When I was pregnant, I found the most valuable resource in the world: recently pregnant girlfriends I admire. This may seem like common sense right now, but when you're pregnant, you get advice from every person you meet, whether they have children or not. It can be very annoying. Sometimes, you're tempted to do the opposite of what they say (even if it sounds reasonable) just because you tired of all the advice. I found that mom's I admire (my own, my sister in law, my friends, moms I may not know well, but have enjoyed reading their blogs because of their common sense child rearing philosophy) are the people I listened to the most.
I can remember being out and about while hugely pregnant one day and watching a situation where one mom wouldn't "share" her knowledge with another who asked. I tried to pretend I wasn't eavesdropping (but I totally was and it was probably obvious) but after the mom asking for advice left, the knowledgeable mom looked at her friend and in a superior sounding voice said, "Like I'm going to give away my best tricks of the trade." No, I'm not kidding. I was astonished! I mean, yeah, we all want our kids to be the best, but really, do you think your child has any less of a chance of being CEO if you tell your friend your trick to changing a diaper fast? I think that what we should be striving for as a parenting community is to help raise our kids to be productive members of society who can do for themselves, so that our world becomes a better place! Seriously, I don't want Dexter relying on people his whole life. If he wants to build a house for his family to live in, he needs to work hard for that, not look for a handout from someone! His parents work hard to give him everything he has. Okay, off the soap box!
At any rate, I found myself in a position last night where my newly pregnant friend was having a time with something. I passed on a small bit of advice given to me that helped me a lot! I woke up this morning to find that she had great success with the information I passed on and was grateful! I felt good that I could help someone as someone helped me. So, I guess this ramble has a point. We should be working together, not against each other. Oh yeah, and pregnant moms, whether it's your first or 20th, your best resource are moms who were recently where you are now! Use them! And if any of them are mean to you, let a little SBD slip and shrug, because, hey, you're pregnant!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
My mom is awesome!
My mom sent this to me in an email, and I had to share it with everyone whose email addresses I don't have! Enjoy for a happy Friday!!
Random Thoughts for the Day:
1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this -- ever.
15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?
16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
18. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?
19. I think the freezer deserves a light as well .
20. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.
I have no clue who the original author was, but if it was you MAJOR PROPS for spreading the joy of sarcasm to others!
Random Thoughts for the Day:
1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this -- ever.
15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?
16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
18. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?
19. I think the freezer deserves a light as well .
20. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.
I have no clue who the original author was, but if it was you MAJOR PROPS for spreading the joy of sarcasm to others!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Halloween fun
There he is! Our little Dexter! Who will be 7 months old tomorrow. SOB!
I've been staying away from the blogging life lately for a couple of reasons. 1. Obviously if you follow me on twitter or facebook, that house? Didn't happen. We our spending Dexter's first Christmas in our cramped townhouse. We'll survive. 2. I still can't balance the Mom/Teacher thing. I have the utmost respect for all the working women out there. I simply can't do it. I hate it. I try and be a mother to Dex and after he's asleep a good wife, and then I fall into bed because I'm simply exhausted. Plus this week, I'm *trying* to make the weight watchers commitment again this week. Sigh. I love being on WW, I really do. I just cannot seem to make life work well right now. Maybe the lottery gods will smile down upon us and if we ever actually chose to play (b/c we don't usually waste money on things like that) we'll win a huge lottery so I can just be Mommy. :)
Anyway, that's what's going on. Have I mentioned that my baby boy is adorable??
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Trying to keep excitement to a minimum...
I really have to be better with my blog. Right now, we're having crazy sporadic internet problems. Most people would jump on getting that taken care of. We aren't bothering with it right now...why??
WE FINALLY BOUGHT A HOUSE.
I'm trying really hard not to be too excited (did it show through??) We meet with our mortgage broker tonight and our inspection is scheduled for Saturday. What a great way to spend a weekend right?
Here's the thing. We have been renting a townhouse for the past 3 years. Many people ask why?? Well a few reasons. When Rob and I first got married, we knew we had entirely too much crap for an apartment. Unfortunately, Rob works in Moon Township and I, at the time, was working in Natrona Heights. There really wasn't a good "happy medium" place to live. I knew this wasn't a forever teaching job, so we didn't want to bu a house and then have to turn around and try to sell it in 2 years. Luckily, 2 years later, I found a new teaching job in Cranberry Township. This was great because it allowed us to move closer to Rob's work, and in turn, closer to mine. That is the back story.
We've been house hunting since way before Dexter was born. I know, that's crazy. Our realtor actually told us that we're in the top 5 for most number of houses any of his clients have seen. We're talking, multiple folders in the file. Please know, we aren't insanely picky people (well Rob isn't). This is the 4th house we've been interested in. The first? Goregous. Overly improved for the area. The second? Bank owned foreclosure. This house would have been an awesome buy, but the bank was hell bent on being jerks and we finally gave up. We wasted 2 months fighting over price. The third? GIGANTIC. In the process of our offer, they decided to take the house off the market indefinitely. !??! So, when we decided to go after this house, I wasn't very optimisitc.
We actually went to see this house over a month ago, the first day it could be shown. It was a hard day. Dexter was with us, it was rainy, we were still fighting with the bank on the foreclosed property. Rob looooooooved this house. I, honestly, didn't remember much about it, because I was tired and taking care of Dexter. The owner built the house with her husband 34 years ago and was actually in the house with a friend when we visited because she's in her 80's and though she still drives, doesn't get around too well. Last Sunday, I decided we should go see it again (along with some others) because, quite honestly, I really didn't remember much about it.
The moment we walked in, I think we were smitten. The house is in pristine condition. There are gorgeous hardwood floors throughout. A few rooms have carpeting, but give the age of the house vs. the age of the carpet, we have a feeling that hardwood lurks underneath them. The yard is HUGE and level. At any rate, we called our realtor (who was out of town, his assistant was with us that day) and he said he'd be home later and to meet him at his office at 7pm. We met, made our offer, and prepared to wait. With the foreclosure, we were used to waiting 2 weeks before we heard anything. Jack assured us, we'd hear something the next day. By Monday evening? We were under contract!
Now comes panic mode. Because we were renting, we qualify for the first time home buyers tax credit. The only problem? We HAVE to close by November 30. (holycrapfreakingout) So please for the love of all that is holy, PRAY FOR US THAT THIS WORKS OUT. We won't lose the house or anything, but we would be losing $8000. That's a great gift that we would be devastated to lose. Really, I'd cry.
I'm still afraid of jinxing us, so no pictures until we have a closing, but all I have to say is, I will soon be 14 minutes away from work, have enough space for all our crap, and I can't wait!
WE FINALLY BOUGHT A HOUSE.
I'm trying really hard not to be too excited (did it show through??) We meet with our mortgage broker tonight and our inspection is scheduled for Saturday. What a great way to spend a weekend right?
Here's the thing. We have been renting a townhouse for the past 3 years. Many people ask why?? Well a few reasons. When Rob and I first got married, we knew we had entirely too much crap for an apartment. Unfortunately, Rob works in Moon Township and I, at the time, was working in Natrona Heights. There really wasn't a good "happy medium" place to live. I knew this wasn't a forever teaching job, so we didn't want to bu a house and then have to turn around and try to sell it in 2 years. Luckily, 2 years later, I found a new teaching job in Cranberry Township. This was great because it allowed us to move closer to Rob's work, and in turn, closer to mine. That is the back story.
We've been house hunting since way before Dexter was born. I know, that's crazy. Our realtor actually told us that we're in the top 5 for most number of houses any of his clients have seen. We're talking, multiple folders in the file. Please know, we aren't insanely picky people (well Rob isn't). This is the 4th house we've been interested in. The first? Goregous. Overly improved for the area. The second? Bank owned foreclosure. This house would have been an awesome buy, but the bank was hell bent on being jerks and we finally gave up. We wasted 2 months fighting over price. The third? GIGANTIC. In the process of our offer, they decided to take the house off the market indefinitely. !??! So, when we decided to go after this house, I wasn't very optimisitc.
