Danny

What will I do?

Christmas

The reason so many mothers let themselves go. . .

The wonder of Christmas

It is a beautiful thing

Breathe

A relaxing bubble bath??

Bye, bye, baby toys.

Insomniablog

Funny mom picture

Lost in this moment.

Heartwarming

The joys of motherhood

Sign Language?

This is how it is going to be

Happy Thanksgiving

My poor, neglected blog

Danny's purse

I'm going to call this one

Baby Fever

Pop Pop

Turns out my son isn't perfect

What a week. . .

Picking up raisins

Busy Mama

The Church Nursery

Your life changes. . .

BOYS!

This was Danny's face when I told him his new baby cousin, due in March, is going to be a boy! Doesn't he have a sneaky kind of grin on his face? I imagine he is thinking about wrestling matches, sword fights, eating sushi at age five and torturing all sisters and female cousins that will come their way. We are so excited for the new addition coming to our family next year!

And you thought I was overprotective?

When I run. . .

Our Second Halloween

Tough Guy

Piece of cake?

As Promised. . .

I can't do it all

EXCUSE ME

'The Itch'

Alone time

Maybe it did hurt . . .

Elmo Ducks

Funny things that kids do

I am back!

Sick

I have a sick baby.

He is puking everywhere. As I type he is taking his third shower of the night. I have cleaned up so much puke in just the last hour that I don't even know what non puke air smells like.

I had big plans for my blogging tonight, here is to hoping that I remember it all tomorrow, or whenever my little one is feeling better.

Fall

I stood my ground

The Mom Song

This is great. . .

I'm sure the moms of older children will really appreciate this! My son is only one but I still think it is a hoot!

What to do with a toddler

EDIT

I don't edit this blog. EVER. I just don't have time. I log in, write whatever it is that I want to write about and post. Maybe once I graduate and don't have a hundred things to do every single night I will be able to more carefully edit posts before I post. Until then, I hope no one is offended by a misspelled word or poor punctuation.

Mama is sick

Brothers

Cory and Eric

 

Joe, Matt and Andy

Our family's news

Dear Professor,

Men/boys in the bathroom

My home is spotless

 

So much to do

Mommy Questionaire

Little boys pee on the floor

Fairy tale??

What do I do right??

For all the idiots out there. . .

Facebook Rules

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed.

Our Children

Boys will be. . .

Just for fun

Adoptive Breastfeeding.

Check out this great article about one woman's experience in breastfeeding!

I am definitely not recommending that you don't give your child cows milk (we drink two gallons a week in our family). This article is really interesting if only because most people have no idea that you can produce breast milk even if you aren't pregnant.

Who knew?!

Exhaustion

This love is OURS

My son, I just love him.

I got just what I needed. . .

Silly 1st Words

Mommy Vacation!

Do you ever. . .

30 Day Challenge-Day 30

I'm back!

30 Day Challenge-Day 29

I am Mom

30 Day Challenge-Day 28

Today I played in the dirt.

30 Day Challenge-Day 27

30 Day Challenge-Day 26

30 Day Challenge-Day 25

Remembering. . .

30 Day Challenge-Day 24

Rainy Days

30 Day Challenge-Day 23

Weddings

30 Day Challenge-Day 22

30 Day Challenge-Day 21

!@#$%

Why? Oh why??

30 Day Challenge-Day 20

Friend Fail

30 Day Challenge-Day 19

Day 19 - A picture of a phrase you live by

It is.

 I always say "It is what it is" and I love the second part of this sign. Anyone want to make me a duplicate of this sign???


There are so many screwed up things in the world/life/families/friendships, most of the time you can't do anything about the screwed up things, so you might as well just accept it and say "It is what it is," then deal with "it" the best you can. 


I try not to dwell in all the crap, just take it as it comes and deal.

 

Lifehouse "It is what it is"

BRU Cyber Sale

30 Day Challenge-Day 18

30 Day Challenge-Day 17

The Sweetest Thing

CARTERS-50% OFF EVERYTHING!

30 Day Challenge-Day 16

"Cheep Cheep"

My Son-The Musician?

I really think my son is going to be a musician, or maybe a dancer. He is constantly dancing around the house, he breaks into dance at the oddest times, but he loves it. All I have to do is sing "la la la la" and he starts shaking his little butt or spinning around.

Just now he comes running to me from his bedroom with his toy guitar. He was absolutely distraught that it wasn't making music. After a skilled inspection by yours truly it was determined that the guitar needed new batteries, which it got. Now I have a son who is "playing" his guitar, spinning around the living room and completely elated.

Maybe I should have named him Eric.

