It began in the womb. I was an addict to my ipod and my radio in my car turned up loud. I was pregnant with a very LARGE commute to teach in the Bronx everyday, and on the weekends I was hiking it back to the Bronx for my Masters classes. Apparently I listened to very specific things. During the week I listened to top 40 NYC radio station Z100 on the way to work. I was leaving CT at 5:30 am (yes I was getting up at 4:45am can you believe it?) and inorder to wake up in the VERY dark morning...I would turn the radio really loud and sing along to the hits. I remember Rhihanna at the time came out with that song "Murderer"..and I would sing it over and over as they played it about 3 times in the course of my commute. On the weekends on my way to the Bronx I got in the habit to listening to my Dave Mathews Cd (the same one EVERY weekend). When I was about 8 months pregnant I noted that my belly moved alot when Dave Mathews came on and even thumped and bumped when the Black Eyed Peas came on. I had a feeling I had a devoted fan in there, as I have been a devoted fan to my love of hip-hop and rap music, and my extreme devotion to Dave Mathews.
Fast Forward to a year an a half later. A few weeks ago on the way to Rhode Island Pete and I turned on Dave Mathews and started to sing. We looked in the backseat and Rylan was practically waving a lighter in the air and singing too. Then I began to notice that he was bopping to my Kanye West cd in the car. Then today...for the thrid time this week..I put on my Rhihanna and noticed the same reaction to a particular song from Rylan. It is called "Let me get that"...a dirty little number that is so not appropriate for a verbal 18 month old. I cringe about thinking of him spending time with the speech therapist and him starting to talk and singing it. But HE LOVES IT. It has a reggae beat, and a hip hop sound and everytime it is on he BEAMS and begins to clap his hands and go "Eh" every few beats. As I told you over the summer everytime the song "Umbrella" came on he did the "eh eh eh" chorus. Apparently my son has a thing for her! His 2nd loved song is a Fergie song called "Mary Jane"---need I say more? Rylan whole heartedly agrees with my choice of car music in my 5 cd changer....and none of them consist of "kid friendly" music. Here is my list:
cd 1 Alicia Keys
cd 2 Dave Mathews
cd 3 Kanye West
cd 4 Rhihanna
cd 5 Fergie
Does this have to be reported to child services? :-)
(don't worry I do have the "cleaned up" versions in the car--ok Kanye is not...but that is because Pete purchased it!---so if Ry drops the F-bomb as one of his first words....blame it on Kanye :-) )
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
A Miracle and some prayers
Last night we found out bad news that Pete's grandfather probably wouldn't make it through the night. The poor man has been in the hospital for a few weeks, battling a number of problems after what seemed to be a simple and gone well operation. Yesterday he went into cardiac arrest 4 times. The last time they asked the family if they wanted him to be resuscitated...luckily they decided to do so. The Dr. was surprised that he came through seeing as 4 times is alot for the heart to take in a day. At the end of the night the family was told basically that there isn't any way he can recover. However...he woke up this morning smiling, moving, vitals are great, and blood pressure fine. For as much heartache the family went through last night..we might just have a miracle on our hands. If you have a moment please add him to your prayers...because they make a difference.
Big and Purple
Who would have thought I would get so many e-mails requesting Pete's purple toe?! Warning---if you aren't feeling well, or eating something you might want to refrain from checking out this train wreck!
without further a due:
without further a due:
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Return of the Dad and a Purple Toe
Pete came home late Sunday night. I woke up since I have been half sleeping for days and we chatted about his trip a little bit. I knew something was wrong when he could barely move without sighing. I tell him all the time that he is an old man and that old men get hurt playing soccer at his age (he turns 37 this week!). Well he pointed his flashlight on his foot and said "check this out". It was a HORRID site...and I thought it couldn't get any worse. It hurt me looking at it never mind him walking on it. After about 4 hours sleep he woke up...nasty broken toe and all..and headed to work. Needless to say he came home last night and it was WORSE. It was beyond purple. I have never seen anything look like that before. He also shared his "other injuries" which were just as pretty! I of course HAD to take a picture of this infamous toe for the blog! (picture will be posted later---I know you are all excited to see Pete's messed up foot!)
On Monday Rylan and I ran around and did a few errands. First we went to the chiropractor. After Rylan got adjusted, he ran around a bit. I lay down to get adjusted. I was so excited because my back was hurting and it always relaxes me when I come. Rylan apparently had other plans for me. He ran over and threw his coat on my head and his hat. When I did nothing with it, he continued to put it on my head and go "EHH EHH". I of course laughed and ignored it. Rylan then got my coat and repeated the same thing. The chiropractor and I laughed about how Rylan wanted to blow this joint. Then I hear the Chiropractor laughing and saying "Oh Rylan now it is Mommy's turn". Rylan figured out the person who was keeping him here was the chiropractor ...and he developed a new plan. He started to push his hands away from touching me! As if to say "we got better things to do ...stop touching her so we can GO". When I was fully done it took an entire 30 seconds to get our coats on and out the door. Maybe Rylan was anticipating the end of the day and finally seeing his Dad!
Pete noticed while I was gone how many projects I got done. He commented on how the Kitchen didn't even look the same! Besides cleaning the house, I switched our closets, cleaned out our book shelves, donated clothes, and cleaned out the kitchen cabinets and fridge. All things we always say we are going to "get" to but never do. Who would have thought I had time over the weekend to visit Kerri down the street, have a girls night out, take a nap, and visit my inlaws! We concluded that Pete and I can no longer say we never spend any time together...because with that time I did ALL of the above mentioned when he was gone!
On Monday Rylan and I ran around and did a few errands. First we went to the chiropractor. After Rylan got adjusted, he ran around a bit. I lay down to get adjusted. I was so excited because my back was hurting and it always relaxes me when I come. Rylan apparently had other plans for me. He ran over and threw his coat on my head and his hat. When I did nothing with it, he continued to put it on my head and go "EHH EHH". I of course laughed and ignored it. Rylan then got my coat and repeated the same thing. The chiropractor and I laughed about how Rylan wanted to blow this joint. Then I hear the Chiropractor laughing and saying "Oh Rylan now it is Mommy's turn". Rylan figured out the person who was keeping him here was the chiropractor ...and he developed a new plan. He started to push his hands away from touching me! As if to say "we got better things to do ...stop touching her so we can GO". When I was fully done it took an entire 30 seconds to get our coats on and out the door. Maybe Rylan was anticipating the end of the day and finally seeing his Dad!
Pete noticed while I was gone how many projects I got done. He commented on how the Kitchen didn't even look the same! Besides cleaning the house, I switched our closets, cleaned out our book shelves, donated clothes, and cleaned out the kitchen cabinets and fridge. All things we always say we are going to "get" to but never do. Who would have thought I had time over the weekend to visit Kerri down the street, have a girls night out, take a nap, and visit my inlaws! We concluded that Pete and I can no longer say we never spend any time together...because with that time I did ALL of the above mentioned when he was gone!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
A few cute pics
I am having technical difficulties with added photos to my blog from my new Mac. Therefore I only get to upload photos on the "old" guy downstairs. Since Pete is gone and I have some time on my hands I thought I would share a few cute photos from the past few weeks:
He loves balls so much he insists on bringing them in the tub with him
He loves to cuddle with Shrek
Rylan's new thing is dumping every toy out of every container in the house
He loves balls so much he insists on bringing them in the tub with him
He loves to cuddle with Shrek
Rylan's new thing is dumping every toy out of every container in the house
Friday, January 25, 2008
Not a creature was stirring.....
It is 10:20 pm and I am sitting in silence. When in the past 2 years have I been able to hear the hum of the fridge, or the plane flying above the house?
I have no child to check on in his crib, no husband to stop from snoring. The idea of being able to vacuum the entire house tonight at this late hour makes me giggle. It is strange.
To think I lived years by myself in NYC and now feel weird to have a home in silence.
Tonight I got to go out with a few mom friends to dinner and a movie. We of course went to see a chick flick--27 dresses (clearly a movie our husbands would not go to). We chatted about the teens at the movie theatre and how they "dressed" up in pj's...wondering what trend our kids would be sporten to a Friday night PG13 movie. The chick flick was funny and cute. A part of it has the main characters singing to "Benny and the Jets"....and as I mentioned to my friends...it was funny to think about how 70% of the audience tonight probably never heard of that song. I pondered after listening to one of the pajama crews who were about 15 yr old....Was I ever that annoying? Did I infact talk like that? Act like that?....I know for a fact I was and worse...I had a potty mouth that would make an old women of the age of 31 cringe. I also think about what I used to wear to school......yeah ummm....luckily most of the people in my life now never knew me THEN. Anyway....it is interesting to have a night like this. It seems to the outside world we were just a few friends catching a movie...but to us it was a gift. A little time away for us to be free and be something other then someones mom or wife.
