The Search for the Perfect Doll!

Wow! You guys have great taste. I have to say my faves were the natural nova dolls and the Waldorf dolls; the two were very similar. But, I am not going with either. I found one courtesy of a friend who read this and called me yesterday. She is soft all over, sweet and cute, blonde, simple with no frills and is reasonably priced at $25.00. The other ones I absolutely loved but I'd be nervous mommy might have a coronary if baby doll got a little dirty. So for now I am getting this one at a third of the cost of the others. Her name is Rosy Cheeks and I think she is as sweet as they come! Thanks Megan!

Introducing...Rosy Cheeks!

For Sale

When Harper farts it smells like cleaning supplies. Is this normal?

I decided today that Friday is the day. I am having a rummage sale. Pedro will have no part in it. My Dad hated them too when my Mom had them. Why is this? Why do men hate rummage sales. I think it is a great way to sell things that have served there time and then use the money to buy things needed now! For the last...oh, 4 years I've been holding onto Mason's tiny preemie things because I just couldn't let go of them; there were too many emotions attached to them. Now? I am ready. I have a perfectly healthy nearly 4 year old that will never fit into those tiny things, but I have him and that is way more important. The rest is just stuff. Stuff that will be sold on Friday.

I want to just keep a very few special things, that way if we have another baby we can use those very special things just one more time. I know I said we were done, but I am not sure anymore. People talk about "feeling complete" with their family. Is this a figure of speech or is there really a feeling of completeness? If there is an actual feeling, I don't have it yet, I don't think? Watch, 6 babies later and I am still waiting for the "feeling" only to find out it's just an expression. No need for a bunch of "I told you" comments about wanting more babies. I am starting to think you guys know me better than I know myself!

On a completely different note. Harper's birthday is coming up and I am thinking of getting her a doll. I just know that I want it to be special. I don't want a Cabbage Patch doll or any of those skanky girly dolls. What I do want is something soft all over and possibly a personalized one that looks like her? Are any of you familiar with a doll like this? Where might I find or order one. Because, soon, like Friday I'm gonna have a pocket full of bling!

Double your pleasure, double the fun!

We need to talk about something okay? Let's talk about the extreme changes we make from first child to second, m'kay?

The basics first. Food. With Mason, the food dropped on the floor and I was on high alert, dashing over to the fallen morsel scooping it up and throwing it away promptly before Mason would *gasp* try to re-eat it. With Harper the more she eats off the floor, the less I must vacuum! Eat away little Hoover-I mean Harper! Not exactly, but close. I have been known to put a little pile of cheerios right on the rug, instead of in a little bowl because a bowl? a 10 month old? Yeah.

Now toys. Harper doesn't have any. Really. I am pretty certain that we haven't bought the girl a single toy. Why? She loves Mason's toys, especially Matchbox cars. What! Babies aren't supposed to play with those? Then I probably shouldn't tell you about the scissors? I do have to tell you about the Nerf ball. Here, take a look.

This ball was in perfect condition until Harper started to realize it felt really cool to take bites like an apple and spit them out like watermelon seeds. And...we let her. Because she was quiet and happy and sometimes cleaning up a mess later is worth the few minutes of "quiet and happy".

I also have a feeling we are way past due on the baby proofing thing. Yesterday I caught Harper playing in a hill of Comet. You know the green stuff you use to scrub your toilets and sinks. Yeah. She only had a little around her mouth. I wish I were kidding, but I am not. She is fine. Today I found her soothing her sore teething gums by gnawing on a candle and also playing patty-cake in the toilet. You guessed it! There was pee in there too, thanks Mason!

Have I relaxed? Oh hell yes. Is it time to baby proof? Oh hell yes.

Funk with a capital F

What?



I know I know. First I am jealous, then I get all pouty and refuse to post, right? Ha. I've got the funk over here.

Harper is totally thumbing her nose at naps these days and I am not handling it well. At all. Now I totally understand why all those baby books tell you to put your child in their crib slightly awake. I get it now. Now . Now! It took me two children and a whole lot of misery to get it. I would nurse Harper until she was practically dead to the world and then ever so gently place her into her perfectly girly crib and tip toe out crossing my fingers that my knees didn't pop on the way out. When Harper would wake up, All Hell Broke Loose! Sometimes it was after 5 minutes, sometimes 3 hours. Usually it was about 45 minutes and I'd do the whole routine over again. It was all consuming. I was becoming a mean resentful Mama and my poor three year old son was fending for himself. Totally not fair. Things had to change. I borrowed the No Cry Sleep Solution and haven't had a chance to read it (remember, all consuming.) but I've come up with my own method and I think it is working! I nurse Harper until she is pretty zoned out and place her into her crib. If and when she wakes up I stay right next to her crib and sing and pat her bum until she falls asleep. Yesterday it took 45 minutes. This morning 25 minutes and she was totally awake when I put her in the crib. This afternoon 5 minutes and tonight not a peep. Hell yeah! I knew I couldn't just let her cry but I wanted her to know that she was staying in her crib and we weren't going to be the whole routine over and over. I want her to know I am there and I won't let her cry, but I do also think it is very important for her to know how to put herself to sleep without my boob every single time. The nursing a bazillion times during the night though, in our bed? We'll worry about that once the pre-bedtime routine is mastered. Baby steps.



Besides that, this is the week of the big fair. I mentioned this last year. It brings out the classiest folk. My friend and I were debating whether or not we wanted to walk down.

Me: I would go down there to get a corn dog and a funnel cake and then be done. But I am not even sure the food is worth it.

Her: I don't know? The fair makes me thankful for what I've got...like all my teeth!

Us: Roaring Laughter.

We didn't go. Not even to see Weird Al!

I told you I had the funk.

I am a raging stalker

If you went to Blogher this past weekend, first, you suck. Second, if you see a bazillion page hits they were from me. I stalked anyone I knew was going, hoping they were going to write tiny little updates during the day. I wanted to be there so bad! Next year I am going. I swear. Even if it's in Hawaii. Sweet! It totally should be in Hawaii because, Awesome!

Instead of posting pictures of myself drinking with a bunch of cool internets, I am posting pictures of my daughter. With dirty pants. Playing with her boyfriend Kael. Who was born the same day. Enjoy!

Kind of like a choose your own adventure from 5th grade Reading.

Hi. Remember me? Last week was kind of like spending a week in hell that I kept hoping would end. Harper started to decide that sleeping was totally over-rated. She just didn't want to have any part of it. It was driving me insane!

One of my favorite things to do here in the summer is going to these local family concerts. They are just these little concerts with small time performers that are almost always pretty good. There are always people I know there and it is just kind of nice to be able to get out of the house and talk to adults while listening to music. These concerts are also on the nights that Pedro plays basketball. Except basketball goes all year and the concerts are for 2 months. Are you seeing where this is going? Last Wednesday we went to the concert for a half an hour then we left so Pedro could make is game.

Pedro came hobbling in the house less than an hour later. He wrecked his ankle. Bad. I was having a hard time being sympathetic. Even more, it was downright annoying.

"Ow, ow, ouch."

"Hmmm? You got hurt again?"

"Yeah, bad! Ow, ow, ow. Probably the worst ever, ow, ouch."

"Okay. Enough with the ow stuff. I think you've said "ouch" 247 times since you walked in the door. I understand it hurts."

" I listened to you say that for 9 hours!"

"What?! When?"

"When you were in labor."

OH NO HE DIDN'T!

Oh Yes. Yes he did. Isn't it written somewhere that a man is never allowed to compare his pain to that of childbirth, Un-freaking-medicated!? Unless of course he has had the unique opportunity of shooting golf balls out of his pee-hole, which? Doesn't happen ever!

