2014 Better Get Over Itself

2014 can suck it!

No really.

Suck.

It.

It's only the 13th day of the year and already I just want 2014 to be over. Either that or whatever/whoever/whichever I/the world pissed off, I get it. I'm sorry We're sorry. Please go away! 

Everything starts off okay and full of promise just like every year.Finally get back to work for two days. Then off for the weekend.....or so I thought.

Nope!

Find out on Saturday, that hey, The Hubs now has to spend Monday - Friday at another store a few hours away. (So he will be gone.)

Sunday:
* Squeaker has a fever all day. Finally it breaks at dinner time and he seems to be doing fine.
* the University where I work decided to close for Monday.

Monday:
* The now infamous Polar Vortex known as Winter Storm Ion dropped a shit ton of show on our town. Then decided to follow it up with colder than fuck temperatures not seen in decades.
* Squeaker's fever comes back and he's pissy, whiny and not eating or drinking.
* Turns out he has the flu. Grab medicine and essentials and come back home.

Tuesday:
* Ion decides to keep up the craptastic weather and blows all the snow drifts over our driveway.
* Work closes again. Whew!

Wednesday:
* Work is now open. But....
* Squeaker seems to be doing better.
* I start having a sore throat, aches, sneeze, cough, headache.
* Snowed in.

* I call a Snow Removal company, sure they'll be out this afternoon to clear the drive.
* 1:30, call from Snow Remover, yeah,  can't make it to you today. Call someone else, if you can't get it done today, I'll do it tomorrow. 
* 6 companies later, finally get someone who will come at 7pm. Fine whatever, great, just get here!  Plus he's the cheapest too boot.


Thursday:
* Finally can get out of the house!
* Kids. Are. Going. To. Daycare! Woohoo!!!!
* I go to urgent care. Luckily no flu. I go home and sleep.
* Get kids, we relax. Day 4 was pretty good.

Friday:
* Hubs coming home!
* I'm supposed to be off work, but decide since I didn't go in at all. To put the kids in daycare and go in.
* Hubs gets home around noon.
* I get a call from Urgent Care. Squeaker's has pnemonia. WTF!!!
* Hubs, picks up Squeaker goes to Urgent Care. Gets 2 scrips. Huh?!?
* Pharmacist questions scrips.
* I call Squeaker's doctor's office. Talk to nurse. She says you have to ask the prescribing doc.

Saturday:
* Hubs works ALL DAY! Ugh.
* Doc's office calls back. Yeah, the Urgent Care, isn't affiliated with us and doesn't know that Squeaker has Virally Induced Asthma and that was probably the spot on the x-ray (indicating the pnemonia) So don't ever go back there cause they suck at pediatric care. (Yeah, they were professional about it, I'm just putting my version in.)
* Yay, Squeaker doesn't have pnemonia.
* I'm starting to feel better.

Sunday:
*Relaxation central.

I'm really hoping that all the shit of 2014 is over. At least for a while!

Happy Birthday Squeaker!!!

My little man is 2 today!!! How amazing/mind blowing is that?!?!?!

Little man, two years ago today, you made your presence known.

On Sept. 17th, 2011, I started having contractions. Nothing like the crazy pains your sister gave me. Just a hey, I'm thinking of coming. Then on the way to the hospital they stopped. Once we got there they checked us out and said, yeah, go ahead and head home.

I get home and have a roll, why I did this, I don't know. (I should have learned from your sister's birth not to eat when they send you home.) So, I get all ready for bed, lay down at 2am and thought, hmmmm, today might be the big day.

Well, you must have heard me. Because a few moments later, I felt a tightening and then a loosening (like a rubber band snapping) and realized that you were bound and determined to come today.

After finally getting through to the doctor on call, (an hour and a half later, though to be fair he was in a C-section the entire time) we headed back to the hospital.

You were moving around, but you weren't in any sort of hurry. You knew that someone will come get me. No worries.

Well, after a few hours of monitoring and waiting for my stomach to break down the roll I ate a 1am. They hooked me up to the epidural.

Apparently, I thought this was hilarious, because I started laughing hysterically, I mean huge tears are running down my face. The nurses and doctors were a bit surprised. The anesthesiologist said "I swear I didn't put anything funny in there!" Poor Daddy, thought I was screaming until someone flapped the door open and he realized I was laughing.

