Feels Like Happiness.....

Dear Cow at Daycare

2011-01-26T09:07:00.000-05:00

Don't f**king tell me that you're so sorry that you want to kick my kid out and you know this is such a rough time for us right now. He isn't being malicious, he can't help that he is stronger than the other kids in the class. He is, however, fighting with other kids over a toy. I agree he shouldn't take a toy from another kid but you are aware that he is TWO, right?

He moved to the 3s classroom at your insistance (you are aware he is NOT 3 yet, right?) because he didn't fit in to the mold of what you were looking for in the 2s room and your staff was incapable of managing him and his physical abilities - I believe the words were he is "becoming too much of a force" therefore we were hoping that the 3s room, which is more of an all day preschool curriculum, would be a better fit. Notice, key words is hoping.

Again - he is NOT THREE YEARS OLD! So now, because he doesn't fit in one class or the other, you want to kick him out. I can't even tour new daycare centers because again - as you are well aware - I AM ON BEDREST. It isn't like he has had any major changes going on lately. Oh wait, maybe so, let's check the list: Again, I am on bed rest, his evening routine has changed, he is on STEROIDS for Reactive Airway Disease, he is in a new classroom with new teachers AND he has a sibling arriving in a month. No, none of that could possibly make a child act out, right?

Oh, and don't get me started on the fact that you are the 5th Director we have worked with as parents in the last 18 months. FIVE. Thanks for the communication folks. I know there are multiple centers and you guys rotate but how the hell are you not telling parents that there is now a new person in charge? You tell us you want to kick him out yet you haven't consulted with the behavior specialist. WTF COW?!?!

I know Ricky can be a "force." I am aware my child is not perfect. What I am not aware of is how typical toddler behavior is forcing him out of the classroom and center. You haven't called me or my husband during the day to alert us to this behavior. You choose to bombard us with a behavior report at a 5pm pickup when nobody has the time to discuss. This is NOT acceptable. I know you're in a convenient location, but you have been caring for him since he was 18 mos old. We need to share in the responsibility of what is going on here.

BTW - he does time out for us at home with no problem, why is it that you are unable to manage him during a time out session? Oh, yeah, you don't REMOVE HIM FROM THE SITUATION - you expect him to sit in the classroom with everyone running around and having fun around him. Is it me or does that sound just stupid?

Go screw yourself, we will find another center, because you know - we're itching to make ANOTHER change in his already upside down life. And honestly, I can't trust you with him now without thinking that you're biased against my child. Thanks. Thanks a lot.

Pissed off Mama

My Secret Addiction

2011-01-10T23:41:00.001-05:00

Isn't there a new show on TLC called that or something? People eating detergent, pulling their hair out, that sort of thing?

FYI, that show is NOT my secret addition. No, it's Dexter, the series about a serial killer on Showtime. Since I am on bed rest and need something to fill my time, I can't possibly do something constructive like crochet a baby blanket or learn about Sharepoint. Nope, not me, I am watching tv and turning my brain to mush. I started watching on Saturday and have made it through the first season so far. Netflix via Wii in the bedroom is a dangerous thing folks.

Ok, let me correct that. All of the first season with the exception of the last episode. Then, unknowingly, I started season two, thinking to myself " Woohoo, I finished season one, it was so good, must start next season!"

Yeah, not so much. I watched the first 3 minutes or so and while it was doing the whole "Previously, on Dexter..." and I was all WTF! I haven't seen this stuff!! ARGH!!!!!!

I totally just ruined the season finale for myself.

Right now, I'm in the living room, no Netflix, but my husband, well he's resourceful. He located a copy of Season 1, Ep 11 (remember, I'm on bed rest, limited trips up and down the stairs, I'm not quite ready to go to bed) somewhere out on the magical interwebs so I start watching it.

It wasn't in english.

And now, now he's laughing at me.

He sucks.

Second Time Around

2011-01-08T09:13:00.000-05:00

Things are so different this time around being pregnant. Aside from having a toddler to care for, everything is just completely different. Friends assured me that according to old wives tales, this meant that I was surely having a girl. A few ways things are different this time around:

I am 31 wks along and I still get phantom pains in my breasts and have throughout the entire pregnancy.
I felt the baby move around 14-15 wks. With Ricky, I didn't feel him until around 19 wks.
My BP started creeping up way earlier than last time around, around 28 wks this time vs 32 wks last time.
Hypoglycemia. Not gestational diabetes, thank goodness, but I am super sensitive to too much or not enough sugar. This has really put a dent in my late night ice cream snack.
A new OB, who I completely trust and adore. Last time I made a late term OB switch at 36 wks, read about that here. It has made my experience completely different and much more relaxed.
Lastly - I am on bed rest. Have been since the beginning of this week. If you're an FB friend, I am sure you are aware of this. More on this topic in another post.

So yes, completely and utterly different. My OB assures me that this is completely normal. I am only sharing this because if you think you've got pregnancy figured out, maybe you do and then again, maybe you don't. I know I sure as heck didn't.

Another thing that is different. First time around, I couldn't put down the baby books. I had the nursery all ready to go (mostly.) This time, I don't think I have picked up What To Expect in over a month and I really would prefer to not discuss the state of the room that will be the nursery. I have about 6-8 wks left, depending on how bedrest goes, and I have a huge list of things to be done. It's kinda overwhelming, but at the same time, what do I really need - a bassinet, some onesies, some blankets and some diapers. It'll be alright.

Easy enough, right?

Happy New Year and The Return of The Blog

2011-01-01T17:27:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year peeps in blogland. If you're still there that is. Welcome to 2011, should be an interesting year for my growing family, we're looking forward to it. There is a tiny part of me that is scared to death but it's a super tiny part.

As you could tell, ye old blog had pretty much died. Busy Mom, busy routines, working full time, toddler care, being pregnant and tired, appointment after appointment, writing a thought out blog post was just about the last possible thing on my mind. I am hoping to kinda change that. I'm not promising multiple posts weekly but who knows what will happen. Anything is possible. After all, it IS a new year!

I hope to be back soon. Take care folks!

OMG - Where on Earth Have I Been?

2010-09-04T22:49:00.000-04:00

Wow, July 5 was my last post? Seriously? I don' believe you, I think Blogger is a big fat hairy liar and I have actually made many a post since then and Blogger just trashed them and never posted them.

Yeah, that's totally what happened. I swear. Pay no attention to the crossed fingers.

Ok, fine, I will fess up. Yeah, I've been gone for a while but mostly it's because I have been sleeping. I have seriously been feeling like crapola however my OB assures me that everything is normal with THIS PREGNANCY!

Yep. Me. Pregnant. I know all two of my blog readers are so excited to hear that. Like you needed me to tell you, as if that ticker over there to the right didn't give you the first hint.

So my last post was on July 5, I found out I was pregnant on July 6. Of course being the superstitious person that I am, I couldn't possibly blog about it so early on. During the past 2 months pregnancy has pretty much been the only thing on my brain. Well that and trying to keep my kid from playing in traffic because let me tell you, all I want to do is sleep!

Zzzzzz, zzzzzzz, zzzzzz.

Oops - dozed off there for a minute.

So now you know. The cat is out of the bag. I plan on writing a post about how extremely different this pregnancy is from when I was pregnant with Ricky but it's nearly 11pm which means I am up way past my bedtime.

30 Questions

2010-07-05T19:35:00.000-04:00

Nope, not 20 questions, but 30 questions. I know, dare to be different, right? Not really, I stole it from Canape. Feel free to steal it to, but let me know if you do because I would love to see your answers.

30 Questions:

1. It’s 2AM and you are not home. You are more than likely:
I can't even remember the last time I was out until 2am. If I am, you can bet I wish I was home.

2. What’s the last thing you spent more than $100 on?
Bookcases from Ikea and a new living room area rug. I have been planning this stuff for a while. I still want a new end table and a funky lamp but it only took me 3 yrs to pick out leather furniture, I have a while to get that table.

3. What do your bank checks look like?
Standard issue style from the bank. (Same answer as Canape)

4. Where did the shirt you are currently wearing come from?
I don't remember the exact store, most likely Buckeye Corner since it's an Ohio State t-shirt.

5. Name something that will be on your Christmas wish list:
Maybe an end table...

6. What color is your toothbrush?
White.

7. Name something you collect and tell us about it.
I used to collect polar bears, but that got out of hand and I had photo artwork, art books, stuffed ones, you name it. Then there were the Disney Snow Globes and some day if I have a little girl, they will adorn some very high shelves in her bedroom. For the moment, it's overpriced handbags. Mostly Coach but I am starting to love some Michael Kors too.

8. Last restaurant you ate at. Who were you with? How was it?
Red Robin - With the husband and kid. It was Red Robin - it's great for kids and quick. Not a whole lot you can say about their burgers, they are burgers.

9. Who was the last person you bought a birthday card for?
My BFF but I am supremely lame and incapable of getting to the post office. Heck, I didn't even give it to her IRL when she was here visiting.

10. What is your worst bad habit?
Late night sweet tooth. Ice cream at 10pm isn't bad for you, right?

11. Name a magazine to which you subscribe?
Better Homes & Gardens

12. Your favorite pizza toppings?
Pepperoni and in Columbus there is this place called Donatos that makes this kick butt hawaiian that has ham, pineapple, sliced almonds and cinnamon. I prefer veggies on my salad, not my pizza.

13. Whose number were you looking up the last time you used a phone book?
I have absolutely no idea, maybe an HVAC company? I always use the internet. Always.

14. Other than family, who is the person that you love most?
Oh, my friends. There are a few that are as close as family if not closer. I would do anything for them. No, I am not naming names.

15. What is the last thing you cooked?
Eggs sandwich for breakfast today.

16. Name something you wouldn’t want to buy used?
Rectal thermometer. Seriously - someone was trying to sell one on CL. Gross.

17. Which shoe do you put on first?
Whichever one is turned upright.

18. What is the last thing you remember losing?
Tape Measure - we always lose that thing.

19. What is the ugliest piece of furniture in your house?
The ugly sofa & loveseat in the basement. It was free from a friend and I have tried to get Rick to replace it, he loves it. It's on it's last legs though so it will go eventually.

20. Last thing you bought and ended up returning?
I can't even remember.

21. What perfume/cologne do you wear? If none, why?
None - it aggravates Rick's nose. If I do, it is rare, but I have this roll on mini bottle of Stila stuff and I think the scent is called Peony. I've had it for years so who knows how good it is.

22. Your favorite board game?
I prefer cards and that would be euchre.

23. What was the last board game you played?
Marvel Monopoloy.

24. Where did your vehicle come from?
Koons Chevy, Tysons Corner.

25. If a movie was made about your life what would the theme song be?
I have no idea, someone who knows music better than I do can pick one and tell me why.

26. You’re sad, who can cheer you up easily?
Ricky and Kelli.

27. What was the color of the bridesmaid dresses of the last wedding you went to?
Lilac/Periwinkle - it was my wedding and I had one bridesmaid.

28. What house cleaning chore do you hate to do the most?
I would have to say laundry. That and swapping out clothes for seasons and pulling out old clothes of Ricky's that don't fit.

29. What is your favorite way to eat chicken?
Either fried or chicken & noodles like my Grandma used to make.

30. It is your birthday. You hope the cake is?
I have never met a cake I didn't like but my only request is that it NOT be chocolate on chocolate. I like chocolate but too much is just, ugh, too much.

Breakthrough.

2010-07-05T00:19:00.000-04:00

My goodness gracious, I haven't blogged in for-ev-er. I think I just get sucked in to crap like Frontierville on Facebook but I have also been taking a more active role in my local Moms group, trying to make it to more playdates and meetups. This, combined with work, have just left me a bit on the tired/lazyside at the end of the day. As a result, forming a blog post, a thought out blog post, well it just hasn't been a priority.

Also, I have been working my way through some issues lately. Ever since my sister passed away in March, things have been harder. Losing her was quite the catalyst for some other things to happen in my life, the biggest one being whether or not I should pursue a relationship with my Dad.

Ah, Dad. A little background on that subject. My parents divorced when I was 4 mostly due to the complications that my Dad's alcoholism brought to the marriage. My Mom doesn't talk about it much as I think she just didn't want to influence the relationship I would have with my Dad. She has said a few things that let me know how controlling he was and how family basically wasn't a priority in his life. On the weekends I would see him, he mostly took me to visit my Grandparents. I remember helping my Grandpa in the garden and him letting me mow the grass on the riding lawn mower. I remember eating lima beans for the first time at their house, and I liked them! The best part was they had this old house on their property, fully furnished, that they would rent from time to time. It had a huge wraparound screened in porch with a well out back. That well always had the coldest water. But those memories aren't so much with my Dad as they are with my Grandparents.

As I grew older, the visits became less frequent. My Grandparents eventually passed away and the times I spent with my Dad weren't so memorable. They were filled with evenings at the "club" which was basically the campground and him drinking and staggering back to the camper. He also liked to talk trash about my Mom. One thing I can credit my Mom with is never saying anything derogatory about my father. She was very careful about that, thinking I would eventually form my own opinion of him as I grew older.

I always wanted more from that relationship, I always felt more like he tolerated me than loved me. Sure, cards with checks arrived every Christmas and birthday. In the grand scheme of things, he could have been much worse but he could also have been much better.

So, in March, when I saw him at my sister's funeral, well it was weird. He called me the night before and I was expecting him but ever since I told him I was marrying a black man and then he bailed on showing up to my wedding, well that was the last straw. My life was going one way and he wasn't going to be part of that. So at the funeral home, when he was looking at pictures of my son, of my husband, of my FAMILY, well I didn't like it. Not one bit. I became protective of them. I don't need his blessing to lead my life. He has never given it to me before, he has never really cared before, why would he start now? Why would I start wanting him to care now?

Because he's my Dad. That's why.

It took me exactly eight therapy sessions to figure that one out.

I ended up in therapy because I wasn't sure what I wanted out of a relationship with my father. I wasn't sure if I even wanted any sort of relationship with my father. He showed somewhat of an interest, could he be softening up in his old age? Even so, would I want to expose my family to that? Then, you know, since it was a mere 4 days after my sister died at the age of 42, my mind went a little crazy. What if something happened to him? What if he died tomorrow? Would I be ok with my relationship (or lack of) with him? How would I feel, what sort of regrets would I have?

That's a dangerous place to be. The "What If" barrel. It's motivating for all the wrong reasons.

So I dug myself out of that barrel and moved on. I still have some things on my mind, but for the most part, I seem to be at peace with where I am now.

And thus this blog post comes to an abrupt end. But really, things are ok. I promise.

"Sick" Day

2010-05-15T19:55:00.001-04:00

Being the responsible parent that I am, I haven't taken Ricky outside all day. We have a ton of kids who live in our court and balls, bikes, chalk - everything is shared. The last thing I want him to do is pass on his cooties to someone else. As a result, house arrest. Did I mention how utterly beautiful it is outside today?

Also, the little snot got up at 6:30 am. During the week we have to drag him out of bed at 7:30 am and he has totally spoiled us by sleeping until 8:00 or later for the most part on the weekend but not today. Ugh.

How do you fill a "sick" day. You play basketball of course! Ricky got a basketball hoop back in March for his birthday but we just didn't manage to put it together until today. Um, dude, he LOVES it. And it gives him an excuse to throw a ball inside the house.

Notice how "sick" he is? Yeah, right, sick. Uh huh. Whatever.

Friday Five

2010-05-14T17:28:00.000-04:00

Ok, because forming an actual blog post, like a well thought out and articulate blog post isn't possible right now because well, it's been a long week, you get a list of random tidbits.

- Ricky has hand, foot & mouth. Read about it here. Ick. Fortunately, at least so far, it is just a minor case, no fever or anything severe but I have a feeling it's going to get worse before it gets better.
- It is after 5pm and my cleaning ladies are still here. They are being extra diligent, perhaps because I am sitting here. I wasn't home when they arrived but they must have gotten here around 4pm.
- WTF is up with the weather. On Monday it was like 45 and now it's 93. Gah.
- Low folate levels are linked to depression. There are even studies that show that patients on antidepressants still required methylfolate to get optimal results from their prescription medication. So ladies, it's even more important to take those prenatal vitamins. Heck, why not continue them as a daily multivitamin.
- This makes my mouth water just looking at the pictures. Speaking of, I wonder if there is methylfolate in chocolate. That seems like a logical match to me.

That's it folks. Captivating, I know. :)

Is it Time for a Time Out?

2010-05-09T00:36:00.000-04:00

Apparently so. I tried them a while back and it didn't go so well. Meaning that I had to hold him there and he screamed the entire time and went right back to what he was doing afterwards so it was pretty clear it wasn't "getting" it. So I stopped.

No, it has nothing to do with me being to lazy to sit there and hold his squirmy butt in place. It also most definitely has NOTHING to do with the fact that once when I did one he screamed "I love you!!" and I was so shocked that I relinquished the death grip that was holding the squirmer in his spot and off he went.

Recent events have made it apparent that it was essential to bring them back again. This kid of mine, he's a stubborn one. And a strong one too! Sometimes he just gets wrapped up in the fun of everything and listening to reason, well, we've all been there and we're adults. At least he has an excuse, he's two.

This past week, I had made some chicken parm for dinner. Since Ricky still refuses to eat pasta of any sort, he had something else and had already eaten. I fully expected he would want some of the rolls we were having so I even made extra.

This kid. Oh. Em. Gee. This little snot would not wait one little second. I was in the living room starting to eat my dinner, in front of the tv like every American, when he insisted on climbing in my lap. You know, the lap where I had my plate. The plate with the hot food that is covered in pasta sauce. You get where I'm going with this, right? Yeah you do.

There it was, my chicken parm, in my lap. I was pretty darn ticked off. I immediately yelled and told Ricky to go sit down!

