tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41690401463242621182012-01-25T15:22:32.585-05:00Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.comBlogger7361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-48867560752569640382012-01-21T22:28:00.004-05:002012-01-21T22:36:02.120-05:00

I absolutely love the way our new house is coming together -- it has as much character as you can possibly hope for in brand-new construction -- and it just feels wrong to fill it with mirrors from Kirkland's and light fixtures from Lowe's. Therefore, I have spent an unhealthy amount of time the past couple of weeks searching for thrifty, awesome alternatives. I've squeezed in a five- or 10-

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-49313396244586808532012-01-11T15:49:00.006-05:002012-01-14T08:26:22.890-05:00

About a year ago, Claire figured out she could instantly draw uproarious laughter by displaying this fake-intense look that she started doing out of the blue. In other families, it might have become known as "the Mike Shanahan face." In ours, it was destined to be dubbed "the Ron Kirby face." No matter what you call it, it was hilarious, and I'm sad to say she hasn't performed it on demand for

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-36072465479430234402012-01-09T21:33:00.000-05:002012-01-09T21:33:00.561-05:00

Periodically the gym sends out health- and fitness-related emails, which I usually just delete. For someone who really likes to exercise, I really dislike reading about it. But I happened to open one of them the other day and in it I was informed that people average 60,000 thoughts a day. The gist of the email was that most of those thoughts (80 percent, supposedly) are negative. It suggested

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-18595011628445745122012-01-05T14:55:00.004-05:002012-01-06T09:39:02.088-05:00

(The questions are from All & Sundry.) 1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? Visited Vermont (Kate!). 2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I haven't made New Year's resolutions for a few years now. A clean calendar isn't enough motivation for me to keep them. 3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes! Most notably Carrie, to

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-34570321077467718772012-01-04T21:22:00.006-05:002012-01-04T21:29:11.353-05:00

A couple of days ago I ran across an ad seeking writers to come up with slogans and ideas for Christian T-shirts. You know: "Prayer -- the world's greatest wireless connection" (that's actually the example they provided). I am not a wearer of Christian apparel but I couldn't resist responding to the ad. I always wonder "Who in the world comes up with this stuff?" and what if I were that person?

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-15614480712549451572011-12-27T13:57:00.000-05:002011-12-27T13:57:21.703-05:00

I love the week between Christmas and New Year's. All my life it has been an extension of Christmas because it's when we go to Atlanta to celebrate with Dad's side of the family. It's also where Amanda has celebrated every one of her birthdays, which has always worked out well for her -- double gifts! I'd be lying if I said I'm not a little apprehensive about the drive tomorrow, but the kids

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-43006171861482791472011-12-22T15:34:00.000-05:002011-12-22T15:34:59.031-05:00

I keep not blogging because it doesn't seem worth doing when I only have five free minutes at a time. But if I stick to that strategy I won't blog again until January. It has been a crazy couple of weeks! No matter how much we try to simplify Christmas every year, there is always so much to get done. Last week was the kids' last week in preschool before the holiday break so I scheduled like a

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-81752620225151108032011-12-10T22:33:00.001-05:002011-12-10T22:38:21.801-05:00

Hoods are hard. Almost! But no.  Oh, well. The bread was supposed to be for the ducks. However ... In case you don't speak Evan, this face means "I want to eat what you're eating." Out of sight, out of mind? No good usually follows when Claire's mouth is set like this. He got a reprieve this time. But do not ask for the last piece of bread.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-59410225677616064852011-12-07T22:58:00.008-05:002011-12-07T23:04:54.923-05:00

The great thing about being married to the birthday boy is that you get to enjoy all of the day's perks without being a year older. In our household, Matt's birthday celebration kicked off just minutes after I blogged Monday night, when we prematurely treated ourselves to a generous slice of cake. It's so much better when it's warm that it would have been a shame to save ALL of it for breakfast

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-42211006406101596282011-12-07T22:12:00.002-05:002011-12-07T22:13:40.601-05:00

Mod Merry Ornaments ChristmasFind unique and Personalized Christmas cards at Shutterfly.com.View the entire collection of cards.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-71129403478384332792011-12-06T10:41:00.001-05:002011-12-06T10:46:10.547-05:00

I've decided to be more diligent about saving my phone pictures to my computer. It's an oldish phone, and it gets dropped at least once most days, so at any point its life could come to an abrupt end. I'd hate to have a year's worth of pictures lost in that event. The first time Claire saw this cactus in our neighbor's yard she dubbed it "the Mickey Mouse cactus." Now it's tied with the airplane

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-80895262386553631712011-12-05T21:07:00.001-05:002011-12-05T21:07:56.576-05:00

Correction: It turns out I had, after all, already started this blog when the first Reindeer Fun Run was held. I even wrote about it. I always think I've been blogging for "a few" years, but I guess it's more like half a decade. Crazy. I have been meaning to post Claire and Evan's school pictures forever. I didn't buy them, but we were allowed to keep the proofs. They're quite accurate

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-83997594169615748812011-12-04T22:21:00.004-05:002011-12-06T09:33:56.304-05:00

