Best Christmas Present Ever!

For years in school, whenever we had to write an essay or speak of a holiday favorite, mine was always the birth of my third sister.

I remember thinking it was such a miracle that a little beautiful baby girl would be brought to my home on Christmas. It can't be luck, it had to be meant to be. Someone I can love, practice french braids on, mold into my own.

She is a nut, understand that. Someone who wakes with "forces" telling her to remain in bed. Someone who goes from happy to catotonic is seconds.

She met the New Kids...Brad Pitt was her favorite guy, she met him on TV. Carson Daly was her other, met him as well. She makes her life seem effortless, tireless...but somehow manages to gain experiences under her belt.

She once went on a cruise and did not do a thing. Spent 80.00 the entire week while vacationing and claims to have had a great time and can't wait to go again.

She is the one who will go to Yosemite, but never climb the mountain or walk the trail. Go sledding, but never zoom down the hill. But she appears to be happy and satisfied.

Great sister, wonderful aunt, a best friend as a daughter. Lover to her godchild. Teacher to be.

Thanks Aunt Coco for being you. Thanks for making the last 21 Christmas's special.

Thanks VM for all the good times

well, we just finished season 3 and watched the pitch for season 4. It was sad knowing it was going to be the last we see of her.

By season 3, we kind of guessed all the mysteries up front, but still it was exciting. I love Logan.

Thanksgiving

I have now spent Thanksgiving with white people, Puerto Ricans, and now black people.

One thing is the same throughout. Music and dancing. My family gets together and does an interprative dance number to the Dixie Chicks, Landslide. Puerto Ricans dance the salsa and play instruments along with the radio. The black family pumps up Beyonce, does some line dances, then slows things down with Barry White.

Funny, how its the same thing in each house going on.

Today we Salute You, Former Blog Reader

Josh's mom presents.... Former Blog Reader

singer Miss Former Blog Reader

Narrator: Today we salute you, Miss Use-to-be-faithful-blog-reader.

Singer Miss Use-to-be-faithful-blog-reader

Narrator: It's not easy, day after day, waiting for a post before you lose all hope.

Singer I was removed from your favorites

Narrator: You have long days and too many blogs to check, it was about time I got fired.

Singer Even Donald Trump doesn't fire family

Narrator: Maybe it was a threat, maybe it was for real, but it sure did get me thinking.

Singer Would Rosie's sister talk to her like this?

Narrator: The blog fan with so much time on her hands. loves reading about other's lives and thoughts

Singer There's a peeping tom in my window

Narrator: so here's to you, Miss Use-to-be-faithful-blog-reader, you will be missed, but atleast you have those 5 seconds of your day back.

Singer Miss Use-to-be-faithful-blog-reader

He really does listen

Tonight on our walk, I was explaining to Josh that it was finally happening. I always tell him leaves on green, but they are going to change and fall. So, all red leaves on the ground. I said see Josh, look at the leaves.

with that he waits till we are under a tree and points up to the leaves and makes a noise.

So, there you have it. He's been listening, leaves are on trees.


**********************************
total and rice milk
apple
salad with grilled chicken
cold cut sandwich on wheat
Leo's leftover bites of chicken dan dan
walked a little over 5 miles

Adventures in Babysitting....

Tonight, we had our new little friend over to get to know us before he is dropped off tomorrow. I like to think Josh just had a strong interest in this kid's head, but the way he kept smacking it makes me wonder.

Toy sharing and refereeing. The little boy goes right down to sleep...2 hour naps twice a day. Our new friend is going to show us how its done. Josh...its boot camp time.

Night 8 of no sleep. Tylenol was already admistered tonight before our walk. Getting ready to put him down now.

For my mother, Leo also saw the big one coming in in the back of his mouth. lol...

So....Leo came home from his stint away wanting us to go out to eat...that explains my dinner.