And then, shockingly, he did. He went right over to the bottom step of the stairs, the previously designated time out spot, and sat his tiny hiney right there. He cried and fussed, he knew he had done something wrong. But he didn't move. He listened. I cleaned up and the entire time, he sat right there. When his time was up, just a couple minutes, I went to him, told him what he did wrong, gave him his hug and said I Love You. Then we went to get him a bite of something he so desperately wanted but was too impatient to handle the wait. Everyone was happy and life was good again. That horrible time out was but a distant memory.

Woohoo!!!

Little victory for Mom right there. Mom - 1, Ricky - 7845. I'll catch up. I have his entire lifetime.

Photo Tag

2010-05-05T13:23:00.001-04:00

Becki over at Harmony in Motion tagged me in a game of photo tag. Here's how it goes.

1) Go to your photo files, select the 8th photo folder.
2) Select the 8th photo in that folder.
3) Post that photo along with the story behind it.
4) Then challenge 8 blogging friends to do the same!

I have like um, several computers. Work latop, home laptop, home desktop, etc. My folder is an online album. So I went to the 8th folder and there were only 2 pics. Same thing in the 9th folder so I just went to the 7th one and there were exactly 8 pics in there!

This picture was taken in December, the Sunday before Christmas. We got a crapload of snow on Saturday and everyone ventured out on Sunday after we started clearing the snow. We don't have a sled because, well, all the other kids on our court do so we know there is always one around. This is a pic of Ricky in the sled being pulled by three little girls from our street. Yep - THREE little girls. They were actually arguing over who got to pull him around, it really was the cutest thing ever.

Yep, he's got the ladies at his beck and call already.

I am going to tag....um, um, um....

Heather at Big P and Me.
WildMom over at Wild West Home
Beth at All About Adam
Kris at Ladybugs & Lizards
Cherie at Surviving Triplets and Autism
Daily Verses
Hf at Little Leaps of Faith/Happiness Times 2
K & E at Our Fuzzy Family - because you haven't blogged in FOUR MONTHS!

Happy tagging folks! I can't wait to see your pics.

P-Dub Love

2010-05-04T21:04:00.000-04:00

I got some P-Dub love tonight. Yep - sure did. We had like a conversation and everything. She really is just darling and it was totally a pleasure to meet her.

I know you're jealous that you didn't get to meet her but it's ok, I told her you said hi. Besides, don't be that jealous because I was on my feet, in heel type sandal shoes for um, like 3 hrs and the dogs, they are barking.

BTW - Charlie is a much cuter dog.

Connecting Hearts and Minds.

2010-04-29T22:35:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered what is missing? Have you always wanted to do something more? I don't know if I'm really conveying what I am trying to say in a clear way but I hope you stick with me as I continue.

I have always known that I wanted to more. To do something outside of work, contribute to something. Help in some way. I am a perfectly capable, reasonably intelligent and rather compassionate person so I was always on the lookout for an opportunity.

The first time I volunteered, as an adult, was at the Humane Society. I can't remember what title they gave me but basically I was there to help match people with animals. My theory was that dogs would be more grateful than some snot nosed kid. Get information about their family and help them select a dog that would be a good fit. I instantly loved it. After that, I went to work for a non-profit animal care and education center. When my career path changed again, I had many opportunities provided through my employer. Whether I was sorting pallets of groceries for a food pantry or donating blood, I had several opportunities to give back. Of course, this wasn't a selfless act, it made me feel good. That's what I get from helping others or contributing to something, a warm & fuzzy feeling.

So when I had an opportunity at work to help foster some community involvement among my colleagues through the Time Warner Cable Connect A Million Minds program, I jumped at the chance. For a couple months we have been working on gathering a group of volunteers, getting them trained and learning the curriculum to teach kids all about the technology behind cable television.

Believe it or not, getting a room full of engineers to speak to kids about technology on a level that a 5th grader can understand isn't the easiest thing. They start talking in acronyms and use words like "granular" and it just isn't a good thing. Kids get that glossed over look on their faces and start zoning out then immediately reach for their cell phones to start texting someone.

By the way, texting when someone is talking to you is just plain obnoxious. And um, yeah, I'm sorry because I have totally done that like a jillion times.

Back to the minds. Yes! The Minds! The kids, they were like IN TO the stuff. We had some interactive things for them to do like assemble binary code, understand geosynchronous orbit, yeah, stuff like that. Anyway, they totally got it. Like for real! And after I heard some of the kids telling folks what they learned and I heard things like "Yeah, it was really cool. We learned about tv signals and stuff." Here's a story from the Wall Street Journal about the curriculum we covered.

That. That right there, it just made my day. Not that I didn't love it when the dogs at the shelter wagged their tails, but hearing the kids talk about what they just learned, that was cool. We actually taught them something! We have worked for months to reach this point and I was nervous as crap but it went off without a hitch. Not only that, the kids enjoyed it. Almost as much as the mentor volunteers.

Visit the CAMM website today and make your pledge. Post your opportunity on the Connectory. Who knows, maybe I will be calling you tomorrow to let you know that I have a room full of volunteers eagerly waiting to mentor your Girl Scout or Boy Scout group earn a badge in technology. We're just itching to help your after school program achieve their STEM goals. Ok, not literally itching. We won't bring chicken pox with us or anything.

Headache

2010-04-15T13:55:00.000-04:00

I've had a headache for nearly three days. THREE days. I go to bed with it. I wake up with it. It pretty much sucks. No amount of ibuprofen or caffeine has helped. I went to the chiro at lunch today and will probably go again tomorrow. The stim helped a bit, combined with an adjustment.

Fear not, it's not like a migraine or something that severe. It's just tension and stress. I hold it all in my neck and shoulders. Muscles get tight, sleeping gets hard. I wake up with kinks. It's just all around not good.

So yeah, if you see me and I have a pained expression on my face. It's because, well, I am in pain.

On the up side, I am seeking treatment for it. I even have an acupuncture appointment on Saturday morning. The last time I had acupuncture was the day before I found out I was pregnant. I like to think that was a good day so maybe this time around, something equally as cool will immediately follow my treatment. Wish me luck!

Messing Around.

2010-04-10T23:48:00.000-04:00

In addition to being "Lost and Confused," I am also being fidgety. I have been thinking of a blog overhaul for a while and apparently I decided to start tonight.

I hope I find something I like. This one, I am just kinda Eh about, but I think there might be some underlying formatting from the old template messing with the appearance, making it look different than how I thought it would be.

Chances are, it will probably be like a month before I have the energy to mess with it again but hopefully not.

Lost and Confused.

2010-04-10T21:44:00.000-04:00

Some days I feel lost. Lost in a fog. Lost in my thoughts. Some days I feel confused. Confused about family, sometimes confused about work, sometimes even confused about where my life is going. Not in any specific way, but recent events, they just make you think about a lot of things.

I haven't been blogging. Not that I have been super consistent lately anyway, but I have just had so much going on that the thought of sitting down to document it, after what was already a long day, it just seemed too daunting and overwhelming.

Overall, things here have been moving right along. I check in with my Mom and my nephews regularly to see how things are going. I consistently check their grades online and email with some close family friends that are helping out just to see what's going on. Ricky is doing great in the two's class. This week, Thursday morning, was the first day that I dropped him off that he didn't pitch a fit about going in to a different room.

Speaking of Ricky, we are encountering some new and interesting medical issues. Not that out of the ordinary, just some weird allergy type things. I noticed he had been a bit stuffy at night and of course, runny nose, so I tried some of the Little Noses Decongestant drops. After 2-3 doses, half of his body was covered in hives. We gave him some Benadryl but didn't wake him overnight so by the time he was up the next day, he was covered head to toe. The drops are the only new thing (no new foods, detergent, stuff like that) so that had to be the only thing causing it. After a few days on Benadryl, all was well with the world again. Then I gave daycare some Avon sunscreen (same kind we used last year) and he appears to be getting little bumps all over where they apply it. Not like red bumps, just bumps. It's weird because he didn't have any problems with it last year so I don't know what's up. BTW - I love this sunscreen, it goes on blue so you know where you're applying it and it is a bug repellent also which is why it was such the perfect product. Needless to say, due to the reaction, I have picked up a couple other kinds to see if it clears up. Or maybe it's just because it's old? Does sunscreen expire?

Recently, we have been entertaining the idea of getting a family pet - because I don't have enough to do, right? I would love a dog but don't feel that it's fair to split my attention between Ricky and a dog while I am working full time. Also, I'm a "big dog" kind of person which doesn't go well with no yard and a townhome. I know I wouldn't walk a dog as much as he would need it and that isn't fair - so we changed our thought to maybe a cat? Well, again with the allergies. We went to Pet Smart today to check out kitties and within about 2 minutes of being in the cattery, he started rubbing his eyes and getting red. Yay. And then I pulled out the Benadryl again. Fortunately Ricky thinks medicine is like candy so he readily accepts anything in a dropper/spoon/dosing type apparatus.

Anyone have a recommendation for a pediatric allergist in the NoVa area?

As I said, life goes on. I am busy. Very busy. And tired. Very tired. I think I am still pretty drained just from everything, but, I am taking it one day at a time and hopefully I am appreciating what life has to offer. It's too precious to waste.

Home.

2010-03-26T12:47:00.000-04:00

I'm home. That was the longest 7 days ever in my life.

The funeral has passed and now it's time to move on to healing. Some other stuff came up and it is even more clear that I really need to talk to someone. I have great friends and an amazing husband, but I have some Daddy issues that need to be addressed. Right now, all I have for him is resentment and if I learned anything this week, it's that life is precious and you can lose someone in an instant. It's time to get over myself.

As far as my sister's children, my oldest nephew is assuming guardianship if his younger brothers but I (along with everyone else in the family) will be playing a more active role in their life. I don't know how often I will be there or if they will come here, but we are family so we will figure it out. We have figured most everything out as far as paperwork, just a few final details.

Life is changing, that's for sure. I am thinking for the better. I really do need to be more involved in their lives but sometimes I have left life get in the way of that. No more.

And that saying "It takes a village to raise a child." It really does.

Help.

2010-03-20T18:25:00.000-04:00

My sister passed away suddenly on Thursday. The family and amazing community in Ashville, OH where my sister lived have mostly taken care of the funeral expenses. How fortunate these boys live in a small community, a tight knit community where the generosity is overwhelming.

If you would like to help, please trust the money would go to good use. Anything extra would be put in a fund for my three nephews. My oldest nephew, who is of legal age, would like custody of his twin 13yo brothers so the boys can stay together.

As you can imagine, there is no life insurance. She was only 42. The coroner suspects an aneurysm and with her history of blood clots, he is most likely correct.

If I could support these boys on my own, I would. I wouldn't be here, publicly asking for help. But I am putting my pride aside for the sake of my family. Whatever you can spare is appreciated. Use the donate button at the top of the page.

Thank you.

So Much.

2010-03-19T00:04:00.000-04:00

So much going on, I don't know where to start. Maybe I will gather my thoughts in the next week or so. I haven't dropped off the face of the earth, I'm still here. Sorta.

Cakepop Update

2010-03-05T20:16:00.001-05:00

Um, it didn't go so well. Problems encountered include:

Cakepop didn't start out in perfect sphere shape. I'm anal and this didn't sit well with me, but I forged on.
Cakepop was too big/heavy which meant it didn't really want to stay on the stick and started breaking apart. The consistency was off from the beginning.
Red candy melts don't really look red, which was just weird.
I still never found the perfect candy for Elmo's eyes and that bugged me too.
Did you know that edible ink markers do not like to write on white chocolate chips? Lesson learned.
Did you know that adding coloring to candy melts totally f's up the consistency and you have to put shortening (not oil - the white Crisco stuff) in to get it back? I learned this the hard way too.
Candy melts consistency was way too thick and, um, just looked wrong. Like Elmo was wearing a severely misshapen head. It was just wrong. Oh very wrong.

I'm posting this now so I don't have to dwell on this tomorrow.

On the upside, the Cookie Monster cupcake turned out pretty well. Yay me.

Cakepops.

2010-03-03T11:46:00.000-05:00

Apparently all two of my blog readers are intrigued by my cakepop remark so here ya go.

A cakeop is cake, in "pop" form, like lollipop form. You can find more about cakepops, like how to make them and stuff, on the Bakerella.

I want to make the Elmo one pictured here for Ricky's party. I hope Bakerella doesn't mind that I stole her pic.

See, now I HAVE to make them since I have announced to the ~~world~~ my two dedicated readers that I am making them.

Although I am trying to do them free of artificial red dye. You can stop with the laughter now. I bought some natural dye but I am concerned Elmo will be more Abby Cadabby pink or Telly fuschia. I also have yet to find the magic white candies for Elmo's eyes so that might make him look a little odd also. Ugh, the pressure!!!

In addition to Elmo, I'm also making Cookie Monster cupcakes. See? Kinda like these but minus the coconut and using a star tip and blue frosting.

You may ask why. Here's why. I ordered a cake from Safeway last year. Simple instructions included use red/blue/yellow, add some balloons and it should say Happy Birthday Ricky. That's it. Easy enough, right?

I picked up the cake, had no other options since it was an hour before party time, and the balloons looked like they had diarrhea, the "strings" were the same color as the balloon, not black, and they were all squiggly. There was this confetti looking crap sprinkled everywhere and it really just looked like the frosting bag exploded. The edging was horrendous. The penmanship, a 4 year old could have done better, it wasn't centered at all, it was a Cakewreck for sure. Do they get people like right off the street to do this? Is there ANY training or working alongside people. WTF - where is quality control? It was awful and I hated putting it out but it was all I had. I was horribly embarrassed. So I refuse to let someone else screw it up this time. At least now, if they are awful, I have nobody to blame but myself.

And now, I might have to go to WalMart to find some stuff. I hate that place.

Preparations and Other News.

2010-03-02T23:46:00.000-05:00

Preparations are being made for a toddler birthday party.

I use the word preparations very loosely. I still have plenty to do. And honestly, I just don't wanna do it. I find that work is kicking my butt more and more every day, maybe that means I am getting more important?

Back to the party prep. Stuff left to do includes:

Find a place to hide various random stuff in the house. I have a whole basement, it's not a huge deal, I just have to take it out. Guests just won't go in the basement so don't ask.
Take out the trash. I didn't on Sunday night and the cleaning ladies were here and now there is like a gaggle of trash to go out. Ugh. That's boy work and unfortunately the boy of the house isn't here.
Stuff goody bags.
Bake cupcakes & decorate. We have a Sesame Street theme going on so there is some work required.
Make cakepops. There's a whole process and stuff. It's kinda time consuming. It is a bit of a lofty goal for me but the minute I saw them, I fell in love and knew no other dessert would do for Ricky's birthday.
Dust? Nah, it's ok, the cleaning lady was here last week. Scratch this one from the list.
Buy white candy melts, I thought I had them already and I guess I didn't. Boo. Trip to Michael's is required. When the heck do I have time to do that?
Whatever else comes up and something always does.

In other news, I have decided to break Ricky of the binky. Or B.B. as he calls it. I have never been of the mindset to really take it away just because it is comforting to him and who am I to take away his comfort. I am, however, totally and utterly grossed out about the state of the binky. He gets one at bedtime and it's the one he keeps through the next day. At the end of each day, B.B. goes in the basket in the dishwasher. Of course, it is rinsed umpteen million times a day. If he were at home all day, not really a huge thing. But he's not and then it gets dropped and gets so very grody. Gag. We're keeping it for naps and bedtime because I do not want to deal with a screaming kid in the middle of the night. He will drop it when he's ready He also drools like crazy when he is messing with it and then he gets this little rashy stuff under his bottom lip and that's bugging me too.

The upside of all of this, and this wasn't my primary motivation but it's a nice side effect, is his speech. For no reason other than because I can, I have always been totally paranoid about his speech progress. His body is clearly focusing on gross motor skills - dude can drop and kick a football midair, like punt. For realz. I think that takes skills - I can't even do it. But he just never made a whole lot of effort to talk because he would point or mumble and we would meet his every need. Now, without the binky, more Hello's and Goodbye's are being said. More rambling. He reads along with me when I read his bedtime book to him. It's pretty cool. So like I said, it's nice.

And he really does have the sweetest little voice. I love hearing that sweet voice.

If I just complained about being so tired and work kicking my butt, why am I blogging at 11:46pm?

Night folks.

Missing Daddy.

2010-02-28T21:52:00.000-05:00

Daddy left today. Needless to say, there was a little boy that was very sad about this. Rick picked him up to give him a hug Goodbye and when I went to take Ricky from Daddy, he just pushed me away and said "Noooo."

He clearly did not want Daddy to leave. He was upset for a few but then I pulled out the Play Doh and all was right with the world once again.

And now the house is quiet. Even when Ricky is awake, without Rick here, the house is quiet.

It's weird this time, Rick traveling. He has to travel sometimes for work and it's no big deal. Ricky and I can hang just fine on our own. I am fortunate to have a pretty cool kid. I say "Let's go to bed" and he grabs the blankie and starts climbing the stairs. See? Lucky.

I guess we just miss him more this time around. Definitely.

In the meantime, I have dinner plans for Weds & Thurs - anyone wanna meet for some playtime and dinner on Mon or Tues? I need things to wear out the toddler thus ensuring a good nights sleep.

Frenemies?

2010-02-23T23:29:00.000-05:00

There once was a little boy. A rambunctious lad who had fun wherever he went. He was vibrant, energetic and had a smile that could charm any gal within miles. All the girls at school had crushes on him.

And then Ricky showed up. Uh oh.

Ok, I don't really know if that's how it went but that's how it's going in my head. At least when I am piecing together tidbits of the stories I am getting from the daycare teachers.

There are about 14 kids in Ricky's daycare class. I think it is about 2/3 girls and 1/3 boys. I could be wrong, they gave me a Valentine's Day list and I really didn't pay that close attention.

