The Stinky Times

This Blog ENDS Here

2011-03-08T10:33:00.000-05:00

My dad always told me to be careful what you put in writing because it can come back to bite you in the butt. Well, consider my butt bitten.

In my quest to have a space of my own where I can write about how I truly feel about things, I have crossed the line. The things I have written have caused a backlash, of sorts, and I no longer feel safe writing about my personal trials and tribulations.

I have always been a journaler, and those who journal know that you are typically moved to write when you are going through a tough time. For me, writing about my stuggles helps me process what I am dealing with and moves me into action to make the necessary changes. As I have written on this blog, my writing has evolved. I know that my content has been on a more serious note lately because I feel like I have hit a hard time in my own life, and I am trying to work through it the best way that I can.

And for those who know me personally and through this blog know that I am an open-book with my life...the good, the bad, and the ugly. I am not embarrassed of who I am, where I am from, what I do, what I have, or what I am feeling. I have lots of good things in my life for which I am thankful...and I share those things openly. But I have never been one to paint my world as picture perfect...because it's not. I have chosen to share the not-so-good moments of my life, too, because my life isn't perfect, and nobody's life is that way. Life is messy and chaotic and confusing at times. And my hope was that by being honest and real in what I am dealing with, I could find comfort for myself while at the same time helping someone else feel that they are not alone.

However, in sharing some of my issues in an open forum, I did not take into account how it would affect those closest to me. While I don't mind being open with my business, it's not fair to put my hubby or child or other close relatives in a situation where they have to explain what I am writing. The things that I write on here are MY reality...whether or not people agree with my version of reality. We all have different perceptions of what truly is, and my depiction of life is just my version of things. It is not right to put my loved ones in a position where they have to explain or try to justify what I am writing or to be embarrassed of the things that I am putting out there. For that, I am truly sorry.

So I have decided to let this blog go. It has caused too much drama and that is the last thing I need right now. Whatever issues I am dealing with and going through right now need to be handled privately and not in an open forum. I need to protect myself and those closest to me.

I know, however, that I do have some people that like to follow along to see what has been going on with the baby. For those who read my blog because you want to see updates on Quin, home improvement, the dogs and how we are doing in general, I have created a new blog just for that purpose. It will be a family blog to keep relatives and friends that are far away in the loop of our daily life. So go HERE and add that link to your favorites because no more posts will be added to this blog! (And if I am on your blogroll, please consider deleting Stinky Times and adding the other...only if you wish!)

So, adios Stinky Times! It's time to move on! You've been good and served your purpose, but I need to let you go!

Wishy-Washy Weaning Woes

2011-03-04T14:57:00.000-05:00

Good gracious! If I could only make up my mind sometimes! I think I've made a decision about something, feel good about that decision, and then BAM, I start second-guessing my decision! It's tiresome to be me some days! Seriously!

So here is my latest wishy-washiness when it comes to decision making.

Before I was ever pregnant, I knew that I wanted to breastfeed my child. There are so many benefits to the baby that the list goes on and on and on as to how a baby can benefit from being breastfed. And the mother benefits, too. (Click HERE for articles on the benefits.) It's such a natural thing for a mother to do with her baby. It is amazing to think that I can provide and produce all of the nutrition my baby needs from my own body.

And when it came time for me to breastfeed, I was lucky. Breastfeeding came pretty easy and naturally for me, and Baby Q seemed to latch right on (no pun intended)! I didn't have a lot of the issues many new mothers have in the beginning when trying to get breasfeeding going. My nipples never hurt or got sore; my milk supply came right on in; Q took to it immediately. And I haven't had any real issues with breastfeeding other than one bout of mastitis and a slight case of thrush.

My goal in breastfeeding has been to do it through the first year of Q's life. It seemed like a doable and reasonable goal to me. Besides the most important benefits to Q and the comfort I get from doing it, breastfeeding is really, really economical. I figured I could transition Q from the breast to cow's milk once he hits the one year mark. Since I knew I would be returning to work, I made sure that I had my breastpump equipment ready to go before Q even arrived.

For those who have never had to pump their boobies, let me tell ya, it's an interesting thing to do. I first started pumping at home during my maternity leave to build a supply to freeze and use later once Q started daycare. Besides my nipples and boobies being sucked into tubes making them look really enlongated and feeling like a cow hooked up to a milking maching, pumping was easy enough to handle. Well...it was easy enough to handle at home.

Pumping your boobs at work is a whole other ballgame. It's not fun! And I hate it! I really, really hate it! I am sure that for some mothers, pumping at work is no big deal. And it wouldn't be a big deal for me if I had my own office where I could close the door and truly relax. But I am in a job where I don't have a real office, and I am at a different school every 1.5days. And did I mention how heavy the bag is and how much of a pain in the ass it is to carry around the pump and it's related parts (especially when I have to carry my office with me since I am in a mobile position)? It's a lot of work. It's stressful!

I started to notice that my supply seemed to be diminishing during the time I was pumping at work. To be able to produce enough milk to pump, you have to be relaxed and let go so that your boobies will let down and produce the milk to be pumped. It's hard to relax when you're at work and away from your baby. It's hard to relax when you're doing it in a bathroom and nothing seems really clean. It's just hard to relax. Period.

And along with the difficulties of pumping at work, there is also the added dimension of having to keep up with all of the various parts. There are quite a few small parts, and these parts have to be cleaned and sanitized after each use. So each evening entails a great deal of time washing and sanitizing the pump parts to get them packed and ready to use the next day. It's exhausting!

About 2 weeks ago, I decided that I needed to wean Q off the boob and switch him to formula. I felt my supply wasn't keeping up, and I was just tired of all of the difficulty and stress created by the pumping. I made a plan to start introducing him to formula and to wean him off the breast, so that I was completely done with breastfeeding by the time he is 6 months old (3/22/11). I felt good about the decision. I felt relieved! I was relieved that I wouldn't have to bother with pumping or cleaning the parts anymore.

Last weekend, I fed him bottles of formula during the day (as if he was at daycare). And when I did pump (because the boobies get so full), I started pumping less so that my boobies would think they didn't need to make as much milk. The weaning process was in full effect.

It was going well until...I went back to work this past Monday. As I sat in the bathroom listening to the loud pumping noise of the machine and the milk dripping into the bottles, I started questioning my decision to wean him. Why? Why am I really doing this? I like breastfeeding. Q likes breastfeeding. It makes me feel close to him after being away from him all day. It's comforting for both of us. Breastmilk is so much better for him than formula. Why am I being so lazy about the pumping? My goal is to pump for a year. Why am I giving up so easily on this goal? All these things were just swirling around in my head. And the decision that I thought I had made was no longer made at all.

As I came out of the bathroom with all my pumping baggage, I briefly mentioned something to the school psychologist. She sat me down and really encouraged me to keep perservering if breastfeeding is what I really wanted to do. She said that I could use her office when I am at that school. She helped me realized that I could keep doing this if it was important to me. And realistically Q is going to start weaning himself from the boob naturally as food is being introduced.

With a few words of encouragement from a person I barely knew, I knew that I had to change my mind about my decision to wean. I wasn't ready to do it. I was forcing myself into something that didn't feel natural. I let my own selfishness get in the way of what my goals were when it came to breastfeeding. I was being selfish because I didn't want to keep lugging around the pumping bag, or stopping work to take the time to pump, or cleaning the parts each and every single night. And it just didn't feel natural that whole weekend I was feeding him formula when I could have been breastfeeding.

So just like that I changed my mind and returned to breastfeeding. Q deserves nothing but the best from his momma. It may be hard work, tiring, and time consuming, but he is worth all of it! I feel so much better and more confident in my decision to continue breastfeeding. I am not complaining about the pumping anymore, but instead, I am embracing it. This pumping is only temporary anyways! And I can do it! I really can!

Seriously, what were you thinking Momma? Give me that Boobie Milk!

How Did We Get Here?

2011-02-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

Okay! Here goes another post on money...on our money! Woe is me! Alright, not really! But since I already put it out there about our financial trials and tribulations, I thought I would just expand on it. Afterall, this is a journey, right? And I invited you to come along!

I've been thinking a lot about why our situation is the way it is right now when it comes to our finances. What did we do wrong? What could we have done differently? What can we do differently? How can we assure ourselves that once we make it through this bump in the road (aka being broke) we won't get back to this place with our finances? I, mean, I have to be hopeful that things are going to get better, right? What is life without hope for the future?

As we all know by now...we are not rich, and we're never going to be rich (barring a big lottery win)! My hubby is a teacher, and I am a social worker. Those in helping professions just don't profit; these are not lucrative careers we have chosen. But that's okay! Because we have good health insurance (free), a steady paycheck, good working hours, and an excellent vacation/holiday schedule. A price can't be placed on those intangible benefits!

Sooo...how did we get here? And by 'here,' I mean living on the tightest of budgets. I can basically narrow our current financial woes down to 4 things: (1) my maternity leave; (2) 2 giant hospital bills; (3) transitioning jobs; and (4) daycare expenses.

I took 12 weeks maternity leave when I had my son. I couldn't have imagined it being any shorter because that time flew by way too fast. And I am truly thankful for that time I had to bond with my baby. It was the most special time in my life. But my maternity leave was unpaid...in a sense. It was only paid by the amount of vacation and sick leave I had accrued prior to going out on leave. And I was lucky to have accrued enough leave to cover almost 10 weeks of my maternity leave. But that left our home without one full paycheck (I won't get into all of the logistics to the timing of the paychecks because it doesn't really matter). But not having that paycheck was okay (alright...not really) because we had saved money prior to my maternity leave to cover the fact that I would be missing a pay while I was out. It still sucked not to have that pay and to have to dip into the savings...but you do what you have to do.

So at the end of 12 weeks, I returned to my old job. I had to work a little bit before the paychecks started rolling in again because there is always lag time between time worked and time paid. And just as I returned to my old job, I decided to put in a notice of resignation (which was a good thing). So we waited for me to get paid for my time worked. I got one full pay and then a partial pay. Therefore, I did not get a full month's worth a pay that we needed to keep us on track. And as I went to start my new job in January, the start date got delayed because of inclement weather. So there I was waiting a whole week to start my new job (and making money). So my maternity leave coupled with changing jobs has left me with not having a regular, steady, full paycheck since early December (and here we are at the end of February). We are a 2 income household. Period. So my dips in pay have definitely affected our situation.

Along with the lack of regular pays comes into the play the fact that we have had 2 big hospital bills. We anticipated the bill from labor and delivery...we knew it was coming, and it would be big. And while I thought the bill was rather hefty, I had a natural birth with limited medical interventions, so in the grand scheme of things my will to feel the pain probably saved us quite a bit of cash. But we then got slapped with another huge bill a month and a half later when Baby Q was admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay. I will always err on the side of caution when it comes to my child, and do whatever I have to do and pay whatever I have to pay to make sure he is healthy. But, DAMN! It really doesn't do a budget good to have over $3000 in out-of-pocket hospital expenses in less than 2 months.

And finally...we are paying a crap ton of money for daycare. Not because we chose an extraordinarily costly daycare but because it is the going rate where we live. And by "going rate," I mean we are paying over $300/week in daycare expenses. You do the math. It's a lot of money...more than we pay for our mortgage each month! And we started paying the daycare expenses a month earlier than we anticipated in order to secure the spot at the daycare. So we started paying the daycare expenses right at the time when my income was stopping. Perfect timing!

Sooo...that is a bit of a breakdown of how we got broke down. I think I am going to post later about what we could have done differently to avoid these hard economic times, and what we are planning to do to get ourselves back on track. But, for right now, I am tired of thinking about money. It's Friday (woot!), and I need to take a mental break for the weekend!

Unflattering

2011-02-23T08:48:00.001-05:00

I just noticed the picture of myself on the sidebar is not the most flattering. Is that what I really look like? I, mean, I did take it at the end of the long day after work and mommy duties, but still. Why did I post that picture of me? Maybe I should update it with one I've taken first thing in the morning. I'm so vain!

Perspectives on Hopelessness

2011-02-15T09:51:00.001-05:00

No, I haven't written much on my blog lately. Yes, the things I have managed to type on here have been somewhat gloomy and not uplifting. As we all know by now, I am going through some sort of funk. I am in a weird space in my life right now. It's not a constant state of funkiness or depression, but I have definitely had my share of bad days lately. And I guess I have stayed away from writing about it because there are some feelings, thoughts, and experiences that are hard to put in writing...hard to convey through words. Because no matter how hard I try to explain to my hubby or to my friend or to my mom how I am feeling or what I am thinking, I just can't seem to get across the state of affairs in my own mind. I cannot seem to adequately express on the outside what it is I am feeling on the inside. And maybe that's because I am not sure myself. Maybe I am trying to figure it out, too. But what I am going to do right now is to try to get it all out...kind of in a free association form...so I can move on and quit dropping cryptic messages on my blog.

First and foremost, a lot of what I am feeling has nothing to do with my role as a mother. I love being a mother to my son. Period. But being a mother does play into my current mindset and way of thinking because it has completely changed my view on life, and even more, my perception of myself.

There is no question that I have always wanted to be a mother. And I feel lucky and blessed to have been able to conceive a child with so much ease. But even though you want something so badly, you never know how the reality of it is going to affect you until you're in the midst of it. And that's where I am. In the midst of it. Trying to sort things out.

I've never been one of those people who likes to live in the past. I try to enjoy each stage of my life as it is, and when it's time, move onward to the next. And when I reach that next stage in life, I look back on where I've been and what I've done and feel glad to have had those experiences and to have grown and moved on. I did the college thing...to the fullest extent possible. I lived on my own as a young professional...an independent woman who could take care of herself. I fell in love with a boy. I moved in with my boyfriend and started a life with him that led us down the path of marriage. And for 3 years, we enjoyed being 'just married'...just the two of us. And I enjoyed each of those stages; each experience. And so it was time for a baby. It was our time. We decided. So here I am now...a mother; the next phase of my life (and a phase that I know will last the rest of my life).

But for some reason, the transition from all of that other stuff...from the previous life stages...into that of motherhood has not been so seamless for me. I have found myself going through somewhat of a mourning process (for lack of a better term) as well as an identity crisis. I am not saddened about being a mother; I take quite delight in being a mom. And I am not uncomfortable with the role of being a mother; I think I do it pretty well. So what am I trying to say here, then? This is the part where it becomes hard for me to put into words my exact thoughts and feelings.

I guess my struggle lies in going from doing pretty much whatever I please whenever I please to being at the beck-and-call of another person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I've never in my life been needed so much. I never knew what it was like to be needed...for everything. And I love the fact that I am the one who can provide what this little person needs. It gives me pleasure to be able to satisfy my little guy. But providing all the needs for another person means that some of my own needs (and wants) have to go unmet or be put on hold. And that's okay...for the most part. But at some point...those unmet needs (and wants) creep back up and nag at you. And for any person to be functional and to feel good about herself as a whole human being, she has to give into those needs and wants every once in awhile. And that is where I am trying to find the balancing act...between my baby's needs and my own personal needs and wants...and to not be selfish in the process...and I also have to figure in the fact that my hubby has his own needs and wants, too, that are separate from family and home. I just keeping thinking in my head, "How am I going to make all of this work? I just need to give something up. Afterall, you just can't have it all. You can't have your cake and eat it, too, and have every one be happy all of the time. Something has got to give."

And coupled with the ongoing challenge of trying to meet my own needs along with the demands of baby, hubby, dogs, home, friends, family, and work, comes the added internal struggle of figuring out who I am as a mother and an individual outside of being a mother. Can the two ever be separated? No...is the short answer I have found to be true. So how do I come to terms with being a mother and being an individual with needs and wants and desires and dreams and goals that are far beyond that of just being a mother. Of course, there is nothing wrong with being "just a mother." I know that being a mother is the most important thing that I will ever do in my life. And I take being a mother very seriously. But I am also a woman of the 21st century...a girl who was raised to become a woman with dreams and goals and a career and a home...and my goals and dreams in life shouldn't stop or be forgotten because I've brought another human being into this world. Shouldn't I be setting an example to my child that dreams and goals are a lifelong pursuit and don't have to end because of a change in life or circumstance? I seriously believe that I should not live my life through my child but with my child.

And I have found that since I have had a baby, I don't know how to interact socially anymore. I, mean, I've always been a bit socially awkward. But my awkwardness has moved up several notches. I often find myself crying after social gatherings telling my hubby that I feel like I don't belong anywhere anymore and that I don't quite fit in. All the things that I thought made me interesting pre-baby just don't seem so important anymore or I just haven't had time for those things. And a lot of the things I enjoyed pre-baby don't quite bring the same enjoyment to me anymore. But I have found new joy in staying at home with my baby and with my hubby. That is where I am most comfortable and most me. But a girl needs to get out in the world sometimes...to break free from the everyday humdrumness of life. So when I venture out into the great world (or just out to dinner with family or friends), I feel alone in a lot of ways. I feel like I have nothing to add to the conversation. Afterall, how many stories of baby poop and spit-up does someone else want to hear about in one sitting? No one cares about my baby and his happenings more than me and my hubby. It's just not that exciting for someone else. (Come on...let's be real...you know what I am talking about when you've had to listen to someone else obsessively talk about her own child. Ugh!) And a lot of times the conversation feels forced...like a battle. The other party thinks that all I want to talk about is baby so they keep asking questions about baby, and all I want to do is talk about something other than baby to feel wholesome and interesting; but the truth is, I have nothing to talk about other than baby. So there I am...stuck in a gridlock.

So while I have all of these things that I am questioning and sorting out about myself, my identity, etc, etc, there is also another heavy burden weighing down on my little family. And this burden is constantly swirling around in my head...while I am awake and while I am trying to sleep. It is constant. It is always "there" wherever I go, whatever I do. And the burden I am speaking of is one of finances. I worry constantly about money; about our money and our financial health. We all know this. I talk about it quite regularly.

I don't even know where to start with my worry and concerns when it comes to finances. But what I will say is that we are struggling. Yes. That is right. We don't have a lot of money. I've never been one to put on a show or pretend like I have something I don't. What you see is what you get. I have no need to impress anyone with my worldly belongings (or lack thereof). And I am not going to pretend like everything is hunky-dory when it isn't. And I am not going to try to "keep up" with others when there is no possible way our financial situation would allow us to do that without doing some real damage.

