Five on Friday - 1/17/2014

Five on Friday!!!

ONE

My most exciting of the five has to be listed first of course. J Something good is happening. J I can’t tell you yet. Sorry. But it’s coming.

TWO

I’m obsessed with my daughter. I feel like I spend hardly any time with her at all. On average, I get Monday through Friday nights from 5:45pm until 8:30pm when she’s sound asleep in bed, I get Monday through Friday mornings from roughly 6:30am until 8:00am when I drop her off, and I get her all day Saturday and Sunday. That may sound like enough time to you, but in Mommy world, it’s close to nothing. It does make me cherish the weekends, but she’s only this small once, right? So, if I unexpectedly miss out on my time with her breaks my heart. I cry. Seriously, I cry. I cried last night talking to Gene about mere possibilities, at the thought of missing out on our time.

THREE

You’ve heard people say that a child puts a damper on some marriages. It’s true. I see my Mom friends and their husbands doing awesome things together, or having more babies, or even just having deep conversations, etc. Gene and I aren’t like that. We get one date night a month (where I’m mostly talking about Emma, see number TWO above), and other than that we don’t have any real adult time. After Emma goes to bed we do our separate things before we head off to bed because that’s the time we have to do them (I’m sure he doesn’t care to watch me pluck my eyebrows, lol). He goes to work 30 minutes before I even get up. He works Saturdays, and we do family things on Sundays. There is no time for us. And then when we magically do have time for us, we have nothing to talk about. Isn’t that awful? Our silence gets broken by one of us merely saying “I love Emma,” then we talk about her for another ten minutes or so until we go off to do our own things or go to bed out of boredom.

We’ve acknowledged the fact that we are in a rut… that we have nothing to talk about… that we don’t even really enjoy the same things to do in our spare time. Has anything changed? No. It’s hard to change when you have a good, consistent, functioning family life at home. Emma is in a routine. She pretty much knows what is expected each night. It’s hard to rattle that schedule to get in more adult time (I hate using the phrase “adult time” because it sounds like I’m talking about dirty stuff, but I’m really just talking about adult conversations and time to do things together). One date night is hardly enough for us, yet I hate to even give up my Emma time for the one night. It’s a lose-lose. How is a working Mom still supposed to have a life? I feel bad even saying that, but I don’t see any of my non-mom friends, I don’t have stress-relieving nights out. I don’t usually mind, but it takes its toll.

But am I willing to give up my Emma [time] for my sanity?

FOUR

It is awards show season. I love January! I love watching red carpets, and the shows themselves. I love seeing the after party pictures, and “who wore it better.” I always said that I was meant to be a celebrity (ha!). However, so far this year all I have gotten in is part of the Golden Globes, and that was just by luck because Emma hadn’t realized yet that “monkey’s gone.” The SAG awards are coming up and I do love those; 45 second speeches are the best. And I like that it’s actors voting for actors because then it’s not all about the favorites. Also, the Oscars are coming the beginning of March I think, so I really need to get to watching the movies nominated.

FIVE

I plan on us putting our house on the market in the Spring. It is so close, yet I have absolutely no motivation to get going on the projects that I have in mind. Ugh. Everything is truly so much harder with a child! As much as I hate painting, I’d do it this weekend with my mom, if it wasn’t for the fact that there is nobody to watch Emma. I have so much that I want to order to help with organization and simplification, but with a toddler, how organized can you really be? For each idea, comes a reason why it just won’t work. I need to get out of that mindset and just do it already. Oy vay!

Love the Five on Friday posts? Check out some friends (Liz and Megan) who post them too!

One and a Half!!!

Here we are. Emma is one and a half years old. It’s been a long journey that flew by too fast.

In the last three months (since her 15mos post) we’ve battled a pretty good head cold, roseola, molars and typical growing pains. Speaking of growing pains, while Emma is still at 30 pounds (30.2 to be exact), she’s now up to 34 inches in height!!!! She’s almost three feet tall! Oh, where did my baby go?

While yesterday marked Emma’s official 18 month birthday, today was her 18 month check-up. Nothing exciting by any means (we even had to skip shots because we were a few days shy of insurance covering it), but I did have my top five questions to ask.

Side Note – my Mom took Emma today instead of me. I had an important engagement at work.

Important Questions/Concerns:

She is coughing a lot. Dry coughing (for up to 5 minutes) in the middle of the night, and wet coughing during the day with lots of phlegm sounds all day.  *We are using the humidifier at night.

