The Road Ahead

Sorry that I have been absent the last three weeks it has been a journey of events since my last real post, Cinderella and the Tough Stuff.  After a year of unemployment I.Got.A.Job.  Just typing it kind of takes my breath away because I start on tuesday.  It is a very bitter sweet moment for me but because I truly believe in my heart that is is all in God's will I know this is where I need to be.  Here is how it all unfolded...

My post about withdrawing Augie from Daycare was on a wednesday night, the next day a friend contacted me about a job opening at his new job that he thought I may be interested in.  The friend isn't someone we are close with, it is one of our good friends brothers.  He forwarded me the information, it was for an Executive Assistant position and I was really interested.  I told Augie's teachers that friday morning that we were going to pull him at the end of April, and when I got home from dropping him off I e-mailed my resume, expecting nothing.  I have applied for over 300 positions without even a call back so I wasn't holding my breath.  Within an hour I was being contacted via e-mail about scheduling an interview.  I interviewed the following friday (the friday before Easter) with the Vice President, and it went really well.  He told me that he would contact me that monday if I was selected for a follow up interview with the President.  Monday came and went and I didn't hear anything back.  Devastated because I felt that my interview had went so well, I finally heard back tuesday afternoon that because of my skill set they had passed, but he really liked me and would definitely hold on to my resume.  Within 10 minutes of being told I didn't get the 2nd interview, I was contacted that after reviewing my resume the President wanted to meet with me and I was being scheduled for a 2nd interview that friday afternoon.  So two days after pulling Augie I interviewed once again.  I was contacted monday stating that they had gone with another candidate but once again they did really like me and would hold on to my resume.  That monday night the friend who originally told me about the job called me to let me know that he had resigned because he had landed his dream job and just wanted to let me know. 
 Two days later I received a phone call from a Director saying that he had received my resume from the President and Vice President had a job opening that he thought I may be interested in, he forwarded me the information.  And this job was probably more of a fit for me then the original one that I had applied for.  We set up an interview for the following monday (last monday) and that went really well.  The kids and I left the next day for South Carolina to spend a week with my sister and my mom came along too! While in South Carolina I received an e-mail wanting me to come in on tuesday (two days ago) to interview with the rest of the team.  I spent another hour there on tuesday and then got the offer this afternoon.  And if you are wondering about the crazy alignment, divine intervention of this job, yes this was the position that the friend who told me about the job resigned from, I just got his job.

So I now am shifting back into work mode, the kids will start full time at daycare on tuesday which will be an adjustment to us all.  I forgot to mention my office is NEXT DOOR to daycare?!?!? I couldn't have planned that if I tried.  Because of this I will be able to go nurse and visit with Addie on my lunch break until she gets acclimated.  We are going in tomorrow to hang out. 

So that is where I have been and what I have been doing.  I've just been soaking in the last few weeks with the kids and trying to absorb every moment of it.  I'm so excited for this job and excited to not be settling, this is an amazing opportunity for me and an amazing organization.  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers throughout my unemployment journey and I will continue to appreciate them as we go into this next chapter.

When I...

When I finally wrap my head around the events of the past two weeks I promise that I will fill you all in.  I must admit I have realized that when I get nervous I get writers block. I know me? Have nothing to say...never?  I actually have so much to say just not sure how to express it in writing.  I was thinking of recording me doing an interpretive dance but I thought that may be a little out there.  I also thought about maybe doing a little video diary, like a "Momma Cam"  but every time I tried to video Addie played with the keyboard.  Instead I will continue to type so you will all have to be patient until my nerves settle down!

Cool for Teachers

I was on the Ann Taylor Loft website yesterday and noticed that they offer a discount to teachers.  I thought that was awesome and wanted to share in case anyone out there is a teacher!!  Here's the link.

This Week

This week has been very exhausting, exciting, emotional and evolving.  I have so much too share with you all but so little time.  I promise to carve out some time on friday to fill you in on what this crazy week is bringing me.  Tomorrow night is my first networking event, I'm calling it Cupcakes, Cocktails and Contacts so wish me luck that I won't be the only one there!!

Talk to you all soon.

Cinderella and the Tough Stuff

I have been struggling for awhile whether to keep Augie in daycare or to pull him and I must admit it has been a daily flip.  I know that for those of you that work full time, you are thinking "what???" I would give anything to be home with my kids, and I know exactly what you mean and that is part of the problem.  I feel like Cinderella and I'm waiting for midnight.  As I have said before me being a SAHM was never an option, so now that I am I feel like I'm living in a fairy tale world.  Part of what has kept me guarded by getting "too" comfortable is keeping Augie in daycare.  By doing this I am constantly reminded that staying at home is not an option and that at any moment I will find a job and will be thrown back into the reality that I dread the most.  But for now, part time daycare is a huge financial strain, and although I do work during that time, Addie doesn't let me work the whole time and pretty much my work becomes a wash on most weeks and I still find myself working at night. 

So although I have been battling with this for months, I have been battling it alone, I haven't spoke of it and have been going through all of the pros in cons in my head.  These pros and cons have come with multiple tears, Augie loves school, and I love getting some time for me alone with Addie.  Well today it all came to a head and I finally feel a release. My mom called me, we talk everyday so this is no surprise, but today she brought this up and man if I didn't attack and become super defensive.  I immediately got short with her, giving her every con I could think of and making her feel bad that she isn't closer to help me and so on and so forth.  When we got off the phone I thought "well who in the sam hill was that?!?!?....what just took over me"  I'm still not quite sure why I reacted like this but the only thing I can think of is that my mom uncovered the fraud that I feel like I've been.  Well I went into school and talked with the assistant director about pulling Augie and it went really well, one major issue is that I'm the school board president and will most likely have to resign, which I don't want to do.  Then tonight once we got home, I talked with Augie about it, I asked him what he thought about staying home and not going to school anymore, he looked at me and said "momma not work?" I said "ya, momma would work a little, but Augie wouldn't go to school anymore....what would you want to do?"  he responded "Augie wants to stay with momma"  and so it was decided.  I'm going to keep him in until May and then pull him.  I'm sure between then and now I will go back and forth a hundred times, just typing it now is making it hard to breath and I'm tearing up.  I told Jason that he has to give me more time on his day off and he said "sure, ok", which you all know what that means.

Thanks for walking with me down this next journey, and whether you pray or not, please think of me while I try to find my glass slipper and make this all work out.

PS I called my mom back and apologized, I never want her to feel like she can't suggest things to me, I cherish the open relationship that she and I have and I never want her to edit her emotions or feelings around me.  We all need to have someone that we can literally say whatever to and never feel judged.  She is that to me and I am forever thankful.

Free Shutterfly Book

Just got this code from Pampers for a free 7x9 photo book I'm not sure if it's shareable but I thought I would share in case it is.  GT62-3M0M-GRKR-8JRRZ3  Let me know if it works for you too!

5,000 Mark

Did you notice I reached the 5,000 view mark!!!!! Thank you so much for reading and for all of your feedback, I really do appreciate it.

Gold Stars

To follow up from my last post, when I was overwhelmed with house work my sister reccomended an app that she uses as well to help her with housework.  The app is called Home Routines and as simple as it is I am finding it so effective.  It breaks your day in to two segments; Morning Chores and Evening Chores, and then it breaks your home into Zones.  There are suggested things for chores and zones but everything can be customized.  As you complete each task you give yourself  a gold star and you can see how much you have accomplished for the day.
 I am really loving this and I am finding that this is just what I need to help keep my home in order.  My Morning Chores conisist of this:

• Start Washing Machine
• Check Calendar
• Breakfast Dishes
• Wipe Highchair and Table
• 15 minutes in Focus Zone

My Evening Chores are:

• Dinner dishes
• Wipe highchair and table
• Pick up toys
• Make coffee

Because I am not overwhelming my self on a daily basis of trying to clean the whole house at once, I find that since beginning to do this on Saturday my kitchen and dining room have stayed cleaned and yes my sink is still shiny!  So along with the help of the little fairy, Fly Lady and the home routines app I am confident by month end my whole house will have a deep clean that will be easily manigable for me to upkeep.  Which is a huge relief on my mind, body and spirit!

