Wow. Never in a million years was I prepared for how much work this was going to be right off the bat! Emma is a great baby, content and incredibly easy; however, when you combine the continuous 2 hour cycles of a newborn (bottles, diapers and constantly rocking/holding) with the immense energy of a crazy two-year-old toddler, it is quite a ride. Maddy is absolutely amazing with the baby. Completely doting big sister. Whenever, wherever she is, whatever she is doing, if Emma makes a peep - Maddy comes running. She is by my side every diaper change, every feeding, every bath. She is a little mama... too cute. Things have been managable because Jer has been off work and has been a huge help. Monday he goes back to work, and it will be my first real day on my own. I'm a little nervous, mostly about getting Maddy to take a nap. She fights it, and Jer always puts her down, and I'm not sure how that is going to work if Emma is not already sleeping.
Maddy is napping now. Emma is asleep in the Boppy pillow. Peace for the moment.
We are actually getting out of the house tonight. Maddy is staying with my parents and we are dropping Emma off with MIL for a couple of hours to go to a party with some friends. I feel slightly guilty, until I think about what lies ahead next week, and I think I will be grateful that I'm taking a little break tonight.
Oh well, I have a million things I would like to get done during this quiet spell!
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Emma
Emma Grace arrived on Wednesday, April 4th at 7:15 a.m. and weighed 8 pounds 1 1/2 ounces and was 20 inches long.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
So Tired
I am so tired today and my back is hurting really bad. I have this awful pain in my hip, and I just want to crawl back into my bed. Unfortunately, I am still working through tomorrow. 6 more days until my c-section...
I went to the doctor this morning. Everything is fine and normal and on track.
My body is just screaming at me to rest, and I can't... it sucks.
I went to the doctor this morning. Everything is fine and normal and on track.
My body is just screaming at me to rest, and I can't... it sucks.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Never in a Million Years
Friday is my last day of work before I officially go on maternity leave. Now, most pregnant women cannot wait to go on leave and are all excited about the break and the impending arrival of the new baby, right? Yeah, well that excitement is only about 20% of what I'm feeling these days. The other 80% of me is disappointed to be leaving work right now. That's crazy right? Well, it's not if your work situation is currently at a point that is career-making and a scenario that someone in your profession could only dream about... And, that is what I'm faced with.
I must tell you, seriously, I really love my job. I could not ever find a more perfect job for me at a more perfect place in this area of the country - no joke. So, when you combine the perfect job with a dream case scenario, it makes it incredibly hard to leave, even just for a short time.
You see, I am the media relations manager for a children's hospital AND next week, we have conjoined twins arriving to undergo a separation attempt.
I talked to a producer at The Today Show this morning!! I will be working with 20/20, and possibly every major network news show in the country and networks around the world! It's absolutely incredible!
The bad news is that I'll miss a little bit of the beginning and the first surgery.
The good news is that I'll be back for the second surgery and the entire rest of the process (which will actually last more than a year!).
Never in a million years did I think I would feel disappointed about going on maternity leave!!!
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm excited about the baby, and I know the minute she is in my arms, I will NOT be thinking about work until the minute I have to come back, but for now, my head is torn :)
I must tell you, seriously, I really love my job. I could not ever find a more perfect job for me at a more perfect place in this area of the country - no joke. So, when you combine the perfect job with a dream case scenario, it makes it incredibly hard to leave, even just for a short time.
You see, I am the media relations manager for a children's hospital AND next week, we have conjoined twins arriving to undergo a separation attempt.
I talked to a producer at The Today Show this morning!! I will be working with 20/20, and possibly every major network news show in the country and networks around the world! It's absolutely incredible!
The bad news is that I'll miss a little bit of the beginning and the first surgery.
The good news is that I'll be back for the second surgery and the entire rest of the process (which will actually last more than a year!).
Never in a million years did I think I would feel disappointed about going on maternity leave!!!
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm excited about the baby, and I know the minute she is in my arms, I will NOT be thinking about work until the minute I have to come back, but for now, my head is torn :)
Friday, March 23, 2007
The Little Gym
I've been meaning to post about this for some time, but life has just been so crazy that I haven't had a whole lot of time for posting...
Anyhow, when my mom has Maddy every Friday, she takes her to a class at The Little Gym. Every once in a while, she gets to take a make-up class or a re-scheduled class in the evening, and when she does, Jerry and I like to go to watch. Last night was one of those re-scheduled classes.
Watching Maddy in this environment gives such insight into her little personality. It absolutely fascinates me, especially because the more I see her, the more I see exactly how much she is just like her mama.
Maddy gets irritated if things are moving too slowly or if other kids are taking too long with things. When this happens, she walks away from the circle/activity and goes to do her own thing, usually something a little more advanced or challenging than what the group is doing. For example, instead of sitting and singing a song, Maddy is off on the side hanging from the parallel bars or walking across the balance beam. I love the way The Little Gym handles these things, they encourage you to just let the kids wander, but the adults always stick to the class activity, because eventually they will come back. She knows the whole routine of the class, and is the first one at the teacher's side to start the next activity and/or to help clean-up. She loves her teacher, and she is very eager to please her. Maddy likes to interact with other kids, but she hesitates a little at first, but once she's over the initial shyness, she is laughing and playing. She has friends in her class, Shelby and Jules. She always tells me about them, so it was cute to see them in person. I really think that Maddy will enjoy the classes as she gets older too, and she's on her own without my mom or us there. She's already so independent. Totally cracks me up.
After gym class last night, we went out to dinner with my parents and then Maddy went home with them. Madeline could not wait for that check to come. She was telling my mom to "huryup" because she wanted to go home. She knew grandma had a "prwize" for her. "C'mon guys, huryup, home, prwize." So funny. She looked right at Jerry and I and said, "bye. tomorrow" and blew us kisses across the table. She was totally ready for her time at grandma's house. I am really glad that she's like that - she enjoys her time away from us, and she looks at things with excitement, rather than with fear or hesitation.
We have her 2nd birthday party on Sunday. I cannot believe she is going to be 2 years old already! Time really does fly by. She is very excited about her Elmo party, and she knows that she is going to get presents and that people are going to sing happy birthday to her. I think she is the most excited that "Oscar" is coming to her party, which is my MIL's dog :) Maddy adores that little guy, and he's old and lazy and it's not a big deal to have him there, so MIL agreed to bring him when Maddy told her to. Maddy is totally going to get spoiled rotten by everyone, but she's so good about her "tankew" and she generally does appreciate things. She will be running around giving out hugs and kisses, because that is just how she is.
On a really annoying note, Jenna's birthday party is scheduled for the day I am supposed to come home from the hospital. I definitely will not be attending. Jerry might go with Maddy, and my mom will probably stay with me and the baby.
I'm already getting bothered by scenarios I can see happening while I'm in the hospital. There are certain members of Jerry's family that I absolutely DO NOT WANT to come and visit. They didn't visit with Maddy, but I have this odd feeling they may this time, and I will be really unhappy if they do. I'm also going to be annoyed if certain people in my family bring all of their children to see us. They did last time, and one of them had muddy boots on and got dirt all over the hospital room floor, which ultimately ended up on my feet and in my bed. Ugh. This time around I feel so different about everything, because this is not the first grandchild for anyone, and I just want things to be low-key and a lot less stressful then they were with Maddy. With both of us having big families, things quickly get out of hand, and since this one is scheduled they have had too much time to plan their visiting... it makes me nervous.
