10 years ago
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Just Some Pictures
Here are a few cute pictures of my cutie. Just for fun :).
Here she is, practicing for the big plane ride... We've got that tablet loaded with Elmo. And we bought her head-phones. We wanted to see how she did with the head-phones. She did great.
Jeremy built her a couch fort. She thought it was fun... For about 15 minutes ;).
When I'm in the kitchen, she opens that cabinet and sits there... The other day she even brought a book to read while she sat waiting for me to finish the dishes.
It's just so stinkin' cute. Sometimes we find her burp rags (we call them her spitties) in there -- I guess she tucks them away for just in case. She doesn't need burp rags anymore... But because they were such a prevalent part of her infancy, she became attached to them, particularly the embellished cloth diaper ones. She uses them in place of a blankie when she sucks her thumb.
This little girl has my heart.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Today Was [Not] the Greatest
It's a song-title post! Like the first in forever! (I love this Smashing Pumpkins song. I remember watching it on MTV.)
The good news is that the day ended on a good note.
The rest of the day... not the greatest day ever.
It began at 6:40 when the munchkin woke up. I tried to convince her she wanted to sleep longer with me in my bed. She was having none of that. So we got up.
And she was uber-fussy. And I was uber-grumpy. She yelled at me because I wouldn't give her one of my pre-natal vitamins (the audacity, Mommy!). Yep, she's entered the tantrum phase. And so we've started showing her that the only place it's okay for her to throw tantrums is in her room. We carry her in there, put her on her toddler bed (which she isn't currently sleeping in yet, but it's a good option for her when she's not really being punished and can therefore leave her room of her own choice) and tell her she is welcome to come out when she is ready to not be angry with us. Then we pull the door to (not closed, so she can get out) and return to what we were doing. She usually comes out within 30 seconds. And so far, her mood improves just as fast...
She also yelled at me because I insisted on holding the cup with the chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie we were sharing, even while she was drinking out of it. Because I didn't want it spilled all over the place. We again talked about where tantrums were appropriate. (Not that we are super-excited to have her throw them... But we acknowledge that she has opinions and she is her own littler person with likes and dislikes and frustrations. We believe she has the right to express herself, but there is an appropriate way and place for her to be in a bad mood...).
Of course, maybe I should have stayed in my bed all day since I was grumpy. Too bad mommies don't have that option. I'd have gladly taken it today!
Anyway, I did a lot of baking (prepping for the Christmas goodies give-away I do every year...). Plus I had a friend coming over with her kiddos for dinner since her husband is away for work and she needed a mommy break -- and her kids love rough-housing with Jeremy. Plus I was making enough to take to another friend who just had baby number 5 -- and the first one via c-section. So, I was in the kitchen a lot, and Lynnaea didn't like that, because she kind of likes to be played with a lot.
And I'll confess, I let her watch way too much TV today. In the interest of her being happy and me getting stuff done.
And we did blow bubbles for a while -- which she thought was great. Until she wanted to hold the bubble solution and I wouldn't let her. Then she yelled at me again. Repeat the "your bedroom" discussion.
By the time Jeremy got home, I was just not in the happiest of moods. I was exhausted and trying to finish everything. My house looked like a disaster.
And my thought: This is why some women choose to work and send their kids to daycare!
And then I felt guilty. Because I have, for as long as I can remember, always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. But some days are hard. And, until you're in the thick of it, you don't realize there are really hard days. Before you are a stay-at-home mom, you live in ignorant bliss of what that really means.
So, I thought of my own mom a lot today, while I was being the complete antithesis of the kind of mom she has always been -- and the kind of mom I aspire to be: patient always, loving always, generous and giving always. Being that she is, in fact, human, I am sure my mom had her frustrations when she had two toddlers running around -- or even a toddler and an infant! But I cannot recall a time where I ever felt like she regretted being home with me -- or wished I'd just go away.
And so, today, as I had those thoughts... I felt a heavy heart. Shame. Guilt.
Because I love being home with my Lynnaea. I love her so very much. And at the end of the day, as I hold her while she starts to fall asleep, and I sing to her... Or while I read her stories before we head to her bedroom, and she calmly and sweetly sits on my lap and barks at the appropriate spot in the doggie story (she says "woof!" every time I point to the dog in the book; so I point to the dog every time the story says "woof!" -- it works great, and we're reading together :)). In those moments, I look back over the day and think, "What was so hard about today? Why couldn't I just deal?"
And the answer is, I don't know. Jeremy says we just have our ups and downs...