A Shiny Sink

I have found myself to be extremely overwhelmed this week  which typically leads me to being discouraged.  These two things always go hand in hand with me, like peanut butter and sticky stuff.  One of my biggest causes of overwhelment (is that a word?)  is with housework.  I actually do less of it since I lost my job. Although the addition of a child has something to do with it, the main reason is because when I'm not busy with the kids I feel like I need to be working to try to bring in some type of income.  Plus I'm always picking up toys, doing the dishes and tiding things, so finding time for major scrubbing, dusting or mopping just doesn't happen.

Yesterday I was on the phone with my sister who I might add is the Queen of household management.  Her organizational skills could be in the Guinness book of records.  If I could just do 1/5 of what she does I would be so happy, so when ever she gives me insight into her world I always listen with open ears.  She told me about a website called Fly Lady.  I decided to check it out, the premise is that she encourages you through baby steps and not conquering everything at once.  So I went to the intro page and she said to go shine your sink.  I thought "huh" and well "how shiny can my sink get."  Because we live in an older home most of our things have not been updated, with this being said cleaning can be very unrewarding when your hardwood floors don't shine and your bathroom caulk is stained.  But nonetheless, I took that little purple fairy's advice and when I woke up this morning I set out to shine my sink.  I followed her directions and filled both sides with bleach water to soak for an hour.  After my hour soak was done I began the scrubbing and shining process.  I even broke out the old toothbrush and scrubbed.  Now one thing the Fly Lady didn't address was the possible mayhem that may take place in your other rooms while you are shining your sink.  As I was elbow deep in soft scrub with my ipod blaring I realized that monkey 1 and monkey 2 were being awfully quiet.  I walked into the living room to find that Aug had gotten the craft bag out of the closet and all of the markers, crayons, paint and playdoh were strewn across the floor everywhere.  Fortunately I caught it before a major disaster happened.  After my quick pickup  I went back to shining.  Aug ran into the kitchen swiftly grabbed the tape from the junk drawer and was off.  I quickly put down my towel to see what he was up to and I found he had wrapped Addie up in a spool of ribbon and was taping it around her like a present.

Once I got them settled at the table for lunch, I did my last bit of shining and just like the purple fairy had said I felt great,  I had accomplished something!

Macaroni Kid

I found the Macaroni Kid newsletter in December and I must say it has been a lifesaver.  This is the National Link but you can select the city that you live in/near and subscribe to the newsletter via e-mail.  It is awesome, they send out a weekly e-mail listing all of the kid friendly events in the area in the upcoming week.  It really is a great resource for kids of all ages, she also has other tips and tricks.  I was very fortunate to get in contact with Bree the organizer of the Northwest Columbus Newsletter and she featured a little article that I wrote, link to my article.. It's the first time I have ever written something that has been included in something other than my trusty blog!!

Make sure to check it out!

Pregnant in Heels

Ok, maybe I am over reacting, but Jason flipped it to Bravo's new show Pregnant in Heels. Within 5 mins I felt my self getting extrememly irritated and secretly wishing bad things upon these people!  I mean these people don't even know how to name their own child?!?!? Has anyone else seen this show? 

Very Excited

So with my new Arbonne adventure it has really gotten my creative juices flowing, pair that with this blog and my faithful 13 or so followers and I've decided to embark on yet another adventure!  I know, I know I have a full plate but I'm super pumped.  What I am organizing is a twice a month get together.  I'm going to hold it the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at Urban Podiatry uncle Scot's office.  Which is a really cool building and he has done some amazing things to the property.  I of course have a million ideas for my little gatherings but my mission is to just bring women together to meet new friends, make new business contacts and just get out of the house and have fun.  I'm going to host/sponsor them so I will bring all of my Arbonne for people to try and fun things for us to do, I'm also going to invite different guest speakers or if other business owners want to talk about there services.  I'm really looking forward to it, and as I finalize everything I will keep you all posted.  I hope you can all come some time too!!

Now I'm trying to think of something fun to name it, I want to make up little postcards to put up at some different places.

Love Me Some BabyLegs

BabyLegs are on sale today on Zulily about 45% off!

(Happy?) Anniversary

Today is Jason and I's 4 year wedding anniversary and it's 10:30 and I'm sitting on the couch eating cold pork chops in my pajama's watching last night's American Idol alone.  I rarely have pity party's for myself but today I was just at my wits end.  Jason and I haven't gone out on, around, for or even the same month for our anniversary since our 1st anniversary in 2008.  This year we were supposed to finally get to go out, we were supposed to last year but Augie had a febrile seizure the morning we were supposed to go out, and now we aren't.  Jason has had his City pool tournament which continues into this weekend when my parents were supposed to come up to watch the kids.  Of course if his team wins at 1 they play at 6 which would mean we wouldn't go out to dinner.  My parents have been out of town for two weeks so coming up to "maybe" babysit isn't really ideal when they need to leave first thing in the morning Sunday.  So I suggested they come Friday instead but my step-dad's flight doesn't get in until late so by the time they would get here we couldn't even go out to dinner until after 9. So I told my mom tonight just not to worry about it, the whole weekend is just becoming to much of a pain.

Although I am the one that canceled for the weekend I'm still extremely disappointed.  Jason had to work late tonight so the kids and I went to the grocery around 5 to get a special anniversary dinner for me to make.  This is when I talked to my mom and told them not to come.  Before we had left for the grocery I promised Augie we would rent "The Wolf Movie" (Alpha and Omega) from either redbox or the library, well in the middle of the grocery I found myself fighting back tears and Augie and Addie were both whining so I let Augie have the gourmet Bob Evans mac and cheese and then at checkout we bought "The Wolf Movie."  So as I sat at the table with the kids eating our mac and cheese and apple dinner, I cried.  I more like sobbed, and it was the funniest thing, because no one asked me what was wrong, no one even noticed.  So I cried harder, I cried because I spent to much on mac and cheese, because I broke down and bought a movie just so I didn't have to go to the library because I just wanted to go home, and I cried because once again I wasn't going to be able to have a night alone with my husband. 

Once I quit feeling sorry for myself, I timed out dinner for Jason and I to eat, as I was taking the stuffed pork chops out of the oven he called to let me know that he was on his way home, but his manager had asked him if he could meet up with him, so he was coming home to change if that was ok.  I said it was fine, honestly the night was a bust anyway.  So he swooped through and left again and I cried.  Although my anniversary brings so much joy and happiness it also brings back a lot of pain and raw emotions.  Now, I don't want you to all think Jason is some type of jerk, had he known I was crying all night he wouldn't have left.  But he needed to go, he needs a promotion and we need that for our family.

On my wedding day my dad didn't walk me down the aisle.  It wasn't that he is dead, he wasn't sick, we weren't not on speaking terms, my dad chose not to.  On the most important day of my life (up to that point) my dad committed the un thinkable parental sin, he didn't choose me his daughter he chose himself.  My parents divorced when I was 8 and my mom remarried to my step-dad Randy when I was 11.  I think it's fair to say that Randy raised me.  I don't have a bad relationship with my dad, and I saw him growing up. It was never where he had us every weekend and Wednesdays but we saw him on holidays and sprinkled days in between.  When I got engaged I knew that I wanted both my dad and Randy to walk me down the aisle together.  It wasn't really a choice to me, it was that I loved them both and appreciated them both and although I never would have asked to have to have two dad's that's what I was given and I wanted them both to share that moment with me.  Well when I told my dad that he didn't see it the same way and he said he wouldn't so on my wedding day he didn't walk me down the aisle, he didn't tell me that I was the most beautiful person in the whole world, he didn't dance with me he was just there. 