These are the books I submitted for consideration for our book club to read next year: "Breathing Lessons," by Anne Tyler; "Fair and Tender Ladies," by Lee Smith; "The Stone Diaries," by Carol Shields; "Ellen Foster," by Kaye Gibbons; "Olive Kitteridge," by Elizabeth Strout; "Gilead," by Marilynne Robinson; and "Angela's Ashes," by Frank McCourt. "Angela's Ashes" is a great book and one I think

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-9227351325985912912011-11-30T14:57:00.003-05:002011-12-11T20:40:03.726-05:00

I'm working on an article previewing the 2012 NCAA men's basketball tournament. Do you know how hard that is to do in November? I'm going to see what I can do about sharing the byline with Matt because he has been awesomely helpful. He made an outline for me, listed teams and players to highlight, brought me up to speed on recruiting classes and even gave me a great quote defending his opinion 

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-64930996882776271332011-11-29T11:29:00.002-05:002011-11-29T20:14:11.859-05:00

If you missed the previous post, click here to read it. Here's another way to help with the Angel Tree Amanda's coordinating. This is from an email she sent out this morning: "There are some tags left on the tree that had some items that I was hoping if we all pull together we can create a gift for these people. So I am asking for these items - gently used, if toys; new if hygiene items. Thank

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-12769310742806074812011-11-29T11:21:00.007-05:002011-12-04T11:07:23.170-05:00

My sister, Amanda, whom some of you know, is coordinating an Angel Tree composed of children affiliated with the Candor Head Start, as well as some of the staff members. Many of the children have been "claimed" by members of Amanda's church, but as of yesterday there are still about 60 that have not. I'm trying to help her spread the word to anyone who might be interested in buying gifts for a

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-32423655346556766932011-11-26T22:40:00.003-05:002011-11-27T07:26:02.938-05:00

It's been a lovely week. Thanksgiving got spread out for us this year, with three separate events with different segments of our families -- Sunday, Wednesday and then Thursday. I am all in favor of extending celebrations. We got to really enjoy being at each place, rather than watching the clock and rushing to the next stop. Plus, stuffing your face once a day for three days is much more

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-91668155386590141582011-11-22T10:38:00.001-05:002011-11-22T10:40:35.213-05:00

I have made a most wonderful discovery. Yesterday I was signing in the kids at the gym nursery when I noticed the parent just before me had listed her location as "greenway." The nursery policy states that parents must remain at the facility while kids are in the nursery. I always assumed that meant we had to be in the facility. But when I asked yesterday, the workers told me we are allowed to 

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-67909096092797601222011-11-21T21:08:00.004-05:002011-11-21T21:10:59.504-05:00

Dear Evan, I can hardly believe you've already been part of our life for (more than) a year. It was not the easiest of years, especially those first couple of months -- through no fault of your own; 16 months, I now know, is just a very narrow window between kids. But it was no time before you had stolen our hearts with your bright-eyed smiles and propensity to snuggle and contagious laughter.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-20055391615257317352011-11-15T11:15:00.003-05:002011-11-15T20:06:32.801-05:00

I tend to walk past people I know without acknowledging them. Constantly, from what I'm told. It has taken Matt years to realize I'm honestly not ignoring or avoiding these people, I just don't notice them. Making eye contact is something I need to work on. One infamous incident happened a few years ago. I was supposed to meet Matt and Stephen at Chick-fil-A for lunch. I got there, got a table

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-5762827937311991722011-11-13T21:50:00.003-05:002011-11-13T21:52:52.748-05:00

The stack of unread magazines on our end table finally reached a tipping point and I have devoted several consecutive naptimes to dutifully reading them so I can get rid of them. Most of these are Times and Newsweeks that go back as far as August -- yes -- so most of the info was dated. It was somewhat jarring, for example, to read commentary on Andy Rooney's retirement (which I did know about)

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-5747692383506620752011-11-09T22:54:00.000-05:002011-11-09T22:54:32.943-05:00

I made this dip for Evan's party Saturday and a couple of people asked for the recipe. You'll love it or hate it. I love it. Libba introduced us to it last year when she brought it as an appetizer to a spur-of-the-moment "dinner party" at our house. I remember the night well because it's the night Meg removed a Swaddle Me blanket from her child so I could wrap it around my own flailing,

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-57425586733491206732011-11-08T21:22:00.000-05:002011-11-08T21:22:19.686-05:00

I intended to blog last night but didn't have time due to the fact that at 9 p.m. Matt suggested that we go to sleep and I agreed. Apparently it was a tiring (but good) day. Happy birthday yesterday to Riley -- No. 3 -- can you believe it? I am thankful to have been busy with an interesting variety of work lately, but I'm also thankful this week is less hectic. It means I get to focus on some

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-11617244405867000092011-11-06T21:56:00.000-05:002011-11-06T21:56:24.344-05:00

Orphan Sunday 2011, an initiative of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, is today. I hope you'll take 5 minutes to watch this video. True Religion from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-63613388923981792222011-11-05T23:04:00.000-04:002011-11-05T23:04:05.002-04:00

It's known by now that I never get "official" birthday letters written on time but I can't let today pass without giving our Ev-man a quick shout-out. We are so very thankful for you, sweetest boy, and for the love and laughter you add with such exuberance to our days. Happy, happy birthday. We love you so much. (I'll add party pictures here in a day or two.)

