THE ADVENTURES OF THE JAC ATTACK!

A Blog about a clever boy and a mom determined to out-smart him.

Friday, July 31, 2009

The Non-Mom Car

Jess and I own two vehicles. Unfortunately the car seat will only fit into one and so I am relegated to driving "Big Red," our old lumbering SUV. Last year I grew dissatisfied with Big Red and instead drove Jess' nice black truck while he was in Iraq. I was hooked and hated having to hand over the keys when JAC arrived. My dissatisfaction with Big Red was only further amplified when I got to drive a cool Jeep Wrangler on vacation.

Occasionally, Jess will watch JAC and I get to drive the black truck. As soon as I get into our non - mom car I sense a change in me. My inner wild side - frequently suppressed - comes out. I drive a little too fast. I might even run a red light. Red Hot Chili Peppers is blaring on the radio and I can taste the freedom. Its just a little taste but until a new car is in our budget it will have to do.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Speed vs. Grit

Today I was out for my daily run and I was reminded of two things. First, I was reminded of how much I had missed my daily run while the stroller was in the shop. I guess I am a bit hooked on the daily endorphin high. Secondly, I was reminded of how much I hate bicyclists.

D.C has lots of "multi-use" trails that are frequented by bicyclists and joggers alike. I have noticed that there seems to be an unspoken animosity between these two groups similar to the feelings between skiers and snowboarders. I generally wish bicyclists would just get off the trail. I feel the sport is entirely too spandex laden. Really, unless you are competing in the Tour de France I doubt full body spandex is necessary or recommended for most of the public. I also feel that bicyclists tend to pass runners with the speed and directional abilities of a wisker-less cat with its tail on fire. One day an over eager bicyclists even ran over my poor dog's paw while passing on the wrong side of the trail.

While I don't think bicyclists are bad people I do think they are different from runners. As a runner I feel the sport is gritty and gutsy. Bicycling is for weenies. You can disagree if you'd like but do me a favor and slow down a bit when you pass us on the trail.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Pullups

This weekend JAC pulled himself up into standing position for the first time. It was pretty cute and once he saw how proud we were he did it five more times for us. This new milestone has made life even more interesting because JAC can grab more stuff. He can also pull himself up in his crib. A few moments ago I put him down for his nap. He threw his usual protest and when I went to check on him he was standing up in his crib, holding the bars as if he were in jail, screaming and chewing the side. Now that is a whole new level of coordination.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Summer in DC

Summer in D.C is highlighted by three things, humidity, tourists and the arrival of the door knockers. Every summer a new crop of door knockers arrive in our community going door to door selling things or campaigning for causes. This week two twenty somethings in baggy jeans tried to sell me organic house cleaner. They were very determined and tried insisting that I needed an organic cleaner because of the baby. My friend Valerie was visiting with her baby and told them vinegar and lemon juice worked just fine. I'm not sure they caught the drift because they replied, "I love that stuff. I put in on my meat."

Door knockers in the past weeks have included passionate environmentalists, a group trying to get a workers rights bill passed, a girl trying to stop poverty in the Sudan, inner city kids selling candy and a very nice group of Jehovah Witnesses. In the beginning of the summer I patiently listen to their spill but as the summer wanes on my irritation grows and I try to usher them off my porch as quickly as possible. Seeing my frustration yesterday Valerie gave me a great suggestion. She said at her house they keep a note on the front door that says, "Baby sleeping. Do not disturb." I think that sounds like a great idea.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Raising a Daredevil

Jess is virtually fearless. His past jobs have included climbing trees while carrying a chainsaw and jumping out of airplanes. While I consider myself adventurous I don't share Jess' exuberance for risky behavior but after careful observation I have decided being a daredevil must be partially genetic.

JAC loves to go fast. He complains when I run too slowly and the stroller isn't moving fast enough. He sings while we drive on the hi way, especially if I leave the window open. When I take him too the park to swing the higher he goes the more he smiles. He is always on the move and loves to be bounced on the bed, tossed in the air or pretending like his is flying around the house. JAC hates to be held but prefers to stand. He loves his backpack and Jess and I think it is because JAC thinks he is standing up high.

