Man, was last week crazy!
Turner had a fever Sunday and Monday. It left on Wednesday and he seemed back to normal until early Thursday morning when he woke up at the wee hours of the morning throwing up and proceeded to do so every hour for almost 2 days. The doc said unless his fever exceeded 105 and he wasn't acting extremely abnormal, then we must just wait for it to pass. So we did. And it was horrible. Poor little fella lost a bunch of weight this week and even though he tried to eat he just threw it all back up. Thank goodness he was back to his normal self today.
Lauren had her vaccinations Monday. She did well the day of, but Tuesday she was vomiting and running a fever right along with big brother. Ay yay yay . . . at least neither of them were peeing out of their butts. I can handle puke, but runny poop is where I lose all control.
In between the doctor appointments and sick kids, I was able to travel to Cincinnati and spend some time with one of my best friends in the whole wide world! I needed a break and it was so nice to relax and chat without having to worry about watching the kids. Now, most people wouldn't think that driving 30 minutes to pick up contacts, drop off a payment at the bank, filling a gas tank, spending 3.5 hours driving south, hanging out with a friend for 3.5 hours, then driving another 3.5 hours back home all in one day sounds like a good time, but it was SO worth it. Really it was. Breaks are hard to come by these days and I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity.
I have to give a HUGE thanks to my Mom who helped me with the sick kidders this week and another BIG thanks to Hubs for allowing me to escape for a couple of hours and get that pedicure I've been dying for. I wouldn't be sane without their help.
This week plans to be pretty low key, thank goodness. Workhorse Construction will be here bright and early in the morning to put our new roof on our garage and house. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to get the kids to nap with all of the hammering going on above their heads. Could be tricky! The construction crew estimated that it will be finished by Tuesday afternoon. (weather permitting of course) and Lauren has her 6 month photo session on Saturday.
Have a great week everyone!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Simple Healthy Supper - Chicken Tortilla Soup
From my table to yours.
Don't let the long list of ingredients frighten you. Most of the stuff you probably already have in your cupboard.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 can fat free low sodium chicken broth
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 c water
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can white hominy
1 4 oz. can chili peppers (I left these out since I don't do spicy)
1 can black beans, rinsed
1/4 c fresh chopped cilantro
2 cans cooked chicken
Topping: crushed tortilla chips, sliced avocado, shredded monterey jack cheese, and chopped green onions
Instructions:
In a medium stock pot, heat oil. Saute onion and garlic until soft. Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil. Simmer 5 - 10 minutes.
Stir in corn, hominy, chili's, beans, cilantro, and chicken. Simmer 10 minutes.
Add toppings of choice.
Don't let the long list of ingredients frighten you. Most of the stuff you probably already have in your cupboard.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 can fat free low sodium chicken broth
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 c water
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can white hominy
1 4 oz. can chili peppers (I left these out since I don't do spicy)
1 can black beans, rinsed
1/4 c fresh chopped cilantro
2 cans cooked chicken
Topping: crushed tortilla chips, sliced avocado, shredded monterey jack cheese, and chopped green onions
Instructions:
In a medium stock pot, heat oil. Saute onion and garlic until soft. Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil. Simmer 5 - 10 minutes.
Stir in corn, hominy, chili's, beans, cilantro, and chicken. Simmer 10 minutes.
Add toppings of choice.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Reconnecting - Marriage 101
With all of the changes Tanner and I have experienced over the last 6 - 7 months, it's been easy for us to be distracted . . . disconnected if you will.
We have only gone out twice since Lauren was born in February and one of those times was a wedding that we were both in. Tonight was the third time in 6 months we went to dinner without the kids. I'm not bragging or complaining, just stating the facts.
Please don't think that we don't have offers for sitters, because we do. It's more complicated than just having someone watch your kids for a couple of hours. Maybe I make it too complicated on them or I've made it too complicated for Tanner and I. You see, our children have schedules. Feedings, nap times, bath times, bedtimes, etc. are typically done at the same times every day. We are particular about keeping them on their schedule for a couple of reasons. The main reason being that it makes life easier. Easier on the kids because they know what to expect and their bodies stay in rhythm and easier on us because we don't have two children melting down because they are hungry, tired, and overall out of sync.
Turner's schedule @ 3 years old:
7 a.m. - Rise and Shine!
8:30 a.m. - Breakfast
10:00 a.m. - Morning snack
11:30 a.m. - Lunch
12:30 - 3:00 - Nap
3:30 - Snack
5:30 - Dinner
7 p.m. - Snack
8 p.m. - Bath
8:30 - Bedtime
Lauren's schedule @ 6 months old:
7 a.m. - Rise and Shine!
8 a.m. - Morning feeding
9 a.m. - Cereal
10 a.m. - Nap
11 a.m. - Feeding
12 p.m. - Cereal
1:30 - Nap
3 p.m. - Feeding
5:30 p.m. - Cereal
6 p.m. - Nap
7 p.m. - Bath
7:30 p.m. - Feeding / Bedtime
*Note that play times and activities fill in all the time in between!
As you can imagine, in between meals, laying the kids down for naps, play times, dishes, laundry, cleaning the house, mowing the yard, bath times, and bedtimes; Tanner and I don't have much time together.
All of us sit together at the dinner table every night and have dinner together as a family. This is very important to Tanner and I. It helps us bond with our kids over a home-cooked meal. However, it's very hard to have a conversation in between feeding Lauren and listening to Turner. Plus, we have to watch what we discuss and say in front of Turner. Adult conversation must be saved for those few moments when the kids are distracted or we are alone. Not easy.
Tonight we were able to spend a couple of hours with each other and reconnect. We got dressed up, dropped off the kids, and went to a restaurant for dinner. We were able to talk to each other without being interrupted, we were able to eat our meals while they were still warm, we were able to take our time eating, and most important we were able to spend quality time together.
The things we used to take for granted before having kids! Scheesh!
I'm not complaining about having the kids around us all of the time. It is what we choose. As time sneaks up on us, it won't be long until we are sitting in a quiet house wishing our kids were home. Plus, Tanner and I truly enjoy being around Turner and Lauren. They are both so much fun. On the same token, it's very important to not let the daily rat race of life distract you from your partner.
At the end of the day, it is your best friend that you need the most.
So far 2011 has been extremely hectic for us. Pregnancy, new baby, job changes, house repairs, car repairs, Turner's upcoming surgery, the list goes on and on.
I guess the point I'm trying to make with this post is that no matter what obstacles/challenges/changes you experience in life, if you have someone that is always there for you things will never be too tough to overcome.
Nurture your relationships.
I love you
For not only what you are, but for what I am when I am with you
I love you
For not only what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me
I love you
For the part of me that you bring out
I love you
For putting your hand into my heaped up heart and passing over all of the foolish, weak things that you can't help dimly seeing there
And for drawing out into the light all the beautiful belongings that no one else had looked quite far enough to find
I love you because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life, not a tavern, but a temple out of the works of my every day; not a reproach but a song
I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good
And more than any fate could have done to make me happy
You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign
You have done it by being yourself
Perhaps that is what being a friend means after all
- Roy Croft
We have only gone out twice since Lauren was born in February and one of those times was a wedding that we were both in. Tonight was the third time in 6 months we went to dinner without the kids. I'm not bragging or complaining, just stating the facts.
Please don't think that we don't have offers for sitters, because we do. It's more complicated than just having someone watch your kids for a couple of hours. Maybe I make it too complicated on them or I've made it too complicated for Tanner and I. You see, our children have schedules. Feedings, nap times, bath times, bedtimes, etc. are typically done at the same times every day. We are particular about keeping them on their schedule for a couple of reasons. The main reason being that it makes life easier. Easier on the kids because they know what to expect and their bodies stay in rhythm and easier on us because we don't have two children melting down because they are hungry, tired, and overall out of sync.
Turner's schedule @ 3 years old:
7 a.m. - Rise and Shine!
8:30 a.m. - Breakfast
10:00 a.m. - Morning snack
11:30 a.m. - Lunch
12:30 - 3:00 - Nap
3:30 - Snack
5:30 - Dinner
7 p.m. - Snack
8 p.m. - Bath
8:30 - Bedtime
Lauren's schedule @ 6 months old:
7 a.m. - Rise and Shine!
8 a.m. - Morning feeding
9 a.m. - Cereal
10 a.m. - Nap
11 a.m. - Feeding
12 p.m. - Cereal
1:30 - Nap
3 p.m. - Feeding
5:30 p.m. - Cereal
6 p.m. - Nap
7 p.m. - Bath
7:30 p.m. - Feeding / Bedtime
*Note that play times and activities fill in all the time in between!
As you can imagine, in between meals, laying the kids down for naps, play times, dishes, laundry, cleaning the house, mowing the yard, bath times, and bedtimes; Tanner and I don't have much time together.
All of us sit together at the dinner table every night and have dinner together as a family. This is very important to Tanner and I. It helps us bond with our kids over a home-cooked meal. However, it's very hard to have a conversation in between feeding Lauren and listening to Turner. Plus, we have to watch what we discuss and say in front of Turner. Adult conversation must be saved for those few moments when the kids are distracted or we are alone. Not easy.
Tonight we were able to spend a couple of hours with each other and reconnect. We got dressed up, dropped off the kids, and went to a restaurant for dinner. We were able to talk to each other without being interrupted, we were able to eat our meals while they were still warm, we were able to take our time eating, and most important we were able to spend quality time together.
The things we used to take for granted before having kids! Scheesh!
I'm not complaining about having the kids around us all of the time. It is what we choose. As time sneaks up on us, it won't be long until we are sitting in a quiet house wishing our kids were home. Plus, Tanner and I truly enjoy being around Turner and Lauren. They are both so much fun. On the same token, it's very important to not let the daily rat race of life distract you from your partner.
At the end of the day, it is your best friend that you need the most.
So far 2011 has been extremely hectic for us. Pregnancy, new baby, job changes, house repairs, car repairs, Turner's upcoming surgery, the list goes on and on.
I guess the point I'm trying to make with this post is that no matter what obstacles/challenges/changes you experience in life, if you have someone that is always there for you things will never be too tough to overcome.
Nurture your relationships.
I love you
For not only what you are, but for what I am when I am with you
I love you
For not only what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me
I love you
For the part of me that you bring out
I love you
For putting your hand into my heaped up heart and passing over all of the foolish, weak things that you can't help dimly seeing there
And for drawing out into the light all the beautiful belongings that no one else had looked quite far enough to find
I love you because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life, not a tavern, but a temple out of the works of my every day; not a reproach but a song
I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good
And more than any fate could have done to make me happy
You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign
You have done it by being yourself
Perhaps that is what being a friend means after all
- Roy Croft
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Updates
Jobs: I've applied for a few. I've had a couple of offers but nothing good enough to pull me away from the kiddos. I'm still interviewing and hopeful that something promising will turn up. Until then, I'm really enjoying being at home. Honestly, I don't know why I'm in a hurry to find a job. Habit of working maybe?
Speaking of home, the closets have been organized, scrapbooks have been brought up to speed, things are cleaner and more organized. My house hasn't been this way in, well, ever. It feels good.
Downside: No breaks. Every once in a while I can squeeze in 20 - 30 minutes of 'me time' but not much more than that. I miss my hour lunch break where I could go to the park and read.
I miss reading. What are you reading? Anything good?
Exercise in my life has been non-existent. Unless you count the leg workout I found in a magazine and decided to try. I did it for two days and couldn't move for four days afterward. Sad. I'm really looking forward to when I'm done breastfeeding so I can work on getting my body back. Then again, I hate wishing for time to pass. Life goes by too quickly as it is.
I shopped at the Goodwill for clothing a couple of weeks ago. I went in looking for t-shirts and ended up buying 4 dresses, 4 tank tops, 4 tshirts, and 2 cute tops all for $47.00. I'm thinking I either hit it on a great day or my taste in clothing has really went down the tubes.