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-8085082383296310882011-11-04T22:00:00.002-04:002011-11-05T23:05:18.074-04:00

So much for November NaBloPoMo. Blogging didn't even cross my mind yesterday -- pretty surprising after 33 straight days of it. So much for "21 days to make a habit," etc. I never win participation prizes anyway, so no big deal. We finally officially celebrated Caleb's birth with a small get-together last night. Evan and even Brooke and Johnathan's Anna Rae, 4 months, hardly looked like babies

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-61263993956091565032011-11-02T21:08:00.002-04:002011-11-03T10:30:03.579-04:00

Sorry for the grumpy tone in yesterday's post. I was tired. Picture day went pretty predictably. We all overslept, and Claire went to school with dried lollipop drool in her hair. When the time came to pose, she refused. Being asked to perform for a stranger while lots of people look on is a perfect storm of things Claire doesn't like and it's a guaranteed formula for disappointment. Her teachers

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-46054203195546564952011-11-01T21:48:00.002-04:002011-11-04T22:36:04.219-04:00

Tomorrow's picture day at preschool. This is just one more opportunity for me to be the bad mom who refuses to shell out, but I don't care. I am constantly amazed how many hidden expenses come with kids in school. Not that they're all bad, not at all -- but they could add up if you let them. Birthday gifts, classroom parties, book fairs, gifts for the teachers, fingerpaintings that you can pay to

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-64275921817984762532011-10-31T21:30:00.000-04:002011-10-31T21:30:32.947-04:00

October 2011 NaBloPoMo is officially over! Jury's still out whether I'll do November. I did sign up for it even though I'm feeling a little burned out. I do like being back in the blogging groove. I wish you could get a free pass every week or two and still be eligible for prizes, but I don't make the rules. I suppose I'll decide tomorrow. I'm playing fantasy football this year with the worst

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-48179364383974639402011-10-30T21:23:00.005-04:002011-10-31T14:52:10.593-04:00

Another night, another batch of homemade potato chips. They are just fantastic. The simple recipe: Ingredients Russet potatoes (3 large ones yield more than enough for Matt and me) Cooking oil (we used vegetable oil last night, canola oil tonight; prefer canola) Salt and pepper DirectionsHeat canola oil to 350 degrees in electric skillet. Wash and scrub potatoes. Do not peel. Slice (we like a

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-20241844867561629262011-10-29T23:56:00.002-04:002011-10-29T23:58:36.784-04:00

I'll be darned if I'm going to ruin NaBloPoMo now. I have to type fast to beat midnight. Today I called Poison Control for the first time. After my shower, I walked into our bedroom to find Claire sitting in the desk chair holding an empty tube of toothpaste and looking guilty. Yes, she ate it, and you should have smelled her breath -- breathtakingly minty. Thankfully, it was just a sample

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-29768000521834966562011-10-28T14:51:00.001-04:002011-10-28T14:51:39.315-04:00

It came down to the wire but I just finished "Jane Eyre." It finally got interesting on page 346 (my version has 407). I would NEVER have read the whole thing except for book club (tonight). And I'll never read it again. Still, it's a good one to have under my belt. I am not ready for this cold weather. Mainly because of the shoes. I hate having to give up flip flops. Last winter I finally 

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-79975349417982057372011-10-27T23:06:00.004-04:002011-10-28T14:37:27.241-04:00

Ever since Matt's mom showed me how easy, inexpensive and fun it is to transform furniture with paint, I've been constantly on the lookout for future projects. I don't think there's a room in our house that doesn't feature some piece I found at a yard sale, thrift store, Freecycle, the dump, or that was handed down from family. And you should see our garage -- it's full of discarded furniture

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-69617964921427556082011-10-26T19:40:00.002-04:002011-10-29T23:41:08.024-04:00

Working out while watching bad 4 o'clock TV is not the only reason I love my gym membership. Once a week I use it for a "swim date" with Claire -- Evan stays in the nursery while we play in the indoor pool. It's really fun one-on-one time and we both look forward to it every week. Several months ago when I had a sinus infection that knocked me flat, I dropped the kids off in the gym nursery

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-22119644645399275102011-10-25T20:16:00.008-04:002011-10-26T08:48:40.323-04:00

Next up, from Ally: "I'd enjoy reading advice you have re: how to prepare for your first newborn, e.g. what you should really buy (and shouldn't), etc." What you should and shouldn't buy for a newborn is an interesting topic because it differs so much from person to person. I did so much product research before Claire was born -- studied "Consumer Reports' Best Baby Products," analyzed friends'

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-88095685164894585832011-10-24T15:23:00.002-04:002011-10-24T15:24:55.581-04:00

Thanks for the post prompts. Keep them coming! Who knows -- maybe I'll be so inspired that I'll sign on for November's NaBloPoMo. Although this daily blogging deal definitely is a contributor to my overtired state. OK, here we go. From Kate: "You've never told us why you named your blog 'Green Grass.'" On one level it's pretty superficial. I like green grass and the things I associate with it:

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-68064784752076232082011-10-23T22:54:00.001-04:002011-10-24T07:32:33.529-04:00

