Monkey Business

Recently I have become a lot more interested in Blogging, when something funny or interesting happens in my life the first thing I think about is..."that would be cool to blog about" Like the fact that my dog eats poopsicles.... okay so that's not funny or interesting, but it is a blog to come!
So I was talking to the hubby (who makes a living working on computers all day) and we decided to get our own domain. We bought our domain, for $6.51/year. I know I know, it really broke the bank, but I am hoping that it brings joy and laughter to all of you all year long, so it's worth it!
The name you ask?
Our-Shenanigans.com

I was going to keep the blog name the same, but if you follow me at all, you know that I am very bad about blogging every day so the name Becky's Daily just doesn't fit! So I racked my brain, and many things went through my head.
The first was "The Scoop" or "Get the Scoop" However I wanted to design my own header, and all that was coming to mind with a title like that, was something that looks kinda like this:
FYI: This is not my cat's box! I stole this picture from online

Then I started thinking Ice Cream Scoop. What's the problem with that you ask? I am supposed to be on a diet, and if I log into my blog every day and see a delicious looking ice cream I am going to want one! Made me start thinking of the picture above, surely if it is what I look at every day I won't want anything to eat right? Gross I know.

So I tried to rack my brain a little more. If I named it My Shenanigans what would I use for a picture, or font? I thought it would be lame to just call it Becky's Blog. So I decided to just design a header, and go from there.
To be honest the finished product was absolutely nothing like I had first imagined. I was first picturing some bright colors with whimsy looking flowers and trees. I went to Picnik, because I have used it alot in the past for editing my pictures, and I had seen alot of things that you could do with the website, so I decided to give it a try.
When I was looking on Picnik and saw a couple of monkeys. All of a sudden it dawned on me! I will call my blog Monkey Business.

For as far back as I can remember my Grandfather (Pepere) would say, "I don't want none of your Monkey Business" He would say this when my brother and I were causing trouble, fighting with each other, getting into something that we shouldn't, and sometimes he would say it just to make us laugh.
So this is what I came up with.


I am fairly new to blogging, so I will try to find away to get all of my current posts over to: Monkey Business

I hope that you will follow me, and I hope that you enjoy Monkey Business

Christmas Wish List

There are far to many things that I want for Christmas. I want a Shark Steam Mop:
I want to redo my bathrooms with something like this:
I want a new Kitchen Faucet. Something like this:

But enough of the material wants. There are things that I want far more than the things I listed above.

1. I wish for peace in the hearts of all the families that have lost someone special in their life this year, and all years past. No matter who it was in their life, a pet, a parent, child, or close friend. I wish that they will find a way to enjoy their holiday, and celebrate their loved ones life.

2. I wish that people will know how precious family is. Not just their blood family, but also those around them that love, and care for them very much. I wish that people will not take others for granted, and realize that that relationship could be over any moment, and for any reason.

3. I wish that children will be raised to enjoy time with their family. To be thankful for gifts, but to not expect them.

4. I wish that my family members that smoke, will be able to put an effort into quitting this year.

5. I wish that all of our soldiers over seas will stay safe, and return to their families safe and sound. I also wish that the families of these Soldiers are able to have a great holiday despite their loved one being away.


I have many wishes as you can tell. However, my biggest wish of all is that my child feels loved. That he will know how much he means to me, and all of my family. I wish that he feels this love during the holiday season, but also all year long. I wish that he learns to love all the people in his life, and have compassion for all around him.

What do you wish for this year?

Stranger Danger

I don't want to be one that poos on the Christmas spirit, but being a Mommy this is something that I have to think about.
Last year we did not take Jonathan to see Santa because he was just over a month old, and had been sick off and on. I did not want to chance that he would pick something up in the mall. So, this year after a lot of thought I decided to take him. Jonny is amused by watching people. When we go shopping he is so well behaved (usually) and he just looks around and watches people as we go past them, always getting attention with his heart melting smile. He just loves being told how cute he is.
Anyway back on subject, while this is a great quality to be such a people person, it is also cause for concern. He is a very trusting baby, sort of someone wearing a Halloween mask I think that he would go to almost anyone.
The reason for concern: SANTA. How many Santa's are there out there? How many are good Santa's, and how many are bad?

Good Santa
Bad Santa

We try to teach our children not to go near strangers, but we encourage them to talk to Santa. When children are young, they only know to see the good in all people. Why would they not want to talk to Santa, or go to the North Pole with him? To often kids are tricked into going with strangers, it seems far to easy for a Santa to do the same.

I wish there was a way to educate our children, but not ruin the Magic of Santa for them.
Besides that how long before they start to realize that the Santa in each mall, or Salvation Army collection spot looks different? Maybe I think about all of this because I don't have a young child's imagination but what do you say? Let me know if you have any ideas.

Another Christmas Wish

I work very part time at a local Dunkin Donuts, and today I got up at 3:00 AM as I do every Friday morning to open the store. I park my car in our garage, so I don't have to worry about going into the cold to start my car. Instead I get into a nice warm car, and drive 15 minutes to work.
Today after the store was open, there was no one there, just me and two of my co-workers. Well a man came in. He was wearing a hat, and a huge coat with a hood. The hood was very big, and lined with what I assume to be fake fur. The Hood was so big that it came over his eyes, and I could see very little of his face. He came into the store, and went straight to the restroom.
I had never seen him before, and honestly at 5am in the morning I usually only see regulars. You know, the people that order the same thing every week, and you can almost make their coffee as they walk through the door because you know exactly what they are going to order. Well, this is going to sound awful, but because I had never seen him before, I was a little creeped out. I know its bad to stereotype people, but he looked like the type to rob someone.
I was talking to my co-workers about him while he spent 20 plus minutes in the restroom, and one of the girls said that he has been coming in quite often. She said that he has been coming in with change and buying a muffin. She said that then he goes and sits in the corner taking his time to eat the muffin. She said that she thinks he is homeless, and just looking for a warm place.
I kind of felt awful after she told me that. Here I am thinking he is gonna rob the place, and the poor guy is just cold. When he came out of the restroom he didn't have his hood on, and form the looks of it he was not much older than I am. I honestly felt guilty for thinking so poorly of him just by looking at him. I felt guilty because I have warm place to go to, food on the table each night, and a loving family at home.
I really wanted to bring him something to eat, but I knew that I would get into trouble by my manager, and I kind of understood that. If I had some money on me I would have bought him something when I left, but at the same time I was worried about offending him.

So another one of my Christmas Wishes this year would be, that I am able to not be so quick to judge people. That I will be able to step back for a minute and not jump to conclusions right away. I hope that people are able to find warm shelter this season, and always have a place to rest their head at night.

Gently Exfoliating Crotch Wash

Okay it's not as bad as is sounds. On Monday I went Christmas shopping with a friend, the hubby had the day off so he stayed home with Jonny, and they went out and went shopping for some things that we needed for the house. On the list I had requested Dove Bar soap. This will be far more information than you may want to know, but I only use Dove Bar soap on the Private area...aka Crotch. Well I didn't specify what kind of Dove Bar soap, but considering I have been married to my husband for going on 3 years I ASSUMED he realized that the bar soap was for the delicates. Well, short story short he bought "Gently Exfoliating" Dove soap.

Lesson Learned: Be VERY specific when asking the hubby to go shopping for you.

Most Wonderful Time of The Year?

It doesn't seem it lately! Where things are the best they have been since I got married in my immediate family, all around me things seem to be falling apart. How am I supposed to enjoy this time a year, when everyone around me is experiencing loss, breakups, financial hard times, and more?
I saw a new story the other morning on GMA that said that more people split up in the month of December than any other month of the year...that's crazy to me. This is a time of year that we are supposed to enjoy the company of friends and family. How are we supposed to do that when families are split in half?!?!?!
Since becoming a mother I have become more aware of the things around me. I will admit that before having my son, I was very self absorbed. I was very selfish in that I was all about me, I did what I wanted when I wanted. I just didn't realize how much pain and suffering was going on around me. Since becoming a mother just over a year ago I have known 5 people that have lost a child. 5 People in only a year! Now don't get me wrong I knew people that lost children before becoming a mother, but it didn't affect me the same way that it does now. I have a different ache in my heart for other families. I am also more aware of in divorces.
Through my own struggles in my marriage, and the ways that I learned to work through things, I see other couples struggle, and I just want to reach out and fix it for them. I know that I can't and I think it makes it that much worse!