But even so... I want to be better than this. Lynnaea deserves better. And so, though today definitely wasn't the greatest day of ever... Tomorrow is a new day. And I'll try again. To be the mommy I want to be. And the mommy my precious girl deserves. True, mommy-hood is not all roses. But it's a wonderful blessing. And I honestly wouldn't trade it -- or being home with my daughter -- for anything. Even if, for a split second, I think I might...
The good news is that the day ended on a good note.
The rest of the day... not the greatest day ever.
It began at 6:40 when the munchkin woke up. I tried to convince her she wanted to sleep longer with me in my bed. She was having none of that. So we got up.
And she was uber-fussy. And I was uber-grumpy. She yelled at me because I wouldn't give her one of my pre-natal vitamins (the audacity, Mommy!). Yep, she's entered the tantrum phase. And so we've started showing her that the only place it's okay for her to throw tantrums is in her room. We carry her in there, put her on her toddler bed (which she isn't currently sleeping in yet, but it's a good option for her when she's not really being punished and can therefore leave her room of her own choice) and tell her she is welcome to come out when she is ready to not be angry with us. Then we pull the door to (not closed, so she can get out) and return to what we were doing. She usually comes out within 30 seconds. And so far, her mood improves just as fast...
She also yelled at me because I insisted on holding the cup with the chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie we were sharing, even while she was drinking out of it. Because I didn't want it spilled all over the place. We again talked about where tantrums were appropriate. (Not that we are super-excited to have her throw them... But we acknowledge that she has opinions and she is her own littler person with likes and dislikes and frustrations. We believe she has the right to express herself, but there is an appropriate way and place for her to be in a bad mood...).
Of course, maybe I should have stayed in my bed all day since I was grumpy. Too bad mommies don't have that option. I'd have gladly taken it today!
Anyway, I did a lot of baking (prepping for the Christmas goodies give-away I do every year...). Plus I had a friend coming over with her kiddos for dinner since her husband is away for work and she needed a mommy break -- and her kids love rough-housing with Jeremy. Plus I was making enough to take to another friend who just had baby number 5 -- and the first one via c-section. So, I was in the kitchen a lot, and Lynnaea didn't like that, because she kind of likes to be played with a lot.
And I'll confess, I let her watch way too much TV today. In the interest of her being happy and me getting stuff done.
And we did blow bubbles for a while -- which she thought was great. Until she wanted to hold the bubble solution and I wouldn't let her. Then she yelled at me again. Repeat the "your bedroom" discussion.
By the time Jeremy got home, I was just not in the happiest of moods. I was exhausted and trying to finish everything. My house looked like a disaster.
And my thought: This is why some women choose to work and send their kids to daycare!
And then I felt guilty. Because I have, for as long as I can remember, always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. But some days are hard. And, until you're in the thick of it, you don't realize there are really hard days. Before you are a stay-at-home mom, you live in ignorant bliss of what that really means.
So, I thought of my own mom a lot today, while I was being the complete antithesis of the kind of mom she has always been -- and the kind of mom I aspire to be: patient always, loving always, generous and giving always. Being that she is, in fact, human, I am sure my mom had her frustrations when she had two toddlers running around -- or even a toddler and an infant! But I cannot recall a time where I ever felt like she regretted being home with me -- or wished I'd just go away.
And so, today, as I had those thoughts... I felt a heavy heart. Shame. Guilt.
Because I love being home with my Lynnaea. I love her so very much. And at the end of the day, as I hold her while she starts to fall asleep, and I sing to her... Or while I read her stories before we head to her bedroom, and she calmly and sweetly sits on my lap and barks at the appropriate spot in the doggie story (she says "woof!" every time I point to the dog in the book; so I point to the dog every time the story says "woof!" -- it works great, and we're reading together :)). In those moments, I look back over the day and think, "What was so hard about today? Why couldn't I just deal?"
And the answer is, I don't know. Jeremy says we just have our ups and downs...
But even so... I want to be better than this. Lynnaea deserves better. And so, though today definitely wasn't the greatest day of ever... Tomorrow is a new day. And I'll try again. To be the mommy I want to be. And the mommy my precious girl deserves. True, mommy-hood is not all roses. But it's a wonderful blessing. And I honestly wouldn't trade it -- or being home with my daughter -- for anything. Even if, for a split second, I think I might...
