Just a few thoughts on the past year. Yes, it's one hour 'til midnight on New Year's Eve... I guess this is what people do when they have toddlers and babies.
1. Hey, 2009, thanks for letting my boy be born. That was pretty much the only good thing about you. Obama's induction, deployments, housing crisis, and many people dying... yeah, that all sucked.
2. Dear 2010, try not to f*ck it up.
3. Replays in video games are stupid. It's not real life. I don't really care what some fictional 2D character did.
4. Is 11pm too late to chow down on pita chips and hummus?
5. Tax time = Mac time. I tried. I really did. I wanted to give you, PC, the benefit of the doubt, promising myself it would be different this time, but it wasn't. You crapped yourself in April, and now you're left retarded. I'll never go back.
6. This is the year Father Time will be smacking me upside the head with an anvil. The past couple of years has aged me quickly (I feel), and I'm getting to be an old fart. The three-oh awaits.
7. Perhaps this year, I'll sleep through the night.
8. At the start of this year, we celebrated with LB in Hawaii. Now, we are celebrating with LB and JC, sans Puppy :(, in California. Can 2010 please not be filled with an insane amount of life-changes?
9. 2010 will be the year of shedding. Planning on shedding some hair (especially after LB recently pulled a fist full out during a tantrum), shedding some baby stuff, and shedding weight (big one).
12/31/09
12/29/09
Bye bye, Puppy
Today, Hubby and I gave Puppy away to the SPCA. I cried a lot. He was a great dog, but was becoming increasingly mentally insane. Every time we'd move (which was often), his separation anxiety would get worse. Now, he'll bark whenever we're not home, so even going to the store makes for angry neighbors. Just this past weekend, we tried to go to San Fran, and came home to angry letters from neighbors and a visit from Animal Control.
Lovely.
So, poor Puppy had to go. My family offered to take him, but that's not realistic, since he'd have to fly (which makes him worse). Plus, the problem wouldn't be solved. The dog needs constant attention.
I think maybe getting him at five weeks old started the separation anxiety. Way too early for a pup.
But he was a good dog. Great with the babies, great with people, very soft and furry (although he shed a lot and his hair was everywhere), and generally calm. He kept me from going insane in 2006, although he was driving me insane in HI. He really deserves a more stable environment, some place to run around, maybe with other dogs. I hope he finds a great family out here- I'm sure he'll get adopted quickly.
Bye bye, Puppy- I'll miss you and hope you have a happy life!
Lovely.
So, poor Puppy had to go. My family offered to take him, but that's not realistic, since he'd have to fly (which makes him worse). Plus, the problem wouldn't be solved. The dog needs constant attention.
I think maybe getting him at five weeks old started the separation anxiety. Way too early for a pup.
But he was a good dog. Great with the babies, great with people, very soft and furry (although he shed a lot and his hair was everywhere), and generally calm. He kept me from going insane in 2006, although he was driving me insane in HI. He really deserves a more stable environment, some place to run around, maybe with other dogs. I hope he finds a great family out here- I'm sure he'll get adopted quickly.
Bye bye, Puppy- I'll miss you and hope you have a happy life!
12/25/09
Merry Christmas!
This year, LB really got into the holiday. He didn't realize that Santa had come and brought presents, but he loved ripping the paper and finding out what was inside. Unfortunately, every present that was opened was a little too intruiging- he would play with that toy and cry and get angry when we took it away to unwrap more. It's like he didn't realize there were more toys to unwrap!
JC was just chilling out most of the time. He doesn't know what's going on, so LB "helped" by opening his presents for him. So cute. We taped most of it, but we're still trying to figure out how to transfer the video onto our computer.... damn PC, we had no trouble with the Mac!
Hubby got to work right away, setting up the toys and putting things together. I cooked a lot today- eggnog french toast w/ eggs for breakfast, then a big dinner- slow cooked ham (SO GOOD!), green beans, butternut squash soup, rolls, salad, and wine. Oh, and can't forget the chocolate cream pie for dessert. This may be my last one, though. I still can't really get it right- it's like my bane. Funny- I can make more complicated stuff, but for some reason success with the chocolate cream pie is elusive. Will be posting recipe for the ham, though. It was the first time I made it, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Of course, we called our families, too. My family was all together, so I got to speak with them all. They really miss the boys. Some longtime family friends of ours happen to live about 14 miles from us, so they invited us over for Christmas Eve. It's funny- I hadn't seen them in 23 years, and they saw the boys, but our own families couldn't!
I'm pretty tired. I'm sure I'll post more when I'm more awake, but it's been a long day. :) The boys were ridiculously adorable, and LB really kept us busy. I hope you all had a good holiday!
JC was just chilling out most of the time. He doesn't know what's going on, so LB "helped" by opening his presents for him. So cute. We taped most of it, but we're still trying to figure out how to transfer the video onto our computer.... damn PC, we had no trouble with the Mac!
Hubby got to work right away, setting up the toys and putting things together. I cooked a lot today- eggnog french toast w/ eggs for breakfast, then a big dinner- slow cooked ham (SO GOOD!), green beans, butternut squash soup, rolls, salad, and wine. Oh, and can't forget the chocolate cream pie for dessert. This may be my last one, though. I still can't really get it right- it's like my bane. Funny- I can make more complicated stuff, but for some reason success with the chocolate cream pie is elusive. Will be posting recipe for the ham, though. It was the first time I made it, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Of course, we called our families, too. My family was all together, so I got to speak with them all. They really miss the boys. Some longtime family friends of ours happen to live about 14 miles from us, so they invited us over for Christmas Eve. It's funny- I hadn't seen them in 23 years, and they saw the boys, but our own families couldn't!
I'm pretty tired. I'm sure I'll post more when I'm more awake, but it's been a long day. :) The boys were ridiculously adorable, and LB really kept us busy. I hope you all had a good holiday!
12/11/09
My kid is a cracker-tarian.
LB isn't a vegetarian, or a carnivore, or an herbivore. He's what I call a cracker-tarian.
The kid only eats foods that are brown or tan and very crispy and crunchy... aka, crackers. He'll drink milk and eat yogurt, which I'm thankful for, but forget meat and veggies (and some fruits). So I set out on a quest to make him eat veggies.
First, I tried to offer them nicely. Didn't work. Then I demanded he eat them. We had a two day standoff where I only fed him veggies and he didn't eat a single thing. Concerned about his health, I gave in. Next, I checked out Jessica Seinfeld's cookbook, Deceptively Delicious. LB wouldn't eat anything I cooked from that cookbook. I think those recipes would work wonders for kids who are a tiny bit older.
Finally, about to lose my mind, Hubby and I came up with an idea. What if we made a smoothie in the morning and snuck in veggies? Hubby made one concoction, but LB didn't like the texture. I don't blame him- I'm not a pulp person, either. But I thought it was a good idea and we could make it work with a little more ingenuity. Sooooo...
the LB Smoothie was born!
Here's the recipe (I don't measure, so it's approximate, but you can always tweak it):
2 scoops Gerber Banana-Orange medley baby food (about 1/2 cup)
1 scoop Gerber Mixed Vegetables baby food (about 1/4 cup)
2 scoops vanilla yogurt (about 1/2 cup)
8 oz whole milk
Pour it all in a large glass and blend with an immersion blender (or blend it in a blender, whatever). Serve in a really cool sippy cup or something with a cool straw.
LB always asks for seconds! Make sure to use all Stage 1 foods, so they blend really well and don't leave a bunch of chunks. And I haven't played with different fruits, but I'm sure it would taste just as yummy with pears or something. I've tasted it myself, to make sure it doesn't taste too vegetable-y, and I'd totally drink this in the morning, and it's wicked easy to make. Hope this helps any moms of cracker-tarians.
The kid only eats foods that are brown or tan and very crispy and crunchy... aka, crackers. He'll drink milk and eat yogurt, which I'm thankful for, but forget meat and veggies (and some fruits). So I set out on a quest to make him eat veggies.
First, I tried to offer them nicely. Didn't work. Then I demanded he eat them. We had a two day standoff where I only fed him veggies and he didn't eat a single thing. Concerned about his health, I gave in. Next, I checked out Jessica Seinfeld's cookbook, Deceptively Delicious. LB wouldn't eat anything I cooked from that cookbook. I think those recipes would work wonders for kids who are a tiny bit older.
Finally, about to lose my mind, Hubby and I came up with an idea. What if we made a smoothie in the morning and snuck in veggies? Hubby made one concoction, but LB didn't like the texture. I don't blame him- I'm not a pulp person, either. But I thought it was a good idea and we could make it work with a little more ingenuity. Sooooo...
the LB Smoothie was born!
Here's the recipe (I don't measure, so it's approximate, but you can always tweak it):
2 scoops Gerber Banana-Orange medley baby food (about 1/2 cup)
1 scoop Gerber Mixed Vegetables baby food (about 1/4 cup)
2 scoops vanilla yogurt (about 1/2 cup)
8 oz whole milk
Pour it all in a large glass and blend with an immersion blender (or blend it in a blender, whatever). Serve in a really cool sippy cup or something with a cool straw.
LB always asks for seconds! Make sure to use all Stage 1 foods, so they blend really well and don't leave a bunch of chunks. And I haven't played with different fruits, but I'm sure it would taste just as yummy with pears or something. I've tasted it myself, to make sure it doesn't taste too vegetable-y, and I'd totally drink this in the morning, and it's wicked easy to make. Hope this helps any moms of cracker-tarians.
12/9/09
Goin' back to Cali
Yes, I quoted LL Cool J. Ha. This will be long, so I've broken it down into chapters. Hope that doesn't seem to ridiculous, but I thought it would be easier that way.
Chapter 1- The Flights
Well, we are finally in CA. As you know from my previous post, we stayed in a hotel in Hawaii for a few days before our flight. It was surreal to sit at the airport with the luggage and kids, waiting for Hubby to return our rental car, and see one last sunset on the island. I wondered how long it would be before I could sit outside on a warm night again.
Once we got through security and dropped Puppy off, we had about an hour to kill. The boys were tired, so we scouted a quiet area of the airport to relax. LB fell asleep for a little bit, but JC was grumpy. I quickly found out why after he had a huge explosive poop... right on me. His whole outfit was ruined- I had to through it away. Luckily I had an extra sweater on me, so the poor kid wasn't completely naked. But you'd think I'd learned my lesson traveling with kids- always bring extra clothes. It wasn't until I cleaned JC up when I realized the poop had soaked through my jeans as well. Great. So before we even left the airport, I was already stinking of nasty poop. Hubby thought that was hysterical.
The first flight to San Fran went well. The plane was huge (777), quiet, and dark, so the boys slept a lot, as did Hubby. For some reason, I couldn't sleep much. Maybe I smelled too much. I managed to get about an hour in. Once we arrived in SFO, both boys needed to be changed... more poop. Sheesh. During our layover, LB rode the moving sidewalk about, oh, a bazillion times. But at least it kept him busy and not whining too much. JC and Hubby managed to get more shut-eye.
The flight into Monterey was ridiculously short. We were in a very small prop plane, but since it was lower to the ground, we could see the coastline. Very pretty. What wasn't too pretty was what awaited us at MRY. Our suitcases all arrived quickly and in great shape, but poor Puppy didn't. As soon as they brought him in, I could smell the poop. Ugh, more poop. We loaded everything in the rental SUV, poop smell and all, and got to the Motel 6. I really wanted a shower after being in poop-covered jeans for the past 12 hours, but Hubby used up all the shampoo and soap we had cleaning the dog.
Did I say the Best Western was crappy? That was the friggin Four Seasons compared to this. Small, dirty, old, yucky, blech. And to make it even more nasty, Puppy had a massive case of diarreah for over 24 hours... and pooped multiple times on the carpet.
The trip would have been a piece of cake if it weren't for all the poop!
Chapter 2- Carmel Valley
The day after we arrived, we saw the house and immediately moved in. No more nasty Motel 6. Our landlords lent us a bunch of household stuff, like things to sleep on and dishes and a bassinet for JC. Super-nice people, we're so lucky to be renting from them. They had decided to put new carpet in, so we delayed our stuff until after that, as to not cause more chaos.
I'm glad we waited, because the company that delivered our goods was a wreck. I had called JPPSO (the Navy end of the move) to let them know the house was tucked away and couldn't accommodate large trucks. Hubby and I called the moving company several times, telling them no large trucks. Well, they brought them anyway, and despite my landlord being present and telling them "no", they brought our stuff to the house... and nearly lost the entire shipment. Our driveway curves around a cliff, and the back wheels of the truck were thisclose to falling off the cliff. Not to mention they cracked the concrete over our waterline and kicked a bunch of supporting rocks down the ravine. And why? Because they had brought a 26 foot moving truck!
Arguments ensued. Nasty words were hurled at each other. I kept the boys indoors, letting the men duke it out, until our landlord left. Our stuff came mostly in one piece, although our Blu-ray player suffered the most damage (dammit!). We haven't turned it on to see if it works, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Hubby and I decided to unpack all the boxes ourselves, so the moving morons could just get out of here. It took several days, but it felt like Christmas, since I hadn't seen our stuff in over a month!
The house is looking good now. Our bed frame also suffered some damage, but nothing Hubby can't fix. The Christmas tree and decorations are up. Comcast installed our cable and internet today. Everything is in order, except the laundry situation. The house was built in the 80s, and has a three-prong plug for the dryer. Our dryer has a four-prong plug, because it takes more amps or something (Hubby explained the reasoning, but I forgot... all I know is it would be a pain in the a$$ to make compatible). We can't use the dryer, so I have to line-dry everything. Not bad, just not as easy as throwing everything in the dryer. Plus, I miss that Bounce smell.
But overall, we are in love with the place!
Chapter 3- Cali Living
Now that the big move is over, we have been able to enjoy what the community has to offer. Carmel Valley is full of little shops. There isn't a McDonald's in sight. There are tons of wineries, farms, galleries, antiques, etc. There is one big grocery store, but we do most of the shopping at the commissary anyway. I love the small town feel of the place. It's been pretty evident that everyone knows everyone, and the residents here are some of the nicest (and normal) people I've met.
We live adjacent to Garland Park, so we've been on the trails. It's very beautiful. We also did the tourist thing and drove 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, checked out Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf, and popped into a local winery (Boekenoogen... I love saying that). We took the boys to see the Christmas tree lighting in the valley, and played in the local park. We also bought our first antique furniture- a red hutch for the kitchen. It really serves a dual purpose, since we needed it to fill a space for the baby gate. But it also looks really cute.
Hubby is in AZ this week, visiting his dad, so I've been with the boys. They're two of the most adorable boys in the world. LB is getting into his terrible 2's phase, which according to my mom I never got into. It must be from Hubby. JC is an eating machine- he is in the 95th percentile for height and weight for his age. We've come to calling him Man-baby, since he's so huge. :) The boys charm everyone they meet, especially the little old ladies at the grocery store.
LB learned this week how to use a spoon and fork, although he holds the spoon upside down. We have some very messy yogurt meals. He loves using the fork- he'll even try to stab his crackers. He understands way more than he says- he can put away all the blue blocks if I ask him. He knows his colors and letters very well and can pick them out in everyday items, like find an "n" in a magazine ad. He loves to say "no" now, and has replaced signing "more" by saying it... although it sounds a lot like "bar". But we know what he means. Hubby had to unscrew all the lightbulbs in his room, since he would turn them all on after being put to bed. He also replaced all the doorknobs on the lower level of the house with locking ones. It's a little annoying to have to keep keys on me, but at least it keeps LB from wandering outside. The park is very large and undeveloped, so he could get lost easily.
JC is getting cuter by the day. He's not even three months and already almost 15 pounds. He's more vocal than LB was. He's also a lot more needy and clingier, but I don't mind cuddling up with a little baby. :) He loves watching LB play and talk and sometimes he'll smile at him. He hasn't rolled over yet... probably because his hugeness is getting in the way, ha. But I can see him try.
As for me, my quest to lose weight continues. I weigh 162 now, a little less than a few weeks ago. But once we have a schedule set here, and I'm able to get to the gym, hopefully that number will continue to improve. I've set up a music stand and my flute upstairs and have been playing a little bit. It's hard with the two boys, since one of them will need my attention at almost all times. But just the other day I was able to play for twenty minutes. I haven't been sleeping well, but that's old news. JC wakes up once or twice at night. A few times, he slept right until 6am, but not lately. But even when he sleeps soundly, I still wake up- maybe out of habit.
Hubby is doing well. Like I said, he's in AZ right now, but once he's back, we're taking the boys to see Santa fly in on a helicopter to Carmel Valley, then we'll watch the Christmas parade downtown. Hubby has been working out a lot and eating well, which has been great for him. When he was on the boat, his health deteriorated. It's funny- the military wants their guys to be fit and in shape, but they don't invest in the health of them to keep them that way, like feeding them good food. Anyway, he's been taking advantage of the healthy lifestyle in CA by hiking and visiting organic farms. He's also become quite a paradox- a generally conservative person living a slightly hippie life. He bought biodegradable dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent and has been a recycling fiend. But it's what he wanted to do all along in HI, and just now has the resources for it all. He also took the bike out once, but it's a little too cold for motorcycles right now. But how could he resist? :)
The End
Chapter 1- The Flights
Well, we are finally in CA. As you know from my previous post, we stayed in a hotel in Hawaii for a few days before our flight. It was surreal to sit at the airport with the luggage and kids, waiting for Hubby to return our rental car, and see one last sunset on the island. I wondered how long it would be before I could sit outside on a warm night again.
Once we got through security and dropped Puppy off, we had about an hour to kill. The boys were tired, so we scouted a quiet area of the airport to relax. LB fell asleep for a little bit, but JC was grumpy. I quickly found out why after he had a huge explosive poop... right on me. His whole outfit was ruined- I had to through it away. Luckily I had an extra sweater on me, so the poor kid wasn't completely naked. But you'd think I'd learned my lesson traveling with kids- always bring extra clothes. It wasn't until I cleaned JC up when I realized the poop had soaked through my jeans as well. Great. So before we even left the airport, I was already stinking of nasty poop. Hubby thought that was hysterical.
The first flight to San Fran went well. The plane was huge (777), quiet, and dark, so the boys slept a lot, as did Hubby. For some reason, I couldn't sleep much. Maybe I smelled too much. I managed to get about an hour in. Once we arrived in SFO, both boys needed to be changed... more poop. Sheesh. During our layover, LB rode the moving sidewalk about, oh, a bazillion times. But at least it kept him busy and not whining too much. JC and Hubby managed to get more shut-eye.
