Four Years

Four years ago today, I was 23 years old and walking down the aisle to the man of my dreams. I remember the way he looked at me as he got his first glimpse of his glowing bride. I will never forget that moment- his look of awe and genuine love. That's my hubbs, and he hasn't stopped showing that for me ever since.

I have to admit I am quite lucky. I found my soul mate at a young age. We made it through the trials of college together, a nasty car accident, insecurities and just overall stress that it seemed natural we would get married to each other. We have now been together for over 9 years. It's crazy to me to realize that some people get married barely after a year of dating. I think about how I am still learning about what makes the hubb's tick and him too, learning about me.

This past year we have gone through so much together. Our marriage has been tested but we have become so much stronger from the obstacles we have encountered. Maybe a little blessing named Sonya had something to do with it :) Having a baby together has been the most exhilarating thing I have ever experienced. To watch her grow and know that the two of us created her with our love, just fills my heart.

So enough of the sappiness. My man is my rock, my shrink, personal trainer when I want him to be, partner in crime, food critic that rarely criticizes, reality tv watching confidante, best friend, but most importantly my love.

Here's to many, many more together!

Someone slap me now!

Want to sleep right now. The last few nights have been interrupted either by Lucy barfing, Lucy barking at something super scary outside, like a leaf blowing by or Hubbs running down the stairs after Lucy to get her outside before she barfs. I am tired. So tired. I have gotten back onto drinking caffeine in the morning, only by accident. I bought regular instead of decaf the other day and have been drink the jet fuel since. I swear caffeine makes me more tired. It picks me up drops me before I can even say "damn!".

Our original plans for the 4th were to go up to the coast to our family's house. Then we changed our mind and decided to just keep it local. We both have Friday off so figured it would be a fabulous weekend to do all kinds of exotic and glamorous things, like get baby gates installed in the house (to prevent little snicklefritz from terrorizing), or wash the windows, pull weeds, scrub the grout on the kitchen tile or brush my hair 500 times. You get it. Realistically we will only get the baby gates up and then I will spend the rest of the weekend returning items at either Target or Macy's that Sonya has already outgrown, maybe going swimming, and then doing 357 loads of laundry and still not be done. The house will be partially cleaned and I might get some baby food made. But whatever, as long as I get to spend it with my girl and man, then I am happy!

Happy 4th of July!

A Shout Out

I was born in 1982. It was also the year that the greatest album of all time was released. We all know it as Thriller. Despite the fact that I was only a tiny tot when it was put out, I grew up listening and busting out MJ moves to "Beat It", "Billie Jean", "Human Nature", etc. I loved watching the "Thriller" video, it not only scared me but also was amazing to me to watch the choreographed dance moves- something I had never seen before.

I danced many a high school dances to "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" and can't help but crank up "PYT" when it is on the radio. To this day I still get chills as I hear "We are the World". His music was legendary, it was the backbone to so many great childhood memories. Despite his troubles in later years, I will always remember the King of Pop for his revolutionary dance moves, style setting fashion, and groundbreaking music, but most importantly for enhancing so many of my life experiences and memories.

Summer is Here

Well, we all know that by now, but it has really just sunk in. Maybe it is finally having warm weather, the pool parties, the AC running in the evening, the sound of loud ass birds chirping in the early morning or just the late evenings of putting off the "to do" list to just relax and sip on some Sauvignon Blanc (from New Zealand preferably).

Last weekend was fun filled and packed. Saturday was spent at my cousin's son's Luau Birthday Pool Party. Sonya was all dolled up in her Hawaiian dress, then went swimming with her daddy in the huge pool, was a total natural and kicked her feet around in the water, and then she changed into her hula skirt and lei. We then were off to dinner with the hubbs' dad for Father's Day.

On Sunday we hosted breakfast for hubb's step dad and mom and grandparents for Father's Day. That evening we were off to my parent's house for a BBQ rib dinner to celebrate Father's Day with my dad. I am still recovering!

It was really fun to celebrate hubb's on Father's Day. It being his first, it was nice to reflect on all that he does for me and Sonya. It is crazy at how much of a natural he is. Really, I think he was brought to earth to be a dad. I love him so much, he always is there for me and Sonya and I couldn't imagine not being with him.

Speaking of dads.... sweet Jon Gosselin for being excited about the next chapter in your life. You are an ass and need to get over your early life crisis and pull those ridiculous earrings out of your ears. Kate, you know you were nasty to your husband, so don't act all surprised that he is over it, although he still should man up. They should of taken the damn show off the air and tried to work out their marriage. Seems kind of like they are giving up.