Monday, November 10, 2014
Golden Girl Musings
Excuse me while I wax nostalgic for a bit... I am feeling nostalgic on this crisp Autumn day here in the Pacific Northwest. It's beautiful outside. And something about the chilly air, and the uncharacteristically sunny sky at this time of year, has me thinking of Alabama. The weather reminds me of that today...
Of course, that's not all that's been turning my thoughts to Alabama and reminiscences of days gone by. I've also been watching some old episodes of The Golden Girls, which I borrowed from the public library. And these are the things I remember, as a result; for The Golden Girls always bring to mind memories of summers spent visiting Dothan:
...Supermarket Sweep. You see, this was a game show we would watch every summer in Dothan when we would visit. I'm not even sure why I liked this show so much, but I did! And, honestly, if it was still on TV; and if we had cable, I'd probably still watch it. Even if for no other reason than old times' sake. I just got sucked in to watching that episode I linked on Youtube...
...Crystal Pepsi. It came out in 1993. And that summer, we visited Dothan. I remember the excitement of walking down to the little convenience store at the end of my grandmother's road. I think it was called Lolo's or something. And the following time we were there on vacation, my grandmother said we couldn't go there anymore as someone had been shot. Ah well... But in the summer of 1993, it was one of the places we went to "escape" the boredom of being at the house all the time. And we'd buy the Crystal Pepsi -- and other yummy treats :).
...Nick at Night! Being in Dothan meant having many more cable channels than we had in Panama. And we loved it! Every night, we'd watch Nick at Night. And that's how we got introduced to some awesome classics like Mary Tyler Moore. The one rule: we couldn't be loud and the TV couldn't be either. Once my grandmother went to bed, we needed to be quiet.
...Strawberry Shortcake. The dessert, not the 80s toy. Honestly, our summer vacations spent in Dothan were full of yummy treats. My mom would go to the grocery store and get all sorts of yummies for us to have. One of them was the little yellow sponge-cakes, strawberries (which she'd slice and sprinkle with sugar), and cool whip in a can. I don't know why I remember that one so fondly, but I do.
...Unsolved Mysteries. We loved that show too! And watched it on a couple different channels at a couple different times every day. Some of the episodes freaked us out. Seriously.
...Rice. Lots and lots of rice. Rice with dinner every day. My grandmother usually cooked dinner -- and the Panamanian in her made sure rice was always on the menu. It was a good thing, though. She made the best white rice. And we'd have it with a variety of meat dishes: ropa vieja was one of them I remember. And some sort of platano (plantain) dish. Good stuff.
Yep, so there's a little variety of the memories that float through my brain every time I watch The Golden Girls. They are happy memories :). I've had a good life :).
...But before I end, I should go back to the future ;). Or the present ;). And show you a couple pictures. From Halloween and other stuff :).
Nice side-ways picture... But Lynnaea and I chilled on the couch on Halloween and she took a mini nap before Trunk or Treat at the church. (she didn't go from car to car, because she doesn't need the candy... but we gave out candy and dressed up :)).
Here we are! Jeremy just threw on random stuff, but ended up being like a made scientist. I was a witch, and Lynnaea was a Care Bear :).
Our friends Lea and Chuck stopped by the church to see Lynnaea and they also gave out some candy for a bit too.
Me and the candy stash...
And this sweet girl trying on the witch hat ;). So stinkin' cute!
Lynnaea is getting to the age where she wants to be involved in everything we do... So Jeremy lets her help him make bread. So after they get it all into the bread machine, she likes to watch it mix.
Then she is ready to get back down :). So cute. Love this girl.
Of course, that's not all that's been turning my thoughts to Alabama and reminiscences of days gone by. I've also been watching some old episodes of The Golden Girls, which I borrowed from the public library. And these are the things I remember, as a result; for The Golden Girls always bring to mind memories of summers spent visiting Dothan:
...Supermarket Sweep. You see, this was a game show we would watch every summer in Dothan when we would visit. I'm not even sure why I liked this show so much, but I did! And, honestly, if it was still on TV; and if we had cable, I'd probably still watch it. Even if for no other reason than old times' sake. I just got sucked in to watching that episode I linked on Youtube...
...Crystal Pepsi. It came out in 1993. And that summer, we visited Dothan. I remember the excitement of walking down to the little convenience store at the end of my grandmother's road. I think it was called Lolo's or something. And the following time we were there on vacation, my grandmother said we couldn't go there anymore as someone had been shot. Ah well... But in the summer of 1993, it was one of the places we went to "escape" the boredom of being at the house all the time. And we'd buy the Crystal Pepsi -- and other yummy treats :).