... Dr. said not to be alarmed since it’s just because she had a cold. It can take weeks for a toddler’s throat and sinuses to clear because they do not know how to help it along.

Is there such a thing as too much milk, and what is a good amount for her to have in one day? *I think she gets 24oz a day on average (maybe more here and there).

... Dr. said to limit milk to 16 ounces a day. She can have greek yogurt each day as well if I need to use it for a dessert.

What are your thoughts on a pillow in bed?

... No pillow in bed because it just gives her one more thing to bury her face in. Infants do not need leverage at this time because they sleep on their back or stomach (rarely on their side).

Is there anything else to help dry skin – Fish oil? Cod liver oil? Olive oil? *I don’t care for oil on skin.

... Limit baths to twice a week (unless a dire need) because their skin is so sensitive (even in summer time). Limit play time in the bath to about 5 minutes. No bubble bath or oatmeal treatments. Only use Dove bar soap. Lotion entire body with a calming lotion (no scent) right after bath and as needed. Put A&D or Desitin, on top of lotion, on red patchy spots (like behind knees).

Is it a good time to start potty-training? *She understands what pee means (maybe poo), but the times we try to get her to “practice” to use it she just wants to play with the potty instead of sit on it.

... Only begin potty training when she says she’s ready. If you ask her if she wants to go on the potty and she says yes, then she’s ready. Do not use a small plastic potty (this may be just in some cases because he referred to her height). A girl needs to sit facing backwards on the big toilet to get used to peeing with her legs apart. If her legs are together the pee goes where it shouldn’t and the ammonia will start to burn them. Allow them to play with the handle and the things that may be on the back of the toilet. Don’t try to force them to train too early, and don’t rush them once they do sit on it.

I hate to say it for the world to see, but I would much rather my Mom take Emma to the doctor instead of Gene. I know, bad wife to say such a thing. But, you have to admit that women ask more questions and remember the answers. My Mom rattled off the answers to all of those questions in less than three minutes. J

I would absolutely love to be able to take Emma in more often than every three months, just so I can ask all my questions. Or I wish I could email her doctor any old time to ask them. Haha. In a perfect world, right?

All-in-all Emma is right on track for 18 months. Oh! And he did sing her praises for her extensive vocabulary. Mom said that Emma just loved Dr. Murphy’s computer because he had Elmo on it.

While it’s sad that she’s growing up so fast, it’s also so exciting to see all the new things she comes up with.

I love my Emma!!!

NEW YEAR - New... Anything?

Here it is, 2014. Twenty. Fourteen.

I can’t wait to tell my child that I was born before the years even started with a two. Haha. I know Emma will get a kick out of that when she’s old enough to comprehend.

Each January first, I wonder what the new year holds for me. This year I find myself throwing out all sorts of possibilities that are close to realities, even in the first few days. New job? Another child? Back to school? Sell our house? Buy a house? All of which have been in my mind for a long time.

New Job – It’s no secret that I haven’t been all that happy at work. Oh well, people go through slumps, right? Well, there is a new position available that while it’s actually a backwards move, might be a good fit for me. I’ve gone through the necessary steps, and I’m now just waiting for the chance to begin the interviewing process. Who knows though, I may start asking questions and find that it’s not for me. :-\

Another Child – I have wanted another child pretty much as soon as Emma turned about three months old. There is nothing more precious in life than a child. I never saw it before (although I wish I had). Just a couple weeks ago I found myself telling my Mom that I wish I had liked kids back when my cousin (Crissy) had hers because now I find myself wishing I had family around with babies to hold me over until I have another. I didn’t give their cuteness the time-of-day back then and I feel awful about it now.

Back to School – The only thing holding me back from going to school is the time it takes at home for homework and studying. Seriously folks, when Emma goes to bed (around 9pm now) I make it less than 30 minutes and I’m asleep on the couch or in bed. I wake just in time to get ready for work. Yes… I sleep about 9.5 hours every night. Sure, there are times when Emma gets cold or has wild dreams and I get up more often than not, but for the most part, it’s always 8-10 hours. I really like to get my sleep, and I really don’t want to give it up for school. However, IF the new position becomes a reality, it’ll free up some time for myself to get in an adequate amount of study/homework time. We’ll see.