I just get down sometimes because my hubby and I are hardworkers. We put in our time each week and make an honest living. We have been able to pay all of our bills and have never had to make a late payment, and for that I am thankful. But by the end of the month, we are literally scraping the bottom of the ol' proverbial barrel. There are no leftovers to go have some fun with...like dinner or a movie. There is no extra cash for me to go get some new clothes or shoes. Hell, there usually isn't any extra funds just get some of the basics. And if there were to be a crisis (oh, I don't know, let's say a car breaks down or an appliance goes out)...well, we would kind of be up shit creek. Yes, we could always use credit, but we have worked our asses off to not have credit card debt (even though some does exist).

I am not trying to have a pity party (okay, maybe I am having a little one) nor am I trying to solicit any funds. I just get so sick and tired of spinning my wheels when it comes to our money and never getting anywhere. It just seems that things never get better. We are not frivolous spenders. I can't remember the last time either of us went shopping for clothing (with the exception of my thrift-store shopping where I spent a whopping $20 on clothes) or for random do-dads or for anything for the house (like some nice picture frames to display baby pics). Everything we have is what we have...nothing new has come into our household for quite sometime...except for the absolute basics needed for survival. And with the basics, we use coupons and shop for the deals, and that gets tiresome sometimes.

I am just tired. Tired of thinking so hard about our money. We work hard for our money. We want to enjoy our money. I just feel like we are always going to be living on the edge of financial crisis. I feel like we are one step...one paycheck...away from financial disaster. Don't get me wrong. I am thankful for what we do have and what we can afford. And by most standards, we live a pretty darn good life. But I seriously just want to recall what it was like to want something (like an outfit or kitchen gadget) and to be able and go out and get it without thinking about it. I am in no way materialistic or find my worth in materials that I possess, but, damn, I just want to have a little extra breathing room.

So, yes, I have a had a lot weighing on my mind. And I have found myself in a dark and desparate place at times leaving me to feel down right hopeless about life. But, at the end of the day, I want what is best for me, for my baby, for my hubby, and our little family. I think it is okay to have that feeling of desparation or hopelessness or sadness if it can be utilized in a way to propel my life forward in a positive way. I don't want to wallow in those feelings forever, but I know myself well enough to allow me the freedom to wallow in it just long enough so that I get agitated and start making movement to change things. I chose to let these things get me down. But I also choose to move on. I will continue to struggle and to feel burdened and to question myself, but isn't that part of the journey of this life? My goal is, and has always been, to do the best that I can do each day that I am here...knowing that some days I am going to be more successful at "life" than on others.

There. Done. Out. Over.

Quotable Quote of the Week

2011-02-14T15:11:00.000-05:00

Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. ~Robert Heinlein

....A simple I love you means more than money.... ~Frank Sinatra

Always remember there was nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name. ~The Avett Brothers

Happy Valentine's Day, Folks! Yup...that is about all I've got to say in reference to this ol' holiday! My hubby and I decided to skip the cards this year, and we never do gifts on this holiday anyways. We figure we don't need one day out of the year to say 'I love you' to one another. We strive to show our love to each other every single day. And yes, some days we are more successful than others at showing our love, but the effort is always there...on Feb 14 and any other day of the year.

Quotable Quote of the Week

2011-02-08T10:58:00.000-05:00

Isn't it the moment of most profound doubt that gives birth to new certainties? Perhaps hopelessness is the very soil that nourishes human hope; perhaps one could never find sense in life without first experiencing its absurdity. ~Vaclav Havel

There are no hopeless situations; there are only men who have grown hopeless about them. ~Clare Boothe Luce

I've been feeling a little hopeless these days. I don't know if it is a funk or what. But I need some inspiration. I need some help refocusing because I feel all out of sorts. It just feels that each day is a struggle, and the stuggle is beating me down and winning right now. I don't know. I just don't know, anymore!

Get it Together, Girl

2011-02-02T12:15:00.001-05:00

Seriously, get it together! This statement seems to be repeated over and over in my mind as I meander my way from week to week, day to day, or even hour to hour. I feel so disorganized. I feel like I am winging it...winging my life these days. Who am I? Where am I? What do I do? Where do I go?

I can't really explain what is going on with me. It's just that most days I feel weird...like I don't identify with myself anymore. It's like I am searching for my former self, but she is nowhere to be found. Who was I anyways? Who am I now? Why can't I just feel settled and happy with where I am at today? Why do I feel the need to be defined?

I know, I know...it's getting deep! But it really isn't so bad! I guess it is just that ol' internal struggle when changes come about in life. I guess I've been through a lot of changes and transitions in the past few months, and I am trying to sort it all out. How do the changes affect my being and my identity? How do I let go of the past and embrace the present and future?

I am coming to terms with losing some of the comforts of my former life and creating new comforts in my present life. I guess it's just that I want and like to be in control, and lately, a lot of things have been beyond my control. And whenever change occurs, it is easy to feel like all control is gone. And as much as I try to go with the flow, some days it is hard.

I, mean, really all the things that have changed have been good. I have a son and I'm a mother now. I got a new job. I seriously can't complain about those things. But any change, even good change, shakes things up a bit. It means operating in a different manner. It means reorganizing how I do things. It means shifting my focus and recreating part of my identity. And some of these are a lot easier said than done.

But I am working on it. I am working on getting myself together. I am working on adjusting to the changes. And I am sure, in the end, I will be happier than I was previously.

Maybe later I will share some of my difficulties with all this change. I've been in a funk. I've avoided blogging and doing other things I enjoy. But I am working myself out of it. I am telling myself, "Get it together, girl." And that is what I am doing...one bit at a time.

Irked

2011-01-20T19:58:00.000-05:00

So I've been trying to post a video for the past ~~few~~ week and some days, and it won't upload to blogger. It is really starting to irk me. I get so aggravated when technology doesn't work. I am sure, though, that it is something I am doing rather than the technology itself. But...aaarrrrgh!

And I've been a busy lady, too. I finally started my new job this week. So between trying to upload videos, work, take care of a baby and a hubby, keep up with household crap, and squeeze in some sleep, I really haven't had much time to blog. I am hoping that once I get the swing of things with the new jobby-job, I can relax and actually sit down and do some writing.

But until then...I think I am off to bed....early...really, really early tonight.

The Mom Cut

2011-01-12T12:53:00.000-05:00

Yep! I went and did it!

I got my hair all chopped off!

It wasn't a hasty decision, though. I put a lot of thought into how I wanted my hair. And I kept coming back to the fact that I've always wanted to try a short hairstyle but have been too afraid to do so...for many, many years.

So I did some research on short hairstyles (and by research, I mean I used Google Images to find styles that I liked). I printed off all of the pictures of short hair that I liked and thought would suit me and hung on to them for a few days. I studied the pictures and tried to visualize the different hairstyles on my head.

I showed the pics to my hubby, too, to see what he thought about me taking my hair to a shorter length. He was on board. At least, he said he was out loud. I am not really sure what he thought about me going shorter, but he's always been supportive of new things I want to try. And the truth is, I am never really that daring with my style or look, so I think when I do mention doing something off the beaten path (at least for me), he goes along with it...thankfully.

So I made the appointment...about a week ahead. That was too much time...almost. Because the more I started thinking about my hair, and the closer the appointment got, I started talking myself out of it.

But...I didn't smooth talk my way out of it this time.

And here's why:

This shorter haircut started taking on a life of its own in my mind. It came to represent so many things to me, that I just couldn't not do it. I would be letting myself down along with all of the rationalizations of going for it.

I've talked about getting my hair cut short since I was 15 years old. I've always had it in my head that I would like to go really short...just to see what it would be like. And for the past 17 years, I've held onto my hair like it was some sort of security blanket, like I would be lost or somehow really different if I didn't have my straight, stringy hair in a mostly blunt hair style.

But more than letting go of that security blanket, I felt it time to live my life as an example...and example to my son. To show him that it is okay to take some risks and try something new...even if the outcome is not guaranteed. And to some people, cutting off hair may not be a big risk. And it certainly isn't a life-threatening or life-changing event. But for me it was a risk. A risk to let go of something I've held onto for so long. A risk of looking "ugly". A risk of not being attractive to my hubby. And I realize that my son is not even 4-months old yet, and he has no idea what I am doing with my hair. But I still felt compelled and motivated by this little fella that I needed to take this "risk" as a baby step towards living my life as an example to him.

So I did it. I got my hair cut on Monday. And my hubby even called me while I was on my way to the appointment to make sure that I didn't change my mind about it.

The BEFORE

Check out "The AFTER"...

The AFTER

Me right after the haircut...all styled up!

The AFTER...2 Days Later

This is how I "style" it

The AFTER...Bobby Pin

And I can even throw in a bobby pin for a little flair

And the truth is...it's not as short as I had wanted to go. But it is still shorter than I've ever had my hair. I let the stylist do his thing once I showed him the pictures and based on my hair and head shape, and this style is what he came up with.

I may go shorter. I have an appointment early Feb. to add more color (blonde) to it, and I may tell him to chop more of it off.

But I am proud of myself. For taking this risk...even if it is a very small risk in the grand scheme of things.

Ramblings on the New Year

2011-01-10T12:18:00.004-05:00

My hubby says that the way you ring in the new year is an indicator of how the rest of the year is going to go.

Well, we slept through it.

We crawled into bed around 10:00pm on New Year's Eve. (Don't judge me! We're new parents! We're tired! And we'd probably been up since around 6am that morning.) Naeners set the alarm for 11:45pm, so we could at least be awake to see the ball dropping on television. He thought it was the least we could do since we obviously weren't hitting any big parties or painting the town pink for the New Year.

But we slept through the alarm, too.

Naeners woke me up around 1:45 am saying, "We missed it! We missed it! We missed the New Year!" Being a little miffed that he disturbed me in my sound sleep, I mumbled something back to him like, "And? What we didn't miss was the sleep!" I rolled back over into my slumber. So did he. Because we knew the baby would be waking soon for a nighttime feeding.

So if it is true what my hubby says about how one rings in the New Year, then what does that mean for us in 2011? Does it mean we're going to have a "sleepy" year? Does it mean we're going to continue to miss out on things? Or does it just mean that we need to grab our sleep when we can, and otherwise, just walk around in our usual sleep-deprived state like we've been doing since September?

One thing is for sure. I am not disappointed with the way we rang in the New Year. I got to sleep. At least for a little bit. Uninterrupted. Sleep is what I want. Sleep is what I need. Sleep was a good way, to me, to say good-bye to 2010 and hello to 2011.

And maybe that is why it has taken me 10 days to get this post up in the New Year. I've been taking cat naps and sleeping in my free time. I've been making sleep my priority. And it feels good!

I don't know what the New Year holds for us. We talked about our goals for the New Year. But, honestly, our goals for this year are no different than they were the year before. I think we just want to do the best that we can to make each other happy, have a nice and stable home for ourselves and our child, and to be the best people we can be.

Whenever there is some sort of transition, I do reflect a bit on myself and my life. Where have I come from? Where am I going? Am I a better person today than I was yesterday? Is my life headed in the direction I think it should be going?

But this year, I didn't write down things I wanted to accomplish. I didn't make a list of my goals and all of the things I am going to "change" about me. Because the truth is, the goals or the changes I want to make are always the same. They are things I am working on each and every day. Some days I am a success; other days, a complete failure. And my BroLaw summed it up quite nicely when he said, "You have an opportunity every day to make decisions to change your life. Resolve to make those decisions every day, and you won't need a New Year's Resolution." I think that statement is so true. You have a choice every day as to whether or not you're going to live the life you want, and you really do not need a new year to tell yourself all the "good" things and ways you're going to live. Just do it. Every day.

So that is what 2011 means to me. Not trying to make a bunch of sweeping changes in my life because it's a New year, but to continue to make an effort to be the person I want to be each and every day, to keep it simple, to keep it focused on me and my family. And that's it!

Oh, and to get as much sleep as possible!

Under Construction

2011-01-06T22:09:00.000-05:00

The Stinky Times

is currently under construction.

Please hang tight while I fiddle around to make some changes and improvements to this blog!

The Year in Review

2010-12-30T20:26:00.000-05:00

The year of 2010 was a big one in our household with lots of changes and transitions. I wanted to take a minute to walk to memory lane and break down our big family milestones throughout the year.

January 2010

Had "that feeling" I was pregnant
Confirmed the pregnancy with 4 at-home tests and 1 visit to the doctor

1/1/2010
Preggers and didn't even know it!

February 2010

1st visit with the OB-GYN
Heard the heartbeat and received ultrasound
Due date predicted for September 20
Told both sets of parents that we were pregnant
My beloved grandmother, Merle, passes away at the age of 82

First Glimpse at the Mini-Stink

A Life Well Lived: Missing you Every Day!
8/3/26 - 2/9/10

March 2010

Started work on the nursery
Crazy-like, manic nesting began
Genetic testing completed and no indicators of any abnormalities

April 2010

Naeners completed and submitted application for National Board Certified Teaching certificate

May 2010

Apparently not too much happened this month or I just can't remember

But I did get a new hair cut and color

June 2010

Family reunion and baby shower with my side of family

First Gifts for Baby

July 2010

Celebrated 3 years of marital bliss (mostly)
Celebrated Naeners 33rd birthday

3rd Wedding Aniversary

August 2010

Baby shower with friends and family
Last road trip to visit my parents and the beach before the baby arrives
Nursery completed, car seats installed, and bags packed for the hospital

September 2010

Maternity leave begins
Most important day of the year - 9/22/10 - Gave birth to my son, Quinlan (aka Mini-Stink, Baby Q)

Welcome to the World, Quin!

October 2010

Celebrated my 32nd birthday

First Halloween

November 2010

Visited my Grandma so that Baby Q could meet his GiGi (great grandmother)
Baby Q hospitalized for possible menigitis
Naeners passed National Boards - Yay!
Celebrated Baby Q's 1st Thanksgiving
Interviewed for a position as a school social worker

Gigi meets Baby Q
(and can you believe Gigi is 91 years old?)

December 2010

Accepted social worker positin with school system
Returned to CPS job
Submitted resignation at CPS job
Baby Q starts daycare
Celebrated Baby Q's 1st Christmas

Bye-Bye

2010-12-29T09:31:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am at work...not working obviously. I am closing in on my last days as a social worker with Child Protective Services and getting prepared for new adventures in social work in the school system. I am excited! I am a sad! It's all a little bittersweet!

I've been with CPS for almost 3 years and have really come to love the people I work with on a daily basis. And I've also come to love the community for which I have served during my time here. I've grown a lot as a social worker and have been challenged in so many ways by the work and the clients. It's been a learning experience, and I've faced situations that I never thought I would be able to handle.

CPS is hard work, and it's not for everybody. I am not really sure that it was ever for me, but it's something I had to do. It's experience I had to get. And now I am happy to be moving on...for so many reasons. It's hard to face stressful, crisis-riden situations on a day-to-day basis. It's hard to witness children living in situations that are neglectful and abusive. It's hard not knowing what happens to some of these children and families once the investigation is complete. It's just hard. Period.

I need a change. I need something that is more compatible with my personality. I like to see outcomes. I like to see happy endings. I am not saying that everything in CPS was bad or that everything in the school will be happy and fun, but there should be a definite difference. I will get the opportunity to get to know my clients (the students) for an extended period of time rather than dropping into their lives, making a decision about the abuse/neglect in the home, and dropping out (closing case, transferring case, or taking custody). I will get to try interventions and work with the children on an on-going basis. And the job will be less confrontational...at least not as confrontational on a day-to-day basis.

And I need something that is more conducive to my family life. CPS is not family-friendly...at least not to your own family. My job as a CPS social worker is to be flexible and available to meet the family's needs. That means if a parent can't meet with me until 6:00pm, then I have to change my schedule to meet with them. Now that I have a baby at home, I can't work that late on a regular basis. This job is too unpredictable and has too many restraints when it comes to my personal life. I need to have a more regular schedule. I need to get home to my hubby and baby. And I hope with my new work and new schedule, I will be allowed the opportunity to have just that...more time with my fami;ly while still doing good, hard, productive work during the day.

So...it is bye-bye to CPS. It's been good to me, but it's time to move on. And it seems so appropriate to finish this job as the year comes to a close. I am ready for my new job. I am ready to start fresh in 2011.

Cry, Rock, Sleep...Repeat

2010-12-28T13:00:00.003-05:00

How do you get your little one to sleep at night? Anyone swaddle or use such methods as Ferber or Cry-it-Out (CIO)? How long does your 3-month-old sleep at night? I've worked hard the past month to get the little one on a bedtime schedule/routine. I am not sure if I am doing it right. And I don't know that there is a right way.

Our bedtime routine goes a little something like this:

Once Baby Q hits his evening fussiness because he's sleepy, I start up the routine immediately. And if he hasn't gotten to that point of getting fussy by 7:30pm, then I start up the routine anyways. I kick off the nighttime routine with a bath. The Mini-Stink seems to really enjoy the bath (until I get to his neck cheese, then he protests fervently against it). He gets a complete scrub down every 3rd night, and on the other nights I hit the cheesy spots with the wash cloth but no soap. I then bundle him up in a towel, and we head to his bedroom where I have his nighttime music playing. I lotion him up to keep his skin silky smooth and put him in his pajamas. Throughout bathtime and the lotioning, I talk to him letting him know that we are getting ready for "night-nights." If he's alert and happy once he's been lubed up and dressed for the night, then we have playtime and storytime...all in his room. If he is crying, then I nurse him and rock him to sleep. Once he's asleep, I swaddle him up and place him in the crib. And...Viola...sleeping baby!

The thing that I can't seem to pin down is that his sleeping patterns are so erratic. When he goes down for the night, he is down. He doesn't wake up at 2am to play. He's never had his days and nights confused. But the erratic part is that he will sometimes sleep 6 to 8 hours before waking up to be nursed and put back to bed, and other times he'll only go 2 to 3 hours and continues that pattern the whole of the night.

When he wakes in the night, I wait until he belts out a real cry before I go into his room to get him...just on the off chance that he might fall back asleep. When I pick him up at night, I keep it all business. Lights remain off, and I keep the chatter to none at all or just enough to soothe him. I always nurse him, swaddle him back up, and put him back in the bed.

I've read a lot on sleeping patterns and infants. Some techniques have worked for me and others I have chosen to ignore or just have not worked fo us. For instance, I am a nurser/rocker. I've read that the baby should be placed in his crib when he is drowsy so that he can learn to soothe himself the rest of the way to sleep. I don't do that. I've tried, but when I do, his little eyes pop wide open, and he thinks it's playtime again. I wind up leaning over the crib for about 20 minutes trying to soothe him back to sleep until he starts crying and I pick up the little booger. You're supposed to keep doing this over and over (putting him down in the drowsy state) until he learns to soothe himself completely to sleep. I guess I am not patient enough. Or, perhaps, I am just too lazy. And maybe I am so sleep-deprived myself that it's just easier to to rock/nurse him to sleep and put him in his crib because I know that works. And maybe it is just as comforting to me to be able to get him to fall asleep in my arms, especially on the days when we've been apart..it's a little more time I get to spend with my baby...even if he is asleep.