30 Day Challenge-Day 15

30 Day Challenge-Day 14

Back to School Blues

30 Day Challenge-Day 13

"It Wont Be Like This For Long"

The Hurricane/ Hurricane Party

30 Day Challenge-Day 12

I am back online and ready to blog!

Day 12 - A picture of something you love

(Not counting people)

A "White Christmas"

I've only experienced a few of these, but honestly, I live for them. I am like a kid when it snows, I also live for the Christmas season. A white Christmas is a dream for me.


I want to live in that house.

30 Day Challenge-Day 11

That isn't a Cheerio

The Puke Dilemma

30 Day Challenge-Day 10

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

There could be no other. . . 

My BFF Rachel and I, hiding in our friends truck.

I wish that picture did justice to the fun we had that night. Two of our guy friends were in a bar getting their drink on when Rachel and I decided it would be funny to break into the one guys truck and hide in the back seat, only to jump out and scare them when they came back to the car. Well, we didn't have to break in, the door was unlocked, but we did scare them to pieces. They were dying, I almost got punched in the face. It was a great time. Rachel truly is my partner in crime, even if I am retired!


P.S. Hurricane Irene hasn't shown up yet, we're still dry!

My son. . .

Really wants to injure himself!

*Aside* I might not be able to write again for a few days, apparently there is a hurricane on the loose and it is headed in my direction. Our electric company actually called us to tell us that our power is definitely going out and it will be out for several days.

Back to what I actually want to write about. Danny, my 16 month old tank is determined to hurt himself. Every day. After the earthquake the other day he climbed onto the couch at my Grandma's house and did a nose dive right off, right into a plant that was given as a gift when my aunt passed away. Crap. Aunt Brook probably would have thought it was funny, but I sort-of feel like I'm going to be struck by lightening at any moment. As I carried my crying child outside to brush the dirt out of my hair I had to laugh in-spite of myself. I was a very mellow child, very calm and quiet. I was a girly girl who didn't like dirt and would get stuck in trees after climbing them. I was always got picked on by my siblings (my sister and YOUNGER brother once tied me to a tree and left the leave blower turned on in front of me, it wasn't until our neighbor got home from school that I was rescued). Danny is the anti-me. I love it, I must say. I never knew what I would do with a little boy if I had one, but I think I am doing just fine. I now wrestle all day long, I get bit, I play with hot wheels and read stories about trucks and dirt instead of princesses and makeup. I love it. I do feel like I am raising my husband though, from what I am told he was just like this.

You can't pick your child's personality and if you could I don't know if I would have picked for my son to have the personality that he has, but I sure am having fun and I wouldn't trade him or his rambunctiousness for anything in the world!

30 Day Challenge-Day 9

East Coast Earthquake

30 Day Challenge-Day 8

30 Day Challenge-Day 7

Grandparents

30 Day Challenge- Day 6

Day 6 - A picture of something you'd like to do again

Sunset Beach, Okinawa, Japan.

 I visited Okinawa twice in 2007 when my husband was stationed there. I'd love to go again!

Mom Fears

Big gathering anxiety?

30 Day Challenge-Day 5

30 Day Challenge-Day 4

What to do

30 Day Challenge-Day 3

Day 3 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

Friends 1994-2004

 My favorite show of all time. A close second would be Sex and the City and The Waltons. Yes, I just said SATC and The Waltons in the same sentence.

30 Day Challenge-Day 2

Day 2 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

Summerlea, Cana, Me, Shannon, Nicole.

 Ok. I have been closest with my sister, Cana, the longest, but how could I leave these other girls out? Summerlea and Shannon are my cousins (also sisters) who have always been there. Always. We weren't super close when we were little kids because we didn't live too close to each other, but their mom passed away around the same time that my parents split up and the four of us grew very close because of that. Nicole, is my sister in law. She doesn't have any biological sisters (I'm sure the rest of the girls in the picture wished that was the case at some point growing up :)). Nicole is just like a sister to me, I am so lucky that my brother married her and made her my sister!

When not to listen to your instincts.

Question: When shouldn't you listen to your instincts?
Answer: When your child is choking.

Yesterday while visiting my Grandma I overlooked her giving Danny a small peanut butter pretzel sandwich (I should have listened to my instinct when I wanted to say "no!"). About two minutes later Danny tripped and fell, began to cry and as I picked him up to console him I realized he was choking. Really choking. His face was white and he couldn't breath, just a pathetic attempt to cough it out. My first instinct was to pry his mouth open and do a quick finger swipe-then my knowledge kicked in and I remembered what I learned in the CPR/First Aid class that my husband and I took when I was pregnant.

A little back story.

