1) I heard a talk segment on the radio yesterday about "baby daddies" and to say it made me mad would be an understatement. I was disgusted. What the crap is wrong with a women where they would lay up with a man who's not even good to them and then expect them to be excellent fathers. Hellloooo, they dip. I won't even get on how the thought of so many men out there not even acting like they have babies makes my stomach turn. Interestingly enough, Obama has a few ideas on how to increase the involvement of absentee fathers.
2) I'm trying out new shampoos since mine is MIA. So far I'm one frizzy headed, woman. Just for ref, I've tried Pantene for curly hair and now Frutruis and I'm not really happy about either (and they're twice the price that Suave was).
3) So far it sounds like a ranting 10 on Tuesday, but that's not how I'm feeling. Here's something good: my little bad apple at church and I seem to have made it thru the rough stage. He's mellowing out some and I think I've figured out a little better how to deal with him. Still a long way to go, but I can see some progress
4) My parents came to visit on Friday and Sat and I can't possibly describe how they are the best grandparents ever. And I think the little mini knows it.
5) I'm proud to say that I hit KJ's father's day gift dead on! He's so difficult to buy for sometimes b/c he doesn't want anything. Well I remember him mentioning a video golf lesson (so he could see his swing and stuff...), so the little mini got him that and a crimson golf shirt from Under Armor and "we" designed him a card. I think the card was his favorite part... let's just say that we know him really well so it was full of inside jokes.
6) I may get to see Colleen and walking Dash this weekend (oh and John too)! Very excited.
7) I saw this website for crock pot recipes and I'm so going to try it. I think I may need a bigger crock pot though... mine is a "single serving" size.
8) When is it too late to send belated b-day cards? I missed a few bdays in April and May and feel horrible. Dear sweet Caroline and Alana-lana if you're reading this: I'm sooooo sorry! Don't doubt how special you each are to me, just know that my mind has been ridiculously overwhelmed lately and it's running on slow.
9) I am in the throws of planning/helping with a class reunion, and 2 family reunions. I guess summer time is the time to get reunited.
10) A friend approached me about a subject this morn and I have to say that I love the way that she did it. It reminded me how good of friends we really are. She inspired me to "step up my friend game", which sadly I think I've let slip. Too many excuses, none of them good. Love you tons my Tricey and thanks for being my reminder.
1) I have waaayyyy too much paperwork on my desk. Today is the day to purge.
2) Love Kate Voegele. She plays Mia on One Tree Hill and low and behold she's really a recording artist. She's talented, young with a strong voice. Here's her remake of the song Hallelujah:
3) Been on a superhero kick for the last couple of weeks. I'm addicted to Smallville (the story of Superman as a teen, KJ and I rent the old seasons on dvd) and then KJ and I went to see Iron Man on Saturday night. Sigh. Oh how I love super powers.
4) That's right, you read correctly, KJ and I went to a movie. And nope we're not those people who take a small baby to the movie to hope that she won't cry, but secretly know that she will and that it will disrupt everyone else who payed the ridiculous fee for 2 hours of entertainment. hehehe KJ's sister wanted to keep her, so the little mini went to her first sleep over.
5) Our house is crazy quiet without that 10lb bundle of giggles and screams.
6) Army Wives is back on tv! The season started off with a bang (literally). Just in time as most of my other shows are going into re-run phase right now.
7) Last week was ridiculously busy at work. I came in early, I left late. Today is the first day where we've been able to breathe and I have about a million personal tasks to tackle. And yes, I plan on tackling them during work hours.
8) I've been mentally beating myself up about doing what I say I'm going to do. Honestly, I've gotten quite horrible (like if I say I'll call you right back, I normally don't...or if I need to email you something, it might take me waaay longer than it should). I'm going to work on getting better at that, b/c I don't like the thought that my word has lost credibility.
9) I have grandiose Ideas of kindness, but a very small budget. Unfortunately this results in more thoughts than actions. I'm working on changing this also as I know all too well that people need to know you care and that they are thought of.
10) Father's Day is around the corner and I'm actually ahead of the game. The little mini and I have knocked out KJ and my dad, now we just need to figure out what we're getting KJ's dad. Is shopping for all men difficult?
****** Bonus b/c I have so many randoms going thru my mind********
11) I'm forcing myself to finally make the jump to cloth diapers. We've finally used up just about all of our freebies and I currently own 6 bumGeniuses that I'm washing up tonight to test out for the next couple of days. There's about to be a lot of washing going on at our little abode (atleast until I purchase more cloth diapers, but I'm not one to jump into change, I'm more of an ease into it kind of girl). Wish us luck. ;-)
12) I'm on a quest to recreate some of our favorite restaurant dishes. First up is the Jamaican Jerk Chicken wrap from Tropical Smoothie. Oh so yum.
13) Is it wrong to have quams about helping people who make no effort to help themselves. There's a woman at church who has a niece that's young (17, 18, or 19) and had a baby girl around the same time I had the little mini. The girl's boyfriend is apparently a drug dealer and she does not work. Anywho the lady at church has stopped me on several occasions when I've got the little mini and said, "Oh, that's a cute outfit. Just pack up the clothes she can't wear anymore and I'll pick them up and give them to my niece. I'm so tired of seeing her baby in the same onesies." This is going to make me sound mean, but I always think. "Sorry, not my problem. Tell your lazy niece to get off her bum and go get a job." I'm praying on the situation and doing some studying up on the act of being kind. I'm a huge believer in not handicapping someone with kindness, by not allowing them to take care of themselves if they are capable. Plus the lady at church comes across gruff, although I know she's not always intending to, but I always think, "Oh sister, you don't know me. You can't MAKE me do anything." I've got some growing to do.
14) Do you all use you tube? I've been trying to upload videos for the fam, but having a little trouble with the private option. Is there another thing like you tube that allows you to share videos?
