March 26, 2010

Let There Be Light: Sylvania Halogen Light Bulb Review

When Mom Central asked me to test Sylvania halogen light bulbs, the first thing that came to mind was an episode of The Golden Girls I had watched several years ago. Rose was testing two light bulb brands to see which one lasted longer. She set up the bulbs on a test socket board and literally watched them for hours while they were lit, only to be distracted by Blanche from noticing which bulb went out first.

Thankfully, this review is nothing at all like that episode. When it comes to light bulbs, I’m no expert. I usually buy the generic 60 watt type. In effort to go green my husband and I have used other energy-saving bulbs only to discover a few annoyances.

The last brand we tried took a while to “warm-up”. After flipping the switch the bulb was dim for several minutes before lighting up to it’s full strength.  It didn’t seem to last as long as I had expected either.  I had to replace that bulb less than a month later.

The Sylvania halogen bulbs are so much better.  The light is bright from moment I hit the switch.  These bulbs look like a regular incandescent bulb but this product is made by I name that I trust.  Sylvania is committed to bringing lighting solutions to consumers, in addition to producing light bulbs that will have less of a negative impact on our environment.  Kudos, Sylvania!

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“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of SYLVANIA and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

March 25, 2010

Reflections On Motherhood

The thing about second-time motherhood that most amazes me is how much calmer I seem to be when it comes to performing my motherly duties. When Dawson was born I felt as though I were in a constant state of panic.

Is he eating enough? Should I let him cry for more than a minute? Is his umbilical cord stump healing okay? Why is breastfeeding so damn difficult?

With Owen I feel more like an expert, save for those first eight weeks of breastfeeding when nothing seemed to be going right, but I stuck with it (and prayed and cursed and cried a lot) and now I feel like a pro at nursing my sweet baby.  In fact, I look forward to nursing Owen because he is so cuddly and he loves to grab my nose or my cheek while he eats, and he smiles with his eyes when I gaze at him.  It’s these special quiet moments that I want to burn into my mind so that I can remember them for the rest of my life.

Owen is five months old now and he has suddenly become very attached to me.  He used to have no trouble being held by others but suddenly he began crying when I left the room and has learned to reach for me if I’m standing next to him while Doug or Grandma is holding him.  It’s sweet yet annoying because I have no time to get things done around here.  On occasion I employ Dawson to play with Owen and the “baby toys” for five minutes so I can fold laundry or vacuum the floors.

Speaking of vacuums, Owen loves it.  He is fascinated by the noise and he follows me with his eyes as I move about the room.  The minute I turn off the machine he fusses.  Just like his big brother.  Dawson loved the vacuum when he was an infant, too.  Now he just likes to do the actual vacuuming.  I let him help a few days ago and he accidently (or so he says) sucked up a Lego or two.  Thanfully we have a bagless vac which makes it easy to retrieve the tiny toys.

I’m really enjoying my boys.  They are learning and growing and becoming wonderful little people.  Owen’s personality is showing.  Dawson is evolving from preschooler to kindergärtner.  Each day is a new adventure.  I’m a very lucky woman.

March 24, 2010

Sunshine Days

I spent three days cleaning my house. It’s so great to have things in order. It only took five months. I’ve been attached to Owen (or he’s been attached to me) since he was born and some of my other responsibilities have been ignored. I think Spring fever has hit us hard. Even Dawson cleaned his room without being asked. That just made my day.

Speaking of Spring, temperatures a slowly creeping into the 60s and by next Wednesday we should have a beautiful 65 degree day. The best part is that Spring break starts Monday and I’m eager to get the kids outside to enjoy some sunshine.

While the weather was somewhat warm these last few days, I took the kids and Murphy on some walks to the park. Murphy was so happy to be on his leash and investigating the smells along the bike path behind our house. He must have peed on every tree from our back yard to the playground at Little Plover River Park.

While I was getting over a cold, Doug took Owen outside and they sat on the deck and watched Murphy chase squirrels and birds. Owen loves the sun. I noticed he was less fussy and went to bed half and hour earlier than usual. More sleep for Owen means more sleep for me. It’s a win-win.

I’ve also made an effort to spend more time with Dawson. Since Owen depends on me for everything, I’ve had to sacrifice my time with D. He’s been acting up to get my attention by running around the house and teasing the dog. I try to read more books to him at bedtime and to take him on “special errands” (to the post office or grocery store) with me. He likes the time, too, because he can talk to me about school and other things and I have a better time paying attention when Owen isn’t fussing or demanding my time.

We are so ready for school to be over so that we can spend our mornings at the park and hae picnics in the back yard. And of course, I’m looking forward to grilling season. I’m eager to have a grilled steak. It’s been a long winter.

What are you looking forward to these days?

March 17, 2010

What I Got For My Birthday

Today is my 31st birthday and I woke up with a sore throat. I started feeling the scratchiness last night before I went to bed so I downed a packet of Emergen-C, ate an orange and promptly fell asleep. This morning it was worse and as the day progressed I started feeling the symptoms of a cold. I am miserable. Happy Birthday to me!

I’m pretty sure Owen is the culprit. He’s had a runny nose for a few days, and I diligently washed my hands many, many times before and after touching or holding or nursing him. I’m sure I absentmindedly kissed him a few times and have now caught this miserable virus. I am praying it goes away quickly. I don’t handle being sick very well. In fact, I’m a very cranky person when I have the sniffles. Just ask my husband about the time I threw my shoes at him because he wouldn’t bring me the heating pad the last time I had a cold.

Speaking of the man I married, the lucky dog is out for dart night; it’s his weekly Wednesday thing. Meanwhile I’m home ON MY BIRTHDAY with a cold. I’m frowning as I type.

I’m just amazed at how quickly this thing came on. I thought maybe it was allergies, because I’ve been outside every day this week. Okay, I’m done complaining.

Owen is a little fussy tonight. He feels as good as I do. Dawson has been trying to entertain him while I get things done. I’m afraid my symptoms will worsen and the house will be a mess because I’ll be too miserable to do anything.

So, there you have it. My life is crazy.

How is your St. Patrick’s Day?