tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19075965684769665522024-03-05T19:30:15.586-05:00Feels Like Happiness.....Full time Mom. Full time employee. Does it ever end?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-25641002642821966792011-01-26T09:07:00.000-05:002011-01-26T09:07:02.905-05:00Dear Cow at DaycareDon't f**king tell me that you're so sorry that you want to kick my kid out and you know this is such a rough time for us right now. He isn't being malicious, he can't help that he is stronger than the other kids in the class. He is, however, fighting with other kids over a toy. I agree he shouldn't take a toy from another kid but you are aware that he is TWO, right? <br />
<br />
He moved to the 3s classroom at your insistance (you are aware he is NOT 3 yet, right?) because he didn't fit in to the mold of what you were looking for in the 2s room and your staff was incapable of managing him and his physical abilities - I believe the words were he is "becoming too much of a force" therefore we were hoping that the 3s room, which is more of an all day preschool curriculum, would be a better fit. Notice, key words is hoping.<br />
<br />
Again - he is NOT THREE YEARS OLD! So now, because he doesn't fit in one class or the other, you want to kick him out. I can't even tour new daycare centers because again - as you are well aware - I AM ON BEDREST. It isn't like he has had any major changes going on lately. Oh wait, maybe so, let's check the list: Again, I am on bed rest, his evening routine has changed, he is on STEROIDS for Reactive Airway Disease, he is in a new classroom with new teachers AND he has a sibling arriving in a month. No, none of that could possibly make a child act out, right?<br />
<br />
Oh, and don't get me started on the fact that you are the 5th Director we have worked with as parents in the last 18 months. FIVE. Thanks for the communication folks. I know there are multiple centers and you guys rotate but how the hell are you not telling parents that there is now a new person in charge? You tell us you want to kick him out yet you haven't consulted with the behavior specialist. WTF COW?!?! <br />
<br />
I know Ricky can be a "force." I am aware my child is not perfect. What I am not aware of is how typical toddler behavior is forcing him out of the classroom and center. You haven't called me or my husband during the day to alert us to this behavior. You choose to bombard us with a behavior report at a 5pm pickup when nobody has the time to discuss. This is NOT acceptable. I know you're in a convenient location, but you have been caring for him since he was 18 mos old. We need to share in the responsibility of what is going on here. <br />
<br />
BTW - he does time out for us at home with no problem, why is it that you are unable to manage him during a time out session? Oh, yeah, you don't REMOVE HIM FROM THE SITUATION - you expect him to sit in the classroom with everyone running around and having fun around him. Is it me or does that sound just stupid?<br />
<br />
Go screw yourself, we will find another center, because you know - we're itching to make ANOTHER change in his already upside down life. And honestly, I can't trust you with him now without thinking that you're biased against my child. Thanks. Thanks a lot.<br />
<br />
Pissed off Mama <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-51666946852481059162011-01-10T23:41:00.001-05:002011-01-10T23:43:34.631-05:00My Secret AddictionIsn't there a new show on TLC called that or something? People eating detergent, pulling their hair out, that sort of thing?<br />
<br />
FYI, that show is NOT my secret addition. No, it's Dexter, the series about a serial killer on Showtime. Since I am on bed rest and need something to fill my time, I can't possibly do something constructive like crochet a baby blanket or learn about Sharepoint. Nope, not me, I am watching tv and turning my brain to mush. I started watching on Saturday and have made it through the first season so far. Netflix via Wii in the bedroom is a dangerous thing folks. <br />
<br />
Ok, let me correct that. All of the first season with the exception of the last episode. Then, unknowingly, I started season two, thinking to myself " Woohoo, I finished season one, it was so good, must start next season!"<br />
<br />
Yeah, not so much. I watched the first 3 minutes or so and while it was doing the whole "Previously, on Dexter..." and I was all WTF! I haven't seen this stuff!! ARGH!!!!!!<br />
<br />
I totally just ruined the season finale for myself. <br />
<br />
Right now, I'm in the living room, no Netflix, but my husband, well he's resourceful. He located a copy of Season 1, Ep 11 (remember, I'm on bed rest, limited trips up and down the stairs, I'm not quite ready to go to bed) somewhere out on the magical interwebs so I start watching it.<br />
<br />
It wasn't in english.<br />
<br />
And now, now he's laughing at me. <br />
<br />
He sucks.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-64440573147785419362011-01-08T09:13:00.000-05:002011-01-08T09:13:10.615-05:00Second Time AroundThings are so different this time around being pregnant. Aside from having a toddler to care for, everything is just completely different. Friends assured me that according to old wives tales, this meant that I was surely having a girl. A few ways things are different this time around:<br />
<ul><li>I am 31 wks along and I still get phantom pains in my breasts and have throughout the entire pregnancy.</li>
<li>I felt the baby move around 14-15 wks. With Ricky, I didn't feel him until around 19 wks.</li>
<li>My BP started creeping up way earlier than last time around, around 28 wks this time vs 32 wks last time.</li>
<li>Hypoglycemia. Not gestational diabetes, thank goodness, but I am super sensitive to too much or not enough sugar. This has really put a dent in my late night ice cream snack.</li>
<li>A new OB, who I completely trust and adore. Last time I made a late term OB switch at 36 wks, read about that <a href="http://feelslikehappiness.blogspot.com/2008/02/youre-fired.html">here</a>. It has made my experience completely different and much more relaxed.</li>
<li>Lastly - I am on bed rest. Have been since the beginning of this week. If you're an FB friend, I am sure you are aware of this. More on this topic in another post. </li>
</ul>So yes, completely and utterly different. My OB assures me that this is completely normal. I am only sharing this because if you think you've got pregnancy figured out, maybe you do and then again, maybe you don't. I know I sure as heck didn't.<br />
<br />
