I Used to be Cool

My sister saw this bumper sticker the other day on a minivan that sums up my current "situation" perfectly. I Used to be Cool.

There was a time when I ran with the cool kids. I went out at night. I wore "cool" clothes. I knew what was "in" and I DID NOT DRIVE A MINIVAN!

Don't get me wrong, I love my life. I love my two adorable daughters and my wonderful husband, but I do find myself longing for my younger, cooler self.

When people from my previous cool past ask about the minivan I tell them that "it came with the house". The house in the SUBURBS.

Just the other day I was reminded that when I met my wonderful husband I had dreadlocks and a nose ring. I lived in a small mountain town and drove a cute little car. Almost five years later I no longer have dreadlocks, the nose ring has been replaced by two diamond studs (in my ears), I live in suburbia and I DRIVE A MINIVAN!

I have come a long long way from cool.

For now I am OK with being here. I realize that I will get back to cool one day. And until then I will relish driving my minivan shouting "Can we fix it? Yes we Can!"

If you find yourself in the same place as me go here: http://www.iusedtobecool.com/ocs_bumper_stickers.php

Making new friends

They say that babies and dogs are the best way to make new friends. Not too sure who they are as I have had a dog, and now have a baby, and I am not making many new friends!
Before I go any further let me say that I am a nice person. My friends tell me that I am a good friend.
Two years ago my husband was transfered from BC to Ontario. Having never lived in Ontario I had no friends. Having a dog I figured the best way to get out and make friends was to go walk the dog. Day after day I went to the park, and day after day I came home friendless. I did eventually meet a nice retired couple who walked with us every morning. I joined a yoga class. I started to work part time. I joined some meet up groups. Still no reall friends. I was getting pretty lonely.
Then I got pregnant, and I thought to myself, maybe when I have a baby I will be able to make some new friends. Nine months went by, and I had a beautiful baby girl. Still no real friends.
My husband took paternity leave when Lola was born, and how excited was I - I had a friend!
Now my husband is back at work, and I am here with Lola... still no real friends.
I have joined every mom meet up group I can think of. I have gone to every drop in class that there is. Every time I do something new I hope that this will be the day that my friend turns up.
So there goes the theory that dogs and babies are a good way to meet new people.
Until later I am staying optimistic.
Will you be my friend?

New in Teething

My daughter Lola is nine months old and is displaying all the classic signs of teething; pulling her ears, rosy cheeks, drooling, crying, snotty nose...She does not seem to want to use the traditional teething tools - cold teething rings, silver spoons, biscuits. She would prefer to chew on my parents dogs bone!!!! 
Is this wrong?

Disclaimer: the bone is made out of nylon. It is not an animal bone. http://www.nylabone.com

Today's Lesson

Today Lola learned that boys play rough.

She seems ok with it. She will play rougher.

I learned that I have to let her learn these lessons the hard way.

Not sure who that is harder on??

My question is - When is it too rough and when can a mom step in?