And so tonight, the loneliness crept in and I looked at Addie and I just cried.  I cried that she will never have to feel that, that she will walk down the aisle on the arm of her poppa on her wedding day and that throughout life he will always choose her.

But in the end of my pity party night, my husband came home, he cuddled in and aside from life's disappointments I had a great anniversary present earlier today when I watched our babies smiles, the babies that have brought Jason and I closer than we ever could have imagined when we said I do.

Ahhhh Rewards

I was able to redeem my  Swagbucks for a $5 amazon gift card for the first time, and I'm only 100 away from my next one!  I also received my first Ebates check today for $19.66.  So if you haven't signed up for either you realy should because it's free money.  Also with Swagbucks I set my iPhone search engine to this site so whenever I use the internet on my phone I just use the Swagbucks site, I usually win anywhere from 7-28 swagbucks a day.

Happy Monday!

Without a Lense

The other night we were in the midst of a 2 year old meltdown.  Of course it was right before dinner which would make dinner result in a battle of the wills and an un-enjoyable time for all.  As Augie began to yell louder and Jason's tone became sharper and shorter I looked at them both and said "go outside and run...don't worry about a coat just run"  Augie quickly grabbed his hat and gloves as did Jason and they headed to the back yard.  As dinner sat on the table getting cold I saw them playing in the backyard and went for my camera.  I took a shot and then looked at it only to find that through the window the picture was grainy and gloomy and the colors seemed dull.  The picture was not at all a representation of what I was experiencing as I watched.  I put down the camera and picked up Addie instead and just watched.  I got lost in them running and laughing and smiling.  What ever was making Augie so upset jut moments before seemed to have completely disappeared.  All of the anxiety and frustration that was in Jason's voice because of a crappy day at work was gone.  As I stood there watching my boys and holding my girl I thought, this is a moment I want to stay in forever.  I want to always remember what I am feeling right now and wrap myself in it whenever I can.  We stood there for awhile watching and it felt like the most intimate time with my family that can never be taken from us. For those moments I didn't think of anything, no bills, no laundry, no lack of sleep, I just thought that I'm the luckiest person in the whole world and I wouldn't change a thing.

Full Circle
A few days later Addie and I went to a Senior Apartment complex to help out Uncle Scot.  I'm not sure we were that much help but we definitely brightened a few peoples day.  Most of the residents rarely see their grown children and grandchildren let alone a stranger's 9 mos old.  While one of the residents was waiting to be seen Addie and I were talking with her about various things.  She was in her 80's blind in one eye because of a brain tumor that had resulted in them removing a large portion of her brain.  She was as sharp as a whip.  She was telling me about her two children a boy and a girl, she looked at me and said " I remember when they were 6 and 7 and we lived on a farm in Missouri, we raised goats,  I was in the kitchen making dinner and the kids were playing in the yard with their father, and I thought to myself this is the best time of my life."  She proceeded to say " I remember that so vividly and I think of that memory often...these really are the best years of your life."  I wanted to start crying right then and there.  It's times like these that I know God exists, although her age and medical history and everything else should make her forget she is still wrapped in that moment.  A moment so intimate, so personal that only true,selfless, love can create.  She still has it to comfort her and that made me smile.

Never Ending

It's midnight and I still have hours of work a head of me.  The days just seem to fly by and there really just aren't enough hours in the day.  I have written some great posts in my brain over the last few days and I really hope that I can put them into writing on here to share with you all, fingers crossed.

Lil miss has been fighting a nasty virus and she has been screaming about 18 hrs a day for the last 5 days so it's been a littl stressfull to say the least.  And Augie decided that he is ready to use the potty.  We have been on the self lead no pressure potty track and sure enough he decided monday that it was time.  Wow, I had no clue how time consuming it would be, especially when I'm busy doing something and I hear a "Momma I gonna go poop on the potty" and I have to drop what I'm doing to go assist.  Ahh he's growing way to fast.

Back to work, and I hear a baby stirring, will catch up soon!

Can't Hardly Wait

So a few days after the conversation with the store owner I received an interesting message on facebook.  Facebook is such a funny little place. I received this message from a guy that I grew up with.

Hey Christy do you remember me? The last time I remember speaking to you wwas in eighth grade I believe. Our lockers were in the same hall and I think we were even in the same art class. After that you kinda dissappeared as I did too I suppose. High School was more of a blur for me, don't remember much at all...I regret that so much, I really regret not knowing where you and other went. Have you ever seen that movie with that young guy who had a crush on Jennifer Love Hewett since grade schoool and finally at the end he lets her know even though its too late? That movie reminds me entirely of you believe it or not. All throughout school, including highschool you were an 11 in a 1-10 rating system, maybe the dimples I dont know, but regardless the only one in your class. The only one that I regret not letting know what was going on in my head. But....it's good to see you are doing good, a family and happy. No kids for me yet, in fact I got a late start, this August I am transferring to Columbus State for the Vet Tech program. Anyhow.....this is already long enough so I had better say bye. Just crossing things off my bucket list for some closure. Dont take it the wrong way or get freaked out though. :)

 

Now I must admit I was flattered.  I mean lets face it, when you are parusing with kids all day and you can't even remember the last time that your husband complimented you, to get a note like this did make me smile.  I do remember who he was, could I pick him out of a lineup maybe.  I still haven't responded, which I feel really bad about.  But I feel like a response could go one of two ways.  SO I wanted to solicit your alls advice!!

 

Where to begin

As I stated earlier it has been a crazy, busy week.  Addie got tubes in both ears on Thursday and did great during surgery, but she did have a double ear infection as to be expected and now she has a cold or something.  I'll probably take her back to the pedi tomorrow because she has been battling a 101-102 degree fever for the past day or two along with not sleeping.  (Which will probably turn this one post into 3 or 4)  Along with tubes it is also March Madness and yes I fill out the brackets and love to follow along.  I actually won one last year and was really hoping for a repeat this year, but after tonight that is looking very improbable.

On to the new chapter in my life.  As most of you know I was laid off from my job as Director of Operations for 2(3) Aveda salons last April.  I was a lucky person whereas I absolutely loved my job. Not to say it didn't have it's moments but for the most part it was great.  I probably never would have left but I truly do believe that all things happen for a reason.  I was 6 weeks shy of having Addie when I was laid off and unfortunately we only had 2 weeks to prepare for my new unemployment status.  I must admit I was kind of on the cocky side and a bit naive to all of the "it's impossible to find a job" hype and I honestly thought I would find one.  Well I have yet to find one, I have extinguished my state unemployment benefits and have now moved on to the federal extension.  Because I have been able to get little side jobs, I claim that on my weekly benefits and it makes my unemployment last a little longer.    I am still actively looking and have applied for over 300 jobs at this point and have received 3 call backs.  Yes that is correct 3 so I'm batting a .01% average.

But truth be told I'm kind of living a stay at home mom lie.  We honestly can't afford it.  There was a reason that I was planning on going back to work after Addie was born and we do struggle week to week.  Now we aren't scraping the bottom of the barrel but if we want to do anything extra there is no money there.  So I have been praying, jotting, applying, brainstorming ect... for some type of way to make a steady income from home.  When voila my friend Melissa calls.

Melissa and I met in Lamaze class and we had our first babies 3 days apart, I had a boy (obviously) she had a little girl 3 days later.  We stayed in touch after class and then after the babies were born met with another girl from our class for weekly walks until sadly she moved.  We have remained friends and get together about twice a year, we also found out we were pregnant for the second time around the same time and this time our babies were 4 days a part, she had another baby girl on a Monday and Addie was born that Friday.  Well I have always thought that our friendship and our chance meeting had a purpose.  The reason I say chance is because I delivered at OSU but decided to take my class through Riverside not OSU.