One of my Many Christmas wishes this year, is that families will be able to embrace each other, enjoy one another, and most of all LOVE each other. I wish that children can learn the value of family. See Christmas as a time to spend with family, to sit around a table and laugh with one another. I hope that children can look past the presents, and realize what a gift their family is!


Happy Holidays Everyone!!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

How beautiful you once were! The Day I set up my Christmas tree it was beautiful! Every ornament was placed just right, and everything was spaced evenly, with not too much of any one color in the same spot. It is only my second Christmas tree ever, and the first one caught on fire less than a week after I set it up!
Well, right now I have 4 dogs and a cat in my home. The dogs chase the cat under the tree, and the cat takes the ornaments off the tree, and bats them around the house as if they were balls. I try to pick them up right away and find a home for them in the tree, but often times I don't even realize she has taken them off the tree until it is in a completely different room.
Last year we were given 6 "Baby's First Christmas" Ornaments, and thank goodness I thought ahead and placed them all at the top of the tree. For now they are safe, at least until the cat decides to climb the tree.

Mommy Break Down, Thank you Nana

I was one of the lucky ones that didn't have PPD after having my little one. He was actually one of the best babies, so I had no reason to be sad. He slept well, was almost always happy, and just a joy to be around.
Well this week has been so hard on me. He is cutting teeth, molars to be exact, he has a runny nose, and seems a little congested. And all he does is CRY. He cries if I hold him, he cries if I put him down, he cries if I leave the room, he cries, he cries, he cries.
I was spoiled before, with a happy baby. Today I had a melt down. He has been crying for 3 days, and today nothing I did consoled him. I just started to cry, I didn't know what to do. I picked up the phone and called my husband, I just needed an assuring voice, someone to tell me that everything was okay, and that I would be fine. But he didn't answer. SO I called my Nana! She told me that everything would be fine, and that I was a great mommy, and that I was doing great. That I was doing everything that I could do.
I took in a big breath, and let out a sigh, she always knows what to say. While I was on the phone with her he passed out in my arms. All is well again!

Thank you so much Nana for being there for me. You have always been there for me. You always know exactly what to say, and I don't know what I would do without you! I love you lots and lots!!

Oh the Lessons I have learned!

It has been a long time since I posted. I wrote a post for Jonny's first birthday but for some reason it didn't post, and I have been so busy that I have not had time to re-write it. It is crazy how fast the time went by. His birthday came and went, and he continues to grow and amaze me every day.
He is walking more than he is crawling now. He is so much more independent. He likes to feed himself, he likes to get where he wants to go on his own, he doesn't want to be held, and he doesn't want a kiss anymore.
But so many other things have changed in my life in the last year. I have a lot of family around that is so loving and supportive, but I don't have very many "friends." I only had a few close friends in the past anyway. One is away at college, so we don't talk very often. In-fact I don't even remember the last time we spoke. I have a friend that is younger than I am, and now that I am a Mommy I must not be as cool to hang out with. I also had a friend that I loaned money to, and none of it was ever paid back. Sadly it has ruined our friendship. Not because of me, but because she avoids me, I am sure she thinks that I am upset. Truth be told I am not upset about the money, I am upset that she think that I would let it ruin our friendship.
BUT all of this has taught me a lesson. A lesson that many people have tried to teach me in the past. It is a lesson that no matter how many times you are told, you can only truly understand it once you have experienced it. I have learned that your only true friends are the ones that reside in your family. You can pick your friends, but if they don't pick you it doesn't matter. You can't pick your family, but that's okay.
No matter how screwed up your family is, look around, there is one more screwed up than yours. Possibly even right next door. But the one thing that is for sure at least with my family, is that when push comes to shove they will be there for me. If I just need to pick up the phone and vent someone is there. If I need advise someone is there, if I need a baby sitter, someone is there. AND I hope that they know that I am here for them too!

The other thing that I have learned in the last year is what an AMAZING husband I have. He is so good to me, and more importantly he is super good for my son. There are a lot of men out there that just aren't. My husband does it all! He works to support the family so that I can work very part time, and be home with my son the rest of the time. He comes home, and if dinner is not made on the table, he does it. If I am making dinner and the little one is fussy he tends to him. He feeds him, he baths him, he reads to him every night. He gets on the floor and plays with him, he takes him for walks. He truly does it all. There are so many guys out there, some provide for the family, and some don't even do that. Some could care less if their child has what they need. Many would rather go get a video game, than make sure their child has food on the table.
My husband would go without to be sure that his family had what it needed.

Every marriage has rocky points, don't get me wrong. But when I sit back and think about it, I don't need friends, family is great, but as long as I have my husband and my son everything would be okay.

Dear Jonny, 10 Months

Dear Jonny,

Time is flying by way to fast, and you are becoming more of an independent little man. I went into your room this morning when I heard you calling for me, you were all smiles, and held your hands up for me to pick you up. I love starting every morning like this, and I cannot imagine life any other way.

As hard as it is to believe, your birthday is just around the corner. You are not my little baby boy anymore. I am so thankful for everything that we have, but I also wish that time would slow down. I want to soak in this time, time where everything is new to you, and you and I are learning new things everyday together. I don't want peek-a-boo to get old, and I don't want to see the day when you find belly loves annoying instead of hysterically funny.

I love when the house is filled with your laughter, laughter that could blow the doors down. Honest to goodness happiness that can be brought simply by Momma or Dada talking in silly voices. I hope that we are always able to find a way, no matter what stage of life we are in to bring laughter to each other. To find something that we can laugh about together, to laugh until our bellies hurt.

Jonny,
I am so proud of you. When I look at you I can hardly believe that I made you, you came from me, and that you are mine. I know that you are smart but I am blown away every time you do something new. We have been showing you signs since you were 3 months old, and tonight when I asked you if you wanted more perogies, you clapped your hands. This is very close to the sign for "more" and at first I thought it was a coincidence, however when I asked you again if you wanted more you clapped your hands. At 10 months you are communicating with me what you want! I am much older, and I cant even communicate my wants or needs as clearly!

I know that you wont remember the this time in your life, but I hope that you have felt as complete and as happy as I have. I look forward to watching you grow, and exploring and learning new things with you. Please, just don't grow up to fast!

Happy 10 Months Jonny! I love you very much!


Love Mommy

Pretty Sweet Life

All to often the stress of life gets to us, and makes us lose sight of the bigger picture. As I sit here, I am watching my son who is laughing at the reflection of himself in a mirror. It made me stop and think for a second. First of all because he is so stinkin cute, but also because I was wondering what was going through his mind, wishing that something like a mirror could bring me such joy. As I watch Jonathan, exploring things, and being able to use a shoe as a telephone it made me long for a time when I was amused as easily as this. A time when I found such joy and was able to use my imagination to turn a calculator into a cash register and play for hours.

That's when it dawned on me...I don't have to long for these things. It is right in front of me. The things that bring joy to my son bring me just as much if not more. When I paused for a minute and really thought about it I realized that I have more than I could ever need right here in front of me. A little boy that I love more than all of the stars in the sky, and as of right now I think he feels the same for me. (at least until he is 10 and I tell him there is no way in Hell that he is getting a cell phone at his age)
As the breeze comes through the house with the scent of fresh cut grass I realized that I have a pretty sweet life. Grass that is ours at a house that my husband and I worked so hard to get, but more importantly the home that we have created here. I have a husband that adores me, and would do ANYTHING for his family without question.
We have a beautiful son who is perfect in every way, we have a roof over our head, and food in the fridge. We have a pretty Sweet Life.

Finished Product

I forgot, I finished patching the hole in the wall!!! It doesn't look perfect, but if I didn't know it was there, I don't think I would notice it. The first time I painted it I painted it with a paint brush, and I could not figure out why it looked so much smoother than the rest of the wall. I called my cousin, and as soon as he asked what I painted it with it dawned on me that the rest of the wall was done with a roller. So I went out and got a roller, and painted it again. Looks pretty good to me...what do you think?



Okay now that I look at it in picture form you can tell....but hey not bad for my first attempt.

Every Second Counts

I have never had such a rush of emotions in my life, in just a matter of seconds. Today my cousin, her husband, and their two children came over to help put up a couple of ceiling fans in my house, and then we all had a late lunch. There was half a cheese burger left over from lunch, so I decided to cut it up for Jonny for dinner.
I cut up the half cheeseburger, but I didn't give him the outside of the burger, because it tends to get a bit tougher. I also cut up some green beans, and put some of that on Jonny's tray. I turned around to the kitchen counter to cut up some potatoes from some leftover potato salad. When I turned around Jonny had a horrified look on his face, he was not making any noise, and he was not breathing.
I didn't even have a second to think. I screamed for my husband who was outside with the dogs, I ripped the tray off of the high chair, picked him up and put his belly over my arm and hit his back. Food came flying out of his mouth, but he still wasn't making noise or breathing. I put my finger in his mouth, scooped some burger out, and hit him on the back again. He took a big breath in and started crying.
I started balling my eyes out too! I huge sigh of relief!!