Also, I am just not a CIO supporter. I tried to let him cry for 5 minutes the other night when he woke up in his crib (I knew he wasn't hungry or wet because those issues had been addressed), and it was the worst 5 minutes...for both of us. And the 5 minutes after I picked him up were even more worse than when I was letting him CIO. He was royally pissed at me. And he screamed and screamed and screamed to let me know it. It was like he was totally confused and questioning why I had not promptly responded to his calls. I felt horrible. I had recently read that since he has hit the 3-month mark, I can let him cry up to 15 minutes. Really? Can I? It doesn't feel right to me to lay in bed and listen to him scream when I know I can comfort him. And it surely was hell for the 5 minutes I let him do it the other night. I just feel that I need to respond to his cries in the middle of the night. Babies cry when they need something, right? Even if it's just a little cuddle from their mom or dad that they need.

I know that as long as I am nursing, I will most likely be getting up at least once during the night for a feeding. I am okay with that. What I don't know is if I am setting myself up for bedtime battles later on by rocking him to sleep and tending to his cries rather promptly in the middle of the night. I want my baby to grow into a good sleeper. And I, too, would like to return to getting a full night's rest. I am doing the best that I can. So I've decided that I just have to do what feels right for me and for the baby and what works for us as a family. I've taken some of the advice from books and articles on developing healthy sleeping habits and adapted it to meet our needs (honestly, some being my own selfish need for that contact and closeness with my baby). I am going to continue to rock and nurse him to sleep. And I am going to continue to respond to his cries in the middle of the night...even if it is every 2 hours on some nights.

So I am curious...are there any other moms that have struggled/questioned their own methods at getting their little one to sleep and stay asleep?

A Pictorial Christmas

2010-12-27T20:40:00.000-05:00

This pretty much sums up our Christmas holiday:

Pajama Day

2010-12-26T18:13:00.000-05:00

It's snowing in good ol' NC! We almost had a white Christmas, but the snow came a day late. That's okay, though, because we've enjoyed it nonetheless. I've been hanging out all day in my pj's...just napping with my baby by the fire and spending time with the in-laws and my hubby.

***Insert Snow Pictures HERE***

And because I left my camera at SisLaw's house last night, we don't have any great snow day pictures.

I thought I would leave everyone with some delicious recipes that we used for our Christmas breakfast and dinner.

Escalloped Onions

5-6 large onions
1 stick butter
2 T. flour
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1/2 t. dry mustard
1 cup milk
1 8oz (cup) grated Swiss or cheddar cheese
bread crumbs
butter for topping

Thinly slice onions to equal about 4 cups. Separate into rings, saute in 1/2 stick butter until lightly browned. In saucepan, melt remaining 1/2 stick butter and stir in flour and seasonings. Slowly stir in milk and grated cheese. Cool slowly until cheese is melted, stirring constantly. In a one quart baking dish alternate layers of onions and sauce. Sprinkle top with crumbs and dot with butter. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

The Best Baked Corn

1 cup milk
2 T. butter
1 T. sugar
2 T. flour
1 15oz can corn (drained)
2 eggs (well beaten)

Boil 3/4 cup milk with butter and sugar. Dissolve flour in 1/4 cup milk. Pour flour mixture into milk mixture to make a thin white sauce. Add to drained corn in a 1 to 1.5 quart loaf pan. Mix in eggs. Bake 1 hour at 400 degrees.

Caramel Apple Dumplings

We had these for breakfast, but they would be great for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This recipe can easily be cut in half for fewer servings. Also, this recipe was adapted from a similar recipe The Pioneer Woman cooks had on her website, “Apple Dumplings”. This one is not as sweet and we love the crunch of the pecans and the crust that is created on top of the crescent rolls using less butter.

2 NC Granny Smith Apples
2 cans Crescent Rolls
1 stick butter
1 ½ cups sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
1 cup NC Pecans
¼ cup caramel topping
Cinnamon, to taste
1 can (12oz.) Mountain Dew

Peel and core apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices each. Spread a thin coating of caramel onto the crescent roll. Place an apple slice at the large end. Sprinkle pecans in front of the apple slice and half way down the crescent roll. Then roll the apple and nuts up in the dough. Place in a 9 X 13 buttered pan. Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and spoon the mixture over the apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream. Drizzle with caramel and top with a few more pecans.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T20:30:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

***Insert Christmas pictures HERE from today***

Yeah, I had planned to post pictures from our Christmas celebration today except I left the camera over at SisLaw's house. I guess that means Christmas pictures will be posted later.

Flashback Friday

2010-12-24T06:00:00.003-05:00

I am flashin' back to the Christmas season sometime around 1980 or 1981 putting me around 2 to 3-years-old. I, mean, seriously, I was chillin' in front of very, very frugal Christmas tree. I guess times were tight or my dad was just cheap, but he apparently decided that Christmas he needed to go out into the woods in the back of our house and chop down a tree and spray paint it white. And from looking at the decorations on the tree, it looks like a lot of them were homemade. I actually think it was a pretty cool idea and a different spin on the Christmas tree. I think that was the only time that we had the spray painted Christmas tree.

Hanging out by the spray painted tree in my "cute" outfit

c. 1980 or 1981

3 Whole Months

2010-12-23T08:52:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it, but it has already been 3 months since our little guy made his entrance into this world. It's amazing how quickly time flies by and how fast he has grown and developed already. It's so weird because I miss him being so tiny, but at the same time, I love watching him grow and reach new milestones. I never knew the joy that would come with watching my own child learn and develop and grow.

I've definitely had my ups and downs adapting to the whole parenthood thing. Some days are just better than others. But one thing is for sure, no matter how the day goes, when I see my son smile at me, it truly melts my heart and makes my day better tenfold. In addition, I can say that I have become more comfortable and confident with myself as a mother. I think the baby and I have kind of figured each other out, and Naeners and I have developed a new way of relating and communicating that seems to make things run smoother around the house. I trust my instincts more, and I trust in my partnership in parenting with my hubby. We don't always know what to do, but we figure it out together, and we do our best not to freak out in the meantime. It's amazing to see how your relationship and partnership with your significant other grows along with your baby. I truly look forward to growing along with my baby and my hubby in this crazy fast life.

Like many other blogging mommies, I've decided to document my baby's monthly growth by having him pose with a silly stuffed animal (monkey) on his rocking chair. It will be fun (at least for me) to be able to look back at the pictures and see how he has changed each month for the next 2 years. However, what I am not going to do like so many blogging mommies is document every little milestone and tidbit on here. Truth be told, Naeners and I (and probably the grandparents) are the only ones who really care where he is at with his developmental milestones. I, mean, really, does anyone other than me really care when he first cooed or smiled or that he can hold his head up or that he now seems perplexed by his own hands? I keep a journal for my little one where I write him letters and talk about what he has been up to...those are the moments that he and I and my hubby share and delight in...and share amongst ourselve as a family.

ONE MONTH - 10/22/10

The Mini-Stink "just chillin'" with the monkey

TWO MONTHS - 11/22/10

Bored with the Monkey...Yawn!

Angry with the Monkey

"This is seriously stupid, Mom!"

THREE MONTHS - 12/22/10

Our Little Monkey

Fat and Happy

Ain't Got Nothin'

2010-12-22T11:29:00.001-05:00

I seriously ain't got nothin' to talk about today (just giving you a dose of my Southern accent). Seriously, my mind is totally blank which is really weird because I always have something to ~~talk~~ ramble about on here.

Sooo...I guess I will talk about the fact the my hubby is in charge of the kiddo all day long today. He does a great job caring for our son, but we're usually together or he has him for about 2 hour time frame on his own. He's never gone a straight 8-9 hours in charge of the little fella.

We both said we were a little nervous about how the day would go. I told him that it will be weird because I will be away from the mini-stink all day and won't be able to log on and watch him on video. It's probably better that way, anyways.

I am happy for the fact that they are getting to spend the day together and have father-son bonding time. I can't wait to get home and hear about all of their adventures from today.

Thrifty Fun

2010-12-21T09:35:00.000-05:00

Since we are feeling the economic crunch and paying an astronomical amount for daycare, we are always looking for ways to "cut back" on our spending. It seems frivolous to go on a shopping spree for a new wardrobe when the money can be put to better use in other places in our budget, but I need some new clothes...desperately. My clothes are really outdated (as in I've worn them all 1000s of times), and I need some new pieces to accommodate my slightly re-shifted body. I can honestly say that we really don't spend a lot on our clothing, but there always comes that time when you just need some new stuff to wear. I've reached that point...I just need a few pieces to add to my already existing wardrobe and to replace some things that have been so worn I should never wear them again. I am not a big shopper for clothing and very rarely buy something if it isn't on some sort of sale or doesn't have a coupon deal attached, but I always get my stuff new.

Sooo...in my desire to save a little money but to also meet my existing wardrobe needs, I decided to hit up the local thrift shop. I've never gone thrifting for my own clothing; I've always donated my stuff to the Good Will or other thrift type shops but never shopped in one. But I started thinking about some of the stuff I've donated in the past, and some of the pieces were brand new or barely worn. So it made me think that other people donate good quality stuff as well. I was willing to go peruse the racks at the local Good Will to see if I could find something suitable and in good condition and cheap!

I left the baby with Naeners and set out on my big shopping excursion to the thrift store. (Times surely have changed...the mall has been traded-in for the Good Will.) I needed to be alone so I could dig and focus on the task at hand. I was looking for basic, timeless pieces that don't go out of style. I've never been one to buy the latest trends, anyways, because trendy stuff, to me, is not a good worthwhile investment.

So I dug through those racks; there were lots of racks. And I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of good conditioned clothing I found. And since we live in an area that is considered "well-to-do," there were lots of name-brand, good quality pieces (Banana Republic, Polo, The Loft, Tommy Hilfiger, J. Crew, Gap, etc., etc.). I started grabbing stuff left and right to try on for size.

I wound up finding some good pieces that weren't tattered or stained and seemed to be like new. I purchased 2 pair of pants (Old Navy; The Limited); 1 cardigan sweater (not a name brand, but still had original sales tags attached); 1 blouse (Gap); and 1 turtle neck (Merona...Target brand; And, yes, I rock the turtle necks...they're timeless, right?). So for those 5 pieces of clothing, I paid a whopping $19.56 (including tax).

It was a lot easier to go thrifting when I sucked up my pride and remembered that I was saving our family money, meeting one of my own needs, and being smart by "reusing/recycling" items that are in good condition (one man's trash is another man's treasure, right?).

I think the key to good thrift shopping is to do it often so that you can grab up the good quality stuff. And since I feel the trip was a success and not a waste, I've got a yearning to check out some of the other local thrift stores to see what cheap treasures I can find.

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-12-20T12:31:00.002-05:00

As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same. - Donald E. Westlake

Awkward

2010-12-19T17:25:00.000-05:00

My hubby and I were watching Sunday Morning on CBS this morning and there was a segment on the website Awkward Family Photos. I went to check out the website, and it had some pretty hilarious family photos on it. And all of of the photos on the website are submitted by a family member himself.

Here are a few from the website that had me rolling in laughter:

And it got me thinking about photos from my family and if we had any awkward ones that would be worthy of submitting to the website. Here are just a few that I scrounged up from around my house. I am sure that my parents have lots more at their home.

Mommyhood at its finest!

Family Photo at the Mall

Mom and Dad have the same Hairstyle

Stinky sports a Mullet

Nothing like a family photo at the graveyard!

Christmas Cheer

I can't wait to see what "awkward" family photos we will produce now that we have a child in tow.

Happy Saturday

2010-12-18T17:57:00.000-05:00

My hubby found this video on You Tube and I thought I needed to share. Have a happy Saturday!

Disturbing...in so many ways!

Menu Planning

2010-12-17T15:02:00.000-05:00

So I am sitting here at work...not doing anything. Since I put in my notice, I am not getting any new cases and I really don't have anything to do. Which is great because it gives me time to sit here and think about other things in my life. And today I've been thinking about how Naeners and I are going to get a decent meal on the table every night that allows us to eat together at a reasonable hour and get the Mini-Stink in bed when he starts the night time sleepy fusses (usually between 6-7pm and it takes me about an hour to go through the whole bedtime routine with him).

My hope is that with my new job I will get home at a better hour than I do with my current one. The earlier I can get home, the better I am able to get dinner prepared, sit down and enjoy, and start getting the kiddo to bed. Ever since I brought the little guy home, I've been completely scattered brain with grocery list making, coupon clipping, and dinner planning. We've been doing the whole grocery shopping and "what's for dinner tonight?" by the seat of our pants. I don't like doing it that way because we wind up eating really shitty dinners and paying way too much for groceries.

So I've been trying to develop a plan for dinner menu planning to incorporate make-ahead-freezer meals as well as really quick and easy make-it-that-night recipes. I also want to get the most bang for our buck when it comes to grocery shopping. I am not sure where to get started, and I feel like a deer in headlights right now.

Here is what I know I want to do when it comes to getting dinners on the table for us:

Buy the meats based on what is on sale at the grocery...that's the best time to stock up on a particular meat and freeze.
Stock up on other items based on the sales and coupons each week.
Have a deep stash of ready-to-cook meals in the freezer (we're getting a box freezer from my parents for Christmas).
Have a plan each night of the week for what we are going to eat. Since the hubby gets home before I do, he can get things started and I can finish them off.
Create a database or some sort of system for planning and logging recipes.
Cut my grocery shopping down to one time per week and get everything that is needed at that time.
Shop based on a list and stick to the list.

I know what I want to do, I just don't know how to get started. I need a base to work from, but I am thinking that I am going to have to take some extra time and maybe a little extra money up front to get this started.

I want dinners to be pleasurable, good for us, and easy to make. We don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen these days.

I am wondering if anyone out there has any ideas on how they get dinner on the table after working all day and coming home to a family. Any ideas or suggestions are truly welcomed.

2010-12-16T20:51:00.002-05:00

So, I totally stole this idea from How Could You Not? I am not original in any sort of way...but that's okay. I don't mind using ideas from other people. Isn't that what the blogging and the internet is all about...sharing information and ideas for others to use. But, anyhow!

Therefore, to celebrate 250 posts to my blog, I thought I would share 250 random facts about me. I know, it's totally vain, but I've discussed my vainness (is that even a word) on here before. Read only if you wish to really know random things and if you are okay with learning t.m.i. about me!

Woot! 250!

