Mama MLDB

Love...Love...Love...Homemade Valentines

2011-02-09T22:54:00.015-05:00

Avery's pre-school class is having their "Friendship Party" tomorrow, and opposed to buying our valentines this year, Avery and I decided to make her own.
I figured that if we took a few minutes and looked around the house, we could figure out something fun to make that would
a.) not cost anything
b.)reuse some items from the house
c.)fully involve Avery in the process.

It didn't take long for us to find a favorite craft and make it into something new and fun.

CRAYONS!

First, we stripped all of the crayons of their papers and divided them into color families. By the way...stripping the crayons is the worst part of this process, but to make it a little easier you can use a knife or razor to help remove the paper.

My grandmother gave me a few silicone molds as gifts in the past few years. After sitting in a closet (because I'm not a good baker), I decided to give them over to the craft gods...and use them to MELT CRAYONS! You can't tell by looking here, but these molds are bugs, and the little individual ones are hearts.

Avery put the broken crayons into the molds. Some of them were done by color family, some were all mixed up. I just let her have fun with it.

We melted the crayons in the oven. If this were a recipe, I would say 350 for 10 minutes. Honestly, it doesn't matter. Just put them in there until they melt. AND...please, learn from my mistakes, and be sure to put foil or parchment under the molds. I am still attempting to get the wax off of my cookie sheet.

Let the crayons cool for about an hour, then peel them out of the molds. Make sure that the crayons are completely cooled and hardened, or else it will be a big ole mess.

We made....

Hearts!

Flies!

Butterflies!

Dragonflies!

And...

Ladybugs!

Then, Avery practiced her cutting skills and cut out a ton of hearts. I wrote her classmates' names on one side of the hearts and little messages on the other side, such as...
Hi Buggy, You color me happy!
or
Hi Friend, You color my heart happy!

Avery wrote her name and decorated each Valentine with stickers. It was so cute. I would give her a valentine, and tell her who it was for. She would pick out stickers for each kid, and said things like "Ellie LOVES Sleeping Beauty" or... "Oh, I HAVE to find a horse sticker for MJ, she LOVES horses!" I loved that she took the opportunity to think about what each classmate would like.

The only thing that I bought for this little project were the little ziploc party bags from the Dollar Store.

I would say that we're pretty happy with the way they turned out.

Things I love...on a Thursday afternoon...

2011-01-06T14:04:00.004-05:00

I'm going to post a touchy-feely...feel good post. Why? Because it's a good day. I feel on top of it, and am in an all around good mood.
So, here are the things that make me happy today...

1.) Cal and Avery played like champs this morning and got along really well. When I came back from taking Avery to school, Cal said "I'll miss Avery while she's gone". Sweeties!

2.) My sisters are home this week, so I get to take Avery to school while they stay home with the other two kiddies. I love this little alone time that I get with Avery. We sing silly songs, get to school early (as opposed to running in all crazy), and hold hands as we walk in. It's such a little thing, and it amounts to about 25 minutes, but I love it.

3.) Lillian is such a good napper. When it's time for her nap, I get her blankie, and pick her up as we head up the stairs. We spend every little step of that walk up to her bed snuggling. I kiss her and hug her and tell her at least 50 times that I love her. She snuggles into my neck and gives me a little squeeze as I lay her in her bed. She doesn't make a peep, rolls over and falls right to sleep.

4.) Mae (the other little girl that I watch) realizes that Lillian is taking a nap and immediately starts asking for a blankie too. She would rather take a nap than stay awake without Lil. She is such a sweet little girl and loves Lillian (not as much as she loves Cal though;). She doens't care what blankie she sleeps with, just as long as she gets one. Right now, she is sleeping with my pink pashmina...because it was soft. She gets hugs and kisses too on her way to bed, and now after watching her for a few months, she lays right down and falls asleep too.

5.) While Avery is at school, and the babies are sleeping, Cal and I get to hang out a little. Right now, he is kicking my butt at Mario Party.

Maybe my happy attitude has something to do with my new Keurig coffee pot. Somehow, life seems a little easier with easy access to caffeine.

Mr. Dobbins

2011-01-03T19:29:00.005-05:00

Mr. Dobbins holding Avery

Mr. Dobbins will always be one of my favorite people. He and his wife Betty (she will always be Mrs. Dobbins to me...and another one of my favorite people), were always a solid and loving couple in our church growing up. I appreciated both of them more than I ever told them.
Mrs. Dobbins passed away in 2005, and Mr. Dobbins went to be with her this past weekend 1-1-11. I've loved them so much and for long that the reasons why sometimes seem muddled...but here are a few things that I can sort out and that you should know. I hope that you all are lucky enough to have someone as strong and special in your life as Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins.

Mr. Dobbins would sit in the back of the church on the right side. Our family sat in the same pew, but on the left side. Sometimes, I would purposely go in on his side (we were always late), just so I could give him a kiss on the cheek. He never minded that I squeezed in past him, and was always happy to see us.

Mrs. Dobbins never held her tongue. She didn't need to...she was always right. Her opinion meant about as much to me as my own mother's. She was a strong woman who was able to carry the weight of the world, run a tight kitchen (seriously...don't you DARE make a mess in the church kitchen!), take care of her children and grandchildren and never seem stressed.

Mr. Dobbins was my Grandpa Cox's friend. My Grandpa Cox was much older when he joined the church, but found a friend in Mr. Dobbins. How lucky to find someone that you have something in common with later in life! I love that they found one another. I love that Mr. Dobbins visited my Grandpa in the hospital, and I love Mr. Dobbins even more for being a friend to my sweet soft spoken Grandpa.

Mrs. Dobbins was everyone's Granny. She would stay in her chair in the church lobby after church and welcomed all of the love that came her way. Mr. Dobbins would stand near her. Later, after Betty passed away, Mr Dobbins would sit directly across where she used to sit and be ready for the hugs and kisses too.

Mr. Dobbins always held my hands when I leaned in to kiss his cheeks. His skin was soft, and he was always so gentle. He wasn't a small man, but he was sweet, loving and careful. He always remembered what was going on in my life. He was just like a grandpa.

When Chris and I were dating, Mrs. Dobbins declared that he was a good guy, and she liked him. She was an excellent judge of character. I'm pretty sure that she didn't like anyone else that I dated, so this was a BIG deal. If I wasn't sure about Chris before this, her opinion of him would have sealed the deal. Luckily for him, he got the seal of approval.

I've never seen a more devoted couple in my life. They weren't ostentatious with their love, but you just knew how deeply and madly in love they were. They built such a huge life around them, and you could tell that ever corner of that life was filled with love.

Their youngest daughter Missy took care of both of them through her life. I am so lucky to have known her for the majority of my life and to call her a friend. I love her so much, and when I think about the reasons that I love her...they are for the same reasons that I love her parents. She is loyal, devoted, loving, giving, caring, she speaks her mind, and she is a wonderful friend...and good cook;) I am so thankful that both Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins live on in her.

Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins were loyal and loving. They were there for their kids, grandkids and anyone else that needed them. I am so thankful for both of them, and the positive influence that they made on me. They were a cornerstone in my life, and I will forever be grateful to them both for being such positive role models to anyone that knew them.

A New Year...

2011-01-01T00:39:00.002-05:00

It's 1:11 on 1-1-11. I haven't blogged in over a year, so I thought, "maybe I'll start blogging again...or maybe not". Either way, I am blogging tonight.
I'm sitting alone in our living room waiting for the call to pick up my hubby from downtown GR and his gig at the Big O. Don't feel too sorry for me. We had a great night. My parents and sisters and our great friends, the Tenneys were all here to ring in the new year(s) with us. We ordered pizza, had snacks, played games and had our fake new year celebration at 9pm, right before Chris had to leave for his gig. Our pretend NYE was complete with a shiny ball that dropped from our loft as we counted down. *For the record, the "shiny ball" was really a giant bouncy ball wrapped up in Brandie's shiny sequined sweater...you'll have to ask her about the sweater;)

Since it's been over a year since I've blogged, I decided that it might be a nice time to reflect on my favorite memories from 2010...big and small...in no particular order.

New York City
We traveled with Kenowa's Band and Orchestra to NYC this year and brought Avery with us. It was an amazing trip and Avery was a great travel partner. If you ask her what her favorite thing about the trip was, she would say "when my dad stepped in gum...and sleeping on the bus". My favorites were playing on Evelyn's playground, and taking an art class in SOHO at the Children's Museum of the Arts.

Avery's 4th birthday
We are so fortunate to have birthdays that fall in the summer months. We can have fun parties without a whole lot of planning. This year, we did a Cinderella (of course) ice cream party with make your own sundaes. Of course, we set up the Bookie slip and slide (giant tarp with Mr. Bubble). Avery loved her giant dollhouse and still plays with everything she received. Age 4 has been good to us so far. Three was a little trying, but when she turned 4, it was a like a switch was flipped. She has been so mature and independent and loving...and funny. That kid cracks me up!

Lillian's 1st birthday
Lil had a fun Ladybug party this year, and was the little belle of the ball. It is so hard to believe that she turned one. Her first year went by in a flash. She started walking at 14 months, so her birthday was nice and easy to keep her interested. She has really started to develop a funny little personality. She is also my shy child, who is not a fan of strangers (or familiar people for that matter). While it can be tough at times, I sort of love that she clings to me. I don't mind that she is still my little baby...I like it that way.

Starting...and stopping working out
I started working out religiously in January, and stopped in April (I totally got out of the habit during my trip to NYC). I actually loved working out, so I don't know why it has been so hard to get back into it. I need to start again...the end.

Farmer's Market Saturdays
I stole away a few Saturdays this summer to hit the farmer's market in GR. I know this seems so simple and meaningless, but I LOVE the farmer's market, and I LOVE having a little snippet of time to myself.

Class Reunion
Was in June, and was a pain to plan, and I thought that we were going to cancel it, and it was stressful until the end, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. I'm actually looking forward to working on another one someday and seeing everyone again.

5 year anniversary
In July, we celebrated 5 years of marriage. Man, I love that man. He is so sweet and really loves us girls. We've gone through a lot in 5 years, and I've never felt more connected to him. He is such a great partner, and I am so lucky to have him.

Trip to PA
We took a whirlwind trip to PA after Thanksgiving and it was a blast. We visited the Diesner's, hit a few DDD restaurants and had lots of fun traveling with the Tenneys.

Wine tasting in TC
Wine tasting while not pregnant is much more fun that wine tasting while pregnant. I had a blast, and hanging out with the Lobbezoo brothers and sister-in-laws makes everything better.

Dance Class
Avery is in ballet, tap and jazz, and she LOVES it! I love taking her and listening to what she is learning. She is so fun and cannot wait until June when she gets to dance "ON STAGE"!

House full of kids
It's been a literal full house over here in 2010. We've had anywhere from 2-6 kids here and it's been a little crazy. I love all the babies that I've watched (Avery, Lillian, Alex, Cal, Mae, Brenna, Dylan) and they have all given me hilarious memories. They have also helped me fall asleep at night...because I am exhausted.

Quoteables
I've had 2 new ones that crack me up:

1.) While in the car, Ricky Martin's La Vida Loca comes on...
Cal: (YELLS from the back seat) WAIT! That's my dad's favorite song!
Me: Ricky Martin sings your dad's favorite song?
Cal: Yup...he loves to dance and sing to that Spanish song!
(you have to know Jamey Tenney to really appreciate to hilarity of this story)

2.) While changing our clothes...only happened just last week...
Avery: Mom, are you cold?
Me: Nope, I'm just getting dressed.
Avery: Do boobs get bigger when you are cold?
Me: Um...what?
Avery: Do boobs get bigger when it's cold? Cuz...yous boobs are huge....like bigger than my head"
Me: Um...no, boobs don't get bigger...only nipples get bigger in the cold.
Avery: OK...good. (and she runs to play)
Me: *relieved to have dodged a more uncomfortable conversation

Repainting the porch
Chris worked his tail off to refinish and repaint the porch (I did a little painting too). It makes our house look so much better. I don't hate looking at it....the end.

Bookie Drive-ins
We held 2 Bookie Drive-Ins this year. We hang a sheet from our back deck, make a fire, pop popcorn, and watch movies in the backyard. It's a lot of fun, and the kids love it.

Lillian's first steps, first words, and lots of other firsts
What can be said? It's amazing to see Lillian move from crawling to standing to taking tentative steps to attempting to run to chase the kids. Her first words happened almost simultaneously and were "Mama" and "Dada"...perfect. Now, her favorite thing to do is to point, and say "that" and shake her head "no".

A Stroke-Free Year
Since being diagnosed last December with CADASIL, I was worried that I would immediately see some effects of the disease. Luckily, this has been such an uneventful year in regards to my health that there are times that I get to forget that I have it. I thought that it would always be on my mind, so it's nice.

Conversations about Tito
Avery has an on again, off again relationship with Tito. He is an ever-evolving entity in our lives. Apparently, he lives in Florida. Sometimes, he is her boyfriend, sometimes he is her friend. Sometimes he is old enough to drive, sometimes he is 4.
She told me that Tito isn't in love with her anymore, and I had to check myself to remember that he wasn't real...because, I almost went to his house in Florida and kicked his 4 or 16 year old tail.

Sean and Steph's anniversary
Sean and Steph celebrated a year of marriage at the end of October...we love her, and I love to celebrate the day that she became a Dick. Chris surprised them by sending their wedding DVD to their hotel room.

Christmas 2010
Cookie the Elf made another appearance and kicked of the season. Avery was REALLY into Christmas, and Lillian was REALLY into the tree. We had a great Christmas (I got a Keurig!) and I was so grateful for the great kids and family that I have.

Lots of visits to Romulus and lots of visits from my parents
While I have no interest in ever living on the east side again, for some reason, I always want to be there visiting. I can't get enough of my family. I love them all so much, and whether we are there, or they are here...I always want us to have more time together.

These are just to name a few, and I KNOW that I am forgetting some. I know that 2011 will bring more fun memories. I mean, I live with a house full of characters, how could I NOT laugh my way through another year. I wish you all a great 2011 too.

The Whole Story

2009-12-09T00:16:00.006-05:00

I got some bittersweet news the other day. I've been holding onto this story for awhile. I wasn't quite sure that I wanted the world to know my "stuff". More importantly, I want to go on living my life as usual, as opposed to "someone with..."

Well, let me back up and give you the whole story....

The day after I had Lillian, and while still in the hospital, I had what we are calling "an episode". I was laying in the hospital bed with a room full of visitors including friends and family (10 people to be exact), and I was trying to nurse Lillian. As I was holding her, my fingers started to feel numb. I thought "hmm, this is weird, I must have pinched a nerve or something". Then, my whole hand went numb. I immediately called Chris over to take the baby as I felt the numbness move up my arm. I still thought that it might have something to do with an IV that was in that arm earlier in the day. The numbness eventually moved through my arm into my shoulder and head, and down my torso and legs...all the way to my toes. My entire right side of my body went numb. When I started to talk, I could feel the right side of my mouth droopping. I pushed the button to call the nurse, and I could tell by the look on her face that she was concerned. She went to call the resident on duty. Then, as quickly as it started, I began to regain feeling in my fingers..then my hands and arms and so on. The entire "episode" lasted less than 5 minutes, but was pretty scary.

Over the course of the next day, I went through a few tests (CT Scan, EKG, EEG, Ultrasound, and MRI). The results all seemed indicative of MS (Multiple Sclerosis). So, while we should have been celebrating and taking Lillian home, instead, we had a bit of a damper put on our day.

Throughout this time, I was also telling everyone and reminding them of my family history with CADASIL.

As we left the hospital with the news that I probably had MS, I scheduled a follow up visit to the neurologist a few weeks later. The result of the follow up visit left me feeling a little discouraged, as the Dr. was pretty certain that I had MS and were ready to start my daily doses of protein shots. I once again reminded them of my family and CADASIL. I received a call a couple of days later requesting a genetic blood test and a Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap (which was not at all as painful as I expected)). The diagnosis was still MS, but the Dr's wanted to be sure to rule out everything.

Throughout this all, Chris and I decided to tell only some friends and immediate family. We did not want it to take over our lives, and we definitely did not want people always asking questions (especially when we didn't have answers). If you were not one of the people that originally heard the news, then I'm sorry...we were just attempting to rid our lives of any undue stress.

So, fast forward to December 8 (about 4 1/2 months after my initial "episode"), and I finally had another meeting with my Dr. The good news is that I don't have MS. The bad news is that I do have CADASIL.

Unfortunately, CADASIL does not have a "cure". I can potentially lower my risk by eliminating common risk factors in strokes, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. I also have the pleasure of taking a baby aspirin everyday. I am choosing the grape flavor;)

While I was prepared for CADASIL, and am relieved that I don't have MS, I am still scared. I'm not so much scared for myself, but for my sweet, perfect little girls who now have a 50% chance of having CADASIL.

Well, I wanted to put this out there. I wanted it to be known, but I don't want to talk about it all of the time. This is one part of me, but does not define me.

Top Ten

2009-10-27T23:19:00.003-04:00

After being a mother of 2, I've had some time to think and evaluate my job as a mom. So...I've developed my own Top 10 list of how you know that you are a mom....

10.) When your child looks like they might puke, you do not run away...instead, you form your hands into a cup, and shove them under your kids chin.

9.) You use your pinky finger to pick your childs' nose.

8.) You stop double checking your hair and makeup in the mirror before leaving the house, and instead, double check your back...to make sure there is no spit up running down.

7.) You wake up in the middle of the night, sleeping curled in a ball on the bottom of the bed, with no pillow...because your child is sleeping sideways on your pillow, and the bottom of the bed is the safest place NOT to get kicked.

6.) You switch purses, not to match your outfit, but instead to accomodate multiple diapers, juice boxes and toys.

5.) You have over 5 layers of nail polish on, because the only way your child would sit on the potty long enough to go #2, was to allow her to paint your nails...over and over and over.

4.) You've read more pages of "Good Night Moon", "Olivia", and "Go Dog Go" than you've read of any grown up magazines or books in the past year. (Hello...I have "The Lost Symbol", and "The Book Thief" sitting unread on the end tables).

3.) Instead of contemplating politics, world issues, or the meaning of life...instead you find yourself thinking..."why doesn't Little Bear wear pants?", or "Why is Dora's map so dang snotty?"..."Where the heck are Max and Ruby's parents?"

2.) You realize at 5pm that the only thing you've eaten all day was a spoonful of leftover mac and cheese and a half eaten apple slice with hair on it.....yet you still gain weight.

1.) You drive home alone in the car, only to realize that you were listening to your kid's CD the whole freaking way...AND singing along to 5 Little Monkeys...ARGHHH!

What would you add?

I love being a Mom. The End.

National Coming Out Day

2009-10-11T11:17:00.002-04:00

As some of you know, today is National Coming Out Day, and I am feeling compelled to come out in my own way. I want to come out as a full fledged, Ally and Advocate for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered individuals.

While I may not be gay, I believe that it is just as much my job to fight for equal rights for individuals and the individuals themselves. Some of the people closest to me are LGBT, and I love them, and I beleive that the overall world would be a better place if we were not only accepting, but celebratory about about all people. I feel that LGBT individuals not only have a place in our world, but make the world a better place by existing in it and being open and happy with themselves...so, here I am being happy with them.

Please know that while I use the term "coming out" as an Ally, I do not want to diminish the real meaning of "coming out", or make light of the importance of this day.

I bet that my audience of readers is split in regards to what they are thinking right now....

1/2 of you are probably thinking...well...duh Michele, we knew it all along, this is nothing new. You've seen me wear my "There are two types of women, Lesbians and those who wish they were" or "Gay...fine by me" shirts, or seen the Rainbow "Ally" Button, or "Safe Harbor" Sticker in my office. Anyways..to those that already know me in this capacity...welcome back...you can stop reading now!

For the other half of my friends, we may have never talked about this before. You may have never seen my shirts, stickers or buttons. We may not have talked since high school (when honestly...my views were quite different than what they are now).

So, why do I feel the need to "come out" as an Ally? Well, I think it's important for people to know where I stand. I think that as a straight person, I have lots of rights and priviledges that my lesbian and gay friends do not. The number one priviledge that I have is to sit quietly by, and choose to either care or not care about equal rights. My LGBT friends do not have that choice. Rights are removed from them everyday...from walking safely down the street ...to the right to marry. It's sad to me that people work so diligently to shut others' out...and remove their right to live the same way as others.

I hope that I live my life in a way that opens doors for others as opposed to closing doors. I pray that Chris and I are able to raise Avery and Lillian to be a caring, loving, open individuals. I want this next generation of children to be able to erase hate from the world, and fill it with child-like innocence and love. I know that if one or both of my girls come to me someday and tells me that she is lesbian, gay, bi, trans, or questioning...that I will open my arms to her, love her even more for her strength and continue to work to make the world a better place for her and everyone else.

Well, with that said...

Happy National Coming Out Day everyone!

MLDB

8 weeks later

2009-09-23T22:10:00.002-04:00

There is a blog I love. I've mentioned her before at dooce.com. She is hilarious and poignant and all over sassy. I dig her.