Word.

Collar Poppin'

What a worldwind lately! This week has been full of work, drinking glasses of wine to forget about work, cuddling with my girl, Real Housewives of New Jersey finale, and finally getting over my questionable stomach flu/food poisoning from last weekend. Here is a pic from a couple of weeks ago of my collar poppin' petunia.

Sickilicious

What a waste of a weekend. Hubbs and I woke up on Saturday morning both sick from food poisoning. We figured it must of been the hamburgers we ate at a restaurant the night before. The day consisted of sleeping on the couch, trips to the toilet. My parents ended up watching Sonya because we literally had no energy and kept on getting sick. Yesterday we both started feeling better and I even made a batch of homemade spaghetti. I was fine until I ate dinner and once I did I got sick all over again. Today I am home where I have been sleeping the day away. I have had a bowl of cereal that is somewhat settled in my stomach.

During all of the sickness I watched Rachel Getting Married, which I hated. Way too depressing and herky jerky camera for me. Afterwards I finished off my Saturday night with a little Top Gun, which I always am in the mood for.

The word on the streets is that this could actually be stomach flu which might explain my 102 fever. Maybe a shower would make me feel better. That is if I can make it up the stairs. Wait, Adventures in Babysitting is on now. Shower can wait.

Tidbits

Sonya has been crawling for two weeks now. Three weeks ago she got her two bottom teeth. Her eyes are still dark blue, green. Will they stay that way? She gets so excited when she sees Lucy & Patty that she hauls her butt right over to them to get some pats in. Lucy can take it but Patty isn't so sure.

I have finally realized that weekends are just blowing by. From the minute I am up on Saturday morning it is "go-go-go" non stop until I hit the pillow on Sunday night. There just aren't enough hours in the day.

I am exhausted. So tired. What sucks is that I get a second wind when I get home in the evening and therefore end up staying up too late because I want to fart around on the Internet, read a magazine or watch a show, have a little of "me time".

Last Friday, three stray kittens wandered into my backyard. They were tiny, only about 5-6 weeks old. I ran over to the neighbor's house to see if they were theirs but they did not answer. By the time I got back (not even 3 minutes) they were gone. I think they crawled back under the fence to their yard, which is a huge lot with abandoned cars, a crappy house and a rundown barn. They are probably wild but I want to save them and make sure they have food. My parents said they would take one. Maybe I should go investigate on the property. It kind of reminds me of the house in The Sandlot with the dog.

Back to PowerPoint. I swear, that is all I am doing nowadays!

Word.

Wake Me Up When It's 5:00

I am so tired. At my desk right now considering propping my eyelids up with toothpicks. I wonder if they have any in the break room. Hubbs is out of town on business. Whenever he is gone I sleep like absolute crap. It is weird, I am a super light sleeper when he is away. Usually it is because I am paranoid of intruders or something but my mom is staying with me to mellow me out and I still sleep shitty. Any little noise Sonya makes, I am up. The cat is so excited that hubbs is gone that she is determined to snuggle with me ALL NIGHT LONG. By snuggle, I mean meowing, pacing the bed trying to find a comfy spot and until she finally just plops down right on top of me or at my head and purrs. This is cute behavior, but not at 4 in the morning. I am tired. So tired.

I purchased a LeapFrog Laugh and Learn Musical Table with removable legs, that hey, those legs really aren't removable once you get them on. It is too tall for her so it took me googling this stupid model to realize that I would need a butter knife to get the legs out. It worked perfectly and she now loves her table.

Last night we had a bit of a scare. I went to go feed Lucy in the garage. I had Sonya in one arm on my hip and went to go scoop out the dog food when I accidentally stepped on Lucy's foot. She yelped and leaped out of the way which caused me to lose my balance and fall right on my ass hard, but I landed on her dog bed. Meanwhile, a weed eater and some roller blades* fell on my shoulder, all the while I had not loosened my grip on Sonya so she remained unscathed and completely unfazed over the commotion. Phew!

Gross, now feeling like last night's Chinese food is not agreeing with me at all. Maybe I should get a Sprite from the break room instead of toothpicks.

* In an attempt to get fit, the hubbs and I got rollerblades a couple of years back. They aren't used much, because...well, they are rollerblades. But when they are I make sure to rock bike shorts, mirrored Oakleys, and a bright pink Muscle Beach tank top with huge arm holes so you can see my sports bra underneath. I know fashion, fools.