...Nick at Night! Being in Dothan meant having many more cable channels than we had in Panama. And we loved it! Every night, we'd watch Nick at Night. And that's how we got introduced to some awesome classics like Mary Tyler Moore. The one rule: we couldn't be loud and the TV couldn't be either. Once my grandmother went to bed, we needed to be quiet.
...Strawberry Shortcake. The dessert, not the 80s toy. Honestly, our summer vacations spent in Dothan were full of yummy treats. My mom would go to the grocery store and get all sorts of yummies for us to have. One of them was the little yellow sponge-cakes, strawberries (which she'd slice and sprinkle with sugar), and cool whip in a can. I don't know why I remember that one so fondly, but I do.
...Unsolved Mysteries. We loved that show too! And watched it on a couple different channels at a couple different times every day. Some of the episodes freaked us out. Seriously.
...Rice. Lots and lots of rice. Rice with dinner every day. My grandmother usually cooked dinner -- and the Panamanian in her made sure rice was always on the menu. It was a good thing, though. She made the best white rice. And we'd have it with a variety of meat dishes: ropa vieja was one of them I remember. And some sort of platano (plantain) dish. Good stuff.
Yep, so there's a little variety of the memories that float through my brain every time I watch The Golden Girls. They are happy memories :). I've had a good life :).
...But before I end, I should go back to the future ;). Or the present ;). And show you a couple pictures. From Halloween and other stuff :).
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
34 Minus 1 Day
Because tomorrow is my birthday. And so I figured I'd make that my post title.
It's hard to believe this was already 4 years ago. I mean, seriously!?! My life has changed a lot in 4 years. And it's about to change a whole lot more...
So, first of all, I should tell you all about our adventures. But that would take forty forevers, so I won't. We survived being kicked out of our house temporarily. We were out for 8 days. And we were so thankful for the amazing friends who welcomed us. It was so nice -- like a bed and breakfast, really. And after hearing the horror stories from the other tenants who took the offered hotel option... Yeah, I am even more grateful for what we had. It was still challenging at times. Hard for me to know what to do with myself day in and day out not being in my own house. It was kind of like vacation -- but not. Lynnaea loved it, because there were new people around a lot -- not just boring old mommy in the evenings.
Gosh, I really haven't blogged in a while... So this picture is from the ferry when we were on our way to Jeremy's family's reunion that takes place in October every year. I think it's the only picture I got of the whole day. I've become a lame picture-taker... Unless it's food, I guess. Anyway, this was the Saturday before we started staying with friends.
The Monday after we started staying with friends, I took Lynnaea to a local park to play with some other kids. It happened to be Columbus Day, so the schools were out and there were tons of kids there. She had fun.
Here's the only picture I took while we stayed at our friends' house. Lynnaea looks thrilled, doesn't she?
Then this past weekend, I went with Lea to Seattle. We went to see Beauty and Beast. It was awesome. Want to know what wasn't awesome?
This:
This was the P.F. Changs I had before we went to the play. So here's the thing: I've been wanting to try P.F. Changs for some time now. And so Lea and I decided to go there before the play (with plans to hit up Cheesecake Factory afterwards -- it's all about partying on one's birthday, right?). Lea and I got the exact same thing. Like right down to the soup.
Lea's was fine. Mine. Was not.
I managed to make it through the play (thankfully!). But we skipped Cheesecake, because I didn't know if I'd make it. For a while there, as we trudged our way back to the ferry, I thought I was going to toss my cookies on the streets of Seattle. Because there were no garbage cans anywhere that I could see. Believe me, I looked. But then I felt better. So we stopped into a Starbucks (probably the only one in creation without a bathroom, I might add) for some water. And by then, I was feeling bad again. Really bad. And so... I threw up in the garbage can. And chased off the clientele (sorry people I don't know). And made them close. 20 minutes early. Embarrassing. I felt so bad. But there was nothing I could do. I felt a million times better after that. And so we got to the ferry terminal. Where someone else wasn't having such a great time of things either.... I don't think she had P.F. Changs though. Apparently she'd been drinking. A lot. So she puked all over the ferry terminal and then passed out. That was adventurous to see. Eventually the paramedics came and took her. We learned a lesson though: don't be near death at the ferry terminal. It takes the ambulance so long to get there, you'll probably die.
