Videos galore :)
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Mom-cation 2011
So, on Friday, August 12th, around 5 p.m., I said good-bye to the fam and traveled 15 minutes down the highway to the Courtyard Marriott where I had a room reservation for 2 nights. ALL BY MYSELF.
Saturday: Got out of bed around 10, went to a yard sale and then got seriously lost for about an hour (thanks to Pittsburgh detours that just kinda forget about you halfway through the detour), took a 4-hour nap (ahhhhhhhh), visited the new LA Fitness and got a visitor's pass so I could work out, read the paper and people watched in the hotel lobby, ate a Wendy's salad for dinner, saw Rise of the Planet of the Apes in the theater, read a book, and then took another sleep aid. Damn UTI again.
Oh, let's not forget the little "fight" with the hubby...
Hubby: "I told the girls you'd be coming home Sunday morning."
Me: "WHAT?!?"
OMG
Sunday: Took my precious time getting out of bed and packing (checkout was at noon, my ass was out the door at 11:55) and then proceeded to run errands until 3.
I learned a lot...
1. Pussy willows are awesome. Actually, I've always known that...I even have some in my home. I just always forget they're there, which is sad 'cause they're one of my favorite plants. I need to pay attention to and appreciate the small things.
2. I need to stop feeling bad for splurging on nice things every once in a while. So what if we can't pay a few bills this month or have to live on Ramen for the next couple weeks?!? $109/night got me a really nice room and maybe I deserved it. Um, right?
3. I need more friends. I felt lonely at one point and wanted to talk to somebody, anybody, maybe even go out for a drink, but the only number programmed in my phone was the hubby's work number. I had no computer, no facebook, no means of connecting with anyone. I cherished that at many points during my weekend, but when the moment hit that I wanted someone, boy did it suck to realize I didn't have them. I think I need to put myself out there more, make more of an effort to connect with people, stop perseverating on the feeling that I don't fit in anywhere.
4. I apparently have lost the ability to relax. All weekend I worried about what was waiting for me when I returned home. The laundry, the dishes, the dust bunnies, the monotony. I could not clear my mind of it all. I don't quite know how to deal with this one.
5. My Starbucks habit could pay for a gym membership. So, to that end, I have decided to break up with Starbucks and start a gym relationship. I visited 3 gyms with kid klubs, narrowed it down to 2, and plan to drag the kiddos to both of them this-coming week for a trial run and sign the papers by the end of the month. If I quit Starbucks totally, I'll actually be SAVING money by joining a gym. That's some fancy budgeting right there.
6. I love going to the movies by myself. I need to do it more. Perhaps put up a calendar and label one Sunday afternoon per month as Matinée Day.
Did I have a good time? Yes. HOWEVER...I think I went into the weekend with expectations that were way too high. I have to admit that I thought this weekend would fix me. That it would unscramble that part of my head and heart that has felt so funked up lately. That I would have an "ah-ha!" moment, find my patience once again, shed the elephants that seem to be forever roosting on my shoulders, see the chocolate container as being half FULL.
I didn't come away with any of that, but that doesn't mean the weekend was a waste (my god, at $109/night it COULDN'T be!!!). I feel as though my reserves have been filled. Maybe not to the top, but something is better than nothing. I can look back on my weekend and remember some pretty awesome things...the feeling of stretching out on a bed all of my own, the lack of a baby monitor whirring in the background, the novelty of living in a space with no toys or kid paraphernalia littering the floor, the freeness associated with total privacy...
Hopefully those memories can hold me until Mom-cation 2012...
View out window. Close to all sorts of STUFF.
You can bet your bottom that the
do-not-disturb sign went up the minute I got there
First night: LONG shower, shaved (hence the longness of the shower), colored hair, painted toenails, plucked eyebrows, ate some dark chocolate, watched Dinner For Schmucks on HBO (giggle fest), read a little, and took some sleeping pills (which totally didn't work because of the all the caffeine I drank that night and the fact that I'm still recovering from a really bad UTI).
Saturday: Got out of bed around 10, went to a yard sale and then got seriously lost for about an hour (thanks to Pittsburgh detours that just kinda forget about you halfway through the detour), took a 4-hour nap (ahhhhhhhh), visited the new LA Fitness and got a visitor's pass so I could work out, read the paper and people watched in the hotel lobby, ate a Wendy's salad for dinner, saw Rise of the Planet of the Apes in the theater, read a book, and then took another sleep aid. Damn UTI again.
Oh, let's not forget the little "fight" with the hubby...
Hubby: "I told the girls you'd be coming home Sunday morning."
Me: "WHAT?!?"
OMG
Sunday: Took my precious time getting out of bed and packing (checkout was at noon, my ass was out the door at 11:55) and then proceeded to run errands until 3.
