So, today I "miscarried."
And, I am angry. I expected to be sad, upset, frustrated-but I did not expect to be so MAD.
The birth mom and dad decided to try parenting. They have been living in housing provided by the adoption agency, and they have been receiving counseling. So, I feel that they did not take their decision lightly. I, however, feel a little taken for a ride. The birth parents do not have jobs or a home. They do not have a car. But, they will have a baby.
I feel silly-silly for buying some new baby clothes and silly for the Christmas presents for the new baby in the closet upstairs. I feel silly because I had my mom buy me a Boppy newborn lounger, and even sillier that I actually started packing a bag for the new baby for our trip to Utah to pick her up.
I know it is normal to have mixed emotions-but it is so strange to feel such a sense of loss over someone who was never yours-someone you never had a relationship with.
Yes-this too shall pass. In the meantime, this just sucks.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Hi AGAIN!!!!!!!!
Yes-It has been awhile. AND...I don't want to hear it. I am lucky to remember where my own head is....seriously. I started a new job at the beginning of the year. I travel now-more than I did with my previous job. And, HK is now 22 months old. And, she is willful. And by willful, I mean-she is most likely entering what we lovingly refer to as "the terrible two's." So, I have been busy.
Then, about 3 weeks ago, we got "the call." We put in a profile for adoption with our agency in July. They told us it would probably take 1-2 years to get another baby. The second week of October-ring ring! We have been chosen by a birth mom and dad. She is due December 1st. I am a nervous wreck.
Imagine someone tells you that you are, surprise!, pregnant, your baby is due in a month-but you may miscarry. Yep-harsh and abrupt-but that is my life right now. So, did I mention that I have a new job? And I am apparently 8 months pregnant? And-I am giving birth halfway across the country? And- it is a girl? And-we cannot agree on names?
Stressed.
So-I use my blog to vent. Writing out my worries and stresses has always seemed to help me.
And-so does shopping. But not real life store shopping. When I see what I like-I like it. Enough Said. No shopping around. My job is done. I see-I like-I buy. So-I need a few new baby things. And...du du duhhhhhhhh-I have to move little miss HK into a BIG GIRL room. Seriously. My little red headed precious angel has to grow up a little bit-and I am not sure I am ok with that. She sleeps in her crib just fine-and I don't want her to feel like she is being booted out of her room. Ohhhh-the stresses.
So-I ordered her bedding today-I have been internet shopping and real store shopping with no luck. But, my mom in law mentioned that she saw some cute stuff in the new Pottery Barn kids catalog and WALL-AH I found a WHOLE room that I like! So, new big girl room is ordered. I am excited---and sad.
So, if you don't hear from me for a little bit-please please please forgive me. I am sure there will be much more to blog about when I am sleep deprived.
In the meantime, please pray that all goes well with our upcoming adoption. This one has been a little more stressful than the last simply because I know what I stand to lose.
Love to all!
Then, about 3 weeks ago, we got "the call." We put in a profile for adoption with our agency in July. They told us it would probably take 1-2 years to get another baby. The second week of October-ring ring! We have been chosen by a birth mom and dad. She is due December 1st. I am a nervous wreck.
Imagine someone tells you that you are, surprise!, pregnant, your baby is due in a month-but you may miscarry. Yep-harsh and abrupt-but that is my life right now. So, did I mention that I have a new job? And I am apparently 8 months pregnant? And-I am giving birth halfway across the country? And- it is a girl? And-we cannot agree on names?
Stressed.
So-I use my blog to vent. Writing out my worries and stresses has always seemed to help me.
And-so does shopping. But not real life store shopping. When I see what I like-I like it. Enough Said. No shopping around. My job is done. I see-I like-I buy. So-I need a few new baby things. And...du du duhhhhhhhh-I have to move little miss HK into a BIG GIRL room. Seriously. My little red headed precious angel has to grow up a little bit-and I am not sure I am ok with that. She sleeps in her crib just fine-and I don't want her to feel like she is being booted out of her room. Ohhhh-the stresses.
So-I ordered her bedding today-I have been internet shopping and real store shopping with no luck. But, my mom in law mentioned that she saw some cute stuff in the new Pottery Barn kids catalog and WALL-AH I found a WHOLE room that I like! So, new big girl room is ordered. I am excited---and sad.
So, if you don't hear from me for a little bit-please please please forgive me. I am sure there will be much more to blog about when I am sleep deprived.
In the meantime, please pray that all goes well with our upcoming adoption. This one has been a little more stressful than the last simply because I know what I stand to lose.
Love to all!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Thyroid
As I have stated many a time before, I have been a weight gaining machine for about a year now. I had a physical with my doc, and again, my weight is up. So, I have decided that it MUST be my thyroid coupled with my high doses of prednisone. But, I have always been able to, ummm, "diet" for a few weeks and see a decrease in my mid-section. Not this time. Sooo....
It has to be a very serious thyroid condition. Very serious.
Must be.
So, I inform the doc that we have to run tests. Now, if you know me, needles are NOT my thing. Like, I turn into a six year old when the nurses come in with all of their needle gear. I even ask for the numbing stuff-yes, the stuff they give to elementary school kids. For some reason, the nurses never oblige.
Anyhoo-they proceed to take all of the blood out of my body. I head home and await the results-because I KNOW that I have a sluggish, lazy thyroid.
The results come back-thyroid is fine. Perfect in fact. WHAT?!?!
But, I am vitamin D deficient. So, I ask the doc, "Does vitamin D deficiency make you fat?" Apparently, no.
So, I have just won myself 15 weeks of vitamin D pills. And, his recommendation for my "condition?" In writing it says-eat right and exercise.
Bummer. HUGE bummer. I guess someone finally told my body and my metabolism that I am officially in my thirties.
It has to be a very serious thyroid condition. Very serious.
Must be.
So, I inform the doc that we have to run tests. Now, if you know me, needles are NOT my thing. Like, I turn into a six year old when the nurses come in with all of their needle gear. I even ask for the numbing stuff-yes, the stuff they give to elementary school kids. For some reason, the nurses never oblige.
Anyhoo-they proceed to take all of the blood out of my body. I head home and await the results-because I KNOW that I have a sluggish, lazy thyroid.
The results come back-thyroid is fine. Perfect in fact. WHAT?!?!
But, I am vitamin D deficient. So, I ask the doc, "Does vitamin D deficiency make you fat?" Apparently, no.
So, I have just won myself 15 weeks of vitamin D pills. And, his recommendation for my "condition?" In writing it says-eat right and exercise.
Bummer. HUGE bummer. I guess someone finally told my body and my metabolism that I am officially in my thirties.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Travels
Ohhh-the life of a road warrior.
I just started a new job. Many moons ago, I worked as a national sales rep for a small cookie company. This required me to travel the entire country. Then, I moved to a large food company. I still had to travel, but most of that travel was driving. I was not required to take many flights. I have now come full circle-I now have a job that requires both. Many flights, much driving.
And, there are many things that you learn while out and about. For instance, today, I am in North Carolina. Here, the speed limit varies from 70 mph to 55 mph on interstates 77 and 40. What was so weird was that most people actually went the speed limit. No one cut me off, or rode my rear, or gave me a dirty look, or whipped around me and then in front of me to make a point. People actually slow down to let others merge-it is quite a different world here from Nashville.
I have also learned that travel has changed since my last days of airport life. When you travel quite a bit, you learn that carrying on your luggage is the way to go. That is how I used to travel. Then 911 happened, and the carry on rules changed. Since then, I usually check my luggage for a few reasons.
1. I am now officially middle age according to my father, and consolidating a carry on with my travel entertainment, laptop, purse, and suitcase into 2 pieces small enough to qualify as carry on luggage is a challenge. Carrying these bags through the airport, down the jet way, down the plane aisle without knocking out an already seated passenger is yet a greater challenge. And then there is the whole fit the bag under the seat in front of you and fit another in the overhead compartment. This is not only a work out comparable to the spanx workout, but it is not attractive. Then I fall into my seat sweating and wondering how in the heck someone thought that the puff of air out of the nozzle over your head is enough to keep you from passing out.
2. I carry a lot of liquids. As I mentioned I am apparently farting dust, so I have to carry lots of moisturizers, lotions, hair products and other essentials to try and hide my age and fatigue from getting all of these bags to the gate in the first place, to the rental car shuttle, into the rental car office, to the rental car, loaded into the car, loaded out of the car at the hotel, hauled to my hotel room...do you see why liquids are a necessity??
So-my current coworkers convinced me that carrying on your baggage is the way to go. I was hesitant. My new boss and I were in the security line 2 weeks ago - me relatively bagless and looking like an easy traveler, he carrying his bags (and making it look relatively easy, for the record). Boss man pulls out a baggie with his toiletries and liquids in it. He is bald-he does not need many products. He and another co-worker keep telling me to just get some travel size products and the empty 3 ounce containers they sell now to fill up with my products. Makes life so much easier, they say.
After waiting 30 minutes for my luggage, I decided that they might be on to something.
I went to Target and spent $100 on every travel size I could find. I bought travel size products, empty bottles to fill, empty spray bottles, and even bought the special glad Ziploc baggies that say "flight approved." I was not taking any chances. The day before my trip, I spent an hour repacking my toiletry bag. I filled empty bottles with my shampoo, my lotion, my body sprays. I got out my label maker and made sure I had each bottle labeled. I put them all into a special place in my suitcase so I could pull it out quickly at security.