We actually went to see this house over a month ago, the first day it could be shown. It was a hard day. Dexter was with us, it was rainy, we were still fighting with the bank on the foreclosed property. Rob looooooooved this house. I, honestly, didn't remember much about it, because I was tired and taking care of Dexter. The owner built the house with her husband 34 years ago and was actually in the house with a friend when we visited because she's in her 80's and though she still drives, doesn't get around too well. Last Sunday, I decided we should go see it again (along with some others) because, quite honestly, I really didn't remember much about it.
The moment we walked in, I think we were smitten. The house is in pristine condition. There are gorgeous hardwood floors throughout. A few rooms have carpeting, but give the age of the house vs. the age of the carpet, we have a feeling that hardwood lurks underneath them. The yard is HUGE and level. At any rate, we called our realtor (who was out of town, his assistant was with us that day) and he said he'd be home later and to meet him at his office at 7pm. We met, made our offer, and prepared to wait. With the foreclosure, we were used to waiting 2 weeks before we heard anything. Jack assured us, we'd hear something the next day. By Monday evening? We were under contract!
Now comes panic mode. Because we were renting, we qualify for the first time home buyers tax credit. The only problem? We HAVE to close by November 30. (holycrapfreakingout) So please for the love of all that is holy, PRAY FOR US THAT THIS WORKS OUT. We won't lose the house or anything, but we would be losing $8000. That's a great gift that we would be devastated to lose. Really, I'd cry.
I'm still afraid of jinxing us, so no pictures until we have a closing, but all I have to say is, I will soon be 14 minutes away from work, have enough space for all our crap, and I can't wait!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
What's going on with Family Guy??
I will freely admit that I love Family Guy. Most of the girls I am friends with think I'm crazy, but that's okay. I learned a long time ago not to worry about other people's opinions. As long as what I'm doing isn't hurting other people, I'm fine.
Anyway, I used to love Family Guy. Seth MacFarlane is a funny guy. I appreciate his crass humor. We have every season out on dvd. Rob introduced me to this show after the fact. I'm not sure why I first missed out on it, other than I may have heard the title and thought the show was something other than it was. At any rate, I loved all of his ripoffs of movies and tv shows. I love the fact that Stewie is a confused, strange, little kid. Until recently...
Is it just me or is this show simply not as funny as it used to be? Every once in awhile, I will laugh, but for the most part, I just don't laugh as much as I used to. That makes me sad. We don't have a ton of tv shows we really watch regularly, but this was one of them. As I have it on right now, I find myself blogging instead, because I'm simply not entertained.
I guess I'll just have to fall back on with House.
Anyway, I used to love Family Guy. Seth MacFarlane is a funny guy. I appreciate his crass humor. We have every season out on dvd. Rob introduced me to this show after the fact. I'm not sure why I first missed out on it, other than I may have heard the title and thought the show was something other than it was. At any rate, I loved all of his ripoffs of movies and tv shows. I love the fact that Stewie is a confused, strange, little kid. Until recently...
Is it just me or is this show simply not as funny as it used to be? Every once in awhile, I will laugh, but for the most part, I just don't laugh as much as I used to. That makes me sad. We don't have a ton of tv shows we really watch regularly, but this was one of them. As I have it on right now, I find myself blogging instead, because I'm simply not entertained.
I guess I'll just have to fall back on with House.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Realizations...
I don't want to work anymore, at least, not 5 days a week. Yesterday at work, I came to an emotional breaking point with my postpartum and ended up going home before there were even kids in the room. Today marks my second day off (a planned day) and I can honestly say, I love being home with Dexter. I like checking on him during his morning nap. I like changing poopie diapers. I like playing on the floor. I like it all.
Please don't think I'm saying I hate my job. I don't. I love teaching. I just wish I could do it part time, like 2 days a week until all the kids we decide to have are in school. That would be my perfect world. I just don't know how to get it.
On a side note, will be soon posting my most favorite picture of my son to date. And no, it isn't a professional shot. :)
Please don't think I'm saying I hate my job. I don't. I love teaching. I just wish I could do it part time, like 2 days a week until all the kids we decide to have are in school. That would be my perfect world. I just don't know how to get it.
On a side note, will be soon posting my most favorite picture of my son to date. And no, it isn't a professional shot. :)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
"Must be nice..."
I've come to realize something over the past few years. The most heinous phrase in the world is, "Must be nice." Sadly, at times, this phrase can be used nicely, as in, wow that must have been a nice day! I would be willing to say that 90% of the time it's used, it's not used in a kind manner. Frankly, I'm kind of getting sick of hearing "must be nice."
What has brought this up? People asking questions, expecting answers, and then responding with "must be nice." "How's the house search going?" We talk about things and then get the, "must be nice to be able to buy a new house with how things are these days." ummm....why'd you ask then? "How's Dexter?" We joyously talk about our first born and only child with the same animation and dorky giddiness that all parents do. "Must be nice to have a child that sleeps so well." ummm....okay. "Must be nice to have Pens tickets." "Must be nice to go shopping." "Must be nice, must be nice, must be nice." Seriously, can we eliminate this phrase from our lives???
I don't understand why people are always so snarky! If you don't want to know, don't ask. We aren't bragging. We aren't buying a $123,098,287 house. I wish. Anyone that owns one, can we move in? :) Our child isn't perfect! Today he decided 6:30 would be a good time to get up to play and has been crab-man-do all day long because he's tired. We deal with it! Yes, we have Pens season tickets, but we won't be going to too many games this year due to baby and will be selling many. I just don't get why people have to poo poo on anything good in your life.
Here's a wake up call. I have stuff. We all have stuff in our lives. Some days, my job is crap. I try not to dwell on it. Our house hunting has been less than stellar. We've lost the same house dealing with a bank (foreclosure) 3 times. We've lost out on 3 other houses due to not making a quick enough offer. We don't begrudge our friends for their new homes. We hope that we too will be joining them! I have been struggling getting back on the weight loss wagon since the baby, because I'm still learning how to juggle full time job, husband, child, house. I don't scoff at my friends who have lost their baby weight. We all have STUFF.
Anyway, that's where I'm at right now. I don't want to hear the phrase "must be nice" at all this week. Instead, how about anyone who feels it creeping up, swallow it down and say something genuinely nice to someone. I try to give as many genuine compliments a day as I can. Because I know how I feel with my stuff on my mind.
What has brought this up? People asking questions, expecting answers, and then responding with "must be nice." "How's the house search going?" We talk about things and then get the, "must be nice to be able to buy a new house with how things are these days." ummm....why'd you ask then? "How's Dexter?" We joyously talk about our first born and only child with the same animation and dorky giddiness that all parents do. "Must be nice to have a child that sleeps so well." ummm....okay. "Must be nice to have Pens tickets." "Must be nice to go shopping." "Must be nice, must be nice, must be nice." Seriously, can we eliminate this phrase from our lives???
I don't understand why people are always so snarky! If you don't want to know, don't ask. We aren't bragging. We aren't buying a $123,098,287 house. I wish. Anyone that owns one, can we move in? :) Our child isn't perfect! Today he decided 6:30 would be a good time to get up to play and has been crab-man-do all day long because he's tired. We deal with it! Yes, we have Pens season tickets, but we won't be going to too many games this year due to baby and will be selling many. I just don't get why people have to poo poo on anything good in your life.
Here's a wake up call. I have stuff. We all have stuff in our lives. Some days, my job is crap. I try not to dwell on it. Our house hunting has been less than stellar. We've lost the same house dealing with a bank (foreclosure) 3 times. We've lost out on 3 other houses due to not making a quick enough offer. We don't begrudge our friends for their new homes. We hope that we too will be joining them! I have been struggling getting back on the weight loss wagon since the baby, because I'm still learning how to juggle full time job, husband, child, house. I don't scoff at my friends who have lost their baby weight. We all have STUFF.
