One day down. Sam and I survived, and luckily we both had fairly good days.
I relinquished drop off duties to Mike. This way my warped mind didn't envision my kids at daycare, but rather hanging out with their ever-so sweet and ultra-cool dad. Reality sunk in when I decided to swing through for a visit. While I loved seeing his face, I was doing fine, emotionally, until I walked in his room.
He had just finished a bottle. I instantly scooped him up and took up residency in the rocking chair. Sam and I spent 30 precious minutes just staring at each other. He generously gave me lots of beaming smiles, and the more he smiled, the larger the lump in my throat grew. I had to fight hard to contain the tears. I knew if one tear fell the ugly cry wasn't far behind, and no one wants or needs to see that. As I held him, I tried to play the positive internal monogolue that each day will get easier, that he is in good hands, he will eventually adjust and thrive in this new environment, etc. I half believed myself, at least enough to prevent me from grabbing him and running out the door with no real destination in mind.
When I stood up to leave, Sam made sure I couldn't forget him as he ended up sharing part of his lunch with my new cute brown sweater. I carried a piece of him and that lingering smell for the rest of the day. Thankfully tomorrow is Friday.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Random Thoughts
This photo is for my brother Justin -- hope you enjoy it. I know Sam is making you proud, but he wants to know where his hat is?
As for us, we are trying to squeeze in as much summer fun as we can before Thursday, which is why I haven't blogged much lately. The past few days have been a whirlwind of pool visits, trying new parks, christening our neighborhood's new park, playing with Grandma Pam, picnics, dance recitals, dinner at Fritz's, field trip to DeAnna Rose, etc. Even with these activities, our pace has still been leisurely and fun.
As for me, I'm trying to block out that in two days I return to the corporate world. Sadly, what is one of my biggest worries: what will I wear to work. Pathetic, I know. I thought for sure I would have lost more weight by now, but I haven't, nor have I put forth much effort to try. Guess, I thought it would magically float off, just another breastfeeding myth. Since I don't plan to stay my current size for much longer, the debate is how much clothing should I purchase to get me through the short term. Add to that our budget for clothing and my over abundance of time for shopping means my co-workers can expect to see me donning the same outfits for the next few weeks.
Back to work worries. Of course, I have concerns about projects and the adjustment for both the kids and me. In some ways, it's like starting a new job, but at least I know where the bathroom is and the personalities of the major players. Guess that gives me a slight leg up.
Two days. Two precious days. I plan to make the most of it.
As for us, we are trying to squeeze in as much summer fun as we can before Thursday, which is why I haven't blogged much lately. The past few days have been a whirlwind of pool visits, trying new parks, christening our neighborhood's new park, playing with Grandma Pam, picnics, dance recitals, dinner at Fritz's, field trip to DeAnna Rose, etc. Even with these activities, our pace has still been leisurely and fun.
As for me, I'm trying to block out that in two days I return to the corporate world. Sadly, what is one of my biggest worries: what will I wear to work. Pathetic, I know. I thought for sure I would have lost more weight by now, but I haven't, nor have I put forth much effort to try. Guess, I thought it would magically float off, just another breastfeeding myth. Since I don't plan to stay my current size for much longer, the debate is how much clothing should I purchase to get me through the short term. Add to that our budget for clothing and my over abundance of time for shopping means my co-workers can expect to see me donning the same outfits for the next few weeks.
Back to work worries. Of course, I have concerns about projects and the adjustment for both the kids and me. In some ways, it's like starting a new job, but at least I know where the bathroom is and the personalities of the major players. Guess that gives me a slight leg up.
Two days. Two precious days. I plan to make the most of it.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
A Dry Day
With more than 14 pairs of underwear purchased -- our character motifs include Dora, Ariel, Cinderella and Strawberry Shortcake, we were ready to embark on the adventure of potty training Ella. Our first few attempts, only for a few hours at a time, always resulted in an accident. Ella knew how it was suppose to work -- "I don't go in my panties", but couldn't seem to get herself to the bathroom in time. I had resigned myself that she wasn't ready, but the appeal of underwear was too much for Ella. She wanted to keep trying, so I reluctantly allowed it.