Off I head to the airport. I went to the expert traveler line - I am an expert. I mean-look at the baggie organization. So I begin the security process-I took off my shoes, my coat, took out my laptop, and - drum roll - took out my baggies. I proceeded through the detector and over to the conveyor to get my baggies and carry on's and begin redressing and repacking.
This security officer peaks over the conveyor and asks, "Ma'am, is this yours?" He is pointing to my pristine baggie assortment. "Why yes, it is," I reply, beaming. He looks at me and says, "You can only have ONE baggie." I look at my baggie collection- four baggies to be exact. I could only blankly stare. ONE???? Who on God's green earth can fit everything into ONE QUART SIZE BAGGIE. Absolutely ridiculous.
He let me through-but told me that I would have to consolidate for next time.
I do not know if it is worth it, but I know that there are certain things that I cannot live without both in my beauty regime and in my travel regime. In fact, I think my next posting is going to be on my travel necessities.
Anyhoo-lesson learned. Apparently you cannot bring unlimited amounts of liquids onto a plane if you divide them among 40, 3 ounce containers. So, I sit here in a NC hotel room, and I am off to repackage my liquids....again.
I just started a new job. Many moons ago, I worked as a national sales rep for a small cookie company. This required me to travel the entire country. Then, I moved to a large food company. I still had to travel, but most of that travel was driving. I was not required to take many flights. I have now come full circle-I now have a job that requires both. Many flights, much driving.
And, there are many things that you learn while out and about. For instance, today, I am in North Carolina. Here, the speed limit varies from 70 mph to 55 mph on interstates 77 and 40. What was so weird was that most people actually went the speed limit. No one cut me off, or rode my rear, or gave me a dirty look, or whipped around me and then in front of me to make a point. People actually slow down to let others merge-it is quite a different world here from Nashville.
I have also learned that travel has changed since my last days of airport life. When you travel quite a bit, you learn that carrying on your luggage is the way to go. That is how I used to travel. Then 911 happened, and the carry on rules changed. Since then, I usually check my luggage for a few reasons.
1. I am now officially middle age according to my father, and consolidating a carry on with my travel entertainment, laptop, purse, and suitcase into 2 pieces small enough to qualify as carry on luggage is a challenge. Carrying these bags through the airport, down the jet way, down the plane aisle without knocking out an already seated passenger is yet a greater challenge. And then there is the whole fit the bag under the seat in front of you and fit another in the overhead compartment. This is not only a work out comparable to the spanx workout, but it is not attractive. Then I fall into my seat sweating and wondering how in the heck someone thought that the puff of air out of the nozzle over your head is enough to keep you from passing out.
2. I carry a lot of liquids. As I mentioned I am apparently farting dust, so I have to carry lots of moisturizers, lotions, hair products and other essentials to try and hide my age and fatigue from getting all of these bags to the gate in the first place, to the rental car shuttle, into the rental car office, to the rental car, loaded into the car, loaded out of the car at the hotel, hauled to my hotel room...do you see why liquids are a necessity??
So-my current coworkers convinced me that carrying on your baggage is the way to go. I was hesitant. My new boss and I were in the security line 2 weeks ago - me relatively bagless and looking like an easy traveler, he carrying his bags (and making it look relatively easy, for the record). Boss man pulls out a baggie with his toiletries and liquids in it. He is bald-he does not need many products. He and another co-worker keep telling me to just get some travel size products and the empty 3 ounce containers they sell now to fill up with my products. Makes life so much easier, they say.
After waiting 30 minutes for my luggage, I decided that they might be on to something.
I went to Target and spent $100 on every travel size I could find. I bought travel size products, empty bottles to fill, empty spray bottles, and even bought the special glad Ziploc baggies that say "flight approved." I was not taking any chances. The day before my trip, I spent an hour repacking my toiletry bag. I filled empty bottles with my shampoo, my lotion, my body sprays. I got out my label maker and made sure I had each bottle labeled. I put them all into a special place in my suitcase so I could pull it out quickly at security.
Off I head to the airport. I went to the expert traveler line - I am an expert. I mean-look at the baggie organization. So I begin the security process-I took off my shoes, my coat, took out my laptop, and - drum roll - took out my baggies. I proceeded through the detector and over to the conveyor to get my baggies and carry on's and begin redressing and repacking.
This security officer peaks over the conveyor and asks, "Ma'am, is this yours?" He is pointing to my pristine baggie assortment. "Why yes, it is," I reply, beaming. He looks at me and says, "You can only have ONE baggie." I look at my baggie collection- four baggies to be exact. I could only blankly stare. ONE???? Who on God's green earth can fit everything into ONE QUART SIZE BAGGIE. Absolutely ridiculous.
He let me through-but told me that I would have to consolidate for next time.
I do not know if it is worth it, but I know that there are certain things that I cannot live without both in my beauty regime and in my travel regime. In fact, I think my next posting is going to be on my travel necessities.
Anyhoo-lesson learned. Apparently you cannot bring unlimited amounts of liquids onto a plane if you divide them among 40, 3 ounce containers. So, I sit here in a NC hotel room, and I am off to repackage my liquids....again.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Birthday Decor
So, it has been awhile. But I feel like I have some pretty good excuses. I just left the company I had been with for almost 8 years for a new one - not to mention that this transition occured during the holidays. AND...HK turned one. Yes, it is true. She is officially one.
We spray painted tree branches silver and hung snowflakes and pictures of HK. At the front door, we had a Wishing Tree and everyone was asked to write a message, wish or hope to HK and hang on the tree. (thanks mom-she did all of the hard work-the spray painting!)
The final wishing tree with all of her wishes! I am going to string these together into a booklet for her.
These were the favors/slash activity for the party-little snowflakes to decorate and take home.
Some more decor and painted branches. I filled glass vases all over the house with these.
We had a hot cocoa bar with all kinds of mix-ins and hot cider.
THE cake-need I say more? Dessert Designs is incredible-this had a layer of sour cream pound cake and a layer of chocolate truffle. INCREDIBLE.
The birthday girl herself enjoying cake!!
I hope everyone is having a blessed new year! We certainly are!
We celebrated the occasion by throwing a Winter One-derland party. I loved the play on words, but I then had to come up with a way to make this theme come to life. I feel like this post is very "Patra," a dear friend of mine who is Martha Stewart times a million. I certainly hope that I can live up to her standards. Just check out her decor and you will know what I mean.
So-here are some decor pics from little miss's first birthday party! We had a few friends over and immediate family and kept it small-it was perfect!
We spray painted tree branches silver and hung snowflakes and pictures of HK. At the front door, we had a Wishing Tree and everyone was asked to write a message, wish or hope to HK and hang on the tree. (thanks mom-she did all of the hard work-the spray painting!)
The final wishing tree with all of her wishes! I am going to string these together into a booklet for her.These were the favors/slash activity for the party-little snowflakes to decorate and take home.
Some more decor and painted branches. I filled glass vases all over the house with these.
We had a hot cocoa bar with all kinds of mix-ins and hot cider.
THE cake-need I say more? Dessert Designs is incredible-this had a layer of sour cream pound cake and a layer of chocolate truffle. INCREDIBLE.Her little smash cake-she liked it, needless to say!
The birthday girl herself enjoying cake!!I hope everyone is having a blessed new year! We certainly are!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Deer Jerky and Bathtubs
Yesterday was one of those weird days. It was rainy and cold and it all made me want to curl up in my bed and do nothing. However, that is not possible since I have these responsibilities in life called a job, wifehood, and mommyhood. So, I put on my big girl panties and ventured out to sell soups.
I was working with a distributor foodservice rep. We were in an account, and I found myself looking at these people thinking, "Is this converstation really happening?" I was listening to a bunch of Northerners talk about what great deer jerkey they make. Really? "Oh yes," says one. "Stanley makes the best deer jerky. But, the deer down here taste different. You all don't let 'em get fattened up at all. If there is a deer standing there in front of you, you just shoot it. They taste like they are not quite done, or inbred, or something." I swear to the good Lord above, I witnessed this conversation with a Yankee as the speaker.
After my lesson in deer jerkey, I finally made it home and gave HK her bath before bed. She is pulling up on everything, but last night, she decided that she wanted to pull up on the side of the bath tub and stand. "No no," I kept telling her. She would smile and then do it again. I kept on, "no no, HK." I yelled down to Justin that his little girl was about to get in trouble. He comes to assist. He swats her hand as she reaches up to grab the handle to help her stand up. She sort of squwaks at him, and she keeps on trying.
I am trying to distract her and am realizing that we are at a crossroads here. It is one of the first times we have really been telling her not to do something. She is obviously willfull, as she keeps on and on and on again trying to stand up. I know that I cannot give in and have to keep being stern and consistent. She has to learn that there are boundaries and I am the boss.
Justin steps back and I put my hands on her face (you know, getting down to her level and all-very supernanny like of me), and tell her, "No no, HK" very firmly, and without a hint of a smile.
Little miss looks at me, and she starts belly laughing. Truly. I look at Justin, and he just lifts his eyebrows and looks at me-he is testing me and waiting to see what I do. I just looked at him-I have to say that I was most distraught over her reaction. I said to Justin, "I am mean and scary firm mommy, not funny mommy." And what did he do? He started laughing. I mean, come on people. I can be intimidating.