Another thing that is different. First time around, I couldn't put down the baby books. I had the nursery all ready to go (mostly.) This time, I don't think I have picked up What To Expect in over a month and I really would prefer to not discuss the state of the room that will be the nursery. I have about 6-8 wks left, depending on how bedrest goes, and I have a huge list of things to be done. It's kinda overwhelming, but at the same time, what do I really need - a bassinet, some onesies, some blankets and some diapers. It'll be alright.<br />
<br />
Easy enough, right?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-28736753349249428862011-01-01T17:27:00.000-05:002011-01-01T17:27:21.462-05:00Happy New Year and The Return of The BlogHappy New Year peeps in blogland. If you're still there that is. Welcome to 2011, should be an interesting year for my growing family, we're looking forward to it. There is a tiny part of me that is scared to death but it's a super tiny part. <br />
<br />
As you could tell, ye old blog had pretty much died. Busy Mom, busy routines, working full time, toddler care, being pregnant and tired, appointment after appointment, writing a thought out blog post was just about the last possible thing on my mind. I am hoping to kinda change that. I'm not promising multiple posts weekly but who knows what will happen. Anything is possible. After all, it IS a new year!<br />
<br />
I hope to be back soon. Take care folks! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-56001904466073305422010-09-04T22:49:00.000-04:002010-09-04T22:49:33.702-04:00OMG - Where on Earth Have I Been?Wow, July 5 was my last post? Seriously? I don' believe you, I think Blogger is a big fat hairy liar and I have actually made many a post since then and Blogger just trashed them and never posted them.<br />
<br />
Yeah, that's totally what happened. I swear. Pay no attention to the crossed fingers.<br />
<br />
Ok, fine, I will fess up. Yeah, I've been gone for a while but mostly it's because I have been sleeping. I have seriously been feeling like crapola however my OB assures me that everything is normal with THIS PREGNANCY!<br />
<br />
Yep. Me. Pregnant. I know all two of my blog readers are so excited to hear that. Like you needed me to tell you, as if that ticker over there to the right didn't give you the first hint. <br />
<br />
So my last post was on July 5, I found out I was pregnant on July 6. Of course being the superstitious person that I am, I couldn't possibly blog about it so early on. During the past 2 months pregnancy has pretty much been the only thing on my brain. Well that and trying to keep my kid from playing in traffic because let me tell you, all I want to do is sleep!<br />
<br />
Zzzzzz, zzzzzzz, zzzzzz. <br />
<br />
Oops - dozed off there for a minute.<br />
<br />
So now you know. The cat is out of the bag. I plan on writing a post about how extremely different this pregnancy is from when I was pregnant with Ricky but it's nearly 11pm which means I am up way past my bedtime.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-30943598821927985272010-07-05T19:35:00.000-04:002010-07-05T19:35:44.077-04:0030 QuestionsNope, not 20 questions, but 30 questions. I know, dare to be different, right? Not really, I stole it from <a href="http://canapesun.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-only-fun-if-you-play-too.html">Canape</a>. Feel free to steal it to, but let me know if you do because I would love to see your answers. <br />
<br />
<b>30 Questions:</b><br />
<br />
<b>1. </b><b>It’s 2AM and you are not home. You are more than likely:</b><br />
I can't even remember the last time I was out until 2am. If I am, you can bet I wish I was home. <br />
<br />
<b>2. What’s the last thing you spent more than $100 on?</b><br />
Bookcases from Ikea and a new living room area rug. I have been planning this stuff for a while. I still want a new end table and a funky lamp but it only took me 3 yrs to pick out leather furniture, I have a while to get that table. <br />
<br />
<b>3. What do your bank checks look like?</b><br />
Standard issue style from the bank. (Same answer as Canape)<br />
<br />
<b>4. Where did the shirt you are currently wearing come from?</b><br />
I don't remember the exact store, most likely <a href="http://www.buckeyecorner.com/">Buckeye Corner</a> since it's an Ohio State t-shirt. <br />
<br />
<b>5. Name something that will be on your Christmas wish list:</b><br />
Maybe an end table...<br />
<br />
<b>6. What color is your toothbrush?</b><br />
White.<br />
<br />
<b>7. Name something you collect and tell us about it.</b><br />
I used to collect polar bears, but that got out of hand and I had photo artwork, art books, stuffed ones, you name it. Then there were the Disney Snow Globes and some day if I have a little girl, they will adorn some very high shelves in her bedroom. For the moment, it's overpriced handbags. Mostly Coach but I am starting to love some Michael Kors too. <br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>8. Last restaurant you ate at. Who were you with? How was it?</b><br />
Red Robin - With the husband and kid. It was Red Robin - it's great for kids and quick. Not a whole lot you can say about their burgers, they are burgers.<br />
<br />
<b>9. Who was the last person you bought a birthday card for?</b><br />
My BFF but I am supremely lame and incapable of getting to the post office. Heck, I didn't even give it to her IRL when she was here visiting. <br />
<br />
<b>10. What is your worst bad habit?</b><br />
Late night sweet tooth. Ice cream at 10pm isn't bad for you, right?<br />
<br />
<b>11. Name a magazine to which you subscribe?</b><br />
Better Homes & Gardens<br />
<br />
<b>12. Your favorite pizza toppings?</b><br />
Pepperoni and in Columbus there is this place called Donatos that makes this kick butt hawaiian that has ham, pineapple, sliced almonds and cinnamon. I prefer veggies on my salad, not my pizza. <br />
<br />
<b>13. Whose number were you looking up the last time you used a phone book?</b><br />
I have absolutely no idea, maybe an HVAC company? I always use the internet. Always.<br />
<br />
<b>14. Other than family, who is the person that you love most?</b><br />
Oh, my friends. There are a few that are as close as family if not closer. I would do anything for them. No, I am not naming names. <br />
<br />
<b>15. What is the last thing you cooked?</b><br />
Eggs sandwich for breakfast today.<br />
<br />
<b>16. Name something you wouldn’t want to buy used?</b><br />
Rectal thermometer. Seriously - someone was trying to sell one on CL. Gross. <br />
<br />
<b>17. Which shoe do you put on first?</b><br />
Whichever one is turned upright. <br />
<br />
<b>18. What is the last thing you remember losing?</b><br />
Tape Measure - we always lose that thing. <b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<b>19. What is the ugliest piece of furniture in your house?</b><br />
