9-21-07...

One year ago today, I woke up scared to death. Scared of giving birth. Scared to meet the little person I was growing inside of me. Scared of our nice little family changing. At 2:36 your warm gooey body was draped across my chest and I knew everything was going to be just fine.



We brought you home after only 24 hours and you were healthy and perfect in every way. At least your dad and I thought you were. Mason? He wasn't so sure. He loved to hold you and kiss you but he took a while to learn how share his time with you. It is unbelievable how things have changed.



You are so in love with your brother it makes my heart ache. You try to do everything just like him, even trying to mimic his occasional temper tantrums, squealing and then checking to see if we are all laughing with you. But more than anything else, I love how the two of you hold hands in the car. It is so sweet to look back at the two of you and see each of your arms reached across the middle seat hand in hand. It is truly amazing.



You are a very active little girl, walking all over. You started a little over 10 months and never turned back. You say a few words like Mama, bye bye, uh-oh, guh-boy (good boy). You are a great impersonator; If I blink hard you blink hard. If I blow a raspberry, so do you. Speaking of raspberries, you hardly eat anything. You prefer milky and that's OK with me; It is what I am here for.



The relationship you have with your Dad is a special one. Watching the two of you, I can feel the love you have for each other and it makes me love both of you that much more. I love to tell people how you have him wrapped around your little finger. When he tries to tell you "no", you just cock your head to the side and smile at him. He cracks every. single. time.
Good Girl!



I have to say though, you are still a mama's girl. For the majority of this past year you've not gone to anyone but your dad and me. At times it was frustrating but deep down we love it. We've learned that our babies are babies for such a short time and we need to soak up all the lovin' we can get. Your grandma was over last week and we talked about how shy you are. You are never short on smiles, but you are happiest in my arms.



Now, looking back on the past year I can say that everything was better than fine, it was amazing. Of course there were times that were hectic but I wouldn't change any of it. You've blended right into our family and brought out the best in all of us. You make me feel like the most special person in the world.



I love you baby girl!
Mama

Is My Zipper Open?

I've been really crazy busy lately. Not in a bad way, it has been a good busy. But, I am so far behind in my favorite blogs you'll have to keep me posted if I am missing anything good and juicy m'kay?

Are you wondering what the hell is going on here and why all my posts are so half-assed?

Here's the scoop, bullet style.

* Harper walks, like a woman on a mission.

*Mason poops. In the toilet. Everyday.

*Mason gets a big boy bike for said poop and rides it. Without training wheels!

*My 3 year old rides a two wheel bike! Like a champ!

*Mason also gets 2 fish from Ahma and Grappa for going poop. The fish poop all the time. They are sort of gross.

*Remember Button? As of Oct 1st she isn't ours anymore! Who-Rah!

*Tomorrow my baby girl turns one! Someone hold me. Where did the past 365 days go?

Hopefully I can keep my head on straight for the next couple of weeks. Bare with me.

Fashion Police

After a long debate on how I really feel about the trapeze style tops. I have deciped they are totally thumbs up. I can't think of a better way to conceal muffin top. Who-Rah!

Proud Mama.

Today we ate lunch at McDonald's. Every time we go (once every couple of weeks) we see the same lady. A deaf woman whos job is to wipe down all the tables and keep the floors tidy. We keep her very busy.

I have never heard a sound from this woman however she is always smiling sweetly. Today I talked to Mason about her. After she had come over to sweep underneath our table for the third time and I mouthed "thank you" to her. I explained to Mason that the woman couldn't hear - she was deaf and that she speaks sign language. Then we talked about the signs that he knows. "Thank you" being one of the few he remembers.

As we were leaving Mason pushed the high chair that Harper had used back to its spot. The woman was right there waiting to wipe it clean and took it from Mason. Again I said Thank you to the woman and Mason put is hand up to his chin and brought it out signing "Thank you" perfectly. The woman who never says a word immediately said,
"Aww, your welcome!" in her distinct hearing impaired voice. Mason walked away proudly and I held back tears. My heart nearly swelled from my chest. He had made her day and mine too. This sweet little boy is mine!

I couldn't be more proud.

Milestones

This kid is awesome!

Vote for Pedro!

Did you really think his name was Pedro? Really? Nope, it's not, but I hear latin men are fantastic in bed! Roooaaarrr! Pedro however doesn't have an ounce of latin blood in him, not to say that he is not fantastic in bed. This is getting weird; What was I talking about again?

Right. The story of Pedro. I think it was my very first post ever and I kept going back to look at my new blog that I just knew I was going to love. I noticed that some guy had commented that he thought I was a milf! I was so excited that I called Pedro to tell him.

"OMG! Some guy signed my blog and he thinks I am a milf! OMG!"

And then there was laughing. A whole bunch of laughing. And just like that my bubble burst. Pedro was my husband, not some guy from the internet who and found me out and thought I was totally hot.