When she was getting dressed today, she was adamant about wearing panties. She picked a pair of Ariel underwear, and it was the only pair she wore all day. No accidents, although she did change into a pull-up for a nap! She even told me at Kohl's that she needed to use the bathroom. Luckily, she announced it with plenty of time for us to trek to the bathroom.
This was a big day. Mike and I are so proud of her.
When she was getting dressed today, she was adamant about wearing panties. She picked a pair of Ariel underwear, and it was the only pair she wore all day. No accidents, although she did change into a pull-up for a nap! She even told me at Kohl's that she needed to use the bathroom. Luckily, she announced it with plenty of time for us to trek to the bathroom.
This was a big day. Mike and I are so proud of her.
Happy Father's Day
To my sweet husband, I feel so blessed to have a husband who is a dedicated and involved father. Mike adores his children. You can see it by the way he looks at them. There is this twinkle in his eye and pure joy in his voice when he's interacting with them. And there's no doubt how Ella feels about him. It's so evident once she hears the garage door open each evening. No matter what we are doing, the girl literally flies down the stairs to greet her daddy with enthusiasm and love. Very soon, Mike will have two children fighting over themselves to get to their beloved dad first.
Happy Father's Day Mike. Thanks for giving me two amazing children and making us a loving family of four.
Happy Father's Day Mike. Thanks for giving me two amazing children and making us a loving family of four.
Preppy Sam
From a practical perspective, I don't think babies and polos mix. I would think the collars are a bit bothersome, but I couldn't resist putting Sam in this outfit. Oh how I love his eyes and his chin.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Sweet Sweet Sam
I realized I have made not much mention of Mr. Sam in recent posts. While Ella lately is a source of great material, Sam is slightly under the radar because he is just a happy, sweet baby who gives the best goofy smiles.
One common question is how is he sleeping? I hesitate to answer for fear of A) sounding like we're completely bragging and B) for fear of jinxing myself. My quick and common response is we have been blessed with some long sleep stretches. One, and only one, lasted for nine hours. Nine hours at 2 months. Loving it, but I'll leave it at that. Right now, a typical stretch is about 6 to 7 hours, which is still wonderful. He is a bit stubborn about actually falling asleep and staying asleep initially, but once he is settled down, he is golden.
He had his two-month well appointment last week. He was 12 lbs 9 oz and 23 1/2 inches long. While he started smaller than Ella, he has surpassed her weight at this mark. While his head has a beautiful round shape to it, the doc was a bit concerned that he prefers looking to his right so much. She encouraged us to be quite conscious of the direction he lays while he sleeps, traveling in the car seat, etc. His head control is getting stronger each day. He tolerates tummy time, but doesn't enjoy it.
As for the shots, he survived and only cried when he was pricked and stopped when I picked him up to comfort him. The really crying didn't kick in for a few hours. Oh that night was an adventure. Sam started crying around 4:30 pm and proceeded to cry until nearly 9:45 pm when he just wore himself out. His screams would only cease when a nipple was thrown in his mouth. Of all nights, he seemed to slam the bottle down and toss it aside, no enjoyment just necessity. The Tylenol wasn't working and neither were the usual tricks. It was mind-numbing and exhausting. I muddled through the first two hours alone. I tried to entertain and comfort Ella who attempted to ignore it unsuccessfully. I even attempted to cook dinner, but the incessant crying interfered with my ability to follow directions. I felt lost in my own kitchen. It was like I had no clue where anything was and like I had never cooked before. Once Mike got home, I essentially passed of Sam to him and walked out the house to get a break and pick up some dinner. How, I needed that break. It was a tough couple of hours, but I remind myself some parents deal with that level of crying and frustration on a daily basis. How, I have no clue.
Well, that seems to be a wrap on Sam. Oh, he has a spot at Corporate Kids. We are still waiting on what specific room he will be assigned. We are lobbying and hoping for the Kittens Room, which is where Ella started. I can only assume the Puppies, the other potential room for Sam, has fabulous teachers. It's just that we have an established relationship with Miss Tanya, the lead teacher of the Kittens. We really like her and Ella still adores her. I will refrain from mentioning how soon he will start at the center because it just brings me down.
