Sweetie didn't come up with too many funnies this week. Only a small bit of wisdom when I grabbed the oil delivery envelop off the front door.
What's that, Mommy?
Nothing. Just a bill.
Oh. We don't like bills. We only like letters.
Amen, Sista! You got that right!
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So, I thought I'd share a couple doozies I found during my recent tours of the blogosphere.
This first one comes from my new friend over at Crooked Pigtails. One of her two adorable daughters, Miss A, has some very definite ideas about what they need to get at the grocery store. Go check it out!
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Then there's this one from Breed 'Em and Weep. When I read this entry I was mightily amused, to say the least. Then I attempted to read it aloud to Hubby... and I just couldn't do it! I was laughing too hard to get through. So, go on. Go read it, hon. DO IT NOW!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Whatever
I am not a strongly opinionated person. Give me an issue - any issue - and I'll most likely see both sides of the coin. That, or I'll just not get too hyped up about one option or the other. Whatever.
Some might think it's a blessing to be so open-minded. To be able to relate to so many varying points of view. But I have a different take on it. I've always thought that I'm too wishy-washy. Too not able to make a stand. Too not caring enough about any one thing.
However, one topic I'm glad I'm not so caring about is T.V. I know I've mentioned many times what big T.V. watchers we are. The T.V. is almost always on - sometimes for no other reason but to have background noise. That's kind of how I grew up. It's what I'm used to.
But we've been without several of our favorite cable channels for about a month now. And you know what? I don't miss them at all. I don't think Hubby does either. It's just not necessary to plop on the sofa watching, again, how people should dress themselves, or how a bland living room can transform into a relaxing, beautiful oasis. Really - who cares?
Hubby, though, is one who can get very into his shows. If he's home, and one of his shows is on when Sweetie needs to go to bed, one of three things must happen to make his world right: 1) He must get Sweetie up and settled in bed well before his show starts, 2) I need to take over bedtime duties so Hubby doesn't miss one second of his show, or 3) the VCR must be set up to tape said beloved show so that Hubby is free to take his time with Sweetie, then watch his show in peace once she's asleep.
I, too, have my own shows that I love. But, whereas Hubby must at all costs view his shows in their entirety without interruption, I am not so put out by the act of putting Sweetie to bed in the middle of my T.V. time. Or doing the dishes. Or starting a load of laundry. Or taking a phone call. I can multi-task just fine.
I asked Hubby to tape Oprah for me yesterday. The commercials looked interesting and I wanted to watch. He meant to do it, but he got distracted and forgot. Whatever. I'll see it sometime when it's a repeat.
I love American Idol. But I inevitably miss a performance or two during Sweetie's bedtime each week. Whatever - I'll see the wrap up at the end of the show and at least get a glimpse of everyone's singing.
And that's another thing! American Idol this season. Everyone hates Sanjaya. No one can understand why on Earth he's still around. One of my co-workers is so worked up about him that she's vowed not to watch anymore if he doesn't get booted tonight (he didn't - what a shocker). One of my friends vehemently can't stand the sight of him either. She always emails me after the performance shows and asks me who I'm voting for.
The difference between she and I? She's actually picking up the phone and voting. I'm not.
Cuz you know what I say, right? Whatever. I too don't like Sanjaya. I too don't understand who the heck is voting for him enough each week to keep him on. Furthermore, I'm not too thrilled with any of the singers this year. I have my favorites, but I think they'll do well regardless of whether or not they win this contest. I'm not living and breathing in accordance to this show. I'm entertained by it. I enjoy watching it. But I don't care, by and large, about who stays and goes, wins or loses.
People all around me are getting so worked up about this show's controversy. People all around me are so busy being outraged by all the injustices in the world in general - or just what's going wrong in one's own hometown.
Me? I'm just living my life, trying to mind my own business, being grateful for all that I have, helping others where I know I can, and staying out of the way of the craziness.
Not that it's a bad thing to get worked up about certain things and fight the good fight. As long as you're willing to fight - go for it! It's just not for me.
So, what do you think about that? Whatever... I'm not too concerned.
Some might think it's a blessing to be so open-minded. To be able to relate to so many varying points of view. But I have a different take on it. I've always thought that I'm too wishy-washy. Too not able to make a stand. Too not caring enough about any one thing.
However, one topic I'm glad I'm not so caring about is T.V. I know I've mentioned many times what big T.V. watchers we are. The T.V. is almost always on - sometimes for no other reason but to have background noise. That's kind of how I grew up. It's what I'm used to.
But we've been without several of our favorite cable channels for about a month now. And you know what? I don't miss them at all. I don't think Hubby does either. It's just not necessary to plop on the sofa watching, again, how people should dress themselves, or how a bland living room can transform into a relaxing, beautiful oasis. Really - who cares?
Hubby, though, is one who can get very into his shows. If he's home, and one of his shows is on when Sweetie needs to go to bed, one of three things must happen to make his world right: 1) He must get Sweetie up and settled in bed well before his show starts, 2) I need to take over bedtime duties so Hubby doesn't miss one second of his show, or 3) the VCR must be set up to tape said beloved show so that Hubby is free to take his time with Sweetie, then watch his show in peace once she's asleep.
I, too, have my own shows that I love. But, whereas Hubby must at all costs view his shows in their entirety without interruption, I am not so put out by the act of putting Sweetie to bed in the middle of my T.V. time. Or doing the dishes. Or starting a load of laundry. Or taking a phone call. I can multi-task just fine.
I asked Hubby to tape Oprah for me yesterday. The commercials looked interesting and I wanted to watch. He meant to do it, but he got distracted and forgot. Whatever. I'll see it sometime when it's a repeat.
I love American Idol. But I inevitably miss a performance or two during Sweetie's bedtime each week. Whatever - I'll see the wrap up at the end of the show and at least get a glimpse of everyone's singing.
And that's another thing! American Idol this season. Everyone hates Sanjaya. No one can understand why on Earth he's still around. One of my co-workers is so worked up about him that she's vowed not to watch anymore if he doesn't get booted tonight (he didn't - what a shocker). One of my friends vehemently can't stand the sight of him either. She always emails me after the performance shows and asks me who I'm voting for.
The difference between she and I? She's actually picking up the phone and voting. I'm not.
Cuz you know what I say, right? Whatever. I too don't like Sanjaya. I too don't understand who the heck is voting for him enough each week to keep him on. Furthermore, I'm not too thrilled with any of the singers this year. I have my favorites, but I think they'll do well regardless of whether or not they win this contest. I'm not living and breathing in accordance to this show. I'm entertained by it. I enjoy watching it. But I don't care, by and large, about who stays and goes, wins or loses.
People all around me are getting so worked up about this show's controversy. People all around me are so busy being outraged by all the injustices in the world in general - or just what's going wrong in one's own hometown.
Me? I'm just living my life, trying to mind my own business, being grateful for all that I have, helping others where I know I can, and staying out of the way of the craziness.
Not that it's a bad thing to get worked up about certain things and fight the good fight. As long as you're willing to fight - go for it! It's just not for me.
So, what do you think about that? Whatever... I'm not too concerned.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Mama Monday #54
Theme: Surfacing
Okay, this may be stretching the theme a bit, but I just had to find an excuse to post these (poor quality cell phone) pics of Sweetie surfacing from her very first dentist appointment today!
(Okay, maybe not so much surfacing here, seeing as she's in the thick of things in these shots. But rest assured, she did awesome and surfaced from the experience in tip top condition! Yay, Sweetie!)
Dig those rock star sunglasses.
Okay, this may be stretching the theme a bit, but I just had to find an excuse to post these (poor quality cell phone) pics of Sweetie surfacing from her very first dentist appointment today!
(Okay, maybe not so much surfacing here, seeing as she's in the thick of things in these shots. But rest assured, she did awesome and surfaced from the experience in tip top condition! Yay, Sweetie!)
Dig those rock star sunglasses.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
The Unbearable Lightness of Being...*
...Sick.
Kinda, sorta.
A little bit.
But not really.
* (apologies to the author, and fans, of the book by the same title. Never read it. Have no clue what it's about. Just thought it worked well for my purposes today).
For about 2 weeks now, on and off, Sweetie has been fighting something. A virus of some sort. She's had a fever - it's come and gone - as high as 102.7. At which point she's rosey-cheeked, sleepy and in a general funk. But that's. That's all it is.
Her appetite, which isn't that great to begin with, has waxed and waned along with her fever. She's occasionally looked a little pale as of late.
Every once in awhile she'll complain that her tummy hurts.