After strapping me down on the table like Jesus, they got to work. A few minutes later we had a beautiful strawberry blond, blue eyed little man. 9.3lbs. 21 inches.

The funny thing was, the doc said that when she got to you, you just raised your hand like, "Hey, come get me, I'm hear and ready."

Funny thing is, you are just the same. You still would rather someone do something for you. Instead of walking you demanded that someone carry you. Even now, sometimes you will stand and wait for someone to carry you instead of walking.

But you are my snuggly little man and I am so lucky to be your Mom!

Summer 2013

Hey everyone, life has been good, stressful, difficult and exciting.

We've had a great summer so far. And I'm looking forward to the rest of it. There has been a lot of individual travel. I went to my sororities national convention a few weeks ago, and the Hubs is off in Massachusetts for work. He's been gone since the 8th and will be back on Friday. It's the longest we've been apart and it's rough on both of us.

Luckily though, after this week, the rest of the summer should be smooth sailing.

As for my blog here, I don't know if anyone is even still following me or not. But I've got some ideas on how to increase my posting. So keep an eye out, things are in the works.

Blessed Be

LetterMo 2013

LetterMo is once more upon us. I am, of course participating again. Who wouldn't want to get mailbox sunshine?!?!

I also adopted another soldier from Soldier's Angels. And I branched out even more with that by signing up for the Ladies of Liberty team through SA. We send extra love to all the lady soldiers out there. Birthday cards, care packages or even just a simple letter letting them know that there are people back home that care about them. And Angel Baby is getting into the swing of things and including a Valentine in each of the cards, lets or packages I mail out. We hope everyone enjoys them. 

If you would like to get a letter from me, please add your address to my postable account. No one else will see it, but me. So no worries about security.

I hope you have a safe Friday, the snow/ice is flying this morning. Luckily the Hubs and I are both off today. And we have the Niece and Nephew to watch too since their school was closed because of the weather. So stay warm and dry.  Snuggle up with a favorite book, or follow me in getting a warm drink, a pen, envelope and paper and write a note to someone you haven't talked to in a while.

Cheers!

Stuff - Good and Bad

Let's start with the bad.

So I’ve had a rough couple of weeks since I last posted. Squeaker gave himself a black eye and  fell down the stairs. (He’s okay!) Angel Baby has been more of “Demon Baby” with her whining and new potty issues. Why she has to constantly pee on her panties is beyond frustrating. I bruised a toe pretty badly and just last Sunday, I fell on the stairs. Well slipped down a few stairs and landed on my butt. So yesterday, I had a very sore coccyx. (Hubs was so hilarious when I mentioned it. “You said cock. Hee hee. Apparently, I’m married to a 12 year old. And we all had a really horrible stomach flu thing that stuck around for a full week. I’m happy to say that I lost a few pounds, but come on. There has to be an easier way.

Good news: my office’s holiday party is tomorrow. I can’t wait to go and have fun. I get to run the White Elephant and it’s always such a blast to see what present everyone fights over. 

Other great things? I’m almost done Christmas shopping. I only have my Mom and Step-Dad and Dad and Step-Mom left for buy Christmas gifts. However, I still have to get Hubs something for his birthday. Other than that it’s just wrapping and finishing up the gifts that I’m making. 

Yet more great things? I participated in the Holiday Mix Tape Swap that Meagan, Sara and Meghan were hosting.

I was matched up with Christine at A day in the life... We sent a few emails back and forth about what music we both liked/were looking for. She did a great job on my tape. It was great! Lots of oldies, newbies, and some that I've never heard before. 

