Well, ol' Gustav is headed right for NoLa. I really hope it dies down before it hits because this whole coastal region has just barely made it's recovery from Katrina.
We were pretty optimistic until yesterday afternoon but now we are kinda just hoping for the best but accepting the inevitable storm.
I've never ridden out a hurricane so this will be interesting to say the least. I think we will be fine up here....it looks like we are just on the edge of it and a good distance inland. However, if we lose power we will have to discuss our options because Big Mama here ain't hunkering down without A/C. I think I would die. :)
I will keep everyone informed of our situation.
Later I promise to upload pictures from Carter's big day. He had soooo much fun!!!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Two years ago....
The whole pregnancy I had planned for a natural birth. I studied and read lots of books and articles and even hired a doula to assist us with labor and delivery. I treated it as an "event" like a Marathon; something to train for.
However, our son had other plans... Carter was born by c-section on Wednesday, August 30th at 9:34 a.m. He was a breech baby and came out butt first!
The day before he was born was an ordinary day... I had a doctors appointment and we were going to see if I was dilated at all. I was getting impatient and tired of being pregnant. When the doctor checked me and couldn't feel his head she was worried since I was only 5 days away from my due date and he should have been engaged in my pelvis and my body should have been "preparing" itself for labor....but no such luck. Nothing was happening down there. So, we did an ultrasound to see what he was doing. That's when she told me that he was breech and that he must have flipped from head-down to head-up about 3-4 weeks earlier. They don't deliver breech babies vaginally at this hospital because of the risk so she said we needed to do a c-section the next morning to avoid the chance of me going into labor and having to do an emergency section (which poses risks). I cried alot. I really wanted to deliver him naturally and experience the satisfaction of bringing him into the world. I felt cheated somehow. I had also previously experienced minor abdominal surgery and knew that a cesaeran is no walk in the park. People treat it so lightly these days but I knew the risks and the potential for a long recovery.
I tried some home remedies to "turn" him that evening but he was stubborn and wouldn't budge. I only slept 2 hours that night and was angry and bitchy the next morning. Let's just say I was not the best patient. I did begin having regular and painful contractions during my pre-op prep, though. So maybe it was labor and he was meant to be born that day anyway. :)
After I was prepped I shuffled to the operating room and they administered the spinal. Weird. I could feel but not really. Kinda like at the dentist. They brought Kevin in as they made the incision and he sat by me and waited while they dug around my abdomen. There was lots of pressure and I got intense shakes and shivers from the spinal medication. They pulled Carter out butt first, I guess but I couldn't see anything.
I heard his first little warble though, and my eyes welled up with tears. Then he started to holler and they pulled the drape down so I could see my beautiful boy. I was surprised to see his gold-red hair. The nurses took him over to be weighed and stuff and handed him to Kevin all wrapped up tight. That is when Kevin carried him over to me with tears running down his cheeks and said "Honey, you took your vitamins" and all the nurses said "Aaaaahhhhh!". He put Carter up close to my face so I could kiss him and touch him. I wanted to hold him so bad! They all then left while I got sewed up. I had never felt so lonely in all of my life then at that moment....
I remember feeling impatient for them to just hurry up and get all this crap done so I could hold my son. They took me to recovery where I sat and shook and shivered and finally between clenched teeth I asked when I could see my baby. The nurse looked at me like I was crazy and said "You want him now? Don't you want to rest and recover?!". At this point my mood was almost homicidal....poor woman didn't know she had such an awful patient, I'm guessing. I hopefully didn't show it....
So after about an hour or so after my surgery Kevin came walking into recovery carrying the most precious bundle of hospital blankets I had ever laid eyes on. Finally. Finally, my little man with whom I had shared 9+ months with, was in my arms.
I began breastfeeding right away and he was a quick learner...or teacher, I'm not sure which.
Anyway, life couldn't have been more sweet than at that moment when I finally had you in my arms, Carter. My perfect little baby. You are my world and it doesn't matter how you got here, it just matters that you did.
Happy 2nd Birthday, Big Guy!!!!! I can't believe it!
However, our son had other plans... Carter was born by c-section on Wednesday, August 30th at 9:34 a.m. He was a breech baby and came out butt first!
The day before he was born was an ordinary day... I had a doctors appointment and we were going to see if I was dilated at all. I was getting impatient and tired of being pregnant. When the doctor checked me and couldn't feel his head she was worried since I was only 5 days away from my due date and he should have been engaged in my pelvis and my body should have been "preparing" itself for labor....but no such luck. Nothing was happening down there. So, we did an ultrasound to see what he was doing. That's when she told me that he was breech and that he must have flipped from head-down to head-up about 3-4 weeks earlier. They don't deliver breech babies vaginally at this hospital because of the risk so she said we needed to do a c-section the next morning to avoid the chance of me going into labor and having to do an emergency section (which poses risks). I cried alot. I really wanted to deliver him naturally and experience the satisfaction of bringing him into the world. I felt cheated somehow. I had also previously experienced minor abdominal surgery and knew that a cesaeran is no walk in the park. People treat it so lightly these days but I knew the risks and the potential for a long recovery.
I tried some home remedies to "turn" him that evening but he was stubborn and wouldn't budge. I only slept 2 hours that night and was angry and bitchy the next morning. Let's just say I was not the best patient. I did begin having regular and painful contractions during my pre-op prep, though. So maybe it was labor and he was meant to be born that day anyway. :)
After I was prepped I shuffled to the operating room and they administered the spinal. Weird. I could feel but not really. Kinda like at the dentist. They brought Kevin in as they made the incision and he sat by me and waited while they dug around my abdomen. There was lots of pressure and I got intense shakes and shivers from the spinal medication. They pulled Carter out butt first, I guess but I couldn't see anything.
I heard his first little warble though, and my eyes welled up with tears. Then he started to holler and they pulled the drape down so I could see my beautiful boy. I was surprised to see his gold-red hair. The nurses took him over to be weighed and stuff and handed him to Kevin all wrapped up tight. That is when Kevin carried him over to me with tears running down his cheeks and said "Honey, you took your vitamins" and all the nurses said "Aaaaahhhhh!". He put Carter up close to my face so I could kiss him and touch him. I wanted to hold him so bad! They all then left while I got sewed up. I had never felt so lonely in all of my life then at that moment....