So, he leaves, and I got HK out of the bath. I am pretty certain that she did not learn a lesson from this at all.
I on the other hand learned that I need to practice my serious, stern face.
And, maybe stay in bed on days like this from now on and chew on some jerky.
I was working with a distributor foodservice rep. We were in an account, and I found myself looking at these people thinking, "Is this converstation really happening?" I was listening to a bunch of Northerners talk about what great deer jerkey they make. Really? "Oh yes," says one. "Stanley makes the best deer jerky. But, the deer down here taste different. You all don't let 'em get fattened up at all. If there is a deer standing there in front of you, you just shoot it. They taste like they are not quite done, or inbred, or something." I swear to the good Lord above, I witnessed this conversation with a Yankee as the speaker.
After my lesson in deer jerkey, I finally made it home and gave HK her bath before bed. She is pulling up on everything, but last night, she decided that she wanted to pull up on the side of the bath tub and stand. "No no," I kept telling her. She would smile and then do it again. I kept on, "no no, HK." I yelled down to Justin that his little girl was about to get in trouble. He comes to assist. He swats her hand as she reaches up to grab the handle to help her stand up. She sort of squwaks at him, and she keeps on trying.
I am trying to distract her and am realizing that we are at a crossroads here. It is one of the first times we have really been telling her not to do something. She is obviously willfull, as she keeps on and on and on again trying to stand up. I know that I cannot give in and have to keep being stern and consistent. She has to learn that there are boundaries and I am the boss.
Justin steps back and I put my hands on her face (you know, getting down to her level and all-very supernanny like of me), and tell her, "No no, HK" very firmly, and without a hint of a smile.
Little miss looks at me, and she starts belly laughing. Truly. I look at Justin, and he just lifts his eyebrows and looks at me-he is testing me and waiting to see what I do. I just looked at him-I have to say that I was most distraught over her reaction. I said to Justin, "I am mean and scary firm mommy, not funny mommy." And what did he do? He started laughing. I mean, come on people. I can be intimidating.
So, he leaves, and I got HK out of the bath. I am pretty certain that she did not learn a lesson from this at all.
I on the other hand learned that I need to practice my serious, stern face.
And, maybe stay in bed on days like this from now on and chew on some jerky.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Fall Happenings
Fall is here, and with it brings lots of busy days for us. We just successfully finished HK's first Halloween-with a costume party and some trick or treating.
We are gearing up for Christmas and HK's first birthday (can you believe it?!?)
And, we are beginning the adoption process-again.
And this time, it is just scarier and just all together WORSE. All of those same emotions are already beginning-the ones where you want to scream to the hills that it is just not fair, why do we have to be put under the microscope again, why do we have to pay more and more and more money for the same things that we just did a year and a half ago? Why do we have to get bank loans in order to afford a child-and not just the baby's education or super sweet sixteen party (yes, that is a joke), but we have to get loans to JUST GET THE BABY.
And it is scarier this time because I feel like we might have had "beginner's luck" the first go around. It seems like everything worked out just perfectly. And apparently that is rare. And I only think it is rare because after you tell people you have adopted, everyone has a horror story about a friend of a friend and her adoption and how it went horribly and everything fell apart-blah, blah, blah. Seriously, why do people do that?
So, it has made me think that you are most likely at some point going to have a botched adoption or at least a difficult one. And since I now want 4 kids, I guess I will have to buckle up. And get a helmet. And pray. And win the lottery. But, I get to be a mom, again.
Here's to the ride!
We are gearing up for Christmas and HK's first birthday (can you believe it?!?)
And, we are beginning the adoption process-again.
And this time, it is just scarier and just all together WORSE. All of those same emotions are already beginning-the ones where you want to scream to the hills that it is just not fair, why do we have to be put under the microscope again, why do we have to pay more and more and more money for the same things that we just did a year and a half ago? Why do we have to get bank loans in order to afford a child-and not just the baby's education or super sweet sixteen party (yes, that is a joke), but we have to get loans to JUST GET THE BABY.
And it is scarier this time because I feel like we might have had "beginner's luck" the first go around. It seems like everything worked out just perfectly. And apparently that is rare. And I only think it is rare because after you tell people you have adopted, everyone has a horror story about a friend of a friend and her adoption and how it went horribly and everything fell apart-blah, blah, blah. Seriously, why do people do that?
So, it has made me think that you are most likely at some point going to have a botched adoption or at least a difficult one. And since I now want 4 kids, I guess I will have to buckle up. And get a helmet. And pray. And win the lottery. But, I get to be a mom, again.
Here's to the ride!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Conversations with Granny
I love my Granny.
She is 87 and a spitfire.
In fact, she has decided to rename herself-Grandemere. Truly, we thought it was a bit of a joke, but apparently not. Every message she leaves for me-"Hello dear, it is Grandemere."
She is truly meaning it.
My cousin Mary Kate got a little ill over the whole thing declaring that Granny CANNOT after this many years decide to rename herself. Her name is Granny. Period.
She will leave the funniest messages, and you always know that it is her when there is a hangup on the answering machine because her tv is at an ungodly decibel and you can hear it in the background before the hangup.
The other day she calls and is asking me about a playpen. She says that she has heard that play pens are not used these days-they call them something else.
I tell her that they sell play yards and pack-n-plays, and she laughs and says that she wants to get one for us. She hears that they sell them at Babies R Us.
I told her that I would love to go look at some with her. She says that she knows there is a Babies R Us nearby, but she cannot remember where.
This is the rest of the conversation:
Me: "It is over by Home Depot."
Granny: "Yes, I can never remember the name of Home Depot."
Me: "It is right over there, and we can go look together."
Granny: "What do they call people who eat other people?"
Me: hysterical laughter, dropped the phone.
Me: picking the phone back up, "WHAT?!? Cannibals?"
Granny: "Yes-that's it."
Me: "Why on earth did you ask that?"
Granny: "I just couldn't sleep last night trying to remember the term they use for people who eat other people. It kept me up."
I had to let her go at this point. I was still losing it with laughter.
Seriously-Home Depot to Cannibals? You never know where your conversation will go with Grandemere.
She is 87 and a spitfire.
In fact, she has decided to rename herself-Grandemere. Truly, we thought it was a bit of a joke, but apparently not. Every message she leaves for me-"Hello dear, it is Grandemere."
She is truly meaning it.
My cousin Mary Kate got a little ill over the whole thing declaring that Granny CANNOT after this many years decide to rename herself. Her name is Granny. Period.
She will leave the funniest messages, and you always know that it is her when there is a hangup on the answering machine because her tv is at an ungodly decibel and you can hear it in the background before the hangup.
The other day she calls and is asking me about a playpen. She says that she has heard that play pens are not used these days-they call them something else.
I tell her that they sell play yards and pack-n-plays, and she laughs and says that she wants to get one for us. She hears that they sell them at Babies R Us.
I told her that I would love to go look at some with her. She says that she knows there is a Babies R Us nearby, but she cannot remember where.
This is the rest of the conversation:
Me: "It is over by Home Depot."
Granny: "Yes, I can never remember the name of Home Depot."
Me: "It is right over there, and we can go look together."
Granny: "What do they call people who eat other people?"
Me: hysterical laughter, dropped the phone.
Me: picking the phone back up, "WHAT?!? Cannibals?"
Granny: "Yes-that's it."
Me: "Why on earth did you ask that?"
Granny: "I just couldn't sleep last night trying to remember the term they use for people who eat other people. It kept me up."
I had to let her go at this point. I was still losing it with laughter.
Seriously-Home Depot to Cannibals? You never know where your conversation will go with Grandemere.
Boys And Their Toys
I should have known that SOMETHING was up.
First of all, dearest hubby calls me during lunch to see how my day is. Now, this is not unusual. He tells me that he has been researching the Radio Flyer wagons. See, he has a vision in his head about toting HK and her cousin around on Halloween in a Radio Flyer. Great idea, but, have you seen the prices on these things? Yep-expensive.
So, I say, "Dear, that is a great idea, but it is big-where are you going to store it?" This is my first line of defense because our lack of garage space is ALWAYS an issue. His response you ask? "You're right." WHAT!?!? Seriously, he always argues when I seem to tell him no. OK-that should have been clue #1.
Clue #2...Hubby comes home and I have unloaded my car from my day at work. Then I realize that I have left my laptop in the trunk. I mentioned something about how I had left it in the car, and Justin says that he can get it for me. I tell him not to worry about it. He gets up off of the couch from watching TV, and he goes and gets the laptop out of the trunk-without me asking, or yelling, or telling him 15 times. Uh huh.
Then he drops the bomb-see, his cell phone's battery is done. I mean-the thing will not hold a charge for more than an hour. So, I tell him that he should go and get a new battery. He looks into it and the battery costs around $100. So, he tells me that he is going to go ahead and get his Christmas present early and that he wants to order a new phone.
I tell him that I am NOT his mother and that he needs to make his own decision regarding ordering a phone he DOES NOT NEED when he can just get a new battery. Now keep in mind that the only reason he instigates this conversation with me is because I pay the bills. Otherwise, this would not be happening.
