Week 1 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge has been completed! Honestly it wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. I think mid week I didn't know what to blog about but after fudging around on Cityville for a half hour I was able to come up with a plan.
They say it takes about 7 days to create a new habit. So far I think I'm doing well and look forward to blogging now. I've learned to get over being nervous about putting my thoughts out there. I enjoy reading others blogs and getting different points of views that I hadn't even thought about.
I love the craft blogs, spiritual blogs, marriage blogs, family blogs... I love them all! I'm so grateful I decided to bite the bullet and do this challenge. I hear, read, or see something and think, "Wow, I should blog about that". That's just what I'm going to do. Here's to week two!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Holy Hatred Batman!
The talk of the week is the Casey Anthony trail. Of course. The whole country was gathering around together in hopes to see justice served for little Calyee Anthony. We all wanted something for this little girl who had to suffer.
America was dumbfounded when the verdict was read. She wasn't found guilty in child abuse or murdering her child. While she stood there smiling and crying, we got angry. VERY angry. I do share in the anger but feel that Karma has strange ways of working itself out. I took off my anger goggles this morning and I began to understand where the jury was coming from. There was doubt. The justice system didn't fail little Calyee the Prosecution did.
All of my online outlets are filled with hatred towards Casey, her family, the defense, and the jury. I see people joking about driving to FL to take her out, people saying she's going to get it, and posts filled with nothing but hateful names. It sickens me to see so much hatred. The only thing positive I've seen come of this is a petition to create Caylee's Law (http://www.change.org/petitions/create-caylees-law) and those posts are being buried by the hate filled posts. Lets take all the time and energy we're taking to hate and put it towards something more productive or worth while. We'll be moving mountains!
Its easy to become blind and filled with rage when we are angry. Its easy to pull nasty names out of our back pockets. Its easy to join in on the bashing. Its easy to get sucked into the hating. I'm guilty of it. We're all guilty of it. I know we're angry, pissed off and upset. Lets turn off the hate and turn up the love for our own children and other people who deserve it. Focus our anger productively and fight to prevent future cases like these. Just know that Casey and her family will have to deal with whatever happened in her own time. Sometimes taking the high road is much harder than taking the low road. Get your hiking boots out and start the up hill climb society.
America was dumbfounded when the verdict was read. She wasn't found guilty in child abuse or murdering her child. While she stood there smiling and crying, we got angry. VERY angry. I do share in the anger but feel that Karma has strange ways of working itself out. I took off my anger goggles this morning and I began to understand where the jury was coming from. There was doubt. The justice system didn't fail little Calyee the Prosecution did.
All of my online outlets are filled with hatred towards Casey, her family, the defense, and the jury. I see people joking about driving to FL to take her out, people saying she's going to get it, and posts filled with nothing but hateful names. It sickens me to see so much hatred. The only thing positive I've seen come of this is a petition to create Caylee's Law (http://www.change.org/petitions/create-caylees-law) and those posts are being buried by the hate filled posts. Lets take all the time and energy we're taking to hate and put it towards something more productive or worth while. We'll be moving mountains!
Its easy to become blind and filled with rage when we are angry. Its easy to pull nasty names out of our back pockets. Its easy to join in on the bashing. Its easy to get sucked into the hating. I'm guilty of it. We're all guilty of it. I know we're angry, pissed off and upset. Lets turn off the hate and turn up the love for our own children and other people who deserve it. Focus our anger productively and fight to prevent future cases like these. Just know that Casey and her family will have to deal with whatever happened in her own time. Sometimes taking the high road is much harder than taking the low road. Get your hiking boots out and start the up hill climb society.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Diva and G-Bill
Who is Diva and G-Bill? Well Diva and G-Bill are my mom and step dad. When I found out I was pregnant with Connor my parents as well as Kevin's parents decided on what name they would take on as a grandparent. My mother decided she was way too young (and of course she was right...) to be called Mom mom or Grandma or anything in the grandparent neighborhood. Soooo we settled on Diva Dawn. We've shortened it to Diva so far. My step dad Bill decided he was going to be Grandpa Bill. However, after wrapping all their Christmas presents this year and writing out Grandpa Bill over and over my little hand got tired so I shortened it to G-Bill. Much more up to speed with Diva!
ANYWAY. Diva and G-Bill are coming for a visit! Diva flies in tomorrow afternoon and G-Bill flies in Saturday afternoon. We are all super excited. Connor doesn't know why he should be excited but I tell him to be anyway! We haven't seen them since the end of January and its been way to long.
Of course this visit means I had to convert my office-turned-catch all room back into a spare bedroom. Sigh.... The last two evenings have been full of prepping. I've emptied the room of all the stuff that got "caught" there and took it to consignment today. I sadly folded up my craft table (my failed attempt at trying to get my inspiration back for crafts). I also vacuumed, dusted, and inflated the guest bed. Connor had quite the time running around on the bed.