I went from everything was fine and dandy making dinner, to terrified, to relief, to guilty, to upset, to relief, to okay.

I was terrified to turn around and see my child not breathing. There are not enough words in the world to describe how scared I was. I have taken many CPR courses, but nothing can prepare you to have to actually use any of it. You can practice and practice and practice, but you never know for sure if you are going to do it right. And all bets are off when it's your own child. I have done the hymlick on my step-sister when we were much younger, but it is way different when it's for a child. And when it was not my child I was able to hold myself together much better.
When he finally took a breath I was so relieved, but I felt guilty. What if I didn't turn around when I did? I should not have even turned around at all. I should have watched him for more than the first bite, and made sure he was going to do okay with the burger. I felt so guilty and upset with myself. I was so relieved that he was okay, I was crying myself. I sat down on the floor and I cried, and I kissed him, and I told him how much I loved him.

All of this happened in a matter of seconds. I know that I love my child more than my life it's self, but in a matter of seconds I actually knew how it could feel to lose him. I think I will value every second of my life a little more than I did before. I know how blessed I am to have him in my life, and I never want that feeling again.

Thank God for all of the CPR courses I have taken!

Ouch!

Well I have been on a diet since April. I started at 258lbs and I am down to 215lbs....long way to go! But I really need to tone my legs and arms, so I picked up a pilates video. I did it for the first time 3 days ago, and yesterday I was sooooo sore! I thought I was going to cry. At work picking up 50 lb boxes which is usually no problem, and I thought my body was going to break into a million pieces.
We have also been hiking alot, hoping that this will help in the weight loss. If nothing else it is nice to get out into the fresh air.
Had a nice relaxing weekend (besides being in pain from working out) My hubby wanted to go hiking, but I decided I needed to take a break. So we stayed in mostly.

Taking things into my own hands

Literally.


Almost 2 months ago during a horrific rain storm it was pouring inside my house. Okay so that is a bit of an exaggeration, however rain did come in my window all around my air conditioner. My husband tried to move the air conditioner (while it was raining, and the drywall below the air conditioner was a bit wet) and his knee went right through the wall.



I was more than upset! I will admit I like new things, and I like my things to look new. We bought our house 2.5 years ago so I don't like the idea of a hole in my wall. My husband is also not exactly Mr Fix it. He tries very hard, but he is not the handiest of people. I think if he had a little more confidence in himself he would do better. Because he lacks some confidence he does not always try things, or he just pushes them off, and off, and off. At least until I say that I am going to do it...then he jumps and does it.

Well that brings me back to taking things into my own hands. Last night I decided that I was going to fix the hole in the wall, but if I asked him where the stuff was while he was home he would have done it. So this morning he went to work, and once he got there I asked him where the stuff was. I gathered it together, read the directions and gave it my best shot. At the moment it does not look very pretty,



Once I sand it and paint it, it will look good........Right? I mean it cant possibly look worse than it did with a hole there right?

I even had a little help from a very cute little man

Dear Jonny, 9 Months

Dear Jonny,

Today you are 9 months old! You have been out in the world as long as I carried you anxiously awaiting your arrival. As much as I can't believe you have been here in my life for 9 months, I am having an even harder time grasping the fact that you will be a year old in 3 short months! It makes me sad that you are growing so fast, however I am very proud of you and the little man that you are becoming. I have hard that time speeds up as you get older, and it is so true.
I am your momma so I am probably a little bias, but you are SO smart. According to what the doctors look for in growth and development you have done things a little behind the curve, but when you learn it you perfect it almost immediately You are feeding yourself puffs, fruit, and even some meats. You are sweet. You are strong. You are very independent, and you rarely want to cuddle. But when you do you let me know! You give kisses. You have a beautiful heart melting smile. You talk, and very loudly. You have the most amazing belly laughs ever. You love blueberries, and bananas. Who am I kidding, you LOVE food. You are a little explorer, and a little daring. You crawl at the speed of sound, and you love when mommy chases you. You stand up on everything always looking for me to make sure I am within sight.
Jonny, I have been thinking a lot about change lately. Changes in me, changes in you, changes in our family, and for the first time in all of my adult life all of these changes are good. All of these changes bring joy to my day.

I am excited to continue to watch you grow, and a little sad as you grow into a little man, and grow out of being my little cuddly baby. I am so proud of you, and all of the changes that are taking place. I am proud to call you mine, and I hope that one day you will be proud to call me yours.
You have changed my life in ways I don't even know how to explain. You brighten my world every day and I just can't imagine the world without you.

Happy 9 months baby! I love you very much

~Mommy

Thankful on Friday!!

Today I am thankful for fenced in yards. I love being able to come home, and put the dogs out in the back yard. They have their toys, their bones, a big bowl of ice cold water, and lots of room to run.

I am thankful for holiday weekends. A time to share with family and friends. Cookouts, swimming, relaxing, and fireworks.
I am thankful for smiles. Big beautiful two toothed smiles, and a beautiful sunset with the family.

I feel like I am 15 again

So when the whole Twilight obsession first started I decided I would have nothing to do with it. All I ever heard from my little cousin was Edward this, and Edward that. I decided not to even find out who Edward was.
Well in the Middle of May my Older cousin (Older than Me) told me that she was so excited that the new Twilight was coming out. I told her I was sooo not into it. However she convinced me to watch it. She said that it seems like it would be for the younger crowd, but that she loved the first two movies.

So I went home. I found Twilight on TV, and then The second one on VOD. and I have to admit, I LOVE IT. and I am very excited to go see the thrid. I even bought tickets to the Midnight showing :) So yes I feel like I am 15 again.

Dear Lady at Target

So let me start of by saying that I bought Jonny a baseball cap in April, one that actually fit him. He seems to have a tiny noggin because it took a while to find a hat that fit him. Anyone that knows us, knows that he almost ALWAYS has one on. I have started putting it on him very young so that hopefully he will keep it on when he gets older, and not just rip it off. ANWAY

The hubby and I had to switch cars yesterday. The car he drives is registered in my name, and the car I drive is registered in his name...silly I know. But the car had to be registered, so the hubby moved my stuff from the car I drive to the car he drives. I assumed the hat was in the baby bag, I packed up the baby and ran out the door because I was running late as usual. I got to the shop and I didn't have the hat. I had other obligations to get to for the day so there was no time to run home again.

I met my cousin at her house so that we could go for a walk. I sun-blocked Jonny all over, and we hit the road. After that I went to target to get a few things. On my way out, a middle aged woman was walking out beside us. She looked at Jonny, looked at me and very boldly stated "That precious little boy should have a hat on. It is very sunny and the sun is in his eyes, and his ahead could geta sunburn"

WOW, really? The sun is in his eyes on a sunny day? The sun is so bright lady that I could not see that the sun was in my sons eyes.

I know that most people mean well, but really. For all she knows he just takes the hat off and throws it. For all she knows I cannot afford a hat. Little did she know I had already put sunblock all over him earlier in the day. No matter what the reason it is none of her business!

End of rant

Boo Yeah!!!

So I have been doing a diet called MediFast. It is a 5 and 1 plan. You eat 5 of their prepared meals (shakes, puddings, soups, and bars) and 1 meal that consists of lean meats and gree veggies. So far I have lost 18 lbs!!! I am officially back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I had lost some of the weight before starting the MediFast diet, but I am finally back to pre-pregnancy weight!!!!

Sick Boy

My poor baby has been very sick. He woke up on Sunday coughing really bad (I have never heard him cough like this before) He was coughing so much it sounded like he was going to choke. I think that he was coughing stuff up, but he didnt know how to spit it out.