Anyhow, when my mom has Maddy every Friday, she takes her to a class at The Little Gym. Every once in a while, she gets to take a make-up class or a re-scheduled class in the evening, and when she does, Jerry and I like to go to watch. Last night was one of those re-scheduled classes.
Watching Maddy in this environment gives such insight into her little personality. It absolutely fascinates me, especially because the more I see her, the more I see exactly how much she is just like her mama.
Maddy gets irritated if things are moving too slowly or if other kids are taking too long with things. When this happens, she walks away from the circle/activity and goes to do her own thing, usually something a little more advanced or challenging than what the group is doing. For example, instead of sitting and singing a song, Maddy is off on the side hanging from the parallel bars or walking across the balance beam. I love the way The Little Gym handles these things, they encourage you to just let the kids wander, but the adults always stick to the class activity, because eventually they will come back. She knows the whole routine of the class, and is the first one at the teacher's side to start the next activity and/or to help clean-up. She loves her teacher, and she is very eager to please her. Maddy likes to interact with other kids, but she hesitates a little at first, but once she's over the initial shyness, she is laughing and playing. She has friends in her class, Shelby and Jules. She always tells me about them, so it was cute to see them in person. I really think that Maddy will enjoy the classes as she gets older too, and she's on her own without my mom or us there. She's already so independent. Totally cracks me up.
After gym class last night, we went out to dinner with my parents and then Maddy went home with them. Madeline could not wait for that check to come. She was telling my mom to "huryup" because she wanted to go home. She knew grandma had a "prwize" for her. "C'mon guys, huryup, home, prwize." So funny. She looked right at Jerry and I and said, "bye. tomorrow" and blew us kisses across the table. She was totally ready for her time at grandma's house. I am really glad that she's like that - she enjoys her time away from us, and she looks at things with excitement, rather than with fear or hesitation.
We have her 2nd birthday party on Sunday. I cannot believe she is going to be 2 years old already! Time really does fly by. She is very excited about her Elmo party, and she knows that she is going to get presents and that people are going to sing happy birthday to her. I think she is the most excited that "Oscar" is coming to her party, which is my MIL's dog :) Maddy adores that little guy, and he's old and lazy and it's not a big deal to have him there, so MIL agreed to bring him when Maddy told her to. Maddy is totally going to get spoiled rotten by everyone, but she's so good about her "tankew" and she generally does appreciate things. She will be running around giving out hugs and kisses, because that is just how she is.
On a really annoying note, Jenna's birthday party is scheduled for the day I am supposed to come home from the hospital. I definitely will not be attending. Jerry might go with Maddy, and my mom will probably stay with me and the baby.
I'm already getting bothered by scenarios I can see happening while I'm in the hospital. There are certain members of Jerry's family that I absolutely DO NOT WANT to come and visit. They didn't visit with Maddy, but I have this odd feeling they may this time, and I will be really unhappy if they do. I'm also going to be annoyed if certain people in my family bring all of their children to see us. They did last time, and one of them had muddy boots on and got dirt all over the hospital room floor, which ultimately ended up on my feet and in my bed. Ugh. This time around I feel so different about everything, because this is not the first grandchild for anyone, and I just want things to be low-key and a lot less stressful then they were with Maddy. With both of us having big families, things quickly get out of hand, and since this one is scheduled they have had too much time to plan their visiting... it makes me nervous.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
2 Weeks
I am scheduled for my c-section two weeks from today. I can't believe it is that close already! This pregnancy has really gone by so fast.
We are scheduled for 6:45 a.m., and have to be at the hospital at 5:15 a.m. Maddy will be spending the night with my sister-in-law the night before. I do not think she is going to handle the whole hospital situation very well... She freaked out when we took her to a doctor's appointment with me, crying when they took my blood pressure, because she thinks it hurts me. Then last weekend, my aunt did a cast of my belly for me, and Maddy cried then and told my aunt to "stop it." We'll see how she does... I also think she is going to have issues with other people holding the baby. She gets upset if anyone touches my belly now and says, "no, mine." If you ask her (like my mom of MIL do) if you can hold the baby when it comes out, she says, "no, Maddy." Like only Maddy can hold the baby. I think we are in for an interesting journey.
Speaking of Maddy, she got her first haircut last night. She was asleep for most of it, but was adorable when she woke up. She told my hairdresser, "Tank ooh" and gave her a hug. Too cute.
Work is totally INSANE!!! I cannot wait until next Friday!!!! I am so exhausted, and I have been working crazy hours and am just really stressed out. For those of you that have access to Sunday's Plain Dealer will know this weekend exactly why things have been completely crazy for me. Stay tuned.
We are scheduled for 6:45 a.m., and have to be at the hospital at 5:15 a.m. Maddy will be spending the night with my sister-in-law the night before. I do not think she is going to handle the whole hospital situation very well... She freaked out when we took her to a doctor's appointment with me, crying when they took my blood pressure, because she thinks it hurts me. Then last weekend, my aunt did a cast of my belly for me, and Maddy cried then and told my aunt to "stop it." We'll see how she does... I also think she is going to have issues with other people holding the baby. She gets upset if anyone touches my belly now and says, "no, mine." If you ask her (like my mom of MIL do) if you can hold the baby when it comes out, she says, "no, Maddy." Like only Maddy can hold the baby. I think we are in for an interesting journey.
Speaking of Maddy, she got her first haircut last night. She was asleep for most of it, but was adorable when she woke up. She told my hairdresser, "Tank ooh" and gave her a hug. Too cute.
Work is totally INSANE!!! I cannot wait until next Friday!!!! I am so exhausted, and I have been working crazy hours and am just really stressed out. For those of you that have access to Sunday's Plain Dealer will know this weekend exactly why things have been completely crazy for me. Stay tuned.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Viscious Cycle of Sickness Hell
WARNING: This post may contain graphic descriptions that may unsuitable for some audiences...
So, today is my first day back to work since last Tuesday. Why? Well, let's just say that a particularly common problem during pregnancy rared its big ugly head and wreaked hell on my body and soul.
You see, last Monday/Tuesday, I was having the normal constipation issues associated with pregnancy and mild/controllable hemorrhoids. No big deal. Tuesday night, we went out to dinner and I got a dish that I normally do, that I know sometimes upsets my stomach, but I thought with the constipation issue at hand this might be a good thing. WRONG. Oh so wrong. Tuesday night/Wednesday morning around 4:00 a.m., I wake up with explosive, gut-wrenching diarrhea. Several times. Then, around 7:00 a.m., I realize that I can no longer walk, sit, stand or move at all without an absolutely horrendous pain in my ass - ah yes, folks, those totally normal/controllable hemorrhoids turned into the absolute nightmare from hell. And I tried EVERYTHING to get some relief.
