I've been trying to limit the tv-watching during the day. The only show I like to watch is The Today Show*; other than that, I just like it on as background noise. The kids really don't seem to notice the tv at all. Every now and then a jingle will catch their attention, but as soon as the jingle's over, so is their interest. Even still, I thought it wouldn't hurt to tune it out.
So now our new thing is to play the radio. The kids seem to love the music, and I do, too. It's funny what songs will get them bopping in place. Most recently "Summer of 69" by Brian Adams and "What Have You Done for Me Lately" by Janet Jackson has got their groove a-movin'. SA and AR bounce up and down, while SJ's dance moves are to sway from side to side.
The station I usually listen to plays all 80's and early-90's music from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. - they call this their Retro-Music Hour. As a child of the 80's, I'm in heaven. Yesterday, they had it going on. I was feeding the kids lunch, dancing from highchair to highchair. AR would clap as she watched me dance, SJ would smile sheepishly at how silly mommy was being, and SA kept giving me this look that said, "I'm still getting more Dino Nuggets...right?"
Their highchairs are lined up against the dining room window. So I was a dancing fool for all the neighbors to see - but I didn't care. They played "Who Can it Be Now?" by Men at Work, "Puttin' on the Ritz" by Taco, "Dancing Queen" by ABBA, "Lost in Emotion" by Lisa Lisa, "Rio" by Duran Duran, and more. By the time they got to "Stand Back" by Stevie Nicks, I couldn't take it anymore. I was having so much fun, I had to be the dork that I am and call the radio station.
To my surprise, I got through right away.
(Girl) DJ: Y98 FM
Me: Hi. I just had to tell you - you are playing the best music. I am having the greatest time dancing around!
DJ: Wonderful! What's your name?!
Me: uh-oh...wait a minute. Her sing-song voice is telling me that I'm going to be on the radio. heehee! Mel___ _____.
DJ: Where are you calling me from today?
Me: Home...I'm a stay-at-home mom.
DJ: Great! How many kids do you have? I can hear them in the background.
Me: Three.
DJ: How old are they?
Me: They'll be one this Saturday. They're triplets. Thinking, "Please, Miss DJ. Please don't say something stupid now."
DJ: Oh! God bless you.
Me: Sigh of relief. Thank you!
We then hung up and I rushed to turn the radio up. Two songs later, right after "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins was our call. I was so excited! I felt like a giddy school girl, and immediately called my friend, D. I gushed to her how I was on the radio. She went on about how cool that was, then we moved on to more grown up topics.
Such a silly little thing, but it made my day.
Later when RD got home, I told him of my 15 seconds of glory. I then told him how funny my voice sounded on the radio. He said, "I love your voice. You sound like a little girl, but you have a really nice voice." Awww, thanks honey. :)
*When I went to NBC's website to get the Today Show link, there was a pop-up of Matt LeBlanc right over the search box. I can't believe that show is still on. I started yelling at the computer screen, "Get out of the way, Joey!!" I think I need to cut back on the caffeine. ha!
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Can I get a hoooo-yaaaaa
We've been approved! Yeaahhh!! Next step is we're meeting with the builder Monday night to go over what options we would like, and we're going to try to get a better idea of what cost we're looking at here. Let's just say - RD is a nervous wreck. The guy hates to spend money on anything, especially anything big. He's stressing quite a bit. No matter how much money he makes, he will always talk like he hasn't got a pot to piss in. He prefers to call himself frugal, I would use another word (LOL), but you gotta love 'em!
I called to order the kids' cake for their party. I don't know what I have against Winnie the Pooh - I think just because he's overdone, but I just don't like Pooh. BUT that's the only style in which I could find the plates, the hats, the cups...the whole shabang, so Pooh it is. I asked Sam's Club Bakery if they have any Winnie the Pooh designs they could put on the cake. She yelled back to ask their designer, then came back on the line and said, "Yea, we have Pooh here." heeheeheehee! It took everything in me to hold back the laughter. I thought about making a crack back at her about their POO, but she didn't seem like one to get my kind of humor, so I let it slide.
I've got a super long entry that's been sitting as a draft for a long time. I'm hoping to get it done someone in the next couple of days. Those are always the fun ones. Almost like little therapy sessions. RD doesn't get the whole blog-thing, and teases me about it often. He doesn't understand he should be thanking me, because thanks to Blog Land, I get all my frustrations out through the Internet instead of him.
I called to order the kids' cake for their party. I don't know what I have against Winnie the Pooh - I think just because he's overdone, but I just don't like Pooh. BUT that's the only style in which I could find the plates, the hats, the cups...the whole shabang, so Pooh it is. I asked Sam's Club Bakery if they have any Winnie the Pooh designs they could put on the cake. She yelled back to ask their designer, then came back on the line and said, "Yea, we have Pooh here." heeheeheehee! It took everything in me to hold back the laughter. I thought about making a crack back at her about their POO, but she didn't seem like one to get my kind of humor, so I let it slide.
I've got a super long entry that's been sitting as a draft for a long time. I'm hoping to get it done someone in the next couple of days. Those are always the fun ones. Almost like little therapy sessions. RD doesn't get the whole blog-thing, and teases me about it often. He doesn't understand he should be thanking me, because thanks to Blog Land, I get all my frustrations out through the Internet instead of him.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Yet even more randoms
I've got tunnel vision happening right now with this house deal. Why did we have to try for loan approval the Friday before President's Day weekend? It's making for a long weekend. So you'll have to bare with me, as some random thoughts are all I can muster right now.
Well, my bladder is about to burst, so I guess I'll wrap this up. Have a wonderful weekend, everybody!
Until next time...
I think AR is going to take her first steps any day now. Each day she is standing unassisted longer and longer. She even will do her little bounce/jump jig and clap her hands while standing, she just hasn't made that step forward yet. It's such a conflict of emotions for me. I'm excited, yet sad at the same time. Yes, again...THEY'RE GROWING UP TOO FAST!!
They are doing great with table foods. Once they started, we didn't look back. They're eating chicken nuggets, grilled cheese sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, french toast sticks, green beans, fish sticks, mac & cheese - you name it. This might sound strange, but I love the sound of them eating. I'll turn the stereo or tv down and just listen to them chewing, swallowing, and humming their little mmm-mmm-mmm-this-tastes-good tune.
The visiting nurse weighed them the other day. AR was 19 lb. 6 oz., SJ was 20 lb. 7 oz., and SA was 22 lb. 5 oz. SA's so big, but so solid!
I watched What Not to Wear yesterday on TLC. They made over a woman who I guess riverdanced (The website said it was Irish step dancing, but by the looks of it, it's the same thing?). She kept doing her little riverdance throughout the whole show - down the sidewalk, in the fitting rooms, in the middle of the stores. It was very annoying. RD said, "I'm sure they made her do that." No one would make anyone look that ridiculous. It almost made me turn the channel. Awful. Nothing against riverdancing. Hey, if that's your thing, that's great. Just don't do it down the aisles of DSW. Ugh.
The kids birthday party is this Saturday. I am not at all prepared. I need to order the cake and figure out what kind of appetizers I'm going to get. I guess I should pick up some decorations as well. See how bad I get? I've gotten so wrapped up in this house, the kids' birthday party has taken the back burner. I'm so awful. If they were of an age that they would know any different, I would be more obsessive about the party than anything, but I figure it's more for us than them. They won't even know any different. I know - I sound awful. It'll all come together in the end. Sometimes I think I do better last minute anyway.
Well, my bladder is about to burst, so I guess I'll wrap this up. Have a wonderful weekend, everybody!
Until next time...
Friday, February 18, 2005
Poo Talk
Remember the game, "What's grosser than gross?"
I've got one for ya.
Mandarin Oranges
"What's so gross about Mandarin Oranges?"
Glad you asked!
Poop. Feed your kids some Mandarin Oranges and they're going to have some wicked awful poop. AWFUL. Little roly-poly orange balls that the wipe just doesn't want to wipe up.
It's some serious nasty stuff.
I've got one for ya.
Mandarin Oranges
"What's so gross about Mandarin Oranges?"
Glad you asked!
Poop. Feed your kids some Mandarin Oranges and they're going to have some wicked awful poop. AWFUL. Little roly-poly orange balls that the wipe just doesn't want to wipe up.
It's some serious nasty stuff.
'til Tuesday
Have I mentioned I'm impatient? Surely I've mentioned it. Not just a little impatient - out-of-control impatient in the most irritating way possible. I hate waiting for anything.
When I talked to our banker this morning, she said we should know within a few hours whether or not we've been approved for the loan. She then called back about an hour later to ask me a few more questions, then went on to say that it will take a couple days to get the prequalification letter, then she will courier it to our home. We went over some other basic information - what account we want the $50 prequalification charge taken from, whether we want the 5/1 ARM or the 7/1 ARM (only options for Physician-Loan), etc. About 30 minutes after we got off the phone I started going over our conversation again in my head. Now - she said the letter would be ready in a couple days - does that mean we're approved? She didn't say, "You're approved," but she did say the letter will be sent out soon.
First I had myself convinced that this call meant we were approved, then I decided I was jumping to conclusions because she never said those magic words, "You're approved." I thought then that I could just wait a few more hours, then if she didn't call, I would then call to clarify. A few hours? That's just too long to wait. So I called. I told her I was sorry to bother her...blahblahblah...but was I to take that call as an acceptance? Were we approved or was that an if-you-are-approved-this-is-what-comes-next call? Unfortunately, it was the latter.
As it turns out, the Physician-Loan isn't an automatic process; it has to go through an Underwriter, which takes longer. She said looking at our credit report she has no reason to be anything but optimistic, but I'm still a nervous wreck. We've gone through this loan before, and we were TWO POINTS off. Two lousy points kept us from refinancing a few years ago. To qualify for this loan, we not only have to have excellent credit, but EXCELLENT credit. What knocked us out of EXCELLENT last time was the car we had just bought. It wasn't the added debt of the new car that hurt us, but the running of our credit report that had knocked some points off our rating. It's so crazy how credit rating works.
Tuesday. Now she says we won't know until Tuesday. That's what? Four days away? I don't even know what day it is. So I'll let you know right now - I'm going to be a basket case until Tuesday.
Have I mentioned I'm impatient?
When I talked to our banker this morning, she said we should know within a few hours whether or not we've been approved for the loan. She then called back about an hour later to ask me a few more questions, then went on to say that it will take a couple days to get the prequalification letter, then she will courier it to our home. We went over some other basic information - what account we want the $50 prequalification charge taken from, whether we want the 5/1 ARM or the 7/1 ARM (only options for Physician-Loan), etc. About 30 minutes after we got off the phone I started going over our conversation again in my head. Now - she said the letter would be ready in a couple days - does that mean we're approved? She didn't say, "You're approved," but she did say the letter will be sent out soon.
First I had myself convinced that this call meant we were approved, then I decided I was jumping to conclusions because she never said those magic words, "You're approved." I thought then that I could just wait a few more hours, then if she didn't call, I would then call to clarify. A few hours? That's just too long to wait. So I called. I told her I was sorry to bother her...blahblahblah...but was I to take that call as an acceptance? Were we approved or was that an if-you-are-approved-this-is-what-comes-next call? Unfortunately, it was the latter.
As it turns out, the Physician-Loan isn't an automatic process; it has to go through an Underwriter, which takes longer. She said looking at our credit report she has no reason to be anything but optimistic, but I'm still a nervous wreck. We've gone through this loan before, and we were TWO POINTS off. Two lousy points kept us from refinancing a few years ago. To qualify for this loan, we not only have to have excellent credit, but EXCELLENT credit. What knocked us out of EXCELLENT last time was the car we had just bought. It wasn't the added debt of the new car that hurt us, but the running of our credit report that had knocked some points off our rating. It's so crazy how credit rating works.
Tuesday. Now she says we won't know until Tuesday. That's what? Four days away? I don't even know what day it is. So I'll let you know right now - I'm going to be a basket case until Tuesday.
Have I mentioned I'm impatient?
Thursday, February 17, 2005
I Think I Can
I'm just sick. Sick to my stomach.
It's looking like the house is going to be a done deal soon. We haven't gotten official loan approval yet, but our banker (I know she has an official title, but right now I can't remember what it is) says she's positive everything will be fine.
Why am I sick? I'm very happy about the house. I love it and think it is a perfect fit for us. I'm sick because it's such a major decision. I'm not worried about the financial aspects - that's too easy, I'm being flooded with more irrational fears more than anything. You know...those "mother fears."
It all started when watching Montell this morning. It was about true crimes and evil living in your neighborhood. I only caught part of it, but the segment I watched was about a woman who was kidnapped and raped by her nextdoor neighbor when she was ten years old.