ANYWAYS...the reason that I bring her up (again), is because she has 2 daughters too, and had her second daughter was born about 4 weeks before Lillian. In one of her earlier blogs, she described having two kids as
"...to imagine having a jazz band blasting an improvisational set in your left ear while listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing Christmas carols in your right ear, and there you are, a drummer in a rock band, and you're on stage in front of 30,000 people trying to keep the beat to an acoustic version of "God Save the Queen" by the Sex Pistols." (Could you find a quote MORE perfect for our family?)

Now, I wouldn't be that dramatic about it, because in all honesty, Lil is easy. She's a laid back baby with lots of patience and a sweet sweet smile that even makes her crying cute. Being a mom of two seems pretty natural. We've found the rhythm and are just praying that one of the girls doesn't all of a sudden go off the charts.

Our schedule is getting there. We're attempting to keep the beat. It's Marching Band season, which means that Chris is busier than normal, so I get to do more things on my own. Here's our normal week:
Monday- Wake up at 7:30-ish...shower and pump before kids wake up...Cal comes for the day....hang out all day with Avery, Cal and Lillian...stay sane. Have dinner ready by 5:15 so that Chris can be out the door by 5:30.
Tuesday--Wake up at 7:15-ish...shower and pump before the girls wake up...get Avery up and ready for school. Drop Avery off at school...work out...come home or hang out for 20 minutes, pick up Avery. Have dinner ready by 5:15 so the girls can make it back to campus for class.
Wednesday-Same as Monday
Thursday-Wake up at 7:15-ish...shower and pump before the girls wake up...get Avery up and ready for school. Wait for Cal to be dropped off. Drop Avery off at school...work out...come home or hang out for 20 minutes, pick up Avery. Have dinner ready by 5:15 so the girls can make it back to campus for class.
Friday-Same as Monday and Wednesday (without the rush on dinner)-BREATHE!

The nice thing in all of this is that the girls are making it pretty easy on me.
Like I said, Lillian is a pretty easy baby. She is happy to sit in her swing and just chill. She will lay on the floor and watch the kids run circles around her. She is on a pretty regular schedule of eating about every three hours. She starts stocking up at about 7pm, goes to bed at 9:30-ish and will sleep for about 6 hours before waking for her next feeding. We are lucky.

Now, that's not to say that there aren't challenges. Avery's bedtime has been a little difficult when Lily is wide awake. I've started giving them a bath together (Lil in her baby bath, while Avery is in the big bath with her). I'll read books to Avery with both girls on my lap, then attempt to lay Lillian down while I tuck Avery in (and lay down with her for a few minutes). It's tough to try to keep both girls happy enough to fall asleep at the same time. By the time I come downstairs to clean up, I'm exhausted. BUT, I don't dare go to bed because only God knows when I'll have a little time to myself again.

Tough time #2 is dealing with not having my body to myself. I feel like if I'm not hooked up to a pump, then I'm holding a baby, or having Avery climb all over me...it's tough. I love loving the kids, but sometimes, I need a little space.

I was so worried about having the love and time to spend with both of my girls. I've been proven wrong once again. There is no way that I could love either of my girls any more than I already do, which means that I make the time to give them that love. I can't believe that I am the mother of 2 beautiful little girls, and amidst all of the craziness, I know that I am blessed beyond belief.

Pumping....

2009-08-27T17:48:00.002-04:00

nope...not iron. I wish. I should totally be working out more. Instead, this post is about pumping milk. I know..gross right? Well, suck it up, because being hooked up to a pump takes up such a large chunk of my life right now that I can't think of anything else to blog about.
Well, of course, there are my adorable and sweet little girls, and I should blog about them because I know that you would prefer to hear about them instead of my boobs. But...my boobs are the topic today...so deal.

I spend 20 minutes every three hours of every day pumping. That means that I spend about 200 minutes a day pumping hooked up to a machine that extracts milk from my body. Because of this, I have set up a pretty comfy little station upstairs in our bedroom. As I pump, I usually turn on a show from DVR or see what's on TV. The worst times are the times either in the middle of the night or when the DVR remote isn't working, and I can't watch TV. Do you know how long 20 minutes are when you're just sitting there? Well...it's long!
When the TV is working, I've watched hours upon hours of CSI (I LOVE THIS SHOW, and luckily it's on Spike almost all of the time), I've also watched lots of reruns of America's Next Top Model, even though I know how they end. It really sucks when the DVR remote won't work, and I'm stuck watching Wow Wow Wubbzy or some other Noggin show....arghh...and I can't change the channel...double ARGHH!

Other things I do to keep myself busy when the TV doesn't work are:
-Attempt to recall of the winners of ANTM (and runner's up)
Adrienne (Shannon)
Naima (Kaitlyn)
Eva (YaYa)
Nicole (Nik)
Danielle (Joni)
Caridee (Melrose)
Jaslene (Natasha)
Saleisha (Chantal)
Whitney (Anya)
McKey (Samantha)
and...I stopped getting CW, so no more ANTM :(

-Make up recipes in my head (only to fall asleep and forget them)

-Pretend I'm exercising and in turn getting skinny.

-Singing all of the words to various songs. Songs that I tend to sing/hum at night are:
Amazing Grace
Oh Canada
Baby Got Back
and others...

-Daydream about upcoming events
Sean's wedding
Avery starting school
Grocery Shopping
My next haircut

...oh yeah, and sometimes I fall asleep..only to wake up 45 minutes later with really sore boobs.

The End.

Birth Story

2009-08-10T23:03:00.014-04:00

The day before Lillian was born

Lillian Michael Bookie was born at 8:16am on Monday, July 27th. I, her tired and slacker mother am just getting around to posting about it. I can't blame my lack of posts to the new baby, because I haven't posted since July 7th...I am just a slacker. The end.

Let me start by saying that this birth story is leaps and bounds different from Avery. Here's the brief version of Avery's story: I was 4 days overdue, went into labor at 1am (before I fell asleep), labored for 19 hours at the hospital, then begged for a C-section. Avery was born at 9:36pm at 6lbs 6oz, and was very anemic. All in all, it was an exhausting and emotional event. I was dramatic, tired, and overwhelmed. It was wonderful in it's own right, but it was pretty intense.

Lily on the other hand, was a totally different story. Chris was painting the basement until 10pm on Sunday night, and we left for the hospital at 5am on Monday morning...to say we were busy was a huge understatement. It was so different to KNOW exactly when we were having the baby. We hardly slept at all, and when I woke up at 4:15 to shower and pack, Avery woke up too...she stayed awake until we left then met us as the hospital at 6:45am with my mom. It was so surreal. The house was quiet, and we knew that we were leaving in order to have a baby...so odd.

Not my best look

We got to the hospital at 5:30am, where they were waiting for us. I spent about an hour filling out paperwork, and getting prepared. Brandie and my family started getting there around 6:45am, and we sat around waiting for my turn in the OR.

Everyone waiting (not so patiently), and Avery boinging her curls.

Finally, at about 7:45, I was escorted down to the OR, where I walked in to find 5 people getting everything ready. It was pretty indimidating to see all of the sharp instruments sitting on the table and to know that they were going to be cutting me open shortly. I was so awake and aware of everything, whereas with Avery, I was drugged, tired and blissfully unaware of what was going on. I walked in, sat on the table, and they started the spinal block. I was completely aware of how naked I was, and how many people were in the room with my bare butt exposed. I was laid down on the table, and Chris came into the room. I didn't feel anything. I made Chris talk to me so I wouldn't hear any weird noises, or wouldn't hear what the doctors were saying. The next thing I knew...there was a baby cry! It just happened...they said it was a girl, and I became aware of how sure I was that I was going to have a boy...I mean, I was SHOCKED to have another girl...very happy, but SHOCKED! She looked exactly like Avery, and I swore that I must have given birth to twins, just 3 years apart. She cried immediately, which was a great sound (Avery didn't cry..just sat and stared for a while), and I was able to hold her right away. Simply amazing!

Can you tell who is who?

After everything was said and done, we went to recovery, where we waited for about an hour until I was taken to my room. I got to feed Lillian for the first time (or try), and held her forever. It was such a surreal, and perfect experience.

We were taken up to our room, and everyone was finally able to meet her. We held everone off for a minute, and had Avery come in first. We wanted her to be the first one to hold Lillian. Avery brought in a bunny that she made for Lily at build a bear, and Lillian "gave" Avery her gifts (a baby doll and a book). Avery was as sweet as could be and didn't want to let go of her "new baby". There were lots of kisses shared and Avery thoroughly inspected all of Lily's fingers and toes.

She's the best big sister!

We had 10 more people pile into the room with us, so it was a little "much", and I got sick (for the first time). But, it all passed, and we were able to sit and relax a little with the new baby.
The rest of the hospital time was good. There were some ups and downs (which I'll blog about later), but all in all it was nice to "relax" a little before we came home. I sent Lily to the nursery for a few hours every night, so we got a little sleep. The nurses came in every hour or so, so it wasn't the most restful sleep, but it was sleep. Speaking of the nurses...they were great! I can't say enough about the nurses that helped us out. (Here's the shout out to Jessica, Kim, Sue #1 and #2, Barb, Bridgette...and the others that I am forgetting.) They were all wonderful and so attentive.

So...Lily is here. She is wonderful, and sleeps well, and is now eating well (I am pumping, so she is eating from the bottle...and eating a lot!). She lost 9.6% of her weight while in the hospital, so they almost didn't let us leave. She was also a little jaundiced, so we really needed to pack her full of food. I'm proud to say that she came home at 5lbs 9oz, and was 6lbs 1oz 4 days later. She weighed in at a whopping 6lbs 13oz at her 2 week appointment...so she is packing on the pounds, and growing like a weed!

Here's our Lily-bug.

Gro Babies Cloth Diapers

2009-07-07T10:22:00.002-04:00

Chris and I have decided to cloth diaper the new baby, but are still researching the options out there. My sisters used cloth diapers as babies, but the new types of diapers have come a LONG way! Now, they have removable inserts, snaps, velcro and can be used from infant all the way through toddler/potty training. We figure that we will save at least $400-$600 by using cloth diapers. The biggest reason that I plan to cloth diaper is for environmental reasons. I used disposable diapers for Avery, and I figure that I've added way too much to the landfills already.

With all that said, I'm debating between a few different types of cloth diapers. I've received positive feedback in regards to BumGenius diapers, and have heard good things about Fuzzibuns too. I'm really intrigued by diapers made by work at home moms, but it's hard because they don't come with a lot of referrals. I also really like the idea of GroBaby diapers. We found them at our local baby boutique yesterday, and I love that they are organic, natural and come with snap in liners, so I only have to change the liners instead of the whole shell every diaper change. This leads to a lot less washes. Also, because the shells don't have to be changed everytime, we don' t have to buy as many diaper shells.

GroBaby is doing a free giveaway right now, so I am hoping to get a diaper to try out for myself. http://www.thenaturalbabyco.com/grobaby%E2%84%A2-ic-11_16.html

Let's hope it all works out! I still have to convince Chris about the cloth diapering...I think he's a little tentative about dealing with the nastiness.

Any suggestions out there are readily accepted!

Oldies but goodies

2009-07-07T09:25:00.004-04:00

When I was pregnant with Avery, I started a blog over on MySpace (which I rarely use anymore). For whatever reason, I decided to check it out this morning and reread some of the blogs that I posted over there. I know that this is cheating by not posting a new blog, but here are some of the oldies from my pregnant days with Avery.
---------------------------------------

Sunday, September 03, 2006

She's HEERRREE!!!!!

Hello friends and family,

First of all thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, visits and phone calls. It is amazing to Chris and I how lucky we are to have you all with us! Well if you haven't heard already, our little baby girl was born this past Thursday. So let's cut to the chase and give you the facts.

Avery RoseLea
Born: 8/31/06
Time: 8:38pm
Length: 18 1/2 in
Weight: 6pds 6oz

Her middle name is the combination of both of our mothers' middle names. His mom's name -Rose, and my mom's - Lea.

Avery and I are both doing very well. I had a C-section so we were at the hospital until this (Sunday) afternoon. Let me tell you, the birthing process is the scariest and happiest event of my life. After over 19 hours of labor followed by a C-Section, my baby girl was here...and nothing else mattered. Now, don't get me wrong...there was pain, but seeing her little face was the best drug in the world!

The second best thing in the world...seeing Chris as a dad. He is the best dad. I wasn't able to do much moving around, and he cared for her and I both for the entire time that we were in the hospital. He's so great!

Avery is perfect. The minute that I saw her, I knew that she was both beautiful and smart. I can't believe she is ours. She was much smaller than I expected. I mean...really, look at Chris and I...we were expecting at least an 8lb baby, so when she came out less than 7, everyone was shocked..even the Doctors.

Avery was a little pale when she was born, due to anemia and low hemoglobin counts, but she is doing much better. Her counts are up, and they aren't too worried. She also has a touch of jaundice, so we were sent home with a bilirubin blanket that she wears all the time. She is our sweet little glow-worm.

Talk to you soon,

Mama, Daddy and Avery

P.S. Chris is working on putting together a page of all of her pictures. We have taken more photos in the past 2 days than we did on our entire honeymoon.

--------------------------------

Sunday, August 20, 2006

1 week left

Arghhh... no baby yet. I've realized that I have to preface every phone call, voicemail, e-mail and conversation with "no baby yet". I am one week away, but I have been praying that she will come early. If she is anything like her mama, she will be late because she is still trying to pick out the perfect outfit.

We've officially attempted everything to get labor going. I won't go into complete details, but we tried spicy Indian food...long walks, and some other stuff...and no baby.

AND....I ate a whole McDonalds cheeseburger today. I'm not sure what type of drugs they add to those things, but GOD it was good. Now, I just have to wait to see if I get ill tonight. On the other hand, if I go into labor tonight, it's back to Mickey D's all the way!

So, in the meantime, here we are...Chris and I...just waiting. I love this man! He rubs my swollen puffy feet, and doesn't make fun of my waddle. He even takes the blame when I burp in public. He's the best, but I know that deep down, he is hoping and praying that he will get his pre-pregnancy, less hormonal wife back soon.

So, hopefully the next blog will be a happy announcement.

Until then....the end.

MLDB

--------------------------------

Monday, July 24, 2006

5 more weeks and counting.....

I've hit the 5 week mark. 34 days to be exact! The nursery is done, her diaper bag is packed, all we need to do is insert the baby into the picture and we will be one happy family.

For those of you that have been following this pregnancy, here is what I have learned in the past few weeks:

1.) Once a stomach sleeper..always a stomach sleeper. I try to roll to my belly every night, only to find that I am laying on top of a bowling ball.

2.) Being pregnant gives you many rights that you never had before, like: taking the elevator up only one flight of stairs, eating ice cream ANYTIME you want, getting the front seat (even when someone else calls shotgun), and most important...acting crazy (blame it on the hormones).

3.) People will touch your belly whether you want them to or not. I figure...let em' touch it...shoot...I'm sure I won't even want to look at it once this baby is out.

4.) Pregnant clothes are MUCH more comfy than regular clothes. I am afraid that I won't want to make the transition back to button up jeans once it's time.

5.) Waking up 4 times to go to the pee is normal. Falling asleep on the toilet...is not, BUT-it's pretty darn convenient and saves you that extra trip to the bathroom later.

There's my Deep Thoughts..by Michele Lynn-Dick Bookie.

The End.

------------------------------

Thursday, June 29
Fryburgers

I have a problem. I haven't had red meat/pork in about 14 years. Now, at almost 32 weeks pregnant...I want a McDonald's cheeseburger.

As I am explaining my dilemma to my friend Brandie, she tells me about the fryburger.

You order a cheeseburger (no meat), and add french fries. So...I tried it!

It's not exactly what I remember a cheeseburger tasting like, but I do believe it did the trick! I don't want cheeseburgers...or fryburgers anymore!

So, when in doubt...make do. Now, if I can only find an adequate substitute for the ice cream that I want every minute of every day.

The End.

-----------------------------------

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

OK...I think I'm ready

The nursery isn't done, and I'm still a few weeks from having this little one, but I think I am done. I'm not sure, but I think that I have experienced almost everything there is to experience in regards to pregnancy. I wake up AT LEAST 4 times a night to pee. I toss and turn all night. I can feel my little girl stretching into my ribs and my pubic bone at the same time. Sometimes I feel like I might have a foot-shaped bruise imprinted just to the right of my belly button. Only about 8 weeks left, but I sure hope they go fast..or I wish that I could at least sleep them away.

Being pregnant has been pretty easy, so I can't really complain...but I'm ready to be done for sure.

The End.

----------------------------

Friday, May 12, 2006

Hi...my name is Michele, and I have a problem...

...I am nesting. Well...not your traditional nesting, but I am shopping/nesting.

It's garage sale season. I have never been a big "saler", but I have become addicted. My child still has about 3 more months of belly time, and I have purchased more clothes for her than I have for myself.

I think I have a sickness. My baby is going to be the most frugally, but best dressed kid around.

So, if you see me lurking in your neighborhood, call Baby Clothes Anonymous...because I need help.

The End

------------------------------

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

My Belly Button..better known as the Grand Canyon.
Current mood: contemplative

When I was in high school (and smaller than I am now). I wore this cute little two piece bathing suit to Cedar Point. I remember standing in line with my friends, and measuring who had the deepest belly button. I won by a landslide.

Now..I am six months pregnant. You would think that this baby inside me would help push the belly button out. NOPE. I still have a CRAZY deep belly button. It's insane to me...I swear that if I push in it, I will turn inside out.

That's my pregnant rant for the day. That...and my unborn daughter keeps kicking me directly in the "you know what".

The End

---------------------------------

Monday, April 10, 2006

We had our ultrasound, and it's a.....
Current mood: excited

GIRL!!!! We are so excited. I'm not surprised. I had a feeling all along that we were having a girl. I think that Chris is still reeling from the idea of having a daughter. He's already starting to "bulk" up for her first date. We got to see her kicking and punching and rolling all over the place. I think she is going to be a drummer just like her daddy.

Have fun everyone.

My MJ Memory

2009-06-26T20:56:00.002-04:00

Thriller came out when I was in the first grade. My parents bought me the record, and I would open it to expose Michael in a white suit with the tiger cub, and give him little kisses.
My elementary school hosted a MJ day, where we were encouraged to dress up as Michael OR wear all of our MJ paraphernalia. So, I dressed in my 3/4 sleeve screened t-shirt, one woven glove and a zippered coat with lots of MJ buttons.
The principal came around to all of the classrooms and asked those of us that dressed if we were ready for the big contest. I (being 6), got in line and followed all the rest of the kids to the music room. As I stood with the other kids in the music room, I listened as each kid was introduced to the stage to be in a MOONWALK CONTEST...WHAT? I thought that this contest was to determine who had the best clothes? So, I cried. I walked over to the principal and told him that I didn't want to Moonwalk...I wanted my mom.
You know...I never did learn how to moonwalk.

34 months and 34 weeks

2009-06-26T08:59:00.002-04:00

I get a weekly e-mail from babycenter.com, and have been getting them since I was pregnant with Avery. They send updates about pregnancy or child development. Since I've been pregnant this time, I've received 2 e-mails a week (one to chart the pregnancy and one to chart Avery). Anyway, there was a theme is this week's e-mails. Avery is 34 months and I am 34 weeks pregnant. I know it's meaningless, but it seemed like such an odd coincidence that I thought it was blog-worthy.

This coincidence also got me thinking about what it's going to be like to bring another baby home, and how different it will be this time. I feel like I spend more time thinking about Avery and her feelings and reactions to this child than I do spend thinking about the baby itself. I know that she is going to be a great big sister...I have no doubt. She plays baby all the time, and is always interested in helping (especially if a baby in involved). On the other hand...I love her so much that I can't stomach the idea of her feeling left out of anything. Tears are in my eyes right now as I think about the fact that she won't be able to spend the nights in the hospital with us. I'm so excited for her to meet her new brother or sister, but scared to death that my heart might explode from loving two kids too much.

I'm overwhelmed today. I have a million things running through my head. I haven't done ANYTHING to prepare for this child. Well, I guess I've done a few things (like gestating), like returning Avery's old bottles for BPA free, and dusted off the swing, and sorted through Avery's old cloths. But, other than that...nothing. Avery and the baby will be sharing a room, and we never took the crib down when we moved in...so that's done...but, that's it. I feel like I did so much preparing for Avery's arrival that this baby is getting the short end of the stick.

I'm also a little nervous about how I'm going to be able to balance it all. I'm really hoping to breast feed (better than I did with Avery), so how do I go about my normal day with a kid on my boob? I want to teach Avery patience, but I don't want to tell her "wait" all of the time and make her feel like she is second. I'm so thankful that I'll have Chris and family here for a few weeks (and my sisters moving in in August), but I also understand that it will be up to me to keep a lot of these balls in the air. It's going to be interesting at the least, and I'm sure there will be a meltdown or two along the way.