I am 32 years old and celebrate my birthday every October 17th!
I am married to a wonderful man, and we've been married for 3 years.
I am a MOM! I have a son that was born in September of this year.
I have two really cool dogs...Dimby and Marlee. I feel bad because they've kind of been ignored since the Mini-Stink arrived.
I am a social worker with Child Protective Services.
But I just got a new job as a school social worker starting in January 2011.
My all-time favorite food is potatoes...fixed any ol' way...and I could eat them every day.
My fingers are long and skinny.
I can't stand fingernails on me. As soon as they start getting a little bit long, I have to trim them short.
My eyebrows are too far apart...due to waxing. They won't grow in, so I have to accept them the way they are now.
I must wear my socks tight. I can't stand loose fitting socks. And they must be pulled up to their fullest potential.
Even though my socks must be tight, I can't stand tight-fitting clothing. I like it a little loose.
I love bacon. Bacon makes everything taste better.
I like to vacuum. I love seeing the lines in the carpet and hearing the sound of the dirt being swished away.
I always order the same sandwich from Subway - 6in wheat, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, spicy mustard, oil and vinegar, and the spices. Yummy!
I should've had a career in party planning. I like to plan parties...it's fun.
I hate all seafood. And, yes, that includes shrimp.
I like to drink good beer! Don't give me any of that crap beer.
I was a cheerleader in middle school and some of high school.
I played basketball through middle school but was too chicken to try out for the team in high school.
I ran cross country in high school.
I also ran on the track team. I was usually middle of the pack.
I quit ballet when I was 4-years-old because I missed my Saturday morning cartoons.
I eat my steak medium rare.
I clogged as a child. It was the cool thing to do where we lived.
I can be really sweet and thoughtful.
And I can be selfish and callous at times.
I cry...a lot.
I've taken anti-depressants and anti-anxiety pills. I may do so again if I need them.
I have been clinically depressed.
I believe in going to therapy! It's helped me through some tough times in my life.
I am an open-book with my life (for the most part). If you ask me a question about something, I will pretty much tell you like it is from my own experience (no sugar-coatin' the truth).
Being an open book often leads me to giving out T.M.I (I often make my hubby cringe with some of the things I share).
I love cheeky pop music! I can't help it!
I can't read lips. Just speak up and tell me what you're trying to say.
I can't hear very well either. At least that is what my hubby tells me. I think it's true.
I prefer granny panties. They're just comfortable.
I am still wearing the "larger" undies I purchased during pregnancy. They actually fit pretty well.
I keep my toenails painted in the summer and naked in the winter.
I don't wear lipstick. I wear lip gloss occasionally.
I like to pop zits. Gross, I know, but there just some thrill with popping them.
I was the prom queen in high school.
I broke my arm in 7th grade by falling off a football goal. I climbed it to impress a boy. I don't think he was too impressed, though.
I stole french fries from the school cafeteria in 8th grade. I got caught, and it was sooo embarrassing.
I think farting is funny. Really, really funny.
I laugh uncontrollably to the point of tears when my hubby hurts himself. I don't know what's wrong with me.
I vomited all over myself in my car one time as I was driving it. I had a migraine headache.
I love the smell of coffee but don't drink it...I can't stand the taste.
I am sweet tea-aholic.
I make the best sweet tea (in my humble opinion)!
I won't kill insects or spiders (I reserve that job for the hubby)!
I don't pop and squat in public restrooms...it's too hard. I lay down a protective layer of tissue paper and sit. Ewww!
I got my undergrad degree from Meredith College.
I majored in psychology.
I studied abroad for one semester over in England.
I got to also visit Spain, France, Italy, and Scotland.
I have a Masters in Social Work.
I got my MSW from UNC Chapel Hill.
My first job was at Kay-Bee Toys when I was 16 years old.
I use humor to cope.
I am morbid.
I talk to my mother on the phone most everyday...and sometimes multiple times in a day.
I am cheap. I very rarely will buy something that is full price.
I am not religious.
But I consider myself to be spiritual.
I've never felt like I really fit in anywhere.
I am socially awkward a lot of the times.
I talk too much when I get nervous or anxious.
I am a light sleeper.
I can't fall asleep until after my hubby is already asleep.
I have to have something to drink with me at all times. I get nervous if I don't.
I still have and wear a pair of birkenstocks that I got when I was a senior in high school. They are in really good shape.
I try to see both sides of a situation.
I think my sign (Libra) is pretty accurate description of me.
I don't have a hobby or anything that I am really, really into which bothers me a lot.
I get obsessional about a new activity or hobby-like thing and then forget about it.
I took shag lessons.
I hate talking on the phone except with a few people.
The only kind of barbeque I like is NC BBQ.
My favorite time of year is the spring and fall.
I drove a crusty burnt-orange 1986 Mustang when I was in high school.
I love to have my back tickled.
I love to have my hair played with.
As a child, I went to the NC State Fair each year to celebrate my birthday.
I have an older brother.
When I buy an item off the shelf, I don't take the first one. I pull one from the back (the only exception to this rule is grocery items). It always seems like the first one on the shelf might be tainted.
When I put stuff away, such as towels, I do so in a rotation, putting the cleanest ones at the bottom of the stack. This is to allow everything to be used evenly.
I don't sweat all that much.
My hair is really, really straight. It won't hold curl...at all.
I've always wanted curly hair.
I got a perm when I was in 6th grade and my hair looked like Whitney Houston's in The Body Guard.
I don't like being the center of attention.
I feel awkward when there are celebrations in my honor (such as birthday, wedding, baby).
I have no self control around food that just sits out (like at parties).
I love chips and dip.
I like to clip my toenails.
I was on a jump rope team in 5th grade.
I played softball as a 4th grader and hated every minute of it.
I really don't watch movies. They are too long. Give me something to watch that's an hour or less.
I haven't watched or read any of the Harry Potter series.
I love to take naps.
I had stitches in my pinky toe.
I am practical.
I try to streamline things to make them as easy as possible.
I am very, very organized...especially with my work.
I am not as assertive as I should be.
I am not confrontational.
I got into a girl fight one time when I was in 5th grade.
I used to have a nose ring.
I used to have a belly button piercing.
I don't have any tatttoos nor will I ever.
I am a plain Jane when it comes to fashion.
I travelled across the country for 2.5 weeks with my brother in 2005.
I love cheese grits.
I was born and bred in NC.
I will never live further north than VA.
I am indecisive.
I tend to repeat myself.
I repeat myself.
I love old people.
I like a basic chocolate chip cookie.
McDonald's fries are by far my favorite.
I can't carry a tune. I've been told all my life that I couldn't sing. It really is true.
I can't play an instrument.
I love hot showers.
I don't like to go barefooted...even as I child I preferred to wear shoes.
I can't stand to have dirty feet.
I've taken a ride in a police car.
I've been in jail multiple times (bet you're guessing why).
I didn't really like ice cream all that much until I met my hubby (who loves it).
I love Reese's peanut butter cups.
I like doing puzzles such as sudoku and crosswords.
I don't try to be someone I am not.
I don't believe in "keeping up with the Joneses."
I knew almost immediately that I was pregnant. I just had that "feeling."
I knew almost immediately that Nae-Nae was the one for me.
I get really gassy when I am nervous.
Sometimes I say and do things just to be annoying.
I laugh hysterically at my own jokes.
I really don't know how to tell a joke. I am a terrible joke teller.
I've never liked the shape of my stomach. It's always had a little pooch.
I hate wearing panty hose.
I don't wear dresses in the winter.
I would wear jeans every day if I could.
I went to an N'Sync concert and loved every minute of it.
I love to watch the Golden Girls. I used to watch it every night at bedtime.
I put onions in most things I cook.
I reek of garlic if I eat it. I seeps through my pores.
I love to sit outside and soak up the sunshine.
I hate being really white. I prefer to be tan.
I love to wear sun dresses. I should buy more.
My favorite lunch meat is ham.
I don't like red wine.
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.
I can be very introspective.
I am both extroverted and introverted.
I don't have a big a circle of friends, but the friends I do have are the best.
I am really nosy.
If I come to your house, I will look at every last picture you have hanging on the wall or on display.
I've always kept a journal of some sort.
I write letters to my son for him to read one day.
I keep all cards given to me. I have boxes of them. I just can't think of throwing them away knowing someone took the time and effort to pick out the card and give it to me.
I shoot pool left handed.
I am right handed.
I have this weird ability to remember birthdays and really random numbers.
I am allergic to codeine.
I enjoyed being pregnant.
I have worked at a domestic violence shelter.
I used to take applications for food stamps.
I went to college to be a teacher but found out that I wasn't teacher material.
I don't read nearly enough.
I love to look at trashy celebrity tabloids.
The best time of my life was on my honeymoon in Jamaica with my hubby.
I don't gamble.
I like dogs more than cats.
I cried uncontrollably when I had to have the hamster put down.
I've never had a black eye. And I don't want to either.
I am not a morning person.
And I am no longer a night owl.
I think I am a good listener.
I am sympathetic to others.
I am empathic.
I am a complainer.
I never have good comebacks until after the fact.
I love blankets. I am always covered up by one...even on the hottest days of summer.
I got my first cavity at age 32. I still need to have it filled.
I am a thinker. I think about things too much.
I need to be a doer. I can think it but don't know always know how to put my thoughts into action.
My feet are not ticklish...never have been.
I can't stand it when my hubby touches me with his feet. It drives me up the wall.
I like gross things.
I am vulgar at times.
I enjoying blogging.
My favorite color depends on my mood at the time.
I wear a lot of black and white...it goes with every thing.
I like to watch Dancing with the Stars because of the costumes.
America's Funniest Videos is one of my all time favorite shows.
I "go with the flow" most of the time.
The older I get, the less I care about what other people think about me.
I don't have an all-time favorite band or music group.
I don't really like watching sports.
I didn't enjoy high school all that much. I hated having that awkward feeling all of the time.
When I was really little I wanted to grow up and work at McDonald's.
And then I wanted to be a heart surgeon.
I've become a little more pessimistic with my age, but I try to be hopeful and optimistic about life.
It drives me crazy when people don't use their turn signal.
I like lots of ice in my drinks.
I have a scar under my nose from where a childhood friend did a cartwheel and her long toenail sliced my nose. Ewww! Gross!
I don't like jelly beans or any gummy type of candy.
I don't like hard candy either.
I've made a music playlist that I want played at my funeral.
I make sure that my hubby and say something good to each other when parting ways just in case those are the last words spoken to one another (we don't go out mad at each other).
I do my best to remember that I have lots to be thankful for each day, especially on those days I am having a pity party.
I worked at the Outback right after I graduated from grad school.
I would go back to the Outback if I needed to do so for the money. I will do whatever is necessary to keep our family financially stable.
I don't tell my clients to do something I wouldn't do myself if I were in the same situation.
I wear socks around my house. I like having socks on my feet.
I like having yard sales because I like to bargain with the people.
I like going on job interviews (especially if I get the job offer).
I am a planner. I like to know what's going to be happening.
I wish I was more spontaneous with my activities.
I can be really lazy.
I am a "do it as I go" kind of person. For example, I clean the kitchen as I cook so there is not a big mess at the end.
I can't stand clutter. It drives me up the wall. We have a lot of clutter in our house.
I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was in 1st grade.
I always made good grades in school. Most of the time I didn't have to try too hard to make them.
College was easy for the most part.
My hubby proposed to me at Meredith College campus.
I did not enjoy the wedding planning process. I am glad I never have to do that again.
I am not sure my wedding gown was "the one," but I liked it.
I love my wedding rings.
I get overwhelmed in stores like Best Buy where there is a lot of different kinds of noises.
I don't like to shop in stores like TJ Maxx because it's too much work to dig through all of the clothes to find something I like.
I still shop in juniors' departments.
I've danced on top of a bar before.
I drove a truck when I was in college.
I don't like dressing up for Halloween or wearing any type of costume in general.
I love going to weddings.
I hate playing shower games.
I have long eyelashes.
I love to get flowers (and Nae-Nae gets them for me often).
I am squirmy when I lay down to relax.
I love it when my son falls asleep on my chest.
I try to be a good and honest person.
I am faithful.
I get over things pretty easily.
I got my wisdom teeth out at age 30.
I like my hot dogs "all the way."
I am happy...most of the time.
Everyday I hope that I do right by my family.

Hump Day Dump Day

2010-12-15T10:24:00.000-05:00

It's time for another brain dump...

1. It's cold outside, baby. We're having unsually cold weather for the month in December here in NC. My baby looks like the kid from the move A Christmas Story when I bundle him up. It's a lot of work to bundle up a baby for the cold weather. I'm glad that we live in a place that only gets moderately cold for a short period of time. Baby mittens are funny!

2. We aren't having a big Christmas this year as far as presents go. I am not doing little gifts for everyone under the sun either. Call me a Scrooge if you must. I am keeping it to family. It's so much simplier that way. I haven't had to fight the crowds with Christmas shopping and get bummed out by seeing all of the hatred and Grinch-ery that seems to pour out of everyone in parking lots and shopping lines this time of year. I prefer to celebrate the season by just having quality time with my loved ones.

3. We go to bed early and get up early now. My hubby said to me this morning that he thinks we need to go to bed even earlier. I agree with him, but I am not sure how that is possible. There is not enough time in the day to keep up with every thing and then have a little "me" time, too. Something's gotta give. I have a feeling it's going to be the house (more dust, more fur balls rolling around, more clutter).

4. It's a good thing I am back at work. At least I don't sit around the house and obsess about the money and the house and other stuff. It's good to get out of the house, be productive, and interact with other adults. I didn't realize how much I needed to work until I returned this week.

5. I haven't watched any primetime television shows the past two weeks. I can't say that I really miss it.

6. I hope it snows! I love a good snow day! I don't like going out in it, but I love to watch it falling from my couch. I then like to see a snow-blanketed yard...it makes me feel so peaceful. And it's even better when Naeners gets the fire going in the fireplace.

2 Weeks Notice

2010-12-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

Ok, actually, it's 3 weeks notice. Yesterday, I submitted my resignation letter to my current employer. And yes, yesterday was my official first day back to work from maternity leave. It was kind of a crappy thing to do on my return, but I really did not plan it that way. It's just how everything sorta worked out.

While I was out on maternity leave, I got a call to interview for a school social worker position in the local school district. Well, I didn't get a call out of the blue; I had submitted my resume and application a while back. Anyhow, it's the same school district where my husband teaches. I, of course, said yes to the interview because I've always wanted to work in the schools. I had interviewed for this same position previously about 3 years ago and didn't get it. Bummer!

So I went into the interview with high hopes but realizing I may not get it again. It's a pretty coveted position around these parts. The interview went well, and the lady who interviewed me remembered me from 3 years ago. I felt good after I left, but again, you never know how these things are going to turn out.

Well, last week (my final week of maternity leave) I got a call with a job offer to be a social worker in the school system. And I said, "Yes, yes, yes!", with much enthusiasm and delight.

So I returned to my old job with Child Protectives Services and gave them my "I quit this bitch!" letter. Actually, it was a standard resignation letter, and I have no ill feelings about leaving my current agency. I have gotten lots of good experience here and met some really good people. While I am sad to leave, I am happy to go. It is all bittersweet. I will mostly miss my co-workers rather than the work.

I look forward to the transition. There has been so much change for my hubby and me in 2010 that it all seems fitting to finish the year off with leaving my current job.

And the job change just makes sense. Especially now that I have a little guy that I want to get home to spend time with in the evenings. The hours are better, the schedule is better, and the work is different. I've been needing this job change for quite some time and it comes at the perfect time.

I look forward to new beginnings in my career in 2011. I am excited to see what the future holds for me in my career, and I am happy to be making this change now.

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-12-13T09:16:00.000-05:00

Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better. ~King Whitney Jr.

More Holiday

2010-12-12T20:30:00.000-05:00

Here are a few shots of the outdoor Christmas decorations. Enjoy!

*These pictures were taken by my hubby...I think he really captured the essence of the season around our home!

A Holiday Weekend

2010-12-11T17:01:00.000-05:00

It is finally starting to feel like the holidays around here. We have 3 parties to go today to celebrate the Christmas season, our house is decorated indoors and out, and we've been jammin' out to Christmas music! In a time of stress and transition, it's nice to have the holiday season to fall back on to relax, take my mind off things, and eat lots of comfort food.

Here are a few snippets of our Christmas season from today:

Now...off to parties #2 and #3 to do some more celebrating of this wonderful time of year!

Something to Smile About

2010-12-10T09:48:00.000-05:00

This little guy makes me smile! Here he is early this morning as we all got ready for the day!

Smile, Yawn, Smile!

Post Baby Body

2010-12-09T10:19:00.000-05:00

I know I wrote a lot about my changing body when I was pregnant. I talked much about my expanding hips, thighs, butt, stomach, and boobs. Sometimes I complained about the bodily changes, but for the most part, I feel that I embraced the changes that came along with my pregnancy. After all, I was growing a human being...how could my body not change and adapt to another life living on the inside of me. Plus, I quite enjoyed having the larger ta-tas for once in my life.

But all along the way, I really wondered what damage my body was going to accrue after the pregnancy was over and the little one was here. I did have some fears about my post baby body. Would I have stretch marks? How much extra weight would I be carrying around? What would my stomach look like? Would my boobs be all saggy? Would my butt and thighs still be large? Would I still be walking around with cankles? And what would the damage be like to the hoo-ha area? Would my hubby still be attracted to me?

I knew that things wouldn't be the same with my body. How could they be? I, mean, I got pretty darn large during my pregnancy. Who knew I was carrying a butterball turkey in my belly that would come out weighing 9lbs and 3oz?

So here's what happened with my body post pregnancy. First, I gained a total of 30lbs during my pregnancy. I started out at the beginning of my pregnancy weighing 136lbs, and on the morning the little one made his appearance I weighed in at a whopping 166lbs. I was within the normal range of weight gain for the average-sized woman during pregnancy. I was okay with that.

The first few days after I had Quin, I cried every time I looked at my belly. It was huge. It was saggy. Whenever I would lean forward, all of the stuff (and by stuff, I guess I mean my stomach, intestines, bladder, uterus and whatever else) would collect, and it looked like I had a big sack of dough just piled up on the inside of me. After about a week, the "stuff" started to disperse. My belly was still pudgy but manageable and not tear invoking anymore.

I lost my butt. While I didn't want a huge butt, I did enjoy having a bit of a bubble butt that filled out my jeans nicely. Not anymore. It's back to the wide, pancake-style ass I had before getting pregnant. I guess that's okay. After 30 years, I had grown to accept my butt as it was, so at least it went back to how it was before pregnancy. No surprises there.

My boobs look different every day. They're usually lopsided because I am breast feeding, and I feed off one breast at each feeding. So after the little one has had his milkshake, the one boob is soft, squishy, and flat while the other one remains a little fuller looking. I enjoy looking at my boobs when they are full of milk (is that weird that I said I enjoy looking at my boobs?). They look so nice and supple. But, again, once meal time rolls around, it's back to squishy. And my boobs definitely aren't perky anymore. Of course, they were already on the downward slope towards saggy-ness because of gravity and age. So, I just sped up the process a little more by breast feeding. Oh, well!

My cankles finally went to back to ankles. And honestly, I was quite freaked out by them when they went back to their original size. They looked so freakishly skinny. I thought that my weight would break them because they looked so small compared to how they had been throughout the pregnancy. I am happy to have my ankles back. I can wear shoes and sandals again without my foot and ankles looking like I had stuffed a sausage into them. And I don't have the callouses on the bottom of my heels like I did when I was carrying all of the extra weight. It's nice not to have painful, calloused feet anymore.

I didn't weigh myself until I had my follow-up OB visit with the doctor. I don't know how much I weighed when I left the hospital or during the eight weeks (should've been 6 but it was 8 due to having to reschedule the follow-up OB appointment) prior to the appointment. We don't keep a scale at home. I don't need to obsess about my weight. I just need to feel good in my skin and my clothing despite the number on the scale. Anyhow, when I returned to the doctor to have all of the goodies checked out (which, by the way, looked good, so the doc said), I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I was a bit surprised by the numbers, but of course, I didn't question what the scale said. I figured I would have about a year to get my body back into shape and to shed the baby weight, but I guess the advantage to having a large baby is the workout I get from carrying and lifting him all day. And I am sure that the breast feeding has a lot to do with the weight loss.

Ultimately, I am okay with my post baby body. I expected that my body would change, and that nothing would quite be the same. I thought I would have a harder time with the changes post pregnancy, but I love the fact the my body has been forever changed because of the miracle of pregnancy and growing a child. Even though I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight, my body still feels and looks different. The weight has shifted and readjusted itself in my body. I am okay with that. I figure that it doesn't do me any good to obsess about something that's not ever going to be like it was before. I just need to accept it for what it is and move on so that I can enjoy my time with my son and my hubby! So that's what I am doing.

Post Baby Body - 11 weeks

It's not perfect, but it's okay with me!

Linea de Negra

I still have the black line from pregnancy. The line is one thing that I definitely dislike. And you can still see the spot where I burned myself with boiling water when my belly was really, really large. And the skin above the belly button is really loose. And the inside of my belly button is really, really dark now. I think this area is where most of the changes are located that I do not like.

Pooch!

Yeah, I have a pooch! It's soft and doughy!

And yes, I still rock the maternity jeans for no particular reason.

Worthwhile!

And this little guy makes all the body changes okay with me!

“Accept who you are; and revel in it.” ~ Mitch Albom in Tuesdays with Morrie

“Instead of spending life’s precious energy asking “Is my butt too big?” spend it asking “Is my life too small?”“ ~ Kathrine Brown

“Where bodies are concerned, there is no norm. Because we ARE ALL DIFFERENT! Which is what makes us REAL. And celebrating that difference is what positive Body Image is about.” ~Dr Samantha Thomas

“There is nothing wrong with you as the self. It is what it is to perfection. It is the mirror that is not clear and true and therefore gives you false images. You need not correct yourself, only set right your idea of yourself.” ~Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

“I think that whatever size or shape body you have, it’s important to embrace it and get down!” ~ Christina Aguilera

“Finally Loving Yourself is not just something that we say – it is an action that we do.” ~Marla Cilley

“Amazingly, when I began to accept and love myself unconditionally, everything else in my life began to change as well.” ~Sarah Mariah, author of Love Your Body, Love Your Life.

Matters of Money

2010-12-08T06:00:00.007-05:00

We ain't rich! And that's the truth!