The flight into Monterey was ridiculously short. We were in a very small prop plane, but since it was lower to the ground, we could see the coastline. Very pretty. What wasn't too pretty was what awaited us at MRY. Our suitcases all arrived quickly and in great shape, but poor Puppy didn't. As soon as they brought him in, I could smell the poop. Ugh, more poop. We loaded everything in the rental SUV, poop smell and all, and got to the Motel 6. I really wanted a shower after being in poop-covered jeans for the past 12 hours, but Hubby used up all the shampoo and soap we had cleaning the dog.
Did I say the Best Western was crappy? That was the friggin Four Seasons compared to this. Small, dirty, old, yucky, blech. And to make it even more nasty, Puppy had a massive case of diarreah for over 24 hours... and pooped multiple times on the carpet.
The trip would have been a piece of cake if it weren't for all the poop!
Chapter 2- Carmel Valley
The day after we arrived, we saw the house and immediately moved in. No more nasty Motel 6. Our landlords lent us a bunch of household stuff, like things to sleep on and dishes and a bassinet for JC. Super-nice people, we're so lucky to be renting from them. They had decided to put new carpet in, so we delayed our stuff until after that, as to not cause more chaos.
I'm glad we waited, because the company that delivered our goods was a wreck. I had called JPPSO (the Navy end of the move) to let them know the house was tucked away and couldn't accommodate large trucks. Hubby and I called the moving company several times, telling them no large trucks. Well, they brought them anyway, and despite my landlord being present and telling them "no", they brought our stuff to the house... and nearly lost the entire shipment. Our driveway curves around a cliff, and the back wheels of the truck were thisclose to falling off the cliff. Not to mention they cracked the concrete over our waterline and kicked a bunch of supporting rocks down the ravine. And why? Because they had brought a 26 foot moving truck!
Arguments ensued. Nasty words were hurled at each other. I kept the boys indoors, letting the men duke it out, until our landlord left. Our stuff came mostly in one piece, although our Blu-ray player suffered the most damage (dammit!). We haven't turned it on to see if it works, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Hubby and I decided to unpack all the boxes ourselves, so the moving morons could just get out of here. It took several days, but it felt like Christmas, since I hadn't seen our stuff in over a month!
The house is looking good now. Our bed frame also suffered some damage, but nothing Hubby can't fix. The Christmas tree and decorations are up. Comcast installed our cable and internet today. Everything is in order, except the laundry situation. The house was built in the 80s, and has a three-prong plug for the dryer. Our dryer has a four-prong plug, because it takes more amps or something (Hubby explained the reasoning, but I forgot... all I know is it would be a pain in the a$$ to make compatible). We can't use the dryer, so I have to line-dry everything. Not bad, just not as easy as throwing everything in the dryer. Plus, I miss that Bounce smell.
But overall, we are in love with the place!
Chapter 3- Cali Living
Now that the big move is over, we have been able to enjoy what the community has to offer. Carmel Valley is full of little shops. There isn't a McDonald's in sight. There are tons of wineries, farms, galleries, antiques, etc. There is one big grocery store, but we do most of the shopping at the commissary anyway. I love the small town feel of the place. It's been pretty evident that everyone knows everyone, and the residents here are some of the nicest (and normal) people I've met.
We live adjacent to Garland Park, so we've been on the trails. It's very beautiful. We also did the tourist thing and drove 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, checked out Cannery Row and Fisherman's Wharf, and popped into a local winery (Boekenoogen... I love saying that). We took the boys to see the Christmas tree lighting in the valley, and played in the local park. We also bought our first antique furniture- a red hutch for the kitchen. It really serves a dual purpose, since we needed it to fill a space for the baby gate. But it also looks really cute.
Hubby is in AZ this week, visiting his dad, so I've been with the boys. They're two of the most adorable boys in the world. LB is getting into his terrible 2's phase, which according to my mom I never got into. It must be from Hubby. JC is an eating machine- he is in the 95th percentile for height and weight for his age. We've come to calling him Man-baby, since he's so huge. :) The boys charm everyone they meet, especially the little old ladies at the grocery store.
LB learned this week how to use a spoon and fork, although he holds the spoon upside down. We have some very messy yogurt meals. He loves using the fork- he'll even try to stab his crackers. He understands way more than he says- he can put away all the blue blocks if I ask him. He knows his colors and letters very well and can pick them out in everyday items, like find an "n" in a magazine ad. He loves to say "no" now, and has replaced signing "more" by saying it... although it sounds a lot like "bar". But we know what he means. Hubby had to unscrew all the lightbulbs in his room, since he would turn them all on after being put to bed. He also replaced all the doorknobs on the lower level of the house with locking ones. It's a little annoying to have to keep keys on me, but at least it keeps LB from wandering outside. The park is very large and undeveloped, so he could get lost easily.
JC is getting cuter by the day. He's not even three months and already almost 15 pounds. He's more vocal than LB was. He's also a lot more needy and clingier, but I don't mind cuddling up with a little baby. :) He loves watching LB play and talk and sometimes he'll smile at him. He hasn't rolled over yet... probably because his hugeness is getting in the way, ha. But I can see him try.
As for me, my quest to lose weight continues. I weigh 162 now, a little less than a few weeks ago. But once we have a schedule set here, and I'm able to get to the gym, hopefully that number will continue to improve. I've set up a music stand and my flute upstairs and have been playing a little bit. It's hard with the two boys, since one of them will need my attention at almost all times. But just the other day I was able to play for twenty minutes. I haven't been sleeping well, but that's old news. JC wakes up once or twice at night. A few times, he slept right until 6am, but not lately. But even when he sleeps soundly, I still wake up- maybe out of habit.
Hubby is doing well. Like I said, he's in AZ right now, but once he's back, we're taking the boys to see Santa fly in on a helicopter to Carmel Valley, then we'll watch the Christmas parade downtown. Hubby has been working out a lot and eating well, which has been great for him. When he was on the boat, his health deteriorated. It's funny- the military wants their guys to be fit and in shape, but they don't invest in the health of them to keep them that way, like feeding them good food. Anyway, he's been taking advantage of the healthy lifestyle in CA by hiking and visiting organic farms. He's also become quite a paradox- a generally conservative person living a slightly hippie life. He bought biodegradable dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent and has been a recycling fiend. But it's what he wanted to do all along in HI, and just now has the resources for it all. He also took the bike out once, but it's a little too cold for motorcycles right now. But how could he resist? :)
The End
11/18/09
Best? Western
Hubby and I made a last minute decision yesterday to move from our house into the hotel room. In hindsight, we should have made the decision earlier. I was able to stay with the boys and our stuff out of the house while he did a mad clean of the place. I kind of felt like a fleeing fugative! But it worked out well, since he had duty last night, and our inspection is today.
The hotel kinda sucks. I had heard that it was okay, and maybe the newer rooms in the high rise part are okay. But considering we have a dog, they probably decided to put us in the older rooms... which reek of old cigarette smoke and is pretty yucky. In short, I wouldn't want to stay here again.
But luckily it's only until Friday night. Then we're on a plane and checking out another cheap hotel in CA. :P
Having all four of us plus the dog in one hotel room is pretty ridiculous. LB is sleeping in the pack n play, JC is sleeping in the middle of one bed, and Hubby and I are in the other bed. Puppy just sleeps wherever, but I trip on him getting up in the middle of the night to feed JC.
Can't wait to get into a house...
The hotel kinda sucks. I had heard that it was okay, and maybe the newer rooms in the high rise part are okay. But considering we have a dog, they probably decided to put us in the older rooms... which reek of old cigarette smoke and is pretty yucky. In short, I wouldn't want to stay here again.
But luckily it's only until Friday night. Then we're on a plane and checking out another cheap hotel in CA. :P
Having all four of us plus the dog in one hotel room is pretty ridiculous. LB is sleeping in the pack n play, JC is sleeping in the middle of one bed, and Hubby and I are in the other bed. Puppy just sleeps wherever, but I trip on him getting up in the middle of the night to feed JC.
Can't wait to get into a house...
11/12/09
YESSSSSSSSSS!!!
JC slept from 8pm to 5:30am last night. YAY!!!
I didn't wake up once. Usually when he sleeps a lot, I wake up when he normally would, wondering why he wasn't crying or making noise. But last night, when he finally woke me up, I wandered into the kitchen to see that it was 5:23am. Hooray!
Hubby was already awake- he has duty today and needed to run the PRT, so it was an early day. I figured I'd try to sleep again, but JC wanted to eat and eat and eat some more. He ended up drinking an entire bottle in one sitting.
By the time Hubby got back for his shower, it was 7am. I was waking up and both boys were waking up, so we were able to drop Hubby off at work so we could have the car today.
Overall, a great day so far. And much needed, since there aren't many of them lately! :)
I didn't wake up once. Usually when he sleeps a lot, I wake up when he normally would, wondering why he wasn't crying or making noise. But last night, when he finally woke me up, I wandered into the kitchen to see that it was 5:23am. Hooray!
Hubby was already awake- he has duty today and needed to run the PRT, so it was an early day. I figured I'd try to sleep again, but JC wanted to eat and eat and eat some more. He ended up drinking an entire bottle in one sitting.
By the time Hubby got back for his shower, it was 7am. I was waking up and both boys were waking up, so we were able to drop Hubby off at work so we could have the car today.
Overall, a great day so far. And much needed, since there aren't many of them lately! :)
11/10/09
Unconditional vs. conditional love
I read an article recently about a woman whose boyfriend had told her that he desired her less because she had gained weight. She went into great detail about how she was hurt and had an anxiety attack, but eventually agreed with him, saying that it was unfair to people in general to attract a SO with their body, then deny that feeling ever existed.
I wanted to believe her. Really. I wanted to think that something like this could be resolved by something so easy. Losing weight is difficult, but it's not as difficult to deal with as, for example, emotional baggage or abuse. But she hit the nail on the head when she said it seemed so "conditional."
So that got me thinking: which relationships are conditional or unconditional, and should the all-important one of a SO be conditional or unconditional? I realized that her weight had little to do with her SO's feelings, and more to do with his "love" for her.
To me, unconditional love is "I care about how you feel." Conditional love is "I care about how you make me feel." It's more selfish than unconditional. Was this guy being selfish by telling his gf that he wasn't attracted to her because she had put on weight? Probably. He was thinking about himself and not her.
Which made me analyze my relationships in my life. Did I have any unconditional love?
My first thought was my family. No matter what I've done or said, they love me and tell me that and show it all the time. I feel that is unconditional love. They may not like everything I've done or said, but they make an effort to forgive and love me in spite of it.
My second thought was my friend GA. We'd been friends since middle school. There are times we have disagreed on major topics, but we've been respectful enough to express our views, listen to the other, then agree to disagree. I can't think of a time we've had a huge fight, or any time we've ever said or done something hurtful to each other. We think of each other all the time, and that I feel is also unconditional love.
Then I thought of Hubby. I wondered why I thought of him third... I always thought we had unconditional love for each other, but when I reflect back, there have been times I have felt conditionally loved. They involved major disagreements, usually about my weight, and it felt extremely similar to what the author of the article had written. So was this a bad thing, that we had unconditional love at times and conditional love at times?
At first, I thought yes, it was bad. Husbands and wives should love their SO no matter what. But these relationships are not the same as any other because of the intimacy factor. Should that necessarily change the love we receive? I don't know. But I do know that he has never put conditions on me as a person. Maybe it's okay to have conditional love on a superficial level with your SO... after all, it's not like your other relationships see you nekkid.
But what will it take for a SO to love you unconditionally? Is that only reserved for the supermodels of the world? What about the rest of us average people?
I wanted to believe her. Really. I wanted to think that something like this could be resolved by something so easy. Losing weight is difficult, but it's not as difficult to deal with as, for example, emotional baggage or abuse. But she hit the nail on the head when she said it seemed so "conditional."
So that got me thinking: which relationships are conditional or unconditional, and should the all-important one of a SO be conditional or unconditional? I realized that her weight had little to do with her SO's feelings, and more to do with his "love" for her.
To me, unconditional love is "I care about how you feel." Conditional love is "I care about how you make me feel." It's more selfish than unconditional. Was this guy being selfish by telling his gf that he wasn't attracted to her because she had put on weight? Probably. He was thinking about himself and not her.
Which made me analyze my relationships in my life. Did I have any unconditional love?
My first thought was my family. No matter what I've done or said, they love me and tell me that and show it all the time. I feel that is unconditional love. They may not like everything I've done or said, but they make an effort to forgive and love me in spite of it.
My second thought was my friend GA. We'd been friends since middle school. There are times we have disagreed on major topics, but we've been respectful enough to express our views, listen to the other, then agree to disagree. I can't think of a time we've had a huge fight, or any time we've ever said or done something hurtful to each other. We think of each other all the time, and that I feel is also unconditional love.
Then I thought of Hubby. I wondered why I thought of him third... I always thought we had unconditional love for each other, but when I reflect back, there have been times I have felt conditionally loved. They involved major disagreements, usually about my weight, and it felt extremely similar to what the author of the article had written. So was this a bad thing, that we had unconditional love at times and conditional love at times?
At first, I thought yes, it was bad. Husbands and wives should love their SO no matter what. But these relationships are not the same as any other because of the intimacy factor. Should that necessarily change the love we receive? I don't know. But I do know that he has never put conditions on me as a person. Maybe it's okay to have conditional love on a superficial level with your SO... after all, it's not like your other relationships see you nekkid.
But what will it take for a SO to love you unconditionally? Is that only reserved for the supermodels of the world? What about the rest of us average people?
11/9/09
I don't get it.
I don't understand what goes on in the world. It's too tough to figure out, which makes me frustrated.
There has been bad news around me for a little while now. My friend LL recently had a baby. He was a little bit premature, and once he was born, they discovered a few things. The most noticeable one was the fact that he didn't have a right eyeball. They also discovered a heart issue (something about the right and left ventricles having space or something), then he was put on a ventilator, then his white blood count was out of whack, and now they say he has bleeding in his brain and something about his "white matter" not developing properly.
LL is a dietician. She's a very smart, responsible person. It blows my mind that this happens to someone like that, meanwhile worthless idiots seem to have perfectly healthy babies (which they later mess up by feeding them crap and letting them sit around playing video games... but that's for a different post). It doesn't seem fair at all.
Another not-fair thing was the death of a high school classmate. He and I weren't close- in fact, we only shared one class, and that was middle school band. But my high school wasn't big, and I definitely remember him well. He was 30. Thirty! WTF?? How do things happen like this to young, healthy people? It's so sad and ridiculously unfair.
And to hear about the details of the Fort Hood murders was crazy. The guy was supposed to be a psychiatrist, when he himself needed therapy! I just don't understand it.
How do you make sense out of things like this? I drank while I was (unknowingly) pregnant with JC. I skipped my prenatal vitamins more than I'd care to admit. I've been on a military base with stressed-out soldiers. I'm almost 30 years old. So why do things happen to some people and not to others?
There has been bad news around me for a little while now. My friend LL recently had a baby. He was a little bit premature, and once he was born, they discovered a few things. The most noticeable one was the fact that he didn't have a right eyeball. They also discovered a heart issue (something about the right and left ventricles having space or something), then he was put on a ventilator, then his white blood count was out of whack, and now they say he has bleeding in his brain and something about his "white matter" not developing properly.
LL is a dietician. She's a very smart, responsible person. It blows my mind that this happens to someone like that, meanwhile worthless idiots seem to have perfectly healthy babies (which they later mess up by feeding them crap and letting them sit around playing video games... but that's for a different post). It doesn't seem fair at all.
Another not-fair thing was the death of a high school classmate. He and I weren't close- in fact, we only shared one class, and that was middle school band. But my high school wasn't big, and I definitely remember him well. He was 30. Thirty! WTF?? How do things happen like this to young, healthy people? It's so sad and ridiculously unfair.
And to hear about the details of the Fort Hood murders was crazy. The guy was supposed to be a psychiatrist, when he himself needed therapy! I just don't understand it.
How do you make sense out of things like this? I drank while I was (unknowingly) pregnant with JC. I skipped my prenatal vitamins more than I'd care to admit. I've been on a military base with stressed-out soldiers. I'm almost 30 years old. So why do things happen to some people and not to others?
11/3/09
Having a really really really shitty week
This morning, I cried for about a half hour straight. JC had gotten up for millionth time- I changed his diaper, tried to feed him, tried to give him a pacifier, tried to burp him. Nothing worked. So from 6am to 6:30, I just laid in bed sobbing.
All day yesterday, I had to yell at LB. He would scream back, he was such a grouch. He kept hitting the dog, hitting me, trying to leave the house, slamming cabinet doors, screaming for no reason. It was wearing on my nerves. I thought at least I could get some sleep, but I only slept from 12:30am to 2am, then 2:30am to 4am. JC wouldn't stop fussing after that. With LB, I would just turn the monitor off and let him whine, but since LB is a cranky toddler, I didn't want to interrupt his sleep, so I got up again and again and again to calm JC down. Besides, JC's cries are way more ear-piercing. I couldn't sleep through them if I tried.
It's really taking too much out of me. I am doing this 24/7 now and my only kid-free break is the little time at night I spend sleeping. The boys don't nap together, and with LB being an obnoxious toddler and JC being a needy infant, even if one is sleeping I don't get a moment to myself.
So it all kind of broke me this morning. I laid in my bed with JC next to me, putting the pacifier in his mouth until he spit it out again, just crying. It seems like I have to satisfy everyone else's needs, but there isn't always someone to satisfy mine. It's hard to give and give all the time.
I need to have a talk with Hubby about this. When he's home, I'm going to need to lean on him more. It's just too much to ask me to do everything when he's gone (which is most of the time), and almost everything when he's here.
All day yesterday, I had to yell at LB. He would scream back, he was such a grouch. He kept hitting the dog, hitting me, trying to leave the house, slamming cabinet doors, screaming for no reason. It was wearing on my nerves. I thought at least I could get some sleep, but I only slept from 12:30am to 2am, then 2:30am to 4am. JC wouldn't stop fussing after that. With LB, I would just turn the monitor off and let him whine, but since LB is a cranky toddler, I didn't want to interrupt his sleep, so I got up again and again and again to calm JC down. Besides, JC's cries are way more ear-piercing. I couldn't sleep through them if I tried.