I know that I've mentioned my favorite blogger before. Well, she recently had her second child, and gave a vivid (and very appropriate example considering our family's love of music and Chris's profession) about what it is like to bring a second child home.
"I think the best way to describe what it's been like to bring a second child into the family is to imagine having a jazz band blasting an improvisational set in your left ear while listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing Christmas carols in your right ear, and there you are, a drummer in a rock band, and you're on stage in front of 30,000 people trying to keep the beat to an acoustic version of "God Save the Queen" by the Sex Pistols."

Oh God....what have I gotten myself into?

Daddy's Girl

2009-06-24T10:25:00.009-04:00

I am really blessed to have a husband that is really involved with parenting. He is a great husband and an even better dad (even when he does Avery's hair in a CRAZY ponytail, and dresses her in old t-shirts). I realize that being a stay at home mom would never work for me if Chris weren't willing to come home and pitch in. He sweeps in, takes care of business, and usually gives me a much needed break.

On the other hand, I'm jealous. Because Chris works everyday, Avery has an opportunity to miss him. She never misses me (because I'm always here). Between Avery missing Chris, AND her developmental phase (hello Freud)...she is going through a HUGE Daddy phase. I can't compete. She wants him for everything. He has to put her to bed. He has to give her a bath. She wants to be next to him, holding hands and snuggling all the time. Don't get me wrong...she still seeks me out when she needs a drink, or gets hurt, or is tattling on the other kids. I just don't get the snuggles as much now as Chris does. I have to wrestle her in order to get a goodnight kiss.

This Daddy phase may be really good timing, as we prepare for the new baby, maybe she won't get as jealous when I have to spend time with the new baby. She'll have Chris's attention..but maybe she'll start to miss me a little too.

Part of me is happy for the relief, but the other part of me hopes she grows out of this stage soon.
I love this little girl more than I can explain...I make sure to tell her everyday, and I'll wait until she wants to be Mommy's girl again.

Great Wolf Lodge

2009-06-18T13:35:00.000-04:00

We had fun...we played in the water...we were tired...we came home...the end!

Avery was a daddy's girl for most of the weekend.

Here's the bed that Avery never slept in. She insisted in sleeping in our bed instead. No romance for Chris;)

Avery's favorite activity was sitting in the "warm pool"....she's definitely my kid! (Please ignore the overly large woman sitting next to sweet Avery. She showed up in the mirror one morning, and won't leave until after July 27th).

Avery had a "friend pick-up line". She would go up to little girls and say "Where's your mommy?" in a concerned voice. Then she would say "what's your name". It was sweet. After meeting the friends for a few minutes, she would give them a hug and move on.

Here's the slide that we spent HOURS on.

All in all, it was a great weekend!

Avery wants to be married...

2009-06-18T09:53:00.003-04:00

Last night, all three of us were in the kitchen. Chris had a glass of soda on the counter, and I helped myself to a drink.

Avery watched and said "Mommy, you drank Daddy's pop."

I said "it's ok Avery....Mommy and Daddy are married...he has to share with me!"
Avery said..."Oh, I'm married too",

so I replied "nope, Avery, you are not married to us yet. We are a family and you are my daughter...so we are all together, but only Mommy and Daddy are married."

Avery immediately made a sad face, and started crying.
All she could say was "I want to be married too".

This poor kid hates being left out!
As I tucked her in last night, she was still talking about being married.

Our vacation activities....

2009-06-11T10:02:00.010-04:00

We got a much needed break last week. I was SPENT, so it was a welcome change, and a great opportunity to just relax for a couple of days.

Avery and I went to Romulus to spend some time with my family while Chris was hiking. We got into town on Saturday and picked up my Grandma to go to my cousin Joseph's grad/going away party. He has joined the Army, and will be heading out to basic training on July 1. The party was fun, and Avery made new friends...and blew lots of bubbles!

After the party, we went home with my mom, and had a nice relaxing evening at home, with just the three of us. It would be the last night before my sisters came home! My mom was a saint on Saturday night, as she took Avery for the night, and I slept all night in her bed....it was amazing!

On Sunday afternoon, we went to pick up Jessica and Jennifer from the airport. They were gone for 4 1/2 months, and we really missed them. It was so good to see them both again, even if they did come back skinnier than before. They both looked very European as they showed up with cool little funky hats. We didn't give them much time to relax, as Grandma came over right away to see them, then we all went out to dinner for Stephanie's (my future sister-in-law) birthday.

On Monday, I was able to sleep in with Avery, and we spent the afternoon shopping for bridesmaid's dresses for Sean and Steph's wedding in October. To be accurate....we shopped for Jessica and Jennifer's dresses, while I sat by...all large and pregnant...wondering how the heck I'm going to find a bridesmaid dress that fits and doesn't make me look like a magenta house. Jessica and Jennifer looked wonderful in all of the dresses that they tried on. Maybe I'll do a post with all the pictures of them in their dresses so you all can vote!
During this time, my dad was in Texas for a week, so Avery and I surprised him at the airport to pick him up on Monday night, then went directly to Jessica and Jennifer's softball game for the last inning.

Since everyone had to work on Tuesday morning, Avery and I went out on a date morning. We saw Up in 3D, and did a little shopping. Avery picked up a new backback for our upcoming "vacation", and had snacks and came home to relax.

We woke up and left on Wednesday afternoon, (after eating Captain Nemo's for lunch) and came home to find THIS!

Luckily, our vacation wasn't over yet. We left on Thursday for Great Wolf Lodge up in in Traverse City for 2 nights. This week was a MUCH MUCH needed break, and I am so happy to have had a few days to relax and spend time with my family.

Look what Daddy did!

2009-06-11T09:58:00.006-04:00

Avery and I went to Romulus for a few days since Chris went on a hiking/camping trip with 20 5th graders (bless his heart). We left on Saturday in order to make it to my cousin's grad/going away party. Chris didn't leave until Monday, so he had 2 days to hang out around the house by himself. He promised me that he would get the house cleaned up. When I came home, I found that the house was picked up....and I saw THIS in the backyard. Avery LOVES it, and we are excited for hours and hours of fun times out here!

By the way...stay tuned for a more thorough report on our Romulus visit.

Stuck in a well....

2009-06-11T09:46:00.005-04:00

Um....er....I mean, I was lost in the jungle...or uh....caught in traffic somewhere...yeah...that's it..I was caught in traffic...that's why I haven't written in a while.
The real reason that I haven't blogged in awhile is because of this...

Yup, you're seeing correctly. There's the usual suspects, Avery and Cal...plus 2 more. Maddie (who is 2 months) and Mason (is 3 and is Baaaccckkk). So, for about 3 weeks, I had 4 kids during the day (5 if you count Alex afterschool), all while 7 1/2 months pregnant, and tired. Needless to say, I haven't really been up to blogging, or cleaning the house, or eating, or doing laundry for that matter.

So, you take 5 kids, and a husband who decides to sledgehammer the basement, and what do you get?....an ornery pregnant woman. On a positive note, I got to see how Avery was going to handle being a big sister. She is going to be great. In fact, the first thing she asked when she woke up this morning was "Where's Maddie", and looked sadly at the empty baby swing. She was very helpful...wanted to help feed the baby and change the baby. She even learned to unsnap Maddie's onesie so that she could zerbert her belly. Maddie loved Avery too. She would lay on the blanket on the floor, and watch Avery and the kids play and play. Avery would stop every few minutes, and give Maddie a kiss...and keep on playing. It was all very sweet.

After everything is said and done, I think we are ready for our little one to get here. The hardest thing about watching a 2 month old was keeping the big kids out of her face. Hopefully, we are just as lucky in 7 weeks when our baby is born.

By the way...I'm still ornery and tired...just not as much;)

Klompin' Dee

2009-05-22T17:19:00.005-04:00

I'm way behind...I admit it. The Holland Tulip Time festival was the first week in May, and here I am...weeks later...finally posting about it.
For those of you that don't know, Tulip Time is a HUGE event around us. While I've only been to the parade (and ate lots of good food), this year, we made our way out to see some good ole' fashioned Dutch Dancing. It was a lot of fun...the costumes were really something to see and the dancing was really interesting!

I have to admit that the real reason that we went to see this fantastic spectacle, was because we know our very own DUTCH DANCER! Chris's stepmother, Denise, participated in this year's alumni dance. They performed every evening for a week (and sometimes twice). I didn't know what to expect...and this really surpassed any expectations that I might have had. There were hundreds of dancers that lined the street and did the same dance. Some were VERY serious, while others seemed to have a lot more fun (Dee included). We were so proud of her, and felt very authentic walking around with her in her costume and eating carnival food after the dancing.
....and the best part about the whole night? CARNIVAL LEMONADE! I could seriously drink my weight in carnival lemonade. I mean..it's equal parts sugar, lemon juice and water...how much better can you get?
Oh yeah...back to the dancing...it was great fun! Here...see for yourself!

Two Avery from today....

2009-05-12T19:55:00.002-04:00

Me: Avery, you have to put on pants to go outside.
Avery: I don't want to wear pants...it's warm out.
Me: Everyone does not want to see your bear butt.
Avery: Jesus loves my butt

Today is the first time that I let Avery go outside to play without me. She thought that she was pretty hot stuff! Of course, I watched her closely from the window and had my shoes on, ready to run outside. Avery spotted me spying on her and said "Mom...don't watch me. I'm BIG!"

You spin me right round like a record

2009-05-12T14:00:00.002-04:00

I often say that there are certain phrases that I should just record so that I can just push play nad save myself the breath. Here's a list of the multiple phrases that I say OVER AND OVER AND OVER to the kids on any given day:

Don't pick your nose.
Go get a kleenex.
DO NOT put your finger in your mouth!
Stay in the backyard.
Please use your nice words.
What do you say? (answer: Please or Thank You)
Practice your patience!
Please sit down to eat.
Two more bites.
Please chew with your mouth closed.
NO MEAN HANDS!
Put Maggie (our kitty) down.
Choose your attitude carefully!
1....2.....3....
Be Gentle!
Slow down.
Hurry up.
You're being silly.
Time Out!
I Love You!

Happy Birthday Brandie!

2009-05-06T12:04:00.008-04:00

Today is a very special day...it is one of my closest friend's birthday. Brandie and I met in grad school at NCSU. She was my host when I came to campus to interview, and we were able to become friends when I came back the following fall. After knowing Brandie for just a few days, she decided to "swat" me on the bottom (baseball player style). I didn't realize this, and stopped in my tracks...causing her to take a handful of my butt. Brandie was afraid that by touching my butt, she had lost me as a friend forever, but I knew that I had made a forever friend! In honor of my butt-grabbing bud, here is a top 10 things to know about Brandie:

1.) She is a fashionista (who also wears Crocs and Uggs and old T-shirts)
2.) She has an enormous shoe collection. ( Luckily, we wear the same size, although my feet are much fatter!)
3.) She is married with 2 kids (Alex and Cal...you should recognize their names).
4.) She and her husband are just like Carrie and Doug from King of Queens.
5.) She worked as a hostess in the food industry for ONE day, but has been able to work with college students for over 12 years.
6.) She was a dancer for many many years, and can still do a jitterbug-type dance that leaves us on the floor laughing.
7.) When something is really funny...She has a contagious, crazy and very LOUD laugh.
8.) She has an eye for a bargain. She finds the greatest stuff at garage sale prices! She also has the patience of a saint when it comes to waiting for something to go on sale at Target.
9.) She can bake a MEAN brownie!
10.) She has become an additional sister to me. Avery LOVES her, and we all consider her family.

Love you Brandie...Happy Birthday!

(By the way...I totally stole this blog idea from Anne!..Thanks Anne!)

Little Reminders

2009-04-27T22:52:00.002-04:00

I had a rough day today. There wasn't much in particular that made it a hard day. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed (after having a really weird, disturbing and "off" dream...maybe I'll blog about it later). The day just seemed to wipe me out from there. Avery woke up a little earlier than usual, and as soon as Cal got here, they started arguing. I don't know if this can be blamed on the pregnancy, or just grumpiness, but it was just a yucky day. I mean, we did some cool stuff, so it should have been a good day (lunch out, gymnastics class, Alex's spring program), but it was rainy and dreary, and I was just crabby. Then...when we got home, Avery was just demanding. She yelled about "needing a drink and a snack", and when I told her to practice her patience, she said "no...I will not practice!". I was tired, and I needed a break from kids (where no relief was in sight until Chris got home). I started feeling annoyed with Avery, which is a feeling that I rarely have. I finally told her that she was not being nice to mommy, and mommy was NOT going to get her a drink or a snack until Avery started being nicer. She turned her behavior around and was sweet as Chris took her off to bed. I, on the other hand am still grumpy and teary eyed (for no reason). I need to go to bed and start over tomorrow.

Before I go to bed, I feel the need to refocus. I need to take a second to write down the things that I love about Avery. I need to remind myself that the things that annoyed me today are also the things that usually make me proud to be her mommy. She has an opinion, and stands up for herself, and will not be ignored. Here's a list of her unique opinions the reasons why I need to suck up my issues and foster her opinions more, instead of squashing them.

She wants me to blow on her clothes, to warm them up a little before I put them on her. She wants to buckle herself in her carseat, and tighten it. She wants to go potty by herself, and tell me "I went without you." She does not want to hold my hand in a parking lot, nor does she want to be carried, but will grab on tight as soon as she sees a car. She wants me to warm up her blanket "just to warm it up a little" in the dryer. She wants one, specific story before bedtime and no other story will do...lately it's been a book of nursery rhymes. She wants to use Mommy's lips (lip gloss). She wants her crocs. She does not want to share her balloon with Cal, nor does she particularly want him to hold the bubbles or choose a movie. She does not want anyone else to fetch something for her. She wants to set the table herself. She tells you "one second" if she's not ready yet. She does not want to wear socks. She does not want help getting in the tub. She is "fimming;" she does not want to get out of the tub. She does not want to go to take a nap because the "sun is still awake". She "can do it myself." She "did it!"

She is a spitfire, and because of all of these things, and more...I love her spunk. I love her independence. I love her opinions. I love her stubbornness. I love her sassiness. I love her.

Lighten things up a little.

2009-04-22T14:08:00.008-04:00

Well, since my last post was a little on the heavy side, this post will be a little lighter. Well, I guess if you consider my "top 5 people I want to punch in the neck" as a lighter post. I find if funny that my follow up post to the "religion post" is so violent. I guess I didn't want to lose my "edge". My inspiration for this post came from a facebook thing that's been floating around, and ALSO from food network. I just came down from putting Avery down for her nap, and one of the most annoying people EVER was on TV....which leads me to the.

#1 person that I want to punch in the throat- Sandra Lee. This arrogant, snotty, patronizing woman drives me up a wall! Unfortunately, she has some pretty good, easy recipes, which makes me even more mad! I HATE that she decorates her stupid kitchen to match her stupid theme for the stupid day (who does that? Who has a kitchenaid mixer in every color? who has time to go to the craft store just to get something to match her pea risotto?). I HATE that she never does the back of her hair (does she think that she we won't notice when she turns around? If you have the time to match your outfit to the color of the kitchen, then please find the time to run a brush through your hair!). I HATE that she thinks that everything she does is "the best", or "perfect", or "brilliant". (seriously...it's peanut butter and jelly...using a cookie cutter does NOT make it "brilliant"). Finally, I HATE that her "tablescapes" all have to have a theme, and are typically butt ugly. I don't have the time or energy to make a separate table cloth to match each type of meat I make. I don't have the energy to make placecards out of seed packets each time my parents come to visit. I definitely DO NOT CARE enough to make sure that I have a centerpiece that is made from a mixture of dollar store crap, Michaels junk, and tulle. Stuff if Sandra...if I met you in an alley...I would punch you in the neck (then I would ask you how to make your famous Beer Cocktails).

#2 person that I want to punch in the throat- Ann Coultier. Enough said. I don't think I've ever heard anyone who is as hateful and condescending as her. If I weren't so afraid of her amazonian stilletos, I would totally challenge her to a cage fight.

#3 person that I want to punch in the throat- Donald Trump. I get it...you're rich and successful...but that does not make you better than the rest of the world. He's' arrogant and rude. He makes people feel bad about themselves, and places judgement on people like his name is Judy. Of course, I watch the Apprentice when I can catch it, but I do not watch it from the kneeling position, awaiting the opportunity to kiss his feet. With all that said...I would LOVE to borrow (ie...have) about a million dollars from him.

# 4 person that I want to punch in the throat- Mariah Carey. I know that her relationship to Tommy Matolla was not good. BUT, I miss the Vision of Love Mariah. I miss her one skimpy black dress, and big curly hair. In the past few years...she's been a HOT MESS, and I'm not just talking about her "breakdown". Have you seen the crap that she has been wearing? It's getting shorter and nastier. The worst part is that she does this crazy dance (that really isn't a dance) that makes it look like she is having sex with herself. The dance screams (HELLO...I'M REALLY INSECURE WITH MYSELF, AND I NEED TO BE OGGLED IN ORDER TO FEEL IMPORTANT!)

#5 person that I want to punch in the throat- Paris Hilton. Has she made any real contribution to the world? I know that there were some sad people that wanted to be her friend on VH1, and she was so important that she could only choose one. BUT, what makes her important? I'm confused...why is she considered someone to watch? Why do people care what she wears or says, but more importantly...why do people want to be her friend? I guess I understand a little...I mean, if I were her friend, I would totally borrow her jewelry and purses (because that's the only stuff that would fit me), but other than that...I don't get it. She seems to have ZERO personality, and even less charm or worth to the world around her. At least I know that if I ran into her in an alley (and she didn't have bodyguards or Brandon Davis around to call me fire crotch), I could totally take her...all it would take is a kick to her skinny shin, and she would drop her drink and say "that's not hot"...and cry.

Now, there are a lot more people that I believe could use a nice punch in the throat, honorable mentions go to:
Sean Hannity
George W. Bush
Dennis Rodman
Heather Graham
Celine Dion

I know that this post was not nice.

The End.

Getting something off my chest...

2009-04-20T16:54:00.009-04:00

So, there's been this "thing" rattling around in my brain for awhile. This "thing" is difficult to talk about because I'm afraid that it might hurt some feelings, or rub some people the wrong way. This "thing" is church. Now, I know that most of you that read my blog, know me. You may or may not know some or all of my history in regards to church and religion. Some of you might have attended the same church as me, or still attend the church. While, I have never been hurt or persecuted for my beliefs, I haven't always felt comfortable with the part that religion played in my life.

For instance, growing up, church was never a decision that I made for myself. For awhile, I was driven to church , because I was too young to make the decision. I liked it...I got to hang out with friends, and be a "part" of something, even if I didn't know what that "something" was. I did have a few issues and struggled with a few different teachings. Two in particular really scared me. I grew up Baptist, and my best friend attended church next door, which was Catholic. On more than one occasion, it was said that "our neighbors (insert pointing gesture to the Catholic church) may not be in heaven when we get there, because they a.)put too much emphasis on Mary, b.) don't believe in the same things that we do or c.) have not been saved". Now, to a young kid, this was hard to grapple with. So, what I am hearing is "I won't get to spend time in heaven with my best friend?" The other issue I had scared me even more. After my great-grandmother died when I was only about 10, I realized that she never really talked about going to church, so...did this mean that she wasn't "saved"? Was I really never going to see my Great-Grandma again? This was really heavy stuff for a kid to deal with.

Moving on toward high school, I remember feeling lost and left out because I went to a public school. I didn't feel like I was a "good enough" Christian, because I didn't attend the Christian school. I even begged my parents to send me to the private school for my Senior Year. (thank goodness my mom said no!). I dated boys that were not Christians, and brought them to church with me. It was always tough...I never felt like we were "welcome", nor that it was OK to date. Church still wasn't an option for me, other than something that I was either forced, or guilted into. As I look back, I don't think that attending church was ever a decision that I was able to make for myself. To this day, I still feel horribly guilty if I choose not to go to church when I stay at my parent's house. (Let me interject, that my mom was never a part of the pressure, in fact...she was just the opposite).

When I went away to college, things really started to change. I started thinking that things didn't "jive" with me. Specifically, I struggled with the pro-life/pro-choice debates and the anti-gay stance that the home church had. When I moved in with two male friends for a summer, and was told by a few people (and heard other rumors about me) that originated in the church, I knew that the church wasn't for me. I felt judged for doing nothing wrong. I felt like an outsider, and was made to feel like a bad person for living with people that made me feel safe. Seeing petitions at the back of the church, and hearing the anti-gay sentiments further confirmed my belief that I could no longer be a part of the church.

Now, being a part of the church was not all bad. I've met some really great friends, and people that I look up to. The late Mrs. Simonds, Mrs. Anderson, and Mrs. Dobbins are still some of the most caring and honest people that I have ever met. All three of these women were strong in their own ways, and regardless of their beliefs, lifted each person up. I have a lot of really fond memories of my times at church, but very few of these memories have anything to do with feeling "good" about what I heard from the pulpit, or feeling "moved" by the various testimonies. The reality is that with as many friends that I met through the church, there are just as many, if not more, people that I really struggled with. I had a really hard time with the gossip, back-talking and overall meanness and guilt.