One common question is how is he sleeping? I hesitate to answer for fear of A) sounding like we're completely bragging and B) for fear of jinxing myself. My quick and common response is we have been blessed with some long sleep stretches. One, and only one, lasted for nine hours. Nine hours at 2 months. Loving it, but I'll leave it at that. Right now, a typical stretch is about 6 to 7 hours, which is still wonderful. He is a bit stubborn about actually falling asleep and staying asleep initially, but once he is settled down, he is golden.
He had his two-month well appointment last week. He was 12 lbs 9 oz and 23 1/2 inches long. While he started smaller than Ella, he has surpassed her weight at this mark. While his head has a beautiful round shape to it, the doc was a bit concerned that he prefers looking to his right so much. She encouraged us to be quite conscious of the direction he lays while he sleeps, traveling in the car seat, etc. His head control is getting stronger each day. He tolerates tummy time, but doesn't enjoy it.
As for the shots, he survived and only cried when he was pricked and stopped when I picked him up to comfort him. The really crying didn't kick in for a few hours. Oh that night was an adventure. Sam started crying around 4:30 pm and proceeded to cry until nearly 9:45 pm when he just wore himself out. His screams would only cease when a nipple was thrown in his mouth. Of all nights, he seemed to slam the bottle down and toss it aside, no enjoyment just necessity. The Tylenol wasn't working and neither were the usual tricks. It was mind-numbing and exhausting. I muddled through the first two hours alone. I tried to entertain and comfort Ella who attempted to ignore it unsuccessfully. I even attempted to cook dinner, but the incessant crying interfered with my ability to follow directions. I felt lost in my own kitchen. It was like I had no clue where anything was and like I had never cooked before. Once Mike got home, I essentially passed of Sam to him and walked out the house to get a break and pick up some dinner. How, I needed that break. It was a tough couple of hours, but I remind myself some parents deal with that level of crying and frustration on a daily basis. How, I have no clue.
Well, that seems to be a wrap on Sam. Oh, he has a spot at Corporate Kids. We are still waiting on what specific room he will be assigned. We are lobbying and hoping for the Kittens Room, which is where Ella started. I can only assume the Puppies, the other potential room for Sam, has fabulous teachers. It's just that we have an established relationship with Miss Tanya, the lead teacher of the Kittens. We really like her and Ella still adores her. I will refrain from mentioning how soon he will start at the center because it just brings me down.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Out of the Mouth of Babes
Some recent gems uttered by Ella.
Scene: In Ella's room, she in the middle of annoying whiny attack and I am attempting to change her pull-up.
E in a shrieking, drawn out voice: "Momma, I'm frustrated." (Emotions are part of the current lesson plan at daycare.)
Me: "Why you frustrated honey?"
E: "Because daddy went away (to work)."
As Mike said after hearing her comments, "Man kid, push that knife in deeper."
Scene two: In our front room, Glenda is preparing to leave after spending four plus hours with the kiddos.
Glenda: "Well, I better get going." She stands up.
Ella motions and says: "There's the door, Grandma."
That one gets me every time. Thankfully, Glenda was very good natured about it. There's still more. These last two center around this family's love/love (but should be hate) relationship with ice cream.
Scene: Ella, Sam and I playing and hanging out in the front room. The ice cream truck is making it's way through the neighborhood. Ella hears the obnoxious music and looks up.
She asks: "What's that?"
Me: "It's the ice cream man."
Ella: "The ice cream man?"
Me: "Yea, he drives through the neighborhood and you can buy ice cream treats out of his van."
Ella: "Eww......"
Last one: Driving home and as we pass by Sheridan's on Shawnee Mission Parkway, Ella unprompted yet happily exclaims what she wants for dinner.
Ella: "Mom, I want ICE CREAM."
Me: "Not now. Maybe after dinner we can get some ice cream. Mommy has a gift card still to use there, but we do have some ice cream at home."
Ella: "No, ice cream at home makes me sad."
Man, we're created another addict. For the record, we didn't have ice cream tonight. She didn't ask and I didn't offer.
Scene: In Ella's room, she in the middle of annoying whiny attack and I am attempting to change her pull-up.
E in a shrieking, drawn out voice: "Momma, I'm frustrated." (Emotions are part of the current lesson plan at daycare.)
Me: "Why you frustrated honey?"
E: "Because daddy went away (to work)."
As Mike said after hearing her comments, "Man kid, push that knife in deeper."
