Sippy Cups and Blackberries

Boo!

Boo, am i back?  I am not sure yet.  It has been months.  Too many months and I miss my friends.  You lovely ladies that were part of my life for months, many months.  But, boo!  I am not sure I can do it.  

Life is overwhelming with 2 kids.  Way to overwhelming.  But, hey - I started this when Michael was 1.  And now Aidan is going to be 1.  I know!!! can you believe it?  Oh faithful followers that were there during that dreadful miscarriage and pregnancy.  Yes.  He is now one.  Wanna see a picture?

yes that little sh*t is walking. And how about the 3 1/2 year old.  

Yep - he is in preschool... Can I believe it? No - he is such a little man.. and oh the conversations we have!

how about that we have a nanny again. That daycare crashed.... again.  That life has been so freaking crazy hectic I don't even know where to start. Do you think you can forgive me?  I have been stalking you though.  Reading your blogs knowing about your life.  But my life, really?  

It Could Happen To You

This past weekend, Michael was bitten in the face by a dog.  No permanent damage physically, no stitches needed.  Pretty sure he won't have rabies.  But still, nonetheless quite a traumatic experience all around. 

I know what most of you are thinking, a 3 year old and a dog don't mix.  You probably are assuming he pulled an ear, tail, snout, hit the dog, etc.  But, here's the sad fact.  He didn't do anything.  He was not touching the dog and sadly he was starting to back away from the dog.  No one knows why the dog snapped.  It breaks my heart to think about it.

So, I can give you the background story, from what hubby told me.  I wasn't in the room when it happened, but thank god he was standing next to him.  If he hadn't been, I don't think I would be sitting at my computer typing about it. I would most likely be sitting at a hospital bed praying that they could do something to recover his eyes/check/lips, etc.

Here is my disclaimer. Michael is extremely skiddish around dogs.  He does not like a dogs face - isn't that poetic?  He would reluctantly pet a dog because hubby or I would want him to but as soon as that dogs face would turn to him he would flinch and back away quickly. You can only imagine what getting over this fear is going to be like now.

Anyway, we went to visit friends about an hour away for the afternoon.  It was a beautiful Saturday during Memorial day weekend and we hadn't seem them in months.   They used to be across the street and we would be with them at least 2 nights a week for dinner so to say we were close friends was true.  But, they moved an hour away and don't have kids.  As all of you know, that makes it harder.  So anyway, we all get in the car and make our way there.  When we got to their house, they leashed the dog.  And seeing that Michael was a bit shy, they put him behind the gate.  James and I have should have just left him there.  They told us how the dog had snapped at another child for pulling his tail.  James and I should have listened a bit harder.  But, Michael was excited about the dog and James and my innocence really wanted him to be exposed to the dog because we want him to love dogs as we do.  So, dog's dinner time is coming and we have been there for about 30 minutes.  James and I had interacted with the dog and didn't find anything to make us suspect he shouldn't be around kids. So we offered to let the dog out from behind the gate.   We watch Michael like a hawk around dogs because he is a bit scared and we don't know if he would do something to the dog.  So, I sat on the floor with him and the dog and we pet it.  We taught Michael not to pet the dog unless the dog knew.  Michael was hesitant around the dog but again would only pet the bum.  I got up and walked into the kitchen to help prepare dinner. To this day I am so thankful that James stayed in the room.  That James was watching like a hawk.  That James was standing next to them.  The next thing I hear is Michael's screams.  I run into the room and he looks fine.  I ask if the dog bit him and they said yes.  I expected it on the hand.  I did not expect my son to lift his head up and his face to be covered in blood.

Maternal instinct is an amazing thing.  I have heard about those mothers that can lift cars off of their kids.  The thing about it is that once something happens to your child and you hear those screams that is the only thing you hear.  You are so completely focused on your child that nothing else being said or done comes onto your radar.  I have no idea what happened to the dog.  I have no idea how I sprinted across the room, how we got him into the kitchen, how I got my child into my arms.  I do not know if there was an apology, what the excuse was, what happened.  All I knew was that my baby was injured and I had to determine how to make it better.

So, after we calmed him down enough to see the injuries and determined that the dog had not ripped off his nose, lip, cheek, eye, etc.  We went to the hospital.  It comes to find out that he had a scratch a hair away from the corner of his eye from a paw, and 4 puncture wounds - 3 on his cheek and one in his lip. The dr said they tend not to stitch those bites and they like to let them ooze and heal on their own. 

