Erin Jockovich

Is that a horribly cheesy play-on-words title, alluding to the Julia Robert’s flick Erin Brockovich?

Yeah, I thought so, too, but I couldn’t resist.  I mean, c’mon.  It does sort of work with the picture.

Jim’s parents’ neighbor was intending to throw away this rocking horse – and it’s still in fabulous shape! – so my father-in-law rescued dear “Honey” from her demise and brought her to live in their front room, where Erin became right at home on her back (for the two seconds she could stay astride).

Something tells me when the time comes, and Erin can actually stay on the horse, these two will be the best of friends.

Hiatus, too

This trip to Ohio has been full of unexpected interruptions, and I’m having a hard time keeping my attitude in check about having things not go my way.

Sigh.

Good thing I have this sweetness to look forward to every day.

I promise, August will bring more posts – about flat tires, funerals, and my mother-in-law’s scale from hell that says I’ve gained 8 lbs in 48 hours.  Riveting material, I know. ;)

30 x 30: Week Three

Hey, y’all!

This might be the last 30 x 30 post for July.  I’m not sure how much Internet access I’ll have this and next week.  But rest assured, I’m still plugging along on my weight loss and fitness journey.  Here’s this week’s report!

Random Tips that seem to help me:

• Look for the grill marks.  When I’m forced to eat out (for example, when traveling 500+ miles, and the cooler is at max capacity with breast milk and cheese sticks), simply order grilled instead of fried.  Simple, I know, but I’ll admit, not a move I’ve chosen to practice in the past.
• Be accountable to my doctor.  Since I’ve been released from the care of my obstetrician, it was time to find a new primary care physician.  Normally, I’d stall until I “needed” one (ie – get sick first), but since I’m still on three medications (that I really want to get off of), I opted to find one now.  I found a local solo practitioner that I really, really like (at the recommendation of our favorite bank teller – gotta love living in a small town!), and he was SO encouraging when I told him what I’m doing – what my goals are, and how I want to go about achieving them.  It’s one thing to have a friend say “good job;” it feels even better to hear it from a health care provider.

Things I discovered:

• Flexibility really does complete the triangle of good physical fitness (along with cardiovascular and strength training).   Jillian’s 30 Day Shred has done a number on my knees.

Favorite foods of the week:

• “Naked” Steak Fajita Burrito with cheese, pico de gallo, and salsa verde (“naked” meaning no tortilla, just served on cilantro lime rice)
• Dr. Pepper.  No amazing revelation about how it’s not 200 calories a serving (it still is); but I splurged one day last week while at a McDonald’s playdate, and it was yummy.
• Puppy chow.  Again, a splurge, but worth it.

Ways I know this is worth it, and working!:

• Having a pair of pants (three pair, actually) that are thisclose to being “I can’t wear these anymore; they are falling off me” pants, not just, “wow, these are getting loose” pants.  (And these are “real” pants I’m already outgrowing – not maternity.  Those are long gone!
• I’m starting to see hints of transformation where it matters most to me – my face/neck area.  I mean let’s face it – my tummy may never again be what it once was – but I can ward off a double chin, and that’s just what I’m doing.   I’m ready to start regularly seeing the “before” Monica-profile in the mirror.

Weight loss:

• Another 5 lbs!!!  Yes, there are three exclamation points.  I’m really, really proud of myself.  (as of Thursday morning…)
• Total  since July 6th: 10 lbs. 
• Pounds to go in Phase Two:  6 lbs.  I’m two-thirds of the way there, people.  Mini-goal is to be done with Phase Two by August 12.

To those of you who are utilizing My Fitness Pal along with me, or Weight Watchers, or just plain ol’ determination and self-control, I’m cheering you on!

Regression

Why, yes, we are having some issue due to the arrival of a new sibling.

Thanks for asking.

;)

After hours candids

Just a couple quick pics of the kiddos in the midst of their typical evening routines:

Lil Miss, SwaddleMe’d and ready for bed, watching who-knows-what with Daddy

And Lil’ Mister, taking the more educational route =)

Wordless Wednesday – 7.21.10

Love me some blue-eyed girls!  So happy Erin already has such great girlfriends.

30 X 30: Week Two

Did y’all have a good week?  It’s been super hot here, so we’ve been indoors a lot, which has meant a lot of just sitting around, playing trains and discovering our toes.  Overall, in terms of 30 x 30, though, it was a successful week.  I’m feeling good, and seeing results!