The ugly sofa & loveseat in the basement. It was free from a friend and I have tried to get Rick to replace it, he loves it. It's on it's last legs though so it will go eventually.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>20. Last thing you bought and ended up returning?</b><br />
I can't even remember. <br />
<br />
<b>21. What perfume/cologne do you wear? If none, why?</b><br />
None - it aggravates Rick's nose. If I do, it is rare, but I have this roll on mini bottle of Stila stuff and I think the scent is called Peony. I've had it for years so who knows how good it is. <br />
<br />
<b>22. Your favorite board game?</b><br />
I prefer cards and that would be euchre. <br />
<br />
<b>23. What was the last board game you played?</b><br />
Marvel Monopoloy. <br />
<br />
<b>24. Where did your vehicle come from?</b><br />
Koons Chevy, Tysons Corner.<br />
<br />
<b>25. If a movie was made about your life what would the theme song be?</b><br />
I have no idea, someone who knows music better than I do can pick one and tell me why.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>26. You’re sad, who can cheer you up easily?</b><br />
Ricky and Kelli.<br />
<br />
<b>27. What was the color of the bridesmaid dresses of the last wedding you went to?</b><br />
Lilac/Periwinkle - it was my wedding and I had one bridesmaid. <br />
<br />
<b>28. What house cleaning chore do you hate to do the most?</b><br />
I would have to say laundry. That and swapping out clothes for seasons and pulling out old clothes of Ricky's that don't fit. <br />
<br />
<b>29. What is your favorite way to eat chicken?</b><br />
Either fried or chicken & noodles like my Grandma used to make. <br />
<br />
<b>30. It is your birthday. You hope the cake is?</b><br />
I have never met a cake I didn't like but my only request is that it NOT be chocolate on chocolate. I like chocolate but too much is just, ugh, too much. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-8522515874393944512010-07-05T00:19:00.000-04:002010-07-05T00:19:52.403-04:00Breakthrough.My goodness gracious, I haven't blogged in for-ev-er. I think I just get sucked in to crap like Frontierville on Facebook but I have also been taking a more active role in my local Moms group, trying to make it to more playdates and meetups. This, combined with work, have just left me a bit on the tired/lazyside at the end of the day. As a result, forming a blog post, a thought out blog post, well it just hasn't been a priority.<br />
<br />
Also, I have been working my way through some issues lately. Ever since my sister passed away in March, things have been harder. Losing her was quite the catalyst for some other things to happen in my life, the biggest one being whether or not I should pursue a relationship with my Dad.<br />
<br />
Ah, Dad. A little background on that subject. My parents divorced when I was 4 mostly due to the complications that my Dad's alcoholism brought to the marriage. My Mom doesn't talk about it much as I think she just didn't want to influence the relationship I would have with my Dad. She has said a few things that let me know how controlling he was and how family basically wasn't a priority in his life. On the weekends I would see him, he mostly took me to visit my Grandparents. I remember helping my Grandpa in the garden and him letting me mow the grass on the riding lawn mower. I remember eating lima beans for the first time at their house, and I liked them! The best part was they had this old house on their property, fully furnished, that they would rent from time to time. It had a huge wraparound screened in porch with a well out back. That well always had the coldest water. But those memories aren't so much with my Dad as they are with my Grandparents.<br />
<br />
As I grew older, the visits became less frequent. My Grandparents eventually passed away and the times I spent with my Dad weren't so memorable. They were filled with evenings at the "club" which was basically the campground and him drinking and staggering back to the camper. He also liked to talk trash about my Mom. One thing I can credit my Mom with is never saying anything derogatory about my father. She was very careful about that, thinking I would eventually form my own opinion of him as I grew older.<br />
<br />
I always wanted more from that relationship, I always felt more like he tolerated me than loved me. Sure, cards with checks arrived every Christmas and birthday. In the grand scheme of things, he could have been much worse but he could also have been much better. <br />
<br />
So, in March, when I saw him at my sister's funeral, well it was weird. He called me the night before and I was expecting him but ever since I told him I was marrying a black man and then he bailed on showing up to my wedding, well that was the last straw. My life was going one way and he wasn't going to be part of that. So at the funeral home, when he was looking at pictures of my son, of my husband, of my FAMILY, well I didn't like it. Not one bit. I became protective of them. I don't need his blessing to lead my life. He has never given it to me before, he has never really cared before, why would he start now? Why would I start wanting him to care now?<br />
<br />
Because he's my Dad. That's why. <br />
<br />
It took me exactly eight therapy sessions to figure that one out. <br />
<br />
I ended up in therapy because I wasn't sure what I wanted out of a relationship with my father. I wasn't sure if I even wanted any sort of relationship with my father. He showed somewhat of an interest, could he be softening up in his old age? Even so, would I want to expose my family to that? Then, you know, since it was a mere 4 days after my sister died at the age of 42, my mind went a little crazy. What if something happened to him? What if he died tomorrow? Would I be ok with my relationship (or lack of) with him? How would I feel, what sort of regrets would I have?<br />
<br />
That's a dangerous place to be. The "What If" barrel. It's motivating for all the wrong reasons.<br />
<br />
So I dug myself out of that barrel and moved on. I still have some things on my mind, but for the most part, I seem to be at peace with where I am now. <br />
<br />
And thus this blog post comes to an abrupt end. But really, things are ok. I promise. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-38981826662241708632010-05-15T19:55:00.001-04:002010-05-15T20:03:56.488-04:00"Sick" DayBeing the responsible parent that I am, I haven't taken Ricky outside all day. We have a ton of kids who live in our court and balls, bikes, chalk - everything is shared. The last thing I want him to do is pass on his cooties to someone else. As a result, house arrest. Did I mention how utterly beautiful it is outside today?<br />
<br />
Also, the little snot got up at 6:30 am. During the week we have to drag him out of bed at 7:30 am and he has totally spoiled us by sleeping until 8:00 or later for the most part on the weekend but not today. Ugh.<br />
