GREATEST FIGHT SCENE EVER

"Yeah........see ya!"

Matt's Movie Review - VALHALLA RISING (2009)

VALHALLA RISING

This......was........interesting. This movie follows "One-Eye", a mute warrior of supernatural strength who is held captive by a Norse tribe and forced to fight in "to the death" battles. One-Eye kills his captors and joined by a boy slave named "Are", sets off on a journey to the heart of darkness.

Valhalla Rising is the newest movie from Nicholas Winding Refn who directed Bronson and the Pusher Trilogy. I have not seen Pusher but Bronson is very good. Its like a 2008 Clockwork Orange with an absolute stunning performance by Tom Hardy. After Bronson and Inception, if Mr. Hardy is indeed in the new Batman movie, then color me excited.

However, this movie is almost the opposite of Bronson. The first thing I want to bring up is how this movie was shot. I am not exaggerating one bit when I say every frame of this movie is stunning. Simple shots of the sky, of a knife being dipped in a pond, of raw violent fights, everything looks like a painting. The color contrasts are incredible and I found myself open mouthed multiple times just enjoying the look of this film. This brings me to my second part - dialogue/soundtrack. There is very, VERY little dialogue in this movie. Maybe because it takes place in 1000 AD and men didn't talk much or maybe because our main character One-Eye is a mute. Either way, it works. The imagery combined with minimal dialogue is great but the sparse, ambient soundtrack just takes it to another level. You might be wondering "what the hell is he talking about? no words? weird music? pretty colors???" YES. And it held me in it's grasp the entire movie.

There is a lot of symbolism and imagery throughout the movie along with religious undertones. I'm not here to dissect them, to me that's something everyone needs to get on their own, in their own way. However, I did want to mention it. The movie is separated into parts - WRATH, SACRIFICE, HELL, etc to really drive it home. The last point I want to make is this: This movie will separate people. Some will love it (me), some will hate it. I'm not going to lie, from the 2nd part on not a whole lot happens that many would be considered "action". And this is after an absolute masterpiece 1st part that shows many of One-Eye's fights that again are beautiful yet raw and extremely violent. However, each part is there for a reason and I never got bored with it. This is an extremely unique movie that deserves to be seen - at the very least Part 1 [WRATH]. You might love it, you might hate it, but at least you will have seen something not shat out by Hollywood d-bags.

Valhalla Rising is available on Netflix Instant.

Matt's Movie Review - CENTURIOUN (2010)

CENTURION

Story: A splinter group of Roman soldiers fight for their lives behind enemy lines after their legion is decimated in a devastating guerrilla attack.

WOW. I mean......WOW. This movie clocks in at 97 min and I'd say you're looking at about 96 minutes of just badassness. This is the new movie from one of my favorite directors working today - Neil Marshall. He is responsible for one of, if not the scariest movie of the past 10 years - THE DESCENT along with a few other awesome movies - Dog Soldiers and Doomsday. As a director, he is pretty straight forward. He writes and directs hardcore, badass movies. That's it. Seriously, he's 4 for 4. When I took Lauren to see The Descent in theaters, 2 people left during and afterwards we just stood in silence in the sun to shake off what we just witnessed. True Story. And Doomsday? Imagine all the best 80's action movies, add the same amount of blood from Braveheart AND Gladiator, throw in Bob Hoskins, cannibalism, and 2008 technology and thats Doomsday.

Anyway, back to Centurion. This follows a group of Roman soldiers stranded behind enemy lines after being attacked by the Picts. Who are the Picts? Crazy woods people who use nature, weather, night, and any other advantage to just destroy their opponents. Exhibit A - they take out a whole "legion" of soldiers in one battle. You do NOT mess with the Picts. They capture the Roman general, the soldiers head off to get him back and excitement ensues. And never stops. Like I said earlier, this movie is 97 minutes. Basically if you took all of Bravehearts fight scenes, combined them with some story scenes, thats Centurion. And these fight scenes are just as brutal and messy as anything in Braveheart/Gladiator/Troy/etc.