And then there's Isaiah. Ah, Isaiah. Ricky's frenemy. Ricky and this guy could be cut from the same cloth. They are both adorable and very physical. They love to run and chase and laugh. They are very rambunctious when they get together and often times, can get in to trouble. I do not envy those ladies at daycare for having to care for both at the same time. Not one single bit.

These two boys bring a whole new dynamic to nap time. To ensure a peaceful nap time, they have to be on opposite sides of the room from each other. Go forbid Ms Sandra be rubbing Ricky on the back and Isaiah sees, that is just not allowed! For the record, Ricky feels the exact same way about him.

Today, perfect example. I arrive to drop off Ricky and Isaiah runs up to greet him by shoving a shark in his face and screaming RAWR!!! Ricky responded in kind by yelling back and shoving him to the ground.

And then they ran off playing together. Until someone scooped Ricky up to get breakfast. He seriously pitched a fit because he preferred to play with his frenemy, Isaiah.

Don't you wish things were as simple as when you were two?

Not Again!

2010-02-20T00:04:00.000-05:00

I think I'm sick again. Actually, I know I am.

Not like SICK sick. But got a crappy cold again sick. I felt it coming on last night right around the time I went to bed. A little bit of sinus congestion, slightly scratchy throat. This morning, oh yeah, welcome back old friend. I missed the snot filled head and sore throat from the post nasal drop. You're an a-hole.

Wasn't your last visit enough? I think you were here for roundabout 5 or 6 weeks. I learned to use a Neti Pot, went through 2 rounds of antibiotics, a bout with steroids, enough Mucinex to stock a small drugstore. Today, I have had no less than five Zicam chewy thingies, 2 glasses of Airborne, a Vitamin Water with DragonFruit+c and um, some other stuff.

I guess this is the price I pay for escaping the hibernation of my home following Snowtoious B.I.G. and going to the mall play area. Freakin' germy kids.

But really germs, didn't you have your way with me this time around. Please. I can't afford it. I have a birthday party for a houseful of toddlers in two weeks. I can't handle it. If I ask and say pretty please with a cherry on top and beg and bat my eyelashes will that work?

I ♥ Target.

2010-02-14T23:29:00.000-05:00

For real. Other than the fact that their Up&Up fabric softener made my entire house break out in a rash.

I love that the Target stores around here are expanding their grocery section. Being the anti-Walmart person that I am, it's a long story, I love the idea of one stop shopping. Toys, check. Organic Milk, check. Diapers, check. Cutesy home decorations and furniture and baskets for every possible thing ever and each and every one makes my heart go pitter pat, check.

I also love that I can take my kid to Target and let him chase a $2 ball from one side of the store to the other for 45 minutes and wear his butt out. Without any of the petri dish germs in the mall play area.

I should point out that the roaming toddler in Target was not alone. Dad was chasing him and making sure that nothing too expensive was broken. It was fab.

If that's not love on Valentine's Day, I don't know what is.

Return to Normalcy

2010-02-12T00:32:00.000-05:00

I get to go back to work tomorrow. YAY!!!!!!

Side streets totally sucked today. Big time. Shopping center parking lots majorly sucked. Even more so than side streets. I think it took me about 30 minutes to get out of the Greenbriar Giant parking lot tonight.

Speaking of, I love my car. No, I don't have 4WD but I have an SUV with awesome clearance. I will happily bounce down any side street and through all the dips of packed snow in my SUV. My name is Nita, I own a gas guzzling SUV and I'm ok with that.

As I was saying, I am looking forward to going back to work. I look forward to adult conversation about something other than diapers and snow. I look forward to getting my routine back, if only for a day.

Just in time for a three day break. Ugh.

Ah, normal. Awesome.

This boring post has been brought to you by the Cabin Fever Network.

Round Two is Coming

2010-02-09T23:52:00.001-05:00

This is currently our life as we know it, snowed in with a toddler. Feel free to laugh if you don't have a toddler but you've been there. Feel free to offer condolences if you're home with a toddler right now. If you don't have kids, I don't wanna hear it because you don't get it. No really. You don't. Ok, maybe if you're a nanny/daycare provider/au pair, you get it. Everyone else - no way.

Snowtorious B.I.G. - 2010

2010-02-06T14:21:00.005-05:00

Like the title? I can't take credit for it since someone posted it on a friends FB wall. I am totally stealing it and you ain't gonna stop me. It's a new year, we needed a new name.

It has been rumored that Fairfax County Schools are closed until Weds. Local businesses and malls are closed. All above ground transit has been stopped since 11pm last night but if you're in DC you can use the underground metro, of course if the drivers showed up for work. :) Everything is closed. The region is basically shut down. Hospitals are asking for 4-wheel drive vehicles. It's pretty much madness around here.

Me, I like it. I love the quiet. I love hearing nothing else except the snow hit the ground. I love the beauty the snow brings. The way it covers the gray of winter and makes everything so serene. It's like the ground is taking a much needed nap. We do demand quite a bit of our planet so if she is gonna make us take a break, I'm ok with that. As long as we continue to have power. No power and my world will implode.

I promised snow pics and I am trying to be true to my blog this year last year was kinda bloggy eh. Anyway, here they are. None of the toddler though, because um, he likes his naps in the middle of the day and Mommy likes that he likes his naps. It's still coming down pretty good out there so I don't really plan on going out any time soon. I know, I'm such the killjoy toddler mom. Kids LOVE snow! Ricky has been oohing and aahing over it all day long. I guess it's a good thing that his snowsuit is navy so we can easily find him in this white out when we do eventually go out and play.

To see all the pics, go to the online album located here.

Friday morning, 9:30 am. Not really sticking as you can tell.

Neighborhood kids playing in the snow, this was around 2pm.

I think this is a snowgirl. No, not because of the broom because of the wreath on her head.
"The only thing that separates us from animals is our ability to accessorize."

Saturday morning, 10:30am. Holy Schmoly!!!!

Time to clear some snow!!! It's totally covered

again but at least now you can walk, kinda.

Ricky was really in to watching everyone shovel.

There might be more pics tomorrow, just because it's STILL snowing. Yes, you read correctly. I know one thing, we won't forget this. Definitely not. History in the making folks and you were here! Don't you feel so special now?

Gotta run, I want a snowcone. Any idea where I can get one?

Snow-pacalypse 2.0 Cometh Update below

2010-02-04T22:35:00.001-05:00

Remember this?

This was taken on December 19. This was Snowpocalypse 1.0. They say round 2 is coming tomorrow. Schools are already closed. Local government offices are already closed. The Federal Government is on leave, although it would seriously kinda suck if their "leave" is forced vaca.

Right now, in our casa, we are prepped to "hunker down" and hibernate for a few days. Telecommuting is definitely going to happen. Well, as much as it can happen when you have a toddler running amuck.

Ok, so it's snow. No big deal. WRONG! Yesterday they said the snow would arrive mid afternoon and would be around 12-24". Today, it's starting around 10am and they bumped up the accumulation to 18-24". All I have to say is there darn well better be a minimum of 12" of snow on the ground by the end of the day Saturday. Anything less than that and I will be uberly disappointed. They have created the expectations, I have stocked my pantry and fridge and I have days worth of toddler fun. These meteorological people better deliver.

In case someone that isn't in the Washington DC area is reading this and you have no idea what the threat of snow does to Virginia, see the pics below.

Apparently onions are quite the hot commodity.

As are saltines, although I will admit that I do plan on

making some chili and saltines are oh so yummy with chili.

Nary a gallon of milk in sight. That's right, I said nary. Did I use it correctly?

You would think it was like pandemic or something. And the empty grocery stores are just the beginning. The drivers who aren't used to snow. Heaven help us because all you can really do is pray.

Stay tuned folks. There are some pics coming. You know the kind, the "Oh holy crap, look at all this snow" kind of pics. Hopefully they are accompanied by some pics of an adorable toddler in snow gear but if the snow is as much as they say it is, maybe not. Like if I set him on the snow, will he just fall through it? He's not lightweight, this guy of ours.

You're on the edge of your seat aren't you?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
And from the horses mouth, weather.com says the following:
* ACCUMULATIONS... WIDESPREAD STORM TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 20 TO 30 INCHES... WITH SOME LOCATIONS IN EXCESS OF 30 INCHES.

Are you eff'n kidding me?

Bite?

2010-02-01T21:55:00.000-05:00

Tonight, Ricky and I went to CFA for dinner then headed to Party City to use my $10 off coupon for some much needed upcoming birthday party supplies. Wonder whose birthday that could be, hmmm???

We come home. Play play play. Daddy decides to eat some yummy leftover fried chicken from last night. My first time making fried chicken successfully. And they were drumsticks. Those are hard to cook because they take for-ev-er and you just need to leave them the eff alone.

I had a point. Ricky. Dinner. Yeah. Here's how it went. Ricky pulled him across the room - up up up! Made him sit on the couch - down, down, down! Then proceeded to beg - bite, bite, bite??

It was so funny. My son's pastime is bumming food. Yes indeed. And I couldn't be more proud.

Dear Chantilly IHOP Patrons

2010-01-30T21:57:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry. Sorry that today at IHOP, that kid was my kid. He was hungry. And, seriously, it's IHOP so the visit really isn't complete if you don't have a screaming kid somewhere.

It all started when they seated us in the rear dining room. The rear dining room with no heat and the sad stuff they were trying to pass off as heat was merely cold air coming down the wall and down my back. So we moved tables, still in the rear dining room but closer to the front and hopefully the warm air.

And then the hunger kicked in. The screaming hunger consumed my child. He refused every snack we offered. He threw his sippy cup. He finally decided to follow Mommy's lead with dipping the peanut butter cracker sandwich in jelly. Bad, I know, but it worked. It was soon decided that the cracker was just slowing him down so he proceeded to take a spoon and scoop out the jelly and eat the pure sugar.

BTW - awesome server guy, thanks for offering up anything to help. Crackers, no. Expedited order, no. Nothing. You kinda sucked. But you finally brought his meal, shortly before ours. And it was kinda cold at that point. I hate to imagine how cold it would have been had it sat there while our food was being finished. Of course when the food was served to us in the arctic climate of the dining room, it was cold within a minute, so cold that the butter never even melted on my pancakes. Boo IHOP. Boo.

So, to everyone around me, especially those of you with little ones. Thank you. Thank you for the kind, knowing looks. We've all been there. I just hope that Ricky's fit didn't cause distress for your children in any way.

And if it did, um, sorry you won't get a lot of sympathy from me. Because, really, my kid was having a total meltdown and nothing was working and I was*this* close to freaking out myself.

But I didn't. Because I'm cool like that. At least today I was. And today, today was just the beginning.

Open Letter to Diapers.com

2010-01-28T20:41:00.000-05:00

I love you. Really, I do. I mean, I know I pay a dollar or two more if I buy diapers from you but they are shipped for free, right to my door. I love that convenience.

But for the love of all that is holy, please stop spamming me!!! I am NOT a new customer. I do NOT qualify for the $10 off coupon. Somewhere in your massive database you have to know that my email DOES indeed exist. This alone means that I am not a new customer.

Seriously. Stop it. You're pissing me off by dangling the $10 carrot and yanking it out of my hands. $10 will buy two lattes! Do you know that I have a nearly 2yo and I could really use a couple lattes?? You suck.

Sincerest regards -

What to Write?

2010-01-02T22:44:00.000-05:00

One thing having a blog has proved to me is that I am NOT a writer. Not in the slightest. Which is funny because I always have something to say. Maybe I am just not good at putting it down in written form. Typed form?

Is it the computer screen staring at me that prevents the words from coming? Perhaps it is because I am a bit anal when it comes to writing. Did you know that I write for a living? Not in a creative capacity - but in a technical capacity. Even doing that is hard sometimes. My boss has asked me for "bug splatter" and insists we can always clear out the crap later. I still find it hard to do "bug splatter" just because I am that anal and I want it that perfect and I don't feel that bug splatter is always indicative of the quality of work that I am capable of doing.

So then the blog. This is MY space. I can say whatever I want here, right? But can I, really? People I know read this blog. Do I want them to see all the "crazy" going on in my head? Maybe it isn't really crazy but maybe it is. If I do share to that degree, will they feel like they are not alone? Do we all have crazy thoughts from time to time? Do I start another blog? An anonymous blog? A place where I can let all of those thoughts, the ones we all have but are sometimes afraid to say out loud, come to life?

I have so many posts swirling in my head. I went to church last week. Me. Church. It is the second time I have ever been to a church aside from the church where I grew up. It is also the second time in my life I have been to church without my Grandmother. I didn't realize how much I missed her until I was standing there, singing, and the tears came from nowhere. I have this spiritual battle going on inside of me and sometimes I don't know which way to go or where to turn. Then we have Christmas and Ricky. It was so much fun! We all had such an amazing day. I am a Mom. I have a family. Then there is New Years - with new friends that I am so thankful for. There is just so much to talk about, and I have no idea where to start.

Maybe I am making this harder than it needs to be.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...

2009-12-23T23:28:00.000-05:00

A disaster in my house. I haven't wrapped a thing and I don't really care. It will get done. About half of the toys are going to be set up anyway.

I did however get my Christmas cards out but I think, I think, that one for one of my sisters did not have a stamp on it. And just because of a massive brain fart I forgot to put another one in the mail for her. Ugh. But I don't have any more of the card that I sent to her. I have three card designs.

There are no ornaments on the tree. I planned on putting some on, but I think that in hindsight it was probably the best decision. Ricky is like a little tasmanian devil and surely would have pulled something off the tree. I had time to do it but I didn't. I knew if I did it once he would take them off and it would be a neverending battle. A good friend told me that ornaments are overrated anyway. There are lights. There is garland. It's sparkly and that's ok for this year.

Right now, I am worried about my little man. He is up in his crib trying to get some rest and all he is doing is coughing. It's a new cough. A different cough from your everyday sinus drainage/itchy throat cough. We went to the Doc today and have a fresh prescription for Albuterol and some antibiotics for what appears to be something bronchitis like. The albuterol treatments require a nebulizer/compressor and need to occur every four hours, even while he is sleeping. They are interesting to say the least.

So I am going to focus on keeping my boy healthy. You really would have no idea because he is in the best of spirits. There is no fever. He eats fine. He runs just as fast, only stopping to cough. I mean hack.

Ugh, he's coughing again. It breaks my heart every time.

Blizzard-tastrophe 2009

2009-12-19T19:43:00.003-05:00

Here in the DC area, we are in the midst of a bit of a blizzard. Normally the weather folks out this way are way off and everyone freaks out and cancels school and the whole world stops for no good reason. Today, city offices have closed, universities have canceled final exams, performances have been rescheduled. The world officially came to a grinding halt and rightfully so. It has been snowing since around 7:30pm last night. There is about 20" or more on the ground outside. We have shoveled once, but only so we didn't have to use a snowboard to get off the porch.

Let me say, I love snow. Love the stuff. I love how it covers up all the ugly gray of winter. It hides the brown ground, it adds some sparkle to the trees while they are sleeping for the season, it forces you to slow down, if not stop what you're doing. I like that.

I however, did not like it last night when I was at the grocery store and the line at every register was 20 people deep. But now I am set and I think I even have what I need for Christmas dinner.

All that said, I still didn't get my butt out in it today. I chickened out and by the time I was ready to roll, it was like 30 minutes before nap time and Ricky was getting cranky. Maybe tomorrow.

My car - buried. Rick's car - hahahahaha - it must be SO buried, it's much smaller than mine. Ok - I have to give my kid a bath and figure out how to open the back door so I can get some snow off my deck.

*******
Updated with pics. I did not shovel the deck - fuhgettaboudit. It's brand new and has the most amazing support beams so it it can handle some snow. Besides, I'm afraid if I disturb the snow, it will fall in to my house. See the pic below.

All in all, I don't mind the snow. It's been snowing for over 24 hours but I'm ok with that. I still think it's pretty.

Out front, around 11:30 this morning.

Door to my deck - lots o' snow out back.

Grill. No cover. Ruh roh...

Taken at 9pm.

My cool patio and horribly expensive shrubs.

Rick's Car. Ha. Not that mine is in any better shape.

At least we can reach the roof of his car.

Later peeps.

So far behind I don't even know where to start.

2009-12-12T19:26:00.001-05:00

Yeah, so, um yeah. Our tree isn't up yet. Nothing Christmasy is in my house except a boatload of gifts for our spoiled child.

There's no particular reason the tree isn't up yet, it just isn't. I have had a hard time getting in the mood to decorate, but I think that is just because I have to rearrange furniture and since the playroom used to be our "overflow" room for such furniture, we are kinda screwed now. I guess I could scrunch some stuff in to a corner and figure something out.

Does anyone know where I got so much crap? Also - interested in a chair? I have one that needs a home for the holidays because it's just in my freakin' way.

The chair isn't the problem. I am. I've just been lazy and succumbing to distractions *cough*Facebook*cough*.

But seriously, it's going up this weekend. The house is a disaster and we have a new tv stand to assemble tonight so we have our work cut out for us. Maybe once the tree is up I will get baking. I must bake. I love to bake. I neeeeeeeeeed the cookies.

Someone tell me wtf I am doing writing a blog post when I should be doing stuff? Ok - no more blogging until the house is ready. Then I can post pics.

Thankful.

2009-12-04T12:39:00.000-05:00

What I am thankful for at this very moment:

Aleve
A great job that I love about 90% of the time
Medical insurance
A supportive husband that does this in his spare time
A healthy son
Amazing friends
A cell phone that works even if the screen is cracked so I don't have to spend a boatload to replace since I didn't get the insurance
Free shipping & other sorts of discount codes

But mostly, right now, this very second, this very nano-second in time, I am most thankful for....company holiday party. Times are tough folks, but my company is still making money and has managed worked out some great deals. It wasn't budgeted this year, but the execs felt strongly pooled their $$$ and were able to organize a holiday event for us this afternoon. Complete with a limited supply of alcohol and entertainment. I could really use a glass of wine. This means that I can stop working now. Jealous much?