*******************************
Total with Rice Milk
Strawberries
Amy's Burrito
Brown Rice with Peas
3 Vietnamese spring rolls
Lettuce wraps
1 sprite
.5 Dr Pepper

walked 3 miles in the AM. walked 2 miles in PM

Click here to check out
The MILFS of Charlotte *Moms just wanna have fun*!

Baby Boy turning 10 months old...

Tomorrow is double digits. Ten months old. When I was ten months old my mother was entering her third trimester.

We were at a playdate today. A ten month old was walking all over the place. When others were crawling a few weeks ago, I pushed Josh to crawl. I guess because that's what babies do...crawl. But walking? Once he walks, in that second he goes from baby to big boy.

Another mom of a 4 month old was there. She had to leave early since she was nursing. She was shocked that I still nurse and I am able to go to all these events. She wants to know when it gets easier. I told her the 3 month mark then the 8 month mark. Honestly, I wanted to tell her its when you come to terms with the fact that this is your job and chore. Go sit in your car for 20 minutes and come back to hang with us. By going home you are only making yourself a prisoner. But I didn't, I said nice meeting you...see you soon.

10 months breastfeeding. 10 months breastfeeding this allergy baby. 10 months of wearing breast pads daily. 10 months of having sex while lactating. 10 months of extreme thirst. How can these be the fastest 10 months that have ever gone by...but at the same time the longest ten months ever?????



this weight will come off....
Total with Rice Milk
Banana
Amy's Organic Burrito, veggies and beans
Brown Rice with Peas.
1/2 can of Coke.

When I die....

I am coming back as your child. No one has it better then that baby of yours.

That's what my 70-something year old neighbor told me yesterday. Tucky Lee. Until yesterday, she was just Tucky. She said she always wanted to be Tucky Lee, she realizes its a little late in the game, but if I could call her that she would love it.

For a compliment like that Tucky Lee, I shall refer to you as your majesty.

zumba with erick

Zumba Fever

We to my first Zumba class this morning...what a great time. To be in a dance class is such a great feeling. I have always loved dancing, but as life takes over...it seems longer and longer since the last time I really let it go.

Organized routines, spots for freestyle, dance wars and challanges...all while burning 700 calories an hour. Totally stomach concentration, great since that is where I need it the most.

So, I will continue to walk in the mornings and go to the gym...but 2 days a week, hopeful its the jumpstart that I need.

Classes are all over the world...most intro classes are 1/2 price. Call and see if you can try it out, they might give it to you for free.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp-6dmO_njI">

https://www.zumba.com/about.cfm">

19 Minutes....

So I read it and loved it, wasn't going to write about it until my sisters had a chance to read it. Since irene is in school, I will mail to Karen, she can return to NY where Irene can then read it.

School shootings...as a mom, I should have ended the book concerned about my child's safety and well being, instead, I felt such an ache for all those who were teased and harassed in school.

I don't really believe in hitting as a form of disapline, but Josh will get the smack down for harassing behavior. Bra snapping, bullying...I would rather him cheat on tests then to pick on someone.

Bangs! Someone take my scissors away!

So, my kid's hair grows super quick. He always looks like he has hair in his eyes. While he's in the tub I snip here and there. Well...restless baby mixed with me getting snip happy equals madness.

My kid will only eat cheerios

He was doing great with table foods, now he will only eat cheerios. I shoved avocados into him today, he got mad at me, mouthed out the words that he hates me. That hurt...I hugged him, let him play with computer keyboard, then took him to pool for a night swim.

A lot of my reading and TV watching has shown me the sterotype that white moms like to be their kid's friend, where other races say they are parents and have their own friends. I am the white mom...I could not handle him not liking me. If its breastmilk and cheerios then so be it.

My Brother was Right

Months ago he predicted the impact Oprah would have on the upcoming election. He lives in France and asked who she is backing-Obama or Hillary...I said why? He said she is going to be the voice of a lot of women.