1.       Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Mariah Carey

2.       Baby, It’s Cold Outside - Dean Martin & Martina McBride

3.       I’ll Be Home for Christmas - Elvis & Carrie Underwood

4.       Silent Night - Sarah McLachlan

5.       My Grown Up Christmas List - Kelly Clarkson

6.       It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Harry Connick Jr.

7.       The Christmas Song - Peggy Lee

8.       Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow - Michael Bublé

9.       White Christmas - Bing Crobsy & Frank Sinatra

10.   Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Christina Aguilera

11.   Jingle All the Way - Lena Horne

12.   Shake Up Christmas - Train

13.   It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Norah Jones

14.   Cool Yule - Louis Armstrong & the Commanders

15.   It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas - Harry Connick Jr.

16.   Blue Christmas - Elvis & Martina McBride

17.   Jingle Bells - Michael Bublé & The Puppini Sisters

18.   Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt

19.   Winter Wonderland - Dean Martin

20.   Joy to the World - David Archuleta

21.   Satariffic - Harry Connick Jr.

22.   All I want for Christmas is You - Michael Bublé

23.   It Ain’t Christmas - Joe

24.   Holly Jolly Christmas - Faith Hill

      I highlighted my top faves from the playlist in Green. Also, I have to say that in perusing all the other mix tape playlists I found out about a great group. Pentatonix. They are AMAZING!!! I had to go and buy their Christmas album on iTunes. If you haven't heard of them. Check them out here. 

      

     

Cruise + Halloween Follow Up + Contest Shoutout

I'm back to my smiling, ash blond, no black eyeliner self today. Happy and content with another Halloween past. Granted, I would have liked to have been able to go to a Halloween party. But when your Hubs doesn't really care about Halloween and he schedules a TON of stuff on the weekends around it. Yeah. I'm not able to go to any parties.

Though to be fair last weekend, I was in Cozumel. So I guess I'll take that over being here and freezing.

On to Halloween. The Chillin's had a blast with Halloween. Squeaker didn't go trick or treating since he was out with his Amma at the time when we had to go out. Plus it was cold and wet and I didn't want to have to subject him to that anyway.

Angel Baby made out like a bandit. She got all sorts of candy. And even a king size candy bar! I bet that house won't ever get egged or tp'ed. Like ever.

Aren't they the cutest?

And as for contest shoutout. Lisa over at A Southern Belle Misplaced in Michigan is having a giveaway. She is an amazing stitcher and I'm impressed with her output of stuff. Really you should go check out her blog. Incredible.

Crazy Wonderful Weekend

So this weekend left me exhausted and happy. Which I guess, is better than just exhausted.

I helped out my chapter, as you can see from my previous post. They got some great women at the end of everything. But I had to tap out early on Saturday morning. Yes, Saturday morning. 1:45am to be exact. The poor women probably had another two hours or so left. Ugh. But I think I may have thought of some little things to help streamline the process for next year!!! YAY!!!

Then to Angel's dance class at 10am. (A very worn out Momma here.) Then back home, grab all our stuff for the afternoon and night, and the dog. Then up to my Mom and Step-dad's for my brother's Wedding reception.

I was so excited to see my bro and my new sis-in-law!!! She's an amazing woman and I think they are going to make each other incredibly happy. (And I think they're going to start trying for a little one sooner, rather than later!!! Yay! More family babies, that I don't have to have!!!! Woohoo!!!!

Then home yesterday afternoon, for football and more sorority stuff. Wow, who'd have though advising would take up so much time. Luckily, the major amount of time, should be on the downswing. At least until elections in December.

So how was your weekend?

Kick in the Ass

So I've obviously not been posting. I was happy in just reading/stalking all of my favorite blogs. But Sara from Sara's Organized Chaos is having a swap. I LOVE swaps. But alas, can't enter because I haven't been actively blogging. So I guess, it's just the kick in the pants I need to figure out what to write. It's crazy how easy it is to slip out of practice of doing it. Honestly, I just haven't felt that there's been anything post-worthy.

Though, come to think of it.

Pros:
* Squeaker turned one last week. Where has the year gone? My little man is almost walking already. Eesh.
* Angel Baby has finished up her first year of dance and has started her SECOND year. Double eesh.
* I've started my second year of advising for my sorority.
* The Hubs and I are doing amazingly better than we were a year ago. Of course, when I'm not the size of a house and either incubating a child or recovering from giving birth to said child, it's pretty easy to feel all romantical and sexy.
* My brother is getting married to a wonderful, beautiful and charming woman that I'm so excited to call my sister. 
* Finally had my job reclassified. So I got a bump up in pay. And I'm actually working in grade instead of above it.
* Have a cruise planned for just me and the Hubs in October.
* I initiated into my Circle in April.

