It is really interesting how a baby changes a man. Especially a girl.
We all know that when a man has a son, there is alot of caveman-like interaction. Boys are born to make noises, crash into things and take death-defying leaps off anything they can climb. Girls are treated as if made of the most delicate china. That's quite funny considering Isabella will climb onto anything she can reach, then precariously teeter on the edge of it before flinging herself downward.
Back to how a baby changes a man. Especially a girl.
Heath has always been "one of the guys". You know the type. Loves beer, Maxim magazine, Hugh Hefner and talking about the conquers of long past. A large reason he's still this way is because all of his friends, except one, is married. And even that friend doesn't act married most of the time.
When we found out we were having a girl, Heath began to change. The first time I noticed was when we were driving down the highway and a convertible full of pretty teen girls drives by. Know what he says? "Those girls better put on coats or they're going to freeze to death". I couldn't stop laughing about that for days.
Then Isabella made a friend at Little Gym named Mitchell. She and Mitchell just love playing together. They are alot alike except, of course, he's a BOY. Heath has made it very clear he'll be "keeping an eye on that boy". Mitchell is 20 months old!
The other day, I saw the video for BlackEyed Peas called "My Hump". I saved it for Heath because it is such a strange song and will be played in every Hooters from now on.
We're watching it, then notice Isabella starts to imitate the dance moves. I thought it was hilarious and adorable. Heath was mortified! Then he pointed out to me that if I flash forward 13 years, that could be our daughter trying out for drill team. Needless to say, that video was erased from DVR and Isabella is forbidden to watch any more MTV with mommy.
With Isabella only a year and a half old, she's got the rest of her life to give her Daddy mini-strokes and heartbreaks. As he likes to quote Chris Rock, his main goal as her dad is to just keep her off the pole.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Friday, December 02, 2005
You Look Mahvelous...
The other day, I posted something about honeymooning in Canada on another blog and it got me to thinking about ridiculous moments in my life. Learning to ski on my honeymoon in Canada pretty much tops the list.
You know how at the time of your ridiculous moment, it is either horrifying, embarrassing or just sad? Then as time passes, it is added to your rolodex of hilarious life moments? I have a big rolodex. I've often thought of the times in Isabella's life when she'll get to hear of my stories just to make her feel better about hers. Wonder if it'll help. At least she'll get a good laugh.
Like, when walking down the hall of the fancy corporate office I worked in with my knit skirt tucked up into the top of my knit tights, showing off my white underwear. Yeah. Walked all the way down the hall past every VP's office until one of the assistants cornered me. I never wore the skirt again.
Or when I hiked the Grand Canyon. I'd never hiked or camped before but decided to do it there, rim to rim. Also thought it'd be wise to wear steel-toe boots to "protect" my feet. Years later, the four toenails I lost still haven't recovered. The doc says I have traumatized them. Who knew toes were so emotionally sensitive?
Or snorkeling in the Mexican Caribbean. I am, and always have been, afraid of any bodies of water not clear and chlorinated. I was dating my husband at the time and wanted to impress him with my fearlessness. I jumped in and immediately panicked, gulping half the ocean and millions of microorganisms. The really sad part? It was in a man-made lagoon with rocks meant to stand on for the freaker-outers. After paddling like a madwoman, my husband finally grabbed me and made me put my feet down on the rock below me. And he STILL married me!
And that brings us back to Canada. It was my idea to do something different. My husband loves to ski, I'd never done it. So why not on our honeymoon? Why not at Whistler, where celebs go? How difficult could the easiest slopes be? Um. We didn't do our research to find out that the easiest slopes in Whistler are equal to the difficult ones elsewhere.
Like a good newbie, I planned to take a full day of lessons. At lunch, I met my new dear husband at the fabulous lodge. He had seen me practicing, awed by my ability to learn the sport so quickly. He even said I didn't need to finish that afternoon's lessons. I knew enough to get started. Wow, was I ever surprised and proud!
So, we head down the slopes. I tumble within 2 seconds of starting. I fall, eat snow and fling my skiis for the next 2 1/2 hours it takes me to get down that $%@! hill. Tiny children are flying by me on boards or skiis with no poles! A guy in a handicapped ski chair passed me by as I cursed the cold.
Turns out, my husband didn't see ME practicing. He saw another girl with curly hair and a powder blue ski jacket. She knew how to cut back and forth. I'd only gotten as far as learning to snowplow. Needless to say, I wasn't even good at that!
At least my life has adventures, with all their mishaps. Perhaps I can at least convince my daughter not to try anything new on her honeymoon.
You know how at the time of your ridiculous moment, it is either horrifying, embarrassing or just sad? Then as time passes, it is added to your rolodex of hilarious life moments? I have a big rolodex. I've often thought of the times in Isabella's life when she'll get to hear of my stories just to make her feel better about hers. Wonder if it'll help. At least she'll get a good laugh.
Like, when walking down the hall of the fancy corporate office I worked in with my knit skirt tucked up into the top of my knit tights, showing off my white underwear. Yeah. Walked all the way down the hall past every VP's office until one of the assistants cornered me. I never wore the skirt again.
Or when I hiked the Grand Canyon. I'd never hiked or camped before but decided to do it there, rim to rim. Also thought it'd be wise to wear steel-toe boots to "protect" my feet. Years later, the four toenails I lost still haven't recovered. The doc says I have traumatized them. Who knew toes were so emotionally sensitive?
Or snorkeling in the Mexican Caribbean. I am, and always have been, afraid of any bodies of water not clear and chlorinated. I was dating my husband at the time and wanted to impress him with my fearlessness. I jumped in and immediately panicked, gulping half the ocean and millions of microorganisms. The really sad part? It was in a man-made lagoon with rocks meant to stand on for the freaker-outers. After paddling like a madwoman, my husband finally grabbed me and made me put my feet down on the rock below me. And he STILL married me!
And that brings us back to Canada. It was my idea to do something different. My husband loves to ski, I'd never done it. So why not on our honeymoon? Why not at Whistler, where celebs go? How difficult could the easiest slopes be? Um. We didn't do our research to find out that the easiest slopes in Whistler are equal to the difficult ones elsewhere.
Like a good newbie, I planned to take a full day of lessons. At lunch, I met my new dear husband at the fabulous lodge. He had seen me practicing, awed by my ability to learn the sport so quickly. He even said I didn't need to finish that afternoon's lessons. I knew enough to get started. Wow, was I ever surprised and proud!
So, we head down the slopes. I tumble within 2 seconds of starting. I fall, eat snow and fling my skiis for the next 2 1/2 hours it takes me to get down that $%@! hill. Tiny children are flying by me on boards or skiis with no poles! A guy in a handicapped ski chair passed me by as I cursed the cold.
Turns out, my husband didn't see ME practicing. He saw another girl with curly hair and a powder blue ski jacket. She knew how to cut back and forth. I'd only gotten as far as learning to snowplow. Needless to say, I wasn't even good at that!
At least my life has adventures, with all their mishaps. Perhaps I can at least convince my daughter not to try anything new on her honeymoon.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
My Child is a Slacker
Ever notice how every parent thinks their child is brilliant? What morons.
When pregnant, I would read books on how my child was developing in the womb. I'd wait for those first flutters, then the kicks, then the alien effect. Once my daughter was born, I'd wait for her first gas-free smile, her first rollover, her first pincher grasp. All were moments of glee and jubilation. Then Isabella began the BIG milestones. Crawling for about a week, then her first steps and on to where we are today...doing the moonwalk. As long as she doesn't grab her crotch or scream "eeeeeeHEEEEE" while moonwalking, we're cool.
I've also read that a huge number of parents want their kids in "gifted" classes because they deem their child to be the next Einstein. Not wanting to fall into this category, I try to keep everything in perspective and realize every child develops differently.