I've Got the Funk

I have just been working on a powerpoint presentation all morning and need to take a breather. I have been really unhappy at work lately. My company is always reorganizing. I am constantly trying to move up to the next step in my career but there always seems to be some roadblock in the way. Reorganization, new management, hiring freeze, etc. In a way I really let it get to me. I am very competitive at work and need to always be #1. But in another sense, I enjoy having my flexible schedule right now. I work from home a couple days a week so I can spend more time with Sonya. If I got promoted, that could change.

We took Sonya to the park yesterday. She loved the swings. Loved them. She would squeal in delight and kick her feet all around. While at the park I was witness to so many derelict parents not watching their kids. Little toddlers would go running by the swings where kids were obviously swinging and almost knocked over the little ones. The parents were barely even concerned! Then I looked over and saw a 5 year old girl swinging from a branch in a tree. Nice. Then a little boy (about 6) went walking by pushing a Bugaboo stroller with a toddler boy inside. The older boy slipped and knocked the stroller right into a cement ledge. The little boy was hysterical and crying but seemed to be okay. The mom had just been relaxing talking to her friend not paying attention. Dumbasses.

Yuck, now I need to get back to this PowerPoint. This has been a perfect sour Monday post. But at least I have the Gosselins to watch tonight. Good grief.

Big Bertha

People are popping out babies all over my work lately. Well, not literally. But within the last 8 months there have been 6 babies born that I know about, and there are probably many more. My old boss was pregnant and had her baby last night....2 1/2 weeks LATE!!!! WTF docs? How do you let your patient go that long? And the kicker? The baby was 10 lbs. 3 oz. That is heavier than the bowling balls I use at the bowling alley (because we all know I bowl a lot). I thought Sonya was big at 9.5 lbs. (which I pushed out, btw).

Anyhoo, this ex boss of mine had a c-section with her first child and was so determined to have a VBAC with her second, thus waiting as long as it took to have her baby. Once she was in labor the doctors realized the baby was too big to get out the "regular" way so she ended up having a c-section.... again. What is this 1904? Isn't it not normal to go past 42 weeks? I don't know. Just wanted to rant and rave for a minute. The most important part is that the baby is healthy and doing well....just big.

Relief

On Friday I packed up Sonya, hubbs and and the three of us with my mom drove up to the coast to my aunt and uncle's house (the one's who passed away last Memorial Day weekend). Since it was the one year anniversary to the accident, all of the family gathered on Sunday to spread their ashes around their property. Then wildflower seeds were tossed over them so that flowers will be blooming all the time.

I thought it was going to be really hard for me to face my emotions that have been boiling up for so long. But it was thankfully, very refreshing to do this. Of course we had moments full of tears and sadness, but for the most part we had a really good time. Come to think of it, that was the most fun I have had in a very long time. I think my spirit has been cleansed. My cousin was amazing as difficult as it was for her. I am so thankful to have this family.

I spent the weekend eating, drinking and eating and drinking. Right when I say "no more food for me" apple pie is brought out and I end up eating a slice and polishing it off with a sliver of devil's food chocolate cake. Lay off! I'm Hungry!!!!

Sonya was a peach and the star of the show as always. How could she not? Look at this face.


I am so relieved this weekend is over, but boy did I have a great time.

Reflections

It's been a year since this happened. After it occurred I did not talk about it much on here. I was preggers and simply did not want to focus on such a tragic thing. Also, I think since it was such an enormous emotional experience, I don't think I could fully take it all in. There is not one day that goes by that I don't think about it. For the past couple of months I have been consumed with thinking about it. I think because I tried to block it out for so long that my mind finally could not take it anymore.

Having something like that happen to you and your family puts things in perspective. It makes little bickering between the hubbs and I over a messy kitchen seem so trivial. This happening has made my family really band together. We do everything with my cousin and her family (she lost her husband and her parents- my aunt and uncle). She has been so remarkably strong, it is almost unbelievable. But despite us all getting closer, some people in my family are still stuck in their little bubble. It is so frustrating and irritating.

A Lady Who Lunches

I am on vacation this week and therfore have filled up my social calendar. Well, not really, but it seemed cool to say that. Yesterday Sonya and I met up with an old friend from high school for coffee. She is married and has no kids and does not work much. More like 2 days a week. Must be nice, right? She's rich, so there you have it. Today I am "lunching" with another friend who just had a baby a little over a month ago. Tomorrow we plan on visiting the Wednesday night Farmer's Market. On Thursday I plan on working in another coffee date with another pal. After that, I'm all out of friends so good thing I don't have two weeks of vacation or else I would be screwed! Although we aren't doing much this week, it still is nice to just fart around with the little one, especially since the weather is nice. I could get used to this being off thing. Hubbs' definitely appreciates it. In fact, he was quite thrilled that I made him a fried egg sandwhich today. We get excited about the small things around here, people.