It's really taking too much out of me. I am doing this 24/7 now and my only kid-free break is the little time at night I spend sleeping. The boys don't nap together, and with LB being an obnoxious toddler and JC being a needy infant, even if one is sleeping I don't get a moment to myself.
So it all kind of broke me this morning. I laid in my bed with JC next to me, putting the pacifier in his mouth until he spit it out again, just crying. It seems like I have to satisfy everyone else's needs, but there isn't always someone to satisfy mine. It's hard to give and give all the time.
I need to have a talk with Hubby about this. When he's home, I'm going to need to lean on him more. It's just too much to ask me to do everything when he's gone (which is most of the time), and almost everything when he's here.
11/2/09
Halloween
LB went trick-or-treating for the first time this year!! It was an odd place to do it, and not because it was so damn hot. Half the houses had candy sitting in a bowl on their porch. The other half had people sitting outside to hand out candy.
What happened to ringing a doorbell and saying "trick or treat"? It wasn't exactly the experience I had hoped for LB. I just hope he doesn't get confused next year when he has to ring doorbells... aw, who am I kidding, he probably won't remember this anyway.
Hubby stayed home with JC to "hand out candy", which I guess means give the entire bag to the first group of trick-or-treaters... who happened to be the kids next door to us (no lie). Now I know I'm not supposed to care what people think of me, and I'm moving away soon anyway, but it didn't sit well with me that he didn't want to hand out candy so he just gave it all to the first kids to the house, and that those kids were ones we knew. What about using it as a way to show kindness to our neighbors we DON'T know? WTF? Besides, it's Halloween- adults are supposed to give out candy to kids. I kind of felt responsible for ruining part of the rest of the kids' Halloween since we had no candy. I remember those houses and it was a bummer.
And the afternoon leading up to the big event wasn't too great either. It seemed like nobody in the house gave a sh!t about having a good Halloween except for me. Maybe I'm just more into the holidays than Hubby and the kids, but it was really frustrating, because I wanted LB to love Halloween like I did when I was a kid. But it was really difficult to do that when he wouldn't sit still to size his costume (which was ridiculously large for 18-24 month size), Hubby refused to get into the spirit at all citing he had a lot of housework to do (although he spent a lot of time on the internet instead), and JC just couldn't eat enough. Even our pumpkin sat on the counter uncarved until an hour before we left to go trick-or-treating.
It was fun when we finally got out there, but I learned a lot of lessons from this Halloween:
1. Return a costume or get another if it doesn't fit. What a pain in the ass having to cut the legs and arms off to make them the correct length.
2. Don't count on Hubby to help. Sorry Hubby, but even though I expect you pitch in when we're both home and the kids both need attention, I know sometimes you won't, so I'm just going to give up. And you "helping" by cutting the armbands too short and ruining them made it worse. Next year, I'd like to not spend fifteen minutes crying over stress.
3. USE THE WAGON. Granted, this year we had packed our wagon so we didn't have it, but next year it will be invaluable. Going at LB's glacial speed made for a long night.
4. Dress up to take the kids out. I didn't have a costume this year (didn't want to load my suitcase with crap I didn't need), but it will be fun next year when we're all dressed up. Sidenote, make sure my costume is easy, since most of the time of preparing will be spent on the kids.
Definitely not the Halloween I was expecting. Yes, it was adorable watching LB walk around in his little ninja costume, sucking on a chocolate Tootsie pop and waving bye-bye to people. But I'm used to leading up to a holiday and building excitement. This Halloween had no excitement, just stress.
Better luck next year.
What happened to ringing a doorbell and saying "trick or treat"? It wasn't exactly the experience I had hoped for LB. I just hope he doesn't get confused next year when he has to ring doorbells... aw, who am I kidding, he probably won't remember this anyway.
Hubby stayed home with JC to "hand out candy", which I guess means give the entire bag to the first group of trick-or-treaters... who happened to be the kids next door to us (no lie). Now I know I'm not supposed to care what people think of me, and I'm moving away soon anyway, but it didn't sit well with me that he didn't want to hand out candy so he just gave it all to the first kids to the house, and that those kids were ones we knew. What about using it as a way to show kindness to our neighbors we DON'T know? WTF? Besides, it's Halloween- adults are supposed to give out candy to kids. I kind of felt responsible for ruining part of the rest of the kids' Halloween since we had no candy. I remember those houses and it was a bummer.
And the afternoon leading up to the big event wasn't too great either. It seemed like nobody in the house gave a sh!t about having a good Halloween except for me. Maybe I'm just more into the holidays than Hubby and the kids, but it was really frustrating, because I wanted LB to love Halloween like I did when I was a kid. But it was really difficult to do that when he wouldn't sit still to size his costume (which was ridiculously large for 18-24 month size), Hubby refused to get into the spirit at all citing he had a lot of housework to do (although he spent a lot of time on the internet instead), and JC just couldn't eat enough. Even our pumpkin sat on the counter uncarved until an hour before we left to go trick-or-treating.
It was fun when we finally got out there, but I learned a lot of lessons from this Halloween:
1. Return a costume or get another if it doesn't fit. What a pain in the ass having to cut the legs and arms off to make them the correct length.
2. Don't count on Hubby to help. Sorry Hubby, but even though I expect you pitch in when we're both home and the kids both need attention, I know sometimes you won't, so I'm just going to give up. And you "helping" by cutting the armbands too short and ruining them made it worse. Next year, I'd like to not spend fifteen minutes crying over stress.
3. USE THE WAGON. Granted, this year we had packed our wagon so we didn't have it, but next year it will be invaluable. Going at LB's glacial speed made for a long night.
4. Dress up to take the kids out. I didn't have a costume this year (didn't want to load my suitcase with crap I didn't need), but it will be fun next year when we're all dressed up. Sidenote, make sure my costume is easy, since most of the time of preparing will be spent on the kids.
Definitely not the Halloween I was expecting. Yes, it was adorable watching LB walk around in his little ninja costume, sucking on a chocolate Tootsie pop and waving bye-bye to people. But I'm used to leading up to a holiday and building excitement. This Halloween had no excitement, just stress.
Better luck next year.
10/29/09
Not feeling as socially retarded...
Yes, I used the word retarded. Get over it.
Anyway, I had some nice phone conversations today, with my mom and my friend GA. The one with GA helped me the most- I'd forgotten what it was like to have convos with her! It made me feel more my age and less like an old fart. :)
I'd been pretty down about myself lately. SAHM is a good deal- the boys aren't raised by someone else and I get to see every little cute thing they do. But it's not always like that, and when I'm having a particularly bad day (which is happening more frequently as LB becomes more toddler and less baby), I wonder what ever possessed me into thinking it would be great.
Sometimes I just long for adult company... get your mind out of the gutter, pervert. :) When I'm talking to my kids, it's in this annoying high-pitched kid-friendly voice, and when I'm disciplining them, that's when I use the adult voice... but I don't want to always be saying "no" or "don't hit" or "be nice". I'd like to have meaningful conversations, ones that include more than two words.
It's getting to the point where I know my brain is freezing up even more from lack of use. Like more frequent brain farts, where I can't form words even when they're on the tip of my tongue and I've completely forgotten what I was going to do or say next. I guess I could chalk it up to sleepless nights and the lifestyle of a newborn and toddler, but it's a little depressing to know I'm sounding like a stuttering idiot.
It definitely helped to talk with GA. We always laugh a lot- I think it's because we just get each other. Yes, Hubby and I get each other, but I only see him a couple of hours at night... hardly enough adult time. It was great to have the kids napping and chatting with an old friend- made me feel more like my old self! Pre-baby speak and pre-retardedness.
I guess at this point I should apologize to people for making them uncomfortable with me being a wet noodle.
To the people at the H&F, we left at 9:30... I'm usually asleep then. So I was tired. But also, I was having continual brain farts. I'm sorry. At least they weren't real farts.
To my friends, I'm sorry for sounding like a drained, worn out loser. I seriously wanted to have something better to say (and in a voice that sounded better), and hopefully I won't be so moronic the next time we talk.
To the random people who try to strike up conversation, you get no excuse. I really don't want to talk to you.
I suppose I should come up with a new saying, because in my experience it rings true: Behind every put-together household is a fatigued mommy. Seriously, who has it all together all the time? And don't mention celebrities- they get help. I challenge you to think of a single family where they always look good and are well-fed and the house is clean and blah blah blah, and the mommy looks great. I find it's usually the mommies that do a lot of the work in a household... although if my theory is true, there would be more socially retarded mommies. Are there any out there? Or am I the only one? And if there are more, where are the support groups being held?
Anyway, I had some nice phone conversations today, with my mom and my friend GA. The one with GA helped me the most- I'd forgotten what it was like to have convos with her! It made me feel more my age and less like an old fart. :)
I'd been pretty down about myself lately. SAHM is a good deal- the boys aren't raised by someone else and I get to see every little cute thing they do. But it's not always like that, and when I'm having a particularly bad day (which is happening more frequently as LB becomes more toddler and less baby), I wonder what ever possessed me into thinking it would be great.
Sometimes I just long for adult company... get your mind out of the gutter, pervert. :) When I'm talking to my kids, it's in this annoying high-pitched kid-friendly voice, and when I'm disciplining them, that's when I use the adult voice... but I don't want to always be saying "no" or "don't hit" or "be nice". I'd like to have meaningful conversations, ones that include more than two words.
It's getting to the point where I know my brain is freezing up even more from lack of use. Like more frequent brain farts, where I can't form words even when they're on the tip of my tongue and I've completely forgotten what I was going to do or say next. I guess I could chalk it up to sleepless nights and the lifestyle of a newborn and toddler, but it's a little depressing to know I'm sounding like a stuttering idiot.
It definitely helped to talk with GA. We always laugh a lot- I think it's because we just get each other. Yes, Hubby and I get each other, but I only see him a couple of hours at night... hardly enough adult time. It was great to have the kids napping and chatting with an old friend- made me feel more like my old self! Pre-baby speak and pre-retardedness.
I guess at this point I should apologize to people for making them uncomfortable with me being a wet noodle.
To the people at the H&F, we left at 9:30... I'm usually asleep then. So I was tired. But also, I was having continual brain farts. I'm sorry. At least they weren't real farts.
To my friends, I'm sorry for sounding like a drained, worn out loser. I seriously wanted to have something better to say (and in a voice that sounded better), and hopefully I won't be so moronic the next time we talk.
To the random people who try to strike up conversation, you get no excuse. I really don't want to talk to you.
I suppose I should come up with a new saying, because in my experience it rings true: Behind every put-together household is a fatigued mommy. Seriously, who has it all together all the time? And don't mention celebrities- they get help. I challenge you to think of a single family where they always look good and are well-fed and the house is clean and blah blah blah, and the mommy looks great. I find it's usually the mommies that do a lot of the work in a household... although if my theory is true, there would be more socially retarded mommies. Are there any out there? Or am I the only one? And if there are more, where are the support groups being held?
10/27/09
Bad mood (not a post full of rainbows and sunshine)
Here's why:
1. Previous post.
2. I believe I am faster than my slowpoke computer.
3. My college degree which Iworked really hard for, earned, somehow have in my possession is completely worthless to me. Even if I could go back to work, there is nothing around our next station that applies to me.
4. I miss my life pre-kids. I've become socially retarded by being a SAHM, which was evident last Friday when I was surrounded by great people that I like and couldn't think of anything to say.
5. A particular person thinks it's funny to kick me while I'm down. They'd better watch it, because I may kick back when they least expect it.
6. My dog only barks like crazy when the kids are asleep. Whiskey tango foxtrot?
7. Hubby has duty tonight... which he told me about via text this morning. So I had to play "mom & dad" again.
8. Hubby's "only duty free weekend" turned into being on separate agendas on Saturday, and spending nearly the entire day Sunday apart. Awesome.
9. Shipping my car tomorrow, so was told by Hubby not to use it today (since, you know, it might get dirty... like it won't get dirty sitting on a vessel in the open sea for a month). Have no milk in the house.
10. LB just woke up... at 10pm. Crying. JC will be waking up soon, crying and wanting to eat. Just when, exactly, do I get to sleep?? Now I feel guilty for wanting to put myself first... and want to cry because I feel like a bad mom for having two kids that pretty much cried all day and I couldn't do anything to calm them.
11. Realized that four of my reasons for being in a bad mood involved Hubby. :(
1. Previous post.
2. I believe I am faster than my slowpoke computer.
3. My college degree which I
4. I miss my life pre-kids. I've become socially retarded by being a SAHM, which was evident last Friday when I was surrounded by great people that I like and couldn't think of anything to say.
5. A particular person thinks it's funny to kick me while I'm down. They'd better watch it, because I may kick back when they least expect it.
6. My dog only barks like crazy when the kids are asleep. Whiskey tango foxtrot?
7. Hubby has duty tonight... which he told me about via text this morning. So I had to play "mom & dad" again.
8. Hubby's "only duty free weekend" turned into being on separate agendas on Saturday, and spending nearly the entire day Sunday apart. Awesome.
9. Shipping my car tomorrow, so was told by Hubby not to use it today (since, you know, it might get dirty... like it won't get dirty sitting on a vessel in the open sea for a month). Have no milk in the house.
10. LB just woke up... at 10pm. Crying. JC will be waking up soon, crying and wanting to eat. Just when, exactly, do I get to sleep?? Now I feel guilty for wanting to put myself first... and want to cry because I feel like a bad mom for having two kids that pretty much cried all day and I couldn't do anything to calm them.
11. Realized that four of my reasons for being in a bad mood involved Hubby. :(
10/26/09
Horrible day
Today just sucked, big time. I can't get a moment of peace and quiet around here, except for the five minutes I had to take a shower.
Hubby left early for work, so when JC woke up, I brought him to bed with me to try to get a little more shut-eye. He kept squirming and spitting out his pacifier and crying for it, then LB woke up, so I gave up on that idea and got out of bed.
When the boys finally went down for naps, and the house was quiet and I could breathe, I decided to take a shower. You know, because I hadn't had one in about four days. Just as I was all soapy head to toe, the doorbell rang and Puppy barked his head off, waking up both boys. Neither would go down for another try at naptime, so that was the end of that.
All afternoon, LB kept getting put in his room for blatantly disobeying me. And it's not like I could pick my battles. He hit me, tried to walk out of the house, and pulled the dog's ears. None of that could be overlooked, so by 6pm, he was super cranky. I put him to bed at 6:30.
Now it's not even 8pm, and JC has been whining. He's fed, dry, and burped, so I have no clue what the hell he wants. *sigh* I guess I should forget about trying to have a relaxing evening and spend it consoling him.
Oh, and Hubby texted me this morning saying he has duty tonight. Hooray.
Someone, please tell me when I get my life back...
Hubby left early for work, so when JC woke up, I brought him to bed with me to try to get a little more shut-eye. He kept squirming and spitting out his pacifier and crying for it, then LB woke up, so I gave up on that idea and got out of bed.
When the boys finally went down for naps, and the house was quiet and I could breathe, I decided to take a shower. You know, because I hadn't had one in about four days. Just as I was all soapy head to toe, the doorbell rang and Puppy barked his head off, waking up both boys. Neither would go down for another try at naptime, so that was the end of that.
All afternoon, LB kept getting put in his room for blatantly disobeying me. And it's not like I could pick my battles. He hit me, tried to walk out of the house, and pulled the dog's ears. None of that could be overlooked, so by 6pm, he was super cranky. I put him to bed at 6:30.
Now it's not even 8pm, and JC has been whining. He's fed, dry, and burped, so I have no clue what the hell he wants. *sigh* I guess I should forget about trying to have a relaxing evening and spend it consoling him.
Oh, and Hubby texted me this morning saying he has duty tonight. Hooray.
Someone, please tell me when I get my life back...
10/21/09
FML, part deux
Apparently, sharing my FML stories breeds more FML stories. Here's one about this morning.
JC went to sleep around 8pm. He didn't wake up until 1:45am. I thought that was friggin sweet, but then he decided that he didn't want to go back to sleep... until 4:15am. I went back to bed, optimistically thinking I could get a little more shut-eye. Then Hubby's alarm went off at 4:30am.
So here it is, 2pm, and I've already been up for 12 hours. The kids will not take naps at the same time today, so I can't take one myself. FML
JC went to sleep around 8pm. He didn't wake up until 1:45am. I thought that was friggin sweet, but then he decided that he didn't want to go back to sleep... until 4:15am. I went back to bed, optimistically thinking I could get a little more shut-eye. Then Hubby's alarm went off at 4:30am.
So here it is, 2pm, and I've already been up for 12 hours. The kids will not take naps at the same time today, so I can't take one myself. FML
10/20/09
FML stories
Have you ever had a day where everything went wrong? Or felt like it did? Lately, I've had a lot of FML moments, and I'd like to share a few.
One morning last week, I tripped over the baby swing and smashed my toe. It really hurt and turned pretty colors, so I had it x-rayed. Turns out, I broke a piece of the bone off. But there's nothing they can do about it, except buddy tape it. Oh, and did I mention this took place about two hours before the movers came to take away all our household goods, including the swing? FML
Yesterday, I went to the Self Help store to get replacement filters for our AC unit. I came home, took out our old one, and realized I got the wrong size. I loaded the kids back in the car and went back to the store, only to find it had closed two minutes ago. I couldn't fit the old filter back in, so we went without AC... and we live in Hawaii. FML
My hubby came home the other day and asked me what I had done all day. This was after a particularly awful day of whining, crying, getting into things LB shouldn't, feeding JC round the clock, and generally driving me nuts. I wanted to hit him. FML
One morning last week, I tripped over the baby swing and smashed my toe. It really hurt and turned pretty colors, so I had it x-rayed. Turns out, I broke a piece of the bone off. But there's nothing they can do about it, except buddy tape it. Oh, and did I mention this took place about two hours before the movers came to take away all our household goods, including the swing? FML
Yesterday, I went to the Self Help store to get replacement filters for our AC unit. I came home, took out our old one, and realized I got the wrong size. I loaded the kids back in the car and went back to the store, only to find it had closed two minutes ago. I couldn't fit the old filter back in, so we went without AC... and we live in Hawaii. FML
My hubby came home the other day and asked me what I had done all day. This was after a particularly awful day of whining, crying, getting into things LB shouldn't, feeding JC round the clock, and generally driving me nuts. I wanted to hit him. FML
10/19/09
Busy times
I know I've been MIA for a little bit. Doesn't mean I haven't been blog-stalking all of you, though! :)
We've been really preoccupied with the move. The household goods were shipped last week, so the house is empty. Hubby and I are sleeping on an air mattress (did I just time-travel back to living in Portsmouth, VA?), and the boys each have their own pack 'n play. Luckily, ours has a bassinet attachment for JC, but poor LB is sleeping in a rented one.