My husband was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (Yuma, Arizona) while I was pregnant with our son. One of the benefits of being a poor enlisted couple is the opportunity to take tons of pre-baby prep classes. When I was 36 1/2 weeks pregnant we took an Adult/Child CPR/First Aid class.

Just for fun imagine this with an additional four weeks attached giving CPR to dummies and pretend Heimliching my husband:

It wasn't pretty. Anyway, the class, taught by two wonderful firefighters/emts from the MCAS Yuma firehouse taught me the proper way to save a choking baby. Five pounds on the back, flip, five compressions on the check repeat as necessary. The class was about six hours long, but probably one of the best things I've ever done because I knew exactly what to do in a scary situation thanks to the awesome teachers (and thanks to LINKS for offering the class for free).

So, I Heimliched Danny. I was lucky enough to only have to do the five back pounds (probably not the proper term) before he started to breath again. He was hysterical (probably thinking why the !@#$ is Mommy hitting my back when I am choking), it took about five minutes to calm him down, but he is ok. Thank God.

There are so many classes, books and stories that claim to help prepare you for parenthood. None of them do, they might, if they're really good make you feel a little less scared, but you'll still be terrified when the hospital discharges you and you and your partner realize that "they're letting you take the baby home-by yourselves" like my husband and I thought. The CPR/First Aid classes can prepare you to handle a scary situation and save your child's life. If you do nothing else to prepare for parenthood, this is what you HAVE to do.

If you already have children and haven't taken the class, it isn't too late. It is never too late to learn how to save your child. Take the class with your baby sitter, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Make sure anyone who might be left alone with your child is prepared for a common, yet dangerous situation.

If nothing else, at least check out these links and share them with your friends.

Quick INFANT CPR instructions

An illustrated guide to infant CPR and Heimlich

Find out where you can take a from the American Red Cross

VACATION

I did promise a while ago that I would post pictures of my family reunion, didn't I?

The second week in July brought my whole extended family together-minus several people who couldn't make it because of work. We gather at the same place every year, Oak Island, North Carolina. My fondest childhood memories can be found there. For me, the term vacation was used very loosely because my husband had to stay home and work so it was toddler Danny and myself all on our own. We still had fun. We still made memories. WE definitely appreciated Daddy that week!

The whole gang, minus a few who couldn't make it. Notice that my grandparents have 27 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. For the first time in a very long time no one is pregnant. . . I think.

The Outlaws aka the ones who've married into the family.

Grandma and Grandpa with seven of their ten greats.

Danny, Me and Bob in Southport.

My son ate 6 pieces of watermelon in one sitting.

Very inventive-Ike attached an umbrella and four noodles to an old beach chair-i

Waiting for dinner. . . they don't make living rooms big enough for us.

Three lovely ladies heading out for an early evening stroll.

I hope that my family continues this 21 year long tradition for many years to come. It is wonderful to get one chance each year to gather and connect as a family. We are all so different, yet have so much in common because we come from the two best people I have ever met in my life-my Grandma and Grandpa. What a great idea they had many years ago to start this vacation as a way to keep their family in touch.

30 Day Challenge-Day 1

A picture of yourself with 15 facts.

1. My name is Ella.
2. I have a young son who is my sunshine.
3. I am a full-time student at the University of Maryland.
4. I have been to Okinawa, Japan-twice.
5. I love to read.
6. I typically read around 500 pages of text per week for school and then I read for fun before I go to bed.
7. I have lived in Mesa, Arizona and Yuma, Arizona.
8. I am terrified of spiders.
9. My favorite color is red.
10. It is August 17th and I'm already getting really excited for Christmas.
11. My husband is hilarious-he makes me laugh every single day.
12. I want a big family-at least five kids.
13. I will celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary before I turn 40.
14. I haven't taken down the decorations from my husband birthday which was over a week and a half ago.
15. I am really tan.

30 Day Challenge

I have. . .

A sick kid who has two bruises on his forehead, a scratch on his chest and a mouthful of dirt.

This is going to be a very long day. . .

Sick Baby

Read THIS!

Why I stay home.

Being a stay-at-home-mom is probably one of the most important things in the world to me, second only to being a good wife. Because it is so important to me I am very sensitive about the subject, I have gotten a lot of criticism from people who are supposed to be close to me and also rude comments about how boring it must be blah blah blah.

Well my only response to the boring comments is my personal opinion and that is "You can't possibly get bored unless you are sitting around ignoring your kids all day. There is always something to do." Sure you might get bored of the routine every once in a while, but all you have to do is switch it up. When you're a SAHM you are the boss, you make the schedule, choose the days events and are the only one who decides if it is boring or not.