Whew! But lets not stop there... I moved onto the living room. Thankfully we did a deep clean in the living room this weekend so all that needed to be done was toy organization. Then the dreaded kitchen. The fridge was emptied, the dishes have been caught up, the counters wiped down and (yes mom....) the microwave has been scrubbed.
So now I'm here. Blogging for the night. My hands are dried out from doing the dishes and I'm super tired. I can't wait to spend the next week with them!
ANYWAY. Diva and G-Bill are coming for a visit! Diva flies in tomorrow afternoon and G-Bill flies in Saturday afternoon. We are all super excited. Connor doesn't know why he should be excited but I tell him to be anyway! We haven't seen them since the end of January and its been way to long.
Of course this visit means I had to convert my office-turned-catch all room back into a spare bedroom. Sigh.... The last two evenings have been full of prepping. I've emptied the room of all the stuff that got "caught" there and took it to consignment today. I sadly folded up my craft table (my failed attempt at trying to get my inspiration back for crafts). I also vacuumed, dusted, and inflated the guest bed. Connor had quite the time running around on the bed.
 |
| One Little Monkey Jumping On The Bed! |
 |
| Is This Bed For Me?!! |
 |
| All Fall Down! |
So now I'm here. Blogging for the night. My hands are dried out from doing the dishes and I'm super tired. I can't wait to spend the next week with them!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
I'm Happy, I'm Relaxed
This last month or so has been overall stressful when I stop to think about it. Actually, I try not to think about it. I guess I'm not realizing it as its happening but looking at it now I've been on an emotional roller coaster. Between salary cuts at work, a cat whom I dearly love peeing all over my house and making me decided to keep her or not, and several other crazy unforeseen issues I can say my poor stomach has been flip flopping.
I've been trying to make it to the gym on my lunch breaks. When I do make it, I feel a little spring in my step.On my way back from the gym this afternoon it was hot and humid. The big H's of MD...sigh. I was sweating in the gym, cooled down, got dressed and then stepped outside into the steamy MD July weather and walked across campus to get to my building. Not sure what caused this old video to pop into my mind but it made me giggle.
I've been trying to make it to the gym on my lunch breaks. When I do make it, I feel a little spring in my step.On my way back from the gym this afternoon it was hot and humid. The big H's of MD...sigh. I was sweating in the gym, cooled down, got dressed and then stepped outside into the steamy MD July weather and walked across campus to get to my building. Not sure what caused this old video to pop into my mind but it made me giggle.
I saw this video many many years ago. It certainly puts a smile on my face. Next time universe throws something on our plate I'll be saying, "I'm happy, I'm Relaxed!" Maybe I should print out a picture of "They Crazy Yoga Guy" and put him on my fridge as an every day reminder!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Deep Cleaning
Today while everyone was cooking out and eating fabulous BBQ food Kevin and I did some deep cleaning inside the house.
Backstory: For the last month we've been having issues with our cat Joy using our carpet as her litter box instead of the litter box. We resolved her issues and she's back to using the box (we hope). The problem is I just feel like our living room is gross even though I've cleaned all the spots. Also, our couch is micro-fiber. While I LOVED it when we bought it... the fabric is a magnet to cat hair (see previous post) and any spill or stain shows very clearly.
So.... we got a wild hair to put to use our expensive steam cleaner that we HAD to buy a couple years ago. Let me tell you. This cleaner did WONDERS for the couch! Our couches look so fresh and happy again! Most of the stains came out too! The carpet was a piece of crap when we moved in and its the only carpet we haven't replaced but it even looks a little happier and my nose isn't feeling offended from Joy's issues.
I should also mention we got the carpet and half the couch done while Connor was napping. It took team work but we did it. We finished the rest of the couch after Connor went to bed. Its always nice when a simple project stays simple and gets accomplished.
This evening I tossed brown sugar bourbon chicken tenders on the grill, cooked up some rice and veggies and had us a fabulous dinner. My grilling skills and ideas are growing day by day (guess I'll have to blog about that tomorrow).
Before bed I'll probably wander out to our deck and check out the neighborhood fireworks around us. This time of year is my favorite. We live on the water and our neighborhood is crazy redneck. We get fireworks and cannons going off every weekend out of the summer once Fourth of July hits.
Hope every one had a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Backstory: For the last month we've been having issues with our cat Joy using our carpet as her litter box instead of the litter box. We resolved her issues and she's back to using the box (we hope). The problem is I just feel like our living room is gross even though I've cleaned all the spots. Also, our couch is micro-fiber. While I LOVED it when we bought it... the fabric is a magnet to cat hair (see previous post) and any spill or stain shows very clearly.