So here's the fun part, I am so excited that I have become an Arbonne Consultant with Melissa.  We are diving into this adventure together and I am so hopeful for what the future brings.  If you are wondering what Arbonne is, it's a great botanical skin care line that is all natural. There products range from baby care to anti aging, make-up to vitamins.  With my salon experience and working with Aveda I feel like this is something I'm very passionate about as well as have some contacts.  I'm really excited to  go on this journey and am optimistic that it will provide for us a source of income that brings us to a more comfortable place.

I will definitely be updating you all on my progress, but don't worry I won't be converting this into a sellers blog, although I will be sharing things as they come up.  And of course if you have any questions for me about the products or want to hear more or be one of my guinea pigs and help me host a workshop I would be more than grateful!!

Busy Week

I have so much to share with you all about the excitement of this past week and new direction life is taking me.  I will post more tomorrow, but in the mean time I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather.

Little Bonuses

I'm sure by now you are all signed up for Groupon but I just got an e-mail that I have $40 groupon bucks good towards any purchase.  I LOVE free money!!

Check out CheckPoints

Funny story about this post!  Yes I have this app, I haven't blogged about it because I'm not really in love with it.  But I didn't post this, Augie did!!! He loves playing with my phone and thinks that this app is a game so he somehow got to the referal page and one of the first e-mails in my phone is the e-mail for this blogger site.  Ahhhh technology.
Hi!

Just wanted to tell you about CheckPoints, a cool Android and iPhone app that lets you earn prizes like gift cards, airline miles and gadgets just by checking out cool products.

Let's say you are going shopping...fire up CheckPoints and see how many points you can earn in nearby places. Earn maximum CheckPoints by scanning products at your favorite locations.

We will both get bonus CheckPoints if you sign up using my code:

crbertolo2

Get the app at http://www.checkpoints.com.

Have fun!

Plum District

Here's another Daily Deal site called Plum District, right now if you refer two friends you get a $10 gift card to California Pizza Kitchen!! Yummy, here's my referral link.

Thanks Allison!

My (not so) Ordinary Life

I find my life to be pretty boring, which I'm totally fine with.  Well as boring as life can be with a 2 1/2 year old and a 9 mos old.  But sometimes I realize that the things that happen to me on a weekly sometimes daily basis aren't really of the norm.  It usually isn't until it's brought to my attention that I stop and think "oh, that doesn't happen to everyone?".  On friday one of my friend's who I used to work with came over for pizza with her husband and daughter.  Jason started telling the story about a conversation I had last week with a local shop owner.

 *Note Jason is a funny guy, well he thinks he is funnier than he is, but he has a dry humor and he is always messing with people.  I get his humor so when I tell you his comments don't think he's a total jerk!

What did she just ask?!?!?
       Last weekend I stopped by a local shop that the kids and I frequent, I had dropped one of Addie's toys in the parking lot and they had it there.  I typically go during the week and talk with one of the owners but the other owner works on saturday and was there when I stopped by.  I have met her a few times but I wouldn't know her if I saw her at the park like I do the other.  For our conversation I'm just going to refer to her as SO (store owner).

SO- "hi there! Look at you, how did you lose all the baby weight? you are so skinny."
Me (taken a little off gaurd) " thanks, chasing the two kids around"
SO- "Oh come on, you don't eat" nudging me "I mean none of us do!"
Me (doing an awkard laugh) "So, I'm hear to pick up a toy we left"
So "By the way did your husband come in last week with your son?"
Me- "No, wasn't him"
SO " Oh it looked like your little boy...be honest are you way better looking than your husband"
Me (puzzled and a little in shock) " Umm what??"
SO -"like did your husband marry out of his league with you?  This guy I saw that I thought maybe was your husband, I thought wow I bet she gets what ever she wants because he definitely married out of his league, he was not attractive.  So be honest are you better looking than your husband?"
Me (spying the toy on the counter) " No, I'd say that my husband and I are on equal ground...oh there's our toy, well it was great seeing you again, take care!!"
SO- "You too, nice talking with you!"

I walked back to the car thinking, did I really just have that converation?!?!? When I got back in the car I started laughing, Jason asked what I was laughing about, so I filled him in on the conversation I had just had.  When I finished my story he responded "Equal? You said equal?  You married way out of your league with me!" (with a smile)  I smiled and said "Yep I sure did, old man, I sure did."  (Jason is 8  years older than me.) 

Zoku

So I'm officially in love with my Zoku!  I'm not quite sure why I didn't use it before but we now use it daily.  We haven't made anything exciting yet other than apple juice pops and mango/guava pops but it is one of the best part of our days.  I know it might sound silly because you may be thinking "just freeze some juice in the freexer"  But there is something about having only a 10 min wait time that makes it really exciting for a toddler, plus they are perfectly shaped popcicles!

Check back soon for a video of us using our Zoku.

Swagbucks Update

So I started using the Swagbucks website on February 23rd and 18 days later I already have earned 465 Swagbucks which I think I will redeem for a $5 amazon gift card to go towards diapers.  It was super easy so pretty much like free money.  There are all sorts of things you can do like find swagcodes, watch videos or do a daily poll but I took the easy way and just used the search engine.  Yep that was it, so instead of using Yahoo I just typed my search in Swagbucks instead.  So if you use the computer at all I recommend it, because it's really that easy.  They have a ton of prizes as well so I may just save up, I haven't decided yet!!

Thanks Allison!!

Exception to the Rule

On Tuesday the kids and I went to the Zoo.  We spent 5 hours there!!! Augie is obsessed with animals and would live there if we let him.   But while we were at the zoo we went into the indoor food court by Africa.  It's typically the only one open off season and  although I had packed lunch for the kids, I hadn't packed myself any.  Strollers aren't permitted in the food area and I was thinking as we were heading there how I was going to fanagal (sp?) the kids and the tray and all those random things.  The thought went through my head "well no one is here, I'm sure they wouldn't care if I brought the stroller in"  and I even thought about maybe writing the Zoo a letter about during off season allowing strollers in, or putting a sign out when it's ok.  No I "know" I wouldn't have gotten in trouble by breaking this rule, but I'm a rule follower and I parked my stroller outside.  I ordered my food, got the kids situated at the table and then the nice guy just brought me over my food so I didn't have to get up.  As we were eating a few tables over there were 3 moms with their 5 little ones talking about this that and whatever.  We were close enough that I could hear their conversations, the first mom had gotten their first and then her friends showed up.  Someone brought up the no stroller policy and here was her response " Oh, I usually just bring mine in, I mean what are they going to do, tell me a mom of two little ones that I need to leave it outside when I'm by myself, sure, I mean come on."  I kind of thought about her comment the rest of the time at the zoo.  When you are at the zoo for that long with out another adult to talk to you have conversations with yourself about things such as this!

I'm interested to know your all's thoughts.  My take is this, given her reasoning then wouldn't we all be an exception to the rule.  Which would make the rule null and void because it's a no stroller rule, and although I know that kids of all ages ride in strollers at the zoo the median age is probably 3 and under.  And if we all decided that this rule doesn't apply to us, the whole purpose of the rule which I'm assuming is to make the indoor seating more accessible, would be a nightmare because it would be overcrowded by strollers.  I'm always by myself when I'm out and about with the kids and am always having to get creative so when people make comments like this it just rubs me the wrong way.  But I definitely want to hear your thoughts too, even if you are a rule breaker!

The Roller Coaster

I sometimes feel like everyday is like a roller coaster that I'm riding on but I'm not at an amusement park instead I'm at home, in my mini-van or who knows where else.  I also never get off the roller coaster and I must admit sometimes I get a little motion sickness.  Yesterday was one of those days where the highs and the lows were making me dizzy and periods of euphoria were smacked down by feelings of frustration and anger.