Anyway, that's where I'm at right now. I don't want to hear the phrase "must be nice" at all this week. Instead, how about anyone who feels it creeping up, swallow it down and say something genuinely nice to someone. I try to give as many genuine compliments a day as I can. Because I know how I feel with my stuff on my mind.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
busy day...being lazy
kind of a crazy day..one in which most details are being omitted for now. Dex slept 12 hours (yay!) and way late in the day, we went to the farm market. on our way home, he started screaming so I finally climbed over the seats to see what the issue was. He proceeded to hold my finger the rest of the way home and was happy. que sera sera. so I'm all about the lazy meme.
15 years ago… I was 15, dating a bad boy, basically just enjoying being a teenager!
10 years ago… I was 20, in college, a sorority, spending entirely too much time at Benjamin's (yes I know 20) and hanging out a lot with Jeremy. Good times!
5 years ago…I was engaged to Rob and we were planning our wedding. It was a fun time, but I wouldn't give up being with him every day for anything.
3 years ago… I was 27, in graduate school, and only 2 months into my marriage. We went on a fantastic honeymoon and had settled into our townhouse, that we are now desperately trying to move out of!
1 year ago…I was pregnant with Dexter and only a few people knew. I had just started a new job and only my boss and closest friend at work knew I was pregnant as well. It was the beginning of the year that became the most life changing for me.
Yesterday, we took our baby to the house we've been trying to buy for over a month now. It's been a lot of back and forth, but we wanted to see what he "thought" of it. He squealed and was crazy excited from the moment we walked in.
Today, I can't talk too much about. It was crazy, suffice it to say. And MPIL.
Tomorrow, I hope we have more answers. About a lot of things!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
in which I rant about SAA
It's only been a kajillion years since I posted, but things have been NUTS. I have started back to work, which I hate. That's not entirely accurate. I love what I do, but I hate leaving Dexter, even though he's with family. However, after my SAA rant, I do have a super cute story about him.
SAA. Saxonburg Area Authority, known to me only as Saxonburg Area Assholes. Let's explain, shall we? A few weeks ago, we received notices that they were closing the road we live on to do construction (i.e. put in new pipes). The road would be reopened on August 31 and would be available to residents and emergency vehicles. This happens pretty much yearly, so no biggie right?
August 17....SAA rips up the entire road. To be expected. Super! Fun! Neato!
August 18....SAA is MIA.
August 19...oh were we supposed to work today?
August 20...Um, dude, was wondering, is SAA gonna show up today?
August 21...wow, the road is looking fine with all it's f'ed up goodness.
(anyone noticing a pattern here??)
Let's fast forward to August 28, because no sign of the construction crew until then.
August 28...omg, has hell frozen over? SAA is here. Dexter and I are headed out and being the intuitive person I am, I immediately think, wasn't it supposed to rain like insanely bad today? Before we get where we're going (a 10 minute drive) it begins said pouring. Now, I know it's a complex situation here, but can you guess what happened? Yes, friends, SAA quit working.
August 31...(remember, supposed to be done today) SAA shows up like, sheeeeeeeeeeit. we totally have to finish this job and we have basically done nothing. note the piping laying all over the place and the gravel to finish up still sitting in like 23,453,232 piles in the grass along the road. I finally get home from work to find gigantic holes all over the road. Um, how the hell do I get to our house? I know, let's go in the parking lot where the 1 bedroom efficiencies are and drive through the grass. Ha!
September 1...SAA is like, hmmmm do you think anyone will notice that we're total douche nozzles and that we haven't finished the road? nah, we'll just sneak up on in and keep working. I finally get home from work and once again, there are gigantic holes all over, only this time, I can't even get to the previous day's parking lot. So I turn around and go around the block and sneak in the other side.
September 2...SAA shows up, dude I think they know. crap, dude, just stand around the back hoe and maybe we'll blend and they'll think we're like hanging out. I get home from work. They aren't done and I doubt they will be by the end of the week. Seriously, we live in Pennsylvania, road work is like our state holiday, orange cones/horses our state animals, we know road work. But to do nothing for 2 weeks and then try and make up for it the week all the schools go back. GAH~
Okay, Dexter story. We go to get him this morning and put him in his car seat to go to PapPap's. First of all, he's laying at a 90 degree angle around the corner of his crib, bwahahahahahaha. Rob picks him up and he has managed to get his arm out of his sleeper sleeve and up through the neck hole. It was HILARIOUS. We laughed so hard we woke the baby up, who then looked at us and cracked up. I love it! Then tonight, I was rolling my tongue and making a noise, and he was totally trying to do it. My kid is awesome. Truly, awesome!!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
and it begins
Yesterday, I officially went into school to start setting up my classroom. Dexter came with me! I think I wouldn't mind working if I could bring Dexter in every day. How about my principal told my wonderful mother (who happened to have a day off and came and got him so I could kick butt in the afternoon) that it would be great if he could be there every day. Um, hello? Then make it work, lady!
Needless to say, Dexter didn't loooove being in my room all that time, but he did a good job. He "played" with my teaching partner's kids. Well as much as a 4 month old can play, which is basically laughing hysterically at the things they do. He's such a little ham head.
Going back in today and taking the Dex in as well. Have to be out of there in time to get him home for his big afternoon nap. I'm hoping I can get a lot done. Apparently, someone was making a big huge deal about the fact that there were baby bottles in the fridge and who did they belong to??? This snarky person was informed as to them being mine and then was like, "oh, well fine then" You damn well better bet it's fine. My kid isn't bothering you! You didn't even know he was there until he was GONE.
Anyway, back in today. Maybe I should go and ask permission to feed my kid from that person today. :)
Needless to say, Dexter didn't loooove being in my room all that time, but he did a good job. He "played" with my teaching partner's kids. Well as much as a 4 month old can play, which is basically laughing hysterically at the things they do. He's such a little ham head.
Going back in today and taking the Dex in as well. Have to be out of there in time to get him home for his big afternoon nap. I'm hoping I can get a lot done. Apparently, someone was making a big huge deal about the fact that there were baby bottles in the fridge and who did they belong to??? This snarky person was informed as to them being mine and then was like, "oh, well fine then" You damn well better bet it's fine. My kid isn't bothering you! You didn't even know he was there until he was GONE.
Anyway, back in today. Maybe I should go and ask permission to feed my kid from that person today. :)
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
ch ch ch changes!
My baby boy's first tooth has started to poke through his gums! I'm a big, gigantic Mommy puddle!
**hard to see because he did not want me doing that, but it's there!!**
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Oh yeah, I have a blog....
I have been eating up every free second of my life with 3 things: Dexter, Rob, house hunting. Mainly spending as much time as I can with Dex. I'm dreading going back to work. I hate it. I'm going to spend my first month of teaching crying. What can you do? Luckily, we have family watching Dexter now (well 3 days a week the first 2 months is still not entirely figured out...hurry people!) so at least I feel better about who he's going to be with. So, I'm cheating with a meme.
My roommate(s) and I once… Put a toilet in another person's room that we borrowed from a dorm room attic...don't ask.
Never in my life have I…won the lottery. Would love to win a Powerball!
High school was…fun for the most part. I don't have complaints from that time of my life! I had good friends and a lot of fun!
When I’m nervous…I pick at my nails...gross I know, but nervous habit.
My hair…is pretty nice. I went to an red/auburn in 2007 and love it to this day!
When I was five…I had to get glasses to fix an astigmatism.
When I turn my head left… I see my husband's laptop.
I should be…pick your poison...getting ready for school? sleeping? packing?
By this time next year…I'll hopefully be in my new house and....something else....
My favorite aunt is…Amy. she gets me.
I have a hard time understanding…why many of us work so hard for everything we have in life (those of you that understand me, yeah I know we appreciate it more but...) when some of the people that have it the easiest do little to get it. They should give back!
You know I like you if…well I like most people so if you know me you can bet I like you. I'm an easy person to be friends with.
My ideal breakfast is…quick and healthy.
If you spend the night at my house…we could watch movies, play games, have some drinks, laugh a lot!
My favorite blonde is…Reese Witherspoon
My favorite brunette is…Rob!
I shouldn’t have…majored in Elementary Education....
Last night I…had ice cream. shhhh
A better name for me would be…I think my name suits me, anyone else have any suggestions?