Something I read in Dr. Laura's In Praise of Stay-At-Home-Moms made a lot of sense to me. Dr. Laura said "More often than not, these "grandmothers," are acting out their guilt for not raising you." The quote was in regard to SAHM's who are getting the guilt trip from their own mothers about staying home. That thought just might be true, in my case at least I hear a lot of the negative comments from older women who didn't stay home with their kids or women around my age who don't plan on staying home with their kids.

I'm not saying being a SAHM is the only way, or the only right way, or the best way for everyone, but it is for me and my family.

I used to want to have a career, have a few kids and put them in daycare, that was my dream as a teen. I did not want to stay home. Once I got married and started thinking about having my own family the idea of having babies to then leave them in the care of someone else all day was too much for me. I didn't want to do it. Luckily, I married a wonderful man who completely supports my decision to stay home and raise our children, even if that means he has to work harder and we will have fewer things. I am one of the lucky ones, I know that.

Even though I know I am one of the lucky ones who gets to stay home with my child it doesn't make it any easier to hear the bullshit negative comments. Just like I don't judge moms who love their careers and want to keep them after having children, I don't want to be judged for wanting to stay home with my kids over a career.

Another thing in Dr. Laura's book really hit me hard and it was "Being a SAHM was fabulous-even though it was very difficult. It was my second chance to have a mother-child relationship. The first one was a bust. But the second one? Well my son is in the military and says, "I love you, Mom," ever time we end a phone conversation."

Bingo. Right. There. That is is. That is what I want, it is why I am doing this. I want to give my child everything I never had. I want to be there for him no matter the day, whether he is happy or sad, sick or health, loving me or hating me. I want to be there. He will know that no matter what, mom is there and always will be.

So like I said, this is my dream come true. I might not seem like the most ambitious person in the world, but really I am. I am dedicating my life to my husband and my children and nothing else. Anything else will just be a very distant third. After all, what other job can you think of where you can sit at your computer (during nap time) and write about your life while you rock out to and Eric Clapton playlist?

There is a reason

. . . Why "I mommy by my own book."

Toddler Milestones

Check out that link and, if you have a child in that age bracket be prepared to have a complete meltdown because your child hasn't reached a certain milestone yet or feel like the best parent ever because your child is well ahead of the curve. Now, I get it. These "guidelines" are important to be somewhat aware of because they can alert you if your child is not developing on track but they should still be seen as very vague guidelines.

My son did everything early until he was about a year old. Every milestone was reached about a month early. So what? I must be supermom who has impeccable genetics making all other children inferior to mine. Right? Not at all. My son may climb, run, wave, kiss, play, dance, jump blah blah blah all day long but the kid doesn't say a single word (I don't count "dada" or "mumum" to be words). He does communicate all of his needs to his father and I just fine. He "just doesn't have anything to say" according to my lovely cousin/expert mother.

My scenario is this. At my sons 12 month check up his doctor put the fear of God in me. "If he isn't saying three words by the time he is 15 months old then we will have to send him to a specialist and consider it a real problem." Que mom's three month panic attack. So here I am, spending the next three months desperately wanting my son to say one word. Just. One. Word.

He didn't.

We go in for his 15 month check up, after a sleepless night for mom wondering what Dr. Must-Be-Right-On-Schedule will say to us. As soon as he enters the room I start explaining what Danny does babble, how he communicates and point out that he does not have any "real" words. Dr. MBROS says "oh he is communicating just fine, don't worry about it." Thanks, asshole. Thank you so much for letting me spend the last THREE MONTHS worried that my kid was behind. Now Dr. Asshole isn't really an asshole. He was actually my pediatrician growing up and took care of most of my cousins and friends. I do trust him for medical advice and care. But, just as my instincts have always said-mommy by your own book!!! Don't follow some chart and agonize over ensuring that your child meets every mark. If you're a responsible mom (or dad) and are paying attention to your child's development then you will know if there is something wrong or at least you'll see a red flag if you get a suspicion that something is off. Don't let the doctor freak you out, don't let other moms make you feel small because your kid isn't where theirs is, and don't let overbearing mothers/aunts/sisters try to tell you about your child. You are the mom and you know what it best, you know if your kid is doing ok better than anyone else.

By the way, Danny is totally dancing like an 18 month old. . . isn't he great!

I kid, I kid.

Happy Birthday to my Wonderful Husband!

This may be a mommy blog but I can't let August 7th go by without writing a little something about my wonderful husband, after all he did make me a mother :).