While it is fun to have such an active crazy kid part of me thinks we'll have some hefty emergency room bills in our future. I guess I better start saving now.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Toni's 5K Challenge

Summer is officially here and even though we are having a beautiful summer in DC it can still get pretty swampy. Running in the summer can be pretty miserable especially for my friends and family who are battling 100 degree heat. I thought it might be fun to work towards a running goal together. I'm challenging my blog readers to train and run a 5K race in the next 3 months.

I am sensing a collective groan of disgust. I know running is not every one's sport of choice but it is a great way to stay in shape and a great sport to do with a friend. I like to run because it clears my brain. I also like to run because it gives me an excuse to leave the kid with Jess and go jogging with the girls once a week.

I'm excited about this challenge and I'll be posting some unsolicited running advice on my blog once a week. I will also pay the race entrance fee (under 50$) of the first two people who commit to the challenge. If you choose a race near D.C I'll run with you. Happy Running!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Hybrids

http://www.usnews.com/articles/science/2009/05/12/pesky-fire-ants-becoming-zombies-that-die.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a41:g2:r5:c0.040769:b24457636:z0&s_cid=loomia:panel-votes-to-outlaw-human-animal-hybrids

http://www.usnews.com/articles/science/2009/05/12/panel-votes-to-outlaw-human-animal-hybrids.html

Most of my blog readers know that I have recently become a science geek. I love science. I think it is fascinating but I also love how it leads to the creation of random things. Previously my blog discussed the sports bra that powers your Ipod based on the amount of jiggle. (I doubt I'd get enough power to make it through a song.) Today I have two more random results of science to discuss.

Recently the Louisiana legislature made it illegal to create animal/ human hybrids. I'm sure this has been a pressing concern of yours. The country is in recession, the health care bill is under debate but have you ever stopped to worry about Pegasus, or perhaps a mermaid taking over? Louisianans were so concerned they made the creation of these hybrids punishable by up to ten years of jail time.

Finally, I found this story for my brother Jason who is scared of only one thing in life - Zombies. Jason, they do exist. Texas researchers have found a way to combat fire ants. Fire ants are a particularly bad problem in Texas. These aggressive ants do 1 billion dollars of damage annually but researchers now have a solution. There is a tiny fly that will dive bomb the ants, lay their eggs. The larva hatches inside the ant and proceeds to eat its brain. The ant will then wander around for three weeks without a brain before dying.

Isn't science awesome? If you don't believe me check out the links above.

www.jesseandtoniconnelly.blogspot.com

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

26

Yesterday I turned 26 which means I am now closer to 30 than I am to 20. This year on my birthday Jess and I had to take JAC in for a small procedure. It really wasn't a big deal but they had to put JAC under general anesthesia for about an hour. I was really nervous and very glad Jess was there with me. As expected the procedure was quick and there were no complications but JAC was in a bad mood all day. He spent the entire day crying inconsolably. I think the anesthesia made his tummy hurt. Anesthesia always makes me sick as a dog. Jess and I spent an exhausting day trying to help JAC feel better.

I was really thankful that Jess was there. Jess is an amazing husband and despite everything going on he didn't forget it was my birthday. He brought home Olive Garden take out for dinner. We rented a movie and watched it together, snuggled on the couch holding JAC. Jess and my mom also bought me new running clothes. Running clothes are my favorite present to get because I love them but I wouldn't spend my own money on them. I tried them out today and I'm pretty sure the new clothes made me faster. Despite the swampy heat we went on an extra long run and had enough energy to do some sprints at the end. I am also happy to report that JAC seems to have fully recovered today and has been crawling all over the place.

Monday, July 20, 2009

The Gym











A gym membership isn't in our budget this year so I've had to get innovative. Luckily I have a 20 pound weight to lift right here in my house - JAC! Here's some pictures from our workout routine. I do baby lunges, baby crunches, baby presses and some baby triceps exercises and he loves them. JAC laughs the whole time.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

A Day at the Mall











A couple of days ago I was sitting at home bored and decided it was time for a trip to the Mall. I'm not referring to the shopping mall. I'm referring to the National Mall. I traded in our daily walk around our neighborhood for a walk around our Nation's monuments. I thought JAC would enjoy the change of pace and I know I sure did.