Sell our House – Gene and I bought our first house in a not-so-family-friendly area. True, there are families, but the schools, location, etc. isn’t up to our standards for our children. So, before Emma gets old enough for school, we need to sell our house. And before we can do that, we need to fix it up. Our friend and handyman David (you can find him under my FB page, friends, David Hudson) has been slowly helping us fix or make modifications as needed. Fixing up your house is not cheap when your husband can barely hammer in a nail, so David is patient with us – he will look, give us a quote, and then keep checking in until we have enough o get the project done. Anyway, once we get the bigger parts taken care of, we will put our house on the market for a minimal amount. We aren’t looking to turn a profit really, just to get to a better district for Emma.

**If anyone needs a handyman, David comes highly recommended. I can even send you his number if you need any work done. Trees trimmed, painting, carpentry, squeaky floors, electrical jobs, etc.

Buy a House – Once we sell our house, or maybe even before if it works out for us, we will need to buy a house in the Orchard Farm school district. Gene and I talk and talk about schools, and since he isn’t interested in going back to Brussels, Orchard Farm it is. We actually found one; an “as-is” foreclosure, that it so low in price that we could afford to buy it now. However, why should we buy a fixer-upper when my husband can’t fix it? So, we haven’t pursued that avenue quite yet. I hate to leave it open for someone else to snatch up, but it isn’t worth the trouble… right? I mean, it IS close to my parents (um, right across the street) so I would almost have a babysitter any time. But, too much work… RIGHT?

So, those are the big things going on in my life right now. You know, besides Miss Emma. My New Year’s Resolution? Simplification & Organization!!! My husband is a hoarder. Shhhhh, don’t let him know I told you. It’s bad though. BAD.

I’m hoping all of you had a safe and fun NYE, and I hope for GREAT things for each and every one of you in the new year.

Happy 2014, and thanks for reading!

Five on Friday - 12/13/2013

1. Okay, so I try not to boast about Emma too much, partly in fear that I’m worried I will jinx her success and more-so that I don’t want anyone to think that I’m trying to say Emma is better than another child (because I’m not by any means). Each kid excels in some area. My child just happens to speak very well. I hear it every day. She now speaks in sentences and very clearly. Even her Little Gym teacher (who I’ve never met) pointed out to me over the phone the words that she heard Emma say most recently. “I said for all of them to walk in a circle, and she just kept saying ‘walk, walk, walk.’ And then when we got out the bubbles she would say ‘bubbles, bubbles, bubbles go.’ She says it all crystal clear too!” I’m never sure what to say in response, so it’s usually something along the lines of “Yes, she amazes me with new words every day and most of the time I have no idea where she picks them up.” There are some things she doesn’t say as well… fish is shish, milk is meelk, please is peas, clock is… well, a dirty word (Gene cringes every time too). She learned how to say “touch” on Wednesday night, and “water” last night. I wonder what she’ll learn next.

17 months and looking like such a big girl.

2. I’ve been seeing tons of posts about people getting their hair “done” before the Christmas parties start, but I just can’t do it. I get my hair cut about twice a year. I don’t do color (anymore), and I don’t do treatments. I see all the pictures, and the before/after shots and it makes me want to get my hair done, but I can’t bring myself to keep up with it. I get a pedicure about four times, maybe five a year, and that to me is throwing away my money $30 at a time (but at least it keeps ingrown toenails at bay). To go get my hair “done” and spend $60, $70, $100 every other month, is even worse because the only benefit is me feeling prettier for a couple weeks until I’m used to it. I can’t do it. I also use one purse for at least one whole year, and in all of 2013 I bought two pairs of shoes (not even any flip-flops). I guess maybe I don’t care as much about my hair. I mean, it’s thick, it’s frizzy, it’s full of static right now, it’s not even cut correctly, but I wear it up most of the time and Emma seems to like it, so I guess it’s here to stay. It’s just hair, right?

3. I am so behind on my Christmas movies! Every year prior to this one my tv was permanently set to the Hallmark Channel for the month of December. Gene hated it. He complained all the time. But this year, it’s all about Emma (like usual). So, my Christmas movie watching has been in the gutter the entire month and I’m starting to have withdrawals. I do have my DVDs to watch too. There are a few select movies that I absolutely must watch each year, and one in particular on Christmas Eve. Can you guess which one? White Christmas, of course. Love it. Can’t you just hear them singing… “What is Christmas with no snow, No white Christmas with no snow, Snow.”

Snoooooow!

4. I remembered the other day that we’ll be taking Emma to Sesame Street Live next month. I am so glad she’s gotten into at least Elmo because my biggest fear is that she will be completely unruly while we are sitting in the middle of a row. I did splurge and get her 5^th row seats too, so hopefully it’s close enough to keep her attention. Speaking of Elmo, we did get her the “just my size” hugging Elmo for Christmas. Can’t wait for her to see it.