So today we are one week after the incident. Pedro has been to the Dr, has been referred to a Bone and Joint specialist and still has no answers except that he is in fact sporting one hell of a cankle.

Harper on the other hand is super sick. We think it is from all her floor licking. She licks every surface before she'll crawl on it. Strange, no? She gets it from Pedro. All she has is a runny/stuffy nose but it is severe. Last night I finally got her to sleep some time after 1 am. She was up probably 3 more times during the night and up for the day at 6 am. Party! I have not complained once about being tired today. Pedro? Every single time I talk to him it is about how tired he is after the "rough night". I am pretty sure he hasn't started lactating and it wasn't his boob she tried to soothe herself with all night long, but I cold be wrong. Wow, is he in my list today. It's a good thing he looks so good in his Speedo or I may have already gotten rid of him!

Pimpin' out the fam.

We made the cut! A bunch of our family pictures are up on this website. They are in the family gallery, #20 and up. I don't think I've posted any of them that are up at Grace in Design so take a look and tell Megan she took totally awesome pictures.

I've got more to tell you later, once I finish my post I started 3 days ago. I love chaos!

Recipe Anyone?

I made this salad on Sunday and it was FAB. I am not a huge bean person but something about the combination of things in this salad made this so tasty and summery. It started as a "bumblebee salad" but I tweaked it so I'll give you my recipe.

Confetti Salad- cause it's like a party in your mouth! ( no cheese just corn-iness!)

1 can black beans
1 can garbanzo beans
1 bag frozen corn (get good frozen corn)
I green or red pepper chopped fine
1 red onion chopped fine
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbs. olive oil
salt and pepper

Drain and rinse beans and corn in colander. Chop onion and pepper so everything is roughly the same size ( as beans and corn). Chop fresh cilantro. Throw everything into a big bowl and add oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Toss and refrigerate.

I was skeptical with the lack of seasoning and almost added some of my own, but it needs nothing extra. It is seriously a great salad and very healthy. Mason couldn't get enough of it, and I ate it on tortilla chips the next day. Go on and try it, then tell me how much you loved it!

Do I need to mention what day it is?

Have I ever mentioned how superstitious I am? I am crazy superstitious. I believe in Karma 110%, or for the religious ones out there my friends mother-in-law says, "God'll get ya!" Or for the lay person, What goes around comes around.

I would have a nervous break down if I ever broke a mirror because Good God, 7 years of bad luck! When things have been going really well in my life, there is always a tiny little spot in the back of my head waiting for my luck to run out. It's kind of sad isn't it?

About a week after I had Harper I walked down to the park across the street. I met this lady who had three sons and we talked freely the entire time our boys played. It turned out that her husband is a Walk-In doctor who I had seen years earlier when Mason rolled off the bed at around 7 months old. I remember thinking to myself that I felt no judgement from him when I was expecting to be scolded for leaving Mason on the bed without my eyes glued on him for 10 seconds. He just assured me that "these things happen". When we were leaving she told me to call her sometime to get together. I never did but always thought about it.

A few weeks ago (fast forward 9 months) I ran into her at the pool. I went up to her and asked if we had met months ago at the park. We had and chatted again easily. I've seen her twice since then at random places.

Last night Pedro and I were talking before bed.

"You probably are going to think I am crazy but I feel like I am supposed to be friends with Lyla."

"Who's Lyla?"

"The lady with three boys that I keep running into. Our paths just keep crossing."

"hmmmmm?"

You probably know that I am not very religious at this point in my life, but I feel like there is some reason we keep meeting and I just haven't figured it out yet. So the next time I see her I am going to ask her for her number. I mean, I have to, right?

So today is the 13th, Friday the 13th. Do you walk around with your fingers crossed? Or am I just a total superstitious freak?

WooT!

Did you see that? I got nominated for a Rockin' Girl Blogger award by Rachel. How cool is that? I'm totally flattered and for the record, I think Rachel is pretty Rockin' too. It only took 4 days for me to figure out how to put that little pink image up there. I may be slow but at least I'm rockin'!

Harpy, Snarps, Harperina

I just realized I write very little about Harper. Maybe because my naughty, adorable, high-maintainance, quirky son is at such a funny stage that he gets all the glory. But Harper is pretty darn great too and I'm going to tell you all about her.

Over a month ago we went to the doctor for her 6 month visit that I am two months behind on. So whe was eight months old, exactly. She was 18 lbs 6 oz. and 30 inches tall. Basically, she is really tall and pretty skinny in comparison to her height.

Also at this time she started crawling. And standing up. I shit you not, on the same day. She is pretty close to walking; standing without holding on to anything for 30 seconds at a time. It is crazy to think she'll be walking soon since Mason was well over a year.

Last Sunday she started saying "bye-bye". The first 3 times I thought it was a fluke but by the 12 time I realized that she had made a connection. Of course I got all teary and proud like a total mush.

The girl hates food. Her doctor couldn't believe it when I told him that she eats just a few teaspoons of food a day. I wouldn't normally care in the least, but I feel like she barely nurses either. I guess she's just efficient.*

Over the past couple of weeks Harpers top two teeth have been working their way though. Good God I forgot how much that sucks. It really, really sucks. Thank You to the gods at Hilands. I love you and would make out with you all if given the opportunity.

Her sleeping leaves a lot to be desired. She is up a ton during the night. Stuck to my boob. *(Duh, or she gets all her food then!) Seriously most nights I lose count and am willing to bet she wakes up around 10 times. Remember when I would brag that she only got up once a night to nurse when she was just days old? Karma. It's a bitch.

She still will not go to anyone except for Pedro and I. And Mason. She LOVES Mason even when he is pinching her. Loves him. We kind of though all this would change this past week while on vacation( did I tell you we were on vacation?) since we were in close quarters with Mikes family. Nope. Not a chance. She cries like her heart is breaking that we let someone else take her. It gets hard but I remind myself that it is actually a really positive thing that she is that bonded to us and it won't be like this forever. Before I can blink twice she'll be telling me to get out of her room. *sob*

It really is amazing how different siblings can be yet be so very similar in other ways. Jeese! I am one lucky Mama.

Welcome Home.

We are home. We are still married. Both my eyeballs are still intact. Who knew?

Were there goodtimes? Yes.

Were there things that were bothersome? Hell yes.

Will we do it again soon? Probably not.

We've decided that vacations with family tell you just how different family members can be. Thank God for my little quad. I love them to pieces.

Still Alive.

I haven't tried to poke my eyes out yet. That's a good sign, right? A few backhanded compliments now and then in which I reply with a simple smile and knod and a hidden middle finger behind my back. But it's OK.

"This is really good for your kids. Now the next time you go somewhere it'll be easier."

Because we store them in a cave and they never see the outside world, NEVER! What the fuck?

We are in Traverse City, MI. Just blocks from the beach. It's beautiful here. But it's not the tropical vacation my snobbish side adores.

Now how about another picture?



My very tall, handsome husband and squirrely son.

Just Another Manic Monday

There are few things that I don't talk about on my blog. One of them, my in-laws. Tomorrow we leave for a 5 day vacation with them. This scares me, but I am hoping for a nice week. The End.

Now, how about some more pictures? I need to give credit where credit is due. I am super lucky to have two great friends that take amazing pictures. These were taken by my friend and next door neighbor at Grace in Design. She done takes some purty pictures, no?












Happy Fourth! I am not sure if I'll be able to update during the week, but If I can, I will.


Happy thoughts...

I had to have done something right to get kids this cute.

Just Chillin' or not.