But she's still eating, and what she eats has stayed with her.
She's not stuffy. She's still playful. She's still acting just fine.
It's just that dang fever.
Last Thursday I had to pick her up from school only an hour after I'd dropped her off. Her fever had returned - checking in at 101.5. And she was pale.
The rules say she can't go to school if she has a fever or if she's had a fever within the past 24 hours.
So she had to come home.
A couple weeks ago I kept her home from school on a Tuesday because the previous afternoon, her fever was up to 102.7.
But I felt very uneasy with that decision. I knew I was following the rules of the school. But that morning, right before I would have taken her, she didn't have a fever. And she was acting just fine.
Oh, woe is me. Woe is Sweetie.
And since I've picked her up from school this past Thursday - she's been fine. A quiet, somewhat fever-ish day on Thursday. But since - just fine. Playful, happy, silly, and hungry.
At this rate, I don't expect the fever to return until Monday or Tuesday - thus thwarting yet another school day.
Gee, I just love paying for her school when she isn't allowed to go there.
Kinda, sorta.
A little bit.
But not really.
* (apologies to the author, and fans, of the book by the same title. Never read it. Have no clue what it's about. Just thought it worked well for my purposes today).
For about 2 weeks now, on and off, Sweetie has been fighting something. A virus of some sort. She's had a fever - it's come and gone - as high as 102.7. At which point she's rosey-cheeked, sleepy and in a general funk. But that's. That's all it is.
Her appetite, which isn't that great to begin with, has waxed and waned along with her fever. She's occasionally looked a little pale as of late.
Every once in awhile she'll complain that her tummy hurts.
But she's still eating, and what she eats has stayed with her.
She's not stuffy. She's still playful. She's still acting just fine.
It's just that dang fever.
Last Thursday I had to pick her up from school only an hour after I'd dropped her off. Her fever had returned - checking in at 101.5. And she was pale.
The rules say she can't go to school if she has a fever or if she's had a fever within the past 24 hours.
So she had to come home.
A couple weeks ago I kept her home from school on a Tuesday because the previous afternoon, her fever was up to 102.7.
But I felt very uneasy with that decision. I knew I was following the rules of the school. But that morning, right before I would have taken her, she didn't have a fever. And she was acting just fine.
Oh, woe is me. Woe is Sweetie.
And since I've picked her up from school this past Thursday - she's been fine. A quiet, somewhat fever-ish day on Thursday. But since - just fine. Playful, happy, silly, and hungry.
At this rate, I don't expect the fever to return until Monday or Tuesday - thus thwarting yet another school day.
Gee, I just love paying for her school when she isn't allowed to go there.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Sweetie Saturday #50
Whenever I want to drive home a point to Sweetie, I almost always end my instruction with,
Do you understand?
Case in point - the other day she was dragging our bamboo footstool across the hardwood floor. It was turned upside down and all her friends were inside. She said it was her car.
Stop that! It ruins the floor. Do you understand?
Still, I think it took one or two more reminders for her to reluctantly stop.
Then, a few minutes later, she comes up to me and says,
But Mommy, there's an imaginary blanket underneath my car. It won't hurt the floor anymore. Do you understand?
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I feel a little redundant with this one, 'cuz I already posted it this week over at my new favorite website (there's a cool tool where you can ad kidisms to your personal account - funny things you're kids have said or done). But for everyone visiting here....
We were watching Grease:You're The One That I Want the other night when the Sandys sang Hopelessly Devoted To You. Sweetie commented,
This is a Grease song... I mean, it's in the movie. Cuz, Grease doesn't sing it. Sandy does.
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And finally, more undeniable proof that my Sweetie is growing up.
I present to you her very first spelling assignment from school.
While I'm not entirely sure what all the words are there (what does ne mean?), at least I know her teacher was satisfied with Sweetie's work. She got everything correct!
Yay, Sweetie! Great job!
Do you understand?
Case in point - the other day she was dragging our bamboo footstool across the hardwood floor. It was turned upside down and all her friends were inside. She said it was her car.
Stop that! It ruins the floor. Do you understand?
Still, I think it took one or two more reminders for her to reluctantly stop.
Then, a few minutes later, she comes up to me and says,
But Mommy, there's an imaginary blanket underneath my car. It won't hurt the floor anymore. Do you understand?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I feel a little redundant with this one, 'cuz I already posted it this week over at my new favorite website (there's a cool tool where you can ad kidisms to your personal account - funny things you're kids have said or done). But for everyone visiting here....
We were watching Grease:You're The One That I Want the other night when the Sandys sang Hopelessly Devoted To You. Sweetie commented,
This is a Grease song... I mean, it's in the movie. Cuz, Grease doesn't sing it. Sandy does.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, more undeniable proof that my Sweetie is growing up.
I present to you her very first spelling assignment from school.
While I'm not entirely sure what all the words are there (what does ne mean?), at least I know her teacher was satisfied with Sweetie's work. She got everything correct!
Yay, Sweetie! Great job!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
What I Think About Sometimes....
Do I work Sweetie too hard? Do I expect too much from her at too early an age?
I ask her (and expect her) to help me put folded kitchen towels from the dryer into the kitchen drawer. I ask her to help me take the dryer contents to the living room for folding. I even ask her to to carry small piles of clean clothes upstairs to the rightful owner's room.
I sometimes have her help me put the plasticware and some of the silverware away when I empty the dishwasher.
And I need her to be a big girl for me when I drop her off at school - she needs to be helpful as we walk into the building together.
One drop-off instance last week did not go so well - at first. We pulled into the parking space at her school and Sweetie started crying that she did not want to be there.
I got out and went around to unclick her from her booster seat and help her out. Instead, I spent more than five minutes listening to her scream NO! at me and trying to reason with her about why she needed to go to school and why she needed to calm down and walk in the building with me. Why she needed to help me help her.
I gave her the ultimatum that she could either stop crying and walk in with me, or I'd have to call one of her teachers on my cell phone to come out to the car and carry her in - crying or not. And I had my cell phone at the ready - a threat I was fully prepared to go through with.
Admittedly, I did give this particular threat a few chances to sink in. She very adamantly did not want me to call the teacher. So I gave her the opportunity to settle down and decide to walk with me. And after a few minutes, she did just that.
In fact, she stopped her tears, resolutely walked into her classroom, allowed me to help her hang up her coat and bag, and then help her get a tissue in the bathroom to dry her eyes.
She hugged me goodbye, said she was okay, and that was that. I left her there to have a great day at school - and she did.
What's my point? I'm not sure. I'm at once proud of Sweetie for working with me to get things done - either chores around the house or help with getting her from place to place. But at the same time I feel a little bad that I ask so much of her sometimes.
The things I ask her to do for me really do help to make my situation a little easier to manage. I mean, it's kind of a pain (not literally, thank goodness) for me to go back and forth from the laundry room to the living room with arm loads full of laundry. I can do it, but it takes a lot more effort for me than for others. Likewise, I cannot easily climb stairs - especially while carrying piles of laundry. I can do it, but, again, not as easily as others.
But then again, maybe these types of tasks are also too much to ask of a 4- year old.
As for the walking with me and calming down and helping me help her - this is an absolute must for Sweetie whenever she and I are out alone together. I cannot lift and carry her anywhere. She must be calm and willing (even begrudgingly so) to walk with me as we make our way to various places.
Other moms are able to physically deal with an unwilling child. Other moms can just scoop the kid up and plop them down where they need to be. Other moms can take the bull by the horns and make things go the way they need them to go - whether the kid likes it or not.
But my Sweetie needs to buck up, be a big girl, and help her Mommy out as calmly as possible every single time - no ifs, ands or buts.
That's actually probably a good thing. It's teaching Sweetie compassion, responsibility and helpfulness. Being my daughter is instilling some very important lessons into Sweetie's life. And that's really wonderful!
I just sometimes feel a little bad, a little sad, that Sweetie has to think about such things right now. She can't just flip out uncontrollably, like little kids sometimes really need to do. I mean, she can, but as she's getting older, we're teaching her more and more to understand why she mustn't do that. We're insisting that she get a grip and move on with it.
All in the name of helping her Mommy stay well. All in the name of helping her Mommy take care of her.
Still - she shouldn't have to worry about keeping me safe. She shouldn't have to worry about how she's taken care of. She just needs to know, like other kids, that she is.
That's all I'm sayin'.
I ask her (and expect her) to help me put folded kitchen towels from the dryer into the kitchen drawer. I ask her to help me take the dryer contents to the living room for folding. I even ask her to to carry small piles of clean clothes upstairs to the rightful owner's room.