Scene two: In our front room, Glenda is preparing to leave after spending four plus hours with the kiddos.
Glenda: "Well, I better get going." She stands up.
Ella motions and says: "There's the door, Grandma."
That one gets me every time. Thankfully, Glenda was very good natured about it. There's still more. These last two center around this family's love/love (but should be hate) relationship with ice cream.
Scene: Ella, Sam and I playing and hanging out in the front room. The ice cream truck is making it's way through the neighborhood. Ella hears the obnoxious music and looks up.
She asks: "What's that?"
Me: "It's the ice cream man."
Ella: "The ice cream man?"
Me: "Yea, he drives through the neighborhood and you can buy ice cream treats out of his van."
Ella: "Eww......"
Last one: Driving home and as we pass by Sheridan's on Shawnee Mission Parkway, Ella unprompted yet happily exclaims what she wants for dinner.
Ella: "Mom, I want ICE CREAM."
Me: "Not now. Maybe after dinner we can get some ice cream. Mommy has a gift card still to use there, but we do have some ice cream at home."
Ella: "No, ice cream at home makes me sad."
Man, we're created another addict. For the record, we didn't have ice cream tonight. She didn't ask and I didn't offer.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
What a wild windy week!
Good Saturday Morning!
Sam got me out of bed early this morning to let me know he was done sleeping for the night--fair enough--he slept from 10:00 (or so) on through to 4:30, so I guess Amanda and I will take that most nights!
It gave me a chance to get a head start on the day which is always good when it comes to a Saturday I suppose. I've got breakfast ready to cook and I've been reading up on most of my blogs.
As most of my family knows, I'm kinda of a weather geek. And this week, was a very active week! Tuesday night I had to drive home in some terrific downpours and hail (only about marble sized) and Thursday was supposed to have been an historic outbreak of tornados accross the plains. More on that later, I have a bone to pick.
I don't care how expensive your car/van/truck/SUV/motorcycle/moped/Big Wheel is, DON'T EVER STOP UNDER AN OVERPASS ON THE INTERSTATE. It's really close to the dumbest thing ever. Do you think people who are driving can see you that clearly in a torrential downpour? Don't stop on the shoulder, let alone stop in the lane next to the shoulder either. It's an INTERSTATE people, a road where people DO NOT stop. Rant over.
For as a wired up as I get for severe weather, the kids sleep through it remarkably well, which just amazes me. Poor Amanda she's usually so wiped from the day that she can sleep through about anything. Which leaves me to watch out for the storms! On Tuesday, one wall cloud got a little to close for comfort for my liking, but the sirens never went off so that was a good thing.
Thursday's storms, which were supposed to be "historic", didn't get close to MY house but it did get close to my FAMILY! My Grandma Davis (or as she's know now as "Grandma D") had a close call with a tree! Thankfully all it got was her chimney, but I think it was enough to freak her out a little bit! The damage was significant enough that my old employer KQTV (aka KQ2) came out to her house and did a package on her.
Exhibit A:
I am so happy she is safe! I think I called her about maybe 10 minutes or so before it happened. Amanda had heard something about Fairfax under a tornado warning so I made sure she knew about it! Uncle Jimmy got some damage as well (apparently KQ doesn't care about HIS story)
Sam got me out of bed early this morning to let me know he was done sleeping for the night--fair enough--he slept from 10:00 (or so) on through to 4:30, so I guess Amanda and I will take that most nights!
It gave me a chance to get a head start on the day which is always good when it comes to a Saturday I suppose. I've got breakfast ready to cook and I've been reading up on most of my blogs.
As most of my family knows, I'm kinda of a weather geek. And this week, was a very active week! Tuesday night I had to drive home in some terrific downpours and hail (only about marble sized) and Thursday was supposed to have been an historic outbreak of tornados accross the plains. More on that later, I have a bone to pick.
I don't care how expensive your car/van/truck/SUV/motorcycle/moped/Big Wheel is, DON'T EVER STOP UNDER AN OVERPASS ON THE INTERSTATE. It's really close to the dumbest thing ever. Do you think people who are driving can see you that clearly in a torrential downpour? Don't stop on the shoulder, let alone stop in the lane next to the shoulder either. It's an INTERSTATE people, a road where people DO NOT stop. Rant over.