15) Okay, that's it. I've got to clear off my desk and then start tackling some of this Personal Task List. Geez louise. Will there ever be a day when I can look around and think, "My, I have absolutely nothing to do?" hehehe I'm not thinking so. And for picture sake...This is the progression of the face that says, "I'm making you a surprise in my pants." aka "the poop face" (If I ever get out of my house then I'll take pics of more than just the little mini, but until then, bare with me. ;-) )
1) Why in the world have they discontinued Suave for curly hair? Seriously, I found one bottle of shampoo at Dollar General. I'm still in search of some conditioner... 2) Yesterday I had to reason with myself as to why I could not eat oatmeal cookies for breakfast. Although, of all the desserts, don't you think oatmeal cookies and carrot cake sound remotely nutritious? 3) Gotta start cooking. Gotta. I think I'm going to go on a casserole crusade. Any ideas? 4) Trying to pull together KJ's daddy's day gift. He wants a video-taped golf lesson so that he can better see his form for improvement. Shamefully, I was trying to reserve this gift for his bday b/c there's just not a lot of things that he ever says he wants. 5) When little ones poop in the tub, it is absolutely gross, but the face they make when doing it is hilarious. Kind of like shock and "maybe you won't notice" all in one expression. I'm not calling any names, so this person shall remain anonymous. 6) Went to Target and scored some new shirts. Now I just need new shoes. Does anyone know when Dillards does their shoe sale? It's the best... 7) Speaking of sales, it's Semi Annual time for Bath and Body and Vicky Secret. I'm going to try and hit both up... heaven knows I need to clean out my undie drawer. 8) The environment friendly non-toxic Method cleaning products are pretty good. I love the eucalyptus mint bathroom scrub. I've been using it frequently to clean out the tub in the middle of andafter someone who shall remain anonymous' bath... 9) I really really like this song. It makes me turn my radio up loud and bounce around in the driver's seat. 10) I'm getting the itching for a girls' weekend. Wish gas and plane tickets weren't only for the rich and famous. ;-)
Funny how no matter how long of a weekend you have, Monday seems to come crashing in way too soon.
On Friday our company went canoeing. LOL. Good times. I must say that navigating a canoe is a little more difficult than a kayak as my partner and I kept running into tree branches and stumps along the river's edge, but although we may not be Olympic condition yet, we laughed the entire time. My only fear was that I might have a tick in my hair after going thru so many branches... After washing my hair on Friday, Sat and Sun, I'm glad to report that I'm tick free. ;) And just as I had suspected, canoeing was great exercise (although my arms weren't really that sore the next day...) but in the non tedious way. I'm up for doing it again.
On Sat. I took the little mini to Sears to get some quick pics made. She did well, although she was so not trying to smile, more so curious as to why she was there. I've determined that portrait studios for kids is the ultimate job for easy up-selling. It's hard to resist a cute pic of your own kid. I went in with a coupon for 1 pose several pictures and I ended up leaving with 1 pic from 4 poses. Spent a little more than I intended, but I'm chalking it up to a learning experience, and plan on just scanning the 8x10s and turning them into wallets at home.
The rest of the weekend was pretty easy going. KJ made the best dinner of ribs and lamb with potatos au gratin and green beans. Just thinking of that lamb makes my mouth water! Anywho, we had friends over for dinner and then KJ proceeded to wipe us all out in Monopoly. They hadn't played since they were children and they failed to heed to my warnings that by no means do you deal with KJ, but again a learning experience (for them). By the end of the game KJ owned just about every property and had established what we called "Suicide Lane" on two sides of the board.
So a pretty easy going weekend. I didn't get half the things done that I probably needed to, but nothing was urgent, so no worries.
Here's the short before I get into the long. KJ and I have different taste in things. In general I'm wayyyy artsy-fartsy and he's more sensible. So when it comes to fashion we don't always see eye to eye. His fashion or mine. I have long since stopped trying to buy him clothing. Unless it is something specific that he's picked out or just a plain polo shirt to replace another one for work then I generally don't even bother. On the flip side, KJ can generally pick out an entire outfit for me and I'll love it. This is why: 1)He does have good taste, but it's a very narrow vision overall and 2) I'm easier to please and fashion wise I'm up for variety. He on the other hand is not.
So here's what's up for discussion. Tell me what you think. I'm cleaning out my closet this weekend and there are a few shirts that I have that KJ HATES. They're not hootchie shirts or anything, but they're very artsy. For ex, one is pink striped with strategically placed bleach marks around the graphic design. I love the shirt, KJ not so much. So I started thinking, I only wear the shirt when either I'm visiting with friends or when I won't be seeing KJ (if I'm out of town or something) b/c I just hate to hear the "Why do you like that shirt so much" comment coming. So then I have a mental debate with myself about dressing to please me and dressing to please my husband. In theory, every single moment of everyday, I would like for him to look at me and love EVERY aspect of my very being. Sidebar: this is just about the clothes, I promise that we're not superficial and that our love is based on more than either of our wardrobes or outward appearances. But humor me and follow my twisted train of thought...
Anyway, if I wear something that is unflattering to him, then who am I trying to appease. Simple answer... myself. Some clothes just make me feel good. I have a t-shirt that I got from Goodwill in AU that says Auburn High HAS Athletics. It cracks me UP (just ask Liz, it's a running joke that whenever I wear it I'll look at her and say Get IT?! Get it?! and most times she just shakes her head). It makes me feel good. Now this wouldn't even be up for discussion if the following situation had not occurred: KJ and I were talking about cologne and I mentioned how I didn't like the smell of something and he said that he wouldn't wear it then b/c who else would he be trying to smell good for. This is kind of the same thing right?? Or at least along the same lines, right?
Anywho, just food for thought. And to throw a wrench in it all, I own a lot of perfume that KJ doesn't like the smell of (some he calls old lady scents). I love perfume and all different kinds of scents, but by the time I get home it's all worn off so that's not really the same issue as clothing... okay I'm just rambling now.
So plain and simple: do you rock and outfit that your significant other can't stand?
that were on my mind this morning as I drove into work.
1) I love leggins. Love them. I don't wear them, but I plan on trying to fix this soon. I'm just not that fashion forward and I have a horrible habit of waiting until a "trend" is on it's tail end before jumping on board. Well, leggins here I come.
2) Wearing leggins requires that you have great shoes. I need great shoes. Most of the shoes in my closet are dusty, scuffed up, and barely hanging on. I was trying to find a good shoe repair shop, but now I'm thinking that my whole collection needs an overhaul.
