I often skip the traditional 'new year's resolutions' and save it for my birthday. I was born in the summer and it usually is my best time of year to celebrate and do something meaningful to start my year of being one year older.
Looking at the shape of my house, my family and my mood I am thinking I could use that boost sooner than July 14th.
My almost toddler had a birthday in November followed by Christmas a month later. Both events showered her with more toys and clothes than we can even fit in our 756 sq foot condo. The toys and I are currently staring eachother down and I am feeling like the toys are winning.
My husband, though works very hard, tends to lie like a lump on any horizontal surface eventually falling asleep prematurly. Leaving me to do everything and feel like I live alone. Which would be fine with me as long as the lump didn't snore while taking up space on my couch.
I need to make a sort of resolution to organize my work life. Currently I piece together three different families and their need for a nanny. I need to make the leap to just one job a few days a week. I am very close to getting there. Job offer came in. Just have to get the courage to quit my current job. I know the mom is not going to be pleased and the 8 year old girl will not take well to the change. I need to give a month notice and am not looking forward to that month.
So, here's to the new year and some more thought on what I need to do to straighten out and make my life a little more streamline.
Cheers! (I think I need a drink!)
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wrestle
My daughter was a trooper.
Her party was a lot of work but, a lot of fun.
The photo dress up 'booth' was a hit, no one got any injuries from dancing or the pinata and the food was all eaten. E had a modified one nap schedule and dada managed to get tights on her wiggly body all by 2pm. (Although based on the small laugh Papa gave when I commented on the tights success I think there was quite a wrestling match.)
And then there is the wrestling match currently going on with the photographer....
I liked this idea of having a dress up selection of props and kids being goofy and dressing up and getting their picture taken. The kids and parents liked this idea too. And while there was a photographer, I felt I didn't need to worry about my camera during such photo ops as eating cupcake, singing happy birthday or any cute moment.
After all, we didn't hire a caterer so I had food to prep and put out (along with my saintly mother in law......amazing woman). The pictures were all going to be posted on a web site. Guests can order what they wanted without me getting involved blah, blah, blah. All is good in the hood. Then came reality. The pictures that could be bought were of archival quality and cost $21.99 per print whether a 4x6 or 8x10 size.
This clearly must be a typo.
Forget my guests... how am I going to get prints of my baby's one year old party moments!? I have since emailed and conversed with the photographer (also mom of three) and her view is that she would rather sell high quality prints to preserve the professionalism of her work. Ummmmm excuse me but, did you meet me and my friends and family? Don't get me wrong.... she did a great job but, I just wanted someone to take pictures so I can download them onto snapfish and get 9¢ copies to put in a photobook that will sit on a shelf that I'll look at once a year IF THAT!
We are still in debate.
Her party was a lot of work but, a lot of fun.
The photo dress up 'booth' was a hit, no one got any injuries from dancing or the pinata and the food was all eaten. E had a modified one nap schedule and dada managed to get tights on her wiggly body all by 2pm. (Although based on the small laugh Papa gave when I commented on the tights success I think there was quite a wrestling match.)
And then there is the wrestling match currently going on with the photographer....
I liked this idea of having a dress up selection of props and kids being goofy and dressing up and getting their picture taken. The kids and parents liked this idea too. And while there was a photographer, I felt I didn't need to worry about my camera during such photo ops as eating cupcake, singing happy birthday or any cute moment.
After all, we didn't hire a caterer so I had food to prep and put out (along with my saintly mother in law......amazing woman). The pictures were all going to be posted on a web site. Guests can order what they wanted without me getting involved blah, blah, blah. All is good in the hood. Then came reality. The pictures that could be bought were of archival quality and cost $21.99 per print whether a 4x6 or 8x10 size.
This clearly must be a typo.
Forget my guests... how am I going to get prints of my baby's one year old party moments!? I have since emailed and conversed with the photographer (also mom of three) and her view is that she would rather sell high quality prints to preserve the professionalism of her work. Ummmmm excuse me but, did you meet me and my friends and family? Don't get me wrong.... she did a great job but, I just wanted someone to take pictures so I can download them onto snapfish and get 9¢ copies to put in a photobook that will sit on a shelf that I'll look at once a year IF THAT!
