Thankful Tuesday - May 31st

This past weekend was quite the whirlwind! I do believe it was over in the blink of an eye! Here I sit with a cup of hot chocolate (coffee = blech), willing my eyes to stay open and typing away at the computer trying to look busy. I can type pretty well with my eyes closed, so I don't see what the big deal is, really. I guess the bosses think it's unprofessional, or something? Easy for them to say since they have office doors!

My four day weekend was just splendid. I am so thankful that my sister and brother-in-law were able to be here. We started the weekend off a little early with a night out on the town complete with wings and beer followed by more beer, pina coladas and mojitos at the beach. Throw in some live music courtesy of a local hottie and you have got one hell of a Thursday evening!

 Friday, the ladies and Haeden spent the day shopping while the boys (minus my hungover hubby) golfed. I'm pretty sure Haeden would have preferred to be golfing with the guys, but at least he got to ride an "ackickle"! He would have stayed there all day if we'd have let him. Actually, if I could have just chained him to the thing (think bike rack), my shopping experience probably would have been a lot more enjoyable, too. You should have seen the fit he threw when I had to take him off of the carousel. Epic, I tell you. It was kind of like walking a really big rottweiler down the street... people got the hell out of the way! ha!

Saturday was jam-packed with fun, you guys. The beach was a blast. It was so lovely to just sit around and relax and soak up the sun's glorious rays. Haeden enjoyed playing in the sand, looking for shells and splashing around in the water as long as someone was holding onto him. He ran straight for the water, but quickly slowed his role when the water came rushing up to his chubby little knees. That surprised me a little, but I think his being a little cautious is a very good thing when it comes to the ocean!

After showers and naps the whole gang gathered at "Andma Ellie's" house for a cookout/ birthday party for the hubby. Fun, food and family --- can't go wrong with that!

I failed to photograph the rest of the weekend, but it involved bike rides, movie nights, blow-up pools and a whole lot of laughter. I don't know about everyone else, but I think this Memorial Day visit needs to become a tradition... whaddya say, Seester?!

  

Soap Box

Brace yourselves. It is about to get all controversial up in heeeere. I am fired the eff up right now. A so-called “friend” of mine on facebook just posted the following:

“I need to start a business in the middle east making land mines disguised as prayer mats.”

Is it just me or is that absolutely disgusting? I thought all of the hate mongering almost 10 years ago was ridiculous, but I just can’t stand to listen to it at this point. Muslim does not equal terrorist, just like German does not = Nazi. How can you write off an entire religion because on one major (awful) event?

The Islam faith did not attack the world trade centers, a group of religious fanatics did. I think it is important to remember that there are fanatics in every religion, race, country, etc.

Is it really fair to make Osama Bin Laden the face of Islam? I don’t think so. I do, however, think it is high time people get over themselves. Burkas don’t come with bazookas and bibles don’t come with a license to judge the hell out of everyone else.

Embrace The Camera

Usually when I link up to this fun little weekly post it is because we just so happened to have taken pictures the weekend before. I try to save some just to be able to join and hopefully make some new friends.

This week, however, I was prepared! Since the hubs has been working so hard these past couple of weeks, the little man and I have had lots of time to hang out together, just the two of us. It's sort of the silver lining of an otherwise crappy deal.

I've mentioned before that Haeden loves to rock out on his guitar and various other instruments. Lately he has decided to add some lyrics to his music. He doesn't actually know any full songs at this age, just snippets. He mostly says, "I do. I do. I doooo!". I think it's from that Colbie Caillat song that he has seen on the VH1 Countdown. And the other is "Ashes. Ashes. We all fall DOWN!". Pretty sure you recognize that one!

Anyway, I decided to try to teach him a new song to sing. It goes like this:

I love my Mommy! Yes I do!

I love my Mommy. It's truuuueee!

Pretty fantastic, right? He actually got on board and started singing it right away and it was the cutest thing ever. Of course, as soon as I got out my camera to record him... he stopped. I even tried to bribe him with candy, but he'd just play the guitar and then run into the other room. Little booger.

I switched gears and got him to take some silly pictures with me instead. Forgive the blur. Movement + low light + point-and-shoot are not ideal! Still, fun memories were capture and that is always the real goal!