I remember feeling impatient for them to just hurry up and get all this crap done so I could hold my son. They took me to recovery where I sat and shook and shivered and finally between clenched teeth I asked when I could see my baby. The nurse looked at me like I was crazy and said "You want him now? Don't you want to rest and recover?!". At this point my mood was almost homicidal....poor woman didn't know she had such an awful patient, I'm guessing. I hopefully didn't show it....
So after about an hour or so after my surgery Kevin came walking into recovery carrying the most precious bundle of hospital blankets I had ever laid eyes on. Finally. Finally, my little man with whom I had shared 9+ months with, was in my arms.
I began breastfeeding right away and he was a quick learner...or teacher, I'm not sure which.
Anyway, life couldn't have been more sweet than at that moment when I finally had you in my arms, Carter. My perfect little baby. You are my world and it doesn't matter how you got here, it just matters that you did.
Happy 2nd Birthday, Big Guy!!!!! I can't believe it!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Batten down the hatches!
Lawd! I'm so tired. Thank goodness I decided long ago not to have a party at my house. It would have totally stressed me out.
As it stands right now...it took me 35 minutes to drive 6 miles back to my house from Sam's Club. Carter's dinosaur cake had to be redone because they didn't do it right the first time and even now I am laughing about the redo (kinda looks like the 2 dinos had a big lunch and pooped all over the cake...must post picture of it later). It looks more like it's supposed to now, though, and it smells divine. I love Sam's cakes.
Hmmm, you want more bitching and moaning, you say?! Why certainly!
I have a headache. I am having a lot of contractions. It's 97 degrees. Everyone in this town who has a car has decided to go for a drive on the main drag but with a sense of panic. Finally, I still have no idea what this holiday has in store for us.....are we leaving? staying? buying automatic weapons?
Anyway, I just can't wait for my baby's birthday tomorrow. He will be so excited. He saw his cake already and keeps yelling "Peazzz, mama? Me? Piece?? Peazzz? Mine? Rooooaaaar!!!!" He loves it. Funny guy.
Will I survive this weekend? :)
As it stands right now...it took me 35 minutes to drive 6 miles back to my house from Sam's Club. Carter's dinosaur cake had to be redone because they didn't do it right the first time and even now I am laughing about the redo (kinda looks like the 2 dinos had a big lunch and pooped all over the cake...must post picture of it later). It looks more like it's supposed to now, though, and it smells divine. I love Sam's cakes.
Hmmm, you want more bitching and moaning, you say?! Why certainly!
I have a headache. I am having a lot of contractions. It's 97 degrees. Everyone in this town who has a car has decided to go for a drive on the main drag but with a sense of panic. Finally, I still have no idea what this holiday has in store for us.....are we leaving? staying? buying automatic weapons?
Anyway, I just can't wait for my baby's birthday tomorrow. He will be so excited. He saw his cake already and keeps yelling "Peazzz, mama? Me? Piece?? Peazzz? Mine? Rooooaaaar!!!!" He loves it. Funny guy.
Will I survive this weekend? :)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Run for the Hills!!!
This is the attitude around this town right now. I swear, the whole Gustav thing is freaking people out. I understand the chaos that Katrina caused and the long recovery but come on....shouldn't we panic when the damn storm is actually a hurricane again and actually in the Gulf? We watched Katrina bear down on NoLa from the safety of Savannah....we watched it hit as all of our plans came crumbling down. We had jobs lined up already, we had friends all there, we had a house that we were closing on in 4 days.....ugh, that was a bummer. But things work themselves out and we didn't actually lose anything; not like so many others.
So this weekend is busy. We have Carter's 2 year birthday, reorganizing bedroom for babies arrival (complete sleeping upheaval expected), Labor Day and I was gonna try to send mental images to babes to come out and join us early. ;)
However, with people lining up at the gas tanks, evacuating, stripping down the stores of all essentials and so on, I think I will try to keep the babes 'up there' a wee bit longer and just try to get through the birthday and the possible storm.
We will not be running for the hills, so to speak but we are going to get a few essentials (gas, diapers, toilet paper, oatmeal....) and we do have the option to shoot up to Jackson to stay with Kevin's dad and stepmom. I'm not too worried.....yet. I generally am not a Mass Panic type of person. I'll wait and see...then I'll freak the f*&# out. ;)
I had my 36 week OB check yesterday and this sweet little guy is helping mommy out. He is head down and low and I am 80% effaced. Woopee! I told my sis that I've never been effaced before and in some moronic way I feel like I've achieved something. Hey, everything at this point is new because Carter was butt-ass backward.
So this weekend is busy. We have Carter's 2 year birthday, reorganizing bedroom for babies arrival (complete sleeping upheaval expected), Labor Day and I was gonna try to send mental images to babes to come out and join us early. ;)
However, with people lining up at the gas tanks, evacuating, stripping down the stores of all essentials and so on, I think I will try to keep the babes 'up there' a wee bit longer and just try to get through the birthday and the possible storm.
We will not be running for the hills, so to speak but we are going to get a few essentials (gas, diapers, toilet paper, oatmeal....) and we do have the option to shoot up to Jackson to stay with Kevin's dad and stepmom. I'm not too worried.....yet. I generally am not a Mass Panic type of person. I'll wait and see...then I'll freak the f*&# out. ;)
I had my 36 week OB check yesterday and this sweet little guy is helping mommy out. He is head down and low and I am 80% effaced. Woopee! I told my sis that I've never been effaced before and in some moronic way I feel like I've achieved something. Hey, everything at this point is new because Carter was butt-ass backward.
Monday, August 25, 2008
The last couple of weeks in pictures, cont'd
This is an impromptu Jones soda picnic. While I'm cooking dinner... 15 minutes later this room (including the couch, windows, blinds) and the kitchen will be sprayed with pure cane cola as one of the cans becomes punctured somehow. I am alerted to this disaster by a spray of sticky liquid being shot at me by smiling toddler who is saying "Ohhhh, coooool".No more soda pop picnics.
We love stickers on our belly.
Hmmm....mommy needs some, too.
....and back to me.
The last couple of weeks in pictures
Oh, life is hard. Mom! Bring me a beer! Dora is on!