Many people who live in the D.C region avoid the bustle of tourists down on the mall but I love it. I love the monuments. I love the beleaguered high school teachers dragging whining teenagers through the sights. I love leather clad groups of bikers leaving flags at the war memorials and I love see people from all the world enjoying our capital.

If you haven't been to D.C I promise it is worth the trip. Sometimes Jess and I complain about about living here. We wish we lived near family or near the mountains but there are so many things I would miss about this place. I hope you can come visit our mall and if you do you're welcome to stay at our place for free.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Taste the Rainbow




This week JAC has gotten pretty good at crawling. I still can't convince him to crawl on his knees. He insists on crawling on his feet like a little bear. I think this is fitting since we've always called him "our little bear." With this new found mobility comes the opportunity to chew on everything. This week I caught JAC chewing on the furniture, his books, and my leg. He tried to devour my magazine and gnawed on his bath towel. I even caught him chewing on our grocery cart but I think the funniest thing I caught him trying to chew on is our dog! Poor Roxy!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Pick One

Lately Jess and I have been playing a little game we call pick one. It is really very simple. We present two options to each other and then you have to pick one. For instance: Would you rather skydive or be a spelunker? or Would you rather got to Tibet or Thailand? We both find it mildly entertaining and now that we have a baby we have to find our entertainment wherever we can get it. Usually I know my answer about half a second after Jess poses the question but tonight he posed a really hard one. Would you rather blow something up or burn something down? This was a really tough one because there's a bit of fun in destruction. I finally decided I would like to burn something down because I like fire and it would take longer. Jess would like to blow something up. He just couldn't resist the big boom.

An Image in Your Mind


This photo won the 1994 Pulitzer Prize. It was taken in the Sudan by photographer Kevin Carter. Carter was widely criticized for taking the picture rather than helping the little girl. Later that year at the age of 33, haunted by the images in his photographs and deeply depressed Carter took his own life.
I saw this photo a few years ago at an exhibit about Pulitzer Prize winning photos and it has always stayed in the back of my mind. I think about not only the anguish of this child but the turmoil the photographer was going through that caused him to take his own life.
Hubert Humphrey said, "The moral test of a government is how it treats those who are at the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the aged; and those who are in the shadow of life, the sick and the needy, and the handicapped." Our run route passes by a food pantry line and I am reminded of this quote daily. I have watched this line growing longer and its dynamics change to include not only single homeless men but also mothers with children in tow and the elderly. Though our country is not in a time of famine many people are struggling. I am thankful for all the gifts God has given my family and reminded that there are many who are less fortunate.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Just for Shanell

My awesome cousin Shanell is flying to Georgia with her daughter Phoenix soon and asked me for some tips about flying with babies. Since I've flown twice with JAC I am pretty sure I have at least earned my yellow belt in baby flying. Here are my tips. If you're a black belt in baby flying please contribute your ideas too.

1. Bring the stroller/car seat combo and gate check it. You'll be glad you have it in the airport.

2. Do not check your car seat with your luggage. Luggage can get lost and you'll need the car seat when you get to your destination. You can't even take a cab without the car seat.

3. If your baby drinks formula put the powder in the bottles but don't fill them with water. Liquid formula has to go through an extra check at security. Just buy bottled water after security to fill the bottles.

4. Pampers makes 12 hour diapers which are more absorbent and handy on long trips.

5. Borrow baby items at your final destination such as a swing or pack n play. If all else fails you can make a crib out of the bottom dresser drawer at the hotel. I know you think I am crazy but this is what they suggest people do who can't afford a crib.

6. Baby Tylenol

7. Have your baby suck on a bottle or pacifier on take off and landing. It will help her ears.

8. Pack an extra shirt and snacks for yourself. We got stuck on the tarmac for three hours and by the time we made it to Miami we were covered in spit up and starving.

9. Ask if the plane is full. If there are empty seats they will let you put the baby in the car seat next to you for free.

10. Bring your baby sling. It will let you have your hands free while dismantling things at security. They will let your walk through the metal detector with your baby in the sling. Check out the TSA website for approved baby carriers. The website also has videos about travelling with infants. Some of them are funny and remind you not to put your baby in the x ray machine.

I hope this helps a bit. Happy travels!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Mom Mishaps from a Mom who hasn't Quite Gotten it All Down

Disclaimer: The following is the tale of some bad mothering. I personally enjoy hearing stories of other moms trying to get the hang of things but if you don't, read no further.