5. I am starting to feel the “Present Pressure.” Meaning, the Christmas present pressure. I have one, two, three, four, five… at least five more gifts to buy and with the impending weather I’m feeling the crunch on time. Since I have to get out in the snow and ice tomorrow for my 5k packet pick-up anyway, I guess I will be hitting up the bank and the stores as well. You know, as long as it isn’t too terribly bad. Have you all finished your shopping? I am still waiting on my Christmas cards even. Here I thought I had a good list, and had my stuff together, and I am still behind! Oh well, I guess I work better under pressure.

Five on Friday - 12/06/13

1.      1.   Today was Day One of our Secret Santa gift exchange at work. Each day is a different item, and this week was something edible. To my surprise, I got chocolate donut holes! Why was I surprised? Because I wanted to stop by Tony’s Donuts for a couple chocolate cake donuts, but decided not to because of the slick side roads. I guess it was the earth’s way of telling me that I didn't need to buy them because they were already coming to me. J Less flattering note - They are 238 calories for 5 holes, and I’m sure I've had at least 12 throughout the day already.

Colorful Donuts!

Serial Killer Name

2.      2.   Emma has Roseola. So as I was dropping Emma off at my Mom and Dad’s house before work yesterday, I noticed her neck was red and blotchy.  I got her under some bright lights to inspect, and it literally spread before my eyes. I saw it moving and spreading like fire. I knew that we had just changed her from Dreft to Arm & Hammer laundry detergent, so I thought that was it and told my mom to give her a bath and go about their day (including the gym). I didn’t even get a mile down the road and I decided to call her docs office. They thought it might be strep rash, so my Mom took her in. Low and behold… Roseola. “Baby Measles.” My child has the measles. My Mom asked all the right questions, so luckily she fired the answers right back to me as I asked them.

Me: But she got the vaccination.

Mom: It doesn’t help the baby measles. They’re different.

Me: But she doesn’t have a fever or seem sick.

Mom: The doctor said she’s lucky, but it could still happen so you have to watch.

Me: Does it itch or hurt her?

Mom: No, but if it starts to itch you can give her half the lowest dose of Benadryl. The rash will last around five days.

Me: Can she eat and drink like normal?

Mom: Yes, but it causes increased thirst and decreased appetite.

Me: Is it contagious?

Mom: Yes, highly. He said the Little Gym was the right time frame. But adults can’t get it so we are okay.

..... I’m so glad that we think alike so I didn’t have to call to ask anything else. Side note – Emma’s also teething very badly right now (so her doc says), so that explains the super cranky baby. And she weighs 30 pounds now!

My Poor Blotchy Baby

3.     3.   I’m getting closer to completing my Christmas shopping. The hardest person on my list? As usual, Gene. My Dad is hard, but at least I can figure it out. Gene, I have no idea. He wants an Xbox One. I mean, he’s going to get one eventually, so I probably should just give in and buy it now. Ick. That’s a lot of money to spend on one person when we have so much going on this month. We’ll see. Maybe I’ll change my mind.

4.     4.  My eyes are constantly dry anymore. So much so that my vision gets blurry and when I blink it’s sticky. I’m thinking I want punctual plugs again. I think they are around $100 for four plugs (two per eye). If you’re not familiar, they are tiny sticks that dissolve over time, that are inserted into your lower tear ducts. Most of the tears, or moisture, in your eyes drain through your tear ducts, so if you plug them up, the moisture will stay in place a bit better. I had them inserted when I had my lasik procedure in 2006. They feel weird going in, but once they are there, you have no idea if they are still there 20 minutes later or not.

5.       5.  Emma is turning into such a big girl. She will now sit at her own table, in her own chair to eat lunch. She will try to get herself dressed, even though she can’t quite do it yet. She now says sentences, even if they aren’t perfect. And if you try to help her, she throws a fit. She wants to do it all by herself. Miss independent. Ticks me off, haha. I want my baby back.

Emma Eating Lunch Like a Big Girl

Ramble... Ramble... Ramble...

Wow, a month since my last post. Where has the time gone?!?! Isn’t it funny how time can just fly by? For instance, the last four days were all a blur of Holiday festivities, and while each day felt like it was the longest day ever, it flew by and here it is Monday night of a full work week. Crazy.