The train is coming, oh the train is coming! They even gave me a plastic bag with crayons. Whoopee!
I am an Arteeest! Don't bother me, I am creating.
I'm pretty damn cute, huh?
Funny Little Guy: Vol 4
My guy has a few mosquito bites but they are his first and he really didn't seem to notice too much. (I itch mine like crazy, grrr stupid blood suckers)
Anyway, we are hanging out this weekend and Kevin remarks on one of his bites on the back of his neck. Well, Carter then reaches up to feel the bite being discussed and has since become obsessed.
Carter- Mama?
Me- yes, bear?
Carter- BIT!! (fondling bump in toddler horror)
Kevin- Yes, you were bit by a mosquito.
Carter- Beeeeeeeee!
Kevin- No, a mosquito bit you.
Carter- Mama!? Beeeeeee bit! Beeeeee! (pointing to neck)
At night before bed he tells me about how the bee bit him on the neck and then he wants to dab water on it from his sippy cup. I put a few drops in my hand, put some in his, wipe them on the Bee Bite and then blow on it. This makes it all better, don't ya know.
*************
Last night before bed we were all hanging out in the bedroom. Carter was being a spaztic goofball, jumping all over the bed and Kevin was watching something sports related on t.v. when I began receiving an impromtu back massage from da hubband. Mmm Yay!
Not to be left out, our Big Guy jumps behind me and starts giving his best swedish massage. He was pinching my shoulders and rubbing my back and we were praising him, of course. Then he was done and said Meeeeee and he turned around and I started "massaging" his tiny little back. He was trying hard not to laugh at first but you could tell it tickled him because he was writhing and saying Hmmm.....errrrr.....hmm....Iiiiiiiii (chuckle).....aaaaah.......Teeekle! (collapses in laughter)
We went around and everyone got a few massage sessions....most of them ended in giggles. :)
**************
When we were about to put the last coat on our bathroom walls Saturday, Carter of course wanted a hand in it. The paint can was closed and the roller was dry so Kevin let him "paint" first. This was the painters cycle:
Hmmmmm... (hands on hips and contemplating walls)
Paint! (picks up roller and makes a few strokes up and down the walls, puts it back in tray and picks up paint can opener)
Boom booom Boom! (pounding top of paint can all around in a circle, then picks up level and holds it against wall, examines and sets it down again)
Hmmmmm...(hands on hips and contemplating walls)
Paint! (and so on and so on...)
Anyway, we are hanging out this weekend and Kevin remarks on one of his bites on the back of his neck. Well, Carter then reaches up to feel the bite being discussed and has since become obsessed.
Carter- Mama?
Me- yes, bear?
Carter- BIT!! (fondling bump in toddler horror)
Kevin- Yes, you were bit by a mosquito.
Carter- Beeeeeeeee!
Kevin- No, a mosquito bit you.
Carter- Mama!? Beeeeeee bit! Beeeeee! (pointing to neck)
At night before bed he tells me about how the bee bit him on the neck and then he wants to dab water on it from his sippy cup. I put a few drops in my hand, put some in his, wipe them on the Bee Bite and then blow on it. This makes it all better, don't ya know.
*************
Last night before bed we were all hanging out in the bedroom. Carter was being a spaztic goofball, jumping all over the bed and Kevin was watching something sports related on t.v. when I began receiving an impromtu back massage from da hubband. Mmm Yay!
Not to be left out, our Big Guy jumps behind me and starts giving his best swedish massage. He was pinching my shoulders and rubbing my back and we were praising him, of course. Then he was done and said Meeeeee and he turned around and I started "massaging" his tiny little back. He was trying hard not to laugh at first but you could tell it tickled him because he was writhing and saying Hmmm.....errrrr.....hmm....Iiiiiiiii (chuckle).....aaaaah.......Teeekle! (collapses in laughter)
We went around and everyone got a few massage sessions....most of them ended in giggles. :)
**************
When we were about to put the last coat on our bathroom walls Saturday, Carter of course wanted a hand in it. The paint can was closed and the roller was dry so Kevin let him "paint" first. This was the painters cycle:
Hmmmmm... (hands on hips and contemplating walls)
Paint! (picks up roller and makes a few strokes up and down the walls, puts it back in tray and picks up paint can opener)
Boom booom Boom! (pounding top of paint can all around in a circle, then picks up level and holds it against wall, examines and sets it down again)
Hmmmmm...(hands on hips and contemplating walls)
Paint! (and so on and so on...)
Birthday Boy
So I am definitely more excited for Carter's birthday than anyone else. I can't wait for him to go "Woooooow!" after he opens each thing and then he'll say "Neeeat!" or "Coooooool!". If it's something really good he'll jump with both feet and clap and say "Yeeeeeeaaaaah!". Funny Little Guy. I just finished wrapping presents...well, almost.... I had some work to do because of the Out-of-Staters sending their gifts, unwrapped. Kevin and I were pretty modest in the amount of things we got for him. Hey! We have a new baby coming, we must conserve our resources. :)
Hey! I forgot the big news. The Bathroom is Done! Yeah!
Basically, done. There are a couple of cosmetic things but for the most part we have a working bathroom that actually looks like it belongs in this century. Is very nice. I wish I had thought to take a before picture because the contrast is unbelievable. I'm proud of the hubband. He did good. I only yelled at him a couple of times so for a Foreman I didn't do so bad either. :)
Anyway, I want to write more but I am no longer a person...I am "Mama? mama maama mama, MAAAMAAAA! Mama? Maaamaaa..." This goes on all day lately. Maybe I will start counting how many times a day I hear this demented chant. My response is usually, "Hmmm? Okay, one minute......okay.......Yes, honey I hear you......Hold on a second.......WHAAAAAAT?!"
I must depart to entertain my child who for some reason was born without the ability to entertain himself....I blame it on the Once a Day Snickers diet during his pregnancy.
Hey! I forgot the big news. The Bathroom is Done! Yeah!