So, what was the back story? The story from James is that Michael was kneeling in front of the dog.  James told Michael to stand up.  Michael was backing away from the dog when the dog snapped. No one knows why.  Maybe it was because Michael had a cracker in his hand.  Maybe the dog didn't like him in his space.  But something happened and in all tails of the story, Michael did not provoke.  He was not petting, hitting, leaning into the dog. But, still something spooked the dog.

So, that is the tale.  We will never know.  Thank god James was standing within inches and got the dog off in time.  Thank god it wasn't worse.

Three Years Ago Today

Dear Michael,

Three years ago today, I was sitting in a hospital bed waiting for the worst to be over.  The hardest part was the waiting and finally we were going to meet our son.  Little did we know that the stubburn behavior shown then would be a behavior carried out in his life. 

Three years ago today, I didn't know how much my life could change and how much better it could be.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that I could spend hours playing animal stampede.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that I had it in me to make a Mickey Mouse Cake from scratch because the cake molds are discontinued and the grocery store didn't have one and that was what you wanted.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that we would spend hours dancing around the house to the latest pop songs.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that the best thing to do when feeling down is to watch you sleep.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that my biggest fear would be not being around to see you "all growed up".

Three years ago today, I didn't know that I would cry when you were no longer in diapers.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that it was possible to love a person the way a mother loves her son.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that a three year old can hug you with every ounce of his body.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that the slightest smile from your baby can wipe away any bad day.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that I could answer the question Why so many times.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that I could go from so frustrated to hysterical laughing by just a quip from your mouth.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that I would forever have the Little Einsteins song stuck in my head.

Three years ago today, I had no idea that you could be an amazing big brother.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that you would love so much and with such conviction that I now love the same things, just because.

Three years ago today, I didn't know that a snuggle could keep you warm for weeks.

Three years ago today, I didn't know how much my life would change for the better.

Three years ago today, I didn't know what unconditional love was.

You have changed my life in so many ways and for that, I am forever grateful.

Love,

Mom

Dear Electrolux/Frigidaire/GE/Maytag....

I am a working mom that has no time to do laundry.  Absolutely none.  And yet, my house seems to produce laundry at an alarming rate.  As in I did 8 loads of laundry on Thursday and I have another 8 loads today.  It is miserable. I hate it.  It takes forever.  And it smells - well only because sometimes I forget to move the laundry into the dryer for days, and then I have to rewash. 

I am writing to you fine appliance companies to see if you would like to donate a front loading washer and dryer to my cause. Granted, if they also came with a person to actually cart the laundry from the second floor to the basement, load, remember to move it to the dryer, fold and put it away, well - hey I ain't saying no.  Then again, if you just gave me that person and no new washer and dryer, I think that we could make do.

your advertising is so wonderful.  You make me think that Kelly Ripa can turn around washing in 2 seconds flat (we all know that she must have someone to help her with her laundry.  what good is all that money if you can't at least get that small benefit!).  Your promises of laundry done faster, cleaner, more energy efficient makes me yearn for you.  The pretty colors that you come in makes me think that if I had a bright red or kelly green washer would make my dank basement that much more enjoyable to visit. The promise to hold larger loads of laundry makes me think my 8 loads could turn into just a mere 2 (I know, keep dreaming!!!).  I close my eyes on laundry days (which are turning out to be every day) and pretend that my huge washer and dryer with the smart dispense of detergent would make my life so much easier.

So, if any of you feel a girls pain and want to donate a beautiful front loading laundry duo.  Know this, it will be put to good use and you could really make a girl's year.

With Love

Christine

Holy Funny Batman

So, as most of you know, I work at home full time.  Between the hours of 8 and 6 Monday through Thursday I am owned by my job.  But, the hours before 830 AM and after 430 PM I am also a full time mother.  So, today I was trying to figure out what to blog about.  Since life is rather boring but very funny, I think that I was drawing a blank about the witty and funny person that I am.  But, I opened this link today and I was pretty much peeing myself as I was scrolling through these comics.

So for all of you mommies that need a laugh, proceed with caution.  My favorite is the Mom on a conference call dance...

http://www.mommytrackd.com/funny-papers

And then it was done

So, a funny thing happened this weekend.  We had Aidan's christening on Mother's Day.  And since I really had nothing better to do with my time, I decided to mix the 2 families in with 30 of our nearest and dearest and throw a bash.  Cause really, no sleep, high stress situations are awesome. Add to that the potty training, swollen eyes, weaning from nursing, teething.  And did I mention that I still work full-time??  And yes, yes I cooked all the food.  Me, myself and I.  well... except for the chix and steak, hubby grilled them, but, I really did do all the prep work.