Me: My God! You know what...I better check the sex offender registry. I don't know anything about that neighborhood. This is a good area. There's no reason why I should be concerned, but as a mother, well...you know - the mind can take you to some crazy, crazy places.
RD: I can hear in his voice the pleasure in "getting me going" about something. It's a new neighborhood. The sex offenders probably haven't even registered yet. We won't know until it's too late. He then let out an exaggerated sigh. I swear he loves to see me squirm.
So now all day I've been going through the what-if's.
What if...
Our kids are hit by a car while they're outside playing.
They're kidnapped.
They get seriously hurt by a bully at school.
We're in a car accident on our way home.
One or all of them are harmed (I can't even say the word) by a neighbor.
I keep thinking of all these what-if's and how they could be avoided if we didn't move to this house. I keep wondering if there'll ever be a "someday" when I wished we hadn't made this decision.
Again, there is no basis for this. I've done this before. It's just the fear of making a big step and wondering if there's something waiting for us in the future, something that we're making happen by making this big decision.
I'm sure (I should probably say, "I know...") I would be doing this no matter where we were going, or whether it was tomorrow or four months from now - but then there's this other voice in my head saying, "Is this feeling a sign you shouldn't do this?" Logically, rationally, I know that if I followed that voice every time I heard it (and no, I don't have voices in my head, work with me here! ha!), I would never be making any changes or big steps - EVER.
So I'll just hope this feeling passes. Soon. Why I have to always do this...ugh. I get so excited over things, then I second guess myself. It's such an ugly, exhausting cycle.
It's looking like the house is going to be a done deal soon. We haven't gotten official loan approval yet, but our banker (I know she has an official title, but right now I can't remember what it is) says she's positive everything will be fine.
Why am I sick? I'm very happy about the house. I love it and think it is a perfect fit for us. I'm sick because it's such a major decision. I'm not worried about the financial aspects - that's too easy, I'm being flooded with more irrational fears more than anything. You know...those "mother fears."
It all started when watching Montell this morning. It was about true crimes and evil living in your neighborhood. I only caught part of it, but the segment I watched was about a woman who was kidnapped and raped by her nextdoor neighbor when she was ten years old.
Me: My God! You know what...I better check the sex offender registry. I don't know anything about that neighborhood. This is a good area. There's no reason why I should be concerned, but as a mother, well...you know - the mind can take you to some crazy, crazy places.
RD: I can hear in his voice the pleasure in "getting me going" about something. It's a new neighborhood. The sex offenders probably haven't even registered yet. We won't know until it's too late. He then let out an exaggerated sigh. I swear he loves to see me squirm.
So now all day I've been going through the what-if's.
What if...
Our kids are hit by a car while they're outside playing.
They're kidnapped.
They get seriously hurt by a bully at school.
We're in a car accident on our way home.
One or all of them are harmed (I can't even say the word) by a neighbor.
I keep thinking of all these what-if's and how they could be avoided if we didn't move to this house. I keep wondering if there'll ever be a "someday" when I wished we hadn't made this decision.
Again, there is no basis for this. I've done this before. It's just the fear of making a big step and wondering if there's something waiting for us in the future, something that we're making happen by making this big decision.
I'm sure (I should probably say, "I know...") I would be doing this no matter where we were going, or whether it was tomorrow or four months from now - but then there's this other voice in my head saying, "Is this feeling a sign you shouldn't do this?" Logically, rationally, I know that if I followed that voice every time I heard it (and no, I don't have voices in my head, work with me here! ha!), I would never be making any changes or big steps - EVER.
So I'll just hope this feeling passes. Soon. Why I have to always do this...ugh. I get so excited over things, then I second guess myself. It's such an ugly, exhausting cycle.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Excuse me while I bore you with some randoms
The house hunt - where do I start? Okay, I'll try to make this short. I think last I left off, RD was on his way out to look at the house I had looked at and liked (a lot!). The base price was great, but once we figured all the options we'd like, it put the house way out of our price range. We wanted to look at the next model down, but they didn't have one for us to look at. Figures the only display home they have available is the biggest and most expensive! This builder has many communities (subdivisions...whatever!), so I drove out (way out - about a 45-minute drive) to look at the model we were now considering. I loved it. RD still needs to look at it. The visiting nurse is coming tomorrow to give the kids their last round of Synagis, then he works in the afternoon, so I'm not sure if he'll be able to look at it until Friday. I think he'll like it. It's pretty much the same house as this last one, but smaller. Next step...loan approval. This is where it gets tricky. He doesn't start his job until July - he'll be getting a substantial bump in salary at that time - yet we're still waiting on the official contract, which we'd need for loan approval. The job is his, it's just that the paperwork takes a long time - why is beyond me.
Valentine's dinner was wonderful. The whole house stuff dominated most of the conversation - but that was a welcome change to all the baby talk. I love my kids, but it's nice to talk about something other than the kids once in awhile!
It's amazing how the weather can affect one's mood. We had a couple of days of gorgeous weather - mid-70's, sunny, clear sky. I opened up our one working window - the babies all stood up at the window and took in the fresh air. They reminded me of our cats - the way they held their noses up in the air, eyes squinted, breathing it all in. We were hoping to get the kids out for a walk, but with the going back and forth to the house(s), time slipped away.
I wish I had more to say, but I don't. I know my posts have been lacking any sort of entertainment value, but...again, I don't have much to say. This house stuff is sucking up every bit of energy and every thought in my head. If you're sticking with me through these boring entries - God love ya! ;)
Until next time...
Valentine's dinner was wonderful. The whole house stuff dominated most of the conversation - but that was a welcome change to all the baby talk. I love my kids, but it's nice to talk about something other than the kids once in awhile!
It's amazing how the weather can affect one's mood. We had a couple of days of gorgeous weather - mid-70's, sunny, clear sky. I opened up our one working window - the babies all stood up at the window and took in the fresh air. They reminded me of our cats - the way they held their noses up in the air, eyes squinted, breathing it all in. We were hoping to get the kids out for a walk, but with the going back and forth to the house(s), time slipped away.
I wish I had more to say, but I don't. I know my posts have been lacking any sort of entertainment value, but...again, I don't have much to say. This house stuff is sucking up every bit of energy and every thought in my head. If you're sticking with me through these boring entries - God love ya! ;)
Until next time...
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
No exciting news to report. We went to look at the displays and check out the homesites. The house - there's only one word to describe it - AMAZING. The whole ride out there RD had this gruff look on his face, knowing in my head I was already moving us in.
When we pulled up he looked over to "the one" and said, "Is that it?" He said it very casually, but I could tell he was impressed. We weren't even five feet in the place and I could tell he was sold. He was studying every detail. He went from room to room saying, "We should do this...I want that...isn't this great...we'd need this..."
Now on to the lots. There were only a few left, only one private. It was on the small side, but we loved the house so much we were quickly coming up with all the reasons why "the big yard" could wait.
Then we saw it. How we missed it is beyond me. I think we were so drunk over this house we were oblivious to any imperfections that might be lurking.
A huuuuge rock quarry. A fully-active, rock quarry. Right next to the community. RD hates it when I use the word community. "Will you just say subdivision, because that's what they are." "Yes, but they call them communities." You know, those "they" people that know everything.
We went back and forth on how much this mattered to us. You couldn't actually see the quarry from this particular lot, but we'd have to hear it, right? How could we not? We debated back and forth for the rest of the day on whether or not this was a deal-breaker. We both knew it was, but I was having a hard time letting go of this "perfect house." I sat down on the couch late lastnight to go through the big folder they gave us with all the literature on the builder, the area, etc. In the very back, hidden behind all the brochures going on about how great this place is was a letter from the City Examiner - about the rock quarry. It went into great detail about how home owners may be startled by the noise, some home damage is to be expected (which they then downplayed because all homes suffer some wear and tear...yaddayadda...), and more red flags that screamed that this place wasn't so perfect after all.
I shouldn't be surprised. The price they were asking for this house seemed too good to be true - now we know why.
The problem with getting so worked up and excited about something is the low you get when things don't go your way. We watched The Terminal lastnight. RD loved it, but I couldn't stop thinking about the house. The house itself was so perfect, why oh why did it have to be next to a rock quarry. It kind of reminded me of an old Seinfeld episode. Remember the one where George was dating this woman who would be beautiful if it wasn't for her HUGE nose. He hated her nose, but knew if it weren't for her nose, she would be too beautiful for him - out of his league. Silly analogy maybe, but I guess that's how I looked at the house. The only reason we could afford this awesome house is because they thought that the constant booms and vibrations warranted a discount of sorts. So we move on.
So tomorrow I am going to check out two more communities. The one has larger houses on small lots and the other has what I would call average-size houses on larger lots. I'm going to check out both. I'm kind of wishing now that we hadn't seen the first. That first house we looked at was so grand - I'm afraid all others will pale in comparison.
We shall see.
In the meantime, have a wonderful V-Day! RD and I are going out to dinner while his mom watches the kids. Let's hope we have lots to celebrate! ;)
When we pulled up he looked over to "the one" and said, "Is that it?" He said it very casually, but I could tell he was impressed. We weren't even five feet in the place and I could tell he was sold. He was studying every detail. He went from room to room saying, "We should do this...I want that...isn't this great...we'd need this..."
Now on to the lots. There were only a few left, only one private. It was on the small side, but we loved the house so much we were quickly coming up with all the reasons why "the big yard" could wait.
Then we saw it. How we missed it is beyond me. I think we were so drunk over this house we were oblivious to any imperfections that might be lurking.
A huuuuge rock quarry. A fully-active, rock quarry. Right next to the community. RD hates it when I use the word community. "Will you just say subdivision, because that's what they are." "Yes, but they call them communities." You know, those "they" people that know everything.
We went back and forth on how much this mattered to us. You couldn't actually see the quarry from this particular lot, but we'd have to hear it, right? How could we not? We debated back and forth for the rest of the day on whether or not this was a deal-breaker. We both knew it was, but I was having a hard time letting go of this "perfect house." I sat down on the couch late lastnight to go through the big folder they gave us with all the literature on the builder, the area, etc. In the very back, hidden behind all the brochures going on about how great this place is was a letter from the City Examiner - about the rock quarry. It went into great detail about how home owners may be startled by the noise, some home damage is to be expected (which they then downplayed because all homes suffer some wear and tear...yaddayadda...), and more red flags that screamed that this place wasn't so perfect after all.
I shouldn't be surprised. The price they were asking for this house seemed too good to be true - now we know why.
The problem with getting so worked up and excited about something is the low you get when things don't go your way. We watched The Terminal lastnight. RD loved it, but I couldn't stop thinking about the house. The house itself was so perfect, why oh why did it have to be next to a rock quarry. It kind of reminded me of an old Seinfeld episode. Remember the one where George was dating this woman who would be beautiful if it wasn't for her HUGE nose. He hated her nose, but knew if it weren't for her nose, she would be too beautiful for him - out of his league. Silly analogy maybe, but I guess that's how I looked at the house. The only reason we could afford this awesome house is because they thought that the constant booms and vibrations warranted a discount of sorts. So we move on.
So tomorrow I am going to check out two more communities. The one has larger houses on small lots and the other has what I would call average-size houses on larger lots. I'm going to check out both. I'm kind of wishing now that we hadn't seen the first. That first house we looked at was so grand - I'm afraid all others will pale in comparison.
We shall see.
In the meantime, have a wonderful V-Day! RD and I are going out to dinner while his mom watches the kids. Let's hope we have lots to celebrate! ;)
Thursday, February 10, 2005
One Flew Over the New Home Community
I don't know why I'm even writing. I can't concentrate on anything and don't have anything interesting to say.
You see...I have this problem. I have a bit of a...obsessive-compulsive personality. I don't mind really. I take great pleasure in getting so wrapped up in a project, I can't even see straight. RD teases me that I'm not happy unless I'm obsessing about something. He's so right. Planning our wedding? I couldn't have been happier. Think about it! I had a year and half to become a crazed maniac over this one event. People teased me saying, "What ever are you going to do with yourself once the wedding is over?" No worries - two weeks after our wedding, I started my hunt for a house. Then I obsessed on getting every room decorated just perfect. You can always tell when I don't have anything to obsess over, because our house is sparkling. If I'm not obsessing over an upcoming event or task, I'm cleaning. I then become obsessed in making every detail of our house perfect. If I've got a project going on - forget it.
So you're probably thinking, "Get to the point! What are you obsessing about now?!"
As I've mentioned in previous posts, we are planning on moving this summer. I've been looking at houses on-line for the past month or so. Okay...I never stopped looking since the first time we moved - but I've been seriously looking for the past month or two.