And the fun wasn't over for me... I also tossed more cookies at the ferry terminal. Fortunately I was not suffering from alcohol poisoning, so I could make it to the bathroom. And then 3 or 4 more times on the ferry. And then once when I got home. It's not fun to be sick when you're the mommy and your husband's at work. Because you still have to keep doing the stuff you have to do to take care of your munchkin.
Anyway, after all that puking, I had managed to purge whatever bad food and bacteria had been ailing me. And while my stomach wasn't happy... At least it wasn't rebelling against me anymore. Because that was lame. I went to bed and started Sunday with small amounts of bland food.
So, yeah... I really wanted to like P.F. Changs... But food poisoning kind of makes that impossible. So I won't be going there again. I'm glad Lea's was fine. To be honest, mine tasted weird. I kept checking the beef for doneness... Perhaps I should have been smart enough to stop eating it... Novel idea.
But the play was awesome. I'd highly recommend it.
And isn't she a cute cool kid? Love this baby!
And here's a few of Lynnaea in her newest "toy" from Costco. She sits in it like a chair. And I think it's the cutest things ever.
Please take note of her hair... That's some mommy skills. Jeremy was unimpressed. Fortunately for him I know some hairdresser friends. So today, after lunch with my former co-workers at the County, one of them fixed the bangs for me.
She is so pretty. So cute. Even if I'm a little biased ;). I can't believe she's growing up so fast. She amazes me every day.
And so... our next adventure (assuming all goes well):
Hormone levels were in the normal range (but that's a huge range). And I hope to know more soon, just for the sake of knowing. Sure, it's a risk to announce at this point (8 weeks). But there is a life, and I am choosing to celebrate. Not everyone feels the same as I do, nor do I think everyone should. I think people should do what's right for them. But this is what I want to do. And we'll hope :). Because there's every reason to. (By the way, this explains my lack of motivation to blog -- or do much of anything else these days. Seriously... I nap a lot. I'm exhausted!)
It's hard to believe this was already 4 years ago. I mean, seriously!?! My life has changed a lot in 4 years. And it's about to change a whole lot more...
So, first of all, I should tell you all about our adventures. But that would take forty forevers, so I won't. We survived being kicked out of our house temporarily. We were out for 8 days. And we were so thankful for the amazing friends who welcomed us. It was so nice -- like a bed and breakfast, really. And after hearing the horror stories from the other tenants who took the offered hotel option... Yeah, I am even more grateful for what we had. It was still challenging at times. Hard for me to know what to do with myself day in and day out not being in my own house. It was kind of like vacation -- but not. Lynnaea loved it, because there were new people around a lot -- not just boring old mommy in the evenings.
The Monday after we started staying with friends, I took Lynnaea to a local park to play with some other kids. It happened to be Columbus Day, so the schools were out and there were tons of kids there. She had fun.
This:
Lea's was fine. Mine. Was not.
I managed to make it through the play (thankfully!). But we skipped Cheesecake, because I didn't know if I'd make it. For a while there, as we trudged our way back to the ferry, I thought I was going to toss my cookies on the streets of Seattle. Because there were no garbage cans anywhere that I could see. Believe me, I looked. But then I felt better. So we stopped into a Starbucks (probably the only one in creation without a bathroom, I might add) for some water. And by then, I was feeling bad again. Really bad. And so... I threw up in the garbage can. And chased off the clientele (sorry people I don't know). And made them close. 20 minutes early. Embarrassing. I felt so bad. But there was nothing I could do. I felt a million times better after that. And so we got to the ferry terminal. Where someone else wasn't having such a great time of things either.... I don't think she had P.F. Changs though. Apparently she'd been drinking. A lot. So she puked all over the ferry terminal and then passed out. That was adventurous to see. Eventually the paramedics came and took her. We learned a lesson though: don't be near death at the ferry terminal. It takes the ambulance so long to get there, you'll probably die.
And the fun wasn't over for me... I also tossed more cookies at the ferry terminal. Fortunately I was not suffering from alcohol poisoning, so I could make it to the bathroom. And then 3 or 4 more times on the ferry. And then once when I got home. It's not fun to be sick when you're the mommy and your husband's at work. Because you still have to keep doing the stuff you have to do to take care of your munchkin.
Anyway, after all that puking, I had managed to purge whatever bad food and bacteria had been ailing me. And while my stomach wasn't happy... At least it wasn't rebelling against me anymore. Because that was lame. I went to bed and started Sunday with small amounts of bland food.
So, yeah... I really wanted to like P.F. Changs... But food poisoning kind of makes that impossible. So I won't be going there again. I'm glad Lea's was fine. To be honest, mine tasted weird. I kept checking the beef for doneness... Perhaps I should have been smart enough to stop eating it... Novel idea.