Here’s a quick bullet point recap of the weeks highlights:

Random Tips that seem to help me:

• Drink water out of a water bottle (any ol’ 20 0z.-er will do): it’s easier, somehow, to drain a couple of those, than to constantly have to keep track of and drain one of our kitchen glasses
• Space out the treats: If I know one of my snacks for the day will be popped kettle corn, I dole out my 1 cup at the first taste, and then walk away.  I know I have the whole day to empty the cup, and I enjoy each single taste even more.  I’ve found this “mind game” works the same way with a pudding cup, a bowl of grapes, or even a 100 calorie pack of Chips Ahoy.
• Keep MFP up at all times:  It is so easy to stay accountable and to input everything I eat if the site is already running.  No need to tell myself, “oh, I’ll remember this later.”  I eat it, I take the 60 seconds it requires to input the data.

Things I discovered:

• There is a reason why it is recommended that you weigh yourself at the same time of day each time you step on a scale.  I normally weigh myself first thing in the morning – before I eat, and after I pump.  But “just to see,” I weighed myself on pizza night – after I’d eaten – about 8 pm.  Yeah.  It was not a pretty sight.  Lesson learned.
• I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but I’ve rediscovered a love for it, in trying to find intriguing, healthful recipes that both Jim and I will like.  So far, herbed rice was a huge hit with Seth, and pork in orange sauce got thumbs up from both the adults.  Oh, and Martha White’s whole grain muffin mixes?  You can’t even tell that they’re whole grain.
• Moreso than needing to drop the extra weight, I’ve learned the bigger issue is being out of shape.  Doing Level One, Day One of my workout DVD, 30 Day Shred (30DS), made it abundantly clear that I have lost ALL of the flexibility and strength from my cheerleading days.  Crunches weren’t too bad, but push ups?  Are you kidding me?  And let’s just say, carrying some of that extra weight around in the form of nursing D-cups does not make for a pretty jumping jack.
• WalMart carries cute, affordable Danskin workout tops, shorts, and sports bras.  I got six outfits for about $25.

Favorite snacks of the week:

• Kroger brand caramel flavored mini rice cakes
• frozen white grapes
• 3 squares of Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate with a quarter cup of dried cranberries – oh, yum!!!

Ways I know this is worth it, and working!:

• Random “you’re looking great!” compliment in the bathroom at church, from someone who doesn’t know I’m on this journey
• No visible panty lines in a particular pair of shorts that were just a little too tight even two weeks ago
• Better sleep, when I’m sleeping.  Let’s face it, my workouts aren’t helping Erin sleep any better, so I’m still not getting an uninterrupted  night’s sleep.
• My wedding rings are coming on and off with ease – whoo-hoo!

Weight loss:

• This week: only 1 lb.  I’m disappointed, but I have to keep it in perspective.
• Total: 5 lbs.
• Pounds to go in Phase One: 11 lbs.

Staycation on Sodor

It’s too hot to play outside, so we’ll just “jet” away to the Island of Sodor for a little down time with Thomas, Gordon, and Spencer.

Excuses

Because….

• It’s been a bazillion degrees this week, and we are trapped inside
• I’m averaging about 4 hours of sleep per night
• It has taken an average of 1 hour and 40 minutes to get Seth down for his nap each day this week
• I have a clogged duct in my right breast; therefore, I am CRANKY because I am MISERABLE
• I’m trying to make some big strides in my jewelry business in the next month
• Jillian Michael’s is trying to kill me with her 30 Day Shred
• Being the mommy of two littles is harder (and yes, more wonderful) than I anticipated
• The posts I have started are a little heavy and take more time to write than I have right now  (I mean, I could start a post with “I expect to find Erin not breathing and gone from me, pretty much all day, every day,” but I’d hate to leave you hanging
• We’re enjoying a full summer calendar with movies and ice cream and cookouts and such

Because of all that and more, Writer Chic is suffering a bit.  Bear with me.  I’m still here; just a little off my game.

30 x 30: Week One

I promise, The Writer Chic is not going to turn into a weight loss blog.  But it will continue to be a diary of my life, and right now, a big part of my life is consciously working to improve my health through what I eat and how (if?) I exercise, so, there you have it.  Once a week – most likely Monday – I’m going to post a recap of the week: what I’ve learned, where I’ve struggled, recipes I’ve found that I want to share, and of course, how I’m doing at tackling my goals, phase by phase.