<br />
How do you fill a "sick" day. You play basketball of course! Ricky got a basketball hoop back in March for his birthday but we just didn't manage to put it together until today. Um, dude, he LOVES it. And it gives him an excuse to throw a ball inside the house.<br />
<br />
Notice how "sick" he is? Yeah, right, sick. Uh huh. Whatever. <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-14895328216893777882010-05-14T17:28:00.000-04:002010-05-14T17:28:00.766-04:00Friday FiveOk, because forming an actual blog post, like a well thought out and articulate blog post isn't possible right now because well, it's been a long week, you get a list of random tidbits.<br />
<br />
- Ricky has hand, foot & mouth. Read about it <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand,_foot_and_mouth_disease">here</a>. Ick. Fortunately, at least so far, it is just a minor case, no fever or anything severe but I have a feeling it's going to get worse before it gets better. <br />
- It is after 5pm and my cleaning ladies are still here. They are being extra diligent, perhaps because I am sitting here. I wasn't home when they arrived but they must have gotten here around 4pm.<br />
- WTF is up with the weather. On Monday it was like 45 and now it's 93. Gah.<br />
- Low folate levels are linked to depression. There are even studies that show that patients on antidepressants still required <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L-methylfolate">methylfolate </a>to get optimal results from their prescription medication. So ladies, it's even more important to take those prenatal vitamins. Heck, why not continue them as a daily multivitamin.<br />
- <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen-blog/2010/05/a-tasty-recipe-my-grannys-chocolate-cobbler/">This </a>makes my mouth water just looking at the pictures. Speaking of, I wonder if there is methylfolate in chocolate. That seems like a logical match to me. <br />
<br />
That's it folks. Captivating, I know. :)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-6765470594188067732010-05-09T00:36:00.000-04:002010-05-09T00:36:41.296-04:00Is it Time for a Time Out?Apparently so. I tried them a while back and it didn't go so well. Meaning that I had to hold him there and he screamed the entire time and went right back to what he was doing afterwards so it was pretty clear it wasn't "getting" it. So I stopped. <br />
<br />
No, it has nothing to do with me being to lazy to sit there and hold his squirmy butt in place. It also most definitely has NOTHING to do with the fact that once when I did one he screamed "I love you!!" and I was so shocked that I relinquished the death grip that was holding the squirmer in his spot and off he went.<br />
<br />
Recent events have made it apparent that it was essential to bring them back again. This kid of mine, he's a stubborn one. And a strong one too! Sometimes he just gets wrapped up in the fun of everything and listening to reason, well, we've all been there and we're adults. At least he has an excuse, he's two.<br />
<br />
This past week, I had made some chicken parm for dinner. Since Ricky still refuses to eat pasta of any sort, he had something else and had already eaten. I fully expected he would want some of the rolls we were having so I even made extra. <br />
<br />
This kid. Oh. Em. Gee. This little snot would not wait one little second. I was in the living room starting to eat my dinner, in front of the tv like every American, when he insisted on climbing in my lap. You know, the lap where I had my plate. The plate with the hot food that is covered in pasta sauce. You get where I'm going with this, right? Yeah you do.<br />
<br />
There it was, my chicken parm, in my lap. I was pretty darn ticked off. I immediately yelled and told Ricky to go sit down! <br />
<br />
And then, shockingly, he did. He went right over to the bottom step of the stairs, the previously designated time out spot, and sat his tiny hiney right there. He cried and fussed, he knew he had done something wrong. But he didn't move. He listened. I cleaned up and the entire time, he sat right there. When his time was up, just a couple minutes, I went to him, told him what he did wrong, gave him his hug and said I Love You. Then we went to get him a bite of something he so desperately wanted but was too impatient to handle the wait. Everyone was happy and life was good again. That horrible time out was but a distant memory. <br />
<br />
Woohoo!!! <br />
<br />
Little victory for Mom right there. Mom - 1, Ricky - 7845. I'll catch up. I have his entire lifetime. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-88645636733064319872010-05-05T13:23:00.001-04:002010-05-05T13:24:26.028-04:00Photo TagBecki over at <a href="http://sweetdaisy.blogspot.com/">Harmony in Motion</a> tagged me in a game of photo tag. Here's how it goes.<br />
<br />
1) Go to your photo files, select the 8th photo folder.<br />
2) Select the 8th photo in that folder.<br />
3) Post that photo along with the story behind it.<br />
4) Then challenge 8 blogging friends to do the same!<br />
<br />
I have like um, several computers. Work latop, home laptop, home desktop, etc. My folder is an online album. So I went to the 8th folder and there were only 2 pics. Same thing in the 9th folder so I just went to the 7th one and there were exactly 8 pics in there!<br />
<br />
This picture was taken in December, the Sunday before Christmas. We got a crapload of snow on Saturday and everyone ventured out on Sunday after we started clearing the snow. We don't have a sled because, well, all the other kids on our court do so we know there is always one around. This is a pic of Ricky in the sled being pulled by three little girls from our street. Yep - THREE little girls. They were actually arguing over who got to pull him around, it really was the cutest thing ever. <br />
<br />
Yep, he's got the ladies at his beck and call already.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1P4X3WdyxrobGBtllD5ercFi2AjGUhKSfNiwMuZUXsya1xU7_4kRLP4kPr2XpWGoquSYK1geJ0-u1ARGTPDk9jaBjxtiPBMow_jtdjovLgm8AjE5a_9nt4ft7WyV1pGG5Vc9zP3yRHpJR/s1600/DSCN1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1P4X3WdyxrobGBtllD5ercFi2AjGUhKSfNiwMuZUXsya1xU7_4kRLP4kPr2XpWGoquSYK1geJ0-u1ARGTPDk9jaBjxtiPBMow_jtdjovLgm8AjE5a_9nt4ft7WyV1pGG5Vc9zP3yRHpJR/s320/DSCN1549.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I am going to tag....um, um, um....<br />
<br />
Heather at <a href="http://bigpandme.blogspot.com/">Big P and Me.</a><br />
WildMom over at <a href="http://wildwesthome.com/">Wild West Home</a><br />
Beth at <a href="http://adventuresinadamland.blogspot.com/">All About Adam</a><br />
Kris at <a href="http://ladybugslizards.blogspot.com/">Ladybugs & Lizards</a><br />