Basically, done. There are a couple of cosmetic things but for the most part we have a working bathroom that actually looks like it belongs in this century. Is very nice. I wish I had thought to take a before picture because the contrast is unbelievable. I'm proud of the hubband. He did good. I only yelled at him a couple of times so for a Foreman I didn't do so bad either. :)
Anyway, I want to write more but I am no longer a person...I am "Mama? mama maama mama, MAAAMAAAA! Mama? Maaamaaa..." This goes on all day lately. Maybe I will start counting how many times a day I hear this demented chant. My response is usually, "Hmmm? Okay, one minute......okay.......Yes, honey I hear you......Hold on a second.......WHAAAAAAT?!"
I must depart to entertain my child who for some reason was born without the ability to entertain himself....I blame it on the Once a Day Snickers diet during his pregnancy.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Check out my silly faces
This is the show me your Monster Teeth smile.
This is the make a general Silly Face smile.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Why does my child sweat so much?
I mean he's like a mechanic in one of those old country gas stations with no air conditioning. Hell, I know it's damn hot outside being the dog days of summer and all but come on.... His two little girlfriends don't look like you've just dunked them in a river when they are playing. It must be something about his genetics. When his daddy sweats you could probably fill up a pint glass just by squeezing out his shirt....ewww, that's kinda TMI, isn't it? Hey, well at least I didn't marry a smelly one...just a sweaty one. Yeah me!
It all started early this morning when we rolled out of bed at 8:30. We had a busy morning planned and daddy was home from work today to GET THE DAMN BATHROOM DONE. Ahem. As I was saying...we had plans, so I chugged some coffee, gave the boy some portable breakfast, swiftly changed our clothes from Night-night to LayAbout wear (we ain't impressing anyone today) and we shot out the door. Today (as I've been telling him for 3 days now) we were headed to go see the Choo Choo's. We had a scheduled thing where we were going to go hang out at the train depot and watch the train come in. For a 2 year old, this is special. We waited and waited in the hot, humid Mippi morning.....sweating. Ugh, how I hate sweating before 10 a.m. There is just something Not Right about it.
Anyway, the Amtrak train came chugging down the line with lights on and a big Chooooo Choooooo. Carter was thrilled. It was just what I'd been telling him it would be. Loud and big and noisy. He clung to me like a baby monkey; arms and legs and head wrapped around me. His eyes were saucers and he was smiling. So sweet. I soak up his excitement and it makes me grin from ear to ear.
So we left and went to play with his friends. He sweat and sweat and sweat some more and finally after a PB & J and some Caillou we came home and took a nap. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Bathroom is nearing completion but I'm not gonna look in there quite yet. I'm just going to trust the home improvement guru that is my husband.
It all started early this morning when we rolled out of bed at 8:30. We had a busy morning planned and daddy was home from work today to GET THE DAMN BATHROOM DONE. Ahem. As I was saying...we had plans, so I chugged some coffee, gave the boy some portable breakfast, swiftly changed our clothes from Night-night to LayAbout wear (we ain't impressing anyone today) and we shot out the door. Today (as I've been telling him for 3 days now) we were headed to go see the Choo Choo's. We had a scheduled thing where we were going to go hang out at the train depot and watch the train come in. For a 2 year old, this is special. We waited and waited in the hot, humid Mippi morning.....sweating. Ugh, how I hate sweating before 10 a.m. There is just something Not Right about it.
Anyway, the Amtrak train came chugging down the line with lights on and a big Chooooo Choooooo. Carter was thrilled. It was just what I'd been telling him it would be. Loud and big and noisy. He clung to me like a baby monkey; arms and legs and head wrapped around me. His eyes were saucers and he was smiling. So sweet. I soak up his excitement and it makes me grin from ear to ear.
So we left and went to play with his friends. He sweat and sweat and sweat some more and finally after a PB & J and some Caillou we came home and took a nap. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Bathroom is nearing completion but I'm not gonna look in there quite yet. I'm just going to trust the home improvement guru that is my husband.
Baking at our house
After dinner last night we baked some peanut butter cookies (ooooh, I'm just so darned housewifey) and our Big Guy wanted to get in the action. I turned on the old ornery, poo-brown wall oven and warned the youngster Okay, this is Hot. Remember? Hot.
So I turn around to do something else (meaning I take my eyes off of him for 2 seconds) and lo and behold the little stinker is touching the oven door....which gets damn hot. He pulls his hand back quickly and looks at me like 'bitch, why didn't you warn me?'. Hot! he says.
Uh duh.
him- Cookeee, now?
me- No baby, they're hot. They have to cook.
So now I am standing in the doorway talking to Kevin so as not to leave Carter alone with evil oven. I'm guessing he doesn't see me standing there because he goes over and gets a kitchen chair, pushes it right up under the wall oven and climbs up. Here is the part where I should be yelling Get down! and It's hot! ....well, yes I guess I should but ya know what? I'm tired of him not listening to me so I am trying to let go of some things that won't really hurt him and just let him figure out the world....um, with me watching and standing 5 feet away, of course.
He is standing on the chair in front of the oven and looking in the window, watching the cookies bake. Then he leans forward slightly and Phhhhoooo!, he starts blowing on the oven. This, I assume, is his way of speeding up the process.
Funny guy.
After a minute he looks and sees me smiling at him so he very sweetly smiles back and sits down in the chair to watch the cookies bake.
He got 3 cookies just because I thought he was so damn cute.
So I turn around to do something else (meaning I take my eyes off of him for 2 seconds) and lo and behold the little stinker is touching the oven door....which gets damn hot. He pulls his hand back quickly and looks at me like 'bitch, why didn't you warn me?'. Hot! he says.
Uh duh.
him- Cookeee, now?
me- No baby, they're hot. They have to cook.
So now I am standing in the doorway talking to Kevin so as not to leave Carter alone with evil oven. I'm guessing he doesn't see me standing there because he goes over and gets a kitchen chair, pushes it right up under the wall oven and climbs up. Here is the part where I should be yelling Get down! and It's hot! ....well, yes I guess I should but ya know what? I'm tired of him not listening to me so I am trying to let go of some things that won't really hurt him and just let him figure out the world....um, with me watching and standing 5 feet away, of course.
He is standing on the chair in front of the oven and looking in the window, watching the cookies bake. Then he leans forward slightly and Phhhhoooo!, he starts blowing on the oven. This, I assume, is his way of speeding up the process.
Funny guy.