So.... we got a wild hair to put to use our expensive steam cleaner that we HAD to buy a couple years ago. Let me tell you. This cleaner did WONDERS for the couch! Our couches look so fresh and happy again! Most of the stains came out too! The carpet was a piece of crap when we moved in and its the only carpet we haven't replaced but it even looks a little happier and my nose isn't feeling offended from Joy's issues.
I should also mention we got the carpet and half the couch done while Connor was napping. It took team work but we did it. We finished the rest of the couch after Connor went to bed. Its always nice when a simple project stays simple and gets accomplished.
This evening I tossed brown sugar bourbon chicken tenders on the grill, cooked up some rice and veggies and had us a fabulous dinner. My grilling skills and ideas are growing day by day (guess I'll have to blog about that tomorrow).
Before bed I'll probably wander out to our deck and check out the neighborhood fireworks around us. This time of year is my favorite. We live on the water and our neighborhood is crazy redneck. We get fireworks and cannons going off every weekend out of the summer once Fourth of July hits.
Hope every one had a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Toy Box Swap Day!
Yesterday was toy box swap day. This is where I take some of the toys Connor has been playing with over and over for the previous couple of weeks and replace them with toys from his toy box that he hasn't seen in a month. The following days after toy box swap is quite heavenly because he's so engrossed in all the "new" toys that he's not under my feet wondering what I'm up too.
Since he is learning and growing so rapidly he is learning something new with the toys that I pull out. Last toy swap it was the "pull, twist, push" pop up toy. He got this as a birthday present for his 1st birthday. All he could figure out was pushing the middle button. He would whine and say, "Mommy, mommy, mommy" until I opened the rest. At 15 months he was still doing the same thing. BUT a couple weeks ago it finally clicked. We put our hands on top of his and showed him how to twist, pull and push over the other buttons. He had it down in no time. Of course he still liked to fake from time to time and have me help him.
This toy swap he's finding it easier to use the shape sorter toys. I still have to show him where the piece goes but he's finding it easier to turn the pieces and get them to fit into the hole.
Its amazing how fast a toddler's brain grows. He's picking up more and more words and is using the short phase, "There/Here you go". I guess he picked it up from me because I'm always saying that when he asks me for something. I know everyone says their brains are like sponges but its just so fascinating to see it in action.
He's also even more frustrated with toys he can't figure out or don't work they way he thinks they should. It'll have to be a learning experience for him though. Eventually he'll get that the Little People won't fit on the Mega Blocks toys and vice versa. BUT until then, its me trying to explain in the simplest terms its nothing to get frustrated over. Sigh....
 |
This toy swap he's finding it easier to use the shape sorter toys. I still have to show him where the piece goes but he's finding it easier to turn the pieces and get them to fit into the hole.
Its amazing how fast a toddler's brain grows. He's picking up more and more words and is using the short phase, "There/Here you go". I guess he picked it up from me because I'm always saying that when he asks me for something. I know everyone says their brains are like sponges but its just so fascinating to see it in action.
He's also even more frustrated with toys he can't figure out or don't work they way he thinks they should. It'll have to be a learning experience for him though. Eventually he'll get that the Little People won't fit on the Mega Blocks toys and vice versa. BUT until then, its me trying to explain in the simplest terms its nothing to get frustrated over. Sigh....
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Romance Booster?
Thursday, Kevin and I attended our friend's wedding. It was BEAUTIFUL! The weather was perfect and everyone looked their best. I love it when I can go to a wedding and just be a guest. There is just something about going to a wedding that makes you feel all warm and romantical (yes... I made that word up). I don't know if its hearing 1 Corinthians 3:14 or hearing two people vow to love each other the rest of their lives or their first walk back down the aisle as husband and wife BUT it just gets me in the heart. Sigh... I'm such a sap.
The wedding was in Easton, MD and we didn't want to get stuck in bridge traffic due to the 4th of July so we left early. We didn't hit any traffic and arrived about 3 hours early. Oops! We found out later that it worked out for the best because some of the guests didn't get there until real late due to a broken down car right before the bridge. Whew!
We spent our time wandering around the grounds of The Oak Waterfront Inn and enjoyed the views around us. Soon afterward we had to cool down by sitting in the Trailblazer running the AC. We didn't want to look a hot mess before the party even started!
Once the wedding got underway everything just kept running smoothly. During the cocktail hour Kevin and I found ourselves reminiscing about our wedding and we loved having all our friends and family around us that day. Even when the crazy unforeseen stuff happened we were surrounded by love.
For me, I'll love your wedding if the food is fabulous and the music is pumping. You don't have to spend a million bucks on your menu either. Simple food that tastes great works just fine for me! The food at this wedding was AMAZING and the music had me dancing my rear off.
Overall it was a great night. We were able to get out without Connor and enjoy our adult selves. Life was and is good!
 |
| We clean up nice! |
The wedding was in Easton, MD and we didn't want to get stuck in bridge traffic due to the 4th of July so we left early. We didn't hit any traffic and arrived about 3 hours early. Oops! We found out later that it worked out for the best because some of the guests didn't get there until real late due to a broken down car right before the bridge. Whew!