HOWEVER...
My adorable Isabella is truly remarkable in everything she does! She may be tiny but she is more social than I ever dreamed of being. She speaks so many words, even perfect strangers know what she's saying. She goes into her own little world of pretend as if she's a grown mommy caring for her brood. She says "Thank You", "Bless You" and "Please" when appropriate. She can hum the ABC song (at least to G). She can count by pointing 1-2-3.
Is there anything she doesn't DO? Could my child truly be the next Einstein????
Well, let's see...
Like most 17 month olds, she still poops in her diapers and can't change them herself. She still pees when she's running around nekkid and the cool air hits. She throws tantrums in stores because she wants to run down the aisles. She can't eat spaghetti without wearing 3/4 of it. She can't pour her own milk. She still takes a pacifier.
Maybe it isn't that each of our children are brilliant, they are just an amazement to us because we love and cherish them in everything they do.
Does kindergarten take 2 year olds?
When pregnant, I would read books on how my child was developing in the womb. I'd wait for those first flutters, then the kicks, then the alien effect. Once my daughter was born, I'd wait for her first gas-free smile, her first rollover, her first pincher grasp. All were moments of glee and jubilation. Then Isabella began the BIG milestones. Crawling for about a week, then her first steps and on to where we are today...doing the moonwalk. As long as she doesn't grab her crotch or scream "eeeeeeHEEEEE" while moonwalking, we're cool.
I've also read that a huge number of parents want their kids in "gifted" classes because they deem their child to be the next Einstein. Not wanting to fall into this category, I try to keep everything in perspective and realize every child develops differently.
HOWEVER...
My adorable Isabella is truly remarkable in everything she does! She may be tiny but she is more social than I ever dreamed of being. She speaks so many words, even perfect strangers know what she's saying. She goes into her own little world of pretend as if she's a grown mommy caring for her brood. She says "Thank You", "Bless You" and "Please" when appropriate. She can hum the ABC song (at least to G). She can count by pointing 1-2-3.
Is there anything she doesn't DO? Could my child truly be the next Einstein????
Well, let's see...
Like most 17 month olds, she still poops in her diapers and can't change them herself. She still pees when she's running around nekkid and the cool air hits. She throws tantrums in stores because she wants to run down the aisles. She can't eat spaghetti without wearing 3/4 of it. She can't pour her own milk. She still takes a pacifier.
Maybe it isn't that each of our children are brilliant, they are just an amazement to us because we love and cherish them in everything they do.
Does kindergarten take 2 year olds?
Monday, November 07, 2005
Dog Days
We have had a very rough week. The time change didn't help much. Before having a child, the fall back time change was AWESOME. Now it just throws everything off and I actually get less sleep because Bella goes by the old time. Great.
Then, our first little love...Zeus, our 5 yr old killer Dachsund...had two discs rupture. We didn't know when we took him in last Monday that within hours he'd have spinal surgery! It was a shock. Then another shock when the surgery didn't appear to work and he is paralyzed mid-back all the way down to the tip of his toes. Our poor squirrel hunter can now only dream about his conquests from afar.
We look for any sign of feeling. Any at all. Did his tail wag? Did he feel when I moved his leg? Is he licking himself because he feels he should or is it habit?
Zeus cannot even go potty on his own. At first with the surgery, we hoped for 90% recovery. Now, we've downgraded to just let him be able to pee on his own!!
I know Zeus is a dog, but he's still a life and we are responsible for his well-being. We're going to monitor him to make sure he doesn't get depressed. His sister, Molly, was very happy to see him but also confused why her brother couldn't play. Sophie, our giant puppy, didn't even notice Zeus' ailment and just wanted to pounce.
Is it silly to pray to God about your animals? I think not because they are God's creatures. So, we pray that God will guide us in making the right decisions concerning all our animals' futures.
I guess having 6 of God's creatures increases your chances for something like this. Noted.
Then, our first little love...Zeus, our 5 yr old killer Dachsund...had two discs rupture. We didn't know when we took him in last Monday that within hours he'd have spinal surgery! It was a shock. Then another shock when the surgery didn't appear to work and he is paralyzed mid-back all the way down to the tip of his toes. Our poor squirrel hunter can now only dream about his conquests from afar.
We look for any sign of feeling. Any at all. Did his tail wag? Did he feel when I moved his leg? Is he licking himself because he feels he should or is it habit?
Zeus cannot even go potty on his own. At first with the surgery, we hoped for 90% recovery. Now, we've downgraded to just let him be able to pee on his own!!
I know Zeus is a dog, but he's still a life and we are responsible for his well-being. We're going to monitor him to make sure he doesn't get depressed. His sister, Molly, was very happy to see him but also confused why her brother couldn't play. Sophie, our giant puppy, didn't even notice Zeus' ailment and just wanted to pounce.
Is it silly to pray to God about your animals? I think not because they are God's creatures. So, we pray that God will guide us in making the right decisions concerning all our animals' futures.
I guess having 6 of God's creatures increases your chances for something like this. Noted.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Speaking of Human Nature...
Humans are interesting creatures, to say the least. Figuring out why we do what we do when we do it is some people's profession, and with good reason: It is a job that will never end.
For instance, humans and death. While it varies between religions, countries and ethnicities, death is a tremendous force of emotions for humans throughout the world. I'll just focus on death in our country. Specifically, the roadside crosses adorned with fake flowers for a death or deaths that occured there.
Who started this? Who makes the roadside crosses? How long does one leave a roadside cross? What is it's exact purpose? Should it really be decorated during the holidays? If it is a precarious curve in the road and other people lose their lives, do roadside crosses just get added or do those who lost loved ones there first get dibs?
I'm really not being callous, I'm just totally curious about this strange, though somewhat understandable, memorial I've seen throughout Texas. I could not put up a cross on the side of a road where a loved one was killed because then I could never drive by that part of the road without feeling great sadness. I prefer to remember loved ones, no matter how or when they died, with good memories. But maybe that's just me.
A friend of my husband's lost her brother in a car accident 15 years ago. The cross is still there along with a new "updated" one that has his picture and name. It is on the property of an Exxon gas station. Will they leave that there forever? If road work had to be done, would they try to notify the family to pick up the crosses? Wouldn't it be horrifying for a family to drive by and see that the area which once held their beloved's cross(es) was now a sidewalk? I think I'd obsess about driving by the cross just to make sure it was still there and hadn't been vandalized.
Yes, I'm probably overthinking the whole concept of a roadside cross, but don't some things humans do make you overthink occasionally?
For instance, humans and death. While it varies between religions, countries and ethnicities, death is a tremendous force of emotions for humans throughout the world. I'll just focus on death in our country. Specifically, the roadside crosses adorned with fake flowers for a death or deaths that occured there.
Who started this? Who makes the roadside crosses? How long does one leave a roadside cross? What is it's exact purpose? Should it really be decorated during the holidays? If it is a precarious curve in the road and other people lose their lives, do roadside crosses just get added or do those who lost loved ones there first get dibs?
I'm really not being callous, I'm just totally curious about this strange, though somewhat understandable, memorial I've seen throughout Texas. I could not put up a cross on the side of a road where a loved one was killed because then I could never drive by that part of the road without feeling great sadness. I prefer to remember loved ones, no matter how or when they died, with good memories. But maybe that's just me.
A friend of my husband's lost her brother in a car accident 15 years ago. The cross is still there along with a new "updated" one that has his picture and name. It is on the property of an Exxon gas station. Will they leave that there forever? If road work had to be done, would they try to notify the family to pick up the crosses? Wouldn't it be horrifying for a family to drive by and see that the area which once held their beloved's cross(es) was now a sidewalk? I think I'd obsess about driving by the cross just to make sure it was still there and hadn't been vandalized.