I don't know why Matt and I are so hardheaded about staying up late night after night when we know the consequence at 7 a.m. is going to be eyeballs that feel like they're on fire. Somehow, by the time a responsible bedtime rolls around, we always seem to be immersed in something more interesting than sleep. Tonight it's football, "Jane Eyre" and, apparently, obligatory blogging. A few 9 p.m.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-30227894110905870672011-10-22T22:38:00.001-04:002011-11-13T21:06:54.057-05:00

I am really good at guessing what time it is. Even if it's been hours since I looked at a clock, I can usually guess the time within just a couple of minutes. Even Matt thinks it's impressive. I must have a good internal clock. Unfortunately, I'm bad at estimating how quickly I can load two kids plus myself and all of our accoutrement into the car, so this skill does not help me be punctual.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-7190084554529508902011-10-21T23:49:00.002-04:002011-10-22T10:31:00.361-04:00

Thanks to the spontaneous generosity of Mom and Dad, who kept Claire and Evan last night and today, and Kara, who let us stay in her awesome apartment last night, Matt and I enjoyed something of an overnight excursion in lieu of what would have been just a long day of driving and meetings. Highlights: - The free dresser, vanity and matching stool we claimed from a front yard somewhere close to

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-55745540745808634792011-10-20T14:31:00.002-04:002011-10-21T23:19:13.606-04:00

Caleb Reece Kirby was born last night at 11:01. He was a super-healthy 6 pounds 15 ounces and 20 inches long, even at four weeks before his official due date. We're planning to meet him in just an hour or so! Congratulations, Kirbys!

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-35084443981809455672011-10-19T22:31:00.000-04:002011-10-19T22:31:42.897-04:00

I was right to do all that editing last night! Our newest nephew should be born by the time most of you read this! When you read this please say a prayer for Carrie and Jacob and the new baby (and Riley, while you're at it). Little guy, we can't wait to meet you! That's all for tonight. I am ready for some sleep. However! Jacob and Carrie, if you happen to be reading this in between

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-69460028394857917162011-10-18T23:45:00.002-04:002011-10-19T10:06:05.742-04:00

Matt and I had just finished dinner tonight when a big batch of editing came in. Individual articles trickle in all month long, but twice a month -- once for each magazine I edit -- I do a final proofing of the whole issue before it goes to press. I usually know when to expect them, but often they're a day or two or three late, which can be a little tricky to plan around, but no big deal.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-22603099470949811442011-10-17T21:46:00.001-04:002011-10-17T21:48:55.539-04:00

I'm not feeling very bloggishly inspired tonight. I've had a sore throat for a couple of days and didn't get good sleep last night and I'm ready for bed except that Matt's about to make us milkshakes. Worth staying up for, trust me. I finally made some progress on "Jane Eyre" (for book club) during naptime today and so far I'm not overly impressed. I will finish it, and I'm hopeful it will

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-63174013727983932052011-10-16T20:11:00.001-04:002011-10-16T20:12:12.981-04:00

We had a fantastic time with our college friends last night. I have got to figure out a way to refer to this group. Years ago they were simply "Matt's guys," but now all of those guys have wives who have become dear friends as well, not to mention 13 kids (and counting) among the bunch of us. "Matt's guys" doesn't cover it anymore. We started off outside in the afternoon and the weather was so

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-89078181077390789462011-10-15T14:31:00.000-04:002011-10-15T14:31:23.221-04:00

One week, three unpleasant surprises: 1. A $150 water bill. That's about four times our average monthly water bill, so clearly something's wrong. Two of our toilets have a tendency to run, but we're aware of that and try to stay on top of them, although I'm sure there are times we miss. Could that possibly explain a $150 water bill? Matt and the water company have checked the meter and there

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-71063816110245130472011-10-14T22:14:00.001-04:002011-10-14T22:27:20.663-04:00

The college crew is coming to town tomorrow! Can't wait. A nice bonus: a clean house. I feel like I'm cleaning all the time but it's rare that everything is clean at once. Right now, it is. Half the people who are coming tomorrow will read this in two or three days and think, "Clean?" Because it won't be by the time they get here. Fortunately, they're all in the same boat (with young kids), so

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-55959006182422221582011-10-13T21:23:00.000-04:002011-10-13T21:23:07.289-04:00

Today's definitely a day that would be blogless except for NaBloPoMo. I am choosing homemade pizza and calzones with Matt and Rex Goliath over more computer time. The good news is, this should be October's most pitiful blog offering. It's all uphill from here! (Or is it downhill? That phrase has always confused me. I could make an argument for either.) In any case -- I'll try harder tomorrow.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-5074115838521328222011-10-12T15:20:00.001-04:002011-10-12T15:23:11.711-04:00

This is about the fifth time I've started a sentence on this stupid blank screen. I can think of lots of topics for a post, but they're either good for about one sentence ("Claire's decided to be a butterfly for Halloween." "What's up with the Fort Bragg bombing this week?") or half-baked. And I'm all out of pictures so I can't cop out with a photo blog. This morning I finished the article I

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-59454252088455128762011-10-11T22:12:00.000-04:002011-10-11T22:12:17.955-04:00

I think enough time has passed that I can safely announce I've given up soft drinks. Probably not forever, because I'm not always great with commitments unless I believe they really matter, but I have not had a soft drink in about a month and so far I'm feeling good about it. I'm kind of in crisis about the way I eat and feed my family in general, actually, thanks to watching too many