Gobble Gobble.

2009-11-29T13:30:00.000-05:00

Ah, Thanksgiving. We had a pretty good one this year. Rick and I don't have family in the NoVa area and the last few years it has just been the two of us (with the addition of Ricky last year) for dinner. I have made dinner, I have ordered dinner, but it's still not the same as the big, noisy Thanksgivings I have always had with my family. We are loud and there are lots of us and someone gets in a fight over something stupid but it is what it is. Not that I haven't loved the intimate Thanksgivings we have had together, it has been nice. But now that we have Ricky I want to start some family traditions for him.

We headed out to Casa Redden to enjoy the day with the crew. Jessica is always such an amazing hostess and Ricky has such a great time playing with their kids. When I say playing I mean running in circles around the house just because it has space to roam. Once we had dinner ready for the kids, Ricky dove right in. After he finished off his, he grabbed his spoon and went around the table snaking mashed & sweet potatoes from the other kids plates. I think he even snatched a piece of grilled cheese. Turkey was delightful, stuffing was delish, sweet potatoes were amazing, but I think the gravy just perfected it all! (Can you tell I made the gravy?)

Oh - and the Cowboys won. I don't think it could have gotten any better than that!

So on to Christmas - which I am so utterly and completely NOT prepared for. Ugh.

We're on the Cutting Edge Over Here.

2009-11-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

For all the complaining I have done about my FIOS, they sure do have the technology thing down.

It took me like two weeks to get my online access finally unlocked so I logged in and paid my bill online today. I guess they finally wanted my money.

When I was logged in, I remembered something about remote DVR access so I checked it out. Dude, it was so easy! I can program my DVR via the online site. I can also program my DVR from my phone. You heard me right - from my phone people! Fortunately I have a compatible Blackberry Storm. The app was pretty easy to install and is even easier to use. Woot! Finally - something has went RIGHT!

I better stop now before I jinx the whole thing.

All I have to say is suh-weet!

Is it Thursday already?

2009-11-19T22:51:00.000-05:00

I seriously keep meaning to post something during the week but work is just kickin' my a$$ lately so when I come home, even though I waste time on crap like Facebook, putting the thought in to a blog post is just the last thing on my mind.

So, what I'm saying is sorry for the bloggy absence during the week but my brain is pretty much fizzled out. Maybe when something interesting happens to me during the week I will blog about it.

Well, Ricky has hit me a couple times today. He hit me when I put him in the car to go to daycare. He hit me when I put him in the car picking him up from daycare. Too much fun at home and too much fun at daycare I presume.

He really is quite the character though and we have so much fun together. I can't really blame him for being a bit cranky. Since the weather has turned cold and he and I were both getting over being sick, we have quite a case of cabin fever and we really need to get out. Normally we would head to the mall play area but during cold & flu season - triple ick.

Until then, we will just have to figure something out. Maybe shove all the furniture to one side of the room and just let him run in circles?

Can't you tell my brain is fried?

Honesty?

2009-11-15T11:59:00.001-05:00

My friend Jill over at Daily Verses gave me this award. For being honest. I think that's a pretty good honor and I hope I can live up to it. Some days are harder than others, I think we can all agree on that. I might not be the most eloquent person when choosing my words, but I try to be as up front and honest as possible.

Then again, there is this passive aggressive side to me that just wants to avoid a situation completely because being honest is too hard. Like right now, I am sitting on a FB friend request. The person who sent it has no idea that I don't really like her. I suppose it's because she wronged me in the past (in a professional capacity) and that still stings. To me, accepting that friend request will open up a whole can of worms and she will be back in my life and I really don't want her there unless it is absolutely necessary. I seem to hold on to things like that and it's just not a good thing.

Whatever. Back to the meme.

Jill is always so sincere and honest and much more eloquent with her words - she was an English major folks! I respect her opinion and advice more than she probably knows. I think she is amazing. Her strength and faith serve as an inspiration to me and I consider myself very lucky to have her in my life. Part of this award is for me to list 10 honest things about myself, and then nominate 7 other blogs that I find brilliant in content and/or design. That last part is gonna be hard because the ladies that I really love - some have already been nominated, but I will try my best.

My list, here goes.

I watched SuperNanny on Friday night and thought to myself "OMG - that could totally be my kid" in some aspects.
I feel like my BFF and I are drifting apart.
I don't think I am doing enough to maintain our friendship at times but it's a two way street so I look for her to do the same thing and am still waiting.
I miss my Grandmother terribly since she passed in September. Ricky does things and I want to share them with her and she isn't there. Each time I have that thought a little part of me aches inside.
I weigh more than I ever have, with the exception of when I was pregnant.
I have a horn addiction. I beep it frequently to move the car in front of me when we're waiting at a light and they're lollygagging because I am that impatient and hate missing the light.
I say lollygagging. Yes, I do.
I HATE laundry and have at least 5 loads waiting on me at this very moment. Once it's all washed it will take another 3-4 days to get it put away because I will be lollygagging about it.
I am afraid of getting pregnant again. Ricky is so strong and so physical I have these images of being kicked in the stomach by accident if I were to get pregnant. Aside from the BP issues I had last time, how would we manage if I had to be put on bedrest for any period of time? Plus, I would officially be of "advanced maternal age" next time around. Needless to say, the whole thing scares the bejeezus out of me.
I love cake. All cake. I wish every day were my birthday so I could eat cake.

Now who to nominate.

Amy - One of the most honest people I know.
Heather - She needs to blog more because I love her posts.
FertileMertile - I know she's already been nominated but I love her dearly and admire her for putting everything out there and being so true to herself.
Jessica - I know she's already been nominated also but she is one of my bestest friends and I love her and am lucky to have her lin my life. Her honesty has helped me in more ways than she can imagine.
WildWestHome - I don't think I have ever met a kinder woman. Ever.
All About Adam - While I have yet to meet her IRL, I love her posts about her little guy. Her boy is a little older than Ricky and while she might not know it, reading about her challenges as a parent are inspirational to me.
Little Leaps of Faith - She has has a pretty hectic year and has taken it all in stride. I think we can all learn something from her.

That's it folks!

Not If, But When.

2009-11-12T21:25:00.000-05:00

Over the past week I have had the.most.miserable.cold. I'm not exactly sure how a viral cold turns in to a bacterial sinus infection that warrants antibiotics but whatever. All I know is a after a couple days on the meds I feel a trillion times better. The crud draining in to my throat causing the sore throat and hoarse voice is a whole lot better. Ricky has also pretty much had a cold since the first week of daycare. He is on his second round of antibiotics in a little over a month, which I am totally not excited about. The only good thing is he doesn't have ear infections, he is just blowing snot all over the place.

Speaking of snot, Mucinex rocks.

Tuesday night I had a low grade fever but it went away quickly and never came back. Now tonight Rick has a fever. Speaking of Rick, he went to brush his teeth about 45 min ago and I haven't seen him since and he is supposed to be in bed resting. Needless to say if he still has a fever in the AM off to the doc for a swabbing he goes. Gotta see if it's the flu, right?

Which brings me to my point. I have went from wondering IF we are going to get H1N1 to WHEN are we going to get it. None of us got the vaccine (yes - I am fully aware that I did not vaccinate my child against it and I am ok with that.) Every little sneeze and sniffle, every little cough, every low grade fever, they all have new meaning this year.

Now if only I could get my employer to put out those little foaming hand sanitzer dispensers at the entrance of the building and near the elevators. I mean, even Potbelly's has them.

Bad Mommy

2009-11-07T19:26:00.000-05:00

I have been a bad Mommy lately.

I'll start with Halloween. Due to a combination of issues, which I won't get in to, I have no pics of Ricky from Halloween. Either he was way too fast and I was busy chasing him to keep him out of the street or I just stupidly forgot the memory card to the camera. There are a handful of reasons but regardless, I have no pics and I am pretty bummed about it.

Then when I was in Target on Halloween Day I was cruising through the children's section and noticed the infamous Monkey Backpack. I have been considering one for a while just because Ricky is so active and there are times when I fear for his safety. I want him to be able to explore to his hearts content but I want to keep him out of the road. Just buying this was a HUGE step for me. I had asked Rick about it in the past and he wasn't really open to the idea of having one. But that day in Target, I just had to pick one up. I was so worried about Ricky's safety during trick or treat. So that night when we went out I strapped it on but I didn't connect the "leash" part. It was just on his back and he didn't mind it at all. When I did attach the lead, he still could care less. But what he soon discovered was if he pulled at it and I pulled at it, all I did was slow him down. He began to just start falling down because he could, knowing he wouldn't have a hard fall since something was slowing him down. Big fail. It didn't do a darn bit of good. I was open to it. I tried it. It didn't work. I know they work fabulous for other folks but it just didn't work for me.

Another Bad Mommy moment. I picked Ricky up from daycare this week. He was in timeout when I got there. He had been flinging the Fisher Price phone around by the cord and nearly hit another kid. Ricky is strong. Very strong, especially for his age. He is a very physical kid and his fear knows no bounds. He jumps off the couch. He flips backwards. He runs in to the couch/wall/toybox/chair/you/me/whatever. At full speed. He has literally plowed in to another kid head on and knocked them flat on their butt. This is just who he is, but he doesn't know his own strength and it lands him in trouble at times.

Where does the Bad Mommy part come in? I suppose I feel bad because maybe, just maybe, I need to adjust my expectations of what is realistic behavior from him. Of course we all want our kids to be the best behaved with the best manners. It just isn't going to happen. At least it won't happen if I want him to be himself. He is who he is. I love who he is. I love the amount of passion he put in to everything he does. He does everything 110%. He is so much fun and he really is an easy kid. Seriously. Well he's easy as long as you have the energy to keep up with him and stay one step ahead at all times.

That doesn't mean there aren't times that I don't want to ___________ the little stinker. I'll let you fellow moms fill in the blank because I know you've been there.

So why do I feel like a Bad Mommy? I really can't say why. I guess it's just part of this whole growing up thing I have to do in the name of parenthood.

So now you know why there are no Halloween pics. Stop asking.

Blankies and stuff...

2009-10-23T15:23:00.001-04:00

I was just looking at this pic.

My, how time flies. This picture was taken when Ricky was 8 days old and in the hospital. His body temp had dropped drastically low and they were concerned there was an infection so he was admitted. You can't see the spot on his back where they did the spinal tap. You can't see the IV in his right hand. You can't see all the slits on his little feet where they were trying to get a good potassium level but weren't able to because he was so dehydrated. You can't see the band aid covering the spot where they eventually had to draw that blood from his arterial vein because the other THREE attempts to get a regular vein failed. How someone so small can weather so much, I will never know.

You also can't see me freaking out in the background. Feeling horribly guilty because after nursing my son, exclusively for nearly 7 days I didn't realize that my milk hadn't come in. He was lethargic. I was starving my son. I started supplementing but it was too late. To say I felt horrible doesn't even begin to describe my feelings. The most instinctual thing I was supposed to be able to do for my son, one of my first jobs as a parent, and I failed. I failed to the degree of epic proportions.

The next day my milk came in. Oh, did it ever come in! But it went almost as fast as it arrived. I was angry at myself, angry at my body and just looking at a breast pump filled me with hurt and resentment. I would pump and pump and get barely a drop. I had succumbed. Hopefully when the time comes for the next one, that won't be the case.

Back to the picture.

What you can see in that picture is the blankie. That super soft blankie. Well, you can see the puppy lovey too but this post isn't called "Puppies and stuff." For the record, I absolutely adore the puppy!

I have no idea who gave us this blankie. I'm sure it was a shower gift. I loved it. And he loves it. He did then and he does now. To this day, when he wakes up in the morning and I get him out of his crib, he grabs this blankie. When it's bed time he knows to pick up this blankie and his binky. He hugs it when he is sick or scared or sad. The love he has for this blankie knows no bounds.

And then we started daycare. "Bring a sheet and blankie for naptime" they said. Uh oh, a blankie? The blankie? What if something happens to the blankie at daycare? I can't afford to lose the blankie. No way. His world would crumble.

Over the past few months I have found a few substitutes for this blankie. They are made by Carter's so the outlet store had a couple. I also managed to pick up a few at Burlington Coat Factory. I think we are up to 5 or 6 "blankies" now. They aren't exactly the same but they suffice. It's a good thing I was able to find them because since cold & flu season has started, daycare is sending home blankets and sheets for DAILY washings. I don't do laundry daily.

If your little one has a lovey, make sure you get backups if you can. Seriously. You will be happy you did.

Do you ever wish you could go back to that simple life? When something as small as a blankie could make everything all better?

Wordless Wednesday. Kinda.

2009-10-21T22:37:00.002-04:00

Check out Ricky's "school" pic. He is SO big. Wow - I have a kid. A kid who has a school picture. Haha, I'm so grown up.

So Much To Say

2009-10-17T11:25:00.001-04:00

Do you sometimes have so much swirling around in your head that you don't know where to start? That's how I feel about my blog right now. It has been a weird couple of weeks and I don't really know where to start but here goes.

We left for vacation on Sunday, September 27. We were actually "on" vacation for less than 24 hours when my Mom called. Grandma had passed.

It was my worst nightmare. I even hesitated leaving for vacation because I was so afraid that she would pass while I was gone.

I should have called Grandma that Sunday while we were driving down to the Outer Banks. Called her like I normally do when I have a long drive ahead of me. Lately our conversations hadn't been very long, but I just liked hearing her voice, checking in on her. But I didn't call. I had just spoken to her on Friday and knew that Hospice was coming in to talk to her on Monday. I figured I would call later in the day on Monday and see how it went with the Hospice folks but I never got that chance.

She passed peacefully, in her sleep. That is all you could ever want for your loved one, right? No pain?

I don't think I have ever met a more amazing woman. She was strong and kind and full of love. Her love of God and family knew no bounds. When I think of how the world has changed during her 91 years, it astounds me.

But right now, I find comfort in knowing that she is Home. She is with friends and family and maybe she is even dropping in on Rick's Mom, telling her about Ricky.

Yeah, that's definitely what she is doing.

Hiatus.

2009-09-30T21:56:00.003-04:00

I'm taking a bloggy break. Things have been insanely busy with work. Some family demands need immediate attention and we had a kinda sorta vacation in the middle of all of this. Give me a couple weeks to regroup.

I'll be back. Promise.

What's the big secret?

2009-09-19T20:34:00.003-04:00

Where did Soft & Dri deodorant go? You know, this stuff.

I have been to CVS, WalMart, Target, Giant, Shoppers Food Warehouse, pretty much everywhere I can think of. I have NOT been to Safeway, Wegmans or Bloom. I will check there tomorrow. But really, if WalMart doesn't have it, who does?

Also, I started boycotting WalMart last December and broke that boycott to go look for this freakin deodorant.

I mean, who did the Secret people pay off? The only deodorant I see is Secret, Ban, Degree and that Secret Clinical Strength stuff. Ain't no way I'm paying $11 for deodorant. I'm not insanely sweaty or anything, I just prefer the Soft&Dri. They have this active stripe that even if it doesn't do anything, I think it does something and I like it. Besides, the passionflower scent sounds sexy.

Also, completely unrelated, I am breaking out like crazy. In the last few weeks I think I have turned in to a 15 yo boy and Exxon is making bids on the oil. It's gross. I wish fall would just stick around so this weird weather crap would go away and my skin can get kinda back to normal.

The Days Roll By

2009-09-14T19:11:00.002-04:00

And they just keep rolling. Today I am 36. Geesh, that sounds old.

I feel so grown up, it's almost surreal. Some days I look around and wonder how I got here. In my head I still think I am that 18 year old gal getting her party on at Purity, trying to get served alcohol under the age of 21, going to school part time, working two jobs and praying that the transmission on her Chevette doesn't go out.

Has anyone around here known me long enough to remember the Chevette? The red one that said "Sport" on the side? Let me tell you, a Chevette Sport is about as cool as a Chevette General Lee. But the good times we had in that Chevette are priceless. Many a chinese fire drill, a trip to grad night, trips back & forth to Kentucky to see my boyfriend, then more trips back and forth to Loudounville (a teeny town in the middle of Ohio) to see another boyfriend. I never could find anyone local. It even went to Cleveland to the U2 concert (without me I might add.) But it was always there, I relied on my Chevette.

And then the days rolled by and life moved on.

Before long I was married and living in California then not much longer after that I was divorced and back in Ohio. And now, D.C. Married. With a son. *Gasp*

But those days, 18 years ago when I had that Chevette, they seem like yesterday. The memories are so vivid, so strong. Every second I owned that car I hated it. It wasn't even the Chevette part that bugged me, it was that it had the nerve to be a"Sport". How dare that car try to be cool?!

But now, in my mind, it really was the perfect car for me. And I wouldn't have my life any other way.

I hope I have 36 more years that are half as good as the first 36 years. Thank you to everyone who made the first 36 years of my life so amazing. Thank you to everyone who has come and went in my life. You are all living on with me, in my heart, in my spirit. You have made me who I am. I am pretty ok with who I am and I know that I owe it all to you.

At A Loss For Words

2009-09-11T07:41:00.004-04:00

Not really, there are just too many. We had a great weekend last weekend and Ricky is now 18 mos old, don't even ask me where time went. I had a little experience with a company called Crocs and then just the general business of the work week.

Alas, in the evening, my brain is fried and creating a blog post just isn't possible.

So maybe this weekend something will come out. Just know that I haven't forgotten about you.

Customer Loyalty?

2009-09-04T23:08:00.004-04:00

It seems that there is no such thing these days. New customers, here is the world on a platter. Existing customers, thanks for paying your bill now get out of the way so I can make a sale.

WTF?

We have Fios. It's cool. The internet speeds are awesome. The HD cable package is pretty good. The customer service, well, let's just say that it isn't their shining star. I am a bit biased because they did some change in their billing system that resulted in me receiving a bill for $1200 a mere four months after I installed my service. A bill that took no less than 20 hours of my personal time to get resolved.