I sometimes have her help me put the plasticware and some of the silverware away when I empty the dishwasher.
And I need her to be a big girl for me when I drop her off at school - she needs to be helpful as we walk into the building together.
One drop-off instance last week did not go so well - at first. We pulled into the parking space at her school and Sweetie started crying that she did not want to be there.
I got out and went around to unclick her from her booster seat and help her out. Instead, I spent more than five minutes listening to her scream NO! at me and trying to reason with her about why she needed to go to school and why she needed to calm down and walk in the building with me. Why she needed to help me help her.
I gave her the ultimatum that she could either stop crying and walk in with me, or I'd have to call one of her teachers on my cell phone to come out to the car and carry her in - crying or not. And I had my cell phone at the ready - a threat I was fully prepared to go through with.
Admittedly, I did give this particular threat a few chances to sink in. She very adamantly did not want me to call the teacher. So I gave her the opportunity to settle down and decide to walk with me. And after a few minutes, she did just that.
In fact, she stopped her tears, resolutely walked into her classroom, allowed me to help her hang up her coat and bag, and then help her get a tissue in the bathroom to dry her eyes.
She hugged me goodbye, said she was okay, and that was that. I left her there to have a great day at school - and she did.
What's my point? I'm not sure. I'm at once proud of Sweetie for working with me to get things done - either chores around the house or help with getting her from place to place. But at the same time I feel a little bad that I ask so much of her sometimes.
The things I ask her to do for me really do help to make my situation a little easier to manage. I mean, it's kind of a pain (not literally, thank goodness) for me to go back and forth from the laundry room to the living room with arm loads full of laundry. I can do it, but it takes a lot more effort for me than for others. Likewise, I cannot easily climb stairs - especially while carrying piles of laundry. I can do it, but, again, not as easily as others.
But then again, maybe these types of tasks are also too much to ask of a 4- year old.
As for the walking with me and calming down and helping me help her - this is an absolute must for Sweetie whenever she and I are out alone together. I cannot lift and carry her anywhere. She must be calm and willing (even begrudgingly so) to walk with me as we make our way to various places.
Other moms are able to physically deal with an unwilling child. Other moms can just scoop the kid up and plop them down where they need to be. Other moms can take the bull by the horns and make things go the way they need them to go - whether the kid likes it or not.
But my Sweetie needs to buck up, be a big girl, and help her Mommy out as calmly as possible every single time - no ifs, ands or buts.
That's actually probably a good thing. It's teaching Sweetie compassion, responsibility and helpfulness. Being my daughter is instilling some very important lessons into Sweetie's life. And that's really wonderful!
I just sometimes feel a little bad, a little sad, that Sweetie has to think about such things right now. She can't just flip out uncontrollably, like little kids sometimes really need to do. I mean, she can, but as she's getting older, we're teaching her more and more to understand why she mustn't do that. We're insisting that she get a grip and move on with it.
All in the name of helping her Mommy stay well. All in the name of helping her Mommy take care of her.
Still - she shouldn't have to worry about keeping me safe. She shouldn't have to worry about how she's taken care of. She just needs to know, like other kids, that she is.
That's all I'm sayin'.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Mama Monday #53
Theme: Light
I found this picture of Sweetie, when she was just over 2 years old. I love how the light plays through the gauzy curtain. I love how peaceful and serene she appears as she studies, of all things, the remains of her beloved breakfast bar.
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And now for something completely new (if not absolutely askew... sorry, I can't for the life of me figure out how to turn this thing right side up! If you know, please - do tell!).
Here's a video I just took of Sweetie - specifically for this occasion.
Here she is, explaining her famous Sweetism - "lighty dark"
I found this picture of Sweetie, when she was just over 2 years old. I love how the light plays through the gauzy curtain. I love how peaceful and serene she appears as she studies, of all things, the remains of her beloved breakfast bar.
---------------------------------------------------------------
And now for something completely new (if not absolutely askew... sorry, I can't for the life of me figure out how to turn this thing right side up! If you know, please - do tell!).
Here's a video I just took of Sweetie - specifically for this occasion.
Here she is, explaining her famous Sweetism - "lighty dark"
Sunday, March 18, 2007
I've Got Friends In Cyber Spaces
Ya know, it honestly all started after my Hubby started receiving email notifications by the ton, saying that his "Buddy" had left him a note. Or his "Buddy" had posted a new blog entry. Or his "Buddy" wanted to ask his advice on one woodworking project or another.
Who the heck are all these "Buddies" and why are they infiltrating our email inbox at such an alarming rate?
Kinda makes a girl feel lonely.
Meanwhile, I got an invitation to join yet another Mom's website - Maya's Mom.
I've been invited before by such sites. And I've pretty much joined them all. But that's it. Nothing comes of it. So my blog is listed on some big blogrolls. That's great and all, but it hasn't necessarily meant the formation of friendships or even the slightest interaction with/networking with different people all over the world.
Still, I accepted the invite anyway. What the heck?! I registered and looked around the site a bit. Actually - this place seemed pretty cool!
For one thing, my blog feeds there, so whenever I post something here at Spina Bifida Moms, it automatically is available to read at Maya's Mom (Hi everyone!). And members can comment on my entries there as well.
Or, if I want to post an entry (called a Journal) only there, I can do that too. And I've done just that, in association with my Maya's Mom group - Thursday Night Play Date.
But maybe most awesome are all the friendships I'm forming. Since I decided to establish my group, I've invited each new group member to be my Friend. As a Friend, you can view each other's private photos and keep up to date on everyone's latest Maya's Mom activities and interests.
Now I'm the one who's getting all the email updates about what's going on with my Friends! I love getting those messages! Everytime someone puts a new comment on one of my Friends Only pictures I've posted. Everytime someone wants to join TNPD. Everytime someone comments on one of my Journal entries - I get an email!
I love getting to know these women. I love looking at their adorable pictures and reading their amazing journal entries. I love to see who's most recently joined the site. I love to pass notes between us - notes of Thanks, notes to say You Rock! and notes just to say Hi.
Yes, seeing that I have so many emails coming in just for me is exciting. It really does give me a lift. But it's much more than that. Actually going on-line, browsing around, and establishing true connections with all my new friends is really amazing. So many smart, funny, interested people are Maya's Mom members. And I'm so glad to be a real part of that.
Who the heck are all these "Buddies" and why are they infiltrating our email inbox at such an alarming rate?
Kinda makes a girl feel lonely.
Meanwhile, I got an invitation to join yet another Mom's website - Maya's Mom.
I've been invited before by such sites. And I've pretty much joined them all. But that's it. Nothing comes of it. So my blog is listed on some big blogrolls. That's great and all, but it hasn't necessarily meant the formation of friendships or even the slightest interaction with/networking with different people all over the world.
Still, I accepted the invite anyway. What the heck?! I registered and looked around the site a bit. Actually - this place seemed pretty cool!
For one thing, my blog feeds there, so whenever I post something here at Spina Bifida Moms, it automatically is available to read at Maya's Mom (Hi everyone!). And members can comment on my entries there as well.
Or, if I want to post an entry (called a Journal) only there, I can do that too. And I've done just that, in association with my Maya's Mom group - Thursday Night Play Date.
But maybe most awesome are all the friendships I'm forming. Since I decided to establish my group, I've invited each new group member to be my Friend. As a Friend, you can view each other's private photos and keep up to date on everyone's latest Maya's Mom activities and interests.
Now I'm the one who's getting all the email updates about what's going on with my Friends! I love getting those messages! Everytime someone puts a new comment on one of my Friends Only pictures I've posted. Everytime someone wants to join TNPD. Everytime someone comments on one of my Journal entries - I get an email!
I love getting to know these women. I love looking at their adorable pictures and reading their amazing journal entries. I love to see who's most recently joined the site. I love to pass notes between us - notes of Thanks, notes to say You Rock! and notes just to say Hi.
Yes, seeing that I have so many emails coming in just for me is exciting. It really does give me a lift. But it's much more than that. Actually going on-line, browsing around, and establishing true connections with all my new friends is really amazing. So many smart, funny, interested people are Maya's Mom members. And I'm so glad to be a real part of that.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Sweetie Saturday #49
There are no bones about it - at only 5 ft. tall, I am short. Oh well. At least I can take solace in the fact that, for now, I am at least taller than Sweetie. Still, that didn't help me the other day when I was trying to reach one of her cups on the top shelf.
I called to my Hubby, who was in the living room with Sweetie,
Can you please help me? I can't reach this cup.
