August 15, 2010

Wow, I'm bad at this

This has been a long time coming. I'm sorry to have been absent from the blogosphere. I just havent blogged. Things are fine. I've just chosen to do other things that I needed or wanted to do before blogging. I'm going to start making more time for this. I swear :)

July 11, 2010

Vote for monkey

July 10, 2010

18 random tidbits about me

1. Inside my purse, you’ll discover: My sunglasses, mint gum, a lesson play and a few random baby things.

2. My secret talent is: nothing I’d want to see in print!

3. If stranded on an island, the five things I could not live without are: Prescription sunglasses, sunblock and my boys

4. On my nightstand you’ll find: About a dozen books I’m either reading or re-reading my tea glass and a sippycup

5. When I grew up, I wanted to be: teacher or lawyer

6. My worst job: I've loved all of my jobs.. Really, some more than others.

7. My comfort food: ice cream, grilled cheese and pastas

8. Three songs on my IPOD’s most played list: On The Prowl by the Gossip
Sweetness by The Toadies and Edge of the Earth by Calhoun

9. The three books that make me think of my childhood:The Giving Tree, Anne of Green Gables and Superfudge

10.My favorite Chick Flick: I can't pic one...oh wait I can. Breakfast At Tiffany's

11.My favorite Chick Lit book: Good In Bed

12. My “must see” TV: How much time have you got? Dance You Ass Off, Drop Dead Diva, True Blood Big Love etc..

13. My Starbucks order: cooler weather white chocolate mocha extra hot near christmas peppermint hot chocolate. summer white chocolate mocha frap no whip

14. My favorite curse word: Fu@k

15 My celebrity man crush: Ryan Reynolds,

16. My celebrity girl crush: Sara Rue

17. My writer crush: don't really have one

18. My last meal before execution: Clearly, I would demand to be taken to an all-you-can-eat buffet…and then I’d just say, “Sorry, not done yet.” They’d never be able to kill me!

June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to my dad!
Thank you for being a great father to me and wonderful pawpaw to monkey.



Happy Father's Day to my love. You are a terrific daddy!

June 19, 2010

You know how I know...

Do you know how I know Monkey is no longer my little baby and is a full blown toddler?

Bedtime cuddles have gone from 30 minutes of sweet sleepiness and kisses to 10 minutes of fussing and yelling before he conks out. That freaking sucks. I miss the sleepy sweetness. However, I love the games of chase and the way he runs around trying to catch the bubbles I blow.

My baby is one. It's official. He's had the first birthday party, his first piece of cake and I'm still it shock. His birthday party was fun. I'm so thankful for the family and friends that came to celebrate. I wish I had picked someone to take pictures of EVERYTHING and EVERYONE with my camera.

Happy birthday Monkey. I'm so proud of you.




June 5, 2010

50 questions to make you think..

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? Either 23 or 40. I know that seems weird but there are days when I feel much older than 28 and there are other days when I cannot believe I'm an adult. Sometimes when people ask me how old I am, my instant reaction is to say 23.

Which is worse, failing or never trying? Failing is scarier.

If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do? I think it has been instilled in us that if we only do things we love, we are not trying hard enough.

When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done? Pft. Probably.

What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world? I wish that love was easy and hate was hard.


If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich? Being a wedding coordinator or an author who never gets writer's block.

Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing? I think I am doing what I believe in. My family is and will continue to be the most important thing to me and it is what my life revolves around.

If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? I don't know.

To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? Not to a very large degree. I have kind of just pin-balled through life, I'd bump into something and I'd either score a point and make the bells and whistles go off or I'd lose a point.

Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? Doing things right. I tend too think that if you do hings right that they will become the right thing to do.

You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do? I'd probably defend my friend and the respect for the people I was having lunch with would all but disappear.

If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? Love. Love people, yourself, and the world. Everything else is just details.

Would you break the law to save a loved one? Absolutely.

Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity? Not often.

What’s something you know you do differently than most people? I always strive to be tactful.

How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy? Because we all are unique. If everyone was like me, we wouldn't have green bean salads,spiders and bridges over water. Our differences make this world more rich.


What's one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What’s holding you back? Finishing my education. I cant find the money for it.

Are you holding onto something you need to let go of? Yes.

If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why? I want to move to Montana or Oregon. I love the mountains and the northern attitude. If I had to move out of the country, I'd pick Ireland or Canada. I would rather live somewhere I can still speak English.

Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster? Yes but I know it doesn't make a difference in the speed but it makes me feels proactive.

Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton? A joyful simpleton. I am not a genius and I am already worried enough.

Why are you, you? A combination of my natural personality and my life events have shaped me and my world view. I try to treat people kindly because I know how it feels to be disregarded. I try to speak up against what is wrong because I would want others to do the same for me. I try to learn as much as I can because I believe knowledge is power. I try to have fun and I make sure those I love know I love them because I understand life is short.

Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend? Maybe not always but Yes, I think so. I've at least tried.

Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you? Losing touch with a good friend who lives near you. I've had both happen and the second one tore my heart out.


What are you most grateful for? My little family.

Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones? Lose all my old memories. There are too many things I am looking forward to and I would hate to not be able to remember them.

Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first? For myself, no. I am constantly picking at things to test their truthiness.

Has your greatest fear ever come true? No. My fears have changed since becoming a mother and I hope to God and everything else they don't.

Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now? Yes. It doesn't "matter" but it still hurts.

What is your happiest childhood memory? What makes it so special? Christmas morning. The tradition and anticipation and love that filled that day is precious.

At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive? Watching my child succeed and grow.

If not now, then when? Soon. Someday.

If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?

Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever? No. Because I HAVE to talk.

Why do religions that support love cause so many wars? Because the people that belong to those religions are so passionate about their beliefs that it blinds them and causes them to be fearful of, and eventually hate, those that contradict those beliefs.

Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil? Yes.

If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job? Well yes. But I would go back to school so when I went back to work I could make more money. A million is not that much money anymore and I'd get boreed after a few weeks off.

Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing? More work I enjoy.

Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before? Yes.

When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in? I don't think I've ever done that.

If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today? Everyone.

Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous? Yes but only if my fame would make the world a better place or make the lives of those I love richer.

What is the difference between being alive and truly living? I think it's a mind set. If you are striving to get as much out of your life and to enjoy your life than I think you are living. Anything less is just being alive.


When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right? I don't know.

If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? We are afraid that our mistakes will cause something that cannot be undone.

What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? I would always be myself but I might speak out more.

When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing? Last night. I notice every night before I go to sleep.

What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love? I love my family and friends and I always let them know I love them. Anything less is unacceptable.

In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that? Probably not but I might remember what my child did.

Decisions are being made right now. The question is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you? A little of both, I think.

May 23, 2010

this time last year...

This time last year I was having a great baby shower and picturing what our baby would look like. I was nesting and worrying. I was full of joy and hope. I was also soooo ready to have the baby.


Fastforward to now, I'm chasing a blueberry stained face around the house listening to monkey giggle and say mama.

My life is beautiful and I couldn't ask for more. Being a mom has fulfilled my life in more ways than I can count. My son is a gorgeous smart little guy. I'm so proud. He's been walking on his own for over 2 weeks and he walks everywhere. He talks a lot too. We've had him say about 12 words repeatedly and he understands soo much too. I'm so amazed how my little pink tiny baby has grown into this walking talking toddler.

May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day.

This day is has a twinge of bittersweetness to it for me. It's my first Mother's with Scout * outside of the belly * and my 3rd without my mom. I've always loved Mother's Day. At first ,as a teen, it was a day for me to be mushy about my mom without getting flack from my "cool" friends and also a way to score brownie points. As I got older it became a special day to show my mom how great I thought she was. Seriously, my mom freaking rocked. She was funny, smart and tough as nails.
As a mommy, this is a day to celebrate my child. He made me a mommy. Thank you Monkey for being my son.I've been your mommy for 11 months as of today and it has been the hardest most beautiful time of my life. My heart is overwhelmed with love because of you.

So today I want to thank my mom and my son for making me the mommy I am. I only hope that both of you are proud of me and I do you two justice.

I hope all of the Moms out there have a beautiful day.

May 2, 2010

I'm a terrible blogger.

I'm having a hard time keeping up with this thing. How about you forgive me? I knew you would thanks. Here's some cute pics of monkey of and a vid of him walking.

April 10, 2010

So exhausting..


I'm not going to write a full on blog right now. I'm way too tired. I'll make it super short and fill you on why I've been away. I started a new job. I'm back at my favorite school. Things were looking up!!! And then my son got sick.. and is now in the hospitial for what appears to be MRSA. I'm soooo tired. C is so tired and Monkey is doing better but still sick. I hope we get out of here soon.

April 2, 2010

Jessica Simpson made me cry.