RD's prerequisites for a house, and mine, are quite different. One big difference we had was WHERE; well, recently he added an area that he had previously gave a big "no way" to, so my mind went racing with all the possibilities. After doing some research, I found a new home community with some beautiful homes. Wouldn't you know it takes 5-6 months to build. PERFECT!
When approaching RD with my new plan, I knew I had to keep my cool. As soon as he sees I'm excited (and let's face it - CRAZY) about something, his red flag goes up. Yes, I've been known to get a little ahead of myself at times...I've been a bit...impulsive, so I knew what to do - I played it cool. Once he got home lastnight I waited about 45 minutes before I casually brought it up. I showed him the floorplans, the price sheet, etc. I tried to act as nonchalant as possible about it...and I think it might've worked. heehee! The lots are a lot smaller than what we were wanting, but these houses are...YOWZA! The house we'll be getting now isn't going to be the house we plan to retire in. RD wants to live in this next one for five years or so, then move into our "final" home. That way he can pay off some of his student loans, get a nest egg started, etc. My argument was that we can get a big house on a small lot now...then five years down the road get a big house on the big lot. Made sense to me.
SO...we're going to go look at the lots on Saturday. Wish me luck! Just think of all the fun I'll have obsessing over the details for the next six months! WOO HOO!
You see...I have this problem. I have a bit of a...obsessive-compulsive personality. I don't mind really. I take great pleasure in getting so wrapped up in a project, I can't even see straight. RD teases me that I'm not happy unless I'm obsessing about something. He's so right. Planning our wedding? I couldn't have been happier. Think about it! I had a year and half to become a crazed maniac over this one event. People teased me saying, "What ever are you going to do with yourself once the wedding is over?" No worries - two weeks after our wedding, I started my hunt for a house. Then I obsessed on getting every room decorated just perfect. You can always tell when I don't have anything to obsess over, because our house is sparkling. If I'm not obsessing over an upcoming event or task, I'm cleaning. I then become obsessed in making every detail of our house perfect. If I've got a project going on - forget it.
So you're probably thinking, "Get to the point! What are you obsessing about now?!"
As I've mentioned in previous posts, we are planning on moving this summer. I've been looking at houses on-line for the past month or so. Okay...I never stopped looking since the first time we moved - but I've been seriously looking for the past month or two.
RD's prerequisites for a house, and mine, are quite different. One big difference we had was WHERE; well, recently he added an area that he had previously gave a big "no way" to, so my mind went racing with all the possibilities. After doing some research, I found a new home community with some beautiful homes. Wouldn't you know it takes 5-6 months to build. PERFECT!
When approaching RD with my new plan, I knew I had to keep my cool. As soon as he sees I'm excited (and let's face it - CRAZY) about something, his red flag goes up. Yes, I've been known to get a little ahead of myself at times...I've been a bit...impulsive, so I knew what to do - I played it cool. Once he got home lastnight I waited about 45 minutes before I casually brought it up. I showed him the floorplans, the price sheet, etc. I tried to act as nonchalant as possible about it...and I think it might've worked. heehee! The lots are a lot smaller than what we were wanting, but these houses are...YOWZA! The house we'll be getting now isn't going to be the house we plan to retire in. RD wants to live in this next one for five years or so, then move into our "final" home. That way he can pay off some of his student loans, get a nest egg started, etc. My argument was that we can get a big house on a small lot now...then five years down the road get a big house on the big lot. Made sense to me.
SO...we're going to go look at the lots on Saturday. Wish me luck! Just think of all the fun I'll have obsessing over the details for the next six months! WOO HOO!
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Wipe away the cobwebs and the sorrow
As my babies' first birthday approaches, I'm finding it hard to get very excited. Don't get me wrong, they are so much fun right now. Each month that passes I say, "This is my favorite age!!"
People always say, "They grow so fast!" The truth in those words is almost painful at times. I went over to visit my friend, D, and her new baby - just a few weeks old. Holding her, I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that there was a time AR, SJ, and SA were that tiny. Even smaller! Wow. My babies...they don't even seem like babies anymore. With the excitement of each milestone, I find myself mourning those that have passed.
That's why I want to thank Suzanne over at Dot Moms for writing this. Reading her story, it gave me the kick in the butt I needed. It reminded me that each day is a milestone and every tomorrow is a blessing - not something to fear, but something to embrace.
Thank you.
People always say, "They grow so fast!" The truth in those words is almost painful at times. I went over to visit my friend, D, and her new baby - just a few weeks old. Holding her, I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that there was a time AR, SJ, and SA were that tiny. Even smaller! Wow. My babies...they don't even seem like babies anymore. With the excitement of each milestone, I find myself mourning those that have passed.
That's why I want to thank Suzanne over at Dot Moms for writing this. Reading her story, it gave me the kick in the butt I needed. It reminded me that each day is a milestone and every tomorrow is a blessing - not something to fear, but something to embrace.
Thank you.
Monday, February 07, 2005
It's all about time
Did you know that if you forget about that pile of cat puke you passed this morning - you know, the one you were going to clean up right after you changed the diaper pail - clean up is pretty easy. If you let it sit long enough, you can actually peel it off the carpet in one piece. Just like that.
I bet the Fly Lady won't teach you that!
I bet the Fly Lady won't teach you that!
Can you hear me now?
After four years of marriage (as of next month!) and over six years together, it still never ceases to amaze me how I can be talking to RD for several minutes without him having the slightest clue that I am talking to him. I can be sitting right next to him, turned to face him, talking TO him, and at the end of whatever it was I was saying he looks at me and says, "Huh? Did you say something?" Then he swears up and down that he wasn't ignoring me, but that he really didn't hear me. WHEN I'M RIGHT NEXT TO HIM?! Even if I'm really into something I'm watching on tv, I can still hear everything going on around me. If we're watching something funny, he'll turn to look at me at funny parts (which I think is sweet) - I won't always turn to him, but I can see out of the corner of my eye that he does it - I notice. Geesh.
Sometimes he doesn't even hear the conversation he's in. This just happened a few days ago:
RD: They're done with that exercauser. We need to get something else to put their toys in.
They lost interest in the exercauser a couple months ago; right now it is acting as storage for all the toys in the living room.
Me: I'm going out next week. I'll pick something up.
RD: We don't need something that looks like a toy chest - maybe something that goes with....
Me: ...the decor?
RD: Yea.
Me: Yea, at Christmas I saw M and L had these cool baskets from World Market - I think they were $60. They were really big. They'd look nice.
RD: mumbles something then shrugs
A few minutes pass...
RD: What about that World Market place? They'd probably have something good.
Me: Yea. Good idea. Big sigh
Sometimes he doesn't even hear the conversation he's in. This just happened a few days ago:
RD: They're done with that exercauser. We need to get something else to put their toys in.
They lost interest in the exercauser a couple months ago; right now it is acting as storage for all the toys in the living room.
Me: I'm going out next week. I'll pick something up.
RD: We don't need something that looks like a toy chest - maybe something that goes with....
Me: ...the decor?
RD: Yea.
Me: Yea, at Christmas I saw M and L had these cool baskets from World Market - I think they were $60. They were really big. They'd look nice.
RD: mumbles something then shrugs
A few minutes pass...
RD: What about that World Market place? They'd probably have something good.
Me: Yea. Good idea. Big sigh
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Super Randoms
RD's working tonight and I'm not into football...at all...so I think I might watch a movie tonight. I've had 13 Going on 30 sitting on top of our entertainment center for about a week now, so I should probably take advantage of RD being gone and watch my chick-flick. In the past I've watched just for the commercials, but they usually run all the good ones in the days to follow anyway, so why force myself to sit through the game?! ;)
AR has made a complete transformation in the past week. She's like a new baby. Her babbling seems to have purpose now. She'll babble on and look at us like we're supposed to know what it is she's saying, and she'll be going on and on to her brothers like she's bossing them around. She'll also raise her tone at the end as if she's asking a question. It's precious! She's been consistently ahead of the boys, hopefully they'll be starting soon.
I've been a big chicken as far as food goes with the kids. The doctor gave us the okay to start giving them table food at their 9 mo. check-up (they're 11 1/2 mo. now), but we were still pureeing everything. We would give them Cheerios and bits of cheese, but hadn't been brave to try anything else. They've recently started to seem bored with the purees, so I decided to start experimenting with more foods. For lunch this morning they had pancakes (along w/their usual oatmeal, but I added yogurt today), for lunch they had grilled cheese sandwiches (cut up of course) and their usual green beans. They're doing quite well! The only problem is that they don't pace themselves. They're fine with cheese and green beans, but when I introduced pancakes and grilled cheese sandwiches to them today, they went wild and started cramming it all in their mouths at once. I guess they liked the new menu!
John's been working a lot of evenings lately. Mardi Gras is huge here and he works at one of the city hospitals, so he said he's been slammed with drunks. He said it wouldn't be so bad if it was the silly, goofy college crowd, but he said it's been all these older, angry drunks. When we first started dating (and drinking was one of our more common activities), Mardi Gras was something we always looked forward to - we knew we had a lot of partying ahead of us. Now I wouldn't even know it was that time of year if it weren't for the stories on the local news that run after the party, and now it's a time of year RD dreads because he has to deal with the idiots that just can't handle the fun.
I know I've said this before, but I really need to do something with my hair. Something drastic. Problem is, RD loves long hair. I know I should wear my hair how I like it, but I do like to look good for him...and if he likes it long...ugh...I just don't know.
I bought RD a monogrammed-locket key chain from Red Envelope (I love this store!) for Valentine's Day. I'm going to print off a tiny picture of the kiddos to put in it...now how I'm going to fit three little heads in that tiny locket...hmmmmmm. His mom is going to watch the kids so we can go out to dinner - alone. Yeaahhh! I'm so excited. It's been so long since we've been out alone. That reminds me - I need to hurry up and make reservations somewhere or our romantic evening is going to be spent at Mickey D's!
Enjoy the Superbowl, everyone!
AR has made a complete transformation in the past week. She's like a new baby. Her babbling seems to have purpose now. She'll babble on and look at us like we're supposed to know what it is she's saying, and she'll be going on and on to her brothers like she's bossing them around. She'll also raise her tone at the end as if she's asking a question. It's precious! She's been consistently ahead of the boys, hopefully they'll be starting soon.
I've been a big chicken as far as food goes with the kids. The doctor gave us the okay to start giving them table food at their 9 mo. check-up (they're 11 1/2 mo. now), but we were still pureeing everything. We would give them Cheerios and bits of cheese, but hadn't been brave to try anything else. They've recently started to seem bored with the purees, so I decided to start experimenting with more foods. For lunch this morning they had pancakes (along w/their usual oatmeal, but I added yogurt today), for lunch they had grilled cheese sandwiches (cut up of course) and their usual green beans. They're doing quite well! The only problem is that they don't pace themselves. They're fine with cheese and green beans, but when I introduced pancakes and grilled cheese sandwiches to them today, they went wild and started cramming it all in their mouths at once. I guess they liked the new menu!
John's been working a lot of evenings lately. Mardi Gras is huge here and he works at one of the city hospitals, so he said he's been slammed with drunks. He said it wouldn't be so bad if it was the silly, goofy college crowd, but he said it's been all these older, angry drunks. When we first started dating (and drinking was one of our more common activities), Mardi Gras was something we always looked forward to - we knew we had a lot of partying ahead of us. Now I wouldn't even know it was that time of year if it weren't for the stories on the local news that run after the party, and now it's a time of year RD dreads because he has to deal with the idiots that just can't handle the fun.
I know I've said this before, but I really need to do something with my hair. Something drastic. Problem is, RD loves long hair. I know I should wear my hair how I like it, but I do like to look good for him...and if he likes it long...ugh...I just don't know.
I bought RD a monogrammed-locket key chain from Red Envelope (I love this store!) for Valentine's Day. I'm going to print off a tiny picture of the kiddos to put in it...now how I'm going to fit three little heads in that tiny locket...hmmmmmm. His mom is going to watch the kids so we can go out to dinner - alone. Yeaahhh! I'm so excited. It's been so long since we've been out alone. That reminds me - I need to hurry up and make reservations somewhere or our romantic evening is going to be spent at Mickey D's!
Enjoy the Superbowl, everyone!
Friday, February 04, 2005
To Have or Have Not
More children that is.
Can I tell you how sick I am of this question? I have absolutely NO RIGHT, considering I am constantly asking my friends and family with small children this question. Have you noticed that as soon as someone has a baby, they immediately want to go out and recruit?