Beautifully shot, very well acted, and some of the best all out war scenes I've seen in some time, Centurion is a movie I highly recommend. It is currently on Netflix Instant.

Non-GMO Shopping Guide

I finally got around to watching Food Inc. and have recently seen a few programs on the hot topic of GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms or Genetically Engineered Foods).

Bottom line: 3+ times a day we are placing a vote about how the food industry will continue. And, if we want the system to change, we have to start with ourselves and change what we put in our body. Making responsible choices for ourselves and our families is the first step to change. Remember, every purchase is a vote!

Interested in purchasing Non-GMO products? Download this shopping guide or:

-Buy as much organic as you can (the more we buy, the cheaper and more available it will become!)
-Buy local! Support your local farmers. Often, local is the cheapest way to buy organic.
-Look for the Non-GMO label pictured here above.

FYI - Walmart brand items are non-GMO. We use "Great Value" and "Parent's Choice" food and diapers and save tons of money doing so...

Must-Have Baby Items (3-9 Months)

***Stroller
Jogger, umbrella, an occasional car seat stroller frame

***Kok0pax
Prefers this to all things - energy or tired, independent or dependent, this carrier reigns above all others. He can't get enough.

***Jumperoo
Fisher Price Precious Planet Jumperoo reigns above Baby Einstein. I have both. This gift keeps on giving. 5-9 months, going strong.

***Food Processor and Ice Trays
Make your own baby food. It's easy - you boil your fresh fruits and veggies and freeze them in ice trays. Microwave and serve.

***Baby Mum Mums
Crispy rice biscuit your baby will love to learn to chew with - ages 6-9 months. NECESSARY for going out to eat with baby. I've only seen these at Walmart.

***Pacifier
They're going to have that sucking sensation for at least 2 years - pacifiers keep things out of his month that he wants to "taste". Also great for any fussiness.

***Yoga Ball
He likes to stand up next to it. Helps his balance. Also benefits in stretching for baby and mama.

***Books Book Books
He never gets tired of these.

***Water Bottle
Get your baby his own mini water bottle. They love to pretend with these, plus it teaches them to drink out of regular containers and is practice for healthy water consumption.

***Toys Toys Toys
Pay attention to what he likes. Most often the cheaper options are his go-to. But a number of toys IS NECESSARY no matter what you hear. Go on and splurge if it keeps him entertained. He's a baby - you won't spoil him at this age. When we are out, we give him one toy at a time - when he gets bored, we put that one away and give him another. That is why he is so good when we go out to eat or visit ppl.

Must-Have Baby Items (0-3 Months)

Want to save money? Use Craigslist or Amazon for cheaper options...

***Halo Sleep Sac
Safest sleeping clothes before they can stand on their own.

***Bouncer
Puts him to sleep when fussy WHEN peddling it with your foot - Fisher Price Soothe N Play Bouncer - Woodland Animals

***Nursing pillow
Any kind is fine, but My Brest Friend is supposed to be the best.

***Play Mat
Keeps him busy for 20-45 mins at at time - Tiny Love Gymini Super Deluxe - Lights and Music

***Carrier
Beco or Ergo - check the differences to see what works well for you - I got Beco for the thinner shoulder straps since I have sloping shoulders plus it works better for longer torso ppl and more support for baby...I see ppl wearing Ergo's more so, but I've now used both and prefer the Beco:

***Bjorn with lumbar support
We have the Synergy. He hated this at the beginning then loved it between 3-6 months when he could face out (I think it can bother there hips if you have them facing towards you). After 17 pds though, it was too heavy for me so I moved onto the Kokopax.

***Kokopax
BEST carrier ever (when they can sit up on their own - around 5 mts). For grocery store, hiking, festivals, bars, wherever. They are super fast and easy and the baby loves it b/c he can see forward and is up high and can rest his feet on the bar. He still prefers this over anything at 9 months...

