Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Weekend?
Where did the weekend go?
Although I did get some R&R in on Saturday, today we seemed to make up for it!
After doing some laundry, we headed to the fair! We saw the flower garden and area - including a "butterfly" that was a bush, which was kind of cool. We entered the village of yesteryear just as it opened. We rode on several rides (including kiddo's first "solo" ride). We did lots of walking around - and for some reason, I managed to not get too worn out!
We got all the required fair food: Corn dogs, lemonade, cotton candy, candy and carmel apples, roasted corn, and our first taste of NC State Icecream!
After coming home (more laundry, cleaning out the car) I headed to Prenatal Yoga - which I've been meaning to do for a long, long time. Somehow I managed to come home, cook dinner, do dishes, clean the kitchen - and yes, more laundry (it seems to never end!) and even some playing with Kiddo and TV time thrown in.
All in all, a great day - topped off with a little bit of a conversation with my little bro! But I'm ready for the weekend, now that it's over!
Love: Busy days
Hope: Next weekend is a little slower..
Do: Keep working on the back-up of the laptop (on which the e, d, and c keys must be typed with the "on-screen" keyboard.)
Number: 8 - for the gate we entered and exited at the fair today!
Although I did get some R&R in on Saturday, today we seemed to make up for it!
After doing some laundry, we headed to the fair! We saw the flower garden and area - including a "butterfly" that was a bush, which was kind of cool. We entered the village of yesteryear just as it opened. We rode on several rides (including kiddo's first "solo" ride). We did lots of walking around - and for some reason, I managed to not get too worn out!
We got all the required fair food: Corn dogs, lemonade, cotton candy, candy and carmel apples, roasted corn, and our first taste of NC State Icecream!
After coming home (more laundry, cleaning out the car) I headed to Prenatal Yoga - which I've been meaning to do for a long, long time. Somehow I managed to come home, cook dinner, do dishes, clean the kitchen - and yes, more laundry (it seems to never end!) and even some playing with Kiddo and TV time thrown in.
All in all, a great day - topped off with a little bit of a conversation with my little bro! But I'm ready for the weekend, now that it's over!
Love: Busy days
Hope: Next weekend is a little slower..
Do: Keep working on the back-up of the laptop (on which the e, d, and c keys must be typed with the "on-screen" keyboard.)
Number: 8 - for the gate we entered and exited at the fair today!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Babbling Day... or so
Before you get too far into this post, you should know that I'm celebrating Babbling day - a day late. SO - I would recommend you get a nice hot cup of cider (it is fall!) - or at least understand you'll be committing more than just a couple of minutes if you are going to read this (long overdue) post!
On my crazy calendar (thanks to Oriental Trading company), I have been able to keep track this year of many of the more obscure holidays. Yesterday was "Babbling Day" - which in my world, equates to the perfect opportunity to post a blog! (I was just informed via Facebook - one of my most newsworthy sources- that today is National Make A Difference Day. I'm not sure that this post will make a difference, so I'll have to figure out some other way to celebrate that particular event!)
I had good intentions of posting this yesterday, but instead enjoyed a long overdue movie with the hubby after Kiddo went to bed.
Anyhow...
Babbling, you see, is not only one of my favorite words, but also one of my favorite pasttimes! (Perhaps this isn't news to you if you've followed my blog for a while.)
So today I'm going to do some babbling. Which means the post may be a little long, and may also be a little all over the place. (But hey, it's a post, and at least sometimes- they are fun to read! At least I know I like to read other people's posts...)
There have been many babble-able (and therefore, blogable) moments lately. Kiddo is in the midst of potty training. It's not fun. We started today with, "let's try underwear all day." After two accidents, I gave up and put him in a diaper. At least we were encouraged most of the morning to remind him to try to potty. Of course, for a while, that was just "no potty!" followed by crying. We'll get there. Today (and this weekend) aren't the day. Of course, I figured that out a while back. Daddy is convinced that he only pees in the toilet for Mommy. I guess I'm good for something. After being away a few days, Kiddo needed some warming up to. He keeps going to daddy for things like putting his shoes on, even after I'm the one who said I would take him outside!
I love the word Kiddo. Once I have two kiddos, will I still call them Kiddo and just let the reader figure out which kiddo, or do I have to have distinct identifier for each kiddo? Just another thing to figure out along the way with the kiddo in my belly. Of course, that one still needs a name. But that's another story for another time - maybe for her birthday!
Travelling can be exhausting. After being away a couple days, I came home fairly needy. My next trip, however, is only a couple of weeks away and will be over twice as long! It will possibly be more exhausting, but for different reasons. I won't be playing as much of a "hostess" role on the next trip, but I still have a presentation to make! It's a little intimidating presenting to "peers" with many more years of experience, and mostly higher credentials, as well!