I was watching the new reality show on VH1 hosted and starring Jessica Simpson. It's called Jessica Simpson's The Price of Beauty. It's the episode when they are in Mumbai, India. They visit a little girl with a cleft palate how is about to have facial reconstructive surgery to correct it. It was so touching. Jessica seemed really genuine about the whole thing. I don't think she was acting because I don't feel she is the best actress. Apparently Jessica's been working with Operation Smilie for awhile and I'm a big softie that found the whole thing very moving.

The general idea/theme of the show is how beauty varies all over the world. I've always felt beauty is in the eye of the beholder and varies depending on enivornment. The show has been somewhat interesting if you can get past Ken and Cacee. Jessica must have a get agent to get VH1 to send herself and her two best friends all over the world. Jessica if you read this can I have your agent's number? :)


Now in my personal life, I have been sooooo busy. I've forgot what it feels like to work and do all the mommy and home things I do. It's incredibly hard to work all day then come home, make dinner, clean house, do laundry, take care of the baby, and all of the things that need to be done. I have so much respect for working mothers, especially those how do all this on their own(i.e. single moms and moms without housekeepers.).

Our house is now a binkie-free zone. My son has broke himself of the binkie. Apparently, when his top teeth starting coming in he couldn't use his binkie. So, I'm slowing hiding them. So far he hasn't noticed. Yay. I hope weaning him from the bottle is so easy.

March 21, 2010

Tomorrow brings change...

Tomorrow I will go to work and actually be counted in the ratio as a working trained preschool teacher. Yay! I'm excited and a bit nervous. Mostly nervous because I'm an assistant teacher until I complete my degree and my lead teacher is only going to be there half a day and she's not done with the training yet. I don't know how it is going to go.
Another change is tomorrow is Monkey's first day at preschool. I'm worried he'll cry all day. I'm hoping he'll have fun playing with the other babies. I'm excited to see how this plays out for us.

While I'm typing this my son is taking 10-15 steps at a time using his push walker. He is so proud of himself. I'm trying to catch in on video but he stops and crawls over to me when he sees the camera. That little stinker. Also he has 2 teeth that have come through on the top and two more top teeth that are trying to make a break for it. So he is busy and uber cranky.I can't wait for teething to be over. He can't even use his binkie without discomfort which messes with his sleep. My poor baby.

March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patty's Day!!




There are 4 things you must never do: lie, steal, cheat, or drink.
But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love.
If you must steal, steal away from bad company.
If you must cheat, cheat death.
And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away... Brianne Kelly Darragh

March 16, 2010

I can't really think of a title...maybe this could have been 2 posts.

I was reading one of my favorite blogs and she posted a link http://www.lilsugar.com/10-Things-Mothers-Should-Teach-Sons-7707935 This link made me think of the things I want Monkey to learn from his daddy and me. Here's an example of a few things I hope he learns in addition to the 10 in that list.

1. Be kind for the sake of being kind.
2. Be yourself.
3. Stand up for yourself and your beliefs.
4. Know what you believe and why. Don't believe something "just because".
5. Respect others and yourself.
6. We're family and family is always there.



**
I love my best friend Melonie. We've had our ups and downs but we're always there for each other. She took Monkey and me to dinner tonight to celebrate my new job. Melonie just plain rocks.She's there for the good, the bad and the ugly. You got to love someone the cleans up your puke and still respect you in the morning/afternoon. * If nothing else that New Years cemented our friendship even more. *
** Melonie, you are a strong beautiful person. Thank you for your friendship.**

March 15, 2010

Today is an even better day!!!!!

I have a job!!!! I start on Thursday! I am SO excited, in case you can't tell. I haven't worked in awhile so I'm looking forward to it and the paycheck. Plus Monkey will be going to school 3 days a week. I think it will be great for him. Since I'm starting back to work, I've got a ton of clothes to wash and cleaning to do so things will be easier. I'll be working till 6:30. I hate working till 6:30 but seniority dictates who goes home early.

I've been trying to post since Sunday but I get online and open the post box and nothing. So now that I have the job news and I took a ton of cute pictures of Monkey on Saturday so I can share those with you as well. I'll try to find something "clever" or fun to blog about soon.





March 11, 2010

Today is a good good day.