It just stuck. Pedro.

Now you all know that deep down I am just a big dork with a husband who calls himself Pedro.

Flip this house. Flip-off the realtor.

Do you remember waaaay back when I talked about us buying a house? A second house that we wanted to flip? Yes? No? OK I'll recap. We bought this house that was vacant for around five years. It was this tiny little house that happened to be next door to us and was offered to us at a crazy low price. Like the price of a new car. I am not even kidding. So we took on the project and worked our hiney's off. OK, fine. Pedro worked his hiney off, I was big and pregnant. I picked the paint colors and painted them. They are fantastic colors too...

Anyway. We listed the house as the real estate market plummeted right into the sewer. Two months ago we agreed to let our over-baring neighbor re-list it. He is a creepy dude. Pedros reasoning...If he is that ambitious, maybe he can sell it? The man is an asshole. He is thinking about his own bank statement, not ours. Yesterday he came over all huffy. I was driving in.

"I bet you are looking for Pedro?"

"Yes."

"He had to go to Chicago for the week."

"He told me he'd meet with me today!"

"Sorry. I think we are going to decline the offer."

"Just decline and let the buyer walk away? I think you are making a huge mistake."

"Sorry. We just worked on this house too long and too hard to not even brake even."

"Why then am I wasting my money marketing it if you aren't willing to budge."

"The house is paid for and we really need to look out for ourselves and not lose money." (since you obviously aren't concerned about our best interest ASSHOLE!)

"Well I need to eat too." (WTF. Did he really just say that? I am done.)

"I'll have Pedro call you...(dickface)"

"OK have a goodnight." (I think he realized he just made an ass of himself.)

"Yup." (Trying to not jump out of the car and kick him square in the nuts.)

So tell me. When did it become OK for the realtor you hire to treat you like garbage? Isn't he supposed to be concerned with my best interest?

So now we are taking it off the market and hoping to rent it for a year or two. Who wants to be my neighbor. I bake things like cupcakes and cookies and take them to my neighbors...Now? Alright, fine. At least take a look at it. Click on the picture for the entire set.



She's cute isn't she? She is causing me all kinds of grief;I think I'm ready to name her. We may be together for a loong time. Betsy? Does she look like a Betsy to you?

test

Wow!

Yesterday we had a doozy of a storm. One that ripped one of our trees in half and laid it clear across the street. Also one that ripped the power cords from our house and had them laying in our back yard, SWEET! One that also kept us without electricity for 18 hours. Wow, I am glad that's over.

Thursday and Friday I agreed to watch my friend's daughter while she has to go back to work to prepare for the school year. I think having two kids is hard and for the next two days I'll have three! Wee!

Does anyone know what happened to summer? How did it fly by so fast? I think this has been one of my favorite summers ever. Until next year...

The weekend in photos- Now with more donger!

We had a fantastic weekend. Our friday night out was actually us celebrating our 6 year anniversary and our first time away from both kids in 11 months!I even got to wear a pretty dress!

We stayed out a whopping hour and a half, long enough for an appetizer, 2 mojitos and scallops with lobster risotto. The food was actually just OK but the time out was so nice.

self portrait in restaurant

Saturday morning we woke up and drove up to my parents cottage.

the always popular driving photos

It wasn't warm enough to swim and hangout in the lake, so we decided to take Mason and Harper to a Wildwood Zoo.

Mason couldn't ask for a more exciting day.

But, by far the Zebra was most excited!

Booya!

The End.

A-how you say- Date?

Tonight Pedro and I will be attempting our first night out since Harper came into our family. I am so looking forward to a fancy dinner without having to pick chunks of food off the floor or having little food crusted handprints all over my person. Cross you fingers and Harper doesn't flip out as we're walking out the door...I want to wear my pretty dress!

Pictures to follow.

I see you in me.

The past few weeks I've been down. I am not sure if I started evaluating my life or it just came and slapped my face, but the truth? It hurts. I've been thinking about the people in my life that are really there. Through thick and thin, when they don't want to be, when they've got better things to do, they still come through. For me, there are very few.

I think maybe I expect too much. I know that if I commit to something, I follow through every. single. time. Not everyone else is like that and I need to except that and stop letting myself get down. I think I take it personally. When people let me down I always play it out in my head as something else was more important. But really, that sucks. It sucks to feel not important enough.

My Dad is one of those people that is there, always. I know that if I really am in a pinch, he would move mountains to help me out. I was not raised to be all mushy gushy and expressive with my feelings so I never have been able to tell him how much I appreciate the qualities I've gotten from him.

We are both slow to warm-up and sometimes I think it's misinterpreted as coldness. However we'd do anything for people we love.

We are both stubborn.

We are both fun-loving.

We are committed and passionate about things we really believe in.

We walk exactly the same.

Someday I hope to be able to tell him how proud I am to have gotten these qualities from him. But for today, I sincere Thank You will have to do.

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?