In all seriousness, though, Naeners and I aren't wealthy. And we're never going to be wealthy. We're okay with that. He's a teacher, and I'm a social worker. We live in a society that doesn't monetarily appreciate those who choose professions that help others. But we both chose our professions because we love what we do, and we love making a difference in the lives of others. We certainly did not choose what we do for the money (nor did we choose each other for the money! Good looks, maybe! Money, no!).

The truth of the matter is that money is tight in our household. Really, really tight. Things have gotten even tighter with the addition of our little family member. And I have been wondering how we are really going to make things work financially in the upcoming year. I've lost sleep over it and cried many, many tears thinking about how we are going to make every cent count and not come up short.

We live a pretty good life. We aren't extravagant or lavish with our purchases, but we have always been able to live comfortably. We can pay our bills, have a roof over our heads, food on the table, and clothing on our backs. There are days that I do complain about wanting a new wardrobe or new furniture, but I can't complain about these things for long because I have witnessed first hand families that truly are living in poverty (it's my job). And we are blessed to be able to afford and have the things that we do. And we are even more fortunate to have family that would help us out in a pinch if we got into a really dire financial situation.

But my stress lately about money matters comes from the high costs of many things and no raises in pay and the added costs associated with trying to live the American dream and raise a family. There are so many more financial decisions to be made once you have children. Decisions that we were aware of when we got pregnant but weren't sure how everything would play out once the little guy arrived. The cost of day care alone may break us...that remains to be seen in the upcoming weeks.

We debated throughout my pregnancy about whether or not I should be a stay-at-home-mom (SAHM) or go back to work and pay day care. We figured that we would not be able to make it on my hubby's salary alone because we do run a 2-income household. And we thought that with me going back to work and putting the little one in day care, we would at least net a little bit of money, I would still have free health insurance, and I would be benefiting from contributions to my 401K for retirement down the road. We are trying to plan for the here-and-now as well as the future. We also contemplated me quitting my job, staying at home during the day with the baby, and finding a minimum wage job to work in the evenings and on the weekends to help us stay afloat.

None of these options is perfect. Any option chosen requires some sort of sacrifice. And the option of the hubby working and me not working at all is not an option. So with the option of me going back to work and paying for day care, we are sacrificing my time at home with my young son. There will be things that I will miss by not staying with him all day. It makes me sad to think that he will have more awake time with other caregivers during the week than with me. But I worked hard to get my MSW and have been trying to make a career for myself. And I want to show my son that he has a well-rounded mother who loves to be with him and care for him but who also has a passion for her profession and independence as a person. And the option of me working in the evenings or on the weekends means more time with my son but less time with my hubby. And it would also mean that the time I have taken to pursue my career goals would be nil and void for this time.

No matter the option chosen, it's the same conclusion...scraping by to make ends meet.

My hubby and I are doing the best that we can and making the best decisions possible for our family. We want to be financially healthy, and we don't want to spend the rest of our days just getting by. We are cutting corners where we can....clipping coupons, eating in rather than out, buying things that are necessities, shopping the circulars for the best deals, sacrificing our needs to make sure the baby has what he needs, not trying to "keep up with the Joneses," finding ways to reuse what we already have around the house...

I am going back to work. And we are going to pay the day care costs. We hope that we stay afloat. Time will tell, and we will readjust our plan accordingly as needed. I keep thinking that "this too shall pass." We won't be paying high day care costs forever. And the ways that we learn to cut costs and save now will benefit us in the future. And while we feel the economic pinch and have to make difficult decisions about our finances with each and every purchase, we are not going to let this get the best of us. We will survive. We will have what we need.

Well I'm what I am and I'm what I'm not

I'm sure happy with what I've got

I live to love and laugh a lot
And thats all I need

Kenny Chesney "Never Wanted Nothing More"

First Day of School

2010-12-07T06:00:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Quin's first official day of school.

Okay, not school, but daycare. But I think we are going to call it school because he will be spending his days learning lots of new things.

And, it wasn't a full day. He was only there for 2 hours. But it was the most difficult 2 hours of my and Naener's life (except maybe when I was trying to push him out!). Naeners started getting a little choked up in the morning before we left the house. He said he was nervous about the little guy's first day. I think I was too focused on getting him and everything else together that it hadn't hit me that I was actually taking him to be cared for by someone other than me. Even when I dropped him off, I was in such a daze because the teacher was asking lots of questions, and I was trying to figure out where to put the bottles and extra clothing and diapers and blankets and what forms to complete that it still hadn't hit me. Quin looked perfectly happy sitting in the bouncy seat. He was laughing and cooing and taking in all of the new sights. I gave him a kiss and ran out the door.

I made sure that I had something planned to distract me for the 2 hours he was there, so I headed to Target to pick-up a few items. I, then, traveled home where I promptly got on the internet to watch him. The daycare we are using has video cameras in the rooms where parents can log in and see what's going on. I was a little teary-eyed in Target, but I completely lost it when I saw him on the computer. The images were a little blurry but I could see that he was being carried around by one of the teachers. I couldn't tell if he was crying. I then saw the other teacher take him and sit with him in a rocking chair. I think she was trying to give him a bottle. I watched long enough, and I was a wreck. It was time to go pick up my Mini-Stink.

When I got to the room, he was asleep in the teacher's arms. She said that he had just fallen asleep. Both teachers said that he did well but would not take the bottle. I became teary-eyed, again. They reassured me that he would not starve to death, and he would learn to take the bottle (I've been trying for several weeks to get him on the bottle, but he only takes it sporadically), and other infants have started daycare not taking a bottle as well.

I, then, started feeling really sad because I guess I was mourning the loss of our morning time snuggles and the special days we've had together the past 11 weeks. I boo-hooed all the way home. When I woke him up to get ready for school was the time I usually pull him into bed with me for the rest of the morning until we are both ready to wake and face the day. I felt it was our special mommy and son time...just the two of us all snuggled together. And I felt so guilty waking him and getting him dressed rather than snuggling with him in the morning.

I didn't know it was going to be this difficult. And each day this week, I am going to leave him a little longer until he has a full day on Friday. It's back to work for me next Monday, and I need for us all to be ready to get into the swing of things. It is going to be a big adjustment for us all. My hubby and I have enjoyed having me at home with our son, but we also knew that I would be going back to work. It just feels that the time has come so quickly. And before we know it, we will be settled into a routine, and hopefully, all of us will be happy with the way our days will go.

At least I know that the weekends are still reserved for morning family snuggle time...and I can't wait until this Saturday morning!

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-12-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

Motherhood brings as much joy as ever, but it still brings boredom, exhaustion, and sorrow too. Nothing else ever will make you as happy or as sad, as proud or as tired, for nothing is quite as hard as helping a person develop his own individuality especially while you struggle to keep your own. ~Marguerite Kelly and Elia Parsons

It's 9:30pm on a Saturday Night...

2010-12-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

...and I am ready to go to bed.

Actually, both Naeners and I are ready for bed at that time on Saturday nights. Over a late dinner last night (around 9:30ish pm), we discovered that we wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed. My, my! How things have changed! We talked about how our lives are so different now compared to when we met and were dating in our early 20s. We reminisced about those days when we would just be getting out of the shower to head out for the night on a Saturday at 9:30pm. He said that he felt like a loser wanting to go to bed so early. I reminded him that we are not in our early 20s anymore (not to say that 30s is old), and we have a whole heck of a lot more responsibility and pressure on us now than we did 8 years ago. Plus, if we did go out to a bar or a pub, we would just be complaining that we would rather be home, we can't hear what each other is saying, the music sucks, and we could get a case of beer for the cost of 3 beers at the bar. And who do we need to be "cool" for anyways? Honestly, I am okay with crawling into bed at 9:30pm on a Saturday night. Let me rephrase that: Actually, I am okay with wanting to crawl into bed at 9:30pm (I still had to clean the kitchen, put away the laundry, do some bills, and pick up some things before bedtime). Oh, reality!

Think Tank

2010-12-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is my car...

Honda Civic 2001

I've had this car since May 2001. I thought I was pretty cool when I got it. I think I am even cooler for still having it.

I don't know what made me think of my little ol' car tonight. But we've been through so much together since I got it. From wild times as a college gal (I got it the last semester of college), to getting that first job, to getting married (I drove to the chapel in this car wearing my veil), to now toting a little one in the back.

I have dubbed my car the "Think Tank" since its early days. I have always felt that it the one space on this earth that is truly mine and I can completely be myself. I feel very safe and secure when I get in my car. It is that one space where I am by myself and have the freedom to let my thoughts just flow without any real interruption. I have laughed many laughs on the way to and from places (with friends riding along, talking on the phone, and even just thinking about a funny memory or story all by my lonesome). And I have shed many tears as I've driven up and down the road. I've come up with some of my best ideas and plans as I've drove along. And I've had some of the most intimate and best conversations on my cell phone going along the highways (yes, I am that gal talking on her phone when I drive...but at least I don't text drive! :)).

I am very attached to my car in a weird sort of way. It just feels comfortable. It's just feels like me. It's not showy or overstated. It's not too big or too small. It doesn't beckon to be looked at, but it's not overlooked either. It's not perfect on the outside (we've had some bumps along the way), but it's in good running condition, and the upkeep is minimal. You could almost describe me in much the same way that I am describing my car.

I don't have any real plans of getting rid of this car anytime soon. Yea, it's almost ten years old, but we've had such a good run, and it's still running good. In my mind, the car will have to be dead, before I will let it go. Plus, I like not having a car payment. And, yea, having a baby has added a dimension of difficulty when toting the little one around (it's damn hard to get in and out of the back seat with a car seat in a two-door car), but the pain-in-the-assness is little compared to overall reliability and money saved by keeping this car. I just love my car.

And for now, I am happy to have my own little space known as the Think Tank...where I can have my thoughts and be free to be me as I drive along.

Flashback Friday

2010-12-03T06:00:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've done a "flashback friday," but this flashback isn't from too far ago. You guessed it...it's another post on my pregnancy belly. Go figure!

I had the fortune of getting professional pictures of my preggy belly done by my cousin at Kristi Midgette Photograhy. She did an absolutely fantastic job, and I love each picture. We had so much fun, and she was really able to capture what I was looking for in the pictures when I asked her to take them for us. We are so grateful that she was able to take the pictures, and we all always treasure them.

These pregnancy pictures were taken around 33 weeks pregnant...back in August. I am glad I didn't wait much longer to get the pictures taken because I still felt like I looked pretty good, and it wasn't long after this shoot that I really started feeling and looking very bloated. Timing is always of the essence.

All photos are courtesy of Kristi Midgette Photography.

I love these pictures, but we also took some Demi Moore-esque ones as well. Some people may not want to see the ones where I have more skin revealed, but if you do...check them out after the jump.

Giving Thanks...Today and Everyday

2010-12-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

So this post is a little late as Thanksgiving was celebrated a week ago...but better late than never, right? We had a nice Thanksgiving holiday this year as we spent it on the Outer Banks with my side of the family. We surely did miss Naener's family, and it wasn't the same without them. But it was good to get away and do something different this year.

The holidays always remind me of all the special memories I had of celebrating them when I was a child. The traditions that I got to participate in with my family will never be forgotten. Of course, traditions have changed through the years as I have grown older and family dynamics have changed (the passing of older loved ones and the birth of new family members). The holidays really are different when celebrated as an adult, especially when there are no little ones in the family. But now that we have a child, I hope that we can create the same sense of tradition for him to carry on in his memory for years to come. I want Quin to look back at the holidays from his childhood years and have a warm smile brought to his face.

We attempted to get some good photos of Quin in his adorable outfit.

He was in no mood for pictures.

Soooo...

We were left with a screaming baby...for most of the day! Oy!

My parents as very happy grandparents to their 2 grandsons!

First Thanksgiving as a Family

The Whole Crew

Oops! This is weird!

Naeners is nestled with BroWife and Me With Bro!

Awkward!

Thanksgiving 2010

We got it right this time!

There are so many things to be thankful for this year...this day...and every day! This year really had been a blessing to us, and I count my lucky stars for all the goodness in my life (even on the days when I complain, rant, and rave).

I am thankful for:

My loving husband, whom, on some days, I do not deserve. He is a great provider and supporter to me and our family. He goes above and beyond the call of duty to care for me and the things we have. I couldn't make it in this life without him.
My son! He truly is the most amazing thing in this world, and I can't believe I made him (with some help, of course).
My family and friends...who love me despite my craziness.
The fact that I had such and easy pregnancy and a great birth.
Giving birth to a perfect, healthy little boy.
Having a job, a roof over my head, and being able to pay the bills.
Knowing that I may not have everything I want but I surely have everything I need.

So...for the rest of this year and onward into 2011, I am going to be sure to be grateful for all that I do have...each and everyday! Life is good (even when things seem bad).

2nd Time Might Be the Charm

2010-12-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

If at first you don’t succeed, keep on sucking till you do succeed.

~ Curly Howard of the Three Stooges

So we already know that I tried to do NaBloPoMo last month but didn't hit the mark. We had a family situation that obviously took precedence over blogging. Well, I am back (finally), and I am going to give it another whirl this month...maybe I will get a post up everyday...and maybe I won't...but I am going to do my best to git 'er dun this month.

I really need this...this blogging. I need to have something in my life that is just about me...something that I am doing for myself. Blogging may not seem like the typical "me" or relaxation activity, but it is for me. It gives me a platform to vent and rant about whatever is on my mind as well as share the happenings of my everyday mundane life (however uneventful it may be on that particular day). The other good thing about blogging as an activity for me is that is free (and I need all the free stuff I can get these days).

December may be a better month for me to do NaBloPoMo because a lot has been going on (hence the reason for me being m.i.a. on this blog) and a lot is about to be happening (which may really present a challenge at being successful at NaBloPoMo this month). I still have things I need to write about in reference to my birthing story and post-baby body and adjusting to parenthood. I also got some professional things that are coming up and are exciting. There is also stuff to talk about related to baby blues and money and holiday stress. I just hope and keep up with myself and with this blog.

Yet, again, wish me luck on this 2nd attempt at NaBloPoMo!

Hump Day Dump Day

2010-11-10T20:54:00.000-05:00

1. I am tired. Seriously, seriously tired.

2. I am getting nervous, excited, anxious about going back to work. I don't necessarily like my job, but I do like the feeling of being a productive member of society. However, I do worry about how Quin will do in daycare and how my perspectives will be different on the job now that I am a mother.

3. I have been disappointed with Dancing with the Stars this season. I love the show...mostly for the costumes. And I have grown quite fond of some of the professional dancers. But the star power this season is less than stellar. And I can't believe that Bristol is in the final four...boo!

4. I wanted to participate in NaBloPoMo this month. However, with a sick little boy and a trip to the hospital, blogging obviously was not on my mind! Happiness and health comes first. I can always try again to do NaBloPoMo...maybe next month.

5. I am ready for the holiday season. It's going to be different this year. It seems more exciting now that we have a kid in tow (even though he has no clue about holidays yet).

6. I have resigned myself to the fact that I just can't get as much done as I used to do. My house is dirtier, and I am less organized in many things. But has my hubby said to me recently, "Life is messy, Stink." I am learning to live with the mess (most days...but it doesn't mean I don't complain about it), and loving the one-on-one time I have with my son. His smiles make it worthwile not to worry about the dirt and grit.

7. And speaking of smiles, I can't get a picture of the mini-stink smiling. Every time I hold up the camera to take a picture of him smiling, he stops. What gives?

A Big Scare

2010-11-09T16:42:00.001-05:00

We had a big scare this past week with our little man Quin which landed us in the hospital overnight with him. The good news is that everything is okay, and he is still a happy and healthy little boy. Nothing can prepare you for the thoughts and feelings that run through you when your own child is sick, and you're not sure what is going on and what will be the outcome.

I noticed on Wednesday afternoon that Quin had a little cough and a bit of a runny nose that was running clear. He didn't have a temprature, so I was not too worried. Through the night, however, I noticed that his breathing started to sound more gurgly, and he was not really feeding. When I got up for his 5am diaper change and usual feeding, I decided to take his temp again. 101.3! Uh oh! I knew that number was not good for an itty bitty infant, but being new to this parenting thing and never having been in charge of infant care, I really didn't know what to do. So I got on the internet for some quick guidance. Not feeling reassured by the internet, I thought it best to call the on-call nurse at the pediatrician's clinic. Because of Quin's age (6 1/2 wks) and his temp, I was told that I should take him to the emergency room.

Feeling a bit anxious, Naeners and I threw on some clothes, packed up the baby and headed to the ER. The ER doctor said that there are typical tests that they run on infants that come in with his kind of symptoms...one of them being a lumbar puncture along with chest x-ray, blood work, RSV, and a urine sample. Lumbar puncture? Really? We said to move forward because we wanted to know that our little one was okay.

Watching the nurses draw the blood and take his urine was difficult, but the worst part was the chest x-ray and lumbar puncture. The equipment used for a chest x-ray on an infant looks like a 17th century torture device. And the lumbar puncture was even worse as they curled him up into a little ball. And any procedure dealing with the spinal area is scary to me.

The tests results started coming back, and they said that everything was looking good. We were waiting on the final results of the lumbar puncture, when the doctor finally got back to us and said that the white blood cell count in the spinal fluid was higher than it should be. The doctor explained that it could be a sign of meningitis. What? Meningitis? What does this mean? The doctor stated that he would need to be admitted overnight for observation and monitoring as they would also monitored the blood and spinal cultures for bacterial growth. Naeners and I were blind-sided. I thought we were going to be told that he had a cold, get some medication, and be released. Never did we expect to get the news that we got. We were scared. The doctors made sure to explain that it was probably a viral infection but with an infant his age, it was better to keep him for observation to be on the safe side. We kept our fingers crossed that everything was going to be okay.

We stayed overnight with Quin, and his temperature began to decrease and stay in the normal range. His vitals stayed steady and in the normal range, too. Good news! And the next morning we got even better news when we were told that there appeared to be no bacterial growth in his blood or spinal cultures. It looked like he just had a viral infection. We were discharged after 24-hours. We were happy, and Quin seemed to be feeling much better! Thank goodness! We were so relieved to know that he would be okay.

One thing is for sure, though, our little Quin is a fighter. All of the nurses and doctors commented on how strong he was and how mad a he got. Seriously, though, wouldn't you be mad if if you were being poked and prodded in all sorts of places all over your body. It was terrible seeing him scream and not being able to comfort him. I never want to go through it again...NEVER!

Monitoring

Quin was closely monitored through the night.

Comfort

Daddy comforts Quin while he is all hooked up to the machines.

Attire

Quin shows off the little baby hospital gown. I don't think he liked it too much.

