I could never get a handle on the whole punting thing...

This kid cracks me up. I am right there with him.

BufBloPoFo DAY FOURTEEN

BufBloPoFo Topic for DAYFOURTEEN - So are you sad it’s almost done? Are you going to miss all of your fellow participants? Well, your assignment is to give us a farewell speech. I’m continually amazed that anyone decided to play along with the BufBloPoFo. I say you take it easy tomorrow for your last day and just post a quick “so long” to your fellow participants.

The child is sleeping, amazingly enough. Therefore I have time for a lyric post only. This sleep will not last long. To my fellow participants:

Saying goodbye, going away
Seems like goodbye's such a hard thing to say
Touching a hand, wondering why
It's time for saying goodbye.

Saying goodbye, why is it sad?
Makes us remember the good times we've had
Much more to say, foolish to try
It's time for saying goodbye.

Dont want to leave, but we both know
Sometimes it's better to go.

Somehow I know we'll meet again
Not sure quite where, and I dont know just when
You're in my heart, so until then
Wanna smile, wanna cry
Saying goodbye
It's time for saying goodbye.

BufBloPoFo Day 13

BufBloPoFo Topic for Day 13 - Link to whatever you posted exactly one year ago (or whatever’s closest), and give your readers an update on that topic. If you haven’t been writing for a year, give us a list of three or four things that are going on in your life right now that you’ll want to update one year from now.

I decided to post a video that I put up 2 years ago which was in regard to our future children (I WAS RIGHT!!) as well as a post from last year.

My baby farts like an 80 year old man filled with prune juice and refried beans. I love it. The first day we brought him home I was feeding him and he started farting and Todd and I were laughing hysterically. The laughter stopped rather quickly when I realized he had pooped so much that it came out of his diaper and all over his new pj's and my arm. Ahhh, kids.

As for Bikram Yoga?? That was the first and last time I did Bikram. I can't stand the heat but I love the idea. I am thinking about taking up Yoga since I did it for a few months during pregnancy and really liked it. We shall see. Vincent rules my life right now and as Lisa Vitrano told me on Facebook, "You are merely the milkmaid to the Prince." Ain't that the truth.

BufBloPoFo 09 Day 12

BufBloPoFo 09 Topic for Day 12: For day 12 (three more days!) I want to hear your best advice for those of us raising kids.

I am raising a child therefore I will just post a quote.

"Romance fails us and so do friendships, but the relationship of parent and child, less noisy than all the others, remains indelible and indestructible, the strongest relationship on earth."

Theodore Reik

BufBloPoFo 09 Day 11

BufBloPoFo 09 Topic for Day 11 Holy crap! 1. Take out your cell phone. 2. Turn it around and take a picture of yourself AS YOU ARE RIGHT THIS SECOND NO CHEATING. 3. Post that pic and describe it. Where are you? Why are you wearing that?

I have a 3 week old. There is poop on my shirt, puke in my hair and I am pretty sure I am still wearing my PJ's from last night. There will be no photo tonight. I have my pride.

That is me peeking out from MJ's left shoulder minus the Easter hat. Pretty much.

BufBloPoFoMonique Day (Day 10)

For BufBloPoFoMonique day, tell me who inspires you. Who is your hero?

Tim Ward and Julie Burdick. I lost them both within months of eachother and even though it has been years since they left this earth the wound is still raw.

Tim and I met in 1993 when I went to visit Niagara University and watched Little Shop, the show he directed. I could tell immediately we would be good friends and our relationship blossomed into something better than I ever expected. He became my Father away from home and my mentor during my time at NU. We did many shows together during and after college. I loved him dearly and I still do. He lost his battle with a kidney disease in September, 2006 and I was able to talk to him one last time in June. He was excited to be making it to his 69th birthday, his favorite year he told me. He called me "meechele" and I called him "my old man" and to this day his teachings and unconditional love inspire me to do great work and "make something happen" in life and on stage.

Julie I met around 1998 when she started dating my friend Derek. She was gorgeous and had an amazing stage presence and voice. She was cast in Musicalfare's Edwin Drood as Rosa Bud and even at her young age she was a powerhouse on stage. I was smitten with her immediately. Our friendship grew while she was an NU student and we did Oklahoma together at Artpark, our one and only show that we did together. We kept in touch after she moved to NYC and it wasn't long before she got her first tour and worked consistently after that. The last time I saw her was at Tim Ward's memorial where we sang together for the last time. Tim loved Children of Eden (a show that he directed) and he requested that I sing Children of Eden at his memorial. It was the hardest thing I have ever done emotionally but now looking back it is so bittersweet. That song was Tim's favorite and Julie and I got to sing it together. That is something I will always cherish.

BufBloPoFo 09 Day 9

BufBloPoFo 09 Topic for Day 9: Today’s assignment was to talk about the BufBloPoFo participant below you on the list over there on the sidebar. Today, if the blogger above you on that list was kind enough to ask you a question, answer it! If not, either find a question that was asked of someone else and answer that or, you know, write a post about, um... soup. Look, these topics can’t all be winners, people.

