Is it just coincidence that this comment was first made by my husband in our 7th year of marriage? Unlucky 7, so they say. The 7-year-itch. Ick. I wish the 7th year didn’t have such a reputation, because I have been paranoid ever since our 6th anniversary. Ridiculous? Perhaps.
Today, I was debating between going to a church women’s night of massages, facials, and manicures, or staying home to assist the hubs with putting the kids to bed. By the way, was my just calling him ‘the hubs’ the equivalent of a man calling his wife ‘the wife?’ Ewww, my bad! But don’t make me change it. I lovingly call him the hubs. Back to the matter at hand….
So I’m trying to feel him out about it on the phone, to make sure he won’t snap if he has to do bedtime by himself after a long day (trust me, it stinks after a long day, especially when the 3-year old is in a new non-listening phase, but since it seems to be mommy induced the hubs should be ok). Hubs says, “speaking as a guy, I’ll be happier if you’re happy, so go ahead.” I was speechless. I didn’t know how to react. I’ve never heard him use the “if mom’s not happy, nobody is” line of reasoning before. Hmmm…. I’m still not sure how to take it. Most of you are probably thinking it’s about dang time he figures that out after nearly SEVEN years! But me? I’m still not sure.
Does it mean that (a) he thinks I’ve been a crabby bear, (b) he’s scared of what will happen if I don’t go get a massage, (c) he was saying in general that a happy spouse makes for a happier household, or even (d) that he is getting outspoken enough to say what he’s been thinking for 6 years? The truth is, it’s probably all of those. I guess I can live with that. I mean, it is true. If either one of you gets a chance to escape for a bit, you’ve got to take it. And as long as you both get that chance once in a while, it’s ok. It brings relaxation, helps you keep yourself in order.
Of course, I can’t help but feel bad about not spending much time with the kids tonight. But really? Once 6:30 hits, the bedtime ritual starts with the 1-year old anyway, and the rest of the evening is always a blur. By the time 1 goes down, it’s 3’s turn. And let’s face it. Given the odds lately, I’ll be seeing 1 around 3am. And let me tell you, THAT’S quality time there. Stumble groggily in, plug mouth with pacifier, stumble back to bed and throw the cat on the floor – sound like a great time? I’ve really got to start some pacifier rehab around here… and perhaps some cat isolation.
And before I scare everybody, no, we’re not going through the 7-year-itch. And I’m not worried. The 7th year just has a bad reputation. But we’re already halfway through it. YESSSSSSS
Monday, January 26, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Cuteness Factor
It has been ages since I've done one of my beloved cuteness factors. I have missed this one. I'm trying to turn a new leaf with the new year on my blog. I'm weird, but I've been thinking of titles of certain things I could post on certain days while I'm driving home from work. So prepare yourselves for the unveilings. Blah blah biddy blah blah.
Let's start with Matthew. Matthew, the silly guy, hasn't stopped talking since Sunday! Nonstop talking. It's adorable, but as parents of 3-year old boys know, it gets a little old. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but man! He doesn't stop. And everything is a full blown story that ends up not really making sense by the time it's over. Sean and I just look at each other and shake our heads and laugh wondering how long these stories will go on. Oh, and quite often, his stories involve a funny giggle here and there. This week, they might go something like this. "Last night, when I was sleeping, and then in the morning, I woke up and when I saw AJ, it scared me. he he he" Only it would be longer and have more details and more strange giggles.
I have meant to share a couple Matthew quotes from Christmas.
He got real confused by the whole Santa concept. When we got in the car to go home from our Christmas Eve celebration, which Santa visited, he had been up a long time, it was late, he was tired, and he said,
"when we get home, i'm going to go to sleep, and santa is going to sneak in my room and fill my socks."
I think he really thought Santa would fill the regular socks in his dresser.
And another, when he was opening presents on my side of the family's Christmas, he opened a play-doh octopus, and exclaimed,
"Boys AND girls want THIS!!!"