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-28863782316201257222011-10-10T20:02:00.001-04:002011-10-10T20:02:39.102-04:00

I am in major procrastination mode. I have an article due at the end of this week. Once I get started it will be fine, but I have a hard time starting. I planned to sit down and knock out a chunk of it this afternoon while Mom and Dad had the kids, but instead Matt and I went to Aberdeen and spent two hours overanalyzing and second-guessing the layout of our new house. We pored over those plans

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-47426611828451473782011-10-09T22:37:00.002-04:002011-10-09T22:43:37.302-04:00

Our day at the zoo was awesome. The weather was perfect, Claire's excitement was contagious and Evan was all giddy too even though he didn't know what was going on. We're so lucky to have the North Carolina Zoo less than an hour away, in Asheboro. The pictures are less than awesome, because I took our el crappo camera instead of the office's nicer, bulkier one, but no big deal. Enjoy! Note

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-55656886660776915102011-10-08T16:24:00.000-04:002011-10-08T16:24:33.217-04:00

We took the kids to the zoo today -- had a great time, even though according to Claire her favorite animal was the rhino, which we didn't get to see -- and Matt and I are leaving in a couple of hours for a little dinner par-tay. Have I mentioned we've decided to bite the bullet and start hiring babysitters? It's the only way Bible study is really feasible for us this year, and the babysitters

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-56552901307559987652011-10-07T14:54:00.004-04:002011-10-07T19:10:17.602-04:00

Claire loves headbands, but she won't wear them the usual way. Boooring! I decided to document the look before she deems it passe.  Robot dance, anyone? Demonstrating her headband technique. This picture wasn't in the original version of this post, but Claire requested that I add it. She's showing her "silly smile." The wink is a work in progress. Headbands are just the tip of

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-84402922029703587142011-10-06T00:01:00.020-04:002011-10-06T09:11:11.450-04:00

If you know me well, and especially if you've ever lived with me, you know that I DESPISE COCKROACHES. I think they are absolutely vile. No one likes roaches, but I didn't hate them with such passion until the summer I lived in Kentucky and my apartment was crawling with them. Click here if you want to read more details about my life as the roaches' roomie (and why wouldn't you?). Good times. I

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-29341652862104531042011-10-05T00:01:00.019-04:002011-10-05T00:01:01.033-04:00

Several people have told me they've had trouble leaving comments here. Sorry about that. I don't know what the problem is, but if anyone has suggestions, I'll try to fix it. I've had the same problem trying to comment on some friends' blogs too. Could it be because I'm using an old version of Explorer? I know nothing about such things. Special thanks to those of you who have gone out of your way

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-45792811357921739452011-10-04T00:01:00.006-04:002011-10-04T00:01:01.862-04:00

"Why Mom Liked You Best" was the cover story in last week's Time Magazine. I thought the article wasn't as good as it could have been, but the topic was fascinating. Acknowledging favoritism is not something most parents do -- not most good parents, anyway. But I think most kids have their suspicions. There were times I thought I was the favorite and other times I thought Amanda was. Accusing

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-62335404094850271782011-10-03T00:01:00.018-04:002011-10-07T19:14:52.233-04:00

No dead chickens, no Santa blasphemy, just a dose of adorableness. Relax, the toilet had nothing to do with her blue mouth (Laffy Taffy did). Cleaning. How long will she think this is fun? She got into my blush ... ... and, another day, my mascara.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-59223363663528376052011-10-02T00:01:00.013-04:002011-10-02T09:05:32.895-04:00

Here's something I didn't see coming: I think I'm going to have a hard time doing the Santa Claus thing with our kids. Last Christmas Claire was 18 months old and it was a non-issue. This year she's going to be much more aware. It started yesterday. We were reading a Clifford book and when we finished we flipped to the back cover, which pictured a bunch of other Clifford titles, one of which

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-61251288143263911872011-10-01T00:01:00.003-04:002011-10-01T00:42:36.552-04:00

Don't get excited, not that kind of announcement. I have signed on for October's NaBloPoMo, meaning I will hope to blog every day for the month of October. I'm not promising a month of meaningful posts. It might be a month of blah blah blog. But I miss ye olde Green Grass and I want to get back in the groove. Since I have the floor, I'd like to point out something that I think is really twisted

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-87802773117756162282011-09-28T11:23:00.001-04:002011-09-28T11:24:29.033-04:00

Everyone agrees Claire and Evan don't look alike. Or do they? Evan, 8 months (July 2011) Claire, 6 months (December 2009) Goofballs.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-33982773757690844792011-09-27T14:03:00.006-04:002011-09-27T15:01:22.287-04:00

The weeks continue to fly by without new blog posts here. Back when I had so much free time that I read not only friends' blogs but random strangers' blogs, I used to hate seeing the same old post at the top of those blogs day after day. (Google Reader solved that first-world frustration for me several years ago.) Once again, I'm sorry for being THAT blogger. While I was gone: Granny had a knee

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-34205416402635474202011-09-08T14:19:00.005-04:002011-09-08T23:39:22.794-04:00