This weekend was hotter than heck. We ran the AC and tried to stay cool. We checked out the Rose Parade on Sat. morning. Sonya loved it and took in all of the different floats and bands walk by in her jogging stroller. On Sunday she had a "play date" with my friend who has an 8 month old. They have a cute baby pool that squirts up in different places. Sonya was all ready to go in her cute swim diaper (cloth swim diaper, trying to be a little green) and her adorable bathing suit. She had her 70 sun block on but when the time came to put her in the water, she wanted nothing to do with it. She burst into tears as soon as her feet touched it. I think it was too cold for her liking. I know, already a princess. Meanwhile, her friend had a blast playing in the water. Sonya was okay to play on the blanket but was just not into the water. I guess we just need to get a pool of our own so she gets used to unheated water.

Friday Wrap Up

I have very fair skin (especially next to my Italian husband). I don't have the cool fair skin (like a Swedish girl) with the very light hair, eyebrows and eyelashes, no I have the medium blond hair (like a German girl), dark brows and lashes therefore I can look pasty. I am okay being fair, I don't think it is worth damaging my skin by sitting in the rays. But since it is almost summer and I have busted out the shorts and skirts I decided I needed a bit of color so I bought some self tanner. I have done the spray tan thing and I really liked it but at $25/pop I can't be doing that every week so I decided to go with the "do it yourself version". I got the Nuetrogena "Build a Tan" self tanner which is supposed to be more gradual. I applied it on Tuesday morning right out of the shower and within a couple of hours I could already see a noticeable difference. Maybe it were the dark streaks around my armpit or the patches of white skin on my knees. Either way it worked way quicker than I had anticipated. Despite the streakage I have reapplied since then and I definitely look a lot more sun kissed. I already feel more sexy with a little bit of a tan.

Sonya's bottom front teeth are cutting through. They are like sharp razor blades. She is going through bouts where she is in pain and must chew on everything. Yesterday, her daycare called me saying that she was having a hard time with the teething pain. Me, being such a good mom, forgot to send her her Tylenol and Orajel so hubbs had to bring them to her since he was working from home. They are taking forever to come through, I just wish to would do it already!

On Wednesday night she got up on her knees and proceeded to try and crawl. She wobbles around and pushes forward with her feet but still can't figure out what to do with those things called hands. I know she will be crawling so soon so I will be baby proofing the house this weekend.

How great was the Reunion of the Real Housewives of New York City? I couldn't stop watching it. That is definitely the most entertaining Real Housewives group out of the lot. I love Bethenny (most of the time). I am saddened the season is over but it's okay because Bravo quickly threw us the New Jersey housewives which look to be just plain tacky and a bit Soprano's-ish. Maybe it was when one of them says, in her Jersey accent "My family is thick as thieves". I don't know, but you can count on me watching it every Tuesday night this summer. Capeesh?

I am off all next week! Whoo Hoo! Company mandated vacation time. Don't have a problem with that! Okay, got to get back to work.

Bulldozing the House

On Friday I discovered the sheer pleasure of having your house professionally cleaned. I decided as a Mother's Day gift to myself, I wasn't going to clean during the weekend when the weather was going to be so nice and all I would want to do would be to hang out with Sonya and hubbs. So after getting a couple of recommendations I was able to schedule a lady at the last minute.

I had been warned that this lady had "a crew" and would power through the house in an hour or so. I answered the door and there were 5 of them. Five women looking at me like "well?" I welcomed the crew and told the head lady what I wanted done, which was the basic cleaning. While I was telling her, the other women had already started cleaning out under the kitchen sink (which I pity them as it is a mess of extra paper and plastic grocery bags, cleaning supplies and coffee grounds since I always spill them every freaking morning). My house had been invaded in a matter of seconds and I immediately felt like an outsider in my own freaking house. Since there were so many of them there was pretty much a lady working her ass off at every corner of the house. I kept trying to dodge them with Sonya, determined to find a space where we could hang out and not feel like a loser that I was being lazy about not cleaning while these women literally, did my dirty work. Ha, that was fun to write.