I’ve been told I look like…my father and my mother. If you split my face in half, you can see which half resembles whom. Top part of my face, dad. Bottom part, mom.
If I could have any car, it would be…a Mercedes. I think they are classy and gorgeous!
Hopefully next post will be more personal!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Vacation updated in a few.....
I am far too tired to write much about our trip to the beach...but I'll leave you with this picture of a child who was so happy to get to our hotel last night and even happier to get home!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Postpartum Depression
No new mother wants to admit to the world that she's suffering from postpartum depression. It makes you feel weak, like a failure. You can't explain it to anyone either. If you haven't experienced it (and I don't wish it on anyone) you just cannot understand PPD. One second things are going well, the next you might be so angry you want to throw something, so sad you can't stop the hysterical sobbing, so anxious you're having a panic attack. Sometimes, you can experience all of these feelings in the matter of a short amount of time.
PPD is nothing to mess around with either. I tried to deny that I was experiencing postpartum for a time. I didn't want to admit it, because I felt like a big loser. I already wasn't able to nurse my baby because my milk never came in. I had a huge amount of guilt over that situation. I cried about it for weeks. Anytime anyone brought up the subject or asked why I was formula feeding, I had an emotional breakdown. So, originally, I chalked my sadness up to that and "baby blues." Little by little, I began noticing the supposed "baby blues" hanging on and getting worse. I won't go into the day/incident that really made me realize what was going on, mainly because no one could understand it, but I finally had to admit to myself and my husband that I needed help.
I guess what today's ramble means is that it's not your fault if you're suffering from PPD. The only thing you can do is ask for help. Ask your family, your friends, and most importantly your doctor. I can't say I am feeling like myself yet. Just don't allow anything to take over your life, it's simply not worth it.
PPD is nothing to mess around with either. I tried to deny that I was experiencing postpartum for a time. I didn't want to admit it, because I felt like a big loser. I already wasn't able to nurse my baby because my milk never came in. I had a huge amount of guilt over that situation. I cried about it for weeks. Anytime anyone brought up the subject or asked why I was formula feeding, I had an emotional breakdown. So, originally, I chalked my sadness up to that and "baby blues." Little by little, I began noticing the supposed "baby blues" hanging on and getting worse. I won't go into the day/incident that really made me realize what was going on, mainly because no one could understand it, but I finally had to admit to myself and my husband that I needed help.
I guess what today's ramble means is that it's not your fault if you're suffering from PPD. The only thing you can do is ask for help. Ask your family, your friends, and most importantly your doctor. I can't say I am feeling like myself yet. Just don't allow anything to take over your life, it's simply not worth it.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Geek Within
I don't mind admitting I'm a geek. It's okay. I have learned long ago that I don't really care if other people think I'm "cool."
What things make me a geek?
1. Harry Potter. No midnight movie showings due to baby, but I do read the books..over and over and over. I do own the movies. I don't dress up, but I fell long ago into the magical world of Harry Potter and I love that I've forced my husband to read the books too. Two years ago, we went to the beach and arrived in Holden shorty before we could get into our house. What did we do? Sure we got dinner, but....it just happened that the final Harry Potter book came out that day. I couldn't get it before the beach because it wasn't out and I surely wasn't going to order it and wait! Then I wouldn't have it until after the beach, because we left Friday! We sought out the town of Shallotte, NC where we found a Super Wal-mart. I hate Walmart. With my every being. That day, I loved Walmart. I read book 7 in less than a day, passed it to my husband who read it, and then my friends' son read it. It was a great week.
2. Twilight. My cousin got me into the series. She will be 20 in a few days. I'm older than that. I'm not a teenager. I'm not in <3 class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">because of the actor. Maybe because I'm afraid that it will not do the book justice. I don't know. I do know, the series rocks.
3. My absolute favorite author is Sophie Kinsella. I know that most of the women my age are into deep thought provoking literature about being a strong woman, motherhood, religion. Sophie Kinsella is the author of the Shopaholic series. I've been reading her since her Shopaholic book first came out years ago. I refuse to see the movie. From what I've seen of the trailer they've BUTCHERED the book. I love Rebecca Bloomwood. I appreciate who she is despite her financial flaws. I love her crazy relationship with Luke Brandon. What is it with characters named Luke?? I have every single one of her books, including those that are one offs, non-shopaholic related. Just finished re-reading The Undomestic Goddess for the hundredth time the other day. I even liked Remember Me despite the fact that it was more serious than her other books. I'm looking forward to Twenties Girl. I would love to meet this author.
4. In relation to the last reason, I want to write a book. I have always wanted to write a book. I have ideas all over the place. My husband keeps telling me to just do it. I blame lack of time. I wouldn't even care if anyone liked my book. I just want to be published. That's the Jess in me I guess.
5. I love school and learning. If it was realistic at all, I'd always be taking classes. I love going to class. I love participating in discussions. I love writing papers. Let's face it, when you go to college at 18, social life is way more important that class. I did well in school, don't get me wrong. I appreciated grad school way more than undergrad.
6. I love office supplies. When I'm having a really bad day, I can just walk up and down the aisles at Staples and feel at peace even if I don't buy anything. I like imagining owning a business so that I can have custom post-its and note pads. I'd have an awesomely chic bulletin board with all my memos on it. I'd have organized areas for all my important papers.
There are other reasons, but it's always good not to put too much out there. Sometimes those closest to me are the only ones who can really know all there is to know.
What things make me a geek?
1. Harry Potter. No midnight movie showings due to baby, but I do read the books..over and over and over. I do own the movies. I don't dress up, but I fell long ago into the magical world of Harry Potter and I love that I've forced my husband to read the books too. Two years ago, we went to the beach and arrived in Holden shorty before we could get into our house. What did we do? Sure we got dinner, but....it just happened that the final Harry Potter book came out that day. I couldn't get it before the beach because it wasn't out and I surely wasn't going to order it and wait! Then I wouldn't have it until after the beach, because we left Friday! We sought out the town of Shallotte, NC where we found a Super Wal-mart. I hate Walmart. With my every being. That day, I loved Walmart. I read book 7 in less than a day, passed it to my husband who read it, and then my friends' son read it. It was a great week.
2. Twilight. My cousin got me into the series. She will be 20 in a few days. I'm older than that. I'm not a teenager. I'm not in <3 class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">because of the actor. Maybe because I'm afraid that it will not do the book justice. I don't know. I do know, the series rocks.
3. My absolute favorite author is Sophie Kinsella. I know that most of the women my age are into deep thought provoking literature about being a strong woman, motherhood, religion. Sophie Kinsella is the author of the Shopaholic series. I've been reading her since her Shopaholic book first came out years ago. I refuse to see the movie. From what I've seen of the trailer they've BUTCHERED the book. I love Rebecca Bloomwood. I appreciate who she is despite her financial flaws. I love her crazy relationship with Luke Brandon. What is it with characters named Luke?? I have every single one of her books, including those that are one offs, non-shopaholic related. Just finished re-reading The Undomestic Goddess for the hundredth time the other day. I even liked Remember Me despite the fact that it was more serious than her other books. I'm looking forward to Twenties Girl. I would love to meet this author.
4. In relation to the last reason, I want to write a book. I have always wanted to write a book. I have ideas all over the place. My husband keeps telling me to just do it. I blame lack of time. I wouldn't even care if anyone liked my book. I just want to be published. That's the Jess in me I guess.
5. I love school and learning. If it was realistic at all, I'd always be taking classes. I love going to class. I love participating in discussions. I love writing papers. Let's face it, when you go to college at 18, social life is way more important that class. I did well in school, don't get me wrong. I appreciated grad school way more than undergrad.
6. I love office supplies. When I'm having a really bad day, I can just walk up and down the aisles at Staples and feel at peace even if I don't buy anything. I like imagining owning a business so that I can have custom post-its and note pads. I'd have an awesomely chic bulletin board with all my memos on it. I'd have organized areas for all my important papers.
There are other reasons, but it's always good not to put too much out there. Sometimes those closest to me are the only ones who can really know all there is to know.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Oiy with the poodles already...