Oprah announced she is holding a huge celebrity fundraising event for Obama. Watching MSNBC tonight, Hardball, the debate was about Oprah and her influence.

Personally, I am going with Hillary at the moment. I won't lie, mainly because she is a woman. I would not vote for any woman(Condelezza scares me) but Hillary is doable.



"I don't consider myself political and I seldom interview politicians. So when I decided to talk with you [Barack], people around me were like, 'What's happened to you?' I said, 'I think this is beyond and above politics.' It feels like something new." — Oprah

My Sister Irene

Irene's Disney Princess of choice is Ariel. When I think Ariel, the song Part of Your World comes into my mind. A song about exploring, being free, dreaming, and growing into an independent women. Totally an Irene theme song.




Irene's heart is HUGE. Irene is all heart. She has a ton of love to give. Love for dogs, love for orphans, love of the dixie chicks, love of good grades, love of family, love of friends, love of experiences, really just a love for life.

The poor kid loves dogs. They never work out though...but they are loved...by Irene.
Irene loves orphans, wants to save them, wants to adopt them, wants to know them. Years ago, I remember her packing up a shoebox of toys to send to a Romanian orphange. A gift for those who don't have.
Irene loves country. She is country. She has a cowgirl strut in the city. She is a hillbilly. Take her to a Dixie Chicks concert and she asks for fiddle lessons.
Irene, valendictorian and scholarship winner, loves good grades. Needs good grades.
Loves family. Her best friends are her sisters. She loves the big family scene.
Tons of girlfriends. Not sure why...I really don't get the concept, but it floats her boat.


On this her 19th b-day, God only knows who she is with or what she is doing. She is spending the summer at Yosemite. Happy Birthday Irene!!

Baby Boy, you exhast me.......

So, the kid would rather sleep then eat when he was first born. This lead to unbelieveable engorgement issues. Then he did start eating, but he is allergic to everything. Now, it turns out he hates baby food. So, as much as I was interested in making my own baby food a few months back...my husband told me to cut myself some slack. Breastfeeding is hardwork, make my job easier and go with the jarred food. Funny how life works. I am now steaming organic veggies for the day and breaking cheerios in half.

I am not sure how a daycare enviroment would handle this sitution. Another plus that i am staying at home.

I love Wal-Mart Supercenters...

I know, I know...Wal-mart is bad. Bad to their employees. Bad for small business...but geez..2.00 boxes of cereal? That's hard to beat.

I drive 12 miles out of my way to go to the Supercenter. It has everything. I went shopping around today for the best prices (diapers) and Wal-mart comes through again and again. My husband bought a bike rack today there, 9.00 cheaper then the cheapest one at Target.

UGGGHHHHHH I don't want an OCD, but....

I want a clean, clutter free house all the time, however...I hate cleaning. I wish I was one of those people who needs a clean house and can't sit until it's all done.

I have gotten rid of so much stuff. I was watching on Oprah, give stuff away and its easier to let go of it. So, I found people who are expecting babies...people that don't mind wearing fashions from 5 years ago. The big challenge is finding someone to fit into my husband's size 31 pants.

It was interesting...don't hold on to "just in case" things. Americans are in more debt then ever, but for some reason, homes are larger, cars are bigger, and storage units are in every city. For our stuff. Stuff we can't afford. Stuff we don't need. Stuff that makes our homes hard to clean.

I married a packrat. I know this because a few days ago, I witnessed him cleaning his truck. Everything that I throw away of his, makes its way into the truck.

WARNING: THIS IS A BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY PAGE

Please do not scroll down if for some reason you or someone you work for will view a mother feeding her child as pornography. It's laughable. If someone feels this is pornography, please go get your head checked.

check it

PRODUCT RAVE: JUMPEROO AND BUMBO

The Bumbo was my lifesaver. It was the one and only thing he sat in, until the Jumperoo.

Worst Buy:
The rainforest swing. All my friends agree, none of them swing once the baby is in there.