DEAR LORD THE CHILD IS CRYING AND I AM STILL NOT CAUGHT UP!!!

My question was: Now you've been a mom for a whole three weeks now, how are you adjusting to motherhood and is it everything you had expected?

It is everything I expected and more. It is scary, frustrating, wonderful, miraculous, and I am looking forward to so many things I had taken for granted. Halloween, Christmas and Family vacations are things I am really looking forward to more than ever. This year Vincent will be 9 months old for Christmas and he will be picking out a Christmas Tree, hanging Star Wars ornaments with Daddy, Disney ornaments with Mommy and opening gifts. Soon he will be excited about going to bed because Santa will be bringing him toys. It sounds so cheesy but I feel like I am reliving my childhood through him. My bucket list got a lot longer since he arrived and I plan on trying to get through every last one of them. Disney during Star Wars weekends is right up there on top of the list. :)

BufBloPoFo 09 Day 8

BufBloPoFo 09 Topic for Day 8: Take a look to the right over there and you’ll see a list of the “BufBloPoFo 09 Participants”. It’s pretty, isn’t it?!? Look at them all! Okay, now find whichever blog is below yours and talk about that dude. If you know them, tell us how you met. If you don’t know them, talk about something you read on their site. Whichever it is, end your post by asking that person a question. (That last part maaaaaaay be important later on...)

Bryan Mahoney. Unfortunately I do not know him, BUT I can safely say he and Michael Jordan really don't look TOO much alike. I love the beard post and if I may, I enjoy the fireman/cop one (very Reno 911) and you are like my husband in the sense that you are blessed to look great with and without a beard!! He loves Ted's Hot Dogs, Duff's and Anchor Bar and Beef on Weck. Him and I would get along JUST fine. My question for Bryan would be, I am assuming you are from out of town based on your post of foods you miss from Buffalo is that correct? What else do you miss and is there anything that would potentially bring you back into Western New York??

BufBloPoFo Day 7

BufBloPoFo Topic for Day 7: In recognition of that, you get a freebie for Day 7. It’s like the center square of your BufBloPoFo bingo card where you get to use those creative participant brains of yours and come up with your own topic. And hey, if I like it, I’ll use it for everyone in week two...

I am playing catch up!!!

For my free day, please take note of this product.

DONE!

Lame, I know. Forgive me.

BufBloPoFo Day 6

BufBloPoFo Topic for Day 6: Tell me about your first home away from home. Tell me about the first apartment you had that wasn’t under your parents’ roof. A dorm? A loft? A cardboard box? Give us a tour.

My first home away from home was a dorm at Niagara University in O'Shea Hall. The rooms were TEENY (about the size of an average bedroom) but 2 people lived in each room. We (I cannot remember her name only that she lived in Mexico, New York) lived on the 7th floor and each had a desk, bed, and closet and that was pretty much it. Bathrooms were down the hall and used by everyone on the floor. Pretty funky and gross. Knowing that I am still paying for that dorm room in my student loans, it was SO not worth it. I only stayed a year and then commuted for the rest of my time there.

If you will excuse me, I need to sleep. Ha. Sleep? What is this word sleep?? :)

BufBloPoFo Day 5

BufBloPoFo Topic for Day 5: Who would play you in a movie? Who would play me?

ME - Kate Winslet because I love her.
YOU - Seth Rogan because he is adorable and funny.

Man, this is the most boring blog post ever. Forgive a woman with a cluster feeding infant.

BufBloPoFo 09 Day Four

Mike, for tomorrow, I think everyone should use their blogs to brag about something. And it can't be your kids or significant other because Katie said she doesn't want to read about that crap.

The first time I went to Disney World I was 1 year old. When I turned 5 I started going once a year until I turned 15. After that the trips were sporadic but I was going whenever I could afford it which wasn't too often. Since my first trip at the age of 1, I can make a safe estimation that I have been to Disney at least 20 times in my 32 years. That is awesome. Sad to some I am sure but I could go another 20 times and never get bored with it.

Sorry Katie but I have to mention that I really hope Vincent loves it as much as I did and do. If Mickey Mouse reaches out to him and he cries, my heart may break a little. :)

BufBloPoFo Day 3

BufBloPoFo Topic for Day 3: If nothing else, BufBloPoFo is a learning tool. Last year, we learned how to load a dishwasher, how to take a leak, etc. Let’s keep that going this year, but instead of focusing on what people are doing wrong, tell me what you think you do right. Walk me through a process. Give me the step-by-steps. Can you make damn good baba ganoush? Can you tie a bow tie? Can you pour the perfect Guinness??? Teach me how, perfesser.

Michele's sure fire way to get rid of stubborn diaper rash.