For as happy as I am that I had this night to just be me. I miss my family. I am looking at the floor scattered with toys that a few hours ago were being held by Rylan's chubby little hands. I think about how we snugged on the couch this morning watching Mickey Mouse and how he put his head on my lap to get closer. I miss Pete. Besides my husband, he is my very best friend. He knows me better then anyone does and I am free at all times to show my true colors --good and bad--something I am not able to do with anyone else in this world. I miss the sound of snoring....I miss looking at my sweat 18 month old cramped up in a corner of his crib. It is a good thing to miss them every now and again and put into perspective what a gift they are to me. I am so blessed to have these men in my life.
Now I am off to go vacuum at 10:46 pm :-) (that's a way to "live it up")
I have no child to check on in his crib, no husband to stop from snoring. The idea of being able to vacuum the entire house tonight at this late hour makes me giggle. It is strange.
To think I lived years by myself in NYC and now feel weird to have a home in silence.
Tonight I got to go out with a few mom friends to dinner and a movie. We of course went to see a chick flick--27 dresses (clearly a movie our husbands would not go to). We chatted about the teens at the movie theatre and how they "dressed" up in pj's...wondering what trend our kids would be sporten to a Friday night PG13 movie. The chick flick was funny and cute. A part of it has the main characters singing to "Benny and the Jets"....and as I mentioned to my friends...it was funny to think about how 70% of the audience tonight probably never heard of that song. I pondered after listening to one of the pajama crews who were about 15 yr old....Was I ever that annoying? Did I infact talk like that? Act like that?....I know for a fact I was and worse...I had a potty mouth that would make an old women of the age of 31 cringe. I also think about what I used to wear to school......yeah ummm....luckily most of the people in my life now never knew me THEN. Anyway....it is interesting to have a night like this. It seems to the outside world we were just a few friends catching a movie...but to us it was a gift. A little time away for us to be free and be something other then someones mom or wife.
For as happy as I am that I had this night to just be me. I miss my family. I am looking at the floor scattered with toys that a few hours ago were being held by Rylan's chubby little hands. I think about how we snugged on the couch this morning watching Mickey Mouse and how he put his head on my lap to get closer. I miss Pete. Besides my husband, he is my very best friend. He knows me better then anyone does and I am free at all times to show my true colors --good and bad--something I am not able to do with anyone else in this world. I miss the sound of snoring....I miss looking at my sweat 18 month old cramped up in a corner of his crib. It is a good thing to miss them every now and again and put into perspective what a gift they are to me. I am so blessed to have these men in my life.
Now I am off to go vacuum at 10:46 pm :-) (that's a way to "live it up")
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Where'd Daddy go?
Pete left last night for a "soccer" tournement in Florida. He says it is "All business"...I say it is a "BOYS TRIP"! I was invited to come but chosse not to seeing as sitting through a 30's and over soccer game everyday isn't exactly my type of fun...especially in Disney! So Rylan and I opted out of this one,.....while I hash out plans for a "girls trip" possibly to see my old friend from NYC--Sarah (ironically I have two friends Sarah in San Francisco both red heads!).
Pete left after work lastnight and immediatly following him leaving Rylan went into each room of the house looking for him. Then we spent the next 15 min. pointing at pictures of Daddy throughout the house. Soon after Pete called before his flight and he had a few drinks already (sure ALLLLL business rihgt?)...he said it was a means to calming his fear of flying down...I say it was a bunch of guys at a bar happy to be away from their wives and kids!
For some reason I was a freak last night about listening for Rylan. I guess it was because I was alone in the house...but the thing is pete is a DEEP sleeper and wouldn't hear him normally anyway. Go figure. Somehow my Mommy ear turns up when alone.
He doesn't come home until Sunday so in the meantime I am keeping myself busy by:
*Being on the computer any and all times of the day (Pete says I am addicting to the new Apple...so he isn't here to complain)
* Read up on all celebrity gossip and discuss with the gossip girls in my life
* Watch anything and everything I want to watch on the large screen tv downstairs that is usually playing football or video games at night
*Go out Friday night while my inlaws take Rylan overnight (YEY)
*Do all of Pete's house "duties" ontop of my own
*Spread out in the bed for once
*Clean the house
*Make what I want for dinner on a small scale---no big meals
*Talk to Christina for as long as I like----we need another 3 hour call about nothing much!
Hopefully Sunday will come soon! We miss him already!
Pete left after work lastnight and immediatly following him leaving Rylan went into each room of the house looking for him. Then we spent the next 15 min. pointing at pictures of Daddy throughout the house. Soon after Pete called before his flight and he had a few drinks already (sure ALLLLL business rihgt?)...he said it was a means to calming his fear of flying down...I say it was a bunch of guys at a bar happy to be away from their wives and kids!
For some reason I was a freak last night about listening for Rylan. I guess it was because I was alone in the house...but the thing is pete is a DEEP sleeper and wouldn't hear him normally anyway. Go figure. Somehow my Mommy ear turns up when alone.
He doesn't come home until Sunday so in the meantime I am keeping myself busy by:
*Being on the computer any and all times of the day (Pete says I am addicting to the new Apple...so he isn't here to complain)
* Read up on all celebrity gossip and discuss with the gossip girls in my life
* Watch anything and everything I want to watch on the large screen tv downstairs that is usually playing football or video games at night
*Go out Friday night while my inlaws take Rylan overnight (YEY)
*Do all of Pete's house "duties" ontop of my own
*Spread out in the bed for once
*Clean the house
*Make what I want for dinner on a small scale---no big meals
*Talk to Christina for as long as I like----we need another 3 hour call about nothing much!
Hopefully Sunday will come soon! We miss him already!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A life changing childhood story of mine
After telling the Mom's in group yesterday this story I felt like it would be a great one to post.
When I was in first grade my cat was stuck in a near by garage. My mom asked my sister to take me across the street to her best friends house. My sister pushed the button to the cross walk, and the walk sign came on. My sister stayed back cautiously to look both ways....I on the other hand hopped off the side walk into the street....A car came wizzing around the corner not paying attention to the 7 yr old crossing the street. She hit me. She hit me hard. According to people working in the building in front of the cross walk I flew up about 3 stories and landed flat on my face. I remember the payment stinging for a moment and then going numb. I am not sure what happened next until I was in the ambulance and was asked if I could hear them, how old I was, and other questions in an attempt to keep me awake. I was too busy looking elsewhere....as I remember being surrounded by a bright warm light. I was agitated that these EMT workers kept pulling my attention back to them. Apparently they were saving my life. I draw a blank trying to remember details until I was in the elevator at the hospital as they rushed me into the ER and threw up all over the EMT taking me there. I remember them smiling and happy I did this because apparently it was a "good sign".
After this experience I was OBSESSED as a child about near death experiences...which I believe I had. I also loved stories about angels, and miracles. And to this day I find myself intrigued by these topics. As a mother now I can not believe my mom held it together so well. Or they could bare too look at me without breaking down. I remember looking in the mirror for the first time and the horror it brought. I looked like a zombie---but I was Alive.
Fast forward to high school. Christina and I were working at Honey Dew Doughnuts...yes us two TOGETHER working as doughnut attendants :-) (hope you don't mind Christina telling everyone of your coffee brewing past). Anyway ---on this particular day I was working the drive threw window. Seeing as it was in our hometown we often saw familiar faces. On this particular day this customer remembered my face...but I did not his. As he payed and I gave him his coffee he smiled with delight. He said "I am going to ask you a question that might seem odd?"...Ok I thought..."Where you ever in a car accident as a child on this street?" (the shop was literally on the same street I was hit on and a few yards from the cross walk) I told him I was. He smiled and said "I was the first at the seen"...he was in fact that EMT who saved my life. At 16 what do you say? I just said "Thank You" and offered him a free coffee. I never saw him again but think of what a gift that was ...a reminder really..not to take life for granted. I think it was also a gift to see me alive and well...as I can not imagine what I looked like at 7 sprawled out on the pavement.
My mom still lives near that cross walk...and to this day I press the button and look back and forth about 100 times before going. When I look at my family now, and the accomplishments I have made ...I understand why I couldn't go with the light that surrounded me. Not yet anyway. All I know is....at the ripe old age of 7...I realized death is not something to be afraid of. I am thankful God had a plan for me.
When I was in first grade my cat was stuck in a near by garage. My mom asked my sister to take me across the street to her best friends house. My sister pushed the button to the cross walk, and the walk sign came on. My sister stayed back cautiously to look both ways....I on the other hand hopped off the side walk into the street....A car came wizzing around the corner not paying attention to the 7 yr old crossing the street. She hit me. She hit me hard. According to people working in the building in front of the cross walk I flew up about 3 stories and landed flat on my face. I remember the payment stinging for a moment and then going numb. I am not sure what happened next until I was in the ambulance and was asked if I could hear them, how old I was, and other questions in an attempt to keep me awake. I was too busy looking elsewhere....as I remember being surrounded by a bright warm light. I was agitated that these EMT workers kept pulling my attention back to them. Apparently they were saving my life. I draw a blank trying to remember details until I was in the elevator at the hospital as they rushed me into the ER and threw up all over the EMT taking me there. I remember them smiling and happy I did this because apparently it was a "good sign".
After this experience I was OBSESSED as a child about near death experiences...which I believe I had. I also loved stories about angels, and miracles. And to this day I find myself intrigued by these topics. As a mother now I can not believe my mom held it together so well. Or they could bare too look at me without breaking down. I remember looking in the mirror for the first time and the horror it brought. I looked like a zombie---but I was Alive.