3) This morning a rabid 18 wheeler drove way too close for my comfort for most of my commute to work. Seriously, I had to go 80 just to get away from his side as he had decided to speed up and ride beside me and then he would fall back and speed up again seemingly wanting to bump me off the road. My plan was to tell whatever police officer that pulled me over that I was only speeding to maintain my safety and give them the truck drivers license number. On second thought I decided I should probably call the "How's my driving" people and report his driving. Lo and behold, of course he didn't have that sticker on his truck. The vehicles that need it most, could care less about what people think of their driving.
4) Large dogs that stand up in the bed of trucks, or stick their heads all the way out of vehicle windows frighten me. I fear that no one has ever explained to them as it was explained to me what could happen if you stick something out of the moving car and it gets caught on something not moving. I believe something along these lines occurred to a drunk man in Bham when his friend was driving him home one night... or maybe I saw it in a movie... hummm.... regardless, I was brought up knowing that you keep all appendages inside of moving vehicles. ALWAYS. (Just looked it up and it was in GA, back in 05. Here's the link to the story if you don't believe.)
5) On yesterday's post I made a comment about only being able to converse about the little mini's poop. I was thinking this morning that whether I'm trapped in the house or out and about, I should still have a repertoire of interesting subjects ready for discussion at any moment. Sadly I do not keep up with the news. In fact if it's not celebrity news then I'm pretty much uninterested. That's pitiful. I can tell you that Kim Kardashian made a naughty video with Ray J (Whitney Houston's current boy toy and the singer Brandi's little brother) that kind of helped put here on the celebrity map (along with her bootie) and now she's dating Reggie Bush who plays with the New Orleans Saints, but I can't tell you if it's been decided that the Democratic presidential candidate will be Hillary or Barrack. I'm thinking that I will log on to USA today and read at least 3 articles a day. Or maybe I'll subscribe to Time magazine (or at least read the one that's left in the work kitchen every week). And then I had the best thought of all. I'm going to call Liz's Jon (who reads the paper EVERYday) and tell him to tell me what's going on in the world. That's kind of killing two birds with one stone. I get the worldly haps and Jon can ease that "I miss Roz" pain that I know he feels daily. Even if his fiance is my fraternal twin with a different birthday...
That's it. Gotta get to work. ummm, really I have to go pump in my car, but that's a whole nother post. ;-)
Oh and here are a couple of pics since I've been reading more and more about people saying a post isn't a post without pics. I present to you, the most interesting person in our house:
it's been way too long. Please excuse my pitiful blogging... or lack there of. I'm back. Is anyone out there??? How about a quick 10 just to test the waters. ;-)
1) Behind is not even the word I should use to describe how I'm lacking checking off things on my to-do list. Ummm, class reunion, thank you cards, baby's blog, sending out pics to my family, oh, the list is endless. I just mailed some friends their wedding gift, and they got married in mid April.
2) Instead of using the long weekend to check things off the afore mentioned list, I got caught up on my DVR'd programs. That's something I can do when the little mini is awake or sleeping. Excuse...maybe....
3) We have an office Canoeing Day on this Friday. I'm adding this to my list as #7 of why living in FL is not sooooo bad. I'm really excited, but also trying to figure out what to wear and how I'll combat any mesquitoes or snakes that I may encounter.
4) The working mom situation has gotten a lot better. In fact that's an understatement. I'm blessed and God's given me a peace of mind even I hadn't anticipated. The little mini's in "real" daycare and she apparently likes it. And I like having something else to talk about besides her pooping schedule. ;-)
5) I have a sweet tooth that's going to be the death of me. The other day I ate pound cake for breakfast, this morn I had banana bread, and it's not unlikely for me to have popsicles as my snack of choice.
6) Somehow, in the aftermath of pregnancy, I lost my bootie. I was telling a girlfriend this morn that I watched a special on the Kardashians and I am mesmirized by Kim's bootie. I think my exact words were that I covet it. Shame.
7) I got an iTunes gift card for my bday and I still have not used it. I'm still savoring all that it COULD buy and not using it. Ridiculous. I'm using it soon. Put that on my to-do list.
8) I have an internal debate going as to whether I should take the little mini to Walmart or Sears or somewhere for some formal pics, or just set her up in the house and do them myself. I'm by no means a photographer, but then again neither are the people at Walmart...
9) I'm struggling with 10. I'm just not that interesting anymore!!!!
10) Okay how about my current favorite pic of the little mini. I'll blog again soon. And I promise to be somewhat entertaining. Well, Blogger's not letting me upload a pic. I kind of feel like my "comeback" will be a little disappointing now. ;-) Like Prince doing another tour and only performing the nasty songs no one knows. Sorry everyone, it's not me, it's Blogger.
It's my second day back at work and today is waaayyy tougher then it was yesterday. I think yesterday started with some hiccups that had my mind in another place, and I was greeted with a "welcome back" luncheon, and to be honest the whole day felt kind of fake... like work was something I was doing just to get out of the house for a moment. Today I think the reality has kicked in.
My mom's here keeping the little mini for this week to help ease me into transition so I wouldn't have to go into work AND drop her off with someone who I don't know that well (day care). I can't begin to explain how beyond helpful this has been, but last night as my sweet baby was restless and just not trying to get any shut eye, it hit me that we hadn't spent enough time together and I think she missed me. To say I missed her was an understatement. Okay... I'm done typing about this, it's going to make me cry.
So: since I last posted:
• We have successfully completed 2 car trips with baby in tow. • We've gotten over a really rough case of baby acne. • We're steadily attacking the really rough case of adult acne. • I've had 2 friends graduate with some well deserved degrees. • I grew a whole year older. • I had my hair done by a new beautician b/c my old beautician got shot in the bootie (really), but she's okay and will be back in the salon by my next appt. • I got a new phone and new service (for those who tried to call/text yesterday things didn't get worked out until last night). • I celebrated my very first Mother's Day on the receiving end of the well wishes. • I've watched enough Ellen to really miss her dancing around 3:00 • We've been on the verge of an "awake smile" to counter the ones she gives when she's sleeping. • We've started "talking" and in all that cooing, I'm pretty sure she's got some very strong opinions. • I've decided that I need a workout regimen FAST as I'm fitting into prepreg clothes just fine, but there is TONS of toning to be done. • I'm trying to figure out what to get a very special little boy who's hitting the big 01 on Thursday. • I still haven't found my Liz a dress. • I have been on the edge of insanity many times and have somehow not fallen over. • I have a friend locally. Really. I've talked to her on the phone several times, she's been over to the house a few times, and the little mini and I stopped by to visit her on Sun. Progress. • The little mini had a "girlfriend" to join her circle of "you're going to be my friend b/c my mommy and your mommy are friends" a whole 6 weeks early. And we love our little Phoeni-ni to pieces. • Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey got married. For some reason I'm obsessed with how very wrong this seems. I don't know why, but I can't even begin to make them work as a couple in my mind... but who am I? (Still doesn't it seem a bit odd to you too???)