The church that I grew up in split twice. The first time was in 1987, and while I don't remember much, I remember that there were a lot of hurt feelings and animosity around the split. When it happened again just a year ago, I couldn't believe it. I won't go into the reasons for the split, but I will say this- If you love your Christian brothers and sisters in the church as a family, then allowing another church "split" is never an option. It's the opposite of love...it's selfish.

I've realized a lot lately. I realized how imperfect people are. I look around everyday. I read the news, and listen to the radio. I watch TV, and interact with friends, neighbors and family, and see imperfections. I see how we people have harmed our planet, and hurt each other both physically and emotionally. I see how we have interpreted the Bible for our own good, and use it against one another when convenient. I see how people judge one another to make themselves feel better, and, how mean we can be.

On the other hand, I witness God's perfection every day. Each time I look at Avery, or feel my belly move from kicks, I know that God is perfect. Or, every time that I see the rain, or my tulips pop through the ground, I know that God knows what he is doing.

It always seems to be a little arrogant to assume that imperfect people can understand a perfect God.

For the past few years, my dad has said repetitively "you and Chris need to find a church", or "Avery is really smart, she needs to be in a church" My response has been "I'm not hiding from God, but I am in hiding from the guilt, judgment and people that inflict these things." I know that my dad is doing what he thinks is right, but that doesn't mean it's right for me. I don't think he has seen or realize what I've felt or gone through. All he cared about was that I was in church. I'm a little tentative to jump with both feet back into a situation that didn't feel good before. I'm definitely going to protect my daughter from feeling the same way that I did. She will never be forced into something that she doesn't feel. Church and religion is something that I have to come to on my own terms. I will give Avery the chance to make up her own mind too. I have a lot of religious baggage to shed before I can open myself back up to people in a spiritual way. My relationship with God is still strong...it's his people that I don't always trust.

With that being said, I decided to attend church yesterday. It was the first time in a LONG time that I decided ON MY OWN to attend. I wasn't pressured into it, but walked in with my eyes wide open, and was still skeptical. I did a lot of research ahead of time, and talked to a lot of people about their experience. I had a great time. Mars Hill is HUGE, so I can disappear when I want to, and be involved when I want to. I don't have anyone looking to see what I'm wearing, or if I'm singing along. As the pastor said, they "are aggressively non-partisan", so I won't see any petitions, or watch any anti-gay skits there. The church is focussed on Love and Service to all people (not just loving and giving to other Christians). It was refreshing. I liked to look around and see everyone in jeans and dreadlocks, and piercings and tattoos. Apparently, there are about 11, 000 people that attend the three services every week, so there are LOTS of different people in attendance. I liked it. I liked it a lot. I'm not prepared to put my name on any member rosters yet, but I might go back...or I might not.

Either way, it will be MY decision this time.

Whew...what a week!

2009-04-15T21:09:00.013-04:00

So, it's Wednesday, and I'm finally getting around to writing about last week's festivities. It was a whirlwind of a Spring Break, and it's still winding...and winding...and winding. Tomorrow evening will conclude the 10 day craziness after we host a baby shower at my house.

Let me just say that Spring Break was no break. I decided to plan something fun for every day, so that it would be special for the kids, and so Chris would have a little "break" as well. He was working on the basement, and didn't need the kids or I hounding him. Plus, he got to sleep in a little, and do some "planning" for the upcoming demolition. Anyways..let's just say that this was the perfect example of "biting off more than I can chew", because now...I'm EXHAUSTED! Don't get me wrong, we had fun, but it was pretty flipping TIRING! A week full of activities...all while 6 months pregnant was not my best idea.

Here's how the week went down:
Monday- Movie day. I let the kids each pick out a movie. Alex chose a Holly Hobby fashion movie. Avery chose a Dora sing-a-long. Cal picked Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The first two movies went well. TMNT...not so great. After a few minutes, Alex came out to inform that she didn't think that "this movie is appropriate for children". Then, she asked me if "this" (insert middle finger here) is a swear word. Arghh...apparently, TMNT was not the sweet early 90's cartoon that I remember. The cowabunga was there, but with a few more swords. Monday=flop.

Tuesday- We planned to go to the children's museum, but went to a playdate with my nieces and nephews instead. The kids were good, and had a lot of fun. It was also a nice little break for me. It was nice to have a task force to care for the kids.

Wednesday- Fredrick Meijer Gardens was lots of fun, but CRAZY busy! I've never seen it so packed. We had to wait in a long line just to get in. I was glad that 2 sister in laws joined us (thanks Jen and Julie!) with their kids, so it made it seem more special for the kids. They liked the butterflies, and the children's garden, but I think their favorite part of the day was the big hill by the DaVinci Horse. They could have rolled down that for HOURS!

Thursday- Took the kids to see Despereaux. It was a cute movie and the kids seemed to like it. We had some very adult conversations about bravery and being different. The kids were good, and were VERY excited, because they got 2 lunches that day. (We stopped at BK for them to share chicken and fries before the movie, then they got popcorn, THEN we had hot dogs and fruit when we got home). I don't know why, but they thought it was really cool..who knew.

Friday- Art Day....or Mess day! Some friends from across the street came over and we painted...and made HUGE messes. We painted on canvases with acrylic paint, and I talked with the kids about mixing colors (which they mixed all together to make brown), and texture with forks, knives, and different brushes (which they mostly used their hands). We followed up artfest with design your own pizzas, then had a fun dinner with our neighbors and new friends from across the street and called it a day...an exhausting but fun day.

Saturday- Woke up early to drive to Romulus...to hang out with Dad, Grandma, Sean and Stephanie. We got to stop by IKEA, and color eggs...LOTS OF FUN!

Sunday- EASTER! We woke up, went to church, and came home to get cooking! I always knew it was a lot of work, but doing it myself was a big undertaking. We had turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, salad, rolls, pie and caramel brownies. Take all this cooking with the random egg hunt, basket opening, and 2 year old hug, and we had a busy day! We didn't leave until after 9:30 and didn't get home until after midnight. HOLY tired!

We had dinner with friends on Monday night, met my dad 1/2 way (a 3 hour round trip) on Tuesday night, Dad is leaving tomorrow (Thursday) morning, then we have the baby shower planned for tomorrow night!

I'm really looking forward to Friday. My mother in law is taking Avery, we are making dinner for our neighbor, then we have a grown up night planned...hopefully it will involve going to bed early, and sleeping in late!

Whew...what a week!

Upcoming Posts

2009-04-14T16:11:00.002-04:00

This one is going to be boring and a complete tease. I am exhausted and still haven't had the chance to catch up on some much needed rest since last week. I have a fun post in mind that will chronicle all of the fun stuff from Spring Break and Easter. While I wait for the pictures to be uploaded, and for my brain to regain consciousness, you'll have to settle with this.

We're all still here....funny stuff is still happening.....but we're too tired from living life to write about it.

Our Spring Break Itinerary...

2009-04-05T23:11:00.002-04:00

Well folks, it's Spring Break around here, and there is going to be a lot going on! First, I have a houseful of kids...well...three, but three can be a lot, especially when the house is (finally) clean, and it's going to be cold and snowy outside for the first part of the week. On top of that, Chris is going to be working on the basement, so sending the kids downstairs to play is out! The answer...make plans! I wanted to plan one fun thing for each day, AND use my resources so that it wouldn't break the bank. We also had to work around lunchtime (unless we pack) and work around the Avery's nap schedule. Here's our itinerary for the week. We would LOVE company and visitors!

Monday- Movie Day/ I'll be taking the kids to Family Video to choose movies. Movies start at 11am and 3:30pm. (it's going to be 36 and snowy)

Tuesday- Children's Museum/We have a membership available. We could also bring 2 more people for free if you want to tag along. We'll be leaving around 10am and plan to return by 12:30 for lunch. (35 and snowy)

Wednesday-Frederick Meijer Gardens-/Butterfly Exhibit and Children's Gardens. We also have a membership and could bring 2 more adults for free. We're leaving at 10:30 and be coming home by 1pm. (47 and partly cloudy)

Thursday-Movies at the Mall/Despereax is playing...free for kids/$2.50 for adults. We have a few coupons for snacks too. Movie time is 11:30. (49 and partly cloudy)

Friday-Art at home/play outside! We are getting a few big canvases and paint and plan to have the kids make some really fun paintings to potentially hang in our basement. All day fun! (51 and partly cloudy)

So, if you want to be a part of some or all of the events, give me a call. We would love the company! Seriously...call me...I could use a little adult interaction!

Ultrasounds...and more ultrasounds....

2009-03-31T22:22:00.007-04:00

I was always a little jealous of those pregnant moms that got an ultrasound every month. Shoot...I was jealous of the people that got more than one big ultrasound. When I was pregnant with Avery, I wanted to know what we were having, so when the ultrasound tech, told us nonchalantly that she was only 60% sure it was a girl...I was like "seriously?" I really wanted another ultrasound so that we could be more sure of the sex. The tech was also really disinterested in our questions, and seemed annoyed by us.

Here's the little peanut...full body shot.

So, given that I had a disappointing experience with my first ultrasound, you would think that I would be excited to have more and more ultrasounds this time around...NOPE! You see, we don't want to know the sex! And, luckily, our ultrasound tech (shout out to Krista) was very thorough, and explained everything during my 19 week...so there should be no reason to have another ultrasound.

Here's a picture of the little guy/girl saying hello.

Let's start at the beginning of the ultrasound journey...
Ultrasound #1 (9 weeks)- I have an internal ultrasound, but the Dr. can't find the baby.
Ultrasound #2 (same appointment...9 weeks)- Second internal ultrasound...no baby.
Ultrasound #3 (same appointment...9 weeks)- External (thank God) ultrasound..hello baby.
Ultrasound #4 (19 weeks)- The BIG ultrasound...I was excited to get a good look at the baby, and really learn about what everything means. Krista was really nice and answered all of our questions. Avery was there, and was involved and excited to see the "baby movie". BUT, apparently, they aren't able to get a clear picture of everything, so I am scheduled to get another ultrasound with a higher ultrasound machine.
Ultrasound #5 (20.5 weeks)- Ultrasound at Blodgett Hospital...this time, we take Cal, who tells us that he is bored with the "baby movie". Once again, they can't see aspects of the heart and spine, so I am scheduled for ANOTHER ultrasound..this time a level 2 ultrasound at a Maternal and Fetal Ultrasound specialist.
Ultrasound #6 (22 weeks)- At the specialist...the tech was pretty unsettling this time. I went into the appointment pretty sure that everything was OK, but we just needed a better look. The tech on the other hand had a tone that made me a little nervous. Then...at the end, she says "well, we your cervix seemed a little long, so we may need to have you back to do another internal ultrasound". THEN, we meet with the Dr., who tells me that while they were able to see just about everything else, there is still one portion of the baby's heart that isn't visible due to my c-scar. So, depending on OB/GYN's suggestion, we might need ANOTHER ultrasound. ARGHH!

And...the profile shot

OK...let me explain why this is frustration....in list form...
1.) We don't want to know the sex, so each and every additional ultrasound is another temptation!
2.) Internal ultrasounds are NOT comfortable. For those of you that have not had the wonderful experience of an internal (or vaginal) ultrasound...let me explain. It involves a wand-type instrument and a condom...do I need to explain more? It's a similar process to the conception, but with a lot less um...ahh...um...pleasure?
3.) The external ultrasounds don't come without their own discomforts. First of all, about 2 hours before the appointment, I have to start drinking...and drinking...and drinking, at least 32 oz. Now, this may not seem like a lot to a non-pregnant person, but my bladder is already constricted, and adding an extra 32 oz is not comfortable. THEN, I have to hold it for an hour. By the time I get to the Dr. office, I am ready to burst, only to have a camera pressed directly onto my bladder with a warm gel...it's painful, and potentially embarrassing.

So, the news that I might need another internal AND external ultrasound is not something that I am looking forward to. I mean, I love to see the baby, and it's sweet that they are in there kicking around, and saying hello. BUT, I really don't want another camera in me or on me until the baby is here!

I guess that this is a perfect example of "be careful what you ask for".

The peanut's little feet

Friday Quotables

2009-03-27T13:12:00.002-04:00

Out of the mouths of babes...

Me: You can't play in the crib, because that's where the baby is going to sleep when it is born.
Cal: Where will the other baby sleep?
Me: Avery? She will sleep in her big girl bed.
Cal: No, where will the other baby sleep?
Me: The new baby will sleep in the crib.
Cal: You need 2 cribs for the 2 babies in your belly.
Me: OH NO...only ONE baby is in my belly.
Cal: Then why is your belly so big?
ARGHHHHH

(In the car)
Avery: I need a snack.
Me: You can have a snack at home...what would you like?
Avery: I have cookies.
Me: OK, you can have 2 cookies when we get home.
Avery: Don't you let Santa eat my cookies.
Me: What?
Avery: Please don't let Santa eat my cookies.
Me: OK... promise that Santa won't eat your cookies until Christmas.
Avery: OK...good. Santa eats all the cookies.
(who knew that Santa was such a bad guy?)

(After making a lunch of leftover pizza, pears and carrots)
Cal: This is a great lunch.
Avery: Gweat Wunch
Cal: Michele, you are a great shep.
Avery: Gweat shep.
Me: Do you mean chef?
Avery/Cal: Yes, shep.
Me: Can you say ch-e-FFF?
Cal: You're a good cooker.

Avery: I watch a moo-eee.
Me: OK Avery, what movie would you like to see?
Avery: I watch the "moo-it, moo-it moo-ee"
Me: We watched Madagascar yesterday.
Avery: But, I need to moo-it moo-it (picture Avery shaking her butt while saying this)
Me: Well, I can't deny a girl the chance to move it.

Me: Cal and Avery, we are going to see the butterflies, so you have to be very careful.
Cal: Why?
Me: Because butterflies are very delicate, and we don't want to hurt them.
Cal: What's delicate?
Me: It means that you have to be gentle and careful so that you don't break it.
Cal: Ohhh...like glass or chalk or firetrucks.

(At the ultrasound)
Cal: Why are you putting that jelly on her belly?
Ultrasound tech: Because it helps take a better picture.
Me: Cal, if you watch careful, he will use this camera and we get to see a movie of the baby.
....after a few minutes....
Cal: I'm bored of this baby movie.

Pregnant List

2009-03-26T13:49:00.004-04:00

I realized that I haven't really done a blog on being pregnant, other than the original post...and food posts. So, here is the pregnant post...in list form.

1.) We decided NOT to find out what we are having. It's been tempting to break down and know, but I keep thinking of the day when the baby is here, and how exciting it will be to have a surprise.

2.) Speaking of dates...we are scheduled for a July 27 due date. We'll know the exact time at my next appointment. We are going on vacation in Elk Rapids from July 11-July 18, so I'll have just enough time to come home and obsess about having the baby 9 days later.
***Added news...we are scheduled for a 7:30am surgery. This means that I need to be to the hospital by 5:30, which means that I need to wake up at 4am. So much for my good night's sleep before I'm a mama of 2.

3.) This baby is a mover and a shaker. I can feel him/her dancing in there just about everyday. The movements aren't big enough for Avery or Chris to feel yet, but it could be any day now. He/She has a unique ability of kicking me DIRECTLY in the bladder at least 75% of the time. We even saw the baby kick my bladder during the last ultrasound.

4.) I'm getting HUGE! It's getting more and more difficult to attempt to sleep. The pillow configuration is interesting, and doesn't always stay in place. It's especially tough when Avery steals a pillow to sleep on.

5.) As tough as it has been to NOT find out the sex of the baby, it's only getting tougher. I thought "hmm...I just need to get through this 20 week ultrasound"...then, I find out I need another ultrasound, because the baby isn't being cooperative. THEN, I find out that I need another more advanced ultrasound because the baby didn't let either tech see it's heart or spine. STINKER! So, now I've had to fight off the temptation, not one, but THREE times.

6.) Probably the most exciting news is that we've narrowed down the names! Here are our choices...so far:
Girl: Adeline or Lillian
Boy: Carter or Everett

I'll post some ultrasound pictures, and if I'm brave, I might post a belly pic too...we'll see how my confidence is that day.

...and one non-pregnancy related note. Does anyone else think that Dora's map is extremely annoying. I think that map is a know-it-all, and really gets under my skin. It really bugs me when he says "do you know the way to blueberry hill? Well, I know the way to blueberry hill." Shut it map!

Smack it up, Crack it, Rub it down...oh no....

2009-03-23T16:34:00.004-04:00

So, I have a confession. I don't have back problems. I mean, they aren't chronic or anything, but I do get sore in the morning after sleeping funny all night. Being pregnant can be a delicate balancing act of pillows and physics in order to stay comfortable. I have to use what Chris calls a "husband barrier". There's the pillow between my knees, one under my belly and one to support my back, this is all in addition to the one under my head. With all of this, I still wake up sore from attempting to NOT sleep on my belly or my back. BUT, even with the pregnant sleep (or non-sleep), my back is OK...a little sore but not too bad.

However, this has not stopped me from taking advantage of my husband's awesome insurance which offers 38 chiropractic or massage therapy appointments a year. This works out to more than 1 appointment every other week, and at least one per week for the rest of my pregnancy...HELLO PEOPLE..why would I NOT take advantage of this? I had my first appointment last week, and I LOVED IT. I met Dr. Hartman, and thought..there is no way that this little guy is going to make this big girl crack, but he did. Just by watching me stand and bend over, and move my neck, he was able to see where I wasn't aligned. He had me lay down and manipulated my body into all sorts of different positions. At one point, while laying on my back, he took my leg and stretched it as far toward my chest as he could, and remarked "wow...you're pretty flexible". I replied "um..thank you"...this flexibility is what got me pregnant to begin with.

Then, he took me to this magic table and manipulated my body until it cracked in all the right places. I loved it. I even loved the whiplash move that cracked my neck. It felt like such a nice release. After being cracked and stretched, I got to get my massage. Now, I am not ashamed to say that the only reason that I originally went to the chiropractor was to get the massage. Shoot, if you have to crack all bones in my body, and it ends with a massage, I say do it. I would live in a full body cast if it means that I get a good rub down.

After all of the cracking, I moved into the dimly lit, soft music playing room. It was wonderful. My spine and muscles have been contorted, so it was nice to have a little quiet relaxing time. She did this one move where she applied pressure to the base of my neck, then released it, and it felt like I was floating for a minute. Needless to say....it was NICE!

So, after everything was said and done, I made my next appointment for today! (less than one week later!) This is definitely going to be a regular occurrence!

*Note...I had my appointment today, and it was also wonderful. Unfortunately, lifting a 2 year old sort of ruins a nice massage pretty quickly. BUT, the nice thing is that I only have to wait a week for another one!

Food...part 2.

2009-03-19T23:02:00.003-04:00

So, yesterday, I blogged about some of my favorite foods. Now, here's the other side of the story. In light of a dinner debacle this evening, here is a list of the nastiest of the nasty in regards to food:

Johnsonville Beer Brat. It sounded good for dinner tonight, so I made them just like the package said. YUCK! The first bite was just wrong in so many ways. The texture and taste were too much. I choked it down, but couldn't even smell it for the rest of the night. Chris had to wash anything and everything that they touched, and we had to put it down the garbage disposal with a lemon chaser.

BBQ sauce. HOLY YUCKNESS, even the thought of it makes my mouth water in a bad way.

Warm Milk. I made the mistake of leaving my milk on the table for about 5 minutes, and it was a BAD idea. I took one sip, expecting nice cold milk, and was HORRIBLY disappointed.

Corned Beef. I thought I would be cute and make a fun Irish Meal that Chris had never tried. It was BAD NEWS. Avery loved the CB, but I couldn't even choke it down. I put the leftovers in the fridge, thinking that Chris might try it.... but I couldn't even handle the smell.

Well, that's the list. I'm sure I can add a few more things as this pregnancy progresses. Don't get my started on smells. I almost hopped out of the car the other day because I SWORE that I smelled raw meat at Burger King. Chris said that all he smelled was flame-broiled, but I know that I smelled the raw meat. It was almost too much to handle.

Hmmm, I think I might have just figured out a way to deter my appetite. If I continue to blog about all of this nastiness, I might never eat again.

I LOVE FOOD

2009-03-18T21:42:00.009-04:00

For those of you that know me, you know a few things:

1.) I love to eat (and it shows). I mean, I really enjoy eating a good meal.
2.) I love to try new foods, and I LOVE new recipes that I make up.
3.) I can pore over menus and recipes and other food related items.
4.) I watch Food TV all the time. Food Network, Top Chef and the new Chopping Block are some of my favorites (although I have been known to threaten to punch Sandra Lee in the neck).

So, it is no surprise that my love for food is only intensified with my pregnancy. While I've stated before that I don't really have cravings, I could eat some of the same things on mass quantities and for days on end. Here are my favorites this time around:

Orange Juice. I could drink my weight in OJ. We don't usually keep it in the house, and I purposely haven't bought any for the house because I would drink it straight from the bottle until it was gone. I'm pretty sure that much acid wouldn't help out my heartburn.

Potato Chips. I love chips and dip, BUT it has to be certain dip. The dip MUST be french onion, made specifically with sour cream. Don't try to pass off that sweet tasting stuff, or you might end up with it back. As for chips, any chips will do, but I prefer to stick close to my roots. Detroit's Better Maid chips are the best chips out there. I can eat an entire bag of BBQ chips all by myself. They still do the great BBQ, as opposed to that crazy mesquite BBQ nonsense.