My husband, Stephen, literally does it all. He is a kind, caring, considerate, loving and devoted man. He is super-dad.  He does EVERYTHING for our son. From the day Danny was born Stephen has been in incredible dad mode, I tell people this all the time (and it is true) that until Danny was about two weeks old I only changed two diapers. He cleans/diapers/plays/feeds/disciplines/loves our son. There is nothing that he wont do for him or me for that matter. He has picked up so much slack at home since I went back to college, doing dishes, laundry and cleaning after working ten hours so I can study or write. He works hard every day so that I can stay home with Danny because he knows that it important for moms to stay home with their kids. He supports me in every way shape and form.

He has been my best friend since I was 16 years old. We have grown up together. He amazed me when he decided to enlist in the Marine Corps even though he didn't have a lot of support from his family and friends. He is his own person, never allows anyone to influence his thoughts or actions. He worked hard while in the military every day until he was honorably discharged so he could pursue other dreams.

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life. We've been through so much together, I am so thankful to have him as the most important person in my life. He has gone from the guy who would drive around and "wreck stuff" to the guy who watched Elmo's World on a daily basis but still manages to be the same goofy kid I fell in love with eight years ago.

Happy Birthday, Stephen!!

I didn't suck today

Or yesterday.

After a hellish day like Wednesday my son and I both deserved to have a great day where neither of us broke down and cried. We both needed all the giggles and hugs that were had the last two days. Tickle fights, stroller rides and swims in my Grandma's pool.

I have to acknowledge a very sad (yet inevitable) thing that is happening to our family. Our beautiful, fun, mature, caring and kind little (but not so little anymore) sister is leaving for college next week. She (hubby's sister, my SIL) is going to play all kinds of NCAA sports, major in Psychology and pretty much be a rock star. I have known her since she was 9, loved her since the day I met her and I am so sad she'll be living so far away. But, I know she is going to do wonderful things in her life, and going to college in Vermont is just one of her stepping stones. So to that wonderful aunt/sister/friend, we love yo to pieces and we will miss you like crazy.

(Don't go)

Worst. Mom. Ever.

Yes. That was me yesterday. Worst mom on the planet.

Well. . .

The day started off as the day from hell (and I mean it, no amount of Hail Mary's would have saved this day). My sweet little angel woke up at 4:21am ready to party. Hubby and I took turns trying to get him to sleep, occupying him, playing with him and essentially giving up and letting him run around the house like a circus freak.

Our early morning led to a very crabby toddler who would not nap. Seriously. Would. Not. Nap. I have never seen a child act so bratty grumpy as my child did yesterday. He was literally walking around the house whining. Just walking around whining. Room to room. Usually when he is in a whiney mood we just leave, go for a drive, walk around the mall, find a park-anything to get him out of the house and happy again.

It didn't work this time. We literally went from 4:21 am to 8:00pm with a crabby kid who wanted nothing to do with anything but himself and his little grumpy pity party. Maybe he knew Elmo was on re-run or something.

I don't know.

By the time dinner was over and I was trying to get the little angel into the bathtub I had had it. I had nothing left to give. This of course is when he decides to go all rambo baby on me. Running around the house, trying to jump into the filling bath tub while still dressed, tearing his training potty apart, throwing things. This kid had to have been trying to get me going.

It worked.

I lost it. I mean lost it. I was acting like my own mother. I wont go that far because I wasn't under the influence of anything other than a very naughty little boy, but I was yelling. Not nice Mommy, not nice.

While I was in the poorly thought out idea to get the kid to sit down on the floor while I finished getting the bath ready, mid yell my hubby walks in the door.

Busted.

He graciously offered to take over. I turned him down, feeling guilty that I let a toddler get the best of me. So together we bathed, jammied, played and read to our little boy who suddenly became a little sweetheart. Maybe I just needed to wash the monster off of him.

Yesterday wasn't exactly one of those days that make you think of "the joys of motherhood." I never dreamed of days like that when I was pregnant and so excited about having a baby and taking care of that baby every day. No mother dreams of these days, but they do happen. Every mom breaks down, gets frustrated and lets the little "monsters" win. Days like yesterday just remind me how lucky I am when my little guy wants to cuddle with me on the couch and watch Mickey Mouse. The good definitely out weighs the bad in our family and I am so thankful for that. My son is healthy and happy (most of the time). So a bratty grumpy day here and there are nothing I can't handle.

I will remember that next time he is being a monster. I will. I promise.

