First Time Parenting: A One Time Deal

I guess it is bad that I want to call my friend Emily about 100 times a day and ask her if anything is going on "down there"...as the days seem to be slipping by until her due date! I resist the temptation as I know in the last days of my pregnancy I hated the "no baby yet?" phone calls, and actually screened calls after being irritated by them! When my due date actually passed by and the days started to seem like weeks, I barely got out of bed never mind take a call! I think you are more excited about your family and friends having babies AFTER you have experienced it yourself. I am not sure why that is, other then that it will bring that person such utter joy and love in there life (especially for a first time Mom as it is a sudden miracle and pure evidence of God's existence) that you just can help yourself but be excited for them!

I was looking at Rylan's newborn pictures this weekend and was amazed by them. The baby stage is so short and sweet---I mean when you think about it--it is only 3 months they are considered newborns, and then nine month they are considered babies. Then you "lift off" and blast into the stages---the toddler one sure seems LONG while in it! Soon we will make it to preschool, then schooled aged, pre-adolescence, and then the dreaded teenage years! I wonder if my son will be so willing as he is now to cuddle when he is 7? 10? 15? years old. He is such a great hugger, and although he can not tell me he loves me --shows me EVERYDAY! I feel all misty eyed, and touched when I think about the gift God has given us, and how he continues to show us such blessings. What seems to floor me is...he will never be in utero again--no matter how I try or want to when he is 18 and dating :-) He will never be the little baby I held again. He will continue to grow into his own, and eventually--hopefully have his own family. I was also thinking about how we are no longer virgins to this parenting thing. Therefore--when and if we are blessed with another---it will not be as on the edge of your seat and it will never be the first time you feel movement in the tummy wondering if it was gas or the baby. I am sure it is always a deep, intense experience...but there is something to be said for being a first time parent.....a absolute beautiful awakening to your soul.

City Girls Reunited In New England Heaven

We had a great weekend..although a bit chilly...with my old roomie from NYC. We enjoyed a nice but BRISK walk around town so Katie could gather her New England roots. Every now and then after being a city transplant but born in New England, you need aliitle home town, apple pie fill! SO we had a great girls dinner n Newtown, where Katie oohhh and ahhed and began to plot her move to settle here! I told her besides NYC there really isn't anywhere else I want to be. I love CT and find it to be WAYYYY more New England and all American then our hometowns in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. Sunday Katie was woken up by the human alarm nice and early. Katie a city girl without a child, was a little out of sorts all day since she was up and at'em before 11am. (I sit with envy missing the days I could stay in bed until 11am)! We were out of the house, and showered, by 9:30. We then went onto eating breakfast at O'Neil's, and went for some Mall shopping. The funny thing that shocked her was we were at the Mall before the stores started to even open. Among the thoughts of how different our lives are now....we had some great conversations and had a great amount to depth to them just like we did back in our apartment in 425 East 76th St! Another great thing is she knows Pete quite well since she had to pretty much live with him every weekend for a year! Her first meeting with Rylan was great. After awhile he warmed up to her and began to think she was now a fixture to our home and looking for her. He enjoyed her kid songs and bouncing on her knee. She also spoiled him with a Mickey Mouse toy he LOVES and a hip happening baby Gap outfit which included a surfer bathing suit and sleeveless pull over for the beach! Katie also left me a treat---beyond her very sweet gifts she brought from the city--she gave me a months worth of Proactive to try on my face. She says it has changed her life...and I recently went to the dermatologist since I have been feeling like a teenager with acne....so maybe just maybe it will change my life too!
What a FANTASTIC weekend! Rylan was sooooooo zonked from it that he went to bed tonight without eating dinner at 6pm!

Rylan found Katie so MUCH FUN!



Enjoying time walking around in downtown Bethel, CT!




Thinking about becoming a Cowboys Fan

Spic and Span: Notes from the home of June Cleaver

My house smells like a mixture of Mr Clean and Lysol...a beautiful chemical smell that makes me feel so germ free! Ever since I made that Spring List I have been obsessive about it! I can officially say for the MOST part that my "Spring Cleaning" is finished!(minus of course the change of bedding since it is still too chilly) It took me four hours today to satisfy my little brain from saying "house must be clean" over and over again. Sometimes when I get like this I feel we are living in the Jetson's world and I am the robot with her repeat button stuck. Until whatever is on my mind is completed I CAN NOT move on. Pete told me to take a break in the midst of it all, and although it sounded tempted...I had to go on (because let's face it--the moment I sat down this robot would go into reload mode and end up a couch potato). I would also like to add that I did something totally out of character and broke out the griddle and made the family banana pancakes and bacon for breakfast---look at me being all June Cleaver today. The calendar just marked the start of Spring...and here I am done with my cleaning (not my list)..AND making breakfast! I would also like to post a side note....the Swiffer Wet Jet--the lazy mans way of washing the floor. I usually love this item and use it often, but after getting out the old school mop and bucket today and doing all of the floors I realized NOTHING compares to the old school way of washing a floor. Plus the Swiffer seems to leave a lovey sticky substance on my floor which makes a great noise with rubber soled shoes, but generally undesirable, as it makes me think Rylan spilled juice on the floor and I forgot to pick it up.

Wishing you all clean homes, and the chemical smell of Spring Cleaning!

Whats Poppen: today, this weekend, and SOON some MOMS

Today started with swim class. We didn't have one last week since it was Good Friday, so we haven't had a class since our first with "miss Amanda" and her annoying mom! As I rolled into the parking lot I saw getting Miss Amanda in the stroller and cringed. I said a little prayer that she wouldn't be so loud and refer to her child as a Miss all class. If you remember last time she interjected in a conversation I was having with another mom regarding it being less sing along fun in the water and more skills based?...If not quick recap is Miss Amanda's mom interjected and was saying how great our teacher was (eventhough in other classes she is known as the "swim Nazi" because she doesn't have FUN with the kid--she is strictly about SWIM and safety)---anyway...Miss Amanda's mom got a wake up call today...WE HAVE A NEW TEACHER. Sonya is young, bubbly, and introduced herself to each and every child. She was a nice combo of sing-songy and skill, and often came over and gave the kids positive feedback. Everytime she gave Rylan a "great job" he smiled and clapped. He had the BEST time---he was NEVER this happy with the Swim Nazi who never even knew my kids name. I don't think Miss Amanda's mom was amused with this switch, as she was quiet and practically pouting the entire class. I didn't hear her voice once during class. Eventhough she was NOT annoying today, I have to...HAVE to comment on what she was wearing! (and yes making fun others makes me feel good :-))...She not only sported her tie-dyed 1988 snake skin one piece in the pool, she also changed into high water pants, white THICK--BUNCHED socks, with some very attractive black flats to compliment the LOOK (this chick NEEDS What Not to Wear at her door and quick). She has to be in her early 30's however she looks easily 40 (so maybe she should go on TLC's 10 years younger). Either way I try hard to stay clear of her (unless doing a mental intake of "what Miss Amanda's Mom is wearing --for the BLOG!). I mostly indulged in Rylan's giggle and constant smile throughout the class, and the company of a fellow mom from my Moms group.