I robbed my husbands closet of his high school football jersey aka Jen's new sleep shirt. He's never going to wear it again and it makes me feel young and cute when I wear it, even if it is just to snooze in. Btw, how many hooded sweatshirts can one man own? I found so many of them that there is NO WAY he remembers all of them. I actually think I saw the same one twice. I think I'll be buying him more diverse winter apparel in the upcoming months.
Amy Winehouse. Were you really surprised with her death? Doubt it. However, I was surprised that she was only 27 years old. I thought she was alot older. You can't deny her talent though. Here is one of my favorite songs of hers. Enjoy!
You Know I'm No Good
Speaking of home, the closets have been organized, scrapbooks have been brought up to speed, things are cleaner and more organized. My house hasn't been this way in, well, ever. It feels good.
Downside: No breaks. Every once in a while I can squeeze in 20 - 30 minutes of 'me time' but not much more than that. I miss my hour lunch break where I could go to the park and read.
I miss reading. What are you reading? Anything good?
Exercise in my life has been non-existent. Unless you count the leg workout I found in a magazine and decided to try. I did it for two days and couldn't move for four days afterward. Sad. I'm really looking forward to when I'm done breastfeeding so I can work on getting my body back. Then again, I hate wishing for time to pass. Life goes by too quickly as it is.
I shopped at the Goodwill for clothing a couple of weeks ago. I went in looking for t-shirts and ended up buying 4 dresses, 4 tank tops, 4 tshirts, and 2 cute tops all for $47.00. I'm thinking I either hit it on a great day or my taste in clothing has really went down the tubes.
I robbed my husbands closet of his high school football jersey aka Jen's new sleep shirt. He's never going to wear it again and it makes me feel young and cute when I wear it, even if it is just to snooze in. Btw, how many hooded sweatshirts can one man own? I found so many of them that there is NO WAY he remembers all of them. I actually think I saw the same one twice. I think I'll be buying him more diverse winter apparel in the upcoming months.
Amy Winehouse. Were you really surprised with her death? Doubt it. However, I was surprised that she was only 27 years old. I thought she was alot older. You can't deny her talent though. Here is one of my favorite songs of hers. Enjoy!
You Know I'm No Good
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sunday night thoughts . . .
- It's been almost 3 weeks since I left my job. I feel like I'm on vacation. I can't believe it hasn't hit me yet. I can't believe I am unemployed. I've had a job since I was 14 years old. This is all so foreign.
- I know this sounds terrible, but I thought I would probably go insane being around my kids 24/7. Truth is, we've gotten closer and Turner behaves so much better than before. It's not bad at all.
- For the first time EVER, I've been doing Tanner's laundry.
- For the first time EVER, I've been making all of the meals. It doesn't bother me a bit.
- Our finances are more organized than they've ever been. It's comforting to know what you've got in the bank on an almost daily basis. Prior to my unemployment, I was only glancing at our bank statement twice a month. Eeek.
- I am happier. Leaving my job may not have been the best financial decision, but I have no regrets. I've never felt better.
- I've been finding myself wanting to be closer to family lately. Not quite sure why since I'm used to keeping them at a distance.
- I can't wait until I'm able to have caffeine again. If I can be as productive as I have been on 6 hours of broken sleep and no caffeine . . . I'll be freaking unstoppable.
- Turner got really upset this weekend when he realized a baby bird that was living in our garage was killed. It's difficult to explain the cycle of life and food chain to a 3 year old. Turner is a sensitive kid and takes everything to heart. I love that about him, but it worries me.
- Lauren has been rolling over, eating cereal, and making the 'D' sound. She's going to be saying 'Da-da' very soon, I just know it. She smiles constantly and is the best baby ever. We are so blessed.
- Our house is getting ready for some major construction. The garage came down this weekend. Next will be the roof and siding. It's needed work for a long time and I'm so glad it's finally getting done.
- After our house is finished, we are starting a Disney fund. We want to take the kids on vacation to Disney World next year. I hope like hell they appreciate it.
Sorry that this hasn't been a very interesting post. Sometimes I just like to throw items down so I can reflect on them later. Plus, I feel like I have been neglecting my blog lately.
I will be posting pics of the kids on my other blog Turner and Lauren very soon.
Good night!
- I know this sounds terrible, but I thought I would probably go insane being around my kids 24/7. Truth is, we've gotten closer and Turner behaves so much better than before. It's not bad at all.
- For the first time EVER, I've been doing Tanner's laundry.
- For the first time EVER, I've been making all of the meals. It doesn't bother me a bit.
- Our finances are more organized than they've ever been. It's comforting to know what you've got in the bank on an almost daily basis. Prior to my unemployment, I was only glancing at our bank statement twice a month. Eeek.
- I am happier. Leaving my job may not have been the best financial decision, but I have no regrets. I've never felt better.
- I've been finding myself wanting to be closer to family lately. Not quite sure why since I'm used to keeping them at a distance.
- I can't wait until I'm able to have caffeine again. If I can be as productive as I have been on 6 hours of broken sleep and no caffeine . . . I'll be freaking unstoppable.
- Turner got really upset this weekend when he realized a baby bird that was living in our garage was killed. It's difficult to explain the cycle of life and food chain to a 3 year old. Turner is a sensitive kid and takes everything to heart. I love that about him, but it worries me.
- Lauren has been rolling over, eating cereal, and making the 'D' sound. She's going to be saying 'Da-da' very soon, I just know it. She smiles constantly and is the best baby ever. We are so blessed.
- Our house is getting ready for some major construction. The garage came down this weekend. Next will be the roof and siding. It's needed work for a long time and I'm so glad it's finally getting done.
- After our house is finished, we are starting a Disney fund. We want to take the kids on vacation to Disney World next year. I hope like hell they appreciate it.
Sorry that this hasn't been a very interesting post. Sometimes I just like to throw items down so I can reflect on them later. Plus, I feel like I have been neglecting my blog lately.
I will be posting pics of the kids on my other blog Turner and Lauren very soon.
Good night!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Required Listening: Downbound Train - Bruce Springsteen
I had a job
I had a girl
I had something going Mister in this world
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Happy Birthday to Me!
I'm 32 today.
I can't say that I feel 32. I look 32.
I feel like I've lived alot of life in 32 years.
I feel like I've got alot of life left to live. I'm gonna need AT LEAST 32 more years.
I started a bucket list a couple of years ago even though I think I'm a bit young for one. For real, I did.
Like every year, life only gets better. Seriously, folks. For me, they really do. I know eventually that will change. I try not to think about that. I'm hoping I will always looking forward to my future. Eyes bright and excited for another year.
More opportunities.
More friends.
More family.
Richer relationships.
It might be bad luck to share these with you, but here are that things that I'm wishing for on the evening of my 32nd birthday.
Good fortune
Healthy babies (yours and mine)
Happiness
Good health
Strength and
Motivation
Here's hoping they come true!
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I can't say that I feel 32. I look 32.
I feel like I've lived alot of life in 32 years.
I feel like I've got alot of life left to live. I'm gonna need AT LEAST 32 more years.
I started a bucket list a couple of years ago even though I think I'm a bit young for one. For real, I did.
Like every year, life only gets better. Seriously, folks. For me, they really do. I know eventually that will change. I try not to think about that. I'm hoping I will always looking forward to my future. Eyes bright and excited for another year.
More opportunities.
More friends.
More family.
Richer relationships.
It might be bad luck to share these with you, but here are that things that I'm wishing for on the evening of my 32nd birthday.
Good fortune
Healthy babies (yours and mine)
Happiness
Good health
Strength and
Motivation
Here's hoping they come true!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Spontanuity: Good Instinct or Epic Fail?
Changes.
Yeah, I'm makin' em. You?
I don't know what has gotten into me lately but I've grown balls. Okay. Not literally. You know what I mean. I've been feeling brave, a little rowdy . . .less Mom and more Jenny-I-used-to-be.
I like it.
A lot.
I just hope it doesn't bite me in the tits later.
Impulse move of the week: I quit my job. No two weeks notice and no good-bye's. Just 'I am leaving and I'm not coming back' notice. No consulting with Hubs, no sleep-on-it tactic. I was sitting at my desk at 10:00 p.m. stressing, worrying, and in tears about my job when a part of me rose up and said, 'Fuck It.' Seriously, those are the exact words that popped in my head. No rationalization, just an overwhelming feeling to pack my stuff and go. And I went with it.
No looking back.
Fourteen years with a company that I loved. Fifteen minutes to gather my belongings and leave it all behind.
My thoughts on the way home was that Hubs was going to kick my ass. Not literally. He totally knows I would poison his food or turn psycho or spend the rest of my days making the rest of his days a LIVING HELL. Anyway, I knew he was going to be pissed. And he was. And it lasted a day or so. Now we've talked about it and we are putting a game plan together.
Lesson learned: Consult Hubs before making life-altering decisions, even if I know it won't change my mind. RESPECT the UNION of MARRIAGE.
So, now I'm home with the kidders. I am going to continue to take Turner to daycare three days a week. You're probably thinking, 'What kind of SAHM takes her kid to daycare?!!??'
The Me kind.
And I'll tell you why:
I can't develop the social skills and life skills he needs like the daycare can. Not with an infant to care for and a house to tend to and meals that need made and laundry that needs done and and and (insert more excuses here). But really, the bottom line is, he enjoys having friends to play with and it's good for him to get a break from his Mama every once in awhile. It's good for Mama to get a break from Turner too. Plus, they teach him all kinds of great stuff that I don't even think about. For example: Name Recognition, Sharing, Team Activities, Crafts, Peer Interaction, etc.
Moment of Truth: The daycare, Babycenter.com, and my friends have taught me (for the most part) how to take care of my kid. I'm not ashamed of it either. I figure the professionals and veterans know what works. I would be lost without them. I'm trying to utilize my resources and hoping for the best. That's all that us cool, good-looking, and smart Mom's out there can do, Am-mah right Girl?
Now whaddya say we trick our kids into an early bedtime so we can watch our naughty shows and have conversations using swear words! Are you with me? C'mon, all the good parents are doing it.
Am I looking for another job? Yeah. Why not? I like to work. I like meeting new people. I like having a life outside of my home. I enjoy contributing to our household income. It makes me all shiny and happy inside to feel liked and needed.
I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead and I'm REALLY enjoying not knowing what my future holds.
Stay tuned next week when I reflect, self-assess, and have a paranoid freak-out because I've convinced myself that my selfish decisions have ruined the lives of my family.
Yeah, I'm makin' em. You?
I don't know what has gotten into me lately but I've grown balls. Okay. Not literally. You know what I mean. I've been feeling brave, a little rowdy . . .less Mom and more Jenny-I-used-to-be.
I like it.
A lot.
I just hope it doesn't bite me in the tits later.
Impulse move of the week: I quit my job. No two weeks notice and no good-bye's. Just 'I am leaving and I'm not coming back' notice. No consulting with Hubs, no sleep-on-it tactic. I was sitting at my desk at 10:00 p.m. stressing, worrying, and in tears about my job when a part of me rose up and said, 'Fuck It.' Seriously, those are the exact words that popped in my head. No rationalization, just an overwhelming feeling to pack my stuff and go. And I went with it.
No looking back.
Fourteen years with a company that I loved. Fifteen minutes to gather my belongings and leave it all behind.
My thoughts on the way home was that Hubs was going to kick my ass. Not literally. He totally knows I would poison his food or turn psycho or spend the rest of my days making the rest of his days a LIVING HELL. Anyway, I knew he was going to be pissed. And he was. And it lasted a day or so. Now we've talked about it and we are putting a game plan together.
Lesson learned: Consult Hubs before making life-altering decisions, even if I know it won't change my mind. RESPECT the UNION of MARRIAGE.
So, now I'm home with the kidders. I am going to continue to take Turner to daycare three days a week. You're probably thinking, 'What kind of SAHM takes her kid to daycare?!!??'
The Me kind.