We spent our time wandering around the grounds of The Oak Waterfront Inn and enjoyed the views around us. Soon afterward we had to cool down by sitting in the Trailblazer running the AC. We didn't want to look a hot mess before the party even started!
Once the wedding got underway everything just kept running smoothly. During the cocktail hour Kevin and I found ourselves reminiscing about our wedding and we loved having all our friends and family around us that day. Even when the crazy unforeseen stuff happened we were surrounded by love.
 |
| Me During Cocktail Hour |
For me, I'll love your wedding if the food is fabulous and the music is pumping. You don't have to spend a million bucks on your menu either. Simple food that tastes great works just fine for me! The food at this wedding was AMAZING and the music had me dancing my rear off.
Overall it was a great night. We were able to get out without Connor and enjoy our adult selves. Life was and is good!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Blog-a-thon
So here we go. I've joined the Ultimate Blog Challenge (http://ultimateblogchallenge.com/)! For the month of July I will be blogging at least a 100 words a day. Not sure what I'll be writing about or how I'm going to keep up BUT it'll be done.
I've wanted to keep up on blogging since I started this almost a year ago and think I've found an inspiration to do so. A friend of mine did this a couple months ago and highly recommended it.
My blog's history is short. I haven't been able to keep up with blogging since it began. I started this blog as a mommy blog. However after being a mom all day long, the last thing I want to sit down and write about at the end of the night is being a mom. No wonder this blog was neglected for so long!
I think you get lost in that first year of your child's life. You become a mom and your world revolves around being a mom. ALL. THE. TIME. Its wonderful and frustrating at the same time. As your baby becomes independent and grows into become a toddler, the fog clears and you realize you've been wearing your mom suit for over a year and you need to get it dry cleaned. Big time.
So the mommy blog is changing into a blog about my thoughts, my life, my family and our happiness. Enjoy!
I've wanted to keep up on blogging since I started this almost a year ago and think I've found an inspiration to do so. A friend of mine did this a couple months ago and highly recommended it.
My blog's history is short. I haven't been able to keep up with blogging since it began. I started this blog as a mommy blog. However after being a mom all day long, the last thing I want to sit down and write about at the end of the night is being a mom. No wonder this blog was neglected for so long!
I think you get lost in that first year of your child's life. You become a mom and your world revolves around being a mom. ALL. THE. TIME. Its wonderful and frustrating at the same time. As your baby becomes independent and grows into become a toddler, the fog clears and you realize you've been wearing your mom suit for over a year and you need to get it dry cleaned. Big time.
So the mommy blog is changing into a blog about my thoughts, my life, my family and our happiness. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
In Real Life
Like many of us, I spend a lot of my time in the "digital world". It comes from my Nook, my smartphone, my laptop at home, my computer at work and of course the TV.
As a web developer I spend a large majority of my time staring at a computer screen. I'm programming applications for people to use and stare at on their screens. I don't physically work on "real world" things. This makes it easy for me to loose my grounding from time to time.
I communicate with a lot of people via social networking. There's e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, blogging, I'm part of an online community where I'm talking to other mom's daily and texting via my phone. Actual real life communication is pretty much non existent unless I'm talking to coworkers, the daycare provider, my husband or my son. Many of us have this life and its not going anywhere.
I was outside playing with Connor this evening and we spent time in the "real world" playing with chalk, discovering lighting bugs, climbing on the deck and collecting sticks from the yard. Even though it was as humid as a bathroom after a long hot shower the breeze was blowing and we were surrounding ourselves in mother nature. Mid summer will be here soon and our outside time will have to be limited but its evenings like these that make letting go of the laptop, smartphone and TV well worth it.
As a web developer I spend a large majority of my time staring at a computer screen. I'm programming applications for people to use and stare at on their screens. I don't physically work on "real world" things. This makes it easy for me to loose my grounding from time to time.
I communicate with a lot of people via social networking. There's e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, blogging, I'm part of an online community where I'm talking to other mom's daily and texting via my phone. Actual real life communication is pretty much non existent unless I'm talking to coworkers, the daycare provider, my husband or my son. Many of us have this life and its not going anywhere.
I was outside playing with Connor this evening and we spent time in the "real world" playing with chalk, discovering lighting bugs, climbing on the deck and collecting sticks from the yard. Even though it was as humid as a bathroom after a long hot shower the breeze was blowing and we were surrounding ourselves in mother nature. Mid summer will be here soon and our outside time will have to be limited but its evenings like these that make letting go of the laptop, smartphone and TV well worth it.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Today is Friday?
Today is my Friday! Be jealous!!
For the next 3 weeks I will be pulling a LESS THAN 40 hour work week! Its like lots of mini vacations happening all at once!