For as a wired up as I get for severe weather, the kids sleep through it remarkably well, which just amazes me. Poor Amanda she's usually so wiped from the day that she can sleep through about anything. Which leaves me to watch out for the storms! On Tuesday, one wall cloud got a little to close for comfort for my liking, but the sirens never went off so that was a good thing.
Thursday's storms, which were supposed to be "historic", didn't get close to MY house but it did get close to my FAMILY! My Grandma Davis (or as she's know now as "Grandma D") had a close call with a tree! Thankfully all it got was her chimney, but I think it was enough to freak her out a little bit! The damage was significant enough that my old employer KQTV (aka KQ2) came out to her house and did a package on her.
Exhibit A:
I am so happy she is safe! I think I called her about maybe 10 minutes or so before it happened. Amanda had heard something about Fairfax under a tornado warning so I made sure she knew about it! Uncle Jimmy got some damage as well (apparently KQ doesn't care about HIS story)
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Race Against the Clock
I have started many blog posts lately but haven't finished any of them. Most blog posts flow rather easily, but the past few tries have felt forced. There are quite a few topics I would like to address, but before I can I have to deal with the countdown clock.
Three weeks to go. Three precious weeks before I go back to work. I just hear this tick tock in my head and I hate it because I can't turn it off. I have truly enjoyed this time. Sure there have been moments where I thought of work fondly and wished to be whisked away, but overall, this time at home has been quite enjoyable. I've surprised myself with how much. Of course, I love my kids and being with them, but I'm one who gets antsy easily and needs a frequent change of scenery. I am normally not content to just be home, but I am right now. Guiltily, I can't say that was the case during my leave with Ella. Why is this time different? Maybe because I'm more relaxed as a mom, maybe because the weather is warmer and we're outside more, maybe because Ella's energy is contagious. Who knows. I just don't want this time to end.
Staying home is not an option, and it's not something that I desire long-term. I just want to hold on to this time more. I am going back. I hold the benefits. I have a good job with a respectable salary that my family depends on, and I miss the work, the challenges and most importantly adult camaraderie.
Three weeks is still three weeks, but I feel like I'm racing the clock because unfortunately for me, I am out of vacation time until next January. I hate thinking that the bulk of my quality time with my kids will be reserved for weekends and holidays.
Three weeks to go. Three precious weeks before I go back to work. I just hear this tick tock in my head and I hate it because I can't turn it off. I have truly enjoyed this time. Sure there have been moments where I thought of work fondly and wished to be whisked away, but overall, this time at home has been quite enjoyable. I've surprised myself with how much. Of course, I love my kids and being with them, but I'm one who gets antsy easily and needs a frequent change of scenery. I am normally not content to just be home, but I am right now. Guiltily, I can't say that was the case during my leave with Ella. Why is this time different? Maybe because I'm more relaxed as a mom, maybe because the weather is warmer and we're outside more, maybe because Ella's energy is contagious. Who knows. I just don't want this time to end.
Staying home is not an option, and it's not something that I desire long-term. I just want to hold on to this time more. I am going back. I hold the benefits. I have a good job with a respectable salary that my family depends on, and I miss the work, the challenges and most importantly adult camaraderie.
Three weeks is still three weeks, but I feel like I'm racing the clock because unfortunately for me, I am out of vacation time until next January. I hate thinking that the bulk of my quality time with my kids will be reserved for weekends and holidays.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Ella's Crack Comment
Uttered by Ella as I was wiping her butt after bowel movement, "Mommy, there's something in my bottom.
Me: "Sweetheart, do you have more poop in your bottom? Maybe, we should try to sit on the potty."
E as she is reaching around to her backside: "No, there's no more poop. There is SOMETHING in my bottom."
Me: "Let's try to sit on the potty."
E, very incredulously: "No! Mommy, there is a crack on my bottom."
Me: Laughing uncontrollably.
Me: "Sweetheart, do you have more poop in your bottom? Maybe, we should try to sit on the potty."
E as she is reaching around to her backside: "No, there's no more poop. There is SOMETHING in my bottom."
Me: "Let's try to sit on the potty."
E, very incredulously: "No! Mommy, there is a crack on my bottom."
Me: Laughing uncontrollably.
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