After Rylan stared at some boobs, we left and I got Starbucks for a little pick me up. On the way home I thought about my Spring to do list and what I could accomplish today. As I told you the other day, I went to Wal-mart for some bins (and some other items that were SUPPOSED to be discreet). Well the bins are for all of Rylan's stuff he has grown out of. Since he was born I was using old diaper boxes to store his grown out clothes. The thing is I can't help but think about how ghetto that is....and so I repack them into nice bins. His room is also filled with clothes, toys, blankets, and other baby items that this big boy is DONE with. I am happy to announce I filled and labeled all three bins today! The process however was a bit sad, as I went through his newborn items thinking how fast my baby has grown. I even took out his hospital hat and tried it on his head. It of course was stretched out to the max--I wanted to take a picture to share with you, it would have been perfect to see the before (newborn Ry with his baggy hospital hat) and after (toddler Ry with it fitting as well as a fat chick in spandex). He didn't have it on long enough for my camera to capture it, but it was long enough for me to get a little sentimental and misty, thinking about how lucky I have been to be with him almost everyday of his life since his birth. I have missed NONE of his firsts--and yet I feel like time has passed so quickly, and I have already been stolen of those days. I remember being SO SICK of people telling me to "enjoy him" because they grow up so fast...but it is true. I just wished I lived in the moment alittle more when he was a baby, and less focused on when he is starting solids, sitting up, standing, walking, and so on and so forth. Rylan, by the way, was an angel durning my organizational time this afternoon, and I don't know how I got so lucky to have TWO days in a row of good behavior (hopefully this weekend won't mean two days of BAD behavior then!). I'd like to also mention that while he was napping today I tortured myself with three episodes of tivo'd Jon and Kate plus 8 and again thought how lame my mothering skills are. I would also like to know HOW Kate always looks so great and well put together! How is it I have to choose between my make up or my hair most days and she ALWAYS looks picture perfect! (clearly I am doing something wrong)..Also...does anyone notice how much help Aunt Jodi and Aunt Beth are? Man it seems they are always watching those kids! And here I think if I have another baby someday that NOBODY would take 2 kids to watch--never mind 8!

Tonight we had Chinese food. Usually when we order Chinese I give Rylan bites here and there but it is never his main meal. Well tonight he loved it so much that is WAS his main meal. Apparently my kid likes greasy Chinese food like the rest of us! (NO MSG :-)) The little man ate an abundance of pork lo mien, crab rangoon, and steamed dumplings!

This weekend one of my old roommates from NYC is coming to the burbs! She has yet to meet Rylan (since her living in NYC gave us a few chances of visiting her minus baby)! I look forward to a girls night out for us to catch up! We used to TALK so much when we were roomies that it will be like old times checking in with eachothers lives! In the meantime, I continue to check things off my "Spring List" and wait for my dear friend Emily to pop her baby out (check out her blog--baby Val is coming soon!), and my friend Sarah in Cali also soon to pop with baby number 2! (check her blog out too and see how big sister Eva with adjust!). With nice weather coming, and babies galour...who can complain!

How did I turn into the SWEAT PANTS mom?

Two things I can not help but love today: Lean Cuisine Thai-Style Chicken (holy moly if I can lose weight on this it will be my meal everyday--only 4 weight watcher points people--and tastes better then my everyday cooking!) and my new cd Ingrid Michelson---who is a similar sound to a PG version of Annie Defranco, and a bit Lisa Loeb--ish (but don't tell my sister this--as we went to a FREE Lisa Loeb concert maybe 15 years ago in Boston and my sister said paint drying was more interesting!). Ingrid's music is most known for being most of the Grey's Anatomy theme songs throughout the show---you must check her out!

Now onto other news....after a hair raising hell day with my child yesterday,..he must of realized I almost took the term "throw momma from the train" literally, and calmed the hell down. He was a NIGHTMARE yesterday...tantrums galour, whining, hitting, grabbing me to lead me places, and clingy --not in a good way. By the time Pete got home I was practically in tears, and took his job of grilling the food outside for dinner just so I could "get away" and have some silence. Pete soon found out what I was dealing with as Rylan cried irrationally over everything---and I MEAN EVERYTHING! Bedtime was a beautiful and spiritual moment for our household last night! Today--complete angel. Thank the good lord for whispering in his ear that Mom would be putting a sign on him soon that said "FREE CHILD" if he didn't give me a break. I am sure this will be a constant rollercoaster as we are only a few months shy of the worst birthday of all....the terrible 2! Why oh why can it not be the terrific 2! The worst is the terrible two year old is always WORSE to his/her parents....we are so screwed. Hopefully we will continue to have some good days thrown in their so I can stay sane, and not take up a new habit like...drinking :-) (I can see it now...."go ahead Rylan cry your eyes out--throw yourself on the floor--Mommy's gonna go have a shot"---don't worry I am kidding! sick humor I know!). Anyway...today he was fantastic at the Mall and even played in the play area without me as his guarded protector. He did well with the "not clear of her boundaries" occupational therapist (who by the way was ok today...the only thing that irritated me is she told me I can't let him hit me...AFTER me telling Rylan "no hit" very sternly). He ate all his meals with a smile, and wanted to read books and do puzzles all day....go figure.

In the effort to try and uplift how I am feeling about how I look I am attempting to limit my sweat pants. Apparently I have been wearing them too much--as last week I was wearing jeans and a sweater set and my mother in law and her best friend asked me why I was so "dressed up". If that is my dressed up I am in trouble. Spring resolution...I must work on the my wardrobe and how I feel IN it! Sweat pants should only be warn in the home, working out, swim class, or when nothing else is clean!

Pete sometimes think I divulge too much information on this blog. I say any material is game. It is a reflection of our REAL lives....not a constant Hallmark cards that would lead others to think that our lives are all rainbows and sunshine all the time (especially in the journey of parenthood). I also like to think that my honesty is what keeps people reading...if I was on here telling you how wonderful life was you would most likely be chucking me the bird instead of leaving comments or revisiting! I also know that many people relate, which I also would like to think that it helps others in some small way. I must say it is a odd feeling when you meet friends of friends who read this and know your life story--all the ins and outs--and you barely know their name. Blogging life is a surreal experience and creates a sense of freedom for me. I don't have to explain myself, and I literally use it as my public diary.

