Friday, January 30, 2009

Fluffy Friday

I've decided to start Fluffy Friday, where I write about 'fluff.' You know, stuff that doesn't really matter in the scheme of things. Like celebs, Hollywood, shopping, movies, etc.

This week I picked up these fine ladies' CDs, compliments of a gift card I had.




I felt pretty proud of myself, having, WHAT? Current music? WHAT? I have to say I am thoroughly enjoying my selections. But what I really want to talk about is Adele. Who is this girl? Oh my gosh, what a voice, and on a girl that created the album "19" at age 19. I honestly can't figure out this album, and that's part of the charm. There is a little bit of everything. It's sweet, gritty, playful, and serious all at the same time. It's a little jazzy, a little bluesy, it's pop, I just can't decide what it is. One thing I do know is that it is wickedly clever. I think it is just what music needs - something new. I just love how these female artists are popping up with amazing, unique, talented voices these days. This girl has one of those voices that could not be compared to anyone. Sure, it resembles certain people (names? I'm blanking). But it is not a voice to be duplicated, though I'm sure some American Idol hack will try.
Her big hit "Chasing Pavements" has a really cool video. Check it out here! This girl is starting to grow on me.

My baby walks!

She started walking yesterday all over the place!!!! I'll attempt a video soon!

Monday, January 26, 2009

New territory

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

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.

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.

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. :)

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!