Our day started out fun, we went to this great paint studio called Gallery 202 and met some friends for a play date.  Class was over by 11 so we decided to go to McDonald's with one of our friends since it was too early for a nap.  Of course my nap theory backfired and Augie decided to not take a nap and Addie just slept in the car.  Once we were home and I realized that no one was going to take naps I decided we would take a trip to the Grocery to pick up my Dry Cleaning.  It was around 3.  Once we got in the car I quickly realized that I didn't have my wallet. I scoured the car, ran inside looked everywhere and then remember that it had fallen out at McD's and I had shoved it into my pocket.  I got the kids back into the house amidst a 2 year old over tired melt down and called McD's.  Of course they kept putting me on hold so I finally decided to get everyone back in the car and drive the 25 mins to Westerville.  I got a hold of McD's en route and they hadn't found it, I thought I probably had lost it in the parking lot so I scoured the parking lot and still no wallet.  On my way back I called to cancel all of my credit cards.

Side note; I decided whoever designed the whole canceling of credit cards wasn't thinking like someone who just lost their wallet.  My credit card is through my bank and when I called and followed the prompt it gave me the following options...Press 1 to report your debit card, Press 2 to report your ATM card, Press 3 to report your Credit Card and so on.  It should just give you the option to Press 6 if your whole wallet is gone!!!  So once I picked one option then it asked me for a user id.  Huh???? What user id? so I just pressed 0 (a few times) it then said please enter your account number.  I know some people have this memorized but I don't so I pressed 0 (a few more times, a little harder)  All I wanted to do was to talk with someone! Then of course once I did get a live person I had to verify my last deposit, which apparently I was $5 off so that didn't work, so I had to verify a transaction.  Now I'm sure there is a good reason for all this.   I kept thinking "hmmmm if I stole(found) someones credit card why would I call and cancel the account for them!". 

But anyways after getting transferred to cancel my other cards it was done and we were back home.  The cards were cancelled and I was hanging my vest up in the closet when I saw Augie's crayon/marker bag on the floor of the closet, and there in the bag was my wallet.  It must have fallen out when I hung it up the first time.  And even though I looked in the closet I didn't see it the first time. Go Figure.

Fast forward 2 hours to dinner time, I had gotten all of the dishes done while I was getting dinner ready and decided that we would eat on paper plates.  It's so annoying to get all of the dishes clean and then have 2 sink fulls after dinner.  It's a vicious cycle and I was just over it yesterday.  Jason gets home 2 hours late because he had to work an hour over and then had a chiropractors appt, which when I've had a long day every min he's late is a min too long.  So he gets home the kids have already started eating and I put his fettuccine on a paper plate and he starts giving me grief about serving noodles on a paper plate.  Saying something about the paper absorbing the sauce yaddy yaddy yaddy.  I quickly responded that I just didn't want to do dishes and that I was over it.  Then he of course jumped down my throat about his bad day at work and we ate dinner in silence.  Then he decided to check out.  Now I consider myself fortunate that when Jason needs some alone time he goes to Target and TJ Maxx but man it really got my blood boiling last night.  Checking out is totally not even an option for me.  I'm always checked in!!!  There is never a moment, an instance, a second where I can just throw on my coat and say "I'm going out".  Just to leave the house by myself it takes planning, preparation, making sure everything is set up for my departure.  You would think I was going on a mini vacation just to run to the grocery by myself.  I guess I just don't get it.  I know it goes back to how we are wired but still, he has NO CLUE what it is like to have a crappy day and not be able to show it.  I know that you shouldn't always put on a front for your kids, but I do, nobody wants a grumpy momma.

So that was my roller coaster yesterday, ups and downs, flips and races, hoping I at least get a flat stretch today.

Popcicles Umm Never Mind

Jason bought me a Zoku Popsicle maker 2 years ago for Christmas.  I have to be honest I had never actually used the Zoku that I just "had" to have.  I was already to make them a few weeks ago when I pulled it out of the freezer and much to my horror the Zoku was leaking this weird blue fluid.  I called Williams Sonoma and told them about my oozing Zoku and lucky for me I wasn't the first one to have this happen to them so they gladly would replace it for.  So I decided last night I was finally going to make Popsicles and chocolate pudding pops sounded like the perfect choice.  The Zoku has to freeze for 24 hrs before use so we had been hyping up the creation of the fudgecicles for a whole day.  Early into the Popsicle making we ran into a little snafu, I'm not sure if you have ever made pudding but it's 5 min pudding and although 5 mins seems like a long time it's really fast when you are trying to let your 2 1/2 year old help.  The pudding was thickening as Jason was trying to pour it into the machine, here is the conversation that transpired.

       Me "you are supposed to put the sticks in first, then pour"
       Jason-putting the first stick in then pouring "it's dumb they tell you to put the stick in first...this harder than it looks the pudding is really thick...we're going to do this poppa's way" filling first then putting the stick in the next 2 molds
       ...10 long minutes later
       Me "Popsicles are ready!!!!!"
       Augie "Yay, chocolate, yay!"
      Me "hey hun" pause "they won't come out"
      Jason "I'll try"  tries all 3 unsuccessfully then claims and old finger injury. (yes I'm serious!)
      Me- reading the directions titled Help My Popsicles Won't Come Out "if you insert the sticks after you pour the Popsicles will not come out...de-thaw,clean, dry completely and then refreeze for 24 hrs"

Thanks dear!!!!

We will be attempting Juice Pops tomorrow night.  To be continued...

Chicken Noodle Soup Go To

Everyone needs a go to or a staple recipe.    This recipe was given to me by Jason's grandma, the first time I saw her whip it up in under 5 mins I was in awe and then once I tasted it I was in love.  So here it is from my kitchen to yours!

Grandma B's Chicken Noodle Soup

What you need:

• Rotiserree Chicken-meat pulled off
• Carrots Sliced- how ever much you like I always have baby carrots and cut up about 10 or so.
• Celery Sliced- your choice again, I do about 3 stalks.
• Onion Diced- I use about a 1/2 a bag of frozen diced onion.
• 8-12 cups of Chicken Broth or Stock- I use L.B. Jamison's Soup Base.  It is my ultime favorite, I use it in any recipe that calls for chicken broth or stock. It's 1 tsp per 8oz of boiling water and I always like to throw in an extra tsp.
• 1/2 a box of Acini Di Pepe noodles- I buy the Giant Eagle brand.
• Salt, Pepper and Parsley Flakes.

1. Bring 8-12 cups of chicken stock to a boil in a large stock pot add carrots,celery, chicken, onion, salt, pepper and parsley flakes.  Cover and reduce heat to a simmer (low/med) heat.
2. Simmer for about 30 mins until veggie's are tender.
3. While the soup is simmering, cook noodles as directed.
4. Put a scoop or two of noodles in each bowl and pour soup over.  Serve with bread and we like to sprinkle fancy parmesean or ramano cheese. Enjoy!

* When storing leftovers store the noodles and soup seperately, this keeps it brothier.

Club Bravo

I'm going out tonight with some friends to celebrate one of the girls recent engagements.  They just opened a Bravo about 10 mins away so we are heading there.  I was wondering if there were any coupons out there that I could use.  Don't worry I texted my friends to make sure they didn't mind!  I went to Bravo's website and noticed they had a spot to sign up for Club Bravo  with just a name, e-mail, b-day and anniversary day I was done! Within a minute I received a coupon for a free appetizer, that I will be sharing tonight with my friends!!

A little update, I have gotten an overwhelming response since my friend post and I just wanted to say thanks and for those of you who are struggling as well I realized that sometimes you just have to put yourself out there vulnerabilities and all and good things will happen.

Totsy

I've heard of Totsy and thought "hey you can never get too many daily deals."   I know a few people who have purchased things from there, so we'll see!