Seriously, that is where I'm at right now. Things are great, but I have a few struggles at the moment that are just bugging me to no end.
1. The Rash. Oh Lord. I had this terrible rash in my first month of pregnancy on my arms and legs (just in certain areas). The doctors had no clue what was causing it, and it went away in a month or so. It's back. All I do is itch! It's so hard when I'm playing with/holding the baby and his hair tickles my rash. I can't just throw him on the ground and scratch!!! I don't know what to do. I know I should go back to the doctor, but hello, cortizone cream doesn't help. Totally sucks. So I'm using old wives tale remedies that help. Still there, but getting better. Sigh.
2. I was a weight watchers fiend before baby. I lost over 130 pounds. No, I'm not kidding. I lived weight watchers. They say it's not a diet, a lifestyle, well for me, that was so true. Then baby. I admit, I ate what I wanted. Now I need to get back to WW, but time and motivation just aren't there right now. Help! I had this whole support system and I know that A. the people who used to be in my meeting probably won't be there anymore and B. we're moving anyway, so I have to find a new meeting. Though, I do know my favorite leader also does meetings in Cranberry!
Those are my struggles. Other than that, life is great! (I could put in the house struggle, but we're hopefully solving that tomorrow!)
1. The Rash. Oh Lord. I had this terrible rash in my first month of pregnancy on my arms and legs (just in certain areas). The doctors had no clue what was causing it, and it went away in a month or so. It's back. All I do is itch! It's so hard when I'm playing with/holding the baby and his hair tickles my rash. I can't just throw him on the ground and scratch!!! I don't know what to do. I know I should go back to the doctor, but hello, cortizone cream doesn't help. Totally sucks. So I'm using old wives tale remedies that help. Still there, but getting better. Sigh.
2. I was a weight watchers fiend before baby. I lost over 130 pounds. No, I'm not kidding. I lived weight watchers. They say it's not a diet, a lifestyle, well for me, that was so true. Then baby. I admit, I ate what I wanted. Now I need to get back to WW, but time and motivation just aren't there right now. Help! I had this whole support system and I know that A. the people who used to be in my meeting probably won't be there anymore and B. we're moving anyway, so I have to find a new meeting. Though, I do know my favorite leader also does meetings in Cranberry!
Those are my struggles. Other than that, life is great! (I could put in the house struggle, but we're hopefully solving that tomorrow!)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Things....
Have you ever met someone who is just plain rude? Yeah, me too. I don't get it either.
Love my baby! He loved his first 4th of July!
Warning**Girl Talk
After you've had a baby, how bad were your first few periods? I feel like I'm dying. Add this to the list of things you don't learn until after baby. I've been miserable for days. I guess people in my life with no kids won't get that either. My uncomfortableness is taken to be something else because I'm quiet.
Lord, give me strength.
Love you Dex!
Love my baby! He loved his first 4th of July!
Warning**Girl Talk
After you've had a baby, how bad were your first few periods? I feel like I'm dying. Add this to the list of things you don't learn until after baby. I've been miserable for days. I guess people in my life with no kids won't get that either. My uncomfortableness is taken to be something else because I'm quiet.
Lord, give me strength.
Love you Dex!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
zoo and a party!
Today was my nephew's 2nd birthday party. Too much fun! In the morning we met up with a group and went to the zoo. This was Dexter's first trip to the zoo! He did pretty well. This was also his first time in his stroller without his infant seat. He seems to get hot in the infant seat, so we decided to give it a whirl in just the stroller. Okay, so I know my kid is huge. His dad is over 6ft. tall, and my kid is pretty tall, but I wasn't sure. It ended up being great because he had more room and could see better!
We walked through the zoo and caught up with the others. Despite a few little maintenence cries, as we call them, he was great the whole trip! We ended up skipping the kids petting zoo part and the reptile house because it looked like rain. Actually, we were going to skip it anyway because Dex was getting ready for eating time and it was easier to go to the car. Well, as we are all walking towards the elevator (strollers!) it started to POUR. I'm talking huge raindrops. We went down and rushed to a little enclosed area where the escalators are located and waited. Dex stayed dry. Mommy and Daddy? Yeah, we were soaked. When it finally stopped raining we loaded up and went back to my brother and sister in laws house for the rest of the party.
The party was so much fun! There were many kids and they had a great time! We ended up leaving right after cake only because Dexter was getting tired and needed to nap. My son is a very nebby child and there was just too much fun going on for him to sleep so we headed out. He slept most of the way home in the car and was passed out when we got home. We got the cutest video of him when it was time to wake up and eat again and a super great picture (as you see above) of him when he woke up. Unfortunately, my cell phone was closer than my camera so it isn't the best quality, but that's okay. He is now on the floor with his baby gym going NUTS. He's playing like he hasn't played in a year. Well it's been most of the day he was away from his toys, which in Dexter land probably feels like a yer.
All in all, it was a great day, wet hair and all!
Friday, June 19, 2009
my kid is cute
sleepy boy.......
....and he's out!
short little snippit for now because I'm exhausted after laundry day but seriously, Dexter is adorable! I could melt into a Mommy puddle from his cuteness. :)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Marion Hossa chose poorly
Last year, the Pittsburgh Penguins lost the Stanley Cup to detroit. It was rough. I don't think the team was ready for that battle. Marion Hossa screwed around forever, pretending he was going to stay in the burgh, but in fact, was double dealing with detroit. I don't care that he left. It was how he went about it that was really shitty.
Let me back up to say that Rob and I looooooove the Penguins. We are full plan season ticket holders. We go to almost every home game during the season. We have been looking forward to this match up all season.
Anyway, last night, we put the baby to bed, and settled down to watch the game of all games. I think we knew early on that the Pens were going to win. We just felt it. I won't go into all the details of the game. People who really want to know saw it. One of the best parts was the look on Hossa's face when the realization of what happened settled in. It was like, holy crap, I made a big stink about choosing detroit because I could get the cup there and not only did I not win the cup, but I lost it to the team I hinted sucked to badly to win it. That was gold.
I am now looking forward to the Hossa interview. I know he won't say anything stupid. He won't even interview until he has the perfect "statement" for the inevitable question. But nothing can stop the look in his eyes when the question is asked 109348394 times. Last night, the first thing I said to my husband was "he chose poorly" from Indiana Jones of course.
It was truly a great night. :)
Let me back up to say that Rob and I looooooove the Penguins. We are full plan season ticket holders. We go to almost every home game during the season. We have been looking forward to this match up all season.
Anyway, last night, we put the baby to bed, and settled down to watch the game of all games. I think we knew early on that the Pens were going to win. We just felt it. I won't go into all the details of the game. People who really want to know saw it. One of the best parts was the look on Hossa's face when the realization of what happened settled in. It was like, holy crap, I made a big stink about choosing detroit because I could get the cup there and not only did I not win the cup, but I lost it to the team I hinted sucked to badly to win it. That was gold.
I am now looking forward to the Hossa interview. I know he won't say anything stupid. He won't even interview until he has the perfect "statement" for the inevitable question. But nothing can stop the look in his eyes when the question is asked 109348394 times. Last night, the first thing I said to my husband was "he chose poorly" from Indiana Jones of course.
It was truly a great night. :)
Monday, June 1, 2009
DON'T BUY GRACO
Dex was in his swing today. I don't put him in there too often, but 10 minutes here and there. He likes it okay. Well now I'm sure he'll never want to go in one again, nor will I put him in one.
He's swinging right beside where I'm sitting and sort of dozing off a little. It's playing music, swinging on a low setting. I'm working on some correspondence. All of a sudden I hear this noise and look over. The left side of the part that HOLDS THE CHILD has broken! Dexter, still sleeping (?!?!) is hanging from the safety restraints. I freaked of course and am on the floor trying to get him out. Ever try and get a hanging infant out of a safety restraint without hurting him??? It took me forever. I finally get him out without hurting him (he's still sleeping?!?!?!). Then the tears start. Mine not his. I'm checking every inch of his body. He's fine, thank God!