See, I really wanted to cater it - but hubby, well, he is totally against that.  He loves throwing parties, as do I , but all that work leading up to it, well, let's just say he is only impacted by my bitchiness as we get closer to the day.  See because really and truly, no matter how many people we have over 2 or 60, he has 2 jobs.  Get the alcohol and grill the food.  Me on the other hand?  Well i get the clean the house, do the food shopping, plan the menu, order the tables/chairs/tents... etc.. you get the picture.  But see, as I get closer to the day, well I get bitchier.  Because really, I want him to help me as remember... I work full-time too!

Add on top of that the visit from the in-laws, which stresses me out and I am just caput today.  I mean really, caput.  So let's just recap my weekend.

Thurs: Clean house.  Work 10 hours.  In-laws arrive.

Fri: Food shopping.  Party  shopping (tableclothes, streamers, etc). Mani/Pedi. Plant petunas. Mulch (James) Setup Tent (JAmes).  Make the tomato sauce.

Sat: Wake up to Michael with his eyes SWOLLEN and GLUED SHUT!! F**k, F**k, F**k.  Please don't be pink eye, please don't be pink eye.  7 AM start making 2 trays of baked ziti.  Call DR at 830 to try and get in to see them.  Call back at 9 am .  Call back at 930. Finally can go .  Sit in dr office for 2 hours to find out that it is still just allergies. But here are prescriptions for eye drops and nose spray.  go to pharmacy.  go back to pharmacy.  Cut up steak tips.  Marinate.  Cut up chix breast.  Marinate.  Make a Turkey and stuffing and salad.  Get beer and wine.  Get a honey baked ham. Get a b-day cake.  Shot myself in the head.  Serve dinner for 16 people.  Clean up.

Sun: Wake up at 6 AM with screaming Aidan.  Happy F*n mother's day.  Get up.  Start steaming 10 lbs of red potatoes.  yes - 10 lbs.  Go to CVS and spend $51 in mother's day and b-day cards. Awesome. Happy Mother's day to me.  Make  potato salad,  make garden salad. make quiche. prep for 60 some odd people.  get self and 2 kids ready for church.  pictures.  church, let the party start.

Why didn't I take off today?

Potty Time

So, Michael turns 3 in 11 days.  I get a little teary eyed thinking about it.  He is just such a big boy. But, nothing makes you realize how much of a big boy he is until he is running around in under-roos.  (Do you remember them??? I know they don't call them that anymore, but I love calling them that... although michael calls them undiepants). 

Michael hasn't gone poop in his diaper for at least 6 months - if not more.  Occassionally, when he is having massive stomach issues, there might be a hershey squirt if he thinks it is just a fart that is going to come out - but even that only has happened about twice. (I can only imagine what kinda people are going to be reading this now.  I can only imagine what Hubby is going to think if he reads this. Poor Michael, if he only knew that his pooping problems are being broadcast across cyberspace....)  But, the kid has had no - and I mean no - interest in going pee on the potty.  And it has not been for lack of trying.  He has been in pull-ups for over 6 months.  We would try the put on undies and he would pee all over the place.  I mean, all over the place.  Then he would tell me the peepee surprised him and came out.  So, we would go back to the pull-ups...

But, on Wednesday I decided to try again.  I have no idea why.  Maybe it is because it was rainy.  or because we were trying to keep Michael inside so his eyes stopped swelling shut from allergies... But we did put him in undies.  And, I don't think he believed us that it wasn't a pullup because about 30 minutes later he pee'd everywhere.  I mean everywhere.  And then, he hasn't had an accident since. Not one.  Potty every single solitary time.  He refuses to put on a diaper.  Plays outside - no diaper.  Nothing.  He holds it in.  Then last night at 1 AM, he called to us b/c he had to go potty.  I jump up, he goes potty and goes back to bed.  Wakes up with a DRY diaper, runs to potty.  Goes potty again.  Holy Ish. I am so proud.  I am so sad.  MY little baby has grown up - literally overnight.  He now wears Thomas Undies. Elephant Undies, Dinosaur Undies.  Did you know that they actually make boxer briefs in a size 2T!!! His cute little tushie is no longer blocked by a diaper.  He is so big.