On to Ellie. She is a complete riot these days. She also has a wicked evening hour of crabbiness, but we won't go there. She exclaims about EVErything. It's usually a "a DAH!" sort of thing. I personally think these are 2 of her cutest things lately:
First. Games. She makes up games, and likes the standards of peek-a-boo, so big, clapping, and bye bye. But one of my favorites is one where she is in her high chair, and practically slams her head down on the high chair tray to cock it to the side. She waits for you to do it, with the cutest anticipatory grin (was that a word?), and when you cock your head to the side to match, she pops up straight and squeals with an extraordinarily large 2-toothed, open mouthed grin. This repeats as long as you participate.
Second. Snuggling. Ellie snuggles anything soft, or a picture of anything soft, or pictures of animals or babies. And when she's playing, she'll crawl over real fast and come for a snuggle from mom or dad. It's very cute.
Soon to come is walking and finally a 3rd tooth. I felt the tell tale signs of a forming bump in her gums today. F-I-N-A-L-L-Y. (and i just know she'll start getting a bunch at once, and it will completely piss her off!) She is so close to walking. She will actually take about 3-5 steps on her own, but hasn't quite gotten brave enough to really take off.
Let's start with Matthew. Matthew, the silly guy, hasn't stopped talking since Sunday! Nonstop talking. It's adorable, but as parents of 3-year old boys know, it gets a little old. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but man! He doesn't stop. And everything is a full blown story that ends up not really making sense by the time it's over. Sean and I just look at each other and shake our heads and laugh wondering how long these stories will go on. Oh, and quite often, his stories involve a funny giggle here and there. This week, they might go something like this. "Last night, when I was sleeping, and then in the morning, I woke up and when I saw AJ, it scared me. he he he" Only it would be longer and have more details and more strange giggles.
I have meant to share a couple Matthew quotes from Christmas.
He got real confused by the whole Santa concept. When we got in the car to go home from our Christmas Eve celebration, which Santa visited, he had been up a long time, it was late, he was tired, and he said,
"when we get home, i'm going to go to sleep, and santa is going to sneak in my room and fill my socks."
I think he really thought Santa would fill the regular socks in his dresser.
And another, when he was opening presents on my side of the family's Christmas, he opened a play-doh octopus, and exclaimed,
"Boys AND girls want THIS!!!"
On to Ellie. She is a complete riot these days. She also has a wicked evening hour of crabbiness, but we won't go there. She exclaims about EVErything. It's usually a "a DAH!" sort of thing. I personally think these are 2 of her cutest things lately:
First. Games. She makes up games, and likes the standards of peek-a-boo, so big, clapping, and bye bye. But one of my favorites is one where she is in her high chair, and practically slams her head down on the high chair tray to cock it to the side. She waits for you to do it, with the cutest anticipatory grin (was that a word?), and when you cock your head to the side to match, she pops up straight and squeals with an extraordinarily large 2-toothed, open mouthed grin. This repeats as long as you participate.
Second. Snuggling. Ellie snuggles anything soft, or a picture of anything soft, or pictures of animals or babies. And when she's playing, she'll crawl over real fast and come for a snuggle from mom or dad. It's very cute.
Soon to come is walking and finally a 3rd tooth. I felt the tell tale signs of a forming bump in her gums today. F-I-N-A-L-L-Y. (and i just know she'll start getting a bunch at once, and it will completely piss her off!) She is so close to walking. She will actually take about 3-5 steps on her own, but hasn't quite gotten brave enough to really take off.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
New Fear for a New Year
I have fear. I have fear of the fear phase my daughter is having. The latest? A violent fear of the bathtub. Two weeks ago my girl was a little fish. I could even tip her head back into the water and she didn't mind. Now, she screams violently, won't sit down, and clings and climbs on me! Where did that come from? Well, I can tell you. I made the TRAGIC (apparently) mistake of putting her in a bubble bath. She has recently switched from her baby tub to the big bathtub and this was the first time we used bubbles in the big tub. Oh my.
Since the big reveal, Ellie has since exhibited fear of many things, including EVERYTHING at the clinic this morning for her 1-year checkup. Can you believe my baby is 1? Holy cow! This is just the latest phase that will pass like all phases do.