Yes, I'm probably overthinking the whole concept of a roadside cross, but don't some things humans do make you overthink occasionally?
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Pants...No Service
WHY do some women get themselves dressed, take the time to put their shoes on, possibly even a bra, but they cannot find the energy or time to dress their child?
Yesterday a perfectly decent dressed woman was shopping in a clothing store with a nearly naked 2 yr old. I say nearly naked because the child was wearing an obviously recently used diaper and socks. Oh, and her hair was in pigtails.
First of all, it is no longer 110 degrees outside. Secondly, if the child threw up, went to the bathroom on or simply removed her own clothes, how about calling off the shopping trip and going back home to regroup?
If the child needs new clothes and only owns a pair of socks, at least be kind enough to provide her with a blanket so she doesn't turn purple in the store. Or, if no blanket is available, try putting YOUR shirt on her. I would rather see a mother nearly naked than her baby, who has no control over his/her wardrobe, or lack of, at diaper age.
I glared, but it appeared to have no effect. The mother was too busy cooing over an adult coat on sale for what she could've bought three outfits for her daughter.
Grrrrrr
Yesterday a perfectly decent dressed woman was shopping in a clothing store with a nearly naked 2 yr old. I say nearly naked because the child was wearing an obviously recently used diaper and socks. Oh, and her hair was in pigtails.
First of all, it is no longer 110 degrees outside. Secondly, if the child threw up, went to the bathroom on or simply removed her own clothes, how about calling off the shopping trip and going back home to regroup?
If the child needs new clothes and only owns a pair of socks, at least be kind enough to provide her with a blanket so she doesn't turn purple in the store. Or, if no blanket is available, try putting YOUR shirt on her. I would rather see a mother nearly naked than her baby, who has no control over his/her wardrobe, or lack of, at diaper age.
I glared, but it appeared to have no effect. The mother was too busy cooing over an adult coat on sale for what she could've bought three outfits for her daughter.
Grrrrrr
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Greener Grasses
Being a stay-at-home mom has many challenges as well as rewards. For one thing, my whole day revolves around a tiny little being who is developing in every way at warp speed. Okay, the growing isn't exactly warp speed at just 1/2" growth since her 12 month checkup...but for her pants, that's at least enough to move her up to size 18 month!
Anyway, I know I am all consumed with my daughter's every life moment. It used to drive me a little nuts because I thought I was losing myself. Then I began to read blogs, emailed everyone I knew and read the internet news to feel more "worldly". It did help, but I noticed today when I was writing addresses on envelopes that my handwriting has gone to hell in a handbasket. (I know! Who SAYS that these days??)
So I have times where the grass seems a little greener on the working mom's side. I've toyed with the idea of starting a business, either a franchise or my own creation. Then my toddler will do something like run over to me with my panties around her neck, her shorts on her head, and the sweetest baby babble ever heard...*poof* the idea vanishes just as quickly as she goes giggling around the corner.
I'm learning to appreciate what God and my husband have enabled me to do. Staying home with Isabella is not only a blessing for me, but for her, and for that I am thankful. Sure, I'll become the bad guy one day instead of being her all for everything. I'm okay with that. I know my husband certainly looks forward to the day she's a daddy's girl! Maybe THAT is when I'll take up a new career. :)
Anyway, I know I am all consumed with my daughter's every life moment. It used to drive me a little nuts because I thought I was losing myself. Then I began to read blogs, emailed everyone I knew and read the internet news to feel more "worldly". It did help, but I noticed today when I was writing addresses on envelopes that my handwriting has gone to hell in a handbasket. (I know! Who SAYS that these days??)
So I have times where the grass seems a little greener on the working mom's side. I've toyed with the idea of starting a business, either a franchise or my own creation. Then my toddler will do something like run over to me with my panties around her neck, her shorts on her head, and the sweetest baby babble ever heard...*poof* the idea vanishes just as quickly as she goes giggling around the corner.
I'm learning to appreciate what God and my husband have enabled me to do. Staying home with Isabella is not only a blessing for me, but for her, and for that I am thankful. Sure, I'll become the bad guy one day instead of being her all for everything. I'm okay with that. I know my husband certainly looks forward to the day she's a daddy's girl! Maybe THAT is when I'll take up a new career. :)
Monday, September 19, 2005
Braggin' Rights
My sister, Amanda Sue, has always been one of my heroes. After being blessed and honored to be part of her birthing process with Dillon, I am just in complete awe of her strength of character, mind and body.
Amanda was in labor for 8 loooooooong hours with NO pain medication. Um, I would've begged for that epidural at the first grunt.
She would crack jokes in between contractions in the beginning, but once the jokes wore off, I knew she was getting exhausted. She's a wee bit stubborn (I know, shocking) and finally gave in to what her doc had been saying all along: An epidural will help make labor more enjoyable. You scoff at the "enjoyable labor" idea, don't you?
She got the epidural when dialated to nearly 8cm. The jokes returned, the sass continued and Amanda's labor adventure began to be enjoyable. At least it was enjoyable for me, Daniel, the nurses and the doctor.
At one point, after the epi had started its magic, she began to grunt and breathe heavily. We all panicked, looking quickly to the monitor with confusion. Yeah, she was kidding. Not the last time she'd fake pain for a giggle, either.
Finally, the pushing began at 9pm. She'd been in labor for about 13 hours at this point.
So things were going along smoothly with the pushing, the timing and help from the nurse. Then, she left! YES she did. Daniel and I looked at each other a little bewildered. We have to help Amanda push and very possibly deliver if for some unforeseen reason a nurse couldn't get there in time for him to shoot out and bungee off the birthing table?? The nurse had assured us that wouldn't happen, but isn't there a first time for everything?!
For some reason it all became hilarious. Maybe because we felt inept. Or because we looked ridiculous holding Amanda's legs, attempting to read the monitor for when it was time to push, forgetting to count, Amanda yelling while heavy breathing that we were slacking on the job of counting and all of us laughing intermittently. I imagine the nurses had a hidden camera and were getting a good laugh at the two stooges. The nurse was not even gone 10 minutes but it felt like an hour. It was definitely a bonding experience for the three of us.
Amanda and Dillon were pretty exhausted come 11pm. It was then decided to go ahead with a c-section. I think Amanda was pretty sad at first that she had to do it, but she was also so tired and ready for her child to get OUT, she went for it. She has a very stubborn baby who was apparently going to have to be evicted because after two hours of pushing, he had barely budged.
Adorable Dillon was born at 11:53pm, right before a new day began, just as the doctor promised. At 8 lbs 11 and 3/4 ounces and 21 inches long, we all could understand a little better why his living quarters on Amanda's right side could no longer accommodate!
Dillon is a beautiful, sweet little boy who looks just like his daddy. I could not be more proud of Amanda. She's already a wonderful new mommy who's face lights up when she sees her little angel. My brother-in-law is floating around these days, obviously enamored with his son and amazing wife.
Thank you, little sister, for allowing me to be a part of such a miracle day. I love you!
Amanda was in labor for 8 loooooooong hours with NO pain medication. Um, I would've begged for that epidural at the first grunt.
She would crack jokes in between contractions in the beginning, but once the jokes wore off, I knew she was getting exhausted. She's a wee bit stubborn (I know, shocking) and finally gave in to what her doc had been saying all along: An epidural will help make labor more enjoyable. You scoff at the "enjoyable labor" idea, don't you?
She got the epidural when dialated to nearly 8cm. The jokes returned, the sass continued and Amanda's labor adventure began to be enjoyable. At least it was enjoyable for me, Daniel, the nurses and the doctor.
At one point, after the epi had started its magic, she began to grunt and breathe heavily. We all panicked, looking quickly to the monitor with confusion. Yeah, she was kidding. Not the last time she'd fake pain for a giggle, either.