While I don’t have much to talk about, I do want to throw a few things out there that have been on my mind.

First off, if you have seen me within the last few weeks you would have heard me rant about Black Friday (or Black Thursday, if you want to call it). I’m just going to throw this out there……. Do NOT judge people for shopping on a holiday and keeping the store associates from time with their families. If it means that much to them then they shouldn’t work retail. If it was Jenni-Mart (insert your name in the place of mine), would you do it differently knowing you’d lose hundreds of thousands of dollars to your competitors? Why do you think it was started in the first place? Oh, that’s right, because people flocked to the movies, or Walgreens, or K-Mart, etc. I know I did. I’m sure those nay-sayers never said a peep until Wal-Mart and Target jumped on the bandwagon. Also, to throw another thing out there…….. if you are frequently judged for your skin, gender, sexual preference, etc., you definitely don’t need to be judging anyone (or you need to stop complaining about people judging you).

Okay, now that I got that out there, I’ll continue on with less infuriating topics.

Emma is 16 months. And get this – I did NOT get a picture of her worth keeping on her 16 month birthday. Gene was with her that day and it’s like pulling teeth for him to even get a picture of her at all let alone a good one. Did I remember that night though? Heck no. Huh, now that I'm re-reading this I realize that she's well over 16 months and creeping up to 17 now. See? Another example of time flying!

Emma and I had an awesome time at Alyssa’s house for the “First Toddler Thanksgiving.” It was lots of baby playing and talking, and eating of course, but there were also arts and crafts as well. I’m thankful for Alyssa helping us get the cute footprint for the turkey craft. J Thanks Alyssa! And thanks for hosting too!

Maybe one day I’ll feel a little less awkward around women and might be able to let loose and have fun with them.

This month? “First Toddler Christmas” at our house. I’m a bit stressed about it since it’ll be a week of decorating and sanitizing (Emma is still recovering from a cold). Thank goodness for the industrial sized supply of Lysol and Lysol wipes Gene HAD to purchase because it was such a good deal. Lol. I will also have to put up the Christmas lights outside the day of the party since Gene didn’t allow me enough time to do it this weekend. I am hoping for good reactions since I go a bit all-out with decorations. Although since Emma gets into everything now it’s going to be hard to put it all out there. We’ll see.

                OH! I decided to host the family Christmas get-together this year too. Wow. Lots to do.

Also this month is Secret Santa at work (I would say who I got, but it’s a secret). First Friday is something edible, second is something hand-made, third is a $5 or under gift and fourth (Christmas Eve) is a $10 gift. I think I have all of them figured out except the $10 gift. So exciting!

Emma is still going to the Little Gym. This weekend I got to take her to the 8:15am Saturday class. It was so nice to get to do something with her that she loves (my parents take her on Thursday mornings usually). We also ran into a Mommy friend (Stacey Ostmann) and her daughter (Addison). We’ve only met them once before, but it was nice that we knew someone in class, even if we didn’t really get a chance to talk. I am thinking about signing her up for the winter/Spring semester too. Spring is so rainy and my Mom and Dad don’t seem to mind taking her, so it might be a way to help burn off some energy once a week. Plus, if I sign up by December 9^th I can possibly win a free birthday party, or at least get 10% off in July when Emma’s birthday comes around.

I’ve gotten pretty much all of my Christmas shopping done. Well, I don’t have a single thing for Gene yet either, so I guess I have more than I thought to get. Oh well, I love shopping in the hectic month of December. J Within all of those crabby shoppers there are a few holiday spirits that will make you smile and remember why Christmas is so wonderful.

I’m trying to plan ahead for the rest of the month, including New Years Eve. I haven’t been out for New Years in a few years. Gene gets stupid drunk, and I constantly worry about getting home and such, so we’ve been staying home, but this year I think I might want to go out. Granted, I’m a worry wart so I’ll probably decide to stay in, but for the time being I’m going to think about our options.

 

I'm sure I'm missing quite a bit going on. Isn't that just how it works for Moms though? You go, go, go, and you barely remember a single thing that happened. I know it has even transferred over to my work life as well.

 

Okay, I'm calling it a night. Going to lay on the couch and watch the Santa Clause until I fall asleep. Good night everyone! I'll attempt to post more soon!


* Would have had pictures to go along with this post, but my internet keeps going in and out and my husband is too lazy to help me figure out what is wrong. No worries though, his phone switches from Wi-Fi to 3G without even a flinch. Good. For. Him. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.