Thankful Tuesday

This is the third week of Thankful Tuesday and the second week in a row that it's fallen on a Wednesday. I think I'm going to have to start sending text alerts to myself, or something. My only excuse is that I forgot again! Whoopsie! But better late than never, right?!

1. I'm so, so, so thankful that my seester is coming to town today! I cannot wait to see her! We have lots of fun activities planned for the long weekend and I am ready to get this party started.

2. Pretty stoked at the opportunity to be a blogger for justmommies.com! Hope to make lots of new friends!

3. I am thankful that I finished my first 5K on Saturday. My time pretty much sucked, however, the fact that I did not pass out from heat exhaustion is definitely something to be proud of! Note to self: do not run in 100 degree heat at 5pm in the afternoon. Not even the beach breeze can make that pleasant!

What are you thankful for this week?

Worst Invention Ever

Car carts are the worst invention ever. Seriously.

Yes, I know they do a pretty good job of occupying kids during a long and boring trip to the grocery store. I know that kids love them. In fact, that is part of my problem. My kid loves them a little too much. In fact, he refuses to even get IN the regular cart if we go to our usual grocery store, Publix.

Since Dan and I carpool, we also usually do the food shopping together. It definitely tends to get done faster. One of us can concentrate on keeping Haeden occupied and the other can grab what we need. A few months ago, Dan thought it would be fun to introduce Haeden to the car cart. Of course he loved it and has not forgotten about it since. I think I may have mentioned the last time I tried to take him shopping by myself.

I tried to be nice and put him in that horrid, germy cart that weighs about 5,000 lbs. I strapped him in and, grocery list in hand, made a beeline for the sliding doors. I figured that between the car cart and the free cookie, I was in for a pretty easy solo shopping experience. I was wrong. So, so wrong.

Before I could even maneuver the monstrosity of a cart inside, I just about knocked over the flower display just outside the door. Once I passed that obstacle, I almost ran down the manager standing just inside. It was a tad embarrassing, to say the least. I decided it was just too much. I grabbed Haeden and asked the guy to put the cart back for me. Then I marched over to the regular, less "fun" cart with my already kicking and screaming child. No begging, pleading or coaxing could shut him up. So, I did all I could do and picked him back up, smiled at all of the onlookers taking in the show and walked back out to the car. He continued to throw a fit the entire way home. When I pulled into the driveway, he was still screaming and hollering, so I took out my camera and recorded a little snippet. Then I played it back for him, and you know what?! He stopped! He got a very concerned look on his face and said, "Wha happen?! Baby crying?!" Funny how quickly they can turn on/off those waterworks.

Okay, so that happened like over a month ago. I don't know why I thought yesterday would turn out any differently. It didn't. The only change was that I didn't even try the car cart. I attempted to distract him from them instead. I figured out of sight, out of mind. But, no. That was so not the case.

I'm not exactly sure how to handle this situation. Do I have to bring my hubby with me every time I shop? Is the only other alternative to leave H with someone else while I run to Publix? Is it too much to ask the bag boy to push the cart around the store rather than just to my car?! Or, am I going to have to change grocery stores? Say it isn't so!! I cannot go back to the dreaded Wal-Mart Super Center!

DAN!

The hubs has been working later nights and weekends a lot this month. Because of this, I chose not to give him too hard of a time when the following occurred:

Dan had to work late last Friday. Then he had to get up early the next morning and work another 7 hour day. Good times. I did my usual Saturday routine and alternately played with Haeden, did laundry and cleaned the house.

Once I got everything crossed off my to-do list I decided I had enough time before lunch to run to Target and exchange some shorts for the 5K I was running that afternoon (more on this later). When I got out to the car I realized Dan had taken out the car seat the day before to allow more room for his photography equipment. Knowing what a pain in the ass it is to simultaneously watch Haeden and install his car seat, I yelled out “DAN!” in exasperation.

Have I mentioned that Haeden is in the repeating stage? Yeah. I’m so glad I only yelled out his name and nothing else. This is not usually the case. Haeden immediately copied me, which made me laugh, which made him want to do it more. We went back to the front door and realized (because nothing is ever easy) the lock was stuck. Again. I stood there for a good 5 minutes jimmying (is that a word?!) the handle and banging on the door for good measure. Haeden joined in on the banging while yelling… you got it… “DAAAAANNN!”