Mexican Food. I ate Mexican Food (Taco Bell, Homemade and On The Border) for four days in a row...sometimes lunch AND dinner. The four day bender didn't deter me from my favorite food. Burritos and tacos and empanadas...OH MY!

Roasted Potatoes. I've made them three times this past week (both russet and sweet), and could eat and eat and eat them! Just a little olive oil, salt and pepper and extra crispy in the oven...LOVE IT!

Breakfast. One Egg, over medium. One slice of wheat toast. One pancake with maple syrup. 1/2 order of hashbrowns. 2 slices of bacon....please.

Whopper Jr. with cheese. (please do not look at the nutrition information) I craved McDonald's Cheeseburgers with Avery, but this time, I love me a Whopper Jr. with cheese. So good...thank you flame broiled goodness!

Speaking of fast food....
McDonald's Sweet Tea is SOOOO good..but it has more than my daily intake of sugar AND caffeine.

Tomatoes. I can eat them like apples. Nuff' said.

Looking at that list, it's amazing that I've only gained 2 pounds so far.

So, those have been my favorites so far. Don't get me started on how excited I am for the great fresh fruits and veggies that summer will bring. I can live off of fresh corn, tomatoes and watermelon!

Speaking of fresh fruits and veggies...we decided to join a farming co-op this summer. We'll get our veggies from a local farm, and live off of organic, seasonal goodness this summer. We're hoping that it will encourage us to eat better, try new things, and eat at home more. I'll let you know how it works out. I'm really looking forward to working with the Swiss Chard....who knows what fun new recipes I'll find! We've also joined some of our neighbors to have hydroponic lettuce delivered once a week. I'm really excited to get our first delivery next week...it will be yummy salads all around! Food...food...food...and more food on the way. It's a pregnant woman's dram come true.

Differences

2009-03-13T08:06:00.003-04:00

I've started to notice a lot of little and some big differences between my first and current pregnancies. It's sort of amazing how different it feels to have already "done" this once before, but to know that this is going to be the last time that I will ever have these experiences and be pregnant. It's surreal.
Here are some things that I've noticed...

Obsession. I can honestly say that I was a little obsessed with pregnancy when I was pregnant with Avery. I read about it everyday, thought about it every minute and talked about it whenever I could. I attributed every feeling and experience to the pregnancy. I'm sure that I was a little annoying to the people around me...but I couldn't help it. Pregnancy (and still is) such an amazing thing. I couldn't stop thinking about it. Now, this pregnancy feels so different. I don't have the time or energy to obsess. If I obsess too much, then I am taking time and energy away from Avery...which isn't fair. When I was pregnant before, everything other than the pregnancy seemed so much more insignificant, but now...I know that Avery brought so much significance to my life, that I know our new baby will only add to that meaning.

Nervousness. I was extremely nervous during my pregnancy with Avery. I was constantly scared of what each "feeling" meant. Leg cramps?...oh no, something must be wrong with the baby. Back pain?...I hope this isn't back labor. Nausea? I hope I didn't eat too much Indian food and hurt the baby. I was a little anxious. Then, you add the fact that this was all brand new. I didn't know what to expect in regards to labor, or delivery, or anything else for that matter. It was all brand new. This time?....I feel a little more confident. I know more about what to expect. My nervousness doesn't have as much to do with the pregnancy as it does with bringing another baby home. I'm not as concerned with every ache and pain as I am with how Avery will adjust to being a big sister. I want her to be involved, but also to be important in her own right. I've realized that having a baby is soooo much more than being pregnant...and I'm a little nervous that I'm not prepared for two.

Certainty. There were so many things that I thought I was 100% certain about when I was pregnant with Avery. I knew that I wasn't going to have a C-Section...so I didn't even pay attention in birthing class to the C-section portion. I knew that I was going to breastfeed. Now, I look back, and I realize that there was so much that I didn't know. This time around, there are a lot of things that I plan on changing. I know that I will be having a scheduled C-Section. I know that I will be surprised when they tell us if it is a boy or girl. Now, I know that I will ask for more help in the hospital. I will meet with the lactation consultant right away, and I will allow the baby to sleep in the nursery at night. That's about all I know for sure.

In about 20 weeks, I'm going to be a mother of 2....two.....TWO kids! I'm certain that with Chris and Avery and the rest of our family that we will make it all work...no matter the lack of sleep, or the crazy hormones, or the uncertainty.

On a separate note...Avery has been so adorable in regards to the baby. She loves to read to the baby at night. All three of us snuggle into our bed, and Avery pulls up my shirt so she can be close to my belly. She leans in so she can talk into my belly button. Then, she'll say to the baby "hello lil' peanut...how are you today?" Then she follows up with a zerbert to my belly. After we read the stories, she'll lay her head back down on my belly and says goodnight to the baby. The other night, she said "hey lil' peanut, I know you love me, but I have to go nuh-night now. I love you." So freakin' sweet.

Friday Quotables

2009-03-11T08:33:00.003-04:00

Back by popular demand....Quotables by the kids.....(I really need to get better at writing down the funny stuff around here).

Cal: Avery, my house is cooler than your house, because it is a ROCK STAR house.
Avery: Well, my house is a PRINCESS house.
Cal: Well, my house is an ANIMAL house!
Avery: No, my house is Animal house!
Me: (under breath)...amen.

Avery: Mama mama, Cal needs you to wipe his butt.
Me: Ok, I'm coming.
Avery: Don't worry mama, I already wiped his butt.
Me: Whoa...ok, then let's go wash your hands!

(Cal walks into the bathroom while Chris is peeing)
Cal: Whoa Chris...you are STRONG!
( I think it made Chris's year!)

Me: Whoa...something is smelly in the car.
Avery: I tooted
Me: OK...what do you say?
Avery: Pee-U?
Me: What else do you say?
Avery: Yuck?
Me: What's the nice thing to say?
Avery: Ohhh...I saw 'scuse me.

Like always...I'm sure there are more, but I can't remember them off the top of my head...more later!

July 2

2009-03-09T22:45:00.004-04:00

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

I know that our anniversary is months away, but with all of the wedding planning going on with Sean and Stephanie, I've done a lot of reminiscing about our wedding a few years ago.
(Let me put it in writing here, that this is going to be one BEAUTIFUL wedding....if you look past the big bridesmaid wearing magenta. I'm going to strap myself to my elliptical to get rid of this baby weight...and then some)

Chris and I dated for 2 years before getting engaged (I'll write about my engagement story in another post), but knew after only 2 months that we would end up married. Chris was exactly what I needed in my life but I didn't realize was missing, and when we finally started dating my life seemed to make more sense. He and I both were old enough to know ourselves pretty well. We had worked out a lot of our quirks with other relationships, and knew what things in our lives were negotiable, and what things were solid. We talked about politics, religion and our future...all on the first date. So, needless to say...I knew what I was getting into, and I liked it.

Fast forward 2 years and 8 months to our wedding day...the most important day of my life. I loved my wedding. We tried to get a lot of people involved, while also attempting to make it classy and comfortable. We wanted it to be "us", and something that showed our how much we loved each other. The days leading up to our wedding day were hectic, and a little overwhelming, but also completely wonderful. Back then, I was looking forward to the most important day of my life. But, I can honestly say that I didn't exactly know why it was going to be so important until a couple of years later.

Now, after traveling with Chris, and having a baby with him, and buying a house, and making friends, and losing friends, and through family issues and scares, and all of the other ups and downs of marriage, I've realized WHY July 2 is the most important date to us. July 2, 2005 was the beginning. It was the beginning of Avery (who is our heart), and the new baby on the way. Without July 2, there this world would be missing one spunky, fiesty, smart and beautiful little girl. Without July 2, we wouldn't be in a house we love, with neighbors that we adore. Without July 2, there wouldn't be great get-togethers with inlaws, or fun times with our collective friends. Without July 2, there wouldn't be us fighting for the covers at night or cold feet in the morning. Without July 2, there wouldn't be long discussions about our future, or our finances, or how we are going to raise our kids. Without July 2, "us" as we know it would not exist.

I loved my wedding, but I've loved my life since my wedding even more. July 2 is just one day, but it is the most defining day of our lives.

Chris wrote me a song and had our friend Justin Avery surprise me by singing it at our wedding. The words speak exactly to the way I view our marriage. I look forward to holding hands when we are 60, and stealing little kisses when we are 70, and stealing covers when we are 80. I really look forward to growing old with him and spending a lot more July 2 together.

Sean and Stephanie sitting in a tree...

2009-03-02T08:15:00.013-05:00

Well folks, it finally happened...my little brother is engaged! Our family couldn't be happier. We all absolutely LOVE Stephanie.

Chris, Avery and I were in Romulus for the weekend, because we were planning to surprise Sean for his birthday (which is March 6), party on Sunday. There was a lot of deception involved to keep up our ruse, and I'm not proud to say that I had to tell more than one lie. My mom took Chris and Avery and I to Disney on Ice on Saturday night (which was also the night of Sean and Steph's anniversary dinner). So, we thought maybe we'll get a call with some exciting news while we're watching Tinkerbell! Sure enough, we go the call. I cried...I mean cried hard when I heard the story. I can tell that they are completely thrilled, and we are all excited. They are a true love story.

I will leave the details of the proposal up to Sean and Stephanie to share, but I will say that I was shocked, stunned and overall very proud of the sweet romantic side that Sean showed. He is a true gentleman, and a very sweet (now) fiancee.

Here are a few things about Sean and Steph as a couple.
1.) They truly compliment each other. Sean is laid back, and Stephanie can get a little more anxious...they have both met in the middle and are better versions of themselves.
2.) They seem to get each other...quirks and all. They fully support each others' habits, addictions (HOLY STARBUCKS), and all around lifestyle.
3.) They have already become a part of each others' families. Steph's family loves Sean, and as I already said...we adore Steph. Don't get me started on their love for their nieces and nephews. I'm not sure, but Uncle Sean may be up there with Franma as Avery's favorite person. Steph's nephew and niece are also completely sweet and love their Tee-Tee.
4.) They are so completely and obviously in love. I've never seen Sean so attentive, loving and smitten with anything or anyone. They are always holding hands, gazing at each other and poking fun. They spend a lot of time laughing, and I can tell that they are happier when they are together than they have ever been apart.
5.) They foster each other's independence, and strive to be better. I'm amazed by the change that I've seen in my brother. I've always thought that he's great, but I definitely love him as a friend now too.

We also had a surprise party for Sean on Sunday (which was totally overshadowed by their big news!). It was nice to have both families together only one day after he "popped the question". We were all able to compare stories and ideas and see the ring in person!

See their happy faces? Check out the ring....brother did good!

And, while we're at it....won't these two be absolutely adorable as Flower Girl and Ring Bearer? (The little boy is Stephanie's nephew, Evan).

Exactly What I Deserve

2009-02-24T13:47:00.008-05:00

Lately, whenever someone asks me how Avery is, my answer is "fiercely independent". I know that every grandma out there wishes that their son/daughter will have a child that acts just like their mom or dad did growing up. Well, I guess my mom got her wish. While I don't recall everything about my childhood, I do know that I was pretty proud of my independence and strong will throughout college. I would proudly tell people "I am an independent woman!"...shoot, I even worked it into my wedding vows.
Well, all of that independence has come back to bite me in the butt. Here are a a few examples of my daughter's payback to me:

She has a new found love for trying on all of the clothes in her closet, including coats, dresses, barrettes, bathing suits, summer cloths, and panties. She also changes her own "big girl panties" (pull-ups) a few times a day. Now, I wouldn't complain if she only changed her diaper when she was wet. The problem is that she changes her "panties" numerous times, only because she wants a different princess on the front. Apparently, Snow White is NOT ACCEPTABLE to pee on.

If I take too long to get her something to drink (like..I take 10 seconds instead of the expected 2 seconds), she will get a stool, push it to the kitchen sink and grab whatever cup she can find. She'll then take it to the fridge and fill it up with water, which results in a huge mess.

Speaking of stools. She LOVES our stools. We made a smart (but regrettable) decision to put felt on the bottom on our stools and chairs as to not scratch the hard wood floor. Well, it makes it a little too convenient for one little miss. Those stools are her favorite tool. She uses them to access anything and everything out of reach. Sink?...yes...Cupboards?...totally reachable....Snack Pantry...completely within reach.

Just today, Avery brought down the shirt (too small tank top) that she wore yesterday (that she picked herself). She wore it inside out yesterday, and it had little marks from her art project...lots of little marker marks, so it was pretty dirty. I had already told her that she couldn't wear it to bed last night, because it was dirty. I then told her again today that she couldn't wear it for the same reason. Well, about an hour ago, she brings down said shirt, marches right past me, and says "I wash this shirt". I immediately followed her, totally expecting to find her elbow deep in water in the sink. Instead I found that she had put the shirt in the washing machine..AND STARTED IT! We have a new front loader that involved 3 different steps to get started...and she did it correctly. The only thing she forgot was the soap.

On more than one occasion, I have walked into the bathroom to find pee in the little potty chair. This means that Avery has been peeing in the potty on her own...sometimes in the big potty and other times in her little potty. She pulls everything down, pees, (sometimes empties out the little potty bowl herself) wipes, and flushes. Now, this would be VERY good news if it happened everytime she had to go, and not just every once in a while.

On the last nice, warm day that we had, I took the kids outside to play. They ran ahead to the swingset next door. When I got to the set, I looked into the "clubhouse" part of the set, and couldn't see Avery. As I walked around, I saw her...she had climbed up and decided to come down the fireman's pole on her own! Now, this clubhouse is at least 6 feet off the ground, and Avery has to JUMP in order to grab the pole. Well...she did it, and slid down about halfway before I could get to her...it scared the bejeezus out of me! She looked right at me and said "see mama..I not hurt...I BIG."

Finally...one of my favorite recent stories happened when we were at my mom's house. As my mom loaded Avery into her carseat, she attempted to turn on her DVD player so Av could watch a movie on the long ride home. Well, for some reason, my mom couldn't figure out how to open the DVD player. I was attempting to explain it to her from the front seat, while Avery was also trying to instruct her as to what button to push. As I walked around the car to show my mom, Avery still attempted to point to the button my mom needed to push. Finally, Avery undid her own carseat, and said (in an exasperated tone), "I do it Franma" (accompanied by a sigh)....

See Mom...watch what you ask for...you just might get it!

TV....My dark master

2009-02-20T11:27:00.003-05:00

I have a problem... I love TV. I watch way too much. I don't watch it during the day (although it's always on...either on Noggin, Nick Jr, Disney, or the Sirius Kid's radio station). My problem is night time TV. Chris and I (mostly me) have our own TV schedule. Luckily, we have DVR, so we can stop and pause appropriately and work around Avery's schedule. Here is our sickening schedule...

Sunday: Desperate Housewives/Big Love/Flight of the Concords (we usually watch FOTC at a different time)
Monday: Big Bang Theory/How I Met Your Mother/Heroes
Tuesday: Biggest Loser/ Nip/Tuck
Wednesday: Lost/Top Chef
Thursday: The Office/30 Rock/Grey's Anatomy
Friday: NOTHING
Saturday: NOTHING

Now, this may be the official schedule, but let's not discount the assanine shows that I'll watch randomly, such as Wife Swap, America's Next Top Model, The Soup, Best Week Ever, Any stupid MTV or VH1 reality show (Why do I love the Real World/Road Rules challenge, or I Love Money? I'm 32 years old for God's sake!). I'm also a sucker for a marathon. I LOVE anything on Bravo, hello....Project Runway? Top Design? Sheer Genius? And don't get me started on E! Luckily, I haven't formed an addiction to the Law and Order/CSI series', but that doesn't mean that I won't watch it if I catch it! AND...WHY do they start another epison without a commercial break? It's brilliant, but bad all at the same time. Seriously people...I'm sick.
I need to go pick up a book before my brain turns to mush and my ass gets wider than it already is.

America's Funniest Home Videos.....

2009-02-19T19:27:00.002-05:00

Is the funniest show on Easth! I could seriously watch this show all night. There is no such thing as too many crotch shots, little kids falling asleep in their food, or cats attacking things. I'll even put of with Tom Bergeron for the trade off of funny!

Chris...my soulmate...and soul-sucker

2009-02-18T16:48:00.002-05:00

So, there is this blooger that I really "get". Check out dooce.com if you want some hilarity in your life. She is one of those writers that I think I want to be friends with (but it's a little too creepy for me to randomly drive to Utah just to fake a casual meeting a Whole Foods). I think Chris gets a little tired of me saying "so..today Dooce said", and "that Dooce is so funny". She's pregnant, so I feel even more connected to her (in a non-creepy way). Anyways...she recently did this meme about her significant other. And while I just pledged my love for Dooce, the real love of my life is my partner...Chris. So, in honor of Chris (and Dooce), I'm going to do this meme too....just a couple of days late for Valentine's Day.

What are your middle names?
My middle name is Lynn. Chris's is Michael.

How long have you been together?
We've been married three and a half years, together over 6.

How long did you know each other before you started dating?
Hmm, well we had a few chance encounters starting in 2000, but he was hitting on waitresses and my friend thought that he was gay...so I counted him out (and told my friend to "go for it"). We reconnected in 2002 and started dating.

Who asked whom out?
Well...after making out on Halloween, I asked him out. I called him and said "if you're willing to make the drive to Kalamazoo, I'm willing to make dinner". He said "sure...I'm definitely on the dating prowl".

I still had him over, even after telling me in not so many words that he was a predator.

How old are each of you?
I'm 32, he's 34.

Whose siblings do you see the most?
If you mean "physically see", then I guess we see Chris's stepbrothers and sisters more because they live the closest (and we celebrate lots of birthdays!), but we "see" my sisters more via Skype. I wish we could see my brother more, but he's on the east side, and not on the computer as much.

Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Well, if you don't count the time that I thought he gave me gonorrhea, then it's probably money...just like 80% of the couples in the world. Although, we don't really fight about it anymore...it's just stressful.

Did you go to the same school?
What school in Michigan did Chris NOT go to? We both attended GVSU. I went there from 1995-2000, and Chris went there from 1997-1998 (we didn't know each other) and again from 2005-2008 (for his MEd).

Are you from the same home town?
Nope..Chris is from here in good ole' GR. I'm from Romulus, which is almost like living in two different worlds, even if they are in the same state.

Who is smarter?
Depends on the subject. I'm much more theoretical. Chris is a more technical. He can work a computer or a TV, or any other machine like a wiz, but can't spell to save his life. I'm technically stupid, but can spell and write laps around him.

Who is the most sensitive?
Sensitive...like could cry over Taco Bell?...hmm....that would be me.

Where do you eat out most as a couple?
We go lots of places...if it's with the family...we usually go somewhere that can handle Avery...like a mess hall. If it's just the two of us, then we go to Carabbas or someplace downtown.

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Spain for our Honeymoon. (actually...we went to the Canary Islands, which is closer to Africa than Spain)

Who has the craziest exes?
It would have to be me. I won't name names, but I don't think any of his exes cyberstalked him, or filled his e-mail box with over 1000 spam e-mails. Or, showed up at his house on Christmas Eve...and wouldn't leave. Or...maybe they did, and he blocked it out. I do know that one of his exes would go a little crazy if he called the self-check lanes at Meijer a "scan n' bag", as opposed to it's proper name of "U-Scan".

Who has the worst temper?
Did you ever hear of the time that I told Chris that I wanted to punch him in the face and push him in a lake? No...well, I did...and it wasn't pretty. If he ever does lose his temper, then I have to finish the fight for him...just ask him about the time I almost got in a fight with a woman bowler at the bar.

Who does the cooking?
Definitely me. I love to cook. Chris will occasionally make something "gourmet", which means he uses sour cream in his Kraft Mac N' Cheese.

Who is the neat-freak?
Unfortunately...neither of us.

Who is more stubborn?
Me (whoa...this survey is really pointing out my character flaws!)

Who hogs the bed?
Lately...it's Avery, although I think she learned the bed-hogging from her father!

Who wakes up earlier?
Chris wakes up about 1/2 hour earlier for work.

Where was your first date?
Techinally...it was my house. Our second date was in Columbus, OH where we were randomly at two different conferences in the same city.

Who is more jealous?
Neither of us. I don't get jealous. He knows...if he cheats...I'm gone, so there is no reason to be jealous!

How long did it take to get serious?
Not long. We knew pretty early on, that it was "right".

Who eats more?
Chris eats more in one setting, but I'm the bigger snacker.

Who does the laundry?
We both do, but I'm more likely to toss clothes in the washer/dryer. The better question would be, "who puts the laundry away", and the answer would be "neither of us".

Who's better with the computer?
Chris is...no doubt about it. He's a wiz! I'm computer illiterate.

Who drives when you are together?
Chris does. I'm a self-proclaimed bad driver! I don't like driving, and if it weren't for my need for independence, I would never drive.

Feel free to answer some or all of the same questions about your significant other in the comments, or leave a link to your website if you prefer answering there.