In some ways, it's unfortunate that you can't babble everything you know. Those thoughts have to swim around in your head with nowhere to get out of the pool. Well, at least some eventually make it out - but some don't. After all, some of my deepest darkest secrets and skeletons probably are better left in the closet. And sometimes I know things about other people that probably just need to stay in their closet (but now that I know, is the secret still in their closet, or has it migrated to my closet, or is it just in the pool?)
I say thank goodness for Wordless Wednesday, because it has least forced (encouraged?) me to post pictures at least once a week. I wish I were a little better at the other, non-wordless posts. Maybe Babbling day will be an inspiration. Or maybe I just need to find a way to post more regularly.. maybe lunch at my desk and a blog? Or maybe a more regular post while Kiddo is napping? (When he's not naping, he often loves to sit on my lap and watch videos.. particularly Elmo's song, which is absolutely his favorite!)
Today, I took advantage of at least part of the naptime to take a nap myself. Thank goodness for the weekend and a day where I can be a little bit lazy - and thank goodness for my dear hubby who allows me to once and a while be lazy! (Of course, if he wouldn't allow me to be lazy, I'd just pull the, "you know I'm carrying your child.." card, which usually works OK.)
Well, Kiddo is up, which means an end to this post. Definitely not as long as it could have been. I hope you've enjoyed today's babbling!
Love: Random topics and reasons to blog
Hope: I post again soon! (See? You're not the only one who thinks I should post more regularly!)
Do: Drink more water.
Number: 2 - for Kiddo's 2nd birthday last weekend!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Change...
Change... that's what life is about, right? For some reason - perhaps obvious, perhaps not - I've been pondering this topic (in my head) the last few days. There are several aspects that my head jumps back and forth between. A changing body, the changing kids, a changing schedule/routine, changing budget, and changing family dynamics are all the changes I plan to post about today - some in more detail than others! (Which means beware.. some of this post may be rambling, and the post could potentially get fairly long!)
Changing Body
I am NOT the biggest fan of pregnancy. In complete exasperation, I read through a site which posted "the top 10 reasons to enjoy being pregnant" (or something along those lines) recently. I feel obligated to share... with my own two cents added.
1. More eating and less calorie counting - So I will admit, I get to eat more. But eating more - for me - equates to eating more than I should, being hungry more often than I should, and suffering from consequences such as heart burn as a result. To top it off, this baby girl of mine doesn't like chocolate HALF as much as I do, which is ANNOYING.
2. Automatic Argument Ender - I admit, I've used this a time or two. But at the end of the day - it's just like any other excuse. It's often/mostly an excuse. Although in some ways I'm thankful I get cut a little bit of slack here and there (and doors opened and large items carried and what not) - it also makes me feel somewhat guilty for the things I can't do (like controlling my emotions, and lifting a 30 lb bag of dog food).
3. Request regular massages from partner - Seriously? Who does that? I was very grateful for a recent massage from my DH recently. But I rarely (if ever) would consider requesting a massage from DH. If I want a massage (which is also somewhat rare), I'll get a pedicure (because foot massages are so much better than the whole-body shindig - especially from someone you don't know!).
4. “glorious” second trimester - I'm in the second trimester. And this is my post. Enough said.
5. Mysterious glow - I realize that some people believe in this. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. If I'm glowing, maybe it's because my skin is too oily or I need to take a shower. I don't think there is much mystery in that.
6. Guilt-free veg time - As a mom already, with a kiddo around, I can pretty much safely say that about zero of my "veg time" is "guilt-free". Now, I realize that this is something I have total control over. However, I'm a pro at feeling guilty. Even not pregnant, that's definitely something I could work on.
7. “Pregnancy Style”/Fashion - Seriously?! Whoever came up with this must have never been forced to wear maternity clothes. Okay, so the part that covers the belly is somewhat comfortable. It's also not like you can justify a "complete" wardrobe, which means (at least in our house) laundry has to be done more frequently. Which means "veg time" is not guilt free.
8. The experience - For this one, I think quoting the site is appropriate. It said (says?), "There are certain experiences that most people imagine undertaking: taking the dream vacation, flying to outer space, having lunch with Oprah. One such experience envisioned by most women is that of pregnancy. Even if you've heard all about its various trials, you still have a secret desire to know what it's like." The grass isn't always greener on the other side. In fact, I have now lived through it - this being my second time around - and I'm not sure I would recommend it to anyone.
9. Extra sleep - isn't this cheating? how is 6 different? or perhaps I'm the only pregnant women who spends that "guilt-free veg time" sleeping...