We are still in debate.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Quick Preparation
It's been a while.
Currently my daughter is waking from nap, my computer battery is dying and I have other things I should be doing. Today is my daughter's BIG one year birthday party.
Did I mention BIG!? Tnhere are 45 less people attending this party than our wedding. We have rented a hall and hired a photographer. This has been a group effort with mothers, sisters, brothers, and dads involved.
I can't wait!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
new thoughts
Lately, I feel like I am running the rat race and not getting anything out of it (ok maybe some pay) and not enjoying anything. I am being negative and short fused. I am away from my daughter more than I would like due to committments and guilt of trying to please everyone else. I am lacking energy and feel gross.
STOP! I need to get off this ride!
I needed this affirmational blog today to take claim of a few things. I need to say no. I need to what is best for me as E's mom. I need to do whats best for E. I need to have positive words and thoughts come from my brain. I need to eat healthy to feel healthy.
Bring on tomorrow and with it the strength to regain what I seemed to have lost over the last two weeks.
Amen!
STOP! I need to get off this ride!
I needed this affirmational blog today to take claim of a few things. I need to say no. I need to what is best for me as E's mom. I need to do whats best for E. I need to have positive words and thoughts come from my brain. I need to eat healthy to feel healthy.
Bring on tomorrow and with it the strength to regain what I seemed to have lost over the last two weeks.
Amen!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Gratitude Moment
Hmmmm.... here's one I thought I needed to share.
How I originally got into htis blogging stuff was through an email request stemming from an old college friend with whom I am FB friends with. She was a roomate for a summer and a fellow RA during my college days. Very insightful even then and continues to be with her blog looking at "green" ways of parenting as well as a little psychology (her profession) leaking in once in a while. You should check her out at mamaaroundthehouse.blogspot.com. She actually was my push to become a "blogger". She had an interesting post this week.
She says that people have more positive experiences and more positive affects if they were to take a few minutes a day to write down a few things they are greatful for.
I love this idea! Here goes.....
#1. For my little family. I love that my husband respects my job of taking care of E and encourages me to have time for myself. I love that they can survive without me (even though I think he needs me).
#2 My beautiful baby! I just love her to pieces and realize that I am truely blessed to have such a happy and healthy little girl.
#3 Coffee. (Do I need to say more? It is the sustanence of my life)
#4 The peace and quiet I have found in this morning so I can have some time to recharge.
#5 My job. Although being a nanny is not very glamorous and is not reguarded as a high profile job, it lets me feel useful in our family by bringing home some bacon and still can be with E to raise and care for her.
#6 Husband. He works so hard for us which lets me work only somtimes. (see #5)
This list was easy to write down because I am thankful for these things and think of them almost everyday. Life is good.
How I originally got into htis blogging stuff was through an email request stemming from an old college friend with whom I am FB friends with. She was a roomate for a summer and a fellow RA during my college days. Very insightful even then and continues to be with her blog looking at "green" ways of parenting as well as a little psychology (her profession) leaking in once in a while. You should check her out at mamaaroundthehouse.blogspot.com. She actually was my push to become a "blogger". She had an interesting post this week.
She says that people have more positive experiences and more positive affects if they were to take a few minutes a day to write down a few things they are greatful for.
I love this idea! Here goes.....
#1. For my little family. I love that my husband respects my job of taking care of E and encourages me to have time for myself. I love that they can survive without me (even though I think he needs me).
#2 My beautiful baby! I just love her to pieces and realize that I am truely blessed to have such a happy and healthy little girl.
#3 Coffee. (Do I need to say more? It is the sustanence of my life)
#4 The peace and quiet I have found in this morning so I can have some time to recharge.
#5 My job. Although being a nanny is not very glamorous and is not reguarded as a high profile job, it lets me feel useful in our family by bringing home some bacon and still can be with E to raise and care for her.
#6 Husband. He works so hard for us which lets me work only somtimes. (see #5)
This list was easy to write down because I am thankful for these things and think of them almost everyday. Life is good.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Summer Stay
Its only the beginning of August I keep telling myself.