Sunday night our sweet friends brought JAC some new pajamas to small group. I was delighted about having new baby gear but a bit surprised too. They explained that when they babysat for us a few weeks ago they couldn't find JAC's pajamas. I am chagrined to admit that JAC didn't have any pajamas. It had frankly never dawned on me that a baby might need pajamas. I personally have been known to fall asleep on the couch, exhausted in my blue jeans and we had just been putting JAC to bed in whatever he might have been wearing that day. Yesterday I remedied this situation and JAC is now the proud owner of 5 pairs of pajamas. He acts like he thinks they are cozy and has been sleeping great.

Yesterday was our bi-monthly trip to the grocery store. I made a list, loaded JAC into the car and gave him two toys to entertain himself on the trip. As I drove I heard JAC happily banging his toys together and then I heard something else. JAC started crying a horrible cry. It was like a combination of terror and pain. I immediately pulled over and took him out of his car seat to see what was wrong. JAC recovered quickly and upon further examination I found the cause of the problem. In the midst of his enthusiast banging he had whacked himself in the head! Next time JAC only gets one toy at a time.

When we arrived at the grocery store I placed JAC in the cart. JAC has gotten to be such a good sitter that I let him sit in the front of the cart rather than lugging around the car seat. The shopping trip went great and JAC sat happily in the cart with his pacifier and toy. At the end of the trip JAC spit his pacifier on the floor and I took it away. I didn't think much about it until I was unloading the groceries and noticed JAC was slumped forward in the cart. I thought it was strange and upon investigation learned that JAC was leaning forward chewing on the medal grocery cart! Gross. (It was also a pretty funny sight) JAC seemed especially sad when I took him out and the cart had to go to the cart shed.

Playing to Win




Yesterday I called my mom and she was laughing at the bookstore. She had found a little book called, "How to Make Yourself Miserable." The book had suggestions like, "Imagine things to worry about." Mom and I had to laugh because we both have a tendency to dwell on negative "what if scenarios." When you really consider the reasoning behind this your realize it is completely illogical and a waste of time.

My friend loaned me a new book called "Sway". The premise of the book is that very often people make completely illogical decisions. I haven't quite finished the book but last night something jumped out at me. People are more likely to make a decision based on an aversion to loss than on a something good happening. For instance, customers are more likely to buy a flat rate cell phone plan even though it is unlikely they will use all the minutes and more affordable to pay as you go. People have an aversion to the possibility of losing money from talking over their minutes.

The great Florida football coach Steve Spurrier was able to exploit this human weakness with his "Fun and Gun," approach to football. When he became the coach of the Florida Gators the team was not doing well. He examined the rest of the conference and realized that coaches were not playing to win but rather playing conservatively so they would not loose. Spurrier created an aggressive offense that included big passing plays. He was playing to win and the results were obvious. He coached the gators to six SEC championships and one national championships.

I can't help but take a minute and assess how many times I hold back rather take a risk. I am cautious about trusting people and cautious about putting my faith fully in God. What great things could I be missing out on?




Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Are you Afraid?


I know many people are afraid of flying. I really don't blame them. Being trapped in a tin can thousands of feet up in the air doesn't really seem like a logical decision. This weekend I heard a story about a man who set out to conquer his fear. Comedian Mark Malkoff spent 30 days straight on airplanes, taking 135 scheduled flights in a month in a attempt to overcome his fear. He slept on airplanes and washed his hair in airplane lavatories. He even helped spice things up for fellow travellers by playing bingo over the intercom during flights. I have to admit bingo might have been a nice diversion when we were stuck on the tarmac for three hours with a baby last month. You can read all about Malkoff's story at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106498235. Perhaps you will feel inspired to face a fear of your own.


Monday, July 13, 2009

JAC at the Movies







Jess and I have always loved the drive in movie. It seems to be the perfect compromise. Jess loves movies but I don't like to sit still that long. Plus, I think movie theatres are dark, dirty and creepy. The drive in movie is awesome. You can sit in the comfort of your own car or on a blanket on your tailgate. I get to enjoy the stars and fresh air and wiggle all I want. Jess gets to see a movie.