Tomorrow Kevin and I are off to a wedding. Alice is coming to spend time with Connor while we're out. I'm looking forward to having a great time. On Friday, Kevin and I are dropping Connor off at daycare and then enjoying a much needed date day! We're hoping to fit in two movies at the movie theater or a movie and then biking. It'll be a nice kickoff to our 4th of July weekend. However, we don't have any 4th of July plans. Hmmm....
The following week I'm off Monday for the 4th and then a half day on the 8th because my mom and step dad are flying into town for a visit! I'll have to go back to work for the 11th and 12th but I'll be off the rest of the week to hang out and get in trouble with my mom!
This time off is a big deal because other than when my mom flew into help me during maternity leave I haven't been able to take time off when she or Bill visit. I just have to get the house prepped for visitors! YIKES!
So again... this is my Friday and the beginning of a bunch of mini vacations! Yay!
For the next 3 weeks I will be pulling a LESS THAN 40 hour work week! Its like lots of mini vacations happening all at once!
Tomorrow Kevin and I are off to a wedding. Alice is coming to spend time with Connor while we're out. I'm looking forward to having a great time. On Friday, Kevin and I are dropping Connor off at daycare and then enjoying a much needed date day! We're hoping to fit in two movies at the movie theater or a movie and then biking. It'll be a nice kickoff to our 4th of July weekend. However, we don't have any 4th of July plans. Hmmm....
The following week I'm off Monday for the 4th and then a half day on the 8th because my mom and step dad are flying into town for a visit! I'll have to go back to work for the 11th and 12th but I'll be off the rest of the week to hang out and get in trouble with my mom!
This time off is a big deal because other than when my mom flew into help me during maternity leave I haven't been able to take time off when she or Bill visit. I just have to get the house prepped for visitors! YIKES!
So again... this is my Friday and the beginning of a bunch of mini vacations! Yay!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Father's Day
I haven't posted about Father's day just yet and thought maybe I should!
Friday evening after Connor was settled into his crib and fast asleep Kevin and I popped in the movie Parenthood. We've watched the show Parenthood on NBC and LOVE it so we figured we would watch the movie that started the whole thing. Well... That was was a very 80's movie! I love watching classic 80's movies. It took us a little while to figure which characters were which but overall it was a cute movie.
Saturday we woke up and ran right over to my dad's house to fix us up a mean old breakfast. I made sausage, french toast, eggs and cut up cantaloupe. After breakfast we discovered Connor has a knack for playing the harmonica! Once he figured out how to play it he couldn't put it down!
In the afternoon it was finally hot enough for us to set up Connor's swimming pool. He LOVED it! I see us spending many summer evenings out there cooling him off.
Sunday Kevin played in a Father's day softball tournament. Connor did surprisingly well while we were there. Thankfully there was a playground and swings to entertain him for the most part. He also had my dad, step mom and Kevin's mom to play with him as well. BUT like clockwork, the nap time meltdown made us head home. Kevin was able to stop by and see his dad after the tournament but Connor and I were home for the evening by that time.
Last year for Father's day we went to Floppy Hat Night to see an O's game. This year I scored two tickets to the Baltimore Museum of Industrial History. I'm excited to get this on the calendar and go! I figured Kevin has always been into history, and given his line of work, it would be perfect.
It was a very low key Father's day this year. Last year we spent Father's day at Downs Park and having Connor's dedication. It was HOT, there was lots of friends and family and LOTS of good food to eat. I had accidentally booked the party on Father's Day and felt bad that Kevin would spend his first Father's day dealing with all the craziness of the party. BUT... When you stop and think about it, what better way to spend your first Father's day than with family, friends and dedicating yourself to you child (and good food at that)!
Connor Last Year
Connor This Year
Friday evening after Connor was settled into his crib and fast asleep Kevin and I popped in the movie Parenthood. We've watched the show Parenthood on NBC and LOVE it so we figured we would watch the movie that started the whole thing. Well... That was was a very 80's movie! I love watching classic 80's movies. It took us a little while to figure which characters were which but overall it was a cute movie.
Saturday we woke up and ran right over to my dad's house to fix us up a mean old breakfast. I made sausage, french toast, eggs and cut up cantaloupe. After breakfast we discovered Connor has a knack for playing the harmonica! Once he figured out how to play it he couldn't put it down!
In the afternoon it was finally hot enough for us to set up Connor's swimming pool. He LOVED it! I see us spending many summer evenings out there cooling him off.
Sunday Kevin played in a Father's day softball tournament. Connor did surprisingly well while we were there. Thankfully there was a playground and swings to entertain him for the most part. He also had my dad, step mom and Kevin's mom to play with him as well. BUT like clockwork, the nap time meltdown made us head home. Kevin was able to stop by and see his dad after the tournament but Connor and I were home for the evening by that time.