And I'll tell you why:
I can't develop the social skills and life skills he needs like the daycare can. Not with an infant to care for and a house to tend to and meals that need made and laundry that needs done and and and (insert more excuses here). But really, the bottom line is, he enjoys having friends to play with and it's good for him to get a break from his Mama every once in awhile. It's good for Mama to get a break from Turner too. Plus, they teach him all kinds of great stuff that I don't even think about. For example: Name Recognition, Sharing, Team Activities, Crafts, Peer Interaction, etc.
Moment of Truth: The daycare, Babycenter.com, and my friends have taught me (for the most part) how to take care of my kid. I'm not ashamed of it either. I figure the professionals and veterans know what works. I would be lost without them. I'm trying to utilize my resources and hoping for the best. That's all that us cool, good-looking, and smart Mom's out there can do, Am-mah right Girl?
Now whaddya say we trick our kids into an early bedtime so we can watch our naughty shows and have conversations using swear words! Are you with me? C'mon, all the good parents are doing it.
Am I looking for another job? Yeah. Why not? I like to work. I like meeting new people. I like having a life outside of my home. I enjoy contributing to our household income. It makes me all shiny and happy inside to feel liked and needed.
I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead and I'm REALLY enjoying not knowing what my future holds.
Stay tuned next week when I reflect, self-assess, and have a paranoid freak-out because I've convinced myself that my selfish decisions have ruined the lives of my family.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Estrogen
Both of my sisters and their significant others.
Home.
We had dinner tonight in my home. Our home. The house we grew up in.
Good food.
Laughter.
Love.
Memories.
Good times.
Their old bedrooms now occupy my sleeping children. Our home. The house we grew up in.
Buying this house was a great decision even though I was really unsure at the time. Not all childhood memories here are good but the good ones outweigh the bad by far.
I love the women we have become. All so extremely different in our own ways yet powerfully connected.
Sisters.
"A sister is both a mirror - and your opposite" -Elizabeth Fishel
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Home.
We had dinner tonight in my home. Our home. The house we grew up in.
Good food.
Laughter.
Love.
Memories.
Good times.
Their old bedrooms now occupy my sleeping children. Our home. The house we grew up in.
Buying this house was a great decision even though I was really unsure at the time. Not all childhood memories here are good but the good ones outweigh the bad by far.
I love the women we have become. All so extremely different in our own ways yet powerfully connected.
Sisters.
"A sister is both a mirror - and your opposite" -Elizabeth Fishel
Monday, June 20, 2011
Bucket List: Compete in a Triathalon
I'm not getting any younger. Hopefully, I'll have this one checked off before my 50th birthday.
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They're all gonna laugh at you
Lately, I've been having weeks (do I dare to say months?) when I'm feeling all 'high on life'? Through my optimism I enjoy:
Sunny days that help keep me energized
The way the Earth smells in the rain
The sound of a thunderstorm
A job with a great company
Friends that I can count on to make me smile
Family that loves constantly and unconditionally
Reading books / materials that really get me thinking
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But eventually, something happens and I have a total meltdown. It's like I get overtaken by my suppressed pessimist inner voice and I convince myself that:
I'm not a good wife/mother/friend/cook/etc. etc. etc.
I'm going to lose my job
Ever since Lauren's arrival, I haven't been focusing on Turner like I should
Turner doesn't like me as much anymore
Tanner doesn't like me as much anymore
I don't like me as much anymore
Everyone can see my post baby roll through my shirt and I feel guilty because it should be gone by now
I need to be a better housekeeper
I need to work harder at keeping a family schedule
I need to save more money
I'm getting lazy
I hate my clothes
I hate my furniture
I hate my house
I hate how I look in my glasses
I have thin eyelashes and transparent eyebrows
My teeth need Zoom whitening
My hair needs updated
I need Spanx
I could continue but I'm sure you are on your way out of this blog due to all of my negativity and I like when you visit me here so let me get to the point.
How can I have a random day when everything I am self-conscious about pops up all at once causing me have a little freak out? Next thing I know, I've convinced myself that I'm crazy and I'm hunched over, crying about all of it or none of it . . .not sure which. Then it goes away.
My optimistic side comes back and I talk myself into believing that everything will work out and it's going to be okay and I move on. In the meantime, Hubs is convinced that I've either lost my mind or something really bad has happened. How do I tell him that every once in awhile I turn into Jen Looneytunes but a good cry makes me feel better? How do I tell him I'm not sure what I'm really crying about? It's the truth. Am I crying because being blind-sided with so many bad thoughts scares the hell out of me? Is it just me, or does this happen to most of us women out there? Why don't dudes go through emotional phases like this? Is it hormones? Is it my diet? Cell phone overuse? Years of staring into the microwave as it warmed my food? Is it the high fructose corn syrup? Lack of caffeine maybe? How can I be completely overwhelmed with life one minute then calm as can be the next?
It feels insane.
Hubs says every woman has a little bit of crazy in them. I think he chose a woman that got a couple extra scoops. Wait until Menopause kicks in. Good Lawd I'm going to be one overreacting emotional bitch!
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Sunny days that help keep me energized
The way the Earth smells in the rain
The sound of a thunderstorm
A job with a great company
Friends that I can count on to make me smile
Family that loves constantly and unconditionally
Reading books / materials that really get me thinking
But eventually, something happens and I have a total meltdown. It's like I get overtaken by my suppressed pessimist inner voice and I convince myself that:
I'm not a good wife/mother/friend/cook/etc. etc. etc.
I'm going to lose my job
Ever since Lauren's arrival, I haven't been focusing on Turner like I should
Turner doesn't like me as much anymore
Tanner doesn't like me as much anymore
I don't like me as much anymore
Everyone can see my post baby roll through my shirt and I feel guilty because it should be gone by now
I need to be a better housekeeper
I need to work harder at keeping a family schedule
I need to save more money
I'm getting lazy
I hate my clothes
I hate my furniture
I hate my house
I hate how I look in my glasses
I have thin eyelashes and transparent eyebrows
My teeth need Zoom whitening
My hair needs updated
I need Spanx
I could continue but I'm sure you are on your way out of this blog due to all of my negativity and I like when you visit me here so let me get to the point.
How can I have a random day when everything I am self-conscious about pops up all at once causing me have a little freak out? Next thing I know, I've convinced myself that I'm crazy and I'm hunched over, crying about all of it or none of it . . .not sure which. Then it goes away.
My optimistic side comes back and I talk myself into believing that everything will work out and it's going to be okay and I move on. In the meantime, Hubs is convinced that I've either lost my mind or something really bad has happened. How do I tell him that every once in awhile I turn into Jen Looneytunes but a good cry makes me feel better? How do I tell him I'm not sure what I'm really crying about? It's the truth. Am I crying because being blind-sided with so many bad thoughts scares the hell out of me? Is it just me, or does this happen to most of us women out there? Why don't dudes go through emotional phases like this? Is it hormones? Is it my diet? Cell phone overuse? Years of staring into the microwave as it warmed my food? Is it the high fructose corn syrup? Lack of caffeine maybe? How can I be completely overwhelmed with life one minute then calm as can be the next?
It feels insane.
Hubs says every woman has a little bit of crazy in them. I think he chose a woman that got a couple extra scoops. Wait until Menopause kicks in. Good Lawd I'm going to be one overreacting emotional bitch!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Is it really worth it?
Do you know what I did today?
I had a garage sale.
A sale of my used items . . . sold out of a garage.
Growing up we NEVER went to garage sales. We weren't that well off but we were given hand-me-downs on the sly. Someone at work or a family member or a friend would give my mom a garbage bag or two of clothing for us. I remember the excitement me and my sis shared when we got to go through it. I think my mom was too proud to go to a home and buy used items for us. Or maybe she just didn't have the time. I don't know. Regardless, I went through life ignorant to garage / yard sales. Not anything that made any type of impact, I just had never been to one.
I went to my first garage sale with my husband shortly after we were married. I was embarrassed to be there. Sounds silly right? I just felt awkward looking at other people's possessions. It's difficult to explain. Anywho, fast forward a few years and I actually enjoy going out and about to the occasional neighborhood garage/yard sales and looking for a good deal. Especially now that I have children. Garage sales are wonderful places to find vintage toys and other cool things without breaking the bank.
Last year, I decided to have my first garage sale of my own. Holy shit I had no idea how much work they are. Digging stuff out of storage, deciding whether to keep, sell, or donate. If it's a sale item, how much to ask for it. Organizing, setting up, and sitting in a chair, in a freaking garage all.day.long. In 90 degree weather.
Yeah well, I guess I forgot how much work it took and had another one. It was alot of work for the few bones we earned today. I'm not sure if I have the energy to do it again.
Who am I kidding.
I most likely will.
By most likely I mean it will happen despite the part of me that cringes at the mention of it.
However, I must say that you learn alot about yourself when you put your personal items out there for people to sort through. I learned that the clothes I've ignored last year were fantastic steals for a few ladies today. I learned that there are some other serious Bruce Springsteen fans out there. I learned that sometimes, people don't want to buy jack; they just want someone to talk to. I learned that every year Tanner manages to acquire a new pair of hand grip strengtheners and every year they sell to some old dude for a dollar. I learned that people aren't above trying to jew (excuse the term) your dollar item down to 25 cents and not feel a bit humiliated. I learned that kids LOVE the toys of other kids even though they probably lose interest in it a day later. And last, I learned that it feels good that people like my stuff enough to pay for it after I have used it.
So I guess today was overall a good day. I made some cash, met new people, and got rid of alot of clutter.
Do you garage/yard sale?
I had a garage sale.
A sale of my used items . . . sold out of a garage.
Growing up we NEVER went to garage sales. We weren't that well off but we were given hand-me-downs on the sly. Someone at work or a family member or a friend would give my mom a garbage bag or two of clothing for us. I remember the excitement me and my sis shared when we got to go through it. I think my mom was too proud to go to a home and buy used items for us. Or maybe she just didn't have the time. I don't know. Regardless, I went through life ignorant to garage / yard sales. Not anything that made any type of impact, I just had never been to one.
I went to my first garage sale with my husband shortly after we were married. I was embarrassed to be there. Sounds silly right? I just felt awkward looking at other people's possessions. It's difficult to explain. Anywho, fast forward a few years and I actually enjoy going out and about to the occasional neighborhood garage/yard sales and looking for a good deal. Especially now that I have children. Garage sales are wonderful places to find vintage toys and other cool things without breaking the bank.
Last year, I decided to have my first garage sale of my own. Holy shit I had no idea how much work they are. Digging stuff out of storage, deciding whether to keep, sell, or donate. If it's a sale item, how much to ask for it. Organizing, setting up, and sitting in a chair, in a freaking garage all.day.long. In 90 degree weather.
Yeah well, I guess I forgot how much work it took and had another one. It was alot of work for the few bones we earned today. I'm not sure if I have the energy to do it again.
Who am I kidding.
I most likely will.
By most likely I mean it will happen despite the part of me that cringes at the mention of it.
However, I must say that you learn alot about yourself when you put your personal items out there for people to sort through. I learned that the clothes I've ignored last year were fantastic steals for a few ladies today. I learned that there are some other serious Bruce Springsteen fans out there. I learned that sometimes, people don't want to buy jack; they just want someone to talk to. I learned that every year Tanner manages to acquire a new pair of hand grip strengtheners and every year they sell to some old dude for a dollar. I learned that people aren't above trying to jew (excuse the term) your dollar item down to 25 cents and not feel a bit humiliated. I learned that kids LOVE the toys of other kids even though they probably lose interest in it a day later. And last, I learned that it feels good that people like my stuff enough to pay for it after I have used it.
So I guess today was overall a good day. I made some cash, met new people, and got rid of alot of clutter.
Do you garage/yard sale?
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
4 minute post
Not much time for a post but I feel like I've been neglecting my blog lately. Here's the highlight reel.
Hope all is well everyone and thanks for reading my intermittent blog!
- Working part-time is freaking amazing. Best of both worlds.
- Car for sale. Posted on Craigslist on Sunday and have had 5 offers. I seriously might end up selling it for more than I asked for it. How sweet is that?