They were there for an hour and half. Once they left, I walked back into the house from the garage where I had been acting like Sonya and I were helping hubbs fix the lawn mower and it was like I had discovered a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I wanted to cue the harp, I could hear the music playing and birds chirping. My house looked freaking amazing. Baseboards sparkled, you could see through the glass door of our shower (they must of used Oxy Clean and not my Scrubbing Bubbles), our kitchen floor glimmered. It was such a great feeling to have your house so clean with the blink of your eyes. I immediately realized that I have been missing out.

Come to find out that a ton of people I know have regular housekeepers that come weekly or biweekly. Where the heck have I been? Am I the only one giving up hours on weekends to clean? I would love to have a regular housekeeper, I guess I could start by getting various quotes from people, but that sounds like a lot of work too. In the grand scheme of things, is it worth giving up some of my shopping money for a housekeeper? Any of you ladies use a housekeeper?

My Peanut

My Girl,

The past 6 months have flown by. Just yesterday your dad and I drove home from the hospital. You were asleep in your carseat in your snug 3 month sleeper, your dad driving super slow making sure not to drive into any potholes while I glanced around making sure the carseat was secure.

I never realized the love a mother could have for a child until I had you. Every day you take my breath away with your preciousness and your beauty. Sometimes I just stare at you as you sleep in your crib, sleeping so peacefully. When you fall asleep on my chest, I love to breathe in your fresh baby scent. I love that you look for me when I am not around you. You are such a momma's girl but you also have your daddy wrapped around your finger.

You make a funny crazy face when you get super giggly and frisky. It comes and it goes but I know when I see it, I know that frisky Sonya has come out to play! You are getting so big and so full of personality. You find my dancing hysterical, belly tickles hilarious, bouncing on the bed- the best thing ever and love to stare at yourself in any mirror.

You rolled over and smiled at 4 weeks, giggled and rolled to the other side at three months, and the milestones continue on. At four months you started crunchies and it has become your favorite trick to showoff when company is over. You now sit up with the help of your hands, push up on your chest and try to crawl. You babble "ma ma" when you get impatient in your exersaucer. As You love to eat carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, and peaches. I keep trying new things every day. It is so fun.

There are so many things I have to look forward to with you. So many moments to share, memories to experience. I am loving every minute of it. For the first time in my life, I feel complete. I love every ounce of you. Your dad and I could not be happier. You are my everything.

Happy 6th Month Birthday Sonya!

Rambling Rambles

Finally a spare moment to catch up and read some of my blogs. This week has been crazy, fools. Now I am camped out on the couch with the ol' laptop while hubbs watches I Am Legend. No thanks, I will pass on that.

Work has been nuts. Why are people always scheduling meetings? Don't they know that when I am in meetings I don't get anything done? Jerks.

It's been rainy lately but warm and humid. My hair has a constant 1/2 layer of frizz on top of my flat ironed straight hair and the cowlicks in my bangs are in full effect. I think bedhead would look better than this humid head.

I need to grocery shopping so bad. I keep on putting it off. We are down to just the minimum. There are only so may days that you can bring canned soup or PB & J on stale bread to work.

I have officially stopped breastfeeding. I must say I am a bit depressed about it. Being back at work really did a number on my supply (even with pumping) and Sonya was just too hungry for me to keep up. I slowly weaned down to mornings and nights and then once a day. I kept on wanting to hold on but realized I just needed to stop it. I feel guilty for some reason, like I should of tried to go on longer. If I wasn't working, I would of kept going for much longer, but that isn't the reality so why do I keep beating myself up about it? I really enjoyed breastfeeding. It was tough in the beginning but it was such a great feeling knowing that no matter what, it would always calm her down when she was wailing. I just can't stop thinking about it. Ugh. I need to leave it alone. Why are we so hard on ourselves?

All of this whining has led me right into some sugar cravings. Off to go ransack our pantry to look for some sweets, even if the only thing I have is Christmas candy or dried apricots.

Peace out.

Hiding Things

Last night I attended a "Southern Living at Home" party hosted by my cousin. It was really fun, there was a huge turn out and my cousin had gourmet cupcakes from the cupcake shop. I sipped on some Sofia bubbly (so nice and easy to drink by the way) and hung out with my family and friends. A lady was there to show some of the items in the catalogue and then everyone figured out what they wanted to order. The items were pretty overpriced but pretty. I ended up buying a hurricane that was reasonably priced.