I went on two job interviews today! I'm feeling pretty good about myself and that things are looking up! I haven't blogged much lately. I've been keeping my sisters daughter, Baby K as well as taking care of Monkey. Oh man, it's exhaushting!Thankfully, my child slept from 10:30 last night till 7:30 this morning!!! Yay!! I don't really have too much to say right now. Monkey is sleeping now so I'm going to work on his scrapbook. Hope everyone is doing well. I'll write again soon.

March 8, 2010

March 8th is IWD




International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.

1908
Great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women. Women's oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. Then in 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

1909
In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman's Day (NWD) was observed across the United States on 28 February. Women continued to celebrate NWD on the last Sunday of February until 1913.

1910
n 1910 a second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen. A woman named a Clara Zetkin (Leader of the 'Women's Office' for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) tabled the idea of an International Women's Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day - a Women's Day - to press for their demands. The conference of over 100 women from 17 countries, representing unions, socialist parties, working women's clubs, and including the first three women elected to the Finnish parliament, greeted Zetkin's suggestion with unanimous approval and thus International Women's Day was the result.

1911
Following the decision agreed at Copenhagen in 1911, International Women's Day (IWD) was honoured the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March. More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination. However less than a week later on 25 March, the tragic 'Triangle Fire' in New York City took the lives of more than 140 working women, most of them Italian and Jewish immigrants. This disastrous event drew significant attention to working conditions and labour legislation in the United States that became a focus of subsequent International Women's Day events. 1911 also saw women's 'Bread and Roses' campaign.



1913-1914
On the eve of World War I campaigning for peace, Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February 1913. In 1913 following discussions, International Women's Day was transferred to 8 March and this day has remained the global date for International Wommen's Day ever since. In 1914 further women across Europe held rallies to campaign against the war and to express women's solidarity.

1917
On the last Sunday of February, Russian women began a strike for "bread and peace" in response to the death over 2 million Russian soldiers in war. Opposed by political leaders the women continued to strike until four days later the Czar was forced to abdicate and the provisional Government granted women the right to vote. The date the women's strike commenced was Sunday 23 February on the Julian calendar then in use in Russia. This day on the Gregorian calendar in use elsewhere was 8 March.

1918 - 1999
Since its birth in the socialist movement, International Women's Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. For decades, IWD has grown from strength to strength annually. For many years the United Nations has held an annual IWD conference to coordinate international efforts for women's rights and participation in social, political and economic processes. 1975 was designated as 'International Women's Year' by the United Nations. Women's organisations and governments around the world have also observed IWD annually on 8 March by holding large-scale events that honour women's advancement and while diligently reminding of the continued vigilance and action required to ensure that women's equality is gained and maintained in all aspects of life.

2000 and beyond
IWD is now an official holiday in China, Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. Many from a younger generation feel that 'all the battles have been won for women' while many feminists from the 1970's know only too well the longevity and ingrained complexity of patriarchy. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.

However, great improvements have been made. We do have female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family, women have real choices. And so the tone and nature of IWD has, for the past few years, moved from being a reminder about the negatives to a celebration of the positives.

Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

Many global corporations have also started to more actively support IWD by running their own internal events and through supporting external ones. For example, on 8 March search engine and media giant Google some years even changes its logo on its global search pages. Year on year IWD is certainly increasing in status. The United States even designates the whole month of March as 'Women's History Month'.

So make a difference, think globally and act locally !! Make everyday International Women's Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding.

please read this..

MOMMY IS ROCK N ROLL


This isn't my story to tell. I'm passing it on in hopes someone will read this and help Bobbi.

March 6, 2010

Ew....

I got sick. It was gross. I felt like death. I'm feeling better this morning. I was looking forward to taking Monkey for a walk and maybe going to the park. Everyone woke up in a good mood. Yay! Then Monkey threw up his bottle while I was attempting to feed him some oatmeal and pears. He's never thrown up before! I mean yea when he was little bitty he would spit up every now and then but that was rare! As a nanny and preschool teacher I've seen tons of kids puke. It was gross and I felt terrible for them but seeing my own little man get sick was heart wrenching. He doesn't have a fever which is good. I'm hoping this bug works through him as quickly as it did me. He's napping peacefully on the couch next to me. Hopefully with a little rest and some extra love he'll feel better soon.

March 3, 2010

28 and counting....


I turned 28 today. 28! I'm two years away from 30 and 8 years away from 20. When the freaking heck did this happen?!? My high school reunion is in August. I graduated in 2000. That was 10 years ago! OMG! I know I sound like I'm freaking out about my age. I'm not. I'm just surprised. I don't feel almost 30. I feel young for the most part. I'm stronger now and maybe a bit wiser. Maybe.