Last of the embarassing saga.....

2009-02-18T10:16:00.002-05:00

OK, so I'll name this installment of "only you Michele", as my Painful years. Here is a list (in no particular order), of times that I have hurt myself in some ridiculous matter.

1.) I broke three toes while chasing my sisters around the kitchen table. They were 5, and I was 18. I rammed my feet into the table base...and it HURT. My mom's first reaction was to laugh at me. The next day, she made me go to school without taking me to the Dr. I ended up going to the clinic, who referred me to the hospital for x-rays. My mom had meetings, so I had to drive myself to the emergency room....also painful!

2.) Also while in high school, I slipped at work and landed with both of my forearms on the HOT GRILL...causing 2nd degree burns on both of my arms. The next day, I went to King's Island...high on Tylonol 3....and rode all the rides! It was painful, but FUN!

3.) In college, I was rollerblading for the first time that year. I decided to visit some friends in their room (which was downstairs). I successfully bladed down up a few steps, then downstairs to their room. While standing (yes...just standing) in their room, I fell...and broke my leg...and spent the next 3 months in a cast.

Right after I had my cast taken off, I played summer softball on a team with my mom. Because I was running on a VERY WEAK leg that hadn't been used in 3 months, I ended up pulling my quad muscle. My mom yelled at me because I wasn't running fast enough. She almost got us kicked out of the church league.

4.) Chris and I spent 2 weeks driving to Seattle during our first summer dating. On our trip home, we stopped in Yellowstone, and drove about 1 hour north of the park to go on a "cowboy horseride". After the ride was over, I decided to change from my tennis shoes back into sandles. While I was kicking off my tennis shoe with my bare foot, I caught my big toenail on the shoe and tore it off. Well, I didn't exactly tear it off, It was still attached at the base, and stood at a 90 degree angle. We had to drive 2 hours to make it to the nearest open clinic in the park (while making a few scenic stops on the stops...hey...we were only going to be there for a day). They numbed my foot, and removed the nail. I cried...but not as hard as I cried the next day when we had to change the bandage. I begged Chris to take me to the hospital to numb my foot again so that I could change my band-aid. What can I say??? I'm a little dramatic.

Another Stupid Michele Moment.....

2009-02-16T20:08:00.002-05:00

Here are three from grad school at NCSU...

1.) I ran over a curb with my car...and blew out a tire (I wasn't trying to avoid anything, I just wasn't paying attention). I'm a horrible driver.

2.) I made rice krispie treats for my students for Valentine's Day. Because I'm cute and a little sick, I colored them pink and purple and cut them into heart shapes. Well, after using the cookie cutter, there was some leftover "treat", in all pink and purple. I ate the leftovers for quite awhile, until I completely lost track of how much I had eaten. Before long, I felt sick....and more sick...and threw up...pink and purple rice krispie treats. Needless to say....rice krispies don't feel good coming up. I called my mom and blamed her for sending all the way to North Carolina...and making my sick. Yup...I'm ridiculous.

3.) While walking across the brickyard (a big open space made of brick...on the way to the library) at NCSU on a quiet Sunday, I saw a sweet little three legged squirrel with only 1/2 of a tail. I watched it hobble across the bricks, and thought "wow...how swe..." my thought was totally interrupted by a HUGE HAWK that swept down, scooped up the squirrel and flew away. I screamed out loud! I looked at the other 2 people on the brickyard and yelled "I just saw the CIRCLE OF LIFE!" They looked at me like I was stupid, and I stood stupified for a minute until continuing on my way to the library.

More Ridiculousity....

2009-02-13T09:21:00.003-05:00

Why is it that when I go to my "woman doctor", I fold up my unmentionables and tuck them between my other clothes? Seriously...Dr. Wolf is preparing to look directly at my vagina and to feel up my boobs, but God forbid I let her see my bra and underwear.

Pardon the interruption...

2009-02-11T16:48:00.003-05:00

I will be back to the regularly scheduled posts regarding embarrassing moments again...but I have something pressing and I need your opinion!

I've said since before I was pregnant with this child, that I didn't want to find out the sex of the baby. Well, I'm starting to second guess it a little....just a little.

Here are my reasons...

Keep it a surprise! The emotional side of me likes to keep it a surprise. I figure that this is the going to be our last child and my last pregnancy, so it would be nice to do it differently than when I had Avery...just to have 2 different experiences. I'm having a scheduled C-Section, so it would be nice to have at least one thing as a surprise!

-OR-

Find out! The practical side of me really wants to know just so I can plan. I mean...I'll miss garage sale season...my favorite time of the year! If I am having a boy, then I miss out on 2 garage sale opportunities! I miss out on selling my girl's cloths, and I miss out on stocking up on boy stuff!

I've posted a poll on the right hand scroll bar. Please weigh in...and leave comments! I need all the help I can get.

Arghh...oh the decisions!

Cars+Michele=Mess

2009-02-11T08:31:00.003-05:00

Here's ridiculous story number 2 (actually, a couple of stories that all involve cars). You see, cars and I have a checkered past.

I think my issues with cars started when I was only about 2, and stuck my head out the window to wave good bye to my Grandma. My mom rolled up the window, while my head was still out. The funny thing...is that we didn't have automatic windows...so, how in the world could this happen? Maybe this story is more of a picture of an issue with my mom as opposed to cars.

My hate affair with cars continued until I was 15 3/4 and got my learners permit. Only 2 days after I got my permit, my dad let me drive to church. I backed the van out of the driveway, and backed directly into the truck. Yup...I managed to not only crash one car, but 2! Genius.

College posed some interested car challenges for me. I won't mention the multiple times the I got my 1982 Monte Carlo stuck in the snow. Instead, I'll talk about the time that I blew up my car. During my 3rd year, my friend and I went shopping to get supplies for a toga party. As I came out of Target, an older man told me that my car was leaking anti-freeze...or radiator fluid...or some other liquid. He told me that I should be able to make it back to campus, but would need to get it fixed. Well, as I turned onto campus, my car stalled. I pulled over, and noticed little fireballs dripping from under my car. I made a stupid decision to open the hood, and flames shot out. I grabbed a water bottle (with about 4 ozs of water in it) to try and put it out. I realized it wasn't going to help, and started backing away from the car with my friend...just as the front tire exploded. I grabbed my friend and yelled "hit the ground"! I pushed the two of us into the muddiest ditch. We were covered in mud and my car was on fire. Luckily, someone stopped to help us, and we made it home safe. The toga supplies were lost in the fire, and my once red Dodger turned black...not cool.

Or...there was the time that I left my car running with the keys locked inside during a 3 hour class....in downtown Grand Rapids...stupid.

There was also the time that I got a flat tire in Lansing, and as opposed to just throwing away the blown tire, I also tossed the wheel to the tire. That was a costly lesson.

How about the time that I got hit my a car in grad school..by one of my residents. I had toOr crawl off the road, because I thought she was going to finish me off.

I also screamed and thought someone was stealing my car, all because I left my lights on, and saw the fog lights on. I thought someone was backing out of the parking spot (at Michaels of all places) and threw myself behind the car and yelled "stop, don't steal my car". I saw that no one was in the car, and slinked over to the driver's side..but not before a woman shooed her daughter away from me, and I heard her say "don't look at her, she's a little crazy."

Any stupid car stories that you can share?

A Series of Unfortunately Funny Events.....

2009-02-09T19:52:00.004-05:00

My dad always says that "the only thing dumber than doing something stupid, is telling others about it". Well, in that regard...I'm pretty dumb. After I do something silly (and quickly look around to see if anyone saw me), I think"oh...this is going to be a FUNNY story. I can't wait to tell _______."

With that being said, I'm going to spend the rest of this week sharing some of the most ridiculous things that I've done or said, or still do....please feel free to laugh at my expense. Or, if you've known me for awhile, feel free to remind me of stupid things I've done, and I'll put it in here!

In my previous life in Higher Ed, it was typical to share embarrassing moments. Here is my old stand-by:

While in high school, I attempted to ski for the first time. I ended up going down a hill that was too advanced for me (considering, I didn't know how to go slow, or how to stop). Needless to say, when I got about 3/4 down the hill, I realized that there was no where for me to "glide to a stop". If I looked to the left, there was a line of people. To the right....the woods. I had no choice, so I ended up going full speed into a bright orange snow fence.

I hit the fence, and was thrown back while getting my feet tangled into the fence. The fence dragged me down, through the snow, by my feet, all the while dragging my coat, shirt, and bra up past my chest...pinning my arms above my head. So, I was stuck...naked from the waist up, and I couldn't do a thing about it. My feet were stuck in the fence, and my arms were pinned in my clothes. I was laying there in the cold snow...exposing myself to the entire line of people waiting for the ski lift. My friend ran to help me...and started at my FEET...um...no thanks, how about covering my boobs first! When he finally peeled my coat down a little, everyone was looking at me...and one guy had the guts to say "dude...awesome wipe-out".

and..that's the first and last time I ever skied.

Friday Quotables...part tres...

2009-02-06T10:25:00.002-05:00

This has been a slower week, considering I was holed up for two days. BUT, that doesn't mean that there haven't been some gems in the mix.

This one happened a couple of weeks ago, but I forgot it last week.

Me: Cal, what do you want to be when you grow up?
Cal: A garbage truck man.
Me: Sounds great Cal. Avery, what do you want to be when you grown up?
Avery: I be Avery.
Cal: Do you want to be a ballerina?
Avery: Yeah, I'll be a ballerina.
Me: That's great Av, then we'll come see you dance and bring you flowers.
Cal: That's perfect, because when the flowers go rotten, I'll come and pick them up in my garbage truck.
Me: A match made in heaven.

Me: Hey kids, do you want to watch a movie?
Avery: I'll pick...
(I pick her up and let her peruse the DVD collection. After a few minutes...I start prodding)
Me: How about Monsters Inc?
Avery: Too sca-y
Me: How about Little Mermaid?
Avery: Too sca-y
Me: How about Cinderella?
Avery: Too sca-y
Me: OK Av, which movies isn't too scary?
Avery: Monster's Inc.

(Every night before bed)
Me: Good night Avery
Avery: You.Will.Miss. Me!
Me: Yup...every night.

(While laying in bed, sick)
Avery: You no feel good?
Me: Nope, Avery, Mama's sick.
Avery: (gives me a hug and kiss) Now, you feel better?

Gosh, I love these kids!

Sick Sicky Sick...

2009-02-04T21:05:00.002-05:00

I've been ill. Really nasty ill. Yesterday, I spent the entire day, from 10am -8pm in the guest bedroom, lying in bed with no lights on and no TV. The only times I got up were for frequent trips to the rest room. It was horrible. Luckily, some folks came to the rescue. Our neighbor across the street (THANK YOU MISSY), was able to take Cal for most of the day, which both Cal and her kids enjoyed. Chris came home from work early, and took care of everything else. You know, something that I never thought of when becoming a stay at home mom, was that there are no such things as "sick days". Usually, I just have to power through and deal, but yesterday was not "dealable". To make matters worse, I've recently "popped", which means that a lot of my organs have shifted upwards, thanks to the baby and my rapidly growing belly. So, let me just say...having your stomach closer to your throat when sick like this is NOT an advantage. It felt like I had horrible heartburn all day, and I couldn't get comfortable. HORRIBLE

After a diet of 4 saltines, 3 bites of Mrs. Grass's soup, and a couple of glasses of water all day yesterday....needless to say, I was weak today. I choked down a couple of crackers today, and finally had a little dry spaghetti for dinner..and I think I might be better by tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll sleep well tonight and wake up raring to go in the morning.

Seriously, my saving grace in this whole ordeal was Chris. He was amazing. He took over everything, and I didn't have to lift a finger. He made lunch for the kids, put Avery down for the nap and to bed, and kept the kids out of my sick room, all while playing nursemaid to me...he was saintly.

This is the second time I've had this stomach flu, and it better be the last, at least during this pregnancy. I can't take this nastiness again.

On a completely unrelated note...Avery is becoming a pretty high-maintenance kid. As I type this, she is laying on the ottoman while Chris rubs her feet. She also requests that I put her blankies in the dryer "to warm it up a lil' bit". Don't get me started on her wardrobe lately. If it doesn't include "soft pants", then don't even mention it. I always said that I wanted a kid with personality...I guess I should be careful what I wish for.

Character in a Character

2009-02-02T09:27:00.005-05:00

These have been our favorite books for while...

Now, they made it into a show on Nickelodeon. Olivia is so sweet, and funny. I am assuming that this was based off of a real Olivia, or at least I hope so. I hope that a child exists with this much personality! I especially love it when she imparts her "life lessons", such as "Rule #452: When your mom is having a baby, and asks you whether you want a brother or sister....you don't always get what you want."

This is especially poignant, since just yesterday, I asked Avery whether she wanted mommy to have a little brother or a little sister...and she said "Little Brother". Then, I asked her what she wanted to name her little brother and she said "Sister". So, according to Avery, she will be having a little brother named Sister. Sorry kid...you don't always get what you want.

Friday Quotables...

2009-01-30T11:35:00.004-05:00

So, I have the 3 year old boy back. I haven't had him here since Christmas, and he is back for a one day engagement. It's been interesting to have him back here, especially since the other 2 kids seem to have a love/hate relationship with him. In honor of M-Dog (I am not including his real name...cause I haven't checked with his mom) here are some quotables from the short time that he has been here.

Cal: "M-Dog's" here! Avery..let's hide from him.
Avery: No...we hug him first...then we hide.

(Avery, Cal and M-Dog are playing in the play kitchen)
Cal: Avery, M-Dog...are you thirsty?
Avery: Yes, I have juice please.
M-Dog: I have juice too?
Cal: No, I'll make you a Soy Latte.

M-Dog: I'm playing with Legos.
Michele: Great job M-Dog...you're making that building really tall!
M-Dog: I know...and it has missles!
Cal: I know what a missle is...it's when you miss your mom a little.

Avery: Mommy...I.Love. You!
Me: Thank You Avery....I love you so much!
Avery: You get me milk now?

Cal: Michele, your breath stinks.
Me: What? I just brushed my teeth...and had an Altoid!
Cal: Oops...that was me...I made a stinky toot.

and...for an added bonus, here is a conversation between Cal and his sister Alex and I after picking them up from school....

Me: How was school today kids?
Alex: I had my clip moved up today (it's her teacher's warning system).
Me: Why did you have your clip moved up today?
Alex: Because Logan lied.
Cal: I don't like that Logan, do you want me to take care of this Logan business?
Alex: You can't Cal, because Logan is big and he will wrestle you.
Cal: Oh...I don't want to wrestle Logan. Now, I'm scared. I don't want Logan to come to my class and wrestle me.
Alex: No...Logan is not nice.
Me: Alex, if Logan bothers you again, you tell him "Logan, you are not important enough to bother me."
Cal: And if THAT doesn't work, I'll wrestle him!

Going "Green"

2009-01-28T10:10:00.002-05:00

I would like to send a shout out to my friend's blog..."Green Gracious". She is truly making attempts to live her life with the least negative impact on the earth. Willow has taken the time to do a lot of research on some pretty easy ways to lessen our carbon footprint.
With that said...I get pretty annoyed at certain things now. I got frustrated at Christmas time when every gift we got was drowned in so much packaging that it took us hours to break down the boxes, and sort through what was recyclable and reusable. Needless to say, I get really frustrated at the amount of junk mail I get on a daily basis (which I will be canceling), and the HUGE yellow pages book that I found on my doorstep. Luckily, after just mentioning this concern to Willow...she was on it! She linked to http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org, which allows you to opt out of the phone book services. I've already opted out (seriously...I use the internet for everything...why do I need this huge waste of paper?).
So...I implore you to check out some of this stuff too! Check out Willow's blog, and try some of her ideas. Chris and I have already tried her use of honey (to suppress Avery's cough), and I plan to give her "lemon cleaning" a try too. We've cut back on our cleaning supplies to cut out the toxic cleaning stuff, and replace it with products like Method, Vinegar/Water and other more organic supplies. We've changed all of our bulbs in the house to higher efficiency models, and attempt to be a little more educated when making big decisions. It hasn't been hard to make these little changes, but there are a lot more big changes to be made. I hope we're moving in the right direction.

It's so hard to say goodbye....

2009-01-27T18:48:00.004-05:00

My sister Jessica left for England today. Avery and I made a surprise visit to Detroit to see her off. It was nice to be able to watch her walk through security at the airport alone. I think this may be one of the first big things that she has experienced on her own...without mom and dad, and without her twin. There were a lot of tears...we were all sad to see her leave for the next 5 months, but I think we were mostly proud of her. As I write this, Jennifer is sitting on the couch without Jessica...it's odd.
I am so excited for them both. Jennifer leaves for France on Saturday, and I know that both of them will have adventures and experience that will change them forever. I hope that this will change them, but also have them be more secure in who they are. I can't believe how much they've grown up, and how independent they've become.
I can still remember how protective I felt when they went to Kindergarten (which was also the 1st day of my senior year), and how I wanted to stay with them all day, and hold on tight, and not let anyone hurt them. I think it was just as scary for me as it was for them. They both came home on the bus, and were so excited! They had learned a song about Miss Sally and her Steamboat...and sang it word for word...in unison. It's this same excitement for learning that took them to the top of their class (as valedictorian and salutatorian), and both with 4.0 GPAs so far at Grand Valley.
I am anxious for them too. I know that they will be fine, but what if something goes wrong. What if they need a friend? They've always had one another! What if they need family? They've always had one another! What if they need a listening ear (in English), or a shoulder, or someone to "get" their inside jokes? They've always had each other! I think this separation will be good, but I'm still scared for them.
And..I have to admit...I'm also jealous. They are going to have amazing experiences on their own. They are going to learn so much about themselves as individuals, and grow so much! They are going to see England and France, and probably Ireland and Wales and lots of other great places, and they'll get to experience some of that together! They will meet new people, and try new things. They'll spend some time completely out of their comfort zone, and do things all alone. They'll learn all about Independence, and about how to ask for help. They'll learn about a new place, and new cultures. They'll fumble through some really great experiences, and soar through others. They'll laugh in French and English, and cry in both languages too. They are going to be amazed with the world and what they can do with it.
I'm pretty lucky. After everything is said and done, and they come home in June...I'll give them a new niece or nephew 2 months later...and then they will move in with us. I'll get to hear the stories first hand, and live vicariously through them.
I love them so much, and I KNOW that they'll do great! My little sisters are all grown up!

Jessica and Jennifer will both be keeping blogs while they are away....check them out (they are linked to the right). Jennifer's is in the title in French, and Jessica's is called The Rest is still unwritten.

How to Test your Relationship 101

2009-01-25T09:47:00.003-05:00

About 3 weeks ago, I was told that I had Gonorrhea.

Do I have your attention?

About a week after my first pregnancy appointment (the one where the baby was hiding in the front of my uterus..when I freaked out...remember that?) I got a call to say that one of my tests came by "positive", and that the Dr. wanted to see me again to retest. I went along with it and scheduled my appointment for a week later. Just before I hung up, I asked "Oh...so, what was I "positive" for?" (I assumed wasn't anything big)...anyways, she answered "Gonorrhea". Um....what? Gonorrhea?...HOW COULD THAT BE? So, I nonchalantly ask "Um...so, this may be naive, but how does someone get Gonorrhea?" I was told that the ONLY way to get this was through an infected partner....CHRIS! And, I know that I didn't have this at my last appointment.

WHAT? So, what I'm being told, is not only that I have a nasty STI, but that my monogamous, and loving husband is the one that gave it to me? Chris is devoted, and is NOT a cheater, and when would he have the time to be with someone else, and it doesn't make sense and... I'M GOING TO KILL HIM!

I wait until he gets home, and I say "So...did you give me Gonorrhea?" He is shocked and stunned, and we spend some time looking it up on the internet. I KNOW that Chris hasn't cheated, but when a doctor calls and says "we have scientific proof that your husband has been with someone else," (at least that's what I heard) It makes you wonder. Now, for the first time, I have .0001 % doubt in Chris. I've never thought about it before. Chris isn't the cheater...if anyone would cheat, it would be me (because I have men falling over themselves to get a glimpse of me in my cartoon pajama bottoms). I KNOW that this isn't true...it can't be.

So, needless to say, the next two weeks were CRAZY! I was able to put it out of my mind for most of the time (because...seriously...this is Chris we're talking about). I did find myself checking the clock a little more after school, and thinking things like "hmm...it's 3:30, Chris is usually home by 3:15...who is he with?", or..."does it REALLY take you 7 minutes to shovel the sidewalk?"

Finally, I had a the appointment, and then had to wait another week before I got the results! WHAT THE HECK!!!! I had a minor breakdown with my Dr. (where I may or may not have told her that I was breaking up with her), and she reassured me that there are false positives all the time, especially in situations like ours.

Needless to say...I don't have Gonorrhea (seriously, how many times can I type that word?). Chris and I are able to laugh about it, and it's behind us. I'm more sure than ever that Chris will never cheat on me...especially when I told him..

"If this next test comes back positive, then Gonorrhea will be the least of your penis's concerns."