- Car shopping. Why the hell do vehicles cost so much these days? And I'm talking about the used ones.
- Warrior Dash. 3.1 mile obstacle course. Tanner and I have registered. It's in September.
- Bachelorette party last weekend. Breastfeeding is just like being pregnant. No drinks = Not having the fun everyone else is. Sorry, I can't do the 'pump and dump' thing. I'm too paranoid that I will still end up giving Lauren alcohol tainted milk. Plus, I'm too lazy. Just being honest.
- My latest obsession? Finding a tattoo for my foot. I know I want the initials of my kids to go on them but I want to add something . . . I'll figure it out.
- Sis has moved home. WOoooooHOoooo! Love having her around.
- I'm going to be an Aunt again. My B-I-L Joe and his lady are finding out the sex of their baby on Friday. I can't wait to unload all of my baby stuff on them.
Hope all is well everyone and thanks for reading my intermittent blog!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
INK
Tanner got his first tattoo's last week. He loves them and he's already thinking about the next one. They say that tattoo's are addicting. Hubs has an addictive personality so I should have seen this coming.
I got my one and only 13 years ago.
Never felt like I needed more until I started seeing tattoo's peek out of high heels and saw how pretty they can be. I want a tattoo on my foot, I just haven't figured out the details yet.
While browsing, I came across a few I thought were worth sharing. Aren't they perty?
I got my one and only 13 years ago.
Never felt like I needed more until I started seeing tattoo's peek out of high heels and saw how pretty they can be. I want a tattoo on my foot, I just haven't figured out the details yet.
While browsing, I came across a few I thought were worth sharing. Aren't they perty?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sunday night thoughts . . .
I got my car back last week but I can't say I'm exactly thrilled. For some reason I am bitter that it let me down and I just want to get rid of it. It's 6 years old and has 120,000 miles . . . time to move on. I've found my last 2 vehicles on Autotrader and I will probably start browsing that website again soon to try to find a good deal.
Just because boobs are large and they look nice under a shirt, doesn't necessarily mean they are pretty in their nakedness. However, most dudes are just happy to see naked boobs and they don't care what they look like.
Tanner and I haven't had a date night in over 3 months. I think it's time.
My To-Do list keeps growing and my Want To-Do list keeps growing. But seriously, who am I kidding. I'm thrilled just to be able to take my time in the shower, and, if the kids happen to be napping at the same time, shave my legs.
Lauren moves from her bassinet in our room to the crib in the nursery next week. It makes me sad. I will miss hearing her take her little baby breaths, sigh little baby sighs, and make little baby farts throughout the night. I'm 32 damn years old and farts still make me giggle . . . I guess we never outgrow some things eh?
The baby weight I have lost is slowly making a comeback. I'm a shitty dieter so I need to get back into my running shoes and hit the pavement. Maybe I'll sign up for a 5k to make me motivated.
I've been feeling a need to build stronger relationships with the people I care about.
Have you tried the new Reese's mini's? They are my newest junk food obsession. Delicious!
I put Turner's spring photograph in a frame today and pulled out all of the old ones that I kept behind the most recent pic. I reflected on how much he has grown and how he doesn't look like a baby or even a toddler any more. Having kids certainly does make time fly. I heard it a thousand times, but until I had a child of my own, I had no idea how true that statement is.
I think long fingernails are disgusting on men and on women. Every time I see them on someone I wonder how much crud is sitting under them and I gross myself out.
Why is it that I used to get 8 hours of sleep and still feel tired but now I get 6 hours of broken sleep and feel great in the morning? What happened?
I hope my brain doesn't keep me awake much longer tonight. Sometimes my thoughts are unable to keep quiet making me reflect and think into the wee hours of the morning. It's exhausting and really unproductive.
I should buy some sexier pajamas. My bedroom attire screams 'body in hiding'.
Good night all.
Just because boobs are large and they look nice under a shirt, doesn't necessarily mean they are pretty in their nakedness. However, most dudes are just happy to see naked boobs and they don't care what they look like.
Tanner and I haven't had a date night in over 3 months. I think it's time.
My To-Do list keeps growing and my Want To-Do list keeps growing. But seriously, who am I kidding. I'm thrilled just to be able to take my time in the shower, and, if the kids happen to be napping at the same time, shave my legs.
Lauren moves from her bassinet in our room to the crib in the nursery next week. It makes me sad. I will miss hearing her take her little baby breaths, sigh little baby sighs, and make little baby farts throughout the night. I'm 32 damn years old and farts still make me giggle . . . I guess we never outgrow some things eh?
The baby weight I have lost is slowly making a comeback. I'm a shitty dieter so I need to get back into my running shoes and hit the pavement. Maybe I'll sign up for a 5k to make me motivated.
I've been feeling a need to build stronger relationships with the people I care about.
Have you tried the new Reese's mini's? They are my newest junk food obsession. Delicious!
I put Turner's spring photograph in a frame today and pulled out all of the old ones that I kept behind the most recent pic. I reflected on how much he has grown and how he doesn't look like a baby or even a toddler any more. Having kids certainly does make time fly. I heard it a thousand times, but until I had a child of my own, I had no idea how true that statement is.
I think long fingernails are disgusting on men and on women. Every time I see them on someone I wonder how much crud is sitting under them and I gross myself out.
Why is it that I used to get 8 hours of sleep and still feel tired but now I get 6 hours of broken sleep and feel great in the morning? What happened?
I hope my brain doesn't keep me awake much longer tonight. Sometimes my thoughts are unable to keep quiet making me reflect and think into the wee hours of the morning. It's exhausting and really unproductive.
I should buy some sexier pajamas. My bedroom attire screams 'body in hiding'.
Good night all.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Postpartum Expression
So it's taken me over a month to post to my blog. Why? Mostly because I don't have much time to myself these days but I'm not complaining. Life has been pretty freaking fabulous.
Ok, so it hasn't been perfect. We had a few bad wind/hail/rain storms around here and part of our roof blew off and had to be tarped. Our siding has holes and dents in it from hail damage. Tanner's sweet grandmother 'Momo' passed away. Turner has been aggressive in school with other kids. The steering went out in my car. Hmmmm, I'm sure there were a few other things here and there but who's keeping track.
How have I been able to stay optimistic with all of this stuff happening in a matter of 4 weeks? I don't know, I just am. I can't explain it. Maybe that's just what optimists do. I mean, did I get upset . . . absolutely but I'm not stewing over any of it. I don't have the energy.
I consider us fortunate because 1.)we received a very healthy check from our homeowners insurance that will more than cover a new roof and siding for our house. The construction starts in a couple of weeks and we're pretty excited about it. 2.)Tanner's grandma was in alot of pain from all of her cancer and even though she will be missed so very much by her family, her suffering has ended. If any of you have ever been close to someone dying of cancer, you understand the relief that comes with the death. Her last few days were so terrible to watch but my husband got to tell her goodbye and she was able to see Turner and Lauren for the last time. We have comfort knowing that she is no longer in pain and we have many wonderful memories. 3.) We've gotten more serious with disciplining Mr. Turner John. We're finally taking charge and not letting him make so many rules. Tanner and I came up with a game plan and were pretty nervous about our little boy's response. We majorly cut back on TV shows, sugar consumption, second and third chances, etc. We're enforcing our timeouts after one warning and have started taking away toys. We were shocked that after only a couple of days we have a much better behaved son. Go figure! Now we wonder why we didn't do this sooner. Atleast we have something that is working for us. 4.) My car is fixed. It was expensive, but we will be getting ready to sell it soon so I can look forward to car shopping. Gotta love that! I'm thinking a Ford Fusion or another Malibu would be nice but we'll see what I end up with.
Sorry this post is turning into a book but alot of life happens in 4 weeks! I went back to work last week. I work Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It's so great. I now have 2 extra days at home with my kids and I'm loving it. Tanner has been working 6 to 7 days a week. I wish he were home more but the extra money more than makes up for the income I left. He doesn't enjoy working that much but he doesn't have much of a choice right now. His company downsized and then ended up landing a few big contracts afterward and now they can't keep up. Like they say, it's either feast or famine, there is rarely an in between.
Last, I want to let you all know that Turner is an amazing big brother to Lauren. He is very loving. Not a day passes that he doesn't hold her or give her hugs and kisses. He used to rush to our bedside in the morning but now he rushes to Lauren to tell her good morning and that it's time to wake up. Lauren has been the easiest baby. She is so laid back and she smiles all of the time. I've been blessed with two beautiful amazing kids and a supportive husband. It makes storm damage, loss, rebellion, and inefficiencies less concerning when I know at the end of the day I am loved unconditionally.
I hope all of you find or have found a place where your worries practically disappear and you have inner peace. I have and I really think it's going to allow me to discover strengths and passions in myself that I didn't know were there. I have a feeling that my thirties are going to be the best years ever.
My apologies, the previous paragraph got a little deep and weird. I guess I'm simply in a good place right now. I'll leave you with this:
"One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering." -Author Unknown
Ok, so it hasn't been perfect. We had a few bad wind/hail/rain storms around here and part of our roof blew off and had to be tarped. Our siding has holes and dents in it from hail damage. Tanner's sweet grandmother 'Momo' passed away. Turner has been aggressive in school with other kids. The steering went out in my car. Hmmmm, I'm sure there were a few other things here and there but who's keeping track.
How have I been able to stay optimistic with all of this stuff happening in a matter of 4 weeks? I don't know, I just am. I can't explain it. Maybe that's just what optimists do. I mean, did I get upset . . . absolutely but I'm not stewing over any of it. I don't have the energy.
I consider us fortunate because 1.)we received a very healthy check from our homeowners insurance that will more than cover a new roof and siding for our house. The construction starts in a couple of weeks and we're pretty excited about it. 2.)Tanner's grandma was in alot of pain from all of her cancer and even though she will be missed so very much by her family, her suffering has ended. If any of you have ever been close to someone dying of cancer, you understand the relief that comes with the death. Her last few days were so terrible to watch but my husband got to tell her goodbye and she was able to see Turner and Lauren for the last time. We have comfort knowing that she is no longer in pain and we have many wonderful memories. 3.) We've gotten more serious with disciplining Mr. Turner John. We're finally taking charge and not letting him make so many rules. Tanner and I came up with a game plan and were pretty nervous about our little boy's response. We majorly cut back on TV shows, sugar consumption, second and third chances, etc. We're enforcing our timeouts after one warning and have started taking away toys. We were shocked that after only a couple of days we have a much better behaved son. Go figure! Now we wonder why we didn't do this sooner. Atleast we have something that is working for us. 4.) My car is fixed. It was expensive, but we will be getting ready to sell it soon so I can look forward to car shopping. Gotta love that! I'm thinking a Ford Fusion or another Malibu would be nice but we'll see what I end up with.
Sorry this post is turning into a book but alot of life happens in 4 weeks! I went back to work last week. I work Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It's so great. I now have 2 extra days at home with my kids and I'm loving it. Tanner has been working 6 to 7 days a week. I wish he were home more but the extra money more than makes up for the income I left. He doesn't enjoy working that much but he doesn't have much of a choice right now. His company downsized and then ended up landing a few big contracts afterward and now they can't keep up. Like they say, it's either feast or famine, there is rarely an in between.
Last, I want to let you all know that Turner is an amazing big brother to Lauren. He is very loving. Not a day passes that he doesn't hold her or give her hugs and kisses. He used to rush to our bedside in the morning but now he rushes to Lauren to tell her good morning and that it's time to wake up. Lauren has been the easiest baby. She is so laid back and she smiles all of the time. I've been blessed with two beautiful amazing kids and a supportive husband. It makes storm damage, loss, rebellion, and inefficiencies less concerning when I know at the end of the day I am loved unconditionally.
I hope all of you find or have found a place where your worries practically disappear and you have inner peace. I have and I really think it's going to allow me to discover strengths and passions in myself that I didn't know were there. I have a feeling that my thirties are going to be the best years ever.