But the play was awesome. I'd highly recommend it.
And here's a few of Lynnaea in her newest "toy" from Costco. She sits in it like a chair. And I think it's the cutest things ever.
And so... our next adventure (assuming all goes well):
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Re-Locating
...Now don't go gettin' all excited that we are movin' to Alabama. It'd be cool. But it's not happening... yet ;). (Actually we don't know where we'll end up... Could be Alaska for all I know!)
But we are relocating. Temporarily. And I'm so not looking forward to it.
Jeremy says I should think of it like a vacation. Except it isn't.
So what gives? Well, miracle of miracles, they are finally working on our stairs! And while this is a most blessed event (trust me, the ghetto-fabulous look was getting real old), it comes with its own fair share of inconvenience. The largest of which is the whole "we have to remove access to all the units, so you can either stay in a hotel paid for by us or you can take cash and make your own arrangements" thing.
We're taking the cash.
Because who wants to live out of a hotel with a mini fridge and microwave for 10 days with a toddler!?! Perish the thought! (Am I playing up the dramatic?)
Fortunately for us, we have some amazing friends. Our friends Mark and Amalea have invited us to stay in their basement which has a bedroom and a full bathroom and a large space for a toddler to play. Not that we aren't allowed upstairs ;)... We are. But that will be our little "home away from home." And it means Jeremy's commute doesn't have to turn into a 45-minute each way nightmare (which would have been the case if we'd have stayed with his parents). Especially since he's on swing shift and isn't getting home much before midnight.
So yeah... We have amazing friends. We are blessed.
In other news... I think I have lost my mind. Due to the fact that I wanted to find out some information for myself without spending a lot of money to do so... I am in the middle of planning a vendor event for December. What possessed me to head something like this up? I have no idea. Well, I do. But now I think I was just crazy. So, here's to hoping it will be THRIVEing for all involved! Thank goodness for my sister-in-law Gwen who is helping me. Just the fact that she's involved gives me great peace -- because she's way more go-with-the-flow than I am ;).
Oh yeah... And Jeremy may or may not have hurt his ankle at work the other night... Should make for loads of fun when we're temporarily moving this Friday... Let the good times roll!
Oh, so do you need some pictures :)? Cool.... Because Lynnaea and I -- we like to take selfies. A lot. Have I mentioned she is the awesomest ever? Even when she wakes up at 11 p.m. and won't go back to sleep until after midnight -- after you put her in bed with you and the hubby... Yeah, that happened. It's okay. She's worth it.
If you're Lynnaea, the object in her hand is alternately an object that makes the DVD stop playing (which she thinks is hilarious) or a phone. Which I think is hilarious. It's a win/win.
Mostly her facial expression in this one cracks me up. She's like, "Okay Mom... I'm done with this."
But we are relocating. Temporarily. And I'm so not looking forward to it.
Jeremy says I should think of it like a vacation. Except it isn't.
So what gives? Well, miracle of miracles, they are finally working on our stairs! And while this is a most blessed event (trust me, the ghetto-fabulous look was getting real old), it comes with its own fair share of inconvenience. The largest of which is the whole "we have to remove access to all the units, so you can either stay in a hotel paid for by us or you can take cash and make your own arrangements" thing.
We're taking the cash.
Because who wants to live out of a hotel with a mini fridge and microwave for 10 days with a toddler!?! Perish the thought! (Am I playing up the dramatic?)
Fortunately for us, we have some amazing friends. Our friends Mark and Amalea have invited us to stay in their basement which has a bedroom and a full bathroom and a large space for a toddler to play. Not that we aren't allowed upstairs ;)... We are. But that will be our little "home away from home." And it means Jeremy's commute doesn't have to turn into a 45-minute each way nightmare (which would have been the case if we'd have stayed with his parents). Especially since he's on swing shift and isn't getting home much before midnight.
So yeah... We have amazing friends. We are blessed.
In other news... I think I have lost my mind. Due to the fact that I wanted to find out some information for myself without spending a lot of money to do so... I am in the middle of planning a vendor event for December. What possessed me to head something like this up? I have no idea. Well, I do. But now I think I was just crazy. So, here's to hoping it will be THRIVEing for all involved! Thank goodness for my sister-in-law Gwen who is helping me. Just the fact that she's involved gives me great peace -- because she's way more go-with-the-flow than I am ;).