For some reason I am trying to hold onto the summer but, it seems like it is slipping away. And with it my baby.
Which is kind of ironic seeming how all during the summer I found myself saying "next year E will be more fun" or "when E is a little older" or "It will be easier when she can walk". Hold the clock still please! I take it all back.
Tonight I met my husband after work for a beer and dinner. My husband asked whats on tap?
Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale. My favorite beer all year. As I thouroughly enjoyed the sweet cinnamonny brew, I was thinking how last year I missed the fall beer season due to being pregnant. I will say I fully hated becoming the science experiment that they refer to as pregnancy. Although my body was not my own for 9 long months, we were waiting to meet our baby. Now it seems that she is growing up so quick. She is too busy wiggling around to spend time on our laps. She won't lay on your chest and fall asleep when you try to burp her after her bedtime bottle. When you do get the chance to hold her it has to be at an angle so that her legs fit to the side. She has opionions (and objects loudly) about things when they are not how she would like it to be.
I miss our snuggly little baby but, love seeing her discover and laugh at new things. Please remember baby.....I love you with all my might don't ever get to big and forget that.
For some reason I am trying to hold onto the summer but, it seems like it is slipping away. And with it my baby.
Which is kind of ironic seeming how all during the summer I found myself saying "next year E will be more fun" or "when E is a little older" or "It will be easier when she can walk". Hold the clock still please! I take it all back.
Tonight I met my husband after work for a beer and dinner. My husband asked whats on tap?
Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale. My favorite beer all year. As I thouroughly enjoyed the sweet cinnamonny brew, I was thinking how last year I missed the fall beer season due to being pregnant. I will say I fully hated becoming the science experiment that they refer to as pregnancy. Although my body was not my own for 9 long months, we were waiting to meet our baby. Now it seems that she is growing up so quick. She is too busy wiggling around to spend time on our laps. She won't lay on your chest and fall asleep when you try to burp her after her bedtime bottle. When you do get the chance to hold her it has to be at an angle so that her legs fit to the side. She has opionions (and objects loudly) about things when they are not how she would like it to be.
I miss our snuggly little baby but, love seeing her discover and laugh at new things. Please remember baby.....I love you with all my might don't ever get to big and forget that.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Walking Thoughts
I try to go for a walk everyday in between breakfast and naptime.
Sometimes it is a walk filled with songs and babbles. Sometimes we meet dogs. Sometimes we wave a little good morning to a fellow walker. Once we even brought some wildflowers home to make our house pretty....glad no one was around ;)
The other day ahead of us was a man, a woman, and two girls about 8 or 9 years old. They were in casual clothes and flip flops. Nice looking family. I figured since it was early (about 8am) and we live near the train station they must be taking the train into the city. We followed behind them at a distance and noticed the husband and wife talking. The girls were ahead skipping and walking then waiting for parents. They did not cross the street to go to the train station. They kept walking. We kept walking on our 1.9 mile walk around the block and seemed to be walking faster than them and soon caught up. They were chatting and I noticed they were speaking another language. Italian or Portuguese was my best guess.
Which got me thinking?
The mom had a few extra pounds on her as well as one of the two girls. Was this family on a walk a result from the media reporting America is obese or overweight children being taken out of their homes? Or was it a family spending some quality time together?
What a wonderful idea.
Sometimes it is a walk filled with songs and babbles. Sometimes we meet dogs. Sometimes we wave a little good morning to a fellow walker. Once we even brought some wildflowers home to make our house pretty....glad no one was around ;)
The other day ahead of us was a man, a woman, and two girls about 8 or 9 years old. They were in casual clothes and flip flops. Nice looking family. I figured since it was early (about 8am) and we live near the train station they must be taking the train into the city. We followed behind them at a distance and noticed the husband and wife talking. The girls were ahead skipping and walking then waiting for parents. They did not cross the street to go to the train station. They kept walking. We kept walking on our 1.9 mile walk around the block and seemed to be walking faster than them and soon caught up. They were chatting and I noticed they were speaking another language. Italian or Portuguese was my best guess.
Which got me thinking?