Last year for Father's day we went to Floppy Hat Night to see an O's game. This year I scored two tickets to the Baltimore Museum of Industrial History. I'm excited to get this on the calendar and go! I figured Kevin has always been into history, and given his line of work, it would be perfect.
It was a very low key Father's day this year. Last year we spent Father's day at Downs Park and having Connor's dedication. It was HOT, there was lots of friends and family and LOTS of good food to eat. I had accidentally booked the party on Father's Day and felt bad that Kevin would spend his first Father's day dealing with all the craziness of the party. BUT... When you stop and think about it, what better way to spend your first Father's day than with family, friends and dedicating yourself to you child (and good food at that)!
Connor Last Year
Connor This Year
Monday, June 20, 2011
Cat Hair
While vacuuming the cat hair from our couch this weekend and giving the couch a much needed deep clean, I had quite the realization.
No matter what angle I positioned the vacuum hose on the cushions the stubborn cat hair would not let go (and we have a Dyson!!)! It takes a lot of elbow grease and sweat to thoroughly clean the couch when it comes to cat hair, especially with microfiber. HOWEVER, if I were to just sit on the cushions, the cat hair would easily transfer from the couch to my newly pressed shirt or slacks.
I started thinking about this concept in the larger sense. Things we wouldn't want to happen to us happen so easily and things we want so badly take a lot of hard work and dedication.
Our clothing attracts the cat hair like a magnet as do our thoughts. When we focus on all the negative while we're trying to reach what we want the only thing we are going to attract to ourselves is the negative. To reach our goals and attract what we want we have to stay positive and work hard.
There is no quick fix to getting rid of cat hair and there is no quick fix to achieving your dreams. Keep working hard.
No matter what angle I positioned the vacuum hose on the cushions the stubborn cat hair would not let go (and we have a Dyson!!)! It takes a lot of elbow grease and sweat to thoroughly clean the couch when it comes to cat hair, especially with microfiber. HOWEVER, if I were to just sit on the cushions, the cat hair would easily transfer from the couch to my newly pressed shirt or slacks.
I started thinking about this concept in the larger sense. Things we wouldn't want to happen to us happen so easily and things we want so badly take a lot of hard work and dedication.
Our clothing attracts the cat hair like a magnet as do our thoughts. When we focus on all the negative while we're trying to reach what we want the only thing we are going to attract to ourselves is the negative. To reach our goals and attract what we want we have to stay positive and work hard.
There is no quick fix to getting rid of cat hair and there is no quick fix to achieving your dreams. Keep working hard.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Perfect Connor and Mommy Date Night
Connor and I have spent a lot of time hanging out just the two of us while Kevin is in class these days. I felt like we were starting to get into a rut as of this week. Same old same old. Come home. Play or read. Eat dinner. Some sort of craft, play outside or watch some TV. Boooooring.....
This evening we went to Walmart after picking him up from daycare because we needed cat food and as we're walking to the register down the frozen food aisle I asked Connor what he wanted for dinner. He pointed at the Digiorno behind the cold glass. I caved. Apparently Digiorno's come with cookie dough now too. What a treat! Something to mix up the mundane.
As we pull into the driveway it starts to pour down rain. I pull Connor out of the car and let him run around the driveway and splash in the puddles. He laughed, squealed and loved getting his toes in the gross water that collets on the sidewalk at the end of our driveway. I forgot how much fun that is!! It called out to my inner child that has fast dissapeared over the last year.
After dinner I set us up in the living room for chocolate chip cookies and milk. Mmmm. Connor took one bite of the cookie and threw it. Hmm... Him and chocolate just aren't friends. He eventually warmed up to them and started eating them. I learned my lesson about chocolate in the living room. I was chasing him down to avoid getting chocolate smears on the couch. Next time we'll enjoy our treat at the table.
This evening left me feeling refreshed and happy with our little date night but now that he's sleeping... a messy kitchen is calling my name.
This evening we went to Walmart after picking him up from daycare because we needed cat food and as we're walking to the register down the frozen food aisle I asked Connor what he wanted for dinner. He pointed at the Digiorno behind the cold glass. I caved. Apparently Digiorno's come with cookie dough now too. What a treat! Something to mix up the mundane.
As we pull into the driveway it starts to pour down rain. I pull Connor out of the car and let him run around the driveway and splash in the puddles. He laughed, squealed and loved getting his toes in the gross water that collets on the sidewalk at the end of our driveway. I forgot how much fun that is!! It called out to my inner child that has fast dissapeared over the last year.
After dinner I set us up in the living room for chocolate chip cookies and milk. Mmmm. Connor took one bite of the cookie and threw it. Hmm... Him and chocolate just aren't friends. He eventually warmed up to them and started eating them. I learned my lesson about chocolate in the living room. I was chasing him down to avoid getting chocolate smears on the couch. Next time we'll enjoy our treat at the table.