As soon as RD and I were married, the interrogations came flying from every direction, "When are you having kids?...How many kids do you want?...When do you think you'll start trying?...Water, huh? Are you pregnant?...Anything you want to tell us?" We quickly put a stop to the questions when we insisted to everyone that we would not even think about having kids until RD was done with his residency. We believed this to be the complete truth at the time. We were not anticipating me being (unofficially...long story) diagnosed with endometriosis, and being told that my fertile years were numbered. So, with that information in mind, I started taking prenatal vitamins, and three months later we started trying. First try - success - or so we thought.
We wanted to keep my pregnancy a secret; at least until the second trimester. Everyone was clueless, which was wonderful. No one suspected a thing when I wasn't drinking alcohol or doing my best to hide my nausea, because we had convinced everyone that kids were way off in our future. By my 8th week, the nausea was really getting to me, and I had an ultrasound and got to see and hear her (we would later find out it was a girl) heart beat. And you know what they say, once you hear the heartbeat, the chances of a miscarriage go way down...blahblahblah. So we let the cat out of the bag.
Fastforward to Week 11 - my OB wanted to do another ultrasound because they couldn't find her heartbeat using the doppler. "This is totally normal," she said, "Don't worry. It's often hard to find. The ultrasound is just to put your mind at ease. Really, don't worry." Well - there was reason to worry. There was no heartbeat. The ultrasound showed that she had stopped growing probably sometime in her 9th week. One benefit of your husband being a physician is you're treated with extra care - a professional courtesy. Being my first pregnancy and miscarriage, it's not the norm to do genetic testing; something they usually do after loss #3. Lucky me, I got the white glove treatment. I'm sarcastic only because it's a tough subject for me. I am very grateful that they did the testing, as I know the "what if's" would've driven me insane - AND I would've assumed the first miscarriage to be the same result of what I would be tested for in later miscarriages. The next morning I underwent a D&C. The testing would show that I lost the baby due to Triploidy - a chromosomal abnormality. The ultrasound tech told me, "You should be happy the baby did not survive. She would have had many problems." Oh, yeah. Thank you. I feel much better now.
I really didn't want to go into my whole reproductive history, but I felt it was relevant to "having more." Anyway...
I was told we could not try again for at least two full cycles. This just killed me. RD was hurting as well and he wanted to wait even longer. Maybe he was scared of it happening again or maybe he felt he needed more time to heal, but I could not wait. I was obsessed. How strange to go from being scared to death of becoming pregnant to having every thought revolving around having a child.
So what happened next? I got pregnant - again and again and again. Five more times that I know for sure. After loss #6, I stopped testing. These next pregnancies were lost very early. Yes, I was sad, but I still yearned for the first. Those last five - I didn't get to see the little sac, the little head, her heartbeat. It was different.
I began to feel like a joke; almost embarrassed when calling to make an appointment with my OB, "Yes, this is Mel _____. I'm pregnant. Again." I could just picture the receptionist rolling her eyes. I'm sure she wasn't, but the depression I was in...I can't even explain. Every visit, I was directed to the Nurse Practitioner (standard for your first prenatal visit). I finally insisted on seeing my OB. With the pattern of the last miscarriages, she guessed immediately that it was an immunological problem and referred me to the Sher Institute. I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty details of my testing here (if you are going through something similar and would like me to share my story, I would be happy to e-mail you privately), but I consider my visit to Sher a blessing.
Skipping the testing and consultations, let's get to the good part - we decided IVF was our best option. You're probably asking yourself, "Why did they need to do IVF? GETTING pregnant obviously wasn't a problem." You're right, but the treatments that were necessary to prevent a miscarriage needed to be administered very early - before pregnancy testing was possible - meaning we would have to spend thousands of dollars on these treatments under the assumption that I was pregnant. Again, I can discuss details with you privately. That was too high a gamble for us, so that's where IVF came in.
Due to my young age (29) and good health, my doctor explained that they would only transfer two embryos, since the chances of implantation were high (normally they would transfer a higher number). After a very long month of twice-daily injections, our big day had arrived. It was the "transfer day" and we were waiting in the exam room. My doctor walked in with a long face, looked at each of us and said, "I'm not happy with the quality of these embryos. (insert lots of medical jargon here) I would like to transfer three embryos instead of two." RD and I looked at each other, fear in our eyes...THREE?! We expressed our concern; afterall, hadn't I proved that GETTING pregnant wasn't a problem, and he wanted to transfer THREE? The doctor nodded in agreement, but again stressed that the quality of these embryos were not very high, and in order to better our chances of getting pregnant AT ALL, he strongly advised we transfer three, "Besides," he said, "the chances of triplets are very low." Are they now?
Long story short...I really did not plan on getting into all that, but anyway...here we are - three beautiful, wonderful children, and as scared as I was at that first ultrasound, I can say with 100% certainty, I would not have changed a thing. We are so lucky and so blessed to have our two sons and daughter in our lives. A few people have asked us if we could have the same three kids, but at different times, my answer is no. I love watching them interact, getting to compare what stage they're in to each other, seeing them bond with each other, and in some ways I wonder if it's easier getting these stages all "done at the same time" so to speak, instead of having a few years between them.
Now comes those nagging questions again, "Are you having more?...Are you going to try again?...Are you done now?" It doesn't bother me because I think they're rude or because of the repetition of it all, it bothers me because I DON'T KNOW. I don't know if I want more. What answer I give you really depends on what day you ask me. As we get further and further along, it is becoming quite clear to me that RD wants more - at least one. If his desire is that strong, I feel I owe it to him to at least give it careful consideration.
"Why do you think we should be done?," he asks.
The answer to many may seem obvious, but it's not that simple. I joke, "How are we all going to fit in a car if we have more?...Vacation's going to be a b*tch!...I'll have to go out and get a job - the horror," but truth is, I don't know if I can go through what we had to go through again. Obviously, the end result was well worth it for me, but...we didn't have our family yet at the time, now we have three beautiful kids. Will my yearning for another child be strong enough to go through that again? Maybe. But after so many losses and so much pain, it feels so wonderful and so easy to just say, "We're done."
I guess we'll just have to wait and see. The thought of holding a precious little baby in my arms again....
Maybe we're not done. That's not so bad.
Can I tell you how sick I am of this question? I have absolutely NO RIGHT, considering I am constantly asking my friends and family with small children this question. Have you noticed that as soon as someone has a baby, they immediately want to go out and recruit?
As soon as RD and I were married, the interrogations came flying from every direction, "When are you having kids?...How many kids do you want?...When do you think you'll start trying?...Water, huh? Are you pregnant?...Anything you want to tell us?" We quickly put a stop to the questions when we insisted to everyone that we would not even think about having kids until RD was done with his residency. We believed this to be the complete truth at the time. We were not anticipating me being (unofficially...long story) diagnosed with endometriosis, and being told that my fertile years were numbered. So, with that information in mind, I started taking prenatal vitamins, and three months later we started trying. First try - success - or so we thought.
We wanted to keep my pregnancy a secret; at least until the second trimester. Everyone was clueless, which was wonderful. No one suspected a thing when I wasn't drinking alcohol or doing my best to hide my nausea, because we had convinced everyone that kids were way off in our future. By my 8th week, the nausea was really getting to me, and I had an ultrasound and got to see and hear her (we would later find out it was a girl) heart beat. And you know what they say, once you hear the heartbeat, the chances of a miscarriage go way down...blahblahblah. So we let the cat out of the bag.
Fastforward to Week 11 - my OB wanted to do another ultrasound because they couldn't find her heartbeat using the doppler. "This is totally normal," she said, "Don't worry. It's often hard to find. The ultrasound is just to put your mind at ease. Really, don't worry." Well - there was reason to worry. There was no heartbeat. The ultrasound showed that she had stopped growing probably sometime in her 9th week. One benefit of your husband being a physician is you're treated with extra care - a professional courtesy. Being my first pregnancy and miscarriage, it's not the norm to do genetic testing; something they usually do after loss #3. Lucky me, I got the white glove treatment. I'm sarcastic only because it's a tough subject for me. I am very grateful that they did the testing, as I know the "what if's" would've driven me insane - AND I would've assumed the first miscarriage to be the same result of what I would be tested for in later miscarriages. The next morning I underwent a D&C. The testing would show that I lost the baby due to Triploidy - a chromosomal abnormality. The ultrasound tech told me, "You should be happy the baby did not survive. She would have had many problems." Oh, yeah. Thank you. I feel much better now.
I really didn't want to go into my whole reproductive history, but I felt it was relevant to "having more." Anyway...
I was told we could not try again for at least two full cycles. This just killed me. RD was hurting as well and he wanted to wait even longer. Maybe he was scared of it happening again or maybe he felt he needed more time to heal, but I could not wait. I was obsessed. How strange to go from being scared to death of becoming pregnant to having every thought revolving around having a child.
So what happened next? I got pregnant - again and again and again. Five more times that I know for sure. After loss #6, I stopped testing. These next pregnancies were lost very early. Yes, I was sad, but I still yearned for the first. Those last five - I didn't get to see the little sac, the little head, her heartbeat. It was different.
I began to feel like a joke; almost embarrassed when calling to make an appointment with my OB, "Yes, this is Mel _____. I'm pregnant. Again." I could just picture the receptionist rolling her eyes. I'm sure she wasn't, but the depression I was in...I can't even explain. Every visit, I was directed to the Nurse Practitioner (standard for your first prenatal visit). I finally insisted on seeing my OB. With the pattern of the last miscarriages, she guessed immediately that it was an immunological problem and referred me to the Sher Institute. I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty details of my testing here (if you are going through something similar and would like me to share my story, I would be happy to e-mail you privately), but I consider my visit to Sher a blessing.
Skipping the testing and consultations, let's get to the good part - we decided IVF was our best option. You're probably asking yourself, "Why did they need to do IVF? GETTING pregnant obviously wasn't a problem." You're right, but the treatments that were necessary to prevent a miscarriage needed to be administered very early - before pregnancy testing was possible - meaning we would have to spend thousands of dollars on these treatments under the assumption that I was pregnant. Again, I can discuss details with you privately. That was too high a gamble for us, so that's where IVF came in.
Due to my young age (29) and good health, my doctor explained that they would only transfer two embryos, since the chances of implantation were high (normally they would transfer a higher number). After a very long month of twice-daily injections, our big day had arrived. It was the "transfer day" and we were waiting in the exam room. My doctor walked in with a long face, looked at each of us and said, "I'm not happy with the quality of these embryos. (insert lots of medical jargon here) I would like to transfer three embryos instead of two." RD and I looked at each other, fear in our eyes...THREE?! We expressed our concern; afterall, hadn't I proved that GETTING pregnant wasn't a problem, and he wanted to transfer THREE? The doctor nodded in agreement, but again stressed that the quality of these embryos were not very high, and in order to better our chances of getting pregnant AT ALL, he strongly advised we transfer three, "Besides," he said, "the chances of triplets are very low." Are they now?
Long story short...I really did not plan on getting into all that, but anyway...here we are - three beautiful, wonderful children, and as scared as I was at that first ultrasound, I can say with 100% certainty, I would not have changed a thing. We are so lucky and so blessed to have our two sons and daughter in our lives. A few people have asked us if we could have the same three kids, but at different times, my answer is no. I love watching them interact, getting to compare what stage they're in to each other, seeing them bond with each other, and in some ways I wonder if it's easier getting these stages all "done at the same time" so to speak, instead of having a few years between them.
Now comes those nagging questions again, "Are you having more?...Are you going to try again?...Are you done now?" It doesn't bother me because I think they're rude or because of the repetition of it all, it bothers me because I DON'T KNOW. I don't know if I want more. What answer I give you really depends on what day you ask me. As we get further and further along, it is becoming quite clear to me that RD wants more - at least one. If his desire is that strong, I feel I owe it to him to at least give it careful consideration.
"Why do you think we should be done?," he asks.
The answer to many may seem obvious, but it's not that simple. I joke, "How are we all going to fit in a car if we have more?...Vacation's going to be a b*tch!...I'll have to go out and get a job - the horror," but truth is, I don't know if I can go through what we had to go through again. Obviously, the end result was well worth it for me, but...we didn't have our family yet at the time, now we have three beautiful kids. Will my yearning for another child be strong enough to go through that again? Maybe. But after so many losses and so much pain, it feels so wonderful and so easy to just say, "We're done."
I guess we'll just have to wait and see. The thought of holding a precious little baby in my arms again....
Maybe we're not done. That's not so bad.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Plug it in
I've mentioned a few of these before, but I thought I'd make a list of some of my must-have's:
Caldrea Diaper Pail Freshener - This is an absolute must in our house. When you've got massive amounts of poopy diapers in your home, this is a nose-saver. It does an excellent job ridding the pail of the smell, and smells wonderful itself. A little pricey, but well worth it.
