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!

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?

Surprise Blog Birthday Giveaway

So, it's been one year since I started this blog. It's been a little hit or miss lately, but I've really enjoyed my little corner of the blogosphere. It's interesting to look back over the year to see what I was dealing with, worrying about, or enjoying 365+ days ago.

Of course, I'm still enjoying being a Mommy! My little angel is the light of my life. Everyday with her is a beautiful day! And I swear I can't have a day where I don't hear her laugh. Happiness!

The Hubs and I are in a wonderful spot right now. Enjoying each other's presence and really sharing our life together! Talking and having deep conversations! He really is like a cuddly blanket. Comforting, protecting, and perfect!

In the interest of sharing my wonderful blog birthday, I thought I'd have a Surprise Birthday Giveaway! And the winner....drum roll please.....is....Mary from Moontides and 7 other blogs! This woman is such a blog superpower. She keeps up 8 blogs and each one has it's own theme. Definitely check her out. She is a wealth of knowledge. And you may remember she is the only interviewee that I've had. You can check out our interview here.

You may be asking yourself, "Hmmmm, why did Mary win? Well, I compiled all the comments my lovely readers have sent for the last year and Mary had the most comments. Therefore, I decided to show a little love to the one who's shared the most love with me this year.

I will post what I've sent her after she's gotten it. After all what's a surprise if you give it away.

Hope you are all doing well! I know, I've enjoyed reading all your wonderful posts for the last year!

Here's to many more years together!

Cheers!

30th Birthday Extravaganza Giveaway

Whew! Last weekend was a fun but very alcohol soaked time. I was doing okay on Saturday evening until everything hit. But apparently I was my usual happy-go-lucky self. Which is better than the alternative.

Though many props to my wonderful, amazing and patient hubby who pulled over, cleaned up and put me to bed. I hope he'll never have to do that for me again. Ugh.

That said, here's a pic of me from the start of the evening. Luckily, there's no photographic evidence of the end of the evening....well that I'm aware of. ;)

And without further ado......


Drumroll please.....

























So the winner with the most entries is Sara from Sara's Organized Chaos. Woot Woot!!!


























And the winner drawn at random is Dawn from Domestic Witch. Rock on chica!



Congratulations ladies. I'll be in touch with you to get you your gifts.

I'll post later what the giveaway winners won. I'd kind of like them to be a bit surprised at some of the things they'll be receiving.

Birthday Memory #1

For my 10th birthday I had a slumber party. It was a blast! I ended up getting a whole slew of stuff from my friends. I remember getting two copies of Paula Abdul's Forever Your Girl album that year. But the most interesting for this story was the gift of Debbie Gibson's Electric Youth perfume.

I can't remember how long I had that stuff. I swear it sat on my dresser for a year or two. I wasn't a girlie-girl really. So I never used perfume.

Anyways, when my brothers and I would goof around. I would occasionally to spray them with it. It annoyed them and it was just sitting there.

A few months after that first spray, I ended up having it taken away by my mom. Apparently my brother decided to chase us around with the spray. However, he didn't realize that the person in the bathroom was my mom. So he thinks he's all clever and decides to start spraying a cloud of cheap, stinky perfume in front of the door. Out walks Mom.

Mom - Choking on the ghastly stench: "Why does it smell like a brothel in here?"
Bro - Still spraying it in front of her: "I don't know."
Mom - Not buying it: "Give it to me."
Bro - Still spraying and denying the existence of said perfume: "What?"
Mom - Still not buying it and wondering just how stupid Son thinks she is: "What you have in your hand."

Needless to say, I wasn't really upset at losing it. Besides, it made for a great story.

30th Birthday Extravaganza Giveaway

I will be turning 30 this month. So to celebrate, I figured I'd spread the birthday lurve to my lovely readers! Therefore, I will be giving:

• London Jeans denim tote bag


• Variety Puzzles magazine


• Toblerone chocolate bar


• Saunders Dark Chocolate Fudge sauce


• Moleskine mini journal

• And more !!!!!

Way to get it:

• You must follow me and mention it below.


• You must have an email address or blog address so I can contact you if you win
  

Additional ways to get it:

• Blog about it and post blog address in the comments section of this post.
  