Her stats, you ask?
Weight: 20.4 lbs
Height: 30.5"
Head size: can't remember, but 75th percentile
Shots: 4 (yikes!)
Finger poke: 1
Tears: Many
Pictures, you ask? Yeah. I've been bad about that lately. I haven't taken any of my own pictures in quite some time, hint hint, those of you reading who have pictures of my family.....
In other news, I confess, I turned 30. I'll leave it at that and hope people don't really notice.
Since the big reveal, Ellie has since exhibited fear of many things, including EVERYTHING at the clinic this morning for her 1-year checkup. Can you believe my baby is 1? Holy cow! This is just the latest phase that will pass like all phases do.
Her stats, you ask?
Weight: 20.4 lbs
Height: 30.5"
Head size: can't remember, but 75th percentile
Shots: 4 (yikes!)
Finger poke: 1
Tears: Many
Pictures, you ask? Yeah. I've been bad about that lately. I haven't taken any of my own pictures in quite some time, hint hint, those of you reading who have pictures of my family.....
In other news, I confess, I turned 30. I'll leave it at that and hope people don't really notice.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
New Year's Resolutions
I’m trying to keep my resolutions simple.
First, be a better Christian. My only goal (to keep it simple) is to keep up with the One Year Bible, which takes you through reading the entire Bible in a year. (ahem, I'm 9.5 days behind)
Second, do something about this hail damage on my postnatal body. Ahem. By playing the Wii. Hey, that accomplishes exercise (sort of) AND entertainment.
Third, be a nicer mom and wife. Okay. Not simple at all. But shouldn’t we always strive for this goal?
Fourth, rid myself of mommy guilt. My working mom friend and I have decided to tackle this together, because we both take on the guilt of every decision we make. For example, “I’m home sick today, shoot, I feel bad I can’t get my work done at work.” “I have to stay at work late, shoot, I feel guilty I’m not there to help get supper on and help with the kids.” “I brought the kids to daycare even though I had the day off, shoot, I can’t believe I’m not spending time with them.” Etc etc etc etc etc etc etc
Oh, yeah, and fifth. Blog more. That wouldn't take much at this point. :)
First, be a better Christian. My only goal (to keep it simple) is to keep up with the One Year Bible, which takes you through reading the entire Bible in a year. (ahem, I'm 9.5 days behind)
Second, do something about this hail damage on my postnatal body. Ahem. By playing the Wii. Hey, that accomplishes exercise (sort of) AND entertainment.
Third, be a nicer mom and wife. Okay. Not simple at all. But shouldn’t we always strive for this goal?
Fourth, rid myself of mommy guilt. My working mom friend and I have decided to tackle this together, because we both take on the guilt of every decision we make. For example, “I’m home sick today, shoot, I feel bad I can’t get my work done at work.” “I have to stay at work late, shoot, I feel guilty I’m not there to help get supper on and help with the kids.” “I brought the kids to daycare even though I had the day off, shoot, I can’t believe I’m not spending time with them.” Etc etc etc etc etc etc etc
Oh, yeah, and fifth. Blog more. That wouldn't take much at this point. :)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Free Advertising
Old Navy people, Old Navy. They have a crazy sale right now. I bought some things yesterday, and asked today if they'd do a price adjustment on whatever is on sale now that wasn't yesterday. I was thinking I'd get a dollar or two. NO! $15! Hello! If you need sweaters, PJs or kids clothes, Old Navy is the place to be! I was floored by the deals!
Monday, December 15, 2008
A lunch break update
Amazing how quickly time goes by! Yikes! Christmas is 10 days away, how did that happen? I miss my blogging. I am so far behind reading blogs, too. I just checked in on the triplets, and holy cow, they walk!!! That's how long I've been gone.
I'm going to touch on the goings on in our humble abode.....
Milestones:
Matthew is potty trained except for staying dry overnight
Ellie is walking along furniture. She even looked like she wanted to walk yesterday. Almost!
Ellie is talking (in that baby way) and waving hi and bye
Trust me, it's a milestone, I finished decorating for Christmas! I gave up on fixing the mess first. That just isn't going to happen. Face it.