Hubby didn't hear me.
What?
But before I could call out again, Sweetie explained to him,
Mommy can't reach my cup because she's too medium.
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As I've mentioned before, Sweetie and I often work on putting together her map of the United States puzzle. She's getting really good at recognizing many of the states. I'm truly impressed!
To help her make better associations, I've told her such things as, This (Florida) is Mickey Mouse's state. This (Illinois) is where Oprah lives. and This (Ohio) is where I lived when I was your age.
I realized, however, that I may have taken this association thing too far when Sweetie pointed to the state just west of North Dakota and said,
This is Hannah!
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Guess what? Sweetie, my hasn't-taken-a-midday-nap-in-ages daughter, actually fell asleep this week during her Pre-K rest time! Wow - color me amazed!
That evening I was reminding her for some reason of how she sat with Daddy on the couch that morning and he held her with two hands as she drank her morning milk.
You mean the other day. Sweetie said.
No, it was just this morning, don't you remember?
Yeah! That was not this day! It was the other day!, Sweetie insisted.
No, Sweetie. It was definitely this morning, right before I took you to school.
Then she explained her reasoning,
No, it was the other day! I went to school and fell asleep. So I waked up and it was a new day!
----------------------------------------------------------------
Even though we don't get to see him as often as we'd like, Sweetie absolutely loves our friend Mark. So one day, out of the blue (and clearly desperate for something to entertain Sweetie) I invented a game: What Do You Think Mark's Doing Now?
Sweetie's usual answer (for the limited number of rounds we've played) was that he's at the popcorn store (the movie theater). She must have gotten this from us telling her how much he likes to watch movies.
Anyway, we played this silly game maybe a few times that week. That's it. Since then, many weeks, maybe even months, have passed.
Cut to just the other night at dinner time. Sweetie and I were quietly sitting at the table, waiting for Daddy to join us.
Sweetie must have been a little uneasy with our silence because she eventually said to me, with a smirk on her face.
So, Mommy.... um... What do you think Mark is doing now?
Well, if he's reading this now, I'd say he's probably laughin'.
I called to my Hubby, who was in the living room with Sweetie,
Can you please help me? I can't reach this cup.
Hubby didn't hear me.
What?
But before I could call out again, Sweetie explained to him,
Mommy can't reach my cup because she's too medium.
----------------------------------------------------------------
As I've mentioned before, Sweetie and I often work on putting together her map of the United States puzzle. She's getting really good at recognizing many of the states. I'm truly impressed!
To help her make better associations, I've told her such things as, This (Florida) is Mickey Mouse's state. This (Illinois) is where Oprah lives. and This (Ohio) is where I lived when I was your age.
I realized, however, that I may have taken this association thing too far when Sweetie pointed to the state just west of North Dakota and said,
This is Hannah!
----------------------------------------------------------------
Guess what? Sweetie, my hasn't-taken-a-midday-nap-in-ages daughter, actually fell asleep this week during her Pre-K rest time! Wow - color me amazed!
That evening I was reminding her for some reason of how she sat with Daddy on the couch that morning and he held her with two hands as she drank her morning milk.
You mean the other day. Sweetie said.
No, it was just this morning, don't you remember?
Yeah! That was not this day! It was the other day!, Sweetie insisted.
No, Sweetie. It was definitely this morning, right before I took you to school.
Then she explained her reasoning,
No, it was the other day! I went to school and fell asleep. So I waked up and it was a new day!
----------------------------------------------------------------
Even though we don't get to see him as often as we'd like, Sweetie absolutely loves our friend Mark. So one day, out of the blue (and clearly desperate for something to entertain Sweetie) I invented a game: What Do You Think Mark's Doing Now?
Sweetie's usual answer (for the limited number of rounds we've played) was that he's at the popcorn store (the movie theater). She must have gotten this from us telling her how much he likes to watch movies.
Anyway, we played this silly game maybe a few times that week. That's it. Since then, many weeks, maybe even months, have passed.
Cut to just the other night at dinner time. Sweetie and I were quietly sitting at the table, waiting for Daddy to join us.
Sweetie must have been a little uneasy with our silence because she eventually said to me, with a smirk on her face.
So, Mommy.... um... What do you think Mark is doing now?
Well, if he's reading this now, I'd say he's probably laughin'.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Too Far
That's it. I'm done. It's over. I've gone too far. My Sweetie needs me way more than the blogosphere does....
At least, that's how I felt this past Monday morning after.... I made. Sweetie. cry.
:O
See, she was working on a puzzle and I was typing up my Mama Monday post. It was a quick post, really, but it had links and stuff, which always adds a little extra work to the project.
Sweetie kept asking for help, and I kept telling her, Just a minute. I'm almost done.
She kept asking for help, and I'd quick go put in a piece of her puzzle, then quick back to my writing.
Just a minute. I'm almost done.
She kept asking for help. And I kept writing... just finishing up... really.
Then.... she burst into angry tears.
I WANT DADDY!
:O
Whoa.
So, guess what I did? No, I didn't keep typing. I went right to Sweetie, to comfort her cries and to work on her puzzle with her.
Man, what a bad Mommy I am! Too busy writing about Sweetie to actually spend time playing with Sweetie.
Yeah, that's real cool. I rock.
Anyway, I've since come to my senses. I'm not giving up on the blog - not at all. I'll just try extra hard to get the majority of my writing done either when Sweetie's in bed or when Hubby is around to play with her.
I mean, that's pretty much what I do anyway. But those Monday posts - if I don't get a chance to write them ahead of time on Sunday night, then inevitably I'll have to take a bit of time on Monday mornings to bang something out.
I need to find a good balance. And I will. I'm almost there.
Also, to be fair, Sweetie may have been just a tad bit moodier earlier this week than usual, seeing as she was getting over a virus and all.
So, you see, maybe I'm not such a bad Mommy after all.
Anyway, as part of my plan to maintain enough me time for myself, as well as ample Sweetie and Mommy play time, I've taken it upon myself to start up a weekly virtual play date for moms only, scheduled for after the kids are in bed. So moms can enjoy a fun, chatty, girly night "out" without ever being too far from their kids. (dig that craaaazzzy seque/title tie-in!)
Called Thursday Night Play Date and set up as a new group over at the awesome website Maya's Mom, my group was formed just a couple days ago and already we're several members strong. Wow! I can't wait to meet everyone!
Wanna join too? I'd love to have you! You'll find the group info here. Like I said, it's a girls' night out (while staying home), pour yourself a glass of wine, log in, and have lots of fun sort of group. We'll be meeting every Thursday night at 9:30 EST and we'll be able to type and receive messages in (almost) real time. Not quite a chat room, but the closest thing to it! We're going to have a blast!
True, you must be registered as a member of Maya's Mom before you can participate. But that's okay. I've been a member for a few weeks now and I keep coming back to the site, always amazed at everything it has to offer - endless amounts of great info; intelligent, fun people; and loads of opportunies to connect and feel welcome. There's really no harm in joining. So come on! Register today and come to my Play Date. And remember, whine - and wine - always allowed. Yay!
Given my new Thursday night commitment, I am going to lay off the Thursday Thirteen for awhile. I want to get my Play Date group going. I want to reach out to other moms on a more personal level. I want to have girl chat time. I want Thursday Night Play Date to flourish and thrive!
Now, I just have to have Hubby run out to the store tomorrow so that I have a fresh bottle of wine to pop open tomorrow night!
A glass of wine and chatting with new girlfriends. With a peacefully sleeping, happy Sweetie snuggled tight in her bed all the while.... tuckered out after a fun evening of girl time for she and I.
Sounds perfect to me. A really great balance, indeed.
At least, that's how I felt this past Monday morning after.... I made. Sweetie. cry.
:O
See, she was working on a puzzle and I was typing up my Mama Monday post. It was a quick post, really, but it had links and stuff, which always adds a little extra work to the project.
Sweetie kept asking for help, and I kept telling her, Just a minute. I'm almost done.
She kept asking for help, and I'd quick go put in a piece of her puzzle, then quick back to my writing.
Just a minute. I'm almost done.
She kept asking for help. And I kept writing... just finishing up... really.
Then.... she burst into angry tears.
I WANT DADDY!
:O
Whoa.
So, guess what I did? No, I didn't keep typing. I went right to Sweetie, to comfort her cries and to work on her puzzle with her.
Man, what a bad Mommy I am! Too busy writing about Sweetie to actually spend time playing with Sweetie.
Yeah, that's real cool. I rock.