***Nap Nanny
Not sure we'd have such a great sleeping child without this - helps especially if yours has gas or reflux - LOVE IT! A must-have for a tough sleeper or if your kid refuses to be put down on his back. NEVER use in a crib with bumpers - they will eventually figure out how to worm out and that is when you transition out of the Nap Nanny.


***Pampers Swaddlers
These are WAY softer and more protective than other diapers. After Size 2-3, moved onto Luvs b/c I didn't like the Dry Max chemical smell of the Pampers (only used in bigger sizes).

***Diaper Champ, Genie, whatever
I didn't want this but Matt did and it's awesome - makes it much easier but still use an odor absorbing thing b/c it will get smelly in a few more months :p

***Onesies w/ feet/Pajamas
WAY easier than tops and bottoms when they are tiny

***Aquaphor
Great for any bum redness and your hands, your lips and for removing your makeup :p

***Lansolin
Absolutely necessary for breastfeeding mothers the first 2 weeks or more

***Sensitive Baby Wipes (no perfumes/unscented, hypoallergenic)
Keeps away bum redness - Pampers Sensitive are best b/c not so damp and super soft.

***Pacifier and pacifier connector
I was anti-pacifier until I had the breastfeeding down and my milk was freely flowing - this is a great soother and helps him fall asleep better. Also, by 3 mths, it helps keep their mouths off of other things when you are out and they want to taste everything. Gross.

***Medela Breast Pump
Single pump works fine for me - necessary for breastfeeders who want/need to be away from their baby for more than 2 hr increments of time
Medela Swing Single Electric Breastpump

***Bottles
Love Tommee Tippee. Tried Dr. Brown's and wasn't impressed - leaky and harder for him to learn to hold.

***Medela Nipple Shield
Great for beginning breastfeeding

***Bottle Rack
The First Years Spin and Store Drying Rack

***Graco SnugRider Infant Car Seat Frame Stroller
AMAZING for on-the-go mom - SHOPPING necessity

***Stroller
http://www.babyjogger.com/city_mini_lp.aspx or
http://www.babyjogger.com/summit_xc_lp.aspx

***Mobile
The more patterns of black and white and crazy colors, the better

***Safety 1st See Baby Soft Mirror

***Infantino Sunny Sunshine Crib Toy
Great for changing table or crib

***Baby Einstein DVDs
Baby Einstein: Baby's First Sign Language DVD Set

***Your Baby Can Read

***Mommy Hook
Needed for shopping bags

***Baby Hearing Protectors/Ear Muffs - for concerts

***can't have enough blankets, wash clothes, bibs, bottles

*** Miracle Blanket
The only swaddler you will need - we didn't swaddle him until the 3 month mark

*** Bumbo
Started around 3 months - nice, but not a must-have - we also have the tray that attaches to it

***Evenflo Baby Go High Chair, Limeade - Loves this too. Once they start eating food, this is handy for day trips and all traveling.

10 Rules For The Perfect Road Trip

1) People
-People who know when to shut up. Think, who would you like to be in a small room with?

2) Music
-Even if you and the others in the car have very different likes/dislikes, agree to be open...
-iPods

3) Good Car
-Reliable
-Comfortable

4) The Captain
-Everyone in the car needs to know who the captain is. He is the driver.
-Let the captain be the captain.
-If the captain wants help, he'll ask. Only 1 person can drive the car.

5) Stops
-Only stop when the baby is awake. No exceptions. NEVER stop when the baby is sleeping.
-Stops are used for multiple efficiency purposes - food, gas, and bathroom in one stop.

6) GPS
-The wonder that is the Detour button and Points of Interest by theme...Best. Gift. Ever.

7) Pray
-Before you leave and when you get there.

8) EZ Pass
-Why doesn't everyone have one? They are free. Rather wait in a line of traffic?

9) Get Comfortable
-Bring comfy clothes, shoes, blankets, pillows.
-Keep hydrated and don't skip meals. We bring a gallon of water and finger foods.

10) Toys and Books
-Makes everything more fun for everyone.

What Is This Crazy Potty Training You Are Doing With Your Son???