Bath Time

I'm a bath girl, I always have been, Jason says I'm part mermaid.  So to unwind I take a bath, before Augie I took a bath every night.  Before Addie I took a few baths a week now I take a bath a month.  I decided to take a bath the other night.  Addie had fallen asleep at 7 and Augie was content with Jason watching a movie so I decided it seemed like a great time.  I drew a bath put some Beautifying Composition in it, grabbed my Good Housekeeping and set off to bath land.  I didn't get one foot in before I heard Addie wake up and start screaming.  Running to her rescue was her Poppa who loves her dearly but after 6pm she hates.  I decided to let them work that out and take my bath still as I sat down I realized it was totally luke warm which to me it might as well been cold.  I like HOT baths really HOT baths.  So I'm sitting in my cold bath listening to the tranquil sounds of Addie screaming and Jason trying to calm her when in walks Augie with his "wormie"  also known as a draft stopper door pillow.  He sits next to bath and starts asking questions "momma what's that? are those your boobies? momma wutch you doowee?"  Then his eyes lit up and he said "momma I know, you need bubbles!!!" So there I was sitting in my cold bath, listening to Addie scream (Jason had given up trying to talk her out of her screams at this point) and Augie was blowing bubbles at me for ambiance.

It. was. fabulous.

Aveda's Best Kept Secret

I was going through my medicine cabinet the other day and I thought I would share with you my all time favorite Aveda product ever!!!

Beautifying Composition

It's a versatile oil that everyone should keep in their medicine cabinet.  Some of my favorite things are:

• It moisturizes extremely dry skin, I used it daily when I was on accutane and it did wonders.
• If you get sunburned or a little pink apply before bed and you will wake up the next morning not burnt and you won't ever peel.
• Put it in your bath for moisture and a light airy scent.
• Use it to give yourself a scalp massage before your shower or bath.  It will moisurize a dry scalp plus scalp massages help promote hair growth.

Do you have any products that you can't live without and you use multiple ways?

Same Difference

Yesterday we were on a mission to buy Brown Bear, Brown Bear.  We had every other Eric Carle book except for this one and Augie, who is obsessed with books, kept informing me that we didn't have it.  So as we were getting  ready to leave, I had just put my scarf on when we had this conversation:
             Note: I have learned that I have to repeat back to Augie everything he says, if I don't he will continue to repeat himself until I do.  Yes, I usually have to do this every conversation we have.

     Augie "Momma you wook pritty"
     Me "Aww, thanks Augie you think momma looks pretty"
     Augie " No, momma you wook wike a piggie"
     Me (deflated) "Oh, I look like a piggie??"
     Augie "  yes, you wook wike Pigwet, he wears a scarp too"

Unexpected Response

First I want to thank everyone for their encouraging comments and messages.  My intent was not to make anyone sad I just wanted to bring light to a subject that obviously a lot of women deal with.  So thanks for listening.

Second in my quest to de-clutter and make money I have began walking around the house with my iphone camera taking pictures and posting to craigslist.  I decided to put my Kate Spade Diaper bag up for sale that I only used a handful of times.  Of course the first and only inquiry I have received was from a non-profit Catholic School wondering if I would want to donate it to their silent auction and then write it off as a donation on my taxes next year.  I gently declined and explained that if the situation was different I would definitely consider but given that I lost my job and we are trying to make money where we can I would be unable.  I also suggested that she call a salon or spa if she hasn't already, because we were always donating products and services.  Well I didn't expect to hear back from her and then the next morning I received this e-mail:

          I totally understand.  I am unemployed as well.  Not to get into your business, but I used to be a case worker for children’s services:  So I want to make sure that you have hit everything that you can apply for to get items you can get to help you in this time.    Unemployment will help, but make sure that you have applied for WIC.  As well as calling 211.  There is a website that 211 will give you to research as well as ODJFS.com  you can all also call or get online to St. Steven’s community house.  They will help with formula and diapers.  Call JOIN and they will be able to refer you to other agencies for formula and diapers.  There are many agencies that will be able to give you a can of formula here or there.  And if you go around to collect those in additions to the WIC you will not have to worry about buying those.  Plus, the agencies will help with diapers, the two main costs with infants.

You can also get babysitting to go and look for a job.  It is a matter of looking and asking for the right agencies to fund it.  So don’t get down with it. 

And to be honest with you, even thought I have had to coupon beyond belief and watch every dime, I have had so much fun this last year with my children.

We will add you and your baby in our prayers and hope that things get better for you.

Chris

I just thought that was very sweet and wanted to share.  I mean I'm just a random person on Craigslist and she didn't have to respond with anything.  It's nice to know there are kind people out there.

Hand Me Down Over Load

We are truly blessed to get hand me downs for Augie, but they have been a little overwhelming.  I've been reading Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui and have been working on getting rid of somethings in the house.  I think I stated earlier that I'm expecting it to take about 6-9 mos to get through the entire house top to bottom.  So I decided to tackle the bags, among bags, among bags of boys clothes sized 3-5 given to us from my sister and sister in law.  Because in reality there is no way that Augie could wear all of the clothes given to him, and after sorting the clothes I realized that there is no way 5 boys could wear all of the clothes given to us.  I found myself totally sounding like an old lady when I was going through the bags, I kept mumbling to myself " they need smaller closets, there kids should have to share a room, they should have 2 kids worth of clothes in one dresser, they have too much storage space".  Now don't get me wrong I'm totally thankful but seriously there was a TON of clothes and all good clothes, in good condition, nothing was stained or ripped, everything was a brand name and everything was cute.  So as I went through I had to pick and choose what to keep and what to give away.  As I was going through the size 4 pants I started throwing the ones I liked into a storage bin.  Once I was done with size 4 I looked up and realized that 38 pairs of pants it probably too many for Augie.

Yes, I gave size 4 pants away too.

After 2 hours and 8 bags I was finally through all of the hand me downs.  I'm sending what I decided not to keep to my mom's friends grandson.  My guess is that she will be able to pass the bags on to at least 3 more little boys.

The 3 full bags I'm giving away.

I was so excited to get this done, my house is feeling Feng Shui-ey already! Well not really but it does feel good.

Friends

Sorry that it's been a few days.  The weekends always fly by and I spent all day Monday sorting through hand me downs, which is a whole other post in itself.  I've been kind of struggling lately about friends or my lack there of.  I'm interested to know how everyone makes new friends?  I don't want to say I don't have any unfortunately for me most of my friends don't live in Columbus which I absolutely hate.  I feel like I was very fortunate to have an amazing group of girlfriends growing up but we all live in different states and I long to have friendships like that as an adult. 

When I was working all of my friends were from the salon, and although I still stay in contact with some, some of the ones I was closest to have since moved away.  So I find myself weekly at a loss almost scouring for someone to invite me to hang out. Me as in Christy not me as in Momma to Augie and Addie.  I'm the type of person who will hang out with anyone if I'm invited and I really don't have a problem inviting myself a long some times too. 

I'm not quite sure why it has been bumming me out so much lately, it could be the weather, it could be because I tried to reconnect with a once close friend who I had a falling out with a few years ago and she congratulated me on the birth of Addie and then said the door has been shut and could never be reopened. (ouch), or maybe it's because I just saw a girls weekend on facebook that a bunch of FB friends went on and it made me sad that I don't have that.  Regardless of the reason the lack of connection is still there. 

I'm on a nestie chat board and have met some really great mom's through there but you know how sometimes there is a comfort of having a computer screen separate your realities?  I find that I can usually pour my heart out to a computer screen and talk more candidly about every topic sometimes easier then I can face to face.  I think it's because there is a comfort in the screen knowing that you don't have to see the recipients expression or see them the next day or see them ever. 

Since I have come to the conclusion that everyone will not be moving closer to me I need to find some people in Columbus.  Or am I just being silly, should I just be thankful that I have some really great people in my life and even though I only get to see them once a year be happy with that! I guess I have began to realize that I'm no one's best friend anymore and as juvenile as that sounds it still makes me sad.

Chipotle BOGO

I'm sure by now most have you have seen this, but just in case you haven't Chipotle is offering a buy one get one coupon in exchange for watching a 1 1/2 video clip promoting the new show on NBC America's Next Great Restaurant.  The show actually looks pretty entertaining, so the process is painless. Just go to their facebook page here, like the page and then watch the video and voila you can print out your coupon!