Cherie at <a href="http://survivingtripletsandautism.blogspot.com/">Surviving Triplets and Autism</a> <br />
<a href="http://jcmama.blogspot.com/">Daily Verses</a><br />
Hf at <a href="http://hanecak.blogspot.com/">Little Leaps of Faith/Happiness Times 2</a><br />
K & E at <a href="http://ourfuzzyfamily.blogspot.com/">Our Fuzzy Family</a> - because you haven't blogged in FOUR MONTHS!<br />
<br />
Happy tagging folks! I can't wait to see your pics.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-88488643894854518612010-05-04T21:04:00.000-04:002010-05-04T21:04:32.760-04:00P-Dub LoveI got some <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">P-Dub</a> love tonight. Yep - sure did. We had like a conversation and everything. She really is just darling and it was totally a pleasure to meet her. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPo-GjCPoLqs8Vx90S_UVx7ZNZ8J24IH8Frt4eM_7xz8b-kRUwf8RXy72i-Askvoriv7wr48A3UQWg5-Ycv7VXMGGo07mmR9FsZPcBxKgTHl9BIrg-AThQMsK1qyWrzT5RxYMk0Xdffqfp/s1600/PW+%2827%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPo-GjCPoLqs8Vx90S_UVx7ZNZ8J24IH8Frt4eM_7xz8b-kRUwf8RXy72i-Askvoriv7wr48A3UQWg5-Ycv7VXMGGo07mmR9FsZPcBxKgTHl9BIrg-AThQMsK1qyWrzT5RxYMk0Xdffqfp/s400/PW+%2827%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I know you're jealous that you didn't get to meet her but it's ok, I told her you said hi. Besides, don't be that jealous because I was on my feet, in heel type sandal shoes for um, like 3 hrs and the dogs, they are barking.<br />
<br />
BTW - <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/category/animals/charlie/">Charlie </a>is a much cuter dog. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-14186446416072148942010-04-29T22:35:00.000-04:002010-04-29T22:35:39.806-04:00Connecting Hearts and Minds.Have you ever wondered what is missing? Have you always wanted to do something more? I don't know if I'm really conveying what I am trying to say in a clear way but I hope you stick with me as I continue.<br />
<br />
I have always known that I wanted to more. To do something outside of work, contribute to something. Help in some way. I am a perfectly capable, reasonably intelligent and rather compassionate person so I was always on the lookout for an opportunity.<br />
<br />
The first time I volunteered, as an adult, was at the Humane Society. I can't remember what title they gave me but basically I was there to help match people with animals. My theory was that dogs would be more grateful than some snot nosed kid. Get information about their family and help them select a dog that would be a good fit. I instantly loved it. After that, I went to work for a non-profit animal care and education center. When my career path changed again, I had many opportunities provided through my employer. Whether I was sorting pallets of groceries for a food pantry or donating blood, I had several opportunities to give back. Of course, this wasn't a selfless act, it made me feel good. That's what I get from helping others or contributing to something, a warm & fuzzy feeling. <br />
<br />
So when I had an opportunity at work to help foster some community involvement among my colleagues through the Time Warner Cable <a href="http://connectamillionminds.com/">Connect A Million Minds</a> program, I jumped at the chance. For a couple months we have been working on gathering a group of volunteers, getting them trained and learning the curriculum to teach kids all about the technology behind cable television. <br />
<br />
Believe it or not, getting a room full of engineers to speak to kids about technology on a level that a 5th grader can understand isn't the easiest thing. They start talking in acronyms and use words like "granular" and it just isn't a good thing. Kids get that glossed over look on their faces and start zoning out then immediately reach for their cell phones to start texting someone.<br />
<br />
By the way, texting when someone is talking to you is just plain obnoxious. And um, yeah, I'm sorry because I have totally done that like a jillion times.<br />
<br />
Back to the minds. Yes! The Minds! The kids, they were like IN TO the stuff. We had some interactive things for them to do like assemble binary code, understand geosynchronous orbit, yeah, stuff like that. Anyway, they totally got it. Like for real! And after I heard some of the kids telling folks what they learned and I heard things like "Yeah, it was really cool. We learned about tv signals and stuff." Here's a story from the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20100326-906446.html">Wall Street Journal</a> about the curriculum we covered. <br />
<br />
That. That right there, it just made my day. Not that I didn't love it when the dogs at the shelter wagged their tails, but hearing the kids talk about what they just learned, that was cool. We actually taught them something! We have worked for months to reach this point and I was nervous as crap but it went off without a hitch. Not only that, the kids enjoyed it. Almost as much as the mentor volunteers. <br />
<br />
Visit the <a href="http://connectamillionminds.com/">CAMM </a>website today and make your pledge. Post your opportunity on the <a href="http://connectamillionminds.com/connectory.php">Connectory</a>. Who knows, maybe I will be calling you tomorrow to let you know that I have a room full of volunteers eagerly waiting to mentor your Girl Scout or Boy Scout group earn a badge in technology. We're just itching to help your after school program achieve their <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STEM_fields">STEM </a>goals. Ok, not literally itching. We won't bring chicken pox with us or anything. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-6525534529798893692010-04-15T13:55:00.000-04:002010-04-15T13:55:21.154-04:00HeadacheI've had a headache for nearly three days. THREE days. I go to bed with it. I wake up with it. It pretty much sucks. No amount of ibuprofen or caffeine has helped. I went to the chiro at lunch today and will probably go again tomorrow. The stim helped a bit, combined with an adjustment. <br />
<br />
Fear not, it's not like a migraine or something that severe. It's just tension and stress. I hold it all in my neck and shoulders. Muscles get tight, sleeping gets hard. I wake up with kinks. It's just all around not good.<br />
<br />
So yeah, if you see me and I have a pained expression on my face. It's because, well, I am in pain.<br />
<br />
On the up side, I am seeking treatment for it. I even have an acupuncture appointment on Saturday morning. The last time I had acupuncture was the day before I found out I was pregnant. I like to think that was a good day so maybe this time around, something equally as cool will immediately follow my treatment. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-22775001375271609582010-04-10T23:48:00.000-04:002010-04-10T23:48:30.368-04:00Messing Around.In addition to being "Lost and Confused," I am also being fidgety. I have been thinking of a blog overhaul for a while and apparently I decided to start tonight.<br />