Clorox Wipes - I've mentioned these before, but again, a must. I use these for the obvious: kitchen counters, bathroom sink, highchair trays - but they're also great for wiping down toys after the kids have been sick or just for general cleaning when the toys get down right gross.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser - Okay, could someone please tell me how we survived on this planet without these? Okay, seriously, these are awesome. Sure, if you clean immediately after every single mess you might be able to get the gunk off in one swoop, but really, who always does that? For those of us that get to the mess after it has caked itself onto the surface, clinging for dear life, not ready to leave anytime soon, this is the product for you. We use our microwave A LOT, and sure enough it shows. I can clean the inside by wiping the surface one time. You heard me folks, one time. It's just that good.
Swiffer Dry/Wet - This is something that needs to be done daily in our home. Without a dog to eat up all the Cheerios and cheese that flies about around our kids, it's left to us to clean up. I don't care what brand you use, but this product rocks.
Shout Wipes - Don't leave the house without a handful of these! These work wonders in getting the stain out of your shirt from that big forkful of dinner that fell on your chest.
Hendrickson's Salad Dressing - mmmm-mmmm-mmmmmm. Fat-free and DELICIOUS! I use it as salad dressing every now and then, but like it even more just to dip veggies in or use as a marinade. In the Summer I like to cut up cucumbers and onions and pour Hendrickson's on it. Yum!
Stacy's Pita Chips - LOVE these! The only place I've been able to find them so far is Sam's Club - and the only flavor they had was "Simply Naked." It was simply yummy, dahling! AND, not too bad for you either!
Caldrea Diaper Pail Freshener - This is an absolute must in our house. When you've got massive amounts of poopy diapers in your home, this is a nose-saver. It does an excellent job ridding the pail of the smell, and smells wonderful itself. A little pricey, but well worth it.
Clorox Wipes - I've mentioned these before, but again, a must. I use these for the obvious: kitchen counters, bathroom sink, highchair trays - but they're also great for wiping down toys after the kids have been sick or just for general cleaning when the toys get down right gross.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser - Okay, could someone please tell me how we survived on this planet without these? Okay, seriously, these are awesome. Sure, if you clean immediately after every single mess you might be able to get the gunk off in one swoop, but really, who always does that? For those of us that get to the mess after it has caked itself onto the surface, clinging for dear life, not ready to leave anytime soon, this is the product for you. We use our microwave A LOT, and sure enough it shows. I can clean the inside by wiping the surface one time. You heard me folks, one time. It's just that good.
Swiffer Dry/Wet - This is something that needs to be done daily in our home. Without a dog to eat up all the Cheerios and cheese that flies about around our kids, it's left to us to clean up. I don't care what brand you use, but this product rocks.
Shout Wipes - Don't leave the house without a handful of these! These work wonders in getting the stain out of your shirt from that big forkful of dinner that fell on your chest.
Pond's Make-Up Remover Towelettes - I sure wish I had these back in my early-20's. Crawling into bed after hitting the club scene (that sounds SOOOO ridiculous to me now!!), washing the make-up off my face just wasn't the priority it should've been. Now a wild night for me is keeping the kids up past 8 p.m., but I'm still loving this product. The easier the better.
Lancome's Ombre Perfecteur - I have the hardest time getting eye shadow to stay put. This product works wonders in keeping your eye shadow where it should be - ON YOUR EYELIDS - all day, without caking up. Love it!
Edy's Grand Light Ice Cream - This stuff is so good it should be outlawed! I'm telling you...if this is in my house, I will not stop until it is gone. That is why I limit how often I buy this yummy tub of goodness. When they say that it is so good that you'd never know it's light, they mean it. Really!Hendrickson's Salad Dressing - mmmm-mmmm-mmmmmm. Fat-free and DELICIOUS! I use it as salad dressing every now and then, but like it even more just to dip veggies in or use as a marinade. In the Summer I like to cut up cucumbers and onions and pour Hendrickson's on it. Yum!
Stacy's Pita Chips - LOVE these! The only place I've been able to find them so far is Sam's Club - and the only flavor they had was "Simply Naked." It was simply yummy, dahling! AND, not too bad for you either!
Which Desperate Housewife Are You?
The quiz says I'm "Susan". Not too surprised. Who are you?
Congratulations! You are Susan Mayer, the divorcee
and single mom who will go to extraordinary
lengths for love.
Which Desperate Housewife are you?
Congratulations! You are Susan Mayer, the divorcee
and single mom who will go to extraordinary
lengths for love.
Which Desperate Housewife are you?
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Have You Noticed?
Lynette's new makeover? Speaking of moms and fashion, at the start of the season (Desperate Housewives), she wore baggy clothes, hair was barely combed, and no make-up. When I saw her at the Golden Globes, I was amazed at what a hot little body she has! LOL It was hard to see her figure under her loose-fitting clothes. Now in last week's episode, she had body-hugging clothes on that flattered her figure, her hair was styled, and she was wearing make-up - she even went to bed with it on. It'll be interesting to see if that's her "new look."
I'm torn, because I did think it was more realistic to see that she wasn't "done up" all the time, but I thought they took her tired and haggard look to the extreme sometimes, now let's see if they're taking her the other way...
I'm torn, because I did think it was more realistic to see that she wasn't "done up" all the time, but I thought they took her tired and haggard look to the extreme sometimes, now let's see if they're taking her the other way...
Saturday, January 29, 2005
Stacy's Mom Has Got it Going On
I was flipping through a catalog that came in the mail a few days ago. Keeping in tradition of worrying about hurting anyone's feelings, I will leave the name out. I know this brand/store is popular, so I'll stay mum. I have been receiving this catalog for years, but would always promptly throw it away - quickly dismissing the idea that there might be anything I might like in it. I'm wanting some news clothes, so I thought I'd take a browse. The clothes were cute, not what I would call trendy, but cute. Yet there was something about them I didn't like - I couldn't quite put my finger on it. The only word that comes to mind for me is - comfortable. Hey, I can do comfortable. I do comfortable almost everyday, but these were more "going out" comfortable, not hanging out around the house comfortable. But there was still something nagging me about them - a little voice saying, "No...don't buy them. Throw it away."
RD walked in the room and I handed the catalog to him and pointed out a few things.
Me: You like those?
RD: Kind of shrugs and gives me a look that shows he could care less.
Me: Do you think they're "me"?
RD: Thinking....giving it a good look. They're too...."mom".
I suddenly knew. He was right. No, it didn't look like something either of our moms would wear, but the clothes were stereotypical "mom" clothes. PTA-going, mini-van driving, pass-the-sippy-cup mom clothes. Nooooooo!!!! I've got the mini-van, we've got the sippy cups, I'm actually excited about someday being involved in the PTA, but please. Please no "mom" clothes!
I frowned a bit. I kinda liked 'em - those "mom" clothes. But I'm not ready for that yet. I'm certainly not a trend-setter and I'm not dressing for anyone, but is it so wrong to want to...how do I say it? Look good? I mean gooooood?
The Today Show had a segment on this morning about 'Moms of Today.' I was feeding the kids at the time, so I only caught bits and pieces, but the gist of it was that today's moms no longer look like the moms of yesterday. They in so many words said that moms today are hot, stylish, trend-setters - they look goooood.
Who am I to argue? ;)
RD walked in the room and I handed the catalog to him and pointed out a few things.
Me: You like those?
RD: Kind of shrugs and gives me a look that shows he could care less.
Me: Do you think they're "me"?
RD: Thinking....giving it a good look. They're too...."mom".
I suddenly knew. He was right. No, it didn't look like something either of our moms would wear, but the clothes were stereotypical "mom" clothes. PTA-going, mini-van driving, pass-the-sippy-cup mom clothes. Nooooooo!!!! I've got the mini-van, we've got the sippy cups, I'm actually excited about someday being involved in the PTA, but please. Please no "mom" clothes!
I frowned a bit. I kinda liked 'em - those "mom" clothes. But I'm not ready for that yet. I'm certainly not a trend-setter and I'm not dressing for anyone, but is it so wrong to want to...how do I say it? Look good? I mean gooooood?
The Today Show had a segment on this morning about 'Moms of Today.' I was feeding the kids at the time, so I only caught bits and pieces, but the gist of it was that today's moms no longer look like the moms of yesterday. They in so many words said that moms today are hot, stylish, trend-setters - they look goooood.
Who am I to argue? ;)
Movie Review
The Bourne Supremacy - Eh...I don't know. I don't have much to say about this movie. It was okay. I probably would've...maybe would've enjoyed it more if I was more into the character(s). When I saw the first one (The Bourne Identity) I was pregnant and feeling awful. I spent a good chunk of the movie going to the bathroom, standing in line for more food, or sitting in my seat trying not to barf on the guy in front of me - so to say I wasn't vested in the fate of Jason Bourne is an understatement. I give this movie a 6.
If You're Happy and You Know It
SA had just got done gulping down his bottle, he sits up, spits up all over my pants (to say "spits up" doesn't do it justice!), then smiles, and CLAPS! As he was clapping he looked over at RD as if to say, "Look what I did! Isn't it great?!"
That's my boy!
That's my boy!
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Like a Black Fly in Your Chardonnay
I was in the mood for Chinese food lastnight. I used to have a "regular" place I ordered from when I lived alone, then one day I found a hair in my food, and well, I decided not to eat there again. I know it's just one hair and sometimes those things happen, but the paranoia that followed with each bite just wasn't worth it.
So now we're married and we found a new "regular" place. I called to place our order and I couldn't get past how awful the woman on the phone sounded. She was obviously very sick, and all I could think about was how tiny this restaurant is, and how on earth can she avoid getting her germs all over my food (remember...I've got a serious germ-thing). After hanging up the phone I started to worry. She did sound awful. Really awful. I called back and told her to cancel my order.
Hearing me on the phone...
RD: Why'd you cancel?
Me: They can't deliver for another half hour or so, so I'm calling Webster Wok. This wasn't a lie - they couldn't deliver for a half hour or so and we really weren't in a hurry, but it worked as a great excuse. This is the "hair place," but I did love their food -AND- it was just one hair; I mean, these things happen, right?
The food comes and I quickly feed the kids so we can sit down to eat. I didn't have two bites in when RD says, "I can't eat this," and plops his plate down in front of me. Right on top of his heaping mound of Beef Lo Mein was a very long, very brown, (did I mention) looong (?) hair.
Seriously? You're telling me I stopped ordering from this place over FOUR YEARS AGO because I found a hair in my food and the first time we try it again there's a BIG FRIGGIN' HAIR?! You've got to me kidding me!
I've got to give thanks to RD. Before we married, I was the one who always found crap in my food. Either it was overcooked, undercooked, had a hair in it, maybe a bug; whatever the problem, it was ALWAYS me. Now that we're married, RD has taken over that role. If there's something to be wrong with the food, it's his.
Me: Did it touch your tongue?
RD: No, I saw it in time. It (Beef Lo Mein) was good, too. Long pause. Damn it.
Me: Let's order a pizza.
RD: Huh?
Me: Let's order a pizza.
RD: Your's is still good; eat it.
Me: No. I don't think I can. Let's order a pizza.
RD: I'm just going to eat the other half. Pointing to box. If I can.
Me: You can eat that?!
RD: I think so.
Me: Well, I guess if you can eat your's I should eat mine.
Long silence.
Me: Are you going to eat your's?
RD: I guess.
Me: Are you sure?
RD: Yes. Pouting like a child.
So we ate it, but not without close inspection. I guess it serves me right. In fear of sicko sneezing on my Hunan Vegetables, I served my husband hair. That's just great.
So now we're married and we found a new "regular" place. I called to place our order and I couldn't get past how awful the woman on the phone sounded. She was obviously very sick, and all I could think about was how tiny this restaurant is, and how on earth can she avoid getting her germs all over my food (remember...I've got a serious germ-thing). After hanging up the phone I started to worry. She did sound awful. Really awful. I called back and told her to cancel my order.
Hearing me on the phone...
RD: Why'd you cancel?
Me: They can't deliver for another half hour or so, so I'm calling Webster Wok. This wasn't a lie - they couldn't deliver for a half hour or so and we really weren't in a hurry, but it worked as a great excuse. This is the "hair place," but I did love their food -AND- it was just one hair; I mean, these things happen, right?
The food comes and I quickly feed the kids so we can sit down to eat. I didn't have two bites in when RD says, "I can't eat this," and plops his plate down in front of me. Right on top of his heaping mound of Beef Lo Mein was a very long, very brown, (did I mention) looong (?) hair.