We were also fortunate enough to rent a kitchen set, with dishes and silverware and cups and cookware. Sweet. The last thing I wanted to do was live off Lean Cuisine crap.
I kind of figured that the hard part was over, but it's just beginning. Hubby and I had planned on letting the housing people clean the place for $300. Seemed worth it since it's a lot of work, but now we found out today that we aren't allowed to RugDoctor our carpets, but have to have them professionally cleaned, or pay the housing people about $400 to have that done. Couple that with the $300 cleaning fee, and it would be nearly $700! YIKES!
So we've decided to clean the house ourselves and find a cleaning service to do our carpets. That means a LOT of elbow grease on our part. The cleaning checklist that we were provided is pretty long!
The kiddos are doing great. LB loves that he can run and run and run all day long and not bump into stuff. JC is an eating machine and gets up during the night about two or three times, so I feel like my life is revovling around childcare. I calculated that each feeding takes about 20 minutes, and he eats roughly 8 times a day, so that's over 2 and 1/2 hours of sitting on my ass each day doing nothing but feeding the baby. Naptime is my only productive time... although today's naptime is being spent doing this. Momma needs a mental break.
So that's what's going on. We're busy. BUSY. BUUUSSSSSYYYYYYY. I don't think I can stress that enough. But in about one month, we'll be on a plane to CA and we can settle into our new house... Until we have to move again. :P
We've been really preoccupied with the move. The household goods were shipped last week, so the house is empty. Hubby and I are sleeping on an air mattress (did I just time-travel back to living in Portsmouth, VA?), and the boys each have their own pack 'n play. Luckily, ours has a bassinet attachment for JC, but poor LB is sleeping in a rented one.
We were also fortunate enough to rent a kitchen set, with dishes and silverware and cups and cookware. Sweet. The last thing I wanted to do was live off Lean Cuisine crap.
I kind of figured that the hard part was over, but it's just beginning. Hubby and I had planned on letting the housing people clean the place for $300. Seemed worth it since it's a lot of work, but now we found out today that we aren't allowed to RugDoctor our carpets, but have to have them professionally cleaned, or pay the housing people about $400 to have that done. Couple that with the $300 cleaning fee, and it would be nearly $700! YIKES!
So we've decided to clean the house ourselves and find a cleaning service to do our carpets. That means a LOT of elbow grease on our part. The cleaning checklist that we were provided is pretty long!
The kiddos are doing great. LB loves that he can run and run and run all day long and not bump into stuff. JC is an eating machine and gets up during the night about two or three times, so I feel like my life is revovling around childcare. I calculated that each feeding takes about 20 minutes, and he eats roughly 8 times a day, so that's over 2 and 1/2 hours of sitting on my ass each day doing nothing but feeding the baby. Naptime is my only productive time... although today's naptime is being spent doing this. Momma needs a mental break.
So that's what's going on. We're busy. BUSY. BUUUSSSSSYYYYYYY. I don't think I can stress that enough. But in about one month, we'll be on a plane to CA and we can settle into our new house... Until we have to move again. :P
10/9/09
Excuse me, Father Time, but may I kick you in the nuts?
In the car, I heard the radio playing "Oh Sheila" today. I was pretty surprised and happy and started singing along right away. How cool! I mean, I hardly get to hear that song any more. Now I know why.
It was on the oldies station. Oldies!! Whiskey tango foxtrot?? Are songs from the 80s (and my childhood) considered old now? What a slap in the face. Here I was, having a really good time and singing along, feeling really good, and then I discover that I'm actually an old fart.
Where the hell did the time go? I remember hearing that song in elementary school, and that doesn't seem that long ago... except now that I think about it, it was about 20 years ago. Sheesh. Even high school was over a decade ago.
And now that I think about it, if I don't feel that old, maybe I don't look that old? I wish.
I guess it's time to realize that I'm no longer a fun, youthful teenager but a boring, wrinkled old lady. I guess I should just throw on a housecoat, put my hair in rollers, and crank the oldies station.
It was on the oldies station. Oldies!! Whiskey tango foxtrot?? Are songs from the 80s (and my childhood) considered old now? What a slap in the face. Here I was, having a really good time and singing along, feeling really good, and then I discover that I'm actually an old fart.
Where the hell did the time go? I remember hearing that song in elementary school, and that doesn't seem that long ago... except now that I think about it, it was about 20 years ago. Sheesh. Even high school was over a decade ago.
And now that I think about it, if I don't feel that old, maybe I don't look that old? I wish.
I guess it's time to realize that I'm no longer a fun, youthful teenager but a boring, wrinkled old lady. I guess I should just throw on a housecoat, put my hair in rollers, and crank the oldies station.
10/7/09
Am I supposed to be ecstatic?
Just the other day, I took the boys out. I really needed to go to the commissary (aka, grocery store, for you non-military people), but most importantly, I really wanted to pick up some beer. It's been a long time since I could indulge in a drink or two, and I refused to let two kids and a major surgery stop me.
Before getting the groceries, I went to the package store (aka, beer and liquor store, for you non-military people... again). I strolled around looking for a new and interesting beer to try, then settled on a six pack and went to cash out. You know what happened??
I got carded!
For real! C'mon people, I know I don't look 21 any more. Not even close! In fact, I turned 21 nearly *ahem* a decade ago, plus I had two children with me. Not too many 21 year olds have two children already.
Anyway, I felt really annoyed. I mean, I know you're supposed to get carded under 30or something like that, but it's pretty obvious that I'm old enough to buy beer. I don't think I look bad or ancient or anything, but let's get real, I'm no spring chicken.
I'm sure I'll look back on this when I stop getting carded and wish I have, and think to myself, "Wow, you're stupid for getting angry with people who think you're young!" It's just that I haven't not been carded. Ever. I was even carded while at the liquor store with my mom, LB, and pregnant with JC. Helloooo, being pregnant means not partaking in the alcohol!
So call me crazy, but it just frustrated me to have to dig out my ID just to prove that I'm not young and I am in fact more than old enough to buy beer. Shouldn't visual proof of wrinkles, a fat ass, and dark circles under my eyes be enough?
Before getting the groceries, I went to the package store (aka, beer and liquor store, for you non-military people... again). I strolled around looking for a new and interesting beer to try, then settled on a six pack and went to cash out. You know what happened??
I got carded!
For real! C'mon people, I know I don't look 21 any more. Not even close! In fact, I turned 21 nearly *ahem* a decade ago, plus I had two children with me. Not too many 21 year olds have two children already.
Anyway, I felt really annoyed. I mean, I know you're supposed to get carded under 30or something like that, but it's pretty obvious that I'm old enough to buy beer. I don't think I look bad or ancient or anything, but let's get real, I'm no spring chicken.
I'm sure I'll look back on this when I stop getting carded and wish I have, and think to myself, "Wow, you're stupid for getting angry with people who think you're young!" It's just that I haven't not been carded. Ever. I was even carded while at the liquor store with my mom, LB, and pregnant with JC. Helloooo, being pregnant means not partaking in the alcohol!
So call me crazy, but it just frustrated me to have to dig out my ID just to prove that I'm not young and I am in fact more than old enough to buy beer. Shouldn't visual proof of wrinkles, a fat ass, and dark circles under my eyes be enough?
10/3/09
Owie
I will not be pleased if it turns out this root canal has failed.
One of my front teeth was injured decades ago in a roller skating vs. car accident (you guessed it, the car won- I landed face-first into the rear end). I ended up losing half the tooth, and finally had a root canal done and a crown put over it. Now, I have this terrible pain in my face right under my nose, and it shoots down into that tooth. It even hurts to smile or kiss my hubby!
I've been reading online about root canals, and sometimes they fail. Great. I'm convinced that this tooth is never going to be right. I feel like I should just have an endontist yank it out and put in a dental implant. The only thing I'm worried about is the fact that it's my front tooth. I mean, if I have to go a few weeks without a tooth, it's gonna suck to have that one be front and center. I'll be that lady with the missing teeth.
Anyway, I suppose I should call my dentist and make an appointment. And, if it does need to be redone, I'm posting pictures... after all, there's nothing I can do about a missing tooth, so I may as well entertain you, right? :)
One of my front teeth was injured decades ago in a roller skating vs. car accident (you guessed it, the car won- I landed face-first into the rear end). I ended up losing half the tooth, and finally had a root canal done and a crown put over it. Now, I have this terrible pain in my face right under my nose, and it shoots down into that tooth. It even hurts to smile or kiss my hubby!
I've been reading online about root canals, and sometimes they fail. Great. I'm convinced that this tooth is never going to be right. I feel like I should just have an endontist yank it out and put in a dental implant. The only thing I'm worried about is the fact that it's my front tooth. I mean, if I have to go a few weeks without a tooth, it's gonna suck to have that one be front and center. I'll be that lady with the missing teeth.
Anyway, I suppose I should call my dentist and make an appointment. And, if it does need to be redone, I'm posting pictures... after all, there's nothing I can do about a missing tooth, so I may as well entertain you, right? :)
9/30/09
27 down, 28 to go.
Pounds, I mean.
My peak weight while pregnant with JC was 195 lbs. Yikes. Although this is a period of recovery and not weight loss, it's still in the back of my mind. Correction- the forefront of my mind. Truth be told, I've actually become a little preoccupied with the numbers on the scale.
Probably because the whole 195 thing was pretty shocking. My goal weight is 140, which would put me at a size 6 or 8, which is where I feel pretty comfortable. I'm already about halfway there, but let's face it- when you give birth to an 8 lb baby, it's pretty easy for 27 pounds to melt off.
So as of the end of October, my quest to return to my pre-pregnancy weight (as in, pre-LB) will begin.
Speaking of pregnancy, I just watched an episode of I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant. Seriously?? Can you imagine me not knowing I was preggo? With the weight gain and gigantic belly? Ha! Apparently, these women didn't gain weight or have big bellies (and I'm assuming no stretch marks either).... They can all suck it. :P
My peak weight while pregnant with JC was 195 lbs. Yikes. Although this is a period of recovery and not weight loss, it's still in the back of my mind. Correction- the forefront of my mind. Truth be told, I've actually become a little preoccupied with the numbers on the scale.
Probably because the whole 195 thing was pretty shocking. My goal weight is 140, which would put me at a size 6 or 8, which is where I feel pretty comfortable. I'm already about halfway there, but let's face it- when you give birth to an 8 lb baby, it's pretty easy for 27 pounds to melt off.
So as of the end of October, my quest to return to my pre-pregnancy weight (as in, pre-LB) will begin.
Speaking of pregnancy, I just watched an episode of I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant. Seriously?? Can you imagine me not knowing I was preggo? With the weight gain and gigantic belly? Ha! Apparently, these women didn't gain weight or have big bellies (and I'm assuming no stretch marks either).... They can all suck it. :P
9/29/09
Some thoughts
JC is quite the nocturnal little kid. Last night, he woke up at 3:30am, and didn't fall back asleep until about 11am. I was in and out of bed about a million times because I (stupidly) thought he'd go back to sleep.
Figures, the day JC decides to forgo sleep, LB is unconscious until 8am. Previously, he'd been waking up at dawn, sometimes a little before then. It was pretty frustrating, and he did wake up at 5am, but thankfully Hubby put him back to sleep while he was getting ready for work.
I've turned into a coffee nut. I never needed a cup of coffee in the morning, although I wouldn't refuse one. But now, I may be that mom that absolutely has to have her coffee. At least, until JC sleeps through the night.
Only four more weeks until the recovery period is over. I'm looking forward to it- I'm sure it wasn't meant this way, but something was said that made me feel extremely bad about the way I look right now, and just kind of shot down my self esteem in general. So, can't wait to hit the gym and lose the baby weight... and ice cream weight... and donut weight.
Mmmm, a donut sounds good... I blame Grace Adler for putting the idea in my head via facebook. :)
Anyway, orders should be coming soon. That will be a happy day, when we have official proof that we are on our way outta here and can start the ball rolling on that. I feel like I'm in limbo right now, because we can't plan anything, but at the same time, we're living like we're getting ready to move (i.e., eating down the freezer, preparing moving checklists, streamlining our household goods, etc).
Dilema: Wake a sleeping baby who has been napping almost all day and risk said child being a cranky mess all evening, or let the kid sleep only to be woken up a million times tonight by a wide-awake infant? Hmmmm...
It's hard to see the silver lining when I can barely keep my eyes open. :P
Figures, the day JC decides to forgo sleep, LB is unconscious until 8am. Previously, he'd been waking up at dawn, sometimes a little before then. It was pretty frustrating, and he did wake up at 5am, but thankfully Hubby put him back to sleep while he was getting ready for work.
I've turned into a coffee nut. I never needed a cup of coffee in the morning, although I wouldn't refuse one. But now, I may be that mom that absolutely has to have her coffee. At least, until JC sleeps through the night.
Only four more weeks until the recovery period is over. I'm looking forward to it- I'm sure it wasn't meant this way, but something was said that made me feel extremely bad about the way I look right now, and just kind of shot down my self esteem in general. So, can't wait to hit the gym and lose the baby weight... and ice cream weight... and donut weight.
Mmmm, a donut sounds good... I blame Grace Adler for putting the idea in my head via facebook. :)
Anyway, orders should be coming soon. That will be a happy day, when we have official proof that we are on our way outta here and can start the ball rolling on that. I feel like I'm in limbo right now, because we can't plan anything, but at the same time, we're living like we're getting ready to move (i.e., eating down the freezer, preparing moving checklists, streamlining our household goods, etc).
Dilema: Wake a sleeping baby who has been napping almost all day and risk said child being a cranky mess all evening, or let the kid sleep only to be woken up a million times tonight by a wide-awake infant? Hmmmm...
It's hard to see the silver lining when I can barely keep my eyes open. :P
9/26/09
Dear Supernanny,
I don't really watch your show. In fact, I think I can count on one hand the number of episodes I've seen. But, I do know your technique of how to get a toddler to stay in bed. No eye contact, just pick them up and put them in bed. And repeat. And repeat. And repeat.
My question to you is, after two and a half hours of this, what the hell? Obviously, something is amiss here, because I've spent the better part of my afternoon trying to put LB down for a nap. Just a few minutes ago, I surprised the sh!t out of him by finally yelling "Get in bed!" It seems your technique just wasn't working.
How long must I be patient and consistent and keep putting him in his bed? Because I'll tell you something, I'm not about to get up every few minutes for two and a half hours again. Naptime is the pretty much the only time I can get some stuff done, and wasting it on a toddler who only responds to me being mean by trying to be impersonal and persistant isn't in the cards.
So Supernanny, I hate to disappoint you, but you're not that super. Your ways may work for a lot of kids, but not mine. I feel stupid for having wasted time on the two episodes I've seen.
Sincerely,
Mom On The Edge
My question to you is, after two and a half hours of this, what the hell? Obviously, something is amiss here, because I've spent the better part of my afternoon trying to put LB down for a nap. Just a few minutes ago, I surprised the sh!t out of him by finally yelling "Get in bed!" It seems your technique just wasn't working.
How long must I be patient and consistent and keep putting him in his bed? Because I'll tell you something, I'm not about to get up every few minutes for two and a half hours again. Naptime is the pretty much the only time I can get some stuff done, and wasting it on a toddler who only responds to me being mean by trying to be impersonal and persistant isn't in the cards.
So Supernanny, I hate to disappoint you, but you're not that super. Your ways may work for a lot of kids, but not mine. I feel stupid for having wasted time on the two episodes I've seen.
Sincerely,
Mom On The Edge
9/25/09
Not such a good morning
This morning, JC woke up at 4am to eat. Then Hubby's alarm went off at 4:30am (hooray for sea duty), which means I didn't sleep for another hour while he got ready for work. By the time he left the house and I fell back asleep, I managed to squeeze in another 20 minutes before LB was awake and whining.
Oh yes. It was going to be one of those mornings.
Whenever JC wasn't crying, LB was. Whenever LB wasn't crying, JC was. And whenever I managed to get the baby asleep, LB managed to wake him up, in which case I had two crying kids (LB for me scolding him).
My temper is short today. I blame it on the lack of sleep and crashing hormones. It grew exceptionally shorter when I yelled at LB only to receive a smile in return. Oooooooh, that really got under my skin.
Currently, JC is dry and fed, and asleep in his bouncy seat. LB is playing quietly (sort of), which is the only reason I have the time to type this. But after unloading the dishwasher, which is a CHORE with LB around, and speaking on the phone with a bunch of morons (seriously, how hard is it to do your JOB??), and finding out that we may have a houseguest in two weeks, I'm just freaking out.
Now I must go, because LB has thrust a book onto my lap and whining for me to "read" it... which means, I hold the book while he flips the pages. *sigh* He could really do that himself, I suppose.... but at least I get to spend time with a calm little boy who says "wow" to all the pictures and isn't flipping out or hitting his head on the floor.
Oh yes. It was going to be one of those mornings.
Whenever JC wasn't crying, LB was. Whenever LB wasn't crying, JC was. And whenever I managed to get the baby asleep, LB managed to wake him up, in which case I had two crying kids (LB for me scolding him).
My temper is short today. I blame it on the lack of sleep and crashing hormones. It grew exceptionally shorter when I yelled at LB only to receive a smile in return. Oooooooh, that really got under my skin.
Currently, JC is dry and fed, and asleep in his bouncy seat. LB is playing quietly (sort of), which is the only reason I have the time to type this. But after unloading the dishwasher, which is a CHORE with LB around, and speaking on the phone with a bunch of morons (seriously, how hard is it to do your JOB??), and finding out that we may have a houseguest in two weeks, I'm just freaking out.
Now I must go, because LB has thrust a book onto my lap and whining for me to "read" it... which means, I hold the book while he flips the pages. *sigh* He could really do that himself, I suppose.... but at least I get to spend time with a calm little boy who says "wow" to all the pictures and isn't flipping out or hitting his head on the floor.
9/23/09
JC update
Our little guy is a week old now. He's been waking up about every three hours at night, which is much better than LB's every two hours. Also, Hubby is still home, so we've been trading turns with the nighttime feedings. But I'm going to be a zombie when he goes back to work and it's all on me. Last night, JC was up at midnight and I fed him. Then Hubby took the 3am one, and I got up for the 6am one. I've been up since. LB's diaper didn't hold much last night, so he was awake at 6:30am.