But, I can update my Facebook/Twitter (I don't tweet)/play Sodoku from my cable box.

Have I mentioned I work for the nations second largest cable provider and we can't do this yet? No, I can't get free cable either because we don't provide service where I live. Asinine, yes. I know.

Anyway, Fios. I have been seeing commercials over the last year. Free tv, free laptop, free, free, FREE! I like free. Where's my freebie? I like free stuff. I work hard for my money, I need free stuff.

Ok, I work for my money. The hard part seems to go in spurts depending on workload.

My point. Free. I wanted a freebie. I have been a Fios customer for 3+ years. I have endured botched installs and transfers of service, royally screwed up bills, ignorant "service" representatives and support "specialists", they OWE me.

What did they make me do? I have to disconnect our service, that is in Rick's name, and reinstall in my name, in order to get the promo. This means I have to get rid of all of my existing boxes and stored DVR content and be without service for a day. Yes. No internet for nearly 24 hours! Whatever will I do? It will be like a blackout and I will probably end up pregnant.

And then, 60 days after I am a good paying customer, they will send me a HP/Compaq coupon so I can go to their site and order my shiny, new netbook. I think I want it in pink. I'm pleased about the netbook but not pleased about the lengths I had to go to in order to get it.

Which brings me back to my original question. Is there such a thing as customer loyalty?

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2009-09-01T09:54:00.001-04:00

I think this gal has the right idea.

Go Bucks!

When Daddy's Away....

2009-08-26T11:07:00.002-04:00

Mommy & Ricky will play. Daddy is out of town

With just the two of us it seems crazy to cook an entire meal and knowing how I am about leftovers (fickle at best) they won't be eaten.

On Monday night, we went to Fair Oaks Mall for a few. Ricky played to his little hearts content, I went to JC Penney and picked up a couple pairs of slacks, then we hit Corner Bakery for dinner.

Tuesday night - repeat. Only this time with Chick Fil A - we love CFA. Their play area smelled like a thousand pairs of stinky feet were in there at once. Then off to Burlington Coat Factory for random crap that I didn't need but at least now my oven has a safety latch on it. I feel compelled to mention that Burlington Coat Factory, they're not all that cheap. The least expensive toddler outfit I found was $12 and it was just eh. They are just eh in my book but I did manage to pick up a few things.

Why do I keep spending money when I should only be buying dinner? I have a problem.

Oh yeah, my point? Back to Ricky and his playing.

Monday night at the mall, he was quite the gentleman. Played with all sorts of kids, slid here and there, climbed this and that. All the things a toddler should do. Tuesday, he was mesmerized by a bigger kid and his stupendous climbing abilities in the CFA playground. I could totally see the wheels turning in his head, dreaming of the days when he would be big enough to climb that high. He was having a grand time.

That is until he face planted on the side of the bench where I was sitting. It was like a booth bench and covered in padding, but he felt it and screamed his little head off. For like a minute. Then he went back to playing.

My favorite thing he did, well it was quite unique.

We took a bath. Sometimes he pees in the bath, it happens, I'm ok with it. It's pee, it's sterile. It'll be ok.

But when he stood there and went #2 - ick. Fortunately all the water was drained and we didn't have a floater situation.

I just grabbed some TP, picked it up, flushed it and grabbed a Clorox wipe and cleaned the tub. What else do you do, right? But if someone had told me five years ago that I would be picking a turd out of my bathtub, I would have told them they were insane. Now, whatever. You do what you have to do, right?

Tonight - more playing. Our neighbor is bringing her son over for dinner and playtime. Hopefully it will be a poo-free evening. But I have some wine, just in case.

Uh Oh! Elmo Fell Down!

2009-08-20T21:50:00.002-04:00

Yeah he did.

I pulled out the Elmo Live that we bought around Christmastime. We had way to many toys and I stashed several of them.

I think Elmo loves Ricky more than Ricky loves Elmo. Unless knocking Elmo down over and over is love.

Aaahhhhhh

2009-08-18T19:20:00.002-04:00

Home. Home is awesome. Ricky and I got home last night but I was too tired to post. Too tired to blink actually.

Somewhere in me there is a blog post, but I don't know where. Finding the words these days is getting harder and harder.

Maybe this weekend when I don't have upcoming training and deadlines at work looming over my head.

Later peeps!

Leavin' on a Jet Plane...

2009-08-14T09:16:00.002-04:00

Not really, we're taking the car.

So I'm heading back to Ohio to visit with the fams and such. My Mom came in on Tuesday to take care of Ricky since my sitter went on vaca. Things have been going well and it worked out nicely because now I don't have to make that long drive to Ohio with Ricky by myself.

We plan to visit with Grandma Rosie (Ricky's Great-Grandma), head to a high school family picnic and see some old friends, maybe take in some of the water in a friends pool. All around general merriment basically. Hopefully I will have ton of pics when I get back.

Which reminds me, must grab the camera. I suppose I should get the packing done since we're leaving in like an hour or so.

And um, this week kinda kicked by a$$ at work. Too tired to blog at the end of the day.

Take care peeps! Catch up with ya sometime next week.

Seventeen.

2009-08-06T20:54:00.002-04:00

Seventeen months ago today I gave birth. I was cut open and had this amazing little person removed from my womb.

Seventeen months ago today I experienced a love that I never knew could exist.

Seventeen months ago today, my life changed. The world changed.

For the past seventeen months, I have been looking at the world from a different point of view.

Seventeen months ago today was the best day of my life.

Well, of the days that I remember. I don't exactly remember being born.

Power of the Blog.

2009-07-30T23:41:00.002-04:00

I posted about lack of a pool. Shortly after, I was invited by a local fellow blogger to go hang at her neighborhood pool. How cool is that?

And don't go thinking she is all stalkery or something like that. I am quite certain she is lovely. Besides, it's a big community pool. And if she is all stalkery and weird, there will be plenty of witnesses.

Watch out Beth - here we come. Oh - and Happy Birthday!

Just Keep Swimming.

2009-07-25T21:20:00.003-04:00

I like the water, especially on a hot summer day. Only thing is we don't have a neighborhood pool. I have been trying to sublet a membership from a neighboring community so we have someplace to go, but the prices are a little spendy. If I were a SAHM I would probably consider spending that kind of money. To go a couple times a month, no way, not spending several hundred dollars a season. That's just not happening.

So when a friend invited us out for lunch and some time at their neighborhood pool, I jumped at the chance. Ricky and I packed up and headed out this morning. They have a really cool toddler pool that is about 16" deep and just the right size.

I totally dragged way too much crap with me. Why did I think I needed a beach ball when the water is plenty enough to keep him entertained? I also picked up a little floaty for him to ride in, thinking I would push him around. His feet reached the bottom of the pool when he was in this thing. It was useless, but it was only $4 or so, not like I expected quality.

The whole point of that last part was that I didn't need any of that crap.

Back to the pool.

Ricky was a little apprehensive at first but climbed in and walked around. He liked the action of climbing in and out of the pool over and over more than the water itself. He did end up with his face under water a couple of times, but he took it all in stride. I, on the other hand, got a little antsy. Seeing your little one, go face first in to the water like that, it will scare the crap out of you. Fortunately he recovered very quickly, even knew to stand up. It was just more of a shock to both of us.

Oh, and I totally forgot to take my camera. Yeah, way to go Mom.

It was a good day peeps. A good day.

I Don't Need No Stinkin' Sippy Cup!

2009-07-18T22:40:00.003-04:00

Ricky can finally drink through a straw. In the past, he has just tried to chew the straw.

This might not seem like a big deal to someone else, but for me, this is monumental. Mostly because sometimes, someone (meaning me) forgets to bring a sippy cup when we go out to dinner and we go out probably twice a week. This means we have to hold the cup up to him and let him try to sip out of it. That just ends up in a big wet mess. Being able to use a straw, well that fixes that little problem.

*Ahem* I won't go in to how many sippy cups have been left behind at restaurants.

I initally tried a straw type sippy cup way back when we started sippy cups. Dude, those things suck. I would suck out my brain before I would get a drop out of that thing. Aside from that, they were just being a big pain in the butt to clean. There were way too many part to those things.

I was at Giant a couple weeks ago and noticed that Starbucks had itty bitty shotglass size disposable cups and mini straws, about 4" long, that they used to sample smoothies and fraps. I snatched up a couple (ok, they were given to me.) I was hoping the mini straws would be the key. Ricky has tried to suck through a straw before but the straw was so long that he gave up before the milk/juice/water got to him. Well, it looks like the mini straw did the trick. We even tested again tonight at Chick Fil A with a juice box. Woot! The boy has figured out the sucking through the straw trick.

So yeah, maybe not a big feat to some of you out there. But in this house, HUGE.

Wow - my boy is growing up so fast. I can't call him my baby any more. He is my kid.

Maybe it's time to start thinking about another.

Survival of the Fittest.

2009-07-17T22:39:00.002-04:00

As I was making dinner tonight, shucking some super yummy corn on the cob, I noticed one of the ears had a nice hole in it with little corn bits coming out. Great. One less ear of corn. Stuff like that skeeves me out so it immediately went in the trash. Freakin' corn critters ruining my ear of corn.

Regardless, I continued my shucking and went back to making the rest of my dinner. As I reach down in the oven drawer to grab a lid, I see a battle going on. A battle between a spider and some creepy crawly caterpillar worm thingy that no doubt came out of the corn. After a quick google search, it's a corn earworm.

GROSS! Gag! Ick! Get out of my kitchen!!!

I called for Rick. Pest control is his domain.

Meanwhile, Wormy is writhing in a spider web, trying to get free. Spidey is trying her darnedest to keep him put as she smacks her lips in anticipation of her meal(s) to come.

We couldn't stop watching. We were intrigued. Nature, right there in the corner of my kitchen. GROSS! Wait - is this what a spider does when they capture prey? Really? Huh, that's kinda trippy.

Rick and I were both torn. Do we take the entire thing outside and just chuck it? Do we crush them both? You know there would be gushing of stuff from the worm. I am gagging at the thought. I mean, the spider is working so hard. And I was kinda angry at the worm for ruining my ear of corn. Let the spider enjoy her feast.

Alas, it was not destined to be. Wormy got away and Spidey was scurrying about trying to figure out which way was up. Rick retrieved Wormy and put him outside somewhere. I don't know if he was squished or what. I don't want to know.

But then, I felt kinda bad for Miss Spidey. All that work she put in to wrestling Wormy and she had no reward. Poor Spidey.

Don't ask what is wrong with me, I really have no idea. They should have both been squished and be done with it.

Then I remembered. There was a dead fly in the breakfast nook that I had just tossed in the trash, wrapped in a tissue. There it was, right on top. I grabbed the tissue and dropped the fly in to Miss Spidey's web. I wondered if she cared for her dinner to be dead or did she prefer fresh meat. Nope, she didn't care. She wrapped him up and hauled him off. Somewhere in the deep dark crevices of my kitchen, behind a baseboard, she is having fly with a side of fava beans for dinner. I am happy for her.

She eats the other bugs people. And there are bugs. Like silverfish and those itty bitty ants and other weirdo things that come and go. I have often considered getting a bug guy, but by the time I get serious about it the other bugs go away and I am happy to ignore the fact that just because they are out of sight, doesn't mean they are gone. I have never lived in a completely bug free house, even when I did have a bug guy.

And for the record, this is not always the case. I have killed plenty a spider among others. But for some reason, watching her struggle and work. Seeing nature in one of it's purest and simplests forms, I just couldn't do it.

All creatures, great and small, deserve a chance every once in a while, right?

Even crazy a$$ snapper turtles sitting in the driveway.

Man, my house sounds like a pigsty. Really, it's not. I swear. We don't have creepy crawlies everywhere. I promise.

Wow. Something is SO wrong with me. I know this.

Tired.

2009-07-12T00:01:00.005-04:00

Of course I'm tired, but it is midnight. For folks without kids, that is like 9pm. For folks with kids, that's WAY past bedtime.

It's been a long week. A very long week. Rick has had to work overnights, coming to bed around 5 or 6am, so it has pretty much been just me in the mornings. Morning duty isn't hard, it just means I have to get up about 30 minutes earlier than normal to get myself ready. Funny thing is, I get out of the house earlier on these days.

Rick - ugh. Poor guy, once he gets to sleep in the mornings it seems like a couple hours later his phone rings. If it hasn't been one thing, it's been another. The benefit of him being home is stuff like someone was here for the AC guy. But it's hard to sleep during the day with the landscapers and trash truck and other noises of the neighborhood. He did manage to stay up on Friday morning and did his morning routine with Ricky. I think he missed his time with Ricky in the mornings. It was really nice because Ricky surely does love his Daddy.

This morning, Ricky was up and at em at 6:30am. He and I had a lovely pancake & sausage breakfast. We played and walked around the neighborhood. Then this evening we went with our new friends, Ela and Joaquin, to a picnic with some Moms from a local Moms group and the kids played. And played. And played some more. Yeah, that kiddo went out like a light tonight. We seem to have settled in to a somewhat nice routine.

Tomorrow afternoon we have a birthday party with some great friends. Ack. All that did was remind me that I haven't made out the cards or wrapped the gifts.

After that, we're coming home and I am going to continue to enjoy our new grill along with the amazing corn on the cob that I bought at the Frying Pan Farmers Market this week. I am not buying corn at the grocery store any more. I have bought it like 4 times and each time it has been tough and sucky. Screw grocery store corn. I want mine local. I strongly encourage all of you to hit your local Farmers Markets as well. The prices are slightly more than the grocery store, but the quality more than makes up for it.

And on that note, night folks!

Holiday Weekend Recap.

2009-07-06T19:54:00.004-04:00

Nothing too exciting happened around these parts, just a nice weekend spent with the family.

Saturday, Rick was in the mood for sushi. I don't care for sushi so Pork Chop and I headed to Chick Fil A. We likey the Chick Fil A. Did you know if you dress up like a cow on July 10, you get a free meal.Anyway, mall. We hung out for a few. Ricky played in the play area. It was really the first time I let him play in there. The kids in there are always so big (too big by the height limit on the sign) and I was always afraid he would get run over. He did some of the running over this time. He had such a great time and it wasn't nearly as busy as I thought it would be. That is another part of the reason - mall play areas are insane on the weekends.

Then we headed up to Herndon for a small holiday celebration and some fireworks. Ate a funnel cake, Rick played some basketball, Ricky played on the jungle gym and with a hula hoop. Then we settled in to watch some fireworks. All was well for about 2 booms. By the time the third one arrived he was completely done.

We'll try again next year. This time, with ear plugs. Or maybe it would just be better if we weren't sitting under the fireworks.

By the way, there is a whole folder of 4th of July pics here.

For The Record.

2009-07-02T22:52:00.002-04:00

When one of these hits you in the cheek, like right on the cheekbone bone, tears will come to your eyes and you will scream for your husband to get the kid away from you before you get angry with the toddler who doesn't know his own strength and thought he was just playing with you.

Not that I know anything about that.

And also, frozen pearl onions make a nifty icepak and last longer than peas since they are bigger. Again, not that I know from experience or anything.

Just Keep Spinning....

2009-06-26T23:49:00.003-04:00

Slave to the Blog

2009-06-25T20:08:00.002-04:00

For all 2 of my readers out there, I am feeling a bit like a slave to my blog lately. I don't mind posting, I actually like posting, but between Facebook and a Mommy forum I am on, to blog about something means I have told the story not once, not twice, but three times.

It's overkill and it's frustrating. By the time I work all day, pick up Ricky from daycare, get home, sit for maybe 5 minutes, make dinner, eat dinner, clean up dinner and give the kid a bath I am just exhausted. During the whole dinner time scenario, Rick is busy entertaining Ricky. Once Ricky gets a whiff of food he starts whining. And whining. AND whining some more. He could have just eaten 10 minutes ago, if he smells food or sees you popping food in to your mouth, he MUST have some. I love that Rick is so great about spending time with him in the evenings, freeing me up to make dinner and whatever else. Of course some nights, I eat cereal and Ricky eats chicken nuggets - just so we have time to play together. I really like those nights.

On a side note, Ricky doesn't like macaroni & cheese. I must have the only kid in the world that doesn't like mac & cheese. I seriously question his DNA when he spits it out because I love mac & cheese.

Anyway, by the time everything is said and done, I am just plain beat. Not too beat to play Farm Town on Facebook, but that doesn't require as much thought as typing up a blog post.

So that's why things have been slow around here. Well, not around the house, around the blog. Things in the house have been quite busy. Ricky runs non-stop. The other day he was running around the corner and cut the corner a little close. *SMACK!* Right in to the CORNER of the wall he went. He has a big ol' bruise on his forehead.

He has also started pitching hissy fits when he doesn't get his way. Even if you just tell him No or to stop what he is doing, he gets al pouty and whiny. Oh, the faces he can make, they are quite amusing.

Really, it's just day to day living around here. Wake up, get self and kiddo ready, go to work, work, come home, eat, play, sleep, repeat. It's quite boring actually and if you hung around to the end of this even moreso boring blog post, you deserve a drink. Go get one. Now. I insist.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-20T23:19:00.004-04:00

Just a little bit early, but Happy Father's Day to everyone out there.

This morning Ricky and I headed out to Portrait Innovations over at East Market. Our appointment was first thing this morning and the only thing I will say is that they needed to get the AC kickin' at least 30 minutes before they opened because it was HOT.

Overall, Ricky did pretty good. Of course he wanted to run non-stop and didn't have a single bit of interest in actually *gasp* sitting down for a picture but I think we managed to catch a few decent shots.

Also - that link over there on the right, to Ricky's online photo album. I am SUCH an idiot. I didn't realize that I hadn't shared like half of the albums so ya'll have just been looking at the same old pics. That has been remedied and there are gobs of pics up from the last couple months.

And here are a couple from today - just to give you a taste. If you want to see the rest, they are in the online album.