I began a continuous rotation of sitz baths, ice packs, creams, suppositories, Tucks pads, Dermaplast spray, medicated wipes, regular baths, showers,laying down, standing up, sitting, the donut pillow and anything else that could possibly come to mind. On Thursday, the doctor called me in a prescription, which two days later finally helped, but on Friday, I was on the phone with the doctor again in tears. And, he basically told me there wasn't anything more he could do, but if I wasn't any better by Monday (today) that he would refer me to a surgeon!!!!!
So, he basically put me on bed rest for the entire weekend and told me to continue using the prescription cream.
I followed the doctor's orders. Fortunately, the hemorrhoids did get better, but unfortunately, the stomach bug/diarrhea continued. I was up every two hours on Saturday night. I really didn't feel good or at all like eating until dinner time last night.
So, today, here I am. Back at work. Sitting on the donut pillow. Minor hemorrhoid discomfort. No more diarrhea. Thank God. I cried and prayed so hard for days that this would all go away. I have never felt so helpless and in pain EVER. I mean any other time I've had something majorly wrong that was causing pain, at least medication helped. This was terrible.
In the middle of all of this, we took Maddy to see Sesame Street Live on Saturday night (I made it through the performance alright, but couldn't eat any dinner afterwards when we all went out.) She loved it!!! Absolutely wonderful. She was just too darn cute.
Anyhow, I hope your week/weekend was better then mine!
So, today is my first day back to work since last Tuesday. Why? Well, let's just say that a particularly common problem during pregnancy rared its big ugly head and wreaked hell on my body and soul.
You see, last Monday/Tuesday, I was having the normal constipation issues associated with pregnancy and mild/controllable hemorrhoids. No big deal. Tuesday night, we went out to dinner and I got a dish that I normally do, that I know sometimes upsets my stomach, but I thought with the constipation issue at hand this might be a good thing. WRONG. Oh so wrong. Tuesday night/Wednesday morning around 4:00 a.m., I wake up with explosive, gut-wrenching diarrhea. Several times. Then, around 7:00 a.m., I realize that I can no longer walk, sit, stand or move at all without an absolutely horrendous pain in my ass - ah yes, folks, those totally normal/controllable hemorrhoids turned into the absolute nightmare from hell. And I tried EVERYTHING to get some relief.
I began a continuous rotation of sitz baths, ice packs, creams, suppositories, Tucks pads, Dermaplast spray, medicated wipes, regular baths, showers,laying down, standing up, sitting, the donut pillow and anything else that could possibly come to mind. On Thursday, the doctor called me in a prescription, which two days later finally helped, but on Friday, I was on the phone with the doctor again in tears. And, he basically told me there wasn't anything more he could do, but if I wasn't any better by Monday (today) that he would refer me to a surgeon!!!!!
So, he basically put me on bed rest for the entire weekend and told me to continue using the prescription cream.
I followed the doctor's orders. Fortunately, the hemorrhoids did get better, but unfortunately, the stomach bug/diarrhea continued. I was up every two hours on Saturday night. I really didn't feel good or at all like eating until dinner time last night.
So, today, here I am. Back at work. Sitting on the donut pillow. Minor hemorrhoid discomfort. No more diarrhea. Thank God. I cried and prayed so hard for days that this would all go away. I have never felt so helpless and in pain EVER. I mean any other time I've had something majorly wrong that was causing pain, at least medication helped. This was terrible.
In the middle of all of this, we took Maddy to see Sesame Street Live on Saturday night (I made it through the performance alright, but couldn't eat any dinner afterwards when we all went out.) She loved it!!! Absolutely wonderful. She was just too darn cute.
Anyhow, I hope your week/weekend was better then mine!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Nice Surprise
On Sunday, my mom and my best friend held a surprise shower/pampering party for me. It was so wonderful, I can't even put it into words. It was exactly what I needed to get me through these last 6 weeks. I had absolutely no hint or inkling about anything at all... Jerry was in on the whole thing too.
My best friend lives in Columbus, and I hadn't seen her since July. She came up and brought her mom with her, which was a really nice surprise. It made me cry.
The party was small, just a few close friends and family, but totally perfect. It was at my house, and they had all kinds of yummy foods and desserts. All the ladies painted onesies for baby Emma, and we played some games. They brought gifts, but mostly "pampering" type stuff for me. I got a gift certificate for a spa pedicure, a pregnancy message, my hair salon, The Body Shop, some new pajamas and bath and body stuff. My mom bought me an outfit to wear home from the hospital. I got a new robe and some candles. Flowers. A couple of things for the baby - my dad painted a toy box for Emma like the one he had done for Maddy, and I got a lot of diapers. The whole thing was just so nice. Big heap of thanks to all involved.
My best friend lives in Columbus, and I hadn't seen her since July. She came up and brought her mom with her, which was a really nice surprise. It made me cry.
The party was small, just a few close friends and family, but totally perfect. It was at my house, and they had all kinds of yummy foods and desserts. All the ladies painted onesies for baby Emma, and we played some games. They brought gifts, but mostly "pampering" type stuff for me. I got a gift certificate for a spa pedicure, a pregnancy message, my hair salon, The Body Shop, some new pajamas and bath and body stuff. My mom bought me an outfit to wear home from the hospital. I got a new robe and some candles. Flowers. A couple of things for the baby - my dad painted a toy box for Emma like the one he had done for Maddy, and I got a lot of diapers. The whole thing was just so nice. Big heap of thanks to all involved.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Officially Miserable
I have entered the final phase of the pregnancy. We are a day shy of 33 weeks now, and I must tell you that I am officially miserable. My back is killing me all the time. I have constant heartburn. Hemmoroids. Can't sleep. Peeing every 30 seconds. Absolutely exhausted. Swollen ankles. Blah.
Don't mistake this for complaining - I'm not. I'm thrilled to be having this baby, and baby Emma is going to be an amazing addition to our family. I am just telling you that I am experiencing some really uncomfortable effects of pregnancy now.
It is a struggle to put on my socks everyday. I attempted to shave my legs last night, and I think I might've pulled something somewhere in the effort. I no longer wear shoes that require me to tie them or buckle them or anything that cannot simply be "slipped" on. I haven't been able to wear my wedding rings since just after Christmas.
Yes people, the reality is, I have once again turned into the weeble wabble short VERY pregnant lady. I am extremely grateful to the parking garage gods here at the hospital that now allow me to park in the visitor garage, and to the people that invented those heat-in-the-microwave rice thingys that are oh so wonderful for back pain.
OK. That's enough. I need to suck it up and get back to work. TGIF. I don't think my hips could stand another day this week of sitting in this chair!
I'm taking the day off on Monday because Maddy's bedroom furniture is FINALLY being delivered!!!! Yeah!!! I can actually get something done in the nursery and get all the girls' clothes situated and organized. Looking forward to a day of "nesting."
Have a good weekend!
Don't mistake this for complaining - I'm not. I'm thrilled to be having this baby, and baby Emma is going to be an amazing addition to our family. I am just telling you that I am experiencing some really uncomfortable effects of pregnancy now.
It is a struggle to put on my socks everyday. I attempted to shave my legs last night, and I think I might've pulled something somewhere in the effort. I no longer wear shoes that require me to tie them or buckle them or anything that cannot simply be "slipped" on. I haven't been able to wear my wedding rings since just after Christmas.