Seriously? You're telling me I stopped ordering from this place over FOUR YEARS AGO because I found a hair in my food and the first time we try it again there's a BIG FRIGGIN' HAIR?! You've got to me kidding me!
I've got to give thanks to RD. Before we married, I was the one who always found crap in my food. Either it was overcooked, undercooked, had a hair in it, maybe a bug; whatever the problem, it was ALWAYS me. Now that we're married, RD has taken over that role. If there's something to be wrong with the food, it's his.
Me: Did it touch your tongue?
RD: No, I saw it in time. It (Beef Lo Mein) was good, too. Long pause. Damn it.
Me: Let's order a pizza.
RD: Huh?
Me: Let's order a pizza.
RD: Your's is still good; eat it.
Me: No. I don't think I can. Let's order a pizza.
RD: I'm just going to eat the other half. Pointing to box. If I can.
Me: You can eat that?!
RD: I think so.
Me: Well, I guess if you can eat your's I should eat mine.
Long silence.
Me: Are you going to eat your's?
RD: I guess.
Me: Are you sure?
RD: Yes. Pouting like a child.
So we ate it, but not without close inspection. I guess it serves me right. In fear of sicko sneezing on my Hunan Vegetables, I served my husband hair. That's just great.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Signs Mom Could Use a Break
- During changing time, SA often acts like he's going through the worst thing in the world. He hates getting his diaper changed, and hates getting his clothes changed even worse. After giving him his bath, he carried the rubber ducky from the tub with him to the changing table. We went through our usual struggle to get his jammies on him without him throwing himself off the table. I set him in AR's crib while I got her ready for her bath - he's still fussing. I walk over to him to see a large bulge sticking out the right side of his jammies. I not only dressed him in jammies, but rubber ducky as well.
- Lastnight, not wanting to miss a minute of American Idol, I scrambled around during commercial breaks to do my nightly chores. I was grabbing dishes off the kitchen counter, quickly putting them into the dishwasher. Feeling a sudden flash of heat on my finger...I HAD SCOOPED UP THE LIT CANDLE JAR TO PUT IT IN THE DISHWASHER.
- This morning I set AR on the changing table to change her diaper - I unzipped her pajamas, took her feet out, looked around for a toy to give her (we usually have something handy to work as a distraction), then put her cute little feet back in her jammies, and zipped her up. I looked around for the dirty diaper so that I could deposit it into the Diaper Champ...no diaper. I seemed to skip the most important task at hand.
- This one was about a month ago... After making formula, I put the can of formula (powder) in the fridge and started to put the pitcher of made formula on top of the fridge. The pitcher being quite heavy, it was a struggle, I then realized my error.
Monday, January 24, 2005
And how are you feeling today?
Whoever found me through the search chooo bad cold, I hope you're feeling better. :)
Sometimes
Sometimes I like stare at one of my son's or daughter's little hands wrapped around one of my fingers. I stare at it thinking, "That's my son's/daughter's hand. That's my little baby. MY baby." I stare in amazement, so full of love, feeling so lucky - so lucky that they're all mine.
When we're out in public and people look at our stroller full of babies, giving us that look of pity as they say, "God Bless You." I say, "He already has."
When they say, "Better you than me," they couldn't be more right.
When we're out in public and people look at our stroller full of babies, giving us that look of pity as they say, "God Bless You." I say, "He already has."
When they say, "Better you than me," they couldn't be more right.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
Movie Review
The Village - I liked this a lot. Probably one of the most predictable movies I've seen in awhile, but still good. You see...I have this bad habit when watching movies that I know have twists; instead of sitting back and enjoying the movie, letting things happen, I'm from the get-go trying to figure out "the secret" before it's revealed. Being an M. Night Shyamalan film, I knew his schtick was to pull a "gotcha" at the end. Plus, the many reviews I read on this film when it came out complained about one thing, the "gotcha" was way too easy; SO I knew it would be pretty obvious. It was. But, who cares. I liked it anyway. I give it an 8...no a 7...no an 8. Yes, an 8.
Friday, January 21, 2005
The Birthday Party
The beginning of the week started off with a bang. We got a lot accomplished the first few days, then...not so much.
RD did a great job on our bathroom. He painted it a beautiful color - I think it was called Sand Storm. He installed a new faucet, light fixture, and new toilet (our old one didn't match the sink). It's a much cleaner look.
We got other little projects done, none worth mentioning, BUT I did have my spa day yesterday. It was wonderful! Now if I may talk about my toes for a bit - feel free to yuck out. My pedicure. How embarassed was I?! My worst fear. I kid you not. There was stuff flying everywhere! She got out her big ole' foot file and I just knew...just knew this wasn't going to be pretty. All these things started going through my head...do I tell her I was on bedrest...do I tell her that if I don't get regular pedicures, not even the best of foot creams can keep my feet nice - and it's been a loooong time...I've got triplets - they keep me really busy...I'm always bare foot...which one did I pick? None. I just kept my mouth shut and let the funk fly.
I shared my horror story with RD when I got home. I stressed to him how much better my feet would be if I starting going to get regular pedicures again. He has a foot phobia. Seriously...the guy HATES feet. Given his aversion to feet, even mine, he deserves big kudos for keeping mine all lathered up with lotion during those many months I couldn't reach my feet during my pregnancy. Now THAT'S love. He nodded and threw some sort of grunt my way that I was quick to interpret as, "Yes, honey, do whatever you need to do."
Next project...the birthday party. ugh. I can't believe the kids will be one next month!! All moms say this, but I have to say it - I can not believe how fast this year has gone! The doctor is saying, "Do you want to meet your babies?" then all of a sudden you're throwing them a birthday party.
Speaking of the birthday party...I didn't want to have one. They're one years old. It's not like they know they're having a party. And let's face it, does anyone ever really want to go to these things? Feathers getting ruffled, RD was quick to say, "This is big. They're turning one! They NEED to have a party. It's a big deal." Still not sold. "Besides, whether we want to have one or not, this is the only time certain people get to see them. (aunts and uncles...)."
I caved. He has a point. For every person that's moaning and groaning over having to go to yet another kid's birthday party, there's an aunt who has been waiting with great anticipation for this event.
So we're having the party. We made a deal - we'll invite everyone to this one (because the first one's special....blahblahblah), but all birthday parties after this one will be immediate family only. Exception being the new little friends the kids will make along the way. :) We got overloaded at Christmas time and considering the number of people we are inviting (and considering there's three birthday babes), we are putting 'No Gifts' on the invitations. I've already got a tongue-lashing from certain family members when they heard this, but I assured them that their gifts are welcome and appreciated, but I don't want anyone to feel obligated to get them a gift. I figured we'll put the gifts aside at the party, as to not make anyone who didn't bring a gift feel awkward.
So that's my week in a nutshell. Because I have this inner-Martha that is always trying to get out, I am making their invitations. They're turning out to be quite cute if I say so myself. I'm hoping to finish them tonight so I can get them in the mail by Monday.
Until next time...
RD did a great job on our bathroom. He painted it a beautiful color - I think it was called Sand Storm. He installed a new faucet, light fixture, and new toilet (our old one didn't match the sink). It's a much cleaner look.
We got other little projects done, none worth mentioning, BUT I did have my spa day yesterday. It was wonderful! Now if I may talk about my toes for a bit - feel free to yuck out. My pedicure. How embarassed was I?! My worst fear. I kid you not. There was stuff flying everywhere! She got out her big ole' foot file and I just knew...just knew this wasn't going to be pretty. All these things started going through my head...do I tell her I was on bedrest...do I tell her that if I don't get regular pedicures, not even the best of foot creams can keep my feet nice - and it's been a loooong time...I've got triplets - they keep me really busy...I'm always bare foot...which one did I pick? None. I just kept my mouth shut and let the funk fly.
I shared my horror story with RD when I got home. I stressed to him how much better my feet would be if I starting going to get regular pedicures again. He has a foot phobia. Seriously...the guy HATES feet. Given his aversion to feet, even mine, he deserves big kudos for keeping mine all lathered up with lotion during those many months I couldn't reach my feet during my pregnancy. Now THAT'S love. He nodded and threw some sort of grunt my way that I was quick to interpret as, "Yes, honey, do whatever you need to do."
Next project...the birthday party. ugh. I can't believe the kids will be one next month!! All moms say this, but I have to say it - I can not believe how fast this year has gone! The doctor is saying, "Do you want to meet your babies?" then all of a sudden you're throwing them a birthday party.
Speaking of the birthday party...I didn't want to have one. They're one years old. It's not like they know they're having a party. And let's face it, does anyone ever really want to go to these things? Feathers getting ruffled, RD was quick to say, "This is big. They're turning one! They NEED to have a party. It's a big deal." Still not sold. "Besides, whether we want to have one or not, this is the only time certain people get to see them. (aunts and uncles...)."
I caved. He has a point. For every person that's moaning and groaning over having to go to yet another kid's birthday party, there's an aunt who has been waiting with great anticipation for this event.
So we're having the party. We made a deal - we'll invite everyone to this one (because the first one's special....blahblahblah), but all birthday parties after this one will be immediate family only. Exception being the new little friends the kids will make along the way. :) We got overloaded at Christmas time and considering the number of people we are inviting (and considering there's three birthday babes), we are putting 'No Gifts' on the invitations. I've already got a tongue-lashing from certain family members when they heard this, but I assured them that their gifts are welcome and appreciated, but I don't want anyone to feel obligated to get them a gift. I figured we'll put the gifts aside at the party, as to not make anyone who didn't bring a gift feel awkward.
So that's my week in a nutshell. Because I have this inner-Martha that is always trying to get out, I am making their invitations. They're turning out to be quite cute if I say so myself. I'm hoping to finish them tonight so I can get them in the mail by Monday.
Until next time...
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Vacation
I don't know that I'll be writing for a few days. RD is on vacation this week, so we're using this time to get some projects done around the house.
I'll be back Friday! Have a great week!
I'll be back Friday! Have a great week!
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Isn't he just the sweetest?
Feeling a bit selfish, I started thinking of how loaning out this money would affect me. Remember that weight loss challenge I made for myself? I could link you to it, but that would require effort on my part to find that old post. In a nutshell, RD and I agreed that if I make it to my goal weight by the kids' first birthday, I can go on a $800 shopping spree for new clothes.
What for awhile seemed impossible is now seeming possible again. The weight has started coming off again. Nothing drastic and nothing worth doing cartwheels over, but enough to make it seem like there might be the slightest chance of me making it to my goal weight.
RD gave me a compliment regarding my weight loss. I can't remember exactly what he said, but it's something probably only I would recognize as being a compliment. That's my husband! ha! I said something along the lines of, "Even if I make it to my goal weight, we've given all my prize money away." *pout* RD responds, "No. If you make it to your goal weight, you deserve that money. I'll work an extra shift if I have to." C'mon now, you know you want to say it...awwwwwwwwwww.
Damn I love that man.
What for awhile seemed impossible is now seeming possible again. The weight has started coming off again. Nothing drastic and nothing worth doing cartwheels over, but enough to make it seem like there might be the slightest chance of me making it to my goal weight.
RD gave me a compliment regarding my weight loss. I can't remember exactly what he said, but it's something probably only I would recognize as being a compliment. That's my husband! ha! I said something along the lines of, "Even if I make it to my goal weight, we've given all my prize money away." *pout* RD responds, "No. If you make it to your goal weight, you deserve that money. I'll work an extra shift if I have to." C'mon now, you know you want to say it...awwwwwwwwwww.
Damn I love that man.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Movie Reviews
Garden State - Another movie that was okay. I probably would've enjoyed it more if I had watched it alone. I think there are two factors in me thinking it was just okay, 1) I heard too many rave reviews. I had these unrealistic expectations for greatness. This has happened before (Forrest Gump being one of them); I went into it thinking how wonderful it was going to be, only to be let down. 2) RD was so obviously hating it. It really puts a damper in my impression of a movie when the person next to me is letting out exaggerated sighs and yawning every 10 minutes. I give this a 7.
Collateral - Pretty good. Pretty unrealistic, but I found it entertaining. It started off a bit slow and I also thought it was very predictable. RD and I both snickered at the end (flashing back to the story of the dead man riding on the Metro for six hours before being discovered). Good, but not great - I give it a 7.
Stay tuned for...
The Bourne Supremacy
The Village
Collateral - Pretty good. Pretty unrealistic, but I found it entertaining. It started off a bit slow and I also thought it was very predictable. RD and I both snickered at the end (flashing back to the story of the dead man riding on the Metro for six hours before being discovered). Good, but not great - I give it a 7.
Stay tuned for...
The Bourne Supremacy
The Village
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
My Babes
It's hard to believe they're going to be one next month. They grow so fast.