<br />
I hope I find something I like. This one, I am just kinda Eh about, but I think there might be some underlying formatting from the old template messing with the appearance, making it look different than how I thought it would be.<br />
<br />
Chances are, it will probably be like a month before I have the energy to mess with it again but hopefully not. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-54911062430307454652010-04-10T21:44:00.000-04:002010-04-10T21:44:48.848-04:00Lost and Confused.Some days I feel lost. Lost in a fog. Lost in my thoughts. Some days I feel confused. Confused about family, sometimes confused about work, sometimes even confused about where my life is going. Not in any specific way, but recent events, they just make you think about a lot of things.<br />
<br />
I haven't been blogging. Not that I have been super consistent lately anyway, but I have just had so much going on that the thought of sitting down to document it, after what was already a long day, it just seemed too daunting and overwhelming. <br />
<br />
Overall, things here have been moving right along. I check in with my Mom and my nephews regularly to see how things are going. I consistently check their grades online and email with some close family friends that are helping out just to see what's going on. Ricky is doing great in the two's class. This week, Thursday morning, was the first day that I dropped him off that he didn't pitch a fit about going in to a different room. <br />
<br />
Speaking of Ricky, we are encountering some new and interesting medical issues. Not that out of the ordinary, just some weird allergy type things. I noticed he had been a bit stuffy at night and of course, runny nose, so I tried some of the <a href="http://www.littleremedies.com/decongestant-nose-drops/">Little Noses Decongestant drops</a>. After 2-3 doses, half of his body was covered in hives. We gave him some Benadryl but didn't wake him overnight so by the time he was up the next day, he was covered head to toe. The drops are the only new thing (no new foods, detergent, stuff like that) so that had to be the only thing causing it. After a few days on Benadryl, all was well with the world again. Then I gave daycare some <a href="http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.aspx?src_page=product_list.aspx&level1_id=300&level2_id=303&pdept_id=344&dept_id=421&pf_id=36449">Avon sunscreen</a> (same kind we used last year) and he appears to be getting little bumps all over where they apply it. Not like red bumps, just bumps. It's weird because he didn't have any problems with it last year so I don't know what's up. BTW - I love this sunscreen, it goes on blue so you know where you're applying it and it is a bug repellent also which is why it was such the perfect product. Needless to say, due to the reaction, I have picked up a couple other kinds to see if it clears up. Or maybe it's just because it's old? Does sunscreen expire?<br />
<br />
Recently, we have been entertaining the idea of getting a family pet - because I don't have enough to do, right? I would love a dog but don't feel that it's fair to split my attention between Ricky and a dog while I am working full time. Also, I'm a "big dog" kind of person which doesn't go well with no yard and a townhome. I know I wouldn't walk a dog as much as he would need it and that isn't fair - so we changed our thought to maybe a cat? Well, again with the allergies. We went to Pet Smart today to check out kitties and within about 2 minutes of being in the cattery, he started rubbing his eyes and getting red. Yay. And then I pulled out the Benadryl again. Fortunately Ricky thinks medicine is like candy so he readily accepts anything in a dropper/spoon/dosing type apparatus.<br />
<br />
Anyone have a recommendation for a pediatric allergist in the NoVa area?<br />
<br />
As I said, life goes on. I am busy. Very busy. And tired. Very tired. I think I am still pretty drained just from everything, but, I am taking it one day at a time and hopefully I am appreciating what life has to offer. It's too precious to waste. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-85294000482778219882010-03-26T12:47:00.000-04:002010-03-26T12:47:33.869-04:00Home.I'm home. That was the longest 7 days ever in my life. <br />
<br />
The funeral has passed and now it's time to move on to healing. Some other stuff came up and it is even more clear that I really need to talk to someone. I have great friends and an amazing husband, but I have some Daddy issues that need to be addressed. Right now, all I have for him is resentment and if I learned anything this week, it's that life is precious and you can lose someone in an instant. It's time to get over myself.<br />
<br />
As far as my sister's children, my oldest nephew is assuming guardianship if his younger brothers but I (along with everyone else in the family) will be playing a more active role in their life. I don't know how often I will be there or if they will come here, but we are family so we will figure it out. We have figured most everything out as far as paperwork, just a few final details. <br />
<br />
Life is changing, that's for sure. I am thinking for the better. I really do need to be more involved in their lives but sometimes I have left life get in the way of that. No more.<br />
<br />
And that saying "It takes a village to raise a child." It really does. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-89000214503537882922010-03-20T18:25:00.000-04:002010-03-20T18:25:27.196-04:00Help.My sister passed away suddenly on Thursday. The family and amazing community in Ashville, OH where my sister lived have mostly taken care of the funeral expenses. How fortunate these boys live in a small community, a tight knit community where the generosity is overwhelming.<br />
<br />
If you would like to help, please trust the money would go to good use. Anything extra would be put in a fund for my three nephews. My oldest nephew, who is of legal age, would like custody of his twin 13yo brothers so the boys can stay together. <br />
<br />
As you can imagine, there is no life insurance. She was only 42. The coroner suspects an aneurysm and with her history of blood clots, he is most likely correct.<br />
<br />
If I could support these boys on my own, I would. I wouldn't be here, publicly asking for help. But I am putting my pride aside for the sake of my family. Whatever you can spare is appreciated. Use the donate button at the top of the page.<br />
<br />