My Birthday is Tomorrow!

I am someone who loves my birthday. I am a true Gemini, ask my husband.

We have plans to go to The Biltmore, I have wanted to go for awhile. Go to the gardens, winery, lunch outside, and a tour of the mansion. I also believe there is a petting zoo.


I have decided to live my life slightly differently on the eve of my 29th.

1. Keep up on my morning walks. It's nice to get up and see the world.
2. Don't feel guilty about your new daily Naked obsession...the drink. 3.00 is not a lot of money for fiber, vitamins, and antioxidents.
3. Don't buy another item of clothing if you have something remotely similiar at home.
4. For 20.00 a month, my husband went ahead and ordered a new washing machine to rent. My downstairs neighbor causes me unnecessary stress regarding my loud spin cycle.
5. Sunscreen, everyday..face, arms, and chest.
6. Go back to underwire...what's the sense of having big ones if they are flopping around in a nursing bra.
7. Even though I am terrible at ironing, act as though I am great and maybe my husband will be tricked.
8. Accept that I stay at home and I don't bring in an income. Its okay..I don't have to babysit or sell products to anyone. Once I let this guilt leave me I should start enjoying my position more.
9. Actually order the pictures that I take and upload.
10. Realize that if allowing baby to watch a little TV clears a spot in my schedule for sex, turn the TV on and tell him you will be back in a few minutes.

Trying To Fight The Good Fight Against Gymboree Classes..

You move to a new city, you don't work, you have a baby...The life of a hermit was never of interest to you, so the simple solution would be Gymboree. At close to $50.00 a month, 1 class a week, for an hour, you meet other moms while your baby rolls on the floor.

I signed up for a different program, Stroller Moms. 3 times a week they meet, 15.00 a week, to wheel along with them in a public park. This one caught my attention, since it was 3 times a week.

The YMCA is on my corner...a cool $74.00 a month. I was going to sign up for baby swim lessons, pediatrican talked me out of it.

Today, I felt like a good mom. My little bear was handed his first library card. We picked out books, then went to talk to the children's director regarding Books and Babies classes. Well, we made it on the waiting list. Hopefully, someone cancels. It would be a free program, once a week, reading and singing. The library sure has changed though, this one is complete with its own coffee shop.

I am shocked the church doesn't offer a similar program...but I am now on the hunt. This week, I am turning 29, I keep telling myself, I will have friends...

I have met some great people down here...all NY'ers though...

Tomorrow celebrates 5 years since I made the best decision of my life..

Tomorrow is my 5 year anniversary. The first 4 years of my marriage was spent living in my parents' home. The last year was spent navigating around a new state with a baby.

Don't venture to a new state unless your husband is your best friend.

I met my husband in high school. It sounds phony, but I knew we would be married one day. We complete each other. He is the ying to my yang. We are compatible, attracted to each other, and know each other better then anyone else.

He did surprise me in this past year. I knew we were going to be thrown for a loop when the baby arrived, and we were. He loves the baby, I love the baby...but we went through a mourning period of missing our old marriage. The marriage that consisted of singing to each other in the car, watching movies, and sleeping in. Add that change with exhaustion, and you have a stress filled situation.

My father in law told me the other day on the phone, that while I was still pregnant, I vowed that my husband will always be number one. I still hold that vow true. Without my husband, his love and support system...I don't know who I would be. He is my rock and my reason. My reason for being. If I don't aim to make him number one in my life, then trouble waters will lie ahead. I know we were meant to be together, I know that he is the only person for me. I know it's a funny thing that our families would migrate down to Florida and we would meet at the same high school. There are so many amazing things about my husband. Just when I thought I knew everything there was to know...he surprised me with a biggie.

I married a family guy. I knew he loved me and he is a great spouse, but I did not know where "family" fell onto his importance meter. I am so proud to say that my husband is one of a dying breed. No one is ever going to be a better career man then my husband. He strives for perfection. I don't know where it comes from, but he is an incredible worker. There are good workers out there, then there is my husband.