Happy

We're happy to have our little booger back home! We thank our lucky stars every day to have a happy and healthy little boy!

Pumkin Head

2010-11-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

We had our first Halloween celebration with the little Mini-Stink. It really wasn't much of a celebration because the little one really has no idea what is going on, and we did not have any specific plans except to hand out candy later that evening. But we did dress up the little man in an outfit to celebrate the occasion anyways. I thought he looked quite adorable...if I do say so myself.

Pumpkin Head

Quin showing of his "pumpkin head" with a hat knitted by a relative

Spooked

Quin looking a little spooked. Actually, as soon as we finished taking these photos, he took a big poop. And by big poop, I mean the kind that forced us into changing his entire outfit immediately. I guess that "spooked" look was really the look of working out the bubble guts. So much for the Halloween cuteness. At least we got photos.

Over It

We tried again to get some cute Halloween photo of the little one. Quin was over it...totally.

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-11-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

I am beautiful as I am. I am the shape that was gifted. My breasts are no longer perky and upright like when I was a teenager. My hips are wider than that of a fashion model's. For this I am glad, for these are the signs of a life lived. ~Cindy Olsen, co-owner of The Body Objective

Nursing does not diminish the beauty of a woman's breasts; it enhances their charm by making them look lived in and happy. ~Robert A. Heinlein

NaBloPoMo

2010-11-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

I've decided that I am going to participate in NaBloPoMo - National Blog Posting Month. You may be wondering what NaBloPoMo is all about. Well, per the website, here is a little description:

What is National Blog Posting Month?
Essentially, it's a group of people who have committed to updating their blogs once a day for an entire month.

But why is it called National Blog Posting Month if it happens every month?
The whole thing started off as a goof based on National Novel Writing Month, the challenge of which is to try to write an entire novel during the month November. Not everyone can commit to an endeavor of such magnitude, though, and so National Blog Posting Month was born. However, after doing a November NaBlo for a couple of years in a row it seemed that a lot of people had found their momentum and wanted to keep going into December and beyond. So now NaBloPoMo is something you can drop into any month of the year, though November is still the biggest month, and is the only month when members donate prizes that are then given out randomly to other members who posted every day in November.

I somehow stumbled across this concept last year and knew that I would participate in it one of these months. Since November is the actual month it originated in, I thought I would take part in the November NaBloPoMo for 2010. I think it will help get me motivated to get back onto the blogging scene. Nothing motivates me more than a challenge...most of the time. Since I've been having a difficult time coming up with content and making time to get things written down, I thought this would be a nice avenue for me to dust off the ol' cobwebs and get the little wheels a churnin'. So...here goes!

Time Flies...

2010-10-25T23:20:00.001-04:00

...when you are taking care of a baby!!! Seriously, where has the time gone? I am all out of sorts and totally disorganized these days. I spend most of my days holding and feeding the Mini-Stink, trying to keep up with household chores, and catching some sleep here and there. Life has been busy with just trying to keep up with the day to day demands of a new born. Some days I am really successful, and on other days...not so much. By the time I get a chance to work on my blog and hash out the what's been on my mind, I am completely pooped out and just want to crawl into bed...and that's exactly what I do. So for those of you who have been waiting for updates on my life (such as it is), I do whole-heartedly apologize. I know that I will get into the swing of things in the blogging world...soon (I hope)...as I learn to juggle an additional household member, daily demands of life, and fitting in a little me time. Just give me a little time and some patience. I'll be back...I promise!

Flashback Friday

2010-10-15T06:00:00.002-04:00

30 Years Old - 2 yrs ago!

Hump Day Dump Day

2010-10-13T06:00:00.002-04:00

Here's another brain dump for everyone...

1. I am so disorganized. I can't get myself together enough to make a grocery list, cut the coupons, and get to the store.

2. We're out of milk and bread. I guess it doesn't matter that I have the cereal and peanut butter.

3. It's really hard to go shopping with an infant in tow. I guess that is why I have avoided the grocery store for the most part.

4. I now love watching The Ellen Degeneres Show. She's really funny and cracks me up.

5. I am also glad that I get to be home to watch the last season of Oprah.

6. I wish the weather would cool down. It was 88 degrees today. I am ready for some real fall weather.

7. I ate a bunch of lemon squares this weekend. I kind of felt guilty about it, but I couldn't stop myself from eating them. This uncontrollable habit around sweets may not be good for my thigh and butt situation. I can only use pregnancy as an excuse for so long (I think I am still in that window for now.).

8. I really don't want to go back to my full-time job. I am looking for part-time or contract work so that I can stay home during the day with my baby. I hope that I am able to find something. We can't afford for me to completely quit working, but the daycare costs are going to be ridiculous. I am hoping for the best of both worlds...to work some and stay home some...wish me luck.

9. I look at my feet and ankles now, and they seem freakishly skinny. It's like they are anorexic. Surely my feet and ankles weren't really this skinny and boney. I really don't miss my fat feet and cankles, though; I just got accustomed to them. And I have been delighted that I've been able to slide my feet into my Converse shoes again.

10. My hubby brought flowers home to me because I had a rough night with the Mini-Stink.

11. He also got me some beer. I haven't had a beer since 1/1/10. It was good! And just what I needed to share with him tonight.

12. I would like a lemon bar right now!

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-10-11T14:10:00.000-04:00

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

2 1/2 Week Round-Up

2010-10-08T12:51:00.001-04:00

Oh, bejebus! Has it already been over 2 weeks since I birthed my little boy into this world? Time has gone into overdrive ever since I became a mommy. The days run into nights and the nights run into days. Some days are a blur, but every little moment with my little one is vivid and clear. Mommyhood has been a trip thus far...and I am only 2 weeks in! I can't wait to see what the next 17 years and 50 weeks has in store for me!

Let me properly introduce my son (aka The Mini-Stink). My little boy was born on 9/22 weighing in at a whopping 9 lbs and 3 oz and measuring 20.5 in. We decided to name our little one Quinlan, but we will call him Quin. He is the most precious, sweetest little boy in the world!

Quin has grown so much over the past two weeks. And I feel like I have grown, too, in my role as a mother. I am figuring things out day by day, and things seem to get a little easier as each day passes. I've pretty much mastered the art of holding an infant with a wobbly head and eating with one hand (I've even eaten dinner using my left hand (I'm a righty))! What I can say is that this motherhood thing is not for the birds! I've already learned that it is hard work, and nothing in this world can prepare you for what it will be like to have a child...I mean NOTHING...no words of advice or wisdom from friends or family, no articles on the internet, no educational groups, no baby books...NOTHING! It has been a challenge getting adjusted to life as a family of three, but it has been the most pleasant ride on a roller coaster I've ever taken thus far.

I love being a mommy! And I can't imagine life without my little one! And I love watching my hubby being a daddy to our son! Quin makes every day worthwhile. He has the chubbiest cheeks and the cutest eyes. He makes the sweetest sighing noises when he sleeps. He makes me laugh uncontrollably when he farts (who knew something so little could create such a ruckus with the buttocks)! I love that he snuggles up to me for warmth and comfort and the way he looks into my eyes when I am breast feeding him. He has the most innocent look on his face when he falls asleep at my breast. And he is so expressive when he is stretching to wake up. I love that he loves to fall asleep on my hubby's chest in the early evenings. I even love his very loud and shrill screams and how we can comfort him and make them go away. He has the softest hair and smoothest skin. I am truly in love with my little boy!

My Little Monkey

2 Weeks Old (10/6/10)

Like I said, life has suddenly propelled into fast forward. I think I've written half this post with one hand pecking at the keyboard and the baby in the other arm. I have much I want to share...when time allows me a few minutes. I plan to be back to share my birthing day story, tales of some baby blues, and a look at the body changes post birth. Exciting stuff...I know!

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-10-04T16:07:00.007-04:00

"You are the best thing that's ever been mine."
~Taylor Swift

It's a...

2010-09-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

BOY!!!

The mini-stink finally made his arrival this past week on September 22! We couldn't be more delighted to finally meet our child...our son!

Here are a few pictures to show him off to the world.

I will be back with more pictures and updates and blogging later on. But for the time being, I am adjusting to life with a baby in the home.

Here's hoping every one gets a good rest and can delight in the small joys and miracles of life!

Until next time...

Hump Day Dump Day

2010-09-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

So I've read several blogs where the blog author has what is called a "brain dump." She essentially dumps out all sorts of random information that has been occupying space in the brain.

I like the idea of getting rid of the random pieces of information that seem to float around upstairs. I think I am going to give this brain dump thing a try. I am not sure that I will do it every week, but I think it will be a good thing to do when I am having one of those weeks when I feel like my head is going to explode with information (useful and not-so-useful).

Introducing, for the first time, Stinky's Hump Day Dump Day.

1. I took 2 long walks on Tuesday. As I waddled the streets around my neighborhood, I reminisced about the days when I was really into running and used to pound the pavement with my running sneakers. I think I might have to get back into running after this baby gets here...I enjoyed it, and I am sure it will be a good way to shed the baby weight.

2. I sometimes wonder if I can ever be satisfied. Last week I was complaining about dragging myself to work and how hard it's gotten to go to work being so big and pregnant, and yesterday I felt odd about not being at work and kind of missed it. What gives?

3. I tried to save about $0.25 by purchasing store brand vegetarian baked beans instead of the usual Bush's Vegetarian Baked Beans. The $0.25 was not worth saving. The beans were nasty in comparison to Bush's. Some things are just worth spending the extra pennies on.

4. Is it weird that I am excited about getting my weekly emails from Food Lion and Harris Teeter regarding the weekly specials? I can't wait to make my grocery list today.

5. I am really trying to get the biggest bang for my buck by shopping the circulars and using coupons. We've learned some coupon tricks that I hope to get better at using and hopefully share with you later on.

6. I felt a sense of accomplishment when I shopped at Harris Teeter about 2 weeks ago and spent about $42 but saved about $49 (with coupons and VIC specials). I hope to do more saving than spending in the future.

7. I got a tiny lemon pie (one serving size) from Food Lion on Monday. I was hoping that it would taste nasty, and I wouldn't like it. It was delicious. Now I fear that I am going to have pick one up every time I drive my cart past the bakery.

8. I debated about whether or not I should watch Dancing with the Stars this season. I have been totally annoyed that Bristol Palin was picked to be on the show and has been the one getting so much attention. Since when does one get to rise to "stardom" because of getting knocked up while in high school?

9. I watched Dancing with the Stars. I can't help it. I love the costumes and the dancing. It's a guilty pleasure for me.

Picking Up Sticks

2010-09-20T18:16:00.001-04:00

So today is my official due date. Yay me and baby and hubby for making it this far! To celebrate making it to our due date, I had a very nice pedicure, and Naeners and I are going out to eat Mexican tonight.

I didn't really expect my baby to arrive on its projected due date, but I did expect there to be some news or action to report after my OB appointment today. (Darn it! There I go again with those expectations.) Well, there is nothing to report. There has been no change to those internal parts that indicate the baby is on that slippery slope on its way out. And the same is true for those outwardly indicators of labor. Oy! I just keep getting told that the baby seems really, really happy. I, mean, I am glad my baby is happy in there and all, but I am ready to meet this kid already. Patience, sweet patience! This baby can't stay in there forever...right? I feel like we're playing a game of chicken or having a staring contest, and the kiddo is clearly winning at this point!

The good news is that we have been successful at keeping ourselves busy with seeing friends and family and doing household things. We're trying to keep things as normal as possible around here...whatever normal is these days because, to me, there is nothing normal about hanging out with a huge belly and waiting to bring a human into this world.

Nae-nae did have a few bright ideas to get this labor thing going. He had me out in the yard picking up sticks yesterday. Now, before some of you get your panties in a bunch, I was not forced to do yard work by my hubby. I thought it was a pretty clever idea. He thought the walking and squatting would get things moving in the right direction. It definitely kept me occupied. And maybe my yard work didn't pan out yesterday for bringing on this labor, but at least there are no sticks in the yard. Maybe we'll get a gust of wind tonight, and I can pick-up some more sticks tomorrow.

So with that, we have been getting lots of advice on how to get this labor going. We've been told to eat spicy food, eat garlic, walk, stimulate the nips, eat a pineapple core, smell peppermint, massage the ol' cankles, and get a massage to work the pressure points. I think all of the above are worth a try. We're going to work on the "spicy" tonight.

Does anyone else have any ideas how I can tempt this baby to come to the other side?

40 weeks

(Hey, Baby! Come on out!

I know you're comfortable and everything in there, but it really isn't so bad out here either.)

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-09-20T10:20:00.000-04:00

Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be. ~ David Bly

Wow! This quote really spoke to me when I read it. It's a good reminder that as I start on this journey of parenting with my hubby, we will be the greatest influence on our child's life. As we strive to be better people in our ordinary daily lives, our everyday interactions, behaviors, and choices will undoubtedly impact our child. I hope we serve our child(ren) well as they grow up with us!

Dramatic Chipmunk

2010-09-19T11:38:00.000-04:00

Okay. This video is just too funny! My BroLaw shared it with us last night as we were discussing "the mom stare." You know, that look you get from your momma when you're doing something or saying something you're not supposed to and she is giving you the "warning" that you better not proceed. I haven't gotten the evil eye from my mom in a long time, but I am 31-years-old, so it would be weird if I did. But I am thinking that I need to start working on my own "mom stare," so it will be perfected by the time I need to use it with my own child. I am thinking I might model my look after this video.

Blog, Blog, Blog!

2010-09-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've noticed that I've been on a blogging binge lately. From writing my own blog posts to reading lots of other people's blogs, I've found quite the distraction from waiting on this baby to get here.

Blogging is just down right interesting to me. You are either sharing a piece of your own life with total strangers as well as family and friends or you are totally peeping in on someone else's life, thoughts, and opinions. I think blogging can be vain and voyeuristic, but it is also a good way to share information, keep people updated, compare your own life with that of others and learn about different lifestyles and modes of thinking out there, share ideas and support, and feel connected to people in an odd sort of way.

I have really been thinking lately about why I started blogging, what I think I am gaining or hope to gain from blogging, and what kind of blog I want to present to the world wide web.

I started a blog back in 2005 or 2006 but got nowhere with it. I don't think that I completely understood the concept of blogging, so I gave up on it pretty quickly. All I knew was that I needed a forum to "vent" and share my thoughts. I am not sure why I feel I need a public forum to do so, but there is something oddly strange and gratifying about connecting to people through the web.

Last year, a friend of ours said that she was going to start a blog. She had done quite a bit of research on blogs and was ready to get hers up and running. It reminded me of the fact that I had once tried to blog, and she prompted me to start this blogging then all over again. So I did. It has been a year and half since I upstarted this blog, and I feel I am still going strong and enjoying it greatly. I didn't do my research about blogging. Again, I just knew that I wanted (and still want) a place to have an open diary...to share bits and pieces of my life, thoughts, opinions, and rants. People can choose whether or not they are interested in my story.

I've been doing a lot more "research" recently into blogging, and there are some amazing blogs out there. There are blogs that have specific themes and purposes. There are blogs about home design, decorating, and renovating houses; blogs devoted to fashion; blogs about cooking and recipes; blogs showcasing art and photography; crafty blogs about scrapbooking, sewing, and DIY projects; blogs about diet and exercise; blogs intended to keep distant relatives in the loop about children and family; and blogs written for a specific cause to raise awareness (this list is by no means all inclusive).

I truly enjoy all of these different types of blogs. A lot of them have given me ideas for projects and things in my own home and life. When I read blogs geared towards a certain theme, it makes me wish that I had some sort of craft or passion to share with the world...but I don't (that's not to say that I can't be crafty or passionate at times). My blog is all over the place...with no specific agenda or theme.

And I love reading the blogs that are totally random with a hodge-podge of themes going on (kind of like mine). I like to read about the ordinary every day things people are doing. I like to read people's vents and rants about a particular experience. I like to see pictures of singles, couples, and families enjoying the every day mundane happenings of life. I like to read about people who are trying new things or just trying to figure out this crazy life (reading more books, attempting to budget, decorating a room, trying out new recipes, getting organized, training for a 5k, etc, etc). I like to read other people's advice or suggestions or see what people are struggling with in their own lives.

Reading other people's blogs makes me feel human in the sense that we are all just looking for something a little more in our life. We all have good times, and we all have challenges. We all have talents to share as well as things to learn. It's nice to know that I can randomly one day read someone's blog (a complete stranger in another state) and completely relate to their experience or thought for that particular post learn how to do something new (like make a hand-crafted monogrammed bucket; paint a dresser; make a pelmet box). And I hope that when people read my personal thoughts and experiences that they, too, can find something relatable in what I have to say.

My hope is that I can be real with my experiences and feelings on here. I like being open with my life and sharing a piece of me with the world. And if by being open with my own experiences, I can help someone else who reads it or if I can get some support in challenging areas of my own life, then I feel this blog is serving it's purpose for me. People may not always like what I have to say. My posts may offend some people. But the point is for me to be true to myself and my experiences. I don't want to put on a show for anyone. I want to say what I need to say in the moment.

I like being a part of the blogging community, and I want my blog to be better. I've gotten some tips from other blogs about how to step-it-up in the blogging world. I want to challenge myself to try new things and share the experience with everyone. I want to challenge myself to try new ideas to keep the blog interesting for myself and for those reading it (ie Flashback Fridays, Quotable Quotes, Wordless Wednesdays, Brain Dumps, etc, etc).

I want to take you along on this blogging journey with me. So, please, feel welcome to enjoy the ride...my ride on this crazy roller coaster of life.

Flashback Friday

2010-09-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

My Nephew

10 days after his birthdate (DOB: 9/16/09)

It's hard to believe that it has been a whole year since this little fella was born. Everyone was so excited about his arrival last year. And here we are exactly one year later, and everyone is awaiting the arrival of my little one. I am sure that Austin and our child will be fast friends and great cousins.

A Nesting Man?

2010-09-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

You hear about moms-to-be nesting all of the time. There has been research done on the topic and even links have been made to the cave days of how a woman prepares her "nest" to make it safe for the baby. And I've been nesting since February...driving myself and Naeners crazy with all the things that "have" to get done before this baby arrives (as if the baby will know the difference).

But I am wondering...

Do men nest when they have a baby on the way? Has there been any research on this topic? And if men do nest, what does "nesting" look like for men who are soon-to-be-daddies? Just curious.

If men do nest, then here is my hubby's idea of nesting. He's been a busy bee finishing up projects around the house. (This list does not include all of the projects my hubby completed this summer while he was out on summer break. It only includes the projects that have taken place in the immediate time frame.)