Finally, the pushing began at 9pm. She'd been in labor for about 13 hours at this point.
So things were going along smoothly with the pushing, the timing and help from the nurse. Then, she left! YES she did. Daniel and I looked at each other a little bewildered. We have to help Amanda push and very possibly deliver if for some unforeseen reason a nurse couldn't get there in time for him to shoot out and bungee off the birthing table?? The nurse had assured us that wouldn't happen, but isn't there a first time for everything?!
For some reason it all became hilarious. Maybe because we felt inept. Or because we looked ridiculous holding Amanda's legs, attempting to read the monitor for when it was time to push, forgetting to count, Amanda yelling while heavy breathing that we were slacking on the job of counting and all of us laughing intermittently. I imagine the nurses had a hidden camera and were getting a good laugh at the two stooges. The nurse was not even gone 10 minutes but it felt like an hour. It was definitely a bonding experience for the three of us.
Amanda and Dillon were pretty exhausted come 11pm. It was then decided to go ahead with a c-section. I think Amanda was pretty sad at first that she had to do it, but she was also so tired and ready for her child to get OUT, she went for it. She has a very stubborn baby who was apparently going to have to be evicted because after two hours of pushing, he had barely budged.
Adorable Dillon was born at 11:53pm, right before a new day began, just as the doctor promised. At 8 lbs 11 and 3/4 ounces and 21 inches long, we all could understand a little better why his living quarters on Amanda's right side could no longer accommodate!
Dillon is a beautiful, sweet little boy who looks just like his daddy. I could not be more proud of Amanda. She's already a wonderful new mommy who's face lights up when she sees her little angel. My brother-in-law is floating around these days, obviously enamored with his son and amazing wife.
Thank you, little sister, for allowing me to be a part of such a miracle day. I love you!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Penny for her thoughts
I have often wondered when a baby begins to organize thoughts and how simple they must be until they develop into "talking" thoughts like we have. You know, where you can carry a conversation in your head. C'mon...YOU KNOW.
Anyway, today Isabella was playing with an old phone, holding it behind her neck like most babies do, chatting away. I'm positive she's learned to do this from watching her dad and I talk on the phone, but she would chatter...pause...ahahahaha...chatter some more...pause...ahahaha (as if she heard a good joke)...pause...chatter and laugh some more. It was hilarious! You would think she was honestly talking and listening to another person!
I don't know how they'd do it but if scientists could ever find out what or when logical thoughts form in a child's head, I would love to know about it. Babies mimic everything in the beginning, but at some point they are seriously having their own talking thoughts. Just hope they are sweet ones and not plotting how best to "accidentally" order things online using daddy's credit card. Though that could be a good excuse for me....
Anyway, today Isabella was playing with an old phone, holding it behind her neck like most babies do, chatting away. I'm positive she's learned to do this from watching her dad and I talk on the phone, but she would chatter...pause...ahahahaha...chatter some more...pause...ahahaha (as if she heard a good joke)...pause...chatter and laugh some more. It was hilarious! You would think she was honestly talking and listening to another person!
I don't know how they'd do it but if scientists could ever find out what or when logical thoughts form in a child's head, I would love to know about it. Babies mimic everything in the beginning, but at some point they are seriously having their own talking thoughts. Just hope they are sweet ones and not plotting how best to "accidentally" order things online using daddy's credit card. Though that could be a good excuse for me....
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Do I Hafta Share Too??
Today, Isabella's daddy put her down for a nap without my help (I was out running errands) for the first time since she was, oh, probably 1 month old. yes! I know that seems ridiculous or even sad to some, but it was a huge milestone for our little family.
When I first became pregnant, I had set ideas on parenting and I wasn't going to sway from them. NO WAY would our child sleep in our bed. NO WAY would our child nurse past one year. NO WAY would our child rely on mommy for practically her every need.
So, now that Isabella is over 14 months old, just beginning to sleep in her own bed, nursing less but no end in sight, she is finally beginning to realize she can count on Daddy for important things in life too...like naps.
I was shocked at my own self-pity reaction at my sister's baby shower when my mom was able to put Bella down for a nap with nary a moment of need from me. Amanda Sue even had to ask if I was okay because I apparently couldn't hide my sadness and amazement at being completely left out. I felt silly shortly afterwards and have ever since.
Being a stay-at-home mom is definitely much more difficult and yet more rewarding than I ever imagined. But what I didn't imagine were the intense feelings that accompany being a mom who's with her child 24-7. Those emotions have ranged from fear, frustration and being overwhelmed to contentment, patience and pure joy.
We have so much pressure as new mothers to do what everyone else deems the correct way to be a parent. Working moms are often made to feel guilty for putting their child in daycare or with another caregiver. Stay-at-home moms are often made to feel they are holding back their children from the world. Pressure to nurse or to not nurse. How long to nurse. Pacifier or no pacifier. Co-sleep or in their own crib in their own room. Slip some cereal into the milk at six weeks, wait until 6 months for any food at all. It is maddening!
Finally, my husband and I decided we had to do what was right for not only our daughter but for us. We let nature take its course as much as possible. When Isabella is ready to change something in her routine, I am now able to sense it and follow accordingly.
I'm blessed to have a healthy, outgoing, loving and laughing child. Isn't that really what's most important?? I can give up a few of my own heartstrings to see my daughter continue to grow and flourish. If that means allowing Daddy, Grandma or anyone else she loves to care for her, then I'm a happy momma and willing to share :)
When I first became pregnant, I had set ideas on parenting and I wasn't going to sway from them. NO WAY would our child sleep in our bed. NO WAY would our child nurse past one year. NO WAY would our child rely on mommy for practically her every need.
So, now that Isabella is over 14 months old, just beginning to sleep in her own bed, nursing less but no end in sight, she is finally beginning to realize she can count on Daddy for important things in life too...like naps.
I was shocked at my own self-pity reaction at my sister's baby shower when my mom was able to put Bella down for a nap with nary a moment of need from me. Amanda Sue even had to ask if I was okay because I apparently couldn't hide my sadness and amazement at being completely left out. I felt silly shortly afterwards and have ever since.
Being a stay-at-home mom is definitely much more difficult and yet more rewarding than I ever imagined. But what I didn't imagine were the intense feelings that accompany being a mom who's with her child 24-7. Those emotions have ranged from fear, frustration and being overwhelmed to contentment, patience and pure joy.
We have so much pressure as new mothers to do what everyone else deems the correct way to be a parent. Working moms are often made to feel guilty for putting their child in daycare or with another caregiver. Stay-at-home moms are often made to feel they are holding back their children from the world. Pressure to nurse or to not nurse. How long to nurse. Pacifier or no pacifier. Co-sleep or in their own crib in their own room. Slip some cereal into the milk at six weeks, wait until 6 months for any food at all. It is maddening!
Finally, my husband and I decided we had to do what was right for not only our daughter but for us. We let nature take its course as much as possible. When Isabella is ready to change something in her routine, I am now able to sense it and follow accordingly.
I'm blessed to have a healthy, outgoing, loving and laughing child. Isn't that really what's most important?? I can give up a few of my own heartstrings to see my daughter continue to grow and flourish. If that means allowing Daddy, Grandma or anyone else she loves to care for her, then I'm a happy momma and willing to share :)
Monday, August 22, 2005
All We Need Is Love
We've all heard the phrase "I've been blessed" and that can apply to many aspects of life. Whether it is material, emotional, or simply a special memory, being blessed often carries a lesson.
I say that because this weekend we went to the country (yes, again) and I was blessed.