I learned a lot...
1. Pussy willows are awesome. Actually, I've always known that...I even have some in my home. I just always forget they're there, which is sad 'cause they're one of my favorite plants. I need to pay attention to and appreciate the small things.
2. I need to stop feeling bad for splurging on nice things every once in a while. So what if we can't pay a few bills this month or have to live on Ramen for the next couple weeks?!? $109/night got me a really nice room and maybe I deserved it. Um, right?
3. I need more friends. I felt lonely at one point and wanted to talk to somebody, anybody, maybe even go out for a drink, but the only number programmed in my phone was the hubby's work number. I had no computer, no facebook, no means of connecting with anyone. I cherished that at many points during my weekend, but when the moment hit that I wanted someone, boy did it suck to realize I didn't have them. I think I need to put myself out there more, make more of an effort to connect with people, stop perseverating on the feeling that I don't fit in anywhere.
4. I apparently have lost the ability to relax. All weekend I worried about what was waiting for me when I returned home. The laundry, the dishes, the dust bunnies, the monotony. I could not clear my mind of it all. I don't quite know how to deal with this one.
5. My Starbucks habit could pay for a gym membership. So, to that end, I have decided to break up with Starbucks and start a gym relationship. I visited 3 gyms with kid klubs, narrowed it down to 2, and plan to drag the kiddos to both of them this-coming week for a trial run and sign the papers by the end of the month. If I quit Starbucks totally, I'll actually be SAVING money by joining a gym. That's some fancy budgeting right there.
6. I love going to the movies by myself. I need to do it more. Perhaps put up a calendar and label one Sunday afternoon per month as Matinée Day.
Did I have a good time? Yes. HOWEVER...I think I went into the weekend with expectations that were way too high. I have to admit that I thought this weekend would fix me. That it would unscramble that part of my head and heart that has felt so funked up lately. That I would have an "ah-ha!" moment, find my patience once again, shed the elephants that seem to be forever roosting on my shoulders, see the chocolate container as being half FULL.
I didn't come away with any of that, but that doesn't mean the weekend was a waste (my god, at $109/night it COULDN'T be!!!). I feel as though my reserves have been filled. Maybe not to the top, but something is better than nothing. I can look back on my weekend and remember some pretty awesome things...the feeling of stretching out on a bed all of my own, the lack of a baby monitor whirring in the background, the novelty of living in a space with no toys or kid paraphernalia littering the floor, the freeness associated with total privacy...
Hopefully those memories can hold me until Mom-cation 2012...
Monday, July 4, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Dance recital
Raina's dance class has come to an end. Today was her dance recital. Pics and vids were not allowed during the performance :( ...so you'll just have to make do with the pics we took right before we left (as we're running sooooo totally late!).
She has hair, people! Do you see??? Curls, curls, curls everywhere! I only had to wait close to 4 years :)
She did great at her recital. She added some cuteness at the end by being the last of her dance group to leave the stage...very, very slowly and with a mighty march. We will be spending the $30-some for the official video of the entire recital. We have to, right?!? Right.
She has hair, people! Do you see??? Curls, curls, curls everywhere! I only had to wait close to 4 years :)
She did great at her recital. She added some cuteness at the end by being the last of her dance group to leave the stage...very, very slowly and with a mighty march. We will be spending the $30-some for the official video of the entire recital. We have to, right?!? Right.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Where does time go???
So yah...Pheebs turned the big 1!
And this is my latest cake creation. A mommy friend asked for a globe cake with yellow flowers for her 2-y-o, who was celebrating her b-day with our planet. Check out mom's blog at http://www.humanmama.com/. She even wrote a piece about me :)
In real-quick other news...Pheebs has started standing on her own, but still no steps. I have 2 (OMG, 2!!!) cakes due the weekend after next that I'm actually going to make money from. And Raina is just the happiest kid alive now that the weather is nice and she can play outside. I look forward to a summer full of walks, playgrounds, play dates, and maybe even a little color to my pasty white self!
We just returned from a vacation to North Carolina. It's our plan to move there some day, so we wanted to scope it out. I tried as hard as possible to keep the kiddos to their nap routines, and this is what I had to build in each hotel room in order to do so. I came prepared with twine and sheets.
Our hotel rooms very quickly came to resemble our home...
We visited the Lemur Center in Durham. It was when Pheebs should have been sleeping. She was cranky and throwing fits. I think it's pretty plain on my face that I'm wishing the darned tour would just be over already!
Got to visit some family. This is Aunt Sue, my Dad's sister. It was her first time meeting Pheebs and only the second time seeing Raina. Despite what the pic shows, Raina actually had a good time :)
I swear there were times I felt they were possessed. I think the trip was too long!
Also got to spend a couple hours with my mom. Can't wait until we live only a couple hours away...