I discussed this in therapy today. My therapist said it was a perfect aide to not only help others, but help me reflect...I couldn't agree more. I also found when talking with her...that there is SOME--very few--sacred topics that shouldn't be made so public...so for a few things I might just stay mum about. Today's session being one of them...all I can tell you is I walked out feeling like a golf ball was in my throat, and my mind swirling. I forget that sometimes therapy isn't so freeing and uplifting...sometimes you gotta dig deep to get clarity..and digging can cause golf balls in the throat.

All I know is today I have alot going for me....a child without horns, a pitch fork, and a tail, FINALLY a yummy Lean Cuisine, Divine music, a husband that sits through a tivo'd episode of the HILLS, a therapist that digs deep, cheesecake, not punching out the occupational therapist, the Starbucks lady that knows me by name said I looked pretty today, family members paying for Rylan's over priced Stride Rite shoes, and I DIDN'T wear sweat pants today!

Waiting for two pink lines

Today I felt a bit adventurous. Normally I am a freak about driving peoples cars other then my own. I think this fear generates from getting my license late in life, and my over all fear of all "things that go" thanks to some traumatic experiences. However...today I overcame the "car that I don't know how to drive" fear. My car had to be brought in for inspection, so i borrowed my mother in laws car which happens to be an SUV. I imagine if and when our family eventually grows I might have to step into the SUV world --because I am pretty stern about NOT being a mini-van driver--but you never know. So while biting the bullet and taking it for a spin. I thought about all the room in back to fill with big plastic bins for my spring organizing. And off I went to Walmart!

First thing I should have thought about was although the CAR could fit the bins...I had Rylan and the cart in the store couldn't. So I had to settle for smaller bins..bummer. I also bought a few items that were not on my "list"....bird food, and pregnancy tests (nice combo I know). The thing is since we have been trying for another mini-monster, I have yet to leave Walmart without buying tests...they are the cheapest there! And if you have ever been in my shoes and trying for what seems like FOREVER...then you know how costly monthly tests can be. I know what the rest of you are thinking...why not wait until you miss an aunt flow and THEN buy the costly tests...but it becomes a secret addiction...and if you have been there you know what I mean! Anyway...back to embarrassing story... I get to the counter with this loud mouth, MAN, cashier. I am fumbling trying to move the bins in and out of my cart, and the pregnancy tests flies out on the floor. Why is it I am married with children and still feel embarrassed by purchasing anything related to my nether regions (tampons, maxipads, pg tests, and so on and so forth)? Anyway...I place it on the counter as I struggled with the rest of the stuff. The man took a GOOD look at the box and said "you want a bag for this..nobody needs to see this". Thankfully my humor chimed in and I said..."yeah nobody needs to see such things"...He then went on to share with me "My wife thinks she is TOO....she is a week late and puking"...I casually said, "You better go pick up this box, they are on sale this week for THREE". I also tell him, "congrats it sounds like it is a sure thing". I walk away thinking thankfully I lived through that with out turning TO RED...but then it happened...The man yelled ACROSS WALMART "Good luck...I hope it comes back Positive for you"....I don't blush easy....but MAN I almost exploding. I turned, smiled, and waved, and HIGH TAILED IT OUTTA THERE!

Time is a blessing. I still torture myself about how big my belly would be right now, and fantasize about how I would be giving birth in May--which is just around the corner. The hard part is still seeing people I know that are pregnant who will be giving birth that month and had a better outcome then I did....I just can not seem to deal in these situations...I am hoping once May is over ...I will get over it. The good news is what would have been my due date--will now be spent on the island of Aruba instead of wallowing at home. What has gotten better with time is patience and faith. I know it all comes down to God's plan...NOT yours. Even though it seems like everyone else around me can plan "just so"...I need to remind myself that it just means their plan and God's just happens to be parallel. Another huge improvement is sincere happiness for others who divulge happy news of babies on the way. A friend recently told me of her joy coming in November and I nearly burst into tears of joy....AND IT WAS GENUINE! Before I would congratulate people with a fake smile, and go home and cry. I guess time, and the grief process, happen when you least expect it. I also am able to look at Rylan and feel so blessed that he came along. It is crazy looking at this little man, that he was once the fetus growing inside me. I protected him and loved him the instant I peed on the stick, and can not help sometimes feeling sad that I couldn't do the same for #2. I have learned alot since that experience, and think it is odd that this subject is not talked about more. I am quite sure it is one of the deepest secrets that most women walk around with--WISHING they could speak about. It was a very sad time in my life---but the joy is coming and filtering back into my life little by little, and finally I am not feeling so "alone in it".

In the meantime...I frequent Wal-mart on a monthly basis...checking in on God's status wondering when our plans will become parallel! And hey....I now have a friend at cashier number 11 who knows ALL about it!

Here comes the SUN...

Thankfully the sun came out yesterday and we took it as a sign to go out and get some fresh air! Rylan loved it --minus the short slip into a concrete step that gave him a purple battle wound on his forehead. He is OBSESSED with "things that go". As you can see in the picture we have to witness every time the school bus stops infront of our house, and yesterday he got to experience the mail man up close and personal. This obsession has caused me to act like a total retard! When in the car I have to point out every truck or bus that drives by with fantastic--exuberant- excitement as if I was pointing out Brangelina walking Maddox and Shiloh around town. It was so obvious that a truck driver actually honked and waved to me today! YIKES I need to turn down the dork dial. The poor mailman was NOT in the mood to deal with the ogling toddler, he just wanted to get on with his job. I tried to make small talk with him, and tell him "this too shall pass"..but I think he felt like he was a bit Britney and my son a bit paparazzi ish! Back away from the mailman! He at least it is a TODDLER and not a rabbi infested growling hound ready to jump him! He should be thankful!

Rylan also enjoyed his own version of "LOVE" Cirque Du Soleilin our home...which is basically bubbles and singing--NO acrobats though--I'd hurt something and have to pay a medical emergency bill! It cost alot less for .50 bubbles verses $100 a ticket in Vegas :-) We can sing the Beatles too..."Here Comes the Sun..do do --dooo do". (doesn't Rylan's face look like the faces in the crowd at these events--high on art? I guess I would describe it--wait til he finds out Pete and I are not so artistic.)

A Little Gift From Lazy Mom Heaven

This is one of those items I spoke of that was on "SALE" and had to try it! Rylan LOVES them and it is a quick 35 second Microwave LUNCH
:-)

When your kid hands you your bra....