• Do a random act of kindness for someone (borrowing a great idea from Domestic Witch.)


• Find some of the easter eggs in my blog.
  

Specifics:

• There will be two count them TWO winners!!!
  

• I will award the prizes on April 24th.


• One will go to the person that has the most entries.


• One will go to a person chosen the old fashioned way. (Names in a bowl and chosen by the Wee One.)

• International Readers should feel free to join in. I will ship anywhere.

Spring Cleaning

Okay, I'm happy to say, March has been such a great month for me! February finished a bit off, but I was able to rally back in March. I'm feeling so stable, confident and centered now. It's really remarkable. I don't think I've felt this way in years. I guess the getting up off my ass and doing things is really what I needed.

In March, I:

• Finished all my necessary fundraising. Now everything I get it just frosting!
• Got caught up at work for all of 1 day. ;)
• Saw Alice in Wonderland and went shopping with my Sister-in-Law. Such a great flick!!!!
• Hung out with Domestic Witch for Tea and Shopping!
  
• Hung out with Mom, the Wee One and the Ostara Bunny. ;)
• Helped out a former advisor by interviewing a few Greek Chapters.
  
• Read tarot for people other than friends and family.
  
• Did an Ostara ritual.
• Went to a few birthday parties.
• Went to a baby shower for my cousin-in-law.
  
• Had a blast with LUPEC sisterbroads at our monthly meeting.
• Had a Pure Romance party!
  
• Made brunch for my family.
  
• Held my first Blog giveaway!!!
• Really started training for the walk.
  

So as you can see, March was a rick-rollin good time!!!

**************************
Never gonna give you up.
Never gonna let you down.
**************************

Sorry, back to the topic at hand.

April should be more of the same! I can't wait. I've got quite a few things lined up. So stay posted!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!!!!

It is the wee one's first birthday today! Can you believe it?!?!?! I can't. It seems like only yesterday I was at the hospital!

Here's some cute pics from her birthday party this last Sunday. As you can see she really enjoyed her cake!

Chili Fun

Yesterday we had a birthday party for the little one. It was her first and she got very into her giant cupcake. In fact, she ate the whole thing! And sometimes, when her hands were full of cake and frosting, she just went face first into the thing. So adorable! I'll post a pic of her tomorrow.

Anyway, we had to come up with food for the thirty-some-odd people in the house. Pizza? Nah. So what else? I came up with the brilliant idea of chili. We ended up with three types. White Chicken Chili, Sweet Red Chili and Spicy Red Chili. So in honor of the meaty, stewy, wonderful goodness that is Chili I bring you a very hilarious joke. I heard this a few weeks ago and I just have to share.

Texas Chili Contest
Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cooking contest. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted." Here are the scorecards from the event:

(Frank = Judge #3)

Chili # 1 Eddie's Maniac Monster Chili...
Judge # 1 --! A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.

Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.

Judge # 3 -- (Frank) What the hell is this stuff?! You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put out the flames. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy!


Chili # 2 Austin's Afterburner Chili...
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.

Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor; needs more peppers to be taken seriously.

Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.


Chili # 3 Ronny's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili...
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick. Needs more beans.

Judge # 2 -- A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of peppers.

Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting pie-eyed from all of the beer...


Chili # 4 Dave's Black Magic...
Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.

Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish, or other mild foods; not much of a chili.

Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the barmaid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. That 300-lb. woman is starting to look HOT...just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?


Chili # 5 Lisa's Legal Lip Remover...
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.

Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.

Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead, and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really pisses me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks.


Chili # 6 Pam's Very Vegetarian Variety...
Judge # 1 -- Thin, yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers.

Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.

Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulphuric flames. I pooped on myself when I farted and I'm worried it will eat through the chair! No one seems inclined to stand behind me anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.


Chili # 7 Carla's Screaming Sensation Chili...
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.

Judge # 2 -- Ho-hum; tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress, as he is cursing uncontrollably.

Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing; it's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.


Chili # 8 Karen's Toenail Curling Chili...
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold, but spicy enough to declare its existence.

Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild, nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge # 3 farted, passed out, fell over, and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor fella, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili?"

Judge # 3 -- Oh God.........