Nae-Nae built a compost bin this past weekend. He said that he needed to get it done and set-up. As he has went with me so many times to pick up things to get ready for the little one, I went with him to get all of the necessary parts to build the bin. He had his checklist of items needed to get the project completed, and we methodically went through the list and the store to make sure he had everything. He had the bin completed a few hours after we got home.

Homemade Compost Bin

(lovingly assembled by my hubby)

He also built a rain barrel recently. He didn't build the barrel in and of itself, but he got all of the parts and made the necessary adaptations to make it a rain barrel. It's all set up and ready to go now. All we need is a little rain to get this baby working.

Homemade Rain Barrel

(lovingly assembled by my hubby)

I wonder what the baby will think of these projects?

I am only joking here because I know that Naeners is reading this post. We've wanted a rain barrel and compost bin for a long, long time. We are trying to be "green" as much as we can be to suit our lifestyle. We want to teach our child (or children...some day) how important it is to take care of the environment, and that there are many small changes that can be made in our daily routine that can have a profound and good effect on the environment.

I think our child is lucky to have a father who is (1) handy, (2) creative, and (3) cares enough about this earth to implement changes around our home to benefit this planet our child will be inheriting.

I also want to thank my hubby for all of the hard work he has put into getting our house ready, in general, for this baby. He did all of the work in the nursery from painting, to putting together furniture, to sanding, painting and finishing dressers, etc. While I was the director (of sorts), he was the man who made things happen. He handled my stress about nesting and getting things ready with such elegance and never made me feel crazy or absurd. He took all of my demands in stride and really came through for me. And for that I love him even more.

Dog Days

2010-09-15T06:00:00.002-04:00

I was outside taking pictures of some things around the yard and thought I would also snap a few shots of Dimby and Marlee...as much as they would allow for me to do so.

Dimby Smiles

He is so happy when we get home from work. I can tell he is in total bliss...his human is home, he's outside, the weather is great, and he's peed all over the yard already.

Marlee Hides

This picture may look like Marlee is just relaxing in the shade, but she is really trying to hide from me and the camera. This spot is the best one she could come up with. Maybe she thought she would blend in well with the dying tree behind her. I took a quick snapshot before she ran off to find another safe haven.

Is that your underwear...

2010-09-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

"Is that your underwear or did a parachute land on your butt?"

The above question about made me pee my pants when I read it on Monday. (It came from the Belly Laughs section in a weekly email I receive from Baby Center that updates me on what is going on with the baby each week of growth.) It reminded me that about 3 or 4 weeks ago, I went out and purchased some even larger underwear than the ones I had purchased a few months ago to accommodate the growing buttocks (You may remember me discussing the growing buttocks and needing larger underwear here). I didn't purchase the underwear in an even bigger size this time because of the growing butt because I believe that my butt growth finally plateaued. I got the even larger size because I thought it would be a good idea to have some loose fitting underwear after I give birth because I surely don't want any pieces of fabric confining the nether regions. Rumor has it that things can get kind of ugly down there after giving birth. Apparently, I will need the extra room in my undies to accommodate ginormous pads. Plus, I jut believe in having a little breathing room to keep things healthy.

Anyhow, so I got the really, really big undies and pulled them out of the package. Both my hubby and I looked at the underwear and how large they appeared. We both had the expression of "WOW!" on our faces. I finally said, "Wow, those may be a little too big." My hubby was like, "Yea. Those are really sexy," (as he had a look of disappointment on his face).

So I washed up my new undies and was eager to wear a pair to test them out for comfort and roominess. Oh, the excitement! Uh! Well! Hmmmm!!! What extra room? I don't understand. They seem to fit so perfectly. Where is that extra room I had been so eager to explore? Oh, well. Maybe my butt growth did not plateau...it was only wishful thinking on my part. Or maybe the undies just really shrunk when I washed and dried them...yea, that's more likely, right?

39 Weeks

So here I am at 39 weeks pregnant (as of yesterday). We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of this little one. I was a little disappointed when I was checked and was told that nothing had changed since last week. Boo! But the OB did say that the numbers really do not mean anything at this point because things can change so rapidly. She said that I could walk out the door after the appointment and my water could break. Well, it didn't. I am still holding strong, and so is the baby. I scheduled my 40 week appointment for next Monday (my actual due date). We'll see if I make it there.

In other news...for some reason, I did not get the cankles yesterday. Now, I have had cankles everyday since sometime in June. I've finally learned to embrace them. I stared at my ankles (yes, ankles...my real ankles) all day in amazement. I thought they looked too skinny. It was very strange. Maybe that explains why I was down 1lb when I got weighed at the doctor's office yesterday. I'd been lugging a half-pound of weight on each ankle all summer long. I hope the cankles don't return. Oh, how I hope! Let me finish out this pregnancy with regular ol' ankles.

Oy! And I am past the point of trying to look cute. I don't think it's possible to look cute when you walk with a waddle, the eye circles are really, really dark, no clothing, not even maternity clothing, quite fits rights (BTW, the clothing I am wearing in the above picture is non-maternity clothing that I used to wear well before I got preggers.), and you can't even muster up the energy to go get a hair cut, hair color, and eye brow wax. I have decided, though, that if this baby is not here by the 20th, I am definitely getting a hair cut, and maybe a color, on that day.

Oh, and one more thing. I had the choice of snacking on fresh cantaloupe pieces or a cupcake when I got home yesterday. Guess which one I chose? I pulled out the container of cantaloupe and ate one 1in x 1in piece, put the lid back on the container, and shoved it back into the fridge. The cupcakes were just too tempting. I was going to eat just one, but I had to have two. I have no self control. Maybe this explains why the even bigger pairs of undies fit just so.

Bathroom Break

2010-09-13T12:30:00.000-04:00

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

What you are about to read is very immature and gross. If you don't like immaturity, grossness and bodily functions, then I caution you not to proceed. Don't say that I didn't warn you!

I had the unfortunate experience of walking into the ladies' room at work this past week only to hear what I would dub "an explosion of the asshole" taking place in one of the stalls. Uh! Oh! I bet that person was none too pleased to hear the bathroom door open and someone enter the stall right next to her. I am sure that person thought maybe she was in the safety zone being the only one in the bathroom, but a pregnant girl has got to pee...a lot! There was no way I could turn around and leave the bathroom because when you're pregnant and you have to pee, every trip to the bathroom is a near emergency. So I entered the stall (there are only 2 stalls) right next to the one where all sorts of funky sounds were taking place. I truly thought I could handle myself. I, mean, I am 31-years old, about to be responsible for someone's life, and I've been around enough to hear a good fart. But as I sat there taking care of my own business, I started to giggle. The noises that were taking place in the next stall were unbelievable. I thought maybe the drama of the ass would stop...at least temporarily...for the duration of my trip in the bathroom...but it just went on and on and on. And the more I heard, the harder it became for me to control my own reaction. That person must've been having some really bad stomach issues to just let it keep on flying with someone else in the bathroom. I peed as hard and fast as I could. I washed my hands as quickly as I could. All the while the firecrackers were still exploding, and I was using every bit of energy I had to get out of the bathroom without busting out into an uncontrollable laughter.

I did make it out. I ran down the hallway to a co-worker's office. At that point, I was laughing so hard that I was crying. I had to tell someone. My co-worker found it pretty funny. Or maybe she was just laughing at me for being so immature. I, mean, really? I really found someone taking a shit so funny that I was laughing until the point of tears. What's wrong with me? Am I 12-years-old? Have I not matured to the point where I can tolerate and ignore someone accidentally farting in front of me? I guess the answer would be NO!

The bottom line is that we all fart and take shits, and we've all been in situations where we have to let a little air fly...sometimes to the misfortune of others around us. Bodily functions of the farting and pooping kind are universal. We've all had a bad experience with them at some point in our lives. And we've all been in desperate situations where the bubble guts swiftly took over, and in those moments, you do what you've gotta do...no matter where you're at or who's around. And maybe that is where I find/found the humor in this situation. That person in the bathroom with the exploding ass very well could have been me.

Having had this most recent excursion into the bathroom where bombs where being dropped by the truckload, I was reminded of an email I got several years ago about taking a poop at work. I remembered it being hilarious and all too relatable. I decided to see if I could find it, and of course, google came through for me. I thought I would share the guidelines for taking a shit at work...just in case you are ever in the same situation as the person I encountered last week.

Guide for Taking a Dump at Work

We've all been there but don't like to admit it. We've all kicked back in our cubicles and suddenly felt something a brew down below. As much as we try to convince ourselves, the WORK POOP is inevitable. For those of you who hate pooping at work as much as I do, I give you the Survival Guide for Taking a Dump at Work. Memorize these definitions and pooping at work will become a pure pleasure.

ESCAPEE

Definition: A fart that slips out while taking a leak at the urinal or forcing poop in a stall. This is usually accompanied by a sudden wave of panic/embarrassment. This is similar to the hot flash you receive when passing an unseen police car and speeding. If you release an escapee, do not acknowledge it. Pretend it did not happen. If you are standing next to the farter at the urinal, pretend that you did not hear it. No one likes an escapee, it is uncomfortable for all involved. Making a joke or laughing makes both parties feel uneasy.

JAILBREAK (Used in conjunction with escapee)

Definition: When forcing poop, several farts slip out at a machine guns pace. This is usually a side effect of diarrhea or a hangover. If this should happen do not panic, remain in the stall until everyone has left the bathroom so to spare everyone the awkwardness of what just occurred.

COURTESY FLUSH

Definition: The act of flushing the toilet the instant the nose cone of the poop log hits the water and the poop is whisked away to an undisclosed location. This reduces the amount of air time the poop has to stink up the bathroom. This can help you avoid being caught doing the WALK OF SHAME.

WALK OF SHAME

Definition: Walking from the stall, to the sink, to the door after you have just stunk-up the bathroom. This can be a very uncomfortable moment if someone walks in and busts you. As with all farts, it is best to pretend that the smell does not exist. Can be avoided with the use of a COURTESY FLUSH.

OUT OF THE CLOSET POOPER

Definition: A colleague who poops at work and is damn proud of it. You will often see an Out of the Closet Pooper enter the bathroom with a newspaper or magazine under their arm. Always look around the office for the Out of the Closet pooper before entering the bathroom.

THE POOPING FRIENDS NETWORK (PFN)

Definition: A group of coworkers who band together to ensure emergency pooping goes off without incident. This group can help you to monitor the whereabouts of OUT OF THE CLOSET POOPERS and identify SAFE HAVENS.

SAFE HAVEN

Definition: A seldom used bathroom somewhere in the building where you can least expect visitors. Try floors that are predominantly of the opposite sex. This will reduce the odds of a pooper of your sex entering the bathroom.

TURD BURGLAR

Definition: A pooper who does not realize that you are in the stall and tries to force the door open. This is one of the most shocking and vulnerable moments that occur when taking a dump at work. If this occurs, remain in the stall until the TURD BURGLAR leaves. This way you will avoid all uncomfortable eye contact.

CAMO-COUGH

Definition: A phony cough which alerts all new entrants into the bathroom that you are in a stall. This can be used to cover-up a WATERMELON or to alert potential TURD BURGLARS. Very effective when used in conjunction with an ASTAIRE.

ASTAIRE

Definition: A subtle toe-tap that is used to alert potential TURD BURGLARS that you are occupying a stall. This will remove all doubt that the stall is occupied. If you hear an ASTAIRE, leave the bathroom immediately so the pooper can poop in peace.

WATERMELON

Definition: A turd that creates a loud splash when hitting the toilet water. This is also an embarrassing incident. If you feel a WATERMELON coming on, create a diversion. See CAMO-COUGH.

HAVANA OMELET

Definition: A load of diarrhea that creates a series of loud splashes in the toilet water. Often accompanied by an escapee. Try using a CAMO-COUGH with an ASTAIRE.

UNCLE TED

Definition: A bathroom user who seems to linger around forever. Could spend extended lengths of time in front of the mirror or sitting on the pot. An UNCLE TED makes it difficult to relax while on the crapper, as you should always wait to drop your load when the bathroom is empty. This benefits you as well as the other bathroom attendees.

FLY BY

Definition: The act of scouting out a bathroom before pooping. Walk in, check for other poopers. If there are others in the bathroom, leave and come back again. Be careful not to become a FREQUENT FLYER. People may become suspicious if they catch you constantly going into the bathroom.

CRACK WHORE

Definition: A crapper that has seen more ass than a Greyhound Bus. Tell tale signs of a CRACK WHORE include pubes, piss stains and shit streaks. Avoid CRACK WHORES at all cost. Try finding out when the janitor cleans each particular bathroom. Don't forget with a good cleaning, a CRACK WHORE can become a SAFE HAVEN.

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-09-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Don't wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you've got to make yourself. ~Alice Walker

Great Expectations

2010-09-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had an expectation of how some event (party; shower; wedding; etc) would be or how some person would react or behave (to an event, situation, or news)? And then did you find yourself surprised that your expectation was exceeded or not met at all? Were you ever left scratching your head trying to understand why someone did or didn't react or behave as you had thought they would?

There were some people in our life that I thought would be our biggest supporters throughout this pregnancy. I expected a certain reaction when we revealed the news about being pregnant, and then I expected a certain amount of support thereafter (such as phone calls, texts, emails, etc). And then there were others that I really didn't expect much of a reaction from or any type of support. I learned that some of those that I had the greatest expectation of totally and completely let me down as far as what I thought their participation would be in this experience for me and Naeners. And those that I had the least expectation of wound up surprising me and being larger source of support and comfort throughout this process than I had anticipated.

This pregnancy has taught me a lot about the expectations I had/have of others. Maybe I expected too much from some people and too little from others. Human behavior is a strange thing, and what I have learned is that I have to throw all expectations out the door. No one owes me the reaction or behavior I expected of them. Besides, they don't instinctually know what my expectation was of them...it was some idea of how I thought things should be that I conjured up in my head. And in the end my expectation, especially when it was a great expectation, set me up for disappointment and resentment. In other cases, it made my relationship stronger with those that far exceeded my low expectation.

This situation also reminds me that no one is perfect. I know that I've let people down that expected more of me, and I am sure that I've risen to the occasion in other situations where least expected.

Maybe it just boils down to a few simple things: the person doesn't know how to react; the person doesn't know/understand the importance of the experience/situation/event to the other; the person is preoccupied with something in his own life.

I've thrown those expectations out. I am letting go of those expectations that I had of some people that left me feeling alone and hurt and disappointed. My pregnancy is coming to an end, and it really doesn't matter anymore. People have the right to respond the way in which they wish with no preconceived expectation from me. I've clung to and fostered the relationships with the people who have come along with me on this journey. I am glad that I got to share this most amazing experience in my life with the people who wanted to be a part of it. And for those who did not...that's okay. I am sure there will be other life experience that I will get share with them in another way. And finally, I've learned that I need to behave/react/support those around me in a way that I would expect of them to behave/react/support me in the same situation.

Life is hard enough without the added distractions of expectations!

Pregnancy: My Good and Not-So-Good Experiences

2010-09-11T09:01:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about my pregnancy experience lately. Being pregnant has been one of those life events that I have always looked forward to having. Now that my pregnancy with this child is coming to an end, I just want to reflect on the things that I have enjoyed and embraced as well as the unpleasantries of this pregnancy.

The Good

Feeling like I was pregnant...I just knew it!
Confirming I was pregnant (x3)
Telling Nae-Nae we were pregnant
Getting Nae-Nae's reaction on video
Hearing the heartbeat and seeing the baby for the 1st time (9wks)
Hearing the heartbeat at each doctor's appointment
Feeling the first flutters of movement
Naener's reaction to feeling the first kick
Feeling the kicks get harder and stronger throughout the pregnancy
Watching my belly grow
Telling my parents, his parents, our families, and our friends
Sharing the news with my Merle (grandmother) before she passed away
Feeling like a complete woman; my body has come full circle and doing it's intended purpose
Letting go of the control I once had over my body
Curves
Learning to embrace the bodily changes
Feeling boob-a-licious and having cleavage for once in my life
Thick head of hair
Getting pedicures more often
People wanting to touch the belly (with permission)
Support and interest from people
Kindness of friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers
Keeping the sex a surprise
Hearing everyone's guesses as to what the sex will be and the theories that go along with the guess
Going to breast feeding classes and labor and birth classes with my hubby
Sharing this experience with my hubby
Nesting
Healthy pregnancy...everything has been normal and right on track
Feeling my maternal instinct get stronger and stronger
Preparing for and living for something that is larger than me...it's not about just me
Anticipation of meeting this little gal or guy

The Not-So-Good

Fear of the 1st trimester
Waiting for the 1st ultrasound (9wks)
Keeping it a secret throughout the 1st trimester
Letting go of the control I once had over my body
Nausea in the 1st trimester
Food aversions (meat was so gross to me - ugh) in the 1st trimester
Getting a fat butt
People commenting on the fat butt
Cankles (swollen ankles and feet)...UGH!
Big thighs
Dealing with the changing body
Heartburn
Constipation
Hemorrhoids...no, wait...just one annoying hemorrhoid
Peeing all of the time
Unable to get into a comfortable position to sleep
Restless leg syndrome
Belly hair...where the hell did all those hairs come from?
Looking like Buddha when I sit down
Having my boobs rest on my stomach and my stomach rest on my thighs (this is not a good scene during heat indexes of 100+ degrees, my friends)
Unwelcomed touches to the belly
Sensitive belly skin (in the 3rd trimester)
Not sleeping
Anticipation of when labor will begin (this sitting here and waiting is killing me)
Anxiety
Sensitivity to...well, everything and everyone!!!
Nesting
Driving everyone around me NUTS
The unknowns...of pregnancy, having a newborn, being a parent
Unpredictability

**This list is not exhaustive. I will be back and updating this list as more things pop into my head!

Flashback Friday

2010-09-10T09:20:00.003-04:00

Because this week is the big kick-off (no pun intended) to NFL season, it made me think of the NFL game I went to with my hubby a few years back where we saw the Redskins v. Cowboys at FedEx. It was truly an amazing experience for me because I had never been to a NFL game. The fans, the excitement, the shit-talking...all were awesome. And the good news is that the Redskins won this game. However, if my memory is correct, I think one of the key players was out for the Cowboys that particular game, but we won't go there. A win is a win!

The only downside to this game was that it was on 12/30/07 in the evening, it was freezing cold (maybe in the 20 degree range), and it was raining. Ugh! I never want to go to a game that time of year...ever again...NEVER!