Very random, but my mind's all over the place. Mostly jumping between "I can do this work thing" and "Grab your work bag and run". ;-) Anywho, just wanted to let everyone know that we're alive and kicking over this way. I should be a little more productive in blogging and emailing in the fact that sitting at this desk was always the perfect time for me to get those things done. hehehe I know you're thinking, "so when do you work??"... don't worry about that.
Who's running things around here is one of those proverbial questions that has a rotating answer. Lately the little mini, has been flexing a negotiating muscle I didn't even know she had.
Me: Okay little one, it's 4am and after this feeding and changing, you're getting back in your cradle. (We try not to put her in the "big people" bed until KJ's leaving for work, normally the 6 or 7am feeding) Little Mini: What if when you lay me down to sleep I stir for about 10 mins and then pee all over my bed... then can I get in the big people bed?
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Me: Alrighty little one, the right b**b is as good as the left so let's be sure to eat off of both so that Momma's not all lopsided. Little Mini: How about I only eat off the left and just rest my chin on the right and make the "Ewww, that's gross, what are you trying to do" face at you. Pump or be lopsided lady.
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Me: I will change the poopie diaper and get the stink off of you if you promise that after that we're coming back to bed for our morning nap. Little Mini: Deal.
Geez Louise this kiddo has a will like no other! hehehe, but I won out in the end, so let me let you all go so that I can catch her on this nap, just in case she tries to wake up with more demands. ;)
Oh and a few have inquired: There's no blog up and running for her yet. Key words "up and running". I'm tweaking a few things and you know I'm slow as molasses in the winter time.
I always said from the beginning that the little mini would be our trial and error baby. Oh the curse of being the first. ;-) SO I thought I'd post of a few of the trial and errors we've incurred so far, and not just with her, some are these are general dos and don'ts that I'm running into daily.
1) Walking a fussy baby around at night is considering "spoiling them". Yep. As newbies you try anything to keep the fussing to a minimum and the only reason we nipped this habit in the bud quickly is because walking around at 2am off and on for an hour and a half was kicking my bootie. Lesson learned.
2) As she's gotten bigger, she eats more (hindsight makes me say, duh). The fussiness we thought was just her fighting sleep was really her saying, "Look peps, you're starving me!" sidebar: I've heard that it's really hard to overfeed a breastfeed baby.
3) The sudden tolerance I had to cheese was only a pregnancy thing. I tested it out when I made a breakfast casserole loaded with cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack), and not even 20 min later my stomach had that old familiar rumble. Cheese is a don't.
4) We can't be everywhere for everything. This was a tough lesson for me but a valuable one. This past weekend we had house guests Friday and Saturday, had plans to go to a family event on Sunday, and I was trying to fly to NC for my uncle's funeral Sun night. We love having guests (really we do says the woman who's been house bound for 4 weeks now), but when you have guests, you're up at night with a new baby (trying to keep her from waking everyone) and you're up in the day trying to entertain. It can be exhausting. We overslept on Sun missing the family event, and plane tickets were outrageous which nipped my hair-brain thoughts of jetting home for the funeral. Everyone keeps giving us the out of "oh you've got a new baby" and FINALLY I'm okay with taking it.
5) Sleeping when she sleeps really is the best advice. Why was I so hard-headed to follow? Alas this post will be short as the little mini is 30 min ahead of me in the sleep game.
6) Put mail in the mailbox the night before if it MUST go out the next day. I believe postal pep in my area run between 4am and 11am. really.
7) Return missed calls as soon as possible. I'm trying. I've realized that sometimes without realizing it, you need to hear someone's voice, and they need to hear yours too. Casing point, I've talked to my grandmother twice within the past couple of weeks.
8) Leona Lewis and Mariah Carey are definite dos! I believe both cds are going to be "don't skip a single song" good. If you've got one or the other, let me know what you think. I saw Leona on Ellen and Mariah on Oprah, ahh, the joys of daytime tv.
9) My husband is really the best daddy ever, which in turn beefs him up in the husband dept too. It's a vicious cycle. ;-) Marrying him was definitely a do (one that I'd do over and over and over even on the days when he drives me bonkers).
10) Without fail, as soon as you change just a pee-pee diaper, the new diaper will be full of poop in less than a min. And I'm still thinking of/working on going to cloth after we use up all of our freebie diapers. Cloth diapers for the sake of budget... a do?
Today is Colleen's b-day! Let me know how the big 28 is treating you girlie and if all is well I'll take the plunge with you soon. ;-)
Also on this weeks agenda:
We're going to use this stroller to get some fresh air in the little mini. We're going to get her used to the carseat by touring around our little city and just "discovering" stuff. We're going to design her birth announcements using photos from my little attempt at a photoshoot on yesterday (Big Lots has some of the best accessories). We're going to go to Lowe's to get a bookself to house her ever growing book collection (Thank you so much Dionne for the fantastic books you sent!) We're going to go by and meet her daycare provider (and I've instructed her over and over that if she does not like this lady then she is to let me know and will nix the whole "momma's gotta work" thing) ;-)
I'll keep you all posted. Okay peps I've got some sleeping to do! Happy Tuesday!
Okay, when you have no schedule, there is really no way to measure the time. That's my excuse for being gone for so long. Are you buying it???
So we're good. Here's a few things from my end.