After a minute he looks and sees me smiling at him so he very sweetly smiles back and sits down in the chair to watch the cookies bake.
He got 3 cookies just because I thought he was so damn cute.
Monday, August 18, 2008
I like to keep it General
Well, the bathroom is still not done but soon, very soon... I think I got a little stressed this weekend (slightly teary and morose) about it all but mostly I'm blaming it on the hormones going crazy and just being so damn exhausted it makes me want to cry. Ever feel that tired?
We did have a sort of break from it all when we got together with friends this weekend for our Supper Club (minus the actual cooking). It was really just an excuse to yap and have a pool party...oh and eat take out and lots of disgusting desserts. Yes, they were absolutely horrible....so horrible that I ate 3 bowls of this chocolate pudding, brownie, cool whip, toffee chip concoction and a big slice of apple pie. This after 3 sub bites and 4 pieces of pizza. I think I put my little womb buddy in sugar shock.
Anyway, Carter got the chance to show off to daddy in the pool and daddy was simply amazed at our Big Guy.
He kept on saying "He can swim!"....so proud.
I only had one heart attack when after leaving him under Kevin's watch I swam away to chat with the girlies....and look over to see my baby go tumbling off blow-up pool toy and go completely under water. (with his swimmies on, of course but.....)
Ahhhhhh! Someone save my baby!!! This is what I scream in my head.
Of course his father is like "Oh, he's fine."
Grrrrrr. Not on my watch, mister.
We all got home safe and sound and with many big plans for next month....depending on when our little guy comes along, of course.
Carter is excited for his Birthday coming up. He talks about turning Twoooo and having cake and balloons and pizza and presents.... ya know, all the things kids salivate yearly for. I think I'm just as excited. It also gives me a kind of date to go by in the sense that as long as I make it to like, September 1st, we're good....after that, come on baby!!
I am being extra vigilant that this little one doesn't flip on me. I am totally paranoid everytime I feel what I think is his head in the wrong spot. According to the doc last week, he was head down but I ain't counting my chickens before they're hatched. So if you see me doing odd poses in the next few weeks to ensure my baby's giant noggin is headed south, please ignore me and just chalk it up to my eccentric personality. Ahem. Eccentric...remember. And if any of you all know me...well, then you know I have Lists posted all over the damn house. What to buy before the Birth, What to get for the Birthday, What to do before the Birth, What things we need if anyone asks, Who to call and catch up with before I can no longer function as normal human woman, Grocery lists with coordinating stars for coupons.....they go on and on like this. I am the traditional List Maker.
Aren't you all just chomping at the bit for the Grand Posting of the Birth?? :)
Soon, ya'll....soon.
We did have a sort of break from it all when we got together with friends this weekend for our Supper Club (minus the actual cooking). It was really just an excuse to yap and have a pool party...oh and eat take out and lots of disgusting desserts. Yes, they were absolutely horrible....so horrible that I ate 3 bowls of this chocolate pudding, brownie, cool whip, toffee chip concoction and a big slice of apple pie. This after 3 sub bites and 4 pieces of pizza. I think I put my little womb buddy in sugar shock.
Anyway, Carter got the chance to show off to daddy in the pool and daddy was simply amazed at our Big Guy.
He kept on saying "He can swim!"....so proud.
I only had one heart attack when after leaving him under Kevin's watch I swam away to chat with the girlies....and look over to see my baby go tumbling off blow-up pool toy and go completely under water. (with his swimmies on, of course but.....)
Ahhhhhh! Someone save my baby!!! This is what I scream in my head.
Of course his father is like "Oh, he's fine."
Grrrrrr. Not on my watch, mister.
We all got home safe and sound and with many big plans for next month....depending on when our little guy comes along, of course.
Carter is excited for his Birthday coming up. He talks about turning Twoooo and having cake and balloons and pizza and presents.... ya know, all the things kids salivate yearly for. I think I'm just as excited. It also gives me a kind of date to go by in the sense that as long as I make it to like, September 1st, we're good....after that, come on baby!!
I am being extra vigilant that this little one doesn't flip on me. I am totally paranoid everytime I feel what I think is his head in the wrong spot. According to the doc last week, he was head down but I ain't counting my chickens before they're hatched. So if you see me doing odd poses in the next few weeks to ensure my baby's giant noggin is headed south, please ignore me and just chalk it up to my eccentric personality. Ahem. Eccentric...remember. And if any of you all know me...well, then you know I have Lists posted all over the damn house. What to buy before the Birth, What to get for the Birthday, What to do before the Birth, What things we need if anyone asks, Who to call and catch up with before I can no longer function as normal human woman, Grocery lists with coordinating stars for coupons.....they go on and on like this. I am the traditional List Maker.
Aren't you all just chomping at the bit for the Grand Posting of the Birth?? :)
Soon, ya'll....soon.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wallpaper is for crazy people...or desperate people
Never hang wallpaper folks. In fact never redo a bathroom that hasn't seen any tender loving care in 40 years. Oh lord, what a mess. The floors are finally done (look great) and then we had to patch the 1001 holes and dents in the walls because we have no intention of messing around with new drywall. Once all 1001 holes were filled we looked at the walls and decided we needed to put texture or paper on them to cover all the messed up crap. Lo and behold they make texturized/paintable wallpaper these days. Kevin and I had an hour or so to ourselves at Lowe's where we decided that this would be the best choice....and somehow we both read the package as "Peel and Stick"...which it is not. Hell. We've never used wallpaper! It is a friggin' gooey, wet flappy mess.
It's very frustrating being this pregnant when all this is going on because I am a very hands on type of girl. I need to get in there and do stuff. Sigh. Instead I lean over my husband and friends shoulders and micromanage their every move Also, I am in charge of demented hyperactive toddler and his crappy-ass sleep schedule. This child is not getting to sleep before 10:30 each night. Grrrrrr.
Can someone please come be my errand person and run back and forth to Lowe's for each new little item we find we need? or grocery shop for me? or go get wrapping paper and wrap all of our man's presents....or go order the cake....or go get gas at Sam's club....or go get some tennis shoes for the boys with my coupon at the mall....argh. I'm so tired. zzzzzzzzzzz.