Cons:
* LUPEC is on hiatus until January.  I need a girls night out like a junkie needs his next fix.
* I've been lax in my cross-stitch project. And I'll have to put it on hiatus and start a new one soon. (Gift for Christmas)
* I haven't lost as much weight as I wanted to. But then again, when have I ever? I'll get there. It's just taking F-O-R-E-V-E-R!!!
* I  haven't had much chance to go to ritual lately. And won't be able to go to Samhain either (due to the cruise). Hopefully, I'll get to go to Yule.
* After LetterMo I really dropped off the Letter Writing Wagon. I hope to get caught up soon with all my pen-pals.

That's really all I can think of right now. So I guess when you put everything together, the pros outweigh the cons. And that's all you can really ask for isn't it?

Well? What's new with you?

"The TALK"

A co-worker shared this with me and I just had to share it with all of you.

Cursive Writing - No longer being taught?

So, as you all know, I've decided to join in on LetterMo. I said that I love my handwriting. Not to toot my own horn, but it is nice and clear to read. In fact, at work they have me write out the stuff that needs "nice handwriting". Anyway, come to find out from my co-worker, her son's school is no longer teaching cursive writing.

I get the fact that teachers are strapped for time and that learning typing skills is necessary. However, I don't think that cursive writing should be discarded so easily. What will happen in a few years when college graduates can't read a simple note written in cursive? Not to mention that fact that I have student employees right now that have horrific writing. And it's not even in cursive either!

I understand that you need to teach the basics, but didn't the saying go, "Reading, Writing and Arithmetic"? What's next? Are we going to rely on computers, nooks, iPads, whatever reading to our children?

All I know is that regardless, my children will learn to write in cursive, and will learn to write well. I'm planning on having them write in a journal every day. That way, they can not only work on their penmenship, but they can also have a large cache of their history. What were they thinking about when they were 5. How well their handwriting has gotten over the years. And granted, I'm sure there will be times when it's more of a chore than anything. But they will appreciate it one day, when they discover how rare it is to be able to write and write well.

And no, I won't read their journals. I'll give then other things to write out. Like the Declaration of Independence, their vocabulary words, or an article on a topic they like. Something. Anything to get them to practice a much needed skill!!!

And they will also, undoubtedly KNOW how to read!

So what are your thoughts about this?

Introducing my Little Squeaker

Here's my little Squeaker. He's such a loving, bundle of snuggles. Here he is passed out on Mommy. He was born on Sept. 18th. 9.3lbs. 20 inches, blue eyes and strawberry blong hair.

Hope you are all doing well. I'm playing catch-up with all your blogs.

Updates on the Pregnancy

So, I had an ultrasound last Friday to check on the progress our Little Man is making. (I think his nickname is more likely to become "Dude".) He's measuring at 8 lbs. Give or take a pound. Yeesh. I thought he'd be smaller since I'm retaining less water with him than I did with my daughter.

Yesterday I went in for my checkup. They scheduled me for a C-section on the 22nd if he doesn't come by then. Oh boy, I hope he does. Since in the next 5 days, I have to go to the doctor's office/hospital /lab 3 times. Ugh.

Apparently, the doc and the ultrasound tech are worried about my fluid levels. Amniotic fluid for those not in the preggers vocab know. So, I had a non-stress test yesterday morning. Should have taken 10 minutes. Took an hour because my "Little Man" wouldn't stop moving. Note: He hates to have things on my belly. So I have to go to the hospital on Saturday for another non-stress test, the Ultrasound lab on Monday for another ultrasound and back to my doctor's on Tuesday for another non-stress test.

I sat down with the Dude after my appointment and told him that he needs to come, because I don't want to spend all that time running from appointment to appointment. Maybe once he realizes that every time I have to run, it's more seat belt uncomfort-ness for him, he'll get fed up and just come already.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Nearing the Finish Line

So, I'm now at 34 weeks. The little man is measuring quite large. So, in a week and a half I will be having an ultrasound to check on his size. My doc wants to see if he's really big, if I have more fluid, or if it's half and half. After that we'll decide on delivery methods.

I'm somewhat ready for him to get here. Just a few more things I have to check off my list. And we'll be good to go.