1) The little mini's been here 3 weeks and I think we're getting the hang of this parenting thing. 2) I have stacks and piles of paperwork to sort thru and being cooped up in the house, this should have already been done... 3) I have to help my best friend find her casual but chic Caribbean wedding dress. Again, I don't know where time has gone as I planned on knocking this out my first week of maternity leave. 4) My dear Colleen came to visit on Monday and I'm so thankful that she loves us enough to make that drive. I don't know if I'll ever be able to fully express how her presence help boost my "adult sanity" for the week. 5) How is it that I have 3 baskets of laundry to fold when I seriously rotate between the same comfy tshirts and comfy pants? Where did the rest of the clothes come from (insert husband and daughter here)?? 6) I'm packing up maternity clothes THIS WEEK. There, I typed it, so of course it will happen. 7) We're traveling to KJ's parents' on Sunday (they've got a big family event) and I'm a little nervous about parenting outside of the walls of our house. Strange huh? 8) Some good friends of ours are coming to visit Fri and Sat. It's her birthday and I'm trying to figure out a great present to get from one of the 3 stores in our little city. Seriously, I need a Target. 9) I need to make a hair appt something awful. Oh and while I'm at it, my footsies could use some attention too... 10) Having a baby in the spring while living 20 minutes from the beach, leaves very little time to get this bod back to bathing suit ready condition... and I'm talking immodest suits, sisters... hehehe 11) I'm getting a little better at multitasking, but still not good enough to really brag about it. 12) I have a stack of thank you cards to write and the fact that I've waited so long is now becoming ridiculous and embarrassing. 13) Don't even get me started on where I am with birth announcements... 14) I miss the soap opera that is work, but I wish I could go in and work my own hours. I'd go, eat breakfast, get caught up with everyone, design one or two packages, and then come on home. Let's not talk about going back yet, I'm kind of on the fence about it all. 15) When I'm up for the 2:30am feeding, I sit in the living room so not to wake up KJ and I've developed some very odd paranoia about somebody breaking down our front door. I blame the movie No Country for Old Men. 16) Speaking of KJ he has been way beyond excellent as a daddy and a husband. He changes diapers, he burps, he's even pulled a few all-nighters so that I could get a full night's rest. We're adding a whole new element to this love thing. ;-) 17) Disregard the craziness going on with my layout. I did the whole update my template thing and now a few things are all wonky (I got this word from Erin and I loooovvveee it and use it often as it accurately describes quite a few things these days) 18) I'm just rambling away, can you tell I miss you all.
...on Thursday. So I've been a little tied up. ;-) The little mini is doing superb. A little KJ, that's what she is. She sleeps for 4 hour stretches thru just about any noise, nurses quick and hard (like she's scared that I'll put them up and not offer again), and wants to see everything when she's awake and does a cute half smile when she sleeps. We're completely in love. Now here's my 10.
1) Dealing with customer service from my couch stinks. On my "I hope to never deal with you again list" is Regions Bank (still working out stuff from the car accident... from OCTOBER!!!) and Walmart Vision Center (stop holding my contacts hostage!!).
2) The movie Atonement starts slow, but is kinda good. I wouldn't have given it 4 stars, but it'll definitely tickle your mind.
3) When KJ's in charge of groceries, he comes back with the best snacks. The things that I tend not to buy, like oatmeal cakes, donut sticks, and gingerbread men cookies. Yum.
4) I'm becoming quite a professional phone-tagger. I tend to leave a lot of messages and then miss the return calls. Seriously, don't give up on me folks.
5) I whipped out the ole juicer and created white/purple grape juice, apple/pear juice, and tangerine/orange juice. A gentleman from church brought us a huge fruit basket that even I couldn't finish off. So far, all my creations have been wonderful... I just need to find a defrother so that the juice will appeal more to the masses (and by masses I mean KJ).
6) The movie, No Country for Old Men, is psycho. Whoever the main actor is, he plays the role to a tee. So good that just his face was enough to make me cover my eyes. KJ recommends this movie. Me, I'm going for happier movies from here on out.
7) I'm having to practice multi-tasking. I have a bad tendency of dividing my attention up unevenly, which is why I've nursed my poor child's neck and ear more times than I'd like to admit.
8) I've discovered that there is no limit to the amount of HGTV that I can watch.
9) My most comfy pants have all come from Colleen. The pink pair she gave me when she got married (bride's maid gift) and the black pair she gave me when I got married. That girl has a knack for finding the most comfy soft clothes ever.
10) Who am I kidding, you all are only checking in to get word on the mini. hehehe Nope, her site's not up yet, but it's coming. In the mean time, here are a few recent pics and I'm going to try and load a little video.
that she would come early??? Hello, that's definitely a trait from KJ's side. ;-) She wasn't due til the 27th, but on the 22nd God sent us one of His very best.
Our little mini: born March 22, 2008 5:27pm 6lbs, 1oz 20in
*I'm still planning on creating her own little blog for family and friends to check in on. Slowly but surely, I'm getting there. As I mentioned before, on this blog and comments she will be referred to as the little mini (we're protective like that). Thanks for understanding.
• I'm going to Walmart by 11:30 (it's 10:30 now) to a) pick up some much needed groceries b) pick up some items needed for the still not packed labor bag c) walk around the entire store to convince the little mini how fun it would be to come out sooner than later
• Come home and pack the aforementioned labor bag as I have a bet going with KJ that it will be sitting by the door by the time he gets off work. (And I hate losing a bet to KJ, he's such a sore winner)
• Making spaghetti or stuffed shells for dinner. May do stuffed shells just to be fancy.
• Do a little adult laundry
• Nap
• Do a little mini laundry
I'm thinking that by the time the above is accomplished it will be around 5:00pm. Full day's "work".
First and foremost, I must get out of the bed, shower, and comb my hair for this is what the first day of maternity leave looks like.
I'm outie, I gotta go have a baby! hehehe That's what I've been telling everyone at work. Oh my last day. Today. I'll be doing more important things soon and it's a good feeling to pack up the ole office for a sec and tell them, "Holla! I've got a life to live!"
So far we've celebrated with donuts, tarts and streamers which my coworkers brought in. I jokingly told them that it looks like they're saying, good riddance, but I'm pretty sure they're gonna miss me a little. Shoot, if not for the pure fact that we're on the brink of the busy season and the number of work horses is being cut back. hehehe
Anywho, I managed to crawl out of bed way late this morning to make it in to work a little earlier than I normally do - 8:07 (don't know how this happened) and I'm eagerly tying up lose ends b/c I can honestly say that I may not be answering calls that come from this number once I leave. I like my job, but I'm liking the thought of staying in comfy clothes and keeping the house reasonably straight and napping as I see fit, a little more at the moment. I keep telling myself that it's a little ridiculous to be so excited about a vacation which is really nowhere near a vacation b/c on the agenda is the probable worst pain I'll ever experience ever, but the souvenir from it all is what makes it exciting right. Nutso that I'm about to be someone's mom. Nutso.