Fast forward to high school. Christina and I were working at Honey Dew Doughnuts...yes us two TOGETHER working as doughnut attendants :-) (hope you don't mind Christina telling everyone of your coffee brewing past). Anyway ---on this particular day I was working the drive threw window. Seeing as it was in our hometown we often saw familiar faces. On this particular day this customer remembered my face...but I did not his. As he payed and I gave him his coffee he smiled with delight. He said "I am going to ask you a question that might seem odd?"...Ok I thought..."Where you ever in a car accident as a child on this street?" (the shop was literally on the same street I was hit on and a few yards from the cross walk) I told him I was. He smiled and said "I was the first at the seen"...he was in fact that EMT who saved my life. At 16 what do you say? I just said "Thank You" and offered him a free coffee. I never saw him again but think of what a gift that was ...a reminder really..not to take life for granted. I think it was also a gift to see me alive and well...as I can not imagine what I looked like at 7 sprawled out on the pavement.
My mom still lives near that cross walk...and to this day I press the button and look back and forth about 100 times before going. When I look at my family now, and the accomplishments I have made ...I understand why I couldn't go with the light that surrounded me. Not yet anyway. All I know is....at the ripe old age of 7...I realized death is not something to be afraid of. I am thankful God had a plan for me.
Nothing Tastes Better then Skinny Update
I am happy to announce I am doing well on my non-diet--diet. As I posted before I am doing a weight watchers "type" thingy--where I am watching what I eat and my proportions. I am even in the habit of reading labels before buying! I have been feeling great and energized. I give my self a "FREE" day per week and the rest of the week I am eating BETTER but not stopping things I love. I feel it would be a set up to eliminate things I love. Like ice cream for instance....instead I just buy the slow churn 50% less cal Turkey Hill which is GREAT! I am also trying to stay more active by walking a mile or two 2-3 times a week. I do have to report I am slacking on the strength training but hope to get back to it.
so far I have lost about 5-7 lbs, and in a WEEK I lost 2 1/2 inches on my waist and an inch and 1/2 on my hips. So go figure ...this non-diet--diet could work for me and it certainly is a healthier lifestyle that I can live with....especially with a FREE day!
Nothing feels better then getting on a scale and watching is decrease!
so far I have lost about 5-7 lbs, and in a WEEK I lost 2 1/2 inches on my waist and an inch and 1/2 on my hips. So go figure ...this non-diet--diet could work for me and it certainly is a healthier lifestyle that I can live with....especially with a FREE day!
Nothing feels better then getting on a scale and watching is decrease!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A Masters in nose picking
I was thinking today as I was leaning over my child with his chin in one of my hands and my other hand in his nose that this is an ART. I know you are all wondering why I am writing about such nastiness...but it is true. Suddenly when you become a mom you start perfecting things you never thought you would. Such as holding a baby down with one arm on the changing table and changing, wiping, and spreading the diaper rash goo ALL with one other hand. Or how about how you said prior to being a mom that you would NEVER use your spit to wipe off something on your child's face....suddenly you are in a moment with no wipes around or water and you think...ahhh what the hell he/she came out of worse places then a little saliva. Back to the nose picking...when they were little you use that lovely blue bulb that sucks all the boogies out...then as they get older they scream and fight you. You try a tissue and that NEVER works. A face cloth with some warm water....nope. A quick swipe with mom's finger nail....YOU GOT IT,
BEING A MOM IS AN ART.....AND MOST OF THE TIME A MESSY ONE.
BEING A MOM IS AN ART.....AND MOST OF THE TIME A MESSY ONE.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
My love for Intervention
I am not sure if I just miss working in drug rehab and chatting with crack addicts everyday...but I am ADDICTED to Intervention. (I might need intervention for watching the Intervention show!)
I can not even get up from the sofa to pee in between commercial breaks in case I miss a minute of it.
I also end up sobbing each and every time the actual intervention happens. Apparently becoming a Mom, and not being in the field for a number of years has made me "softer". Who would have thought? The teenagers in Brooklyn I used to counsel would have never guessed I would go "soft"!
If you haven't watched it on A&E you gotta give it a shot!
I can not even get up from the sofa to pee in between commercial breaks in case I miss a minute of it.
I also end up sobbing each and every time the actual intervention happens. Apparently becoming a Mom, and not being in the field for a number of years has made me "softer". Who would have thought? The teenagers in Brooklyn I used to counsel would have never guessed I would go "soft"!
If you haven't watched it on A&E you gotta give it a shot!
"I'm bringing PASTA back"
I plead the 5th
Although this picture doesn't quite capture tonight's dinner to the fullest....I had to include it. Rylan rejected meatballs and pasta for months and SUDDENLY today he decided they were quite tasty. So much so he "washed his hair" with it, and his high chair. (please note his hair in the picture is this way do from pasta sauce and not from a neglectful Mom not combing it:-) )! I really only made dinner for Pete and I, thinking I would let Ry try it and once he turned it down I would heat up the nuggets! Well surprise surprise ...Rylan ate up all that I left for him, and then moved on to MY PLATE. Apparently Trader Joe's meatballs are a HIT in my house...as Pete hassled me that I did not "make enough for the family"...since the 18 month old was hogging them all! Thankfully I have another item to add to Ry's "short list" of foods! YEY!
Although this picture doesn't quite capture tonight's dinner to the fullest....I had to include it. Rylan rejected meatballs and pasta for months and SUDDENLY today he decided they were quite tasty. So much so he "washed his hair" with it, and his high chair. (please note his hair in the picture is this way do from pasta sauce and not from a neglectful Mom not combing it:-) )! I really only made dinner for Pete and I, thinking I would let Ry try it and once he turned it down I would heat up the nuggets! Well surprise surprise ...Rylan ate up all that I left for him, and then moved on to MY PLATE. Apparently Trader Joe's meatballs are a HIT in my house...as Pete hassled me that I did not "make enough for the family"...since the 18 month old was hogging them all! Thankfully I have another item to add to Ry's "short list" of foods! YEY!
Gotta love my BOY
So it has happened! After many friends of mine had told me I would stop sending out 132414689 pictures of my son every month through snapfish, and I of course said "NEVER"...I have. Not because I am not taking them...I am just too lazy to upload them all AND keep up with the blog! SO I gave in at 18 months! I will attempt to send out some snapfish love every now and then...but for now the blog is keeping up with his growth!
Rylans' MANY types of SMILES
Finally the teachers son cracks open a book--TO FEEL NOT to READ
Eating time is FUN times! Rylan likes to wave from his highchair and then hum things across the room!(but he hums it with a GIANT Smile!)
Rylans' MANY types of SMILES
Finally the teachers son cracks open a book--TO FEEL NOT to READ
Eating time is FUN times! Rylan likes to wave from his highchair and then hum things across the room!(but he hums it with a GIANT Smile!)
A New Poll
I thought it would be fun after my last LONG post to see what all of you thought was the biggest debate for us MOMS right now!
Take a minute to Vote!
:-)
Take a minute to Vote!
:-)
H U G
So Happy to be in Rhode Island visiting the Fam
My new hobby is SPINNING until I fall down
Giving the dog some love and a poke in the eye!
This weekend went flying by...and we are hours from calling it an end.
Friday Pete and I had a surprise date night. The inlaws called up and asked to take Rylan for a few hours which included dinner and bath time! Pete and I went to the mall and too Uno's (I know ohhh la la)...but what an amazing experience to go to the mall TOGETHER without CHILD. These are the little things in life you take for granted prior to having kids...and then suddenly when it happens it is like a godsend.
Saturday we headed to Rhode Island to go to my niece's 3rd birthday! She was so cute dripping in pink ballet outfits. She is no doubt a girly girl and even made sure to include wardrobe changes throughout her party. The kids there managed to also take all of the playdough Ava owns and make it into one big tie -died ball that weighed about 10lbs. My sister sadly had to put it in the trash...and scrape play dough off the floor for an hour. I thought Rylan was not part of this "fun" until I found some play dough on the soles of his shoes which makes him a wee bit guilty to the cause. He was very well behaved for a 1/2 hour nap and a 9pm bedtime! My cousin who met him for the first time even described him as "good natured". This makes me laugh since many have described him as this to me..but I --on a day to day description of him ---wouldn't exactly call him this.
We also learned he LOVES animals. He hugged my sisters dog over and over again. He even poked her in the eye a few times. At my mom's house he followed the cats around and would pet them sooooo gently and with so much love.
We have also FINALLY found books he likes. After some long hours of trying to get him to listen and sit on my lap....he has discovered the pet and feel books. Even though they don't have much of a story line to them...at least he is opening them up and listening to me say the words of what he is touching.
When we woke up this morning he surprised us with a NEW WORD finally! He put his head on my shoulder and yelled out "HUG". It was so sweet. I relish in this moment as he SCREAMS and this very moment while I struggle putting him down for a nap.
My new hobby is SPINNING until I fall down
Giving the dog some love and a poke in the eye!
This weekend went flying by...and we are hours from calling it an end.