Clearly, he makes the wrong decision and orders the new phone. WHICH he tells me costs around $250. So, I get an alert on email regarding the new purchase to our Sprint account for $500. YES-$500. He tells me that there is a mail in rebate and that he is selling his old phone-so when you take all of that into consideration, it will bring the cost down to around $300.
Uh huh.
He proceeds to plant himself back on the couch for tv time, and he says to me, "Thank you." I said, "For what?" He says, "For letting me get the phone."
Now-we are at a crossroads. As I told him, I am not your mother-I left the decision up to you. He says, "Yea, I know. But thank you."
Geez-talk about making a girl feel badly.
So, after tracking every second of shipping movement, the phone has arrived. It better last 10 years. On second thought, maybe if I let him get a phone every year, I will get a day of helpfulness out of it??
Boys and their toys......
First of all, dearest hubby calls me during lunch to see how my day is. Now, this is not unusual. He tells me that he has been researching the Radio Flyer wagons. See, he has a vision in his head about toting HK and her cousin around on Halloween in a Radio Flyer. Great idea, but, have you seen the prices on these things? Yep-expensive.
So, I say, "Dear, that is a great idea, but it is big-where are you going to store it?" This is my first line of defense because our lack of garage space is ALWAYS an issue. His response you ask? "You're right." WHAT!?!? Seriously, he always argues when I seem to tell him no. OK-that should have been clue #1.
Clue #2...Hubby comes home and I have unloaded my car from my day at work. Then I realize that I have left my laptop in the trunk. I mentioned something about how I had left it in the car, and Justin says that he can get it for me. I tell him not to worry about it. He gets up off of the couch from watching TV, and he goes and gets the laptop out of the trunk-without me asking, or yelling, or telling him 15 times. Uh huh.
Then he drops the bomb-see, his cell phone's battery is done. I mean-the thing will not hold a charge for more than an hour. So, I tell him that he should go and get a new battery. He looks into it and the battery costs around $100. So, he tells me that he is going to go ahead and get his Christmas present early and that he wants to order a new phone.
I tell him that I am NOT his mother and that he needs to make his own decision regarding ordering a phone he DOES NOT NEED when he can just get a new battery. Now keep in mind that the only reason he instigates this conversation with me is because I pay the bills. Otherwise, this would not be happening.
Clearly, he makes the wrong decision and orders the new phone. WHICH he tells me costs around $250. So, I get an alert on email regarding the new purchase to our Sprint account for $500. YES-$500. He tells me that there is a mail in rebate and that he is selling his old phone-so when you take all of that into consideration, it will bring the cost down to around $300.
Uh huh.
He proceeds to plant himself back on the couch for tv time, and he says to me, "Thank you." I said, "For what?" He says, "For letting me get the phone."
Now-we are at a crossroads. As I told him, I am not your mother-I left the decision up to you. He says, "Yea, I know. But thank you."
Geez-talk about making a girl feel badly.
So, after tracking every second of shipping movement, the phone has arrived. It better last 10 years. On second thought, maybe if I let him get a phone every year, I will get a day of helpfulness out of it??
Boys and their toys......
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
More Lessons
Ahhhh-motherhood.
The joys.......and the absolute shocking things that it carries with it.
I have done things as a mother that I NEVER.IN.A.MILLION.YEARS would have done in my previous life.
For instance, I have gone out in public in an outfit that appeared clean, only to discover upon arrival at my destination that it has in fact been spit up on and the stains are starting to appear. Yes-it is true-formula and spit up can disappear and reappear on clothes. I swear it. So, there I stood, with regurgitated formula all over me. The most shocking part? I didn't really care. I used to care about these things.....now, I just shrug. Seriously, I used to have Tide pens in my purse, in my car, in my drawers. I still do, but, again, I just shrug. Tide stock has fallen.
On another occasion, I had showered, taken the time to straighten my hair, got dressed for work, fed HK, and burped her. You know where this is going........she proceeded to spit up all in my hair. What's a girl to do? I don't have time to rewash my hair and myself. Soooo (tip for you new moms out there), formula can dry in your hair and be brushed out quite nicely. While it does turn very crispy and it can be difficult to get the brush through your hair in the beginning, keep at it and it will brush right out. The formula smell is another thing-invest in hair perfume. Seriously, I have it. I never in a million imagined that I would know this. And that I would not have completely FREAKED out, but I remained very calm. I can be quite the trooper in emergency situations.
I have left the house in clothes that I would never have before-in my life. Ever. Like full up pjs and sweats with tee shirts no one should have to see. Tee shirts that remind me of how old I am because they are old sorority party tee shirts that blatantly state my age-like Barn Party 1997. I SHOULD at least care about advertising my age.
The joys.......and the absolute shocking things that it carries with it.
I have done things as a mother that I NEVER.IN.A.MILLION.YEARS would have done in my previous life.
For instance, I have gone out in public in an outfit that appeared clean, only to discover upon arrival at my destination that it has in fact been spit up on and the stains are starting to appear. Yes-it is true-formula and spit up can disappear and reappear on clothes. I swear it. So, there I stood, with regurgitated formula all over me. The most shocking part? I didn't really care. I used to care about these things.....now, I just shrug. Seriously, I used to have Tide pens in my purse, in my car, in my drawers. I still do, but, again, I just shrug. Tide stock has fallen.
On another occasion, I had showered, taken the time to straighten my hair, got dressed for work, fed HK, and burped her. You know where this is going........she proceeded to spit up all in my hair. What's a girl to do? I don't have time to rewash my hair and myself. Soooo (tip for you new moms out there), formula can dry in your hair and be brushed out quite nicely. While it does turn very crispy and it can be difficult to get the brush through your hair in the beginning, keep at it and it will brush right out. The formula smell is another thing-invest in hair perfume. Seriously, I have it. I never in a million imagined that I would know this. And that I would not have completely FREAKED out, but I remained very calm. I can be quite the trooper in emergency situations.
I have left the house in clothes that I would never have before-in my life. Ever. Like full up pjs and sweats with tee shirts no one should have to see. Tee shirts that remind me of how old I am because they are old sorority party tee shirts that blatantly state my age-like Barn Party 1997. I SHOULD at least care about advertising my age.
I have learned that baby wipes are almost as good as a shower, and that dry shampoo can add volume in a pinch.
Ahhhh...the things you learn not to care about! But I have hope for my full hygienic self to reappear and have not given up complete hope. In the meantime, I will continue to dress my little precious one in her smocked dresses and bows paired with her sweatpants and tee shirt clad mom!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Titans or Vols?????
Soooo-it is officially football time!!!!!!!!!!!!! Woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have always butted heads with my in laws who are NFL/Titans fans. They think that the Titans are the end all and be all of football. In Tennessee.
I disagree-the Vols are the end all and be all-period. My Father in law said that the Titans are the biggest athletic institution in the state. Of Tennessee. I have no idea if this was a fact or a personal opinion, but I found myself outright stating-"No way." That is my opinion, not fact.
But, I got to thinking about it-are the Titans now the biggest athletic institution in the state?
Now, there are a lot of factors that go into this debate-first of all, Tennessee is filled with "transplants." Few people are "officially" from Tennessee. That means that these people bring with them all of their sport dedications. Those of us from Tennessee never knew the real dedication of being an NFL follower. We never had an NFL team to call our own. So, those NFL fans found an NFL team to follow. But, as for college sports, there were only 2 choice-the Vols or the Dores. Period. That was it.
You have to understand - these college followers are bred and raised to bleed orange and white or gold and something....... Point is, coming from a Vols family, it is a religion-you are bred to bleed the orange and white-for generations. It is truly a way of life. From my perspective, there is no way that you can bring a pro team into the area for only ten years and think that it is going to trump the pure dedication that we have to the Vols. No Way.
The transplants who were dedicated pro football followers might transfer their dedication to the Titans, but there is no way that it can replace the religion of the Volunteers. And-what kind of dedication is that? Transferring loyalties and all-geez. Just go to a Titans game when they play the Colts and see how many people are wearing Colts jerseys in honor of Peyton. Simply because he was a UT player.
Just go to a home game at Neyland Stadium. And-compare the seating capacity of the stadiums. No one can convince me that 10 years of NFL existence in this state can trump the generations of volunteer fans.
And-on another note-we are not even considering NASCAR in this scenario-did you know that on a race day in Bristol, TN, Bristol is the largest populated city in the entire Southeast? Let me remind you that on non-race days, the city is TINY!
So, opinions out there? Have the Titans out ranked the Vols and become the largest sport in the state?
Personally, I want the Titans to win. Sure I do-they are my team. But, do I follow them like I follow the Vols? No-I don't.
The Vols are football in my book.
God-I love football season!!!!!!!!!!!
I have always butted heads with my in laws who are NFL/Titans fans. They think that the Titans are the end all and be all of football. In Tennessee.
I disagree-the Vols are the end all and be all-period. My Father in law said that the Titans are the biggest athletic institution in the state. Of Tennessee. I have no idea if this was a fact or a personal opinion, but I found myself outright stating-"No way." That is my opinion, not fact.
But, I got to thinking about it-are the Titans now the biggest athletic institution in the state?
Now, there are a lot of factors that go into this debate-first of all, Tennessee is filled with "transplants." Few people are "officially" from Tennessee. That means that these people bring with them all of their sport dedications. Those of us from Tennessee never knew the real dedication of being an NFL follower. We never had an NFL team to call our own. So, those NFL fans found an NFL team to follow. But, as for college sports, there were only 2 choice-the Vols or the Dores. Period. That was it.