In other news, I signed up my daughter for dance. It's a tap/ballet combo and it's for 8 months. Yep. 8 Months. Luckily, if she hates it, we can drop out at no extra cost. But the funniest thing happened the other day. We were buying her ballet and tap shoes. The sales lady asked my daughter to point her toes when she had the ballet slippers on. And my daughter looked at her and pointed to her toes. It was almost like she was thinking....

"Um, my toes are right there. Why do I need to point to them?"

After a minute or so she figured out what we were trying to get her to do. Such is the mind of a two and a half year old. LOL.

And my Angel Baby finally moved into a big girl bed. She now is sleeping in a full size bed. I'm so proud, but yet sad that she's growing up. I guess this happens with all milestones. Though, to be honest, I was really excited when she got out of diapers...and started sleeping through the night.

Updates, Gripes and Pleas

Okay, so I'm alive. Everything is going well with the bun in the oven. I'm now at 32 weeks and I'm ready to have this kid already. The Hubs, Wee One and I went and visited family on the other side of the country last month. It was fun, but exhausting. Though I have to say, my daughter is a great traveler. At 2 1/2 I figured there'd be some screaming, crying, carrying on. Something. Nope. She was an angel both going and coming back. In fact, she got a lot of compliments from our seat neighbors after each flight to tell her what an angel she is/was. Relief on my part. And let me tell you. Squeezing my 7 1/2 month pregnant self and a 2 1/2 year old into an airplane lavatory. Oh my goodness! Talk about tetris-ing yourself. Having to figure out where to put her, and shimmy my way around. Ugh. Thank goodness we only did it a few times. Pull-ups are a great relief!!!

Now on to the gripes.

For Goodness sake people....don't comment on any pregnant woman's belly in the following fashion.

"You look like you're going to explode."

"You look like you've eaten way to many ____."

"Are you going to deliver any day now?"
"No. At the end of September."
"Twins? Triplets?"
"No. Just one."

Or when I say the end of September. Then you tell me there's no way I'll ever make it. And look like I'm a crazy person for not going into labor right then and there.

My doctor and I aren't worried with my progress. I realize I tend to carry everything low and in the front. So I looked like I was full term (for most average women) at 5-6 months. Every pregnant woman is different. Back the fuck off!!!!

I swear, I've been blowing it off. No rude comments back. But the next time a person decides to comment on my size, or tell me how I'm just deluded and that I'm really 11 months pregnant and why haven't the Guinness people called me yet, I'm going to fucking lose it!

Really.

In fact, the only comments that I really enjoy.

"You look adorable."

"You are so cute."

Something along those lines. I don't usually like to be called adorable or cute. But when I feel so gigantic already, then have to deal with random rudeness from idiot fucktards, I will take it.

So, a plea to all of you out there that might think to comment on a pregnant woman's belly.

99.9% of the time, you shouldn't say a single word...unless you're hoping for suicide by proxy.

.1% of the time, you compliment the pregnant woman.

And that .1% of the time should only happen when there's a woman, like me, that is so obviously pregnant that there's no way she could just be gaining weight.

Great News!!!

Hey everyone, I have some amazing news. I've been playing this close to my chest for a long time now and figure that I can finally tell everyone.

I'm 20 weeks pregnant!!!!

I'm having a little boy!!!!

So, we are all of course very excited. This time around, I'm not worrying so much about how I'll be as a parent. Now I'm worried about how my daughter will handle a new baby brother. So far, she kisses and hugs my belly. Saying "Hugs and kisses for baby brother." So that's good. But at other times, I'm wondering if her new affectionate nature, is a response. The Hubs said he was very affectionate as a child so it could be a personality thing.

Don't get me wrong, I love all the unprompted "I love you, Mommy." and "Mommy pretty." comments. My heart just melts when I hear it. I'm just hoping that it's here to stay and not something temporary. Well, granted it probably won't happen when she's 13. But hopefully it will stay for a while.

I had a wonderful Mother's day. I got flowers from my mom. And a "World's Best Mom" coffee mug with a brand new Keurig coffee maker from my Daughter and Husband. Though the coffee maker is apparently for both Mom and Dad's day. No biggie for me. Cuts down on the shopping I have to do in June. ;)

So what are you all up to? Any big news for you?