Preschool started this week, for both kids. Three hours, three mornings a week, during which I can edit a few stories, schedule a couple of showings, get an oil change, find out I'm overdue for an inspection, get an inspection, go to the DMV for a new license plate sticker, update my fantasy football roster, catch up on email, clean my car, and have coffee and free Chick-fil-A with Matt. At least

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-28803014930287830772011-09-01T15:24:00.004-04:002011-09-01T19:26:45.590-04:00

1. Craigslist. Until a couple of weeks ago, when what free time I had went up in smoke (see No. 4), I spent some fun hours rediscovering Craigslist. We bought only one thing (this rug, at a fraction of what it would have cost new), but it's definitely going to be the first place I look next time I want something that I can't justify paying full price for. 2. Netflix streaming. Since we don't

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-63869507279532365262011-08-20T13:57:00.005-04:002011-08-20T14:04:49.904-04:00

I just went through about 200 pictures, going back to about when Evan was born, from my phone's camera. They are not high-quality, because my phone and its camera are cheap, but that didn't make them any less fun to discover. Remember having forgotten rolls of film developed? I used to love that -- the anticipation and the surprise. Here's a sampling of what was on my phone. Breastfeeding a

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-3509524951026432862011-08-10T21:36:00.002-04:002011-08-10T21:41:05.380-04:00

1. The heat. OK, double digits would be better than triple digits, but I'll take summer temps over winter ones any day. I do not like being cold. Plus, summer clothes are so cute, comfortable and easy to throw together: Pick a sundress, add flipflops and you're dressed. There's no cold-weather equivalent. 2. Running. My SI joint issue flared up again in late June and I wasn't able to run for

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-39951656802593082452011-08-07T21:18:00.006-04:002011-11-04T22:28:01.716-04:00

Dear Claire, It's August. I'm more than a month late with your second birthday letter. I've been busy but also procrastinating. Where in the world do I begin? You are one incredible little girl. You're spunky and independent, with opinions about everything; I didn't expect to have to choose my battles quite so soon. I know this strong will of yours is a good thing. I also know it makes your

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-34535717748306179282011-08-06T13:34:00.000-04:002011-08-06T13:34:01.519-04:00

The office's camera is about 100 times better than mine. I borrowed it for a few days.    

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-55232500650776064512011-07-28T15:48:00.007-04:002011-11-04T22:31:57.874-04:00

Enough people have asked me lately if I've given up blogging that I figured I'd make a quick appearance. I miss blogging but it's such an all-or-nothing thing for me. This summer I've had less free time than, I guess, at any other time in my life. Every day there are things that get left undone, but the good news is, most of them weren't that important after all. The days are never easy but 

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-69865568910642116462011-07-10T14:21:00.004-04:002011-07-10T14:28:20.589-04:00

(Watch this short video -- click here -- before reading my own true, equally ridiculous version.) My First-World Problems I haven't hit the gym in more than a week I'm drowning in laundry from our trip to the beach We got home to find my car battery was dead For a day I had to drive Matt's Lexus instead My engagement ring has a crooked prong My mind can't turn off a certain Queen song Our

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-23347678564887702382011-06-26T16:57:00.003-04:002011-08-13T22:53:14.976-04:00

1. Our house is officially sold and after a whirlwind week we're in our new (temporary) house! Not all unpacked, not nearly organized, but moved in. 2. Kate and Vinny are married! Matt and I have been in lovely Brattleboro, Vt., since Friday and the restful weekend could not have come at a better time. Random New England towns never seem to disappoint us. Congratulations to the Healys! 3.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-73686438680684024782011-06-08T21:39:00.007-04:002011-06-09T07:31:24.128-04:00

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." - C.S. Lewis "I would be the most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves." - Anna Quindlen Last time I went Dumpster-diving for coupons I came home with a bunch of magazines and I'm slowly working my way through them. Last night I

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-48280502535806899962011-05-31T22:37:00.003-04:002011-05-31T22:44:38.797-04:00

After languishing unwanted on the market for more than a year, our house is suddenly a hot commodity. Over the weekend another family made a very good offer, so after another round of Saturday-night negotiations, we have a backup contract in place. Then, yesterday, yet another agent called saying her buyers wanted to make an offer. Rather than being third in line for our house, they decided to

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-1470864779261859952011-05-23T15:18:00.001-04:002011-05-23T15:20:03.408-04:00

Around here it is HARD to find a reasonably priced rental house in good condition and in a good neighborhood. It's even harder to find a landlord who will accept less than a 1-year lease. We have to be out of our house in three weeks, so I knew our options were going to be limited for renting while we build in Aberdeen. I checked the MLS, the newspaper and a few other sites for rental listings

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-55488847262049375352011-05-19T15:07:00.000-04:002011-05-19T15:07:37.624-04:00

On Saturday the four of us plus Amanda, Bri and Hunter took a day trip to Charlotte to visit the wonderful Armenta family. It was so much fun to all get together! Ruthie, Bri and Claire are all within about six months of each other, and Wright, Hunter and Evan are within about four months. The boys are too young to play together but the girls had a blast. Claire's only issue was figuring out

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-86355092859439628182011-05-10T16:02:00.000-04:002011-05-19T16:03:04.129-04:00