A letter to a person in your life who should be "let go"

Just for fun =)

Dear person in my life who is no longer welcome,

This letter is to inform you that you are no longer welcome as an active member in my life. I would like to express my sincere regret that you and I are not able to continue our relationship at this time. The following reasons have contributed to this termination:

* You are rude. You say rude things to me, my husband or my child. You do not know when to use your mental filter that tells you what is appropriate to say out loud and what is not.
* I can never meet your demands. No matter how hard I try, I am never able to make you happy with my life, actions, ideas and choices.
* You have made me feel inadequate in this_________(family/friendship/situation etc) on numerous occasions.
* You have disrespected my values and my family on numerous occasions.

Again, I would like to express my deepest regret that this relationship must be terminated, however I don't have the time/energy/desire to continue working on a relationship that is both physically and mentally draining to me. The relationship is one way, there is no return for the work I put into it and for that it must end.

I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors and relationships. It is my hope that you will learn from this debacle of a relationship and improve your future relationships.

Sincerely,

Me

Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Ball Pit

     Because I've been hobbling around all week (see previous post) I thought that I would review my sons favorite toy of the week.
     The Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Playland Ball Pit is a great toy for any child who loves Mickey Mouse. The ball pit which is completely inflatable which makes it super safe and worry free. It has two open sides, a covered top, one side as three circle windows and the opposite side has four holes where the child can put the balls in and out of. My little guy has so much fun climbing in and out of this toy, putting toys in and out and just hanging out. Several times I have caught him reading a book in the ball pit. 
     The only drawback to this toy is that it only comes with 20 balls, you definitely need to buy extra for it to really feel like a ball pit.

If you're interested in purchasing the Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Playland Ball Pit 

 For the extra balls follow this link @ Extra Balls

Happy shopping/playing!!

Broken

I am about to write something that I never envisioned myself writing or even happening when I thought about what motherhood would be like. My son broke my toe. Yes, that is right. I said it. My sweet and angelic little boy threw a very large can of tomato sauce out of the grocery cart right onto my big toe (I almost only ever wear flip flops). There I stood, right by the fresh fish at my local Safeway store, wanting to scream, cry, pass out, and possibly give my child a public spanking (I didn't) and I literally could not move because it hurt so bad. I obviously didn't think it was broken because I hobbled around the store to finish my shopping, feeling like I couldn't breath the whole time.

When I finally finished my shopping and got in the car I realized that I couldn't drive very well, but of course all of my relatives who live in a five mile radius couldn't be bothered to answer their phones. So I drove my son and myself home. I've never had a bigger case of road rage in my life. Like people should have known from looking at my car that I wanted them to "get the hell out of the way. . .my baby broke me and I want to go home and cry!!!!!!"

They didn't.

Luckily, my little brother did eventually answer his phone and come over to help out.

My son, well, he must know he did something not so nice to Mommy (even though I know it was an accident-that he hit me, not that he threw it), he was so lovey all day, just wanted to come and hug me. It is really hard to be mad at a little boy who is being so sweet.

Anyone know a good remedy for an injured toe??

To Bring or Not To Bring. . .

Ok.

So I have a toddler son, as I'm sure you know. I had to attend a bridal shower today and decided that I should leave my son at home for several reasons. One being that he is a boy, boys don't go to showers like that. Two being that I wanted a Mommy break (Daddy was happy to spend time with Danny alone). Three being that I thought it would be slightly inappropriate to bring a young child to an adult party.

Anyway, like I suspected would happened did, I got a load of crap for not bringing my son to the party. No one was mean about it, just kept pestering me about not bringing him. It would have been nice to go to a party and not be pestered about why I didn't bring him, where he is and what he is doing. I know that everyone LOVES my son, but way to make me feel like you only want me around if I bring my little ball of entertainment. . .sheesh!

So, my Mommy tip of the day: If a mom shows up somewhere without her child, just take a chill pill and leave her alone. Sometimes us Supermoms (ha) need a break, we want to go to a part without a diaper bag, we want to have a little fun without worrying about the baby catching on fire because of the 350 candles lit all over the place. Just ask how the child is doing and then leave her the hell alone.

Unless you suspect she might be pulling a Casey Anthony-then ask a lot of questions.

(Too soon)?

P.S I found my ipod in the couch cushion this morning.

Have you seen my ipod?

CRAP!

I am finally dealing with my ipod after my computer crashed and I had to start over. Well I was trying to deal with my ipod. I left the room for two minutes to come back and find the ipod missing and a very guilty look on my sons face.

If only he could talk, maybe he would tell me what he did with it. Or I would have to bribe him with a cookie. Bribery doesn't work very well when the subject doesn't understand what I am saying.

Crap!

I just have to say it . . .

DANNY IS GOING TO HAVE A COUSIN!!