Friday Pete and I had a surprise date night. The inlaws called up and asked to take Rylan for a few hours which included dinner and bath time! Pete and I went to the mall and too Uno's (I know ohhh la la)...but what an amazing experience to go to the mall TOGETHER without CHILD. These are the little things in life you take for granted prior to having kids...and then suddenly when it happens it is like a godsend.
Saturday we headed to Rhode Island to go to my niece's 3rd birthday! She was so cute dripping in pink ballet outfits. She is no doubt a girly girl and even made sure to include wardrobe changes throughout her party. The kids there managed to also take all of the playdough Ava owns and make it into one big tie -died ball that weighed about 10lbs. My sister sadly had to put it in the trash...and scrape play dough off the floor for an hour. I thought Rylan was not part of this "fun" until I found some play dough on the soles of his shoes which makes him a wee bit guilty to the cause. He was very well behaved for a 1/2 hour nap and a 9pm bedtime! My cousin who met him for the first time even described him as "good natured". This makes me laugh since many have described him as this to me..but I --on a day to day description of him ---wouldn't exactly call him this.
We also learned he LOVES animals. He hugged my sisters dog over and over again. He even poked her in the eye a few times. At my mom's house he followed the cats around and would pet them sooooo gently and with so much love.
We have also FINALLY found books he likes. After some long hours of trying to get him to listen and sit on my lap....he has discovered the pet and feel books. Even though they don't have much of a story line to them...at least he is opening them up and listening to me say the words of what he is touching.
When we woke up this morning he surprised us with a NEW WORD finally! He put his head on my shoulder and yelled out "HUG". It was so sweet. I relish in this moment as he SCREAMS and this very moment while I struggle putting him down for a nap.
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Great Debates on Being MOM
The thing about becoming a Mom...or even pregnant for the first time for that matter is suddenly you feel the an expert. The unsolicited advice you hated while doing it for the "first time"...you begin to give to other first timers. You also look at how others are parenting and compare and contrast on how you do it. Even the nice Moms that pretend "not to judge" others do. Living in the land of the free brings an array of debates---some WAY more volatile then others..but all important. They mean something to us Mom's because it helps form the children we are shaping.
The other side of "judges" are the NON parents who judge things before even knowing what it is like. I admit I was one of these. I could not understand for the life of me how my friends with kids could give up their careers, and "just" be an at home Mom. I thought "what a waste" and "how lazy". Little did I know I would be here typing from my computer while being an "at home Mom" too. Pie in my face, and tail between my legs...I too can be wrong.
The other factor in these debates are as parents we want the best for our kids. We second guess our choices, and live a life of never ending worry and internal debate. After many frustrating conversations lately I thought it would be fun to list the most common debates us Mom's have and my thoughts.
It starts with Pregnancy:
meds vs. no meds in the delivery room
I am all for those that choose and CAN do it without meds. However I don't think that makes you a better parent, nor are you going to win a medal. I think those types of things can not really be planned...not even if you take a gazillion classes on breathing techniques. The thing is even though you have a "birth plan"..it doesn't mean it will happen that way. You might say on your birth plan you want an epidural...and then you decide NOT to get it! You don't know until you are it. For me I thank the epidural gods!
Hospital w/ Dr vs. birth centers with midwife
I don't know enough on birth centers to have an opinion. I have a few friends that have given birth in them and rave about their experiences.As for the hospital.... I personally am grateful that when Rylan's heart was fading and they needed to rush me in for a C-section I choose to be in a hospital.
Doula vs no Doula
I know many who have loved their Doula. But I think really they are just high priced cheerleaders and advocates. This is great if you don't think your husband can support you enough in this stressful time...
2nd c-section vs V-BAC
Many of us that have had a c-section at some point are sad we never got the "story book" birth of a baby. We didn't have the baby "come out" where we are told as kids, nor do we have the baby rushed to our arms after delivery, Some even regard c-sections as "fake births"....after some time wondering what it would have been like had I had him "naturally"...I am so very thankful for my c-section. My labor was soooooooooooo horrible that I might not be willing to have another if I would have to go through that again (and I don't care what they say---you don't forget). SOME say VBAC's(vaginal births after c-section) are the way to go...that women should not have a choice to CHOOSE 2nd c-sections. But I am grateful I have the choice...because that means more Dos Santos' in the future.
To "snip" vs not to "snip" (for boys)
To circumcise your little ittzy baby seems cruel and unusual after they have been through so much in the birth. Pete and I choose to do it because Pete didn't want Rylan to feel "made fun of in the locker room". I felt better when Pete actually WATCHED it being done. The baby barely made a noise and it was no big thing.
When you become a MOM:
breast vs bottle or both
I am not sure how this happens...but some mothers who choose to breastfeed become absolute solicitors about it. If they could they would go door to door. I shouldn't say just mothers because dads can be too...as my chiropractor recently said to me "Bottles she be expelled from the world as nobody should have the right to bottle feed"....did he forget I bottle fed Rylan? Anyway...I get the bond thing...my first memory of holding Rylan was breastfeeding him for the first time....but it didn't work out for us...so that makes me "less of a mom?" I get SO UPSET over this debate because it is like religion...a very personal choice that should NOT be preached or pursued as the "ONLY WAY". Us Mom's should be supporting eachother and our choices NOT judging. I am FOR breastfeeding by all means...but it just isn't for me. Who knows maybe next baby I will change my mind! But if I ever do ...please smack me if I become a preacher.
stay home vs. work
Another topic we judge eachother on, and tackle with internally. Some people have no choice and they have to go back to work. Some people want to go back to work. Some people work but want to stay home. Some people stay home and want to go back to work. Some people love staying home. I think most are green with envy about the other side. A few...and I mean a few are happy internally and externally with the set up they have. I think the ideal for most would be something part time or being able to bring your child with you to work (lucky Valentine baby :-) )....But this debate I have --and all others I know---have personally debated with myself back and forth. The thing is ...my generation had education and careers prior to marriage and children. We invested years in our careers and defining ourselves through that...then we become parents..and BOOM we are debaters. There is no "better" way. Nobody on either side of this spectrum "has it better". Staying home with wonderful. I got to experience all Rylan's firsts, and I have hands on experience shaping his little life--but sometimes...I miss my career and sometimes I think Rylan would benefit from being with other kids and away from me. And the working Mom who wants to stay home has the opposite experience...they want to hands on role more then weeknights and weekends. The thing is we are all great Mom's because if we weren't 2nd guessing our choices we wouldn't be striving to be the best "us". Today I am an at home Mom...tomorrow I could be a working one. I CAN NOT STAND (and as I stated above once was one) those who think I stay home for being "lazy". Family members have often referenced this and my amount of student loans and education that I "threw away"...my thing is...education is a long term investment......I will always have two masters degrees....my son will not always be a baby nor a toddler...and if you spent a week doing what I do you would NEVER use the word lazy...Rylan doesn't give me time too.
to vaccinate vs not
Personally this one drives me CRAZY. There is a reason why we have vaccinations...and the worry about the mercury content and so on and so forth has been said to be cured. So why on earth would you intentionally risk having your child get Polio? And on top of it not be able to go into public settings like day cares, preschools, public school, college, ...without them. I know the debate well...as again my chiropractor loves to give me handouts on reasons not to vaccinate your kid...this particular debate I don't think there should be choice...it should be a mandate as long as the government can back up that scientifically the mercury content is low and there is not reason NOT to vaccinate. Some children are unable to be vaccinated for medical purposes and for that reason only --do I think it is ok.
public school vs home school
I won't touch this one since I am a teacher...you can all gather what I would say about this one---lets just say the chiropractor and I don't see eye to eye on this one
tv vs no tv
I would GO INSANE without it! Elmo and Einstein save the day when we are heavy in meltdowns or I need to get the laundry done. PLUS stations like PBS and DVD's like the above mentioned are educational.
organic vs. non-organic
I understand the wanting to give your child the organic but frankly our budget doesn't allow it (and my son is a chicken nugget --hot dog lover that wouldn't go for Soy)
"I'm not going to let a kid change who I am" vs. "I need to act like a MOM now"
I hope I am a happy medium of this. Pete has friends who had a baby and said they "wouldn't change"...which was hard to imagine since they are at a bar every Friday night and having a keg party every other weekend playing flippy cup....well they stayed true to their word. Late thirties and they are still doing this BUT with a BABY in tow. (I wouldn't make this stuff up). Apparently MANY have this thought.....but the fact is a BABY SHOULD CHANGE YOU. I don't know if you seen the movie Sweet Home Alabama with the line "you and your baby at a BAR"...who wants to be that mom. Granted I don't think you have to retire the "fun you", or start wearing MOM pants (aka Eurkel Pants). I know in adult setting I can still get rowdy, talk about lude subjects, and enjoy a good martini...but that stuff has it's time and place...NOT when I am caring for Rylan. If you want to be your "old self" CALL A BABYSITTER
There is many many more debates that could make an entire Blog on it's own!
We all have our own choices to make when parenting, and we do what we think is best. Instead of making a list of things you think you aren't doing right ...we as mothers should be making a list of the things we are doing right. We will always be judged....but the most important judge and hardest judge to please about upbringing is NO DOUBT yourself.