It sounds like I got six hours of sleep, but even when Hubby is feeding JC, I still wake up. So we've been pretty tired.
Luckily, the kid does sleep a LOT. At least, for now.
As for me, I've been having a few twinges and pains, but I'm assuming that's all just part of the recovery. It's been difficult with LB, since I can't lift anything over 20 pounds. He wants to be picked up, and I want to pick him up, but I physically can't. Poor guy.
Tomorrow is Hubby's last day of baby leave, then he goes back to work. I'm sure I can manage this on my own, but it was just so nice to have him home all day. :)
It sounds like I got six hours of sleep, but even when Hubby is feeding JC, I still wake up. So we've been pretty tired.
Luckily, the kid does sleep a LOT. At least, for now.
As for me, I've been having a few twinges and pains, but I'm assuming that's all just part of the recovery. It's been difficult with LB, since I can't lift anything over 20 pounds. He wants to be picked up, and I want to pick him up, but I physically can't. Poor guy.
Tomorrow is Hubby's last day of baby leave, then he goes back to work. I'm sure I can manage this on my own, but it was just so nice to have him home all day. :)
9/18/09
Here he is!
*This will probably be a long post, but I know some of my readers want to know the whole story.
The little man is finally here! JC (nickname has been kept to protect the innocent) was born Sept 14 at 9:36am, weighing 8 lb 2.7 oz and measuring 20 inches long... which is funny, because LB was 8 lb 2.6 oz and 21 inches long. He has dark blue eyes and a head of light brown hair, and he has daddy's feet and mommy's mouth.
Hubby and I arrived at the hospital at 5:50am. We checked into surgical admissions then waited for a little bit to get into a bed. They gave me an IV and took us to a holding room. The anesthetist came in to discuss the spinal block, which really had me freaking out. All of a sudden, I was petrified of doing this- I mean, it was voluntary, what was I thinking?? But once they wheeled me into the OR, there was no turning back, so I tried to relax and breathe.
The spinal block was pretty excruciating. He used numbing medication, but I couldn't get it out of my head that there was still a needle being thread into a very tiny space in my spinal cord. I could feel the medication being injected, which grossed me out! But I could also feel myself losing feeling from the waist down, and when they laid me back, I was super-loopy and out of it. Also a little nauseous, but when I told the nurse that, she gave me this anti-nausea stuff which really helped. I remember moaning because I knew what was next, but it actually wasn't as bad as last time.
*This may make you queasy...
It was finally time to get JC out. With the epidural for LB, I couldn't feel pain, but I could definitely feel the pulling and tugging. But with the spinal block, I felt much less pulling and tugging and it was overall more comfortable. The only reason I knew they were cutting me was because the doctor announced it. Hubby was finally in the room with me- they wouldn't let him in during the prep stage. He was wonderful, stroking my head and talking to me. Suddenly, there was huge pressure on my chest and lungs, I felt like I was being suffocated. But the doc was just pushing on my chest, helping JC out, and suddenly, he was here!
Boy, did that kid scream. He has a healthy set of lungs on him, for sure. I felt a huge pressure come off me, like I had an elephant sitting on my stomach for nine months, and suddenly it stood up. JC was purply-pink and wriggly. Hubby was so happy and so excited to see him!
TBC...
*Ran outta time... I guess that's how it will be from now on! :)
Anyway, Hubby and I watched the nurses clean JC up, then he went with our little boy to the recovery room while the docs stitched me up. Since it's a learning hospital, there were other residents there, learning from the surgery. I could hear the doc say "here's this, here's that, we have to be careful of this, blah blah blah". She asked the residents some questions, like who is more at risk for developing infections. Maybe I'm addicted to the Discovery Health Channel, or maybe I just pay attention to random stuff, but I answered the doc, and they peeked over the sheet and were like, damn, she showed up our residents! (By the way, I said diabetes and obesity... DUH. Strange that the residents didn't think of that)
I was way more aware this time, even though the morphine and spinal made me loopy. With LB, I was so exhausted from the labor, and I really think the pitocin is what did me in (horrible, horrible drug). This time, I was well-rested and awake, and when they wheeled me into recovery, I actually got to hold JC. With LB, I was shaking so much, I was scared I'd drop him.
We spent a lot of time in the recovery wing, unfortunately. There was an emergency c-section that went ahead of me, and they were really busy that day- 8 babies total!! JC was born at 9:36am and we didn't get a room until about 3pm. But, I was just happy that most of the worst part was over and we could enjoy our little guy.
After getting the room, I felt good enough to get out of bed- and I did it all by myself! With LB, I was bed-ridden for awhile and in way more pain. A few people stopped by to visit, which was nice. My parents brought LB a few times- I'm not really sure what his first impression was. He would check him out, then play with the buttons on my bed. I don't think he understood that this little person was coming home with us. :)
The nurses were constantly stopping in to check on us, and I was beyond ecstatic when they took out the cath. I swear, it should be a torture device- I hate that thing. Luckily, I didn't have any problems with bathroom-related issues! They finally took out the IV after I told the nurse I couldn't take it any more, and the day of discharge, the doc removed my staples and applied steri-strips. I was pretty scared of the staples, but my friend M who came to visit and has had staples in her knee said that it wasn't painful, just more annoying. It was the same sensation as tweezing my eyebrows.
We came home Wednesday afternoon and I've been recovering since! I can get up and use the bathroom by myself and shower and dress myself, which sounds simple, but it's huge compared to last time. JC is sleeping well and we just converted LB's crib to a toddler bed. Last night was the first night, and after some whining and complaining, he finally fell asleep in the bed- YAY!!
So there's the latest. Hope I didn't gross you out too much! :)
The little man is finally here! JC (nickname has been kept to protect the innocent) was born Sept 14 at 9:36am, weighing 8 lb 2.7 oz and measuring 20 inches long... which is funny, because LB was 8 lb 2.6 oz and 21 inches long. He has dark blue eyes and a head of light brown hair, and he has daddy's feet and mommy's mouth.
Hubby and I arrived at the hospital at 5:50am. We checked into surgical admissions then waited for a little bit to get into a bed. They gave me an IV and took us to a holding room. The anesthetist came in to discuss the spinal block, which really had me freaking out. All of a sudden, I was petrified of doing this- I mean, it was voluntary, what was I thinking?? But once they wheeled me into the OR, there was no turning back, so I tried to relax and breathe.
The spinal block was pretty excruciating. He used numbing medication, but I couldn't get it out of my head that there was still a needle being thread into a very tiny space in my spinal cord. I could feel the medication being injected, which grossed me out! But I could also feel myself losing feeling from the waist down, and when they laid me back, I was super-loopy and out of it. Also a little nauseous, but when I told the nurse that, she gave me this anti-nausea stuff which really helped. I remember moaning because I knew what was next, but it actually wasn't as bad as last time.
*This may make you queasy...
It was finally time to get JC out. With the epidural for LB, I couldn't feel pain, but I could definitely feel the pulling and tugging. But with the spinal block, I felt much less pulling and tugging and it was overall more comfortable. The only reason I knew they were cutting me was because the doctor announced it. Hubby was finally in the room with me- they wouldn't let him in during the prep stage. He was wonderful, stroking my head and talking to me. Suddenly, there was huge pressure on my chest and lungs, I felt like I was being suffocated. But the doc was just pushing on my chest, helping JC out, and suddenly, he was here!
Boy, did that kid scream. He has a healthy set of lungs on him, for sure. I felt a huge pressure come off me, like I had an elephant sitting on my stomach for nine months, and suddenly it stood up. JC was purply-pink and wriggly. Hubby was so happy and so excited to see him!
TBC...
*Ran outta time... I guess that's how it will be from now on! :)
Anyway, Hubby and I watched the nurses clean JC up, then he went with our little boy to the recovery room while the docs stitched me up. Since it's a learning hospital, there were other residents there, learning from the surgery. I could hear the doc say "here's this, here's that, we have to be careful of this, blah blah blah". She asked the residents some questions, like who is more at risk for developing infections. Maybe I'm addicted to the Discovery Health Channel, or maybe I just pay attention to random stuff, but I answered the doc, and they peeked over the sheet and were like, damn, she showed up our residents! (By the way, I said diabetes and obesity... DUH. Strange that the residents didn't think of that)
I was way more aware this time, even though the morphine and spinal made me loopy. With LB, I was so exhausted from the labor, and I really think the pitocin is what did me in (horrible, horrible drug). This time, I was well-rested and awake, and when they wheeled me into recovery, I actually got to hold JC. With LB, I was shaking so much, I was scared I'd drop him.
We spent a lot of time in the recovery wing, unfortunately. There was an emergency c-section that went ahead of me, and they were really busy that day- 8 babies total!! JC was born at 9:36am and we didn't get a room until about 3pm. But, I was just happy that most of the worst part was over and we could enjoy our little guy.
After getting the room, I felt good enough to get out of bed- and I did it all by myself! With LB, I was bed-ridden for awhile and in way more pain. A few people stopped by to visit, which was nice. My parents brought LB a few times- I'm not really sure what his first impression was. He would check him out, then play with the buttons on my bed. I don't think he understood that this little person was coming home with us. :)
The nurses were constantly stopping in to check on us, and I was beyond ecstatic when they took out the cath. I swear, it should be a torture device- I hate that thing. Luckily, I didn't have any problems with bathroom-related issues! They finally took out the IV after I told the nurse I couldn't take it any more, and the day of discharge, the doc removed my staples and applied steri-strips. I was pretty scared of the staples, but my friend M who came to visit and has had staples in her knee said that it wasn't painful, just more annoying. It was the same sensation as tweezing my eyebrows.
We came home Wednesday afternoon and I've been recovering since! I can get up and use the bathroom by myself and shower and dress myself, which sounds simple, but it's huge compared to last time. JC is sleeping well and we just converted LB's crib to a toddler bed. Last night was the first night, and after some whining and complaining, he finally fell asleep in the bed- YAY!!
So there's the latest. Hope I didn't gross you out too much! :)
9/7/09
Happy Labor Day
It's a holiday today. Hubby actually is home today, which is unusual. I'm so used to him never getting a holiday off (besides the "big" ones, like Christmas), but it really doesn't even feel like a holiday, since he had to work yesterday.
I never really got Labor Day. It's kind of a way of saying "go us for working so hard", right? I know there's history tied to unions and all, but don't we pat ourselves on the back throughout the year for working hard? Labor Day just seems a little redundant. Whatever, it's a day off work (for those that have jobs outside the home), so that's all good. Plus, it marks the start of the NFL season and (unofficially) the fall.
It's too bad there isn't a SAHM's Labor Day. I mean, mommies could definitely use a whole day where they don't have to listen to incoherent whining, changing poopy diapers, and trying in vain to feed their kids something nutritious.
Although, I think that the best form of Labor Day would be me going into labor. :) How ironic would that be? It would also be most-welcome. Last night was killer with Braxton Hicks- some of them were a few minutes apart and kinda strong. I don't really want to go into labor, but I'm pretty ready for this pregnancy to be done.
I never really got Labor Day. It's kind of a way of saying "go us for working so hard", right? I know there's history tied to unions and all, but don't we pat ourselves on the back throughout the year for working hard? Labor Day just seems a little redundant. Whatever, it's a day off work (for those that have jobs outside the home), so that's all good. Plus, it marks the start of the NFL season and (unofficially) the fall.
It's too bad there isn't a SAHM's Labor Day. I mean, mommies could definitely use a whole day where they don't have to listen to incoherent whining, changing poopy diapers, and trying in vain to feed their kids something nutritious.
Although, I think that the best form of Labor Day would be me going into labor. :) How ironic would that be? It would also be most-welcome. Last night was killer with Braxton Hicks- some of them were a few minutes apart and kinda strong. I don't really want to go into labor, but I'm pretty ready for this pregnancy to be done.
9/4/09
A quick note
Measuring the width of my ass when I'm ten days away from giving birth to your second son, then comparing it to your smaller ass, pretty much guarantees you'll be on my bad side.
Just saying.
Just saying.
9/3/09
Hm, that necessitates a do-over.
I just posted a little blurb about our 38 week appointment and how I'd been feeling. Then I reread the post and was bored out of my mind! Sorry everyone- I know the pregnancy has been pretty much the only thing I talk about now. So I deleted the post and I'm writing another one. Here goes...
Sheesh. How one-sided my life is right now! I'm trying to think of something to write that doesn't include babies and toddlers and such, but I'm drawing a blank. Is that bad?
A good friend of mine posted on her blog about feeling restless and wondering if people living a typical, "vanilla" life (i.e., married with 2.5 kids and a dog and a white picket fence) were really happy. It got me thinking about my own life, where my interests are, and if that really makes me happy.
There are things that I could be doing that make me happy- going back to work or being a musician- but right now I'm doing other things that make me happy. I know I bitch and moan a lot about being a SAHM and it seems like I'm not content, but I am. Things aren't perfect all the time, but the things that are important to me are here in my life, and that is what makes me happy.
It's important that my kids spend time with us and not a daycare or babysitter. It's important that my husband and I have a good marriage, despite him having a job that frequently strains marriages. It's important that we have a good home, wherever we are. And it's important to me to know that one day I will head back to work, whether it's teaching or pursuing another career.
Despite the stability we appear to have, our life is always changing. We move a lot and we're in the middle of building a family. But the things that center us are our values and each other. I guess family is the constant that we rely on, and by putting that first, that is what makes me content.
I'm not sure if I'm making sense right now! LB is chattering away in the next room and Puppy is barking at the movers next door, so trying to concentrate is not going well. But at least it's something different than another bitchy rant! :)
Sheesh. How one-sided my life is right now! I'm trying to think of something to write that doesn't include babies and toddlers and such, but I'm drawing a blank. Is that bad?
A good friend of mine posted on her blog about feeling restless and wondering if people living a typical, "vanilla" life (i.e., married with 2.5 kids and a dog and a white picket fence) were really happy. It got me thinking about my own life, where my interests are, and if that really makes me happy.
There are things that I could be doing that make me happy- going back to work or being a musician- but right now I'm doing other things that make me happy. I know I bitch and moan a lot about being a SAHM and it seems like I'm not content, but I am. Things aren't perfect all the time, but the things that are important to me are here in my life, and that is what makes me happy.
It's important that my kids spend time with us and not a daycare or babysitter. It's important that my husband and I have a good marriage, despite him having a job that frequently strains marriages. It's important that we have a good home, wherever we are. And it's important to me to know that one day I will head back to work, whether it's teaching or pursuing another career.
Despite the stability we appear to have, our life is always changing. We move a lot and we're in the middle of building a family. But the things that center us are our values and each other. I guess family is the constant that we rely on, and by putting that first, that is what makes me content.
I'm not sure if I'm making sense right now! LB is chattering away in the next room and Puppy is barking at the movers next door, so trying to concentrate is not going well. But at least it's something different than another bitchy rant! :)
8/31/09
Common sense is not so common.
Hubby insures his bike through a major insurance company. You'd think that they'd have their heads on straight, since they're obviously successful and all. But no.
Last week, we received our Hawaii motorcycle ID cards, along with a copy of our new policy. We also received two more ID cards labeled "South Carolina Proof of Financial Responsibility." Huh?? We haven't lived in SC since 2006.
I called the company this morning. They tried to put me through a voice-activated menu, where I had to speak which option I wanted. None of them were "Let me speak to a human", so I pressed "0" until I got a person. We'll call her Jane.
Jane was nice. She didn't have a thick accent, so it was easy to understand her. She was quick in verifying my info and very courteous. Obviously, Jane does not deal with our account specifically, so I explained what we had received. She told me that we had not updated the fact that the bike was registered in HI.
Whiskey tango foxtrot?? We've been in HI for a few years now, and I'm positive we had to send them proof of registration to switch the policy from SC to HI. They mail our bill to our HI address, and we have a hawaiian policy. So I asked her, do we have two policies? She said no, but she couldn't give me a straight answer why we ended up with a hawaiian policy and two different state ID cards.
Ah, morons... I don't expect much from the general public any more.
Last week, we received our Hawaii motorcycle ID cards, along with a copy of our new policy. We also received two more ID cards labeled "South Carolina Proof of Financial Responsibility." Huh?? We haven't lived in SC since 2006.
I called the company this morning. They tried to put me through a voice-activated menu, where I had to speak which option I wanted. None of them were "Let me speak to a human", so I pressed "0" until I got a person. We'll call her Jane.
Jane was nice. She didn't have a thick accent, so it was easy to understand her. She was quick in verifying my info and very courteous. Obviously, Jane does not deal with our account specifically, so I explained what we had received. She told me that we had not updated the fact that the bike was registered in HI.
Whiskey tango foxtrot?? We've been in HI for a few years now, and I'm positive we had to send them proof of registration to switch the policy from SC to HI. They mail our bill to our HI address, and we have a hawaiian policy. So I asked her, do we have two policies? She said no, but she couldn't give me a straight answer why we ended up with a hawaiian policy and two different state ID cards.
Ah, morons... I don't expect much from the general public any more.
8/30/09
A letter
Dear LB,
For Chrissake, take a friggin nap already. Since Daddy has duty today, this is the only break I will get, and Mommy needs it dearly, since your darling brother is back to his head-butting ways. I love you both very much, but I'm about to go out of my mind. So please, just maybe for 30 minutes or so, take a nap so I can put my feet up? Thanks.
Love,
Mommy
For Chrissake, take a friggin nap already. Since Daddy has duty today, this is the only break I will get, and Mommy needs it dearly, since your darling brother is back to his head-butting ways. I love you both very much, but I'm about to go out of my mind. So please, just maybe for 30 minutes or so, take a nap so I can put my feet up? Thanks.
Love,
Mommy
8/28/09
I give up.
I'm all done with trying to clean the house during the day. Hubby says, you'll have to do it with two kids because they won't be on the same schedule. Well, true, but I guess the house will just have to wait until they are asleep, because I'm sick of cleaning one room just to find the next room messed up.
LB is pretty darn cute. He knows that "Give it to Mommy" means "You'd better hand that over to me". And he listens. He hands everything to me... which is kind of frustrating. All day long, he's handing me toys and books, no matter where I am, so his stuff ends up all over the place.
And it's not just kid stuff. There's Hubby's dirty dishes and the sand he somehow tracked into the house, despite not having been to the beach. There are the tiles, which never really look clean because the geniuses in the housing department decided on textured tile. And there's Puppy, who decided to puke not once, not twice, but three times in the kitchen today.