I am so thrilled for my BIL Brian and his beautiful wife Haley. They announced on Monday that they are expecting their first child together, making Alexis a big sister and Danny a big cousin. I haven't been able to stop smiling since I heard their news. Brian and Haley are two of my favorite people, they are great brother/sister/friend to Stephen and I so we are so happy to share in their joy. I can't wait for the new addition to the family to arrive. He/She is due right around Danny's birthday, when I asked him if he wanted to share a birthday with his new cousin he bust into tears and threw a fit (coincidentally. . . it was bed time). I know he is going to love having a little guy or girl to play with, he already loves hanging out with Alexis who is nine years older than him.

Brian and Haley are already wonderful parents and great aunt and uncle to Danny. I can't wait to see them with their new child. Such a happy time in our family.

If you guys need help with a name, Ella is a great name :)

OMG. No you didn't!!

OMG. Yes I did. I cut my sons hair. Well, actually, a lovely woman at Pigtails and Crewcuts cut his hair, but I made the decision to do it and I took him.

I'm sure for the next two weeks I'll be hearing all about how much I suck for cutting his hair (like I did when I had his hair cut for his birthday three months ago). His curls did grow back in-spite of everyone saying they wouldn't, and they were adorable, but he is a little boy and I want him to have a clean haircut. When he is old enough to have an opinion about his hair I'll let him do whatever he wants to it (someone remember that when I hate his mohawk or green stripes), but right now he is a little boy, my little boy and I get to make these menial decisions for him.

I think he looks adorable with his hair cut anyway. So in the words of the funny Mexican guy from the movie Heartbreak Kid "Screw off" if you don't like my sons hair cut!

Our Wagon

While I was at the beach for a week with my son I was so grateful to have his wagon with us. Not only did it make dragging all of the junk that I insisted on having on the beach much easier, but it also functions as a mini cooler for mommy juice!

Ok, I shouldn't be selfish. The wagon also happens to be my sons favorite toy. It stays in his room at home because we don't have a garage and he LOVES it. He spends a good portion of the day climbing on the wagon and putting his toys in and out of the wagon.

The Little Tikes Tide and Relax Wagon was given as a gift last Christmas and it rocks! It can function as a regular bench wagon, or you can simply lift a couple of flaps to use the seat feature equipped with seat-belts. When not using the seats and seat-belts you are able to use the area as the cooler. The wagon also has the ability to lift one of the side walls over making the wagon look like a portable bench (and also making it easier for my little guy to climb on). It also has six cup-holders. Two of which are inside for the passengers use, and four are outside for the pullers to use.

Assembly was pretty easy, other than my husband breaking one of the parts *cough cough* and then having to wait a couple of days for Little Tikes to send us a new one (for free).

All in all, we love this product! If this one doesn't last to use for all of out kids then we'll replace it with the same wagon.

If you want to learn more about the Little Tikes Ride and Relax Wagon follow the link below.

http://www.littletikes.com/toys/ride-relax-wagon.aspx?Ne=1&N=26+140&GCID=S16744x005&MATCHTYPE=search&gtkw=little%20tikes%20wagon&btengine=GooglePPC&btkw=%28little%20tikes%20wagon%29&gclid=CLXC_ryIjqoCFQPc4AodAS8TzQ

Happy Shopping!

"In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms"

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this before, but I am a stay-at-home mom (other than that whole college thing). Now I may or may not have mentioned this before, but I have gotten my fair share of grief for that choice that my husband and I made. These naysayers (as Dr. Laura puts it) have said things like "why are you bothering getting a degree" or "just get over it, everyone leaves there kids" and "no one wants someone else to raise their kids, but you can't live on a single income." A lot of these naysayers pretty much say the same thing in the end and that is "get over it." Well I wont. I can't. I know that there are so many ways in which different families can function, this is simply our way. Mom stays home and raises the kids and dad goes to work (for money).

Keeping all this in mind while I was rummaging through the Barnes and Noble 50% off bin a couple of weeks ago I found this book (for $2.98 after the discounts) In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms by Dr. Laura Schlessinger.  I had heard of Dr. Laura before, but didn't really know anything about her. I bought this book only because of the title and the price.

I read the dedication and was in tears. Dr. Laura recalls an email she once received that captures the exact sentiment I feel about wanting to stay home and raise my children.

Here are my favorite parts of that email:

I had to spend as much time with my children as I could. My husband worked extra hours, I made do with what we had, and we made things work for us. My husband would work at night or at home, but if there was a baseball game-he was there. I but everyone's hair, including my own, did my own nails, and never bought anything that was on ale. We were happy.