Lately...

• I've been reading: The Trouble with Magic, A Charmed Death & Mermaids in the Basement.

• Enjoying all the "Happy Mommy's" from my amazing, little daughter.

• Visiting family.

• I'm happy that despite the rain, the temps seem to be going higher and higher.

• Trying not to get sucked into yet another tv show (True Blood) by my Hubs.

• Listening to The Ragbirds.

• Playing Angry Birds on my Nook.

What have you all been up to?

Early Birthday Gift

So, my birthday isn't until the end of the month. But the Hubs and the Wee One went, out Sunday afternoon and bought me my birthday present. Now, I wasn't expecting it. In fact, I didn't realize they had left the house last Sunday until the Hubs mentioned they went to Costco. (Granted, I was out of the house from 10:15 - 3pm.)

Anyway, the Hubs mentioned that he bought the Wee One a book. She told me it was a Tinkerbell book. Or rather, "Daddy. Book. Bell Bell." Which means the same thing in 28 month old speak. Turns out they left it in the car. I told the Hubs I'd go get it. No worries, right?

Well, the Hubs left my present on the front passenger seat. I played it off. But he asked me point blank at dinner that night if I'd seen it.

"Yes. But I'll be surprised." (For the Munchkin's sake. Since we don't get birthday presents for each other anymore. The Daughter does. She pays the other parent in Smiles, Hugs and Kisses. LOL)

So later that night. Hubs gives my present to our daughter. She comes running out to me, saying "Happy Mommy Birth. Happy Mommy Birth." And is so excited.

I of course play along. And she snuggles up next to me on the couch and eagerly watches me open it.

What is it?

Why my Nook Color that I wanted. I had to go plug it in. So I took it into the kitchen and when I came out without it, my Daughter starts crying. I soothe her and try to explain that it has to be charged in order to work. After some time, she calmed down.

Needless to say, the whole thing was very cute. And I've been addicted to my Nook ever since. I'm still not sure how all the bells and whistles work. But, I'm having fun, nonetheless. And I bought this cover.I wanted one that had a few pockets, had a closure and was only a bi-fold. I was a little sad to see that they only had black. No flashy colors to choose from. But alas, I took function over style. Maybe sometime in the future they'll come out with Style and Substance.

So, anyone with a Nook want to explain the LendMe feature?

The Joys of Laryngitis

Yes, my friends. I have developed laryngitis from this nasty fucking cold. The joys are numerous. To name a few:

* My 2 year old daughter doesn't acknowledge my flailing arms when I'm trying to get her attention. I've reverted to clapping, stomping and slapping walls like a crazy person. And then the only one who comes running, is my husband, who thinks I've had some odd accident.

* Random people whisper back to me. Thinking it's a conspiratorial game of sorts.

* My Mother hangs up on me, thinking my voice issue is due to bad reception. I have to call her back and say, "My voice sucks, don't hang up." really fast, hoping she'll hear and understand me.

* When going to order lunch yesterday, I think. Oh, crap. How can I get food? I have to pathetically ask a (very sweet) co-worker to order my lunch for me.

What I've been doing...

Since I've been gone I've been up to a few things.

* Konad and Shany Nail Art Stamping. I used to do my nails all the time, but got out of it for a few years. Now with this fun system I can't wait to try new ideas and patterns.



* Cooking. In fact, I tried out making a rainbow cake. But it didn't turn out all that well. I think since I made it from scratch and I over stirred. But check out these awesome cupcakes.



* Working with the Wee One and the potty. Yep, she's all interested in it. Which is great since then we can stop buying diapers. But I don't think she's going to master it anytime soon. No rush.

* Taking a bit of an internet fast. Just trying to cut down on how much I'm online. It was getting a little out of hand.

* Working on my spiritual path. It's wonderful to be able to finally focus on that part of my life.

What are you all up to?

Things that Make me Smile

To lift my spirits up I've been doing the following lately.

Playing with the Wee One. Her laugh definitely lights up my day!

Snuggling with the Hubs on the couch.

Making jewlery. (Specifically using sead beads.)

Making my Halloween Costume. Part of it looks like this but sparkly. I had glitter everywhere!

Getting back into daily oracle/tarot readings.

What are you up to?