Someone made a comment about how they were going to have to sneak their purchases into the house so their husbands wouldn't see. Then a bunch of other ladies chimed in that they would have to do the same thing and that they usually fib about how much things cost so their husbands don't give them a hard time. I could and could not relate to these women. I grew up in a house where my dad questioned every item my mom purchased. She is now super sneaky about things she buys and it is so frustrating to me that she has to do that. It is not like she goes out and spends loads and loads of money, it is just little things here and there.

Hubbs on the other hand NEVER questions me about what I spend my money on. I am very lucky. He trusts that I am not charging up our credit cards. I like to bargain shop and now that I have one more person to buy for, am frequently coming home with various shopping bags. The only thing he ever says about it is that the bags take up room in our closet. Which is my fault because I let things just sit in the bag for a couple of days before I actually do something with the items.

He lets me shop and I let him purchase the random electronic stuff he always has to have (AppleTV, Blue Ray DVD player, HD video camera). Granted, he makes these purchases not very often. So it all balances out in the grand scheme of things.

So do your men care about what you buy or do they look the other way like my hubbs? Coming from a home where you had to sneak your goodies, I know how stressful it could be and am thankful that hubbs is so easy going.

Roots

All this high school talk has had me start thinking about my roots. I live in the same town I was born and raised in. I moved away for 4 years for college but moved back right after graduating. I hated being gone from home.I gave birth to Sonya in the same hospital both me and Hubbs were born in. Hubbs and I went to the same high school. He was two years older and I didn't start dating him until the end of my senior year. His parents went to the same high school we went to and even had some of the same teachers we ended up having.

There have been times that we have discussed moving into a bigger metro area where there are greater opportunities. But those moments are fleeting because because we then realize how nice it is living where you grew up and close to family. Granted I continue to run into old classmates at Costco, the mall or Starbuck's, and rarely can remember their names and sometimes look like I just rolled out of bed.

The other day on my way to dropping off Sonya at Daycare I realize that a doctor's office complex that I pass every day was where one of my high school boyfriends and I would go to make out in his car at night. So cliche, I know. We were at dinner the other night at a restaurant and I realized I had gone to it prior to a dance with my date and a group of friends. Last Saturday, there was a group of Prom goers eating at the same place we were. It brought back so many memories that are getting more and more fuzzy with age.

Unlike a lot of people, I really enjoyed high school. If I could go back and relive some moments, I would in a heart beat. I was popular, preferred to be a spectator at sporting events rather than play them (unless you count JV Softball bench warming). I had plenty of friends and boyfriends. I was however, not a Mean Girl. I never participated in backstabbing, saying nasty things about people or left notes on anyone's car or had any left on mine for that matter. Plus people knew better than to mess with my '88 Ford Tempo, which was called the "Empo" because some douche bag ripped off the "T" at a party I was at. I can't remember how I explained that one to my dad. I was active in Student Government and loved going to dances and planning the rallies and talent shows. I was involved in high school programs through the YMCA. They all helped me build confidence and relationships with people at my school I might not have if I was not involved with those things. I feel I had a variety of friends in various clicks.

I think since my house was so dysfunctional I really focused on extra-curricular activities to help me not get cooped up at home. I always had a handful of guy friends who I hung out with regularly. I think their friendships also shielded me from getting caught up in drama that some of my girlfriends were always tangled up in. Probably why I only am in touch with about 2 people from high school. Once I met the hubbs I realized who my real friends were and through the years I have those two. And that's all I need. It's about quality, not quantity.

I am not saying I was perfect and that I did not have my insecure moments. I definitely gossiped like everyone else in the school, and know I was gossiped about too. But I rarely let it get to me. I knew I needed to have as much fun because time would just fly by.

My 10 Year Reunion is next June. Not sure if I will be attending. I don't really want to as our school's reunions are notoriously pathetic in both turnout and venue.

What I can say, is that I like having roots in this town. I like seeing something when I am driving and get taken back down memory lane to a wild night in high school, or even something earlier on. Passing the park where I swung on a swing for the first time. The lake where I was a lifeguard. The roller rink where I went to so many birthday parties. All those memories are things I will point out to my Sonya some day (just not the make-out spots) as we are driving around. I must say I am looking forward to it.

Stain Stick Fever

Now that Sonya is eating baby food I am stain sticking everything. She keeps spitting up her carrots, squash and sweet potatoes which leave nice stains on her clothes. Even when she wears bibs, the spit up seems to clear the bib area and drop on to her pants or me. The stain stick is only doing so much. I need something stronger. I have been using Shout and Spray n' Wash. Does Oxy Clean work? Billy Mays sure as heck says it does.