My apologies, the previous paragraph got a little deep and weird. I guess I'm simply in a good place right now. I'll leave you with this:
"One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering." -Author Unknown
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Specs
Yesterday we went to visit Turner's eye surgeon in Cleveland to follow up on the new prescription and patching they prepared us for a few months ago.
Well, we got really surprising news.
For the first time since Turner's surgery, his vision has improved! Instead of needing a stronger prescription, he needs a weaker one. Because the doctor believes his prescription needs corrected, he has decided to hold off on the patching.
What a relief!
During dinner last week, Turner told us that a kid in his class said his eyes were weird when he took his glasses off. We told Turner that his glasses help his eyes and I told him that he looks very handsome in his glasses. He was concerned that his eyes ARE weird and we assured him that they are not. Oh, I certainly hope that his eyes get corrected soon. Kids are curious at this age and ask questions, but I dread the day he comes home because he is teased about his eyes. I guess we'll cross that bridge if or when we get to it.
Turner cooperated very well with everyone through the hours of testing today. He had a mini meltdown at the end of the day but I can't say I blame him. We decided to skip his gymnastics class and relaxed at home for the evening.
Now to find the Batman glasses Turner has requested. . .
Well, we got really surprising news.
For the first time since Turner's surgery, his vision has improved! Instead of needing a stronger prescription, he needs a weaker one. Because the doctor believes his prescription needs corrected, he has decided to hold off on the patching.
What a relief!
During dinner last week, Turner told us that a kid in his class said his eyes were weird when he took his glasses off. We told Turner that his glasses help his eyes and I told him that he looks very handsome in his glasses. He was concerned that his eyes ARE weird and we assured him that they are not. Oh, I certainly hope that his eyes get corrected soon. Kids are curious at this age and ask questions, but I dread the day he comes home because he is teased about his eyes. I guess we'll cross that bridge if or when we get to it.
Turner cooperated very well with everyone through the hours of testing today. He had a mini meltdown at the end of the day but I can't say I blame him. We decided to skip his gymnastics class and relaxed at home for the evening.
Now to find the Batman glasses Turner has requested. . .
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Pics of the kidders
 |
| Tanner is finishing up a yawn in this one, lol! |
 |
| Checking out big brother |
 |
| 2 weeks |
 |
| Showing the faux-hawk |
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
And then there were Two . . .
I've had two full term pregnancies. Both different in their own way, but pretty much all of the same stuff goes down. Here are the major differences I experienced this time around:
Labor and delivery were extremely different than what I experienced in the past. The differences:
Raising two children will certainly hold many new challenges for Tanner and I but I'm confident that we are going to be great at it.
Right now I am truly in love with my life and feel so blessed.
- I carried higher, meaning my ribs constantly hurt and my acid reflux was a raging mother
- I only had a gain of 30 lbs. versus the 40 lbs. I put on with Turner (Thank you pneumonia?)
- I didn't get the dark line going down the middle of my abdomen
- No pre-labor nausea and alot fewer Braxton Hicks contractions
Labor and delivery were extremely different than what I experienced in the past. The differences:
- My water broke instead of having to be induced. Major plus. It wasn't uncomfortable at all and I didn't experience the huge gush like you see in the movies. Thank goodness!
- The labor was alot more intense and painful. I had a natural birth with Turner, but this time I went with the epidural. I thought to myself afterward, why didn't I do that the first time? It made labor so much easier!
- I only labored 7 hours versus 18 hours of labor I went through with my son. It seemed like it went very quickly.
Raising two children will certainly hold many new challenges for Tanner and I but I'm confident that we are going to be great at it.
Right now I am truly in love with my life and feel so blessed.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Lauren Avery Steinbauer
Born February 9, 2011
Weight: 7 lbs. 11 oz.
Length: 19.5 inches
I apologize for the grainy photos. Our camera died and I had to use my cell. There will be much better photos in the future, I promise!
Weight: 7 lbs. 11 oz.
Length: 19.5 inches
I apologize for the grainy photos. Our camera died and I had to use my cell. There will be much better photos in the future, I promise!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Can't Complain
The worst part of my pneumonia is over. I may still need treated after I deliver but I'm atleast able to get off of the couch to do things and I can now speak a full sentence without a coughing fit. I didn't have to get a shot of anything. My doc prescribed me another inhaler and it seemed to help. I have not returned to work. My doctor thought it would be best for me to rest at home since my immune system is so low and I'm still not 100%. It sucks that I wasn't able to train my replacement, but at the same time I don't think I would perform well at work right now. Another thing that turned up was that my iron was really low. I'm now taking an iron supplement twice a day along with my prenatal vitamin. Being anemic and giving birth could be quite dangerous, even though I have read that it's not uncommon for pregnant women to become anemic toward the end of a pregnancy. Still, the thought of excessive bleeding makes me really queasy and I'll be playing it safe.
I got great news from work this past week! It looks like there is a position available for me and I won't need to seek out other employment while I'm on maternity leave! I will go into work in March and discuss things further with my manager, but I'm so excited. I really thought that I would be doing some job searching during my time off. The news was a huge relief for me and for Tanner.
On a different subject, our taxes are done! Woo-hoo! We plan on using most of our return to pay some stuff off, as usual. We'll buy something we've been needing but have put off until 'we get our tax return' and then, what is left, will go toward our vacation fund. We owe my sisters a visit and we're lucky they live in warm areas. It makes for a nice family trip and we still get our relaxation time in the sun. Also, I'm thinking we might try to hit Disney this year. We'll see how life is with a newborn and a toddler first, but this fall might be good timing. Turner will almost be 4 years old. I want to take him while he still believes in the characters and can be fascinated by the 'magic' of the place. We'll see how it goes. Did I ever mention that I'm dying to go to Hershey, PA? Sounds lame, I know, but it's seriously a place I would love to visit.
I'm still as pregnant as can be. Thirty-nine weeks and 3 days to be exact. I can't complain, I've been feeling pretty good. As of last Thursday, my doc thought I was progressing well on my own and since I was recovering well, she guessed that I would be delivering this weekend. Obviously, that hasn't happened. She leaves for Ghana on Tuesday so if Lauren doesn't arrive by then, a different doctor will be delivering her. I'm not too thrilled about that, but what can I do? I was hoping to go into labor on my own this time, but I may end up getting induced again. I was induced at 40 weeks with Turner and I'm thinking I'm on the same path with this pregnancy. I guess nobody knows and I can only wait and hope for the best.
Take care and hopefully my next post will be the announcement of the arrival of our healthy little girl!
I got great news from work this past week! It looks like there is a position available for me and I won't need to seek out other employment while I'm on maternity leave! I will go into work in March and discuss things further with my manager, but I'm so excited. I really thought that I would be doing some job searching during my time off. The news was a huge relief for me and for Tanner.
On a different subject, our taxes are done! Woo-hoo! We plan on using most of our return to pay some stuff off, as usual. We'll buy something we've been needing but have put off until 'we get our tax return' and then, what is left, will go toward our vacation fund. We owe my sisters a visit and we're lucky they live in warm areas. It makes for a nice family trip and we still get our relaxation time in the sun. Also, I'm thinking we might try to hit Disney this year. We'll see how life is with a newborn and a toddler first, but this fall might be good timing. Turner will almost be 4 years old. I want to take him while he still believes in the characters and can be fascinated by the 'magic' of the place. We'll see how it goes. Did I ever mention that I'm dying to go to Hershey, PA? Sounds lame, I know, but it's seriously a place I would love to visit.
I'm still as pregnant as can be. Thirty-nine weeks and 3 days to be exact. I can't complain, I've been feeling pretty good. As of last Thursday, my doc thought I was progressing well on my own and since I was recovering well, she guessed that I would be delivering this weekend. Obviously, that hasn't happened. She leaves for Ghana on Tuesday so if Lauren doesn't arrive by then, a different doctor will be delivering her. I'm not too thrilled about that, but what can I do? I was hoping to go into labor on my own this time, but I may end up getting induced again. I was induced at 40 weeks with Turner and I'm thinking I'm on the same path with this pregnancy. I guess nobody knows and I can only wait and hope for the best.
Take care and hopefully my next post will be the announcement of the arrival of our healthy little girl!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Don't Leave Me!
Homesickness.
Separation Anxiety.
Whatever term you want to use, my son's got it.
I thought we had already overcome this hurdle a year ago, but it's back.
Turner has been getting very upset when we drop him off with the Grandparents. No one in particular, all of them.
He cries and asks us not to go. He says he wants to go with us and he begs us not to leave him. He clings to legs and the tears fall. Sincere, heartbreaking tears.
The days leading up to an overnight stay, Tanner and I let him know who he'll be staying with and he genuinely is really excited. The day arrives, he helps us pack his bags, and off we go. Everything is great until drop off. Then, he changes his mind and wants to go home.
We know that Turner is treated very well by all of his Grandparents and they all make an extra effort to ensure he has things to keep him entertained. They give him plenty of attention and focus and they pretty much let him take over their homes when he is there. They spoil him very much.
Last night my Mom was supposed to keep Turner overnight. She called me after a few hours and let me know that Turner wanted to come home; he didn't want to stay with her at her house. First, I'm THRILLED that my Mom didn't choose to ignore his request and she respected his wishes and called us. I love that she put him first and didn't think selfishly because I know she was really looking forward to his overnight stay. Second, this type of situation is the reason why Tanner and I waited to allow Turner to stay overnight with anyone. We waited until he was old enough to communicate with us. We want him to tell us if he feels comfortable/uncomfortable. We want him to know that we are listening to him and if he prefers to be home instead of staying overnight, it's ok. He has been having overnight stays with the Grandparents for about a year or so and we've never had any issues, until now.
Last night, Tanner and I picked Turner up and brought him home. He was so relieved to see us when we arrived and I felt terrible for my Mom. I told her not to take it personally, that Turner has acted the same way with the other Grandparents recently, but I couldn't help but feel for her. I know she must have felt somewhat rejected. We know Grandpa has felt the same way because he asks Turner if he would like to stay with him and Turner says no. As you can imagine, this causes a bit of tension.
Tanner and I have mixed emotions about it. We would like to have an evening alone all the while knowing that Turner is having fun staying with our parents. We want Turner to have quality one-on-one time with our parents. On the same note, we don't want to force Turner to be somewhere he doesn't want to be. However, we as parents, need a night out every once in awhile. We don't want to have to cancel our date night because Turner doesn't want to go to Grandma or Grandpa's.
I've done some reading online and it seems that alot of times this happens when a child is stressed about a change. I'm guessing this is a phase Turner is going through because of the expected arrival of the baby. He's going to cling a little bit more to Tanner and I, and that's ok. I'm just wondering how long this will last. Having a sibling is going to be life-changing for him and I hope it doesn't turn into an uphill battle for Tanner and I. I've read about children regressing and acting out and all sorts of things. I am aware that having Lauren could turn into alot of work for Tanner and I in many ways. Having two children is going to be life-changing for us too. There is going to be alot of adjustment for all of us very soon.
Wish us luck and if any of you have any advice or comments, please share!
Separation Anxiety.
Whatever term you want to use, my son's got it.
I thought we had already overcome this hurdle a year ago, but it's back.
Turner has been getting very upset when we drop him off with the Grandparents. No one in particular, all of them.
He cries and asks us not to go. He says he wants to go with us and he begs us not to leave him. He clings to legs and the tears fall. Sincere, heartbreaking tears.
The days leading up to an overnight stay, Tanner and I let him know who he'll be staying with and he genuinely is really excited. The day arrives, he helps us pack his bags, and off we go. Everything is great until drop off. Then, he changes his mind and wants to go home.
We know that Turner is treated very well by all of his Grandparents and they all make an extra effort to ensure he has things to keep him entertained. They give him plenty of attention and focus and they pretty much let him take over their homes when he is there. They spoil him very much.