The last few times that I thought he was sick I have brought him to the doctors and they always say it will pass, there is not much you can do.
We have a humidifier in his room, we elevated his mattress with a pillow, and we have been sucking the boogers out of his nose (yes I did just say boogers) When I got home from work he seemed to have been feeling a little better. He was in a good mood, and not overly fussy. The only thing is that I could feel him wheezing. And when he did cough it did not sound good at all. He ate his normal cereal for breakfast and dinner, but he had not really eaten well in between. (once I thought about it it made since though, his nose was stuffed so he could not nurse very well.) He even slept fairly well.
But when he woke up he was all congested again, and his cough sounded awful. He also wanted to go back to sleep at 8 am after getting up at 630. I just knew there was something wrong so I called the doctor and got him an appointment.
Sure enough he was wheezing when we got there (the last few times when we got to the doctor he sounded fine) So right away the doctor had him take a breathing treatment...which he hated!! He cried and screamed and fought it. But after it he sounded a little better.
So we were sent home with a machine and the meds and a diagnosis of RSV. That night when we got home the treatment went much smoother. We ended up taking the mask off of the tubing because I think that is the part that he hated. As long as we let him hold the tubing he was almost content.
As a person I have always felt for children that were sick, but as a mother I feel so helpless. I just want to take the sickness away from him. Make it so that he can great easier, and feel better. Guess all I can do is give him his treatments, and cuddle him!

New Job

Well I found a new job. It met all of the criteria I was looking for.

It is part time, I only work 3 days a week, it is very close to home (15 minutes) and I work every weekend.

Going back to work was alot harder than I thought it would be. First it really took a toll on me. I get up and most days I am at work by 4 am. My husband drops Jonny off with my uncle, and when I get out at 9 or 10 I go and pick him up. Most days I am able to get a short nap in while Jonny naps, but other days it is hard. Either because Jonny does not nap, or because I have things that I need to get done before he wakes up.

The first day that I had to be to work at 4 AM was really hard for me. It was the first day that I would not be there to get him out of the crib and say good morning when he woke up. It took all the strength I had at 2:30 in the morning not to go into his room, scoop him up and hug and kiss him. I was able to muster up the strength not to go in mostly because I knew my husband would be very upset if I woke Jonny up that early in the morning.

So I went to work, and as soon at 6:30 rolled around I had to call home and see how everything was (of course everything was fine.)

The worst has been that Jonny is sick. Sunday I woke up to go to work, and Jonny woke up coughing really bad. I felt so bad and I really wanted to stay home with him and cuddle him. My poor husband, I thought for sure he was going to pull his hair out. He has never really had to deal with Jonny when he was cranky or fussy. He is usually able to hand him off to me.

It is however nice to have a little extra money, and by extra I just mean money to be able to pay all of the bills, and groceries, and not have to worry about not having enough money for the pay period.

Time to go back to work

Well Almost. Since Jonny was about 2 months old I have been looking for work, however there were a few requirements that I was looking for.

• Has to be part time
• Has to have weekend hours
• Has to be close to home
• No more than 3 days a week

Now I know that it is hard to find work at all right now, but I really thought that because I wanted weekends and part time something would have come along alot sooner. However, Wednesday of last week I got a call from the local donut shop. I went in for an interview Friday and I got the job. Now I am not going to pretend that it is my dream job, or even that it pays well but, the hours are perfect!
I will work Saturday and Sundays 4am-11am and one other day during the week. It could not be more perfect (well except for the pay) Jonny will be home with the hubby on the weekends, and hubby can drop him off on his way to work the other morning with my Nana and Uncle.
I was really anxious about getting a job because I didn't want to be away from Jonny, but I am actually at peace with getting this job. I won't be away from him all that much, as he will be sleeping for quite a bit of the time that I will be working, and the hubby or family will be able to watch him, so I will not need to get day care.
So Thursday morning I will wake up early, and I will go to work. Again I will be able to contribute to the family.

Dear Jonny

Dear Jonny,

It is so true when people say that you don't know unconditional love until you have your own child. You are already 5 months old. Last month all in one day you started to roll over, had some "solid" food, and you started to try and blow raspberries. I am so happy that you already are growing into a little man, but it makes me sad that you are growing up.
In just a month, you are now able to blow raspberries, you roll over some (not much though as you are very content just laying on the floor playing with your toys) When we prop you up, you are able to sit up and just look around.
You love to just look and take the world in. Sometimes you are able to stare off and just observe the things around you for quite a while. You absolutely love animals, and light up every time the dog or cat come into the room.
Every morning when I go into your room to get you out of the crib you break out into a huge smile, and you melt my heart. I am so in love with you, and you are only 5 months old. Just 5 months ago it was just Daddy and I, and now we just could not imagine our lives without you.
Growing up is inevitable, so the only thing I can do, is make sure that learn good values, and that you have good morals. Everything I do now, I do for you. You help me to push forward everyday. To try and make myself, my marriage, and your world better.
Love you lots little man.

Love Mommy

Men vs Women when it comes to being sick.

Why is it that expectations are completely different for men and women when they are sick?

A man's world comes to a complete stop when he is sick!! All you hear is "Ughhh I am sooooooo sick" or "Ughhh I can't move" or even "Ughh I am so sick and tired" as well as the moans and groan which are the worse because you know that they are fishing for sympathy.

I feel bad because I know what its like to be sick However, when I am sick I am expected to still be able to function. I am expected to take care of myself, juggle changing the baby's diaper and making it to the toilet before I throw up. As I said I do feel bad when my husband is sick, however I just can't find it in me to show any sympathy for him.

When my husband is sick, he is glued to the couch, chair, or bed and he doesn't move unless it is to make it to the bathroom. When I am sick, I have to take care of myself, take care of the baby, have food out for dinner that night, and clean the laundry that I have thrown up on.

I only bring this up because my husband got sick today. I was doing good, being nice, and understanding, BUT then I got sick. Started losing fluids from both ends. Come 9:30 Hubby was in bed, and I was taking care of the baby waiting for him to go to bed. I have also thrown up once since. Here I sit not feeling well, and through our paper thin walls I can hear him snoring away. Sweet dreams hunny!

That is the end of my rant about that for now. Ask me in the morning and it may be a different story.

Bargin Shopper

As many of you know, or at least anyone that shops prices are crazy!!! Especially with how the economy is. When I was little I only wanted NEW cloths. I didn't always get them because my grandparents bought me and my brother most of our school clothes, as well as shoes, and shoe supplies.
Now that I am a mother myself, I have a very hard time justifying paying $20 for one outfit that will fit him for less than a month. My grandparents used to take us to the Salvation but even there they used to pay $5 or more for a pair of pants. However, my cousin introduced me to a few second hand stores around here. All baby clothes are $0.75 per piece...and if its an outfit you pay the same thing.
Now I asked myself...how long would my son fit into an outfit like this....My answer was of course only a few weeks...so I thought harder, asking myself the next question: How long did the child that wore this previously fit into it? Of course my answer was the same.
So, do I spend $20 for an outfit that will fit my son a couple of weeks? Or, Do I buy an outfit that cost me 75 cents, or $1.50? Come on guys the answer is obvious.

The other thing that I have learned to do is shop the clearance racks at the stores. Most things go on sale at the end of a season, so I buy for the next year. I went to Kohl's yesterday and I spent $22.26 BUT I saved over $85 from what the original price was.

Two years ago

Two years ago today my husband and I bought our first house, only then we were not husband and Wife. I was only 20 years old, and he was only 23. We had only known each other 9 months but we had been engaged for 6 months. We already knew that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.
In the two years that we have owned our home many things have happened. When we moved in we had to paint EVERYTHING. We got all new furniture. It is a three bed room home. We had our room, a guest room, and an office. We were married in August of 2008. When we got back from our honeymoon we came home to a flooded garage. The Fridge in the kitchen had sprung a leak, and leaked the whole time we were gone :( We bought a new car in Feb 2009, and found out that I was pregnant in March 09. We went on a cruise in April, and one of our cars was repossessed in the same month. However, I asked that they come and get it because once the baby came we would not be able to afford it.
In May we had to re-home our beloved Bulldog Lola. She needed surgery, and a lot more care than we could afford. In June we were told that our baby would be a boy, and that he might of had downs syndrome as well as a heart condition, and in the same month we found out that he should be completely normal.
In July hubby turned 25 which contrary to popular belief does not help to lower car insurance rates. In August we celebrated our 1 year anniversary in West Virginia while visiting my Dad. Because we were not home we did not eat our cake, so it is still sitting in our freezer.
October was my last month of work, as we decided I would be a stay at home mom. I was put on bed rest the last week of October, had 2 hospital stays, and my Beautiful perfect baby boy was born on November 10th at 11:58 PM after 25 hours of labor, and 5 hours of pushing.
Jonny celebrated his first Thanksgiving, and Christmas with us. His first major trip was to West Virginia to meet my dad. He was a champ both there, and to come home...each way was 700 miles, and 13 hours. He could not stay awake to ring in the new year, but I was more thankful for the past year than I had ever been. I got to see his first smile, hear his first giggle. I see him grow each and every day.
So much has happened in the past 2 years. Family members were in and out of the hospital. Family members have passed away, friends have grown apart, but there were many good things to happen too.