Yes people, the reality is, I have once again turned into the weeble wabble short VERY pregnant lady. I am extremely grateful to the parking garage gods here at the hospital that now allow me to park in the visitor garage, and to the people that invented those heat-in-the-microwave rice thingys that are oh so wonderful for back pain.
OK. That's enough. I need to suck it up and get back to work. TGIF. I don't think my hips could stand another day this week of sitting in this chair!
I'm taking the day off on Monday because Maddy's bedroom furniture is FINALLY being delivered!!!! Yeah!!! I can actually get something done in the nursery and get all the girls' clothes situated and organized. Looking forward to a day of "nesting."
Have a good weekend!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Was it really Valentine's Day?
Yesterday was Valentine's Day, right? I don't think the holiday made the radar in our house... Jerry, Maddy and I were all home all day because of the unbelievable snow we had gotten. We couldn't see the street or the pond behind the house or anything. There were drifts taller than me on our deck. Crazy. So, anyhow, it was a snow day. We spent most of the day lounging around at home in our sweatpants and watching Maddy's favorite movies. I attempted to have Maddy stamp some Valentine's Day cards with me, but she wasn't all that interested. We did make one for daddy from his girls, which was cute, but that was the only acknowledgement of the holiday we made all day. We left home around 3:30 to go over to my mom's to do our taxes... fun. Seriously, that is how we spent the heart-filled, romantic holiday... watching High School Musical three times and doing taxes. Life sure does change when you've been married for five years and have a toddler and another baby on the way... somehow hearts and chocolates just aren't that relevant, because I don't think I would've really wanted to spend the day any other way.
Maybe tonight will be more like Valentine's Day for us... my mom is keeping Maddy tonight... Although what I would really like to do is get all my stuff prepared for the three stamping functions I have next week!!
Maybe tonight will be more like Valentine's Day for us... my mom is keeping Maddy tonight... Although what I would really like to do is get all my stuff prepared for the three stamping functions I have next week!!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
New Office Neighbor
I have a new office neighbor. This girl that I totally can't stand. She sucks at her job, but they won't fire her because of who her father is... She has this totally annoying snorty laugh that absolutely drives me crazy. And the work she is responsible for is so totally ridiculous and I cannot believe it is a full-time job. Whatever. Ugh. She moved in yesterday...
Official Name Change
The new baby's name is now going to be Emma Alexandra, instead of Tess. Jerry really wanted it to be Emma, and I was on the fence, but Maddy insisted on Tess until a few days ago. Now, she runs around talking about Emma and shows me Emma's room and gives my belly (Emma) kisses. So, she made the decision for us.
Emma is my great-grandmother's name, which makes me really glad to do this in her honor.
Madeline and Emma, my girls. I really like the names together. Both old-fashioned names.
So, baby Emma is scheduled to arrive on April 4th. Only a few weeks left!! But, oh my goodness, so much to do to get everything ready!
Emma is my great-grandmother's name, which makes me really glad to do this in her honor.
Madeline and Emma, my girls. I really like the names together. Both old-fashioned names.
So, baby Emma is scheduled to arrive on April 4th. Only a few weeks left!! But, oh my goodness, so much to do to get everything ready!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Totally Amazing
In light of my previous post, I just wanted to share a little bit about my mom...
My mom got pregnant with me when she was 14 years old. She married my dad when she was 14 years old (he was 18 at the time). She turned 15 only 9 days before I was born. She is still married to my dad - 28 years later.
Here are the snippets of what I remember about my mom's career:
When I was 3 years old, we lived in an apartment across the street from a shopping plaza. My mom didn't have her driver's license yet. She worked at a restaurant in the shopping plaza called "Duff's." My dad worked 3rd shift at a tool & die shop somewhere. She would pick up extra shifts at the restaurant whenever she could, so that we could get Christmas gifts and have birthday parties. She would walk to and from work.
When I was five years old, we moved into a house that we rented. I thought that house was HUGE after living an apartment for so long. (I have seen it in recent years, and it is actually an incredibly tiny house, but things are so different in the eyes of a child). My mom worked at the perfume counter in a department store near our house. She had her driver's license then, but we only had one car and my dad needed it because he was going to school during the day and working nights. So, she would take the bus to work.
When I was six, we moved into a town house. My dad had gotten a little bit better job after completing some of his schooling, and he entered an apprenticeship program. We moved further away from my grandparents though, so my mom didn't work for a couple of years to stay home with my brother and to be home when I got home from school. However, to get some extra money, mom baby-sat two neighbor kids every day. At this point, she went back to school to get her GED and my aunt would baby-sit us a couple nights a week for her to be able to do this. Sometime between the time I was 6 and 8, we did end up getting a second car.
When I was 8, and my brother was in school full-time, my mom went back to work. She did some kind of bookkeeping. We had a babysitter in the neighborhood after school.
When I was 9, we moved again. We bought our own house, back near our family. It was the first time I ever had a backyard. My mom got a job as a secretary for a body shop, answering phones and doing bookkeeping. My mom would drop us off at my grandma's house in the morning before school, and then go to work. My grandma would feed us breakfast and drive us to school. This was the year that we started to be home alone for about 2 hours each day after school. A couple of months later, my mom left the body shop and went to work in the bookkeeping department at a car dealer. Our routine stayed the same. My parents just moved out of that house 3 years ago.
Then, my mom went back to school to get her real estate license. She sold real estate when I was in the sixth and seventh grade. She worked her ass off, but didn't make a whole lot of money. She eventually gave it up and went back to work when I was in eighth grade. She went to work for the same company she works for now. She has changed her position there several times and went back to school for additional accounting classes, and basically now, she is their accounting department by herself.
My mom doesn't have a college degree, and both my brother and I make more money than she does. My dad eventually finished all of his schooling and everything, and he's now a project engineer for an international metal forming company.
I remember that my mom NEVER missed a sporting event or a school concert or play. We always ate a hot meal, and had pizza only on Friday's.
I still call my mom everyday at work just to say hi.
She sent me a card every single day that I was away at college.
She's 42 years old, and she's a grandma, and she's a totally amazing grandma.
She gave up so much for us, and gave so much of herself for us, and she still continues to give.
I am in awe of her. And even though I have gone on to do so many of things she wished that she could have, she is still my hero. And I totally understand why she gets her satisfaction from, and has lived her dreams through us.
My mom got pregnant with me when she was 14 years old. She married my dad when she was 14 years old (he was 18 at the time). She turned 15 only 9 days before I was born. She is still married to my dad - 28 years later.
Here are the snippets of what I remember about my mom's career:
When I was 3 years old, we lived in an apartment across the street from a shopping plaza. My mom didn't have her driver's license yet. She worked at a restaurant in the shopping plaza called "Duff's." My dad worked 3rd shift at a tool & die shop somewhere. She would pick up extra shifts at the restaurant whenever she could, so that we could get Christmas gifts and have birthday parties. She would walk to and from work.
When I was five years old, we moved into a house that we rented. I thought that house was HUGE after living an apartment for so long. (I have seen it in recent years, and it is actually an incredibly tiny house, but things are so different in the eyes of a child). My mom worked at the perfume counter in a department store near our house. She had her driver's license then, but we only had one car and my dad needed it because he was going to school during the day and working nights. So, she would take the bus to work.