You have to understand - these college followers are bred and raised to bleed orange and white or gold and something....... Point is, coming from a Vols family, it is a religion-you are bred to bleed the orange and white-for generations. It is truly a way of life. From my perspective, there is no way that you can bring a pro team into the area for only ten years and think that it is going to trump the pure dedication that we have to the Vols. No Way.
The transplants who were dedicated pro football followers might transfer their dedication to the Titans, but there is no way that it can replace the religion of the Volunteers. And-what kind of dedication is that? Transferring loyalties and all-geez. Just go to a Titans game when they play the Colts and see how many people are wearing Colts jerseys in honor of Peyton. Simply because he was a UT player.
Just go to a home game at Neyland Stadium. And-compare the seating capacity of the stadiums. No one can convince me that 10 years of NFL existence in this state can trump the generations of volunteer fans.
And-on another note-we are not even considering NASCAR in this scenario-did you know that on a race day in Bristol, TN, Bristol is the largest populated city in the entire Southeast? Let me remind you that on non-race days, the city is TINY!
So, opinions out there? Have the Titans out ranked the Vols and become the largest sport in the state?
Personally, I want the Titans to win. Sure I do-they are my team. But, do I follow them like I follow the Vols? No-I don't.
The Vols are football in my book.
God-I love football season!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Athlete
Ahhhh-football time in Tennessee. We have just finished week number two, and I am still debating the coaching prowess of our newest, fearless leader. There were enough interceptions in the UCLA game to make me cringe more than I would have hoped, and at times I thought that I truly should try out for the team-I mean, I am not really athletic or anything, but I swear I can throw as well as Crompton. I mean, come on Kiffin, I thought you could recruit. Do something about this, would ya?
But, back to my athleticism. I guess it goes back to my "workout" from Saturday (yes, I know that today is Monday). Mom and I took HK to Opry Mills-ONLY because they have a Strasburg Children's Outlet. Otherwise, I would NEVER go to that mall-I mean, they TORE DOWN MY THEME PARK TO BUILD A MALL!!!!!! Yes-they trashed my childhood memories to build a Bass Pro Shop. Opryland USA versus MALL-hmmmmmmm. Some moron made the wrong decision.
Anyhoo-we went out there because they were having a sale, and in my mom's EXACT words, and I quote, "I have waited 8 years to buy something in this store." She announced this to the sales lady. Well, I'm not going to stop her. It is irrelevant that my 8 month old owns about 6 dresses from this store. If it makes my mom happy to plunk down dad's credit card, then who am I to stop her? Funny though, I know that we would not be plunking down the credit card if there was a Strasburg adult equivalent-say for instance, a purse from Coach? Nope. I have definitely fallen out of favor.
So, we shop in Opryhell for about 4 or so hours. Then we are hungry and decide to sit down and eat at TGI Friday's. We feed HK, we scream at each other in what is an attempt at conversation because the large table next to us is breaking the sound barrier, and we place our orders. We are waiting for our meals and playing with HK-I am bouncing her on my lap and she and mom are playing across the table. Suddenly, I see my mom over HK's head start flailing about and shrieking. Seriously people, I thought that someone had just shot her. Since I could not hear her over the REALLY LOUD TABLE, I grab HK just in time to see A.HUGE.ROACH running across the table right at HK. I jump up, started grabbing our belongings; mom is grabbing the rest of them. We pass our waiter as we go screaming from the building that a large roach almost ate us at our table to which he blankly replies, "Really, huh?" Disgusting.
So-I think it must have either been the strenuous walking through the mall or the manic jumping around at the restaurant that made me pull my calf muscle. All I know is that since that day, I have felt extremely sore-like the tender remains of a charlie horse.
After putting HK to bed this evening, I am walking back down the stairs. As I reach the last step I felt this horrid pull-I SWEAR that my muscle tore. I KNOW that it had to. It really hurt. Justin is trying to convince me that I am fine, and he tells me that I would be in agonizing pain if I had indeed ripped a muscle. But, I protested that I KNOW what I felt and that I do have a very high pain tolerance. Then it occurred to me that I MUST be experiencing the symptoms of low potassium. Maybe even deadly low potassium. So, I dug up some old potassium pills and took those. It was either that or eat HK's mushed up banana baby food. So, I think that I saved my life. Thank goodness for my quick thinking.
So-here I sit with a sore calf. I really have to cool it with the activity for a while. And eat more bananas.
But, back to my athleticism. I guess it goes back to my "workout" from Saturday (yes, I know that today is Monday). Mom and I took HK to Opry Mills-ONLY because they have a Strasburg Children's Outlet. Otherwise, I would NEVER go to that mall-I mean, they TORE DOWN MY THEME PARK TO BUILD A MALL!!!!!! Yes-they trashed my childhood memories to build a Bass Pro Shop. Opryland USA versus MALL-hmmmmmmm. Some moron made the wrong decision.
Anyhoo-we went out there because they were having a sale, and in my mom's EXACT words, and I quote, "I have waited 8 years to buy something in this store." She announced this to the sales lady. Well, I'm not going to stop her. It is irrelevant that my 8 month old owns about 6 dresses from this store. If it makes my mom happy to plunk down dad's credit card, then who am I to stop her? Funny though, I know that we would not be plunking down the credit card if there was a Strasburg adult equivalent-say for instance, a purse from Coach? Nope. I have definitely fallen out of favor.
So, we shop in Opryhell for about 4 or so hours. Then we are hungry and decide to sit down and eat at TGI Friday's. We feed HK, we scream at each other in what is an attempt at conversation because the large table next to us is breaking the sound barrier, and we place our orders. We are waiting for our meals and playing with HK-I am bouncing her on my lap and she and mom are playing across the table. Suddenly, I see my mom over HK's head start flailing about and shrieking. Seriously people, I thought that someone had just shot her. Since I could not hear her over the REALLY LOUD TABLE, I grab HK just in time to see A.HUGE.ROACH running across the table right at HK. I jump up, started grabbing our belongings; mom is grabbing the rest of them. We pass our waiter as we go screaming from the building that a large roach almost ate us at our table to which he blankly replies, "Really, huh?" Disgusting.
So-I think it must have either been the strenuous walking through the mall or the manic jumping around at the restaurant that made me pull my calf muscle. All I know is that since that day, I have felt extremely sore-like the tender remains of a charlie horse.
After putting HK to bed this evening, I am walking back down the stairs. As I reach the last step I felt this horrid pull-I SWEAR that my muscle tore. I KNOW that it had to. It really hurt. Justin is trying to convince me that I am fine, and he tells me that I would be in agonizing pain if I had indeed ripped a muscle. But, I protested that I KNOW what I felt and that I do have a very high pain tolerance. Then it occurred to me that I MUST be experiencing the symptoms of low potassium. Maybe even deadly low potassium. So, I dug up some old potassium pills and took those. It was either that or eat HK's mushed up banana baby food. So, I think that I saved my life. Thank goodness for my quick thinking.
So-here I sit with a sore calf. I really have to cool it with the activity for a while. And eat more bananas.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Nature versus Nurture
I have to say-HK is a really good baby. I mean, really good. She entertains herself, she never fusses, she talks herself to sleep and talks to herself when she wakes up. She is just a happy, content little person. And, everyone tells me that I am so lucky to have such a laid back little girl. Because, her behavior is apparently not the norm. As I am told all of the time. And again, how lucky I am to have a baby with such a great personality. Because it has to be luck.
I appreciate all of the compliments regarding HK's personality-I do. But, sometimes I get a little annoyed because I think that it cannot all be luck. Would it kill people to recognize that maybe we aren't terrible parents and MAYBE, just maybe, we had something to do with her personality? Just a little bit?
I do realize that if we are blessed with baby 2 that we might get a fussy little squaller, and then it could blow my whole theory to bits. Until that time though, I would like to think that we had a little something to do with the fact that we have a content and happy bundle of joy.
So-thanks for reading my rant.
On another note-now that HK's Vols ensemble is secured, I am now stressing about her halloween costume. I know that it is really for the photo ops, but I just cannot decide. I was leaning towards Snow White, but now I am thinking maybe Wizard of Oz Dorothy.
And, I will not lie-the ruby slippers are swaying my decision.
I appreciate all of the compliments regarding HK's personality-I do. But, sometimes I get a little annoyed because I think that it cannot all be luck. Would it kill people to recognize that maybe we aren't terrible parents and MAYBE, just maybe, we had something to do with her personality? Just a little bit?
I do realize that if we are blessed with baby 2 that we might get a fussy little squaller, and then it could blow my whole theory to bits. Until that time though, I would like to think that we had a little something to do with the fact that we have a content and happy bundle of joy.
So-thanks for reading my rant.
On another note-now that HK's Vols ensemble is secured, I am now stressing about her halloween costume. I know that it is really for the photo ops, but I just cannot decide. I was leaning towards Snow White, but now I am thinking maybe Wizard of Oz Dorothy.
And, I will not lie-the ruby slippers are swaying my decision.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
I'm BACK!
I seriously cannot believe how time has flown! I cannot believe that it has been so long since my last posting. I have had a few crazy weeks for sure. Little miss is just scooting and crawling along-so much for setting her in one place and being able to get other things done!
So, I have not made blogging a priority. I will try to be better.