Potty Training

2009-01-24T10:21:00.001-05:00

We are in the throws of potty training (insert sympathetic sigh here). It's an interesting process. I have to be more consistent and diligent than I've ever been in my life. I have to remember to check her every 30 minutes, and then try to talk her into stopping whatever she is doing to go potty. Then, the pomp and circumstance that comes after she pees in the potty is only short of a wedding celebration. There is dancing and singing, and M&M eating. It's a regular party! She seems to do much better when we let her go commando, but when you also have a 4 year old roaming around...it's not exactly appropriate.

I feel like we are so close. She is interesting in the potty and goes whenever I put her on it. It's just a point of getting her to recognize when she has to pee vs. me telling her when to pee. And...pooping on the potty is non-existent. In fact, if she isn't wearing a diaper, she yells and screams, and says "change my diaper"...or "diaper on", just so she can head to a corner and work out stone henge.

The only consistently positive response we get is when my mom is around. For some reason (other than the fact that my mom is Avery's favorite person...ever), Avery is willing to go potty for Franma no matter what.

So, any suggestions, rants or raves about potty training? I'll take anything!

Like Vs. Love

2009-01-23T09:56:00.003-05:00

This isn't the typical post regarding this topic. You know, the like v. love conversation that your parents probably had with you (as they did with me) when I had my first boyfriend. "But mom...I LOVE him!"..."You don't know what love is...you're only 13." Anyways, this post is something quite different.

I want to write about something that's been on my mind for the past few days. I've realized recently that I have the capacity to "love" someone, without "liking" them much. I won't say names, but there are people in my life that I wouldn't necessarily choose to have in my life, but because they are (whether through relation or not), I love them. It's an odd feeling to realize this, and I'm not sure how to explain it. For instance, I don't want to hang out with these people, but I also know that I love them, and wouldn't want anything to hinder their happiness or health. I wouldn't call the "love" that I have for them a passionate love, or a deep love like I feel for my husband and Avery and parents and others, but it's more of a responsible love.

According to Wikipedia (one of the best, but least reliable sources out there):
Love is any of a number of emotions and experiences related to a sense of strong affection.^[1]love can refer to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes, ranging from generic pleasure ("I loved that meal") to intense interpersonal attraction ("I love my wife"). This diversity of meanings, combined with the complexity of the feelings involved, makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, even compared to other emotional states.

As an abstract concept, love usually refers to a deep, ineffable feeling of tenderly caring for another person. Even this limited conception of love, however, encompasses a wealth of different feelings, from the passionate desire and intimacy of romantic love to the nonsexual emotional closeness of familial and platonic love^[2] to the profound oneness or devotion of religious love.^[3] Love in its various forms acts as a major facilitator of interpersonal relationships and, owing to its central psychological importance, is one of the most common themes in the creative arts.

So, according to this source, I think see that there are different levels of love. I wouldn't be cold enough to say that I love a person in the same what that I love a meal, but it's difficult to describe the way that I love them.

This is probably a random ramble to you, but it's been something on my mind. What do you think? Are there people in your life that you "love", but don't "like"?

Crying...

2009-01-20T13:57:00.006-05:00

I started a blog yesterday that attempted to chronicle all of the feelings that were building up inside of me. I sat on the floor with Avery and Cal, each sitting on my lap. I cried. I mean, I didn't just get teared up...I cried, big ole' huge tears that made my chest hurt and my throat close. It was the best feeling in the world. On the other hand, it's hard to type with two kids on my lap and through tear-filled eyes.

So, here is the blog that I intended yesterday. I imagine that you could do a quick search in blog-world and find about a million blogs specifically dedicated to this topic.

I am in awe. I am completely and utterly stuck in that wonderful moment. I explained to both Avery and Cal that something very important was happening. We were not only getting a new president, but a new start. I told them that because this great man was elected by a lot of grown ups, that the future will be better for THEM. I hugged Avery and told her that she can be and do whatever she wants with her life, and for the first time, I believed it! I think Avery was a little confused to see me crying. She asked..."Mama, why eyes crying?", and I told her that I was crying because I couldn't hold all of my happiness inside, so I had to let it come out in tears. I cried the same way on my wedding day, and on the day she was born.

I built up such an anticipation in the kids that they watched intently and quietly as the TV announced all of the former presidents and first ladies..and finally President Obama was there. He stood so regal and serene and confident and reflective, all by himself on top of those few steps. Cal asked, "Is that brown man the new King?". I said "yes, and this is a very good time for us!" Avery asked "Where is Bawack's O Mama". When she spotted him, she said, "Oh...pretty".

I watched as Joe Biden, and then Barack Obama were sworn in, and I thought "THIS, this is MY President."

I cried, and I cried, and I cried some more as he spoke about our children's children looking back at our generation and recognizing how we persevered. I was moved beyond belief. I held on too tight to Avery and Cal, and cried as I thought about all of the things that I can do better for them both. I realized that the hope that President Obama brings to this nation, is just what we need to provoke good action. I recognized that it is not his responsibility alone, but all of our's to be responsible and accountable to our kids. I know that he will make some wrong decisions, and that over time President Obama make take a misstep or two, but I also know that he will attempt to do his job with integrity, and with a good heart and strong mind. I feel hopeful, and confident in him. I know that if we as a country are able to stand up to the same moral responsibility as President Obama has sworn to, then we will all be better people and a better collective country.

I'm so glad that Chris, Avery and I get to experience this all as a family too. Our new baby will never know of a time, where prejudice and discrimination kept someone from the White House. Chris wrote a sweet letter to Avery on his blog. Check it out if you want at www.captaincmb.blogspot.com.

Now, I am watching Avery and Alex and Cal play in our living room, and I see the future in them. I thank Barack Obama and the people that voted for him, because just his presence has chipped another hole in the glass ceiling, and has opened up another world of possibilities for Avery and all other kids.

Random things that gross me out on a Saturday night....

2009-01-17T20:51:00.007-05:00

Ha ha...I said "gross me out", "like gag me with a spoon". I just had a flashback to 8th grade.

Anyway, here's shortened list of all things that I find gross or creepy, or just give me that heeby-jeeby feeling in my stomach...

The words moist, dollup, and anything referring to the female genitals other than their proper name (vagina...or pee pee if you're Avery).

Really Long Hair- Like the kind that comes past your butt and is unhealthy and stringy at the bottom and comes to a V.

Anything related to the mucous that comes from your nose. Avery can puke in my hands, and I'm completely cool, but to watch her pick her nose sends me over the edge.

Fear Factor Eating Challenges- I could NEVER eat a fermented pig's uterus or live spider.

Really, really, really, full/messy cars- Oh...it really creeps me out to see the junk piled up to the windows. The McDonald's cups, and old paper towels and random cans of green beans....yeck. There's a problem if no one can ride in the car with you.

The smell of BBQ sauce...and wet washclothes...and weird combinations of food...and dirty diaper pails mixed with Lysol....blech.

Changing a 3 year old's poopy diaper...makes me dry heave.

The random line of dust that lines the walls where the vacuum doesn't reach.

Dirty ears, especially if you can see the dirt/wax...yuck!

Dirt under finger nails.

I'm sure there's more. I have no idea why I decided to write this post...just a random thought that popped into my head. What grosses you out?

Friday Quotables...part 2.

2009-01-16T11:16:00.001-05:00

Things were a little slow over the holidays. Not that there weren't funny things said, it's just that I forgot to write them down and quickly forgot them. So, I'm attempting to remember them now...here's a few gems for you.

*******************************

Me: (Stepping funny on kitchen floor...it squeaks and sounds like someone passed gas)

Cal: Hello Chris

Me: Cal, Chris isn't here (it's 10:15am)

Cal: Oh, I thought I heard him toot.

********************************

Me: Avery, time for lunch

Avery: I not hungry.

Me: You have to be hungry, you haven't eaten anything all day.

Avery: I eat Play-Doe

Me: (Great...another rainbow diaper to change...seriously, how can she LIKE that stuff?)

******************************

Cal: Michele, are you the boss of this house?

Me: Yes Cal, I am. (ask Chris)

Cal: My mom is the boss of two houses now.

Cal: So, she is more important.

Me: Thanks Cal.

*********************************

Avery: Cal, you in my chair.

Cal: I was here first.

Avery: No, I was here first. Get up RIGHT NOW. I count to three.

Cal: No

Avery: ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEBEN

**********************************

(EVERY DAY)

Avery: Mommy, I watch Da-da-da-da-da-Dora? (no, she doesn't have a stutter, she just thinks that's Dora's name..because of the song.)

*********************************
Me: Avery, let's go pee pee on the potty.

Avery: No, I no need to go.

Me: Avery, it's time to go potty.

Avery: No, Mommy, I just making lots of toots. (Why do so many conversations revolve around gas?)

I know that there are a lot more out there. I really have to remember to write these down.

Completely Sweet....

2009-01-15T20:16:00.000-05:00

I stole this from one of the other blogs that I read. dooce.com. If you've never read her, you should check her out. I've linked to her in my right hand menu bar. She is HILARIOUS, and quite poignant. Anyways, I dig her...and want to be her friend.

I love the last line "If they can do it, what's our excuse?" Thanks Dooce for another gem!

Finally....

2009-01-15T00:04:00.000-05:00

Not exactly the same as the Walmart chocolate covered nuggets of joy, but they did the trick. I stopped at three (donettes, not bags)...but it took every fiber in my being not to eat the whole bag. I might have to throw them away tomorrow if I can't control myself. I know it's wasteful, but eating a bag of Hostess Frosted mini donettes is not good for my girlish figure.

The Laundry Room...mission complete.

2009-01-11T12:53:00.000-05:00

Now, all I have to do is the laundry....yuck!

Well, it only took us (mostly Chris) a couple of days to complete, but I am completely happy with it. Ever since our friend Trevor bought his house with lime green walls in the laundry room, I knew that I wanted something a little more "fun" in that room. I mean...laundry SUCKS...so it should be done in a more happy environment.

This room seriously needed an overhaul. It is also one of the three bathrooms in the house, so it needed to be a little more open, and a little less...laundry-ish.

Here are the before pictures.
Before, there was little to now room between the toilet and the dryer. It was a little convenient, to sit down and fold clothes, but it wasn't exactly comfortable.

There were also open, cheap wire shelves that made the room look messy. We needed the storage, but didn't want all of the cleaning supplies and stuff showing. We also needed someplace to put the cleaning supplies that was up high, and away from the kids, and our "make-shift" old kitchen cabinet was NOT doing the trick. We took all that stuff out before the pictures were taken, but I think you get the idea.

So, we changed it. We painted it a dark blue color, added the white cabinets and counter top. I made the curtains for under the counter so we can put our laundry sorting system out of the way.

Finally, I put Avery's "coming home" dress in a shadow box (thanks for the idea Brandie), and have another box for baby #2's outfit too.

We might add a shelf and hanging rack above the counter...for some additional basket storage and a place to hang wet clothes, but we'll see. We're also planning to change out the vanity and putting in a deeper sink so it can be more of a utility sink, but that's a little further down the road.

So...this project is done..now we need to get going on the rest of our never-ending to-do list, which includes:
Finish Basement (starting this spring...this is going to be a big one!)
Paint Front Porch (also this spring/summer)
Rearrange Avery's room to accommodate the new baby
Spring/Summer landscaping

I'm sure we'll add more soon!

Little Chocolate Covered Nuggets of Joy

2009-01-09T11:39:00.000-05:00

I always laugh when people asked me if I had cravings while pregnant with Avery. I don't think I had run of the mill cravings per se, but was more influenced by the power of suggestion.

For instance, when I was only about 8 weeks pregnant, Chris and I were watching Gray's Anatomy, and during the obligatory "eating in the cafeteria" scene, I saw George eating a sandwich. Well, next thing you know, I'm also eating a sandwich. Chris looked over at me, and couldn't believe his eyes. He asked "um...where did you get that sandwich?" I said, "George is eating one, so I wanted one too?" Apparently...I'm a ninja sandwich maker...Chris didn't even see me get up from the couch.

I also remember shopping at Meijer, and watching a little girl eat a Blue Moon ice cream cone. I had to fight the urge to snatch it from her hands. Chris and I immediately needed to go to the front of the store, buy a cone. I only took one bite, and was done.

As some of you may know, I stopped eating red meat and pork when I was 16. Until recently, I never purposely ate it for over 15 years. I decided this past summer to start eating lean meat again for iron purposes. Well, during this pregnancy, the want for red meat has hit an all-time high! I have not had one, not two, not three, but 4 meals this week that included red meat! I even ordered a BACON CHEESEBURGER from Red Robin, and a FILET from Carabbas. I have cooked it at home, and have been a beef eating machine. I think I can feel my arteries choking as we speak. Cravings or not...this has GOT to stop. When I was pregnant with Avery, I craved McDonald's Cheesburgers. I attempted to eat one, took a bite and threw it away...

The pineapple craving is back too. But, it has to be fresh pineapple..not canned (I can taste the tin). Unfortunately, Avery also loves pineapple, so it's a little harder to keep in the house. I guess since I've been eating so much red meat, it's good to point out that I have had three lunches that consist of sliced pineapple, avocado and a little cottage cheese....maybe my body will even it all out.

I think the worst cravings are the ones that are unattainable. My friend Brandie introduced me to these tiny chocolate covered donuts that they sell at Super Walmart. Now, let me stop and say...I hate Walmart. I hate what they stand for, and for a lot of their practices. We still shop there occasionally, but I always dip myself in sanitizer when I leave, and say a little prayer to absolve me from my shopping indiscretions. Well, we received a gift card for Walmart for Christmas, so last night was one of our few trips. I figured...why not make the most of it...I'll pick up some of those yummy little donuts while I'm there. (Seriously, these donuts have the perfect amount of chocolate to donut ratio...with no waxy taste involved...delicious.). The only problem? We didn't go to SUPER Walmart, but instead...the boring ole' neighborhood Walmart with sticky floors, mud coated entrances and creepy eyeglass area. So...no donuts. I almost bought the Hostess ones, but I knew that I would be disappointed. I came home, still thinking about those dang donuts. I attempted to eat one of the kids' chocolate chip Pop Tarts, but it didn't do the trick.

So, that's why I am writing a post about cravings. I'm sitting here, frothing and foaming at the mouth, STILL wanting a chocolate covered donut...and attempting to deal with it.

Maybe I'll go make a George Sandwich...with meat...and pineapple....oh yeah...with a TALL decaf sweet tea to drink...gotta go...bye.

CADASIL

2009-01-06T12:24:00.000-05:00

As some of you know, my dad had a stroke in summer 2007. Luckily, it wasn't debilitating, and he is still able to speak and get around. Although, he hasn't really been the same since. He is more emotional, and has some significant memory loss....especially short term memory loss.

Well, right before his stroke, we learned of a genetic mutation in our family called CADASIL. CADASIL is basically the premature thinning of blood vessels throughout your body. Because the brain is most sensitive, this effects CADASIL patients neurologically most often. It also explains the history of strokes, epilepsy and migraines in our family. Because it is genetic, there is a 50% chance that the child of a CADASIL patient will also have it. We know now that my Grandpa Dick must have had CADASIL, although he died before we ever knew about it. We also assume that my Uncle Jay (who had strokes and epilespy) must had had it. So, all in all, 4 of 5 of my dad's siblings have CADASIL...including him. We learned definitivly that my dad has it in an appointment last Monday. We are really fortunate to have a CADASIL reasearcher on staff in Ann Arbor, and even luckier that he spends one day a week at the Veteren's hospital there (where my dad goes). Dr. Wang leads the ONLY funded CADASIL research team in North America, so it's truly amazing that he is so close and accessible to us. Basically, there is no cure for CADASIL. It's something that can start as early as late 30's, although, my dad didn't have any symptoms until his 60's. I do have cousins in their 40's that had strokes and are struggling with CADASIL.

Since they can't treat CADASIL, the only thing they can do is offer the same preventative measures that they would do with stroke, such as; watching blood pressure, cholesterol, taking aspirin etc... So, since my dad has this, my brother and sisters and I have to decide whether we want to have the genetic test to see if we have it. I have already decided (for my kid's sake) that I definitely want to know. Since the researchers have determined the specific mutation in our family, all I have to do is send in a blood test (not the MRI and skin biopsy that my dad had done).

So, we'll see. I don't know what would be worse, find out that I have it, or finding out that my brother or sister's have it. Either way...it's scary. If you want to know more about CADASIL...check out wikipedia...or just do a google search. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CADASIL

Passing Stonehenge

2009-01-06T11:16:00.000-05:00

Jenny McCarthy wrote a very realistic depiction of pregnancy in her book "Belly Laughs". One chapter in particular was called "Passing Stonehenge". Just to set your mind at ease...I will not be talking about my constipation issues on here.

Instead, I'll talk about my daughter's.

Seriously...if she does not get the perfect balance of fruit, dairy, protein, and fiber....we're all in trouble. She cries...I cry, and we sit together, holding hands, and praying for her to poop. It's painful to watch, and I'm sure it's even more painful for her to experience. She'll complain about her bottom hurting for about 2 hours, and will need to be held...cuddled...have her belly rubbed, and finally end with another dose of apple juice. Then, she'll come over, with red eyes, and want to hold hands while she gets in a semi-stance and her face turns red. Finally, about 5-10 minutes later, we have blast-off, but not without struggle.

I hate it when this happens. I know it hurts, and I hate it for her. It sucks even more, because there isn't much I can do for her. I mean, I guess I could go "John and Kate Plus 8" and help her pull it out, but I don't know if it's what either of us wants.

Now, that we are both relieved, she won't let me change her diaper...so, the house stinks...arghhh. I don't know how I'm going to get this kid to poop on the potty!

Any suggestions are welcome! Have I turned you off of my blog yet?

THE News...

2009-01-04T12:27:00.000-05:00

I think the shirt says it all......

Yup....we're pregnant, well, more accurately, I'm pregnant. I'm about 10 weeks along, and feeling pretty good. Avery is excited and will tell me that I have a "baby baby" in my belly (sometime she says that the baby is in my butt...which I don't appreciate!). She's going to be a great big sister.

We had a good time telling our families over the holidays, and now get to experience all the joys of pregnancy again. My due date is officially August 4 (Happy Birthday Uncle Tom and JD), so I have another long summer of swollen ankles ahead of me. I've been feeling ok, but have had heartburn and more nausea this time around.

We have an important decision to make over the next few months. I've said since I had Avery that I would prefer to have a VBAC for the next kid. I feel like had some circumstances been different, I could have had Avery naturally, as opposed to the C-section. Well, the doctor explained that I have a narrow pelvis (I was like...seriously??? I think my pelvis is the ONLY part of my that is narrow), so I can't have big babies (which Avery wasn't...she was small), but the baby also has to be in the perfect position. So, I can still have this next one naturally, but all of the stars have to align for me. On the other hand, being able to wake up one morning, take a shower, do my hair, and have the baby (without the 20 hours of labor) sounds appealing too...so we'll have to see.

We've also decided to not find out what we are having this time. I figured that since we knew that Avery was a girl, it might be fun to be surprised this time around.

I've had my first appointment and everything is good, although we did have a little scare. During the ultrasound, the doctor couldn't find the baby. So, she said either it was a bad angle or not a viable pregnancy. So, I was escorted (half naked) across the hall for another, higher powered ultrasound. Still, the tech couldn't find the baby...so she started checking my ovaries and tubes (I assume to see if it was an ectopic pregnancy). Finally, she decided to do an external ultrasound, and sure enough...there was the baby, chilling in the very front of my uterus...hiding....stinker! So, we were able to see the baby, and see the heartbeat (which was 169, exactly was Avery's was when we first heard her...another girl?). Avery was in the room the whole time, and now points to the ultrasound picture and says "Avery's baby?"

So, this blog may take a turn in the next 7 months. You might hear more about heartburn than you've ever wanted.

A different kind of Christmas list.

2009-01-04T11:53:00.000-05:00

Well, I think it has been proven that I am not a professional "blogger". I have an uncanny ability to find something (anything) to do instead of blogging. It's not that I don't like it, it's just that I have sooo much that I want to write that I could spend hours and hours rambling on and on...and that wouldn't be good for you, me, or for the housework and snuggling that needs to be done.
So, following my friend Amanda's lead, I will get "listy", and give you some fun little tidbits, just to get caught up.

1.) Christmas-Came and went....and holy cow, it was a whirlwind! We had 4 different "Christmas's". The first was on December 14 with the Bookie family. We decided to only exchange gifts with the kids this year, and since there are only 2 little girls, they came home with LOTS of loot! It was a really great afternoon that was stress-free and a lot of fun!

Christmas 2 was the Lobbezoo Christmas on December 20 at our house. We had over 20 people in the house, with about 1/2 being kids. It was crazy and great! Tons of food and lots of presents. We have turned our basement into a temporary playroom, so the kids had a blast hanging out down there, and being as loud as they wanted. The hit of the night was the present we got for Andy (we choose names), which was an Air Hog helicopter. With our tall ceilings, it was the perfect place to try out the new toy.