When I was six, we moved into a town house. My dad had gotten a little bit better job after completing some of his schooling, and he entered an apprenticeship program. We moved further away from my grandparents though, so my mom didn't work for a couple of years to stay home with my brother and to be home when I got home from school. However, to get some extra money, mom baby-sat two neighbor kids every day. At this point, she went back to school to get her GED and my aunt would baby-sit us a couple nights a week for her to be able to do this. Sometime between the time I was 6 and 8, we did end up getting a second car.
When I was 8, and my brother was in school full-time, my mom went back to work. She did some kind of bookkeeping. We had a babysitter in the neighborhood after school.
When I was 9, we moved again. We bought our own house, back near our family. It was the first time I ever had a backyard. My mom got a job as a secretary for a body shop, answering phones and doing bookkeeping. My mom would drop us off at my grandma's house in the morning before school, and then go to work. My grandma would feed us breakfast and drive us to school. This was the year that we started to be home alone for about 2 hours each day after school. A couple of months later, my mom left the body shop and went to work in the bookkeeping department at a car dealer. Our routine stayed the same. My parents just moved out of that house 3 years ago.
Then, my mom went back to school to get her real estate license. She sold real estate when I was in the sixth and seventh grade. She worked her ass off, but didn't make a whole lot of money. She eventually gave it up and went back to work when I was in eighth grade. She went to work for the same company she works for now. She has changed her position there several times and went back to school for additional accounting classes, and basically now, she is their accounting department by herself.
My mom doesn't have a college degree, and both my brother and I make more money than she does. My dad eventually finished all of his schooling and everything, and he's now a project engineer for an international metal forming company.
I remember that my mom NEVER missed a sporting event or a school concert or play. We always ate a hot meal, and had pizza only on Friday's.
I still call my mom everyday at work just to say hi.
She sent me a card every single day that I was away at college.
She's 42 years old, and she's a grandma, and she's a totally amazing grandma.
She gave up so much for us, and gave so much of herself for us, and she still continues to give.
I am in awe of her. And even though I have gone on to do so many of things she wished that she could have, she is still my hero. And I totally understand why she gets her satisfaction from, and has lived her dreams through us.
I always swore I would never do this...
As a girl who grew up with mom that always worked some job or another, I witnessed something that I swore would never happen to me! My mom would get up in the morning with us and make sure we had breakfast and that my hair was fixed and that we were dressed and had lunches to take to school and that we didn't forget our homework. She would also manage during that time to get herself dressed and ready for work. She would either drive us to school or drop us off at the bus stop, and head off to her job. We would usually get home from school before my mom would get home from work, so we would call her as soon as we set foot in the house and she would give me instructions for starting dinner (usually something of the frozen variety or something very easy for me to do), and then she would get home just in time to throw it all together and finish it up for us to eat. She would then clean up the dishes, and throw in a load or two of laundry, and get us all showered/bathed, make sure we did our homework, pack lunches for the next day, etc.
Now, I did not have a SINGLE mother. I had a WORKING mother. My dad ate those meals and enjoyed his clean clothes and used some of those dishes too. Granted, he did work longer hours than my mom, but my mom still worked too.
As a little girl, I didn't really notice the one-sided work load at home, but the older I got, the more I noticed, especially when my mom started pawning off some of those household tasks to me. I swore I would never be "one of those moms" who did everything while her husband just worked and came home to relax.
Now, I must also confess that I know that my dad did a lot of the outside work and home repair stuff, but most of it wasn't done until my mom pestered him enough to go do it.
However, as I am settling more and more into this "motherhood" role and have now been a wife for nearly five years, I can see exactly why my mom never complained about doing all of these things around the house.
I have noticed lately that I am the one cooking dinner and doing the dishes every night. Packing Maddy's clothes to take to Jerry's mom's house during the week. Doing all the laundry (except for Jerry's clothes -hard and fast rule that he does his own to avoid arguments). Giving her a bath. Cleaning up the toys. Keeping our calendar of social activities in line and making sure we are all where we need to be when we need to be there.
I am not complaining that I do these things, which is the weird part. If anyone has known me for any amount of time, you will know that for all of my young adult life I despised cooking and cleaning, and would often live in a very MESSY state before I would do anything about it. I have always been more about my clothes and my career than I have ever been about a household... until now.
I don't know if it is the idea that I have another child on the way, and I am now shifting into a mode where motherhood will be an even bigger part of who I am or if it is merely just part of growing up... but it is weird. I find myself enjoying cooking, and I don't mind doing the dishes or laundry, because it makes things nice and enjoyable for my family.
Jerry does do a lot at home too. I have to give him credit. He does do things now and then that I am surprised and appreciative of; however, there are stupid little things that I will never understand the logic as to why he does NOT do them... Like putting new garbage bags in the garbage cans. He will always take out the full trash bags and take them out to the garage. He will NEVER EVER put new bags in. I always go to throw something away and find the exposed can and have to put the new bags in...
I must also tell you that I definitely DO NOT have it as bad as my mom did. My mom also handles all of their financial stuff (she is an accountant afterall), and so she did all the bills and everything too. And, every Saturday, like clockwork, she did the weekly cleaning (dusting, vaccuuming, etc.) I, on the otherhand, do NOT touch our financial crap. Jerry handles all of that. I also do NOT do the routine cleaning stuff. If you can believe this, I actually pay my mother to come do it twice a month! (I was going to hire a cleaning service to do this, but my mom offered and wanted the extra money when she dropped down to working four days a week.) Ironically, she uses the money for her day off with Maddy and spends it all and more on her spoiled rotten granddaughter, so it really does work out well and doesn't feel like my mom is my maid or anything...
And before anyone gets too judgmental here, I must also tell you that I do make signficantly more money than my husband and I do work a lot more hours than he does. AND, our house is a far cry from the 3 bedroom tiny ranch that I grew up in and watched my mom miticulously scour and clean. So, there are certain things I really just do not want to do because it would mean giving up even more time with my daughter than I already do...
I just have noticed lately how much little domestic things that used to totally repulse me, have actually become enjoyable and meaningful. I understand why my mom just did it all and never once complained. I have a whole new perspective and appreciation for all the things my mom has done and still does for me, and I understand why the huge sacrifices she made for us didn't seem so huge to her.
Now, I did not have a SINGLE mother. I had a WORKING mother. My dad ate those meals and enjoyed his clean clothes and used some of those dishes too. Granted, he did work longer hours than my mom, but my mom still worked too.
As a little girl, I didn't really notice the one-sided work load at home, but the older I got, the more I noticed, especially when my mom started pawning off some of those household tasks to me. I swore I would never be "one of those moms" who did everything while her husband just worked and came home to relax.
Now, I must also confess that I know that my dad did a lot of the outside work and home repair stuff, but most of it wasn't done until my mom pestered him enough to go do it.
However, as I am settling more and more into this "motherhood" role and have now been a wife for nearly five years, I can see exactly why my mom never complained about doing all of these things around the house.
I have noticed lately that I am the one cooking dinner and doing the dishes every night. Packing Maddy's clothes to take to Jerry's mom's house during the week. Doing all the laundry (except for Jerry's clothes -hard and fast rule that he does his own to avoid arguments). Giving her a bath. Cleaning up the toys. Keeping our calendar of social activities in line and making sure we are all where we need to be when we need to be there.
