We're in need of a (diaper) change

Lipstick & Pearls

Tuesday, 14 October 2008 14:17

Change: to make the form, nature or content of something different.

Reform: to change to a better state or form; to improve by alteration.

Do these words sound familiar? If not, you’ve been successful at ignoring the slew of presidential advertisements flooding the airwaves. To catch you up, “change” is to Barack Obama’s campaign as “reform” is to John McCain’s.

* * *

I guess I will have to vote in line with the change campaign, as I change at least 10 per day... diapers that is.

On the other hand, maybe McCain’s plan of reformation is a better choice, as my husband and I just “reformed” our kitchen floor. And it’s definitely in a better state.

* * *

After the election, it will be easy for either candidate...

Read more: We're in need of a (diaper) change

Beyond the block: ideas in sight

Lipstick & Pearls

Tuesday, 16 September 2008 14:42

I have writer’s block. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, disaster obviously ensues. For the past two weeks, this column has been at the back of my mind. I’ve been observant, trying to find the perfect topic to write about, but to no avail.

At first I tried writing about sleep deprivation. For nearly two months, my daughter went from sleeping six- or seven-hour stretches to getting up every one to three hours. And she wanted to eat every time.

After doing some online research, I discovered a book called “The Wonder Weeks: How to Turn Your Baby’s 8 Great Fussy Phases into Magical Leaps Forward.” The book says that every baby (EVERY BABY) experiences fussy periods when big developmental changes occur.

The older...

Read more: Beyond the block: ideas in sight

Olympic dreams change with age

Lipstick & Pearls

Tuesday, 19 August 2008 13:50

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” I remember my junior high physical education teacher asking that token question.

Before reaching that point, my answer had varied—ballerina, optometrist, lawyer—the options were endless. But in that moment, my answer was an Olympian. It was my young dream to play volleyball or compete in track and field for the USA.

But the closest I came to my Olympic moment was a two-time stint competing at the state track and field meet at Cessna Stadium in Wichita—in two events as a sophomore and four events as a junior. Even now, I clearly remember the butterflies in my stomach as my coach drove our team into the stadium parking lot and I caught a glimpse of the large arena filled with people...

Read more: Olympic dreams change with age

Caring for a baby has its adventures

Lipstick & Pearls

Tuesday, 15 July 2008 14:41

My younger sister seems to have a life full of adventure. She’s lived in Nashville, New York City and currently is a flight attendant based out of Chicago. As for me, Hillsboro—on Arts and Crafts Fair day—is the closest I’ve come to big city life.

There have been moments when my (nearly nonexistent) adventurous streak longed for a bolder lifestyle, but my sensible side soon kicks me back to reality. Besides, with a new baby in tow, I have lots of adventures of my own….

For instance, pushing a stroller down the crevice-ridden Hillsboro sidewalks. When registering for baby items, my husband carefully selected the stroller and carseat. He “test drove” several options before narrowing it down to one. He liked the strong...

Read more: Caring for a baby has its adventures