***********
Yesterday I had my 34 week appointment (out of 40 for all of you non prego specialists). I unfortunately had to bring along my Big Guy because daddy couldn't get home in time. Thank gawd for portable DVD players. Holy shitzle. He threw one major temper tantrum when we got there but then I turned on his DeeVee and all was well. Ahhhh. How did I survive before this? Anyway, baby is still head down (Yeah!!). I am still giant planet. That is all.
It's very frustrating being this pregnant when all this is going on because I am a very hands on type of girl. I need to get in there and do stuff. Sigh. Instead I lean over my husband and friends shoulders and micromanage their every move Also, I am in charge of demented hyperactive toddler and his crappy-ass sleep schedule. This child is not getting to sleep before 10:30 each night. Grrrrrr.
Can someone please come be my errand person and run back and forth to Lowe's for each new little item we find we need? or grocery shop for me? or go get wrapping paper and wrap all of our man's presents....or go order the cake....or go get gas at Sam's club....or go get some tennis shoes for the boys with my coupon at the mall....argh. I'm so tired. zzzzzzzzzzz.
***********
Yesterday I had my 34 week appointment (out of 40 for all of you non prego specialists). I unfortunately had to bring along my Big Guy because daddy couldn't get home in time. Thank gawd for portable DVD players. Holy shitzle. He threw one major temper tantrum when we got there but then I turned on his DeeVee and all was well. Ahhhh. How did I survive before this? Anyway, baby is still head down (Yeah!!). I am still giant planet. That is all.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
My Big Guy
He only wants Ohhhnnnjjje Jooos these days.
He likes to say Mmmmm, Num num! when he is eating something he likes.
He puts his hands on his hips and says Hmmmm... when he is trying to find a lost toy or sippy cup. Very much the mini adult.
When he is impressed he will say Wow! Neat!
He wants to do every damn thing mommy and daddy do. This includes pounding the walls with a hammer (he's like a little ferret, he's quick and sneaky when there are tools around), putting on mascara (yes, mascara...try getting that off a 2year olds eyelashes....waterproof no less) and of course he wants to vacuum...all the live-long, mother-effing day.
Sometimes if his favorite show comes on t.v. he will come high-five me. (Max and Ruby seem to get this reaction a lot)
He says Mama incessantly...all day long. Sometimes, even when he is talking to his daddy it's MamaDada?. I've been thinking of changing my name.
When he gets excited he jumps with both feet and yells Yeah! and claps his hands like a maniac.
He talks.... a lot... all day.
He's figured out how to loosen his carseat latch. Add this to my list of daily worries.
He likes to spin around in a circle until he's dizzy and then he will say Wooooaa and stand there wobbling. He'll then laugh and do it again.
I ask him his brother's name, my name and daddy's name and he answers fine ( _____ :), mama and dada)...then I say What's your name? and he says Mine! Well, okay....
If you throw even a cotton ball at him he will coming running over to me or Kevin saying Boo boo and wanting a kiss to make it all better. Oh geez...but he's so damn sweet you can't help but comply.
When you ask him how old he is gonna be he holds up four fingers and says Twooooo. I love it.
When he doesn't want the cat near him or his food he will bend at the waist and blow at her really hard. She usually runs away like "what the hell?" Hey! Whatever works, right?
He likes to "cut" my hair with his plastic toddler scissors. He has some trouble cutting Kevin's though. :)
He calls all bugs Bee's
He likes to say Mmmmm, Num num! when he is eating something he likes.
He puts his hands on his hips and says Hmmmm... when he is trying to find a lost toy or sippy cup. Very much the mini adult.
When he is impressed he will say Wow! Neat!
He wants to do every damn thing mommy and daddy do. This includes pounding the walls with a hammer (he's like a little ferret, he's quick and sneaky when there are tools around), putting on mascara (yes, mascara...try getting that off a 2year olds eyelashes....waterproof no less) and of course he wants to vacuum...all the live-long, mother-effing day.
Sometimes if his favorite show comes on t.v. he will come high-five me. (Max and Ruby seem to get this reaction a lot)
He says Mama incessantly...all day long. Sometimes, even when he is talking to his daddy it's MamaDada?. I've been thinking of changing my name.
When he gets excited he jumps with both feet and yells Yeah! and claps his hands like a maniac.
He talks.... a lot... all day.
He's figured out how to loosen his carseat latch. Add this to my list of daily worries.
He likes to spin around in a circle until he's dizzy and then he will say Wooooaa and stand there wobbling. He'll then laugh and do it again.
I ask him his brother's name, my name and daddy's name and he answers fine ( _____ :), mama and dada)...then I say What's your name? and he says Mine! Well, okay....
If you throw even a cotton ball at him he will coming running over to me or Kevin saying Boo boo and wanting a kiss to make it all better. Oh geez...but he's so damn sweet you can't help but comply.
When you ask him how old he is gonna be he holds up four fingers and says Twooooo. I love it.
When he doesn't want the cat near him or his food he will bend at the waist and blow at her really hard. She usually runs away like "what the hell?" Hey! Whatever works, right?
He likes to "cut" my hair with his plastic toddler scissors. He has some trouble cutting Kevin's though. :)
He calls all bugs Bee's
The difference between mommies & daddies
There are all these hormones surging through my body, essentially telling me how to behave at this stage in my pregnancy. I am not my own woman.
Throughout the world you see the females of virtually every species behave in a similar pattern when the time approaches for their young to be born. They flutter about nervously, they are agitated, they scurry around with bits of this and that for their "nest", they squawk or growl at their mates and sometimes they relocate to a secure spot somewhere; an optimal environment for their new babies to be born.
Well, you won't be seeing any expecting momma's flocking over to the McMahon's, lemme tell ya.
So according to dictionary.com, nesting is:
Nesting: v. to create and settle into a warm and secure refuge
According to this momma, nesting is:
Nesting: v. to get all your shit washed, folded, organized and installed. to make sure all toys have batteries and there is nothing broken that needs to be fixed. to make sure you have a surplus of necessary supplies and food. to sterilize, sanitize and clean the crap out of your home. to have your home peaceful and fully prepared for a fragile new life to begin there.
According to the daddy, nesting is:
Nesting: v. to take on a major nest improvement right before momma lays her eggs. to take momma's nest and totally shred a portion of it because you are thinking long term nest resale. to keep da momma on her toes and challenge her to a nesting duel.