February 28, 2010

Thinking Thoughts. :)

I was reading quotes on life and motherhood today. I found several that rang that rang true with me. It felt like I had said a few of them. I'm not nearly as eloquent as these speakers.

So I'm thinking on the thoughts of others. Let me know what you guys think or if you have any quotes that represnt your mommyhood.

"Becoming a mother makes you the mother of all children. From now on each wounded, abandoned, frightened child is yours. You live in the suffering mothers of every race and creed and weep with them. You long to comfort all who are desolate." -- Charlotte Gray

* So true for me. I can't watch the news anymore without tearing up!


My mom is a neverending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune. ~Graycie Harmon


* I miss my mom daily. I wish she were here to answer my 2 am questions about diaper rash and teething. I wish she were here to just be Nana to Monkey.


I'm not a woman who lost my baby weight in two weeks, lets fashion dicate my style and is never tired. But I am strong. I am invincible. I am Momma!

I don't know if I read this somewhere or if it popped out of my sleep deprieved brain. But that's me!

Love




February 26, 2010

Baby Gear....

I've ran across several blogs lately that have been talking about all the gear available for babies and kids. It's overwhelming. I remember before I had Monkey I thought a lot of this stuff was crap. I felt like the companies were taking advantage of new moms and dads by playing on theirs hopes and fears. I mocked the baby carriers, cart covers, and weird baby seats. Then I became pregnant and thought I needed everything to help me raise my child and keep him safe. Thank goodness C didn't let me by a lot of crap. Luckily, we had some friends with older babies that gave us things they were no longer using.

I'm not a huge germaphobe but I'm a bit careful especially after the huge h1n1 breakout. So I was really glad we had received a cart seat cover. I used it hoping to protect Monkey from germs. A few times I didn't use it the little guy was uncomfortable in the cart and he tried to "chew" all over it.

Things Monkey and I used- the boppy a lot, jumpers,shopping cart cover blankets and binkies

Things we didn't use- bottle warmer, vibrating baby seat and burp cloths.

The item I'm most grateful for is a $4 lovey we call "blue" Monkey sleeps with it, chews on its ear, shakes it and play peek-a-boo with it. Blue is my hero. My son's face lights up we he sees it. It has sved the day during dinner with friends, long grocery shopping trips and has magic powers that help teething.


Sesame Street Live was adorable!!




My sister scored tickets to Sesame Street Live and invited Scout and I. C stayed home and got my girl scout cookies!! *OMG I love cookies* The show was cute! Monkey loved it. He loves Elmo. During some parts of the show, He was wiggling and was people watching! He was trying to make friends with the boy behind us. He is fascinated by older kids. Then he pulled someones hair. I was SO embarrassed! She was really really nice about it though. ** If you read this I am very sorry. Monkey, however, was very amused. He really is a vile child ** :P

February 24, 2010

Balls, Cake Balls that is...

Remember how I mentioned that I would be making banana cupcakes for Monkey's birthday? Well, I also thought I'd make cake balls as an extra treat. I never make anything for a big event without a test run. So this morning I began Cake Balls Take One. Its a really simple reciepe to follow. I practically have it memorized.

Cake Balls in pictures.


















They turned out weird but yummy.

I want to be Betty Cocker or Julia Childs...

But I'll never be THAT good so I'll just settle for being the mom that brings brownies to the bake sale, or maybe rice krispies squares. In order to change that I'm going to try to make more adventurous yummies. Tomorrow, after I clean out the fridge, I'm going to make... CAKE BALLS!!!

I'll take bad pics of it to keep you guys posted!!

TTFN :P

February 21, 2010

I'm trying here. Why can't you give me a break?

I've messed up some friendships in my life. I'll admit to not being the best friend. I adore my friends and care about their lives and families very much. My life has changed so much in the last 2 years and I've gotten worse about being a great friend. I am trying.

I'm no longer your single gal pal that loves a good party. I'm now a mother, and girlfriend. I'll be a student as well shortly. I'm still your friend as long as you're still mine.

February 17, 2010

Oh my god, how did he get over there?

Monkey is crawling and using random furniture to pull himself up!! He also has a bruise the size of a nickle on his forehead from falling over!My little baby is quickly approaching toddler-hood. Can I make time slow down? He wants to cuddle less and less. I'm so torn between pride and being sad. Everyone warned me he would grow up to fast and I always replied, " Yes, I know." I didn't know it would be this fast!!!!