First of all, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of support.  In addition to the comments left on the introductory post, I also received emails, texts, and phone calls, overwhelming me with “you can do it” and “I’m gonna do this with you” and “I’m proud of you” sentiments.  Knowing y’all are cheering me on is a huge inspiration to keep at it and stay accountable.

At the suggestion of several people, I checked out My Fitness Pal.

I. Love. It.

It’s basically an e-diary: a place I can log in everything I eat (which is super easy using their database) and it’ll calculate the nutritional information; in addition, I log my cardio and strength training exercise.  Using those two things, and factoring in my current weight and goals, it basically does all the “paper” work for me.

After only one week, here is why I capital-L love MFP.

I’ve never bothered to count calories or read nutritional labels, except maybe to say to Jim, “Holy cow, there is a TON of sodium in this,” but yet proceed to prepare the whatever-it-is anyway.  Being able to see the caloric value of a food before I chose to eat it has been not just eye-opening, but also revolutionary.

For example:  I didn’t start tracking my calories until Monday, July 5.  Sunday, July 4, I had 4 – yes, FOUR – cans of Dr. Pepper at our picnic.  Believe you me, if I'd been the least bit aware that this indulgence packed a whopping 800 calories, I’d’ve been drinking water.  I actually went back into the July 4 record and plugged in all I could remember eating at the picnic, and was so sad to see that dinner alone earned me over 2,700 calories.  Even with the extra 500 calories that I’m allotting for exclusively nursing Erin, that is still way, way more than I need – and it was only that ONE MEAL!!!

All that to say, I’m not going to deprive myself of the occasional Cranberry Sprite from Sonic or homemade iced hazelnut mocha, but for sure, “all things in moderation” has taken on new meaning.

I know some people firmly believe that “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.”  And good for them.  I, however, probably side more with (yes, her again) Blair, who so eloquently said what so many of us (really) think about that logic:

“BULL.  I can think of a ton of things that taste better than skinny feels.  Pizza, Oreos, warm chocolate chip cookies on ice cream with caramel sauce, loaded baked potatoes, Bloomin’ Onions, heavy beers, french fries, burgers with fried eggs on them…all of those things taste WAY better than skinny jeans feel.”

Not so in sync with the whole “burgers with fried eggs on them” part, but as for her general attitude?  I’m with ya, sister.

That said, I felt fantastic in both body and mind when I sat down with dessert on Tuesday:

Whereas before, I would have loaded up one of my World Market mugs with decadent brownie-studded double chocolate chunk ice cream drizzled with my homemade chocolate-fondue-turned-fudge ( a horrendous 810 calories), on Tuesday, I chose to have a half-cup of strawberry ice cream with a couple spoons full of fresh sliced berries (a respectable 129 calories).

Again, not that I’ll never again indulge in the “before” – after all, I have just discovered that Hershey’s makes Dark Chocolate Fudge ice cream topping.  I’m just saying it was really empowering to make a choice that was not only healthier, but completely satisfying.

Moving on…. ;)

I purchased the infamous Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred DVD, and plan to tackle it in earnest after our next trip to Ohio towards the end of the month.  Until then, I’m enjoying just trying to be more active in general (when the weather has cooperated, which hasn’t been too much).  And also, if anybody has any good recommendations of mommy-and-baby exercises I can do with Erin, I’d LOVE to hear them.

I didn’t think to take measurements or a “before” picture on the 5th when this started, but have done so today, so I’ll be able to share measurement progress along with weight loss as we go through the summer.

But for now, I at least can share, happily, that I did indeed lose weight this week:  4 lbs.!

Thank you, again, so much for all your encouragement and support. Whether or not the actual 30 lbs. comes off by the big 3-0 day, I know that this change is going to be HUGE for me, no matter what the scale reads.  (The other half of my wardrobe will be happy to see me again, too, and the feeling is VERY mutual.)

This post is linked to Blair’s guest host for McFatty Monday, 30+ Mommyhood.

Fireworks, as reviewed by Erin

Her opinion will be obvious, but I’ll translate, just in case.

Make it stop!!!!

No, REALLY, Mom!  Make it STOP!!!!!