I am not complaining that I do these things, which is the weird part. If anyone has known me for any amount of time, you will know that for all of my young adult life I despised cooking and cleaning, and would often live in a very MESSY state before I would do anything about it. I have always been more about my clothes and my career than I have ever been about a household... until now.
I don't know if it is the idea that I have another child on the way, and I am now shifting into a mode where motherhood will be an even bigger part of who I am or if it is merely just part of growing up... but it is weird. I find myself enjoying cooking, and I don't mind doing the dishes or laundry, because it makes things nice and enjoyable for my family.
Jerry does do a lot at home too. I have to give him credit. He does do things now and then that I am surprised and appreciative of; however, there are stupid little things that I will never understand the logic as to why he does NOT do them... Like putting new garbage bags in the garbage cans. He will always take out the full trash bags and take them out to the garage. He will NEVER EVER put new bags in. I always go to throw something away and find the exposed can and have to put the new bags in...
I must also tell you that I definitely DO NOT have it as bad as my mom did. My mom also handles all of their financial stuff (she is an accountant afterall), and so she did all the bills and everything too. And, every Saturday, like clockwork, she did the weekly cleaning (dusting, vaccuuming, etc.) I, on the otherhand, do NOT touch our financial crap. Jerry handles all of that. I also do NOT do the routine cleaning stuff. If you can believe this, I actually pay my mother to come do it twice a month! (I was going to hire a cleaning service to do this, but my mom offered and wanted the extra money when she dropped down to working four days a week.) Ironically, she uses the money for her day off with Maddy and spends it all and more on her spoiled rotten granddaughter, so it really does work out well and doesn't feel like my mom is my maid or anything...
And before anyone gets too judgmental here, I must also tell you that I do make signficantly more money than my husband and I do work a lot more hours than he does. AND, our house is a far cry from the 3 bedroom tiny ranch that I grew up in and watched my mom miticulously scour and clean. So, there are certain things I really just do not want to do because it would mean giving up even more time with my daughter than I already do...
I just have noticed lately how much little domestic things that used to totally repulse me, have actually become enjoyable and meaningful. I understand why my mom just did it all and never once complained. I have a whole new perspective and appreciation for all the things my mom has done and still does for me, and I understand why the huge sacrifices she made for us didn't seem so huge to her.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Second Pregnancy Depression
On and off since Thanksgiving, I have been having these little bouts of depression. I get into a funk and just cry for no reason and feel really sad. I have stupid thoughts about whether or not Jer still loves me or whether or not I'm a good enough mom to Maddy and whether or not I'm going to be able to be a good mom to two girls. I've actually stayed home from work twice because of these stupid feelings, and yesterday was one of those days. I just felt like I was in a fog - tired and weepy and weird. I don't know why these feelings come about, but even just thinking about having those thoughts makes me cry.
I was talking to my mom about this and she said she went through it with her second pregnancy too. She said it is probably because it is not as big a deal as it was the first time around. The whole world isn't revolving around the pregnancy - Jer and I aren't out shopping for baby things every spare minute, and there's no shower, and I have to worry about and focus on Madeline as well, so my whole world isn't revolving around this baby either. She also pointed out to me that I'm really tired and not getting enough rest because I have to take care of Maddy, which means naps and extra sleep just aren't an option.
So, my mom is keeping Maddy Thursday and Friday nights, and I am going to have dinner with Jerry and work on getting caught up on Maddy's scrapbook. I think this will make me feel better.
I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning, and I'm going to ask him if these feelings are normal, because they really make me unhappy and I also get really crabby and am not so nice to Jer and I get really impatient with Maddy. The thing is, I see myself doing it and feel it, but I don't know why I can't stop acting and thinking like a sappy, crying disaster of a woman.
I was talking to my mom about this and she said she went through it with her second pregnancy too. She said it is probably because it is not as big a deal as it was the first time around. The whole world isn't revolving around the pregnancy - Jer and I aren't out shopping for baby things every spare minute, and there's no shower, and I have to worry about and focus on Madeline as well, so my whole world isn't revolving around this baby either. She also pointed out to me that I'm really tired and not getting enough rest because I have to take care of Maddy, which means naps and extra sleep just aren't an option.
So, my mom is keeping Maddy Thursday and Friday nights, and I am going to have dinner with Jerry and work on getting caught up on Maddy's scrapbook. I think this will make me feel better.
I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning, and I'm going to ask him if these feelings are normal, because they really make me unhappy and I also get really crabby and am not so nice to Jer and I get really impatient with Maddy. The thing is, I see myself doing it and feel it, but I don't know why I can't stop acting and thinking like a sappy, crying disaster of a woman.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Happy New Year!
I'm back at work and into the swing of things. Today I am so tired! I could totally pass out at my desk, but the baby is awake and kicking like crazy.
New Year's Eve was pretty much a bust - not at all waht I was anticipating. Jerry and I ended up in a huge fight, and the year was off to a fabulous start!
We went to Jerry's sister's house for what was supposed to be a "low key, kid-friendly" party, and walked into a house full of 30 people with like 3 little kids upstairs and an adult party going on in the basement. Jer's sister pretty much dumped my niece off on my MIL and Jer's grandma, which meant that I spent the entire evening upstairs with Maddy and them, while Jerry played cards with the guys and everyone else played drinking games. Then, at 10:30 MIL decides to go home and she takes Jenna with her, which leaves Maddy wandering around looking for her and crying for an hour. And of course, we can't leave because Jerry is winning at cards. So, for an hour and a half I entertained a very tired and crabby Madeline and grew angrier by the minute. I was exhausted myself and SO READY TO LEAVE.
So, when Jerry came upstairs at 11:45 and said he was going to warm up the car, I was thrilled... until he took Maddy downstairs and disappeared until after midnight. I sat on the stairs ready to pass out and totally pissed off. He came upstairs totally mad at me for not coming downstairs with everyone for the big midnight hoop-la... I told him it was hot and smelly down there and I had no interest in being down there while everyone screamed, and he told me that I wasn't being a good mom! Ha!!! As if... I spent the entire night with Maddy while he played cards. I was so pissed at him, and he was really mad at me. We didn't speak the entire way home, and when we got home, he slept with Madeline.
Oh, and did I mention that New Year's Day is Jer's birthday? Yeah, I threw his card in the trash... I spent the first hour we were home in tears, and I actually packed a suitcase to go to my mom's but ultimately couldn't leave Maddy... So, eventually I realized the whole thing was really stupid and I went to bed. We woke up, Jerry eventually did come to our bed, and we were fine and laughed at how dumb the whole thing was...
He totally understood my feelings about the evening, and I apologized for not kissing him at midnight, and all is well with the world.
New Year's Day was better. We did celebrate his birthday with his family, and Madeline LOVED helping daddy with his birthday cake. I was on-call for work though, and I got paged seriously 25 times during dinner... nuts. The holidays are anything but quiet at a hospital!
Anyhow, hope you all had a better New Year's Eve than I did!
New Year's Eve was pretty much a bust - not at all waht I was anticipating. Jerry and I ended up in a huge fight, and the year was off to a fabulous start!