Now that I shared a little mommy news let me share the last book I read.
I just finished Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella. Do you recognize the name? She wrote Confessions of a Shopaholic which was great book and cute movie. Twenties Girl has a lot in common with her other novels, its a light enjoyable read with some heart touching moments and it occasionally tickles your funny bone. However, I'm glad I checked it out from the library and didn't buy it.

Publisher's Summary from Audible.com

Lara Lington has always had an overactive imagination, but suddenly that imagination seems to be in overdrive. Normal professional 20-something young women don't get visited by ghosts. Or do they?

When the spirit of Lara's great-aunt Sadie - a feisty, demanding girl with firm ideas about fashion, love, and the right way to dance - mysteriously appears, she has one last request: Lara must find a missing necklace that had been in Sadie's possession for more than 75 years, and Sadie cannot rest without it. Lara, on the other hand, has a number of ongoing distractions. Her best friend and business partner has run off to Goa, her start-up company is floundering, and she's just been dumped by the perfect man.

Sadie, however, could care less.

Lara and Sadie make a hilarious sparring duo, and at first it seems as though they have nothing in common. But as the mission to find Sadie's necklace leads to intrigue and a new romance for Lara, these very different "twenties" girls learn some surprising truths from each other along the way.

Written with all the irrepressible charm and humor that have made Sophie Kinsella's books beloved by millions, Twenties Girl is also a deeply moving testament to the transcendent bonds of friendship and family.



So, what to read next? I've been trying to get my hands on Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris. It's the latest in the Sookie Stackhouse series which is the bases for HBO's True Blood. I've loved the books and the show so far and I'm sure this book won't disappoint. However, it's been checked out of the library for a month and I keep forgetting to get it from my sister. So I guess I'll try to read one of the other books I borrowed from the library. I'll let you know how that goes. :)

February 11, 2010

SnowStorm in Texas!

In all of my 27 almost 28 ears I've never seen snow like this!!!!!!! It's awesome, baby!!!

Here's a pic of the boy and I in the snow.

February 9, 2010

8 months down 4 months to go!!!

Monkey is now 8 months old and I've been working on his 1st birthday party since he was 6 months old. I'm a weird over-achiever that likes to plan things way in advance.

It's monkey themed of course and the colors are blue and yellow. I've got everything picked out already!!! I'll be making the cupcakes. I'm planning on baking banana cupcakes with white chocolate frosting or maybe just vanilla. I want the frosting to be white so that I can tint it bright blue and bold yellow. I've got the great vison in my head of how its going to look and I think it will be great.

I can't believe my little baby is almost a year old. He has 2 bottom teeth!!! He's crawling and trying so hard to pull himself up. Monkey can say mama ,dada and makes lots of babbbling noises that sound like words. He waves at people and gets soooooo mad if I take something away from him. All this big boy behavior is creeping in and yet behind his ears he still has that sweet baby smell. Ok, so now that I've made myself tear up I'll share some pics of there birthday stuff.



16 & Pregnant Season 2

I sort of got sucked into the first season. I caught bits and pieces of the reruns. I felt empathy for Maci, loathed Farrah, annoyed by Amber and was proud of Catelynn. I never saw the other girls, Ebony and Whitney. I wanted these girls to do well. I wanted them to make good choices for themselves and their babies. I watched follow up series Teen Mom.

This time around there are 10 girls. It debutes February 16, 2010. I've been thinking that in the wake of high school pregnancy pacts and increasing teen pregnancies rates if this show is more harmful than helpful. It seems like more and more people want to be famous. I fear that some girls will get pregnant to be on this show.


As my mom would say, "babies shouldn't be having babies."

February 7, 2010

I'm not that kinda momma...

I would say don't judge me but it's bound to happen, so bring it on.

People are judgemental, it's in our nature. That's no big deal. However, it's when you treat someone badly or different because of your judgements that really matters. I will admit to being really judgemental but I don't treat others differently because I disagree with their parenting skills or lifestyle.

For the record and before I get too deep in this, I DO NOT intend this to be offensive to anyone. If you get offended get over it.

I don't feed Monkey organic baby food but I've given him food with added DHA.

I don't recycle. I start and stop. It's hard being the only one in the house that will stay on top of it.

I don't use special baby detergent, I just rinse his clothes twice and avoid dryer sheets for him.