So what has been going on, you ask? Well, first of all, I am on a mission to find HK a Vols outfit for this upcoming football season. I have become obsessed. And a regular, old cheerleader outfit will not do. I have to find something unique, or smocked. So, mom is making her an outfit, and we bought another one this weekend. With a matching hair bow. I feel like we are well on our way to a great UT season.
My friend Stephani and her two boys stayed with us a few weeks ago as well. It was so great to see her, and her boys provided lots of laughs. But, I had my first experience with trying to explain adoption to an eleven year old.
Steph and I were looking through a photo album, and the first picture is of me and Justin at a restaurant. It was taken the night we found out that we had been chosen by a birth mom. I was explaining this to Steph as her oldest is sitting there taking it all in. After we finished looking at the pictures, Joey turns to her and says something about HK and the fact that we "won" her. Won her???? He mistook us being "picked" as us winning a contest of some sort. In this great contest, we apparently won a baby. Well, my first reaction was to laugh, but he was truly perplexed. It was then that I first discovered the difficulty in explaining adoption to another child. His mommy was pregnant with him, gave birth to him, and that created his family. End of story. When Justin began explaining that HK's mom and dad had her for us, lots of other questions arose. Why couldn't we have kids of our own? Why did HK's mom and dad not want to keep her with them? It was an eye opening experience for us all. The innocence of a child trying to grasp this concept, and us adults having to explain in a manner that makes sense to a kid. I am not sure how well we did with the explanation, but I do know now that an insanely complicated situation is really not that difficult when put into perspective. The whole thing boils down to love and selflessness. That is it.
This eye opening experience led to others for me as well-boys sure are different than girls. Duh, but they can be so creative. Steph's boys and I made parachutes out of fabric and dropped stuffed animals over the upstairs balcony, we played guitar hero and Wii sports, we had popsicles, I broke up fights, and I learned that small storage rooms make great "hideouts."
Ahhhh....Fun stuff
So, I have not made blogging a priority. I will try to be better.
So what has been going on, you ask? Well, first of all, I am on a mission to find HK a Vols outfit for this upcoming football season. I have become obsessed. And a regular, old cheerleader outfit will not do. I have to find something unique, or smocked. So, mom is making her an outfit, and we bought another one this weekend. With a matching hair bow. I feel like we are well on our way to a great UT season.
My friend Stephani and her two boys stayed with us a few weeks ago as well. It was so great to see her, and her boys provided lots of laughs. But, I had my first experience with trying to explain adoption to an eleven year old.
Steph and I were looking through a photo album, and the first picture is of me and Justin at a restaurant. It was taken the night we found out that we had been chosen by a birth mom. I was explaining this to Steph as her oldest is sitting there taking it all in. After we finished looking at the pictures, Joey turns to her and says something about HK and the fact that we "won" her. Won her???? He mistook us being "picked" as us winning a contest of some sort. In this great contest, we apparently won a baby. Well, my first reaction was to laugh, but he was truly perplexed. It was then that I first discovered the difficulty in explaining adoption to another child. His mommy was pregnant with him, gave birth to him, and that created his family. End of story. When Justin began explaining that HK's mom and dad had her for us, lots of other questions arose. Why couldn't we have kids of our own? Why did HK's mom and dad not want to keep her with them? It was an eye opening experience for us all. The innocence of a child trying to grasp this concept, and us adults having to explain in a manner that makes sense to a kid. I am not sure how well we did with the explanation, but I do know now that an insanely complicated situation is really not that difficult when put into perspective. The whole thing boils down to love and selflessness. That is it.
This eye opening experience led to others for me as well-boys sure are different than girls. Duh, but they can be so creative. Steph's boys and I made parachutes out of fabric and dropped stuffed animals over the upstairs balcony, we played guitar hero and Wii sports, we had popsicles, I broke up fights, and I learned that small storage rooms make great "hideouts."
Ahhhh....Fun stuff
Friday, July 17, 2009
Moms (sigh)
OK-so I have not been the best at updating the blog. I will admit, life as a parent sure takes up a lot of time. More and more time when the little one is awake more and more.
So, everyone knows that I LOVE MY MOM. I do-she is my best friend, I love her more than a chocolate Elvis. But, she is a stalker on facebook and my blog. Mine and my cousin, Traci's. She sends me daily updates regarding my friend's lives-yes, this would be status updates on facebook where she gets her info.
So, I get this email this evening after my last post. It reads:
"the word is utmost (i think that is correct) and buying a baby sounds a little weird for public consumption. If you are awake im on facebook, love you and see you in the am -gigi"
Seriously-I am not kidding. She stalks my blog for new posts and then stalks me for corrections.
And-she is a facebook stalker as well-she lets me know what all of my friend are up to!! God Love Her for her technological abilities!
But, really... And she is upset about the "buying a baby?" Guess what????? That is reality! A wonderful reality in my world! (But a bit of a joke-makes the whole situation easier to swallow).
So-not to be harsh about the buying a baby thing-I don't mean to down play it (I am sure that I typed that incorrectly), but it was a joke (of sorts). FYI reader...
But, I have to ultimately say-thanks mom for always having my back! No matter what!
So, everyone knows that I LOVE MY MOM. I do-she is my best friend, I love her more than a chocolate Elvis. But, she is a stalker on facebook and my blog. Mine and my cousin, Traci's. She sends me daily updates regarding my friend's lives-yes, this would be status updates on facebook where she gets her info.
So, I get this email this evening after my last post. It reads:
"the word is utmost (i think that is correct) and buying a baby sounds a little weird for public consumption. If you are awake im on facebook, love you and see you in the am -gigi"
Seriously-I am not kidding. She stalks my blog for new posts and then stalks me for corrections.
And-she is a facebook stalker as well-she lets me know what all of my friend are up to!! God Love Her for her technological abilities!
But, really... And she is upset about the "buying a baby?" Guess what????? That is reality! A wonderful reality in my world! (But a bit of a joke-makes the whole situation easier to swallow).
So-not to be harsh about the buying a baby thing-I don't mean to down play it (I am sure that I typed that incorrectly), but it was a joke (of sorts). FYI reader...
But, I have to ultimately say-thanks mom for always having my back! No matter what!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
All Kinds of Dishes
So-it's been awhile since I shared things I have learned. And there have definitely been a few lately.
First of all, HK had her 6 month doc appointment. Once again, mean doc sticks her 3 times. She screams and I want to crawl in a hole and die. But, we did learn that little miss is in the 87% for her height. This is really funny considering that Justin and I are in like the 2% for height. We are short people. Friends call us the cake toppers. We are vertically challenged. So, we figure that if we have to buy a baby, then we might as well get a tall one so that we have help reaching things on the top shelves.
During this visit, doc says that we can start on rice cereal and veggies. So, I did not lose one second. As soon as we got home and it was time for dinner, I mixed up rice cereal for HK. We even had a small audience since her Gigi and Papa stopped over to check on her after her shot incident (I refer to all medical treatments as "incidents"). So, we all gather around the high chair, Gigi has the Canon Rebel, Papa has the video camera, and I proceeded to feed HK this watery yuck that had no taste to it. It says to make it really watery for their first ever feeding, and I did. And, I tried a small taste of it. Really people, cardboard has more flavor and consistency than this stuff. But, she was like a little bird-kept opening up her mouth and following the spoon. She was a champ.
Here is the learning part-no one told me that this TINY and I mean TINY bit of rice cereal would make her poop COMPLETELY GREEN. I mean, like fresh pea green. I was SHOCKED when I changed her diaper this evening. And, the diaper was a little more full than normal, so you know that she stuck her hand in it, rolled in it-it was everywhere. Justin is trying to hold her legs and she is trying to roll over at the same time. So, her top half is face down and her bottom half is still right side up where he is holding onto her legs. And we are both panicking and trying to not get poo on us....needless to say, HK wound up in the bath.
So, since HK is now starting some baby food, it was of the up most importance that I get her some dishes that are all her own. I made a trip to Target this evening and got her all of these little bowls and sectioned plates. And-these cool bowls actually suction to the highchair so she can't knock them over or move them around. How cool is that?!?
So, after my new dishes shopping spree, I had to come home and reorganized some cabinets because there has to be a section for HK dishes. So much goes into new dishware...
And the last thing I have learned this week-mirrors are the ABSOLUTE BEST baby toy in the world. We discovered this at the doc office when she was on the table and looking at herself in the mirror on the wall. She was grinning at herself, in fact, full out flirting with herself. And she was kicking and laughing...having the BEST time. So, Gigi and Papa brought over a full length mirror for her. Best investment in the world. We have played with a hand held mirror for awhile, but I guess it is nothing in comparison to the full length version in a baby's mind. She truly loves herself and thinks she is hysterical. And she is correct, she is!!!!!
So, here's to the learning curve and to learning the ropes of parenting!
First of all, HK had her 6 month doc appointment. Once again, mean doc sticks her 3 times. She screams and I want to crawl in a hole and die. But, we did learn that little miss is in the 87% for her height. This is really funny considering that Justin and I are in like the 2% for height. We are short people. Friends call us the cake toppers. We are vertically challenged. So, we figure that if we have to buy a baby, then we might as well get a tall one so that we have help reaching things on the top shelves.