Anyway, I've since come to my senses. I'm not giving up on the blog - not at all. I'll just try extra hard to get the majority of my writing done either when Sweetie's in bed or when Hubby is around to play with her.
I mean, that's pretty much what I do anyway. But those Monday posts - if I don't get a chance to write them ahead of time on Sunday night, then inevitably I'll have to take a bit of time on Monday mornings to bang something out.
I need to find a good balance. And I will. I'm almost there.
Also, to be fair, Sweetie may have been just a tad bit moodier earlier this week than usual, seeing as she was getting over a virus and all.
So, you see, maybe I'm not such a bad Mommy after all.
Anyway, as part of my plan to maintain enough me time for myself, as well as ample Sweetie and Mommy play time, I've taken it upon myself to start up a weekly virtual play date for moms only, scheduled for after the kids are in bed. So moms can enjoy a fun, chatty, girly night "out" without ever being too far from their kids. (dig that craaaazzzy seque/title tie-in!)
Called Thursday Night Play Date and set up as a new group over at the awesome website Maya's Mom, my group was formed just a couple days ago and already we're several members strong. Wow! I can't wait to meet everyone!
Wanna join too? I'd love to have you! You'll find the group info here. Like I said, it's a girls' night out (while staying home), pour yourself a glass of wine, log in, and have lots of fun sort of group. We'll be meeting every Thursday night at 9:30 EST and we'll be able to type and receive messages in (almost) real time. Not quite a chat room, but the closest thing to it! We're going to have a blast!
True, you must be registered as a member of Maya's Mom before you can participate. But that's okay. I've been a member for a few weeks now and I keep coming back to the site, always amazed at everything it has to offer - endless amounts of great info; intelligent, fun people; and loads of opportunies to connect and feel welcome. There's really no harm in joining. So come on! Register today and come to my Play Date. And remember, whine - and wine - always allowed. Yay!
Given my new Thursday night commitment, I am going to lay off the Thursday Thirteen for awhile. I want to get my Play Date group going. I want to reach out to other moms on a more personal level. I want to have girl chat time. I want Thursday Night Play Date to flourish and thrive!
Now, I just have to have Hubby run out to the store tomorrow so that I have a fresh bottle of wine to pop open tomorrow night!
A glass of wine and chatting with new girlfriends. With a peacefully sleeping, happy Sweetie snuggled tight in her bed all the while.... tuckered out after a fun evening of girl time for she and I.
Sounds perfect to me. A really great balance, indeed.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Mama Monday #52
Theme: Joy
Today I'm going to do something a little bit different. I'm going to tag someone to participate in the week's MSO theme.
Trouble is, I don't really know how to tag someone.
Nope - I've never been tagged, and I've never tagged someone else.
But here I am, doing it anyway, the only way I know how.
(I sent her an email, but it failed and got sent right back to me. Bah).
Anyway, since this week's theme is JOY, I want to tag Oh, The Joys to join in on the fun and post an entry on the theme.
(Is this the first time at MSO that someone has specifically been tagged to participate? I don't know but, hey, I may be making history here! That's cool!).
I read Oh, The Joys every day. She is an absolute riot. She makes me laugh. She makes me think. She brings joy to my days.
And I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with to mark this theme of JOY.
(Oh, and could someone please with sugar on top, please tell me how to properly tag a blogger? Thanks! It would be much appreciated. Cool!)
Today I'm going to do something a little bit different. I'm going to tag someone to participate in the week's MSO theme.
Trouble is, I don't really know how to tag someone.
Nope - I've never been tagged, and I've never tagged someone else.
But here I am, doing it anyway, the only way I know how.
(I sent her an email, but it failed and got sent right back to me. Bah).
Anyway, since this week's theme is JOY, I want to tag Oh, The Joys to join in on the fun and post an entry on the theme.
(Is this the first time at MSO that someone has specifically been tagged to participate? I don't know but, hey, I may be making history here! That's cool!).
I read Oh, The Joys every day. She is an absolute riot. She makes me laugh. She makes me think. She brings joy to my days.
And I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with to mark this theme of JOY.
(Oh, and could someone please with sugar on top, please tell me how to properly tag a blogger? Thanks! It would be much appreciated. Cool!)
Saturday, March 10, 2007
No Complaints Here
Last Thursday was awful. My third day back at work and, there I was, in the middle of major computer problems. They're still unresolved as we speak. Hopefully when I get in next Tuesday, all will be well again.
At any rate, when I talked to my mom that evening and she asked me how work was, I didn't tell her the horrors of the day. I just said things were fine. Not much to report on.
The next morning as I dropped Sweetie off at mom's house, I had another opportunity to spill my guts about the horrors that assuredly awaited me at the office. But I didn't.
There have been a few other random things I could have easily complained about as well - my continued fight to get my restaurant money back (now finally resolved), Sweetie's sudden 102.6 fever distroying Hubby and my sushi date opportunity last night, and general moanings about why some people do the things they do or why things don't get done as quickly as they should. You know - stuff.
But, you know what? I've come to the realization that it's just not worth it to complain about such things.
My computer is still going to be down whether I mention it to my mother or not.
Nobody but the restaurant in question - which I had been in near constant contact with - could help me get my money back.
Hubby and I both are were bummed about our date cancellation, but realize what can you do? Taking care of Sweetie is what really matters. Complaining won't get her feeling better any faster.
And, unless you're venting your frustrations to the person acting in a less than agreeable manner, complaining about their behavior to just any old person will in no way get that behavior changed.
Earlier last week, while I was covering the reception desk during our receptionist's lunch, I browsed through an emailed essay she had printed out on her desk. Nosing around in other's business? Maybe. But this essay was in no way work related or could have been construed as personal. At any rate, it was right there in my face and the phones were dead. So I read it.
Basically, the gist of this essay was exactly what I'm saying here (and, of course, I'm able to say it here because of this essay I read - isn't that funny how that works?) That complaining is more or less useless and, in fact, a major depressant for society in general.
The essay pointed out that we all know the saying, The squeaky wheel get's the oil. And, by and large, this is the truth. But, it continued - just think about how sad that is. How pathetic that we often don't get the care and attention we need from doctors, family, friends, work, etc., unless we make a nuisance of ourselves and complain.
Huh.
In the essay, the writer discusses how his church minister challenged the congregation to not utter one complaint for 21 days (the number of days it takes to break a habit, according to scientists). In doing so, at least according to the author's personal experience, one will begin to feel lighter, happier, and even more spiritually connected.
Huh.
So - I don't even think I finished reading this essay. And, to be honest, I really didn't even give it a second thought.
But then... I just kind of stopped complaining.
It wasn't a conscious decision at all. It's simply that I didn't feel it would help at all to complain, so why waste my time dragging up the negative vibes again for nothing?
I'm not saying that we all need to become a nation of pansies. That we'd be better off to take all the crap we're dealt without a fight. No - not that at all.
To me, the point is this - know what you want to fight for and who best to fight with to get the results you desire. In terms of the money owed to me from the restaurant, for example, I knew I had to continue my dialogue with the restaurant manager. And I did. And I got my money back.
But complaining to my mom, and my friends, and my co-workers, and the stranger on the street - well, that would have just been silly and pointless. So I didn't do it.
(Okay, I did do it - in the beginning. But, really, as the problem persisted and more monkey wrenches were thrown in the works, I just didn't feel like bringing it all up again to every Tom, Dick and Harry in my life. It wasn't their problem, so why get them involved?)
You see, I believe there's complaining and there's fighting/standing up for yourself. One makes you a whiney baby with no good end result. The other gets things done and gets things right.
You know, put on your big girl panties and deal with it.
It all goes back to keeping that positive attitude that things will be good and well for you and yours if you simply keep on keepin' on. Know what you want, go for it with gusto, and do it all with a smile on your face.
You catch more flies with honey, after all.
At any rate, when I talked to my mom that evening and she asked me how work was, I didn't tell her the horrors of the day. I just said things were fine. Not much to report on.
The next morning as I dropped Sweetie off at mom's house, I had another opportunity to spill my guts about the horrors that assuredly awaited me at the office. But I didn't.
There have been a few other random things I could have easily complained about as well - my continued fight to get my restaurant money back (now finally resolved), Sweetie's sudden 102.6 fever distroying Hubby and my sushi date opportunity last night, and general moanings about why some people do the things they do or why things don't get done as quickly as they should. You know - stuff.
But, you know what? I've come to the realization that it's just not worth it to complain about such things.
My computer is still going to be down whether I mention it to my mother or not.
Nobody but the restaurant in question - which I had been in near constant contact with - could help me get my money back.