While Chris was attending a security conference in Raleigh, the girls and I found a playground to enjoy. We got some stares. They probably thought we were albinos.
Poor thing was so over-tired for most of the trip.
While in Charlotte, we visited the Raptor Center...basically a little bird zoo.
We drove down in 2 days...back home in 1. These were the best moments... :)
Pheebs' safe place in the yard (no grass)...
On Mom's Day, I cleared off the porch so it doesn't look like a cross between a day care and a yard sale...but, of course, I left the water table (or "wa-wa [insert squeal]" as Phoebe calls it).
We got this playground last summer, but Raina wasn't really interested. She is now, thank goodness!
A few days ago, I bought this house off craigslist for only $25. On Mom's Day, I planted Raina's garden with the seedlings she started inside and also made her a vine tee-pee.
And this is my latest cake creation. A mommy friend asked for a globe cake with yellow flowers for her 2-y-o, who was celebrating her b-day with our planet. Check out mom's blog at http://www.humanmama.com/. She even wrote a piece about me :)
In real-quick other news...Pheebs has started standing on her own, but still no steps. I have 2 (OMG, 2!!!) cakes due the weekend after next that I'm actually going to make money from. And Raina is just the happiest kid alive now that the weather is nice and she can play outside. I look forward to a summer full of walks, playgrounds, play dates, and maybe even a little color to my pasty white self!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
This might be a LOOOOONNNG summer
I took my little princess (my youngest one :) outside today to experience the sun, warm temp, and crazy scary green stuff covering the ground.
She better get over this!!!
This is while watching her most favorite baby sign language DVD. She'll start out in a chair or by the couch, but within minutes, we're pulling her away from standing right in front of the TV.
Feeling better with the green stuff not touching her
She better get over this!!!
This is while watching her most favorite baby sign language DVD. She'll start out in a chair or by the couch, but within minutes, we're pulling her away from standing right in front of the TV.
Hanging out with Fozzie Bear
She was severely cranky today, which you can kinda see in her eyebrows here.
Feeling better with the green stuff not touching her
Monday, March 14, 2011
Pics and vids for the grandparents and lurkers
It's been a while...and I know these could cheer up a few of you out there...
(It's heavy on the Pheebs in honor of her upcoming birthday :)
I think it's a cruel trick that babies can go up steps before they can walk!
Our zoo friend
Ripping tissue paper with Aunt Emily
New toy
"Gentle" is not a concept she understands just yet...
At that dirty phase...
Ending with my favorite funny face :)
(It's heavy on the Pheebs in honor of her upcoming birthday :)
Reading together...
Phoebe self-applauding every time she pushed the red button to pop up the panda.
Afternoon walk (which Raina was actually excited about)
Yay for consignment shops and $5 tunnels!
Hamming it up at the dinner table
Adding a little cheese...
And a little more :)
Practicing her spoon/fork techniques
They're finally starting to play together...it's cute...but inevitably gets ugly!
The vid to go with the photo above...
I think it's a cruel trick that babies can go up steps before they can walk!
Our zoo friend
Ripping tissue paper with Aunt Emily
New toy
"Gentle" is not a concept she understands just yet...
At that dirty phase...
Ending with my favorite funny face :)
Friday, February 25, 2011
Rules
Rules. Sometimes I think I have too many, but most times I think I'm lacking. "I'm" as in me. Rules that are selfishly driven because they'd help my sanity. Rules like:
1. ALL eating must be done at the kitchen table. Is it that I enjoy having the handy-vac permanently attached to my right hand? Do I find some pleasure in constantly worrying about what Phoebe just picked up from the floor and put in her mouth? Is it my way of graciously inviting that which I fear the most, a.k.a. ANTS?!? Do I feel as though the damned cat doesn't puke enough?!?
2. Mom must shower daily and wear PJs as clothes at most only once a week. I take the time to dress my children well enough so that they don't look as though they're hurting for cute clothes. They have their bath nights. The husband showers daily and gets to wear comfy business casual attire. Why do I have to stink? Why do I have to look dumpy? Why do my legs and arm pits have to be so soft? And I don't mean in the "ooooh, what soft skin!" way...I mean in the soft furry way. Why do I put myself so low on the priority list? Why can't I take care of myself without feeling guilty???
3. Other adults in the house must help with chores. Once again, guilt is the reason this rule is not enforced. Because of this, laundry is never caught up or put away, the vacuum cleaner collects dust (as well as every surface in the house), and every nook and cranny is a disorganized mess. Perhaps contributing to why I feel as though I'm a disorganized mess...??? You already have some sense of what state my nook and crannies are in.