During this visit, doc says that we can start on rice cereal and veggies. So, I did not lose one second. As soon as we got home and it was time for dinner, I mixed up rice cereal for HK. We even had a small audience since her Gigi and Papa stopped over to check on her after her shot incident (I refer to all medical treatments as "incidents"). So, we all gather around the high chair, Gigi has the Canon Rebel, Papa has the video camera, and I proceeded to feed HK this watery yuck that had no taste to it. It says to make it really watery for their first ever feeding, and I did. And, I tried a small taste of it. Really people, cardboard has more flavor and consistency than this stuff. But, she was like a little bird-kept opening up her mouth and following the spoon. She was a champ.
Here is the learning part-no one told me that this TINY and I mean TINY bit of rice cereal would make her poop COMPLETELY GREEN. I mean, like fresh pea green. I was SHOCKED when I changed her diaper this evening. And, the diaper was a little more full than normal, so you know that she stuck her hand in it, rolled in it-it was everywhere. Justin is trying to hold her legs and she is trying to roll over at the same time. So, her top half is face down and her bottom half is still right side up where he is holding onto her legs. And we are both panicking and trying to not get poo on us....needless to say, HK wound up in the bath.
So, since HK is now starting some baby food, it was of the up most importance that I get her some dishes that are all her own. I made a trip to Target this evening and got her all of these little bowls and sectioned plates. And-these cool bowls actually suction to the highchair so she can't knock them over or move them around. How cool is that?!?
So, after my new dishes shopping spree, I had to come home and reorganized some cabinets because there has to be a section for HK dishes. So much goes into new dishware...
And the last thing I have learned this week-mirrors are the ABSOLUTE BEST baby toy in the world. We discovered this at the doc office when she was on the table and looking at herself in the mirror on the wall. She was grinning at herself, in fact, full out flirting with herself. And she was kicking and laughing...having the BEST time. So, Gigi and Papa brought over a full length mirror for her. Best investment in the world. We have played with a hand held mirror for awhile, but I guess it is nothing in comparison to the full length version in a baby's mind. She truly loves herself and thinks she is hysterical. And she is correct, she is!!!!!
So, here's to the learning curve and to learning the ropes of parenting!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Blonde Moments and Pink Necks
I sometimes hate to call myself out on my blonde moments, but sometimes I just cannot help it. Sometimes I am just funny.
So, on Sunday I am heading to the parents house with HK in tow to swim. I am listening to NASCAR radio-which in itself is absolutely hysterical. I am a girly girl to the max, but I have lately become a redneck girly girl because I have found a sport to follow (other that UT football, of course). My blood truly runneth orange, but my hubby and I attended a live NASCAR race a few years ago. I won a trip with my company that was called "Race to Vegas." Part of this package was the NASCAR race. I swore that I would not go-I mean, seriously, racing? Rubbin' is racin'? But, I had to go-I had customers to entertain.
So, we get on our private shuttle bus and make the trek to the racetrack while watching a behind the scenes NASCAR video. We arrive and are escorted to our private tent with a full buffet and open bar. Then, we make our way to the track with our pit passes...needless to say, it was quite the experience for a first-timer. After watching the race, listening on our headsets to the radio communications, and enjoying some beverages, I was a fan. In fact, Justin took me to a race for our anniversary a few years ago. So, I have become quite the redneck. Or, to make it more applicable to me, let's call it a pink neck.
So, back to my original blonde moment...On NASCAR radio, they are interviewing one of the drivers. They are talking about all of the high profile deaths last week-Farrah, Michael, Ed.... They are talking about the death of the day-a pitchman named Billy Mays. The driver comments that it has been such a sad week with the world losing all of these people.
I come in, thinking I have fresh gossip. I tell mom and dad that some baseball player just died-a Billy Mays. Mom says, "You mean Willie Mays?" I respond, "I thought he said Billy Mays? A pitcher??" Dad just kind of shrugs-he doesn't follow much baseball.
Two days later, I realize that it is the Oxiclean/Orange Glo/Kaboom guy. He is a PITCHMAN, not a PITCHER...simple mistake.
I crack myself up.
So, on Sunday I am heading to the parents house with HK in tow to swim. I am listening to NASCAR radio-which in itself is absolutely hysterical. I am a girly girl to the max, but I have lately become a redneck girly girl because I have found a sport to follow (other that UT football, of course). My blood truly runneth orange, but my hubby and I attended a live NASCAR race a few years ago. I won a trip with my company that was called "Race to Vegas." Part of this package was the NASCAR race. I swore that I would not go-I mean, seriously, racing? Rubbin' is racin'? But, I had to go-I had customers to entertain.
So, we get on our private shuttle bus and make the trek to the racetrack while watching a behind the scenes NASCAR video. We arrive and are escorted to our private tent with a full buffet and open bar. Then, we make our way to the track with our pit passes...needless to say, it was quite the experience for a first-timer. After watching the race, listening on our headsets to the radio communications, and enjoying some beverages, I was a fan. In fact, Justin took me to a race for our anniversary a few years ago. So, I have become quite the redneck. Or, to make it more applicable to me, let's call it a pink neck.
So, back to my original blonde moment...On NASCAR radio, they are interviewing one of the drivers. They are talking about all of the high profile deaths last week-Farrah, Michael, Ed.... They are talking about the death of the day-a pitchman named Billy Mays. The driver comments that it has been such a sad week with the world losing all of these people.
I come in, thinking I have fresh gossip. I tell mom and dad that some baseball player just died-a Billy Mays. Mom says, "You mean Willie Mays?" I respond, "I thought he said Billy Mays? A pitcher??" Dad just kind of shrugs-he doesn't follow much baseball.
Two days later, I realize that it is the Oxiclean/Orange Glo/Kaboom guy. He is a PITCHMAN, not a PITCHER...simple mistake.
I crack myself up.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Elastic Shopping
I have to laugh. I have been complaining-loudly-about all of the weight that I have put on. I can only blame prednisone for so long. Apparently Justin has had enough. He is tired of listening to me, or so he says. I cannot imagine why he wouldn't want to hear me moan about being fat or help me put on spanx and yummie tummies. But, he says that he has put on a little, too. So, he thinks we should go to the mall to get some summer shorts that we can actually wear comfortably.
So, off we go. A shopping we will go......
Justin is not much of a shopper. He keeps disappearing in stores. As I search around, I discover a trend. If there is a chair, he is in it. If there is not a chair, find a ledge or even the front display window. There he sits, with a stroller in front of him. To his credit, he is not complaining. One of my favorite things about Justin is that he tries to help me shop. At least for a little while. Then he is over it.
But, on this day, he is doing pretty well. He is being a sport of a shopper for longer than usual. We have been to Dillards and Everything But Water to find bathing suits. Now we are hitting Gap for some shorts. I am searching around the store for some I like, and then I am searching for Justin to tell him that I am hitting the dressing room. I find him perched in the front display window. Justin, a stroller and mannequins.
He says, "Hey, hey...look over there. Those skirts." I think that he likes the skirts, so I look at them. I mean, if he is going to encourage me to purchase, I might as well entertain the idea. So, I look-nothing big. Not really interested. After all, I am turning over a new leaf-a thrifty leaf if you will. I am here for shorts, not skirts I don't need. I turn back around to tell him I will pass, and he is motioning and mouthing something. I step closer and he is saying, "You know Liz, because they are elastic." The word elastic is barely audible. He more mouths it than says it. "It would be comfortable." He looks so serious-like he is trying to help me but not let the others in the store hear him.
I could hardly contain my laughter as I made my way to the dressing room. I should have been offended. But, God love him-he has listened to me b-i-t-c-h for so long that he is even looking for items that will make me NOT bitch. And, all my complaining has conditioned him to look for clothes that are not form fitting. I really love this guy.
So, after I bought some shorts, I had to comfort myself with some gelato. Woe is me-let the diet begin! Again!
So, off we go. A shopping we will go......
Justin is not much of a shopper. He keeps disappearing in stores. As I search around, I discover a trend. If there is a chair, he is in it. If there is not a chair, find a ledge or even the front display window. There he sits, with a stroller in front of him. To his credit, he is not complaining. One of my favorite things about Justin is that he tries to help me shop. At least for a little while. Then he is over it.
But, on this day, he is doing pretty well. He is being a sport of a shopper for longer than usual. We have been to Dillards and Everything But Water to find bathing suits. Now we are hitting Gap for some shorts. I am searching around the store for some I like, and then I am searching for Justin to tell him that I am hitting the dressing room. I find him perched in the front display window. Justin, a stroller and mannequins.
He says, "Hey, hey...look over there. Those skirts." I think that he likes the skirts, so I look at them. I mean, if he is going to encourage me to purchase, I might as well entertain the idea. So, I look-nothing big. Not really interested. After all, I am turning over a new leaf-a thrifty leaf if you will. I am here for shorts, not skirts I don't need. I turn back around to tell him I will pass, and he is motioning and mouthing something. I step closer and he is saying, "You know Liz, because they are elastic." The word elastic is barely audible. He more mouths it than says it. "It would be comfortable." He looks so serious-like he is trying to help me but not let the others in the store hear him.
I could hardly contain my laughter as I made my way to the dressing room. I should have been offended. But, God love him-he has listened to me b-i-t-c-h for so long that he is even looking for items that will make me NOT bitch. And, all my complaining has conditioned him to look for clothes that are not form fitting. I really love this guy.