Isabella has a 2-year old cousin named Gracie. She's a sweet, adorable girl who's already had quite a bit of turmoil in her life. Her parents are young and now divorced, fighting over her constantly. She just lost her "Aunt B" as she called Rebecca, who died of Cystic Fibrosis in April. She still talks to Aunt B whenever she's outside. She'll babble on and on, looking lovingly up to the heavens as she crosses the fields to her Granny's house during morning walks. Is there anything sweeter than that?!
Saturday when we arrived, Gracie came over to visit. As soon as she saw me, she wanted in my lap. Isabella would have NONE of that. She's now at the age of being possessive of what she deems is hers. Well, Gracie suddenly went from happy to a kind of desperation I've never seen in a child. She clung to me, she cried, and she looked so heartbroken that I was torn between comforting my own daughter or loving on this tiny little person who obviously needed attention.
The battle for my affection wasn't as heartwarming as you'd think. It nearly made me cry. Isabella was pushing Gracie away and Gracie was frantically trying to love on me. Heath finally just took screaming Isabella outside for a change of scenery and I held Gracie close. Her little hands clung to me and she wanted nothing to do with anyone else. She kept calling me "momma" and everyone corrected her that I was Bella's momma. So then she called me Bellamomma.
The next day, the SAME THING happened! As soon as she saw me, she reached up and cried for me to hold her, calling out "Bellamomma! Bellamomma!"
Needless to say, it was exhausting and weighed on my heart that a child would be in such desperate need of affection. Turns out her mother is too busy being young and carefree to spend much time with her daughter, much less to love on her.
So how am I blessed?
I am blessed because my mother has always shown her love for me. I'm blessed because my daughter has both parents who put her first and always will. I'm blessed because another child who needed love saw that I would give it to her.
I pray that God will reach Gracie's mother and relay to her that Gracie needs her. Love and hugs from family, friends and strangers is no match for a mother's love. But I will make it a point to give Gracie an extra special hug every time I see her.
If you see a child who needs that extra hug, I encourage you to give it. You never know just how much that may mean at that moment in their life.
I say that because this weekend we went to the country (yes, again) and I was blessed.
Isabella has a 2-year old cousin named Gracie. She's a sweet, adorable girl who's already had quite a bit of turmoil in her life. Her parents are young and now divorced, fighting over her constantly. She just lost her "Aunt B" as she called Rebecca, who died of Cystic Fibrosis in April. She still talks to Aunt B whenever she's outside. She'll babble on and on, looking lovingly up to the heavens as she crosses the fields to her Granny's house during morning walks. Is there anything sweeter than that?!
Saturday when we arrived, Gracie came over to visit. As soon as she saw me, she wanted in my lap. Isabella would have NONE of that. She's now at the age of being possessive of what she deems is hers. Well, Gracie suddenly went from happy to a kind of desperation I've never seen in a child. She clung to me, she cried, and she looked so heartbroken that I was torn between comforting my own daughter or loving on this tiny little person who obviously needed attention.
The battle for my affection wasn't as heartwarming as you'd think. It nearly made me cry. Isabella was pushing Gracie away and Gracie was frantically trying to love on me. Heath finally just took screaming Isabella outside for a change of scenery and I held Gracie close. Her little hands clung to me and she wanted nothing to do with anyone else. She kept calling me "momma" and everyone corrected her that I was Bella's momma. So then she called me Bellamomma.
The next day, the SAME THING happened! As soon as she saw me, she reached up and cried for me to hold her, calling out "Bellamomma! Bellamomma!"
Needless to say, it was exhausting and weighed on my heart that a child would be in such desperate need of affection. Turns out her mother is too busy being young and carefree to spend much time with her daughter, much less to love on her.
So how am I blessed?
I am blessed because my mother has always shown her love for me. I'm blessed because my daughter has both parents who put her first and always will. I'm blessed because another child who needed love saw that I would give it to her.
I pray that God will reach Gracie's mother and relay to her that Gracie needs her. Love and hugs from family, friends and strangers is no match for a mother's love. But I will make it a point to give Gracie an extra special hug every time I see her.
If you see a child who needs that extra hug, I encourage you to give it. You never know just how much that may mean at that moment in their life.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Don't Bug Me!
We just got back from the country, visiting my husband's grandparents. They live in a log house on a lot of land with cows, chickens, a drunk-sounding rooster and about 30 stray cats that keep breeding.
I love going to their house, I really do! However, this weekend I must've been far too detail oriented.
The log house has an extra bedroom built on the back. So when you are sleeping in there, it is a log wall on one side and wood paneling on the other. There's an air conditioner unit in the window with the little window filler thingies to keep out air and critters. Problem? Critters are crafty and find their way in. Between logs. In corners. Under lamp shades. Places they shouldn't be.
So I'm laying in bed taking a nap with my daughter when I notice a mud-dobber flying around. I know they won't hurt me or baby girl, but it is still a creature flying about my head with dangling legs and menacing eyes. Okay, I couldn't see its eyes, but I'm sure they were menacing.
I leap up and get my husband to kill it. He's a man, that's what they do. Jes has explained that to us. He kills it, I think, but can't find it. So I try to lay back down, but now I'm paranoid because there's possibly a half-dead leg dangler seeking revenge.
I finally fall asleep with Isabella curled up next to me. My hand is under the pillow and I feel something kinda gritty, like dirt. Gross, I think. I wipe it off and snooze some more. When I awaken, Isabella is next to me holding a dried up bug head! I yank up my pillow and there's more dried up bug parts! *gag*
Thankfully, we went home that day so no other sleeping was required in the bug romper room. I will, however, be requesting we stay in the bedroom built INSIDE the house next time. How I'll do that without offending anyone has yet to be determined.
I love going to their house, I really do! However, this weekend I must've been far too detail oriented.
The log house has an extra bedroom built on the back. So when you are sleeping in there, it is a log wall on one side and wood paneling on the other. There's an air conditioner unit in the window with the little window filler thingies to keep out air and critters. Problem? Critters are crafty and find their way in. Between logs. In corners. Under lamp shades. Places they shouldn't be.
So I'm laying in bed taking a nap with my daughter when I notice a mud-dobber flying around. I know they won't hurt me or baby girl, but it is still a creature flying about my head with dangling legs and menacing eyes. Okay, I couldn't see its eyes, but I'm sure they were menacing.
I leap up and get my husband to kill it. He's a man, that's what they do. Jes has explained that to us. He kills it, I think, but can't find it. So I try to lay back down, but now I'm paranoid because there's possibly a half-dead leg dangler seeking revenge.
I finally fall asleep with Isabella curled up next to me. My hand is under the pillow and I feel something kinda gritty, like dirt. Gross, I think. I wipe it off and snooze some more. When I awaken, Isabella is next to me holding a dried up bug head! I yank up my pillow and there's more dried up bug parts! *gag*
Thankfully, we went home that day so no other sleeping was required in the bug romper room. I will, however, be requesting we stay in the bedroom built INSIDE the house next time. How I'll do that without offending anyone has yet to be determined.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Disappearing Act
TaDa! here I am! Did you miss me? All...one of you? haha.
Not sure where I've been, guess life has just been a blank page for me lately. But is life really ever blank? Just like, is life really ever THAT good or even THAT bad? Due to what I call my "previous life" (aka. first marriage), I've learned to look at each day as separate and its own mini-adventure.
You'd like an example?
Today is a good one. Isabella slept fitfully all night because she ran a fever. At 2am , her fever was 102.3. Being a new mom, I panicked. Being a new mom with a mother-in-law who's a nurse, I was able to overcome the panic and remember that babies get high fevers and there are simple ways to aid them in bringing it down to normal.
She woke up her usual self, poking my eye and talking up a storm. Then it dawned on her that she still felt like crap, so she began to cling to me and whine. Any other day, the whining would just about make me scratch out my own eyeballs, but keeping it in check that she felt like warmed over doo-doo, I just held her close and called the nurse.