Ooooh Baby Part 2

As I stated earlier, my two deliveries and babies couldn't be any more different.   We were very fortunate and were able to get pregnant pretty much on the first try both times.  So when we started talking about baby number 2 we were hopeful that we would get pregnant fast again.  I found out I was pregnant with Addie while I was training for a 1/2 marathon, I would be 9 weeks along the day of the race and was secretly hoping that my Dr would tell me I had to stop training, but she didn't so I ran the race and have yet to run since.  So here is the story of baby number two.

Lil' Miss Addie
  When I went in for my first ultrasound at 9 weeks, immediately I knew that something looked different.  There just seemed to be a lot of empty space on the screen.

9 week ultrasound

My Dr said that it appeared that I possibly was originally pregnant with twins and that the second sac didn't form, they call it a vanishing twin.  She said it's somewhat common and it should absorb back into the other sac, so we scheduled for a followup ultrasound 2 weeks later.  I must admit I cried when I left that day, I think especially after you have had a baby and truly watched the evolution that unfolds in your body you have a much deeper feeling on life (at least I did.) I was sad for the twin I maybe lost because for some reason Jason and I both were thinking twins. 

So I went back 2 weeks later and the sac was still there just as large and the baby was still doing well, so she referred me to a high risk pregnancy Dr for follow up ultra sounds.  After my initial appointment at the new office it was apparent that I did not have a vanishing twin but instead had something in my uterus, what we did not know.  So I continued getting ultrasounds there every 4-6 weeks for 4 months.  What was nice about it was that I would get to have these 1 hr ultrasounds on a big screen TV and get to see the baby growing and detailed, it was at this office that we found out we were having a baby girl.  Because we didn't know what the thing was in my uterus we just monitored the baby.  Regardless there really isn't a whole lot that can be done while you are pregnant and baby girl (that's what I called her) was growing and thriving so there was no urgency to investigate more.  Throughout every ultrasound though baby girl was always breech, always.  She was measuring ahead just like Augie but I had no intentions of having a c-section even though I was given the go ahead because of the size. 

As my due date was slowly approaching it was becoming more evident that she would not be flipping.  We tried just about everything except for version, I had no desire.  I would throughout the day rub my belly in a clockwise motion calmly telling the baby to follow my hand, Jason on the other hand would yell to my hoo-ha "come towards the light baby girl, come to my voice", neither worked.  The thing with a breech baby especially a big breech baby is it really feels so weird, your body is designed for the baby to be head down, and baby girls head was protruding to the left all of the time she moved and it looked like an alien sometimes.

We scheduled a c-section for 1 week before my due date about a month in advance just to get me on the books, we had our final ultra sound the week before my scheduled date just to make sure she hadn't flipped.  She of course did not listen to her poppa to follow the light.  My Dr and I kind of guessed that because of the thing in my uterus it may have been blocking her a little to move as freely as she would like.

On May 21st I went in for my c-section.  If I'm being totally honest I will tell you this, I HATED the c-section.  We dropped Augie off at daycare and got to the hospital around 10am for a 12pm c-section.  I delivered once again at OSU (Ohio State University Medical Center), and when you are prepping for a c-section you are in a pre-op room with 4 or 5 other people divided by a curtain.  Remember the coat closet recovery room I was left in after Augie?  Well I found out that it wasn't the coat closet it was the pre/post op room but I was facing all of the scrubs.   So Jason and I are in pre-op anxiously awaiting when they wheel in "Randi" with an "I", well she just had had an emergency c-section on her 5th child.  When the nurse was asking her her medical history and asked if she smoked her response was " well I quit 3 days ago so you could say that I'm not a smoker" (in my best WT/RN accent.)  She then explained that she was "gonna go get myself fixed if this baby makes it through ok."  I think that is a fabulous idea.  Jason and I just looked at each other and I said she's really messing with my zen right now.  I think it's funny that when you have a vaginal delivery they set you up in this serene stress free room but then with a c-section they treat it just like a surgery. 

I was taken back at noon and Jason had to wait in the hall while they got me prepped.  This is one of the reasons I hated it, I received the spinal which is a crazy experience, it really does completely numb you from the chest down.  I kept telling myself to wiggle my toes but I couldn't and then I thought "wow an epidural has nothing on a spinal!".  But as everyone was working diligently to get me ready I had nothing to take my mind of the fear and nervousness I had for this major surgery.  No music, no TV, no Jason just to talk to me.  I think people forget that c-sections are major abdominal surgeries they aren't just some in and out thing, and having Augie too I have to say I was really scared that something may happen to me.  So all these thoughts were running through my head and I started to get really uneasy and started to cry, I looked at the anesthesiologist and asked "can my husband please come in now"  so they went in and got him.  As soon as he came in the surgery began, Addie was born around 12:45 pm and was a petite 8 lbs 13 oz.  And when I say petite I'm not being facetious she looked tiny compared to Augie.  And just like Augie I got to see her for a minute and then they whisked her off to the nursery and Jason followed and once again I was left alone in the O.R.

I was in the O.R. for over an  hour, we had issues with my placenta and she could not get it detached from the uterine wall.  This was kind of to be expected because of my previous placenta accreta.  The thing with c-sections is that although you are numb you still feel everything, it just doesn't hurt.  So as they were trying to get it detached they were pulling and tugging on my insides while I was still cut open.  I began to get really nauseous from the roller coaster from within, they gave me a shot of something because the thought of throwing up was just another nightmare in itself.  So as I was laying there I finally started to relax after the shot and started talking candidly about "Randi" with an "I" and how she was messing up my zen, and also that they should think about having some music or head phones or maybe just knocking the mom out during this whole section, because it was brutal.  I was finally wheeled back to the coat closet and after 2 hours apart Addie and I were reunited.

Addie took right to breastfeeding and did an awesome job, from the start she had no desire to take a paci.  My milk came in by the time we left the hospital and little missy miss became a 10 min nurser.  Because of the complications after Augie we already had my prenatal visit and ultra sound scheduled.  My milk supply was never in abundance but it was enough to satisfy my little peanut.  So when I went in 6 weeks later we found that my uterus was still filled,  we were going to do an MRI but at 8 weeks Addie was still refusing to take a bottle.  If a bottle touched that child's lips she would arch back and scream, we tried every bottle and nipple type, we tried to get her hungry, tried when she was sleepy tried to trick her, she wanted nothing to do with anything!! She hates bottles and paci's still to this day.  So I went in for my MRI with contrast and told them that I couldn't do it because they said I would need to pump and dump for 48 hrs.  When I went back to the Dr 2 weeks later we did another ultrasound and scheduled for a D&C.  So there I was at 8 weeks PP still bleeding and having a D&C again.  I had to pump and dump for 24 hrs and it was the longest 24 hrs ever.  Addie refused to eat from a bottle, we had to force feed her with a medicine dropper.  She ate about 6oz that whole day.  SO when someone says "they will eat when they are hungry" they have never met Addie Mae!  After my D&C we followed up with another ultrasound 4 weeks later and I still continued to bleed.  When we had the ultrasound we found a mass.  I  finally had my MRI about 4 mos PP and once again Addie went on a 24 hour hunger strike, and after the MRI and another biopsy it was concluded that I have a fibroid. 

So I somehow developed a fibroid in between having Augie and getting pregnant with Addie.  The fibroid grew on the scar tissue that was left after the placenta accreta with Augie and the placenta from Addie adhered to the fibroid.  So that's where we stand today.  I'm scheduled for another ultrasound next month to see if anything new has changed.

WHEW!!! Well there it all is, I think.  Thanks for reading all the way to the end. 

Dr. Seuss Story Time

If you are looking for something to do tomorrow, Targets nationwide are having story time from 9-11am.  Here is a link to find more information about the story time near you!

Amazon Wipes

If you are getting ready to buy some diapers or anything else from Amazon and are getting some wipes, use the code MOMWIPES and get an additiional 10% off wipes!