We went to Jerry's sister's house for what was supposed to be a "low key, kid-friendly" party, and walked into a house full of 30 people with like 3 little kids upstairs and an adult party going on in the basement. Jer's sister pretty much dumped my niece off on my MIL and Jer's grandma, which meant that I spent the entire evening upstairs with Maddy and them, while Jerry played cards with the guys and everyone else played drinking games. Then, at 10:30 MIL decides to go home and she takes Jenna with her, which leaves Maddy wandering around looking for her and crying for an hour. And of course, we can't leave because Jerry is winning at cards. So, for an hour and a half I entertained a very tired and crabby Madeline and grew angrier by the minute. I was exhausted myself and SO READY TO LEAVE.
So, when Jerry came upstairs at 11:45 and said he was going to warm up the car, I was thrilled... until he took Maddy downstairs and disappeared until after midnight. I sat on the stairs ready to pass out and totally pissed off. He came upstairs totally mad at me for not coming downstairs with everyone for the big midnight hoop-la... I told him it was hot and smelly down there and I had no interest in being down there while everyone screamed, and he told me that I wasn't being a good mom! Ha!!! As if... I spent the entire night with Maddy while he played cards. I was so pissed at him, and he was really mad at me. We didn't speak the entire way home, and when we got home, he slept with Madeline.
Oh, and did I mention that New Year's Day is Jer's birthday? Yeah, I threw his card in the trash... I spent the first hour we were home in tears, and I actually packed a suitcase to go to my mom's but ultimately couldn't leave Maddy... So, eventually I realized the whole thing was really stupid and I went to bed. We woke up, Jerry eventually did come to our bed, and we were fine and laughed at how dumb the whole thing was...
He totally understood my feelings about the evening, and I apologized for not kissing him at midnight, and all is well with the world.
New Year's Day was better. We did celebrate his birthday with his family, and Madeline LOVED helping daddy with his birthday cake. I was on-call for work though, and I got paged seriously 25 times during dinner... nuts. The holidays are anything but quiet at a hospital!
Anyhow, hope you all had a better New Year's Eve than I did!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Christmas Fun
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate with mini marshmallows
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Definitely wraps them with bows and all
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White lights
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No
5. When do you put your decorations up? Thanksgiving weekend, usually that Saturday.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Honeybaked ham
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Decorating the tree with my mom every year, and listening to Christmas music the whole time.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't really remember... I know that when I was in 5th grade, I found all of our presents in my mom's closet.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? We have two trees up this year. One is all Disney (decked with all the ornmanets my grandma collected for me when I was in college) and it has a Winnie the Pooh tree topper and a personalized Mickey Mouse tree skirt. The other pencil tree is decorated with ice blue and white ribbon and snowman/snowflake ornaments.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Dread it! The horrible traffic for work traveling!
12. Can you ice skate? I can, but not this year, since I'm pregnant.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I think it was probably the big art easel and art supplies I got in third grade. I remember spending hours and hours in my room with that stuff and hanging all of my creations on the walls.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Spending time with my family, and doing all of our quirky little traditions.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Jell-o cookies.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Our big family shopping day on the day after Thanksgiving.
17. What do you put on top of your tree? Winnie the Pooh, and the other tree has a fancy crystal star
18. Which do you prefer, giving or Receiving? Giving-- especially with Maddy now. I just can't wait to see her reaction to everything!
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? My all-time favorite Christmas songs are all on The Osmond Family Christmas Album (go ahead and laugh), but my mom used to play that album every year all the time at the holidays, and every song brings back so many memories. I just ordered the CD last week, and I cannot believe how connected that album is to my childhood holiday memories!
20. Candy Canes, yum or yuck? I like all the fruity flavored ones, don't care for the peppermint too much.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Definitely wraps them with bows and all
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White lights
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No
5. When do you put your decorations up? Thanksgiving weekend, usually that Saturday.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Honeybaked ham
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Decorating the tree with my mom every year, and listening to Christmas music the whole time.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't really remember... I know that when I was in 5th grade, I found all of our presents in my mom's closet.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? We have two trees up this year. One is all Disney (decked with all the ornmanets my grandma collected for me when I was in college) and it has a Winnie the Pooh tree topper and a personalized Mickey Mouse tree skirt. The other pencil tree is decorated with ice blue and white ribbon and snowman/snowflake ornaments.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Dread it! The horrible traffic for work traveling!
12. Can you ice skate? I can, but not this year, since I'm pregnant.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I think it was probably the big art easel and art supplies I got in third grade. I remember spending hours and hours in my room with that stuff and hanging all of my creations on the walls.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Spending time with my family, and doing all of our quirky little traditions.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Jell-o cookies.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Our big family shopping day on the day after Thanksgiving.
17. What do you put on top of your tree? Winnie the Pooh, and the other tree has a fancy crystal star
18. Which do you prefer, giving or Receiving? Giving-- especially with Maddy now. I just can't wait to see her reaction to everything!
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? My all-time favorite Christmas songs are all on The Osmond Family Christmas Album (go ahead and laugh), but my mom used to play that album every year all the time at the holidays, and every song brings back so many memories. I just ordered the CD last week, and I cannot believe how connected that album is to my childhood holiday memories!
20. Candy Canes, yum or yuck? I like all the fruity flavored ones, don't care for the peppermint too much.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Very Productive Weekend
I had a really great weekend. Started on Friday with a date night with Jer. We went to Red Lobster, which I have been dying to go to for a while (I adore the cheddar bay biscuits). We had an enjoyable meal, sans Madeline, and had a nice quiet evening at home. I got all of my wrapping done this weekend and all of my baking! It was so great! Honestly, it was because my mom had Madeline Friday night and didn't bring her home until 1:30 on Saturday. I did all the wrapping on Friday night, and then on Saturday morning I woke up early and went to the grocery for baking supplies and got started. I made 5 different kinds of cookies, and because Maddy was asleep when my mom dropped her off and Jer slept with her for 2 hours, I got it all done before she was awake and ready to play! Wonderful.
Saturday night, Jer went shopping with my mom and my brother, and my dad came over to hang out with Maddy and I. We ended up going to Applebee's because my dad asked Maddy where she wanted to go eat and she said, "Bees." Yeah, my daughter is not even 2 and can tell which restaurant/fast food joint she would like her dinner to come from! I am so NOT proud of that, but it is still cute to hear her tell you "bees." Anyhow, we went to "Bees" and she was so good. She ate like a champ and said hello to everyone that caught her eye. Then, we just hung out at our house. My dad played with her while I finished up the last of my wrapping, and then my dad went downstairs and wrapped all of my mom's gifts while I gave her a bath and got her ready for bed.
Jer's shopping trip was good. They didn't get home until 11:00! They went to dinner and everything. It was so great for him to actually spend some time with my brother. Things between them are still a bit awkward sometimes, and it really was a good time for all of them.