I ended up having to go around back to get inside the house. Luckily Haeden stayed close and I installed the car seat without incidence. I jumped in the front seat, turned on the car and then saw that the gas gauge was on empty. The nerve of that man!

“DAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!”

Transportation Enamoration

Haeden, for quite some time now, has been obsessed with all things transportation. In the car, he is always on the look out for BIG trucks and BEER trucks (we live near a Budweiser plant, don't judge!), motorcycles, airplanes, bicycles and buses (both school and city).

Our neighbor recently bought a motorcycle ("ackickle" according to Haeden) and every day when we get home ( "Hi, my house!!") he tries to make a break for it because it is usually sitting in their yard. Front and center. I imagine that to him it looks like there is a halo of light surrounding it and he probably hears angels singing in the background, too. Haeden generally ignores us while we stand at the door yelling for him to come inside. I don't think he'd be so bold as to bolt across the street, but you just never know.

I always knew, from them moment they told me I was having a boy, that he'd end up loving cars. Both of his brothers and the hubby are big time car enthusiasts. They each seem to have little storage spaces carved out in their brains specifically for storing car-related information. It will only be a matter of time before our little Haeden can point out the make, model and year of every car that drives past.

(Wearing his train hat in the car!)

Craning his (E.T.) neck while watching the cars pass by.

Embrace The Camera

I'm embracing the camera this week with Amy, who is hosting the party for Emily.

We have been busy, busy bees over in my neck of the woods, so I am cheating a bit this week and using some archived photos from this past Mother's Day. I would, however, like to officially go on the record saying that although two deffinitely has it's "terrible" moments, it has also had some of the best. Haeden is my little love bug and I absolutely live for his hugs and kisses.

Practicing his dino ROAR!

Belated Thankful Tuesday - 5/18

Am I a great blogger, or what?! I decide to start a weekly post and then immediately forget about it the following week. I don't even have a good excuse for my lame brain-ness. I just up and forgot.

Anywhoo,I'd still like to share a few things from the past week that have made me all warm, gooey and thankful inside.

1. I helped throw a baby shower this weekend for a good friend of mine. She is having her second baby boy in a little over a month and I could not be happier for her. She is the sweetest gal and deserves all the happiness in the world. Plus, she gave me so many (awesome) hand-me-downs that I have barely had to buy any clothes for Haeden these last two years! Although we didn't have as many guests as we would have hoped for, we had an absolute blast and I'm pretty the guest of honor was a happy camper.

2. I am so thankful for book stores. I love them and spent my lunch hour at one of them today. I swear I could spend an entire day walking around in there. Oh, and on a related note, I also love amazon because I just bought Dooce's book for .01 cents! Wahoo!

3. Living a block away from a park. What better way to let your toddler expend some energy? Also, it's free and you can't beat that!

4. Being married to a photographer. While I wish he would break out the camera at home a little more often, I almost, alllllmoooosssst, can't complain about it just because when he does get around to it, they look like this:

A Day at the Park

Friday afternoon/ early evening was gorgeous. The weather was warm, but it didn't feel like I was walking around outside with a wet blanket on my head either. I decided that I needed to take advantage of that! I asked Haeden if he'd like to go to the park and he just about tripped over his own feet trying to run back to his room to get his shoes.  "Shoes ON" he says. And then, "Mommy's shoes on? Otay!". And we were off...

The bike obsession continues. Also, hats and shoes.

I told him we couldn't go until he looked at the camera. ha!

Pure joy!

Still got that adorable gap-toothed smile!

Now the real fun begins...

Weee!

"Mountain climbing"

Of course he wants to go on the big swing!

Ready?!

Checking out the motorcycle going by...

Here I come!!!

My new goal is to get him to the park at least once a week, weather permitting. It tuckered him out and we both had a blast! I might have to lay off the "mamarazzi" bit once in a while so that I can play hard, too!



The Problem With Being A Working Mom

You know what sucks about being a full-time working mother? Well, if you ask me, everything except the paycheck and a handful of great people you get to hang out with during the day.

Okay, I’m being dramatic and I’m mostly joking. Mostly. In these “tough economical times” I, of course, am thankful to be employed. Me staying at home is just not an option for my family, unless maybe we all agree to a strict canned-food only diet and, you know, stop wearing pants. It might be easy to convince my hubby and our two-year-old on that last one, but I just can’t get my stepsons to agree to it. Crap!