It has been really hot and sunny here, beautiful! The kind of weather that makes you want to eat watermelon and cold salads and turkey sandwiches. I can't. Why? Because our refridgerator took a big crap. So tonight? To Sears we go, hopefully returning with a new fridge.

Am I the only one that thinks spending hundreds of dollars on a new fridge is a total waste? A new washer/dryer I'd be excited about, but a fridge? Gah.

Judge Judy

We all know that this parenting thing comes with a whole lot of judgement, yes?

"Oh, you bottle feed."
"You breastfed your son for threeeee years?"

"Your daughter sleeps in a cage, I mean crib?"
"You sleep with your kids? How do you get any sleep?"

-you want more?

"Crying it out is just cruel."
"If you would've just let him cry a few night, he would be sleeping through the night!"

"I won't let someone else raise my child."
"What do you do all day staying home?"

Good God people are harsh! We 've all felt the judgement and probably dealt it too. After having two kids and being pretty confident in the way I parent, I still feel it. I have to say I have recently figured out that the area I've felt the most judgement. POTTY TRAINING! It has been a struggle and I let myself feel the pressure.

We started working with Mason when he was two and a half. We had some success, then Mason decided he'd start holding his poop until it made him sick. We stopped all together. He'd let us know when he was ready. He didn't.

About a month ago, I had enough. He was old enough. He knew better. And this shit was getting gross! We did the cold turkey method that works for "everyone". We just put him in undies. He wasn't having any accidents. He wasn't pooping either. After four days he was in pain again. This time was worse though. Now had held it so long and was in so much pain that he wouldn't even go in a diaper. It was time for a suppository.

"Great! Now I get to traumatize my son by putting something up his butt that makes him poop Jeff Daniels style a la Dumb and Dumber. "

The poor kid was so relieved after the fact he was nearly thankful. And I had my old Mason back within 10 minutes.

"All my kids were potty trained by 2!"
La-ti- fricken-dah! I bet non of your kids were half as cute as my kid. So there!

I just wanted my happy little boy back. I started doing a ton of research and gave it all the finger. We are doing things our own way now. We are doing what works for us. Guess what, it's working! Mason wears undies all the time. He hasn't had an accident in weeks. When he notices the urge to poop, he asks for a diaper. When he is done, he wants his undies back on. He isn't holding his stomach in pain anymore. He isn't crying or throwing fits over sitting on the potty and "trying". He tells everyone that comes to our house that he is a "big boy now" and shows them his undies. He is truly proud.

Of course I wish he could've been one of those kids that was potty trained in two days, but he's not. It may take another month or more but we're on our way. And guess what? We are all the least stressed we've been throughout this journey and I think that is why it's working. Hopefully one day he'll just run over to the toilet like he does to pee 15 times a day to poop. Until then, we are letting Mason run the show, and that he is, helmet and all.

Alternate Title: ''Shit Happens!"

McDreamy, McDonalds, McGermy and a side of verbal diarrhea

Where have I been you ask? (huge dramatic sigh) Over-freaking-whelmed! I feel like I am carrying the 25 lbs I lost from my ass on my chest. Thank you all by the way. Badonkadonk rocks!

Mason started getting a sore throat on Friday, was a little stuffy over the weekend, and was rolling on the ground holding his ear yesterday. POW! Double ear infection with a side of pink eye, anyone? Not a pretty combo for my germiphobia. The only thing that could have made things a little better is if McDreamy were my doctor. Damn TV got my hopes up once again. A girl can dream can't she? . . . Oh God that hair!

What was I talking about again? Right, my sick boy. After our hour and a half jaunt to the doctor, Mason was starving. I told him if he was good we'd go to McDonald's. Unfortunately I have the most un-food motivated kid ever. He'd rather have shrimp cocktail or steamed broccoli. Weirdo. But I still try.

"Mason, if you are a good boy and stop hurting your sister, we'll go to McDonald's and get a double cheeseburger. And if you can't finish it Mama we'll help you, m'kay?"

"What? You don't want to go there? Sure you do, just wait, you'll love it this time."

Score!

Are you guys aware that McDonald's carry different items in different regions? When we lived in South Florida, they had a McCuban. I have also seen a McBratwerst way north. Yes, I am serious. Did you know this? So now my question for you is about their new Iced Coffee. . . there is a God.
It comes in Vanilla, Hazelnut and Regular. Do they have this at your McDonald's and is it delicious? All right, forget it. I am going to get myself one now. I talked myself into it. I'll let you know if it is worth the double cheeseburger temptation.

In which I boast of budonkadonk.

Today is beautiful and magical and all that stuff. Today I decided to get brave and start trying on some skinny clothes. Let's just cut to the chase shall we?

Today I am wearing a pair of jeans I haven't worn in over 5 (count 'em FIVE) years. I decide I was going to try on my old Abercrombie jeans and they fit with ease. Now Abercrombie? I am pretty sure they don't carry big girl clothes, but I wouldn't know since I haven't stepped foot in that store forever! They are wrinkled and certainly haven't been washed in over 5 (count 'em FIVE) years but once I put them on I became way too excited to take them off.

So for the record I've probably be wearing these jeans until they rot off or until they are so funky they can take themselves off and jump into the washing machine.



Because I am keepin'em on!

Holy Moley!

If you haven't thought I was crazy up to this point, here is your ultimate proof.

Today I am having minor surgery. On a mole. I am scared shitless. I don't know why. There is no threat of cancer or anything. Basically it is just really ugly. Want to see? Sick-o's. The picture really doesn't do it justice. It sticks way out like a little balloon and it is "vascular" meaning it is full of little blood vessels, making it a gorgeous shade of red.

I think I have figured out what is freaking me out. I am scared that when they take it off I am going to see blood squirt and shoot me in the face. I would freak out and pass out right there. And also quite possibly have a heart attack. Why? Why do I think this way? I have had two babies which I am almost certain is a pretty messy sight and I am freaking out about a mole.

Just keep your fingers crossed that the mole removal is simple and squirt free!

My Favorite Things

If I would've written a post yesterday, the title would've been The Day My Kids Made Me Drink By 5pm SHARP! The day wasn't a very smooth one. But today? is better! So now I'll tell you what I am currently obsessed with because Ashley wants to know .

1. Lip Venom courtesy of Metalia. It is supposed to give your lips a bee stung look. I think it smells fab and feels awes!

2. Lean Cuisine Spa Meals, Butternut Squash Ravioli. I understand not everyone is on Weight Watchers, but these are fantastic! My only issue, like with all these freezer meals is that I am hungry within an hour. I am all about quantity and I 'd like about three more ravioli.
I can't leave out this dynamic duo either. This green olive salsa (which, what a rip, $28 for 3 jars? I buy mine at Wally World for not even $3 a jar!) with these multi-grain chips, mmmmmmm... Mason and I can't get enough of the stuff. Pedro thinks its nasty but doesn't like olives either, weirdo.

3. Regina Spektor.

4. Honey I Washed the Kids Soap and King of Skin body butter. I've never had to really hold back from tasting something so often. This soap smells so good it has to taste good, right? The body butter just gives my super dry skin a ton of greasy moisture that I love.

5. Margaritas!! It's summer! Is there a more summery drink? And sometimes you just need a drink by 5 pm!

Let me know what you love right now, m'kay?

Edited: I wrote this post on Friday and just had to add the linky love. And on that note, Doesn't all this linky love knock your socks off?

Bonus! Two Part Edition

Part one:

As if crawling wasn't enough this weekend, someone thought it would be fun to kill two birds with one stone. Woot!
"I don't want to nap! I want to pull up on things and be a big girl!"

Oh My God! When did she turn into a big girl? Wasn't I just in labor?