AR
AR
- Baby A, our first born.
- She was head-down my entire pregnancy. She had her head buried in my cervix. It was a most unpleasant, awful feeling really. She was always kicking and poking. She was the most active of the three.
- She's gorgeous - absolutely beautiful. I just stare at her in amazement of her beauty. Yes, she looks like me - she just wears it better. :)
- Funny, the girl is FUNNY. Always laughing. Always up to something. She is the troublemaker, the instigator.
- She loves to dance - play some music and she'll dance for you.
- She was the first to crawl and first to cruise, and the first to...deep breath...say mama and dada.
- She was the first to sleep through the night.
- She has the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen.
- She has super tiny feet. She is in the 60% for height, 50% for weight, but I swear her feet are freakishly small.
- She has long, luscious lashes.
- Her favorite thing to do is to jump in her crib.
- We don't know what teetee is, but she loves talking about it.
- She's very ticklish, especially her belly.
- She's got a beautiful head of hair. As it gets longer she's starting to get curls in the back. Adorable!
- AR likes to play with what everyone else is playing with.
- She loves it when we hold her upside down.
SJ
- He was Baby B, our second born.
- He flipped around the entire pregnancy, sometimes head up, sometimes head down. I know this only by the ultrasounds (which I had every other week); I felt very little movement from him. He was alongside AR, on my right.
- He is very snuggly. He loves to cuddle. When you pick him up he likes to grab hold of you around the neck and bury his head in your neck. It's precious.
- He has the longest lashes of the three.
- He has the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen.
- He looks more like me, but his head/face is shaped like RD's (oval).
- He's what I would call pretty (for a boy :)).
- He's a lot smaller than his brother.
- He was the second to stand and to cruise.
- He was the sickest when born. We thought we might lose him.
- He's got very blonde hair. It is very thin, like mine.
- He likes to growl like a bear. He thinks this is really funny. It's much better than when he used to make what we called dolphin-noises.
- He also likes to dance.
- He's not a big fan of the exersaucer.
- He gets attached to one toy for awhile and will carry it around with him all day.
SA
- He was Baby C, our third born.
- He was a flip-flopper. He was positioned across my upper belly. He loved to bury his little feet in my ribs. My doctor said to push to have him move; where was the poor kid to go? So the pain endured.
- He is HILARIOUS. I'm telling you, this is the happiest baby I've ever seen. Always smiling. Always laughing. He's awesome.
- He's got a beautiful, thick head of hair. As it grows, it's getting more and more curly! I love it!
- He's got the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen.
- He looks JUST LIKE RD; only difference is that his face/head is shaped like mine (round).
- He has this strange fascination with patterns (e.g., on couches, boppy pillows, bed sheets, shirts, etc.). He sees a pattern and squeals with delight as he scurries over to touch it.
- He was the last to crawl, stand, and cruise.
- He is BIG. He's the biggest of the three.
- He loves to jump...jump...jump!
- He was the first to show us his dancing moves.
- He LOVES the exersaucer. He takes his jumping in the exersaucer very seriously.
- He has these big, thick luscious lips! Gorgeous! He got those from his daddy. :)
- He's got a cute freckle on his left calf.
- He's got very long lashes as well.
- He loves his food!
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
More Randoms
I know this should fall into the why-do-I-care category, but I'm really bummed about Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston calling it quits. I don't know - I guess I thought they were different than the rest of them.
I scheduled my spa day for January 20. I was thinking of inquiring about a Brazilian Wax. Am I crazy? The girl who does my eyebrows says that I wince and squirm worse than any of her other clients...I can't imagine how bad this would be, but I'm so sick of razors. If you've had this done and don't mind sharing, I'd like to know about your experience.
I've got a crush. Okay, not a real crush, but a 6th-grade kinda thing. James Denton who plays Mike Delfino on Desperate Housewives. mmm...dreamy. Did I just say dreamy? I also picture certain actors as characters in books I'm reading. He's currently "Logan" in the book I'm reading, Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts. It's so-so. Reading is a something I love to do, but lately my picks have been of a grocery store variety, as I haven't had time to peruse Borders lately. Soon...very soon. I love murder mysteries, ghost stories, thrillers, no sci-fi - if you have any suggestions, send them my way!
Dang these kids won't nap...the boys anyway. I love, love, love that they interact with each other so much now; always cracking each other up, but it isn't so cute during naptime. SA and SJ have spent the last 40 minutes standing in their cribs babbling to each other, laughing, having the greatest time. At least they're not protesting...
I scheduled my spa day for January 20. I was thinking of inquiring about a Brazilian Wax. Am I crazy? The girl who does my eyebrows says that I wince and squirm worse than any of her other clients...I can't imagine how bad this would be, but I'm so sick of razors. If you've had this done and don't mind sharing, I'd like to know about your experience.
I've got a crush. Okay, not a real crush, but a 6th-grade kinda thing. James Denton who plays Mike Delfino on Desperate Housewives. mmm...dreamy. Did I just say dreamy? I also picture certain actors as characters in books I'm reading. He's currently "Logan" in the book I'm reading, Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts. It's so-so. Reading is a something I love to do, but lately my picks have been of a grocery store variety, as I haven't had time to peruse Borders lately. Soon...very soon. I love murder mysteries, ghost stories, thrillers, no sci-fi - if you have any suggestions, send them my way!
Dang these kids won't nap...the boys anyway. I love, love, love that they interact with each other so much now; always cracking each other up, but it isn't so cute during naptime. SA and SJ have spent the last 40 minutes standing in their cribs babbling to each other, laughing, having the greatest time. At least they're not protesting...
Monday, January 10, 2005
My Name is Great Big Fat Body and I Approve This Message
I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything. I do not need to eat anything.
I could just eat you up!
I'm sure most of us have all heard this expression at least once, if not many times in our lives. Be it an aunt, mother, grandmother...we've heard how much they love us or how cute we are that THEY COULD JUST EAT US UP!!
I now truly understand these words. Maybe a little too well. I've always thought of myself as being a bit...different...goofy maybe...in a fun way. Only my closest of friends really know me and just how goofy I am. I'm about to share a story with you - a story my husband begged me not to ever tell a soul. I'm sharing this story because after reading several entries from My Blog Library I've discovered that maybe I'm not so different afterall. If I remember right, I believe Suburban Bliss has a post somewhere in her archives about pouring chocolate on her children and eating them...or maybe that was Dooce. Anyway...
My story goes something like this:
Me: I did something really embarrassing.
RD: casually Whatd'ya do?
Me: This is really bad....weird.
RD: serious now What did you do?
Me: Wellll...I've had this urge lately. I know it's weird...but I just had to do it...get it out of my system...I did...urge is gone.
RD: WHAT did you do? now looking very interested
Me: See...SJ was crying, he wouldn't stop. I picked him up and he cuddled into my neck. It was so sweet....and...his skin...well...his skin...it's so milky-white...so perfect...beautiful...
RD: interrupting...Just say it. WHAT did you do?
Me: I licked his forehead.
RD: YOU WHAT?!
Me: I told you it was weird. I just...I don't know...he's so perfect. I had this urge to lick his forehead. I did it. I got it out of my system.
RD: That's sick.
Me: almost looking proud I don't regret it.
RD: That's really sick.
Awkward silence.
RD: Don't tell anyone you did that.
Me: laughing
RD: Seriously. That's way too weird. Don't tell anyone.
Me: laughing harder
I can't explain it. Maybe it's something you wouldn't understand unless you're a mother. I dunno. Maybe you are a mother and you're shaking your head thinking, "This lady's really a nutjob."
When I was pregnant I heard repeatedly from mothers, "You are never going to believe how much you are going to love these babies." Yea, yea, I know...duh! I thought that of course I would love them - unconditionally. But let me tell you...you just don't know. It is not possible for you to know how much you can love someone until you have a child. It's this crazy all-consuming love. No pun intended. I love them so much, I just can't get enough of them. I just kiss, kiss, and kiss on them some more. I figure I've got to get my kisses in before they get to the age where they can say, "Mommy, STOP kissing me!!!!!"
I'm feeling all mushy and lovey-dovey today, so I thought I'd share the "forbidden story." So...go ahead - feeling the urge? Go kiss your child. In fact, if you want, lick their forehead...their ear...or nibble on their perfect little toe. C'mon...I won't tell.
Your secret's safe with me. ;)
I now truly understand these words. Maybe a little too well. I've always thought of myself as being a bit...different...goofy maybe...in a fun way. Only my closest of friends really know me and just how goofy I am. I'm about to share a story with you - a story my husband begged me not to ever tell a soul. I'm sharing this story because after reading several entries from My Blog Library I've discovered that maybe I'm not so different afterall. If I remember right, I believe Suburban Bliss has a post somewhere in her archives about pouring chocolate on her children and eating them...or maybe that was Dooce. Anyway...
My story goes something like this:
Me: I did something really embarrassing.
RD: casually Whatd'ya do?
Me: This is really bad....weird.
RD: serious now What did you do?
Me: Wellll...I've had this urge lately. I know it's weird...but I just had to do it...get it out of my system...I did...urge is gone.
RD: WHAT did you do? now looking very interested
Me: See...SJ was crying, he wouldn't stop. I picked him up and he cuddled into my neck. It was so sweet....and...his skin...well...his skin...it's so milky-white...so perfect...beautiful...
RD: interrupting...Just say it. WHAT did you do?
Me: I licked his forehead.
RD: YOU WHAT?!
Me: I told you it was weird. I just...I don't know...he's so perfect. I had this urge to lick his forehead. I did it. I got it out of my system.
RD: That's sick.
Me: almost looking proud I don't regret it.
RD: That's really sick.
Awkward silence.
RD: Don't tell anyone you did that.
Me: laughing
RD: Seriously. That's way too weird. Don't tell anyone.
Me: laughing harder
I can't explain it. Maybe it's something you wouldn't understand unless you're a mother. I dunno. Maybe you are a mother and you're shaking your head thinking, "This lady's really a nutjob."
When I was pregnant I heard repeatedly from mothers, "You are never going to believe how much you are going to love these babies." Yea, yea, I know...duh! I thought that of course I would love them - unconditionally. But let me tell you...you just don't know. It is not possible for you to know how much you can love someone until you have a child. It's this crazy all-consuming love. No pun intended. I love them so much, I just can't get enough of them. I just kiss, kiss, and kiss on them some more. I figure I've got to get my kisses in before they get to the age where they can say, "Mommy, STOP kissing me!!!!!"
I'm feeling all mushy and lovey-dovey today, so I thought I'd share the "forbidden story." So...go ahead - feeling the urge? Go kiss your child. In fact, if you want, lick their forehead...their ear...or nibble on their perfect little toe. C'mon...I won't tell.
Your secret's safe with me. ;)
Friday, January 07, 2005
Movie Reviews
The Door in the Floor - I really liked it. I'm not so sure someone who didn't read the book (A Widow for One Year by John Irving) would like it. I already felt emotionally-connected to the characters, so I don't know if that's why I enjoyed it so much. I would recommend it. On a scale of 1-10, I give it an 8.
The Manchurian Candidate - Ummm...pretty good. I liked it...didn't love it, but it was pretty good. RD and I debated off and on for the rest of the night about the ending. I don't want to give it away if you haven't seen it, so I'll just leave it at that. The thing that bugged both of us was the sound quality. Not that there was anything wrong with the DVD itself, it just seemed like the characters were mumbling or something. RD and I kept asking each other what the person said. We had to have it turned up real loud to hear the dialogue, then we'd get blasted away when music would play. On a scale of 1-10, a 7.
We still haven't watched Garden State yet, but I'll let you know what I think of it once we do. We'll probably watch it this weekend.
The Manchurian Candidate - Ummm...pretty good. I liked it...didn't love it, but it was pretty good. RD and I debated off and on for the rest of the night about the ending. I don't want to give it away if you haven't seen it, so I'll just leave it at that. The thing that bugged both of us was the sound quality. Not that there was anything wrong with the DVD itself, it just seemed like the characters were mumbling or something. RD and I kept asking each other what the person said. We had to have it turned up real loud to hear the dialogue, then we'd get blasted away when music would play. On a scale of 1-10, a 7.
We still haven't watched Garden State yet, but I'll let you know what I think of it once we do. We'll probably watch it this weekend.
While You Were Sleeping
The other night RD and I had flashbacks to a time about 8-9 months ago - a time we didn't sleep.