Yesterday on my way to work I slurped my Cinnamon Dolce Latte a little too much and it splattered right across the front of my favorite white top. FAVORITE!!!!! I knew it was going to happen. I almost stuck a straw in my drink like the lady at Starbucks driving the white Range Rover in her work out clothes at 9 a.m. (byatch). So I made a detour back home and changed and applied my worthless stain remover to it right away. That one might actually come out, but the baby food....not so much.

Hubbs installed XM in my car. I have never been happier. Now I can flip from 80's on 8 to Howard Stern (which I reluctantly now enjoy) to heck, classical music if I so please, all commercial free!

Dear Target....***

Why must you insist on spending all of my money. You lure me in with your cutesy advertisements week after freaking week. I visit you to buy only a couple of things. Today it was:
hand soap
baby food grinder
bottles
sponges

Walked out with:
baby food grinder
Baby Einstein DVD
Pink shorts for Sonya
bottles
tag along toys for Sonya's car seat

So I forgot the hand soap and sponges because I was too busy deciding on which of the shirts I was going to buy for myself. It wasn't until I was in the check out line that I said "eff it!" I'm not buying me any shirts! And I had a list right in front of me. Today was actually a good day. Some times when your clothes are cuter (which they aren't right now, you might want to give Isaac Mizrahi a little ring a ding and have him get his act together real soon) I get a little more crazy.

Maybe it is the popcorn smell or the lighting, the way things are displayed, I just have the urge to fill my cart. You make me weak Target, weak at the knees, err purse strings.

Sincerely,

Missy Marshmallow

***Pointless post #4,378,

We're All Sick Up In Here

The cycle of sickness is swirling around like a tornado in our house. My cold/allergies from last week have manifested into a sinus infection. Hubbs is sick AGAIN and Sonya's cough is still hanging on. To make things even better, I got another bladder infection on Saturday but I kicked it's ass by slurping down unsweetened cranberry juice. That stuff is nasty! NASTY!

To make being sick even better, it was 90 degrees yesterday and supposed to be even warmer today!!!! Nothing like blowing your nose while also wiping sweat off your forehead.

Yesterday my mom and I went shopping. She bought Sonya a bunch of things from Gymboree (my favorite baby clothing store) and I got her the CUTEST teal bathing suit with darker teal ruffles around the waist with little goldfishies. LOVE IT. Not sure why I am capitalizing everything.

We tried carrots on Friday. She loved it. Off to buy a food grinder on my lunch so I can make her homemade baby food too.

Another milestone, she is starting to scoot or creep when she is on her belly. She slides her legs up and definitely covers some ground.

As promised, here are some pics of my little Easter Bunny! She was sick that day so we did not get any smiles.

So sick

***So some douche bag left a bunch of gibberish in the comments section of my last post. Yuck.Ugh. Does anyone know how to delete a comment?***

So little Sonya has been super sick. Had a cold last week with just some snotty nose business but now she has a nasty cough and even more snot. Took her to the Ped yesterday and they said it was just a typical cold. She was super cranky on Easter but she still looked so adorable in her Easter Dress. Photos to come.

Aside from that, I have been up a lot with her the past couple of nights, refilling the humidifier and suctioning the snot out of her nose with a nose bulb. Which she hates. It is supposed to get really warm this weekend (mid 80's people). I can't wait to put her in her shorts. Hopefully she will be rid of this stupid bug by then.

Allergies have picked up around these parts. I feel like I have constant sinus pressure. It sucks.

Sleepy Sleeperson

Since all you bloggers are talking about babies sleeping, I decided I would slide in on your coat tails.

Sonya has been sleeping through the night since she was 5 days old. I repeat that, since she was 5 days old. Most people don't believe me when I say that. One of the first things people ask me is "how is she sleeping during the night?". They are stunned by my response and then eye me up and down with disbelief. Sonya was 9 lbs. 5 oz. when she was born. About the size of a bowling ball. Maybe her stockiness had something to do with her sleeping through the night. All I can say is that I am lucky. I also know that both me and my brother were sleepers, so maybe it is hereditary. But I have also been very diligent about not having her form any habits that could break this routine.

1) She slept in a bassinet next to our bed for three months. I never once considered co-sleeping with her. I had heard from SO MANY people that breaking them from co-sleeping is such a pain so I did want to even go there. Plus, a small baby in a massive bed would make me a nervous Nelly.

2) When she was 2 1/2 months old we moved her into her crib. She was getting so big for the bassinet plus she was sleeping through the night, that it seemed like the logical choice. She has been fine with it sense. She naps in there too. We turn her sound machine on and she loves it.

