Stretching Out

Welcome Jean Carol McCarley Gale!

She ended up as a July babe, born at 12:03 AM on July 1st. Our little girl, who we have decided to name Jean, came in weighing a jaw dropping 9 lbs and measures a substantial 21" tall. With those figures in mind, it was a long labor for Erin, pretty much two full days, but everyone is now safe and sound and (trying) to get some rest.

Welcome to the family Jean! We're glad you decided to join us!

Thinking About Cholula

I read an article this morning called  "How to Talk to Little Girls"

It is brief but addresses some important things and reminds us to be mindful of how we interact with our kids. It's true I tell Louis that he is adorable all the time. I imagine Andy & I will feel the same about Cholula, but it's much different to say those things to her given the cultural context she will be growing up with. Of course we will be the biggest advocates of how beautiful she is. But she is more than that. If you have a moment please read the article so you'll understand why I want to limit her exposure to the pretty pink princess crap that may try and make it's way through our front door.
The images below are word clouds. They are taken from ad copy used to sell toys to boys and girls. I'm sure you can guess which is which.

I wish I could make these bigger and a bit more legible, but you can see them in their original context here:
how toy ad vocabulary reinforces gender stereotypes.

And to end on a positive note:
Amelia Bloomer Project
Girls, Inc.

Outside

COME ON!!!!

OH MY GOD. ENOUGH. Come on Cholula, you are trying my patience. The longer you stay in, the more likely it is that the name Cholula sticks and you wouldn't want that now, would you? That's right, I've resorted to threats. Even the best of us deteriorate to that strategy when desperate. Get out now, your time is UP. Please. Please. Pleeeeease.  
I am so sick of strangers smiling at me on the street when they see me waddle. I do not want your pity smile! Yes you are walking past me like I'm a car in the slow lane on the freeway going 45 with their hazards on and you are a peppy hybrid sedan that hits 80mph without hesitation. I am slow. 
No I am not a cute/sad/tired pregnant lady, I am pissed and ready to be done and you should fear me and avert your eyes! Do NOT tell me I look like I am going to pop. Do not try and guess the gender of my child because of the shape of my belly. If you want to do something kind tell me where the nearest bathroom is and if you can't do that you should just keep it moving and keep your mouth shut.

Whew, sorry. I had to get that out. See what you are doing to me Cholula? I beg of you....perhaps tonight?