AR woke up around 1:15 a.m. crying. She was sort of crying in her sleep, not an urgent cry, but an off-and-on-getting-ready-to-turn-into-a-you-better-check-on-me-cry. You fellow-moms know this cry. They are all pretty much over the cold, but I imagine they'll be hanging on to their runny noses for quite awhile. Kids just love their snot! I crept in their room and leaned in close, trying to hear if she was congested - sounded clear. I tucked her back in, wound up her little music-maker-thing-a-ma-jig, and went back to bed.
Now she's really pissed. I change her diaper, just to rule that out, then for the next hour go through many rounds of tucking her in, patting her back, and so on.
Now it's 2:30 a.m. I'm getting worried and stressing out because RD has a meeting early in the morning and has to get up at 6 a.m. Let me put on my Martyr Hat for a moment because here I was exhausted, knowing this was going to make for a God-awful day the next day, but I'm worried about the HubbyWhoHasToGetUpRealEarly. So in an effort to make things quiet so HubbyWhoHasToGetUpRealEarly can get some decent sleep, I take AR out on the couch with me. What do ya know? She goes right to sleep! Okay, what this tells me is that there is NOTHING wrong with her. After about 15 minutes I realize there's no way I can sleep like that (something I could never do...I'm a really light sleeper so the co-bedding thing would never work for me). I figure since she's obviously fine, now that she's asleep I'll just put her back in bed. She should be fine, right? Wrong.
As she's screaming in protest, I crawl back into bed and HubbyWhoHasToGetUpRealEarly grumbles, "Did you give her Tylenol? Maybe she's teething." Um, no. Feeling like a complete moron and failure as a mother for not even thinking about that I give her some Tylenol. I had completely given up on her ever getting teeth at this point, but maybe she's finally sprouting some.
Half-hour later...
RD: "This is ridiculous."
Me: "I know. She's not congested, she doesn't have a fever, I changed her diaper, gave her Tylenol, checked her toes and fingers for hairs (having an ER doctor for a husband is handy - checking for a hair caught around a toe is not something I would've ever come up with on my own)...I even tried laying out on the couch with her, but I couldn't sleep so I put her back to bed. Do you want me to take her back out there so you can get some sleep?" Thinking to myself, "See how good I am to you?"
RD: "Maybe that's what's wrong with her. Maybe she wants you to take her back out to the couch."
Me: GRRRRRR... "I took her out on the couch so you could get some sleep. Besides, she was crying for quite some time before I ever took her out there, so that's not the reason."
RD: "I don't know. I don't know if she's that smart to figure that out."
Me: huh? %$#@!
For the next 30 minutes RD takes several rounds of going in and tucking her in, patting her back, etc. The crying stops - he comes in holding her, "She's not going to sleep. She's coming to bed with us." Yea, this is going to work. And he was pissed I took her to the couch?!
If nothing else, we got to see how damn cute our daughter is for the next 15-20 minutes. She was wide awake, lying between us, and kept looking back and forth at each of us. Then, something she thinks is hilarious, starts shaking her head side to side, then looking at us with her big, cheesy grin. Then the "ba-ba-ba-da-da-da-tee-tee-tee" starts.
Me: "I can't sleep like this. Either I'm taking her out to the couch so at least one of us can get some sleep (him), or I'm putting her back in bed."
RD: "I don't care."
I put her back in her bed. She cried for about 10 minutes - then silence. As I'm sure you mothers can attest to, one thing more troublesome than the constant cry is the sudden end to the crying.
Me: "She just stopped. Just like that. Maybe I should check on her."
RD: "Go right ahead, but I'm DONE."
Well, I didn't check on her, and she was just fine and happy as ever that morning.
Two days later...two beautiful teeth.
AR woke up around 1:15 a.m. crying. She was sort of crying in her sleep, not an urgent cry, but an off-and-on-getting-ready-to-turn-into-a-you-better-check-on-me-cry. You fellow-moms know this cry. They are all pretty much over the cold, but I imagine they'll be hanging on to their runny noses for quite awhile. Kids just love their snot! I crept in their room and leaned in close, trying to hear if she was congested - sounded clear. I tucked her back in, wound up her little music-maker-thing-a-ma-jig, and went back to bed.
Now she's really pissed. I change her diaper, just to rule that out, then for the next hour go through many rounds of tucking her in, patting her back, and so on.
Now it's 2:30 a.m. I'm getting worried and stressing out because RD has a meeting early in the morning and has to get up at 6 a.m. Let me put on my Martyr Hat for a moment because here I was exhausted, knowing this was going to make for a God-awful day the next day, but I'm worried about the HubbyWhoHasToGetUpRealEarly. So in an effort to make things quiet so HubbyWhoHasToGetUpRealEarly can get some decent sleep, I take AR out on the couch with me. What do ya know? She goes right to sleep! Okay, what this tells me is that there is NOTHING wrong with her. After about 15 minutes I realize there's no way I can sleep like that (something I could never do...I'm a really light sleeper so the co-bedding thing would never work for me). I figure since she's obviously fine, now that she's asleep I'll just put her back in bed. She should be fine, right? Wrong.
As she's screaming in protest, I crawl back into bed and HubbyWhoHasToGetUpRealEarly grumbles, "Did you give her Tylenol? Maybe she's teething." Um, no. Feeling like a complete moron and failure as a mother for not even thinking about that I give her some Tylenol. I had completely given up on her ever getting teeth at this point, but maybe she's finally sprouting some.
Half-hour later...
RD: "This is ridiculous."
Me: "I know. She's not congested, she doesn't have a fever, I changed her diaper, gave her Tylenol, checked her toes and fingers for hairs (having an ER doctor for a husband is handy - checking for a hair caught around a toe is not something I would've ever come up with on my own)...I even tried laying out on the couch with her, but I couldn't sleep so I put her back to bed. Do you want me to take her back out there so you can get some sleep?" Thinking to myself, "See how good I am to you?"
RD: "Maybe that's what's wrong with her. Maybe she wants you to take her back out to the couch."
Me: GRRRRRR... "I took her out on the couch so you could get some sleep. Besides, she was crying for quite some time before I ever took her out there, so that's not the reason."
RD: "I don't know. I don't know if she's that smart to figure that out."
Me: huh? %$#@!
For the next 30 minutes RD takes several rounds of going in and tucking her in, patting her back, etc. The crying stops - he comes in holding her, "She's not going to sleep. She's coming to bed with us." Yea, this is going to work. And he was pissed I took her to the couch?!
If nothing else, we got to see how damn cute our daughter is for the next 15-20 minutes. She was wide awake, lying between us, and kept looking back and forth at each of us. Then, something she thinks is hilarious, starts shaking her head side to side, then looking at us with her big, cheesy grin. Then the "ba-ba-ba-da-da-da-tee-tee-tee" starts.
Me: "I can't sleep like this. Either I'm taking her out to the couch so at least one of us can get some sleep (him), or I'm putting her back in bed."
RD: "I don't care."
I put her back in her bed. She cried for about 10 minutes - then silence. As I'm sure you mothers can attest to, one thing more troublesome than the constant cry is the sudden end to the crying.
Me: "She just stopped. Just like that. Maybe I should check on her."
RD: "Go right ahead, but I'm DONE."
Well, I didn't check on her, and she was just fine and happy as ever that morning.
Two days later...two beautiful teeth.
Wading In
I'm sorry I've been missing for a few days. We were hit hard with rain here, and our bedroom in the basement leaked pretty bad. This is where we keep our computer, so we've had fans going, air purifiers, you-name-it, in an effort to dry it out down here.
I don't have a lot of time right now...my sweet SA has decided he doesn't want to nap this afternoon. I've been going in every 10-15 minutes to at least try and keep him calm so that he doesn't wake AR or SJ. He's taking more "breaks" so I'm thinking and hoping he's losing steam and will fall asleep soon.
I will be back tonight after the kids go to bed.
In the meantime, apparantly people have had problems posting comments? If you use Haloscan, which I know several of you do, how do I get started? Thanks!
Be back later!
I don't have a lot of time right now...my sweet SA has decided he doesn't want to nap this afternoon. I've been going in every 10-15 minutes to at least try and keep him calm so that he doesn't wake AR or SJ. He's taking more "breaks" so I'm thinking and hoping he's losing steam and will fall asleep soon.
I will be back tonight after the kids go to bed.
In the meantime, apparantly people have had problems posting comments? If you use Haloscan, which I know several of you do, how do I get started? Thanks!
Be back later!
Monday, January 03, 2005
Free Endorsement
I love renting movies, but as you can imagine, it's pretty hard getting out to rent them, let alone return them.
I was talking to my neighbor about Netflix, and it sounded like a great deal. For a monthly-fee of $17.99 you can rent three movies at a time, they ship right to your door, there are no late fees, free shipping, when you're done you just drop them in the mail, and there's no commitment.
Blockbuster is now running the same deal, and if you sign up before the end of this month (1/06) you get two weeks free, then it's $14.99 a month. So if you're wanting to try it out, this is a good time.
Our first three movies just arrived today - The Manchurian Candidate, Garden State, and The Door in the Floor (based on the first-third of John Irving's book A Widow for One Year - a very good, sometimes depressing, read). I'll let you know what I think of these!
I was talking to my neighbor about Netflix, and it sounded like a great deal. For a monthly-fee of $17.99 you can rent three movies at a time, they ship right to your door, there are no late fees, free shipping, when you're done you just drop them in the mail, and there's no commitment.
Blockbuster is now running the same deal, and if you sign up before the end of this month (1/06) you get two weeks free, then it's $14.99 a month. So if you're wanting to try it out, this is a good time.
Our first three movies just arrived today - The Manchurian Candidate, Garden State, and The Door in the Floor (based on the first-third of John Irving's book A Widow for One Year - a very good, sometimes depressing, read). I'll let you know what I think of these!
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Hmmmmm...
I have no idea why the fonts are so crazy in that last post. Sorry if it's hard to read.
Very strange.
Very strange.
Hope Floats
I haven't been making the rounds through "My Blog Library," but I'm sure Blog Land is littered with New Year's resolutions. I always thought resolutions to be over-rated and found that they are rarely given much thought once February hits - but who am I to toss away the time-honored tradition, so here goes.
Rather than pick one goal to shoot for each year, I usually try to sum things up into being a better person. I'm very stubborn, so you can count on many of my resolutions being repeats each year.
Be More Patient - I hope to not be so hard on my husband and be more forgiving. I hope that I can be forgiving of my husband when I sit on the toilet in the middle of the night, only to discover the seat is up; when I trip over his shoes that are left in the middle of the Dining Room floor; when I’ve been rambling on for five minutes to then discover he hasn't heard a word; when I find he’s left 2-3 old Coke cans in my still-sorta-new-minivan. I hope that he is not close by when these things happen, because I have a feeling this might be a hard one. I also hope to be more patient with my children. Being a good, loving, and patient mother is something I strive for everyday, but I know there are times when my patience has been run thin - times when my tone may not be as gentle, my touch not as soft. During those times I hope that as I’m shouting out that Serenity Prayer, I can say it without gritting my teeth, without spit flying out of my mouth, steam out of my ears, and without the need for RD to walk in with a concerned look on his face, saying with fear, "Is everything okay in here?"
Be Less Defensive - I hope that when my husband complains about the house being dirty, I can learn not to take that as a personal attack. I hope that I can hold back the urge to shout, "ARE YOU SAYING I'M A BAD HOUSEKEEPER?!" when he complains of the dirty dishes in the sink, the pile of laundry in the bedrooms, or asks when was the last time the rooms were vacuumed. And, surely he's not implying that I've been sitting on my butt all day when he questions, "What exactly did you do all day?" Surely he doesn't mean anything by that.
Be Less Lazy - Because sometimes I do just sit on my butt. Not when the babies are awake of course, but sometimes after I've put them down for a nap, I just can't bring myself to do ANYTHING. Though I might need a rest, the piles of crap everywhere just add to the chaos. I'd like to be able to manage my time better. There's got to be a way to keep myself energized and rested and keep the house somewhat clean and clothes laundered. Right? Possibly?
Be Nicer to My Mother - This can be a hard one. This one is on my list every year. As RD keeps telling me, "I need to let the past go." When I find myself tensing up, I try to envision 20-30 years from now, and imagine how horrible it would be if one of my kids was holding a chip on their shoulder from me not being the perfect mother they wanted me to be. Which reminds me...I really need to work on #1.
Take Better Care of Me - Have you seen 10 Years Younger on TLC? That show scared the crap out of me! This show is definitely an incentive to make more frequent trips to the spa, get in quality work-outs, and make sure that I always make time for my nightly regimen.
Above All Else, Appreciate My Life - I've got a wonderful husband, amazing children, and sometimes the best things in life are the easiest things to take for granted. Now this is an easy one...I must remember to tell my husband, AR, SA, and SJ that I love them...each and every day.
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