You know what brings great joy to my soul when I am feeling overwhelmed with the TO DO's! A list! I am not an organized person by any means..but today I made a list of things I would like to get to in the next day or so...and I have already crossed a few off! One of the major ones was cleaning out the freezer and fridge which is always an eye opening experience. I am a sucker for buying things and "trying" them out when they are on sale, and some how those are the things I ended up tossing! Like the crusty--over frost bite broccoli and cheddar nuggets I thought I cold convince Rylan to eat by throwing one in my mouth and showing him how yummy it was...and I gagged and made a face like someone put dog poo in my mouth (needless to say Rylan wouldn't try it!). I need to stop getting so sucked in at the stores and stick to my list! Anyway...now I have a nice and neat fridge purged of all things nasty!

I canceled the annoying occupational therapist today. I figured I would give Rylan a break after being sick for days. He doesn't need that women all up in his face trying to get him to do tricks...especially since she never seems to through the poor kid a bone. I think early intervention is sometimes like show dogs...I really do! Today I took the leash off and rescheduled for Thursday...I am gearing up to put the leash on HER if she comes in here and starts up again. Sometimes I forget the mighty women I can be, and I turn into a ball of mush, willing and able to be any ones doormat to step on....which is fine...as long as it doesn't concern my kid. He can't speak for himself--so sometimes I need to strap one on and SPEAK UP!

I think I dress infront of my son to much. I know you might think I am a sicko letting him see me in my birthday suit and all --but here is the thing...He doesn't allow me to do anything alone...when I shower he is outside the door howling like I have him in a cage and refusing to feed him. When I get out of the shower and wrap a towel around me, I open the door the howl is gone and a smile appears. He then usually joins me in the bathroom and plays with his tub toys, or flushes the toilet just to hear the noise...you know fun stuff like that! :-) Today ...the kid walked in and picked up my bra and handed it to me! I kid you not! I put it on and then he hands me my underwear....then my shirt...my pants...and finally my socks. I had an odd feeling about this....first on how proud I was that he knew underwear goes on before clothes ...second...he KNEW underwear goes on before clothes...therefore he knows alot more then I thought. For a moment I thought...that is gross..I shouldn't dress infront of my son anymore...he knows to much...but then I came back to earth and reminded myself --he is ONLY 21 months...AND he did come from this big ol body anyhow--heck he lived in it for 9 months! (Don't worry people I will not let my kid hand me my bra when he is 13 :-) )!

A Pictorial Snapshot of the Weekend

Friday: His friend Melody came over to watch Thomas the Train



Saturday: He helped Mom clean


Sunday: Here are the ONLY pics we have for Easter 2008:

Happy-BLahh Yack --Easter

A great morning...the sun shining in and I am curled up with my favorite blanket in the fetal position thinking.."dang my tummy aches". I here the never ending sound of my alarm clock (aka. Rylan humming with his pacifier in his mouth). I look over to see if Pete was going to save me another day and let me "sleep in"...but his eyes are shut and his mouth is open wide, and I am pretty sure he is still drooling on himself (ok maybe not drool but it sounded good didn't it?). So I high tail it out of bed and be the first to say "HAPPY EASTER" to my son!

I open the door and smile...and as I am about to whisk my toddler out of bed and give him a BIG Easter hug...all of my senses go into overload and all of them are screaming: "PUKE". Rylan puked all over himself and his bed and slept it in. It was the first "real adult like" puke I have ever seen. As I gagged for a moment and thought about my own tummy rumbling I called out to the non-drooling sleeping beauty in the other room. I quickly put the puke monster in the tub, while Pete stripped the crib and started the wash. Once this was over Pete and I were awake enough to take note of our own stomach misfortunes. Both of us felt like we had a whole lot of rotten Easter eggs up in there awaiting for exit at either end! (and all I wanted was a chocolate bunny for Easter)

Needless to say we spent the day at home, which wasn't so bad if you minus the fact most of the day had to be spent in the bathroom or changing a diaper. The family still urged us to come over and we didn't know how to say NO lightly. Easter dinner was certainly the last thing on our minds, we could barely move, and we certainly didn't want to pass this Easter ICK on to others. Sometimes you can't please them all! Lucky for us the day ended with finally digesting left overs safely, Rylan enjoying mounds of Easter gifts, and all of us feeling like (I type this soooo hesitantly) we are past it.

Dear Blog Spam Scumbags,

As if it wasn't enough you had to continue to leave me messages like "warning click HERE" and all sorts of other rubbish of sorts on my family oriented blog prior to my online ousting of you--you continue to be like the paparazzi and not understand the words "Back the #$%@ off". You have a brilliant life ahead of you--as you could change careers and become great at stalking, harassing, or selling religion door to door!

Now...I must put restrictions on my comments page...please fellow readers continue to leave comments (they are great for feedback, a good laugh, and knowing I am not just writing to the computer screen humming at me), and be patient if you have to write a security word and wait until I "ok" the comment to be posted. Believe me if I could get a blog restraining order I would!

Minus Freedom Plus Sacrifice Equals PARENTING

A great start to the day...I got to sleep in. Pete took it like a man and rolled out of bed early in order to appease the hungry little monster who wanted to be released from his crib at 7:15am. But let me take a minute to define "sleeping in" at my house...basically you get an extra hour---therefore sleeping in means 8:30 wake up call!

You know the list of things that you think about after having children that you feel nobody ever told you prior?....Yeah...ummm Freedom is a BIG one. I think even if someone did take the time to tell me the "real deal", and the sacrifice of ones freedom then maybe...just maybe Rylan wouldn't be here. Now don't get me wrong...I love my kid to the ends of the earth, and my life without him would seem dramatically insignificant, but if I knew the impact of how one little life could affect two big lives--we might have waited a bit. Maybe that is why nobody tells the newly wedded, or single folks about what it is like to have a child behind the scenes. It isn't like babysitting folks...although you go in thinking ..I baby sat all of my life...I got this! WRONG! A baby is more like a beautiful, magnificent, part of you, that you long for and love, that also can be a consistent pimple on your ass that won't go away for some 18 years. Now I get why the empty nest syndrome occurs...I mean 18 years of handing your freedom to your kid(s)--who wouldn't be asking "what do I do now?". I got the answer for you people....SLEEP.

I mentioned in my recent posts that Rylan has been more of an ass pimple and less of a beautiful part of me. He tantrums every time he doesn't get his way--even if it is as insignificant as leading him out of the bathroom. He also thinks I am his puppy on a very very short leash. He literally takes my hand and leads me around ALL DAY, and if I do not do what the prince has asked...I am doomed to a day of whining. Pete didn't fully understand the "pimple" part until today. He looked at me with a new type of adoration and said "he does this all the time now?"...You got it buster...my FULL time ..never a day off job...have the most demanding boss....I have said this before people...The devil doesn't wear Prada....The devil wears Stride Rites! You know you agree with me here even if you are appalled I am comparing my child to an ass pimple or the devil...Nobody has a perfect child all the time even if they say so on the playground. We all have those days we wish we would have rethought this parenting thing out little bit more, yet most days we feel blessed.