After Hubby came home from deployment, he suggested we cancel our housekeeper. After all, now he's home to clean up what I can't. I just kind of wish that he'd realize that I can do less and less. It's hard enough bending over to pick up toys (ow, my sciatic nerve)- let's not even approach mopping the floor or trying to load a dishwasher with the world's most curious toddler.
*Seriously, LB, what's with the fascination with the dishwasher???
Anyway, I've resigned to clean only at night. Which doesn't help, because by the time the kid's in bed, I'm too pooped to actually do anything productive. Just ask Hubby- most nights, I'm sitting on the couch because I can barely walk at this point. Maybe I'll put the TV on and let LB zone out just to get a few things done around here. Sh, don't tell anyone. :)
LB is pretty darn cute. He knows that "Give it to Mommy" means "You'd better hand that over to me". And he listens. He hands everything to me... which is kind of frustrating. All day long, he's handing me toys and books, no matter where I am, so his stuff ends up all over the place.
And it's not just kid stuff. There's Hubby's dirty dishes and the sand he somehow tracked into the house, despite not having been to the beach. There are the tiles, which never really look clean because the geniuses in the housing department decided on textured tile. And there's Puppy, who decided to puke not once, not twice, but three times in the kitchen today.
After Hubby came home from deployment, he suggested we cancel our housekeeper. After all, now he's home to clean up what I can't. I just kind of wish that he'd realize that I can do less and less. It's hard enough bending over to pick up toys (ow, my sciatic nerve)- let's not even approach mopping the floor or trying to load a dishwasher with the world's most curious toddler.
*Seriously, LB, what's with the fascination with the dishwasher???
Anyway, I've resigned to clean only at night. Which doesn't help, because by the time the kid's in bed, I'm too pooped to actually do anything productive. Just ask Hubby- most nights, I'm sitting on the couch because I can barely walk at this point. Maybe I'll put the TV on and let LB zone out just to get a few things done around here. Sh, don't tell anyone. :)
8/27/09
So. Over. It.
How many more days until Sept 14th?? Just wondering, because I'd really like control over my appetite and my body again. Getting antsy and feeling like this pregnancy is taking forever.
I guess I'm just really anxious because our friends Frau and Ninja just had their baby boy this Tuesday (commence baby season). And yes, I'm also jealous that apparently her labor was a breeze. :P But, I'm mostly realizing that even though we were due within weeks of each other, these last few weeks are the worst!
JC is a little active guy, although he's let up some on the kicking and head-butting. Now he's mostly just squirmy... which is extremely uncomfortable when I'm mid-Braxton Hicks. And the sciatic pain is pretty bad, along with the pelvic pain. I brought that up with my doc, and he said, "There's one magical cure..." I was elated until he said, "... and that's childbirth". Boooo.
I also weigh about 192 lb. Holy sh!t. I know I'm pretty tall, and everyone tells me that I don't look like I've been gaining weight elsewhere, but I feel 192 lb. The chocolate donuts taunt me and the ice cream has this Jedi force that draws me in. I wish I could say I can resist, but I can't. Little JC has a serious penchant for chocolate (gee, I wonder who he takes after??), and my a$$ is paying the price.
So I have absolutely no power over myself until this baby is born. It's not all that bad- at least the kid is craving chocolate and not something revolting, like orange juice. But I've been daydreaming about the day I can start working out and losing this weight (and not constantly grossing my husband out with all my farting). Although, I will need to buy new shoes....
Yeah, another topic of dismay for me. My husband fits into my shoes, and me into his. How depressing that my feet have become that big. And, I outweigh him... actually, I'm pretty sure at this point that I'm close to outweighing my dad, who (if you've ever met him) is a very tall, italian/polish guy and has always been the biggest person in the family. Sorry Dad, but I'm stealing your heavyweight title.
So there you go. Generally feeling fed-up and frustrated with being pregnant. I love my kids, but let me say, I'm glad this is the last time I'm doing this! :)
I guess I'm just really anxious because our friends Frau and Ninja just had their baby boy this Tuesday (commence baby season). And yes, I'm also jealous that apparently her labor was a breeze. :P But, I'm mostly realizing that even though we were due within weeks of each other, these last few weeks are the worst!
JC is a little active guy, although he's let up some on the kicking and head-butting. Now he's mostly just squirmy... which is extremely uncomfortable when I'm mid-Braxton Hicks. And the sciatic pain is pretty bad, along with the pelvic pain. I brought that up with my doc, and he said, "There's one magical cure..." I was elated until he said, "... and that's childbirth". Boooo.
I also weigh about 192 lb. Holy sh!t. I know I'm pretty tall, and everyone tells me that I don't look like I've been gaining weight elsewhere, but I feel 192 lb. The chocolate donuts taunt me and the ice cream has this Jedi force that draws me in. I wish I could say I can resist, but I can't. Little JC has a serious penchant for chocolate (gee, I wonder who he takes after??), and my a$$ is paying the price.
So I have absolutely no power over myself until this baby is born. It's not all that bad- at least the kid is craving chocolate and not something revolting, like orange juice. But I've been daydreaming about the day I can start working out and losing this weight (and not constantly grossing my husband out with all my farting). Although, I will need to buy new shoes....
Yeah, another topic of dismay for me. My husband fits into my shoes, and me into his. How depressing that my feet have become that big. And, I outweigh him... actually, I'm pretty sure at this point that I'm close to outweighing my dad, who (if you've ever met him) is a very tall, italian/polish guy and has always been the biggest person in the family. Sorry Dad, but I'm stealing your heavyweight title.
So there you go. Generally feeling fed-up and frustrated with being pregnant. I love my kids, but let me say, I'm glad this is the last time I'm doing this! :)
8/23/09
Oceanic, how I hate you
After unleashing Angry Pregnant Lady at the hospital, now it's time to turn my attention to Time Warner Oceanic. I've actually been angry with them ever since we moved in two years ago, but the situation is getting worse.
Every morning, without fail, my phone and internet services cut out. For some reason, the television service never has. At first (meaning, up until this summer), it would cut out for a few minutes, then come back on, then cut out again, then come back on, etc. But lately, we've been without those services for HOURS. Every morning.
The phone thing isn't too hard on us. Hubby and I have cell phones, and not too many people call our house line anyway (we hardly ever even give it out). But the internet thing is irritating. I can't check my email or look for houses in CA usually until around noon. By then, people on the east coast are getting ready for the night, and people here have already planned their day. Besides, the hour of Sesame Street has always been my time to catch up on cheesy celebrity gossip and to check out time-wasting websites. *Don't mock- it's this hour of brainlessness that maintains my sanity.
Yesterday, I was so fed-up that I called Oceanic's "customer service" line. I use quotes because I waited for over 30 minutes to speak with someone. When I finally did, I told them they needed to fix this, or we would be cancelling our services today. The lady was very nice and booked an emergency appointment for tomorrow, but these technicians have come to the house before and claimed to fix the problem. Obviously not the case, since I'm still calling them and we're still experiencing outages.
So, Oceanic, you suck. Your services suck and your customer service sucks. I'm not holding my breath with this appointment tomorrow and I'm fully prepared to cancel our account. After all, why should we pay for internet and phone services when they only work half the time??? Maybe they should take 50% off of our bill to compensate us. :) Haha, wishful thinking.
Every morning, without fail, my phone and internet services cut out. For some reason, the television service never has. At first (meaning, up until this summer), it would cut out for a few minutes, then come back on, then cut out again, then come back on, etc. But lately, we've been without those services for HOURS. Every morning.
The phone thing isn't too hard on us. Hubby and I have cell phones, and not too many people call our house line anyway (we hardly ever even give it out). But the internet thing is irritating. I can't check my email or look for houses in CA usually until around noon. By then, people on the east coast are getting ready for the night, and people here have already planned their day. Besides, the hour of Sesame Street has always been my time to catch up on cheesy celebrity gossip and to check out time-wasting websites. *Don't mock- it's this hour of brainlessness that maintains my sanity.
Yesterday, I was so fed-up that I called Oceanic's "customer service" line. I use quotes because I waited for over 30 minutes to speak with someone. When I finally did, I told them they needed to fix this, or we would be cancelling our services today. The lady was very nice and booked an emergency appointment for tomorrow, but these technicians have come to the house before and claimed to fix the problem. Obviously not the case, since I'm still calling them and we're still experiencing outages.
So, Oceanic, you suck. Your services suck and your customer service sucks. I'm not holding my breath with this appointment tomorrow and I'm fully prepared to cancel our account. After all, why should we pay for internet and phone services when they only work half the time??? Maybe they should take 50% off of our bill to compensate us. :) Haha, wishful thinking.
8/20/09
Day #2 of no nap
LB decided yesterday that he didn't need a nap. I had put him in his crib, and he cried for an hour straight until I got him out. Today, we are having the same battle. I know he's tired- he's rubbing his eyes and looks exhausted- but he won't go down for a nap!
Which sucks, because I could really use one. And although he's been physically in his crib for 45 minutes, his cries won't allow me to take one. So neither of us are getting a nap, and both of us will be cranky and irritable this afternoon (sorry, Hubby!).
At what age do kids stop taking naps??? It seems wicked early for a 19 month old boy to stop napping. I know he's not thirsty or hungry or poopy or wet- that was all taken care of before I put him down. He's probably just bored and testing me to see if I'll get him up. I suppose I should just stick it out and leave him there until he sleeps. I don't want him to think that if he cries long enough, he'll get his way.
Ugh, but I need a nap! He can't cry all day... right?
Which sucks, because I could really use one. And although he's been physically in his crib for 45 minutes, his cries won't allow me to take one. So neither of us are getting a nap, and both of us will be cranky and irritable this afternoon (sorry, Hubby!).
At what age do kids stop taking naps??? It seems wicked early for a 19 month old boy to stop napping. I know he's not thirsty or hungry or poopy or wet- that was all taken care of before I put him down. He's probably just bored and testing me to see if I'll get him up. I suppose I should just stick it out and leave him there until he sleeps. I don't want him to think that if he cries long enough, he'll get his way.
Ugh, but I need a nap! He can't cry all day... right?
8/19/09
Mark your calendars
We finally have a date! The baby is scheduled to be born September 14th. And all it took was a little craziness on my part. Isn't that sad, that I had to morph into Angry Pregnant Lady just to get something done that should have been done weeks ago?
Hubby called from the boat last night, and I told him the run-around I was given yesterday at the hospital. He was pretty pissed, not at me, but at how I was treated. So he suggested that instead of calling them over and over, show up the next morning and refuse to leave until the appointments are set.
I'm not really a pushy person. So it took some convincing from him to make me see that it was the only way things were going to get done. But I did it! Here's what happened:
I showed up at 8:30am this morning and marched right into the OB appointment office. I explained that I'm about to give birth and still have no c-section scheduled and that I wasn't leaving until I had a date. The guy that was dealing with me said I should wait at home to receive a call (same BS excuse I've heard before), to which I replied, no, I've been waiting for over a month and clearly no one has called, so I will not be leaving until I speak with the person responsible for scheduling the surgery. He spoke with my OB to confirm my due date, then brought in the lady that schedules the surgeries. Again, I was given the run-around, and told that the doctor who approves the appointments was in surgery until 11am. I said that was fine and that I would wait in the office until 11am... with a screaming LB.
The man was clearly agitated with me, but the woman kept her cool and invited me into her office. She said as long as I was there, we could book my pre-op. I wasn't even aware I had to do a pre-op, so I asked (quite bitchily) why they waited until this long if I needed a pre-op, SAC, and c-section scheduled. She didn't have a clear answer, and it was apparent that she was pretty new to this and was confused herself.
My OB was aware that I was there in the hospital, so by a stroke of luck, he swung by the scheduling lady's office between appointments to ask how things were going. I probably made him late for his next appointment, but he and the lady hashed some things out. First, they wanted to schedule me the 9th, but that didn't work. Then they suggested the 11th (Sept 11th!! NO!!), but that fell through, too. Finally, he pointed out that there were women on the schedule with later due dates than me (WTF??), so he told her to bump Mrs. So-and-so and put me in on the 14th, with him doing the surgery himself.
Then he had a semi-private conversation (even though I could hear the whole thing) about how confusing and backwards the process was to schedule a c-section. Clearly, he was annoyed that he had to step in, and maybe from this experience, they will tweak the round-about way things get done in that respect.
So I finally walked out over an hour later with a pre-op with my OB, SAC (surgical admissions center appointment), and my c-section. How frustrating that I had to be a mega-bitch. I mean, clearly if other women have their appointments already scheduled, mine should have been as well. Just wondering where in the past eight months I fell through the cracks, considering I'd been adamant about my preferences the whole time.
Hubby was ecstatic that I stuck to my guns and got the appointment. But he's still pretty pissed and plans to make his feelings known when it's time to evaluate the hospital.
It's still mind-boggling to me that the clinic doesn't schedule things like this as quickly as possible. If I had made my preferences clear, then it would make sense to add me to some sort of c-section waiting list and schedule me as soon as they could. I was told over and over that I was on "the list", but that list needs to be revised or changed because obviously that way is not working for them.
Hubby called from the boat last night, and I told him the run-around I was given yesterday at the hospital. He was pretty pissed, not at me, but at how I was treated. So he suggested that instead of calling them over and over, show up the next morning and refuse to leave until the appointments are set.
I'm not really a pushy person. So it took some convincing from him to make me see that it was the only way things were going to get done. But I did it! Here's what happened:
I showed up at 8:30am this morning and marched right into the OB appointment office. I explained that I'm about to give birth and still have no c-section scheduled and that I wasn't leaving until I had a date. The guy that was dealing with me said I should wait at home to receive a call (same BS excuse I've heard before), to which I replied, no, I've been waiting for over a month and clearly no one has called, so I will not be leaving until I speak with the person responsible for scheduling the surgery. He spoke with my OB to confirm my due date, then brought in the lady that schedules the surgeries. Again, I was given the run-around, and told that the doctor who approves the appointments was in surgery until 11am. I said that was fine and that I would wait in the office until 11am... with a screaming LB.
The man was clearly agitated with me, but the woman kept her cool and invited me into her office. She said as long as I was there, we could book my pre-op. I wasn't even aware I had to do a pre-op, so I asked (quite bitchily) why they waited until this long if I needed a pre-op, SAC, and c-section scheduled. She didn't have a clear answer, and it was apparent that she was pretty new to this and was confused herself.
My OB was aware that I was there in the hospital, so by a stroke of luck, he swung by the scheduling lady's office between appointments to ask how things were going. I probably made him late for his next appointment, but he and the lady hashed some things out. First, they wanted to schedule me the 9th, but that didn't work. Then they suggested the 11th (Sept 11th!! NO!!), but that fell through, too. Finally, he pointed out that there were women on the schedule with later due dates than me (WTF??), so he told her to bump Mrs. So-and-so and put me in on the 14th, with him doing the surgery himself.
Then he had a semi-private conversation (even though I could hear the whole thing) about how confusing and backwards the process was to schedule a c-section. Clearly, he was annoyed that he had to step in, and maybe from this experience, they will tweak the round-about way things get done in that respect.
So I finally walked out over an hour later with a pre-op with my OB, SAC (surgical admissions center appointment), and my c-section. How frustrating that I had to be a mega-bitch. I mean, clearly if other women have their appointments already scheduled, mine should have been as well. Just wondering where in the past eight months I fell through the cracks, considering I'd been adamant about my preferences the whole time.
Hubby was ecstatic that I stuck to my guns and got the appointment. But he's still pretty pissed and plans to make his feelings known when it's time to evaluate the hospital.
It's still mind-boggling to me that the clinic doesn't schedule things like this as quickly as possible. If I had made my preferences clear, then it would make sense to add me to some sort of c-section waiting list and schedule me as soon as they could. I was told over and over that I was on "the list", but that list needs to be revised or changed because obviously that way is not working for them.
8/18/09
Hawaiians not helping people... again...
My friend L and I have this saying (before she moved to SD). It's actually something from our hubbies' boat. "Hawaiians not helping people." Oh, how it rings true so often. And today is no exception.
I just got home from my 36 week appointment. I was expecting to receive a date for my scheduled c-section. What I got was this: "Um, yeah, the surgery clinic is really busy and can't schedule you for a c-section. They are already booked."
Me: "Uh, okaaaaaay, so what do I do? My husband's command needs to know the date and I have people coming in from outta town."
Dr.: "Well, you're on the list, and I spoke with the person who schedules c-sections, so they should be calling you soon."
*Ah, heard that line (and fell for it) a month ago...
Me: "Shouldn't I just call the surgery clinic myself?"
Dr.: "No, because it has to go through OB. But, you can call the OB appointment line and bug them to set a date. In the meantime, in case you end up having a natural birth, let's get the GBS test done."
Now, here's where I'm confused. I want a c-section. I don't want to risk the VBAC complications. So, don't I get a say in how my baby is born? If I want it done a certain way, don't I have that right? And what happens if I end up going through another 23 hour labor and needing a c-section anyway? They're not going to turn me away, so will a magical surgical bed suddenly appear? And, are they really trying to tell me that they can't bump someone with a non-life-threatening surgery who is not on a time restraint (like I am)? This baby isn't going to wait just for an opening in their schedule. And, I've made my intentions extremely clear right from the start, so it's not like I'm springing this on anyone.
I just don't understand how I've been to every single appointment, double- and triple-checking that they know I want a c-section, and somehow this happens. If this was my first baby, or if we were planning on having any more, I would not go back to this hospital again. I usually have good things to say, but c'mon people, I only have a limited number of days until this baby makes his appearance! Can't we get this scheduled??
I just got home from my 36 week appointment. I was expecting to receive a date for my scheduled c-section. What I got was this: "Um, yeah, the surgery clinic is really busy and can't schedule you for a c-section. They are already booked."
Me: "Uh, okaaaaaay, so what do I do? My husband's command needs to know the date and I have people coming in from outta town."
Dr.: "Well, you're on the list, and I spoke with the person who schedules c-sections, so they should be calling you soon."
*Ah, heard that line (and fell for it) a month ago...
Me: "Shouldn't I just call the surgery clinic myself?"
Dr.: "No, because it has to go through OB. But, you can call the OB appointment line and bug them to set a date. In the meantime, in case you end up having a natural birth, let's get the GBS test done."