Yesterday, we pretty much did nothing all day. Madeline and I were in our jammies until 1:30. We watched movies, colored, and played all morning and then took a 2 hour nap. We got up, took a shower, ate lunch, played some more and then Jer and I had to get ready to go to the first of my work holiday parties. We dropped Maddy off at Jer's aunt's house, which I was slightly nervous about because she's never stayed over there before, but it ended up being really great for everyone. We got a little lost on the way to the party, but eventually found our way and stayed for a couple of hours. Boring party. Fancy food and boring mingling, but my appearance was pretty much required. When we went to pick up Maddy, she was having a blast! She had all kinds of new things she was playing with, thanks to the fact that Auntie Judy never threw any of her daughter's toys away, and she did not want to leave. They told us she was an "angel," and never even looked for us or asked where we were. I am SO glad that Maddy is like that. She loves spending time with all the people in her family and is not a clingy little one at all. She was happy to eat pizza and watch Shrek over there, and then when we came back, she gave us a huge smile and hugs and kisses and was just ready to play some more. I was very proud of her.
This week is going to be a good one... lots of holiday festivities for us. I love Christmas and all of our crazy family functions, even though it is completely chaotic!
I am working through Wednesday of this week, and then will be off until the 27th. I have a check-up with the doctor on Thursday morning, and then I think we might take Maddy to see Charlotte's Web. Jer's vacation starts on Thursday too. I need to plan a menu for Christmas Eve dinner at my house.... And I have to make my wedding soup for dinner at Jer's sister's house on Christmas day.
Oh well, I'm off... I'm going to spend some time looking up recipes before the boss gets in :)
Saturday night, Jer went shopping with my mom and my brother, and my dad came over to hang out with Maddy and I. We ended up going to Applebee's because my dad asked Maddy where she wanted to go eat and she said, "Bees." Yeah, my daughter is not even 2 and can tell which restaurant/fast food joint she would like her dinner to come from! I am so NOT proud of that, but it is still cute to hear her tell you "bees." Anyhow, we went to "Bees" and she was so good. She ate like a champ and said hello to everyone that caught her eye. Then, we just hung out at our house. My dad played with her while I finished up the last of my wrapping, and then my dad went downstairs and wrapped all of my mom's gifts while I gave her a bath and got her ready for bed.
Jer's shopping trip was good. They didn't get home until 11:00! They went to dinner and everything. It was so great for him to actually spend some time with my brother. Things between them are still a bit awkward sometimes, and it really was a good time for all of them.
Yesterday, we pretty much did nothing all day. Madeline and I were in our jammies until 1:30. We watched movies, colored, and played all morning and then took a 2 hour nap. We got up, took a shower, ate lunch, played some more and then Jer and I had to get ready to go to the first of my work holiday parties. We dropped Maddy off at Jer's aunt's house, which I was slightly nervous about because she's never stayed over there before, but it ended up being really great for everyone. We got a little lost on the way to the party, but eventually found our way and stayed for a couple of hours. Boring party. Fancy food and boring mingling, but my appearance was pretty much required. When we went to pick up Maddy, she was having a blast! She had all kinds of new things she was playing with, thanks to the fact that Auntie Judy never threw any of her daughter's toys away, and she did not want to leave. They told us she was an "angel," and never even looked for us or asked where we were. I am SO glad that Maddy is like that. She loves spending time with all the people in her family and is not a clingy little one at all. She was happy to eat pizza and watch Shrek over there, and then when we came back, she gave us a huge smile and hugs and kisses and was just ready to play some more. I was very proud of her.
This week is going to be a good one... lots of holiday festivities for us. I love Christmas and all of our crazy family functions, even though it is completely chaotic!
I am working through Wednesday of this week, and then will be off until the 27th. I have a check-up with the doctor on Thursday morning, and then I think we might take Maddy to see Charlotte's Web. Jer's vacation starts on Thursday too. I need to plan a menu for Christmas Eve dinner at my house.... And I have to make my wedding soup for dinner at Jer's sister's house on Christmas day.
Oh well, I'm off... I'm going to spend some time looking up recipes before the boss gets in :)
Monday, December 11, 2006
Getting Ready for the Holidays
Things have been quite hectic in our household lately. Trying to squeeze in shopping time, wrapping time, baking time, stamping time, and of course, time to play with Maddy while juggling holiday parties and family obligations is an absolute nightmare. I cannot even imagine how much harder it is going to get with two little ones to worry about!
I have stamping on Wednesday and Thursday this week, and I'm nowhere near ready for that! I have 18 aprons to iron and stamp and I need to finish preparing all the pieces for the holiday recipe books they are making.
I have to fly out of work like superwoman today and get as much done tonight as I can.
Next week is even crazier... Christmas for us really starts on Wednesday night with dinner with Jer's family, another function Thursday night and then it just keeps running on through Christmas day.
I'm totally annoyed/pissed of at Jer's sister. She's been acting like such a selfish brat lately, and I swear Jerry's mom doesn't do anything without consulting her first.
Anyhow, I have a meeting I need to prepare for... More later.
I have stamping on Wednesday and Thursday this week, and I'm nowhere near ready for that! I have 18 aprons to iron and stamp and I need to finish preparing all the pieces for the holiday recipe books they are making.
I have to fly out of work like superwoman today and get as much done tonight as I can.
Next week is even crazier... Christmas for us really starts on Wednesday night with dinner with Jer's family, another function Thursday night and then it just keeps running on through Christmas day.
I'm totally annoyed/pissed of at Jer's sister. She's been acting like such a selfish brat lately, and I swear Jerry's mom doesn't do anything without consulting her first.
Anyhow, I have a meeting I need to prepare for... More later.
Friday, December 01, 2006
The Sickness Continues...
Jer is sick now. Sore throat, ear hurts, coughing... fun. I am still not 100% better, but each day I make a little progress. Maddy seems to be doing a lot better. Her eye looks good, and she seems happy. She's with my mom today. I think they are going to Chuck E. Cheese.
Tomorrow I am going shopping with my dad for gifts for my mom. It's an annual tradition and one that I really enjoy. The only bad thing about it is that two years ago, when I got home from my shopping day with my dad, is when I got the phone call from my brother that revealed the affair to me. I remember the day like it was yesterday... What I was wearing, what my brother said on the phone, the conversations my dad and I had at dinner... Crazy.
Anyhow, tomorrow is shopping day and Jer is supposed to watch Maddy. Now that he's sick, I'm sure this is going to turn into an argument and I'm going to be super-pissed if he gives me a hard time about keeping her, because the entire time I was sick, he managed to find other things he HAD to do and left her with me by myself A lOT, despite the fact that I was ten times sicker than he is right now... Ugh.
Have a good weekend, I'm sure I am in for a pleasant one...
Tomorrow I am going shopping with my dad for gifts for my mom. It's an annual tradition and one that I really enjoy. The only bad thing about it is that two years ago, when I got home from my shopping day with my dad, is when I got the phone call from my brother that revealed the affair to me. I remember the day like it was yesterday... What I was wearing, what my brother said on the phone, the conversations my dad and I had at dinner... Crazy.
Anyhow, tomorrow is shopping day and Jer is supposed to watch Maddy. Now that he's sick, I'm sure this is going to turn into an argument and I'm going to be super-pissed if he gives me a hard time about keeping her, because the entire time I was sick, he managed to find other things he HAD to do and left her with me by myself A lOT, despite the fact that I was ten times sicker than he is right now... Ugh.
Have a good weekend, I'm sure I am in for a pleasant one...
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