This evening left me feeling refreshed and happy with our little date night but now that he's sleeping... a messy kitchen is calling my name.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Moooooommmmmmmmmy
Mommy. Mommy. Mommmmmmy. Moooooommmmmmmmmy. Mommy. Mommy. While I used to wish my son would call me mommy now a days I’d love to go back to Da, Daddy, or Dee da.
Connor went through a phase where he would whine when he needed help with or wanted something. I didn’t want to encourage whining so I said, “Can you say Mommy Help?” whenever he whined. He started saying “Mommy”. NOW he says “Mommy” for EVERYTHING.
He knows Kevin is “Dee da” and I’m “Mommy” but now if he needs something, wants something, is talking to himself it is “Mommy mommy mommy mommy”. He’ll even look at Kevin when something is out of reach and say, “Mommy?”
This morning he was sitting on a floor with one of his books. He usually babbles as he turns the page. This morning he was pointing at pictures and saying, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy”.
In hindsight I should have just said, “Can you say Help?” Back to the drawing board I suppose! I’m very blessed that he is finally calling me Mommy, I truly am. I’ll be even more blessed when I can get him to verbalize the physical things he’s pointing to!
On more than occasion I've been reminded of this clip from Family Guy:
Connor went through a phase where he would whine when he needed help with or wanted something. I didn’t want to encourage whining so I said, “Can you say Mommy Help?” whenever he whined. He started saying “Mommy”. NOW he says “Mommy” for EVERYTHING.
He knows Kevin is “Dee da” and I’m “Mommy” but now if he needs something, wants something, is talking to himself it is “Mommy mommy mommy mommy”. He’ll even look at Kevin when something is out of reach and say, “Mommy?”
This morning he was sitting on a floor with one of his books. He usually babbles as he turns the page. This morning he was pointing at pictures and saying, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy”.
In hindsight I should have just said, “Can you say Help?” Back to the drawing board I suppose! I’m very blessed that he is finally calling me Mommy, I truly am. I’ll be even more blessed when I can get him to verbalize the physical things he’s pointing to!
On more than occasion I've been reminded of this clip from Family Guy:
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Zoo, Egg Hunting and The Park Oh My!
Spring has sprung and we’re making the most of the beautiful weather!
Thursday daycare closed for Easter break and I took off work to spend time with Connor. The first play date on our agenda was a trip to The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore with our friends Meghan and Gabbi. We had such an enjoyable time!
Meghan and I decided that strollers with walking toddlers would be difficult to manage so we decided to get out our harnesses and let the kiddos walk. They did great and loved being in control of the journey. We had to do minimal carrying and enjoyed picking them up to see the animals instead of taking them out of the stroller and having to put them back in.
They loved seeing the animals that were up close and sharing snacks. Most animals were out. The only animal we didn’t get to see was the giraffe. The petting zoo was a big hit even though Connor kept trying to pet the back end of the goat.
For me it was great taking Connor to a place that I remember going to as a kid. I was sad not to see as many animals and the old part of the zoo closed. However, I remembered most exhibits and enjoyed taking Connor through the Children’s Zoo. I hope this was the first of many trips to the Zoo.
Saturday we went to our first Easter Egg hunt for Connor. Before we went I did a dry run with Connor in the living room. I wanted him to have the concept of it down. I knew we would get there and he’d get stuck with wanting to bang two eggs together. Cute, but I know him looking for eggs would be even cuter.
Mark and Robin hosted the hunt and the brunch at their location. Everyone was able to make it so we had all 4 of Connor’s friends plus a cousin of Delaney! Needless to say it gets crazy when we have all the toddlers together.
The weather was yucky most of Friday and Saturday morning. Once the rain passed and turned into sprinkles we went across the street to an elementary school. The kiddos had fun finding eggs, picking up rocks, trying to walk in grass and stealing eggs out of each other’s baskets.
On Sunday the Easter Bunny came and left us with a basket full of books, a chocolate bunny and two new friends, Donald Duck and Goofy. I was shocked that Connor was not interested in his chocolate bunny. He actually pulled the piece of chocolate out of his mouth! We enjoyed dinner with family and ended the evening with a thunderstorm and my baby cuddled on my lap.
Monday I was off work again due to daycare still being closed. In the morning Connor had his 15 month well visit. He weighed in at a whooping 24.11lbs and is 30.75in tall. He was angered by getting two shots in the leg but it soon subsided once we arrived at Downs Park for lunch.
We enjoyed lunch under a tree near the water. Afterwards I pulled out Connors new ball he loves to throw and try to kick. He ran around chasing the ball and fell into soft dirt / mud. And so raising a little toddler begins!
Before we left we stopped off at the playground. He swung on the swings, climbed on the smaller play gym and slid down some slides. This is yet another place I used to go to A LOT as a child and it was great taking him there and watching him enjoy himself as I did.