Living Room

My husband and I bought our house 2 years ago (as of tomorrow) We had each lived on our own in apartments, but had also both moved home prior to buying our house together. So we each had some furniture, dishes stuff like that, however besides our bed there was almost nothing that I wanted to bring into our new home.

I live out in the middle of nowhere, however I decided to decorate our house with modern art, and modern furniture. I will be 100% honest when I say that I chose our Sofa and Love Seat purely for looks. I had sat on them and at the time they seemed comfortable, however I think that I was mislead because of how much I loved them.

They were not anything all that special, however I loved the design on the pillows, and there was a matching chair that the design was all of the materiel. Anyway once we had the furniture home for about 2 months I soon learned how uncomfortable the Sofa and Love seat were. I did however LOVE the chair. It was just now that I was finally able to talk my husband into new furniture.
Today we finally went to get it. I wanted to get it earlier in the week, however when I went into the store I was given a 20% off coupon valid only today (Sunday) for an entire purchase for that day. It did not matter how many items I bought, or what the items were. Logic told me that I had to wait, as I saved quite a bit of money.
There were two stores within an hour that could carry the couch, so I called both to see if they had it in stock before I drove an hour with a trailer, only to find that they didn't have the couch. The first store that I called the people that I spoke with were extremely rude. I did not know the name of the set I was trying to buy, however I tried my best to explain what the sofa was, explaining the color what I felt the material looked like, and the price. I was placed on hold for about 4 minutes when a woman answered the phone and asked what I was waiting for. I explained as I had before, and let her know that the material was not microfiber, and that it looked kind of like cordory. She snapped that they do not have any made of cordory. I decided instead of arguing with her I would hang up. I went to the computer found the name of the set and called back. When she answered the phone, I explained that I had just called, and that I found the name of the set, and then I told her the name. She shot back "What about it?"
I was losing my patients, and if I did not want new furniture as badly as I did, I would have told her that I wanted her to shove it up her ass, but instead I asked if she had it in stock. I was placed on hold for about 9 minutes, and she came back informing me that she had one but that it was on hold until 9 that evening. She said if they did not pick it up that it would be mine. However, as I stated before I did not want to drive all the way there on hopes that it would be there.
So I called the other store that was within an hour of my house, explained that I had received a coupon from the other store the day before, and asked if I could use it in their store. She stated that I could, so I then asked if they had the set that I wanted in stock. She said "I do not know if we have it in stock, and I can't hold it for you anyway"
I decided to ask her to check to see if they had it in stock anyway. They only had one. I explained that I was coming from over an hour away, and she could not do anything for me.
I called my cousin, and she called the manager, who said it would be no problem to hold it for me :)


SO to sum up this long post, I was able to get new furniture today (Keeping the chair that I LOVE) and I was able to sell the Love Seat. Hopefully I will sell the Sofa soon.

I will post pictures tomorrow.

Road Hazard

So in December when we got our first real snow fall we learned that the tires on our car were CRAP To say the least, this really upset me because the car was less than a year. Anyway we sucked it up and shelled out over $500 dollars for a set of snow tires.
Well A week ago my uncle mentioned to me that he saw a bubble in the tire. Again I was extremely frustrated...after all the tires were only about 2 months old.
We bought the tires at a local "Pop Shop" as we like to try to support the small companies. So one day we stopped to have them look at the tire, and see what they could do for us. A guy came out and looked at the tire, and told my husband that the bubble that he saw was almost certainly caused from hitting a pot hole, or running over a curb. He informed him that because of that there was nothing that they could do for us.
My husband tried to explain that he would most certainly remember running over a curb, and pointed out that there was no damage to the tire, or to the rim, which to us would indicate that there was no major damage from a pot hole. He then stated that because there was black on the rim that almost definitely indicated that the damage came from pot hole. My husband is no expert I know that, but while he was in college he worked at Sams Club in the Tire department, so he knows a thing or two, and he mentioned that it looked like sealant from when the tire was put on.

The guy took our number, and said that he would have the owner call us the next day.
Well when MR TIRE GUY "Dave" called back he told my husband the same thing, except he added that a "road hazard warranty" would have covered the tires for this type of damage. HOWEVER, he does not offer this type of coverage in order to keep costs down.

Keep costs down for who? Him, because it certainly is not keeping costs down for the customer...you would think that a bunch of guys that run a business off of selling TIRES would want to offer a warranty to offer a sense of security, and to keep customers coming back. Not to mention we live in New England where the pot holes are the size ofA Beluga Whale.

It would be one thing if the TIRE GUYS offered us the warranty at extra cost to me the customer, and I decided to turn the coverage down. Then I could see having to buy a whole new tire, and pay full price (By the way was $125 per tired, and we bought 4!!!) So as a compromise Mr Tire Guy said that he would sell us a tired at a discounted price of $95 installed.

Whoopie...so I will buy a new tired, and the next time Wally the Whale decides to jump out at me (sense I do not aim to hit him) I can shell out another hundred dollars. I THINK NOT.

So I had my husband get on the phone and call another tire company. He told them the story. They said that they had one in stock...which was perfect because we only needed one! It was going to cost us $125 for the tire installed or $137 with Road Hazard Warranty. AND to top it off he offer to add Road Hazard to the other 3 tires that we already own since he carries the brand. All in all it cost us $169 today BUT I now have the peace of mind and if Wally decides to jump out at me again I bought from a company that will back its product.

It cost me more today to buy from a company that I felt comfortable with, and I feel that the customer service I received was worth ever single penny.

Picture of the Day

Okay, starting today, I am going to try and post a new picture each day. You can find these pictures under the tab at the top of the page titled "Picture of the Day" Again please remember that I said I will try.

These may be pictures of the little man, my sweet pug Carter, things we have done during the day, or a picture of something that explains how my day was. Really it could be just about anything.

Enjoy!

Stomach Bug

This morning I woke up at 2:30 AM, however for some reason I thought the clock read 4:30. Hubby was supposed to leave for work at 3:30 so I yelled to him that it was 4:30...I could tell his heart had sunk as he yelled "WHAT?" So I looked again, and the clock only read 2:30...oops...After giving the hubby a heart attack I apologized and tried to go back to bed.
Now as you may have read in one of my previous posts I have an irrational fear of SIDS and usually cannot go back to bed without checking on my little man. I had my husband promise me that when he got up in 30 minutes that he would check on him. So I laid in bed trying to go back to sleep, but all of a sudden it felt like something was crawling around in, and yanking at my stomach. I know that is not a pretty picture, but I was soooo uncomfortable.
So I got up and went into the bathroom. I felt like I need to go to the bathroom, but I also felt like I was going to throw up...the only problem was that I was not sure which was going to come first.
So I took my chances and sat down. It did not take much effort and that was done...then all of a sudden I had to throw up...usually my husband does not hear me, however he did ask if I was okay, and asked if I needed anything.
I finally got back to bed after changing my shirt because everything had come back and splattered on me. I had a very hard time falling asleep, however when I got back into bed I did see Jonny moving on the video monitor, so my mind was able to rest about that. I think I finally dozed off at 4:00ish, however Jonny was up and wanted to eat a little after 4.
I feed him and changed him, and then he threw up his whole bottle on me. poor guy! And if that was not enough he also had the runs....In the midst of all of this I had to get up and go to the bathroom 6 times! Yep 6 Times.
Just for a moment I looked down at my son, and thought....man I wish your Father was home. Now I may sound like a horrible mother, but a part of me would like to think that this is a completely normal feeling. Since having my son I have not been that sick...but to be honest I felt like my insides were falling out today. Its one thing when just I am sick, or just him, but we were both sick. And to top it all off I dislocated my knee today.

Anyway nothing too exciting, just thought I would write about the first time I have been sick since having my little man.

And when people say a stomach bug...sometimes they are not kidding...feels like bugs

Time to get moving...

Two weeks ago, my husband and I had a huge eye opener when it comes to our weight. (Hunny please forgive me for sharing this!!!) My husband has been very good about trying to get to the gym at least once a week lately, so we packed everyone up in the car, I was going to spend the day with my cousin, so I dropped him off at the gym to meet up with her husband.