Last night my Mom was supposed to keep Turner overnight. She called me after a few hours and let me know that Turner wanted to come home; he didn't want to stay with her at her house. First, I'm THRILLED that my Mom didn't choose to ignore his request and she respected his wishes and called us. I love that she put him first and didn't think selfishly because I know she was really looking forward to his overnight stay. Second, this type of situation is the reason why Tanner and I waited to allow Turner to stay overnight with anyone. We waited until he was old enough to communicate with us. We want him to tell us if he feels comfortable/uncomfortable. We want him to know that we are listening to him and if he prefers to be home instead of staying overnight, it's ok. He has been having overnight stays with the Grandparents for about a year or so and we've never had any issues, until now.
Last night, Tanner and I picked Turner up and brought him home. He was so relieved to see us when we arrived and I felt terrible for my Mom. I told her not to take it personally, that Turner has acted the same way with the other Grandparents recently, but I couldn't help but feel for her. I know she must have felt somewhat rejected. We know Grandpa has felt the same way because he asks Turner if he would like to stay with him and Turner says no. As you can imagine, this causes a bit of tension.
Tanner and I have mixed emotions about it. We would like to have an evening alone all the while knowing that Turner is having fun staying with our parents. We want Turner to have quality one-on-one time with our parents. On the same note, we don't want to force Turner to be somewhere he doesn't want to be. However, we as parents, need a night out every once in awhile. We don't want to have to cancel our date night because Turner doesn't want to go to Grandma or Grandpa's.
I've done some reading online and it seems that alot of times this happens when a child is stressed about a change. I'm guessing this is a phase Turner is going through because of the expected arrival of the baby. He's going to cling a little bit more to Tanner and I, and that's ok. I'm just wondering how long this will last. Having a sibling is going to be life-changing for him and I hope it doesn't turn into an uphill battle for Tanner and I. I've read about children regressing and acting out and all sorts of things. I am aware that having Lauren could turn into alot of work for Tanner and I in many ways. Having two children is going to be life-changing for us too. There is going to be alot of adjustment for all of us very soon.
Wish us luck and if any of you have any advice or comments, please share!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Fighting the Funk
I spent another week on the couch loaded up with antibiotics and Panera bagels. Unfortunately, since I've been ill, I've lost 15 lbs. I just can't make myself eat, but the nurse advised I drink my calories if I don't feel like eating. Hence, chocolate milk and bagels have been my primary staple of nutrition.
I broke into a full body rash Wednesday night which turned out to be a drug allergy from all of the antibiotics. The doc took me off of the antibiotics and if I get alot worse they plan to give me a shot of Prednisone. They are hoping at this point the antibiotics have been in my system long enough to finish the job.
I plan to return to work on Monday. I have my 37 week appointment in the morning, then off to work I go. I just hope I'm not snoozing by noon. This girl has really gotten used to her naps that past couple of weeks! I will be training my replacement all day so I'm hoping for lots of energy and motivation. I'm also hoping to maybe sneak in a nap in the evenings, but we'll see what Hubs and Turner have to say about that.
On a positive note, our Master Bedroom is being remodeled and it's coming along wonderfully. I feel bad that I haven't been able to help, but keeping Turner occupied all evening while Tanner works on it has to count for something, right? It will be so nice to have a bedroom that actually feels romantic. As most of you know, Tanner and I purchased my childhood home and the Master Bedroom was covered in blue and navy striped wallpaper and unmatched furniture. It never really felt like an 'adult' bedroom. I'm really looking forward to a 'grown up' space.
On a completely different subject, I have to confess that I've been having a recurring dream. Almost every night I dream that I give birth to a little boy. It's very strange, but I'm guessing it's because my only birth experience resulted in our little Turner man. I am really looking forward to meeting our little girl, Lauren. Knowing that she will be here soon is so exciting. I can't believe my daughter is almost here!
Will she have hair?
Will she look like Turner did when he was born?
Will she look like me?
Will she be laid back or demanding?
I guess I'll have my answers very soon. Have a great weekend everyone.
I broke into a full body rash Wednesday night which turned out to be a drug allergy from all of the antibiotics. The doc took me off of the antibiotics and if I get alot worse they plan to give me a shot of Prednisone. They are hoping at this point the antibiotics have been in my system long enough to finish the job.
I plan to return to work on Monday. I have my 37 week appointment in the morning, then off to work I go. I just hope I'm not snoozing by noon. This girl has really gotten used to her naps that past couple of weeks! I will be training my replacement all day so I'm hoping for lots of energy and motivation. I'm also hoping to maybe sneak in a nap in the evenings, but we'll see what Hubs and Turner have to say about that.
On a positive note, our Master Bedroom is being remodeled and it's coming along wonderfully. I feel bad that I haven't been able to help, but keeping Turner occupied all evening while Tanner works on it has to count for something, right? It will be so nice to have a bedroom that actually feels romantic. As most of you know, Tanner and I purchased my childhood home and the Master Bedroom was covered in blue and navy striped wallpaper and unmatched furniture. It never really felt like an 'adult' bedroom. I'm really looking forward to a 'grown up' space.
On a completely different subject, I have to confess that I've been having a recurring dream. Almost every night I dream that I give birth to a little boy. It's very strange, but I'm guessing it's because my only birth experience resulted in our little Turner man. I am really looking forward to meeting our little girl, Lauren. Knowing that she will be here soon is so exciting. I can't believe my daughter is almost here!
Will she have hair?
Will she look like Turner did when he was born?
Will she look like me?
Will she be laid back or demanding?
I guess I'll have my answers very soon. Have a great weekend everyone.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Resting
A little frustrated right now as I was almost finished with my post and it got deleted. . . . so you will be getting a summarized version since I don't have the energy to rewrite everything.
My Job: Last Tuesday, my department announced my replacement. She will begin working half days this Friday and will officially be full-time on Monday, Jan. 31. I will only have 3 weeks to train her, but I'm just happy that someone has been hired before I begin my maternity leave. They still have not told me if I will have a job with the company when I return from my maternity leave in May. I am anxiously awaiting the news so I can come up with a game plan.
My Pregnancy: Last Tuesday evening I was admitted to the ER because of a terrible cough and a little bit of spotting / bleeding I was experiencing. They did a non-stress test and discovered I was having pretty strong contractions so they did an exam. The exam revealed that I had dilated 1cm. At this point, I started to get quite nervous, but at the end of the evening it was determined that the bleeding was caused by the continuous straining brought on by the excessive coughing. They sent me to the regular ER to get my respiratory issues under control with the assumption that once my cough has been taken care of, my contractions would go away also.
A visit to the regular ER resulted in a bronchitis diagnosis. I was given an inhaler, told to get rest, and to follow up with my doctor in 5 days.
I had my weekly appointment with my OBGYN on Monday expecting to be released back to work and instead she said that she thinks I have pneumonia. Back to the hospital for bloodwork and a chest x-ray which turned out to confirm that I have pneumonia. Dr. Laing has taken me off of work until further notice. She also sent me back to the hospital for another non-stress test because my oxygen levels were low. The test revealed that I was having contractions every 3 minutes . . . I have to keep wondering why I'm not really feeling them! I think it's probably because I already feel so crappy I don't notice them as much. Baby Steinbauer's oxygen levels were a little low, but nothing that was too concerning so they let me go home to rest.
So here I sit. Loading up on meds and sleep not knowing when I will return to work, if I do. I am scheduled to go back to the hospital tomorrow for another non-stress test to check my oxygen levels, Lauren's oxygen levels, and get the status of my contractions / dilation.
I will keep all of you updated of any changes (if any). Until then, I'll be living in my jammies and hoping that my illness passes quickly. It's tough to be a wife and Mom when you feel like hell, but I go through the motions knowing that every day is another day closer to feeling better.
My Job: Last Tuesday, my department announced my replacement. She will begin working half days this Friday and will officially be full-time on Monday, Jan. 31. I will only have 3 weeks to train her, but I'm just happy that someone has been hired before I begin my maternity leave. They still have not told me if I will have a job with the company when I return from my maternity leave in May. I am anxiously awaiting the news so I can come up with a game plan.
My Pregnancy: Last Tuesday evening I was admitted to the ER because of a terrible cough and a little bit of spotting / bleeding I was experiencing. They did a non-stress test and discovered I was having pretty strong contractions so they did an exam. The exam revealed that I had dilated 1cm. At this point, I started to get quite nervous, but at the end of the evening it was determined that the bleeding was caused by the continuous straining brought on by the excessive coughing. They sent me to the regular ER to get my respiratory issues under control with the assumption that once my cough has been taken care of, my contractions would go away also.
A visit to the regular ER resulted in a bronchitis diagnosis. I was given an inhaler, told to get rest, and to follow up with my doctor in 5 days.
I had my weekly appointment with my OBGYN on Monday expecting to be released back to work and instead she said that she thinks I have pneumonia. Back to the hospital for bloodwork and a chest x-ray which turned out to confirm that I have pneumonia. Dr. Laing has taken me off of work until further notice. She also sent me back to the hospital for another non-stress test because my oxygen levels were low. The test revealed that I was having contractions every 3 minutes . . . I have to keep wondering why I'm not really feeling them! I think it's probably because I already feel so crappy I don't notice them as much. Baby Steinbauer's oxygen levels were a little low, but nothing that was too concerning so they let me go home to rest.
So here I sit. Loading up on meds and sleep not knowing when I will return to work, if I do. I am scheduled to go back to the hospital tomorrow for another non-stress test to check my oxygen levels, Lauren's oxygen levels, and get the status of my contractions / dilation.
I will keep all of you updated of any changes (if any). Until then, I'll be living in my jammies and hoping that my illness passes quickly. It's tough to be a wife and Mom when you feel like hell, but I go through the motions knowing that every day is another day closer to feeling better.
Big Prairie, OH - 15 minutes of fame
Never in my lifetime did I ever think that my hometown of Big Prairie, OH would be featured on Nancy Grace.
Unfortunately, the story is a tragic one. A 10 year old boy fatally shot his mom in the forehead after she told him to carry in firewood.
Big Prairie Shooting - 10 year old killer
Unfortunately, the story is a tragic one. A 10 year old boy fatally shot his mom in the forehead after she told him to carry in firewood.
Big Prairie Shooting - 10 year old killer
Monday, December 20, 2010
And her name is . . .
Finally!
A name has been decided for our little girl!
Lauren Avery Steinbauer
We thought picking a name for our son was difficult, but this proved to be the challenge of the year. I'm so glad we have finally agreed on a name.
*If the ultrasound tech was wrong and all those weeks ago they missed a wee, our son will be named Henry Jacob.
A name has been decided for our little girl!
Lauren Avery Steinbauer
We thought picking a name for our son was difficult, but this proved to be the challenge of the year. I'm so glad we have finally agreed on a name.
*If the ultrasound tech was wrong and all those weeks ago they missed a wee, our son will be named Henry Jacob.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tis the Season!
I've got so much to catch you all up on . . . where do I even begin?
Tanner's grandmother 'Momo' has been very ill. She went to the Cleveland Clinic for surgery on October 28 to have a few cancerous spots on her colon and her liver removed. Quite a surgery for a diabetic woman in her seventies! Things have been good, then bad, then good, and back to bad. It seems like there is always an infection lingering, or fluid and swelling, or she wasn't receiving enough nutrition, or or or. She's constantly being moved from ICU, to The Cleveland Clinic, to The Willows nursing home and back again. I'm sure it's been exhausting for her and for Papa and for my mother-in-law. On the bright side, the doctor's believe that Momo will get to go home for a visit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We are all looking forward to seeing her very soon.
Our niece, Olive, was born at 26 weeks at Akron Children's Hospital. She weighed 1 lb. 9 oz. She has had a heart surgery, but as of last weekend she has survived her 8th week of life! She is now weighing over 5 lbs., can be held, and she can be fed from a bottle. If all continues to go well, she will get to go home in January.