Now, here's where I'm confused. I want a c-section. I don't want to risk the VBAC complications. So, don't I get a say in how my baby is born? If I want it done a certain way, don't I have that right? And what happens if I end up going through another 23 hour labor and needing a c-section anyway? They're not going to turn me away, so will a magical surgical bed suddenly appear? And, are they really trying to tell me that they can't bump someone with a non-life-threatening surgery who is not on a time restraint (like I am)? This baby isn't going to wait just for an opening in their schedule. And, I've made my intentions extremely clear right from the start, so it's not like I'm springing this on anyone.
I just don't understand how I've been to every single appointment, double- and triple-checking that they know I want a c-section, and somehow this happens. If this was my first baby, or if we were planning on having any more, I would not go back to this hospital again. I usually have good things to say, but c'mon people, I only have a limited number of days until this baby makes his appearance! Can't we get this scheduled??
8/17/09
Nearly 36 weeks and counting
**Long one, sorry.**
Where have I been the past two weeks, you ask? Well, first and foremost, I've been spending some QT with my cutie (haha, that was stupid but I couldn't resist). It's been really nice having Hubby home, although sometimes I forget he's been detached from reality for six months (What do you mean, Farrah Fawcett is dead?). We've been chilling out, catching up with friends, and just having a good time.
But for the past two weeks, I've been having that good time in a recliner. Completely immobile sometimes. Holy cow, this pregnancy is pretty much killing me. Poor Hubby has to do everything around the house and change more diapers than he'd like. He's been the cook and the cleaner and the disciplinarian. Sure, I did it for six months, but I see it as a partnership, and I'd like to pitch in, too.
But I can't!! I physically can't do it! I've been in so much more pain with JC than I ever was with LB. LB's ninth month was mostly just a few annoying twinges and some indigestion. I didn't realize that as miserable as I felt, it could get worse, but apparently it can. With JC, there are days I can barely walk. I can't lift my legs to put on clothes or shave. Sometimes when I walk, I can feel my bones crack with every step. And the pain.... oh, the pain. Just yesterday, strangers were asking me if I was okay or if they needed to call someone, because they thought I was in labor. And honestly, I was pretty surprised myself that my water didn't break or anything.
I know I have four weeks left. And Mother Nature uses those four weeks for something (lung development, weight gain, brain growth, etc), but I'd be totally happy having this baby early. I'm so ready for it to be done, and it's been incredibly frustrating to be on the couch almost all day and unable to pick up LB without nearly dropping him from searing, shooting pain. At least he listens when I tell him to go to his room to change his diaper. (true story, it's so cute)
I've been reading up on c-sections and how to best prepare for them. All the authors suggest dealing with any fears before the actual day, which makes sense. I've talked to Hubby about them, but maybe by writing, it'll help me get over them.
1. My biggest fear is going through another painful recovery again. Sure, no one actually looks forward to getting sliced and diced, so I guess my apprehension is warranted, but in a way, knowing what to expect is making it worse. I know I'll need major drugs and won't be allowed to lift LB for six weeks (HA, how is that going to happen??). But I'm trying to see the bright side. At least I won't be going through the pain of labor as well!
2. My next fear is having to start all over again. It's not actually a fear than a dread. Looking at six months of sleepless nights and midnight feedings is daunting. Formula and bottles and millions of diapers, *sigh*. It's going to be frustrating to be in that position again, and this time with a toddler who probably won't really understand why JC is getting so much attention. But again, trying to look on the bright side- once we're done with bottles, we're done! And once we're done with potty-training, no more diapers! And once JC is sleeping through the night, we can all get a full night's rest!
3. My last fear is bringing JC home to LB. LB's in a hitting phase. Not to be mean or malicious, but I think just more out of curiousity, to see what happens. I have these nightmares of LB picking JC up by the leg, or trying to stuff him in the dishwasher, or dropping him on his head. Realistically, we are going to have two boys, so they will beat on each other. I just hope LB waits until JC can at least walk!
So that's what has been going on with me the past two weeks.
Where have I been the past two weeks, you ask? Well, first and foremost, I've been spending some QT with my cutie (haha, that was stupid but I couldn't resist). It's been really nice having Hubby home, although sometimes I forget he's been detached from reality for six months (What do you mean, Farrah Fawcett is dead?). We've been chilling out, catching up with friends, and just having a good time.
But for the past two weeks, I've been having that good time in a recliner. Completely immobile sometimes. Holy cow, this pregnancy is pretty much killing me. Poor Hubby has to do everything around the house and change more diapers than he'd like. He's been the cook and the cleaner and the disciplinarian. Sure, I did it for six months, but I see it as a partnership, and I'd like to pitch in, too.
But I can't!! I physically can't do it! I've been in so much more pain with JC than I ever was with LB. LB's ninth month was mostly just a few annoying twinges and some indigestion. I didn't realize that as miserable as I felt, it could get worse, but apparently it can. With JC, there are days I can barely walk. I can't lift my legs to put on clothes or shave. Sometimes when I walk, I can feel my bones crack with every step. And the pain.... oh, the pain. Just yesterday, strangers were asking me if I was okay or if they needed to call someone, because they thought I was in labor. And honestly, I was pretty surprised myself that my water didn't break or anything.
I know I have four weeks left. And Mother Nature uses those four weeks for something (lung development, weight gain, brain growth, etc), but I'd be totally happy having this baby early. I'm so ready for it to be done, and it's been incredibly frustrating to be on the couch almost all day and unable to pick up LB without nearly dropping him from searing, shooting pain. At least he listens when I tell him to go to his room to change his diaper. (true story, it's so cute)
I've been reading up on c-sections and how to best prepare for them. All the authors suggest dealing with any fears before the actual day, which makes sense. I've talked to Hubby about them, but maybe by writing, it'll help me get over them.
1. My biggest fear is going through another painful recovery again. Sure, no one actually looks forward to getting sliced and diced, so I guess my apprehension is warranted, but in a way, knowing what to expect is making it worse. I know I'll need major drugs and won't be allowed to lift LB for six weeks (HA, how is that going to happen??). But I'm trying to see the bright side. At least I won't be going through the pain of labor as well!
2. My next fear is having to start all over again. It's not actually a fear than a dread. Looking at six months of sleepless nights and midnight feedings is daunting. Formula and bottles and millions of diapers, *sigh*. It's going to be frustrating to be in that position again, and this time with a toddler who probably won't really understand why JC is getting so much attention. But again, trying to look on the bright side- once we're done with bottles, we're done! And once we're done with potty-training, no more diapers! And once JC is sleeping through the night, we can all get a full night's rest!
3. My last fear is bringing JC home to LB. LB's in a hitting phase. Not to be mean or malicious, but I think just more out of curiousity, to see what happens. I have these nightmares of LB picking JC up by the leg, or trying to stuff him in the dishwasher, or dropping him on his head. Realistically, we are going to have two boys, so they will beat on each other. I just hope LB waits until JC can at least walk!
So that's what has been going on with me the past two weeks.
8/14/09
The men are gone, let's all freak out.
That's a line my mom and I would say when I was in NH with LB. It seemed like every time my dad or brother left the room, LB would whine and cry and get upset. I thought it might be a phase,like he really just wanted to be one of the guys, but I'm finding myself in the same position now that Hubby is home.
It seems like the kid has Daddy-MIA radar or something. He still pulls the dramatic stuff when he sees Hubby leave, but now it's also happening in his sleep. I swear, since Hubby has been home, the instant he leaves the house, LB wakes up from his nap and cries.
Just this afternoon, Hubby was playing Lego Indiana Jones and I had fallen peacefully asleep in the recliner as LB napped in his crib. Ahhh, it was nice. Then Hubby decided to go workout. He gave me a nice little peck and I went right back to sleep... for about, oh, 90 seconds. Less than two minutes after Hubby had left, LB was awake and crying.
*sigh* Seriously??
I was enjoying my nap so much. The theme of Barnett College (I think it's called Marian's theme) was lulling me to sleep and I had a full belly of mac & cheese, hot dog, and broccoli. LB had only been asleep for about an hour, so I thought I could squeeze in maybe 30 minutes of relaxing, uninterrupted napping. But no such luck.
The man was gone. Let's all freak out.
It seems like the kid has Daddy-MIA radar or something. He still pulls the dramatic stuff when he sees Hubby leave, but now it's also happening in his sleep. I swear, since Hubby has been home, the instant he leaves the house, LB wakes up from his nap and cries.
Just this afternoon, Hubby was playing Lego Indiana Jones and I had fallen peacefully asleep in the recliner as LB napped in his crib. Ahhh, it was nice. Then Hubby decided to go workout. He gave me a nice little peck and I went right back to sleep... for about, oh, 90 seconds. Less than two minutes after Hubby had left, LB was awake and crying.
*sigh* Seriously??
I was enjoying my nap so much. The theme of Barnett College (I think it's called Marian's theme) was lulling me to sleep and I had a full belly of mac & cheese, hot dog, and broccoli. LB had only been asleep for about an hour, so I thought I could squeeze in maybe 30 minutes of relaxing, uninterrupted napping. But no such luck.
The man was gone. Let's all freak out.
8/6/09
Yeeowza!!
Little JC (aka, Julius Caesar, or baby #2) is really making everything difficult for me lately! Just moving around is super painful. He's constantly moving and kicking and trying to punch and kick holes through my belly. It's a good thing- he's active and I don't have to worry about counting movements (ten in two hours?? HA. This one's an overachiever. More like ten in ten seconds). But he's quickly outgrowing his current home.
I remember when I was at this point with LB. It was Thanksgiving. I had prepared a big traditional turkey meal for myself, Hubby, and a few of his friends. I even had recently undergone a root canal. And even well into the ninth month, I put up our Christmas tree all by myself. Granted, it took several hours and I got pretty creative trying to accomplish this without hyperventilating, but I did it.
But with JC, the whole third trimester has been torture. He's obviously in the head-down position. How do I know, you ask? Because his feet are clearly visible moving across the top of my belly. It's almost like watching satellites move across the night sky- you can totally see them and track them. And, he's been practicing his self defense moves, like head-butting, on my girly parts. Thanks for passing that trait on, Hubby.
The biggest difference is how ridiculously big JC feels compared to LB. Even early on, my belly was much bigger than with LB. And now, I can feel that he's heavier. I swear, as I was shopping this morning, I think he broke my pelvic bone. All I can do right now is sit on my a$$ with my feet up and type this in my blog. Just moving my legs right now makes me feel like my pelvis is cracking. Oh, the joys of being pregnant.
I'm curious to see how long and how heavy JC is when he's born. Maybe I'll start a little bet. Winnings are bragging rights. I'm guessing he is going to be 8 lb 8 oz, 22 inches long. Leave a comment with your guess. :)
I remember when I was at this point with LB. It was Thanksgiving. I had prepared a big traditional turkey meal for myself, Hubby, and a few of his friends. I even had recently undergone a root canal. And even well into the ninth month, I put up our Christmas tree all by myself. Granted, it took several hours and I got pretty creative trying to accomplish this without hyperventilating, but I did it.
But with JC, the whole third trimester has been torture. He's obviously in the head-down position. How do I know, you ask? Because his feet are clearly visible moving across the top of my belly. It's almost like watching satellites move across the night sky- you can totally see them and track them. And, he's been practicing his self defense moves, like head-butting, on my girly parts. Thanks for passing that trait on, Hubby.
The biggest difference is how ridiculously big JC feels compared to LB. Even early on, my belly was much bigger than with LB. And now, I can feel that he's heavier. I swear, as I was shopping this morning, I think he broke my pelvic bone. All I can do right now is sit on my a$$ with my feet up and type this in my blog. Just moving my legs right now makes me feel like my pelvis is cracking. Oh, the joys of being pregnant.
I'm curious to see how long and how heavy JC is when he's born. Maybe I'll start a little bet. Winnings are bragging rights. I'm guessing he is going to be 8 lb 8 oz, 22 inches long. Leave a comment with your guess. :)
8/3/09
I hate double standards
I'm beyond annoyed and pissed and irritated and frustrated with the double standards going on.
The end.
The end.
8/1/09
He's home
So, if you've read a few posts lately, you can probably surmise that Hubby is finally home from his deployment. YAY! It's been a long one. I'm pretty sure the only way I got through it was going home to NH for awhile and seeing our families and my Grace Adler (not to be forgotten my awesome friend, D, who fixed my computer when the hard drive crashed... forever in your debt, D!). It was a nice, right-in-the-middle-of-the-deployment distraction that broke up the time apart.
It's been great having him home. They (meaning other wives and CMCs and such) try to prepare you for what to expect, but it's always what I expect and not what they expect. They say, things will be weird as you try to blend your lives again. But it's not that way at all, at least for us. It was pretty much just like he had never left, except of course the mountains of laundry, albums of photos to see, and cool souvenirs he brought home. We'd been keeping in touch as much as we could, so we already knew what was going on in each other's lives. He jumped right back into the parent role, and even though a 12 month old and an 18 month old's needs are different, he was great. Maybe it's just because we made sure our communication with each other was a priority... I don't know. But I do know that we're having a great time!
We've gone to the beach, the stores, taken walks around the neighborhood, played with LB, took him on a train ride, etc. He's gone to the gym many times already (very important... apparently, that's all he could talk about underway sometimes!). He's taken LB for a day while I get things done. Like yesterday- he took LB to run some errands so I could lounge at the lagoons with a book and go swimming. Ahhh, loved it. :)
So things have been good! Sickeningly sweet good! I'm pretty sure right now we're the couple that people look at and gag. At least, behind closed doors. We're just so ridiculously happy to be together finally.
And, for those of you that are wondering, he will be home for awhile. We're getting ready to move in Novemberish, and he'll be rotating to shore duty, so that means no long-a$$ deployments! We'll be on shore duty about two years, then back to sea duty, but at least for those two years he won't be deployed.
It's been great having him home. They (meaning other wives and CMCs and such) try to prepare you for what to expect, but it's always what I expect and not what they expect. They say, things will be weird as you try to blend your lives again. But it's not that way at all, at least for us. It was pretty much just like he had never left, except of course the mountains of laundry, albums of photos to see, and cool souvenirs he brought home. We'd been keeping in touch as much as we could, so we already knew what was going on in each other's lives. He jumped right back into the parent role, and even though a 12 month old and an 18 month old's needs are different, he was great. Maybe it's just because we made sure our communication with each other was a priority... I don't know. But I do know that we're having a great time!
We've gone to the beach, the stores, taken walks around the neighborhood, played with LB, took him on a train ride, etc. He's gone to the gym many times already (very important... apparently, that's all he could talk about underway sometimes!). He's taken LB for a day while I get things done. Like yesterday- he took LB to run some errands so I could lounge at the lagoons with a book and go swimming. Ahhh, loved it. :)
So things have been good! Sickeningly sweet good! I'm pretty sure right now we're the couple that people look at and gag. At least, behind closed doors. We're just so ridiculously happy to be together finally.
And, for those of you that are wondering, he will be home for awhile. We're getting ready to move in Novemberish, and he'll be rotating to shore duty, so that means no long-a$$ deployments! We'll be on shore duty about two years, then back to sea duty, but at least for those two years he won't be deployed.
7/31/09
Yesterday was a great day!
Unfortunately, that title was laden with sarcasm. Yesterday sucked a little.
Hubby and I had the great idea to bring Puppy and LB to the dog park. It was a gorgeous day, and we were all ready to have some fun. Hubby even found a brand new tennis ball in the garage- what a treat for Puppy!
Anyway, we drove over and parked the car. The dog park has two sections, one large area for big dogs and one smaller area for smaller dogs. Both are completely fenced in and segregated, so it's nice. Even though Puppy is less than the 35 lb maximum for the small dog area, we take him to the big dog area... mostly because he gets freaked out by the little yip-yip dogs.
As soon as he was inside the fence, the two big dogs there were all over him, sniffing, barking, "playing". I thought maybe they just had to get used to Puppy, so we stayed, but took him to the other side of the park. That didn't last long, since the dogs were all off leashes, and the other dogs (including a third that had shown up) made their way over. I don't know what happen to instigate it, but suddenly, they were chasing Puppy, trying to bite him, and Puppy kept running and yelping, the poor thing.
Hubby broke up the dog fight and we immediately left. The owners of the other dogs did nothing to break up the fight, and Puppy left with slobber on his back where the other dogs had tried to bite him.
It just kills me that this park is supposed to be friendly and the dogs in housing are not supposed to be aggressive, and this happens! It was horrible to watch poor Puppy being attacked by these dogs and knowing I couldn't do anything... and it was really scary to know that we had LB with us! Puppy isn't really an alpha dog at all- he's so laidback and timid and if Hubby hadn't been there to break it all up, I'm sure we would have been taking Puppy to the vet.
Hubby and I had the great idea to bring Puppy and LB to the dog park. It was a gorgeous day, and we were all ready to have some fun. Hubby even found a brand new tennis ball in the garage- what a treat for Puppy!
Anyway, we drove over and parked the car. The dog park has two sections, one large area for big dogs and one smaller area for smaller dogs. Both are completely fenced in and segregated, so it's nice. Even though Puppy is less than the 35 lb maximum for the small dog area, we take him to the big dog area... mostly because he gets freaked out by the little yip-yip dogs.
As soon as he was inside the fence, the two big dogs there were all over him, sniffing, barking, "playing". I thought maybe they just had to get used to Puppy, so we stayed, but took him to the other side of the park. That didn't last long, since the dogs were all off leashes, and the other dogs (including a third that had shown up) made their way over. I don't know what happen to instigate it, but suddenly, they were chasing Puppy, trying to bite him, and Puppy kept running and yelping, the poor thing.
Hubby broke up the dog fight and we immediately left. The owners of the other dogs did nothing to break up the fight, and Puppy left with slobber on his back where the other dogs had tried to bite him.
It just kills me that this park is supposed to be friendly and the dogs in housing are not supposed to be aggressive, and this happens! It was horrible to watch poor Puppy being attacked by these dogs and knowing I couldn't do anything... and it was really scary to know that we had LB with us! Puppy isn't really an alpha dog at all- he's so laidback and timid and if Hubby hadn't been there to break it all up, I'm sure we would have been taking Puppy to the vet.
7/29/09
Bloggity blog
Baby #2 is doing great. Had a check up yesterday. Hubby came with to distract LB, which was a big relief. He's taking the kid to the beach today so that I can do the L&D tour and pre-admin stuff without an energetic, curious toddler.
Overall, things are going good. Haven't posted much since Hubby came home, which is a good thing. :) Too busy having fun and enjoying each other's company again!