Naeners is a HUGE Redskins fan. I've never really been into football, and I surely didn't give two flips about NFL teams before I met him. But I have married into the Redskins family, and my role as a dutiful wife (Ha! That statement makes me laugh) is to support him and his team! So I am now a Redskins fan by default. It's not so bad. I've learned a lot about football through the years with him, and I feel that I do have some understanding of the players...at least on the Redskins team.

The Redskins make their entrance onto the FedEx field

Nae-Nae and Me

(before we became miserable by the coldness that was)

Me and FedEx

5 Things

2010-09-08T22:27:00.000-04:00

5 Things I wish I could do right now:

1. Sleep (Why, oh, why can't I just fall asleep? I am so tired! Could it be that I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of this little one?)
2. Wear cute shoes where my feet aren't bulging around the edges (stupid swelling)
3. Bend over and touch my toes
4. Curl up in a little ball
5. Have this baby - Seriously (I mean, I am a little anxious but I am ready to get this show on the road. Anticipation is killing me.)

Under Construction

2010-09-08T11:54:00.001-04:00

I am playing around with the look of this blog, so you may see some changes over the next few hours or days. It may take me some time to get it how I want it to look. I am, in no kind of way, a computer wiz or blog designer. I am working with the free tools that are available to me on the internet.

A Labor Day with No Labor

2010-09-07T11:11:00.000-04:00

I guess the point of Labor Day is for us to take a break and enjoy the fruits of our daily labor by taking time to relax. Let me tell you...it is hard to relax when you feel you could go into "labor" at anytime. Don't get me wrong. I truly enjoyed my 3 day weekend away from work, and I think my hubby and I did a good job of mixing relaxation (lying around on the couches; taking naps; spending time with family; watching football) with getting some stuff done around the house (regular household chores and maintenance; last minute nesting/baby stuff).

There is nothing relaxing about wondering if today is going to be the day that the labor begins, however. I started my weekend off thinking that I was going to go into labor. I just knew it. Or maybe I was just syking myself out. My due date is not until 9/20/10, but techinically speaking (okay...not so technically), the baby is ripe and can come at anytime. If what I have been told (by doctors, books, and birthing class instructor) is true, there are at least some indicators that should have clued me in on the fact that this Labor Day weekend was not going to be a laboring affair for me.

First, most first pregnancies go past the original due date (this is my first). Second, white women tend to have longer incubation periods for their babies (in case you haven't noticed, I'm a whitey). Third, the course of a woman's pregnancy (and labor) is likely to be similar to that of her mother (my mom was a week late with me; right on time with my brother). Fourth, even though the baby is considered full-term at 37 weeks, it is possible for the baby to wait as long as 42 weeks before making the debut into this world.

This Labor Day weekend marked the end of my 37th week, and Labor Day (monday) was the kick-off to my 38th week. So, I am thinking that I still have some time...to sit and wait and wish...for this baby to make it's appearance, but one never really knows when the ball is going to get rolling on this labor thing. I went into this weekend thinking labor and birth were imminent, and I headed back to work today believing that this baby is going to stay cozy on the inside for a while. I just need to RELAX and quit trying to predict when it will happen!

38 weeks 1 day

This picture was taken prior to my appointment today, and I just got back from the appointment. No real news to report other than the baby sounds "happy" and the heartbeat is strong. There is no real dilation to report at this time, so I am still left to sit and wait.

The doctor I saw today is the one that my husband and I find to be a real jerk. I was hoping this appointment would leave me feeling differently about her, but it didn't. And you know how Murphy's Law goes, Dr. Jerky-pants will most likely be the doctor-on-call and the one in the delivery room when the time comes. Maybe I'll "accidentally" kick her in the face when I am pushing or just blow a big fart at her (I know, I know! I shouldn't wish or do harm to anyone! BUT when you are pregnant, these primal instincts and feelings just surface and there is no filter left not to share them with everyone. So I do apologize!)

On a positive note, I am feeling good and getting more and more excited with each passing day. I think we're both ready to meet this baby and start life as our own little family!

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-09-06T10:58:00.001-04:00

Man is so made that he can only find relaxation from one kind of labor by taking up another. ~Anatole France, The Crime of Sylvestre Bonnard

Happy Labor Day! Hope you have a restful and relaxing day!

Flashback Friday

2010-09-03T17:43:00.001-04:00

1/1/10
We had no idea we were pregnant...but we were!

Introducing...

2010-09-02T21:20:00.001-04:00

...our little black furry baby!!!

Name: Dimby Weight: ~80lbs Breed: Lab/Chow Mix Age: 7 yrs

Okay, so Dimby is not our new baby, but he is and always will be our little black furry baby. He's been with us for a while (since 2003). He's such a sweet pup and loves everyone. He is a go-with-the-flow kind of dog (except when I vacuum).

This is where I found Dimby this morning...just chilling in the nursery as I got ready for work. He LOVES this room. I think he believes that we redid this room just for him. Since the room has been completed, we often find him sprawled out on the carpet. Maybe it is his quiet place. Maybe he is trying to get his "stink" in the room since it is so fresh and clean. Maybe he already feels a connection with this baby-to-be.

One thing I am sure of is that my little black furry baby is going to be my best friend when it comes to late night feedings. I look forward to him keeping me company as I stumble into the room to check on the baby and to feed the baby. It's good to know that there is going to be someone (or some dog) by my side, and I don't have to do it alone. (And yes, my hubby will be helping me out, too. But there is only so much he can do when his boobies don't hold the food source for the baby!)

Headin' South OR Nose Dive

2010-09-01T16:03:00.001-04:00

Yippee! The baby is taking a nose dive towards the south of the uterus. This kid is going head first in the direction of the pelvic bone...which really makes me happy! I would hate for this baby's entry into the world to start off in the wrong direction. It's a good thing we (the parents) have a pretty good sense of direction!

I had my 37 week appointment on Monday, and it went really well. I was nervous about this appointment for several reasons. First, I was afraid that I had chosen the wrong OB practice because my 35 week appointment was a real disappointment and an eye-opener. Thankfully, this appointment went well, and I made my wishes clear as to what my goals are for this labor and delivery, and my wishes seemed to be well perceived. Second, I was worried that I was going to go in and I was going to be told I was in labor and would need to go immediately to the hospital. They didn't even check for dilation or effacement. The doctor told me I would know when I was in labor, and those measurements would be taken at a later appointment if needed. I don't know why I get myself so worked up about little things. I am just glad to know that things are never as bad as I make them out to be in my mind! The bottom line is that everything that I was worried about as far as this appointment was concerned was washed away, and I feel readier than ever to get this show on the road.

We also met with a doula on Monday evening. We decided to hire a doula to help support us in our vision and goals for this birth. I will share more on this decision and what led us down this road in a later post.

I am still at work. People have really been talking this week about how big I've gotten, and everyone at the workplace is speculating when I will go into labor. Some of my co-workers are surprised that I am still around. Everyone says it looks like I am about to pop, and when I tell them my due date is still 3 weeks away, their jaws drop in disbelief. Technically, though, I could go into labor at any time. My plan is to work up until I have the baby...hopefully. We'll see what each week brings.

37 weeks

I was trying to show off the belly, but it just looks like I am holding my crotch and trying not to pee.

Wowsers!!!I just look huge...and bloated!

I threw in this picture to show off my cankles!

I decided that if you can't beat 'em (or hide 'em), then you might as well rock 'em!

So I've taken to rockin' the whole club foot/cankle look,

but it's not a look I want to stick around after this baby gets here!

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-08-30T07:50:00.002-04:00

Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be. ~Carrie Fisher

Boy or Girl???

2010-08-28T16:09:00.002-04:00

Are we going to have a boy or girl? I don't know because we chose to keep it a surprise. But as I get closer and closer to my due date, I want to know what this little person is that has been growing inside of me. I know I am going to love him or her no matter what, but I am ready to put a gender to the "it" that has taken over my body.

It has been fun listening to family, friends, co-workers, clients, and strangers on the street make their predictions about the sex of my baby. Even more fun is to hear the reasoning for their predictions. More people have predicted that I am going to have a boy, but I have definitely had some people guessing a girl.

Some of the reasons for the predictions for the boy have been, "Oh, you are front and center, so that means boy." "Oh, you still look pretty. If it was a girl, you would look a mess." "If it were a girl, you would look much wider in the front."

As for the predictions for a girl, I think most people who know us personally have made that prediction based on my hubby's strong desire to have a boy. Yes, he would like a girl, but he says if has a boy first, then the pressure is off to keep the family name going. I think people like to tell him that he is going to have a girl just to see him squirm.

I really don't have any guesses and feelings one way or the other. At first, I really thought it was a girl. Then, as time passed with this pregnancy, I have been leaning more towards boy. However, I am wondering if my guess that it will be a boy is based on the majority's prediction of a boy. Oy! I dunno!

I have looked at Chinese gender predictor calendars. Supposedly, they are correct most of the time. Most of the ones I have reviewed, say to use the mother's age at conception (31) along with the month of conception (December).

Whatever "it" is, we will find out soon enough! And then there will be no more speculation!

Woman's Age at Conception
Month of Conception	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

http://www.thelaboroflove.com/chart/cal.html

Flashback Friday

2010-08-27T07:14:00.000-04:00

In 2007, about 2 weeks after we were married, we had tickets to go see a John Mayer concert. We had tickets for actual seats (rather than the lawn), and we were pretty excited. (I guess seats are more fun the older you get!) Right before the show, however, we found out that we were upgraded to front row seats. We thought it was pretty cool that we were chosen for an upgrade. We definitely accepted the offer and got sit front and center at the show. I've never been that close to a real celebrity. It was pretty neat!

John Mayer - Up Close and Personal

(Picture taken by one of us)

Yea...we were that close!

And the Pendulum Swings

2010-08-25T13:04:00.002-04:00

So yesterday I wrote about dealing with life stressors and feeling bogged down. And today I am focused on feeling relaxed and taking care of myself. The post from yesterday was my feelings about the culmination of a series of events that took place throughout the summer that left me feeling totally out of sorts. However, I am getting into a different frame of mind, and part of the shift has been the transition of letting go and making the time and effort to relax. Everyone has to take time for herself. If I don't make it a priority...no one else will do it for me.

This past Friday, Naeners and I went to hear a band, Chatham County Line, play at the Fletcher Opera House. It was one of the best shows I have been to in a long time for several reasons (in no particular order): it was indoors; we remained seated (to give my tired cankles a rest) ; we had front row seats; we were there with good friends; the music was awesome; the between song commentary was funny; the venue is small and intimate.

Before the show, we actually grabbed something to eat downtown. It was the first time in a long time that I had been able to eat a full philly cheesesteak and all of my fries. I cleaned my plate. We realized that I was able to do this because it seems the baby may have dropped and took some pressure off of my stomach.

Self-Photography before CCL comes on to play

The next evening, we made our way to another show. We saw Jack Johnson at Walnut Creek. Again, another great show with good frends. The weather cooled off just in time to make being outside bearable. We also grabbed some yummy Chick-Fil-A to munch on before the show. Who doesn't love some nuggets, good friends, and good music?

Sittin' Back and Relaxin' during Jack Johnson

Good Lord...Did I smuggle in a basketball to the show?

And finally, we are in the home stretch of this pregnancy. We are growing more excited and anxious everyday getting ready for labor and delivery and to meet our child. I have been taking hot baths when I get home and then crashing on the couch...it's pure bliss!!!

36 Weeks

No Rest for the Weary

2010-08-24T21:13:00.000-04:00

I know that I usually keep things light and airy on here. And lately, it's been all I can do to muster up the time and energy to post anything at all. But there has been a lot going on in my little world these days...and it's not all fun and games or butterflies and rainbows (even though it may seem that way on here). While I don't always talk about the "yucky" stuff on here, I feel it important to express that nothing is perfect, and I go through struggles and worries like everyone else. I typically don't talk about those things in a public forum because nobody wants to dig up her own dirty laundry and struggles and rehash it. I want to remember the good times and the fun stuff, but I truly believe that it is the struggles and hardships that define us and allow us to become a better person with more perspective and understanding. Now, I am not saying that my struggles are horrible or any different from any other person's (and most are just a regular part of living in this crazy undefined world), but they are my own and relative to my reality of life.

There have been some things that have been weighing heavily on my mind. I feel like a ball of jumbled up emotions and feelings and thoughts, and sometimes all of these things are conflictual and leave me feeling confused and CRAZY!!

I have been working through those emotions and feelings, though! When things get to a point where I feel like I am not functioning as a normal human being and my thoughts and feelings are interfering with my normal everyday life, then I know I must take action. I owe it to myself and to my spouse (and to my future child, and to my family and friends) to not ignore the fact that I am feeling bad and to confront my issues head first.

We all get in the dumps sometimes! Life is a roller coaster! And to be a full and healthy human being, I feel it is my duty to work through the yucky stuff so I can enjoy the good stuff. I don't won't to be bogged down with heavy thoughts and burdens.

I have taken action! I am taking action!

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-08-23T10:03:00.004-04:00

Rest when you`re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work. ~Ralph Marston

Some Random Shots of Life

2010-08-18T12:19:00.002-04:00

We've been busy...some things are winding down and others are winding up. Here are a few snapshots of life from the past few weeks.

We took our very white bodies to hang out at the sound located in the Outer Banks, NC. We were there for a visit with my mom and dad. I enjoyed relaxing in the sun and soaking my ankles in the water...even if I did look like a bloated fish!

Marlee finds another "safety spot" on my mom and dad's porch. I am not sure what scared her, but she had to seek cover for whatever reasons.

Marlee hangs out the window. Dimby is on the other side hanging out.

I think this is their most favorite thing to do.

Naeners assembled the stroller and car seat travel system. All systems go!

35 Weeks Pregnant!

Burn, Baby, Burn!

That is a little burn mark on my belly from an incident where big belly met with boiling water...

it was not a good scene!

Belly-0 ; Boiling Water - 1

My Mom and My Nephew

...they just melt my heart!

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-08-16T16:24:00.000-04:00

Life is tough enough without having someone kick you from the inside. ~Rita Rudner

Flashback Friday

2010-08-13T07:52:00.000-04:00

Here are the baby pictures of my parents that are hanging in the nursery. A few posts below, you can check out the pics of Naener's parents.

Dad

I love the stylish jacket he is wearing...so cute!

Mom

She has some cute curly hair. I love how perfectly she's sitting on the stool!

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-08-09T07:16:00.002-04:00

There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want.

~Bill Watterson,Calvin and Hobbes

80s Movies

2010-08-04T08:18:00.002-04:00

Have you seen any really good 80s movies lately? I know it's been 20 years since the 80s hit us, but there is something about the movies made back then!

My BroLaw ~~made~~ invited me and my hubby over to his house this past Sunday to watch one of his favorite 80s movies. We have heard him talk about this particular movie for ages with zeal and excitement. He sounded so sad and let down when we didn't express any interest in seeing the movie because, quite frankly, it sounded dumb!!! But we decided to give it a whirl and watch this movie. Besides, isn't that what family does...make sacrifices to keep each other happy? All I have to say is that after watching the movie (which I really only half-assed watched because I was also reading SisLaw's People magazines), BroLaw must know now that we really, really love him.

You're probably wondering what movie it was that we watched.

Well, let me introduce you to Streets of Fire. Check out the movie trailer...

Sooo...will you be running out to find this movie and watch it?

You can tell from the trailer that the plot looks awesome, and you can't deny the cool soundtrack! And the acting is superb. I have to tell you...it's a must see!!! (Do you sense any sarcasm here?)

Flashback Friday

2010-07-30T07:46:00.001-04:00

You may have noticed in the post below that there were some black and white pictures framed in the baby's room. We decided to frame a baby picture of each of our parents to display as artwork in the nursery...a very cheap and easy project!

DadLaw

My DadLaw was born in 1928, so this picture dates back.

MomLaw

I love the little curly-q of her hair.

I will post the baby pictures of my parents on another post. I just thought these were too cute not to share. I am definitely wondering if my baby will look like any of our parents did as an infant.

Somewhere to Sleep

2010-07-29T20:07:00.000-04:00

I am really struggling right now. It is almost 8pm, and I am ready to crawl in bed and sleep for 48 hours straight. I have a lot of my mind, but I don't seem to have the energy to get it written down. But, trust me, I've been getting it out verbally to everyone around me...mostly my hubby.

I am going to keep this short and sweet...our baby now has a bed to sleep in when he or she comes home with us. I am so relieved. As I had mentioned in an earlier post, we got the crib a while back but it had remained in its box for a bit until we got the room to a point where it was ready for the crib. It feels like a huge burden lifted off of my shoulders to have the dressers and crib in place. The crib has its bedding, and the dressers are filled with what baby supplies and clothing we've obtained up to this point. Everything else is gravy, at this point, when it comes to room decor. I must give a huge shout out to my hubby for getting it done...it really was all him!

We also started our birth and labor classes this past Monday. The beginning of the classes have brought up emotions of excitement, anticipation, and fear. I hope that by the end of the classes, I feel less fear...I hope!

32 weeks

Thank goodness for stretchy maternity jeans!!!

(This dresser will serve as our changing table...just need to add the changing pad to it.)

Nae-nae puts together the crib.

I was glad to see that it looked relatively simple to put together and not a lot of little pieces to figure out.

Here's hoping that it doesn't fall apart when we put the baby in the crib.

Two thumbs up for a put together crib.

I know I make it look like I had something to do with putting it together,

but I didn't except for the nagging to get it done and putting on the linens.

And yes, the wall does look bare behind the crib.

We would like to put something up over the crib displaying the child's name,

but since we don't know what we're having yet, the artwork will have to wait!

Quotable Quote of the Week

2010-07-26T07:25:00.000-04:00

Summer has set in with its usual severity. ~Samuel Taylor Coleridge

5 Things

2010-07-25T18:08:00.000-04:00

5 Things I've be doing to beat the heat:

1. STAY INSIDE! (and I repeat) STAY INSIDE!
2. Drinking lots of ice cold water
3. Walking around the house with as little clothing as possible (just don't visualize...it's not pretty...poor Naeners)
4. Taking luke warm showers
5. Keeping the fans running at full blast and the shades mostly drawn (just enough sunlight to keep the plants alive)

It's been really hot around here this summer! And we're talking what I believe to be record-breaking heat waves. The heat index for today is 112 degrees...damn, I broke a sweat just writing that!

Anyhow, I hope you are finding ways to stay cool in this heat wave!

Happy Birthday, Nae-Nae!

2010-07-22T06:54:00.000-04:00

Today is Nae-Nae's Birthday!

I am so happy to have him in my life...he is a great husband, and I know he will be a great father to our baby. I am so excited to be able to share each little moment with him...especially his birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR SWEET HUBBY!