Why Didn't I Think of That?

How often do you see a new product and think "why didn't I think of that?" It's usually something so simple, but so ingenious, and it will make its inventor millions. Well, the other day, I did think of that invention. I had to change Connor's sheets 2 out of 3 nights because of a leaky diaper, and I honestly can't think of anything baby-related that I like doing LESS than changing crib sheets. It is literally such a pain in the ass to wrestle the mattress out of the crib, strip the sheets, then try and shove it back in - the crib skirt gets bunched up, the bumpers get pushed down, etc. I got some of these "sheet protectors" as part of the mattress pad set, where you tie them to the crib rungs and they go over top of the sheets, but the problem with those is that they are like 8 inches wide and Connor does circles all night so even if I did put them down I'm sure he'd never actually be on them when his diaper leaked. Sooo...the last time I was fighting with the mattress I was thinking that there had to be an easier way. And then it hit me - what if there was a system where the fitted sheet went around the bottom part of the mattress and the top part had a zipper around the whole thing so you could just unzipper it off to wash it and zipper on a new top??? I was so excited about my invention that I was already drafting my letter of resignation in my head (I'd still "volunteer" one or two days a week) and spending my millions (No more school loans. No more mortgage. Brand new 2013 Chevy Tahoe. Ski lessons for everyone!). Before I called the patent attorney, I decided to do a little research & development on the internet. And there it was. Someone thought of it before me:

http://www.cloudsandstars.com/QuickZipCribSheets.aspx

Well, crap. I guess I'll be driving my 2005 Chevy Trailblazer until Connor's ready to get his driver's license. Anyway, I checked out the website and the sheets look exactly like the answer to all my problems. So, if anyone is desperate for Christmas gift ideas, I'll take a set of these beauties and hopefully contribute to the inventor's childrens' ski lessons.

I don't have anything too exciting to report from this past weekend. It was just Connor and I, as Ryan was out of town fishing with his dad. I must say, I don't know how single parents do it. While I thoroughly enjoyed our bonding time, it was exhausting thinking of things to do to keep a 5 month old entertained. Made me thankful for the help that Ryan does provide with baby (and the making of meals)!

We enjoyed tummy time on the playmat:

And when that got too exhausting, we relaxed and watched some TV in bed:

And when we felt well rested we had a staring contest:

Luckily, after all that excitement, Connor was tired and went to bed pretty early so I could have a glass of wine and watch the Notre Dame vs. Boston College game in peace. They won, and are now 10-0. Ryan was texting me to start looking for BCS tickets. Even if they go undefeated, they're still probably going to get screwed out of playing for the national championship, unless Oregon or Kansas State loses. They're projecting us to go to the Rose Bowl. New Years in Pasadena sounds nice!

On Sunday I had to go to my office for a couple hours. I know I've mentioned it before, but I am going to be very, very busy at work from now until the end of the year. Like taking work home and working on weekends. This is all because the federal estate tax is set to return to $1million (thanks, Obama!) in 2013 so everyone with the problem of lots of money wants/needs to get their estate planning done by the end of the year to take advantage of the higher gift/estate tax exemption. Blah, blah, blah, long story short, everyone's Christmas presents will probably be purchased online or from Wegmans this year. And I'm so glad we're trying to get all our stuff packed up to move right now too. Guess it is a good think I've become fairly high functioning on not very much sleep! Anyway, since Ryan was still fishing, Connor came with me. He hung in there for about 3.5 hours - napping and then playing quietly on a blanket. When he started to get antsy, we packed up and headed home.

We had some cereal for dinner and waited for Dad to get home.

I guess he prefers Ryan's cooking.

You can't necessarily tell from the picture above, but he's starting to like the cereal a little bit better. He is wearing less and less of it and acutally sometimes opens his mouth and lunges toward the spoon. I borrowed a baby food book from a friend and this weekend I think we are going to try some butternut squash. Hopefully he will inherit Ryan & I's love of trying new foods!