Not only is he giving his all at work, but he comes home and gives me all of his pay. I am fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom. As he watches his colleagues drive great trucks, ride on expensive bikes, and take great vacations...he comes home to his two dependents. He is living proof that you can make it on one income. Its about sacrifice and how badly you want it. I don't think many saw my husband as this type of man. He loves materialistic thing. He is a spender by nature. I can never in a million years put into words what he means to me and what his sacrifice to his family has done to make my dream come true. So, he has now gone 11 months straight, without taking a sick day or vacation day, to make sure he has the time to attend my sister's wedding this summer.

Who is this guy? I felt like I won the lotto with him 5 years ago when he vowed to love me forever. Where we are now in life, the love that I have and receive...I could have never predicted.

So here is to you love! 5 years down...around 70 to go...

I just had a thought...when you turn 30 years old..its like wow..I am getting up there...but when you say something like 70 more married years ahead...lol..that's a long time!

Winnie the Pooh...

I have never gotten into any "characters." I could never have imagined decorating my baby's nursery with a theme from a cartoon. Myself, I grew up a Sesame Street watcher. I did not connect with animated cartoons at all.

Every night, I try to read to my boy. At the beginning, he hated it. Now, I try and make it routine between bath and eating before bed. My sister was kind enough to lend her nephew a Winnie the Pooh storybook. I find myself growing more and more fond of this little honey driven bear each evening.

Pooh reminds me so much of my boy. I always thought I would have a little monkey, no way...this kid is all bear. So tonight, while I held my little bear on my lap, we read about another one of Pooh's adventures. It is amazing how someone so young can take on such a personality. So, I guess I am now a Pooh fan.


Side note: Product rave!
I have always used a strong base make-up. My skin is blemished and red toned. However, since I go on long daily walks, sunscreen is a must. I was applying sunscreen, then this base. Too much.

Now, I apply sunscreen, then follow it up with Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Powder. This stuff is great. Super light, long lasting.

MSPI while Breastfeeding

I was eager to start this blog and to gain a support system. It's the only diet I have ever stuck to. I have a 5 month old with MSPI who is exclusively breastfed.

To new moms just starting the journey...you can do it, juust take it one feeding at a time.

Its My Brother's Birthday....

He is my Irish Twin. I can honestly say I have never met anyone remotely like him. I find him noble in his ways, there really is no single word to describe him. He currently lives in France, with a lovely girl. Anytime I am out in the world describing him, I always follow up by saying, I know he sounds nutty, but he's really not.

You can find him in a kitchen chopping or at a family member's birthday party handing over an enormous gift. He is a guy that writes checks to support local libraries. He knew the war was wrong before everyone else did. Somehow he knew Veronica Mars was awesome, I listened, because I always listen.

We would wait for the bus together in the mornings to bring us to the city. Dressed in his fancy hat, overalls, and vegan approved sneakers....always armed with a green drink in his hand. At times, he would get on the same bus as me, as long as I promised not to speak to him. It was his journal/reading time.

Happy Birthday Big Guy!

Memorial Day

I have always had a great love for Memorial Day. In my house it was birthday season, one birthday after another. School was coming to an end. When I no longer attended school, a three day weekend was something to look forward to. I would dare say it is my favorite weekend, so much so that I chose to get married the week of Memorial Day.

I am the mother of a 5 month old. The first two months of my baby's life, I was a walking zombie. How am I able to function as tired as I am? Should I be driving? Will I ever sleep again? Time and time again, two thoughts entered into my mind...

#1....I will never wish for twins. I don't know how moms of multiples do it.

#2....In this time of war, God Bless the young moms who are physically doing this solo. Not only the fear of your husband at war, missing him, worrying about him...but not having him around to share in the incredible joy or the sleepless, hopeless nights.