Well when they got back from the gym they had a "funny" story to tell about how my husband was unable to buckle the seat belt in my cousins car because it simply could not fit around his belly. While we all laughed at my husband's expense it really got me to thinking. We have a responsibility now. A beautiful, breathing, smiling, sometimes crying responsibility. I know that I want to be around as he grows up, and watch as he learns, and achieves his goals. The reality, my reality, my husbands, reality, and my sons reality is that obesity, heart problems and, diabetes all run in our family. Any one of those, or all of them could take me away from him, make it so that I am not there to see him grow and achieve things. Watch as he builds his own family.
Now is the time that we have to take action. So Two weeks ago we started weight watchers. It's great because we can still eat the things that we want, just not as much of it as we would like to sometimes have. I have had friends share great recipes with me, I have learned how to count my points, and plan ahead.
I am proud to say that I have lost 8 pounds, but losing weight isn't enough. We have to get active and get fit. Mostly so that we can teach our son good behaviors, good routines. If he does not see that we are active, if he sees us stuffing our face with junk food, why would he not want to do that as well?

Like I said my husband has been really good about getting to the gym at least once a week....its not great, but hey it's a start. So I got to thinking...what as a stay at home mom can I do? I wanted to find something that could get my son involved so that he learns at an early age the benefits of exercise, as well as routine.
SO I bought a Jeep Jogger.


Now just so you know, I bought this jogger with no intention to jog 8 miles the first day. I am being realistic, and I know that I am not going to be able to just stat jogging again....after all I have not done any running since I was in the 8th grade! I am at least 100lbs heavier now than I was then, so needless to say out of shape.
So today a 28 degree day outside, I bundled my little one up....a onsie, a fleece sleeper, fleece coat, and a fleece body suit with hand covers, as well as a hat. I strapped him into the jogger, put a blanket over him and away we went with dog in tow...
Now today is the first day I have really done anything that even sounds like exercise in a little under a year so we started slow. I started by walking, when I got to the end of the road, I looked up the next road and decided I would jog until I got to the second house on our road....As I approached the first house, I'm not gonna lie I was panting. I got past the first house, and was approaching the second house...man I am out of shape....I got with in 200 feet from the second house, and I had to walk..I just could not jog that extra 200 feet...sad I know.
But it gave me a goal...with in two weeks (hopefully) be able to jog pass the two houses with out passing out!!


I know change does not happen over night, but it has to start somewhere!

Right Place Right time

Today started like any other Saturday. Hubby got up with the baby the first time he got up, and I got up around 6am with him for the day. Made coffee, watched the news blah blah blah.
We went over to my grandmothers for a bit to visit. My Uncle told me that he had bought a new car, so I asked if he needed help picking it up. We decided that we would meet him in Portsmouth around 6:30.
Hubby and I went to Target, and then to visit my in-laws for a while. We left around 5:40 to meet my Uncle in Portsmouth. On the way there, I played games on the phone, and read directions to the hubby.
We were just short of a mile away from our destination when all of a sudden my husband says....
"oh no"
So I am thinking...did we miss the turn? He continued "I think you might want to call 911"
Because I was still thinking that maybe we missed our turn I did not comprehend right away...So I said "why?"
He said, "because there is woman back there laying in the road"
It took me another minute to comprehend...its not every day there is a Woman laying in the road.
So I dialed 911, and told my husband to turn around. Honestly most of the conversation with the operator is kind of a blur...I am giving her the cross streets of where my husband saw the woman,...As we turned around a police officer passed. I told my husband to flash him, he flashed him the whole time until we got back to where he saw the woman. (honestly it was probably 10 seconds 15 max, but it felt like forever.) We pulled over, but the police officer kept driving. I had my husband pull over, and pull behind the woman, but stay kind of in the road, so that if anything was going to get hit it would be our car, and not the woman.
All the while I had a million things racing through my head.
Please let her be awake, if not awake please at least let her be breathing...
I get to her with the operator asking me all kinds of questions. "Are you okay?" Her response "I don't know" Actually that was her answer to everything I asked her. "What happened?, What is your name? Does anything hurt?"
I told my husband to take his coat off and put it over her, as she was only wearing a t-shirt!, she was laying in snow, so I also took my coat off, and put it under her arms to try to get her skin off of the cold.
I looked down and noticed she had some type of medical bracelet on. I found her name, and asked her if that was her name. She said yes. The police officer we had been flashing was back, and asked what was going on. He then realized that we were the ones that were flashing him. Looking at the other side of the bracelet we learned that she was a resident at a nursing home. The nursing home happened to be right behind me...boy did I feel dumb.
The police officer sent my husband up to the nursing home to see if they were missing a resident. Of course none of them realized they were missing anyone. As the officer is asking the woman if she is in pain, and how this happened a light went off in my head.

OH MY GOD, my son is in the car. I ask the police officer if I can go move my car....I don't want my car hit because I don't want anything to happen to him. The ambulance was pulling up, and I felt like the world worse mom ever. Who gets out of their car, and tells their husband to leave it kind of out in the road so a woman does not get hit with her son in the car? I went and moved the car, and he was sound a sleep.

Workers from the nursing home were now coming down, all kind of getting in the way of the ambulance drivers. They had come down with a wheel chair, I assume just hoping to get her inside and forget it all happened, but while the officer was talking with the woman she said that her neck hurt, so the ambulance took her to the hospital.
As she was being put into the ambulance the nurses from the home had the nerve to say "Have a nice trip see you soon"

How can you possible have a nice trip to the hospital?
All I could think of is how happy I am that my uncle is able to stay with my grandmother, and that she has constant round the clock care.

I am glad my husband saw the woman, and I hope that other than being cold nothing was wrong.

The Best Feeling

The best feeling in the whole wide word, is holding my sweet little boy in my arms. Watching him sleep, wondering what he is dreaming about as he breaks out into a big smile. Is he dreaming of fishing on a warm Sunday Afternoon? Swimming in the ocean basking in the sun? Skiing in Switzerland on Christmas break? Perhaps he is dreaming of driving for the first time, or eating cinnamon buns on a Christmas morning? Playing with Tonka Trucks, or scoring a winning goal. Maybe he is just dreaming of smiling in the sun having a picnic.

Whatever he is dreaming of, I hope I can give him that and so much more. Because I love him. More than I ever thought I could love another human being.

So sweet dreams my little one. Mommy Loves you

If Anyone has the right its me!

So it is always a touchy subject when trying to decide who would be in the room when giving birth. There are many people that expect that they will be there, there are those, that would be okay either way, and there are those that do not want to be anywhere near the screaming mother to be.

When I was pregnant I decided that my Grandmother, who was more of a mom to me than my mother ever was, my cousin, who was a lot like a sister while growing up, and still now. We are able to finish each others sentences, and we are just very close. I also would have liked my Uncle to be in the room. He has been a very big part in my upbringing, and he was a great roll model.

While I was in labor a whopping 25.5 hours, my husbands family, and my family got to know one-another very well. We called people very early in the process because I was progressing very quickly. However when I got to 9 cm, I just stopped progressing...it took another 18 hours for me to get to 10 cm and be ready to push.

Well My husband's Dad, Step-Mom, half sisters, and half brother, his Mother and Step-Father,my mom, and my Uncle were in the waiting room waiting for the baby to be born and get a glimpse our new little Prince.

What we heard at first was that everyone got along very well. My husband and I always get a little nervous about all of those people in the same room, to say the least there are many hard feelings.

Well as time goes on I hear more and more things that were said. My husband's mom come to find out, was very upset that she was not invited into the birthing room. She even went as far as to say that if anyone had the right to be in the birthing room, that it was her and my mother.

Now I have a question...when did it become a right to see my Vagina? As far as I am concerned no one has the RIGHT to see my Vagina, not even my husband. I believe that it requires a VIP, Invitation only!

I won't get into everything that I have learned over the weeks that was said, but I will say this....the world does not revolve around my mother in law! I am sorry that the object of of my husbands affection is no longer her, but he is married, he has a wife and son. It would be extremely creepy if she was still his main focus.