Thank you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-60300952258265761502010-03-19T00:04:00.000-04:002010-03-19T00:04:08.138-04:00So Much.So much going on, I don't know where to start. Maybe I will gather my thoughts in the next week or so. I haven't dropped off the face of the earth, I'm still here. Sorta.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-21182783919022984222010-03-05T20:16:00.001-05:002010-03-05T20:19:49.842-05:00Cakepop UpdateUm, it didn't go so well. Problems encountered include:<br />
<ul><li>Cakepop didn't start out in perfect sphere shape. I'm anal and this didn't sit well with me, but I forged on.</li>
<li>Cakepop was too big/heavy which meant it didn't really want to stay on the stick and started breaking apart. The consistency was off from the beginning.</li>
<li>Red candy melts don't really look red, which was just weird.</li>
<li>I still never found the perfect candy for Elmo's eyes and that bugged me too.</li>
<li>Did you know that edible ink markers do not like to write on white chocolate chips? Lesson learned.</li>
<li>Did you know that adding coloring to candy melts totally f's up the consistency and you have to put shortening (not oil - the white Crisco stuff) in to get it back? I learned this the hard way too.</li>
<li>Candy melts consistency was way too thick and, um, just looked wrong. Like Elmo was wearing a severely misshapen head. It was just wrong. Oh very wrong.</li>
</ul><br />
I'm posting this now so I don't have to dwell on this tomorrow. <br />
<br />
On the upside, the Cookie Monster cupcake turned out pretty well. Yay me. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-69754865299535403652010-03-03T11:46:00.000-05:002010-03-03T11:46:14.711-05:00Cakepops.Apparently all two of my blog readers are intrigued by my cakepop remark so here ya go. <br />
<br />
A cakeop is cake, in "pop" form, like lollipop form. You can find more about cakepops, like how to make them and stuff, on the <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/">Bakerella</a>. <br />
<br />
I want to make the Elmo one pictured here for Ricky's party. I hope Bakerella doesn't mind that I stole her pic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2726/4087817029_c583305fbf_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2726/4087817029_c583305fbf_o.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See, now I HAVE to make them since I have announced to the <strike>world</strike> my two dedicated readers that I am making them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although I am trying to do them free of artificial red dye. You can stop with the laughter now. I bought some natural dye but I am concerned Elmo will be more Abby Cadabby pink or Telly fuschia. I also have yet to find the magic white candies for Elmo's eyes so that might make him look a little odd also. Ugh, the pressure!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In addition to Elmo, I'm also making Cookie Monster cupcakes. See? Kinda like these but minus the coconut and using a star tip and blue frosting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/2009/02/cookie-monster-cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/2009/02/cookie-monster-cupcake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You may ask why. Here's why. I ordered a cake from Safeway last year. Simple instructions included use red/blue/yellow, add some balloons and it should say Happy Birthday Ricky. That's it. Easy enough, right? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I picked up the cake, had no other options since it was an hour before party time, and the balloons looked like they had diarrhea, the "strings" were the same color as the balloon, not black, and they were all squiggly. There was this confetti looking crap sprinkled everywhere and it really just looked like the frosting bag exploded. The edging was horrendous. The penmanship, a 4 year old could have done better, it wasn't centered at all, it was a <a href="http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/">Cakewreck </a>for sure. Do they get people like right off the street to do this? Is there ANY training or working alongside people. WTF - where is quality control? It was awful and I hated putting it out but it was all I had. I was horribly embarrassed. So I refuse to let someone else screw it up this time. At least now, if they are awful, I have nobody to blame but myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now, I might have to go to WalMart to find some stuff. I hate that place. </div><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-38512212043089218742010-03-02T23:46:00.000-05:002010-03-02T23:46:38.339-05:00Preparations and Other News.Preparations are being made for a toddler birthday party. <br />
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I use the word preparations very loosely. I still have plenty to do. And honestly, I just don't wanna do it. I find that work is kicking my butt more and more every day, maybe that means I am getting more important? <br />
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Back to the party prep. Stuff left to do includes:<br />
<ul><li>Find a place to hide various random stuff in the house. I have a whole basement, it's not a huge deal, I just have to take it out. Guests just won't go in the basement so don't ask.</li>
<li>Take out the trash. I didn't on Sunday night and the cleaning ladies were here and now there is like a gaggle of trash to go out. Ugh. That's boy work and unfortunately the boy of the house isn't here. </li>
<li>Stuff goody bags.</li>
<li>Bake cupcakes & decorate. We have a Sesame Street theme going on so there is some work required.</li>
<li>Make cakepops. There's a whole process and stuff. It's kinda time consuming. It is a bit of a lofty goal for me but the minute I saw them, I fell in love and knew no other dessert would do for Ricky's birthday. </li>
<li>Dust? Nah, it's ok, the cleaning lady was here last week. Scratch this one from the list.</li>
<li>Buy white candy melts, I thought I had them already and I guess I didn't. Boo. Trip to Michael's is required. When the heck do I have time to do that? </li>
<li>Whatever else comes up and something always does. </li>
</ul> In other news, I have decided to break Ricky of the binky. Or B.B. as he calls it. I have never been of the mindset to really take it away just because it is comforting to him and who am I to take away his comfort. I am, however, totally and utterly grossed out about the state of the binky. He gets one at bedtime and it's the one he keeps through the next day. At the end of each day, B.B. goes in the basket in the dishwasher. Of course, it is rinsed umpteen million times a day. If he were at home all day, not really a huge thing. But he's not and then it gets dropped and gets so very grody. Gag. We're keeping it for naps and bedtime because I do not want to deal with a screaming kid in the middle of the night. He will drop it when he's ready He also drools like crazy when he is messing with it and then he gets this little rashy stuff under his bottom lip and that's bugging me too.<br />