The other side of "judges" are the NON parents who judge things before even knowing what it is like. I admit I was one of these. I could not understand for the life of me how my friends with kids could give up their careers, and "just" be an at home Mom. I thought "what a waste" and "how lazy". Little did I know I would be here typing from my computer while being an "at home Mom" too. Pie in my face, and tail between my legs...I too can be wrong.
The other factor in these debates are as parents we want the best for our kids. We second guess our choices, and live a life of never ending worry and internal debate. After many frustrating conversations lately I thought it would be fun to list the most common debates us Mom's have and my thoughts.
It starts with Pregnancy:
meds vs. no meds in the delivery room
I am all for those that choose and CAN do it without meds. However I don't think that makes you a better parent, nor are you going to win a medal. I think those types of things can not really be planned...not even if you take a gazillion classes on breathing techniques. The thing is even though you have a "birth plan"..it doesn't mean it will happen that way. You might say on your birth plan you want an epidural...and then you decide NOT to get it! You don't know until you are it. For me I thank the epidural gods!
Hospital w/ Dr vs. birth centers with midwife
I don't know enough on birth centers to have an opinion. I have a few friends that have given birth in them and rave about their experiences.As for the hospital.... I personally am grateful that when Rylan's heart was fading and they needed to rush me in for a C-section I choose to be in a hospital.
Doula vs no Doula
I know many who have loved their Doula. But I think really they are just high priced cheerleaders and advocates. This is great if you don't think your husband can support you enough in this stressful time...
2nd c-section vs V-BAC
Many of us that have had a c-section at some point are sad we never got the "story book" birth of a baby. We didn't have the baby "come out" where we are told as kids, nor do we have the baby rushed to our arms after delivery, Some even regard c-sections as "fake births"....after some time wondering what it would have been like had I had him "naturally"...I am so very thankful for my c-section. My labor was soooooooooooo horrible that I might not be willing to have another if I would have to go through that again (and I don't care what they say---you don't forget). SOME say VBAC's(vaginal births after c-section) are the way to go...that women should not have a choice to CHOOSE 2nd c-sections. But I am grateful I have the choice...because that means more Dos Santos' in the future.
To "snip" vs not to "snip" (for boys)
To circumcise your little ittzy baby seems cruel and unusual after they have been through so much in the birth. Pete and I choose to do it because Pete didn't want Rylan to feel "made fun of in the locker room". I felt better when Pete actually WATCHED it being done. The baby barely made a noise and it was no big thing.
When you become a MOM:
breast vs bottle or both
I am not sure how this happens...but some mothers who choose to breastfeed become absolute solicitors about it. If they could they would go door to door. I shouldn't say just mothers because dads can be too...as my chiropractor recently said to me "Bottles she be expelled from the world as nobody should have the right to bottle feed"....did he forget I bottle fed Rylan? Anyway...I get the bond thing...my first memory of holding Rylan was breastfeeding him for the first time....but it didn't work out for us...so that makes me "less of a mom?" I get SO UPSET over this debate because it is like religion...a very personal choice that should NOT be preached or pursued as the "ONLY WAY". Us Mom's should be supporting eachother and our choices NOT judging. I am FOR breastfeeding by all means...but it just isn't for me. Who knows maybe next baby I will change my mind! But if I ever do ...please smack me if I become a preacher.
stay home vs. work
Another topic we judge eachother on, and tackle with internally. Some people have no choice and they have to go back to work. Some people want to go back to work. Some people work but want to stay home. Some people stay home and want to go back to work. Some people love staying home. I think most are green with envy about the other side. A few...and I mean a few are happy internally and externally with the set up they have. I think the ideal for most would be something part time or being able to bring your child with you to work (lucky Valentine baby :-) )....But this debate I have --and all others I know---have personally debated with myself back and forth. The thing is ...my generation had education and careers prior to marriage and children. We invested years in our careers and defining ourselves through that...then we become parents..and BOOM we are debaters. There is no "better" way. Nobody on either side of this spectrum "has it better". Staying home with wonderful. I got to experience all Rylan's firsts, and I have hands on experience shaping his little life--but sometimes...I miss my career and sometimes I think Rylan would benefit from being with other kids and away from me. And the working Mom who wants to stay home has the opposite experience...they want to hands on role more then weeknights and weekends. The thing is we are all great Mom's because if we weren't 2nd guessing our choices we wouldn't be striving to be the best "us". Today I am an at home Mom...tomorrow I could be a working one. I CAN NOT STAND (and as I stated above once was one) those who think I stay home for being "lazy". Family members have often referenced this and my amount of student loans and education that I "threw away"...my thing is...education is a long term investment......I will always have two masters degrees....my son will not always be a baby nor a toddler...and if you spent a week doing what I do you would NEVER use the word lazy...Rylan doesn't give me time too.
to vaccinate vs not
Personally this one drives me CRAZY. There is a reason why we have vaccinations...and the worry about the mercury content and so on and so forth has been said to be cured. So why on earth would you intentionally risk having your child get Polio? And on top of it not be able to go into public settings like day cares, preschools, public school, college, ...without them. I know the debate well...as again my chiropractor loves to give me handouts on reasons not to vaccinate your kid...this particular debate I don't think there should be choice...it should be a mandate as long as the government can back up that scientifically the mercury content is low and there is not reason NOT to vaccinate. Some children are unable to be vaccinated for medical purposes and for that reason only --do I think it is ok.
public school vs home school
I won't touch this one since I am a teacher...you can all gather what I would say about this one---lets just say the chiropractor and I don't see eye to eye on this one
tv vs no tv
I would GO INSANE without it! Elmo and Einstein save the day when we are heavy in meltdowns or I need to get the laundry done. PLUS stations like PBS and DVD's like the above mentioned are educational.
organic vs. non-organic
I understand the wanting to give your child the organic but frankly our budget doesn't allow it (and my son is a chicken nugget --hot dog lover that wouldn't go for Soy)
"I'm not going to let a kid change who I am" vs. "I need to act like a MOM now"
I hope I am a happy medium of this. Pete has friends who had a baby and said they "wouldn't change"...which was hard to imagine since they are at a bar every Friday night and having a keg party every other weekend playing flippy cup....well they stayed true to their word. Late thirties and they are still doing this BUT with a BABY in tow. (I wouldn't make this stuff up). Apparently MANY have this thought.....but the fact is a BABY SHOULD CHANGE YOU. I don't know if you seen the movie Sweet Home Alabama with the line "you and your baby at a BAR"...who wants to be that mom. Granted I don't think you have to retire the "fun you", or start wearing MOM pants (aka Eurkel Pants). I know in adult setting I can still get rowdy, talk about lude subjects, and enjoy a good martini...but that stuff has it's time and place...NOT when I am caring for Rylan. If you want to be your "old self" CALL A BABYSITTER
There is many many more debates that could make an entire Blog on it's own!
We all have our own choices to make when parenting, and we do what we think is best. Instead of making a list of things you think you aren't doing right ...we as mothers should be making a list of the things we are doing right. We will always be judged....but the most important judge and hardest judge to please about upbringing is NO DOUBT yourself.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Your hands are not for hitting!
First a cute pic of the men in my life:
I am sick of my own voice that seems to be constantly telling Rylan such statements as the title of this post. For as much joy this little man brings to each and every day...he also brings frustration. Like a typical toddler he does things in spite of me. He is well aware of what I do and don't approve of. He thinks it is fun to taunt me with the things he knows he is not allowed to do. Yesterday we went to play group and all hell broke loose. It was a special one since we were having a mini-shower for a fellow mom that is due next month with baby #2. A joyous time for all...except for Rylan. He was peeved that his mother brought him to this thing, and that he was "forced" to play with his friends. Between screaming and crying, being on my lap and whining, he decided to hit/push/pull any kid in his sight and MINE. He knew I was watching and what he was doing was something he was not allowed to do. "time outs" don't work for my kid...he doesn't sit still and I find them having no value. So I sit him on my lap and tell him "no" and explain why. He cries, and gets down to do it again. A never ending day full of bad behavior. A day I clearly want to go back to work.
Then today we got up and got out of the house. We went to the mall for some well needed exercise. He was so happy to be there. His smile was addictive today. In the car everytime I looked in the rear view mirror he would wave at me and blow kisses. When I say I need "huggies" he comes and runs into my arms. He is silly and fun. Today I am happy to be an at home mom.
The toddler days are sure interesting. You never know what you are gonna get...and the working debate.....is never ending and never has the "right" answer.
I am sick of my own voice that seems to be constantly telling Rylan such statements as the title of this post. For as much joy this little man brings to each and every day...he also brings frustration. Like a typical toddler he does things in spite of me. He is well aware of what I do and don't approve of. He thinks it is fun to taunt me with the things he knows he is not allowed to do. Yesterday we went to play group and all hell broke loose. It was a special one since we were having a mini-shower for a fellow mom that is due next month with baby #2. A joyous time for all...except for Rylan. He was peeved that his mother brought him to this thing, and that he was "forced" to play with his friends. Between screaming and crying, being on my lap and whining, he decided to hit/push/pull any kid in his sight and MINE. He knew I was watching and what he was doing was something he was not allowed to do. "time outs" don't work for my kid...he doesn't sit still and I find them having no value. So I sit him on my lap and tell him "no" and explain why. He cries, and gets down to do it again. A never ending day full of bad behavior. A day I clearly want to go back to work.