*Note to all new moms. CALL THE NURSE. They are there to help, no matter how stupid you may feel asking the question!*
She hated the nurse, as expected....screaming, writhing and clinging. But then I learned valuable information. If you have a fever, don't take a cool bath, take a warm one. It will help draw out the fever. HELLO. Hasn't everyone's mother always made you take a cool bath?? See? Things DO change over 30(something) years!
Anywho...long story short, what could have been wrapped up as just being a Drama Day (D-Day) with many tears and worries turned out to be a day of lessons.
Don't cool a fever. Do take the "core" temp when baby is on tummy and not on her back (less ability to push or fart out the thermometer). Do be happy your baby turns to you when she hurts and know that you can comfort her. Don't give a 13-month old medicine with a measuring spoon unless you don't want her to actually get any. Do give her lots of kisses and let her know you will always try to help her feel better. And finally, don't forget that every moment of every day is a journey. Sometimes a reminder. Sometimes a new lesson. Always valuable. Always worthy of living.
Not sure where I've been, guess life has just been a blank page for me lately. But is life really ever blank? Just like, is life really ever THAT good or even THAT bad? Due to what I call my "previous life" (aka. first marriage), I've learned to look at each day as separate and its own mini-adventure.
You'd like an example?
Today is a good one. Isabella slept fitfully all night because she ran a fever. At 2am , her fever was 102.3. Being a new mom, I panicked. Being a new mom with a mother-in-law who's a nurse, I was able to overcome the panic and remember that babies get high fevers and there are simple ways to aid them in bringing it down to normal.
She woke up her usual self, poking my eye and talking up a storm. Then it dawned on her that she still felt like crap, so she began to cling to me and whine. Any other day, the whining would just about make me scratch out my own eyeballs, but keeping it in check that she felt like warmed over doo-doo, I just held her close and called the nurse.
*Note to all new moms. CALL THE NURSE. They are there to help, no matter how stupid you may feel asking the question!*
She hated the nurse, as expected....screaming, writhing and clinging. But then I learned valuable information. If you have a fever, don't take a cool bath, take a warm one. It will help draw out the fever. HELLO. Hasn't everyone's mother always made you take a cool bath?? See? Things DO change over 30(something) years!
Anywho...long story short, what could have been wrapped up as just being a Drama Day (D-Day) with many tears and worries turned out to be a day of lessons.
Don't cool a fever. Do take the "core" temp when baby is on tummy and not on her back (less ability to push or fart out the thermometer). Do be happy your baby turns to you when she hurts and know that you can comfort her. Don't give a 13-month old medicine with a measuring spoon unless you don't want her to actually get any. Do give her lots of kisses and let her know you will always try to help her feel better. And finally, don't forget that every moment of every day is a journey. Sometimes a reminder. Sometimes a new lesson. Always valuable. Always worthy of living.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Style Stupid
I'm probably going to sound like a grandmother now, but I totally don't get some of the fashion styles these days.
Example 1: The long sleeve Tee under the short sleeve Tee.
Did this trend start because some frat dudes hadn't done laundry in months but were dying to wear their favorite short sleeve tee in hopes it would help get them laid?
Example 2: Pants hanging mid-thigh, exposing boxers, briefs or whatever a guy's got goin on under his jeans for all to see
Was this a rebellion to the grandmothers who hounded them to pull their pants up? We get it. Now pull your pants up!
Example 3: Flared micro-minis
It is quite clear by the lack of length on these so called pieces of clothing that the girls wearing them must enjoy gusts of wind, walking upstairs in the mall or tempting fate that they won't trip and fall in front of their father.
Example 4: Hipster pants or skirts
The only people these look good on are the manequins that never bend over, sit or move. Everyone else just shows too much crack or belly flab. And in hipsters, everyone has belly flab.
Those are a few examples of the strange new trends. But most likely, they are merely stolen trends from other decades and just tweaked to look spankin' new...but old.
And could some of the boys sportin mops trying to achieve the 70's hair PLEASE get a haircut already??
Signed,
Far Future Grandmother
Example 1: The long sleeve Tee under the short sleeve Tee.
Did this trend start because some frat dudes hadn't done laundry in months but were dying to wear their favorite short sleeve tee in hopes it would help get them laid?
Example 2: Pants hanging mid-thigh, exposing boxers, briefs or whatever a guy's got goin on under his jeans for all to see
Was this a rebellion to the grandmothers who hounded them to pull their pants up? We get it. Now pull your pants up!
Example 3: Flared micro-minis
It is quite clear by the lack of length on these so called pieces of clothing that the girls wearing them must enjoy gusts of wind, walking upstairs in the mall or tempting fate that they won't trip and fall in front of their father.
Example 4: Hipster pants or skirts
The only people these look good on are the manequins that never bend over, sit or move. Everyone else just shows too much crack or belly flab. And in hipsters, everyone has belly flab.
Those are a few examples of the strange new trends. But most likely, they are merely stolen trends from other decades and just tweaked to look spankin' new...but old.
And could some of the boys sportin mops trying to achieve the 70's hair PLEASE get a haircut already??
Signed,
Far Future Grandmother
Monday, July 18, 2005
Someone tagged meme tutu!
What I was doing 10 years ago:
Ten years ago I was just embarking on the worst relationship in my history and had a few years before reality would give me the swift kick in the ass I so desperately needed. On a positive note, I was working for a great European produce company and helping to re-design the corporate offices. Yeah, I'm braggin.
What I was doing 1 year ago: One year ago, I was six years older than Amanda Sue and I am this year too! I was getting used to an itty-bitty, arms-flailing, screaming infant and she was getting used to her exhausted, overwhelmed and overjoyed mother.
What I was doing yesterday: Yesterday was Sunday and like the last several days, I've been tending to my sweet girl as she deals with the oh-so-nasties called Thrush. But no matter how yucky she feels, her daddy and I can ALWAYS get a smile...purple medicine mouth n' all!
5 snacks I enjoy:
1) M&Ms...plain or peanut, I do not discriminate
2) Chocolate syrup, bananas and Homemade Vanilla ice cream by Blue Bell
3) Chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven with an ice cold glass of milk
4) Teddy Grahams
5) Chex Mix, fresh, not packaged
5 songs I know all the words to:
1) More Than Words...Extreme
2) I'll Always Love You...some country dude
3) Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
4) It’s a Brand New Day (thanks to Amanda for reminding me that I know this song)
5) Bits and pieces of just about every song from the 80's, which all have the same message anyway...sex! woohoo!
5 Things I would do with $100 million:
1) Put away money for any college expenses for my child(ren) and Amanda's child(ren)
2) Buy a vacation home next to Kenny Chesney in the Virgin Islands
3) Visit my mother's homeland in Germany, buy an Audi? Maybe
4) Donate millions to Cystic Fibrosis Research
5) Hook up the real fam and real friends (you know, not the fake ones that suddenly appear)
5 locations I would like to run away to:
1) Italy
2) Caribbean
3) a yacht to go anywhere I choose with LOTS of pampering
4) a 3-day spa with LOTS of pampering
5) None of my neighbor's houses
5 bad habits I have:
1) being shy
2) being skeered of dark rooms
3) eating powdered donuts excessively
4) sometimes being more gross than my husband for shock value
5) sounding stupid when leaving phone messages
5 things I like doing:
1) swimming
2) drawing
3) playing peek-a-boo with Isabella
4) watching a movie without pause (quite a feat these days!)