Speaking of babies . . . . 8 weeks to my due date! Turner, Tanner and I all had the flu last week despite our flu vaccinations. It was a LONG week, but we made it through. My doctor says that I'm doing well. I've put on a few extra lbs. than she preferred, but I think the flu helped me lose a few too so we'll see where I'm at when I go for my next appointment on Monday. I can tell our little girl is growing bigger and she moves alot more than Turner ever did. My acid reflux has disappeared . . . so has my ability to bend over and touch my toes. Putting shoes and socks on these days has turned into alot of work. My hair is thicker, my gums bleed, my boogers are huge, my eyes and skin are dry, and my boobs are huge but you can't tell because my belly surpasses my chest by inches. My hips haven't started spreading yet, but my back constantly aches. I've been getting Braxton Hicks contractions here and there but nothing to scare me yet. I haven't slept through the night in over a month, but I still feel good. I am growing. My wardrobe is shrinking. But I honestly don't have any big complaints. I've been fortunate to have had a normal healthy pregnancy thus far.
Turner got a new bed set and has moved into a 'Big Boy Room'. He has transitioned so well. He has a full size loft bed with a twin bed below. His new bed set also has drawers, shelves, a computer desk, and storage. A total dream for us because our bedrooms in our home aren't very big. We have moved his toys into his room (they previously stayed downstairs in the living room) and he is constantly climbing up and down the ladder from top to bottom bunk. He absolutely loves it. I was worried about him missing his toddler bed and the 'Baby Room' but he never bothers to even go in his previous room. Can it really be this easy? At this point, I'm thinking it can.
Tanner and I have a list of projects we hope to complete before the baby arrives. I've taken the week before my due date off of work and recruited my mom to help me wipe down walls, decorations, shelves, etc. Our entire house is getting a good scrub before I'm elbows deep in diapers and laundry. I'm really looking forward to getting everything done. I think I will feel alot more relaxed about bringing home baby if I know things are organized and clean.
Tanner and I wiped out our Christmas shopping a couple of weeks ago. It was so easy this year! I still haven't sent any Christmas cards out though. I really need to get on that.
Well, I've got a few pics to upload on my other blog. I hope you and your families are enjoying the festiveness of the holidays and you will get to spend time with those you love. Moments spent making memories with friends and family are the most precious gifts any of us can give or receive.
Happy Holidays!
Tanner's grandmother 'Momo' has been very ill. She went to the Cleveland Clinic for surgery on October 28 to have a few cancerous spots on her colon and her liver removed. Quite a surgery for a diabetic woman in her seventies! Things have been good, then bad, then good, and back to bad. It seems like there is always an infection lingering, or fluid and swelling, or she wasn't receiving enough nutrition, or or or. She's constantly being moved from ICU, to The Cleveland Clinic, to The Willows nursing home and back again. I'm sure it's been exhausting for her and for Papa and for my mother-in-law. On the bright side, the doctor's believe that Momo will get to go home for a visit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We are all looking forward to seeing her very soon.
Our niece, Olive, was born at 26 weeks at Akron Children's Hospital. She weighed 1 lb. 9 oz. She has had a heart surgery, but as of last weekend she has survived her 8th week of life! She is now weighing over 5 lbs., can be held, and she can be fed from a bottle. If all continues to go well, she will get to go home in January.
Speaking of babies . . . . 8 weeks to my due date! Turner, Tanner and I all had the flu last week despite our flu vaccinations. It was a LONG week, but we made it through. My doctor says that I'm doing well. I've put on a few extra lbs. than she preferred, but I think the flu helped me lose a few too so we'll see where I'm at when I go for my next appointment on Monday. I can tell our little girl is growing bigger and she moves alot more than Turner ever did. My acid reflux has disappeared . . . so has my ability to bend over and touch my toes. Putting shoes and socks on these days has turned into alot of work. My hair is thicker, my gums bleed, my boogers are huge, my eyes and skin are dry, and my boobs are huge but you can't tell because my belly surpasses my chest by inches. My hips haven't started spreading yet, but my back constantly aches. I've been getting Braxton Hicks contractions here and there but nothing to scare me yet. I haven't slept through the night in over a month, but I still feel good. I am growing. My wardrobe is shrinking. But I honestly don't have any big complaints. I've been fortunate to have had a normal healthy pregnancy thus far.
Turner got a new bed set and has moved into a 'Big Boy Room'. He has transitioned so well. He has a full size loft bed with a twin bed below. His new bed set also has drawers, shelves, a computer desk, and storage. A total dream for us because our bedrooms in our home aren't very big. We have moved his toys into his room (they previously stayed downstairs in the living room) and he is constantly climbing up and down the ladder from top to bottom bunk. He absolutely loves it. I was worried about him missing his toddler bed and the 'Baby Room' but he never bothers to even go in his previous room. Can it really be this easy? At this point, I'm thinking it can.
Tanner and I have a list of projects we hope to complete before the baby arrives. I've taken the week before my due date off of work and recruited my mom to help me wipe down walls, decorations, shelves, etc. Our entire house is getting a good scrub before I'm elbows deep in diapers and laundry. I'm really looking forward to getting everything done. I think I will feel alot more relaxed about bringing home baby if I know things are organized and clean.
Tanner and I wiped out our Christmas shopping a couple of weeks ago. It was so easy this year! I still haven't sent any Christmas cards out though. I really need to get on that.
Well, I've got a few pics to upload on my other blog. I hope you and your families are enjoying the festiveness of the holidays and you will get to spend time with those you love. Moments spent making memories with friends and family are the most precious gifts any of us can give or receive.
Happy Holidays!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Love Jar
Every once in awhile I get a little mushy / cuddly / emotional / loving / tenderhearted and I try to think of creative ways to let Hubs know how much I care about him. Unfortunately for Hubs, my ideas are in more of a non-sexual way . . . but that doesn't mean they don't eventually lead to a little more fun in the sheets.
I was reading his Men's Health magazine yesterday and I found an article about keeping your passion alive with your mate. (btw, men's magazines . . . WAY better than women's) Anyway, among the suggestions were leaving notes or bringing up something fun that you both shared to recreate a bond that may be getting a bit dull.
Last night I filled an envelope with strips of paper and a pen and I placed them beside 2 empty jars. Then, I wrote out 10 compliments for Tanner and put them in his jar. I went into the living room where Hubs sat on the couch and told him about my 'love jars'. After he laughed a little and rolled his eyes, he just said 'okay' and went back to his TV show.
I'm thinking he is probably assuming the pregnancy is making me a little over-emotional, more dependant, and over-sensitive. He is 100% correct.
I swear to the Holy Mother that if he doesn't participate in my corny love jar idea, the love notes that currently occupy the container will be replaced by his balls.
I was reading his Men's Health magazine yesterday and I found an article about keeping your passion alive with your mate. (btw, men's magazines . . . WAY better than women's) Anyway, among the suggestions were leaving notes or bringing up something fun that you both shared to recreate a bond that may be getting a bit dull.
Last night I filled an envelope with strips of paper and a pen and I placed them beside 2 empty jars. Then, I wrote out 10 compliments for Tanner and put them in his jar. I went into the living room where Hubs sat on the couch and told him about my 'love jars'. After he laughed a little and rolled his eyes, he just said 'okay' and went back to his TV show.
I'm thinking he is probably assuming the pregnancy is making me a little over-emotional, more dependant, and over-sensitive. He is 100% correct.
I swear to the Holy Mother that if he doesn't participate in my corny love jar idea, the love notes that currently occupy the container will be replaced by his balls.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Aaaaaaand Go!
Random list of things I've been wanting to blog about but haven't had time:
- Fourteen weeks until my due date and Hubs and I can't agree on a name for our daughter. We are really hot and cold on this one. I guess we are just banking on hearing a name we both like before she arrives. I'm stressing like hell about it; he's confident we'll figure it out in time. I just have to keep telling myself that there is still plenty of time.
- Trick-or-Treat was a success. Turner was Spiderman this year. I was kind of sad that he went mainstream with his costume, but he loved the padded muscles and it was cool to watch him act out being a superhero. Pics will follow on my other blog.
- Tanner and I skipped the Halloween parties this year. I'm pretty sad about it, but I knew I wouldn't be able to hang. But let me promise you this . . . next year it. is. on.
- My pregnancy is going good. It's went fast. I'm carrying our little girl alot higher than I carried Turner and it's alot more uncomfortable and bigger and uglier. I've lost sight of my lady parts, my vision is blurry 50 percent of the time, I can't eat anything without an acid reflux attack minutes later, and I constantly feel like I have cups over my ears. Now that I've done most of my complaining, I still LOVE knowing that I am able to carry our baby and I enjoy feeling her movements. She's very active and it's nice feeling her there. It's reassuring to me.
- Three weeks to Thanksgiving folks. I've already been asked by family what our plans are. UGH! This is why I dread the holidays.
- Know what I really want for Christmas? New dishes. Lame. Someone shake me back into the cool hipster I used to be.
- Turner's transition into his new classroom with the older kids has changed him so much. He speaks so much better, but sometimes he picks up things like 'I'm not talking to you' or 'You're not the boss!' and I wish he could stay a baby forever. Then again, having a conversation with him in full sentences is tha shiz.
- I feel the need to wipe down walls, clean out cabinets, and throw lots of stuff away. Now if I can just find the energy!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Required Listening: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - Crimson & Clover
Horrible video, great song. Gotta love the 80's, YIKES!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
I am Woman . . . hear me rant!
I'm beginning to feel like I've been misled my entire life. By family, friends, society, etc.
The strongly believed in the message that's been playing in my ear since birth. That a woman of my time can really have it all.
Here's my challenge to this . . .
Young women across America have had barriers demolished by our predecessors that burned their bras and protested for equal rights. We can attend college, get our degrees, and land the career we've always wanted. This is an awesome, awesome thing but here's the catch. When we decide to marry and/or have children we are still expected to keep the house tidy, cook nutritious dinners, satisfy our husbands, and set a good example by living a healthy lifestyle . . . while maintaining our careers.
I have to ask because I haven't figured it out yet . . . how the HELL do we manage to do all of this? If you have a secret, please share. I can find a million helpful tips on how to better manage time but who has mastered it all?
I'm taking this post to a most personal level. Yeah, so the pending arrival of Baby #2 has me freaking out a little bit. Ok, freaking out ALOT. Hubs has been given alot more responsibility at work and has been working long hours and sometimes he's working 7 days a week. I'll admit, the paychecks are nice; however, my perks of being able to share household and family responsibilities are slowly fading. As Hubs workload continues to grow, he isn't always going to be able share daycare pick ups, dinner, bathtimes, or bedtime. How am I going to do it all?
I was raised by a working mother and she didn't seem happy. She worked in a factory and always told us to do better for ourselves. Or our mother's raised us in their early 20's, went back to school while we were in school, and pursued a career later in life. Our grandmothers didn't work and they felt suppressed and under-appreciated and told us to do better for ourselves. So how do we put on our Superhero capes and manage to grow our careers and be at home to raise our children?
Mom? Grandma? Anyone?
They don't have an answer for us because they didn't have the pressure that we do to make it all happen and do it well. They focused on work or they focused on home and left it up to us to find the balance.
Upon talking with friends who have the 'I do it all' image, I realize that it is extremely challenging for them.
1. Pursuing a higher education and landing their ideal job was wonderful . . . .until children. Most of the time, these women don't have a choice but to continue to work full-time because they are the bread winners for the family and can't afford to go part-time or stay at home. They almost curse their MBA's because their career has added more pressure to 'having it all'.
2. Most of us are waiting until our thirties to have kids. We have the house, the car, and all of life's other little accessories that came in our Barbie dreamhouses before starting our families. We were told this is the right way to do it. Enjoy life, work hard to get the things you want before you decide to have children. Sound familiar? So now that a child has entered our lives, why does everything but our job responsibilities have to change? Because, unfortunately for us, we have financial debts and obligations and social lives and pressure that our mother's did not.
3. The guilt, oh the guilt! Women carry a huge guilt for not spending enough time with our kids, not providing a proper meal, not having a spotless house, not losing the baby weight, etc. Why don't men feel this way? Why haven't they been pressured into domesticating as much as we have been pressured into taking on all roles?