Lucky for us our precious little man (aka pain in the butt) went with grandma and grandpa today. Of course there reports is that Rylan was nothing but WONDERFUL, AN ANGEL, DIDN'T Whine once! (the child purely knows who his parents are...and gives us the hard time....everyone else he is a complete angel...making us seem like crazies when we complain about him!).

Anyway an afternoon without toddler was a little slice of heaven. Pete and I relished in the thought that we had a number of hours to purely fulfill our OWN needs, and pretend like it was prior to having a baby! So we napped...at 2pm. It was wonderful...we haven't napped together since a year ago when we were vacationing without baby in Vegas! (yes we napped while at Vegas...this is how badly we miss our naps! and how much we are behind on sleep). If you are reading this and either a) don't have kids or b) pregnant...do yourself a favor and put the computer away..instead jump into your bed and get cozy--JUST CUZ YOU CAN...because there are the rest of us...who can not do that again until we are in our 50's! (fellow parents...You SO KNOW What I mean..can I get an Amen up in this joint?)

I then went to the grocery store to pick up my ingredients for Easter dinner. Do you know what a DREAM it is to go grocery shopping alone?...it is like a full out Spa day to us mothers. I practically skipped down the aisle, and kissed the cashier on the way out. The only thing that irritated me is the PEOPLE. I am spoiled being an at home Mom....I grocery shop during the weekdays when the only people that are also shopping are fellow Mom's trying to bribe their kids with goldfish crackers, and a sea of people with white hair irritated by the kids, and horrified that the parents can't shut them up quick enough. The weekdays includes no lines at the deli or cashier, plenty of carts, enough room to get up close and personal with all produce without climbing over anyone, and not needing to curse people out in your head. Today on the other hand..although glorious without toddler, I was dropping F bombs in my head like a truck driver, as people either cut me off with their carts, stood in the middle of the aisle like it was their living room, or walking like they were in a bad slow motion video take. I later told Pete that the soul reason I may stay home for good is to continue to grocery shop during the week...and he sarcastically said "that sounds like a great reason to stay home"...now if I could only grocery shop during the week AND not have a toddler with me...They would force me out of the place for being to peppy! A girl can dream ya'know (fellow at home Mom's..You SO KNOW what I mean...can I get an Amen up in this joint?)

We topped off a fantastic afternoon with a dinner date. Just the two of us. No need to ask for a high chair, take turns walking him around, guzzle our food before the beast explodes, pack a load of goodies to distract him, or ask about the kids menu. We just sat down and ordered and enjoyed our food SLOWLY.

How much do we take for granted prior to bringing life into this world?...Then again...to not know what it is like to bring life into this world would be utterly devastating. I don't think I truly knew what love was before holding him in my arms. For as much as I love my husband, family, and friends...nothing competes with the love for your child...nothing. Or else we wouldn't sacrifice so much for them. Now I can honestly look forward to having white hair someday--then I will be able to NAP again AND grocery shop during the weekdays and be the one staring at the young moms rolling my eyes in utter disgust! In the meantime I bask in the moments away to be ME or alone with Pete to be US, and the rest of the time be thankful...very very very thankful I was blessed with a walking beautiful part of me who sometimes breaks out his horns and Stride Rites!

Hodge Podge Therapy

Rejoice! No explosive diarrhea or stinky feety pj's today! Apparently my kid has the random kind of squirts and NOT a bug---THANK THE GOOD LORD. (however I am sure their is a double ear infection in our near future--as there seems to ALWAYS be!).

Today's post will be a hodge podge of things so bare with me as my erratic mind spues out randomness!

First and foremost...I hate these people that leave comments on my blogs that says stuff like "warning click here"..and they are totally trying to send viruses to my dear loyal readers. I can't imagine this type of scumbag who posts viruses on a family blog--who does that? If you are reading this and you are one of those folks please get a life and save your soul--and stop #$%^$% (choice word) messing with my blog!

ok..now that I got that out...you know what else is annoying...Trying to get a dumb paper signed the right way for almost two years in order to get your certification. I mean they have my transcripts, resume, money, passed all my tests...and this stupid signature is whats holding it up?! UGH so annoying. Luckily today I got the paper from my graduate school and luckily it "SEEMS" to be filled out correctly. You would think the people at the graduate school would be smart enough to check a yes or no box correctly...apparently not...thankfully my degree to this school was FREE or I would be raising the roof over at that joint---don't let me get all New York on their behinds--that chick isn't pretty! :-)

Today I started therapy. Many people look at this as a negative...thinking something must be deeply wrong or unhealthy. It is a scary word if you never have been before--and if you have and had a good experience you know it is freeing! My good friend and a fellow social worker-Susanne tells me all the time it is the only time she has during the week that is souly about HER (she has two kids), and I SO get that. The thing is we all have issues we could work on--I think the majority of the world would benefit from therapy. I don't think it is something you have to do every week forever, but when you need to do some soul searching and dig deep..it is literally FREEDOM. Pete wasn't so keen on this as he was worried about what this meant...was his wife going crazy? He said "I don't like those people"...and if made me giggle seeing as in my past life I WAS THE FREAKEN THERAPIST! I explained to him I wasn't laying on a sofa, picking apart my life to make a mountain out of a mole hill...I was merely searching. My two major things I would like to seek clarity on is understanding the process of grief after a miscarriage and the stress of trying again, and my BIG mountain and mole hill to dissect is my identity. (is there a theme song for this?) I am unsure of the person I am now adays. I look different, I feel different, and every aspect of my life is different. Sure times have changed but I wonder what exactly defines me other then wife and mother?...and so I dig. I think most women who had a career prior to marriage and children probably understand this confusion. I am just hoping to know the image that stares back at me in the mirror..soon. The good news is I love my new therapist...she is young, easy going, asks the right questions, has the same thoughts about therapy as I do, and even gives me homework to work on between sessions which excites me...gives me a little something that I HAVE to take time to do for me. This week is to list my identifying qualities prior to marriage, and my identifying qualities now--I think it is safe to say I will have three solid things to say right now...wife , mom, addicted blog writer?
(by the way I think Jon and Kate would thrive in therapy!)

