Dear Diary

I am wondering more and more these days when I am going to stop pumping milk for Joseph. It's the least convenient thing I could possibly be doing. Not much is convenient with an eight month old running around, but especially this. I am afraid that once I stop I will feel guilty, though. I already do just thinking about it. And since I've gone this long, couldn't I just make it a few more months until he turns one? A lot easier said than done. Plus I really really want my boobs to be "normal" again.
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Joseph had a rough couple of nights this week. I wonder what's up with that. Teeth? Upset tummy? Last night I couldn't get him to go back to sleep but he was in a good mood so he played in his crib. It was hard to fall back asleep though since I was listening for him out of the corner of my ear. Once when I went back to bed after rocking him Josh said "I almost fell out of bed." I said "You did?" and he said "I love you." I am guessing that he was asleep and I am also guessing that he didn't really almost fall out of bed. Although that would have been really funny. And not the first time.
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I love my girlfriends so much and I hate it that I can't get out more often. It may not seem that hard, but after coordinating nap time, shower time, and pumping (see? there it is getting in the way...) it's hard to meet up with my gal pals. I need my girlfriends though! Every gal needs that sisterly, womanly, female, know-where-you're-coming-from kind of bond. I got to Kelly's today but right as Alicia was leaving. Still I got to visit with Jen and Kel for awhile and it was really nice to get out of the house. Damn the heat...otherwise I could at least get out around the yard and neighborhood. But with 96 plus heat index you just can't take a little one out and actually have fun. So I jumped at the opportunity to see friends. This is one of my first stir crazy phases since staying home with Joseph and I have found myself really yearning for some other adult contact throughout the day.
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I've been cooking a lot of really delicious dinners lately and I keep kicking myself for forgetting to post some great recipies. Like the pork chop stuffed with bacon, smoked gouda and parsley. And gingery shrimp and couscous. And a salsbury steak-y hamburger patty with gravy and sauteed mush's and onions. My first sucessful gravy! Very proud! Usually I just use a packet or if I make it homemade it just doesn't taste so great. Oh and a new favorite is pecan crusted chicken. Easy and sooooo good! Lastly, you've got to try this roasted red pepper soup with homemade croutons. I had it at Summer's house and it was so good I made it for Josh and I a couple of nights ago. Yummm! Now, I have to insist you cook these to experience all the joy they have brought me - and to enhance your culinary repitoire! Not that it's lacking - but who doesn't love a good recipe?! Tonight we had pork chops with chimichurri sauce, wild rice and asparagus. It's not as good as Gloria's chimichurri but it was ok. Tomorrow my pee will stink like asparagus...
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Goodnight Diary, I think I'll go have some chocolate ice cream now. And maybe clean the kitchen. Maybe. We'll see...

P.S. I need to get back to knitting. I haven't picked up my needles in MONTHS. Oh no! Hold me to it.