After I get him out and make sure he's okay, I look for Graco's 800 number online. I find it and call. I am keeping surprisingly calm. I start to explain to the woman I'm talking to what had just happened. Would you like to know what her response is? "Okay we need some information so we can get replacement parts out to you." ARE YOU KIDDING ME? No, is your child okay? No, let's see if there's been a recall. No, let me get someone who handles these types of claims. Nothing. I called her on that. Ignoring me, she asks for my address so she can send me replacement parts. I finally gave her that info so she'd shut up about the replacement parts. Again, I call her on the fact that she is completely unconcerned with my child's safety and well-begin. Nothing. I was FLOORED. I get off the phone with the useless woman and go back to the website to send an email. They don't have an email address listed. They have a "contact us" spot. I've been trying all day to send what I wrote on that page. OOPS. Our contact us doesn't work.
What did I discover today? Graco has crap products and they REFUSE to accept complaints. Their website doesn't let you complain via email. The representatives you call refuse to acknowledge problems. Don't buy Graco. Save your child.
He's swinging right beside where I'm sitting and sort of dozing off a little. It's playing music, swinging on a low setting. I'm working on some correspondence. All of a sudden I hear this noise and look over. The left side of the part that HOLDS THE CHILD has broken! Dexter, still sleeping (?!?!) is hanging from the safety restraints. I freaked of course and am on the floor trying to get him out. Ever try and get a hanging infant out of a safety restraint without hurting him??? It took me forever. I finally get him out without hurting him (he's still sleeping?!?!?!). Then the tears start. Mine not his. I'm checking every inch of his body. He's fine, thank God!
After I get him out and make sure he's okay, I look for Graco's 800 number online. I find it and call. I am keeping surprisingly calm. I start to explain to the woman I'm talking to what had just happened. Would you like to know what her response is? "Okay we need some information so we can get replacement parts out to you." ARE YOU KIDDING ME? No, is your child okay? No, let's see if there's been a recall. No, let me get someone who handles these types of claims. Nothing. I called her on that. Ignoring me, she asks for my address so she can send me replacement parts. I finally gave her that info so she'd shut up about the replacement parts. Again, I call her on the fact that she is completely unconcerned with my child's safety and well-begin. Nothing. I was FLOORED. I get off the phone with the useless woman and go back to the website to send an email. They don't have an email address listed. They have a "contact us" spot. I've been trying all day to send what I wrote on that page. OOPS. Our contact us doesn't work.
What did I discover today? Graco has crap products and they REFUSE to accept complaints. Their website doesn't let you complain via email. The representatives you call refuse to acknowledge problems. Don't buy Graco. Save your child.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
i love squeegee beckenheim
Random title, I know. I love Gilmore Girls. I never really watched it when it was in it's prime on tv. I can remember, before Dexter, coming home from work. I'd finish grading papers or whatever I had to do, but then I'd still have awhile before Rob came home from work. Nice days, I'd go for a walk. One day, the weather was awful so I was flipping around and a Gilmore Girls rerun happened to be on. Until that day, I had never realized what a truly brilliant show it was. So then I had to buy all the past seasons so I could catch up. At any rate, I have all 5 seasons now, I cried when the last show aired, and I watch them anytime I have nothing better to do.
Title explained. It has nothing to do with what I'm going to post, but that was the brilliance of the show.
Rob and I have been looking to buy a house for awhile. We've seen a ton of houses. Some good, some not so good. I've noticed a trend. Why is it that a homeowner lists changes they have made as "paint" and then expect their house to appreciate $50,000 in 3 years? That's some expensive paint! We found this house that we love. Absolutely love. The house has been on the market for a number of months. The asking price has dropped 3 times. Why? Well, the housing development it's in is very nice. Unfortunately, these people have only owned the house for a couple of years and made changes that do not equal the money they have "put in." Not only that, but when they bought the house, they (admittedly) paid more money than the house was worth. Now they are trying to sell it for way more money than it's worth. If a buyer bought the house for it's current price (dropped 3 times) there is little possibility of ever selling it for the same price anytime in this decade even if the recession ceases. Literally, the value of the entire neighborhood would have to increase considerably. I think our realtor said it well, it's better to be a small fish in a big pond than a big fish in a small pond. We've seen where we currently live. There's an area with all these gorgeous, massively expensive houses and one little podunk house. The podunk house has a much higher value than it should because of the value of the neighborhood. Well, that's what's happening in reverse. Our realtor thinks we need to be aggressive with our offer to see what their motivation for selling is. We shall see. We're going to give it a try and see what happens. We love the house, we feel bad if the couple is having some financial woes, but not enough to overpay for a house. There are tons of homes out there and we can always find another house we love.
:)
Title explained. It has nothing to do with what I'm going to post, but that was the brilliance of the show.
Rob and I have been looking to buy a house for awhile. We've seen a ton of houses. Some good, some not so good. I've noticed a trend. Why is it that a homeowner lists changes they have made as "paint" and then expect their house to appreciate $50,000 in 3 years? That's some expensive paint! We found this house that we love. Absolutely love. The house has been on the market for a number of months. The asking price has dropped 3 times. Why? Well, the housing development it's in is very nice. Unfortunately, these people have only owned the house for a couple of years and made changes that do not equal the money they have "put in." Not only that, but when they bought the house, they (admittedly) paid more money than the house was worth. Now they are trying to sell it for way more money than it's worth. If a buyer bought the house for it's current price (dropped 3 times) there is little possibility of ever selling it for the same price anytime in this decade even if the recession ceases. Literally, the value of the entire neighborhood would have to increase considerably. I think our realtor said it well, it's better to be a small fish in a big pond than a big fish in a small pond. We've seen where we currently live. There's an area with all these gorgeous, massively expensive houses and one little podunk house. The podunk house has a much higher value than it should because of the value of the neighborhood. Well, that's what's happening in reverse. Our realtor thinks we need to be aggressive with our offer to see what their motivation for selling is. We shall see. We're going to give it a try and see what happens. We love the house, we feel bad if the couple is having some financial woes, but not enough to overpay for a house. There are tons of homes out there and we can always find another house we love.
:)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
playing on the floor
I'm sitting here watching my husband play on the floor with our son. Dex is going all kinds of crazy! He loves playing! As I watch them, I think, wow, we have really outgrown our townhouse. We've lived here for 3 years now, which seems impossible. I like where we live. It's been a great home, but we just don't fit here anymore now that we're a 3 person family.
Yesterday, we continued our search for a new house. We've been looking since before Dexter was born. We kind of hit a snag when he showed up 3 weeks early. That's a whole other story. Anyway, we went out again yesterday with our realtor. We've been looking at a lot of different types of houses. We're going out again on Tuesday and really looking at some really nice places.
We are so ready to move out of here. The worst part about our townhouse is that we share walls. Our neighbor on one side is okay. He has a few oddities, but is generally a nice guy. The other side? First we had this crazy guy. He would randomly have any of his multiple children there of whom he had with multiple women. He and his son would randomly start fighting at 3am or so, swearing, hitting each other. The police would come. It was crazy. Thankfully, he moved out. After 2+ years, he moved. The place was empty for months and it was great! Then we learned a new couple was moving in with their 2 year old son. We figured it would be nice to have neighbors our age. That was a joke. These people are ridiculous. They fight, yell, their child screams and runs around throwing things against the wall. They like to vacuum in the middle of the night and hit the wall that they share with our son's room. It's insane. Needless to say, we're ready to leave.
New house---we're there!
Yesterday, we continued our search for a new house. We've been looking since before Dexter was born. We kind of hit a snag when he showed up 3 weeks early. That's a whole other story. Anyway, we went out again yesterday with our realtor. We've been looking at a lot of different types of houses. We're going out again on Tuesday and really looking at some really nice places.
We are so ready to move out of here. The worst part about our townhouse is that we share walls. Our neighbor on one side is okay. He has a few oddities, but is generally a nice guy. The other side? First we had this crazy guy. He would randomly have any of his multiple children there of whom he had with multiple women. He and his son would randomly start fighting at 3am or so, swearing, hitting each other. The police would come. It was crazy. Thankfully, he moved out. After 2+ years, he moved. The place was empty for months and it was great! Then we learned a new couple was moving in with their 2 year old son. We figured it would be nice to have neighbors our age. That was a joke. These people are ridiculous. They fight, yell, their child screams and runs around throwing things against the wall. They like to vacuum in the middle of the night and hit the wall that they share with our son's room. It's insane. Needless to say, we're ready to leave.