Christmas 3 was our special family Christmas on Christmas Eve morning. You see, Santa called Chris this year and asked if he could come to our house a day early, and of course we said yes. So, on December 24th, we woke up to find that Santa had finished off his cookies and even drank the milk (this was VERY exciting for Avery), and left us lots of presents. Avery received Play-Doh and paints and a big Mickey Mouse and a Cabbage Patch and a dance-along camera that hooks up to the TV, and clothes, and ...and...and....the list goes on! After opening gifts and packing up the car, we headed to Romulus for Christmas #4.

Christmas in Romulus was wonderful again. We spent the night and woke up to find an insane amount of gifts. I mean, we are really blessed. Avery is so loved, and enjoyed hanging out on everyone's laps while opening her gifts and helping everyone else open theirs. Grandma Cox and Uncle Sean and Aunt Stephanie came over early in the morning, then everyone else (cousins, aunts, uncles, Grandpa Wilcox) came over for dinner and dessert. It was a houseful of fun and love. All of our Christmas's were so fun and relaxing...exactly the way we like it.

2.) Returning home...to the plague!- We came home on the 29th and woke up on the 30th sick as a dog. Avery was well, but Chris and I were nasty. Luckily, my parents and sisters were heading up that afternoon, so Mom took care of Avery, while the rest of us took turns throwing up...totally disgusting.

3.) New Years Rockin' Eve- We spent another New Years in elastic. I've decided that it's the best way to party. My parents and sisters were in town, and our friends, the Tenneys and Christians came over. We made big pots of spaghetti, ate snacks, played games and wore our jammies. The kids had fun playing and watching movies, and we banged pots and pans at midnight....great way to escort in 2009.

I think I can speak for all three of us when I say that we are not excited to get back into the work/wake up/run around routine again. It's been really nice to have Avery wake up at 8:30, only to climb into bed with us as we all sleep in until 10:30am! Living with no showers, eating leftovers and wearing pajamas has been just what the doctor ordered.

Well, that exhausts the holiday list...I might have to do one or two more lists in order to get completely caught up. I promise to blog more regularly, so stay tuned. Plus....I get the boys back starting tomorrow, so there should be some funny stories to come.

Why???

2008-12-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

Why does Avery HAVE to sleep between us whenever we are in Romulus?

Why does Chris always get sick in Romulus (which makes him snore)?

Why must Avery either kick me or lay directly on me all night?

Why does my mom have every junk food that I love readily available here? (I love you spinach dip and melba toast....and pringles....and caffeine free pepsi)

Why do Captain Nemo's subs taste so good, but are so bad for you? Is there crack ground up in the seasoning salt?

Why will Avery only go pee-pee in the potty for Grandma?

Why does it seem that Avery grows up by years everytime we come home?

Why does my brother crack me up so much?

Why do I feel like this is the last Christmas with our dog?

Why do I have to live over 2 hours from these great people?

Why was I blessed with such a great family?

Well, we've had another great trip home to Romulus. I am always amazed at how fast time flies while we are here. It's filled with lots of food, naps, laughs, and memories. I'll do a more detailed post on our trip home later. But, in the meantime....why is my kid so freaking cute?

Blogging Break

2008-12-28T13:58:00.001-05:00

Hey there,
If you follow this at all...you've probably noticed that I took a holiday break from blogging. This break will continue until tomorrow evening. At which time, I will have lots of tales about the holidays...time in Romulus...and other updates. Talk to you then.

By Popular Demand...(if popular means the 5 people that read this blog)

2008-12-23T17:51:00.001-05:00

100 things about me…MLDB (as stolen from my old college roommate…Amanda).

1.) I love my family…and love to spend as much time as possible with them.
2.) I love food. Especially Mexican, Indian and comfort foods.
3.) I love to cook
4.) I like to read, and watch TV.
5.) I was born in Wayne, MI
6.) I lived there for 2 years (I don't remember it)
7.) We moved to Romulus, MI (about 2.5 seconds from the airport)
8.) My parents still live in that house…but have made lots of improvements (upstairs additions, pool, patio, garage etc..)
9.) They still don't have a hot tub, but finally got A/C this past summer.
10.) My mom is 5'4" and my dad is 6'8"
11.) I have one brother and twin sisters.
12.) My brother is funny...and tall like my dad
13.) My sisters' nicknames were oops #1 and oops #2 (or tootie).
14.) There is 10 years difference between my brother and sisters (hence…oops)
15.) I got away with a lot in high school
16.) Mostly because I got good grades and everyone knew my mom
17.) I always tried to make sure that the good things I did outnumbered the bad things
18.) …that didn't always work
19.) I worked at a sub shop called Captain Nemo's.
20.) I still try to cook Nemo's subs at home
21.) They aren't the same
22.) But, my husband still loves them…just not as much as the real thing
23.) My best friend from childhood is still one of my best friends today.
24.) We met when we were three and she moved away to Indiana when I was ten… I cried
25.) Our parents were really good about keeping us in touch
26.) She has 3 boys, and I am the godmother to her middle son
27.) This is supposed to be about me…I went away to college at GVSU and never wanted to return to Romulus
28.) I was EXTREMELY homesick my first year
29.) I almost came back to Romulus to stay.
30.) …but I didn't…instead, I moved in with three other girls into an apartment
31.) We liked to use our coffee table as a runway, and sing Whitney Houston songs before parties.
32.) I stole the idea for this blog from one of those roommates.
33.) She has a son that is 4 months older than Avery, and a newborn son.
34.) Ok…back to me…I became an RA for 3 years. I didn’t have another permanent roommate again until Chris.
35.) I loved it and wanted to be an RA forever.
36.) This is how I met my other best friend.
37.) He was in RHA and became an RA too
38.) Then…I met a lot more friends...who were not RAs…so they could throw parties!
39.) All of these people are still my friends. Three of us got engaged within 3 months of each other and actually stood up in each other’s weddings, and had kids within 2 years of each other.
40.) After I graduated…I moved to North Carolina for grad school
41.) I was really homesick
42.) A lot of my friends moved far away too…to Oregon, Maine, Washington & Illinois
43.) I know that Illinois isn't that far away from Michigan
44.) Some friends stayed in Grand Rapids, and became a lifeline for me
45.) I met even more friends in NC (it helped with the homesickness)
46.) I still talk to most of them, and they have become some of my best friends too.
47.) We get together once a year at a conference, or meet up in Ohio
48.) ….or at weddings…
49.) While in NC, I still visited friends in Michigan
50.) I met my husband during one of these visits home.
51.) I wasn't initially interested in him
52.) He was hitting on a waitress…
53.) …and my friend was hoping that he was gay.
54.) …he isn't (that I know of yet).
55.) Enough about him…we'll get back to him later. 9/11 hit when I was in NC… it was really scary.
56.) It made me realize that I don't want to be that far from family again.
57.) So I moved to Kalamazoo…
58.) I didn't love it there.
59.) I met back up with Chris on Halloween
60.) He was NOT hitting on a waitress this time
61.) We made out…
62.) We started dating….
63.) I got a job at GVSU…
64.) I moved to Grand Rapids…
65.) We got engaged in Boston on our 2 year anniversary.
66.) We got married!
67.) We honeymooned in Spain.
68.) I don't speak Spanish very well.
69.) Chris doesn't speak it at all.
70.) Surprise…I was pregnant 4 months later
71.) Ooops.
72.) Avery was born in August 2006.
73.) She is the best parts of both of us
74.) We lived on campus for another 2 years (almost 13 years total for me)
75.) We bought a house in March 2008
76.) We moved into our new place in June 2008
77.) I quit my job at GVSU in July, 2008.
78.) I am currently a stay at home mom, and watch 2 little boys (age 3 and 4).
79.) Avery bosses both of the boys around.
80.) We are very fortunate to have a great family and friends surrounding us…
81.) ..to be continued…

A New Tradition

2008-12-23T00:23:00.001-05:00

I first heard about "The Elf on the Shelf " last year from my sister in laws, and quickly realized what a cute idea it was. Well, I searched and searched this year, and finally found a copy of our own today (it was the last copy). We implemented our new little "tradition" tonight at bedtime when we read the book to Avery as her nuh-night story.

Here's the scoop on "The Elf on the Shelf". Mr. Elf comes to visit your home during the holidays. He watches over the home and reports back behavior to Santa each night. The next morning he comes back and sits in a new location. Your kids get to search him out each day. On Christmas Eve, he returns to the North Pole and stays there until next year.

So, we adopted our own little elf tonight. His name is Cookie (Avery chose the name), and he is sitting quietly on the entertainment center right now...he is perched and ready to report back to Santa. (Needless to say, I'm a little deterred from watching anything that is rated "R" while he is watching;))

I have to say, I wish I would have found this a couple of weeks ago. This could have been a REALLY good behavior deterrent for the 2 little boys I watch. You better bet that I would be saying things like "Cookie is watching", and "What do you think Cookie is going to report to Santa tonight?"

I think that this will be a fun tradition. I know that Avery might be a little young, but she really liked the book, and I like that all of her Christmas memories will include this family book and tradition.

I'm looking forward to reminding her to look for Cookie in the morning!

***Update...Avery found Cookie on her own this morning, and asked for the book to be read at naptime too. I think we have a hit!

Birth (Snow) Day

2008-12-21T20:36:00.001-05:00

So...do you want to know why I wasn't an English major in college? Well...take a good look at this blog. I blogged with ferver for the first week, then hit writer's block. How does someone get blogger's block after one week of blogging?

Considering that this is the 3rd anniversary of my 29th birthday and a snow day, I figured I would turn over a new leaf and hop back on the blogging bandwagon. Now...what to write about....hmmm.

Well, I'm 32. It's really funny to me how much difference there is in birthdays now that I'm a little older and have a kid. My birthdays have never been overly BIG. I mean, when you are born 4 days before Christmas, it's a little hard. It's tough to compete with Jesus...that guy wins every time. So, I am usually very happy with my family birthday. Today, this family birthday consisted of about 1 foot of snow, and staying in jammies all day. Avery and Chris made me breakfast in bed (a bagel, oatmeal and apples), then I sat on my butt all day, watching Elmo, Ocean's Thirteen, and nodding off throughout the day. We topped it off by ordering subs and spaghetti (after realizing that we had no food in the house), and are now watching Noggin with Avery.

By the way...if you've never watched Yo Gabba Gabba....TIVO it ASAP. DO NOT DRINK OR SMOKE ANYTHING BEFORE WATCHING THIS SHOW. I think the show itself is enough to make you feel high.

So, this birthday has been exactly what the Doctor ordered...sleep, TV, snuggling, and takeout. I love lazy days.

I've considered blogging a lot this past week, and just haven't gotten around to it. Here are a few of my ideas. Let me know what you think:

-The germ tree at the mall
-Children's television
-Christmas with the family
-Saint Margaret (our kitty, Maggie)
-100 things about me

I'll try my best to post more this upcoming week, especially since I won't be watching 2 additional kids...keep checking back, and don't give up on me yet!

Friday Quotables

2008-12-12T11:05:00.000-05:00

I should preface this post by letting you know that I watch 2 little boys (as well as Avery), so there are some pretty funny things that happen in our house. C is a 4 year old little boy, and provides me with tons of laughs.

Here's some of the latest and greatest "quotables" overheard coming from the Bookie house...

C: “I’m gonna toot in Maggie’s face.”
Me: “Oh no…that’s not nice..we don’t talk bathroom talk.”
C: “But I have to put my toots somewhere.”
Me: “Just let your toots go into the air, or better yet, go into the bathroom, turn on the fan and let em’ go.”

Avery : “I go see the buurrr.”
Me : “You want to see the bear?”
Avery: “No mommy, I go see the buurrrss.”
Me: “Ok…You want to go see the bears?”
Avery: “No Mommy…I see the BUURRR DAAS…tweet…tweet…tweet.”
Me: “Oh….the BIRDS! You are so much smarter than me.’

C: “Michele, Samariah is my girlfriend.”
Me: “Oh? I thought that Samantha was your girlfriend.”
C: “Oh…I just tricked her”

Me: “Avery, what would you like for breakfast?”
Avery: “Mac N’ Cheese”
Me: “We don’t eat mac n’ cheese for breakfast.”
Avery: “We have it for lunch?
Me: “We’ll see.’
Avery: …and dinner.”

C: “Michele, Maggie scratched my eye!”
Me: “Maggie doesn’t have front claws. How did she scratch you in the face?”
C: “I was putting her on my head.”

Me: “Kids, time for clean up.”
Avery: “No thank you.”
Me: “If you don’t clean up, you don’t make cookies with Mommy.”
Avery: “I clean cookies?”
Me: “No, Avery, you clean your books, then we will make cookies.”
Avery: “I eat cookies, and I clean cookies, and Mama read books.”
Me: “I appreciate your negotiation strategies, but it’s not going to work.”
Avery: “O-Fay…I clean books…….and cookies.”

(At the germ tree in the mall)
C: “ Michele, this is my new best friend” (pointing to random boy).
Me: “Oh yeah, what’s his name?”
C: “I don’t know?”
Me: “He’s your best friend, and you don’t’ know his name? Don’t you think you should learn his name?”
C: “I don’t need to know his name…he’s the red power ranger.”

These are just a few of the completely random conversations that take place around here. Stay tuned next week for such classics as "where do babies come from?", "look at my poop", and "smell my hand".

John Stewart is my homeboy...

2008-12-11T16:36:00.000-05:00

Well, so far I haven't really posted a thing specifically about motherhood on this blog. No cute Avery stories, or any little anecdotes. I don't intend this blog to be a political platform, but it's a hard to me to separate politics and motherhood. Everytime I listen to NPR, watch the news or attempt to read a newspaper, I think "what is life going to be like for Avery?" This recession scares the bejesus out of me. The lack of acceptance in regards to diversity sickens me, and the overall disregard for each other makes me mad.
I truly believe that Avery is going to continue on with her life as a wonderful, hopeful and caring human being. Whether she is gay or straight or anywhere else on that spectrum is still in the air, but no matter what, I pray that the world that she grows up in will be more celebrative of her, no matter what her sexual orientation, or her sex.
With that said...I've always had a geeky little crush on John Stewart. After his recent conversation with Mike Huckabee on his show, I have to say, I think I may be in love. (Chris-you're still my one and only).

Check out this link. John Stewart is poignant and clear and very eloquent.

And for a little fun...here's a picture of my cute kid.

My Grown Up Christmas List...or Michele's Favorite things.

2008-12-10T21:16:00.001-05:00

Let me start this blog by saying that I would of course prefer world peace, harmony among everyone, and no violence or poverty in the world. I feel the need to say this, because the following list is going to be full of materialistic and superficial things. Please don't think that I am selfish...I just like a nice list.

So, similar to Oprah, here are my favorite things, or things that I would like to be my favorite things....

Tastefully Simple Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix- This is one of the easiest, tastiest dessert mixes out there. Just add a stick of melted butter and a cup of water, and it makes a tasty and simple dessert. I usually add a small handful of blueberries, and make a simple blueberry sauce for the top.

Swan Creek Snickerdoodle Candles- Makes the house smell like you’ve been baking all day.

OPI Nailpolish (I’m not really a waitress) - I love this color. Avery loves to have her toenails painted, and I usually use this color You’re a Pisa Work for her. (By the way…I LOVE their names!)

Pureology SuperStraight Smoothing System – I have uncontrollable hair. It’s not the cutest curly hair, but is also not exactly straigt. Pureology make some great products…for both curly and straight hair. Not that I do more than a ponytail these days.

Johnson and Johnson Leave in Conditioner- Avery's hair is curly...which makes it "interesting" to comb. I usually give her a bath at night, comb her hair while washing it, and then put this conditioner in her hair while toweling off. It smells great, and helps keep her curls bouncy and not full of snarls. I use it on my hair too. (By the way...when your 2 year old attempts to use it as "lotion", note that it does not rinse off very easily, and can make for a greasy carpet).

Bean By Bean Hazelnut Coffee – My neighbors founded this company, and have an amazing story. They work directly with the farmers in Guatemala and Nicaragua and pay fair wages to the farmers, as well as giving back to the community. Not to mention…it’s great coffee!

Tintero Moscato D’Asti – Our favorite wine…and it’s only $11! Chris pretty much ONLY drinks sweet white wines. This is one of the sweetest and best wines that we have found. We like to give it as a gift, and gave it out to many of our friends for our wedding. If you prefer red wine, then this is a great, cheap red… Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red Wine.

Method Home Cleaning Supplies - Finally…since we bought the house, and have attempted to live more eco-friendly, I have grown to love Method cleaning supplies. The all-purpose cleaner is really all-purpose. I use it on EVERYTHING!

All in all, we have things pretty good around here, and this list is nothing but stuff, but some of this stuff makes life around here a little easier and a little more fun. I hope you enjoy the list, and leave a comment with some of your favorite things!

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time....

2008-12-09T16:10:00.000-05:00

Chris and his friends (the Ayoub brothers) have this funny little "tradition" that takes place every year at this time. Whoever hears the song "A Wonderful Christmas Time" (is that it's name?), calls the others to play it on their voicemail. I don't know when or why this started, but I think it's funny, escpecially since we listen to the IPod most of the time, so I don't know how he plans to hear it on the radio. Oh well...it's a goofy tradition that officially starts the Christmas season.
The other official start to the season is all of the fun decorations. Since this is our first Christmas in the house, I was a little excited to do the decorating. BUT, Chris and I decided to wait to buy all of the extra decorations until right after Christmas when everything is on sale..so, I had to make do with what we had. Luckily, my Grandma and Chris's mom gave us a bunch of stuff, and although we don't always share the same sense of "style", I was able to use quite a bit of their stuff.
We have a small artificial tree (about 4 feet), that we have used for the past few years, as well as a very thin, and small Christmas stick tree that we got from a garage sale this past summer. With the tall ceilings in our house, we HAD to go out and get the biggest, realest, most Christmas-y tree we could find. So, all in all, we have 3 trees. The tall one is in the living room. The artificial tree is in the loft, and the Christmas stick is in the kitchen with non-breakable ornaments for the kiddies.
My mom and dad were here to help us get everything decorated, and I think it all turned out pretty nice. We still have a few little additions to make, such as the garland on the banister, and the gifts under the tree, but other than that, we are done. The shopping is almost done (except for Sean...my brother is so hard to buy for this year!). All we have to do is sit around, drink tea and cocoa, listen to Christmas music and watch the tree sparkle.

Franma

2008-12-06T09:40:00.001-05:00

So, I'm chopped liver. Grandma (or Franma-as Avery says it) is here. Which means that I officially don't exist.. There is some special bond between Avery and my mom. It may be that my mom was there right away after Avery was born, OR, it may be that I "mother" the same way my mom did, so she's comfortable. But, I think the real reason is that my mom is a kid at heart, loves Avery with her whole heart and gives her completely undivided attention. When Franma is around, Avery is in constant "go" mode, whether she's wrestling with Franma, or talking with her, or snuggling with her. My mom really makes Avery a better kid. Actually, I think my mom makes all of us better people. She works hard, and expects the same from us. She challenges us, and gives us honest advice, but supports us completely. She is loving and giving and is the best person that I know.

So, here's a little "ode" to my mom, and a few random facts about her:

-Mom doesn't like her back scratched or rubbed (isn't that weird?)

-She always has the most amazing tan in the summer, and spends a lot of time working outside.

-She is a breast cancer survivor, and went through 2 surgeries. After the second surgery, she didn't take any pain medication because she didn't like the way it made her feel. (she's a BEAST).

-She was (and still is) an awesome softball player (it's how she met my dad).

-She has been known to completely pin two 14 year old squirmy teenage boys to the floor...because they got in the way while she was watching Golden Girls.

-She likes the "Ernest goes to Camp", "Ernest saves Christmas", and "Airplane" movies...but doesn't like Jim Carrey...she says he's "too goofy".

-Her first reaction is to laugh at me whenever I hurt myself, THEN, she'll ask if I'm OK.

-She is NEVER wrong....just ask her.

-She's the best mom, and the most giving and loving Grandma.

So, mom...when or if you read this...thanks. Thanks for everything that you've done for me as a kid, as an adult and as a "Franma". We all love you more than you know.

Welcome to MamaMLDB

2008-12-05T09:39:00.000-05:00

I'm new. I'm a new mommy-blogger. Well, I guess I'll probably blog about some things other than being a mom, although that's the major part of my life. Not only am I a mom, but I "mother" 2 little boys during the day. So, my life consists of days with a 2, 3, and a 4 year old. I know other men and women have mor e kids, and spend their days a little more hectic than me, but I'm selfish and a little self important...so bear with me as I use this blog to vent, tell crazy stories and just "get-away".
I worked for many years in Higher Education, and may attempt to get back into it if the right job opens up. So far, I like what I do everyday, even though there are days when I laugh and cry at the same time.
My husband is a band teacher, and tries his best to be cool while still playing video games and Dungeons and Dragons.

So, here are some topics that you can expect from me:
-The Kids
-The husband
- The family
-The neighborhood
-The house
-The world
...and anything/everything that I feel is important (or not at all important) on that day.

I plan on blogging daily, but we'll see how that goes. Doing anything daily (including showering), is a little restrictive when you have three active kids hanging around.