So today we're rocking out to Elton John (my coworker and his girlfriend are going to his concert this weekend. I'm trying to find him some sparkly purple sunglasses) going about business as usual. Except for the donuts... and at 4:50 we're going to blast this song thru the intercom and I'm going to make a lap around the office, Rocky style.
You know... just to say peace out and word to yo moms.
Happy Happy Friday all! Oh and no worries I'll be keeping you posted and checking on you from our lovely couch verses this office chair, but the blogging will not stop. Except for maybe when the labor starts... ;-)
************EDITED TO ADD************* Okay and My Colleen and My Liz just sent me the most beautiful flowers!!! You two are seriously the bestest! I haven't even had a baby, I'm just prepping for the leave. ;-) The funny part is that the florist local to my job is notorious for being deaf so the card says "Enjoy You Paternity Leave!" hehehe I will ladies, I will.
1) I'm just feeling less rant-like today. I had to remind myself that I can't change people, but I CAN change my reaction to people.
2) Took Colleen's advice and had everything for my maternity leave put in writing. Hopefully this will end the random pop-ups of not so great news.
3) Coworker only worked half a day yesterday and I lysoled everything down when he left. Today he feels lots better and I'm glad (he really is a good guy), but trust that I will be doing a little lysoling when everyone leaves for lunch. ;-)
4) Tericka's started a blog!!!! Yay. I love that I can use the internet to check up on people.
5) The time change hasn't hit me as bad as I thought it would. I do wonder when I'll stop looking at a clock and thinking, "it's really only 10:20 not 11:20" like it's going to change back sometime soon.
6) I'm putting my grandmother a card in the mail today. Didn't want you all to think I was so so horrible.
7) I'm clearing off my desk and my computer in prep for my leave. It's to give the illusion that hey, it's possible that she might not come back, so we better be real supportive thru this.
8) Some mornings I feel like the little mini has dropped down overnight, and then by lunch she's all bunched up under my bosom. I'm not sure if she understands the concept of "get down and stay down".
9) My hands look like that of a 85 year old woman! When did that happen!? I may need to invest in a paraffin wax just to get these bad boys in shape...it's that bad.
10) I'm going to make a very conscious effort to go check on my neighbor this week. Her husband's been deployed and she's hanging in there trying to sell their house and take care of the 3 kids and big dog. She's sweet and I feel like I should let her know my ear is available if she ever needs it. Esp, since I'll be home during the day after this Friday!!! (hehehe watch the little mini show up on Saturday morn. I'm just joking peps, I'm no where near labor...)
Please skip over this post if you want some Monday cheeriness. I'm sure that the smile I have plastered on my face will take effect later in the day, but for now, I'm just generally annoyed but trying not to show it as I could very well walk out of this office at this moment and not come back. Period.
1) My other designer is sick again. SERIOUSLY. Stay at home. Another coworker just asked if he thought he had the flu and he said, "I don't know, maybe..." What the crap?!?!?! Buddy, I'm pregnant. Big pregnant and I've managed to ward off all kinds of office nastiness for 9 dog-gone months with the exception of 2 of the nasty colds you all have been passing around. Sheesh, cut me some slack. If you don't want to stay home, then call me and I'll stay at home. I do not have sympathy on the sick when they are always sick and continue to come into the office to let people know about their sickness. That's rude.
2) My HR lady I believe derives some sort of perverse pleasure of delivering not so great maternity leave news. Um, sorry Roz, it's 6 weeks not 12. Um, Roz I was thinking that you would work up until the time you deliver, you've been doing so well (tah-heee, no maam). Um, Roz I know the whole maternity leave is unpaid and all (so the company's getting by like a fat cat), but you're going to owe the company money to keep up with your supplemental insurance premiums. Are you kidding me?
3) My grandmother randomly sends a message thru my father that "Her number hasn't changed and I need to call and check on her". Um well, (and this is totally disrespectful) the phone goes two ways. When we do talk, I'm calling you. When we do communicate, it's me sending you cards and sonogram pics, and updates (to which you never respond so I only assume you get them b/c you've lived in the same house all my life). I do not complain on my missed birthday and the lack of enthusiasm shown on your end about my life in general. I get it, I'm not your favorite. Geez, don't get me started on how irate it makes me when ANYONE hits me with the "Why haven't I talked to you in so long" line. My ultimate pet-peev. And trust if this line is what you greet me with when I do call or we do speak, then I WILL NOT be making the effort again. Really.
4) It kind of drives me bonkers (okay, no need to be sweet now right)... It gets under my skin when someone I don't talk to on a regular basis leaves me a msg that says, "Hey, give me a call back at XXX-XXXX, whenever you get this message." Um nope. I like to know what things are in regards to. I'm not a phone person. I only get on to talk about nothing in particular with my good friends, my mom and sister. Everyone else, um sorry, I gotta know the reason for the call. I have my guard up like that. If you don't want anything in particular, tell me that. If it's an emergency, it's in your best interest to tell me that also, if not I can promise that I will not call. I figure that you'll call and either catch me or leave me a real message if it's important. I believe that to be universal phone etiquette.
5) I'm not a dramatic person. Please stop trying to make my life dramatic. If one more person asks me how I'm doing and when I respond with "We're doing well thanks" and they respond with "Just wait until your feet swell, or you start having contractions, or some other ailment" then I may just punch them in the face. I'm fine. Stop eagerly anticipating the time when I won't be fine. Chances are you won't know. Also, to ask me when you see me, "Still not in labor yet, hahaha" is getting pretty old. How foolish would I be to increase the discomfort of labor to come in and talk to your silly behind.
6) And this is just petty, but well, I'm putting it all out there. I hate when people put gum in my trash can without putting it in a tissue first. That's just gross.