So, I guess our pediatrician was right.  When the time is right, the time is right.  A switch will flip and he will just start going.  And he finally has.  And it is bittersweet.  This is just the beginning of the end.  He has shed the last bit of baby hood and I couldn't be sadder.  Who knew that potty training could be so heartbreaking?

Oh the Gym

So, I have 10 more lbs to lose from Aidan.  I had 10 lbs to lose from Michael.  That equals a total of 20 lbs.  20 sad, sad, sad lbs.  20 lbs that sit squarely between "The Boob" and "The Knees".  20 lbs I had hoped to lose by Aidan's Christening (which is sunday... I am still hoping for that miraculous liposuction that is free and painless that my husband gets me for mother's day...).  20 lbs that I hope to lose by my 10 year college graduation (the last weekend in may... again, hurry up and find that liposuction procedure please!).

So, I joined the gym.  I frequent about 3-4 times a week.  I run/walk for 30 minutes and do 2 miles up a hill.  It says I burn 260 calories.  Then I turn around and do some weight lifting.  And I go home.  Rinse and Repeat.

What they have not told me is why I have not lost the 20 lbs.  Or even for that matter, 5....

I have started watching what I eat.  Now, that doesn't mean that I am on a diet.  But, based on the fact that take out is a minimum.  Breakfast is non-existent and lunch is a salad... I am thinking that this is a lot less calories than the pizza we ate 3 nights a week.  I am a huge advocate of Jenny Craig.  I did it for the post Michael baby weight.  I loved it, lost 20 lbs fast and then quit.  This time, I tried it, failed miserably because I wanted to eat the same food as my husband and son.  The problem this time around, I had to make dinner for both of them. Last time I made hubby fend for himself...

So, I ask you this?  What the F***!!!!!

Ok, now that I got that out, can we make up the excuses?  Please, anything....

Anyway, just call me the blob.

Screwed, Screwed and Screwed Again

Ok, so this is a little vent about work.  Now, I do realize that I should be glad to be in a secure job right now.  That I still have a job. That I am lucky to be working. That I am not taking forced, unpaid time off.  That I do not live my life wondering how to make my mortgage payment, etc.  But, still, sometimes my job tries me absolutely crazy.  I mean, I know we are in crazy times and there is no end in sight, but if you are going to change my work hours, a little advance notice would be nice.  At least then I won't be working and taking care of a 3 year old and taking care of a 5 month old.  I mean really people, let's talk about how unproductive that is.

Anyway, so at 830 am when I got the call that I need to join this 6 hour meeting today... I might be a little miffed.  On top of that, when I get on the call and I am asked to present something that they have and they created and I am just seeing, I might be seething.  Add on top of that what they are looking at might as well be written in Japanese and I am down right pissed.

So, here I am listening now since (thankfully....) someone I don't know and have never talked to started poking holes into the diagram immediately.  I have a 5 month old on "The Boob" and the 3 year old watching Imagination Movers and banging a toy hammer on a metal bucket.  It is only 9:45 in the morning and I have a few more hours of this left. 

The only thing I can be thankful for now is the fact that the past 2 nights Aidan and Michael have decided to sleep.  As in I slept from 10:30-6 yesterday and 11:30-7:30 today.  At least I am well rested....

The Urge to Purge

I love, love, love this time of year.  Spring fever always hits me smack in the face and it is one of my favorite time of the year.  Despite spring allergies and everything in bloom, warm weather after all the doom and gloom is a wonderful break.  But my favorite part about it is the urge to purge. 

I do it every single year.  I open up the closet that is too small, the dressers that are overflowing and I start purging.  Everything.  No joke. My motto is didn't wear it this season, trash it.  Unless of course I love it so dearly I hold on just in case I manage to get back into my pre-pre-baby bod.  Thinking not, but maybe.  Doesn't matter that I couldn't wear it cause I was pregnant, post pregnant, or anything else.  I have to trash it.  And I love it.  I move through the house on a mission. Clothes, cupboards, spice racks.  All of it. Some people call it nesting, but I ain't nesting, I am purging.  No regrets, no second glances, no really, are you going to toss that. I just go.

Now, that isn't to say that I don't go searching high and low the next time the season changes dieing to find the "perfect sweater" to go with an outfit to find out it must be purged, but I don't care.  I must must must do it and the thrill to purge more than makes up for the loss of a single item every once in a blue moon.

LOVE IT....