Crap. Literally.

2009-06-16T20:16:00.003-04:00

I feel much better. Thanks for asking. Some awesome antibiotics to clear up my first officially diagnosed sinus infection combined with Mucinex and Flonase make for a pretty good cocktail. Although I think the Flonase is making me kind of vertigo-ish. It's still better than coughing non-stop.

Oh, crap. Yeah....crap.

Ricky's crap to be exact.

He pooped. Oh lord did he poop. I was in the living room and saw him in the playroom, assuming his poop stance and making his poop grunting sounds. They were coming off and on so I figured I would let him finish.

Less than ten minutes later I check on him and he is sitting on his PB Anywhere Chair, smearing poo all over the playroom floor. And sitting in it on the chair. So gross. And it was kinda grainy. I dunno why, but it was. Must have been the sweet potatoes last night.

Off to the bath we went. Two baths. One to rinse off the poo, drain & clean the tub. Another one to actually get clean and shampoo his hair without smearing poo all over his head.

He's in bed now. Shirt is soaking. House is poo free once again.

I consider myself lucky that other than a couple minor accidents when he was itty bitty, I made it this far without a major poo incident.

What has life come to when absence of a poo related incident is what it takes to make you smile?

Like Crap

2009-06-14T23:49:00.003-04:00

I feel like crap. Total crap. Not a cold but all congested with allergy crap/drainage and lots of coughing. Lots and lots of coughing. My boss gave me a look last week that said nothing but "Ewwww." Sleeping is eh.

I just want it to be gone. Go away nasty cough and icky phlegm. Go away.

That and Ricky whacked me right in the face today with his big ol' head. Right on my cheekbone. It is still tender. Man, that kid has a HARD head.

I have to go dope up with some Nyquil and hope that a cough free sleep comes tonight.

I'm not holding my breath.

And This Week on Wild Kingdom....

2009-06-09T21:40:00.007-04:00

I don't care for wildlife. They are great as long as they stay where they belong....in the wild. Dogs, cats, maybe a domesticated bird, even a guinea pig or bunny, I am cool. Everything else needs to stay in the water or woods or under whatever rock it should be under.

I used to live in San Diego and wildlife out there is insane. At the park there were two rattle snakes just sitting there, about 100 yds from the jungle gym, sunning themselves. Coyotes hanging out in backyards, mountain lions going after joggers. It's just too much. I know the animals were there before us and I wish I were more capable of making my peace with them. I want them to live (even the snakes), I just don't want them to live with me. Or near me.

On to the story...

Saturday was Celebrate Fairfax. I really wanted to go see the Old Skool All Stars featuring Rob Bass, Naughty by Nature & The Sugar Hill Gang. We ran some errands, I visited a dear friend who was at the hospital with her son, a few more errands and by then we were beat. Alas, no Celebrate Fairfax. But how cool would that concert have been? Man - I'm old.

Instead we came home. As I was getting out of the car, the nighbor is stooping down and checking out something under her car.

Whatever did she see? I must go check it out and share in her curiosity.

She saw this. WTF is this?!?! Is Godzilla under the car? Turtle? Right? Do they get that big? Tortoise? I have no idea. Remember, I am NOT the wildlife guru. He made me fear for my toes.

Neighbor lady, I should know her name and I don't remember - I'm over it, are you? So neighbor lady said she called Animal Control and they blew her off. I thought maybe the Dept of Wildlife would be of more assistance. Not so much. They just said "Let him go wherever he is going." Really? Where would that be? In the middle of my court where a zillion kids are going to mess with him and possibly get hurt in case he is a snapper type of guy? Or perhaps he will stroll over to either of the 6 lane roads on both sides of my development. Not to mention how big he is - if he were on the road, someone might swerve, cause an accident or even become giant turtle roadkill. That would seriously gross me out. I figure he has been around for a long time, based on his size, and he deserves another shot at life. Living on my court is not that shot.

I post a pic on FB. A dear friend offers to let me bring him to her place and she has a stream and a huge pond back behind her place. Yay. Now, how do I get him there? I'm not touching the critter. No f'n way. Another neighbor lady (I don't know her name either and I'm still fine with it) is a vet tech or something of sorts. She picks him up, boxes him up and in the back of my car he goes.

IN TO THE BACK OF MY CAR PEOPLE!!! WTF have I gotten myself in to?

Oh, he is totally a snapper too. You know these guys can take of fingers and toes? My tootsies were afeared of him for good reason. I had on flip flops.

I head out on Operation Snapper Salvation. Well, about a mile away from my house, Mr Snapper must have thought the giant box was too restrictive and he got a little pi$$ed. He started kinda climbing. Did you see the nails he has - he can totally claw his way around. His weight against the side of the box combined with a turn here or there, you see where I'm going right? I hear the shuffling in the back (way back) of my SUV and look in the rearview.

Right there. In my rearview mirror. Giant Snapper head poking up. He is like higher than the backseat. I start freaking the hell out and my mind goes crazy with the following thoughts:

Can he seriously climb? It's carpet back there, that would just give him traction.
Why didn't I put him in a box with a lid?
If he even touches the carseat it will be in the trash and a new one will be bought. Thems not cheap folks.
Can he get to me? Like how much farther is my friends place vs how far he is away from me. Who will get to their destination sooner?
WTF DO I DO!!!!!

So I call Rick and commence freaking out. Then I calmed down a bit and managed to finish the drive. Things got quiet back there. I wasn't sure if he was actually out of the box or not and I was hoping for the best. All I know is he was still in the way back of the car as I didn't take my eyes off the rearview for the rest of the ride.

I pull up and retrieve said friend. She looks in the window, he has totally gotten out of the box and is facing the tailgate. His face - facing the tailgate. His face, where his mouth is. The snaping mouth. Now what? I get in the backseat and start poking his butt with an umbrella (it's in the trash) and I lift up the pool noodle he is laying on (sorry Cheryl, you're not getting that back - in the trash it went) all in an effort to nudge him in the general direction of the giant box that my friend is holding.

Then we carry him way out behind her house and set him free. Off he goes. I hope he likes it there.

There is a tiny part of me that feels bad for taking them there. There are kids all over the place. I hope he stays in the water and nobody messes with him. Snapper has been on the earth longer than most of us, I would hate to know that urban sprawl has claimed another life.

But most of all I am thankful he is not around my house any more.

Everyone has told me this will get funny over time. I'm still skeeved. And this coming weekend, I am taking the car to get the back shampooed. There are turtle cooties everywhere.

Sneaky, Sneaky....

2009-05-29T09:19:00.002-04:00

My boy is sneaky with an emphasis on the sneak.

We have these foam tiles on the playroom floor. Most of them are plain 24 x 24 tiles but I didn't order enough to cover the whole room so I finished up the room with some alphabet tiles. Ricky loves to pull up the alphabet tiles.

Some nights I fight him on it, some nights I just don't have the energy and half of them are up by the time he goes to bed.

The other day, I caught him messing with them and said "Ricky.....No!" He patted it back down and stood up and started stomping on it like he was putting it back in place and had this look on his face like "Wha...I was just making sure it is in there good and tight. I didn't do anything."

Riiiiiight.

He is going to be 15 mos next week and he is already learning how to be sneaky and, to use a scarier term, a bit deceitful. I mean, it's funny, but it's not. Ugh.

In other funny news, sometimes when I say No, he covers his ears. "La la la, I can't hear you!" That is better than the alternative of making a really angry face and fake crying like he does to the daycare provider when she says no.

Every day we learn something new, see something new and have tons of fun. He really is a great little boy and one of the greatest joys I have ever had is watching him figure things out.

It's All Around Me

2009-05-25T00:19:00.002-04:00

Lately it seems like death is everywhere. Literally. Death. People are dying. People who don't deserve to die are dying. Then again, does anyone really deserve to die? I guess it is the whole circle of life sort of thing. Only some folks die sooner than you ever expected.

How do you deal with the loss of a loved one? What do you say to someone who has lost a loved one? I just give my sincere condolences and keep them in my prayers. What else is there to do? I always feel awkward during those times. I never know what to say or what to do and I always know what to say, what to do. I think people come to me when they need support because they know that I will happily distract them or make an offhand joke that might help them crack the tiniest of grins even in the worst of times.

Each day, each week, it is something new. A blog post dedicated to a lost child. A news story about a husband/father/brother/son that has died too soon. Worse yet, a news story about someone who killed their family in the most violent and painful of ways. And that's why I don't watch the news any longer. I barely even visit cnn.com because all news is bad news. You can call it living with my head in the clouds or buried in the sand or even living in a bubble. I don't care. Call it what you will, I like my bubble and I am going to stay there. At least as long as life lets me.

Lately, it is getting harder and harder to stay oblivious in my bubble. And when I say oblivious, I mean happily ignorant. I am not clueless to society, I just choose not to dwell on the negative. It is draining and who needs that in their life?

On a side note, I think the drug companies should carry the burden of subsidizing any operational costs for the WWW. If it weren't for the internet and news media, I don't think they would sell nearly as much in anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds. The news is an emotionally draining show and not worth 30/60/90 minutes of my time. But that's just my opinion.

Back to my bubble. It's getting hard and harder to stay there. Some family issues recently have caused great distress in my life. Someone in need, someone who is ill. All of these are things that bring me out of my bubble and force me to deal with reality. Please don't think I am complaining about dealing with "reality". I know that I am very blessed with a loving husband and a healthy son. We have more than some, less than others, but we are doing ok.

A new "virtual" acquaintance lost her Grandmother tonight. I have no idea why she spilled to me, but she needed to and I was happy to lend an ear. Another friend is dealing with the impending loss of a pet. A pet she has had for many years and is every bit as real to her as a child is to any other person.

I have no idea where I am going with this post, but these thoughts were swirling in my head and needed to come out.

My Grandmother is dying. Of Cancer. Not today and hopefully not tomorrow. But sooner than I would like.

But all I have to say is Cancer. It's a bitch. And I'm sick of it. It's everywhere. Even in my dog I had to put down almost 3 years ago. Looming in the mammogram notice I received from the radiology office last week reminding me to schedule my appointment. In my Mother In Law, a few months before she made it to becoming my mother in law. Possibly in the cervix of a good friend, but she has since had that cervix along with her utuerus and ovaries removed at the age of 39. In a breast, a kidney, a spine, a stomach, a lymph node, a lung, a colon. In too many places to count. All of these are people that I know. Just me. With my limited network for friends and family. How did we get here?

It's got to go. I am sick of it and have seen enough for a lifetime.

Sorry for bumming you out, but sometimes, you can't always stay in that bubble. Even my little ol' blog has a bit of reality from time to time.

Monkey See, Monkey Do.

2009-05-23T21:27:00.002-04:00

Whatever I do, Ricky does. Whatever Daddy does, Ricky really does.

Daddy dances, Ricky tries to dance. Daddy puts his glasses on, Ricky tries to put his sunglasses on without poking himself in the eye. Daddy eats, Ricky eats.

But what is even cooler, Ricky is starting to mimic our sounds. We haven't heard "Bye" again, but what we have heard is:

"Wowwwww"
"Uh oh!" But it comes out more like Uh-eee or Uh-ooh!!
"Hi-yah!" Kinda like the karate chop sound. We do this when we wipe his nose.

I am trying to get him to say Ta-Da after he flips backwards off my lap. You know, put his arms up in the air and go Ta-da! But so far, I have kinda gotten a "Da!" and never with the arms. I guess that might be a bit fancy for his tastes ya know, arms flailing and such.

I know, I know - video would rock. I'm working on it. He just has a nasty cold and has been covered in snot and I prefer to not post snotty videos of my kid.

Small Talk.

2009-05-16T00:34:00.003-04:00

Pork Chop babbles. A lot. Incoherently of course. Blah blah blah, grrr grrr grrr, nnnn nnnn nnnn, bwah and so on. He says Mamama and Dadada and has been for a while. But the actual talking - not so much.

It's hard ya know. It's hard to not compare your kid to other kids his age. In my heart I know that every.kid. is. different. Yes, I repeat this to myself each and every day. I said it to myself when my friend was here in February with her son, who is about 7 weeks older than Ricky, as he expertly stacked cups, blocks, etc. As he opened the books to look at the pictures and didn't think it was a chew toy. I really try not to when I see videos of others kids online, a couple months older than Ricky, just chattering away. Saying full sentences. Of course, I have to compare him to the kid that has 30 words at 14 mos. This is well above what is generally expected for this age. So - not only do I find it hard not to compare him, but I compare him to the brightest kid in the universe. Slow your roll Ma.

I have even toyed with contacting Early Intervention and getting an assessment. It wouldn't hurt and it would give me peace of mind. Then I thought some more, and talked to some very wise Mamas, and was assured that this is perfectly normal. I also tell myself that Ricky is so developed physically, the other stuff is just catching up. But still, that little voice in the back of my mind. I wish there were a way to quiet that tiny (growing louder as each day passes) voice.

He waves and I hear him saying things while he does stuff. Like going to his high chair, babbling when I bring him his sippy cup, playing with his ball/car/ride on toy/book. So I know the wheels are turning, it's just a matter of them being recognizable to us.

Then today I pick him up at daycare. He is running non stop of course - he never wants to leave because he has tons of space to just run and run. I am preparing myself for a "talking to" by my daycare provider. She has very good intentions and I know she has Ricky's best interest at heart, but some of the things she has said out of concern can be upsetting. Gosh - such a sensitive Mommy I have turned out to be.

So, picking up Pork Chop at daycare, chasing him down, making sure he has his shoes on, and grabbing the diaper bag - the standard. Then daycare provider's Mom says "Bye Bye Ricky" and waves. He waved.

And then, clear as can be, he said "Bye!"

I jumped up and down I was so happy.

Then he started to applaud for himself.

My son is a goofball. But, he is a TALKING goofball with at least one recognizable word that can be used in conversation.

Also, I am secretly glad that the first real word was not "No".

His First Haircut

2009-05-10T13:30:00.005-04:00

It was out of control, his hair. It needed trimmed. Bad. I have been chicken about making this decision, but it was time, his hair needed cut.

Ricky is a sweater. He runs nonstop, I'm sure you've heard me mention it before. This means he sweats. A lot. His head gets so sweaty, just grosses me out. Also the hair was coming down over his ears. He messed with his ears, quite a bit in my opinion. I don't know if it is his hair bugging him and kinda making his ears twitch or if his actual ear is bugging him. They have been checked every time we are at the Doc and he never has a fever, so I think maybe the hair was just kinda itchy on his ear or something, kinda like a bug flying around your head....maybe.

I probably lost you there.

Anyway, the hair. It needed cut. It was just looking nappy and matted and frizzy (yes, that is MY hair), I couldn't handle it. I thought I would have this mixed race kid with a ton of curls that were tightly wound and I could just get out the clippers and clean it up every once in a while, but nope. No such luck. Kinda like the little boy in this pic. Ok, that's the last time I am going to say that.

Yesterday, we headed over to Cartoon Cuts. They have toys and tv's playing videos and everything. He was a bit squirmy at first, but after they pulled out a toy for him he settled down. Irene went to work on his hair, cleaned it up around his ears and he even sat still long enough for her to use the clippers and clean up on his neck and around the ears.

And then, I almost wept. My boy. My baby boy is gone. He is a little man now. *Sniff*.

Hey lady....whatcha got there?? You're going to do WHAT with those?

From First Haircut

Maybe if I pray realllllly hard, she will stop this madness!

From First Haircut

I am really not in the mood for an after pic Ma, get over it.

From First Haircut

Good Times.

2009-05-07T22:38:00.008-04:00

Last Saturday - we ventured westward. Only as far west as Ohio, but still west of where we are.

We arrived on Saturday evening, but Sunday we were doing a family dinner with my family. Of course, we were running late, but it was all due to one little guy who didn't go to sleep until 11pm on Saturday, which meant he needed a super long nap on Sunday. We all did. So we headed over to Grandma's to see her, my Mom, a sister and 3 of my nephews. Gosh - when did they all get so big? It seems like yesterday I was in the delivery room when they were born. The oldest is going to graduate from High School in 2 weeks. Anyway, dinner was a success, the food was awesome and home cooked, just like I like it. Which reminds me, Kroger had sweet corn on sale for like 18 cents an ear and I meant to pick some up - dang! Why can't I ever score deals like that in Northern VA?

Monday we rolled by Andi's office. Many of her colleagues are lurkers of my blog, they just never comment. It wouldn't be the end of the world if they did comment. Insert me basically telling them - feel free to go ahead and comment right here. I might even read them to Ricky. :) Anyway, we hit her office. Then we hit my old office and Ricky saw all sorts of people and had all kinds of smiles coming his way. Then we headed to Grandma's house for a nap (which never happened) and had a nice visit with her. Back to the hotel to pick up Daddy and off to the mall we went. I scored 2 OSU jerseys for our little guy and a basketball outfit, all for $10 a piece.

Tuesday was a great day. We got up, had our breakfast then headed out to a local toddler park. Off to pick up Miss Andi then we just drove hoping to induce a nap (totally worked), then met up with a "virtual" friend for lunch. After that, Andi, Becki and her little gal Maggie, and I, we all met up with another virtual friend, Sonja, at the Columbus Zoo. It was so great to finally meet these ladies. We were planning on getting together a couple months ago but things just never worked out. Back to the zoo, it was a great time. The weather was perfect. Sonja's boy, Jake, he just loved the animals. Andi was great, she made sure to point out every one. They have tons of animal sculptures to climb on and all of the kids really enjoyed those more than any of the live animals.

Wednesday morning we headed back to Grandma's for a little more of a visit then Ricky and I were headed home that afternoon. I figured driving in to the evening, during his bedtime, would be best. I didn't want the little guy to spend all of his waking hours in a carseat. About an hour after we were on the road he was out like a light and stayed that way for at least 3 hours - until we reached Cumberland, MD. Did I mention it rained the entire.drive.home.? It really did. It sucked. But, it made me love my car even more. My Escape never handled this well in the rain and through the hills and curves.

