Learning Character

She's two months old, and my little girl is already gaining her own attitude. Here's what I've learned about her already:

1. She likes to eat. The bottle is good.

2. If you do not feed her within every three hours, she lets you know she's hungry. Loudly...and nothing will satisfy her until she's had her bottle (yes, she is a single-minded, stubborn child).

3. Daytime naps have become overrated (makes me almost miss those days she slept all day).

4. Sleep time is something she feels the need to fight (though she is sleeping lots better at night once she'll finally pass out).

5. Though she likes to snooze until eight or nine each day, she's actually a very happy morning person (that's the best time to coax a smile out of her anyway).

6. She has awesome neck control; a little bobble head going on, but she still amazes me by her strength.

8. She loves watching her older cousins stand over her and lick on lollipops and then stick their blue tongues out at her.

9. She loves to move and is always moving, exercising her arms and legs...she'll even do it in her sleep.

10. She loves to be on the move. If you're holding her, you better be rocking, walking, or swaying, otherwise you're boring, and she lets you know about it. Loudly.

11. Ceiling fans and lights are awesome things to watch in her world.

12. She can look you right in the eye and appear to understand everything you're saying...if she's in the mood to give you her attention, otherwise she's off in her own world, gazing about the room.

13. She loves her bath...or maybe she just loves being bare, 'cause she likes getting her diaper changed too.

And there are thirteen things on the thirteenth I know about my daughter so far. They might be very simple, average details for a nine-week-old, but they make her uniquely her.

Which makes me think about the characters I write. Each little detail about them I create doesn't have to be something big or amazing. They don't have to save the planet in their spare time or hold three different doctorate degrees. I can give them thirteen simple, average qualities and still make them unique and individual and realistic.

So, thank you to my Lydia Marie for teaching me a lesson about writing. I can make good, believable characters using simple, everyday details.

Where's the LIKE Button?

Maybe I've been spoiled too much by Facebook, but who's with me when I say, Blogger needs a "Like" button?

Seriously. I love to go on Facebook, read everyone's comments, and then simply press that link button called LIKE. I don't have to think up something witty or encouraging to say in return; I'm simply letting that person know I read their article and enjoyed it.

Many times, I visit other blogs and am soooooo entertained or inspired by their post, I feel like I SIMPLY MUST leave some kind of comment to let them know how much I appreciated their words. But honestly, they might've said everything so beautifully, there's really nothing for me to include except maybe, "thank you so much for enriching my life with your post."

Other times, I feel like I really have to leave a comment because I ALWAYS visit their blog, and I usually leave a comment; I don't want them to think I've suddenly deserted them. They need to know I stopped by, right?

That's the beauty of Facebook. There's a place to leave a comment if you'd like to input something, but there's that nice little LIKE button too just to let that blogger know they're appreciated.

OR does Blogger already a button like that, and I'm just oblivious to it? Man, that would be embarrassing.

Friday Forwards - # 5

It's Friday Forwards time again (my sharing with you of funny emails I get forwarded to me). If anyone ever finds out where these forwards originate, let me know so I can credit the source. Also, if you have some great jokes you receive on your emails, please feel free to forward them to me at Linda(at)Linda Kage(dot)com and I'll make sure they get posted (but they have to be clean--public forum here, remember!!).

Question & Answers on Pregnancy

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now; when will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishing college.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's gender?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So, what's your question?

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I should be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word 'alimony' means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes. Pregnancy.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.