The mom had a few extra pounds on her as well as one of the two girls. Was this family on a walk a result from the media reporting America is obese or overweight children being taken out of their homes? Or was it a family spending some quality time together?
What a wonderful idea.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Behind
Ok...so I am falling a little behind on posting. Stay tuned readers...I have just returned from vacation and do I have a lot to say! More blogging to come.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Bubble Mountian
I love my husband. I really do but, sometimes I find myself looking at him like a science experiment. He definately makes me laugh (at his expense) and sometimes just shake my head in disbelief.
Recently I have been working long days (instead of my few afternoon 'mom' hours) and so without a word spoken, he has been doing the dinner dishes....someone should check the temperature in hell.
Now, when he does the dishes he does a decent job. I have trained him not to put the knives that go in the knife block or my pots and pans in the dishwasher. I think he actually is afraid of my pots and pans due to a fit I threw when his mother used a metal spoon to stir pasta and scratched the bottom of my pot...that's a whole other story. So reguardless, he leaves the knives, pots and pans for me.
With all this dish washing lately, I have noticed a very large mountian of bubbles left behind when he is done. This isn't a small fluff of bubbles that just happened to not have enogh water to ride down the drain. This is a mountian. I use brand name dishwashing liquid so that a small amount usually does the trick. He must use a quarter of a bottle. I struggle not to say anything in hopes not to squash his efforts. Maybe this might become a dishwashing habit and we won't always live in the 1950's. Maybe?
Last night he brings his dinner plates to the sink and I heard the water running. Now is my chance to monitor the soap use. I breeze into the kitchen casually to see the mountian of bubbles and him inhaling deeply face above the sink. This is odd I think....remember my husband the science experiment? He then says "I love the smell of Palmolive" and walks away.
Hmmmm...
I guess bubble mountian is ok for a little thing that makes him happy. So when you can stop and smell the mountian.
Recently I have been working long days (instead of my few afternoon 'mom' hours) and so without a word spoken, he has been doing the dinner dishes....someone should check the temperature in hell.
Now, when he does the dishes he does a decent job. I have trained him not to put the knives that go in the knife block or my pots and pans in the dishwasher. I think he actually is afraid of my pots and pans due to a fit I threw when his mother used a metal spoon to stir pasta and scratched the bottom of my pot...that's a whole other story. So reguardless, he leaves the knives, pots and pans for me.
With all this dish washing lately, I have noticed a very large mountian of bubbles left behind when he is done. This isn't a small fluff of bubbles that just happened to not have enogh water to ride down the drain. This is a mountian. I use brand name dishwashing liquid so that a small amount usually does the trick. He must use a quarter of a bottle. I struggle not to say anything in hopes not to squash his efforts. Maybe this might become a dishwashing habit and we won't always live in the 1950's. Maybe?
Last night he brings his dinner plates to the sink and I heard the water running. Now is my chance to monitor the soap use. I breeze into the kitchen casually to see the mountian of bubbles and him inhaling deeply face above the sink. This is odd I think....remember my husband the science experiment? He then says "I love the smell of Palmolive" and walks away.
Hmmmm...
I guess bubble mountian is ok for a little thing that makes him happy. So when you can stop and smell the mountian.
one hundred
WOO HOO! My counter at the end of this blog has hit 100 (yet no followers?)
I have only told a few friends about this blog and I don't think they have that much time on their hands to check on my blog that much.....Maybe I am mistaken and should blog more often.
Ok just in case friends, I will.
I have only told a few friends about this blog and I don't think they have that much time on their hands to check on my blog that much.....Maybe I am mistaken and should blog more often.
Ok just in case friends, I will.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
smile pretty
Friday, June 17, 2011
summer days
I come to work everyday with a cup of coffee and a 'new day' type of feeling.
Yesterday I should have been better prepared.
The night before was tha historical Bruins game winning the Stanley Cup after 39 years of trying. The game started at 8....the general bedtime for children...and ended at midnight (not a typical bedtime for children). The almost 8 yr old and 10 year old stayed up with thier parents to watch the event. Thanks.