I don't really baby wear. We have a snugli thing but its wonky. I wanted a moby but never managed to get one.

I breastfed my son for about 2 weeks. I only stopped because I was dying and the antibiotics I was on would have hurt him. If I had been able to I would have breastfed him until he was 6 months.

I co-slept with Monkey. It was the best thing ever for him and me. He is a few days from being 8 months old and is just now sleeping in his bed.

I use binkies. My son loves his and it helps him calm down. I do not use it to "shut him up". I will wean him from it when we are ready, however, it will be gone before he is two at the oldest.


I lean more towards attachment parenting than any other style. You might think I'm "spoiling" my child but I think I'm caring for him, letting him feel secure,loved and letting his trust in me grow.

I am thinking about extending the time Monkey is in a rear facing car-seat until he is about 18 months. It seems to be safer. I'm all for car safety.

I don't plan to child proof the heck out of the house. I'm not going to wrap every hard surface in foam or bubble wrap. I will cover outlets and get child safety locks on the doors and on cabinets.

That's just what works for us. I know every parent does things differently and every child is different. This is how Monkey and I make it work. He is a happy healthy boy.

Judge me if you will. Question me if you want.

February 6, 2010

That's not a hooker, it's my 5 year old!!!

Seriously, I know a lot of bloggers are covering this. So here's my take...

Little girls should not dress like porn stars! Their jeans shouldn't look like they are painted on. Call me a prude if you want too but when
I have a daughter she will not look or act like Paris Hilton, Brittany Spears or a hooker. Miley and Noah Cyrus I'm looking at you. Where is your mother and aren't you out past your bedtime? Did you get your homework done?! My mom would have grounded me until I was 18 if I even thought about dressing and acting like some one these girls.

Miley Cyrus is a horrible role model for little girls. Yet I know so many watch her little tv show and movie and listen to her music. Noah is following in her skanky footsteps. Noah has "released" a lingerie line for kids. Seems like every time I hear about Noah Cyrus she's doing something totally inappropriate for her age.

Whether it's dressing like a dominatrix for Halloween, skipping around a pole-dancing pole or performing the totally un-PG hits 'Smack That' and 'Tik Tok', I suspect this nine-year-old could easily notch up more scandals than her big sis by the time she hits her teens.



Dear Billy Ray and "Tish" Cyrus,
Please buy Noah and EasyBake oven and stop letting her dress like this. She is your daughter not your meal ticket.



What's next stripper poles in a 8 year olds bedroom?! Seriously.

January 19, 2010

I was bored


So I started messing with pics on photobucket. Here's one I came up with. I'd like to make it my blog badge thingy but I'm not sure how.


It says " my momma's nerdy" :P

I keep disappeasring on you guys.

Sorry about that. It's been busy over here. I've decided I'm not going to finish the how to find a daycare thing. It's lame. Hope no one is let down by this. I'm just not feeling it.

What I am feeling is tired. We've been a co-sleeping family and now I'm trying to get Monkey to sleep in his bed instead of ontop of me. He's not liking this one bit. He did great 2 night in a row and then all hell broke loose. This is not fun. I'm not using the cio method. We basically live in a one room apartment so this is even tougher than it could be. I'm thisclose to giving up.
Monkey is also trying to walk. If you hold his hands up and help him, he'll take a few steps. He also has two bottom teeth and is rocking bazck in forth trying to crawl. He's sooo big!!


Baby K arrived and everyone is doing well. My nephew is in love with his little sister just like everyone else. I can't wait till she gets more hair so she can wear those bows I made her!!!!

I really don't have much to write about as I am feeling rather blah today. I'm trying to pick a new car seat out. It's so tough!!! Monkey's infant seat was easy since it was a gift.I need help from more experienced mommies!!! I'd really like a seat that can be used up to 80 or 100 lbs but I want a good deal too. Any ideas out there?

January 13, 2010

How to pick a great childcare center for your kids. Part One.

I have worked in 3 childcare centers for a total of 6 almost 7 years. I've seen the good the bad and the ugly of day-cares. I have the inside scoop. So what should a parent look for? How should you go about finding a daycare? Well ask your friends, look the centers up online,and use your states family and protective services website to look up the centers rating. (For Texas go to http://www.dfps.state.tx.us.