Great news! I've goaded (her term) another friend, Sonya, into starting a blog. Fun fact: Sonya is the only person I know who loves "Fair and Tender Ladies" by Lee Smith as much as I do. She's only a few posts into her blog but you should definitely check it out -- and leave a comment. It is so much fun to get blog comments. On an unrelated note, day No. 1 of the great gym experiment went

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-85270606321620415412011-05-09T22:17:00.000-04:002011-05-09T22:17:37.245-04:00

Bathing suit season is upon us and I think I have talked myself into rejoining the gym. Running with the double stroller has its advantages, for sure. The kids love it, it's a hard workout, it's convenient and it's free. However. It's not a good option when it's too hot, too cold or too pollen-y. And the constant chatter from Claire ... don't get me wrong, I love having the inside scoop on her

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-66956482897261782382011-05-03T22:36:00.002-04:002011-05-03T22:38:31.592-04:00

Sunday night I went to bed at 7:15 (before Claire) and that uninterrupted stretch of, I guess, almost 11 hours of sleep worked wonders. When I woke up yesterday morning I was still tired, but like a normal person is tired, not like a zombie who might actually fall asleep standing up. Being somewhat rested felt so good that last night we were in bed before 10, but if I had to guess, in another

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-9094972212542654742011-04-28T21:35:00.007-04:002011-04-28T21:52:17.258-04:00

Last night was the first meeting of our much-anticipated book club. I have wanted to be in a book club pretty much my whole life and while I've attended a meeting or two here and there they've never lived up to the hype. This one did! A nicely balanced group of good friends and friends of friends, a steady flow of wine, all kids at home with our husbands, and a full evening of lively

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-54511740314365446842011-04-25T11:38:00.003-04:002011-04-25T13:32:14.271-04:00

Evan was not the happiest baby on the block at Bri's birthday party the other week. That day he already had endured a chilly Stoneybrook and missed both of his normal naps. He's too young to be distracted by the party's adjoining playground, and he was running on fumes. But when he landed on Granny's lap, he forgot all that. "You can only perceive real beauty in a person as she gets older." -

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-45410494267189649382011-04-18T21:47:00.000-04:002011-04-18T21:47:47.158-04:00

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-21913816039573590002011-04-18T14:06:00.001-04:002011-04-18T14:08:05.272-04:00

First of all, happy birthday to sweet Bri! She turns 2 today but the big celebration was a couple of weeks ago so Stephen's family from Georgia could be here for it. I actually took pictures but Matt has the camera so I won't upload them right now. (I also have a video of Claire singing "Happy Birthday" to Bri, but it's on the same camera.) Other fun and not-as-fun happenings of late: - We got

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-49285434340754927082011-04-17T19:44:00.000-04:002011-04-17T19:44:58.975-04:00

I think you know approximately how much we all love you!

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-12404193522711954292011-04-08T21:30:00.003-04:002011-04-08T21:33:12.136-04:00

I am notoriously bad about taking pictures, never mind videos, but Matt got Evan belly-laughing today and I couldn't not record it. Evan has the sweetest, happiest disposition, and at any given moment he's usually smiling, but this laughter went on for a good 10 minutes. Matt and I were cracking up too. Claire slept through the whole thing. The video is only 43 seconds long and it will definitely

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-19683744373137922432011-03-28T22:10:00.006-04:002011-04-11T14:12:04.539-04:00

We got home from our whirlwind weekend in New York at 1 this morning. I still can hardly believe we got to go. We had the BEST time! It was the least touristy trip I've taken to NYC -- no sightseeing at all, unless you count when Matt and I popped into the New York Public Library as we were walking past. Our flight got in around 3 on Friday afternoon but we got caught in some insane rush-hour

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-28463055817324459212011-03-21T21:56:00.003-04:002011-04-11T14:10:07.002-04:00

Almost every morning one of the first things Matt and I do is promise to go to bed earlier that night. And every night things come up and we fail. I don't know why we aren't in bed right now, but since we aren't, here I am. Life lately has been busy but good. The Friday before last I got to hang out with Kate, who was in town for a wedding. It was awesome to see her! She moved to Vermont the

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-70546357381856560092011-03-05T21:09:00.010-05:002011-04-19T13:51:44.142-04:00

Carolina-Duke game night! These are always fun times in the Kirby household. Luckily for Matt, I'm a lazy fan. I always make sure Claire wears her "Beat Duke" pin on game days, but that's mostly to get under Matt's skin. I do love to beat the pretty boys, even though it puts Matt in a funk. He'll be over it by tomorrow. Go Heels! Our house looks like a war zone right now. It's been getting

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-56196610056642852842011-03-03T13:34:00.000-05:002011-03-03T13:34:39.349-05:00

Today is the four-year anniversary of Mom's new liver. I can hardly believe it's already been that long! And, as I note every year on this day, it's also Carrie and Jacob's wedding anniversary, Amanda and Stephen's wedding half-anniversary, my and Matt's dating anniversary (the 15th one! -- I think) and my half-birthday. Life is drastically different for all of us than it was four years ago.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-17339153976128737542011-02-26T23:27:00.001-05:002011-02-28T21:02:57.794-05:00