Elimination Communication (EC) is sometimes referred to as Infant Potty Training, but it is NOT potty training - you can't potty train an infant, but you can get in sync with your baby so the two of you are aware of when it's time to "go".

Here's How I Started:
1) I bought a Bjorn Potty Chair. Originally, I purchased an Elmo one off of Amazon but it was too big for him - most chairs are made for toddlers, so stick to Bjorn
2) I wrote down when he went to the potty for 2 days. You'll be surprised how precise their schedule is - this makes you more in tune with when they have to go.
3) I put him on the potty:
**Every time he wakes (nap or morning)
**About 5-15 minutes after he eats
**When I change his diaper
**For 2-5 minutes max - you will know if they don't have to go b/c they'll arch their back or fuss
4) I told him "potty" or "sssss" or "poop" and do the signs for potty or poop

THAT IS IT!

And REPEAT everyday. In time, he will be able to signal to me in some way that it's time to 'go' - either a word, sound, sign, facial expression (dead stare) or action. Grey has recently started grunting but not 'going' until I put him on the potty, and he will sometimes crawl over to the chair if he has to 'go'.

I wish I would have started earlier because HE LIKES IT SO MUCH MORE than going in his diaper. It's the truth! You can tell what your baby wants and doesn't want. And he does not want to go in his diaper if he has the choice. And lucky for us, he doesn't complain either way - diaper or no diaper :) That's why YOU CAN DO IT PART TIME and it won't make a difference either way. They are still learning more and more each time you do it!

ALL BABIES NEED A POTTY CHAIR. They are necessary for all babies b/c all babies get constipated. If they are constipated, laying them on their back and bicycling their legs doesn't do squat! Sitting them on a potty or helping them squat or hover over a toilet or sink WILL HELP THEM! Think about it - if you were constipated, could you go laying on your back or sitting in a car seat???

Every other country does this but ours. Most babies in the world (outside of the U.S.) are trained by 18 months. Here, it's 30-60 months!

Tricks for Babies Who Get Bored (like Grey):
**Have a magazine or book to read together. Tear out a page from the mag & let them crinkle it.
**Have toys nearby they can play with with you
**Have a movie or TV show they like on. I usually practice EC in the living room.

You will know they are done or don't have to go by the way they act. If they fuss or arch their back, take them off and try again later. You never force them to sit there.

Options that Work:
**Use the sink or a regular toilet. These work fine but are more difficult to maneuver. I did this once when Grey was constipated and we didn't have the potty chair. The sink can work well if it has a mirror in front of it. They like to look at themselves :)
**Go Diaper-Free or use cloth diapers. I try to go diaper-free once a day to air him out. If he does wet, it surprises him making him more aware of what is going on. Make the "ssss" sound or give the potty sign when they have an accident. Eventually, when he can tell me he has to 'go', I'll put him in cloth diapers during the day and regular diapers at night/when we go out.

Benefits:
**Easier and less time than changing diapers. Try it - you'll see!
**Saves money
**Trains your kids earlier (12-18 months instead of 40 months), thus saving money
**Good for the Earth
**It's cleaner and more hygienic for your baby and your home

How Does Matt Feel About EC?

"I like that it gets him accustomed to going on a potty instead of diapers.

Hopefully that means the transition will be easier.

It also works for really funny pics."

So, yes, I'm a strong advocate for EC. I promise:
-It will be easier than potty training later when they can walk off that potty b/c they are too busy trying to have fun :p
-Your baby will be happier
-You will save tons of money
-You will save the Earth one diaper at a time ;)

Other Resources:
How Another Dad Does It Elimination Communication for Dummies
Good Videos:
Mom Video on How She Does It and Why
Baby with poop sign
Educational Video
On CNN
On MSNBC

Better Late Than Never

Matt and I have been wanting to put a blog together for quite some time now. It's about time to start documenting the boundless wonders of our lives! Sweetness Follows is a place to document our thoughts and ideas through words and pictures from the events that make up our lives. We write in this blog so that we may share these discoveries with our children and the world.

Welcome. Please share!