My mini break came to an end and it was time to head back to work. You would think I was dreading Tuesday morning, but I was surprisingly ready to get back into the grind. I love being a mom but I also enjoy my new job. Life has blessed me with being able to have a healthy balance between the two!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Where did time go?!
Jan 2nd marked the year birthday of my little guy. While babies are supposed to grow up and become independent toddlers is just so hard to believe that he's becoming his own little person. He's walking when he feels like it, beginning to repeat words, getting frustrated when things don't go his way, eating almost anything, and dancing to any kind of music. I'm amazed every day when I look at him constantly learning and growing like a weed.
The beginning of this year was met with stress, anxiety and sickness. As the year was turning from 2010 to 2011 I was met with what the doctor said was stress and anxiety. While I've dealt with lots of this before I apparently let it get ahead of me. I was met with a stomach bug and then not being able to sleep. Thankfully the doctor gave me valium to help my body to remember to sleep and relax and I learned I need to let go and ask for help when needed.
Connor's birthday party that was supposed to be small and quiet but turned out large and loud worked out perfectly. Everyone we've been close with over the last year was there and I think I've made enough cupcakes to last a lifetime.
Shortly after, Connor became sick and we found out he had RSV. RSV is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis and land its victim in the hospital with low oxygen levels. Thankfully we caught it before it became serious. We were left with a feverish baby, breathing treatments three times a day for a week and a half, and two exhausted parents. I did get to see some of Connor's first steps while I was home from work with him!
We ended the first month of this year healthy and with 3 extra teeth what we started with.
The beginning of this year was met with stress, anxiety and sickness. As the year was turning from 2010 to 2011 I was met with what the doctor said was stress and anxiety. While I've dealt with lots of this before I apparently let it get ahead of me. I was met with a stomach bug and then not being able to sleep. Thankfully the doctor gave me valium to help my body to remember to sleep and relax and I learned I need to let go and ask for help when needed.
Connor's birthday party that was supposed to be small and quiet but turned out large and loud worked out perfectly. Everyone we've been close with over the last year was there and I think I've made enough cupcakes to last a lifetime.
Shortly after, Connor became sick and we found out he had RSV. RSV is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis and land its victim in the hospital with low oxygen levels. Thankfully we caught it before it became serious. We were left with a feverish baby, breathing treatments three times a day for a week and a half, and two exhausted parents. I did get to see some of Connor's first steps while I was home from work with him!
We ended the first month of this year healthy and with 3 extra teeth what we started with.
Friday, September 3, 2010
And Then Came Separation Anxiety...
Ohhhhh good old separation anxiety... you turn my happy independent baby into a blubbering mess when I leave the room, hand him off to grandma, give him to daddy, or even move to the side of the room where he can't see me.
Just when I got over my separation anxiety about going back to work, going away to teach a workshop for most of the day, or even book a cruise with my husband, my baby's anxiety kicks into overdrive. Part of me wonders if his anxiety growing is because mine is shrinking. Does he feel me pulling away?
I've read that he's finally realizing that when something goes out of view that its not gone forever. So when he can't see me he wants me back because he knows I'm not actually gone. He is also starting to develop preferences for people. One day he may prefer me and the next daddy. People tell me it goes in phases but its so sad to hear him cry when I leave the room to put on my makeup in the morning. But you can't calm the voices in my head telling me he knows I'm more comfortable leaving him. All I can do is give extra hugs and kisses before I leave and schedule more snuggle time at home.
On top of the separation anxiety he has also developed stranger anxiety. He used to smile and coo at anyone who held him. Now when I pass him off to someone "new" he cries of stiffens up! My social baby clams up and becomes a statue.
Its amazing to see not only the physical development of my baby but also the emotional. He has preferences, actual feelings, and shows his love in a smile or touch.
Just when I got over my separation anxiety about going back to work, going away to teach a workshop for most of the day, or even book a cruise with my husband, my baby's anxiety kicks into overdrive. Part of me wonders if his anxiety growing is because mine is shrinking. Does he feel me pulling away?
I've read that he's finally realizing that when something goes out of view that its not gone forever. So when he can't see me he wants me back because he knows I'm not actually gone. He is also starting to develop preferences for people. One day he may prefer me and the next daddy. People tell me it goes in phases but its so sad to hear him cry when I leave the room to put on my makeup in the morning. But you can't calm the voices in my head telling me he knows I'm more comfortable leaving him. All I can do is give extra hugs and kisses before I leave and schedule more snuggle time at home.
On top of the separation anxiety he has also developed stranger anxiety. He used to smile and coo at anyone who held him. Now when I pass him off to someone "new" he cries of stiffens up! My social baby clams up and becomes a statue.
Its amazing to see not only the physical development of my baby but also the emotional. He has preferences, actual feelings, and shows his love in a smile or touch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)