Miss E?  Not so much a fan of the things-that-go-BOOM!  Probably due to the fact that we were so close to the fireworks that are fantastic view also came with all the debris falling from the sky after each round of pyrotechnics.

 
So, she didn’t like them; I didn’t see them (as I was too busy calming her and cradling her head against my chest to muffle the noise); Seth almost slept through them; and…I don’t know what Jim thought of them.  He may have been in a borderline beer-and-brat coma by 10 pm. ;)

 
But the rest of the day?  I deem it a success.

Jason had scored prime parking for all our cars and his RV in the main parking lot at LP Field, and we made short work of getting set up and firing up the grill.

 
Seth couldn’t be bothered to eat anything, so enamored of the RV was he.  He kept calling it Mack, ala Cars, of course, and spent the majority of the afternoon exploring the dashboard, which was fine by us, until we realized he and Jackson figured out how to roll down the (crank-style) window, which, had they leaned out, would result in a long-way-down-to-the-asphalt fall.
  
Once we DID get Seth out of “Mack,” he took up residence in his new friends’ Woody and Buzz picnic set.  (Yes, Disney Pixar was well represented at our America-day festivities. ;)

After we pried his hiney from the neighbors’ chairs, he convinced Scott to chalk draw with him, and Scott was just buzzed enough to comply and turn into Uncle Picasso. ;)

Chalk drawing turned momentarily into chalk-is-really-a-shotgun shooting….

But soon the boys were back to defacing the parking lot in pastel colors.

 
I don’t have any pictures of the actual fireworks, what with trying to preserve Erin’s hearing and all that, but everyone around me said it’s the best show Nashville has put on in years.  I figure by the time the kiddos are 4 and 6 I may actually get to enjoy the show with Jim.

Until then, I’ll be quite content to spend the Fourth being Mommy – which isn’t such a bad gig.  It was a great holiday with good friends, great food, and the requisite sitting-in-traffic-for-an-hour-trying-to-get-out-of-the-parking lot.

Good times, people.  Good times.

The Sisterhood

As of Monday afternoon, I have a new sister.

 
Congratulations to my baby brother, Andrew, on his wedding to Preston, in a sweet, simple ceremony in St. Augustine, FL.

“Two” take two

30 x 30

So.

I debated whether or not this post, and the related ones to follow, would go up on this blog, or if I’d start a separate blog.

With a deep breath, I’m taking the plunge and publishing here, with the disclaimer that if I get too many discouraging or useless comments, I’m going to take these posts elsewhere.

That said, I’m about to start on a journey that intimidates me more than any other I’ve taken.  Not my move to California, my marriage, my pregnancies, or any other “adventure” I’ve embarked on excites me – or, if I’m being honest – terrifies me as much as this one.

In part, I’m anxious because I don’t have a real game plan, and you know what they say: “Fail to plan, plan to fail.”  In addition, I know that this is a sensitive topic, and I fear that those I want to hold me accountable will fail to do so, fearful of hurting my feelings.  And lastly, I’m anxious because I’ve embraced this goal, and I don’t even know if it’s possible.

In short, I don’t know what the heck I’m doing, but……

I’m going to lose 30 lbs. by September 30 – my 30th birthday.

I have roughly 90 days to accomplish this, and, inspired by Blair, I’ve mentally broken down those pounds into more doable, I-can-wrap-my-mind-around-this-number chunks of weight.

Phase I:  Technically, completed, and not part of my 30 x 30 journey, was Erin’s baby weight.  I gained 17 lbs. over the course of my last pregnancy, and I’m happy to say that I’m 1 lb. less than my starting weight from September ‘09.

That said, Phase II is a chunk of 16 lbs. I wish I had never gained in the first place.  These all came on in rapid fire succession between May ‘09 and September ‘09 – the months I was actively grieving for and recovering from Duncan.  It breaks down to about 4 lbs a month – or “only” 1 lb. a week – over the course of the summer, but still.  Drowning my sorrow in respective bowls of chocolate and peanut butter ice creams was not the smartest way of dealing with things.

Phase III is either going to be my favorite, or my most hated, either because I’m going to breeze through the relatively small amount of only (hah! “only”!!!) 7 lbs., or it’s going to be where I plateau.  These pounds can be attributed to my back-to-back-to-back first, second, and third pregnancies between January ‘07 and October ‘08.  Between the hormones and the subsequent antidepressants for PPD…well, no excuses as to why it went on.  It needs to come off.