It's been a week or so since we started letting Evan cry it out at night and it has been great. I'm willing to feed him up to every three hours, but I'm done replacing his pacifier or nursing him back to sleep if a sound startles him or whatever. I was prepared for some long evenings at first -- I remember Matt and me sitting on the deck with wine and a stopwatch when we started letting Claire

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-30034127638858612892011-02-16T14:09:00.000-05:002011-02-16T14:09:06.929-05:00

Typing as fast as I can in this tiny window when both kids are napping. Matt and I spent Valentine's Day evening putting Evan's crib together in the bonus room so he can start sleeping in there (rather than in the little sitting room/closet off our bedroom). If you don't think that's an appropriate way to celebrate Valentine's, think again. We have yet to move up his dresser or anything else, but

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-28397385886008344892011-02-02T23:21:00.000-05:002011-02-02T23:21:08.197-05:00

Here's one thing to like about Duke basketball: A late game makes Matt stay up late, which means I stay up late and get to blog. The house could stand some straightening up and wiping down, but I already did that once today and don't really feel like repeating it right now. These real estate agents really keep you on your toes, cleaning-wise -- I've been surprised how many calls I've gotten

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-36248132180610904082011-01-19T20:28:00.010-05:002011-01-20T11:41:27.082-05:00

Well, this is a rarity: a night to myself. Claire and even Evan are asleep (thanks to the SwaddleMe blanket -- more on that in a minute), and Matt's watching the Duke game with the guys. I'm eating excellent soup that's been stewing since early afternoon -- Libba's recipe -- and actually blogging and, after a shower (in the bonus room, so Evan stays asleep), I'm going to dive into the book Matt

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-24022814734954390242011-01-11T22:12:00.004-05:002011-01-12T08:58:41.031-05:00

Our first round of snow in recent weeks came the day after Christmas. It was beautiful, but Claire wasn't sure what to make of it.  Matt persuaded her to venture out.  After a few minutes, she started to warm up to it. But there's no doubt who had more fun that day.  The powdery snow was perfect for snow cream. In the spirit of snow days, I tried to give Claire hot (lukewarm) chocolate in

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-5824327837831736632011-01-11T19:36:00.001-05:002011-01-11T22:20:03.220-05:00

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-21372339709847565302011-01-08T13:36:00.001-05:002011-01-08T21:05:03.496-05:00

Evan celebrated turning nine weeks old by sleeping six straight hours last night, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. (Then he was up at 4:30 and 5:30 and 7, but it's progress nonetheless.) His previous record was about four hours, with one or two or occasionally three at a time being much more typical, so to say Matt and I welcomed this extra sleep would be a vast understatement. I won't say I feel like a new

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-30090564405707777542011-01-03T21:02:00.005-05:002011-01-04T16:18:47.887-05:00

I don't consider myself a snob about customer service but I do hate when it's bad (click here and here) and love when it's good (click here and here). Last week, the Nordstrom at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta raised the bar.First, to review, I am a little bit in love with 7 for All Mankind jeans. Most of my clothes come from thrift stores, outlet stores and TJ Maxx, but all my life I have had trouble

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-91105600464915504062011-01-03T14:15:00.006-05:002011-01-03T15:32:24.609-05:00

It's been a few years since I made New Year's resolutions. I love the idea of them, but statistically speaking, pretty much none of them stick, which is discouraging. So this year I didn't make any formal ones, but I am going to try to get back in the groove of blogging. Even if I never write anything of substance, even if everyone gives up and quits reading, I want to blog with some degree of

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-44959637007844538562010-12-23T20:24:00.005-05:002010-12-23T23:07:57.558-05:00

Even with the addition of Evan, this Christmas season has been uncharacteristically stress-free for me. I have no deadlines and no time-sucking clients. We've attended almost no Christmas parties. My side of the family doesn't exchange gifts, Carrie the Great has pulled WAY WAY more than her weight selecting and wrapping Matt's side's gifts, and Matt and I set a $20 gift limit for each other.I

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-86698734703168270652010-12-09T06:05:00.006-05:002010-12-09T06:59:41.982-05:00

Everyone else is asleep, but if I go to sleep Evan will wake up (I've spent the last hour and a half trying to disprove this), so here I am at my blog. Which would more accurately be named something like "Withering Grass."Ninety-five percent of my energy and activities the past five weeks have involved Evan, Claire or both, but I do not want this blog to become a "mommy blog." Boooring. So here's

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-11250391252015736772010-11-27T13:24:00.010-05:002010-11-28T15:55:07.526-05:00

Just a few ... there are more pictures, and better ones, on Dad's blog, but here's some of what I finally got off my camera this morning. And not only that, but I blogged about Evan's birth, only three weeks after the fact. This feels like a monumental achievement.

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169040146324262118.post-83517499789270059412010-11-13T13:16:00.006-05:002010-11-13T13:42:02.572-05:00

Sorry to leave you hanging. Evan was born just a few hours after that last post (Nov. 5, 5:41 p.m., 7 pounds 9 ounces, 20.5 inches). Labor got off to a sort of slow start but once things started rolling it all happened very fast and I am so incredibly thankful for an easy, uncomplicated, practically pain-free delivery! From start to finish, it could not have been more different from Claire's

Jennifer Kirbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13304620400847299453noreply@blogger.com2