Hubby and I both are were bummed about our date cancellation, but realize what can you do? Taking care of Sweetie is what really matters. Complaining won't get her feeling better any faster.
And, unless you're venting your frustrations to the person acting in a less than agreeable manner, complaining about their behavior to just any old person will in no way get that behavior changed.
Earlier last week, while I was covering the reception desk during our receptionist's lunch, I browsed through an emailed essay she had printed out on her desk. Nosing around in other's business? Maybe. But this essay was in no way work related or could have been construed as personal. At any rate, it was right there in my face and the phones were dead. So I read it.
Basically, the gist of this essay was exactly what I'm saying here (and, of course, I'm able to say it here because of this essay I read - isn't that funny how that works?) That complaining is more or less useless and, in fact, a major depressant for society in general.
The essay pointed out that we all know the saying, The squeaky wheel get's the oil. And, by and large, this is the truth. But, it continued - just think about how sad that is. How pathetic that we often don't get the care and attention we need from doctors, family, friends, work, etc., unless we make a nuisance of ourselves and complain.
Huh.
In the essay, the writer discusses how his church minister challenged the congregation to not utter one complaint for 21 days (the number of days it takes to break a habit, according to scientists). In doing so, at least according to the author's personal experience, one will begin to feel lighter, happier, and even more spiritually connected.
Huh.
So - I don't even think I finished reading this essay. And, to be honest, I really didn't even give it a second thought.
But then... I just kind of stopped complaining.
It wasn't a conscious decision at all. It's simply that I didn't feel it would help at all to complain, so why waste my time dragging up the negative vibes again for nothing?
I'm not saying that we all need to become a nation of pansies. That we'd be better off to take all the crap we're dealt without a fight. No - not that at all.
To me, the point is this - know what you want to fight for and who best to fight with to get the results you desire. In terms of the money owed to me from the restaurant, for example, I knew I had to continue my dialogue with the restaurant manager. And I did. And I got my money back.
But complaining to my mom, and my friends, and my co-workers, and the stranger on the street - well, that would have just been silly and pointless. So I didn't do it.
(Okay, I did do it - in the beginning. But, really, as the problem persisted and more monkey wrenches were thrown in the works, I just didn't feel like bringing it all up again to every Tom, Dick and Harry in my life. It wasn't their problem, so why get them involved?)
You see, I believe there's complaining and there's fighting/standing up for yourself. One makes you a whiney baby with no good end result. The other gets things done and gets things right.
You know, put on your big girl panties and deal with it.
It all goes back to keeping that positive attitude that things will be good and well for you and yours if you simply keep on keepin' on. Know what you want, go for it with gusto, and do it all with a smile on your face.
You catch more flies with honey, after all.
Sweetie Saturday #48
Sometimes when we ask Sweetie to do something, she'll say,
Okay, if you say so!
But her latest variation on this is a little different... if not sweetly jumbled.
Sweetie, can you please get me a tissue?
Okay, if you exist!
-----------------------------------------------------
A week ago or so, Sweetie and I were watching TV, when one of the new, freaky, computer-generated Orville Redenbacher popcorn commercials came on. If you've seen it, it's the one where he flubs his lines in several different situations.
One setting has techno-Orville standing outside, dressed in beekeeping gear, standing by several hives.
The line he says is...
...Or my name isn't Orville Reden-BEEEEEES!!!!!!
Well, Sweetie saw that and got herself a serious case of the giggles. I'm talking breathless, couldn't-drink-her-milk, going-on-for-10-minutes, giggles.
The next morning, I had her tell her Daddy about the commercial, and again she got a pretty good giggle-fest going on.
Finally, probably the next day, we were all watching something when that fateful commercial reappeared. I quietly nodded to Hubby to keep an eye on Sweetie to see what she does when the bees appear.
That part of the commercial came and went - with nothing more than a faint smile across Sweetie's face.
Oh well. Guess it wasn't funny anymore. But, boy oh boy, it sure was a riot that first time!
------------------------------------------------------
Okay, so y'all couldn't see that video I tried to post of Sweetie a couple weeks back. That's okay - it really wasn't all that fabulous.
But I will now tell you the funniest part of the clip.
At one point, I asked Sweetie,
Where were you before you were born?
To which she answered,
I don't know, but that's a very good question!
Thank you, Sweetie. I thought so too.
Okay, if you say so!
But her latest variation on this is a little different... if not sweetly jumbled.
Sweetie, can you please get me a tissue?
Okay, if you exist!
-----------------------------------------------------
A week ago or so, Sweetie and I were watching TV, when one of the new, freaky, computer-generated Orville Redenbacher popcorn commercials came on. If you've seen it, it's the one where he flubs his lines in several different situations.
One setting has techno-Orville standing outside, dressed in beekeeping gear, standing by several hives.
The line he says is...
...Or my name isn't Orville Reden-BEEEEEES!!!!!!
Well, Sweetie saw that and got herself a serious case of the giggles. I'm talking breathless, couldn't-drink-her-milk, going-on-for-10-minutes, giggles.
The next morning, I had her tell her Daddy about the commercial, and again she got a pretty good giggle-fest going on.
Finally, probably the next day, we were all watching something when that fateful commercial reappeared. I quietly nodded to Hubby to keep an eye on Sweetie to see what she does when the bees appear.
That part of the commercial came and went - with nothing more than a faint smile across Sweetie's face.
Oh well. Guess it wasn't funny anymore. But, boy oh boy, it sure was a riot that first time!
------------------------------------------------------
Okay, so y'all couldn't see that video I tried to post of Sweetie a couple weeks back. That's okay - it really wasn't all that fabulous.
But I will now tell you the funniest part of the clip.
At one point, I asked Sweetie,
Where were you before you were born?
To which she answered,
I don't know, but that's a very good question!
Thank you, Sweetie. I thought so too.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Thursday Thirteen #18
13 Pleasantly Surprising Things About This Past Week
1) Finally getting the hair products I ordered over 2 weeks ago
2) Receiving a considerable amount of unexpected money
3) My ClubMom Reward Points earning me a $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble
4) My thoughtful brother emailing me a funny comic to brighten my day
5) My cousin in Thailand (Hi, Rhianna and Tim!) leaving me a very nice comment on my last post
6) Knock on wood (it's still pending), but I'm finally getting our money back from a local restaurant
7) A welcome back sign & small gift from my co-workers on my 1st day back to work this week.
8) It's been at least 3 weeks since I've engaged in my bad habit. (Scientists say it takes 21 days to break a habit. I’m in the clear, Baby!)
9) Both my cousin and my mother-in-law may join the book club I'm in. I hope they do. What a great way to see them more and spend quality time together!
10) Sweetie falling asleep on my lap tonight, but refusing to go to bed any earlier than usual
11) Discovering that the stress incontinence portion of surgery was completely successful – ‘nuff said
12) Sweetie doing well during naptime on her first day back at pre-school
13) Sweetie volunteering the information that I wasn’t very good today during naptime on her second day back. I talked too much - LOUD!, she told me.
Oh well. At least she's honest.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Mama Monday #51
Theme: Currents
Alternative Post Title: 7 Weeks
After I gave birth to Sweetie, I had 7 weeks maternity leave to bond with her and care for her. Actually, it was 6 weeks maternity leave, followed by one week of my personal vacation time. I wanted to spend as much time with Sweetie as I could while also leaving me some extra leeway days in case she, or I, needed them during the remaining 45 weeks of the year.
I loved that time with my new little Sweetie. Discovering her ways, establishing routines, learning the ropes of mommyhood, and coming to terms with the fact that, with babies, there are no regular routines. Nonetheless, Sweetie and I did great!
One thing I did quickly learn, though, was that life was now going to be led in 3-4 hour increments. No, babies aren't much for schedules. But newborns, thankfully, do tend to require only very few things - to nurse every few hours, have fresh diapers, and to sleep. Provide these basic needs at regular intervals and you and baby will get along just fine. And we did.
But Sweetie and I did more than just survive comfortably when she first came home. She and I bonded. She and I fell in love with each other. She was my Sweetie from the get-go, and I was her one and only Mommy - source of food, comfort and warmth. Together, we could conquer the world!
I remember one moment at the tale end of my leave. Sweetie and I were at my parents' house, but for some reason she and I were the only ones there. Sweetie began to cry, and I ran through the drill of deciphering her complaints.
No luck - she continued to wail on. And since I was alone, I couldn't hand her off to someone so she could be walked around the house (as we had learned she loved to do). I had to figure this out on my own.