Things I'm happy about:
Christmas concerts are DONE!
We're almost over our colds
The entire family will be present at Christmas. That's a huge deal. I think it has been like at least 6 years since my brothers have BOTH come and at the same time, and actually at Christmas, not the week before or after. I feel like a kid again!
Let's Dish saving our lives. They prepare meals FOR you and all you have to do is pop them in the oven and follow the directions. Love. It.
Cuteness:
Ellie waved at daddy out the window when he left all on her own for the first time! I almost melted.
Matthew talked to his grandma on the phone for 10 minutes all by himself. WOW. He even walked around doing stuff while holding the phone and conversing. It was really quite remarkable.
And the not-so-cute-ness:
The washing machine quit on me. Mr. Fix-it (the hubs) ordered a part and is going to try his hand at washing machine repair. We think it's a simple and common problem.
Whining. To be picked up, to not let us out of sight, to eat, to not eat, to get a diaper change, to get dressed, etc. You name it. It could involve whining at any unsuspected moment.
Skid marks. I refuse to explain any further. (think underpants)
Toys. Toys. And more toys. Taking over the house. And that's even before Christmas. We're in trouble.
95 minute drives to work in the snow. Stupid snow. I'm trying to be positive, you know, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and all that. Ho ho ho!
Things I'm thankful for:
Love
My husband
My kids
My cat (I'm only saying that out of obligation)
Family Christmas stockings
Did I say Let's Dish already? I'll say it again!
A furnace
Down comforters
Coffee
Loved ones recovering from health issues
Online shopping
People that keep checking back here for an update
My job
Falling gas prices
The country I live in, its issues and all.
CHRISTMAS AND THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR!!! Let us not forget!
I'm going to touch on the goings on in our humble abode.....
Milestones:
Matthew is potty trained except for staying dry overnight
Ellie is walking along furniture. She even looked like she wanted to walk yesterday. Almost!
Ellie is talking (in that baby way) and waving hi and bye
Trust me, it's a milestone, I finished decorating for Christmas! I gave up on fixing the mess first. That just isn't going to happen. Face it.
Things I'm happy about:
Christmas concerts are DONE!
We're almost over our colds
The entire family will be present at Christmas. That's a huge deal. I think it has been like at least 6 years since my brothers have BOTH come and at the same time, and actually at Christmas, not the week before or after. I feel like a kid again!
Let's Dish saving our lives. They prepare meals FOR you and all you have to do is pop them in the oven and follow the directions. Love. It.
Cuteness:
Ellie waved at daddy out the window when he left all on her own for the first time! I almost melted.
Matthew talked to his grandma on the phone for 10 minutes all by himself. WOW. He even walked around doing stuff while holding the phone and conversing. It was really quite remarkable.
And the not-so-cute-ness:
The washing machine quit on me. Mr. Fix-it (the hubs) ordered a part and is going to try his hand at washing machine repair. We think it's a simple and common problem.
Whining. To be picked up, to not let us out of sight, to eat, to not eat, to get a diaper change, to get dressed, etc. You name it. It could involve whining at any unsuspected moment.
Skid marks. I refuse to explain any further. (think underpants)
Toys. Toys. And more toys. Taking over the house. And that's even before Christmas. We're in trouble.
95 minute drives to work in the snow. Stupid snow. I'm trying to be positive, you know, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and all that. Ho ho ho!
Things I'm thankful for:
Love
My husband
My kids
My cat (I'm only saying that out of obligation)
Family Christmas stockings
Did I say Let's Dish already? I'll say it again!
A furnace
Down comforters
Coffee
Loved ones recovering from health issues
Online shopping
People that keep checking back here for an update
My job
Falling gas prices
The country I live in, its issues and all.
CHRISTMAS AND THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR!!! Let us not forget!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Dec. 8th
I actually did write this post on the 8th, but still had a little bit left to finish on it....