Unless a woman is comfortable putting their child in daycare 11 hours a day or can afford the luxury of a nanny or stay-at-home Husband, a chef, and a housekeeper, it is impossible to be successful at everything. Something is going to suffer whether it is work, home, family, or self.
The bottom line is that there isn't a perfect way to accomplish everything we want and we need to step back and evaluate what is most important. So we are back to square one. What do we do now?
Personally, I am not the stay-at-home type. It makes me feel good to contribute to our finances. Going to work gives me confidence, I enjoy the adult interaction, and I enjoy tasks that don't have to involve meal planning or family schedules. On the other hand, my priorities are changing. Expecting my second child, I feel that my time at home needs to increase. I want to enjoy my children while they are young. I want to be able to prepare a nice meal and have a more organized home. Raising my own children is important to me. That being said, I know I must continue growing and challenging myself too. Opting out of the workforce wouldn't be good for me.
Final Ruling: I've decided to pursue a more flexible work schedule and see how it goes. That's it. Simple as that.
I'm taking the pressure off of myself and going with what I feel is best for me at this point in my life. I have 34 years left in the workforce.
34 years!
I don't have to decide today what I want to be when I grow up. Despite judgment I may get from others, I feel good about my decision. Right now, I'm concentrating on what is best for me and my family and hope that it all works out.
The strongly believed in the message that's been playing in my ear since birth. That a woman of my time can really have it all.
Here's my challenge to this . . .
Young women across America have had barriers demolished by our predecessors that burned their bras and protested for equal rights. We can attend college, get our degrees, and land the career we've always wanted. This is an awesome, awesome thing but here's the catch. When we decide to marry and/or have children we are still expected to keep the house tidy, cook nutritious dinners, satisfy our husbands, and set a good example by living a healthy lifestyle . . . while maintaining our careers.
I have to ask because I haven't figured it out yet . . . how the HELL do we manage to do all of this? If you have a secret, please share. I can find a million helpful tips on how to better manage time but who has mastered it all?
I'm taking this post to a most personal level. Yeah, so the pending arrival of Baby #2 has me freaking out a little bit. Ok, freaking out ALOT. Hubs has been given alot more responsibility at work and has been working long hours and sometimes he's working 7 days a week. I'll admit, the paychecks are nice; however, my perks of being able to share household and family responsibilities are slowly fading. As Hubs workload continues to grow, he isn't always going to be able share daycare pick ups, dinner, bathtimes, or bedtime. How am I going to do it all?
I was raised by a working mother and she didn't seem happy. She worked in a factory and always told us to do better for ourselves. Or our mother's raised us in their early 20's, went back to school while we were in school, and pursued a career later in life. Our grandmothers didn't work and they felt suppressed and under-appreciated and told us to do better for ourselves. So how do we put on our Superhero capes and manage to grow our careers and be at home to raise our children?
Mom? Grandma? Anyone?
They don't have an answer for us because they didn't have the pressure that we do to make it all happen and do it well. They focused on work or they focused on home and left it up to us to find the balance.
Upon talking with friends who have the 'I do it all' image, I realize that it is extremely challenging for them.
1. Pursuing a higher education and landing their ideal job was wonderful . . . .until children. Most of the time, these women don't have a choice but to continue to work full-time because they are the bread winners for the family and can't afford to go part-time or stay at home. They almost curse their MBA's because their career has added more pressure to 'having it all'.
2. Most of us are waiting until our thirties to have kids. We have the house, the car, and all of life's other little accessories that came in our Barbie dreamhouses before starting our families. We were told this is the right way to do it. Enjoy life, work hard to get the things you want before you decide to have children. Sound familiar? So now that a child has entered our lives, why does everything but our job responsibilities have to change? Because, unfortunately for us, we have financial debts and obligations and social lives and pressure that our mother's did not.
3. The guilt, oh the guilt! Women carry a huge guilt for not spending enough time with our kids, not providing a proper meal, not having a spotless house, not losing the baby weight, etc. Why don't men feel this way? Why haven't they been pressured into domesticating as much as we have been pressured into taking on all roles?
Unless a woman is comfortable putting their child in daycare 11 hours a day or can afford the luxury of a nanny or stay-at-home Husband, a chef, and a housekeeper, it is impossible to be successful at everything. Something is going to suffer whether it is work, home, family, or self.
The bottom line is that there isn't a perfect way to accomplish everything we want and we need to step back and evaluate what is most important. So we are back to square one. What do we do now?
Personally, I am not the stay-at-home type. It makes me feel good to contribute to our finances. Going to work gives me confidence, I enjoy the adult interaction, and I enjoy tasks that don't have to involve meal planning or family schedules. On the other hand, my priorities are changing. Expecting my second child, I feel that my time at home needs to increase. I want to enjoy my children while they are young. I want to be able to prepare a nice meal and have a more organized home. Raising my own children is important to me. That being said, I know I must continue growing and challenging myself too. Opting out of the workforce wouldn't be good for me.
Final Ruling: I've decided to pursue a more flexible work schedule and see how it goes. That's it. Simple as that.
I'm taking the pressure off of myself and going with what I feel is best for me at this point in my life. I have 34 years left in the workforce.
34 years!
I don't have to decide today what I want to be when I grow up. Despite judgment I may get from others, I feel good about my decision. Right now, I'm concentrating on what is best for me and my family and hope that it all works out.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
IT'S A GIRL!!
She's a little bit of sunshine
She's a smile to light our days
She will steal our hearts and keep them
With her warm endearing ways
She's our precious little daughter
With a sweetness from above
Who will fill our years with laughter
And our lives with lots of love.
She's a smile to light our days
She will steal our hearts and keep them
With her warm endearing ways
She's our precious little daughter
With a sweetness from above
Who will fill our years with laughter
And our lives with lots of love.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Required Listening: What's the Frequency Kenneth? R.E.M
What's the story behind R.E.M.'s song "What's the Frequency, Kenneth"?
CBS News anchor Dan Rather, renowned for his unusual expressions and sayings, has led a colorful life. However, one bizarre event really takes the cake.
One night in October 1986, Rather was walking down a Manhattan street when he was punched from behind and thrown to the ground. His assailant kicked and beat him while repeating, "Kenneth, what is the frequency?"
No one could explain the event, and the rumors flew fast and wide. Some speculated the assailant was a KGB agent, while others claimed the attack was the work of a jealous husband. Rather himself couldn't shed any light on the subject. His explanation at the time?
I got mugged. Who understands these things? I didn't and I don't now. I didn't make a lot of it at the time and I don't now. I wish I knew who did it and why, but I have no idea.
Apparently the strange event moved R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe, who said of the incident:
It remains the premier unsolved American surrealist act of the 20th century. It's a misunderstanding that was scarily random, media hyped and just plain bizarre.
The attack inspired the 1994 R.E.M. hit "What's the Frequency, Kenneth." Being a good sport, Dan Rather even accompanied the band when they performed the song on a Late Show with David Letterman appearance.
In 1997, based on a tip from a psychiatrist, Rather's attacker was identified as William Tager. According to the psychiatrist, Tager, who was currently serving time for killing an NBC stagehand, blamed news media for beaming signals into his head, and thought if he could just find out the correct frequency, he could block those signals that were constantly assailing him. Hence the enigmatic inquiry.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Thoughts on Parenting
Sometimes I look at all of the pics my Facebook friends post of their children and I realize that their kids are pre-teens and I wonder why it took me so long to decide to have a child of my own. Then I remember that I enjoyed a decade of finding myself, being selfish, and Hubs and I had way too much irresponsible adult fun to throw a kid in the mix.
Where was my blog then? Those are the years I should have been putting in print and saving. Good times.
Why do I sometimes feel like the good ol' days have ended? It's because, like most of you, I've gotten caught up in the Parenting trap.
You know what I'm talking about Willis. The pressure from other parents, teachers, media, peers, the janitor, thewholewideworld, etc. to be the best parent EV-ER and make it look easy while wearing your make up and be sure to your body doesn't show any signs of ever carrying a child . . .(sigh) and smile because being a Mommy is the most super duper wonderful job a gal could ask for every hour on every single day of the year.
We need to stop this.
(Placing left hand on a stack of How To Be the Best Parent in the Universe books and holding up my right hand)
I, Jen.
Solemnly swear.
To stop being self-conscious about being the best wife, mother, worker, friend, consumer, chef, and housekeeper.
From this day forward.
Or may I be cursed with deflated balloons as breasts, skinny, hanging butt-cheeks, and my hands be liver-spotted at an early age.
Here's my take lunch break bulleted list on parenting and the things I've had to have a little self-talk about:
I don't have all of the answers but I'm finding my way and I'm choosing to feel a little bit better about my parenting skills because, at the end of the day, I have a little guy that loves me. I ensure that he is safe, that he is cared for, and that he knows he's loved. That's the best that any Mom or Dad can do.
Where was my blog then? Those are the years I should have been putting in print and saving. Good times.
Why do I sometimes feel like the good ol' days have ended? It's because, like most of you, I've gotten caught up in the Parenting trap.
You know what I'm talking about Willis. The pressure from other parents, teachers, media, peers, the janitor, thewholewideworld, etc. to be the best parent EV-ER and make it look easy while wearing your make up and be sure to your body doesn't show any signs of ever carrying a child . . .(sigh) and smile because being a Mommy is the most super duper wonderful job a gal could ask for every hour on every single day of the year.
We need to stop this.
(Placing left hand on a stack of How To Be the Best Parent in the Universe books and holding up my right hand)
I, Jen.
Solemnly swear.
To stop being self-conscious about being the best wife, mother, worker, friend, consumer, chef, and housekeeper.
From this day forward.
Or may I be cursed with deflated balloons as breasts, skinny, hanging butt-cheeks, and my hands be liver-spotted at an early age.
Here's my take lunch break bulleted list on parenting and the things I've had to have a little self-talk about:
- Asking for advice on parenting is one thing, beating yourself up because you didn't follow all of the tips and tricks is another. We aren't going to be perfect. We make mistakes and that's ok. As long as your child's well-being is in your best interest, you're doing great. We are new at this and we know alot more these days on how to keep our child safe. Trust your instincts.
- Don't feel guilty for taking time to yourself. Your child/husband/wife/pets probably need a break from you too. We are dedicating our lives to being there for our kids. A day or two away isn't going to traumatize anyone. Don't stop living because you have added the title of 'Mom' or 'Dad' to your name.
- There will be moments you just have to wing it and hope for the best. Nuff said.
- Be confident in your decisions. So Mary Saint Goodymom chooses to go green by using cloth diapers and Perfect Paulasmom has her kid on an all natural organic diet and signing words in Spanish. So what! I chose to use disposable diapers on my son, I allow him to carry a blankie and crawl into our bed sometimes at night. It doesn't make me a 'rule-breaker'. It's my way and it works for my family. Now if he's 13 and still trying these things, then we'll have an issue.
- Don't get caught up in the competition. Who got back into tip-top shape the quickest? Who breastfed the most? Who has the cutest baby? Who's kid is doing what at what age? Forget it. You'll never be able to keep up. Your child will find his own way and do it at his own pace as will you. I know it's almost impossible to not feel the pressure, but try not to let it doubt yourself or your child. You're doing great.
- Treat your kids, treat yourself. Having cookies and ice cream and other treats in your home is okay. I trust that your family isn't sitting together eating boxes and cartons and bags of sweets at a time. And don't feel like you have to stash the goodies when company comes over because of the fear of being judged. They've got them in their cupboards too. Plus, I don't think that any of us have any problem keeping our little ones active.
- Take time for your husband/wife/significant other.
- Take some time to play with or listen to your child giving them uninterrupted attention. You will most likely enjoy it more than they do.
- Try to have dinner together as a family at least once a week.
I don't have all of the answers but I'm finding my way and I'm choosing to feel a little bit better about my parenting skills because, at the end of the day, I have a little guy that loves me. I ensure that he is safe, that he is cared for, and that he knows he's loved. That's the best that any Mom or Dad can do.
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