I couldn't walk with her, but I stood up and rocked her in my arms, bouncing in place and singing a gentle song. And she cried. And I cried.
I remember the feeling so intensely - I cried because I was alone and not able to stop my daughter's cries on my own. I cried because I was frustrated and maybe even saddened that I was not physically able to do all that I wanted to do to help Sweetie calm down and feel better.
But I also cried because I knew that in only two more days, I would be back at work and I'd not be the one to comfort Sweetie and calm her cries and wails. I would be leaving her in the (very loving and capable) arms of another person. I'd not have this opportunity to ease her troubles again as I was trying to do in that moment.
Such conflicting feelings felt so simultaneously. Like a current carrying in the fresh, crisp ocean waves as it carries the sand-warmed waters out to sea.
And now - here I am at the tale end of another 7 weeks with Sweetie. This time, as part of my recovery from my hysterectomy surgery. I head on back to work tomorrow. And Sweetie is headed back to pre-school.
She and I have spent the last 7 weeks together - playing, learning, cuddling, and growing. I can't tell you the difference I see in Sweetie after these short weeks together! Her imaginitive play has skyrocketed. Her sypathetic and understanding nature has blossomed. Even her academic abilities have flourished, as she and I have worked together in her reading and math workbooks as well as piecing together her Map of the United States puzzle several times over.
Heck! Even her appetite for food has finally settled in her belly! So often this past week she's continually requested foods and eaten all (or nearly all) of the foods presented to her. I've even gotten her (mostly) off of chocolate milk! Wow! That's almost a miracle in and of itself!
I know I've said it before. And I apologize to my regular readers for once again gushing over my Sweetie. But I've really enjoyed these last several weeks with her. Just as when she was a newborn, Sweetie and I have bonded. But this time we've reconnected, strengthening our mother/daughter bond.
So here we are again - I'm happy to go back to work, happy to regularly get out of the house, to earn my full salary again, to communicate with adults and perform my job functions which challenge me and force me to learn and adjust everyday. And I'm happy to have Sweetie get back to school, to try her hand at 2 full days of school per week, to learn more academics and expand her mind as only school, and teachers, and regular playmates can do. I know it will be so good for her and that she will love it.
But I'm sad, too. Sad to end my extended time with Sweetie. Sad to "give her up" to somebody else. Sad that I won't be the one helping her sound out words, count numbers on her fingers, or quiz her on her U.S. states as we play puzzle together. Sad that I can no longer quietly eavesdrop on any number of Sweetie's imaginary birthday parties she holds for her stuffed animal friends. Sad not to be such a constant, present part of her everyday.
I don't know when, or if, Sweetie and I will have such an extended time together again. With my work and her impending formal education schedule looming large in the not far distance - these last weeks may very well be the last of it - at least for a good, long while.
But the currents will continue to roll in. There will always be new opportunities to be together, bond together, and love together.
I know I will some day become the mother of a teenaged daughter, and that scares me spitless. She may not even want to acknowledge my presence, let alone tell me about her day, share her stories and dreams, or (gasp!) exchange hugs and kisses.
It's hard for me to think about my Sweetie like that. A dwindling mother/daughter relationship like that. Regardless, I will work hard to make sure she always feels loved and open to communication with her Daddy and I.
But I will let her grow, let her change, let her become.
Right now I feel like Sweetie and I are riding the same current - ebbing and flowing, learning and growing together.
And some day - sooner than I'd like it to be, I'm sure - I know Sweetie will catch her own wave. She will inevitably have her rolling, wild waves crashing into the shore of her days. But she will also experience the gentle, lulling rock of the ocean of her life as well. Whatever the currents of life bring for Sweetie - it is hers to discover and learn to ride as smoothly as possible.
And I will roll behind her, wondering in awe at how magical she is, how much she's accomplished, and how well she goes with the flow.
Alternative Post Title: 7 Weeks
After I gave birth to Sweetie, I had 7 weeks maternity leave to bond with her and care for her. Actually, it was 6 weeks maternity leave, followed by one week of my personal vacation time. I wanted to spend as much time with Sweetie as I could while also leaving me some extra leeway days in case she, or I, needed them during the remaining 45 weeks of the year.
I loved that time with my new little Sweetie. Discovering her ways, establishing routines, learning the ropes of mommyhood, and coming to terms with the fact that, with babies, there are no regular routines. Nonetheless, Sweetie and I did great!
One thing I did quickly learn, though, was that life was now going to be led in 3-4 hour increments. No, babies aren't much for schedules. But newborns, thankfully, do tend to require only very few things - to nurse every few hours, have fresh diapers, and to sleep. Provide these basic needs at regular intervals and you and baby will get along just fine. And we did.
But Sweetie and I did more than just survive comfortably when she first came home. She and I bonded. She and I fell in love with each other. She was my Sweetie from the get-go, and I was her one and only Mommy - source of food, comfort and warmth. Together, we could conquer the world!
I remember one moment at the tale end of my leave. Sweetie and I were at my parents' house, but for some reason she and I were the only ones there. Sweetie began to cry, and I ran through the drill of deciphering her complaints.
No luck - she continued to wail on. And since I was alone, I couldn't hand her off to someone so she could be walked around the house (as we had learned she loved to do). I had to figure this out on my own.
I couldn't walk with her, but I stood up and rocked her in my arms, bouncing in place and singing a gentle song. And she cried. And I cried.
I remember the feeling so intensely - I cried because I was alone and not able to stop my daughter's cries on my own. I cried because I was frustrated and maybe even saddened that I was not physically able to do all that I wanted to do to help Sweetie calm down and feel better.
But I also cried because I knew that in only two more days, I would be back at work and I'd not be the one to comfort Sweetie and calm her cries and wails. I would be leaving her in the (very loving and capable) arms of another person. I'd not have this opportunity to ease her troubles again as I was trying to do in that moment.
Such conflicting feelings felt so simultaneously. Like a current carrying in the fresh, crisp ocean waves as it carries the sand-warmed waters out to sea.
And now - here I am at the tale end of another 7 weeks with Sweetie. This time, as part of my recovery from my hysterectomy surgery. I head on back to work tomorrow. And Sweetie is headed back to pre-school.
She and I have spent the last 7 weeks together - playing, learning, cuddling, and growing. I can't tell you the difference I see in Sweetie after these short weeks together! Her imaginitive play has skyrocketed. Her sypathetic and understanding nature has blossomed. Even her academic abilities have flourished, as she and I have worked together in her reading and math workbooks as well as piecing together her Map of the United States puzzle several times over.
Heck! Even her appetite for food has finally settled in her belly! So often this past week she's continually requested foods and eaten all (or nearly all) of the foods presented to her. I've even gotten her (mostly) off of chocolate milk! Wow! That's almost a miracle in and of itself!
I know I've said it before. And I apologize to my regular readers for once again gushing over my Sweetie. But I've really enjoyed these last several weeks with her. Just as when she was a newborn, Sweetie and I have bonded. But this time we've reconnected, strengthening our mother/daughter bond.
So here we are again - I'm happy to go back to work, happy to regularly get out of the house, to earn my full salary again, to communicate with adults and perform my job functions which challenge me and force me to learn and adjust everyday. And I'm happy to have Sweetie get back to school, to try her hand at 2 full days of school per week, to learn more academics and expand her mind as only school, and teachers, and regular playmates can do. I know it will be so good for her and that she will love it.
But I'm sad, too. Sad to end my extended time with Sweetie. Sad to "give her up" to somebody else. Sad that I won't be the one helping her sound out words, count numbers on her fingers, or quiz her on her U.S. states as we play puzzle together. Sad that I can no longer quietly eavesdrop on any number of Sweetie's imaginary birthday parties she holds for her stuffed animal friends. Sad not to be such a constant, present part of her everyday.
I don't know when, or if, Sweetie and I will have such an extended time together again. With my work and her impending formal education schedule looming large in the not far distance - these last weeks may very well be the last of it - at least for a good, long while.
But the currents will continue to roll in. There will always be new opportunities to be together, bond together, and love together.
I know I will some day become the mother of a teenaged daughter, and that scares me spitless. She may not even want to acknowledge my presence, let alone tell me about her day, share her stories and dreams, or (gasp!) exchange hugs and kisses.
It's hard for me to think about my Sweetie like that. A dwindling mother/daughter relationship like that. Regardless, I will work hard to make sure she always feels loved and open to communication with her Daddy and I.
But I will let her grow, let her change, let her become.
Right now I feel like Sweetie and I are riding the same current - ebbing and flowing, learning and growing together.