I guess not. At least she's cute.

Part Two:

Mason on the other hand is in love with his helmet. Go ahead, you can laugh. Yes, my son likes to wear a helmet. In public even. On the way to my parents house for dinner, check. To Target, check.

I am kind of relieved though. This way he can protect his brain and forever say awesome things.

This was our conversation this morning as we went to get Harper as she was waking up from her nap.

Me: Mason, don't get in her crib. Mason get out of her crib!

Him: mmmmmm, she smells good.

Me: What does she smell like?

Him: like punkins.

Me: Oh, like pumpkins. That's cause she's a girl and girls smell good. What do boys smell like?

(without hesitation)

Him: like grilled cheese.

Awesome. Just Awesome.

Why everyone should come out to dinner with my family. Just once.

We are a pretty open family. Very open in fact. I may or may not have asked Pedro if I was getting hemorrhoids during my last pregnancy. He may or may not have agreed to check. And we all jumped for joy when he informed me that "No! No Hemorrhoids for Ann!" I mean we maybe jumped for joy, errr something.

We have no issues talking about farts or pooping. In fact those two are probably two of our very favorite topics. We try to be responsible though too (chuckle, chuckle). We are trying to teach Mason the appropriate times to talk about said topics. We are getting an F+, the + for the effort. We are failing miserably.

Tonight we ate at a local greasy spoon and were seated in a booth closest to the bathroom. We were just about finished when a older man walked by us to use the restroom. Mason blurted out in his three-year-old voice which only works on LOUD, "Is that man going to go POOP?" As if once wasn't enough for the entire restaurant to hear, he repeated himself until I finally answered him.

Awesome. So who's up for taking us out tomorrow night?

7 Things

I was tagged forever ago to do this by these two ladies. One thing about me...when I promise to do something, I do it. Quite possibly tardy, but I always do it. Also, I have tried to post it two other times, so hopefully 3 is a charm?

1. If I could have a second home anywhere it would be someplace tropical, on the beach, feet from the water. It would be small, just big enough to be comfortable for us but small enough to clean up the sand with one Swiffer wipe.

2. Figure this one out...My two favorite junk foods: Good & Plenty candies and White cheddar Cheez-its. But...I can't stand black licorice and I'll always pass on the regular cheez-its.

3. A big pet peeve of mine is the overuse of all the Internet geek-isms. LOL, ROFLMAO, you know them. You will never see me use them. Sometimes they are fine because you really are laughing out loud but COME ON! Are you really rolling on the floor? A little dramatic, don't you think?

**edited: I am a total hypocrite! I totally use OMG all. the. time. And probably a WTF now and then too.

4. I secretly want to be just like Martha. Minus the jail time. Really she's the craftiest, classiest woman ever and you can't deny the woman has got fantastic taste!

5. I recently noticed that I am strangely drawn to all things striped and hooded.

6. I am not a cat person at all. I once had a Siamese cat Dusty, who was a boy. He died of breast cancer. I will never have another cat.

7. If I could choose my daily schedule. I'd go to bed very early and get up very early. Unfortunately my bosses don't allow that. They have different ideas about ideal waking hours.

I am going to leave it up to whoever is interested to do this; just let me know so I can check out your geek-isms, I mean answers. Holla!

Everyone needs a little sugar now and then.

Pedro is gone again, in New York. Mason has been a monster. I am not sure if I can chalk it up to him missing his Dad or me being on edge, or what. But it has been rough.

Yesterday I was just about to cry after the 634th naughty thing Mason did. I think he could tell I was at the end of my rope. He walked right up to me as I was sitting on the floor, got inches from my face and asked, "Do you need some sugar?"

I started laughing hysterically, he started laughing hysterically and all was good in the world again.

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

I'd like to think of myself as a positive person. Don't get me wrong, I definitely have down points in my life, but for the most part I don't think I accentuate the negative. I have a few friends that are lucky enough to be "my venting ears" (thanks and I'm sorry, Heidi and Jill and neighbor Megan) but I don't think that my existance runs on negativity. I think it is toxic to be so "poor me".

Be glad you aren't watching me talk in real life right now because I'd probably drive you crazy with the amount of times I'd simulate "air" "quotes".

The thing I've been pondering lately is what are those poor me'ers looking for when they cannot say enough about how wronged they've been their entire life. Do they want sympathy or a medal of honor or a freaking tissue. Would it be unkind for me to say "get over it already"! I really am an empathic person but my god, Debby Downer is bringing me down, people! Seriously the negativity is so strong it has the potency to taint my entire day and that is not cool.

Now, I must go. The self-consciousness has taken over and I 'm nervious that I am "one of them".


**Promise**

minimal if any use of quotations on next post.

Too Legit to Quit, hey hey!

What? Am I the only one who was cool enough to see MC Hammer in concert? I know, you are all totally jealous now. Let's all just pretend I never said anything about it m'kay?

And moving on...

Mason is totally into his Dad lately. He needs to do everything he does. Pedro works on one of his 36 Saabs and Mason jacks his Wiggles car up on a scrap piece of wood and crawls underneath. The cuteness kills me!

Then, there is the lawn mowing, take a look...

Pretty cute huh? The funny thing is that he stayed right in line with Pedro. First this way, and then...

this way.

And then there is Miss Harper.
She is a beauty...

But I swear by next week she'll be full blown crawling!

Nooooooo!

Have a great weekend everyone! Happy Mother's Day to all you Mamas out there! And for those of you who aren't, give your Mama an extra tight hug and let her know how much you love her!

Margaritas and Guacamole for everyone!

Well. Hello there. Guess what today is? Go on guess... That's right, today I've been a blogger for two years! Two years of glorious therapy. I still love this little webite. I love the fact that I don't have to write for days if I dont feel like it. I love how I can air my dirty laundry without really airing it. But, most of all I love all the cool people I've "met" . I hope to really meet a bunch of you in real life. You are all welcome over any day for a margarita or if you don't drink, how about some limeade ( that is what I give Mason so he doesn't feel left out when I have a colorful glass with a lime wedge)? Thanks for two wonderful years girls! (and guys?)

Top Secret

Wanna make me feel horrible?

Insult my parenting. . . Works Every. Single. Time.

OMG! Like Totally!

I am sorry I've been so absent lately. Usually I at least try to say Hi! to new people that come over to this site. I've been so busy I don't know which end is up. So... Hi everyone. Thanks for stopping over, Welcome! I am not usually such a bad host...I don't think? And I will be doing the meme that two of you tagged me for, soon. I promise.

Remember last week? Pedro was gone in New York? And I was trying to stay alive? Riiiight. And then we planned on going with him to Chicago on Sunday? Well all that went down the pipes. On Sunday we discovered we had major plumbing issues. We had water behind the wall of our shower/tub upstairs running down the wall of our basement. Not good. However, a master plumber (on a Sunday afternoon), a torn down wall and a new wall in place, and 2 days later, we are up and running again. We did not however make it to The Windy City.

Such is life. I am still waiting for my little break to catch my breath. I am also convinced that said breath won't be caught for a good 17 years.

Thursday

I woke up today feeling refreshed, strangely enough. I realized that Pedro would be home tomorrow and I had not done anything to "enjoy" my kids. I spent the entire first part of the week in crisis mode, planning everything and just going through the motions to make it through the day. As much work as it is to care for my babes without so much as a 5 minute break, there is really nothing I'd rather do. So today I was determined to enjoy them and be grateful that I'm able to be home with them.

Harper took a decent nap this morning and I was able to get the house picked up just enough to not drive me crazy. The rest of the time I built houses and garages for Mason's cars.