Lastly...two more annoying things...
1.why must people get their panties in a bunch when we travel to Rhode Island and we can't get to them. Do they not understand we have driven there for 3 hours with a toddler. That the toddler needs to take naps and eat meals and gets really really irritable if we do to many stops? Prior to having a baby nobody cared if Pete and I were in town...and suddenly it becomes personal if we don't get to stop by. I am sick of justifying why or why not we have seen so and so....the fact of the matter is...we only live 3 hours away people, and you probably don't have kids...you can visit us too!
2.why must people roll their eyes when you are doing your best to keep your child calm?...I am still annoyed at the eye rollers at Panera yesterday. People that don't have kids don't get it, and those that have had kids but had them 20 or 30 years ago..forget ...and those are the two groups of people that are eating there on a weekday at lunch time. I wish I would have stood up and made an announcement that was chuck filled with wit, sarcasm, and a whole lotta bite me!

You know what I love about blogging....it is my public diary. It was originally was supposed to be a boring Mom blog that just captures cute pictures and a "rylan got his first tooth" type thing...and then I thought being real, and true about my experiences actually relate to others, and I have been told that it is helpful. Although sometimes I have to sugar coat it in order not to point fingers and call people out online, or not use the words I would otherwise use inorder to semi censor...it is raw and real, and I always feel so much better after these random thoughts are put somewhere. Regardless of the subject it always ends up relating to the two best things that ever happened to me ...my husband and my son...even if the journey isn't always rainbows and sunshine!

Am I the only one thinking about theme songs?

I was in the shower enjoying a toddler free moment---while thinking WOW I even have time to shave my legs..I had a moment of weakness...a song came into my head and I started to sing it to myself---no it wasn't a kid song either--it was Poison's "every rose has it's thorn"...now I haven't heard this song since 1989 when it came out--maybe it has be VH1's Rock of Love that has been making me think about it--but somehow I was singing it --and I knew ALL the words--embarrassing. This led me to think about when it came out in 1989, I was in 6th grade (and Pete was graduating high school --can you say robbing the cradle), and this song was my little song with my boy-friend Paul (I put a slash between boyfriend because really are you dating in 6th grade?--well these days I know they probably do-- among "other" things--this is making me gag thinking about it--because clearly 6th grade should ONLY be the "do you like me?" check yes or no--note passing stage). Anyway...this was my start to the obsession I have to having songs theme my life! Why on earth would Paul and I choose "Every Rose Has it's Thorn" as "our" song if we weren't doomed for breakup?...This lovely theme followed me--as another boy-friend around the same time song was "I will remember you" from Skid Row---hello--we should have said goodbye to eachother from the moment we "decided on a song". And don't think I learned my lesson from this---in high school I dated someone who's themed song was "Tears in Heaven"--ok Eric Clapton wrote a song about the death of his child and I found it to be the "perfect relationship song". DOOMED I was.
Luckily...I would like to share with those of you who didn't attend my wedding....
Our wedding song wasn't "It's Raining Men" "Heartbreaker" "Unbreak My Heart" or Beyonce's "too the left too the left"....
It was Billy Joel's "Just the way you are".....
I guess when you are led to the RIGHT man for you --you find the RIGHT theme song! I must admit our first "real" song was a dirty little number called "Slow Motion" that we heard at a club and danced too jokingly--I wanted to use it as our first dance at the wedding --but Pete talked me out of it since our friends would find it funny--but our grandparents -- not so much! So we stuck to our REAL real song and did it "traditionally". Heck if we did it to Slow Motion we might have been the couple forwarded into all of your e-mails as the "Best Wedding Dance Ever"...yep--that couple stole MY idea!

Don't think I have stopped with my themes---I live my life like a movie--every moment seems to have a song! Here is just a few examples:
-When liven it up in NYC with my friend Sarah it was "Big Pimpen" from Jay-Z (Only because when we went out dancing and it came on it had in the chorus "Big Pimpen in NYC" in it--not because Sarah and I knew any Pimps :-) (back me up here Sarah)
-Dave Mathews Band has themed 100's of moments in my life for quite some time now--too many to list
-Destiny Child's "Independent" was a great theme for a single women living in the city
-I had a Black Eye'd Pea song that when I was pregnant Rylan would jump around to in the belly and everytime I hear it I think of my Pregnancy! and of course 10,000 Maniacs "Eat for Two" hit home too!
-As I posted last October--when I had my miscarriage I sought refuge in a song "Move Along" inorder to get through it
-I also seem to announce to Pete my life theme songs as time goes by and I get stuck on a particular uplifting tune....right now it is Linken Park "Shadow Of the Day"...in honor of themed songs I will share it with you:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs5ExzpwEE4&feature=related
(sorry you must copy and paste--for some reason my link or embed feature isn't working!-BOO)

Music Class: People think it's funny but it's really kinda a runny

We arrived at the YMCA early today so we strolled the hallways, and Rylan checked out the ladies working out! Then he found his little piece of heaven on earth--other than the ladies locker room....racket ball. He stood there for about 15 min, smiling, and urging me to open the door so he could join the men playing in the Plexiglas booth with goggles on! It is a bit scary that my 21 month old thinks that he could go in there, goggle free--and rock the joint free of accidents. I swear people he is SO going to be the boy wanting to build the skateboard ramp in the backyard and doing flips (maybe he will get a reality show like "the life of Ryan" on MTV-someday! Then I can see him even when I am not with him, and see the skanky girls trying to get cozy with my son!)

This blog was interrupted with EXPLODING diarrhea...not by me--don't worry I am not typing this while on the throne--I merely had to take a break as my son smelt like something died! And wouldn't you know it was an "up the backer" delight--made just for MOM. I meant to post this morning about the doo-doo doozy (HA I make my self laugh) he had done --it was not yet where it is at now--but starting too--and he had feety pjs on....let me just tell you...feety pjs are like zip lock bags, you up zip them and all the scent that was "held in there" --releases and I nearly fainted! Watch out people for lethal feety pjs!
Now back to the topic at hand...that is enough poo poo doo doo for the day! (all I can handle really)

So after the racket ball admiring one of the men came out and gave him one of the balls. You think it was a signed baseball or something the way he strutted around with it! We then headed to our ghetto Roc N Tocs class--and I am thinking about Jon and Kate plus 8 and giving myself props that I am about to sing and dance and make myself out to totally look like an ass for my child's enjoyment--that is pretty self less right? Well...Rylan HATES the class. The entire time he tried to drag me out into the hallway and go watch racket ball. He was totally pissed that I was trying to have fun with him. And for the record the teacher plain on stinks. When you are running a toddler class --you really need to have a welcoming, charismatic--aka annoying like the Doodle Bops type of personality--instead I feel like she is looking at us with disapproval that my son won't perform. Needless to say I am going to venture into looking for a refund.