4. Mom and Dad should have a date night without the children at least twice a month. Guilt yet again plays into this one. The last thing I want to do is ask family and friends to sacrifice their plans so that the hubby and I can enjoy our relationship as husband/wife/friends (not parents) for a few hours. And my God, do you have any idea what "professional" babysitters cost?!? OMG!!! But you know what? I'd give up the fancy cable or the emergency order-pizza-nights-'cause-the-kitchen-is-too-dirty-to-clean in order to fund some time with my man.
I've been overcome lately with a feeling as though I need to get my sh*t together.
I'm promising myself right now that I'm going to start that...
...next week.
1. ALL eating must be done at the kitchen table. Is it that I enjoy having the handy-vac permanently attached to my right hand? Do I find some pleasure in constantly worrying about what Phoebe just picked up from the floor and put in her mouth? Is it my way of graciously inviting that which I fear the most, a.k.a. ANTS?!? Do I feel as though the damned cat doesn't puke enough?!?
2. Mom must shower daily and wear PJs as clothes at most only once a week. I take the time to dress my children well enough so that they don't look as though they're hurting for cute clothes. They have their bath nights. The husband showers daily and gets to wear comfy business casual attire. Why do I have to stink? Why do I have to look dumpy? Why do my legs and arm pits have to be so soft? And I don't mean in the "ooooh, what soft skin!" way...I mean in the soft furry way. Why do I put myself so low on the priority list? Why can't I take care of myself without feeling guilty???
3. Other adults in the house must help with chores. Once again, guilt is the reason this rule is not enforced. Because of this, laundry is never caught up or put away, the vacuum cleaner collects dust (as well as every surface in the house), and every nook and cranny is a disorganized mess. Perhaps contributing to why I feel as though I'm a disorganized mess...??? You already have some sense of what state my nook and crannies are in.
4. Mom and Dad should have a date night without the children at least twice a month. Guilt yet again plays into this one. The last thing I want to do is ask family and friends to sacrifice their plans so that the hubby and I can enjoy our relationship as husband/wife/friends (not parents) for a few hours. And my God, do you have any idea what "professional" babysitters cost?!? OMG!!! But you know what? I'd give up the fancy cable or the emergency order-pizza-nights-'cause-the-kitchen-is-too-dirty-to-clean in order to fund some time with my man.
I've been overcome lately with a feeling as though I need to get my sh*t together.
I'm promising myself right now that I'm going to start that...
...next week.
Monday, February 14, 2011
OMG, I totally went there
It's one of those deep, dark secrets that moms never reveal: They have a favorite child.
GASP!
Puh-leeze. OF COURSE every parent has a favorite. We're only human after all. I'll admit it: Pheebs is my favorite. Now before you get your panties all in a bunch, understand this-- Having a favorite doesn't mean you love one child more or less than another. Well, I guess it does for the "bad" parents out there, but I'm only talking about us good ones! I love both my children, but here's the difference...I'm loving babyhood MUCH MORE than toddlerhood. This toddler phase is kicking my ass. Raina doesn't like me for most of her waking moments, fights with me about every freaking little thing, wants nothing to do with my offers to help, and cuddling with me is out of the question. Phoebe, my little 10-m-o, on the other hand, thinks I'm the center of the universe. She LOVES me. She NEEDS me. She is reduced to tears whenever I'm out of her sight or touch. She reaches for me when in the arms of someone else. She crawls at top speed to get to me when I'm across the room. She rests her head on my shoulder and hums as I hold her, occasionally lifting up to give me a sloppy kiss.
Now seriously, how can that NOT be my favorite?!?
I'm enjoying it for all it's worth now 'cause in a few short months she's sure to figure out that Dad is the coolest person alive and I'm, well, not.
GASP!
Puh-leeze. OF COURSE every parent has a favorite. We're only human after all. I'll admit it: Pheebs is my favorite. Now before you get your panties all in a bunch, understand this-- Having a favorite doesn't mean you love one child more or less than another. Well, I guess it does for the "bad" parents out there, but I'm only talking about us good ones! I love both my children, but here's the difference...I'm loving babyhood MUCH MORE than toddlerhood. This toddler phase is kicking my ass. Raina doesn't like me for most of her waking moments, fights with me about every freaking little thing, wants nothing to do with my offers to help, and cuddling with me is out of the question. Phoebe, my little 10-m-o, on the other hand, thinks I'm the center of the universe. She LOVES me. She NEEDS me. She is reduced to tears whenever I'm out of her sight or touch. She reaches for me when in the arms of someone else. She crawls at top speed to get to me when I'm across the room. She rests her head on my shoulder and hums as I hold her, occasionally lifting up to give me a sloppy kiss.
Now seriously, how can that NOT be my favorite?!?
I'm enjoying it for all it's worth now 'cause in a few short months she's sure to figure out that Dad is the coolest person alive and I'm, well, not.
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