Once Harper woke up we went outside and chalked up the drive way.


Lunch time came and Mason** insisted he be rewarded with a spicy chicken crunch wrap supreme from T-bell. I wanted to be the best Mama I could be so I obliged.

Now it is nap time and I am happy with the Mama I've been today!

**or maybe his Mama?

M.I.A.

I probably won't be around much. I am busy getting my ass kicked while Pedro is in NY for the entire week. Kudos to all the single moms out there; I suck at it! Keep me in your thoughts.
Ciao!

Bloggers without Makeup!

Steph from Adventures in Babywearing is at it again. This time we are baring it all! It is a bloggers without makeup tag. Wanna play? Go to her site and leave a link, thats all!

*no makeup, the boob, and the pants you all love, again!

The Confessional

I hardly ever post anymore, right? Wanna know why? I've been busy throwing out all the skeletons in my closet at True Mom Confessions. Be warned, highly addictive stuff. If I am not posting my dirty laundry, I am clicking on every other one saying, "me too!" Only 65 or so are mine, now try to figure out which...I'll never tell.

I saved a few confessions for here too.

First, I got a new car two weeks ago. Why didn't I tell you all like two weeks ago? I feel like I am always talking about getting new cars, but let me just throw my husband in front of the bus and tell you, It is all him! I did get a new car just a year ago and to make a long story short, it was a lemon. My new car is this one...isn't she pretty? I don't get that into my cars but I do think she's pretty sweet.

What was I talking about now? Confessions, right. The part I love most about this new car, it has Sirius radio. I am already addicted. My favorite channel from 4-6 pm the Martha Stewart channel. It is the Whatever show with Alexis Stewart and Jennifer. It is freaking hilarious. Alexis Stewart is so inappropriate I love her. Then there is the coffee house channel, which I love. It makes me almost feel like I am chillin' at Starbucks when in reality I am changing the 5th poopie diaper of the day. What a deal, right. Now if only I could figure out which channel makes me feel like I am hanging out on the beach smelling suntan lotion...

edited:
I lost 20. Woot Woo!

Duh...Who hasn't tasted armpit?

I have been stuck at this 18.6 lb. weight loss for almost a month now and I want to get to an even 20 damnit! So this week it is going to happen ( as I eat wheat thins while typing). I feel good though. I have energy and regularity and all those fantastic things that come with being healthy.

This weekend I was thinking about food and all the things that I really love. The problem is that I love a whole bunch of foods. Really there are very few things I won't eat. I once thought I'd be adventurous and try some new sushi. I tried Makerel, with it's reflective skin and all. It was pretty strong; I ate it, but I won't order it again. Another time Pedro and I were at a sushi place that we were regulars at and the sushi guy thought I should try salmon roe. I was sure I'd like it, I love salmon sushi and I love flying fish eggs so how could I go wrong? Uh, how could it go right? It was similar to licking the slime off the bottom of a fishing boat that hadn't been washed down in a good 3 years. Another one I won't order again. But hit me with another kind. I'll try it and I'll probably like it!

Back to this weekend though. So when I was thinking about common foods that I really dislike, I came up with two, raw onion and mango. Then I started thinking deeper into what I really dislike about them.

First, mangos. I love the color, the texture is fine, the smell is fine, but the taste. Ick! They taste like armpit! The musty sharp funk is what I can't get over. I've thought it through thoroughly too and it isn't that the one I tried was not ripe, I've tried probably a hundred and they all taste like armpit.

Raw onion is just too strong, and you know what else? They smell like an armpit of an Olympic wrestler. Is is the sharp funky smell that hits me first and them the taste is the second round. I could probably get over it if the sharp taste just lasted during the bite, but it lasts for hours. Great, now my mouth smells like an armpit too!

So there you have it. I like all foods that don't remind me of an armpit. It's deep isn't it. Very, very deep.

**and next week a review of all cheese that smells like toe grime. The stinkier, the tastier. Mmmmmmmm.....

Five Questions

I got interviewed by the very cute and witty Metalia. Not only is she one of my new blogging faves, but she posts pictures of toys that look rather phallic! You should definitely check her out if you haven't already. These are her 5 questions for me.

1. Would you like to have more kids? If so, how many?

Jeese, bringing me to tears on the first question? Wah...
Here is the long answer. I always thought it would be neat to have a bunch of kids. The number, four. But, I am struggling with two. I hate the feeling of just barely keeping my head above water and it is totally how I feel these days. Not to mention hard to divide up the time between the kids and my husband, oh and myself too. I never knew having kids would be so hard on a marriage! I am pretty sure I am done at two. At least for the next five years, thank you Mirena.



2. What's the most glam thing you own, and what's the most granola?

I should answer this with a picture...of my two favorite pairs of shoes.

But really, the list goes on and on and on. I love Hype bags. I have two; a big black one and a medium camel one, and a camel wallet too. I don't switch up my bags very often so I like to have nice smoothie leather ones that feel great and can be wiped off when I little spit-up happens to land on them.

Oh Lordy. The whole granola bit could get embarrassing. Besides the fact that I breastfed my son until he was three and that I make my own hummus and use natural deodorant...it's got to be the Birkenstocks.



3. Wine or beer?

Hmmmmm...probably wine. Unless of course we are out eating Mexican food, then it would definitely be a beer in a chilled, salted mug. My mouth! It is watering like mad!! Want to go get Mexican food anyone?



4. What's your most irrational fear?

Germs. I am totally freaked out by germs. If I know someone is sick even with a cold, I stay away. In my purse you will find: Purell, antibacterial Wet Ones, Clorox wipes (for highchairs and restaurant tables). No wonder my hands look like those of an 80 years old woman!


5. If you were invisible for a day, who would you spy on? Why?

Over a year ago I posted about my nice next door neighbor. He does some shady after hours stuff that we haven't been able to confirm but it is shady non the less. To put it bluntly, we think he could be a man-whore.


Now, wasn't that fun? You should do it too!

1. Leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (If I don't have your email address already, either leave it in the comment or email me at glamgranola@gmail.com)

2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.

3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.

4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.

5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

7 Days: seven

Can I getta Woot!

7 Days: six

Happy Saturday!

7 Days: five

Wasting away again in Margaritaville.

7 Days: four

Before you look at this picture and say "ick!", let me tell you about my day. Now I know I am not supposed to say a whole lot but rather let my awesome pictures tell the story, but I like to talk sometimes.

Harper has some little stomach bug. She's been pooping weird poo for 3 days now. On a positive note, she has been taking her morning nap in her crib, yay! This morning I took her upstairs and nursed her, all the while hearing what sounded like dishes being done downstairs. I got her all settled and went down to find that Mason was trying to do some dishes with a half of a big bottle of Dawn Ultra Concentrated. I need to throw in all those details because the ultra concentrated part makes a huge differnce. I still am feeling soapy residue on all the counter tops.

After about the sixth diarrhea poop I decided poor little girl should get a tub to soothe her little bum. I got in with her and she pooped sick diarrhea poop everywhere. I am pretty non-phased by the whole puke/ poop thing, but this, this was just nasty! I showered myself off thankyouverymuch.

After all was said and done, it was time to get both kids to take the afternoon nap. Mason went down without a hitch. I started feeding Harper and she passed out immediately. I was just about to move her when the doorbell rings, the dog goes ape and I am ready to ream some ass. Oh, Harper woke up too so the whole winding down thing needed to be started over. Damn homeschooled neighbor boy wanted cans, CANS!

So cut me some slack today. Yes I am feeding her, yes those are my PJs and no I haven't brushed my teeth. . . still haven't! Wanna come over and give Mama a kiss...