As if a typical 8 year old isn't hyper or annoying enough. No sleep for a human after nap age and before teen age equals hyperactivity. God apparently didn't plan well in this area. You would think that hyperactivity due to lack of sleep would have been given to moms of young children.
After breakfast was served the 10 year old bookworm-type of kid retreated to his bedroom to read. Ok one down. The 8 year old kind of copied the idea, grabbed a library book off the counter and threw herself on the couch. I watched her bounce from on the couch to off the couch about ten times while reading.
"Stay STILL!"
She gave a scowl and asked me to read a few chapters. I read a few pages. C throws herself onto the floor, rolls on the floor back and forth, brings the couch blanket onto the floor, covers herself completely, curls up into a ball, kicks her legs out from under the blanket, rolls around some more, still listening....I think.
"I'm bored"
I am reading this chapter book with different voices depending on the character speaking and putting excitement where exclamation points are, elongating the italicized words and she is BORED!? Ok show is over. Onto plan B.
"Go outside and ride your bike"
"I dont want to"
"Go use the computer"
"No. There's nothing to do thats fun"
"Go knock on your friends door and see if she wants to play" (annoy that kid's mom)
"She's not home"
"Go find something to do" (away from me I wanted to add!)
I then stood up and walked out of the room like I had something important to do leaving her and her bouncing body alone with her boredom.
I can't say I know what she did next because I snuck out the backdoor and sat on the steps enjoying the quiet, sun and stillness outside. Yes, she drove me out of the house and into hiding to stay sane.
Yesterday I should have been better prepared.
The night before was tha historical Bruins game winning the Stanley Cup after 39 years of trying. The game started at 8....the general bedtime for children...and ended at midnight (not a typical bedtime for children). The almost 8 yr old and 10 year old stayed up with thier parents to watch the event. Thanks.
As if a typical 8 year old isn't hyper or annoying enough. No sleep for a human after nap age and before teen age equals hyperactivity. God apparently didn't plan well in this area. You would think that hyperactivity due to lack of sleep would have been given to moms of young children.
After breakfast was served the 10 year old bookworm-type of kid retreated to his bedroom to read. Ok one down. The 8 year old kind of copied the idea, grabbed a library book off the counter and threw herself on the couch. I watched her bounce from on the couch to off the couch about ten times while reading.
"Stay STILL!"
She gave a scowl and asked me to read a few chapters. I read a few pages. C throws herself onto the floor, rolls on the floor back and forth, brings the couch blanket onto the floor, covers herself completely, curls up into a ball, kicks her legs out from under the blanket, rolls around some more, still listening....I think.
"I'm bored"
I am reading this chapter book with different voices depending on the character speaking and putting excitement where exclamation points are, elongating the italicized words and she is BORED!? Ok show is over. Onto plan B.
"Go outside and ride your bike"
"I dont want to"
"Go use the computer"
"No. There's nothing to do thats fun"
"Go knock on your friends door and see if she wants to play" (annoy that kid's mom)
"She's not home"
"Go find something to do" (away from me I wanted to add!)
I then stood up and walked out of the room like I had something important to do leaving her and her bouncing body alone with her boredom.
I can't say I know what she did next because I snuck out the backdoor and sat on the steps enjoying the quiet, sun and stillness outside. Yes, she drove me out of the house and into hiding to stay sane.
Monday, June 13, 2011
pain in the...
This morning I woke up with the birds (and Emilee) and had back pain on my left side right above my butt. I think it's my siaticca, at least that's what the elderly call it. Any way you label it, it hurts!
So, needless to say I got the baby and husband out the door and took a really hot shower....still hurt.
I drove to a job wiggling in my seat while listening to talk radio and drinking my liquid crack (aka coffee) and it still hurt.
At work, I put an icepack from my lunchbox down my pants for an hour and ...yes...it still hurt.
My day went on ...and on...and on...and then finally at 6:55 I am home to see my baby! I get to spend the last 20 minutes of my baby's day with her. We rolled and giggled on the bed, I lifted her over my head making her laugh even more, we read a book lying on our bellies, changed her, fed her, rocked her and shared a little snuggle then put her to bed. HEY! Wait a minute! My back didn't hurt for the last 20 minutes!