New house---we're there!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
what to do, what to do
If you read my last post, you know that we have stopped the soy formula. Lord, almighty, give us strength. My poor child has been through way too many eating changes in his soon to be short 7 weeks (tomorrow!) First we started with breastfeeding. After being demeaned by the 70 year old lactation consultant, my real doctor and I (easily learned) that I simply wasn't producing milk. It was a sad, sad day. We moved to formula. Had some questions about some things and one of our pediatricians changed him to soy. The soy has been horrid, so we went back to regular formula. If you've never changed your infant's food, I can tell you, it's hard! He's had a bellyache most of today, and didn't poop until 6pm. What does that mean? Crying. Endless crying. I want to make it all better, but I just don't know how to do that. What does that mean? I cry. I haven't been sharing much, but I'm working through some post-partum depression. It's not as horrible as some women have. So far, I'm doing well without medicine, but I know my doctor is a little concerned. I definitely am a mom who wears her heart on her sleeve. All I want to do is comfort my baby boy, but I just don't know what to do.
We called our peds tonight and spoke to the same UPMC nurse, Stephanie, who is obviously reading off a cue card. I know she's just CHA, but still I need more than, "it sounds like belly pain." No shit. I've already said that! It seems that unless my baby has a temperature, no one wants to help us. Needless to say, if it's still going on tomorrow, I'm demanding to talk to the main doctor in the practice, and if need be going into the office and waiting until someone sees us. I refuse to have my baby be in pain if there's something we can do. This isn't just about a formula switch. We've been dealing with him having belly pain at least one day a week since the soy switch. When we first switched, he had belly pain for 3 solid days and he had a low grade fever. I was on the phone with the office daily. Their answer? It takes some time for a formula switch. All I can say is, from my experience, don't use soy unless you REALLY need to. My cousin's baby, same thing. They wanted her to switch her daughter to soy and the soy was 10 times worse.
Okay enough about the formula. I know I've gone on about it for 2 posts now, but I can't help it. Dexter is my darling son and I love him too much to sit around and wait and see. No book you read or friend can tell you just how hard it is to watch your child be in pain. I would gladly be in the worst pain of my life to take Dex's pain away. Hopefully, tomorrow, we'll see some improvement.
We called our peds tonight and spoke to the same UPMC nurse, Stephanie, who is obviously reading off a cue card. I know she's just CHA, but still I need more than, "it sounds like belly pain." No shit. I've already said that! It seems that unless my baby has a temperature, no one wants to help us. Needless to say, if it's still going on tomorrow, I'm demanding to talk to the main doctor in the practice, and if need be going into the office and waiting until someone sees us. I refuse to have my baby be in pain if there's something we can do. This isn't just about a formula switch. We've been dealing with him having belly pain at least one day a week since the soy switch. When we first switched, he had belly pain for 3 solid days and he had a low grade fever. I was on the phone with the office daily. Their answer? It takes some time for a formula switch. All I can say is, from my experience, don't use soy unless you REALLY need to. My cousin's baby, same thing. They wanted her to switch her daughter to soy and the soy was 10 times worse.
Okay enough about the formula. I know I've gone on about it for 2 posts now, but I can't help it. Dexter is my darling son and I love him too much to sit around and wait and see. No book you read or friend can tell you just how hard it is to watch your child be in pain. I would gladly be in the worst pain of my life to take Dex's pain away. Hopefully, tomorrow, we'll see some improvement.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Rockies and the tale of two formulas
Yesterday we took Dexter to his first baseball game. We really weren't sure how this was going to work out. The child is, after all, only six weeks old. I know we could have waited, but really we couldn't. My sister in law's brother pitches for the Colorado Rockies and they were playing Pittsburgh in a 3 game series this weekend. Since Sunday had a day game, we really wanted to get there. It was the only day that Dex would be able to go at all.
We left later than most would have, but Dexter had to eat lunch first. We got on the road and I actually ended up sitting in the back seat with him on the way down. He hates going into his car seat and hadn't had much of a morning nap, so he was a little Mommy-clingy. He was in a great mood by the time we got down there. Even though we are sure Pittsburgh sports fans all the way, we were also supporting the Rockies this weekend. So Rob and I had on t-shirts and we bought Dex the cutest purple onsie and put him in a pair of jeans. Okay, have I mentioned that I think my kid is the cutest thing ever? Well he was. We told ourselves, we just want to try and make it 3 innings. That will be great. Dexter? He made it 6 innings! He probably could've gone longer, but we figured we wanted to beat the rush of people anyway. We stopped in at Rob's parents after the game where Dexter and Rob promptly fell asleep. Oh and get this, when we were leaving, the Rockies were winning 4-1. The Pirates scored 10 runs in the 7th. ?!?!?!?!
Now for something totally different. Dexter started out on Similac. At about 3 weeks, he started puking up his 8:30am feeding. At a doctor's appointment, I mentioned my concerns about him puking. He certainly wasn't upset. I was. I'm still hormonal from pregnancy. I cried. Every time. The doctor recommended we change him over to soy formula. I wasn't crazy about this. I didn't see it as a milk problem. One puking a day doesn't a milk problem make. Alas, we did it because we didn't want to argue with our doctor. So we're at what, 3 weeks of soy? Okay, I'm sure there are plenty of soy supporters. I HATE SOY. My child has gone from puking once a day to maybe puking every few days, but instead having gas pain. He has to strain to poop. He gets terrible gas and every 7-10 days has a day full of belly pain where he SCREAMS all day long. I do whatever I can to make him comfortable. Well today, I HAD IT. He started the day with a somewhat solid poop (sorry if it's tmi, but come on) and I knew it was going to be a bad day. He was fine all morning...then 11:30-3:30...oh my. The poor little guy was just a mess. He was crying and crying. I was doing it all even giving him a midday bath (which he looooved). Finally, after his 2:30 bottle, he cried and cried and eventually wore himself out. He fell asleep in my arms and I didn't even bother putting him in his bed even though he's always there for his afternoon nap. I'm done with soy. I'm taking him off of it. He never had this much gas without it. My cousin's daughter...same exact thing happened with her. We have a doctor's appointment next week. We'll see what they say, but I'm done.
We left later than most would have, but Dexter had to eat lunch first. We got on the road and I actually ended up sitting in the back seat with him on the way down. He hates going into his car seat and hadn't had much of a morning nap, so he was a little Mommy-clingy. He was in a great mood by the time we got down there. Even though we are sure Pittsburgh sports fans all the way, we were also supporting the Rockies this weekend. So Rob and I had on t-shirts and we bought Dex the cutest purple onsie and put him in a pair of jeans. Okay, have I mentioned that I think my kid is the cutest thing ever? Well he was. We told ourselves, we just want to try and make it 3 innings. That will be great. Dexter? He made it 6 innings! He probably could've gone longer, but we figured we wanted to beat the rush of people anyway. We stopped in at Rob's parents after the game where Dexter and Rob promptly fell asleep. Oh and get this, when we were leaving, the Rockies were winning 4-1. The Pirates scored 10 runs in the 7th. ?!?!?!?!