And finally, Phase IV – my “honeymoon” weight – is approximately 10 lb.  Similar emotions are wrapped up in Phase IV as in Phase II – these are pounds I wish to not have gained in the first place.

It’s no secret to those who lived through it with us that Jim and I did not have an “easy” first 9 months of marriage.  Technically, the period between February ‘05 (when we got engaged) to May ‘06 (when we moved into our first house) was rough with a capital R.  The gory details of that season are part of another journey – a story I have yet to tell here at Writer Chic.  The relevance is only that this is where the crux of my emotional eating began – or at least, it is where I first recognized it.  I think that is why those last 10 lbs. will be the most rewarding to take off.

I know that if you add up those totals, it comes to a complete loss of 33 lbs., not 30.  Eh.  I’m a little too type A to not shoot for a round number, that’s all. ;)

So, here is where I toss caution to the wind, ask you how the heck I’m supposed to do this, and hope you, dear readers, can help me on this journey.  I’m open to your suggestions.

Here’s what you may want to keep in mind as you brainstorm.

• I’m not ready to take the plunge with the monetary investment of a nutrition plan such as Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem, though I’ve heard of many women who have found great success through these mail-order meals.
• I’m open to Weight Watchers, but meetings would have to have the option of childcare.
• We do own a Wii Fit.  It’s been approximately 10 months since I’ve fired ‘er up. ;)
• I don’t mind being active outdoors during the day, but need to continue to put Erin and Seth’s safety and wellbeing first in these 90+ temps.
• Jim’s workday is approximately 5:30 am to 6:30 pm, so relying on him to “parent” while I workout – while something I know he’d be WILLING to do – is not very practical for our family.
• I’m still currently taking Prozac for prevention of PPD, and will be on this through 2010.  (I don’t know if it causes or inhibits weight gain – I just thought it worth mentioning.)

Please be sweet in your suggestions.  As any of you who have also taken this journey, or struggled with your weight, know, it is hard to admit that you need to shed a few (or more than a few).  I don’t know why that is, seeing as how SO many people struggle with this.  I’m not sure where the shame and embarrassment come from.  But it’s there.

Shoot, I haven’t even told Jim about this goal.  Seriously.  He’s reading it for the first time right along with you.  (Hi, honey.)  I guess I took the “band-aid” approach for getting this out there: a 0ne-time, take-a-deep-breath-, fire away and let’s see what happens approach.

So, in the famous words of Bob the Builder (who has surprising pull in our home, believe it or not)….. Can we fix it?

Yes, we can.  Or, I can, with your help.  Won’t you, please?

Happy Independence Day

“T” is for TWO

Dearest Erin-bug,

You’d think that I’d start out this post by marveling “how could it possibly be two months that you’ve been with us?!”  Instead, however, I find myself totally prepared to mark this milestone.  While time is indeed fleeting, and your newborn self has already morphed into just-plain-infant, I’m well aware that sixty-one days have come and gone that you have been here with us.

eek – you’re still so little in the corner of the chair!

I have treasured every one.

With the exception of a few (wonderful, thank-you-so-much!!!) nights that Gramma took middle-of-the-night duty to feed, change, and rock  you, it has been you and me, kiddo.  Just you, me, and the whoosh-whoosh of your ceiling fan.  And although I’ll be more than ready to admit that I like me sleep, I can honestly say I haven’t minded your mid-night feedings.

I remember those days with Seth – I would feed and burp and rock him, and then try to lay him back to bed, and he’d fuss and cry, and I’d cry right along with him.  I didn’t think I knew what I was doing (and I’m sure, to a degree, I actually didn’t), but with you….it’s different.

Our moves are in sync; our routine is unhurried, yet not wearisome (even when it can take an hour-plus from start to finish).  I love to see your blue eyes grow big as you watch the ceiling fan circle ‘round and ‘round in the glow of your nightlight.  I chuckle as you manage to produce the loudest, most unladylike belches from your tummy.  I sigh over your fighting limbs; you do so hate to be swaddled in cloth, but yet, you slumber so peacefully when held almost-too-tight again my chest.  I pray over that particular behavior – that it would be a temporary infantile reflex, rather than a preference to fight the restriction that are only in your best interest.