So, here’s what makes it really hard. Childcare is expensive, yes. And obviously I really hate that I miss out on spending so much time with my little guy. I work the regular 8-5 and then our evenings feel like just another list of things that have to be completed. Dinner? Check. Dishes? Check. Bath? Check! The weekends are more of the same. Gotta get the house cleaned and the lawn mowed, need to run this errand, need to fit in time for playing at the park or visiting family. I wish I didn’t have to schedule fun, but sometimes that’s exactly what I do! I often feel pangs of jealousy when I read about or talk with stay-at-home-mom’s. I know their life isn’t exactly easy, but you know, the grass is always greener, right?

It’s even harder still when my Haeden gets sick. He has allergies that quickly turn into colds that turn into ear infections and yadda, yadda, yadda. He goes to a licensed at-home daycare during the day and while I feel like he is exposed to less than he would be at a larger daycare, he still brings home more than his fair share of illnesses. Kids just don’t want to share anything these days except for their germs, right?! So what happens when he gets sick? I stay home to take care of him. I try to utilize family when possible, but since I can’t schedule his illnesses, they aren’t always available. Honestly though, when my baby is sick, I want to be the one to take care of him. What mother doesn’t?

Well, apparently I need to learn to be that mother. I got my hand slapped at work today because over the past year I have had too many unscheduled absences. Apparently they keep track of why I am out because it was brought to my attention that it’s usually due to taking care of the “sick kid”. I understand where they are coming from, I really do. However, that doesn’t make it any easier. Do I really have to choose between my child and my job? Is that what being a working mother is really about?

And in related news, I'm totally playing the lotto this week...

Thankful Tuesday

My Mom always taught me to "count my blessings". It's often easier said than done... like when my bank account is low, the cupboards are bare and my roots have grown out... all at the same time, of course. I do think, however, that it is an important thing to remember. You don't even need to be religious to find the significance in this as it is really the same thing as reminding yourself to keep a positive outlook.

In all honesty, being positive all the time might be a little more than I can take. I don't think that I am necessarily a negative person, but let's just say that nobody has ever called me "Susie Sunshine" either. And so, in an effort to count my blessings a little more often, I would like to start a weekly post that I will deem "Thankful Tuesday". Because, let's face it, I have plenty to be thankful for.

1. Haeden got sick early Monday morning. For several hours he was throwing up every 15 to 20 minutes. He was a real trooper though and around 10am things started to look up. By mid-afternoon, after a nice long nap, you would have never guessed he had been so sick that morning. For that, I am thankful!!

2. Sunday afternoon we scheduled a mini photo shoot with the grandma's. It was a beautiful evening and I'm sure we got some nice shots. We've been terrible about family photos since Haeden was born and I've made it my mission to rectify that this year. I can't wait to see the results!

3. Both of my stepson's chatted with me on Facebook last night. That always makes me feel special!

4. I'm thankful for the "Talking Tom" app on my Droid. It's one of the only things that can stop a full-on tantrum dead in it's tracks.

5. Mother's Day was Sunday and I'm thankful for the chance to not only be celebrated on that day, but also to celebrate all the wonderful Mom's and Grandma's in my life!

What are you thankful for today?

Mommy's Night Out

Tonight is THE night! Over a month ago, my good friend Stephanie and I decided to go out of town for her birthday. Just an overnight trip. As much as I would love a weekend getaway, I don't think I could leave my "baby" behind for an entire weekend. Not just yet anyway. I feel like I don't get enough time with him as it is.

And while I still feel a tinge of guilt over my "night off", I know that I deserve it. I think that just as it is important for me to spend time alone with my hubby, it is also important for me to spend time with my own friends. You know, like at a bar. With a cute dress and a drink in my hand.

So, in 3.5 hours Steph and I will be high-tailing it out of work and speeding down I-95 to good 'ol Orlando. The countdown has begun and the shenanigans will ensue shortly. Hopefully said shenanigans will not include holding any one's hair back. ha!

(Jo, Me & Steph on a previous Girl's Night Out!)

P.S.

Is it sad that I am slightly more excited about the fact that I get to sleep in past 7am tomorrow?! Oh, the joy!!