7 Days: three

This picture sucks, but I have to show you what we are experiencing today! Bullshit, don't you think? It is almost mid-April. Ugh.

7 Days: two

Does a walk count as a "walk" if you stop mid-walk and get an Oatmeal Raisin cookie and a non-fat Chai?

7 Days: One

I've still got the blahs but I am out the door to Yoga, my church. Oops! Was that out loud? Yoga is very refreshing for me and it makes me feel more spiritual than anything else.

I'm just saying, my attitude needs a deep cleaning, STAT!

delay

I've got a lot going on in my head and heart tonight. I'm starting tomorrow.

Quitting is not an option!

I was playing around with flickr yesterday and saw something really cool. It was a 7 days of self-portrait pool. Of course it took place last month. It was a really neat way to see how a persons life runs, with very few if any words.

So I am doing my own.

Starting Sunday, Easter Sunday, I will be posting a self-portrait everyday for the next week. I think it might be neat to see my daily life in pictures. You may see more than you ever wanted to see. At least you won't be able to tell if I brushed my teeth for the first time at 4 pm, not that that ever happens. I'm just sayin. Being a stay at home Mama is not always glamorous!

Anyone want to join in the fun?

Baby Love, My Baby Love. . .

It's a Virtual Tea Party!

As if you needed any more proof that I am a tad, how should I say...crazy.

Here goes. I think Harper is effected by caffeine. I refuse to give up my morning coffee, but I have made some adjustments during the day. I live less than 3 blocks from Starbucks. It is not a good thing, except that people always know what to get me for gifts. Hello, Starbucks gift cards! I think it is fair to say on the weekends we hit Starbucks everyday and I hit it most days during the week. Most times I get something with no coffee or at least less caffeine than brewed coffee. Lately it has been a tall non-fat chai tea latte. It is warm and spicy and I love how the black pepper gives that tiny tingle in your mouth. ( I am all about the tingle. Hi Metalia!)

I digress.

About 5 chais ago I started noticing that as soon as I took my first sip I got the hiccups. Coincidence, right. I had another one a few days later and again the hiccups. I was going to call Pedro and tell him, but I thought he'd tell me I was crazy. With every sip I took, I hiccuped and for I few minutes after I finished. I was totally fascinated but I was scared to tell anyone. Yesterday my mom and I were shopping and we stopped at Starbucks. I got the same and my mom got a tall iced passion tea. First sip I hiccuped. Second, hiccup. She was in the middle of telling me a story and I totally interrupted to tell her my very important finding. Then I made her study me every time I took a sip. Ha! A witness and it still happened! So there you have it. I am not crazy. It is not just in my head. My mom only thought I was slightly crazy that I thought it was such a big deal. So what do you think? Has this every happened to you? And, what the hell in Chai tea is causing me to hiccup?

You missed me?

Hi. Remember me? I used to have this thing called a little "blog" if you will. Then I was annoyed that I couldn't keep up with other blogs I really like to read because I agreed to post everyday. Stupid. On top of that I have two cute, high maintainance kids. One that will not be put down at. all. And insists that she only be held by Pedro or myself, no one else or she's a screaming mess. The other one (sigh) just wears me out.

I was talking to my friend yesterday sbout how I could seriously nag at Mason all day long. But I won't. I will not look back at the years I spent at home with my kids and only remember myself in the screaming variety. I refuse. So, instead sometimes it causes me a whole lot more work. Today for example Mason played outside all morning. He stayed within feet of the house so I didn't have to keep yelling, I just let him play. He played in the wet empty garden shoveling dirt, "looking for wormies". He finally came in the house right before lunch. Minutes later Pedro came home for lunch and asked what happened to the garage. I looked out and put my hand over my mouth. Mud and dirt covered the garage floor. Mason had shoveled dirt from the garden into his big dump truck and unload the truck loads on the garage floor. Quite the imagination he has, no? It took only a couple of minutes to sweep all the dirt into a big pile and take shovel loads back to the garden.

Speaking of the garden, Mason has been afraid of the rain lately. No, not thunder, rain. It freaks him out when he is trying to sleep and it hits his window. We've now spent so much time talking to him about how "good" rain is and how it makes the grass turn green and the plants and flowers grow. A couple of days ago, we were under a thunderstorm watch so we started to prepare Mason.

"Mason, we are gong to have more rain tonight, but rain is good right?"

"I like rain. It makes the grass grow and the plants wake up fron their dirt nap."

Indeed it does. Why can't we all talk like that? So simple, so true. I love that kid.

Day 21: Mission Failed

I am out of motivation, out of ideas. Sorry. I'll write again when I have something of substance. Peace Out.

xoxo,

Quitter

Day 20: Double the pleasure,double the fun!

Today I took both kids to the Dr. for check-ups. I knew it was going to be hard and it was. Mason has been on tape recorder mode for a few weeks so he replays everything said during a conversation just seconds after it is said. It is so hard to talk to a Dr and hold your thoughts when you hear eveything echo, echo. Harper got 3 shots, on top of the sniffles she woke up with this morning. Good times!

So basically I got nothing, unless of course you'd like to look at my flickr account that I've been organizing. I spent an hour on it this morning and made new sets. Check it out and let me know what you think! Since I am on the Mac, I can't do a link so if you click on the post title it will take you there. Enjoy!

Also, it's day 20. I have blogged everyday for 20 days. Woot! Any suggestions for some steamy new posts?

Day 19: The Story of Chelle.

I am not sure when I met Chelle; I think it was sometime in gradeschool. Chelle and I were never best friends but always friends through all the phases a pre-teen and teenage girl goes through. She went through a lot of them. I think some of why Chelle and I were always friends was because people always said we looked alike. Both blonde, blue eyed, thicker build.

Chelle's Mom was a successful hair salon owner and her dad a detective for the local police department. Some thought that Chelle rebelled because of her fathers postion. I don't know? I do know that her parents were incredibly supportive and loving. You couldn't go to the salon her mom owned without hearing her gush all about her daughter the way anyone would love to hear themselves being spoke of. The way they acted at home was very similar, at least when I was over. They did everything for Chelle and her brother. Often Chelle and I would have to pose for a picture since we "looked like sisters". My senior year of high school I was on homecoming court. Chelle's Dad drove me in the parade in his yellow convertable sports car. I still wonder if he picked out that car or Chelle did since it was her favorite color.

After high school, I went on to college. I heard that Chelle moved in with a serious boyfriend. One weekend I was at my parents house and the phone rang, it was my parent's gossipy cleaning lady.

"Annie?"

"Yes?"

"You were friends with Chelle ****, right?"

"Yes."

"Did you hear she killed herself?"

"What!?"

At that point I think I stopped listening. The way she was the one to call and give me the news pissed me off. The way she only knew parts of the story but still was eager to pass the news along all angered me.

She was in fact dead. She dove off a bridge onto an underpass. She died instantly. I am not sure what went so wrong and I'm not sure anyone ever will but I'm certain that depression got the best of her.

Her funeral was still one of the most horrifying events I've ever been to. The caskat was open and Chelle was anything but herself. I had my mom walk up with me. I was too scared to go alone. Seeing her family was the most eerie. Immediatly her Dad hugged me with this strange force. I have a feeling he was not hugging me, but the person I resembled, his daughter. It was a hug I'll never forget. Collages were there representing Chelle. On the main collage, a picture or her and I.

I think about Chelle often. There are so many things that remind me of her. I talk to her mom whenever I get my haircut but I never know what to say. I brought pictures in last week to show my stylist. They were pictures of my babies. Chelle's mom wanted to see them, but they hurt her very bad. Her eyes welled up and she left for the day.