First and foremost, when your child is screaming because you are rubbing his tush raw (mainly because that is all he does is poop) your heart breaks. There is nothing worse than hearing that awful howling. Everything I read stated that "the area" needs air. For those of you with boys, you know this is near impossible. Little boys who get "air" also pee all over their Mommy and Daddy's. I came up with a better solution all around.

First, get rid of the wipes completely. Sensitive or not, they are no good for newborn sensitive skin. Although it may seem inconvenient at 2am, a washcloth with warm water will really help in the long run. Gently clean the area and using a hair dryer on low warm, dry his bum bum. Studies show that the hair dryer is also a useful tool to stop babies from crying because of the "white noise" sound. Using premature diapers that no longer fit him, tee pee his pee pee. I am sure there is an easier way, but I have yet to figure it out. Once his bum is dry, apply desired bum cream (A&D for us) and diaper away. Within 3-4 days, the once red and blistered bum bum will be healed and looking like new.

The end.

Did I mention I am exhausted?

BufBloPoFo Day 2

BufBloPoFo Topic for Day 2: If you had the power to put together the most perfect, end-of-the-universe, nothing-better-was-ever-made repast, using whatever ingredients you want, and with whomever you’d like as your co-diners, what would you want? Tell me about one little bit, or all fourteen courses. Tell me about venue, about background music, about which box of wine goes best with which flavor of ramen noodles.


Todd, Vincent and I sitting down to the following meal is making me hungry...

Appetizer - Endless Raw Clams

Salad - Wakame Salad by the gallon

Soup - Italian Wedding

Entree - Alaskan King Crab Legs hold the drawn butter

Dessert - Anything chocolate is fine with me

Venue - The patio outside Cinderella's Castle. Shut up.

Background Music - Do I have to say it? The Cinderella Castle Theme would work just fine.

A hearty Shiraz would pair nicely with Beef Ramen. Hmmmm.

I must admit, this posting everyday crap is harder than I thought it would be with a fresh out of the oven child. Wooo. Trying to keep up... I think I can, I think I can.

BufBloPoFo 2009 Day One

BufBloPoFo Topic for Day 1: For your first day of Blufporbfofoing, tell me the three biggest things going on in your life right now. If you have fewer than three things going on in your life right now, then your assignment is to come over to my house and pack. (Ahem *slacker* cough...)

I. Disability - I am officially considered DISABLED by New York State. That has NEVER happened to me! I have never had any broken bones or accidents that threw me out of work for an extended period of time. I kind of like it. I don't like the pay cut, but you know... take what you can get I suppose.

II. Theatre - This may be the longest I have gone without doing a show. Because we were trying to have a child, I only auditioned for Sunday in the Park with George, which I was cast in as Frieda. VERY exciting. Lou, as usual, was my husband and the cast was amazing. However, I have been without a show since May of last year. I had to drop out of Sunday in the Park with George because...

III. Vincent - Todd and I had a baby!!! A damn cute one too. Vincent Todd Benzin was born on March 1, 2009 at 11:49 am. He weighed 7lbs 5 oz and measured 20 inches long. He is adorable, amazing and we just can't get enough of him. Because of our little miracle, my posts shall be short and sweet but I will attempt to follow the rules.

Oh this is too good.

My heart aches I love him so much...

Todd and I are overwhelmed with love for our son Vincent. God he makes my heart ache. 2 Lennon songs we sing to him that express what we are feeling:

LOVE

Love is real, Real is love, Love is feeling, Feeling love, Love is wanting to be loved

Love is touch, Touch is love, Love is reaching, Reaching love, Love is asking to be loved

Love is you, you and me, Love is knowing, we can be

Love is free, Free is love, Love is living, Living love

Love is needing to be loved.

BEAUTIFUL BOY

Close your eyes, Have no fear
The monsters gone, He's on the run and your daddy's here
Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful Boy
Before you go to sleep, Say a little prayer
Every day in every way, It's getting better and better
Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful Boy
Out on the ocean sailing away, I can hardly wait
To see you to come of age, But I guess we'll both
Just have to be patient, Yes it's a long way to go
But in the meantime..
Before you cross the street, Take my hand
Life is just what happens to you, While your busy making other plans
Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful Boy
Darling, Darling, Darling Boy.

I really hope you've been reading facebook and not waiting for me to update this blog...

better late than never?

ATTENTION PEOPLE OF THE INTERNETS: TODD AND MICHELE HAVE A BABY BOY!!!

Vincent Todd Benzin was born early this afternoon via c-section. Mama, Daddy, and Baby are doing wonderfully, and I can say objectively that he is beyond precious.

baby or bust

hi all! Michele has trusted me (silly girl) with her blogger password so i can update the throngs of people who read this blog. SO!

last night Michele and Todd went to the hospital and Michele got Cervidil - this morning, the pitocin began. so far, that's all i've got.

i will update as soon as i hear!

xoxo,
lisa (the downstairs neighbor)