We're getting ready to move to CA... at least, trying to. Hubby asked that I contact realtors about houses to rent, but (despite telling him they only deal with sales) they all said they couldn't help us. So Hubby said to contact people with rentals on craigslist, and (yet again, despite telling him no one is looking for renters in November) they are all replying that they hope to have the houses rented by then. DUH!
But it's not the first instance of frustration. At least, it's the only frustration with Hubby, which is a good thing. I'm just irritated with being so involved with stuff that I feel like dropping off the face of the planet and asking everyone (save a select few) to just leave me the hell alone.
Overall, things are going good. Haven't posted much since Hubby came home, which is a good thing. :) Too busy having fun and enjoying each other's company again!
We're getting ready to move to CA... at least, trying to. Hubby asked that I contact realtors about houses to rent, but (despite telling him they only deal with sales) they all said they couldn't help us. So Hubby said to contact people with rentals on craigslist, and (yet again, despite telling him no one is looking for renters in November) they are all replying that they hope to have the houses rented by then. DUH!
But it's not the first instance of frustration. At least, it's the only frustration with Hubby, which is a good thing. I'm just irritated with being so involved with stuff that I feel like dropping off the face of the planet and asking everyone (save a select few) to just leave me the hell alone.
7/23/09
Bothered by other peoples' stupidity
It's not even noon yet, and two things have happened to make me angry.
First, in an attempt to clean out the fridge, I tried to get the fruit and veggie shelves out, so I can "hand wash with warm water", as the manufacturer specifically says to do. Well, during the awesome planning of our house, the contractors/builders/whoever decided to place our fridge right up against the laundry door. Now I can't open the fridge door far enough to remove the trays. So, I cleaned the trays out while inside the fridge... which made the fridge lightbulb burn out. Friggin awesome.
After that was done, FedEx showed up to deliver a package. I was super psyched to see it was the two mugs I had ordered for Hubby from Miami U to replace the one I broke. Just in time! I opened up the first one and gasped when I saw the handle had broken off. Good thing I ordered two, I thought. I opened up the second one and discovered the handle had also broken off of that, and it was in two pieces! I got very angry. They didn't package them well- just wrapped in paper, put in a Dubois bag, put in a box, then stuff more paper around it. PAPER. There was some bubble wrap lining the bottom of the box, but c'mon now people, you know the box won't stay right-side up the whole time!
I just wish there was more forethought going on. It really saves everyone a bunch of trouble when people just think before doing.
First, in an attempt to clean out the fridge, I tried to get the fruit and veggie shelves out, so I can "hand wash with warm water", as the manufacturer specifically says to do. Well, during the awesome planning of our house, the contractors/builders/whoever decided to place our fridge right up against the laundry door. Now I can't open the fridge door far enough to remove the trays. So, I cleaned the trays out while inside the fridge... which made the fridge lightbulb burn out. Friggin awesome.
After that was done, FedEx showed up to deliver a package. I was super psyched to see it was the two mugs I had ordered for Hubby from Miami U to replace the one I broke. Just in time! I opened up the first one and gasped when I saw the handle had broken off. Good thing I ordered two, I thought. I opened up the second one and discovered the handle had also broken off of that, and it was in two pieces! I got very angry. They didn't package them well- just wrapped in paper, put in a Dubois bag, put in a box, then stuff more paper around it. PAPER. There was some bubble wrap lining the bottom of the box, but c'mon now people, you know the box won't stay right-side up the whole time!
I just wish there was more forethought going on. It really saves everyone a bunch of trouble when people just think before doing.
Good luck to ya!
Tonight was my last night serving as secretary of the FRG. It didn't even really register until we voted in the new officers.
It's been fun, but I'm ready to turn the reins over. Life with LB has been hair-pulling, and I know he's just being a typical toddler boy, but I just don't have the patience or energy any more. Tonight, he wandered into the conference room from the babysitting room, then whined a little and ran around and tried playing with people's cell phones and threw fits when he didn't get his way. Just frustrating. Next time, I'm leaving him home with a sitter. Although it's convenient to bring him with me, it's getting the point where he's just too much of a handful.
So Posh and K and I are leaving. Kitty is staying on, but she's not actually leaving the boat like us. More power to her! Fortunately, it'll be a LOT less busy since the guys will be home for awhile.
I came home not too late, but for some reason it doesn't feel like that. I've had a bad stomachache all day, which is finally subsiding a little. It made the meeting a lot less enjoyable, and couple that with LB's behavior, and I kind of bolted out of there right after it was over. It's good to relax because the next few days are going to be busy!
It's been fun, but I'm ready to turn the reins over. Life with LB has been hair-pulling, and I know he's just being a typical toddler boy, but I just don't have the patience or energy any more. Tonight, he wandered into the conference room from the babysitting room, then whined a little and ran around and tried playing with people's cell phones and threw fits when he didn't get his way. Just frustrating. Next time, I'm leaving him home with a sitter. Although it's convenient to bring him with me, it's getting the point where he's just too much of a handful.
So Posh and K and I are leaving. Kitty is staying on, but she's not actually leaving the boat like us. More power to her! Fortunately, it'll be a LOT less busy since the guys will be home for awhile.
I came home not too late, but for some reason it doesn't feel like that. I've had a bad stomachache all day, which is finally subsiding a little. It made the meeting a lot less enjoyable, and couple that with LB's behavior, and I kind of bolted out of there right after it was over. It's good to relax because the next few days are going to be busy!
7/19/09
Random thoughts....
I'm having a typical deployed spouse's Saturday night: kid's in bed early, M&Ms, and Saturday Night Live. Call the police, it's a wild night!
I need a pedicure. I can't reach my feet any more.
I can't WAIT until homecoming! It's coming up quick!
I'm getting irritated because I feel like I'm just not being heard. Obviously, he's a toddler, so LB doesn't listen. Neither does the dog. I expect that. But grown people don't seem to listen when I've said no, and it's like dealing with children- so frustrating.
Braxton Hicks are getting a little stronger and painful. I think I freaked out two of my friends- Posh even said she was going to start timing me!
I hate how liberal the media is.
I feel really ugly lately- cellulite, cankles, rash on my legs, fat ass, and no time to do my hair ever.
Double standards drive me crazy. If a rule is in place for a specific reason, it should apply to all involved.
I give up trying to keep up with social stuff. If you're coming to me for info, forget it- I probably know less than you.
Can't wait for football season.
Why are classroom supplies breaking the bank? Do certain brands of crayons promote better learning? Does a certain type of notebook produce a better learning environment than another one? Seriously teachers, let's get back to the basics in all aspects.
I wish my son wouldn't throw temper tantrums at parties. I can handle it at home, but around other people, it's just embarassing.
The Jay Leno Show looks entertaining, but frustrating at the same time. How can you call yourself an american and not know who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, but know who lives in a pineapple under the sea?? The dumbing down of America increases my blood pressure exponentially.
I need a pedicure. I can't reach my feet any more.
I can't WAIT until homecoming! It's coming up quick!
I'm getting irritated because I feel like I'm just not being heard. Obviously, he's a toddler, so LB doesn't listen. Neither does the dog. I expect that. But grown people don't seem to listen when I've said no, and it's like dealing with children- so frustrating.
Braxton Hicks are getting a little stronger and painful. I think I freaked out two of my friends- Posh even said she was going to start timing me!
I hate how liberal the media is.
I feel really ugly lately- cellulite, cankles, rash on my legs, fat ass, and no time to do my hair ever.
Double standards drive me crazy. If a rule is in place for a specific reason, it should apply to all involved.
I give up trying to keep up with social stuff. If you're coming to me for info, forget it- I probably know less than you.
Can't wait for football season.
Why are classroom supplies breaking the bank? Do certain brands of crayons promote better learning? Does a certain type of notebook produce a better learning environment than another one? Seriously teachers, let's get back to the basics in all aspects.
I wish my son wouldn't throw temper tantrums at parties. I can handle it at home, but around other people, it's just embarassing.
The Jay Leno Show looks entertaining, but frustrating at the same time. How can you call yourself an american and not know who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, but know who lives in a pineapple under the sea?? The dumbing down of America increases my blood pressure exponentially.
7/15/09
See you later, sanity
The terrible twos are starting, and I have no patience or sanity left to deal with it. Consciously, I know he's just being a toddler with little control over his emotions (and actions), but subconsciously, I'm wondering what the hell happened to the little baby that was so well-behaved and I always got compliments for.
This morning, he had a breakdown for no reason. Whatever I had, he wanted- my juice, the blanket I was using, my hair- and tried to take them from me. The blanket I gave up. I got him a sippy cup of juice which he rejected (sigh). And I yelled at him for pulling out my hair and leaving a little bald spot. He cried. He cried when he wanted something, and when he didn't want something, and when I yelled at him. I'm so tired this morning that I tried to take a quick nap during Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but I was slapped in the face.... guess who.
But the thing that sent me over the edge was knocking over Hubby's favorite and only Miami University mug and breaking it while I was getting the sippy cup of juice. I should have put it in the dishwasher when I was done with it, then it wouldn't have been out to tip over. I was so at the end of my rope that I started crying. Over a mug!! It was stupid, I know. I ordered two more online to replace it, and I know Hubby won't be too upset or anything, but being huge and hormonal and dealing with an inconsolable toddler, I just can't take the stress of anything, apparently.
It's a good thing the end of the deployment is near. I'm losing it.
This morning, he had a breakdown for no reason. Whatever I had, he wanted- my juice, the blanket I was using, my hair- and tried to take them from me. The blanket I gave up. I got him a sippy cup of juice which he rejected (sigh). And I yelled at him for pulling out my hair and leaving a little bald spot. He cried. He cried when he wanted something, and when he didn't want something, and when I yelled at him. I'm so tired this morning that I tried to take a quick nap during Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, but I was slapped in the face.... guess who.
But the thing that sent me over the edge was knocking over Hubby's favorite and only Miami University mug and breaking it while I was getting the sippy cup of juice. I should have put it in the dishwasher when I was done with it, then it wouldn't have been out to tip over. I was so at the end of my rope that I started crying. Over a mug!! It was stupid, I know. I ordered two more online to replace it, and I know Hubby won't be too upset or anything, but being huge and hormonal and dealing with an inconsolable toddler, I just can't take the stress of anything, apparently.
It's a good thing the end of the deployment is near. I'm losing it.
7/13/09
Things I will never understand
1. People who park in handicapped parking spaces, who then walk ably to and from a store. I'm sorry, but if you really need that space, you'd better damn be unable to walk, or unable to walk without significant pain! But if you can walk into a store, shop around, then walk out, all while smiling, then you really don't deserve that spot, no matter the reason for your handicapped license or mirror hanging.
2. Typos in publications. Really? There are so many people out there that need jobs that probably could proofread better than the morons in the publishing industry.
3. My toddler's "schedule". How can he possibly be hungry after sitting for a half hour in front of a plate of food he didn't touch?
4. My toddler's fascination with the grossest stuff on the planet. Couldn't he find something just as fascinating as the toilet brush? Maybe I should just buy him his own to play with... but how do you explain to people that your kid's favorite toy is a toilet brush?
5. College professors. My theory is that they are so into academia that they don't realize there is a real world out there. If you're paying X amount of money to learn about something, the classes and assignments had better be related to that goal. Why waste your time and money? And, guess what professors? People learn differently. So quit lecturing all the time. Utilize another style of teaching... especially when the class is for education majors!
6. A handicap motorcycle license plate. I really did see one. My assumption is that if you are handicapped enough to require special parking privileges, then your ability to maneuver a two-wheeled vehicle would be nil. Just my opinion.
7. The aversion to alpha-numeric street numbers. Since when has it been considered low-class to have a letter after your number? Are people really that shallow that they don't want people to think they live in a condo or (gasp!) apartment? Who cares? As long as the police and ambulance (and apparently the Domino's guy) finds the right house, nothing else matters.
8. People who show no gratitude to the people who save their lives, like firefighters and doctors. Or, to the people who protect their lives, like the police and the military.
9. Preventative health conditions. I understand people are born with diabetes, but getting it because you're overweight is another story. And if you know something like smoking causes cancer, wouldn't you be wise enough to stay away from it?
10. Yo Gabba Gabba. It's like psychedelic visual crack for children. I love how Noggin tries to pass it off as educational, when it's really just a colorful and musical distraction for 30 mintues. Although, I have to say, I'm pretty sucked into it when it's on, too... but I could be just zoning out from fatigue.
Feel free to leave a comment about the things you will never understand.
2. Typos in publications. Really? There are so many people out there that need jobs that probably could proofread better than the morons in the publishing industry.
3. My toddler's "schedule". How can he possibly be hungry after sitting for a half hour in front of a plate of food he didn't touch?
4. My toddler's fascination with the grossest stuff on the planet. Couldn't he find something just as fascinating as the toilet brush? Maybe I should just buy him his own to play with... but how do you explain to people that your kid's favorite toy is a toilet brush?
5. College professors. My theory is that they are so into academia that they don't realize there is a real world out there. If you're paying X amount of money to learn about something, the classes and assignments had better be related to that goal. Why waste your time and money? And, guess what professors? People learn differently. So quit lecturing all the time. Utilize another style of teaching... especially when the class is for education majors!
6. A handicap motorcycle license plate. I really did see one. My assumption is that if you are handicapped enough to require special parking privileges, then your ability to maneuver a two-wheeled vehicle would be nil. Just my opinion.
7. The aversion to alpha-numeric street numbers. Since when has it been considered low-class to have a letter after your number? Are people really that shallow that they don't want people to think they live in a condo or (gasp!) apartment? Who cares? As long as the police and ambulance (and apparently the Domino's guy) finds the right house, nothing else matters.
8. People who show no gratitude to the people who save their lives, like firefighters and doctors. Or, to the people who protect their lives, like the police and the military.
9. Preventative health conditions. I understand people are born with diabetes, but getting it because you're overweight is another story. And if you know something like smoking causes cancer, wouldn't you be wise enough to stay away from it?
10. Yo Gabba Gabba. It's like psychedelic visual crack for children. I love how Noggin tries to pass it off as educational, when it's really just a colorful and musical distraction for 30 mintues. Although, I have to say, I'm pretty sucked into it when it's on, too... but I could be just zoning out from fatigue.
Feel free to leave a comment about the things you will never understand.
7/12/09
A happy post!
Wow, how cynical and whiny I've sounded these past few posts! I'll make it a point with this one to post great stuff, I swear.
Last night, the wives held a Final Fling. LB and I didn't go, but he won First Hug! That means, Hubby gets to come off the boat second (after the First Kiss couple), and he gets to see his kid before anyone gets to see theirs. I told him last night (more to come), and he was so excited! He saw some recent pictures of LB and is so shocked at how much of a little boy he looks, instead of the baby he left. LB and I keep looking at pictures of Hubby, so I'm pretty confident that he won't be scared of him and will hug him right away. Besides, the kid's such a flirt.
So yes, I've been able to still talk to Hubby, which is great! He's been busy this port call, so our conversations usually end very abruptly- something like him saying, "I gotta go, love you, bye!" and me just saying "Ok, love you, bye!" But it's better to hear his voice than not at all.
I've been kinda patting myself on the back lately. I figured that money would be tight toward the end of deployment- it always is- so I have already purchased banners, cards, and gifts to welcome Hubby home. Now I can worry about getting him good food, cleaning the car and the house, and dealing with the DMV (grrrr... okay, couldn't make it through the entire post without a gripe, sorry!).
Last night, the wives held a Final Fling. LB and I didn't go, but he won First Hug! That means, Hubby gets to come off the boat second (after the First Kiss couple), and he gets to see his kid before anyone gets to see theirs. I told him last night (more to come), and he was so excited! He saw some recent pictures of LB and is so shocked at how much of a little boy he looks, instead of the baby he left. LB and I keep looking at pictures of Hubby, so I'm pretty confident that he won't be scared of him and will hug him right away. Besides, the kid's such a flirt.
So yes, I've been able to still talk to Hubby, which is great! He's been busy this port call, so our conversations usually end very abruptly- something like him saying, "I gotta go, love you, bye!" and me just saying "Ok, love you, bye!" But it's better to hear his voice than not at all.
I've been kinda patting myself on the back lately. I figured that money would be tight toward the end of deployment- it always is- so I have already purchased banners, cards, and gifts to welcome Hubby home. Now I can worry about getting him good food, cleaning the car and the house, and dealing with the DMV (grrrr... okay, couldn't make it through the entire post without a gripe, sorry!).
7/11/09
Still hating the DMV
My car registration is up at the end of this month. I got a renewal in the mail weeks ago, which I promptly returned with the CSL50 form, current inspection, and a check. But, as I predicted to Hubby, I've had it returned twice now. The first time, they stated my power of attorney which they had on file was expired (the car is registered in my and my hubby's name, which is why I needed it). So I photocopied it, wrote a letter, and even highlighted the expiration date of the POA, then sent it all back. Today, it was all sent back to me again, this time explaining that they need me to provide them with the original copy of the POA.
I wish they had asked me that the first time. Then I would have saved myself postage and patience! Why couldn't they explain that I need to submit the original in the first place??? And do they really expect me to send the original POA to them, when it's the only way I can get stuff done in my husband's name? And my biggest question is, why is this suddenly an issue?? I just renewed Hubby's car (which is only in his name) last month with absolutely no problem. If the POA was still valid for then, and the expiration isn't even until the end of August, then why the problem??? I'll tell you why- because they want to make a hormonal pregnant woman whose husband is deployed as friggin crazy as possible. It's a conspiracy, I swear.
The DMVs are closed now, but on Monday, I will be marching right into their offices and demanding to know why they insist on making this as annoying and complicated as they have. At least I'll have the weekend to wind down, because I was pretty livid when I open the letter.
I wish they had asked me that the first time. Then I would have saved myself postage and patience! Why couldn't they explain that I need to submit the original in the first place??? And do they really expect me to send the original POA to them, when it's the only way I can get stuff done in my husband's name? And my biggest question is, why is this suddenly an issue?? I just renewed Hubby's car (which is only in his name) last month with absolutely no problem. If the POA was still valid for then, and the expiration isn't even until the end of August, then why the problem??? I'll tell you why- because they want to make a hormonal pregnant woman whose husband is deployed as friggin crazy as possible. It's a conspiracy, I swear.
The DMVs are closed now, but on Monday, I will be marching right into their offices and demanding to know why they insist on making this as annoying and complicated as they have. At least I'll have the weekend to wind down, because I was pretty livid when I open the letter.
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