Last night we decided it was time to introduce JAC to the drive in movie. We found a drive in an hour outside of DC and loaded up the car. I made homemade cookies and packed a bag of chips. Roxy even got to go too. The weather was great, the movie was funny and no one seemed to mind JAC's baby noises. Best of all, after the movie JAC slept the whole way home. I might even classify this as a really good date night.






Sunday, July 12, 2009

Why I Love My Husband

I have lots of single friends and it seems like at least once a week I am asked questions like, "Do I still love my husband?" I know part of this stems from curiosity about our age difference. I also know this is sometimes a product of people wary from their own parent's divorces and wondering if marriage is really "worth it." I have spent some time formulating an answer to this question and here it is.

I love my husband very much. One of the things I love most about him is that he is always proud of me and has an infinite belief in my abilities. When I decided to go back to school many people discouraged me because it will take me so long to finish. Jess jumped on the cause telling me that "I was going to be a great physical therapist," and trying to help out with JAC so I could study. He is my biggest fan and always in my corner.

My husband has a really big heart and loves helping other people. If someone needs assistance Jess is eager to help. This is different from someone who feels obligated to help. Jess truly wants to help. He has even sacrificed many weekends to help friends move. A few of them were even buddies from my office he had never met. I hope JAC can be half as thoughtful as his Dad.

Jess loves a great adventure. He's willing to make an ordinary dinner out more interesting by secretly ordering for each other so our food will be a surprise. When he came home on leave from Iraq I said I wanted to go kayaking. As we drove to the local river to kayak he changed the plan and we drove 5 hours to the beach instead. We didn't even have extra clothes or tooth brushes.

These are just a few reasons I love my husband. The list is much longer but I'm proud of him and I'm really glad he picked me.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Things I Really Hate...

I hate asking for help. I hate being told I can't do something and I hate asking for money. This week I will be making and exception to that final statement. I will be sending out letters of solicitation to my friends and family. A few months ago JAC and I committed to running the Marine Corps Marathon. We're raising money for the Yellow Ribbon Fund and we've been hard at work training. JAC and I run together every morning and most evenings we do an extra run when Jess comes home. We also have a great group of girls we do long runs with. Yesterday I ran 12.5 miles and every week the mileage increases.

I have a great support team. Jess is nice enough to keep JAC when I need to do long runs and he is very encouraging. He calls me his "Marathon Girl," and yesterday he and JAC came out to the run route after their run and cheered, "Go Mommy."

We have 100 days until the marathon and I have a goal of raising at least 300 dollars for the Yellow Ribbon Fund. This is a great organization that helps the families of wounded soldiers. They provide many of the services that government doesn't provide such as cab rides to and from doctors appointments for the families. I know that views about the war vary greatly but I hope you can sympathize with the struggles these families face on a daily basis. Every little bit of money we raise will help and I promise to keep you updated on our running progress.

www.yellowribbonfund.org

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

In Training and I Need Some Help

JAC and I are currently in training. I'm not referring to our marathon training but instead sleep training. At our six month check up our pediatrician suggested it was time to start training JAC how to sleep through the night. The process is really pretty simple. When he wakes up in the middle of the night instead of feeding him I let him cry. I repeat this process for five nights and JAC should be trained. We are currently on night three and I'm about to fall over I'm so exhausted. JAC is an unusual kid and he definitely knows what he wants. He wants to eat. My refusal to feed him at three in the morning results in hours of screaming. I stumble in every fifteen minutes, stroke his head, give him his pacifier, assure him he won't die and cry out to God that my child will go to sleep. It is painful but supposedly in his best interest.

JAC is a little over six months old and I'm sure he's a little bored. I am admittedly not a "baby person." Part of me really looks forward to when JAC is older and we can play ball and do things that make sense to me. I need some help. What do you do with a six month old? Does anyone have any ideas for games that he might enjoy?