Date Night

Tonight was our first official "date night" I have to admit it was not as exciting as I would have liked it to be.
At the beginning of the week we decided we would take some of our gift cards from Christmas (the grandparents ploy to get Jonny for an evening) So we called up One of my Mother-in-laws, and asked if she would watch him for a few hours....of course she said yes.
I am not sure why but I had a pit in my stomach all week about it...something did not feel right. I am sure it is just the crazy mother in me being over protective, and nutty. Besides I have left him with my uncle so I could run to the store, or to my doctors appointment. But, this time was different. This was not necessary trip..it was pleasure (at least it was supposed to be) so I think a part of me felt guilty.
So as my husband says, I packed up everything but the kitchen sink to bring him over to Nana Rock's house. I got there, picked him up from his chair, and I didn't want to put him down. I told her all of the essentials, and of course she said "I know don't worry about it, I got it" I am sure she does...after all she raised my son, BUT I am the mommy and I know what he likes!
We get in the car, and not even 10 minutes later I really want my husband to call his mom and see how my baby is doing. He gets me to agree to wait until we get to the restaurant. My stock was in such knots by the time we go there I was not sure I was even going to be able to eat.
We get there and there is an HOUR wait. So we decide to wait. After all we had gift certificates! i told the hubby that there was probably no way we would make a movie due to this wait, but he said that we would be fine.
I did things to keep my mind busy. Check out facebook on my cell, watch movie trailers, play spider solitaire. If I was not doing this I was thinking about my boy...was he crying, was he hungry, was he sad?...finally it's time for us to sit.
My husband somehow convinced me to wait until we got seated for him to call his mother, so we sat, we ordered drinks, and finally he got up and called his mom. I literally sat on the edge of my seat. He came back and said that the report was that Jonny was doing fine, and we were to enjoy our dinner and movie.
That's when my Peach Sangria was delivered to the table. After two of those I was definably feeling more relaxed and calm.
Dinner was nice, my husband and I actually had some conversation. Something that most of the week we lack completely! I love my son, but I also love conversation, I need that human interaction. Something that does not include grunting (at least not all the time) crying, or screaming. Our routine has become very routine, and does not include much time for each other anymore.
After dinner we headed to the theater. My husband dropped me off at the door because there was not a parking spot anywhere within sight. I got out of the car and headed to the door, while my husband went to find a parking spot miles away.
When I walked in I was herded much like animals are, to the far side of the theater where a hundred other people were already waiting in line. I call the hubby and tell him there is probably no way we are going to see a movie (I told you so) but none the less I will stand in line and let him be the judge when he gets in. As I am waiting I hear people saying what movies were already sold out....
Up in The Air
Sherlock Holmes
Day Breakers
The Blind Side
Avatar (I personally have no interest in seeing this, but come on it has been out for a month!)
Leap Year
The Lovely Bones
as I get up to where I can see what is sold out I see Invictus is sold out, The Spy Next Door, and Alvin and the Chipmunks...Yep I think everything is sold out. Wait Wait there is one with a time frame of what we are looking for that does not say sold out...so I look over to the left side and I see that The Princess and the Frog is not sold out!
We decided to skip the movies for tonight. We headed over to TJMaxx, again had some more conversation, bought some things for the boy that I can't stop thinking about, looked at some things that we defiantly don't need, as well as things that I don't think anyone could possibly need or want. We had fun we joked...who would have thought that was all it would take to have a good evening. Hubby hates to shop but he stuck it out pretty well.
We got in the car and he called his mom to let her know we were on our way home. I think she was a little disappointed that we were already on our way home, but she told him he had been very good, but was fighting going to sleep.
Again I get myself all worked up...he has never slept anywhere but at home unless he was with me in bed.
We got there, and he was fast asleep...we packed him up, and now he is all snuggled up sound asleep in his bed.

Pulse

So this morning I get up and get moving. I have been a little concerned about Jonny (it has just occurred to me that I have never mentioned my baby's name here before. Not sure why, so this is the official introduction of my son Jonny)
Anyway...I have been a little concerned about Jonny since his shots on Tuesday. He has been overly sleepy, for the fist couple of days he was running a low fever (99.6 ish) and the last 2 days he has felt a little congested to me.
This morning he was a little fussy, so I held him close to cuddle and his head was right under my chin, and I could feel a pulse. I took him away from me and looked at his head, and I could see, physically see a pulse on the top of his head where his soft spot was.
Me being the crazy worry wart that I am kind of freaked out. It almost looked like his brain was going to pulse right out of his head. I have been around alot of babies....I have a nephew, and 5 cousins and I have NEVER felt a pulse on the top of any of their head not to mention FEEL it.
I immediately hopped on the computer...because you know everything you read there is true! "I typed in Pulse with Soft Spot" and got all kinds of things...all saying that it was normal.
Phew I can breath again!

Clean Sheet night.

So I am sitting here watching TV, thinking about finally getting up and taking a shower before going to bed. Tonight is clean sheet night. I love clean sheet night almost as much as I love cheesecake.
Then I suddenly realize....Hubby went to the gym today. He came home, we had dinner, he put on his sweat pants, watched some tv, and then went to bed.
Does anyone else see the missing step here?
That's right. He DIDN'Tshower!! He has completely ruined clean sheet night for me! How am I supposed to enjoy clean sheet night when I go to bed when they won't be clean when I get there?

Sleepy

The babes got his 2 month shots yesterday. He got three shots and had to drink something too. The doc said that possible side affects could be fever, redness and swelling at the injection sight, sleepiness, or fussiness.
Well yesterday he did really well. His thighs were a little swollen, but he was not real fussy, he didn't get a fever, and he didn't seem overly sleepy.

However, he must have been mad at me for letting the nurses stick him with those needles, because he did not wake up for our 2 O'clock for our usual date. In fact the hubs woke up at 230 to go to work (I think that's what time it was) and the baby didn't wake up then either. I saw the clock at 4am, looked at the video monitor and my little angel was still fast asleep. 5:56 and I hear him. I had to rub my eyes and take a double look...was it really 5:56...in fact it was now 5:57.
Well he drank his bottle, burped and got his diaper change. He was asleep by 8AM. I put him in his crib. 9:00 went by, and not so much as a peep, 9:30, and then 10:00. Well at 10:00 I woke him up. I figured if I didn't he would not want to take an afternoon nap, then he would want to go to bed early, and that would mean a super early morning for me.
10:00, he ate, burped, I changed his diaper, and he was snoozing in my arms by 11:30. I laid him down and he woke up. This was great for me as I didn't really want him to sleep. Well in the next 20 minutes all he did was cry. He was fussy, rubbing his eyes and kicking his feet. 10 minutes later at 12 noon he was asleep again in my arms.
It was not doing either of us any good trying to keep him awake. He was miserable, and I hate to hear him cry. So I cuddled with him on the couch baby ah. The last I saw the clock it was 1:15. Hubs got home at 2:45 and tnd I both woke up.
Again baby was sleeping by 4:00. Well this went back and forth for a while. He had a low fever throughout the day. Bathed him around 7, and by 8:00 he was fast asleep again. Looks like it will be an early morning.

Mommy Mornings

My husband is kind enough to get up with the boy on weekends. These "nights" consist of Friday night and Saturday night. This is very kind of my husband because he works all week, and I am a stay at home mom. It is kind of my "break" and opportunity to catch up on some sleep.
On a typical night for Mommy, my sweet, charming, little boy goes to bed between 9 and 9:30. He sleeps about 5-6 hours, and then he is up. It is for a quick feeding. 4 ounces fills his belly. Time for a burp, and a diaper change. Then I swaddle him up, put him in his crib with his binky kiss him good night again, and go out to the living room waiting for the first time he starts to cry. I usually have to make 2-4 trips back to the crib to give him his binky before he is ready to accept defeat to the sandman.Usually I am able to get back into bed around 4 or 5.
Then hubby gets up for work around 6. Baby sleeps through him getting ready for work, showering, eating breakfast and whatnot. Then for some reasona s soon as Daddy leaves the house, Baby wakes up. So I did get another 2 to 3 hours of sleep...broken sleep between the alarm clock and shower, but sleep none the less.
A typical night for Daddy from what I can recall, and from what I gather from my husband:
Baby goes to bed between 9 and 9:30. We usually go to bed right away if not within an hour. Baby sleeps 8 to 8.5 hours! Daddy feeds him 4 ounces, burps baby, changes his diaper, swaddles him up, and puts him in his crib. Daddy may have to go in 1 or 2 times to give him his Binky, and then hubby is back in bed. His routine uaually takes 35-40 Minutes. I know this because I see the clock when he gets up to feed the baby, as well as when he comes back to bed. Then Baby goes back to bed for another 2 to 3 hours!!

So this morning when I heard the baby screaming in the monitor, I looked at the clock...It said 2:30 AM. So he got about 5 hours of sleep. So I sat up, took in a deep breath, and thought to myself...he just likes seeing me more than he does Daddy! I smiled, and went and fed my little monster.