10.“Euphoria of creating life” - For me, the "Euphoria" doesn't come in the "creation of life" - but instead, in the first smile and the first steps - the "life" in the little creation.
Along these lines - at my first midwive visit, I was asked, "is it OK to be pregnant?" - one of the toughest questions I've been asked all year. At the end of the day, I want another child, so I suppose I "accept" being pregnant. This pregnancy was planned, and I love children - especially my own. But just like families and relationships in general - you don't have to "like" something (or someone).
Changing Kids
Of all the changes - this is my favorite. From the changes that the teeny little girl inside me is making (even though I don't see them, and only sometimes feel them) to the changes the almost-two year old is making- - - the growth and innocence of children never ceases to amaze and inspire me.
Changing schedule/routine
Will both kids be in daycare? Will one of us stay home? What will life look like in less than 5 months? At this point, it's anyone's guess. Maybe a year from now, I can look back and reflect - and perhaps compare.
Changing Family Dynamics
What will it be like to be a mom of two? How will I divide my attention? How will daddy adjust? Can DH and I still manage to make time for ourselves, and each other? What about the dogs? Will the current Kiddo continue his "good" behavior and just add "awesome big brother" to the list, or will he bite his sister the day she comes home from the hospital, like my older sister bit me the day I came home from the hospital?
Changing Budget
Anyone who has kids knows this: No matter how you cut it, kids are not "cheap".
In our house, change is upon us. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it makes us all stronger.
Love: Watching kids change and grow up!
Hope: I don't sound too "whiny"! And if I do? Refer to #2 above.
Do: Take the dogs out.
Number: 913 - not quite my bedtime!
Changing Body
I am NOT the biggest fan of pregnancy. In complete exasperation, I read through a site which posted "the top 10 reasons to enjoy being pregnant" (or something along those lines) recently. I feel obligated to share... with my own two cents added.
1. More eating and less calorie counting - So I will admit, I get to eat more. But eating more - for me - equates to eating more than I should, being hungry more often than I should, and suffering from consequences such as heart burn as a result. To top it off, this baby girl of mine doesn't like chocolate HALF as much as I do, which is ANNOYING.
2. Automatic Argument Ender - I admit, I've used this a time or two. But at the end of the day - it's just like any other excuse. It's often/mostly an excuse. Although in some ways I'm thankful I get cut a little bit of slack here and there (and doors opened and large items carried and what not) - it also makes me feel somewhat guilty for the things I can't do (like controlling my emotions, and lifting a 30 lb bag of dog food).
3. Request regular massages from partner - Seriously? Who does that? I was very grateful for a recent massage from my DH recently. But I rarely (if ever) would consider requesting a massage from DH. If I want a massage (which is also somewhat rare), I'll get a pedicure (because foot massages are so much better than the whole-body shindig - especially from someone you don't know!).
4. “glorious” second trimester - I'm in the second trimester. And this is my post. Enough said.
5. Mysterious glow - I realize that some people believe in this. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. If I'm glowing, maybe it's because my skin is too oily or I need to take a shower. I don't think there is much mystery in that.
6. Guilt-free veg time - As a mom already, with a kiddo around, I can pretty much safely say that about zero of my "veg time" is "guilt-free". Now, I realize that this is something I have total control over. However, I'm a pro at feeling guilty. Even not pregnant, that's definitely something I could work on.
7. “Pregnancy Style”/Fashion - Seriously?! Whoever came up with this must have never been forced to wear maternity clothes. Okay, so the part that covers the belly is somewhat comfortable. It's also not like you can justify a "complete" wardrobe, which means (at least in our house) laundry has to be done more frequently. Which means "veg time" is not guilt free.
8. The experience - For this one, I think quoting the site is appropriate. It said (says?), "There are certain experiences that most people imagine undertaking: taking the dream vacation, flying to outer space, having lunch with Oprah. One such experience envisioned by most women is that of pregnancy. Even if you've heard all about its various trials, you still have a secret desire to know what it's like." The grass isn't always greener on the other side. In fact, I have now lived through it - this being my second time around - and I'm not sure I would recommend it to anyone.
9. Extra sleep - isn't this cheating? how is 6 different? or perhaps I'm the only pregnant women who spends that "guilt-free veg time" sleeping...
10.“Euphoria of creating life” - For me, the "Euphoria" doesn't come in the "creation of life" - but instead, in the first smile and the first steps - the "life" in the little creation.
Along these lines - at my first midwive visit, I was asked, "is it OK to be pregnant?" - one of the toughest questions I've been asked all year. At the end of the day, I want another child, so I suppose I "accept" being pregnant. This pregnancy was planned, and I love children - especially my own. But just like families and relationships in general - you don't have to "like" something (or someone).