Now more than ever I can understand the impact that losing a child must have. I understand it but pray that I never ever have to experince it. Watching a mother grieve after 9 years have past showed me clearly how devistating it is.

Usually I think about Chelle, but lately I've been thinking about her Mom. I know she'll never be the same, but I wonder if she'll ever be at peace?

Rest in peace Chelle.

Live in peace Genie.

Day 18: What a picture is worth.

If I have only one memory of my years staying home with my babies, I hope it looks a lot like this.



Thanks Ms. Mamma for capturing a "moment".

Day 17: Water Park Pictures

"Now with more nipples!"

See the pink princess lil swimmers sticking out? Some heartless Mom makes her little boy wear the pink ones (she accidentally bought) because she's too cheap to throw them away and go get the boy ones.

Day 16: Free for All.

First let me tell you what I hate about this little agreement I made to post every. single. day. I am so far behind on reading all the blogs I usually read. Every little snip-it of time I get to be on the computer is spent on my own blog. I barely even get to comment back to the comments made on my blog. So I'll do it now...thank you all. You are all great little ego boosters I wish I could shrink down and carry around in my purse.

This week Pedro has been home. His Last day at his old job was last Friday and his new one starts on Monday. It's nice to have him around, but My God can he trash the house... As bad as the kids. We planned one fun thing to do while he was home. Yesterday we went to an indoor water park. Mason couldn't stop squeeling and Harper was the most chill I've ever seen. We think it was from all the water noise that acted like white noise. They also had johnny jump-ups in the water for babies Harpers age. The best part about it was that is was just 10 miles from our house, so it wasn't a huge commitment. We had a blast.

Day 15: The promise

before:


after:






I am not sure this shows how drastic the cut was, but I needed something new and fresh. It feels so good and bouncy, love it! Also I went back to WW after missing 3 weeks. I totally fell off the wagon so I was scared to go back. This morning I walked in ready to hear I had gained back all 12 lbs...I lost 4 so I am down 16. Woo Hoo! Go Me! One step closer to glorified Milf.

Day 14: Breaking News

I got a haircut. A huge haircut. So huge you could make a wig out of the hair that was cut off. The drastic cut wasn't planned so I didn't take a before picture, but I am sure I can find one from last week. Give me a few hours to come up with before and after. I think I love it...

Day 13: Food

Ms. Mamma tagged me for this Meme a few days ago. Thank God because I have to write a blog a day and I am running out of things to blab about. So now you get to hear all about my foodisms. Enjoy!

1. What's your #1 comfort food? Soup, I'll eat almost any soup. I love how it makes me feel all warm inside.

2. If you were on a deserted island, what one food would you want to have with you? Granola.

3. What is/are your signature dishes? (What dishes are you 'known' for?) Chicken Picatta, bruschetta (for the record it is pronounced bruce-ket-ah, everyone I know pronounces it wrong, like bru-shetta. I did too until my cousin Paul, who speaks a gazillion languages corrected me!)

4. It's Friday night, you don't know what to cook. You opt for...fish and chips. In Wisconsin we call it Fish fry.

5. What's your biggest weakness when it comes to food? I've developed a awful sweet tooth, mine is closer to a sugar tooth.

6. What food can you absolutely not eat? Innards. One time though, I was invited to a traditional Hmong celebration and ate innards to be polite. It was fine, but now when I think of it I nearly gag.

7. You need a drink. Margarita baby! Or a glass of wine. Or a Corona served like a margarita, with salt and lime.

8. What's the most decadent dish you've had? The most expensive meal ever was at Tantra in South Beach .

9. What's your favorite type of food? Japanese, sushi.

10. Favorite dish? Chicken burrito, beans and rice. Guacamole of course.

11. If your partner could take you to any restaurant you wanted, which one would it be? Tantra

12. Are you a soup or salad person? With a big meal, salad. For a small meal, both.

13. Buffet, take-out or sit-down restaurant? Sit down

14. What's the most impressive dinner you've ever made? Surf and turf, sauteed green beans and roasted corn and garlic couscous.

15. Do you consider yourself a good cook? I think I'm pretty good.

16. Do you know what vichyssoise is? No, but I'll look it up.

17. Who's your favorite TV cook? Nigella Lawson she makes cooking all seductive.

18. Can you name at least three TV cooking personalities? Giada De Laurentiis, Barefoot Contessa, Rachael Ray ( she makes me want to poke my eyeballs out with heated skewers but I still watch her!)

19. Homemade or homemade from a box? Homemade

20. Name 3 or more other foodies you are going to tag. Anyone up for it? Let me know, I love to know what people eat!

Day 12: Reality

Yesterday afternoon we attended an Open House for a preschool for Mason. We were all excited, Mason talked all morning about going to "his school". He was beyond excited. The morning came and went and we headed to the school. We pulled up and all got out of the car. I hadn't thought about the way it would make me feel. I had to keep swallowing. Swallowing back tears I had know idea would be present. It hurt. I finally looked at Mike and all I could say was, "this is making my heart hurt". It was.

We went inside and Mason didn't miss a beat. When the teacher asked him his name he answered her with both first and last name just like I had imagined a pre-schooler would. He met a little girl named Maurina that had gone to the school for 2 years. She took him under her wing and they played in each room we toured. He was a perfect gentleman. I was so proud of the way he acted, and proud that he was mine. He was sad when it was time to go. He cried that he wanted to go back to school.

I was crying inside that my baby boy was old enough to go to school. How could I ever complain about the work it is to stay at home. I have watched my boy grow from a tiny little bundle to handsome little boy. I was there for it all and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Day 11: Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

Do you know hoe to make a perfectly good day turn perfectly bad? Let me tell you. I know the answer!

Yesterday I was getting ready for the day. I was showered, my clothes were on and even a little make-up too. I just had to blow out my hair. But first, mousse! I put two pumps of my new mousse I had bought the night before into my hand and worked it through my hair. "Wow, this stuff is really moisturizing." I thought to myself. I turned to the back of the can that clearly read: work through hair, leave for 1-3 minutes and rinse. Shit!

So my new Volumizing Aero Conditioner not a mousse at all, but more of a full blown conditioner.

Day 10: Funny how things work out.

Yesterday I talked to my Mom about how disappointing it is that even though I have my family near, rarely can I rely on any sort of help. Today my Dad came over, picked up Mason and took him to run errands and to lunch. Mason had a great time. Unfortunately the few times my parents can help out, it is my Dad. My Mom is always busy doing something. Mason had a great time none the less. It is nice that Mason has such a neat relationship with my Dad.

Day 9: I smell a Saab Snob.

Hi! Um, about yesterday's post and the day before, sorry. I am totally done with the Debbie Downer stuff(until next week). I promise.

Moving On.

Do you remeber last year, right around this time? Pedro and I were at odds about impulsivity and cars and all that other bullshit? Ha ha ha, funny for me for thinking it was over. We have a Saab, right? Yes, we do and apparently one just wasn't enough because we have two now (cue balloons and party horns)!! Pedro just loves him some cars. Now we have one midnight blue with tan interior and one black with black interior. How cute, his and her Saabs. Blech, never!

He is kind of funny that guy. One-half Marketing exececutive and another half grease monkey. That's my boy! So go on take his side, If you look at the comments you guys all sort of took his sid. Bitches. And why do I keep him around? Oh yeah, he's pretty cute.

Day 8: Poor Me!

It is going to be one of "those" so I 'll excuse you if you'd like to go elsewhere, really. Yesterday I took my phone off the hook, until this morning. I couldn't bare to hear anyone elses "poor me". I have enough of my own crap to deal with. I have been trying for two days now to get Harper to sleep in her crib, without CIO. I need my sanity back, my body and a little time of her not being attached to me. I know, horrible me.