Someday I will write an ode to to my car. But not today.

Today - today I am taking a break. I started this post like 3 days ago (maybe 2) but after being on the go non-stop then heading straight back to work, a break is indeed well deserved.

But I still have gobs of laundry to do. Ick.

Here's a slideshow of a couple pics from the trip. Nope - no music. YouTube gets cranky about that ya know.

What Schedule Mommy?

2009-05-06T00:03:00.002-04:00

Saturday night, we arrived, Pork Chop didn't go to sleep until 11.
Sunday night, after a family filled day, Pork Chop didn't go to sleep until 10.
Monday night, after a family/shopping/Cheesecake Factory filled day, Pork Chop didn't go to sleep until 9:30.
Tonight - 10 something. And this was after the park AND zoo!

I give up. It's out the window on this trip. He is sleeping in a PNP in the hotel room where we are staying. He has no problem sleeping in a PNP, he sleeps in it all the time at daycare. We can't very well turn the lights off and sit in the dark so we normally leave the tv on turned down very low with all the lights out. He still stands in the thing just jabbering away. It's pretty funny. He lays down when he gets tired and goes to sleep. It'll be ok.

Tomorrow, home. Making the drive all alone. I am not worried about how he will be in the car, he has never been a problem in his carseat. Besides, I have a DVD player in the car.

But what do I do when I have to go pee? My kid - refuses to sit on my lap. REFUSES. The king of Squirm, I tell ya. So that leaves the alternative of letting him stand next to me, in the public bathroom. Nah - surely he wouldn't try to crawl under the door.

Can you say gross and ewww at the same time?

I guess I can always squat on the side of the freeway, but darnit, I forgot my training potty. I know the route to home from here. I know it well. I know where the cleanest bathrooms are. It'll be ok.

Thank god for alcohol filled Pampers baby wipes.

Oh yeah, there are many pics from this week too, they will be posted sometime this weekend when I have time to go through them all. Prepare for grain - it is plentiful.

On The Road Again

2009-05-02T08:08:00.003-04:00

We are heading out to Ohio today. Rick has to go to work for the week (overnights - ick) and I am going to take Ricky to see some of the family. My Grandmother is very ill and we aren't sure how much longer we will have her so a visit is definitely called for.

The last 24 hours have been spent packing, making lists, procrastinating about packing, making sure I have everything, making sure the gas tank is full, burning DVDs for the car ride, making sure the IPod is charged, emptying the trash, selecting a few snack items to take with, you all know the deal.

I might update while I am back home, I might not, depends on the how the day is going. I hope to get some great pics. We plan on making a trip to the Columbus Zoo on Tuesday afternoon. Hopefully a couple great ladies will be able to make a trip to Columbus for the day. I sure would love to see em.

Rick isn't coming back until Friday but I am heading back on Wednesday - just to save on my vacation time. Should be interesting, a 7 hour car ride with Ricky. I'll definitely let you know how it goes.

Until next time, TTFN folks!

Oh - and if you're a burglar that has been casing my house - the alarm will be on! And I have super nosey neighbors - so suck on that!

All the Doo Dah Day.

2009-04-26T21:15:00.008-04:00

Saturday we headed out to Winchester to hang out at Doo Dah Day with Jess and her brood. Doo Dah Day is a great event, held every Spring the first Saturday of the Apple Blossom Festival, to benefit the Child-Parent Center of Winchester. Rick and I will be heading to Ohio next Saturday and that is when all of the Apple Blossom Festivities will be in full swing and we won't be able to go to any of them so I wanted to make sure we made it to one event at least.

The festival was fun, but next year when Ricky is bigger it will be even more fun. He couldn't really do any of the moonbounces without getting trampled. Walking around the hillside was fun, but it wasn't really fun for Mom and Dad to chase him all over the hillside. He did manage to sneak in a few bites of funnel cake. I tried to get him to check out the animals at the petting zoo and while they seemed interesting from afar, once we got close, he could have cared less. Oh, and in case you're wondering, that pic right there. That is what a mouth full of funnel cake looks like.

After DooDah, we headed over to Casa Redden to hang out for a few. They have a nice, big front porch and a water table. I put some swimtrunks on Ricky and let him have at it. He just puttered around in the water and played with all the toys and had a great time. He had an afternoon snack of sidewalk chalk and doesn't seem to be experiencing any nasty side effects today. I suppose I should get used to that - him eating everything in sight, right? They did a little grillin', we had some dinner, Ricky took a nice nap. A great visit.

Overall, a pretty darn great day. Need proof? I think the expression on Ricky's face says it all.

Check out the belly on our guy. Definitely not missing any meals around here.

We take our playing seriously.

And this, well this just might be my new favorite pic. What a beautiful family I have!

Diapers.com

2009-04-22T23:24:00.002-04:00

I love em, I really do. I don't care if diapers cost like $1 more per box. They arrive on my doorstep and I know I won't need diapers for at least a month. I am cool with that. Oh, and they ship for free if you spend $49. It isn't like the diapers aren't going to get used so I may as well, right?

There are a couple things that do bug me about Diapers.com though. First - their price on baby wipes is insane. The same $15 box of wipes from them is $11 at Target or Walmart. That's a big difference. Also, I don't like the whole having to mail my coupons to them in order to use them. In this day and age of doing everything electronically, there should be some way I can scan them or something.

The biggest issue I have with them - STOP spamming me and pimping $10 off each order. You only get that for your FIRST order. I even created a different account, had them shipped to a different address (we were traveling, why take diapers with when they can be delivered, right?). Diapers.com was wise to my game and told me to suck it. That made go GRRRR!!!

So while I probably will continue to buy from them, because they are just so convenient, I don't think I will buy from them 100% of the time. Also, I have some new coupon clipping inspiration and have been doing a bit of research on how to stretch a buck so their days, well they might just be numbered. Plus there is the tiny bit of Mother Earth in me that feels guilty for making UPS drive all the way to my house when I am already at the store, fuel emissions and stuff ya know.

So, while they have their downfalls at times, I would highly recommend them. It's just too dang convenient. And easy. And 2 day shipping!

So to Diapers.com.....screw you. Sorta. Kinda. Ok, maybe not. Not just yet anyway.

Slacker Mommy

2009-04-20T22:33:00.005-04:00

I have been slacking lately. Slacking with the blog, slacking with the home cooked meals, slacking with the housework and laundry. Heck, I am even slacking at work a bit. Ssshhh, dont' tell the bosses.

I have no idea what has gotten in to me. Maybe I am tired. Right now, I actually am tired since I had evil heartburn and a mad headache last night and didn't get to sleep until 3am. I feel like I am in a funk a little bit. Not mood wise. Yeah, there are days where I am a little whinier than other days and I don't mean to be like that. Just in a funk as far as getting stuff done. I am tired of doing stuff, but I guess that is what it means to be a Mom right? I started some meds a little over a week ago. Only for a month, but I think they are contributing to some of my lazy tendencies as of late. I really just want to sleep. And I get sleep, every night I get normally 6 hours of sleep.

Ricky boycotted a couple of my meals last week and since then, I just haven't really wanted to cook. And last Thursday, I put a pork roast in the crock pot and was so excited to have some poulled pork sammiches for dinner that night. I came home only to discover that my beautifully seasoned pork, it was raw. I put it in the crock, turned it on and left. Only I didn't plug it in. That was my sign that things were off. I seriously felt like a failure. My house was a disaster, my meal was ruined and my son, well we went to Red Robin for dinner. I'm sure Ricky much preferred his corn dog and cantaloupe to my pulled pork.

Sometimes I just feel like I don't do enough for him. I don't do enough enriching activities with him. I get home from work and like any other working mom, the nightly routine kicks in. Make dinner, feed kid, clean up kid, play with kid, bathe kid, put kid to bed, clean kitchen, do laundry, maybe watch some tv or get some quality time with Daddy then off to bed. Don't get me wrong, I am very lucky to have an amazing husband that has never once expected anything from me except to be there for him and our son. He has never expected dinner or a spotless home but these are things I feel the need to do, they are my responsibility as a wife and mother. Why do we do this to ourselves? Why must we feel the need to juggle so many things at once?

Ricky - I feel like he could use some more enrichment. He is a very active toddler. He doesn't want to sit on your lap and be read to, he doesn't want you to hold him just because you want to snuggle. He is very independent while we are outside and does NOT want to hold my hand. He is very much all boy and he has stuff to do so don't try to stop him. I don't know if he needs more enriching activities or if he needs more space to roam or what. I just feel like there is something else I could or should be doing for him, WITH him, but I don't know what that is. Something to help him developmentally. But at the same time I tell myself he is 13 mos old. He can run and kinda jump and loves to play and sometimes gives hugs and is a good eater - maybe he just doesn't care right now. I have his entire life to do those things for him, but isn't now the time for those building blocks of learning?

Sometimes I worry he is getting to be too much for my daycare provider. She seems concerned that he isn't snuggly. I really let this get to me last week and even worried about all sorts of sensory issues. That isn't the issue. He just wants to play and have fun. But so I worry, is he too much for her? Can she handle him? Should he be in a daycare center a couple days a week where there are more "activities" and he might be more stimulated? I know she works with him on some basic things, but still....I just can't help feeling this way, ya know. I know she works with the older kids on more preschool type stuff. I guess my biggest concern is that I don't want him to be too much for her and have her all of the sudden tell me this. Which would give me maybe 2-3 weeks to find something else. I hate being rushed in to decisions.

And this all brings me back to the slacker Mommy feeling I have had lately. Should I have a backup for daycare, should I be researching places, should I do more for my kid? What is that happy medium for a Mom who works FT outside of the home? Is there such a thing? If I were home, I would have other worries, right?

This parenting thing, dang, it's hard. And now, I'm tired from writing this post.

Hanging with 5 Little Monkeys

2009-04-10T15:30:00.002-04:00

That's where we've been all week. Hanging out with Jess and her 5 (not so) little monkeys.

When my daycare provider told me last month that she was taking this week off to take her daughter on some college tours, I was beside myself. Not having family in the area, we don't really have a backup for daycare. In the past we have just taken turns taking time off or we would work from home. Since Ricky is older and more demanding of our time, working from home isn't always the easiest thing. I was telling Jess one evening about our dilemma and she graciously offered to watch Ricky for me. Had she been here in person, I probably would have wept at her feet.

Monday we had covered so on Monday evening, I headed out to Winchester and to the Casa Redden. Oh yeah, she lives like an hour away. Nice commute for me in the morning but I work with her husband so I figure if he does it every day, I can do it. Traffic wasn't bad, as long as you wake with the chickens. I don't care to wake with the chickens. I am not a morning person.

Jessica though, I am just so lucky and blessed to have such a great friend. It really was nice to just get up in the morning and not have to even wake Ricky to get him dressed to drag to daycare. I just let him sleep. He had 5 other kids to play with. Other than diapers, his blankies, some clothes and binkys, I didn't have to take a single thing with me, not even a sippy cup. Ricky had a great time. He got fed, went on a couple road trips and did a bit of shopping. Overall it was just an awesome few days. I was even fortunate enough to enjoy some of Jess' awesome cooking. Pork tenderloin tastes goooooood.

And now, we're home. We had a great time at Jess and Ricky slept ok, but I have to say, there is no place like home.

Since 4:18 am

2009-04-05T13:07:00.002-04:00

I have been up. Can we say Ick with a capital ICK?

It all started yesterday. We went outside for a bit to enjoy the nice weather. Walked around the playground, swung on the swing, slid down the slide. It was a good day.

Fast forward to bedtime. I normally go to bed before Rick so I have my monitor turned down all the way. Rick is up, he takes care of him if Ricky wakes. So Rick comes to bed and normally I wake up when he does, but I didn't. Which means I didn't turn my monitor up and when Ricky did wake up around 4:10 or whenever, I didn't hear him. Which of course means that by the time I did hear him and get to him, he was pretty upset.

His nose, his whole face, was covered in snot. Poor guy was so stuffed up, I am beginning to suspect he has some allergy issues because this often happens when we have been outside during the day. We all know how hard it is to sleep with a stuffy nose. So I rubbed some baby Vaop Rub on his chest and sucked out his nose (which ticked him off even more). Then we rocked and sang and things mellowed out. Back to bed he went. Yay.

3 minutes later, he was back with a vengeance. I brought him down to the family room, thinking he could sleep easier if he was kinda upright and then we would just sit in the recliner and go back to sleep. No go. I tried some Baby Einstein videos. No go. By 6am I gave up and just took him to the playroom. Immediately he started banging on pans. They know this is the very last thing you want to hear first thing in the morning, right? He was wide awake, and very happy about it. Little punk (I say that with love, I really do!)

Around 7am we had some yogurt and bananas. Life is good. Big poo around 7:45 am. Woohoo. At 8am, he went down for his morning nap. Gah - that is normally what time he wakes up!!

And then Mommy went down for her morning nap. We both slept til around 11:45. That was good.

And later today, I am going to get a hair cut. And some Starbucks. Yay.

A Week?

2009-04-01T21:33:00.004-04:00

Has it been a week? I guess it has. A little more than a week actually.

What's happening down this way? Pork Chop - he's a climber. He climbs up on his little chair to see over the kitchen counter. He climbs his Kangaroo Climber - yes, I am aware that Climber is in the title - but he climbs it then takes a dive off the side. Most of the time he lands on me or Rick, once or twice though, he has kinda just rolled down the side of it and scared himself. And then there's the time that he climbed on the Little People Racin' Ramps Garage. Did you know that those ramps, they are just the right height for climbing? He was totally standing on top of it the other day. Then he climbed on his Little Einstein Rocket so he could reach the top of the Learn & Groove music table which would enable him to climb on top of the Ikea Trofast storage bin. Awesome right? Not quite. Oy.

Wow - check out all those product name drops. Now, even you can have my playroom.

Back to Pork Chop.

He is still saying lots of Dadadada. There are lots of Mmmmms and mamamamas in there but mostly I hear it when I have food for him so I don't know if he means Mama or Mmmmm, gimme food. Yesterday we went to Costco and the samples - omg. I thought he was going to die if he didn't get one NOW. I think he is more motivated by food than any dog I have ever owned.

And he is strong. Ok, I think he is strong. But when Alice (daycare provider extraordinaire) says he is strong, she has been doing this for 17 yrs, I figure she knows what she is talking about. Today, I picked him up. There were 2 little girls in the hallway (Emma & Annette - Ricky chases them all day long). So, these girls, they were standing there. Ricky wanted to get down the hallway. He basically bowled right over/through them. These girls are like 3 years old and he just shoved them out of the way. So, I tell myself he is a linebacker. But could he, possibly be THAT kid? The kid that pushes? It isn't his natural inclination because he really is a rather laid back kid, but he is strong. So what do I do to help him understand how strong he is and that he can do more damage than other kids?

Wow. I guess I am supposed to be the parent now, right? I suppose that means I should stop laughing and smiling when he does these things.

Gotta run. It's time for me to be a Parent.

The Way Overdue Birthday Party Post

2009-03-24T23:02:00.012-04:00

Yes, this post is indeed way overdue.

Ricky turned One on March 6. I wasn't ready for a party for him on the 7th, which is the weekend of his birthday so it was pushed to March 14th. It worked out perfectly on this date because it turned out quite a few folks had plans the weekend before. And being the lame Mom that I am, I screwed around too long and never got actual paper invites so E-vites were sent out a mere 3 weeks before.

Before I get to the party, I must give a HUGE thanks to a very close friend, Jessica. She came over on Friday night before the party and watched our little Pork Chop so Mom and Dad could have a much needed and deserved date. We haven't been out alone since before he was born - that is a YEAR folks! The deal we made was I got to pick the restaurant, he got to pick the movie. All I'm gonna say is that a decadent and heavy meal, like those served at Ruth's Chris, is way too heavy to eat before the longest movie in creation, The Watchmen. It doesn't matter though, we enjoyed each others company and had a nice evening.

I failed to mention that Jess also kicked herself, and me somewhat, in to high gear on Friday afternoon to get the playroom ready for other kids and the layout is much more kid (and Mom) friendly now.

So, the big event - the party! I have never hosted a party for a 1yo before. It was cool. It was small. You don't want to freak the kid out. And we all know what over-stimulation can do to a kid. So a few friends, a few kids, some bad for you food and a little bit of hanging out. It was nice. Ricky had fun. He scored some loot. Had some more cake. I had more cake. The kids had cake. The kids played. The kids ran. The kids cried. The kids got hugged and kissed. It really was a good day. Ricky had a sugar crash and slept very well for his late afternoon nap that day. It wasn't so big that I had to spend forever cleaning up. Overall, I had a great time. We got some good pics. Well, other folks got some good pics and I just stole them.

The awesomeness of the re-organized playroom. I picked up a
kitchen off Craigslist. Ricky is intrigued by the microwave.

Party People in the house!!!

"I don't wanna wear the stupid hat!!!" He actually didn't mind the hat at all.
I have no idea what the frown was all about.

"Mmmmm, cake!" See how he is sweating? He works on his cake!

"I'm good, I had my cake. I'm spent. Thanks for stopping by!"

Lil Man!

2009-03-20T20:40:00.002-04:00

We had our 12 month checkup yesterday. It went swimmingly well. And yes, I said swimmingly.

His stats are:

Weight: 28 lbs. 8 oz. You read correctly. He is in the 97th percentile. Now you know why we call him pork chop. Funny - at 9 mos I was calling him Piglet.
Height: 31 1/4 in. That put him in the 90th percentile. He has had a growth spurt recently. He used to be in the 60-70th percentile.
Head circumference: We're not going in to this again. He has his own big head curve.
Tooth Count: We have TEN! 4 top, 4 bottom, and 2 molars have broke through. It is nice to know that those terrorizing screams in the middle of the night were for something at least.