3) Night time routine is essential. She had a hard time going to sleep at a decent hour until we figured out that keeping her arms out the swaddle allowerd her to wake herself up all the time. Once that bright light bulb went on in our heads, she has been going to sleep around 8:15 every night sleeping until 7 ish. Bath, nurse, bed.

Every once and awhile she wakes herself up by either wiggling her arms and legs out of the swaddle, or by scooting to the end of the crib and running out of room, or by simply rolling on to her side or belly. I just come in, rearrange her and give her her pacifier (I hate the name BINKY) .

She is perfect. She is my doll, my princess, pumpkin, chunky monkey, funny bunny, Poops McGee, and whether she wakes up 10 times or sleeps through the night, she'll always be perfect!

Rash Mash

Sonya has rashes all over. Little clusters of redness around the diaper area, on her back and her belly. Just when I think it is under control, they reappear. Tomorrow I am calling the Ped. She has already been to see them for the rash and we got some anti-bacterial cream but it is not working.

Hubbs was sick this weekend. Typical hubbs cold. I thought I was getting sick but it never really materialized. I have been getting crazy hot flashes, basically like I am having a fever. Then I realized I had a bladder infection and maybe the fever is related. My doctor and I have been playing phone tag so I am still unsure what ailes me.

Work is crazy now. I am in my fourth week back and the work load is on. At first I thought it would be nice and mellow but now the time I am at work I am seriously hustlin'. It's okay though, makes the days go by much quicker.

Yesterday I went to a baby shower where scallops and lamb shanks were served, it was 4 courses ( small courses ). I left wanting Carl's Jr. but got a hold of myself and came home to eat carrot sticks. Not a lamb fan. I dunno, just don't care for the taste. It is weird to me.

It seems like I have been whining a lot in this post. Guess it's a sign to say "over and out" because I am tired and therefore whining.

Simple Life

It is after work when I am making the 20 minute drive home through crawling traffic, honking horns and idiots talking on their cell phones not paying attention, that I long for a simpler life.


Some times I just want to live in a small "one horse" town where everyone knows your name. Where jeans and flannel shirts are the norm for out and about wear. Where people drive pick ups with their dogs in the front seat. Where there is actually a mom & pop supermarket, bakery, shoe repair, and just one stop light. Where going to DQ is stepping out. Where weekends are filled not at the mall, running errands or cleaning house, but sitting on the front porch, fishing at the lake or just being, well, simple. Less stress. Less material things to worry about.


But then I watch the news and see a small town in North Dakota who are living that simple life, put sand bags around their home of 25 years to protect it from the rising and freezing waters of the Red River. These poor people, are farmers and small business owners. As they watch their homes get flooded, family artifacts, their furniture...get washed away, I realize that the lives of those I once thought were simple, just aren't so simple anymore.

That's just my random thought for the day. And I don't really know if I would be down for flannel shirts, but they at least sound comfortable.

Belated Birthday

Thursday was my birthday. It came and went so quickly I almost forgot to blog about it. Hubbs sent me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers filled with orchids, roses, and other types of gorgeousness. My boss took me out to a nice lunch. I came home to find my perfect card from Hubbs next to a new rubber spatula.Why a spatula? For the longest time we have only had metal spatulas but they don't work for the non stick frying pans. When I use the non-stick ones, I have to use a rubber cake scraper to flip things. It is a bit tacky and Hubbs has been grumbling about this situation for quite some time. He finally broke down and bought one, which is perfect. Romantic? No, thoughtful...yes.. He also got me super cute D&G aviator sunglasses I had been coveting for awhile. A bit "Maverick-ish" a la Top Gun. I think they are sexy. We enjoyed dinner at our favorite restaurant in town where I feasted on a filet mignon. It was wonderful. My mom watched Sonya so we were able to have an "adult" dinner.

We celebrated my b-day with the rest of my family on Saturday night at my parents house. My mom made me some fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, soft rolls and shrimp-mandarin salad. The meal was topped off with my requested dessert of carrot cake. My mom got me this super cute long cardigan from J-Crew. LOVE IT. She also got me some other clothes which I so need right now.

It was a good time to be had and I can't believe another year has gone by so quickly.

Food Time

Sonya tried rice cereal last week and again last night. The first time was not so successful. She gagged, made funny faces and looked up at us with a "what the F&$%?" look. Last night was met with a couple of swallows of the cereal. Making progress people.