I also have to add it is in the dead of his normal nap time, and I was a bone head today, We have friends in the class and the clan was hungry. So off we went to Panera. Rylan hasn't been really eating and I had hoped to get something semi healthy in him instead of Mc Donalds. Thankfully my friend Meridith has patience and her daughter Penelope was in an angelic state--because I needed Meridiths help. Rylan screamed the entire time. I was getting looks, and people eyes rolling, and I just wanted to scream out "people you never had a screaming kid?"....I tried to woof down my expensive meal (if it was the dollar meal at Mc Donalds I would have left immediately)...I also felt bad that I would have to leave our friends by their lonesome. Luckily Meridith felt my pain and told me not to worry about them. She then very bravely held Rylan while I went to ask them to wrap up our meals. (I even had them wrap up the $3 grilled cheese! because frankly someone was eating that for that amount of money). When we got to the car Rylan continued to freak out and fell in a puddle as it rained. I thought--perfect Aimee...now what would Kate do in this moment--would she have stayed in the restaurant? Anyway he fell asleep in the car while holding his grilled cheese (that should be made of gold) in his hands. I thought of the bliss I would have this afternoon with him taking a nap and ran down in my head all the things I wanted to get done in the house. BIG MISTAKE--I should have know I was totally jinxing myself--as he did NOT transition to the crib and he HAS not slept more then 10 minutes today....and NOW diarrhea....
I love today...rainy, steamy feety pj's filled with funk, crap class, screaming in the restaurant, puddle tantrum, 10 min cat nap, diarrhea..and NOBODY ate the F'N GRILLED CHEESE! (gasp)

Average Mom of 1 vs. Super Mom of 8

Why is it everytime I watch "Jon and Kate plus 8" on TLC I feel like such a slacker mom! I mean she has 8 and she does more with them and has more creative ideas then I have with just 1. While Rylan napped yesterday I took sometime to watch some tivo'd episodes...and this is a list of what I admired:
1. Taking 8 children on an 8 hour flight and vacation .....umm I stress over one and refuse to take him on plane for longer then 5 hours...now I feel crazy...and need to think of Kate next time I am stressen!
2. A few days prior to Christmas she brought the kids caroling to people in their lives, and homemade cookies as a thanks. She taught the little ones the Christmas carols since the Fall! And when does she have the time to make cookies? Watching her go from house to house stressed me out thinking about what a pain it must be taking the kids in and out of the van, motivating them to sing, and curtailing grumpiness!
3. Christmas Day she is sooooooo organized and spends the day "just them", in PJ's and enjoying hot chocolate and HOMEMADE sticky buns. (I need to write this women for some inspiration---how in the world does she not only buy for all 8 kids, wrap gifts, organize, AND make homemade sticky buns?)
4. Jon mentions they "aren't so bad for being 30 and having 8 kids"..what? they are only 30 years old?..YIKES...they seem so WAYYYY beyond my years when it comes to parenting...I need to study and catch up
5. Valentines day she had a themed day which included a treasure hunt --the prize being a tub of toys from the dollar store.
6. Kate took away items from Christmas to use as "plane toys" --things they never saw before so they could be calm and focused on something new while in the air.
7. Kate said it best when discussing it is when they are little when you need to start traditions--so there earliest memories include them--makes me think....hmmmm what traditions do we have? She also said she wants her children to experience everything they have opportunity to do regardless of how stressed they are about it...and I think..I am such a selfish slacker!

Who is the parent in here anyway?

I am so annoyed.
Rylan is off today--I am guessing it is from being away all weekend and off schedule. He is sleeping extra and eating less. He is also refusing to use a highchair for no real apparent reason.
Anyway...back on track to why I am annoyed...
8am his speech therapist came. I had just woke up Rylan 5 minutes before she entered...he never sleeps this late..and he hadn't eaten breakfast like he usually does by this time.
He is annoyed that she is trying to get him to do puzzles when he hasn't seen his basket of balls ALL weekend. He runs away everytime she tries to reel him in. He does however say the word "pop" for a game we were playing, and "gack" for quack when talking about a duck. In the end of the session she says "we might have to try putting him in the high chair for services"...ummm hello lady--not only can I not get him to EAT there you want him to sit in there for an HOUR while you try to "draw him in". But she wasn't my REAL annoyance for the day.
2:30pm his occupational therapist comes in. I normally love her--she is older--full of high energy and Rylan usually enjoys her company. However the honeymoon is over. He now knows when she comes in it means she wants him to perform. Today he doesn't want to perform....AT ALL. When he is not performing and tries to remove himself from the situation she is literally breathing down his neck and removing things from his hands and hiding them under her legs. He freaks out more and for the first time yells out "ME"..meaning give me that back it is MINE. Then she encourages him to JUMP on the sofa (umm hello how bout asking me if I allow him to jump on furniture before doing it). Rylan is getting more and more agitated so besides yelling he begins to HIT her. I tell him what I always tell him "your hands are not for hitting. We don't hit" with an accompanying mean and stern face. She says "Aimee just walk away"---excuse me are you telling me how to discipline my child? Then he goes to hit a book and I tell him "Rylan we do not hit"..she says "Rylan you can hit a book, just not people"---UMM lady--I don't let my kid hit ANYTHING. Then we venture into his room and he starts to play with his leap frog table and says "this is too young for him, you have to get rid of this stuff in here" (Ok...are you going to store it?..and who are you to decide what his room should and shouldn't have in it?). Rylan asks to get picked up to play with the windchime in his window, I lift him and he starts to play with it. She says "ohhh no you can play with that like that..you need to do it gently"..meanwhile we have been playing with it the way he was doing (spinning it and making the bell ring) since he was tiny. FINALLY the day had come to an end and she was writing the report (they do this at the end of each session). Two things that irritated me to the MAX..first she said Rylan didn't include her when playing with his favorite toys and needs to share (hello lady he is a TODDLER) and secondly she wrote as a recommendation " Try to ignore tantrums--say "not hit" or walk away (because ignoring him is the BEST way to discipline my child---you know my child best?).

Maybe I am too sensitive to all of this having a teacher and social work background. But I'd like to think any mom would feel put off by this stuff. I keep telling myself that once Rylan catches up with the speech we are out of this. I can not take people telling me how to parent, or talking to me like I am not well educated, or don't have the right to set my own boundaries in my own home. Just because you are giving a service to my son, and you are older then I am, doesn't mean you can pass such judgement, or over ride any of my choices as a parent. I honestly don't think he needs OT, but I continue it only because she does the same stuff as the speech person, so I am using it as double the speech therapy hoping for more results.

St. Patricks Day

Refusing to wear his St pats bow tie

Wicked Good Times In RI for a EAST-TA Weekend

This weekend we headed to Rhode Island to celebrate and early East-ta (must say it with RI accent) with my side of the family and visit family and friends.