Developmentally, he is right on track and well ahead of schedule. Considering his size, the walking is a big surprise to most folks. I hear that larger children tend to walk later, perhaps they aren't able to support their weight or whatever. He has been walking, and I mean like across the room walking, for about 3 months now. He is consistently saying Dadadada. Every once in a while he will throw a Mamama in there, but it is never directed at me. He just calls me Dada too. I can hear in the sound of his voice him saying things, but the words aren't coming out. Like I will ask him a question and he will answer and by the tone going up and down I kinda get what he is saying. It's pretty darn fun.

I asked about the binky. Rick and I don't have a problem with it and Ricky loves it. During the day he can take it or leave it. It seems like he pops it in when he is thinking about something. Like trying to figure out a toy or playing with a book (as opposed to eating it - yay!) He is so laid that that I think he could probably do without it at naptime too. Bedtime, definitely not, he uses it when he self soothes and rolls over to go back to sleep. Basically I look at it like - who am I to take something away from him that comforts him so much. And Rick, well he flung hot sauce at his sister when she tried to break him from sucking his thumb at like 3 or 4 so he is all for Ricky having whatever he wants to suck on.

And that's how things are over this way.

Giveaway!

2009-03-18T15:25:00.005-04:00

One of my gal pals, she made the super cool outfit for Pork Chop's birthday, he is being called Pork Chop now - did I tell you that already? Anyway - a really cute shirt of hers is being given away. You know you want one. It is way too cute. They are great quality and so stretchy that they even cover my kids gut. Just knowing that she loves what she does and loves my boy, yeah, that makes it even more special.

I suppose it would help if you saw the outfit huh? I am waiting on the birthday pics from a friend because the ones I took were not so hot. Here is a pic of him in the outfit. He was very serious at the park. He told me some lady with a camera kept following him around and distracting him from the serious task of playing.

Go here to check it out and enter. I did. If you would like to see more of her stuff, you can check out her Etsy shop here. She does custom work too so if you don't see what you want, just shoot her an email.

Good luck!

More Awesome Pics

2009-03-15T17:55:00.002-04:00

Andrea came over last Sunday to take some pics for Ricky. She also did our family pics we had done last fall (which was on our Christmas card if you received one). You can find a sneak peek of just a couple of the pics on her blog. She has the proofs ready but there are just so many, I can't choose! Once I have those I will see if I can get small digital images to post on the blog - I think I can.

If you are so inclined, while you are on her blog checking out pics of my super cute guy, feel free to leave a comment. I get a discount for every 10 comments that are posted to either one of the sneak peeks she has up.

Pics can be found here and here. I'll wait. Go to her site. Now.

Done?

Ok, cool. Thanks. Remember, the bigger the discount, the more prints I can order and send to friends and family. :)

Muppet Fun!

2009-03-11T13:15:00.002-04:00

Have I mentioned how much I love the Muppets? I really do. I don't know why they aren't around anymore. They had the most awesome guests. I have found videos on YouTube of them with Garth Brooks, REM, Alice Cooper (!!), Elton John, you get the picture.

But this is one of my favorite videos. Enjoy!

Help Me Mama!

2009-03-08T23:20:00.006-04:00

We have this bin sitting on the corner of the playroom. It is at the end of the TV stand and serving as a buffer so Ricky can't get to the power cord in the wall for the super cheap overhead Ikea lamps. Until recently this canvas bin was flipped upside down. That was until last weekend when I caught Ricky sitting on top of the bin. Yeah, had to put an end to that. Conveniently Ricky has received a couple sets of blocks for his birthday so the bin is the perfect place for them. Until he is reaching in and this happens.

He has been all sorts of cuteness lately. He loves to run up to us and give us hugs for no reason. I think he is on the verge of actually saying Mama and knowing that I am Mama. He is clicking his teeth too, which is the most annoying sound ever. Or that is what I tell myself until he starts his high pitched squeal. Regardless, we want to catch all of this cuteness. I can only take pics that are so good, so I had Andrea come over today. She did our pics last fall and she came to the house today for another session. I can't wait for the proofs to be available for viewing. She brought her white backdrop and I went ahead and grabbed my camera to capture a few of the smashcake pics. I think Ricky enjoyed it. This was the only time he sat remotely still during the entire shoot.

And yes, he does have the most chubbalicious legs ever. I squish on them every day. Don't you wish you could too?

Ricky Turns One.

2009-03-06T23:47:00.001-05:00

Wow. Just wow. Life has certainly changed over the past year. I guess I never really knew just how much.

He is amazing in every way. He gives love so freely. He has such a wonderful spirit. It is rare that something actually bothers him. Every day Rick and I thank God because we know how truly blessed and fortunate we are. He falls down, gets right back up. He bangs his head, gets right back up. He eats whatever you put in front of him, for the most part at least. He plays quietly, then he plays not so quietly. He chases the girls at daycare because, well, it’s fun. It is one of the cutest things when I see them run off screaming “No Ricky!” and he just runs after them. Correct that, he walks quickly. He isn’t at the full running stage yet.

We have been taken over by toys and binkies and itty bitty socks. And baby gates. I hope to get the third one up this weekend. Laundry is never ending. Dishes are never ending. Diapers are never ending. Paying for daycare seems never ending. But even after all of that, when I collapse in bed at the end of the day, I would do it all over again. In a minute. I can’t imagine life without him.

My heart still melts when he lifts his arms up to me. He wants ME! Mommy! Never in my life has one person truly needed me. It is really an amazing feeling.

And last night. He kissed me. Twice. I swooned to the point of almost melting.

Have I said this is amazing? Yeah, it really is.

Ricky's First Snow.

2009-03-02T22:39:00.002-05:00

It snowed in Northern Virginia last night. Like a lot of snow, at least for folks around here. I don't mind driving in the snow. Heck, I learned to drive in January. In a Chevette. I can hang with the snow. Other folks around here, snow driving is not their strong suit. Also, we have this big hill that comes up to our court and the plow/salt truck didn't get it taken care of until around 1pm. This meant that Rick and I both "worked from home" today. It's nice to have that option if you really need it.

So we hung out and had breakfast. Ricky took a nap, did some work, did some dishes, fed the kid, dressed the kid in 3 layers, then ventured out in to the snow.

Ricky was slightly interested. He dug walking in it, but wasn't sure what else to do. I picked up some snow and showed it to him, tried to get him to eat some, but he could care less. Kind of gave me that look like "Um...ok?" Then he thought it was kinda neat, then he plopped down, then the wind kicked up and he was very UN-OK with it. So we came back inside. And played with Daddy. Daddy is always up for some fun. He likes to chase Ricky, Ricky likes to run. It's a win-win.

Oh yeah - you can't possibly enjoy this without pictures, right? There are more on Facebook. Check it em out.

Gah!

2009-03-01T17:05:00.002-05:00

I just looked at Ricky's birthday ticker. You know the one over there on the right. OMG - he turns a year old in FIVE days. FIVE days people!

I'm freaking out a little bit. He isn't my baby anymore. He is a boy.

I have a feeling come Friday morning, I am going to lose it.

Just sayin'.

The Chase Is On!

2009-02-26T19:26:00.002-05:00

Ricky's favorite past time lately is being chased by Daddy. He runs (ok, kinda runs) across the room and Rick chases him. Back and forth and back and forth. It's pretty stinkin' cute to watch his waddle.

The chase would go more smoothly if there wasn't so much crap in the playroom. Toys in there that don't get played with. A swing that hasn't been used in 2-3 months, but it keeps him from pulling his coat down off the hooks. A changing table that is NOT anchored to the wall, but holds diapers and other kiddie essentials I don't want to run upstairs to get. You get the picture. Maybe we will actually get that stuff out of there sometime in the next two weeks. We have to, in order to prepare for Ricky's birthday party.

Speaking of birthday party, it isn't going to be anything big. For a while, I was even thinking of not having one. Just the three of us with some cake. I was getting a little bummed that we don't have family in the area. I had mentioned to my Mom a while back about her coming out for a visit and I would love to have her. Thing is, my Grandmother, she needs her more. She has cancer, untreatable cancer. She is scared and lonely and really needs my Mom. Whatever Grandma wants, Grandma is going to get.

So we are doing a party, no particular theme. Speaking of theme, what is with the pressure to have some kick ass birthday party for the kids first? I decided to just go with some bright, primary colors. I mean, he's 1 folks. It isn't like he is going to sit still for some elaborate show or something. I am glad we are going to have a party. It might not be family, but some of the friends we have, well they are just as good. I honestly can't wait.

That just reminds me that I have no parking and might have to bribe a couple of my neighbors to use their spots. And yeah, the playroom needs to be cleaned out a bit. Kidproofed a little bit more. Gah - so many things to do.

On that note - bye!

5 Things

2009-02-22T18:08:00.003-05:00

Helinfield tagged me like weeks ago on this and I am just now getting around to it. Bad blogger.

Here goes....

5 things I was doing 5 years ago:
1. Settling in to life in Northern Virginia
2. Walking a dog
3. Enjoying our extra space in our big townhome
4. Hanging with Rick
5. Learning about medical billing and fertility medicine (new job)

5 things on my to do list today:
1. shower
2. nap
3. clean germified toys
4. wipe down germified counters
5. finish washing germified laundry

5 things I would do with a million dollars:
1. Pay off our house - well maybe halfway, the interest is a nice deduction.
2. Go to Japan (Rick's dream vaca)
3. Pay off my car.
4. Pay off Mom's house and make sure she is taken care of.
5. Fund the kids collage funds!

5 places I have lived:
1. Columbus, Oh
2. So St Paul, MN
3. Carlsbad, CA
4. San Diego, CA
5. Northern VA/DC area

5 jobs I have held:
1. DQ wench
2. Front desk for a fertility office. This also entailed transporting the "specimen's from men" to the warmer - ICK!
3. NOC Technician
4. Customer Service
5. Chiropractic Assistant

5 things I want to be doing in 5 years:
1. Raising 2-3 kids total (only have 1 now)
2. Involved in my children's school and activities
3. Vacation with Rick - alone.
4. Still contributing to a college fund for my kids
5. In a single family home where we have a YARD! Not in a townhome.

You're supposed to tag 5 people at this point. I always feel weird tagging people, like I'm forcing my spam on them, but I don't feel like that when people tag me. Weird I guess. But anyway, if you want to, feel free to snag this post and put it on your blog or FB.

And Then The Rash Came.

2009-02-22T16:56:00.004-05:00

So I guess this bug Ricky has been fighting is quite possibly roseola. Fever for a few days and when the fever breaks - bam! Hit with a rash. He is feeling pretty good today; playing, eating, you know the things kids do. The rash is only on his torso and doesn't seem to be bothering him so we will just keep an eye on it and hope it goes away.

That's about all that's up over here. That and posting random Facebook notes.

Ricky McSicky

2009-02-20T08:54:00.004-05:00

Yeppers. Mr Ricky is also Mr McSicky. I'm not sure what exactly this guy is fighting, but it has caused him to spike a fever a few times.

I dropped him at daycare on Tues, his temp was like 99.2. Not a huge temp, but I gave him some Motrin and took it with as well as the thermometer so they could administer if necessary. The contract says that kids with a fever up to like 100.4 can be in daycare or something like that. Anyway, no Motrin was given and he was kinda "eh" when I picked him up. I didn't really think to check again because when he is really playing and running around a lot he gets pretty warm. His head sweats. It's um, well to me it's weird, but I don't know if this is normal with most kids or not. Anyway, he slept ok on Tues night so we just assumed all was ok.

Weds morning I awoke to the most awful diaper in all the land (very rare, he is not a night time poooper!), another low grade temp of around 99.6 or so. Same routine, drop, Motrin, thermometer, call if you need anything. I called that afternoon around 2:45 and she said he was fine, no fever. He definitely didn't appear to have as much energy, but he was doing ok. A little on the cranky side, things bugging him that normally wouldn't, but all normal for a kid who isn't feeling 100%. I got him home and his temp was 102!!!!! WTF - are you kidding me! So of course, more Motrin. He ate a little bit of dinner, bath then bed. Slept just fine.

Now we're on Thursday. I decided to keep him home just to make sure his temp was managed all day long. I alternated Motrin and Tylenol. He napped, ate a little bit, watched some PBS Sprout Speaking of, he loved Barney. Heaven help me! But that is another post for another day. So we hung out, did some playing, some snuggling (YAY! I miss the snuggles.) and kept the fever away for the most part. Later in the evening we hit around 99.4, but that was all. Overnight he slept fine. The Pediatrician doesn't want to see him since he is not coughing and sleeping ok. Why risk bringing him to the office just to chance exposure to something else, right? This morning, another low grade fever but nothing like it was yesterday. So here we are, home again. He is in the playroom, where he pretty much crashed. Laying on his fluffy stuffed doggy, with his favorite blankie, taking a nap. I think he is on the upswing, but I just wanted to make sure.

Yesterday though, after the fever broke, we had a pretty good time playing a bit. I have a new camera (finally!!!) so I have been snapping pics of random stuff everywhere, even our little guy, while I am getting used to it. Isn't he just the most adorable thing EVER???

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-18T09:09:00.002-05:00

Photo courtesy of Gail Anne Photography.

Happy Valentiversary.

2009-02-16T22:30:00.002-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day and our anniversary, here is some completely random info about me and my Honey. Not that you asked, but you're here so you're getting it. I saw it over at Harmony's place and thought I would just throw caution to the wind and steal it. So here goes...

♥ How long have you been together? Three years TODAY!

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? A few months. We worked together, but in different locations.

♥ Who asked who out? I think he asked. Yeah, he asked. Definitely (right babe?)

♥ How old are each of you? I'm 35, he's 39

♥ Whose siblings do/ did you see the most? Neither since none are local. We normally see a few a couple times a year. You would think his because he has more, but I have never really counted.

♥ Do you have any children together? One rambunctious boy.

♥ What about pets? We used to have a dog, but no more. *sniff*

♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? Probably money, but it has never been a big problem.

♥ Did you go to the same school? Nope.

♥ Are you from the same home town? Not even remotely.

♥ Who is the smartest? I would definitely say him, but we each have our strengths. He has a very great capacity to learn pretty much anything.

♥ Who is the most sensitive? Probably me.

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple? Since the kid, it's hard to say. Probably Ruby Tuesday. But we order chinese every couple weeks.

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? St Lucia.

♥ Who has the craziest exes? He does.

♥ Who has the worst temper? Mine flares up more frequently but the single glimpse I have had of his....watch out.

♥ Who does the cooking? We both do. I would say it is about 65% me, 35% him.

♥ Who is more social? We both are pretty social but I like to do stuff outside of the house more than he does.

♥ Who is the neat-freak? I used to be but it appears he beat it out of me...

♥ Who is the more stubborn? Hmmm, that might be a toss-up.

♥ Who hogs the bed? Big bed, we don't have this problem. Unless Ricky is in bed with us, then it's Ricky.

♥ Who wakes up earlier? I think I do, but I don't actually GET up.

♥ Where was your first date? Our first time out (although we weren't a couple) was for chinese at Golden Valley (YUM!) and then some pool and games at Gameworks. I should have known he was a game freak then, right?

♥ Who has the bigger family? Definitely him (11 siblings!)

♥ Do you get flowers often? Not often, but a few times. Not as often as I would like, but eh.

♥ How do you spend the holidays? Together.

♥ Who is more jealous? Me.

♥ How long did it take to get serious? Let's see....we were "friends" (I think he referred to me as an experiment to see if he could be "just friends" with a woman) for 2 months or so, then dated for another 8 before the L word came out. I was working on a divorce so I didn't have any intention of us getting as serious as we did.

♥ Who eats more? Definitely him.

♥ Who does/ did the laundry? I do unless I ask him to in which case he will.

♥ Who’s better with the computer? Definitely him.

♥ Who drives when you are together? Me. Everyone's driving scares the bejeezus out of me. Besides, MY car is the family car. I'm driving it.

Feels Like Happiness.....

Dear Cow at Daycare

My Secret Addiction

Second Time Around

Happy New Year and The Return of The Blog

OMG - Where on Earth Have I Been?

30 Questions

Breakthrough.

"Sick" Day

Friday Five

Is it Time for a Time Out?

Photo Tag

P-Dub Love

Connecting Hearts and Minds.

Headache

Messing Around.

Lost and Confused.

Home.

Help.

So Much.

Cakepop Update

Cakepops.

Preparations and Other News.

Missing Daddy.

Frenemies?

Not Again!

I ♥ Target.

Return to Normalcy

Round Two is Coming

Snowtorious B.I.G. - 2010

Snow-pacalypse 2.0 Cometh **Update below**

Bite?

Dear Chantilly IHOP Patrons

Open Letter to Diapers.com

What to Write?

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...

Blizzard-tastrophe 2009

So far behind I don't even know where to start.

Thankful.

Gobble Gobble.

We're on the Cutting Edge Over Here.

Is it Thursday already?

Honesty?

Not If, But When.

Bad Mommy

Blankies and stuff...

Wordless Wednesday. Kinda.

So Much To Say

Hiatus.

What's the big secret?

The Days Roll By

At A Loss For Words

Customer Loyalty?

Are You Ready For Some Football?

When Daddy's Away....

Uh Oh! Elmo Fell Down!

Aaahhhhhh

Leavin' on a Jet Plane...

Seventeen.

Power of the Blog.

Just Keep Swimming.

I Don't Need No Stinkin' Sippy Cup!

Survival of the Fittest.

Tired.

Holiday Weekend Recap.

For The Record.

Just Keep Spinning....

Slave to the Blog

Happy Father's Day!

Crap. Literally.

Like Crap

And This Week on Wild Kingdom....

Sneaky, Sneaky....

It's All Around Me

Monkey See, Monkey Do.

Small Talk.

His First Haircut

Good Times.

What Schedule Mommy?

On The Road Again

Snow-pacalypse 2.0 Cometh Update below