Erin, you are my sweet girl.  My Lady Lou, my Er-bear, my Er-bug.  My McSqueezie.  (I know, I know.  But just you wait.  You’ll have children of your own someday that you’ll call by even more outrageous nicknames!)

You are astoundingly determined.  Your held control has surprised us all; as have the strength in your trunk. You have been rolling over from both tummy to back, and back to tummy, consistently since you were a mere three weeks old.  You can push yourself up over the back of your Boppy so that you are, in effect, upside down.  (For the record, that is NOT cool, and I’d prefer that you stop that!)  You’re not too much interested in the toys and rattles that dangle from your swing, bouncer, and play mat, but that will come, I’m sure.

 
You now weigh 9 lbs (15%) and are 21.5” (10%), and are filling out newborn onesies quite nicely – though I’m going to try my best to have you in on of Presley’s cute 0-3 month outfits for fireworks on Sunday.  You are in the diaper size right between newborn and Size 1.  Alas, that particular size doesn’t exist.  So we just put your in the Size 1, and pray your poo stays put!

You and I, we’ve tried the nursing thing a few times, and you are a pro.  But mommy is a wimp, and so we’re pretty much sticking with 4 oz. bottles, 5-6 times a day.  You are a messy nurser and I’ll admit, I’m just too efficient to not utilize the best of both worlds system we’ve got going for us.

The men in your life love you like there is no tomorrow.  Seth has taken to sharing his most prized possessions with you, and your sweetness has Daddy in a baby-haze – going as far to think suggest that another one of you might not be so bad to have around.  (Which it wouldn’t, but, well, in about 12 years you’ll understand why I’m not jumping for joy at the thought of giving you a baby sister.)

Grow, baby girl.  Grow your place in our hearts and our home even stronger than it already is. Make your mark.  Let it be known to the world just how wonderful and amazing and sweet you are.  I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in month three!

I love you,

Mommy

*These “2” photos are not the ones I really want….but I have to be able to set up the shot with the blanket and sticker the way I want….not to mention that I tried to color coordinate the photo, but realize now that this outfit does not flatter her at all! =)  So, back to the drawing board – er, closet!

Pasta with Sausage and Peppers

Take that, Olive Garden!

For many years, I ordered the same dish at Olive Garden – Sausage and Peppers Rustica.  It was penne in red sauce with Italian sausage and red and green bell peppers.  And then, to my horror, they removed it from the menu without seeing fit to replace it with another dish that could pass as a substitute!

So back to trusty Chicken Parmesan I went.

But now…..

As summer temperatures has kept me from utilizing our oven, and as Jim’s work hours have kept him from manning the grill (at least on a weeknight), I’ve been having to use go-to recipes that require only the stovetop.

And this week, I hit jackpot.

It was supposed to just be “pasta,” which most of the time in our house is just some form of noodle and jarred Prego.  (Please, Lord, don’t let my Italian grandparents read this!)  Monday night, however, I decided to spice things up.

And wouldn’t you know it?  I put together the best dish of homemade pasta with sausage and peppers!  We have a bunch of sweet Italian sausage in our freezer – super great buy at Costco, if you’re interested – and I had a red bell pepper just about to turn, so I sliced and julienned and tossed those both into a pot of red sauce, and just let them simmer away on the stove until Jim was ready to head home for dinner.

I am SO bummed that I don’t have a picture to share – usually, I’m better about photographic evidence when I know I’m going to post a recipe – but you’ll forgive me this time, right?  It was SO yummy, we ate the whole meal plus all the leftovers so quickly, I never even had time to snap a shot!

So, if you’re a pasta-and-red-sauce kind of family like ours, make sure to take advantage of summer pepper produce, and try your own hand at this sweet, spicy sauce.  You won’t be disappointed.  (And if you are, invite me over: I’ll eat it!)

Picking my battles

Sometimes, even when he is super tired, Seth fights tooth and nail to go down for a nap.

Some days I flex my mommy muscle and force the issue.

Other days, I decide to let him play in peace so I can accomplish a chore or two.

And sometimes, choosing not to fight gets me an unexpected, easily-won victory:

Sweet boy.  It makes my heart all squishy to see him all curled up, in the same position he has slept in since infancy.  Ah, to be able to just play til you drop, blissfully unaware that your mother is going to snap a picture and plaster your hiney all over the interweb.

I love you, Setheroni.  Sweet dreams.