There were many days where I was pulling out my hair, found myself screaming at them, and was totally exhausted by the end of the day, thinking to myself, "Any other work would be a pleasant relief." But there were also many moments I would never trade for any job, no matter what the pay. Those moments when your child gives you a smile or a look you never forget, moments when they would give you a kiss, a hug or just hold your hand for no reason. Those are the moments a mother treasures in her heart forever and they can never be replaced, not even by a grandmother.

The woman goes on to tell Dr. Laura that her middle son passed away at the age of 22 and how grateful she is for all of the simple moments she shared with him while she was staying home, raising her son.

We never know what life has in store for us and our children, because of this I want to do everything in my power to cherish my kids, love them to pieces and always be there for them.

It is my hope then when my own naysayers are bringing me down I will be able to find a passage in this book that helps lift me back up.

I promise to share those passages with you.

Vacation?

I plan on writing about my vacation and posting some pictures, but first I want to talk about the whole idea of vacation. . . with a one-year-old.

Does it really count as a vacation?

I spent half of my week at the beach slathering the spf on my little guy (he has really good olive skin but I was still worried about burns) and carting a ton of junk to and from the beach. Not only was I flying solo because my dear hubby couldn't take time off from work, but I have the most rambunctious one-year-old on the planet. He was not afraid of the water at all. As soon as I set him down on the beach he took off towards the ocean. And I chased him. I probably could have lost five pounds while I was away had ice cream not been served for desert every night :).

So here are my tips on how to make vacationing with young children a bit easier:

1. Plan ahead-make sure you bring everything you think you could possibly need. Don't be afraid to over pack. Kids to better when they are in familiar surroundings so don't be afraid to bring a ton of their stuff.
2. Relax-don't spend too much time worrying about the baby eating sand or making sure you get the perfect tan. It is a vacation, you are supposed to have fun, but at the same time life is different now, you will be playing more than sun bathing.
3. Let people help-I am lucky enough to have a wonderful Aunt Jodie who was dying to spend a day with my son, so while she played grandma (she has four children, but not any grandchildren *ahem*), I drank some mommy juice, worked on my tan and conversed with my dear cousins.
4. Safety 1st-don't forget that you are in an unfamiliar place for your child, always be on the lookout (much more than you are at home where everything is baby proof and you know what is safe/not safe). This might not be the time to read your new book, wait until the little ones go down for the night.
5. Have fun-Remember, you're on vacation. Have fun, relax and enjoy yourself!

"The Beach"

A long time ago, 21 years to be exact my wonderful, paternal grandparents decided that they would start a annual family reunion with their children and the families that those children had created. This tradition has been going on, every year since 1990 at a little beach town in North Carolina called Oak Island.

Oak Island is possibly one of my favorite places on earth. It is so beautiful, quiet and serene. It is the perfect beach to take young children because there is no boardwalk, just sand, sun and waves.

I feel truly blessed to come from such a big family. Everyone doesn't always make the beach trip, but this year most are at least making an appearance. My Grandma and Grandpa have five children. Child #1 has 11 children, child #2 has 5 children and 4 grandchildren, #3 has four children, #4 (my dad) has 5 children and 3 grandchildren and lastly #5 has 2 daughters (who are more like my sisters than cousins) and 3 grandchildren. If you're keeping count you also have to factor in 5 spouses who were added to the mix.

Since this trip was established it has been fondly known as "The Beach." We've never felt the need to explain to curious friends where we're going, they always know what we're talking about when we say we're going to "The Beach."

This years trip is bittersweet because my Grandpa's Alzheimer's disease seems to be progressing and it is especially noticeable when he is around so many people he only sees once or twice a year. Today, for the first time since my son was born my Grandpa didn't know who he was. I live about 7 minutes from his house, so he sees Danny all the time. I had to leave the room for a few minutes to compose myself because his condition is no longer something that I can ignore. My Grandpa is an incredible man, he served as an officer in the Navy for over 30 years, raised a beautiful family, is a wonderful husband, father and Grandfather. It breaks my heart to see him struggle to remember the names to so many faced he knows so well.

I hope to spend quality time with all of my aunts, uncles and cousins this week and especially some time with Grandpa, because I know his time is precious.

If you are interested in learning about Alzheimer's Disease check out this great site @ http://www.alzfdn.org/?gclid=CP7K2aHB9akCFYgRNAodCBsTag

Rest In Peace

There were a ton of things I wanted to blog about today, after all we just came off a long holiday weekend. But, the only thing people care about right now is the Casey Anthony Trial.

Whether you believe that she is guilty and the jury was wrong in their decision the sad fact remains that a little girl was murdered then tossed out like yesterdays garbage. I pray that she is resting in peace and that whoever did kill her is never able to hurt anyone again.

Rest In Peace sweet child.