Changing Kids
Of all the changes - this is my favorite. From the changes that the teeny little girl inside me is making (even though I don't see them, and only sometimes feel them) to the changes the almost-two year old is making- - - the growth and innocence of children never ceases to amaze and inspire me.
Changing schedule/routine
Will both kids be in daycare? Will one of us stay home? What will life look like in less than 5 months? At this point, it's anyone's guess. Maybe a year from now, I can look back and reflect - and perhaps compare.
Changing Family Dynamics
What will it be like to be a mom of two? How will I divide my attention? How will daddy adjust? Can DH and I still manage to make time for ourselves, and each other? What about the dogs? Will the current Kiddo continue his "good" behavior and just add "awesome big brother" to the list, or will he bite his sister the day she comes home from the hospital, like my older sister bit me the day I came home from the hospital?
Changing Budget
Anyone who has kids knows this: No matter how you cut it, kids are not "cheap".
In our house, change is upon us. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it makes us all stronger.
Love: Watching kids change and grow up!
Hope: I don't sound too "whiny"! And if I do? Refer to #2 above.
Do: Take the dogs out.
Number: 913 - not quite my bedtime!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Why Cry?
It seems like several kid milestones come all at one time.
In the last week, there have been several instances of Kiddo becoming... well... a Kid.
This week, after a long (lots of whining) trip back to North Carolina from Texas, I was reading a letter from a dear penpal. As I was viewing the world through her eyes, I began to cry. Several of my top "joys" in life (eating, and travel among them) are ones this penpal can no longer experience. Although admittedly, I've known this for a while - when I saw it in writing, in the "words" of the person... it was very powerful and eye-opening. So when Kiddo looked over at me and said, "why cry?" - it became even more emotional. I'm sure it doesn't help that I'm pregnant...
In the following two days, I heard two more things from Kiddo that were unexpected.
It's beginning to be the season for full-length pants, and there are still a few pairs that are too long for the boy. So, I told him to come over so I could help "fix" his pants by rolling up the legs. After I finished... he said "Thank You." Mind you- he's said "Thank You" many, many times before. However - to the best of my recollection - this was the first "Thank You" that I'd heard, directed to me, without prompting.
Another milestone/beginning is the use of Pronouns. We were sitting at the table, eating dinner. I don't remember what we were talking about - perhaps we had asked him a question of some kind. Not only did he say the name of a friend in school without prompting (starting with "C"), but he also used the word "I" - it could have been the phrase "I cry" now that I think about it. Regardless- the fact that we're beyond just the noun phase is fascinating to me.
I know that I obsess. After all, it's days later - and I'm still thinking about all the things Kiddo has said recently. And, of course, thinking about my penpal and realizing how short - and valuable - life can be.
Love: penpals - I've been thinking of trying to find a few others from childhood!
Hope: I live a long time before I am no longer able to eat or travel...
Do: Pen a letter back.
Number: 21,304 - my current number of frequent flyer miles, after a recent jaunt to Texas.
In the last week, there have been several instances of Kiddo becoming... well... a Kid.
This week, after a long (lots of whining) trip back to North Carolina from Texas, I was reading a letter from a dear penpal. As I was viewing the world through her eyes, I began to cry. Several of my top "joys" in life (eating, and travel among them) are ones this penpal can no longer experience. Although admittedly, I've known this for a while - when I saw it in writing, in the "words" of the person... it was very powerful and eye-opening. So when Kiddo looked over at me and said, "why cry?" - it became even more emotional. I'm sure it doesn't help that I'm pregnant...
In the following two days, I heard two more things from Kiddo that were unexpected.
It's beginning to be the season for full-length pants, and there are still a few pairs that are too long for the boy. So, I told him to come over so I could help "fix" his pants by rolling up the legs. After I finished... he said "Thank You." Mind you- he's said "Thank You" many, many times before. However - to the best of my recollection - this was the first "Thank You" that I'd heard, directed to me, without prompting.
Another milestone/beginning is the use of Pronouns. We were sitting at the table, eating dinner. I don't remember what we were talking about - perhaps we had asked him a question of some kind. Not only did he say the name of a friend in school without prompting (starting with "C"), but he also used the word "I" - it could have been the phrase "I cry" now that I think about it. Regardless- the fact that we're beyond just the noun phase is fascinating to me.
I know that I obsess. After all, it's days later - and I'm still thinking about all the things Kiddo has said recently. And, of course, thinking about my penpal and realizing how short - and valuable - life can be.
Love: penpals - I've been thinking of trying to find a few others from childhood!
Hope: I live a long time before I am no longer able to eat or travel...
Do: Pen a letter back.
Number: 21,304 - my current number of frequent flyer miles, after a recent jaunt to Texas.
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