One of the most important things to consider is the workers. What the education level/experience? Do they like children? * Yes, I realize that seems like a silly question. However with the high turnover rate and low requirements sometimes people just take the job to have a job.* Make sure you meet the person that will be your child's teacher. Also, it helps to meet the teachers that teach one class younger and one class level older. I say this because sometimes ratios are off and a child may be bumped up or down until the ratio gets balanced. Look at the teacher, is she dressed in something that will allow her to play with the children? Does she have 5 inch long talons? * Yes, I've seen it * Also look at the turnover rate, how long has that teacher been there.

For the most part look for a daycare teacher that smiles when your child comes in to the room, someone that makes an effort to get to know your child, and trust your gut on this. This is the person you're entrusting your child with for at most 12 hours a day, 5 days a week.

When on the tour of the center, look around, ask questions and listen to whom every is giving the tour. I personally think you should visit the center twice or three times. Try to go at different times of the day too. Keep in mind that mornings until 9am are busy, lunch is usually between 11-12 with nap time beginning at 12:30 and ending at 2:30, and 3 to close is also busy with kids coming in from school and other children leaving for the day. I personally would go at 9am, 2pm and 4pm. This would give you a great sense of what your child's day would be like.

I hope this helps someone and please ask any questions you may have. I'll be writing part two later this week.

January 10, 2010

It's been a little while but I'm back.

Yesterday was the shower for Baby K. It was so much fun. My sister got some cute little pink clothes for Baby K. I won a prize for the best drawing of baby. We had to hold a piece of paper on top of our heads and draw a baby body part by body part. My drawing was cute even if the baby had an arm where the ear should be. :) The hostess was Krissy's best friend and my other little "sister". She did a great job. She's adorable.

I'm on face-book like many other people. Like many I've gotten sucked in those application games. I <3 Cafe World and Farmville. It's simple and addictive. I used to play World of Warcraft. That was before C moved in,before I had the baby and when I had extra mad money. World of Warcraft is addictive and time consuming. OMG. It takes forever to do anything on that game. Luckily, those facebook games don't take that much time to reach a goal or complete a task. I told you guys I was a nerd!!!

So tomorrow around noon, I will become an aunt again. Baby K will be arriving! I'm so excited. I'm also so very happy for my sister and her little family. I love being Aunt Jenna, or as the little man calls me, GiGi. Also tomorrow I have to call and withdrawl from school. There was an issue with my finicial aid being complete on time and I couldn't pay out of pcoket until it kicks in. So, I'm postponing school just to get all of that straightened out. This is just a temporary setback and I will go back to school and I will have my degree by the time I'm 30. That gives me two years to finish all of this. I hope I can do it.

Tomorrow if I have time around all the baby excitment I will be writing a post about finding the right daycare.

January 5, 2010

Free Range Mothering?

I'm watching Dr.Phil. I hate Dr Phil. However, I was totally sucked in by this topic. I'll probably fall into the "helicopter mom" style but maybe not that extreme. But this whole movement is about giving your children freedom and trusting their judgement.One mom lets her children walk by themselves to a friends house and she doesn't worry if she doesn't hear from them. No news is good news to her...REALLY?!?! Are you kidding me? You're going to let your 10 year old son leave the house and not check in? How long would she let that go before she got worried? One hour? One day?! I think at the least make them call you when they get to the friends house. I feel the world isn't as safe as it used to be. I feel uneasy with the idea of children walking the streets with out supervision. I believe in educating children on how to protect themselves.I don't think you should terrify your child. However, I also believe my child's safety is a top priority. Maybe I watch too much CNN or HLN. When I think about all the children that have gone missing over the past year, it breaks my heart. Their mothers probably thought they were safe and nothing would happen.

I would much rather be slightly over-protective than so under protective that I don't know where my ten old year is or let my 9 year old ride the subway or more locally the DART bus alone.

I'm all for teaching and giving idependence but there's a line. Maybe I'm just scared.



If you guys want to read about Free-Range Kids heres a website about it
http://freerangekids.wordpress.com/

January 2, 2010

Resolutions... Do ya have them?!

I don't. Resolutions suck ass. I feel like I have enough pressure on me without adding to it. I beat myself up enough, why promise to do something and then feel like crap when I fail? Well, this year I'm not making any. None at all. I'm just going to continue to leave. I'm not going to promise myself I'll drink more water, or that I'll lose weight. I'm just going to keep on trucking. *hehe*


How about you guys? What do you resolve to do or become? Are you going to lose that last 10 pounds? Are you going to go green?

I'm making wishes for this year.

I wish this year holds more hope and joy for everyone and less heartaches and breaks.