5) watching my daughter dance with her hiney two inches from the floor <--- FAVORITE
5 things I would never wear:
1) a thong in public
2) mullet
3) brass knuckles
4) a tee shirt with a lifesize bikini body on the front...and back
5) Daisy Dukes, they belong on Daisy only
5 TV shows I like:
1) Curb Your Enthusiasm
2) Deadwood (I know, it disgusts my sister too)
3) Desperate Housewives
4) Seinfeld
5) Gray’s Anatomy (see? A sister approved show!)
5 Biggest joys of the moment:
1) Sleep
2) Coffee Beanery white chocolate mocha with whip cream
3) Watching my sweet baby napping on her daddy, the man I love more than my luggage
4) Feeling tiny hands pat my face to wake me
5) Family hugs, otherwise known as a baby sandwich :)
5 Favorite toys:
1) DVR satellite! YEAH! Except when there's a storm! Then it bites!
2) Digital camera and the 50 CD's of baby pics
3) our new computer (oh, wait, we have a CRAPPY computer)
4) Princess teepee to play in with Isabella
5) The mall
Whew...I need a nap now
Ten years ago I was just embarking on the worst relationship in my history and had a few years before reality would give me the swift kick in the ass I so desperately needed. On a positive note, I was working for a great European produce company and helping to re-design the corporate offices. Yeah, I'm braggin.
What I was doing 1 year ago: One year ago, I was six years older than Amanda Sue and I am this year too! I was getting used to an itty-bitty, arms-flailing, screaming infant and she was getting used to her exhausted, overwhelmed and overjoyed mother.
What I was doing yesterday: Yesterday was Sunday and like the last several days, I've been tending to my sweet girl as she deals with the oh-so-nasties called Thrush. But no matter how yucky she feels, her daddy and I can ALWAYS get a smile...purple medicine mouth n' all!
5 snacks I enjoy:
1) M&Ms...plain or peanut, I do not discriminate
2) Chocolate syrup, bananas and Homemade Vanilla ice cream by Blue Bell
3) Chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven with an ice cold glass of milk
4) Teddy Grahams
5) Chex Mix, fresh, not packaged
5 songs I know all the words to:
1) More Than Words...Extreme
2) I'll Always Love You...some country dude
3) Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
4) It’s a Brand New Day (thanks to Amanda for reminding me that I know this song)
5) Bits and pieces of just about every song from the 80's, which all have the same message anyway...sex! woohoo!
5 Things I would do with $100 million:
1) Put away money for any college expenses for my child(ren) and Amanda's child(ren)
2) Buy a vacation home next to Kenny Chesney in the Virgin Islands
3) Visit my mother's homeland in Germany, buy an Audi? Maybe
4) Donate millions to Cystic Fibrosis Research
5) Hook up the real fam and real friends (you know, not the fake ones that suddenly appear)
5 locations I would like to run away to:
1) Italy
2) Caribbean
3) a yacht to go anywhere I choose with LOTS of pampering
4) a 3-day spa with LOTS of pampering
5) None of my neighbor's houses
5 bad habits I have:
1) being shy
2) being skeered of dark rooms
3) eating powdered donuts excessively
4) sometimes being more gross than my husband for shock value
5) sounding stupid when leaving phone messages
5 things I like doing:
1) swimming
2) drawing
3) playing peek-a-boo with Isabella
4) watching a movie without pause (quite a feat these days!)
5) watching my daughter dance with her hiney two inches from the floor <--- FAVORITE
5 things I would never wear:
1) a thong in public
2) mullet
3) brass knuckles
4) a tee shirt with a lifesize bikini body on the front...and back
5) Daisy Dukes, they belong on Daisy only
5 TV shows I like:
1) Curb Your Enthusiasm
2) Deadwood (I know, it disgusts my sister too)
3) Desperate Housewives
4) Seinfeld
5) Gray’s Anatomy (see? A sister approved show!)
5 Biggest joys of the moment:
1) Sleep
2) Coffee Beanery white chocolate mocha with whip cream
3) Watching my sweet baby napping on her daddy, the man I love more than my luggage
4) Feeling tiny hands pat my face to wake me
5) Family hugs, otherwise known as a baby sandwich :)
5 Favorite toys:
1) DVR satellite! YEAH! Except when there's a storm! Then it bites!
2) Digital camera and the 50 CD's of baby pics
3) our new computer (oh, wait, we have a CRAPPY computer)
4) Princess teepee to play in with Isabella
5) The mall
Whew...I need a nap now
Thursday, July 07, 2005
You can pick your friends and you can pick...
Your husbands...ha! Thought I was gonna say nose, huh? But can you pick your husband's friends?
Isabella and I have made new friends via Little Gym. The mommy is named Cathleen and her 15 month old son is Mitchell. They are very sweet and Isabella likes them both very much. My husband was totally on board with the new friendship until we got invited to a swim party with them, the husband/daddy, and some other friends.
I could hear the cringe in Heath's voice when I mentioned it. I swear he started rattling off excuses like:
Isn't my mother having eye surgery the day before? (yes, with her best friend staying that day and a whole other week to care for her)
Don't we have to finish remodeling the guest bathroom? (mmmkay, its only been stripped of paper for 2 months now)
Isn't your sister's baby shower that weekend? (no, love, it is at the end of July)
So, my question is...Isn't it only FAIR that he has to meet my new friends and tolerate a few get togethers? I sure have tolerated his friends the last five years and the endless "when we were young" stories. (Some still think they're the young studs they once were but that's a whole other blog)
He will go to the party for a couple of reasons: 1) He loves me, and more importantly, 2) he loves to swim. So I figure I'll get his favorite swim trunks, he can wear his cute daughter on his arm and possibly he'll make a new friend or two!
See? the years of my parents forcing me to attend social functions are paying off!
Isabella and I have made new friends via Little Gym. The mommy is named Cathleen and her 15 month old son is Mitchell. They are very sweet and Isabella likes them both very much. My husband was totally on board with the new friendship until we got invited to a swim party with them, the husband/daddy, and some other friends.
I could hear the cringe in Heath's voice when I mentioned it. I swear he started rattling off excuses like:
Isn't my mother having eye surgery the day before? (yes, with her best friend staying that day and a whole other week to care for her)
Don't we have to finish remodeling the guest bathroom? (mmmkay, its only been stripped of paper for 2 months now)
Isn't your sister's baby shower that weekend? (no, love, it is at the end of July)
So, my question is...Isn't it only FAIR that he has to meet my new friends and tolerate a few get togethers? I sure have tolerated his friends the last five years and the endless "when we were young" stories. (Some still think they're the young studs they once were but that's a whole other blog)
He will go to the party for a couple of reasons: 1) He loves me, and more importantly, 2) he loves to swim. So I figure I'll get his favorite swim trunks, he can wear his cute daughter on his arm and possibly he'll make a new friend or two!
See? the years of my parents forcing me to attend social functions are paying off!
Monday, June 27, 2005
Birthday Exhaustion
I don't know how she did it. She woke up early, ate a good breakfast and rested awhile before the big event so maybe that was a start.
Then the people showed up. She gave hugs, kisses, smiles and even the occasional courtesy laugh. She walked from room to room, checking on all her guests, smiling all the while. She ate a small bite of lunch because she was far too busy socializing to worry about nourishment. When it came time for the guests to sing Happy Birthday, she gave her brightest smile for all to see just how delighted she was that everyone was celebrating with her. Then she ate some cake, trying to remain ladylike but you know how messy cake can be.
She mingled with the younger guests, trying to make sure they were enjoying themselves. She opened presents and let the young guests see what they were. She examined a few of the birthday cards closely, then grinned and moved on to the next gift. They were private moments, no one really knows what her thoughts were.
The party lasted a good 3 hours or more and her smile began to fade. She was a little relieved when the crowd began to thin out. She gave goodbye hugs, kisses, smiles and the occasional courtesy laugh. As the last guest left, she yawned, rubbed her eyes and turned to me with arms outstretched.