*****End Rant*****
Happy Monday (or at least let's try and keep a facade of a Happy Monday)! ;-)
There hasn't been a whole lot going on this way, but man I'm so glad it's Friday. Last night I laid down and told KJ that I had been thinking of that very moment (laying down in my own bed) all day, just waiting for it. I'm such a bum. ;-)
Last night I made hashbrown quiche for dinner: I didn't follow the recipe exactly, but I think that's the beauty of the recipe, you just toss in what you want. It's good, ate it for breakfast this morn and will probably polish it off by the beginning of the weekend.
Bought another box of Thin Mints from a little girl scout outside of Walmart. I'd been telling KJ how good these will be in a milkshake. You know, like the blizzards Dairy Queen makes... maybe I could just get a plain blizzard and mix in the thin mints when I get home...
The office dog, Cody has been extremely mischievous this week. On Tuesday he stole a product sample or something off of a coworkers desk and when I went to grab it from him I lost my footing and dropped down to my knees and my hand flung out across the carpet. No worries my belly came no where near the floor, but I had the WORST carpet burn on the palm of my hand. I wanted to milk it and just go home, but alas, it was only a carpet burn.
We watched the best movie last night (can you tell we spend a lot of time on our couch?? Every time I post I have a movie review...). Awake. Oh I sooo recommend it. I thought it was going to be a thriller or scary movie, but it's really not. It's sooo beyond good that I can only say go rent it and come back and tell me if YOU liked it. Here's the synopsis: The story focuses on a man who suffers "Anesthetic Awareness" (An occurrence where during surgery not enough anesthetic medication is administered for the patient's body weight), and finds himself awake and aware, but paralyzed, during heart surgery. His wife must wrestle with her own demons as a drama unfolds around them.
This weekend...ummm, have a few things going on but for the most part we're taking it easy. See my to-do list from last Friday's post and I'm probably still working on most of that. ;-)
It's Friday. I'm tired of the office. Can't wait to go home. Making salmon for dinner and curling up and watching my DVR'd episodes of Project Runway and America's Next Top Model.
Oh and don't forget that time springs forward this weekend!
1) My itunes is set on random shuffle and it's ridiculous how happy I get when Annie Lenox, Lenny Kratvitz, or Color Me Badd come out of my computer speakers.
2) My last official day at work is the 14th (thanks Colleen for talking some sense into me!!!). At first I wondered what I was going to do at home for the time before our due date, but I'm nutso b/c there are a million things that I'll be able to take my time and fill the days with. Ummm, a little thing called laundry. And maybe I'll finish a photo album or two.
3) I had a dream that my classmate Kapali's funeral turned into a meeting about the class reunion where everyone wanted the theme to be "Back that thing up" and no one would keep their hand raised long enough for me to get a count. I woke up when everyone started shouting "Count FASTER!"
4) I finally figured out the setting on my camera that stops it from delaying between each picture. Seriously, if I'd have read the manual it would have been a quick and easy fix, but I do not read manuals.
5) Did I tell you all that at my last doc appt my pee sample was so close to clear that I wanted to take it into the waiting room and show it off. No really, I know that's TMI but I came out of the bathroom beaming and told KJ I should have took a pic. This from the girl who hates water, but has been downing it like nobody's business for the little mini. When I expressed my joy to the doc she said her dad used to do just that (take samples in the waiting room to show good ones). That's my kind of doctor. ;-)
6) We had intense movie Friday watching 1) Michael Clayton 2) Bordertown? and 3) Rendition My review for all three would be EXCELLENT. Michael Clayton was a little slow, but still interesting. Bordertown is about the Women of Juarez and was fantastic, it shines light on an issue many may not even know about. Plus, I'm a big J.Lo fan because hello, who didn't like Selana and Enough?? Rendition was quite intriguing and makes you really look at the way our country operates in relation to other countries. I recommend all three.
7) Speaking of movies, Liz, KJ and I also rented Eastern Promises earlier in the week. Ummmm, gruesome and the end of the movie made us think that there was surely more to come. Although I do have a new found respect for the Russian mafia, talk about hard core. KJ has put movie recommendations from you and Jon on probation. hehehehe
8) We need a Target more local to us. I've been trying to get over to that store for weeks now. Not for anything in particular mind you, I just want to go look.
9) I should be doing some heavy duty cooking within the next couple of weeks. I've had the ingredients to make dressing for about a week and a half now. I need to get on that before they go bad... Anywho, cookbooks (Rachel Ray, Paula Dean, and Patti Labelle) here I come. Speaking of Paula Dean, you all should see how she makes omelettes in freezer bags. I'm so trying it.
10) My banana from breakfast had a sticker on it that said "Place sticker on forehead and smile." I'm not wearing it on my forehead (it's on my coat collar), but I am smiling.
This is a long one, so here's a little background music for the read: It's Gwyneth Paltrow (who knew she could sing?!?!?!) and Baby Face. (apparently something's going on with Blogger as the only thing that will post is the 30sec snipet, where as you used to be able to put the whole song... oh well, it's a good 30secs...)
I make a point of not overwhelming this blog will all things pregnancy/baby. Not that we're not uber excited on this end, just that I'm a strong believe in not drowning people in just one aspect of my life. I'm multidimensional and very thankful for that. My brains not just clouded with baby stuff, but also work, marriage, friends, books I want to read, things I want to do, etc. So I try to share across the spectrum. Sometimes this may translate into me not being gung-ho about being pregnant. Don't doubt that I am, but my Monday pregnancy and my Tuesday pregnancy don't have vast differences and when you think of 36 weeks of this non-stop, well let's just say I didn't want to lose those of you who still check in on me.
So anywho, this post is all things pregnancy. I'll try to answer the questions that I've been asked and tell you all the goody goodness and not so goody that I've encountered. I figure one concise post is okay and not enough to qualify me for "womb-brain" which I'm so very afraid of contracting and have forewarned several love ones to knock me out if they see the early onset of me talking, thinking, breathing, ONLY all things baby. ;-) I love the little mini to pieces already, but I want to teach her to be as multifaceted as her momma, isn't that what being a woman is all about?
So here we go: I'm feeling pretty good. I told myself no complaining from the very beginning. Everything is not perfect as I'm on my 2nd bout of a cold from Hades, my skin has erupted into stages that I don't think it even hit in high school when my acne was at its prime, and my hip has a constant little 'catch' in it that I can't seem to pop into place, but I'm very well aware that this pregnancy has been absolutely breezy and we're blessed.