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The upside of all of this, and this wasn't my primary motivation but it's a nice side effect, is his speech. For no reason other than because I can, I have always been totally paranoid about his speech progress. His body is clearly focusing on gross motor skills - dude can drop and kick a football midair, like punt. For realz. I think that takes skills - I can't even do it. But he just never made a whole lot of effort to talk because he would point or mumble and we would meet his every need. Now, without the binky, more Hello's and Goodbye's are being said. More rambling. He reads along with me when I read his bedtime book to him. It's pretty cool. So like I said, it's nice.<br />
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And he really does have the sweetest little voice. I love hearing that sweet voice.<br />
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If I just complained about being so tired and work kicking my butt, why am I blogging at 11:46pm?<br />
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Night folks. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-30709417444496110552010-02-28T21:52:00.000-05:002010-02-28T21:52:01.663-05:00Missing Daddy.Daddy left today. Needless to say, there was a little boy that was very sad about this. Rick picked him up to give him a hug Goodbye and when I went to take Ricky from Daddy, he just pushed me away and said "Noooo."<br />
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He clearly did not want Daddy to leave. He was upset for a few but then I pulled out the Play Doh and all was right with the world once again. <br />
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And now the house is quiet. Even when Ricky is awake, without Rick here, the house is quiet. <br />
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It's weird this time, Rick traveling. He has to travel sometimes for work and it's no big deal. Ricky and I can hang just fine on our own. I am fortunate to have a pretty cool kid. I say "Let's go to bed" and he grabs the blankie and starts climbing the stairs. See? Lucky.<br />
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I guess we just miss him more this time around. Definitely. <br />
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In the meantime, I have dinner plans for Weds & Thurs - anyone wanna meet for some playtime and dinner on Mon or Tues? I need things to wear out the toddler thus ensuring a good nights sleep. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-49179676333052238922010-02-23T23:29:00.000-05:002010-02-23T23:29:06.134-05:00Frenemies?There once was a little boy. A rambunctious lad who had fun wherever he went. He was vibrant, energetic and had a smile that could charm any gal within miles. All the girls at school had crushes on him.<br />
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And then Ricky showed up. Uh oh.<br />
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Ok, I don't really know if that's how it went but that's how it's going in my head. At least when I am piecing together tidbits of the stories I am getting from the daycare teachers.<br />
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There are about 14 kids in Ricky's daycare class. I think it is about 2/3 girls and 1/3 boys. I could be wrong, they gave me a Valentine's Day list and I really didn't pay that close attention.<br />
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And then there's Isaiah. Ah, Isaiah. Ricky's frenemy. Ricky and this guy could be cut from the same cloth. They are both adorable and very physical. They love to run and chase and laugh. They are very rambunctious when they get together and often times, can get in to trouble. I do not envy those ladies at daycare for having to care for both at the same time. Not one single bit.<br />
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These two boys bring a whole new dynamic to nap time. To ensure a peaceful nap time, they have to be on opposite sides of the room from each other. Go forbid Ms Sandra be rubbing Ricky on the back and Isaiah sees, that is just not allowed! For the record, Ricky feels the exact same way about him.<br />
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Today, perfect example. I arrive to drop off Ricky and Isaiah runs up to greet him by shoving a shark in his face and screaming RAWR!!! Ricky responded in kind by yelling back and shoving him to the ground.<br />
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And then they ran off playing together. Until someone scooped Ricky up to get breakfast. He seriously pitched a fit because he preferred to play with his frenemy, Isaiah.<br />
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Don't you wish things were as simple as when you were two?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1907596568476966552.post-24875686694538353312010-02-20T00:04:00.000-05:002010-02-20T00:04:50.611-05:00Not Again!I think I'm sick again. Actually, I know I am.<br />
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Not like SICK sick. But got a crappy cold again sick. I felt it coming on last night right around the time I went to bed. A little bit of sinus congestion, slightly scratchy throat. This morning, oh yeah, welcome back old friend. I missed the snot filled head and sore throat from the post nasal drop. You're an a-hole.<br />
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Wasn't your last visit enough? I think you were here for roundabout 5 or 6 weeks. I learned to use a Neti Pot, went through 2 rounds of antibiotics, a bout with steroids, enough Mucinex to stock a small drugstore. Today, I have had no less than five Zicam chewy thingies, 2 glasses of Airborne, a <a href="http://www.vitaminwater.com/">Vitamin Water</a> with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitaya">DragonFruit</a>+c and um, some other stuff.<br />
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I guess this is the price I pay for escaping the hibernation of my home following Snowtoious B.I.G. and going to the mall play area. Freakin' germy kids. <br />
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But really germs, didn't you have your way with me this time around. Please. I can't afford it. I have a birthday party for a houseful of toddlers in two weeks. I can't handle it. If I ask and say pretty please with a cherry on top and beg and bat my eyelashes will that work?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/227/5D26EEEAD098BC23CD86DF96AE3A3563.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: medium none;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3