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Books

This week's Newsweek magazine was dedicated to summer reading and I was thrilled. Jess was out of town so I had the perfect occasion to buy a stack of books. Armed with a my Newsweek and with JAC in tow we ventured out to our local bookstore on a stormy afternoon. Things quickly went awry. JAC grabbed my magazine and began ripping it to shreds and shoving strips of paper into his mouth. Dismayed I took the magazine away and JAC began to wail as if he were going to die. His wailing garnered stairs from customers but also sent a sympathetic sales guy running our way. I desperately pointing to a book in my shredded magazine while simultaneously trying to distract JAC. JAC is a child of steely determination and refused to be quiet. The sales boy quickly returned with my book. He seemed slightly out of breath but told me my chosen book, "looked good" and suggested a similar book as well. He retrieved the second book and JAC continued to wail only in louder, higher octaves with small breaks as he caught his breath. Feeling defeated I decided to purchase my two books in lieu of my previously imagined stack of books and leave before someone tried to call CPS on me. JAC and I dashed through the rain to my car. I put him in his car seat, turned on the engine and he promptly went to sleep. I was relieved that crying had subsided and took a minute to enjoy the quiet. At that moment I made an executive decision. We would not be going straight home. Our house was only a few minutes away and I didn't want JAC to wake up when I took him out of the car. Instead I went through McDonald's drive threw for ice cream and parked my car in our church parking lot. I sat in the car with the engine running, listening to quiet music, eating ice cream and reading a good book. It worked out so well that I decided to leave a book in the car. If JAC falls asleep in the car I sit in the car enjoying the quiet and reading my book. I've even put a nail file in the car so I can spruce up my nails while JAC sleeps. A rough afternoon has turned into an easy solution.

If You are Going to Bring it....Bring it Big




Jess and I are exhausted from our Fourth of July fun. Yesterday our whole family marched in the Independence Day Parade. Our community has an annual parade and Jess and I stayed up late Friday night turning JAC's stroller into a Wonder Dog float. Cash prizes are awarded for the best floats and we thought we had a pretty good chance at winning. Jess even dressed up in uniform and Roxy helped pull our float in hopes of increasing our odds of winning. I even bought JAC a red, white and blue dog shirt for the occasion. Unfortunately, since this was our rookie year we didn't realize how steep the competition was. We were defeated by a gigantic paper mache' eagle, an over sized hamburger and some kids in a recycling mobile. We were disappointed but we've already dedicated ourselves to creating a much more spectacular float next year. Those little kids are going down.




We finished off our Independence day weekend by hosting a Sunday cook out for our church friends. We invited our small group and a few others. I thought it was going to be a small affair since so many people were out of town but we got a huge turn out. 16 people crammed into our tiny house. I used every glass and fork I own. Jess and I loved. It was invigorating to have so much company and great to know we have so many awesome friends.

Withdrawal

This week the U.S withdrew most of its troops from Iraqi cities. Only a small contingency of troops will remain in Iraq to assist and train the Iraqi military. I knew the withdrawal of troops was planned but when the day came I still bristled when I heard the news. I have felt very attached to our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and troops that have served there. Somehow, this withdrawal felt like a declaration of defeat and the year I spent away from my husband felt worthless.

While Jess was in Iraq our relationship changed. All relationships adjust to stresses but there are many days I still mourn for our pre-Iraq relationship. I recognize that I choose to remember only the best of times but I still love recalling how it felt when everything was new and exciting together. I blame Iraq for making us both a little more cynical and allowing us to each have a complete year of memories that are just a little hard for the other person to completely understand.

Jess came home from his business trip today and I asked him how he felt about the withdrawal. To my surprise he did not share my gloomy outlook. He felt his time in Iraq was valuable and our troops had done great things for the Iraqi people. He understood that in many ways our withdrawal is a statement of hope. We hope for great things to happen based on a foundation that we helped build in Iraq . We recognize our withdrawal from Iraq is a statement about their desire for freedom and freedom is a great thing.I am choosing to share Jesse's optimism and I am leaving my readers with some statistics that might help. This weekend as we celebrate our country's freedom I will pause for a moment to remember our troops who have sacrificed to share that gift of freedom with other people around the world.

USAID reports they have spent 6.3 billion on programs to stabilize communities and build economic and agricultural sectors in Iraq. http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/accomplishments/3,000 Schools have been rehabilitated and 20 million new textbooks have been supplied.

http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/accomplishments/education.html98% of children between the ages of 1-5 have been vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella. 97% have been vaccinated for the debilitating disease Polio.
http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/accomplishments/health.htmlOne vicious, abusive dictator removed.