Today's our 36 week mark and here are me and the little mini:
We had a doctor appt yesterday and I won't even post the ultrasound pics because she's so squished in there with her head down and her face towards my back, that the best pic we could get was of her feet (which aren't looking near as large as they were before... but that may be because her legs are the same length as mine... I digress) The stats: Little mini • She's still a girl. Because of her positioning, the best pics we have are of her girl parts. Relieved b/c I've had several older people tell me that it looks like I'm carrying a boy. Not that we're overly pink with anything, but all's been done with "girl" in mind and a little mini boy would have had to come home in something that might have him questioning himself later. • weighs in at 5lbs 6oz right now. Dr. says she's right on track with all of her measurements, except • Her legs are measuring about a week ahead of everything else meaning that they're long. She got that from KJ. • She's curled up in a fetal position as if you were to change her diaper and hold her legs up toward her head (that's how the doc described it). I'll find a little diagram to show how she's sitting in relation to my belly (which measures 39.5in around as of Tuesday evening) • She's in position (not breeched, yay) but has not dropped any • Dr. said I should feel her move some every 2 hours and it's important for me to pay attention to this. So far so good. She likes to put her heel in my side and her elbows are quite pointy. ;-) • I sing to her on the commute to and from work. 1 song I made up that has her name in it. Jesus is coming soon (aka Troublesome times, my fav. hymn) and Without You Lord. KJ says the hymns I sing are a little depressing about the world coming to an end, but there are few songs that I know all the words to and I find the rhythms of these to be soothing. The themes, maybe not so much to a child, but in time... Come on they're about Jesus. :-) • Her name is not a secret, but I thought I'd post it on her site once she arrives. If you want to know early just leave a comment with your email and I'll shoot it to you. On this blog I'll continue to refer to her as the little mini. It's got a nice ring to it. • I'm thinking her blog will be by invite only... just a thought, we'll see. Again shoot me your email and no worries. KJ's always tried to make me aware of how vast the internet really is and that we can't even begin to comprehend who all is doing what with it. Thus why I try to be general in the info I give on us, so I'm thinking, as the parent I should be really protective of the little one. Plus, I told you all about that movie Untraceable... really crazy.
Me • I've gained 24lbs so far. • As previously mentioned, if I had to gripe about anything it'd be that my skin has gone bonkers. I so thought I was finished with acne, but whoo-hoo for hormones. • No stretch marks, which I've learned are a genetic thing, but I still rub coco butter on the belly every morning and night. • Nothing on me is swollen, yet. Rings still fit, shoes still a size 8 - 8.5. I have cut back on wearing heels only b/c I plan to walk around the outside of the building more and more while at work. • I need to start trying to walk this baby down, I've considered just hanging out at Walmart every evening, but fear that I would come home with tons of unneeded items... • One of my coworkers has fifth's disease. Dr. said it shouldn't affect the baby this late in the game, but she had blood drown just to test me for it. • My pregnancy ailments have been: 1 car accident, 2 colds, 1 UTI (which I didn't even realize I had, but apparently the bacteria is always present in the body, but mine just went haywire and over produced, creating the UTI. She said some women are just like that and I'll be hooked up to antibiotics during labor for the little mini just as a precaution). Not too bad considering all the junk that's gone thru this office. I can't even start to name the germies that I come in contact with between Mon and Fri. • Also this cold has me snoring!! KJ's a light sleeper and after 2 or 3 days of him not resting well and me telling him that he probably needed to go to bed earlier, he confessed the real reason he's so tired. Last night he slept on the couch and I feel beyond horrible, so I'm really focusing on knocking this cold out once and for all. • We finished up lamaze and I'm so glad we took the course. I just feel really informed. I'm no where near against a medicated birth, but plan on doing what I can/ going for a bit without the epidural if I can help it. • Plan on being the milk maker for the little mini. Formula costs money and I love the benefits of the alternative, plus again, I'm cheap. Hello, if we have left overs at home, we do not eat out. This rule will apply to all under our roof. ;-) I do realize that this depends on the little mini, so I hope she's on board with the plan, if not, my main job is to make sure she gets her nourishment by all means necessary. I'm realistic people. • I don't mind people touching my belly. • I don't mind hearing other people's birth stories. Kind of gives me a few things to be aware of. Plus I always think how we're all carrying different babies and no two labor and deliveries are the same, but if I have symptoms like someone's mentioned to me before than I'll at least know to mention it to my dr. • I'm most nervous about the iv and the epidural. go figure.
We've been extremely blessed and almost everything we need has been gifted to us thus far. There are a few big things that I'm still debating on and we're going to figure out and pick up this weekend. • Diapers - I'm so against plain disposables and didn't really realize until I started doing my research. I'm not even that "green" but something about filling a landfill with tons and tons of my kid's poopy diapers doesn't set well with me. I also don't like all I'm discovering about the chemicals that have been put in disposables. A lot has changed since we were little. Plus I'm cheap and figure there are more economical ways to go about this. My top three options now are 1) bumGenius cloth diapers 2) 7th Generation disposables 3) flushable diapers. I'm still looking into all of these and taking into account that I will have to come back to work, so what system we'll be able to continue with successfully. • Car seat - I love the infant carrier systems, but not so happy about having to buy a whole new car seat once she's over 20 something pounds. Still looking into options here. • The Nursery - I've gotten my wall decals, my coworker did a beautiful painting to go over the changing table, and the material for the bedding is just waiting on me. I'm hoping to make some progress in there this weekend. Although we have a bassinet for her to sleep in our room when she first gets here, I want to get these things knocked out now b/c I know that I won't do it once I've added her into the mix • My Dr. wants me to stop working in 10 days. She doesn't like my commute. I'm hoping that I can convince her to let me go until Good Friday which is the week before our due date. Not b/c I love this job so much that I want to give them every bit of myself, uh no, more so that I've only got 6 dog-gone weeks for maternity leave and I want to use them wisely. This is all stuff that I've got to work out with my supervisor. Shoot, if the doc tells me to be out for 8 - 12 weeks then so be it, they'll just have to deal, or let me go. I'll keep you posted.
I think that's about it. Like I said, all things pregnancy. Whoa.