Now for something totally different. Dexter started out on Similac. At about 3 weeks, he started puking up his 8:30am feeding. At a doctor's appointment, I mentioned my concerns about him puking. He certainly wasn't upset. I was. I'm still hormonal from pregnancy. I cried. Every time. The doctor recommended we change him over to soy formula. I wasn't crazy about this. I didn't see it as a milk problem. One puking a day doesn't a milk problem make. Alas, we did it because we didn't want to argue with our doctor. So we're at what, 3 weeks of soy? Okay, I'm sure there are plenty of soy supporters. I HATE SOY. My child has gone from puking once a day to maybe puking every few days, but instead having gas pain. He has to strain to poop. He gets terrible gas and every 7-10 days has a day full of belly pain where he SCREAMS all day long. I do whatever I can to make him comfortable. Well today, I HAD IT. He started the day with a somewhat solid poop (sorry if it's tmi, but come on) and I knew it was going to be a bad day. He was fine all morning...then 11:30-3:30...oh my. The poor little guy was just a mess. He was crying and crying. I was doing it all even giving him a midday bath (which he looooved). Finally, after his 2:30 bottle, he cried and cried and eventually wore himself out. He fell asleep in my arms and I didn't even bother putting him in his bed even though he's always there for his afternoon nap. I'm done with soy. I'm taking him off of it. He never had this much gas without it. My cousin's daughter...same exact thing happened with her. We have a doctor's appointment next week. We'll see what they say, but I'm done.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Look at that Little Face!
We took Dexter to get his first studio pictures taken today. He was 6 weeks old Thursday, so we really weren't sure how that was going to play out. He isn't a baby who acts weird around new people. He may give them the once over or test them with his crab faces to see how they'll react, but he is generally a very pleasant child and adapts to new people well. That being said, he did extremely well with the photographer. He was happy around her and put up with a few outfit changes from Mom and Dad. He cried a few times, but once he had his pacifier for a second, we could take it out and he was happy.
Let me stop for a minute and say, those who know us well know we are HUGE Penguins fans. Rob and I are in our second year as full season ticket holders. We have awesome seats and we just love going to the games. We actually snuck in right before they created the waiting list. I looked at Rob one day and said, "you know, instead of buying single seats or 6 game packages, why don't we just get season tickets and sell off what we don't want?" We called immediately, got our seats, and literally days later, the Pittsburgh Penguins established their first ever season ticket waiting list. We really lucked out. Huge hockey fans in this house.
One of Dex's picture sets included him in his diaper with his Pens blanket wrapped around his lower half. We happen to possess a miniature Stanley Cup. I'm not exactly sure where we got it, in fact, Rob may have gotten in pre-us. We decided to take it with us so that our son could hold it with his blanket. At the last minute, I tossed our Pens jerseys in the car with us as well. I can tell you, the pictures with his cup and blanket...ADORABLE. Other people were "awwing" at the cuteness of the pictures. The photographer was a 10 1/2. She was awesome. The family shot was everything we had hoped for!
Dexter's other pictures were great as well. Ever since he was born, I've called him "Little Face." Weird, I know. I can't help it. He has the cutest little face I've ever seen. I'm biased as every mother is, but I do refer to him as Little Face. The photographer took one photo with him on his belly, kind of looking up with his mouth in that "ohh" expression. I melted into a huge pile of Mommy when I saw it. Soooo cute.
All in all, I must say, first pictures...great experience! I told Rob, we have to have this same photographer for all of his pictures. She was fabulous. She should really leave this studio and open up her own business. She is that good. Many people I know have awesome cameras and take great pictures. I imagine this girl to have started that way. She just has that touch of artistic ability that makes her special. I wish I could have that. I know people that truly take artsy photos as their own hobby at home. I'm glad this girl has gone and made it a career for herself! Awesome!
Let me stop for a minute and say, those who know us well know we are HUGE Penguins fans. Rob and I are in our second year as full season ticket holders. We have awesome seats and we just love going to the games. We actually snuck in right before they created the waiting list. I looked at Rob one day and said, "you know, instead of buying single seats or 6 game packages, why don't we just get season tickets and sell off what we don't want?" We called immediately, got our seats, and literally days later, the Pittsburgh Penguins established their first ever season ticket waiting list. We really lucked out. Huge hockey fans in this house.
One of Dex's picture sets included him in his diaper with his Pens blanket wrapped around his lower half. We happen to possess a miniature Stanley Cup. I'm not exactly sure where we got it, in fact, Rob may have gotten in pre-us. We decided to take it with us so that our son could hold it with his blanket. At the last minute, I tossed our Pens jerseys in the car with us as well. I can tell you, the pictures with his cup and blanket...ADORABLE. Other people were "awwing" at the cuteness of the pictures. The photographer was a 10 1/2. She was awesome. The family shot was everything we had hoped for!
Dexter's other pictures were great as well. Ever since he was born, I've called him "Little Face." Weird, I know. I can't help it. He has the cutest little face I've ever seen. I'm biased as every mother is, but I do refer to him as Little Face. The photographer took one photo with him on his belly, kind of looking up with his mouth in that "ohh" expression. I melted into a huge pile of Mommy when I saw it. Soooo cute.
All in all, I must say, first pictures...great experience! I told Rob, we have to have this same photographer for all of his pictures. She was fabulous. She should really leave this studio and open up her own business. She is that good. Many people I know have awesome cameras and take great pictures. I imagine this girl to have started that way. She just has that touch of artistic ability that makes her special. I wish I could have that. I know people that truly take artsy photos as their own hobby at home. I'm glad this girl has gone and made it a career for herself! Awesome!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Show me "sand the floor"
Those of us who are in our late 20's can truly appreciate the power of that phrase. I can remember growing up and watching the first Karate Kid movie. The girls thought Daniel was cute and secretly thought Johnny was a babe. Admit it, that bad boy image was a turn on. The boys walked around quoting Mr. Miagi in all of his wisdom. We waited impatiently for the second movie to come out. We didn't care for the third because it seemed to break out of the original mold, but we enjoyed the character of Terry Silver. The fourth movie was just insane because, um hello, no Daniel. He was getting older by that time, but come on Ralph Macchio didn't look his age until he was 40 and even then he only looked 30. How about I just went onto IMDB and according to the site, he's almost 50. That's insane.
Anyway, now that I've rambled on for a paragraph....So I'm Dexter's Mommy. My little guy was 6 weeks old yesterday. He is my first and I just love him to bits. I was on facebook the other day posting new pictures. He likes to sleep in this bizarre manner in which he puts his arms out, wide-stretched. It looks like the crane technique from the Karate Kid. One of my friends from high school made a Mr. Miagi comment and I was like, niiiice! It was fabulous really. Dexter is just the cutest thing. I am totally biased of course, but he is a big bucket of cute!
I've never really been much of a blogger. That's not entirely true...I've had a few blogs before, but they were less personal and more about things happening around me. Me and my ironic statements. I've been journaling since Dexter was born and I figured it was time to join the world of Mommy bloggers. I am supposed to be going back to work in September, but I'm not really sure if I really want to do that or not. I'll probably end up back at work, but we'll see. I know there are a lot of people speculating about what's going to happen, but frankly, I don't really pay much mind to that right now. We'll see what happens. I'm hoping that things just work out the way they are supposed to. We'll see.
For now, I'm loving being home with my little guy. He is so sweet! I can't imagine wanting to do anything else but be with him day in and day out. How do other working moms do it? I hope if I do end up going back to work, I get some great advice from those moms that work outside their homes.
Anyway, now that I've rambled on for a paragraph....So I'm Dexter's Mommy. My little guy was 6 weeks old yesterday. He is my first and I just love him to bits. I was on facebook the other day posting new pictures. He likes to sleep in this bizarre manner in which he puts his arms out, wide-stretched. It looks like the crane technique from the Karate Kid. One of my friends from high school made a Mr. Miagi comment and I was like, niiiice! It was fabulous really. Dexter is just the cutest thing. I am totally biased of course, but he is a big bucket of cute!
I've never really been much of a blogger. That's not entirely true...I've had a few blogs before, but they were less personal and more about things happening around me. Me and my ironic statements. I've been journaling since Dexter was born and I figured it was time to join the world of Mommy bloggers. I am supposed to be going back to work in September, but I'm not really sure if I really want to do that or not. I'll probably end up back at work, but we'll see. I know there are a lot of people speculating about what's going to happen, but frankly, I don't really pay much mind to that right now. We'll see what happens. I'm hoping that things just work out the way they are supposed to. We'll see.
For now, I'm loving being home with my little guy. He is so sweet! I can't imagine wanting to do anything else but be with him day in and day out. How do other working moms do it? I hope if I do end up going back to work, I get some great advice from those moms that work outside their homes.
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