And some day - sooner than I'd like it to be, I'm sure - I know Sweetie will catch her own wave. She will inevitably have her rolling, wild waves crashing into the shore of her days. But she will also experience the gentle, lulling rock of the ocean of her life as well. Whatever the currents of life bring for Sweetie - it is hers to discover and learn to ride as smoothly as possible.
And I will roll behind her, wondering in awe at how magical she is, how much she's accomplished, and how well she goes with the flow.
Invisible
Sorry - not in the mood. I was an hour ago when I wrote out a long-winded, heart-felt post. When I wrote about feeling invisible cuz nobody wanted to participate in my contest, play my games, or any number of examples of my invisibility from my real life over the past few weeks.
But then I accidently X'd out of the screen I was typing on and it all went away. It's gone. It took me an hour to write and now it's gone.
Sorry, I'm not wasting another hour to write it all again.
This post I just absentmindedly deleted - it spoke of how invisible I must be, not only to you readers who don't play along when I ask you to, but also to a local restaurant that won't give me my money back, another company that says it sent me a a package almost 2 weeks ago and it's still not here, and a few other examples of not only Where's Amy? but, in fact, Who the heck is this Amy person anyway?
However, this previously deleted post did end on a happy, uplifting, even thankful note. A note of rising above and being appreciative of all that I do have. A note of how I know for myself that I exist and I know that my few, loyal, regular readers also do see and appreciate me as well. A note of triumph over adversity!
But now I just want to cry. Now it just all seems like another cruel twist in the Amy doesn't exist or matter or nothin' list of woes that has been my life lately.
Yuck.
Sorry - it's not just about my silly contest. It's lots of things.
My one last note this time, though, is that, despite all the yuck, I will try my hardest to look past it all and know that I'm doing well and doing right. I believe in myself and that's a great step in the right direction for having others believe in me too.
--------------------------------------------------------------
For those of you who care, here are the answers to yesterday's quiz. Nobody won, though, cuz nobody played. Thanks, Rob, for at least dropping in and saying hi. :)
1) A Little Bit More by Jamie Lidell - one of the many Target commercials
2) Hit Me Up by Gia Farrell - Wheat Thins
3) Miles and Miles by DEE - Ford Edge Trucks
4) El Chocolate by Tricia Sebastian - Chocolate Life cereal
But then I accidently X'd out of the screen I was typing on and it all went away. It's gone. It took me an hour to write and now it's gone.
Sorry, I'm not wasting another hour to write it all again.
This post I just absentmindedly deleted - it spoke of how invisible I must be, not only to you readers who don't play along when I ask you to, but also to a local restaurant that won't give me my money back, another company that says it sent me a a package almost 2 weeks ago and it's still not here, and a few other examples of not only Where's Amy? but, in fact, Who the heck is this Amy person anyway?
However, this previously deleted post did end on a happy, uplifting, even thankful note. A note of rising above and being appreciative of all that I do have. A note of how I know for myself that I exist and I know that my few, loyal, regular readers also do see and appreciate me as well. A note of triumph over adversity!
But now I just want to cry. Now it just all seems like another cruel twist in the Amy doesn't exist or matter or nothin' list of woes that has been my life lately.
Yuck.
Sorry - it's not just about my silly contest. It's lots of things.
My one last note this time, though, is that, despite all the yuck, I will try my hardest to look past it all and know that I'm doing well and doing right. I believe in myself and that's a great step in the right direction for having others believe in me too.
--------------------------------------------------------------
For those of you who care, here are the answers to yesterday's quiz. Nobody won, though, cuz nobody played. Thanks, Rob, for at least dropping in and saying hi. :)
1) A Little Bit More by Jamie Lidell - one of the many Target commercials
2) Hit Me Up by Gia Farrell - Wheat Thins
3) Miles and Miles by DEE - Ford Edge Trucks
4) El Chocolate by Tricia Sebastian - Chocolate Life cereal
Friday, March 02, 2007
Sweetie Saturday #47 - Big Contest Edition!
Really! A contest! With real prizes! Yay!
And I'm posting early - just to give y'all that much more time to join in!
Here's the drill... I'll tell you the song title and artist of some of Sweetie's favorite TV commercial songs (songs she continually dances around our house singing, and/or which stop her in her tracks whenever they pop up on the boob tube screen). You tell me what product and/or brand they each represent.
Enter your answer into my comments section by 12 noon EST on Sunday, March 4th. I'll do a random drawing from all the correct answers. The winner will receive Roger von Oech's Creative Whack Pack. It's an opened deck, I admit. But an entirely unused, in extremely excellent condition deck nonetheless. How cool is that!
And now, for the songs (I'll even let you listen to them! I'm making it easy for you, people!)
1) A Little Bit More by Jamie Lidell
2) Hit Me Up by Gia Farrell
3) Miles and Miles by DEE
4) El Chocolate by Tricia Sebastian (click on link, then click on the El Chocolate listening option of your choice to have a listen).
That's it! Have fun, play fair, and I'll see y'all on Sunday with the answers and the WINNER!!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edited to add: Come on! Dudes! What is up with you people? You're all making me feel very, very sad and very, very lonely. Nobody wants to play with me. :(
You still have time, though. Please, please, PLEASE humor me and play along. Otherwise - I don't know. I might as well close up shop or something cuz obviously nobody cares. :(
It's a sad, sad day in Sweetieland. Please - won't you help me feel better?
And I'm posting early - just to give y'all that much more time to join in!
Here's the drill... I'll tell you the song title and artist of some of Sweetie's favorite TV commercial songs (songs she continually dances around our house singing, and/or which stop her in her tracks whenever they pop up on the boob tube screen). You tell me what product and/or brand they each represent.
Enter your answer into my comments section by 12 noon EST on Sunday, March 4th. I'll do a random drawing from all the correct answers. The winner will receive Roger von Oech's Creative Whack Pack. It's an opened deck, I admit. But an entirely unused, in extremely excellent condition deck nonetheless. How cool is that!
And now, for the songs (I'll even let you listen to them! I'm making it easy for you, people!)
1) A Little Bit More by Jamie Lidell
2) Hit Me Up by Gia Farrell
3) Miles and Miles by DEE
4) El Chocolate by Tricia Sebastian (click on link, then click on the El Chocolate listening option of your choice to have a listen).
That's it! Have fun, play fair, and I'll see y'all on Sunday with the answers and the WINNER!!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edited to add: Come on! Dudes! What is up with you people? You're all making me feel very, very sad and very, very lonely. Nobody wants to play with me. :(
You still have time, though. Please, please, PLEASE humor me and play along. Otherwise - I don't know. I might as well close up shop or something cuz obviously nobody cares. :(
It's a sad, sad day in Sweetieland. Please - won't you help me feel better?
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Thursday Thirteen #17 - The Return
Thursday Thirteen is back, baby!
And this week I'm gonna show you...
13 Funny/Crazy/Weird/Interesting Things Sweetie Has Done Around Our House Over The Last Couple Months Or So.
13 Funny/Crazy/Weird/Interesting Things Sweetie Has Done Around Our House Over The Last Couple Months Or So.
1)
Installed fans in her play kitchen.
2)
Stuffed guests into her Paz the Penguin Car.
3)
Dangled her mary janes at the entrance to her house (the underneath of our pub table) as a doorway decoration.
4)
Set Teddy up so he had someone to hang out with before we all headed out for the day.
5)
Maybe not too funny, but a little odd that she regularly keeps her baby doll in the corner. "Nobody puts Baby in the corner!" Uh, yeah... Sweetie does.
6)
Rhino and Dog out on a shoe cruise.
7)
The aforementioned underneath of our pub table - Sweetie's house. Notice the couple of friends visiting, as well as Teddy's couch (the checkbook box) in the background.
8)
Thanks to Papa Dave, Sweetie loves to tie knots. Here we see some of her handiwork on the underside of a kitchen stool.
9)
Two slippers are better than one for Sweetie's indoor carpet version of snowboarding.
10)
Mickey and Pooh, all decked out and ready to celebrate Bunny's birthday party - under our dining room table.
11)
Pooh Bear, seeing if he can master the carpet snowboarding thing.
12)
Sweetie's under the table again - this time it's for Teddy's birthday party and it's under our TV table in the living room.
13)
And finally, we have Curious George, Bunny, Teddy and my Puppy (the one Sweetie picked out as my get well gift when I was in the hospital. The one that Sweetie has adopted away from me, even though she still says he's Mommy's Puppy) hangin' out in our kitchen.
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