We drove in on Saturday --which seemed like the longest drive of our lives. Rylan screamed on and off almost the entire time until I got the bright idea of putting his lullabye cd in our car sterep about 20 minutes prior to getting my sisters. Suddenly he fell asleep---after 2 hours and some change of being CRAZY NUTSO upset. We had hoped we could transition him into the pac n play--but as soon as we were at their doorstep--his eyes were open wide.
We started the day visiting my grandparents in the nursing home. It is great to see their faces light up when the kids are around them. After spending so time there, and a few hours catching up with my sister and brother in law, Pete and I had a NIGHT OUT. We hardly ever have a night out in RI --but this time we were so happy to be invited to my friend Amanda's home for a dinner --slash--high school class gathering. It was great to catch up with people without kids to run after. It is funny how years and years have passed but the instant you see a face that at one time you saw almost everyday in your life--you know exactly who you are talking too--even though we are all no longer teenagers and now well into our 30's! It was such a great idea and I am sure we all were happy Amanda gathered us all. In conversations with one person from high school it was interesting to see how much our lives have been lived similar since we graduated! Always great to catch up! We stayed until midnight which NEVER happens...Amanda and Norm practically had to kick us out--and I remembered how much I miss her (must call Amanda more often).

Today we had our family EAST-TA dinner. We filled our bellies with yummy foods and visited with a few more family members.
Luckily our trip home wasn't so hair pulling. Rylan and I both fell asleep and Pete got to drive listening to sports radio in peace!

Here are some pics:
Visiting the Great Grandparents


Sitting in a big boy chair


Runners


Call me on my CELLY


Happy East-ta

Bad to the Bone

Ba ba ba bad...
My sweet faced Rylan is always up to something these days!
Here are a few pics you can see the curiosity in his eyes and maybe even an opps you caught me!

We a sweet face like this--do you think I would jump on the sofa?




Who should I text with Mommy's phone--my angelic girlfriends in playgroup or the naked lady in the locker room? hmmmm

Swimming with an ANNOYING MOM

SWIM CLASS

My kid is so confused about what class he is going to these days. As we approached the YMCA he pointed to the Gym meaning "we should go in there Mom"--which is where his ghetto music class is (I say this because it is NO -Music Together program--but is 1/3 of the price--so you get what you pay for and frankly he is only 20 months..so as long as we can dance and sing--we stick with the ghetto music class). He was surprised when we entered the locker room instead. As I pulled his bathing suit on he began to giggle. As soon as he saw the pool he wanted to run and jump in--eventhough it was the adult pool he first saw and it was 12 feet deep where we were standing...good thing I have taught him to hold hands.

Enter annoying woman and her crazy hair little girl. "Miss Amanda" (as her annoying mom called her" was cute in her bikini and had two pony tails sticking straight up from her head...she too was attempting to "jump right in" at the 12 feet mark. Annoying women turned around and said to "Miss Amanda loves the water--she has no fear. If I put her in this I am sure she would she could get out"--I was thinking--ok lady does your 19 month old also able to snow board, and jet ski. During the class she sang the songs the LOUDEST, and would YELL and I mean YELL her praises to her kid while the rest of whispered a sweet "good job" in our kids ear. All you could hear is "GREAT JOB MISS AMANDA" at the TOP of her lungs. At one point Rylan wasn't really into floating on her back--annoying Mom turns to me and says "You have to put him on the his back that is what the teacher instructed"...it took all of me--and you all know I am NOT one to bite my tongue,--to say politely "i know--but he isn't feeling it right now". "Miss Amanda's" Mom also had the WORST 80s thing going on--she wore this horrible one piece bathing suit that was a cross between a snake skin print and tie died--and was VERY worn on looking...and she had her hair up in a BANANA CLIP! I haven't seen one of those since they were used as sun glasses on Star Treck. And the story gets better..at the end of class one mom asked me if I had been to other swim classes before--I said yes, and apparently she wanted a less "swim" class and a more "sing and play" in the water class...well "Miss Amanda's" mom chimed in and said--"well ya know this one is better for your child because she will actually LEARN something. Amanda is way beyond this class, but I figured since it was age appropriate I wouldn't push moving her up". I rolled my eyes at the lady that had the little girl deathly afraid of the water and wanted to sing songs--I told her it is the teacher we had and she should inquire about another teacher who is less teachy and more singy! Not for nothing but our class has a broad age range--19-36 months..so Rylan is in a group with 3 year olds--but apparently "Miss Amanda" should be with 4 year olds?---I didn;t quite see her swimming laps over there! Yikes--I wonder what it will be like with this one in the class every week.

On a lighter note...my son loves naked ladies. A women--a very "curvy" lady--got buck naked about 3 inches infront of Rylan and his eyes lit up. I thought I was imagining this until I saw him look her up and down, and followed her with his eyes as she went over to the shower! I can not believe his love for the ladies so early! I am going to have to search under his mattress when he is 15 for SURE!

How many activities can I do in a week?

Why oh why did I schedule almost every minute of every day during the week?
I wasn't think when I signed up Rylan for 2 classes at the YMCA about how much of a pain it would be. The YMCA is about a half hour away, so although you would think it was only an hour ordeal it is actually a two hour ordeal plus manipulating naps, food, and such. Or maybe it is just I am used to and like being home. As of now our weekly schedule looks something like this:
M early intervention
T Moms group
W Roc N Tots
Th (A DAY AT HOME)
F Swim
We went to our first Roc N Tots class with our good friends Meridith and Penelope. Rylan was put off since it was something new and wasn't sure how much he was enjoying it. I held him most of the time which at this point is breaking my back (man he is solid). Penelope was enjoying herself and was soooo cute to watch! I hope Rylan warms up to it. Rylan and Penelope then had a lunch date at McDonald's! Fries and nuggets for all!
I also have to report another kink in my certification paperwork---my graduate school yet again signed it incorrectly--this will be the 4th time I submit it and wait for hopefully the correct form. So teaching is up in the air for the fall all together--I am not looking for anything until I have all my ducks in a row! It has been quite the headache! So while Rylan was sleeping today, I was faxing and e-mailing trying to get things settled.
This weekend we are off to Rhode Island. Although I miss my family and friends greatly--i always dred the packing up, and driving with a demanding toddler. I also hate running around trying to fit everyone in--and we always miss someone who ends up feeling left out.
Also--in honor of honoring ourselves as moms--I am trying to get a book club together so we can have a little something for ourselves. I think it is often easy to get lost in the daily shuffle of being a mom and wife--and it will be nice to HAVE to make time for US and to read things that reflect who we are and where we are at! I am hoping this turns out soon!
Nothing else is really new over here---just busy times, wishing for sunshine, and waiting for American Idol to come on tonight!

Pom Pom Play

Rylan's Occupational therapist made him this pom pom can to help him use both hands when playing. He seems to love it!