I gathered up my beautiful birthday girl with her sticky hands and red-rimmed eyes, held her close and thanked God for blessing us with such a wonderful first year of her life. Happy birthday, my little Bellarina!
Then the people showed up. She gave hugs, kisses, smiles and even the occasional courtesy laugh. She walked from room to room, checking on all her guests, smiling all the while. She ate a small bite of lunch because she was far too busy socializing to worry about nourishment. When it came time for the guests to sing Happy Birthday, she gave her brightest smile for all to see just how delighted she was that everyone was celebrating with her. Then she ate some cake, trying to remain ladylike but you know how messy cake can be.
She mingled with the younger guests, trying to make sure they were enjoying themselves. She opened presents and let the young guests see what they were. She examined a few of the birthday cards closely, then grinned and moved on to the next gift. They were private moments, no one really knows what her thoughts were.
The party lasted a good 3 hours or more and her smile began to fade. She was a little relieved when the crowd began to thin out. She gave goodbye hugs, kisses, smiles and the occasional courtesy laugh. As the last guest left, she yawned, rubbed her eyes and turned to me with arms outstretched.
I gathered up my beautiful birthday girl with her sticky hands and red-rimmed eyes, held her close and thanked God for blessing us with such a wonderful first year of her life. Happy birthday, my little Bellarina!
Friday, June 17, 2005
Chevy Chase
Okay, I don't know if it was a Chevy...looked sorta like one, but nevertheless it was a vehicle chase in California...again.
What's up with car chases? Do the suspects think if they keep driving that the gods will have all police cars and helicopters run out of gas simultaneously so he/she can get away? Do they think their own vehicle has an endless supply of gas or air in the tires? Or do they think there's a hijacker's refueling tanker that will drive up, refuel and drop back off so the chase can continue without interruption?
If you want a good nap, try watching CNN's coverage of a car chase while muting the sound. When you wake up, chances are the chase is still happening.
What's up with car chases? Do the suspects think if they keep driving that the gods will have all police cars and helicopters run out of gas simultaneously so he/she can get away? Do they think their own vehicle has an endless supply of gas or air in the tires? Or do they think there's a hijacker's refueling tanker that will drive up, refuel and drop back off so the chase can continue without interruption?
If you want a good nap, try watching CNN's coverage of a car chase while muting the sound. When you wake up, chances are the chase is still happening.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
So there was this pop star...
What do Michael Jackson and K-Mart have in common? They both have little boys' pants half off.
Badda-BA!
Please hold your applause. Or disgust. Whichever.
Let me just say that those jurors must've had a hard time NOT convicting the alien who used to be Michael Jackson. Did you hear their responses to questions? They obviously don't think he didn't molest boys...they just couldn't convict him on the evidence/testimony or lack thereof. So it was a total waste of the prosecution's time and taxpayers' money.
And did you SEE the freaks waiting outside the courthouse? Totally playing up to the cameras. Supportive of Jackson? Yeah, sure. Wanting TV time? You betcha. And the white doves released as each count was read as not guilty. *gag*
Some think Jackson will make a comeback. Well, he can certainly try. I will never buy another album though. If his song comes on, I'll change the station. Because, though he was found to be innocent in this trial, it was not due to a jury thinking he isn't guilty...they just didn't have enough to convict him. And in raising my daughter, I would never forgive myself for contributing one bit to Jackson's bank account if it ever does come to light that he did what many have always thought he did.
Sad, really. I loved the King of Pop as a kid. Had the silver glove and everything. But I can't believe the massive support he gets from other countries now. Are we blind or are they?
The end of my rant. Thank you.
Badda-BA!
Please hold your applause. Or disgust. Whichever.
Let me just say that those jurors must've had a hard time NOT convicting the alien who used to be Michael Jackson. Did you hear their responses to questions? They obviously don't think he didn't molest boys...they just couldn't convict him on the evidence/testimony or lack thereof. So it was a total waste of the prosecution's time and taxpayers' money.
And did you SEE the freaks waiting outside the courthouse? Totally playing up to the cameras. Supportive of Jackson? Yeah, sure. Wanting TV time? You betcha. And the white doves released as each count was read as not guilty. *gag*
Some think Jackson will make a comeback. Well, he can certainly try. I will never buy another album though. If his song comes on, I'll change the station. Because, though he was found to be innocent in this trial, it was not due to a jury thinking he isn't guilty...they just didn't have enough to convict him. And in raising my daughter, I would never forgive myself for contributing one bit to Jackson's bank account if it ever does come to light that he did what many have always thought he did.
Sad, really. I loved the King of Pop as a kid. Had the silver glove and everything. But I can't believe the massive support he gets from other countries now. Are we blind or are they?
The end of my rant. Thank you.
Saturday Night Rerun
I am a fan of Saturday Night Live. At least sometimes. I'll watch it for snippets of funny which are increasingly few and far between. Alas, the good times of SNL have been gone for years, but occasionally they crack some funnies.
Like, the rerun of this last Sat night with Asshton Kutcher. He's totally overplayed and overrated, but his skit was funny enough that I recorded it.
Opens in black and white similar to a Calvin Klein undie ad. But it is Kevin Federline. Unless you've been living in a wine cellar, he is the odd, gross dude who married Britney Spears.
Wearing the signature ballcap and scraggly hair, "Federline" is rolling around on the bed selling his new line of Federline underwear.
"Some people may think I stink...but I don't. Federline, yo." Running his finger under the top of his white briefs with the name Federline printed on them.
"I'm doing my own thing, yo. Just don't tell Britney" Running his hand across the sheets of the messy bed, turning provocatively in his undies.
"Federline, yo."
"Britney likes me best in my underwear. There's hers." Points to thongs in different locations, "But usually her panties are just in my mouth. Ha."
He looks to the pillow and says," I'm kidding."
Looks to the camera all gross-sexy. "No, I'm not"
Looks back to the pillow. "Yes, I am. No, I'm not"
Repeats this several times until obvious Britney boobage appears and he says, "I may be in trouble, yo. Federline...yo."
Okay, so writing it doesn't seem as funny but it sure was on the TV. Almost as funny as Justin Timberlake's dancing as the Omeleteville mascot. Or his Gingerbread man dance to MC Hammer on Ellen. Or Mr. Hanky on Southpark. Okay, Mr. Hanky is just nasty.
Like, the rerun of this last Sat night with Asshton Kutcher. He's totally overplayed and overrated, but his skit was funny enough that I recorded it.
Opens in black and white similar to a Calvin Klein undie ad. But it is Kevin Federline. Unless you've been living in a wine cellar, he is the odd, gross dude who married Britney Spears.
Wearing the signature ballcap and scraggly hair, "Federline" is rolling around on the bed selling his new line of Federline underwear.
"Some people may think I stink...but I don't. Federline, yo." Running his finger under the top of his white briefs with the name Federline printed on them.
"I'm doing my own thing, yo. Just don't tell Britney" Running his hand across the sheets of the messy bed, turning provocatively in his undies.
"Federline, yo."
"Britney likes me best in my underwear. There's hers." Points to thongs in different locations, "But usually her panties are just in my mouth. Ha."
He looks to the pillow and says," I'm kidding."
Looks to the camera all gross-sexy. "No, I'm not"
Looks back to the pillow. "Yes, I am. No, I'm not"
Repeats this several times until obvious Britney boobage appears and he says, "I may be in trouble, yo. Federline...yo."
Okay, so writing it doesn't seem as funny but it sure was on the TV. Almost as funny as Justin Timberlake's dancing as the Omeleteville mascot. Or his Gingerbread man dance to MC Hammer on Ellen. Or Mr. Hanky on Southpark. Okay, Mr. Hanky is just nasty.
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