Ah yes, Nesting....
Well, I was working on it.... until Friday, that is. Then came the demolition crew. Argh. Talk about going against every instinctual bone in my body. I am now 34 weeks pregnant and pretty darn ready to have this baby come out and my husband is ripping out our main bathroom. Gotta love him, though. He means well and I see his "grand plan" but now????
I have not washed my hair in 4 days and Carter and I have been taking sink and bucket baths. I sorta feel like I'm camping, except without the nature and bad cooking. My house is torn apart in the wake of the demo storm. Originally this was only gonna take the weekend (which made me laugh) now it should be done by this coming weekend (which still makes me smile a bit because I'm thinking of all the little things that my husband forgets).
Oh well, I'm trying to relax about it because we have been wanting to do the hall bathroom since the day we moved in and it just kept getting pushed behind. Now the fear is that we won't be doing much home improvement once our Little Guy comes along. It's been hard enough with just the one.
Hopefully by the time this upcoming weekend comes to a close we will have a bathroom we won't have to preface to our friends with "Um, sorry about the bathroom...." or "We haven't quite gotten to that part of the house yet..." or "Could you please hold it? We don't allow people to use our bathroom..."
And then I will be praising my husband's forethought. I know how this works...it's just nature that gets stressed about it all. :)
Throughout the world you see the females of virtually every species behave in a similar pattern when the time approaches for their young to be born. They flutter about nervously, they are agitated, they scurry around with bits of this and that for their "nest", they squawk or growl at their mates and sometimes they relocate to a secure spot somewhere; an optimal environment for their new babies to be born.
Well, you won't be seeing any expecting momma's flocking over to the McMahon's, lemme tell ya.
So according to dictionary.com, nesting is:
Nesting: v. to create and settle into a warm and secure refuge
According to this momma, nesting is:
Nesting: v. to get all your shit washed, folded, organized and installed. to make sure all toys have batteries and there is nothing broken that needs to be fixed. to make sure you have a surplus of necessary supplies and food. to sterilize, sanitize and clean the crap out of your home. to have your home peaceful and fully prepared for a fragile new life to begin there.
According to the daddy, nesting is:
Nesting: v. to take on a major nest improvement right before momma lays her eggs. to take momma's nest and totally shred a portion of it because you are thinking long term nest resale. to keep da momma on her toes and challenge her to a nesting duel.
Ah yes, Nesting....
Well, I was working on it.... until Friday, that is. Then came the demolition crew. Argh. Talk about going against every instinctual bone in my body. I am now 34 weeks pregnant and pretty darn ready to have this baby come out and my husband is ripping out our main bathroom. Gotta love him, though. He means well and I see his "grand plan" but now????
I have not washed my hair in 4 days and Carter and I have been taking sink and bucket baths. I sorta feel like I'm camping, except without the nature and bad cooking. My house is torn apart in the wake of the demo storm. Originally this was only gonna take the weekend (which made me laugh) now it should be done by this coming weekend (which still makes me smile a bit because I'm thinking of all the little things that my husband forgets).
Oh well, I'm trying to relax about it because we have been wanting to do the hall bathroom since the day we moved in and it just kept getting pushed behind. Now the fear is that we won't be doing much home improvement once our Little Guy comes along. It's been hard enough with just the one.
Hopefully by the time this upcoming weekend comes to a close we will have a bathroom we won't have to preface to our friends with "Um, sorry about the bathroom...." or "We haven't quite gotten to that part of the house yet..." or "Could you please hold it? We don't allow people to use our bathroom..."
And then I will be praising my husband's forethought. I know how this works...it's just nature that gets stressed about it all. :)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Not much to write home about
So it's August. The dog days of summer, Carter's birthday month and my ninth month of pregnancy.
I have barely left the house in the last two weeks...it's just not worth it in this heat. We were lucky enough to have some swim time with friends earlier this week but unless the sun has set I'm not stepping foot outside with or without my child. Last night I waited til 9pm to run to Walmart for a couple of random things and I was amazed at the amount of little children that were out. I'm talking babies and toddlers. Just when I get down on my mothering skills, I step out into the Underworld of Walmart. Geez. It was a romper room. Who takes their toddler grocery shopping at 9:30pm? Whatever. I'm busy raising a "Big Business" CEO so I guess I have a different agenda. :)
So I am totally sick of my own same-old-same-old cooking lately. This is my weekly menu....trying to mix it up a bit.
Sunday: Tater tot casserole & chocolate pudding pie (down home, trailer-trash sunday meal)
Monday: Leftovers & Tzatziki sauce/dip
Tuesday: Black bean tacos
Wednesday: Red beans & rice, green beans and corn bread (even got the ham hock a'cookin and the sausage fried up...ewww), peanut butter cookies (p.s. red beans & rice are traditionally eaten on mondays but they seem more of a mid week meal to me)
Thursday: dinner out but I'm making Bread Pudding with white choco cream sauce
Friday: Spinach Pie
Saturday: not sure, but I'm thinking Taco Bell :)
Isn't this just fascinating?
**********
I had a informal mini-baby shower this week and I now officially feel like I'm allowed to give birth. Is that insane? I have no idea why I am so excited to have gotten a blue foam Bumbo seat but the damn thing makes me giddy. Carter has officially claimed the seat and a couple of the baby toys we have laying around. He says "Mine!". This will be interesting, hmmm?
I just started packing my hospital bag and am contemplating the whole boiling and sanitizing step of newborn preparation. This step sucks. Breast pump parts, bottles, pacifiers, yadda yadda yadda..... Maybe I will put this off for a couple more weeks. I just want to concentrate on my Big Guy's birthday coming up. I think I'm more excited than anyone else. Two!!! That's so Big! Plus I know mostly what he is getting from people and just can't wait to see his face and hear him go "Coooooooool!" or "Wooooow!" Once his birthday is behind us I will focus completely on our Little Guy's arrival.
Anyway, this is mostly a filler-post because I feel guilty when I let it go for almost a week. I will try to marinate in my creative juices and write something more interesting later. Yeah right.