Then today we got up and got out of the house. We went to the mall for some well needed exercise. He was so happy to be there. His smile was addictive today. In the car everytime I looked in the rear view mirror he would wave at me and blow kisses. When I say I need "huggies" he comes and runs into my arms. He is silly and fun. Today I am happy to be an at home mom.
The toddler days are sure interesting. You never know what you are gonna get...and the working debate.....is never ending and never has the "right" answer.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Before you call me a sicko...
Let me explain..
I was giving a bath to this cute face...
A face I can not seem to resist. This job is usually daddy's job, but the Cowboy's were playing and my kid was crusty so tonight I was the bather. After watching him have so much joy in the bath I could not stop thinking about how big he is getting. I had that moment all of us Mom's have which is looking at him and thinking about the fetus we once held in our tummy's. I miss him in there sometimes...a place I know he was always 100% safe. As I thought about these things and saw the joy in his eyes I could not help but to take this moment into my own hands. I peeled off my clothes and joined him. If Rylan was 5 I would find this strange...but frankly it was only a year and a half ago this little man was inside this body. When I sat in the tub with him he giggled and began to show me all of his toys. We played and laughed. Pete walked in and asked me what I was doing and told me I was nuts. He then told Ry not to get used to this because Daddy wouldn't join him. I told Pete he didn;t know what he was missing out on. Our baby is growing by the day and soon...very very soon we won't be able to join him in the tub! When I look at him I can not help myself...I can not help but to feel the inutero connection and I can not imagine not feeling it ever. I just can not get over that this handsome, joyous boy, once was only seen on a sonogram, and felt through the night.
I was giving a bath to this cute face...
A face I can not seem to resist. This job is usually daddy's job, but the Cowboy's were playing and my kid was crusty so tonight I was the bather. After watching him have so much joy in the bath I could not stop thinking about how big he is getting. I had that moment all of us Mom's have which is looking at him and thinking about the fetus we once held in our tummy's. I miss him in there sometimes...a place I know he was always 100% safe. As I thought about these things and saw the joy in his eyes I could not help but to take this moment into my own hands. I peeled off my clothes and joined him. If Rylan was 5 I would find this strange...but frankly it was only a year and a half ago this little man was inside this body. When I sat in the tub with him he giggled and began to show me all of his toys. We played and laughed. Pete walked in and asked me what I was doing and told me I was nuts. He then told Ry not to get used to this because Daddy wouldn't join him. I told Pete he didn;t know what he was missing out on. Our baby is growing by the day and soon...very very soon we won't be able to join him in the tub! When I look at him I can not help myself...I can not help but to feel the inutero connection and I can not imagine not feeling it ever. I just can not get over that this handsome, joyous boy, once was only seen on a sonogram, and felt through the night.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Still a Social Worker
When I became a teacher and left behind my career in social work, married a republican, moved to the suburbs of CT and married into a republican/Catholic family...everyone was convinced I would change my political stance. Besides of course, my LOVE and slight crush on Bill Clinton. To my husbands dismay I would vote for him every time if I could. After meeting Clinton in person and being sucked into his personable trance...I can understand why he was so loved as a President. Pete's family loves to make fun of him and criticize me for this.....but I am not afraid to admit that I loved him too.
I was wondering how this hometown family life has effected me, and if it had indeed switched my very liberal ways. As a social worker you are an advocate for the people, which more times then none means your beliefs are opposite everything the Republican party stands for. Pete will tell you how we have had MANY debates on social issues that never end in anything good except for us both being appalled at one another. I used to be very well read in politics. Working for the Mayor of Boston for a number of years, and being involved in passing laws since I was 16...I had a strong belief that politics is a strong investment in our lives. I even dabbled the idea of going into politics myself while in college. BUT by then I had done too many "fun" yet "shady" things that I could see would working against me. I also wasn't nearly shady enough for the job...as I learned quickly working in a Mayor's office..you have to have "many sides" to be a great politician. Now as a Mom I have been less focused on the world around me and more focused on my family. This makes no sense to me since the world around me directly affects my families future...especially my sons. I am sad to say I know little about this years running mates. I used to love Hilary but now I am only 50% sure of her. Frankly 50% is not enough for me to say I will vote for you.
So ...with my admission to NOT being well read for this election, I went to www.glassbooth.org to take a survey on things that are important to me and my stance on them (THANK YOU VALENTINE BLOG). This matched me up with the opponents that best reflected my beliefs. Apparently I am still 100% a Democrat (the social worker NEVER goes away), and my top two contenders are Edwards and Clinton. The website also lets you review what the candidate had said up until now about each topic. My big one happened to be the "No Child Left Behind Law"...which every teacher would agree is a bunch of b.s.! Luckily I could view what all the candidates said about it! I did find however, that none of the candidates supported gay marriage...not surprised really...but the social worker in me still rally's for ALL!
I was wondering how this hometown family life has effected me, and if it had indeed switched my very liberal ways. As a social worker you are an advocate for the people, which more times then none means your beliefs are opposite everything the Republican party stands for. Pete will tell you how we have had MANY debates on social issues that never end in anything good except for us both being appalled at one another. I used to be very well read in politics. Working for the Mayor of Boston for a number of years, and being involved in passing laws since I was 16...I had a strong belief that politics is a strong investment in our lives. I even dabbled the idea of going into politics myself while in college. BUT by then I had done too many "fun" yet "shady" things that I could see would working against me. I also wasn't nearly shady enough for the job...as I learned quickly working in a Mayor's office..you have to have "many sides" to be a great politician. Now as a Mom I have been less focused on the world around me and more focused on my family. This makes no sense to me since the world around me directly affects my families future...especially my sons. I am sad to say I know little about this years running mates. I used to love Hilary but now I am only 50% sure of her. Frankly 50% is not enough for me to say I will vote for you.
So ...with my admission to NOT being well read for this election, I went to www.glassbooth.org to take a survey on things that are important to me and my stance on them (THANK YOU VALENTINE BLOG). This matched me up with the opponents that best reflected my beliefs. Apparently I am still 100% a Democrat (the social worker NEVER goes away), and my top two contenders are Edwards and Clinton. The website also lets you review what the candidate had said up until now about each topic. My big one happened to be the "No Child Left Behind Law"...which every teacher would agree is a bunch of b.s.! Luckily I could view what all the candidates said about it! I did find however, that none of the candidates supported gay marriage...not surprised really...but the social worker in me still rally's for ALL!
An Apple for the Teacher
Today was a tiring day.
I finally took my two teaching certification tests for the state today (with one more to go). Here are a few things I noticed about today's testing experience:
1. I am OLD. The test takers average age had to be about 22. You know you are old when you hear the way the youngens are talken and it seems to travel through your body with enormous irritation. They wear pajamas to a professional testing site, and talk behind each others back none stop (ex. "Did you see Alicia? Can you believe what she looks like now? I mean...like it has only been a year since we graduated"---after "Alica" exits this group and they pretend they love her so). All I can think is ---THESE ARE OUR FUTURE EDUCATORS...and my future competition.
2. THANK GOD I DIDN'T STUDY. I convinced myself that this is not a test I could truly study for. Luckily while taking it I was right. All the things I wanted to study weren't even on it!
3. The pressure is off when you don't NEED a job. Since Pete isn't forcing me back to work yet...I was much more calmer this time round (compared to the NY testing years ago when I NEEDED the job). If I happen to fail I have plenty of time for a DO OVER.
4. I remember when I took the NY test that is equivalent to this one, and I was much younger, I walked out in tears thinking it was so hard. Walking about today I feel confident, that the test was fair --regardless of how I do--and somehow with age it is true..I felt wiser. (The youngen's were crying though...I want to tell them when they "grow up" they too will get wise)
5. DO NOT FORGET TO EAT ---I woke up at 6am. Something I am no longer use to and my hunger was non-existent then. I forced myself to eat a few bites of cereal. I thought I would have enough time in between my two tests to run down the street from the testing site and grab some Dunkin! Apparently I was wrong. As this state makes you sit through the entire time regardless if you are finished early. So I sat in testing for four hours with a rumbling tummy. BOO. So I fell off my diet bandwagon...and got TACO BELL before eating my arm on the way home.
6. Standardized testing STINKS! Please GOD let this be the last of them.
7. This is the first time Ieft the house before Rylan woke up. I missed him terribly...and it makes me think...how am I ever going to go back to work? We shall see.
I am also officially writing my first post from my new Apple MacBook. So far I love my Apple!
I finally took my two teaching certification tests for the state today (with one more to go). Here are a few things I noticed about today's testing experience:
1. I am OLD. The test takers average age had to be about 22. You know you are old when you hear the way the youngens are talken and it seems to travel through your body with enormous irritation. They wear pajamas to a professional testing site, and talk behind each others back none stop (ex. "Did you see Alicia? Can you believe what she looks like now? I mean...like it has only been a year since we graduated"---after "Alica" exits this group and they pretend they love her so). All I can think is ---THESE ARE OUR FUTURE EDUCATORS...and my future competition.