So, after I bought some shorts, I had to comfort myself with some gelato. Woe is me-let the diet begin! Again!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Birthday
I just celebrated my 29th birthday (again), and I got some of the COOLEST gifts this year! My birthday was actually a few weeks ago, but I have been so busy that I have not had time to grace you all with my presence. See, God Love all of you for putting up with me!
Back to my gifts, though. I really got some unique stuff this year. First of all, I have a Canon Rebel camera. It came with a lens. Apparently it was just a regular ole lens because I have discovered that there are lots of fun things you can buy to accessorize your camera. My sweet hubby got me a new lens-it zooms really far and takes the best pictures. I am becoming quite the photographer! So, I think I now have to start a lens collection of sorts. I had no idea how much fun camera accessories could be!
And, as we all know because I have complained about it unrelentingly, I have put on a few pounds. So, I got a Yummie Tummie. It is a tank top shaper that gets rid of the dreaded muffin top. Coolest thing ever! It comes in tees, tanks, camis, tube tops, and even a nursing tee. I got the "Freedom" design because it has a built in shelf bra. Really-between the yummie tummie and spanx, I am certain to pass out from lack of oxygen eventually. But really, the Yummie Tummie is quite comfortable. Check them out http://www.yummietummie.com/
And-the coolest of the cool present award goes to my mom. She got me a Kameleon ring. The kameleon line is basically interchangeable jewelry. The center pops out, and you purchase what they call the "jewelry pops" and replace the center of the setting. Wallah-a whole new piece of jewelry! LOVE IT!!!!! You can investigate this pure genious at http://www.kameleonjewelry.com/index.php
I am so blessed to be surrounded by such great gift givers! I got other fun things-a new party tub that we can fill with ice and put drinks in for guests, some gold earrings from my brother, and the most adorable wine glass that is hand painted with "Mom" on it! It is perfect for my cheap wine! Now, I will have to chill my wine in the party tub, drink it out of my Mom glass, and wear my Yummie Tummie and Kameleon ring so I look cool while doing it! Someone-grab the camera!
Back to my gifts, though. I really got some unique stuff this year. First of all, I have a Canon Rebel camera. It came with a lens. Apparently it was just a regular ole lens because I have discovered that there are lots of fun things you can buy to accessorize your camera. My sweet hubby got me a new lens-it zooms really far and takes the best pictures. I am becoming quite the photographer! So, I think I now have to start a lens collection of sorts. I had no idea how much fun camera accessories could be!
And, as we all know because I have complained about it unrelentingly, I have put on a few pounds. So, I got a Yummie Tummie. It is a tank top shaper that gets rid of the dreaded muffin top. Coolest thing ever! It comes in tees, tanks, camis, tube tops, and even a nursing tee. I got the "Freedom" design because it has a built in shelf bra. Really-between the yummie tummie and spanx, I am certain to pass out from lack of oxygen eventually. But really, the Yummie Tummie is quite comfortable. Check them out http://www.yummietummie.com/
And-the coolest of the cool present award goes to my mom. She got me a Kameleon ring. The kameleon line is basically interchangeable jewelry. The center pops out, and you purchase what they call the "jewelry pops" and replace the center of the setting. Wallah-a whole new piece of jewelry! LOVE IT!!!!! You can investigate this pure genious at http://www.kameleonjewelry.com/index.php
I am so blessed to be surrounded by such great gift givers! I got other fun things-a new party tub that we can fill with ice and put drinks in for guests, some gold earrings from my brother, and the most adorable wine glass that is hand painted with "Mom" on it! It is perfect for my cheap wine! Now, I will have to chill my wine in the party tub, drink it out of my Mom glass, and wear my Yummie Tummie and Kameleon ring so I look cool while doing it! Someone-grab the camera!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
MIA
It has been awhile since I have updated. There has just been an awful lot going on.
Last week, I had my first overnight business trip since HK has joined the family. I knew she would be all right, I knew that Justin would be okay, and I thought that I would be fine. Well, I did manage to make it through the one night I was gone without hysteria, but I actually did think a few times that I was going to have a full on panic attack. I was NOT expecting that at all-I really thought I would be ok, but I will admit that I was a little sad and panicked at being away from home.
So, the next week, I have my next overnight, but this time I am gone for 2 nights. Everything is going much smoother, until I swell up like a hot air balloon. Let me back up-I have been swelling for the past week and a half to two weeks, but I am just chalking it up to the fact that I have come off of prednisone and it is a reaction. Well, I called my doc from out of town just to see if I can get an appointment for the end of the week when I am home again. The doc FREAKS out and tells me to get to an urgent care clinic immediately. So, I proceed to go to an urgent care clinic, and they would not touch me-told me to go directly to the ER. OK-what in the heck???
So, I drive all the way home to Nashville and go directly to Vanderbilt ER. Justin meets me. They take me to triage and take my blood pressure-it is 160/103. Seriously. Not kidding.
The nurse puts that little plastic tube thing in my vein so they don't have to keep sticking me (typing this is actually making my body hurt at the thought of it). I kind of start to panic about the whole idea of the needles and the tubes, so my nurse reverts to her Peds (yes, as in pediatrics) schpeel...she tells me, "honey, it is all right. I am just going to put a magic straw in your arm!" Now really, unless that magic straw is connected to some magic White Zin, I want nothing to do with your magic straw business.
After 7 hours at the ER, and blood tests, which I am NOT.A.FAN.OF.NEEDLES.AT.ALL, I am ok. All the tests came back fine. They do think that it is a side effect of the prednisone because all of this started when I ended the meds. I will live to see another day.
I will be honest here-I would not have even gone to the doctor had it not been for something a man said to me as I was debating what to do regarding my cankles. We had just been talking about kids, and I had told him that I had a 4 month old little girl. He looked at me and said, "You need to call the doctor and do what the doctor tells you to do. It is not about you anymore. You have someone else to think about now-you have a little girl who needs her mother to be ok and be there. You have to make sure that you are all right. She is depending on you." Wow. That is some food for thought. This is a whole new ball game.
So, as I am typing this, my hubby, my mom-in-law and my dad-in-law are working in the front yard-weeding, mulching, trimming...For Justin's birthday, they gave him a day of yard work. He actually took them up on it. So, I should feel guilty about sitting here while they all slave outside in the heat. However, when Justin and I got a house, we made a pact that the inside is mine and the outside is his. And, this is his gift-this is between him and his parents. This has NOTHING to do with me. I just get the cold waters when requested, and I did make hot dogs, pasta salad, and grapes for lunch. Ah-but doctor's orders-I must keep my feet up!
Last week, I had my first overnight business trip since HK has joined the family. I knew she would be all right, I knew that Justin would be okay, and I thought that I would be fine. Well, I did manage to make it through the one night I was gone without hysteria, but I actually did think a few times that I was going to have a full on panic attack. I was NOT expecting that at all-I really thought I would be ok, but I will admit that I was a little sad and panicked at being away from home.
So, the next week, I have my next overnight, but this time I am gone for 2 nights. Everything is going much smoother, until I swell up like a hot air balloon. Let me back up-I have been swelling for the past week and a half to two weeks, but I am just chalking it up to the fact that I have come off of prednisone and it is a reaction. Well, I called my doc from out of town just to see if I can get an appointment for the end of the week when I am home again. The doc FREAKS out and tells me to get to an urgent care clinic immediately. So, I proceed to go to an urgent care clinic, and they would not touch me-told me to go directly to the ER. OK-what in the heck???
So, I drive all the way home to Nashville and go directly to Vanderbilt ER. Justin meets me. They take me to triage and take my blood pressure-it is 160/103. Seriously. Not kidding.
The nurse puts that little plastic tube thing in my vein so they don't have to keep sticking me (typing this is actually making my body hurt at the thought of it). I kind of start to panic about the whole idea of the needles and the tubes, so my nurse reverts to her Peds (yes, as in pediatrics) schpeel...she tells me, "honey, it is all right. I am just going to put a magic straw in your arm!" Now really, unless that magic straw is connected to some magic White Zin, I want nothing to do with your magic straw business.
After 7 hours at the ER, and blood tests, which I am NOT.A.FAN.OF.NEEDLES.AT.ALL, I am ok. All the tests came back fine. They do think that it is a side effect of the prednisone because all of this started when I ended the meds. I will live to see another day.
I will be honest here-I would not have even gone to the doctor had it not been for something a man said to me as I was debating what to do regarding my cankles. We had just been talking about kids, and I had told him that I had a 4 month old little girl. He looked at me and said, "You need to call the doctor and do what the doctor tells you to do. It is not about you anymore. You have someone else to think about now-you have a little girl who needs her mother to be ok and be there. You have to make sure that you are all right. She is depending on you." Wow. That is some food for thought. This is a whole new ball game.
So, as I am typing this, my hubby, my mom-in-law and my dad-in-law are working in the front yard-weeding, mulching, trimming...For Justin's birthday, they gave him a day of yard work. He actually took them up on it. So, I should feel guilty about sitting here while they all slave outside in the heat. However, when Justin and I got a house, we made a pact that the inside is mine and the outside is his. And, this is his gift-this is between him and his parents. This has NOTHING to do with me. I just get the cold waters when requested, and I did make hot dogs, pasta salad, and grapes for lunch. Ah-but doctor's orders-I must keep my feet up!
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