Back to the living room too tired to care about dinner. I grabbed a bottle of water,tylenol and the heating pad out of the closet. I hope my back feels better tomorrow. Maybe I should just stay home and play with my baby instead.
So, needless to say I got the baby and husband out the door and took a really hot shower....still hurt.
I drove to a job wiggling in my seat while listening to talk radio and drinking my liquid crack (aka coffee) and it still hurt.
At work, I put an icepack from my lunchbox down my pants for an hour and ...yes...it still hurt.
My day went on ...and on...and on...and then finally at 6:55 I am home to see my baby! I get to spend the last 20 minutes of my baby's day with her. We rolled and giggled on the bed, I lifted her over my head making her laugh even more, we read a book lying on our bellies, changed her, fed her, rocked her and shared a little snuggle then put her to bed. HEY! Wait a minute! My back didn't hurt for the last 20 minutes!
Back to the living room too tired to care about dinner. I grabbed a bottle of water,tylenol and the heating pad out of the closet. I hope my back feels better tomorrow. Maybe I should just stay home and play with my baby instead.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Blogging mision complete
Every year on my birthday I try to do something out of the ordinary. Something I have always wanted to do or have thought of doing and do it for the year (or in the case of choosing to have a baby...longer).
In the past I have done things like buy an antique VW bug (born in the same year as I was. Ironically it was falling apart!), drive cross country, live alone, buy something frivolous and expensive, have a baby etc etc. The idea is to make the leap and just get it done. I tend to over think things sometimes and don't always take that leap. Like Nike says JUST DO IT!
So this blog is going to accomplish a few things:
1. Be my birthday accomplishment.
2. Make me learn the ins and outs of technology. I am of the generation that just learned to use computers my last year of college. It was not mandatory to use one but, my Senior year they opened a "computer canter" for students to use because no one had their own computers. What is that you say? Preschoolers now have ipads in their classrooms....yeah, I get it....I'm old.
3. Make me a little saner. The silly, crazy, maddening things that happen in my life need to be dumped somewhere. I have read and researched why people blog and "to vent" stuck in my brain as being a good reason. Plus, these things that I tell my friends/family that happen get a few laughs maybe you will too.
4. Record events and happenings. I often forget stuff in all my hurrying and being too busy, old age, mom brain (and other reasons). If you are my friends or family you know that I will tell you the same story in a week two and sometimes three times. Most friends are nice and don't mention they have heard the story before until the third go round but still....
5. To make myself sit down for a few minutes and chill.
I'm sure there were other reasons that at the time were on my list but, I have since forgotten them. SEE!? If I don't write it down I forget. My brain is not good. You will become more and more aware of this as I share my life her in this blog HAHAMAMA.
In the past I have done things like buy an antique VW bug (born in the same year as I was. Ironically it was falling apart!), drive cross country, live alone, buy something frivolous and expensive, have a baby etc etc. The idea is to make the leap and just get it done. I tend to over think things sometimes and don't always take that leap. Like Nike says JUST DO IT!
So this blog is going to accomplish a few things:
1. Be my birthday accomplishment.
2. Make me learn the ins and outs of technology. I am of the generation that just learned to use computers my last year of college. It was not mandatory to use one but, my Senior year they opened a "computer canter" for students to use because no one had their own computers. What is that you say? Preschoolers now have ipads in their classrooms....yeah, I get it....I'm old.
3. Make me a little saner. The silly, crazy, maddening things that happen in my life need to be dumped somewhere. I have read and researched why people blog and "to vent" stuck in my brain as being a good reason. Plus, these things that I tell my friends/family that happen get a few laughs maybe you will too.
4. Record events and happenings. I often forget stuff in all my hurrying and being too busy, old age, mom brain (and other reasons). If you are my friends or family you know that I will tell you the same story in a week two and sometimes three times. Most friends are nice and don't mention they have heard the story before until the third go round but still....
5. To make myself sit down for a few minutes and chill.
I'm sure there were other reasons that at the time were on my list but, I have since forgotten them. SEE!? If I don't write it down I forget. My brain is not good. You will become more and more aware of this as I share my life her in this blog HAHAMAMA.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)