2. THANK GOD I DIDN'T STUDY. I convinced myself that this is not a test I could truly study for. Luckily while taking it I was right. All the things I wanted to study weren't even on it!
3. The pressure is off when you don't NEED a job. Since Pete isn't forcing me back to work yet...I was much more calmer this time round (compared to the NY testing years ago when I NEEDED the job). If I happen to fail I have plenty of time for a DO OVER.
4. I remember when I took the NY test that is equivalent to this one, and I was much younger, I walked out in tears thinking it was so hard. Walking about today I feel confident, that the test was fair --regardless of how I do--and somehow with age it is true..I felt wiser. (The youngen's were crying though...I want to tell them when they "grow up" they too will get wise)
5. DO NOT FORGET TO EAT ---I woke up at 6am. Something I am no longer use to and my hunger was non-existent then. I forced myself to eat a few bites of cereal. I thought I would have enough time in between my two tests to run down the street from the testing site and grab some Dunkin! Apparently I was wrong. As this state makes you sit through the entire time regardless if you are finished early. So I sat in testing for four hours with a rumbling tummy. BOO. So I fell off my diet bandwagon...and got TACO BELL before eating my arm on the way home.
6. Standardized testing STINKS! Please GOD let this be the last of them.
7. This is the first time Ieft the house before Rylan woke up. I missed him terribly...and it makes me think...how am I ever going to go back to work? We shall see.
I am also officially writing my first post from my new Apple MacBook. So far I love my Apple!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Nothing says winter like...70 degrees?
Yesterday was a GIFT! The sun was shining and finally we had the joy of getting some well needed fresh air. After a walk around the neighborhood for an hour and a half with our friends Kerri and Ashley....Rylan ran around our yard picking up stones and examining them. He is a cautious walker when he is battling the slope of the drive way and the year. It was so cute to see him discover things...since although he was walking over the summer...he wasn't confident enough to wander.
Today he figured out he can dance. Every time he hears music he begins to rock on his heals and shake his head. When it is a song he really likes he claps along with his dance. As for the horns....he is still growing them. He has discovered that he can arch his back in the car seat and scream and make Mom's job alot harder. But...like most days...I thank my lucky stars I can stay home with him and enjoy him. You can not repeat these years and I want him to remember he shared them with me.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Are those horns under there?
Pete and I have been searching for Rylan's growing horns! As this is what he has been up to lately:
1. Taking all the crunchy snacks out of his bowl and smashing them into the floor with his feet
2. Taking the lids off his sippy cup and pouring them onto his lap
3. Screaming when he wants any and all things
4. Throwing everything! A few weeks back he decided to toss his goldfish in Walmart and pegged an employee in the head!
5. Everything displayed on our end tables and such are now key targets for him. All breakables catching his eyes!
6. He wants to touch everything HOT! When I am cooking he wants to touch the stove, when their is a fire in the fireplace he practically wants to jump in! (such a little devil)
7. At my inlaws house he likes to shake the bird cage and make them flock with fear. This upsets me so and he KNOWS IT. They let him do this...as he is King there...but when I am around he is NOT. (I don't want him to learn that he can treat animals with disrespect). My little Lucifer looks right at me when there, pauses, smiles, places his hand on the cage, and SHAKES IT AND LAUGHS! Then I scold him and he screams.
can you tell we have our hands full?
1. Taking all the crunchy snacks out of his bowl and smashing them into the floor with his feet
2. Taking the lids off his sippy cup and pouring them onto his lap
3. Screaming when he wants any and all things
4. Throwing everything! A few weeks back he decided to toss his goldfish in Walmart and pegged an employee in the head!
5. Everything displayed on our end tables and such are now key targets for him. All breakables catching his eyes!
6. He wants to touch everything HOT! When I am cooking he wants to touch the stove, when their is a fire in the fireplace he practically wants to jump in! (such a little devil)
7. At my inlaws house he likes to shake the bird cage and make them flock with fear. This upsets me so and he KNOWS IT. They let him do this...as he is King there...but when I am around he is NOT. (I don't want him to learn that he can treat animals with disrespect). My little Lucifer looks right at me when there, pauses, smiles, places his hand on the cage, and SHAKES IT AND LAUGHS! Then I scold him and he screams.
can you tell we have our hands full?
"Nothing Tastes Better then Skinney"
It's an uphill battle losing weight. Especially since I was BLESSED with sooooo many years prior to giving birth with a HOT SKINNY BOD that I didn't even have to work for. I remember aunts of mine saying they could not wait until the day came that I gained weight and couldn't eat a gallon of ice cream and get away with it. I used to laugh thinking that day would NEVER happen. But it did!
Getting fat for Rylan is worth it. But now my baby is 1 1/2 years old and well....i can't blame it on "baby weight" anymore. Yes I still have the baby weight on...but I also have added since. The hard part is not being able to eat what I used to for 29 yrs of my life which was EVERYTHING....and that I actually need to exercise which for 29 years I did NONE. The worst part is my biggest love of the world is FOOD and my least love is exercise...I am totally screwed right?
Well...2008 I am losing weight. Year I know what you are thinking ...silly resolutions that never come true. But I am at my end. I used to be stylish ...I used to be the one with the cute clothes that people would ask me "where did you get that?" I used to look good in anything...although I didn't know it then. Now what are people going to ask "where did you get those sweats or fattie pants?" I try to look hip and chubby...but frankly chubby doesn't look hip! I am FED UP with the mom bod...and feeling horrible about myself. It has gotten to the point I am afraid to post pictures or see people I haven't seen in awhile...I don't want to be the girl the people whisper to others "man she gained some hefty weight"!
So I sit here.......HUNGRY. For the past week I have exercised EVERYDAY (not alot but I am starting small so that I don't set myself up for failure). I also went back to my weight watchers manuals that I used last year. I thought about why this program didn't work for me, and why I gave up on it. I think the counting points is a real pain in the ass. So I figured during the week since I am home with Ry I will count the stinken points. On the weekends...I will still watch what I eat as if I am counting but not be as diligent. Soon I am hoping I will not need to count and just be used to it and KNOW. At a birthday party last night I ate ONE peice of pizza for dinner....ONLY ONE. And had the skinniest slice of ice cream cake ever made (my only real treat for the week). I am SOOOO very hungry though....so very stinken hungry! I am already not amused with carrot sticks and pretzels....but as one of the success stories I read in my weight watchers cookbook "Nothing Tastes Better then Skinny".
So I am taking out so skinny old photos...and maybe posting on the fridge...a reminder that I would like to return to the "real" me and step out of the FAT SUIT!
Hopefully I will shed some weight and go back to WANTING to be in photos...instead of being embarrassed of the image I see. Now that I have blogged this...it will make me commit to it. So forgive me if you find other posts of "Nothing Tastes Better then Skinney" on here...I am motivating myself!
Getting fat for Rylan is worth it. But now my baby is 1 1/2 years old and well....i can't blame it on "baby weight" anymore. Yes I still have the baby weight on...but I also have added since. The hard part is not being able to eat what I used to for 29 yrs of my life which was EVERYTHING....and that I actually need to exercise which for 29 years I did NONE. The worst part is my biggest love of the world is FOOD and my least love is exercise...I am totally screwed right?
Well...2008 I am losing weight. Year I know what you are thinking ...silly resolutions that never come true. But I am at my end. I used to be stylish ...I used to be the one with the cute clothes that people would ask me "where did you get that?" I used to look good in anything...although I didn't know it then. Now what are people going to ask "where did you get those sweats or fattie pants?" I try to look hip and chubby...but frankly chubby doesn't look hip! I am FED UP with the mom bod...and feeling horrible about myself. It has gotten to the point I am afraid to post pictures or see people I haven't seen in awhile...I don't want to be the girl the people whisper to others "man she gained some hefty weight"!
So I sit here.......HUNGRY. For the past week I have exercised EVERYDAY (not alot but I am starting small so that I don't set myself up for failure). I also went back to my weight watchers manuals that I used last year. I thought about why this program didn't work for me, and why I gave up on it. I think the counting points is a real pain in the ass. So I figured during the week since I am home with Ry I will count the stinken points. On the weekends...I will still watch what I eat as if I am counting but not be as diligent. Soon I am hoping I will not need to count and just be used to it and KNOW. At a birthday party last night I ate ONE peice of pizza for dinner....ONLY ONE. And had the skinniest slice of ice cream cake ever made (my only real treat for the week). I am SOOOO very hungry though....so very stinken hungry! I am already not amused with carrot sticks and pretzels....but as one of the success stories I read in my weight watchers cookbook "Nothing Tastes Better then Skinny".
So I am taking out so skinny old photos...and maybe posting on the fridge...a reminder that I would like to return to the "real" me and step out of the FAT SUIT!