December 8th is a day I dread every year. Today is the 2nd anniversary of the death of my friend, Holly. The beginning of December for me now brings with it a weight. I have felt it both years now, and I don’t realize why until the date hits me. About Thanksgiving is when it starts and around Dec. 1st is when I realize the 8th is around the corner. The odd thing is, I dread it, but usually when the 8th arrives, I don’t think about until the day is half over. Weird how the mind works. Anyways, rather than being all somber and sad, I thought I’d share some memories of Holly in honor of her on this day.
Holly had the cutest giggle, and she giggled often.
We used to scream together while watching NKOTB video tapes. You know, the kind you actually went out to the store and rented that showed footage from while they were on tour and such. Dorks.
Not only that, we knew the moves to Hangin’ Tough.
We were considered “block heads” as in, New Kids on the ‘Block.’ She was Spiral Blockhead and I was Freddy Blockhead. Why? I don’t know.
We sat in the back in 1st grade and always got in trouble for giggling and talking.
We once giggled an entire day in 2nd grade about the color someone colored an elephant tusk.
We went through the grunge phase together. Plenty of flannel to go around.
Holly was THE WORST student driver! I had some good laughs in the back of their suburban while she was behind the wheel. I mean, confusing-the-brake-and-accelerator-type bad.
Holly was supposed to do a reading at my wedding, but the pastor accidentally blew right through it and all we could do was giggle about it afterwards.
Holly and I spent most Friday nights having sleepovers. One such sleepover got us in a lot of trouble and we never forgot my mom telling us “THIS ISN’T FAIR.” Of course, followed by fits of hysteric laughter!
We perfected tall bangs together. Sharing our tips to get them even taller along the way.
Our freshmen year we both decided to drop out of marching band for the fall. We went to the indoor show together and cried our eyes out because we wished we were in it SO bad. (oh, the drama :)
It seems so surreal that Holly is gone. I can't quite wrap my mind around that. Maybe I never will, but I hope to never forget the silliness from our friendship which started in kindergarten. Holly was a big part of my life growing up and I'm blessed to have had her in my life.
December 8th is a day I dread every year. Today is the 2nd anniversary of the death of my friend, Holly. The beginning of December for me now brings with it a weight. I have felt it both years now, and I don’t realize why until the date hits me. About Thanksgiving is when it starts and around Dec. 1st is when I realize the 8th is around the corner. The odd thing is, I dread it, but usually when the 8th arrives, I don’t think about until the day is half over. Weird how the mind works. Anyways, rather than being all somber and sad, I thought I’d share some memories of Holly in honor of her on this day.
Holly had the cutest giggle, and she giggled often.
We used to scream together while watching NKOTB video tapes. You know, the kind you actually went out to the store and rented that showed footage from while they were on tour and such. Dorks.
Not only that, we knew the moves to Hangin’ Tough.
We were considered “block heads” as in, New Kids on the ‘Block.’ She was Spiral Blockhead and I was Freddy Blockhead. Why? I don’t know.
We sat in the back in 1st grade and always got in trouble for giggling and talking.
We once giggled an entire day in 2nd grade about the color someone colored an elephant tusk.
We went through the grunge phase together. Plenty of flannel to go around.
Holly was THE WORST student driver! I had some good laughs in the back of their suburban while she was behind the wheel. I mean, confusing-the-brake-and-accelerator-type bad.
Holly was supposed to do a reading at my wedding, but the pastor accidentally blew right through it and all we could do was giggle about it afterwards.
Holly and I spent most Friday nights having sleepovers. One such sleepover got us in a lot of trouble and we never forgot my mom telling us “THIS ISN’T FAIR.” Of course, followed by fits of hysteric laughter!
We perfected tall bangs together. Sharing our tips to get them even taller along the way.
Our freshmen year we both decided to drop out of marching band for the fall. We went to the indoor show together and cried our eyes out because we wished we were in it SO bad. (oh, the drama :)
It seems so surreal that Holly is gone. I can't quite wrap my mind around that. Maybe I never will, but I hope to never forget the silliness from our friendship which started in kindergarten. Holly was a big part of my life growing up and I'm blessed to have had her in my life.
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