Oh yeah... And Jeremy may or may not have hurt his ankle at work the other night... Should make for loads of fun when we're temporarily moving this Friday... Let the good times roll!
Oh, so do you need some pictures :)? Cool.... Because Lynnaea and I -- we like to take selfies. A lot. Have I mentioned she is the awesomest ever? Even when she wakes up at 11 p.m. and won't go back to sleep until after midnight -- after you put her in bed with you and the hubby... Yeah, that happened. It's okay. She's worth it.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
7 Years
I have no idea why I'm still awake. Because I'm a night-owl, I suppose. And because my husband is still at work (and probably will be until midnight -- good times!). I should be asleep. Because my munchkin doesn't care when I went to sleep the night before. She'll wake up at 7 or 7:30. And she'll be so happy.
Which is good, because it makes me happy too :). Her happy squeals from her crib that wake me up make forcing myself out of bed a not-so-bad thing. I actually smile as I hear her. Who knew motherhood could do that to a not-morning-person such as myself?
But I felt like writing. And then I felt like looking over where I was in life around this date of the last seven years. Thank you blogger. Can you believe I've had this blog for 7 years? I kind of can't. My life has changed drastically in 7 years. It's so crazy.
Last year my baby was a baby. Where did the time go? I mean, I remember the days... And it just doesn't seem possible that they are gone -- that they were a year ago. That that baby in the pictures can now walk. And talk some. And actually do what we ask her to do most of the time. She understands so much of what we say.
The year before that, I was overwhelmed, emotional, nostalgic. And pregnant (which probably explained all of those symptoms), but we weren't telling people yet. We were still newlyweds with no clue how our boat was about to be rocked. Ignorance was bliss, people. Ignorance was bliss ;). (Don't worry... we survived the boat rocking. And we are much better for it! Apparently parenthood is a shock to many...)
The year before that I had just moved into my own little house. Finally. After so much time waiting and hoping to be on my own. Sometimes I don't think I gave myself the opportunity to enjoy that as much as I should have. But that's okay. I'm kind of crazy that way.
The year before that, I was getting ready to turn 30. And listed a whole ton of toots and sweets. Which made me laugh as I just sat here reading over it. Holy cow. Sometimes I crack myself up. Plus, Lea and I had gone to the play Fame and took pictures with some of the cast members. That was good times.
Then there was the year before that, when I was tripping to Florida and Alabama. Or getting ready to at any rate. My awesome friend April was getting married, and I was going to get to be there :).
And a year before that I was in a blogging funk. So I was doing tag posts. I did a one-word tag post where my answer to every question had to consist of one word. One question was: significant other? And I wrote "future." Hahaha.... Clearly I was full of hope for what would be. And clearly my hope was founded -- and the promise fulfilled.
Which brings us to the year of my blog's birth. This blog, at least. When I was living it up in Tuscaloosa. Making great memories with Virginia, Le, and Annie, Jeni, and a myriad of others. I was in a place -- both geographically and metaphorically -- I never thought I'd be. But I was surviving. No... I was thriving.
7 Years is a long time. And so much can change. It is hard for me to believe that that 26 year old woman beginning this blog would, 7 years later, be a wife and mother. That her dreams and hopes would come true. Her prayers would be answered... again and again and again.
Sometimes I can't believe she and I are the same person. And I guess, in many ways, we are not. 7 years have changed me. Hopefully for the better. But either way, I am different. But grateful for the intervening years. Grateful for the amazing and abundant life I've had. Even when it was hard.
Our most recent selfie :)... It was a pajama kind of day... A warm pajama kind of day :).
Which is good, because it makes me happy too :). Her happy squeals from her crib that wake me up make forcing myself out of bed a not-so-bad thing. I actually smile as I hear her. Who knew motherhood could do that to a not-morning-person such as myself?
But I felt like writing. And then I felt like looking over where I was in life around this date of the last seven years. Thank you blogger. Can you believe I've had this blog for 7 years? I kind of can't. My life has changed drastically in 7 years. It's so crazy.
Last year my baby was a baby. Where did the time go? I mean, I remember the days... And it just doesn't seem possible that they are gone -- that they were a year ago. That that baby in the pictures can now walk. And talk some. And actually do what we ask her to do most of the time. She understands so much of what we say.
The year before that, I was overwhelmed, emotional, nostalgic. And pregnant (which probably explained all of those symptoms), but we weren't telling people yet. We were still newlyweds with no clue how our boat was about to be rocked. Ignorance was bliss, people. Ignorance was bliss ;). (Don't worry... we survived the boat rocking. And we are much better for it! Apparently parenthood is a shock to many...)