Hopefully I will shed some weight and go back to WANTING to be in photos...instead of being embarrassed of the image I see. Now that I have blogged this...it will make me commit to it. So forgive me if you find other posts of "Nothing Tastes Better then Skinney" on here...I am motivating myself!
Friday, January 4, 2008
What is this? The blog for Crayola?
I know I have been experiemented with blog colors like CRAZY! I am sure everytime you try to tune into the blog it is something new. I was trying to find something catchy, and unique.....but in the end...I think I ended up what I normally do....
it seems my blog now reflects my home. I am an addict of browns, and green's and shades that match them. I really tried to think "out of the box" and out of my comfort zone...but I think I am keeping brown for now! What do you all think?
Maybe in the Spring I can attempt to "jazz it up" a bit!
it seems my blog now reflects my home. I am an addict of browns, and green's and shades that match them. I really tried to think "out of the box" and out of my comfort zone...but I think I am keeping brown for now! What do you all think?
Maybe in the Spring I can attempt to "jazz it up" a bit!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Our new house guest...
MICKEY MOUSE!
I wish...it was a costume...but sadly it is a MOUSE!
As I was writing my last post I heard a scratching sound in the wall. This mouse is fierce...he claws like wild until someone gets up into that area and then he is "quiet as a mouse". Luckily Pete came down as I was listening to him claw...and he attempted to find him...but apparently Mickey likes the wall better then our guest room (which is better for our guests to come).
Still...I am skeeved out...I haven't had a mouse since NYC days....and now I have a toddler that LOVES animal.
Couldn't you picture the next blog...
Rylan and Mickey...roommates and best friends...with a picture of him petting the darn thing!
ICK!
I wish...it was a costume...but sadly it is a MOUSE!
As I was writing my last post I heard a scratching sound in the wall. This mouse is fierce...he claws like wild until someone gets up into that area and then he is "quiet as a mouse". Luckily Pete came down as I was listening to him claw...and he attempted to find him...but apparently Mickey likes the wall better then our guest room (which is better for our guests to come).
Still...I am skeeved out...I haven't had a mouse since NYC days....and now I have a toddler that LOVES animal.
Couldn't you picture the next blog...
Rylan and Mickey...roommates and best friends...with a picture of him petting the darn thing!
ICK!
The PACEY MONSTER
Feeling better---see the devil in his eye?
Lazy mans' way of drinking HANDS FREE
The PACEY MONSTER (soon to be eliminated)
Playing in his new tunnel
FINALLY my kid is back to driving me crazy in his normal ways! Getting into everything...temper tantrums...and finally NO FEVER! We are hoping for a 100% recovery soon!
He also had his 18 month appointment today! (yes this means I took my child into the Dr's office 3...count em' 3 times this week!) He walked in and screamed and tried to pull me towards the door, as it was just a few days ago a nurse was sticking a swab up his nose, and yesterday a Dr looking in his hurting ears. He thought I was bringing him to the torture chamber! POOR KID.
Anyway...
we found out he lost about a pound from being sick (now he is 23 1/2 lbs)--in the 25% for his age. He is 32 1/2 inches tall--75% for his age, and his head is in the 90% for his age. So apparently (as my friend Pam said it)...I gave birth to a lolly pop!
The 18 month check up questions list to determine milestones were this:
Does he use a cup? (Check)
Does he try to remove his clothing? (check)
Does he know how to use a spoon? (check)
Can he stack 4 blocks on top of each other? (check)
Does he know some of his body parts? (check)
Does he say 4 or more words?......BOOOOOOOO
I knew this was going to be an issue when I was going in. I have voiced my concern with many dear friends and family members...who all tell me the same thing....and I know from my million class in child development I had to take for both my Social Work and Education degrees....boys develop slower..yada yada yada...but when it is your kid you worry...and you forget about what the "experts" say.
So the Dr. said pretty much the same thing. That most likely he'll speak when he wants to, but she did say she would like birth to 3 to come in and evaluate him. Which is a program that will come to our home, evaluate him, and then provide services if needed. For instance if they decide that he is delayed verbally, they will send out a speech therapist. I figure it can't hurt. Then I admitted he also is a pacey addict. THANKFULLY she didn't look at me like I was Satan (as the Dr before her HAVE and had made comments like "get that damn pacey out of his mouth"). She nicely told me that at this age if he is using a pacey he isn't using the muscles correctly in his mouth and it also isn't allowing him time to babble which leads to words. I also told her about how he is a picky eater...she SURPRISINGLY told me this too is common with delayed speakers who use a pacey! Apparently since he uses his tongue so much he is extra sensitive to textures and also he is not using his back muscles in his mouth for things like meat. So apparently the pacey could have caused a gaggle of issues.
This is odd to me since I had a pacey for years when I was little and it was never a concern. Nowadays..everything is a concern,,,start on a sippy cup by 6 months, by 12 months no more bottle or pacey...I really feel like these expectations make our kids grow up so much faster...but on that note...I surrender...
I am the person that made the pacey monster...I am the person that needs to destroy it. So now it is ONLY in his bed...and soon it will disappear there too!
Lazy mans' way of drinking HANDS FREE
The PACEY MONSTER (soon to be eliminated)
Playing in his new tunnel
FINALLY my kid is back to driving me crazy in his normal ways! Getting into everything...temper tantrums...and finally NO FEVER! We are hoping for a 100% recovery soon!
He also had his 18 month appointment today! (yes this means I took my child into the Dr's office 3...count em' 3 times this week!) He walked in and screamed and tried to pull me towards the door, as it was just a few days ago a nurse was sticking a swab up his nose, and yesterday a Dr looking in his hurting ears. He thought I was bringing him to the torture chamber! POOR KID.
Anyway...
we found out he lost about a pound from being sick (now he is 23 1/2 lbs)--in the 25% for his age. He is 32 1/2 inches tall--75% for his age, and his head is in the 90% for his age. So apparently (as my friend Pam said it)...I gave birth to a lolly pop!
The 18 month check up questions list to determine milestones were this:
Does he use a cup? (Check)
Does he try to remove his clothing? (check)
Does he know how to use a spoon? (check)
Can he stack 4 blocks on top of each other? (check)
Does he know some of his body parts? (check)
Does he say 4 or more words?......BOOOOOOOO
I knew this was going to be an issue when I was going in. I have voiced my concern with many dear friends and family members...who all tell me the same thing....and I know from my million class in child development I had to take for both my Social Work and Education degrees....boys develop slower..yada yada yada...but when it is your kid you worry...and you forget about what the "experts" say.
So the Dr. said pretty much the same thing. That most likely he'll speak when he wants to, but she did say she would like birth to 3 to come in and evaluate him. Which is a program that will come to our home, evaluate him, and then provide services if needed. For instance if they decide that he is delayed verbally, they will send out a speech therapist. I figure it can't hurt. Then I admitted he also is a pacey addict. THANKFULLY she didn't look at me like I was Satan (as the Dr before her HAVE and had made comments like "get that damn pacey out of his mouth"). She nicely told me that at this age if he is using a pacey he isn't using the muscles correctly in his mouth and it also isn't allowing him time to babble which leads to words. I also told her about how he is a picky eater...she SURPRISINGLY told me this too is common with delayed speakers who use a pacey! Apparently since he uses his tongue so much he is extra sensitive to textures and also he is not using his back muscles in his mouth for things like meat. So apparently the pacey could have caused a gaggle of issues.
This is odd to me since I had a pacey for years when I was little and it was never a concern. Nowadays..everything is a concern,,,start on a sippy cup by 6 months, by 12 months no more bottle or pacey...I really feel like these expectations make our kids grow up so much faster...but on that note...I surrender...
I am the person that made the pacey monster...I am the person that needs to destroy it. So now it is ONLY in his bed...and soon it will disappear there too!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy 2008!
A new year...filled with new memories...new hopes...new dreams...
and new sleepless nights.
Sleepless nights are part of the deal when you agree to become a parent. It is "expected" when they are infants...but when you are used to your child sleeping through the night and suddenly they aren't (in our case due from sickness)...it does a number on the mommy body.
Last night...we had a very lame New Years Eve. Which I think most of the parents I know of little ones did too. Pete and I watched a cute movie ("Music and Lyrics"), and when it was over it was about 10:45pm. I wanted to head to bed but Pete talked me into staying up and watching the ball drop. So I did....and paid for it later.
2008 began for me with an all nighter. Rylan woke up at 3:30 am and did not return to sleep for hours. I felt bad for the poor kid who continues to spike fevers to 103, and can not breathe. I rocked him, gave him water, rubbed his back, took out the booger sucker, ...all the things a Mom would do to try and comfort her child in the middle of the night....while wishing she would catch her own Z's soon.
Today I am exhausted since I am not used to this "running on empty" anymore. I have no appetite (which is a good start to my New Years resolution to losing weight), and I just want to sit on the sofa with a remote and veg (bad news for my New Years resolution).
Rylan is feeling better and actually ate, and played which he hasn't done in days. He still however would rather curl up on your lap, or curl up on his mini sofa with his blankey and pacey and call it a day.
We are hoping we are seeing the end of this RSV crapolla!
We are all hoping that this year brings many joys and less illness to our home! We are also wishing the same for YOU!
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