Embracing the Camera

Years from now, when I think back upon life with a two year-old, I want to remember more than just the tantrums- full on alligator tears, flailing limbs, fists curled up into balls, shin kicks and ear piercing screams. I want to remember the giggle fits, "cah" (trucks, buses, trains, construction vehicles and motorcycles included) obsession, his love of shoes and hats, as well as his buddy bear and doggy. Oh, and moments like these:

Best kisses ever.

Linking up with Ms. Emily today:

Insert Screaming and Flailing Here

True to his two year-old self, Haeden was in Baby Rambo mode this weekend. The Hubs and I had Friday off in an attempt to take all three boys on a little adventure to see the second-to-last shuttle launch that was supposed to go off that afternoon. However, as luck would have it, we got half way down there and found out it was cancelled. Thank Jeebus for our fancy new internet phones or we wouldn't have had a clue.

Anyway, due to all of the excitement, Haeden didn't have a proper nap that day. Annnd he decided to go ahead and make that the theme for the entire weekend. He refused a nap Saturday and Sunday, too. And do you know how a napless two year-old acts come 4pm? It's like living in my own little psych ward. Maniacal laughing and then sobbing and whining because someone isn't wearing their shoes. Or because they have milk instead of juice. It's not pleasant. I'd rather hang out with a menstruating teenager.

Yeah, so back to the story at hand. I took Haeden for a car ride Sunday evening just to get him out of the house and give the rest of a family a little break. Plus, H is usually pretty happy in the car. He loves to point all of the different trucks, motorcycles, vans and construction equipment passing by. I ran into a couple of stores a few miles from the house and he was a complete angel, of course. I'm glad that he usually saves the Mr. Hyde side for when we're at home. 

On the way home I'm just driving along and talking to Haeden about who-knows-what when I feel a little tickling sensation on my foot. I shake it once or twice but it doesn't go away. In fact, the sensation starts moving further up towards my ankle. I look down and realize it's a palmetto bug. Yeah, a PALMETTO BUG.

I couldn't exactly panic here. I mean, my baby was in the back seat and I was driving. I did, however, scream at the top of my lungs for a good while. Since I couldn't see the little bugger very well AND I was wearing flip flops, I ended up pulling over to the side of the road so that I could kill it and then flick it out the wide open car door. Thankfully there weren't many cars on the road at the time because I might have taken a few people out trying to get over to the emergency lane before that thing started crawling on me again. Or, god forbid, flying around the car.

As I closed the door and put my seatbelt back on, Haeden called to me from the backseat. "Mommy, wha happen?!" I told him there was a big bug on me and then he screamed at the top of his lungs and started laughing at me. God, he's such a boy!

Haeden's "Big Boy" Room

After switching Haeden over to a twin sized bed several months ago, I decided that I wanted to basically re-decorate his room. Only, the word "re-decorate" makes my husband's ears bleed, so I decided to use the term "update" instead.

I decided, in my own mind, that this needed to be complete before Haeden's 2nd birthday. Don't ask me why. It's not like it was because people were coming over and I totally wanted them to be impressed with my mad decorating skillz. Okay, maybe I did.

Reasons aside, we totally made this happen. The Hubs graciously helped me re-paint the entire room (again) and then I even talked him into giving Haeden his birthday present early. Everyone who knows me also knows that I am terrible about surprises. Gifts excite me. Yes, even when they're not for me.

Anyway, the point is that it is done. Actually, it has been complete and even photographed for several weeks now. I must have been sitting around picking my teeth or something because I'm just now getting around to sharing it with you. Better late than never though, right?!

Okay, here we go!

View from the door.

View from the closet.

H's silhouette made from card stock and scrapbook paper.

Framed newborn onesie, hospital wrist tag and foot print.

Ceramic piggy hooks and our little artist's handy work.

Card stock and scrap booking paper banner. Saved from his 1st birthday party.

Dwell Studio for Target "Happo" bedding and various lovies.

Some favorite baby pictures.

Top of the dresser. ABC print from etsy. Birthday print made by me. Cross stitch "You Make Me Happy" made by me! Elephant lamp from Pottery Barn.

Embroidery hoop collage. Orange fabric is leftover from his 1st birthday shirt and the other was used to make his crib skirt. Various cross stitch by me. The "H" is a cheapo wooden letter from Michael's covered with scrap booking paper.

Ikea table and chairs. Table top and seats covered with "Route 66" fabric. 50's kitchen from Walmart. Chalkboard from Hobby Lobby. Bookshelf from Target.