The year before that I had just moved into my own little house. Finally. After so much time waiting and hoping to be on my own. Sometimes I don't think I gave myself the opportunity to enjoy that as much as I should have. But that's okay. I'm kind of crazy that way.
The year before that, I was getting ready to turn 30. And listed a whole ton of toots and sweets. Which made me laugh as I just sat here reading over it. Holy cow. Sometimes I crack myself up. Plus, Lea and I had gone to the play Fame and took pictures with some of the cast members. That was good times.
Then there was the year before that, when I was tripping to Florida and Alabama. Or getting ready to at any rate. My awesome friend April was getting married, and I was going to get to be there :).
And a year before that I was in a blogging funk. So I was doing tag posts. I did a one-word tag post where my answer to every question had to consist of one word. One question was: significant other? And I wrote "future." Hahaha.... Clearly I was full of hope for what would be. And clearly my hope was founded -- and the promise fulfilled.
Which brings us to the year of my blog's birth. This blog, at least. When I was living it up in Tuscaloosa. Making great memories with Virginia, Le, and Annie, Jeni, and a myriad of others. I was in a place -- both geographically and metaphorically -- I never thought I'd be. But I was surviving. No... I was thriving.
7 Years is a long time. And so much can change. It is hard for me to believe that that 26 year old woman beginning this blog would, 7 years later, be a wife and mother. That her dreams and hopes would come true. Her prayers would be answered... again and again and again.
Sometimes I can't believe she and I are the same person. And I guess, in many ways, we are not. 7 years have changed me. Hopefully for the better. But either way, I am different. But grateful for the intervening years. Grateful for the amazing and abundant life I've had. Even when it was hard.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Motherhood Means Wearing Many Hats...
...like:
Play-mate...
Doctor...
Chef...
Protector...
Dentist...
Cheer-leader...
Story-teller (or reader)...
Snuggler...
Bather...
Dryer...
Encourager...
And many more. These hats are donned daily. And changed often.
The best one is snuggler. Well, maybe. There's a lot of really awesome ones :).
Like these:
I wouldn't trade motherhood for anything. Even on the hard days. This little girl has changed me for the better. And anytime I see her, I can't help but smile.
Her newest accomplishments?
Folding her arms for prayer (she does this as soon as she sees me put food on the table or attach her tray to her high chair. It's beyond cute.
Saying "baby". And I think she's even starting to realize what it means.
Running up to the heater installed in the hallway wall (which doesn't work) and strumming her hands across the vent part whenever Jeremy gets home. She plays him music. And gets very excited about it. It's a daily occurrence in our household right now -- one I'll miss when he starts swing shift in the next couple days. We've dubbed it "strumming the banjo." It actually makes Jeremy feel really good too. She is just so excited to see him when he comes home from work.
She has perfected "no." and when to use it. Which, for her, is anytime she's asked a question. "Do you want more pancake?" "No." "Is Mommy nice?" "No." Hmmm...
I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones I can think of right this second. She is amazing, though. And I love her more every day.
(We're still nervous about how she'll handle not being able to run around in the airplane for 4 hours...)
Play-mate...
Doctor...
Chef...
Protector...
Dentist...
Cheer-leader...
Story-teller (or reader)...
Snuggler...
Bather...
Dryer...
Encourager...
And many more. These hats are donned daily. And changed often.
The best one is snuggler. Well, maybe. There's a lot of really awesome ones :).
Like these:
Her newest accomplishments?
Folding her arms for prayer (she does this as soon as she sees me put food on the table or attach her tray to her high chair. It's beyond cute.
Saying "baby". And I think she's even starting to realize what it means.
Running up to the heater installed in the hallway wall (which doesn't work) and strumming her hands across the vent part whenever Jeremy gets home. She plays him music. And gets very excited about it. It's a daily occurrence in our household right now -- one I'll miss when he starts swing shift in the next couple days. We've dubbed it "strumming the banjo." It actually makes Jeremy feel really good too. She is just so excited to see him when he comes home from work.
She has perfected "no." and when to use it. Which, for her, is anytime she's asked a question. "Do you want more pancake?" "No." "Is Mommy nice?" "No." Hmmm...
I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones I can think of right this second. She is amazing, though. And I love her more every day.
(We're still nervous about how she'll handle not being able to run around in the airplane for 4 hours...)
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