They have such a beautiful family.

Next stop was Grandpa, Kathy, and Uncle Tyler's house. Addie was so adorable rolling around on the floor playing with her feet (her new favorite toys). For such a busy day she was super happy! She's such a good girl.

It's back to work/day care on Monday. Why can't the weekends be longer? It's a good thing we made the most of this one.

Girls Day

Today Justin had the day with the guys so Addie and I had the whole day to hang out, go to the mall, and cook. It was a perfect fall day; sunny and cool.

We picked up a gift for Baby Eli, who we get to meet tomorrow. While at Gymboree, I couldn't help but pick up two adorable shirts for Addie. We know what Daddy will say. "She doesn't need anymore clothes!" But Daddy, they were on sale!!! I love Gymboree, and I love having a girl.

My Mom's 5 hour stew recipe is bubbling away in the oven right now. Addie hung out in her ExerSaucer and played while I chopped away. Take a look at those beautiful fall colors. It's going to taste delicious with a big warm loaf of french bread with butter.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Happy Birthday Grandma,

We hope your day is full of love and relaxation. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful Grandma. You are so special to us. We miss you terribly!

Love and smooches, Addie

Kavanagh's

It was the second night in a row that my little Addie Boo wasn't in bed until 9 PM. Last night we had a weeknight out thanks to my friend Andrea who was in DC for a quick trip. Her visit forced the Arlingtonians out of Virginia and into DC for dinner which turned out just fabulous.

We happened upon Kavanagh's Pizza Pub (2400 Wisconsin Ave. NW, DC 20007). This cozy casual pizza joint hit the spot. Walking inside I got a sense of deja vu; it reminded me of one of my favorite little Italian places Faccia Luna in Clarendon. Sure enough Kavanagh's Pizza Pub is a spin off from Faccia Luna opened by a couple who's collective employment at Faccia Luna exceeded two decades! Kavanagh's boasts a long list of yummy pizzas. By the time we sat down, occupied Addie with her toys, and looked at the menu we were starving and quickly decided that the Aloha pizza (essentially Hawaiian) would do the trick. And it did. The pizza crust was perfect with little air pockets and all. Skip the fresh mozzarella and tomato appetizer, the portion was too small and the pizza arrived so quickly we didn't really need it.

Kavanagh's is totally kid friendly. The booths are spacious and the dividers in between them are thick and tall so we felt almost alone in the pizza pub. Addie was giddy for most of the meal until a few outbursts signaled that she was ready to go home and go to bed! ("Mom, how could you let this happen two nights in a row?"). All in all it was a great meal with great company. Reconnecting with Andrea was easy since she's like family I haven't seen in awhile. We wish her all the luck with her upcoming endeavor.

Her First Halloween

I think we pushed it a tad with Halloween for Addie this year! Poor girl was not too happy in her costume. We went trick-or-treating with some friends. Addie made it to two homes before she demanded out of her adorable caterpillar costume that Kiki bought for her. Maybe next year she'll be ready for all the excitement.