Rough Start

So my new year resolution was to lose weight. I started the year off to a good start. I was eating well, and working out at least every other day. Then I went to the doctor to have them look at my repair from birth, and I had to have some new stitches as mentioned in an earlier post I was told no major activity, or intercourse for 14 days!
Well I still should have watched what I was eating, I didn't. At dinner last night I had pasta and mozzarella sticks, after having pasta for dinner. Then when I got home my husband gave me peanut butter cookies.
I got on the scale yesterday before dinner and I had not gained any weight. So, I am not going to get on the scale this week, as today is a new week, and yet another new beginning for me.
My goals for this week are

Drink at least 64 oz of water. I have not been good about my water intake, and it is important for my health as well as for my son as I am breast feeding him.
Watch what I eat and I don't just mean looking at it on the fork before it goes in my mouth.
Make better decisions at the grocery store If its not in the house, I can't eat it

I hope to at least maintain my weight, or even lose some. Then next week I will be able to begin working out again.

Daddy Day Care

Last night was the first time that the hubby was home alone with our little one. I know he was nervous but I have to admit that I think I was far more anxious and worried.
Not because I don't think he can do it, but more because I know he doubts himself that he can do it.
I drove 45 minutes away from home to have dinner with a friend. I took my phone out 5 times, but I was good and also put it away 5 times. I got to the restaurant 5 minutes early, I sat in my car, and I just kept looking at my phone.
I needed to call and make sure everyone was happy and healthy, and no one was screaming or crying, including my husband. I didn't want my husband to think that I didn't believe in him, or think that he could not do it. So for the last time before going in the restaurant I looked at my phone, put it on vibrate, and tucked it into my pocket.
For dinner we ordered pasta and mozzarella sticks, as well as a glass of sangria. At the time I should have been thinking about what my two boys were doing at home, and wondering if the house has yet caught on fire, but instead after ordering all I could think of was "weighing in" the next day.
I was feeling guilty about what I was eating, but that feeling was squashed but the thought of what my husband was eating for dinner, or if he was eating at all. I know from being a stay at home mom, that it can be hard to meet my child's needs, and try to get a meal in.
Well I laughed and had fun with my friend over dinner. Talking about what is new in our lives, and what our past times have been. For her it was working, and working out, Me it was Breastfeeding, and changing diapers. Not quite the same, but probably equally as boring.
It was very nice to have an evening with out the baby and my husband, but I felt guilty for thinking this way. That is why as soon as I sat in my car, and closed the door I called home.
Phone rang a few times...is that a good sign or a bad sign...was he going to answer? 4 rings...have then been forced from the house due to some disaster? 5 rings...is he hiding the screaming baby so that I do not hear him? After 6 rings my husband finally answered the phone. Phew. Even better is I hear no screaming, no crying, not even a muffled scream from a baby in a far away room. AND my husband did not sound flustered or frustrated. He tells me everything has been "okay" to me that means things were a little rough, but he pulled though. He told me he was watching a movie, and so I told him I would let him go.
I got home and daddy was on the chair watching a movie, the dog was on the back of the couch, and my son...Yep he was still breathing, sitting in his bouncy chair as happy as can be! Phew

I knew he could do it, but I was nervous none the less. After-all it was the first time I left my baby with his first time daddy.

Ouch- repairing a repair

So when I had my son I had to have an episiotomy. I didn't want to, I really wanted to have a natural child birth, however that ALL flew out of the window when my blood pressure sky rocketed to 190/100.

So when my blood pressure jumped up I was bed bound, and I could not manage the pain in bed. Every contraction felt like a train was running me over, and I could not jump out of the way because I was tied to the tracks.

My Labor lasted a total of 25 hours, with 5 hours of pushing. I was so tired I honestly didn't think I could push anymore, so the doctor cut, and helped to get his head out.

Anyway a few weeks after giving birth I noticed that my repair just didn't feel right. So at my 6 week check up I mentioned it to my midwife. She showed me with a mirror. It was kind of like a huge skin tag. Kinda looked like the thing that hangs from a turkey.
I looked it up, the actual part that I am speaking of is called: Major Caruncles: Large and fleshy Engorged with blood during the spring

So anyway, I decided that there was NO way I was going to let my husband see it, and that it had to go. There was not the option to just have it stitched back where it belonged so I insisted that it be removed. At the appointment I was seeing my midwife, and she did not know what would need to be done to repair it, so I made an appointment for the next week with a doctor, which happened to be yesterday.

So I was a little nervous for a couple of reasons. The first and biggest reason was that the doctor would say that there was nothing that could be done. I know they say that your body is never the same after child birth, but I never heard of a transformation that would make you look like an animals face! I mean come on there has to be a limit! The second reason was the unknown, I didn't know if it would hurt, if it was going to require surgery, and I didn't know if getting it fixed would hurt like it did after delivery.

So the doctor comes in and is a little confused as to why I was there. She sees on the chart that I was in just last week. So she says "Okay what are we doing today"

So I had to tell her that I needed a repair for her repair. She took a look and pointed out what she thought I was talking about. She looked at it a little strange and then she told me she could cut it off.

Right away I thought ouch, but thank God! So she goes to get the "equipment" She walked in with an arm full of stuff. Right away she told me that it looks like alot of equipment, but she would probably not need it all, it was just in case...phew.

So I lay down, put my legs into the stirrups, and she tells me what she is doing...part of me wishes she would just do it, get it over with, instead of saying "Okay now you are going to feel my touch, Now you are going to feel cold and wet, and I wash the area. Okay now....

Ouch! It burns it burns!.........wait now I don't feel anything. Phew
15 minutes later she shows me a big chunk of skin and tells me no sex for 14 days......Wait I didn't sign of for that...I just got the all clear last week, and because I had my birth control inserted, in turn making me bleed I had not had sex yet!

So I got a little more pain than I bargained for, but in 2 weeks I will be able to have sex, and I will not have a Major Caruncles hanging from my crotch

The Next Einstein

Okay, So I am sure that every parent in the world thinks they have one of the smartest children on earth, however I am truly pretty sure that I do.

So I have an 8 week old son, and he is at the stage where he is more awake and alert, however he needs stimulation, and entertainment from other humans, and sometimes the family dog. He is not yet at the stage where you can give him a toy, or set him on an activity mat and be amused.

I am a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) and contently have to find ways to help keep my little boy content. He does not find Peek-a-boo funny yet. I know this because I attempted to play with him, he looked at me all wide eyed as if to say Mom are you Ill? and then he proceeded to scream at the top of his lungs. So, I talk to him in a baby voice, and say words that don't quite make since. I give him zirbits (other people call it raspberries I believe), go from the swing, to floor time, to sitting in a bouncy seat with the vibrations and music playing, doing exercises, and the easiest way to help him be content eating.
Even though that sounds like a lot, often any given activity will only last minutes, if I am lucky. So the other day while speaking to him in a baby voice I stuck my tongue out at him>Instant smile on his face. This was not just a little grin, but an ear to ear mouth open smile. The kind that just melts my heart. So I kept doing it, and today for the first time ever I hear a gasp in for air ...he giggled! Ok, so he half giggled, but that is closer to a giggle than we ever have been before. Then out of nowhere he sticks his tongue out!!!

So surely it is just a coincidence right? So I stick my tongue out again...again he smiles and then licks his lips...looks like he is sticking his tongue out at me.....

So later when my husband gets home, I tell him how brilliant our son is. He is on the computer typing away at something, and kinda gives me the "ha cool" So I stick my tongue out at my son, and I get an instant smile from him again, the big ear to ear mouth open smile. I laugh out loud, and my husband looks over. Again I tell him how brilliant our son is, and if he watches he will see for himself. So it took about 10 seconds of me sticking my tongue out at my son and he does it. First he kinda just licks his lips, but then he is really sticking his tongue out!
We both had a good laugh about it and my hubby continued what he was doing on his computer, and I talked to my son telling him he had a big smile etc.

Well when my husband gets up to go to bed, he walks over and sticks his tongue out at our little one. He gives a big smile, and out comes his tongue.

Now I am a first time mom, but it seems pretty cool that my 8 week old son is copying us when we stick our tongue out at him. Now I know that there is still a big chance that him sticking his tongue out when he did happened by pure chance, but for now I will just continue to think that he is the next Einstein. Cant wait for him to mimic other things, on second thought...that may get me into trouble!