We go up to her room nurse until she is calm and eyes are closed and BOOM, CRASH, lights turn on and her door whips open along with her eyes. It's Mason ready to party! He has done this both times I 've tried. I've turned on a movie for him, gotten him a snack and explained what I was going to do. What more can I do.

Tonight Pedro has a going away party at his work. It is at a local restaurant but I can't go. I am not going to go and spend my time chasing Mason around and I don't expect Pedro to do it at his party. My parents have other plans. Whatever. I just can't depend on family to help me out. I can count on one maybe two hands how many times they've babysat. The part that makes me so mad is that I rarely ask them, very rarely. What I need to do is find a reliable teenager or college student to always ask first. That way I won't be disappointed.

I know, right? Boo-fricken-hoo.

Day 7: More Controversial Crap.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the very fine line that lies between opinionated and jugdemental. That line is crucial because it can be painful to be in the presence of a judgemental person. And, you know what they say...Opinions are like buttholes, everyone has one. Classy, I know. So lets get into it, shall we?

Having two kids has re-enforced my mantra, "you do what works for you".
What works for me? Sometimes I feel like nothing is working for me, but here's what we do. I breastfeed exclusively. I wear slings but also depend heavily on the swing and the Jumperoo. We co-sleep, but not because I like it or believe in it. I do it for my own selfish reasons, I. Need. Sleep. and I am too lazy to wake up any more than I already am. Actually I really don't like it. Every morning I wake up with a stiff neck and a sore back. I can't tell you how much I 'd give to sleep in my own bed all sprawled and free. In due time. We don't "cry it out". I tried it once and it was the most traumatic thing I've ever done. To hear my baby's cry turn from pissed to terrified was the most horrible thing for me to hear. I vowed to never do it again. It just didn't work for us and maybe I didn't really want it to. So do I do "attatchement parenting"? Nope, I hate to label and I don't meet all the criteria. I do what feels right and natural and frankly, sometimes I do what gets me through the day.

I have this friend who has a baby the same age as Harper. They were struggling big time as a family from the lack of sleep. Their marriage was getting shakier by the day. They needed to try something different and decided to try CIO. I agreed. When you get to the point of your marriage suffering, it's time to make a change. I was totally supportive of the choice they had made. So yesterday we were talking about the method I was totally clueless about. They have been reading books to make sure they are doing it the right way if they are going to do it. We got to talking about what to do if your baby throws up from being so distraught. The books says to change the babies clothes and bedding and quickly put them back into the crib without comforting them. This is so wrong to me! I am 29 and still prefer to be comforted and taken care of if and when I puke. Puking is scary. To me that implied that if you comforted your baby after puking, that would be their crutch. If I puke, I get picked up. What a sad thing to think a baby would force itself to puke just to get picked up. Isn't that our job are parents to comfort our kids when they need it? How sad. So when I was talking to my freind yesterday I told her I had a huge problem with that. And at that point I became opinionated bordering on judgemental. I just hope that I didn't cross the line that is our friendship.

Day 6: Better Late than Never.

You all thought I wasn't going to post today didn't you? Oh no, I'm not going out like that on day 6!! I have a number of things to tell you about, just not the time to write them down.

So for let me tell you this...Harper learned to scream today. For fun. Not so fun except she is all smiley and giddy when she does it. It is not just vocalizing, it's more like horror movie screaming. So fun now what my ears are ringing and I keep thinking its the phone.

I got to do something I love to do today.

I got three email replies from 3 different internet friends that were sent up to 6 months ago. So I am doing a public apology to anyone else that got a repeat email from me...I can't figure it out.

Good stuff tomorrow!

Day 5: Bump!

I really didn't plan on having another picture day, but I had to jump on the belly tag.


I really love to look back at this one. I feel like now with two kids, Pedro and I rarely get to be together so it is nice to have a picture of us, just us.


Pretty sunshine on a big, ripe belly.

Day 4: Coin Toss

Heads







Or







Tails?

Day 3: Hunk-a-hunk-a blowin' snow...

How much do you wish you lived in Wisconsin?

Day 2: My life as a SAHM

A turbulent portion of my life. For Ashley and Hilarazzi. Ashley wanted to hear about different times in my life and Hilary wanted to know about becoming a SAHM. The two go hand and hand and it was probably one of the scariest times in my life.

About five years ago, Pedro and I were living in Florida. I took a little test one morning the confirmed I was indeed expecting a baby. We took our time but eventually decided that Ft. Lauderdale was not the place we wanted to start a family. Pedro began searching for jobs back in Wisconsin and before long found a job that would work. It would allow me to stay home like I had always wanted but things would still be tight. After two interviews and details of the position, Pedro was informed that he'd be getting the written offer by the end of the week.

We began covering all the bases to move back. Pedro put in his notice at his job. We hired a moving company. We gave our notice at our apartment. It was all done and we were ahead of the game. Later that week the letter came only it was a tad different than we'd expected. It said something to the effect that "at this time we cannot offer you a position." Oh. My. God.

Fast forward about a month we were back in Wisconsin, with nothing. I was six months pregnant. We had no jobs, no place to live, (unless we wanted to move in with our parents, so lets just say NO place to live) no insurance, and just a little money in the bank. It was the most stressful time I can remember. We were living out of savings and on credit cards, in a college apartment even though we weren't college students. Mike looked for jobs everywhere and was almost willing to take a job that was just above minimum wage, but he stuck it out a little longer.

Mid-December, six weeks earlier than planned, my water broke. Here was Mason! He was in the intensive care unit for 2 weeks before we could bring him home. Pedro received a job offer while we were staying in the Ronald McDonald House. It was a really decent offer. It had been 4 months without any sort of income and we were used to living on almost nothing.

In hindsight we always say that it worked out best that way. We were so poor that it wasn't a shock for us to whittle down to one income. Now close to five years later things have changed a bunch. We own our home. We have 2 kids and Pedro just was offered a job as the Director of Marketing at a printing company. We have a lot to be thankful for. I often think that Mason came early due to the stress we were under. I am not a religious person but I do believe that everything happens for a reason. I still don't have a clear reason why all that happened, but I do know that we learned a bunch about ourselves and each other during that time. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and we are pretty strong these days.

Day 1: Did you know...

*I actually do work outside the house too. I teach Yoga once a week.

*I have a Bachelors Degree in Health Promotion and Wellness.

*Before I was a stay at home mom, I worked for the State of Wisconsin as an educator for first time parents. I taught about breastfeeding (ironic!), infant massage, and nutrition.

*I can use chopsticks like a pro because...
When I graduated from college I wasn't ready to get a "real job" so a found yet another waitressing job at an authentic Japanese restaraunt. At the end of the night, we would eat a sit-down japanese meal all together at a properly set table, set with only chopsticks. I was not going to be the only one to excuse myself to get a fork so I learned really fast (under pressure more like it) how to eat everything, even rice, with chopsticks. Fascinating, I know!

*My favorite sushi is white tuna.

*My favorite drink is a Margarita.

*I wear a wife beater almost every single day under whatever I am wearing. I am not sure why.

*My hair is naturally light blonde and my eyebrows are almost freakishly dark. I should probably have them lightened but I am scared I'd look totally different.

*After I've been out of my house for any reason, the first thing I do after walking in the door is wash my hands. (So I don't even have to mention about being a germiphobe, right? You all are well aware already.)

*When I go to bed at night, I always start thinking about my morning cup of coffee. I love it that much.

Did you learn anything new? Want to know more useless tidbits? Just ask.