I have barely left the house in the last two weeks...it's just not worth it in this heat. We were lucky enough to have some swim time with friends earlier this week but unless the sun has set I'm not stepping foot outside with or without my child. Last night I waited til 9pm to run to Walmart for a couple of random things and I was amazed at the amount of little children that were out. I'm talking babies and toddlers. Just when I get down on my mothering skills, I step out into the Underworld of Walmart. Geez. It was a romper room. Who takes their toddler grocery shopping at 9:30pm? Whatever. I'm busy raising a "Big Business" CEO so I guess I have a different agenda. :)
So I am totally sick of my own same-old-same-old cooking lately. This is my weekly menu....trying to mix it up a bit.
Sunday: Tater tot casserole & chocolate pudding pie (down home, trailer-trash sunday meal)
Monday: Leftovers & Tzatziki sauce/dip
Tuesday: Black bean tacos
Wednesday: Red beans & rice, green beans and corn bread (even got the ham hock a'cookin and the sausage fried up...ewww), peanut butter cookies (p.s. red beans & rice are traditionally eaten on mondays but they seem more of a mid week meal to me)
Thursday: dinner out but I'm making Bread Pudding with white choco cream sauce
Friday: Spinach Pie
Saturday: not sure, but I'm thinking Taco Bell :)
Isn't this just fascinating?
**********
I had a informal mini-baby shower this week and I now officially feel like I'm allowed to give birth. Is that insane? I have no idea why I am so excited to have gotten a blue foam Bumbo seat but the damn thing makes me giddy. Carter has officially claimed the seat and a couple of the baby toys we have laying around. He says "Mine!". This will be interesting, hmmm?
I just started packing my hospital bag and am contemplating the whole boiling and sanitizing step of newborn preparation. This step sucks. Breast pump parts, bottles, pacifiers, yadda yadda yadda..... Maybe I will put this off for a couple more weeks. I just want to concentrate on my Big Guy's birthday coming up. I think I'm more excited than anyone else. Two!!! That's so Big! Plus I know mostly what he is getting from people and just can't wait to see his face and hear him go "Coooooooool!" or "Wooooow!" Once his birthday is behind us I will focus completely on our Little Guy's arrival.
Anyway, this is mostly a filler-post because I feel guilty when I let it go for almost a week. I will try to marinate in my creative juices and write something more interesting later. Yeah right.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Therapists and Linguists wanted
We have a very highly emotional child with an unhealthy obsession with the vacuum.
I mean, it's incredible. If we are at home I can expect to deal with at least 5 mental breakdowns a day about that stupid mother-effing "vroom vroom". I hate the vacuum.
But honestly, if it's not the vacuum then it's daddy's battery powered toothbrush or the lawnmower (not as accessible, thank gawd) or it's the broom, the mop....argh, anything that goes or moves. My son is like a T-Rex; if it doesn't move, maybe he won't see it....
Anyway, we are a House of Frustration lately. We are all trying to understand one another and prepare for the maelstrom that is a newborns arrival. This means a lot of tears and yelling. Our poor little guy just can't understand why he can't do some things or why his exhausted parents won't get off their rumps to "chase" him around the house.....for the 30th time; or why we don't understand him all the time. This boy is a ball of energy from the minute he leaps from his dreams in the morning to the bittersweet moment he finally succumbs to the Dreaded Sleep at night-night. I am but a slave, beaten and whipped. Ah, the drama.
I've decided I need a Toddler-Parent dictionary. I've looked on Amazon.com but no luck. Weird. You'd think there would be one out there by now. I mean there is one for practically every other language in the world but not for one of the most important. WTF. I mean who really speaks Narua or Icelandic these days? Isn't language the most important form of communication? Doesn't it shape relationships? Political systems?
Are mothers supposed to inherently speak toddler tongue? Hmmm. I didn't come with that particular Mama Program installed, I guess. I've spent almost 2 years listening to my little boy jibber jabber so how come I can't decipher "Maaamaaaa!!!! Schtock vroom vroom belha manna peeeeeese!!??? (flipping hand motion and jumping) WAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"
(Shrug)
Oh well. We will just have to communicate in the language of love...hugs and kisses. :)
End note: I really am so proud of his language skills thus far. Everyday he uses a new word or word combos to make himself understood. Our main problem is when frustration takes over the tongue. Just wanted to make clear that our Big Guy is coming along nicely in the verbal skills department. :) love, da mama
I mean, it's incredible. If we are at home I can expect to deal with at least 5 mental breakdowns a day about that stupid mother-effing "vroom vroom". I hate the vacuum.
But honestly, if it's not the vacuum then it's daddy's battery powered toothbrush or the lawnmower (not as accessible, thank gawd) or it's the broom, the mop....argh, anything that goes or moves. My son is like a T-Rex; if it doesn't move, maybe he won't see it....
Anyway, we are a House of Frustration lately. We are all trying to understand one another and prepare for the maelstrom that is a newborns arrival. This means a lot of tears and yelling. Our poor little guy just can't understand why he can't do some things or why his exhausted parents won't get off their rumps to "chase" him around the house.....for the 30th time; or why we don't understand him all the time. This boy is a ball of energy from the minute he leaps from his dreams in the morning to the bittersweet moment he finally succumbs to the Dreaded Sleep at night-night. I am but a slave, beaten and whipped. Ah, the drama.
I've decided I need a Toddler-Parent dictionary. I've looked on Amazon.com but no luck. Weird. You'd think there would be one out there by now. I mean there is one for practically every other language in the world but not for one of the most important. WTF. I mean who really speaks Narua or Icelandic these days? Isn't language the most important form of communication? Doesn't it shape relationships? Political systems?
Are mothers supposed to inherently speak toddler tongue? Hmmm. I didn't come with that particular Mama Program installed, I guess. I've spent almost 2 years listening to my little boy jibber jabber so how come I can't decipher "Maaamaaaa!!!! Schtock vroom vroom belha manna peeeeeese!!??? (flipping hand motion and jumping) WAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"
(Shrug)
Oh well. We will just have to communicate in the language of love...hugs and kisses. :)
End note: I really am so proud of his language skills thus far. Everyday he uses a new word or word combos to make himself understood. Our main problem is when frustration takes over the tongue. Just wanted to make clear that our Big Guy is coming along nicely in the verbal skills department. :) love, da mama
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