Is That Going to Scar?

Last night when I was putting Addie down for bed she was a little fussy so I stood at her crib and patted her back.  While standing in their dark room I closed my eyes and began to daydream.  I started to think of the beach and a vacation that I so want to take and then I felt like I had to pee.  Then all of a sudden it dawned on me, for both of my kids entire life they have been lulled to sleep by sounds of the ocean and running water.  They know no different, for all I know they think that at night time, waves roll through the grass and flocks of sea gulls fly through the night sky like bats.  And then I thought to myself, how much therapy is this going to cost us!! We've kind of blocked out the wave machine at night, but sometimes in the middle of the night I am reminded of the sea gulls flying overhead.  The kids have never been to the beach so they don't even know the sounds that they are listening to.  I know that every decision we make we have a 50/50 chance they will need to go to therapy for so I wonder if the waves will leave a scar, how bad would I feel if one day one of them tells me they had nightmares everynight about sea gulls!!

Swagbucks

Allison a friend I have met through the wonderful world of online life introduced me to Swagbucks.  I'm still learning the ins and outs and it's another one of those sites where you get out what you put in.  In a nutshell you earn Swagbucks and then you can redeem them for prizes or gift cards.  I've decided to start using the site to get Amazon gift cards to pair with the diaper deals.  I just signed up a few days ago and have earned 76 swagbucks so far.  You have a variety of ways to earn what I do is everyday I take their daily poll and then I use their search engine to search instead of yahoo and google.  If you use their search engine you will be randomly selected to earn swagbucks, I've been randomly selected everyday.  Feel free to sign up using this link.  I know you can find codes too but I haven't gotten that far yet!

Free Apps

Since becoming an iPhone family we have all become a little addicted even Augie.  I received an e-mail today from Fisher-Price and their new Laugh & Learn Apps.  So far they have been a hit at our house so I thought I would share!

I Cheated

I've been cheating on my husband.  Jason loves scrabble, his whole family does.  It is one of the things I love about his family, if you go to his Grandma's everyone sits down for a competitive game of scrabble.  Jason knows all of the little words like "Jo" and "Qat"  all the tricks to get the maximum points.  While trying to prepare him for an iPhone I showed him Scrabble on the iTouch and I have since created a monster.  He plays it all the time.  So every night we now play a pass-n-play game and for the last 2 nights I have lost by 1 point. 1 stinkin' point!!!! So last night we were playing and I was getting beat so I decided to use the "best word" heart.  It's a little button that you can press and it takes your tiles and puts the best word for the maximum points.  So throughout the game I used all 4 of my hearts, but I never once told him.  So as we were laying down for bed I mentioned that I would not be losing tomorrow night by 1 point!!! He told me he was proud of me and how good I had gotten and I felt a tiny pang of guilt.  Then when we turned out the light and gave me a kiss he said "Are you going to use up all 4 of your Best Word Hearts again?"  BUSTED!!!!

My Daily Battle

In case you didn't know I have Narcolepsy, which in Lehman's terms means that I fall asleep easily and am always tired.  It is something that I have dealt with for a long time but wasn't diagnosed with until about 5 years ago.  What I don't have is Narcolepsy with Cataplexy (thankfully) which is what most people think of when they hear the word Narcolepsy.  Cataplexy is when the person falls asleep during an activity, usually what you see in most movies or comedy skits.  What I battle with daily is exhaustion, with Narcolepsy I feel exhausted all day everyday.   It can be treated with medication which is typically what I do but you can't take anything while you are pregnant or nursing.  For some reason both times I have been pregnant my body has created some type of hormone and my Narcolepsy has seemed to diminish, when most people are struggling with low energy levels during pregnancy I was thriving the whole way through.  Because I have chose to breast feed for a year I have just had to battle it daily and some days are harder than others.

Today was a hard day.  As some of you know my kids don't sleep.  I try not to complain about it because frankly I don't want unsolicited advice on the matter.  You know how you have those random things that you just don't want to hear people's 2 cents about? Well this is my thing.  I don't know why but I get defensive when people try to tell me about what I should do regarding my kids sleeping or lack there of.  Maybe it's because I only get about 4 hrs of sleep total a night, 6 hrs is a really great night.  But it's my problem to deal with and I have super happy kids during the day so I'll take the trade off.  Alot of times people ask me how I do it and I always think it's a funny question because well you just do.  I mean it's like anything with motherhood you don't really have a lot of options when it comes to certain things with your kids.    Anyways back to today, I have all of these tricks I do to keep my brain stimulated so that I can stay awake.  That's one of the reasons we are always on the go, this is the only way to keep me going, if we are at home too long sitting around I can barely keep my eyes open literally.  Today I made the mistake of putting on comfy pants when we got home from Addie's 9 mos appt.  my jeans had gotten wet from the snow so I grabbed some PJ pants.  Then when Addie went down for her nap I laid down to and slept.  It.was.great. But then I realized all of the things I didn't get done, the house is a mess, and the problem with Narcolepsy is that naps don't make you feel refreshed.

Why as mom's do we always have so much on our "To Do Lists"  I mean really? Is there ever a day where we won't beat ourselves up about taking an hour to just do nothing?  I'm guessing maybe not, or maybe once the kids are older.  Thanks for letting me be totally random and now you can say you have a friend with Narcolepsy!

Ebates

I know I have mentioned Ebates before but I just saw that they are having a promotion where you can pick a gift card just for signing up.  Also you can buy groupons through their site to.  Any little bit helps especially if you are shopping anyway!

Baby Talk

I just read that Baby Talk magazine has had $10 off Amazon diapers coupons. The $10 off can be paired with the 20% off found in Parents and Parenting. Here is the link to sign up for a free subscription! http://www.opt-in-offers.net/bonnier/A1.asp

Creativity in the Bathroom

I had another one of those "what in the heck do I do, nobody told me about this" momma moments today.  I took the kids to the Columbus Museum of Art, which was fantastic and free!! While we were there I really had to use the restroom, so I wheeled the sit in stand to the bathroom and maneuvered our way in .  Now on the door it had a little handicap symbol but there is no way in Haiti's that a wheel chair could fit in the largest stall.  So I tried to push the stroller in the stall and realized there was no way that it would fit and I could shut the door.  So there I was in the bathroom with the mini bus, having to pee and stuck. Of course the stalls were situated directly from the sink and the wall of mirrors so I'm looking at my reflection thinking what to do.  I couldn't bring myself to push the kids out and close the stall door and I couldn't get them both down because where would I put Addie?  So I decided to get creative and I pushed the stroller in as far as I could, held a blanket up with my teeth for a curtain and just gave the women that walked in a look of "when you got to go, you got to go!!"

Photography

As I mentioned earlier I took an amateur photography class on Saturday.  I have a middle of the line camera, it gets the job done but doesn't deliver like DSLR's.  I hope to one day buy a DSLR but it will be awhile so for now I will make do.  Anyways, I went to this class confident and left realizing that I know nothing about actual "photography."  My head is still spinning and I'm still trying to make heads and tails of my notes, I think I need to read the owners manual again and then start practicing.  I did sit next to a very nice girl who has a 9 mos old and 2 year old and we talked alot, so hopefully I made a new friend, I'm always looking to make new ones!

I'm really fortunate because Jason and I decided early on the photography would be our splurge on the kids.  We knew we wanted to do maternity pictures, well I knew I wanted to do them and given I was waddling around with his almost 10lb baby, he wanted them too.  So I found a photographer and since have become slightly obsessed with her.  Erin Johnson some how captures every emotion that I feel in her pictures.  I sometimes think that I will never be able to put into words how much I love Augie and Addie but when I look at the pictures that she has taken I feel like she has frozen my love for them in each photograph. 

So I have ended my weekend realizing that photography will just be something that I enjoy but definitely never my career.  Going to the workshop inspired me to find some more classes to take, I think next up will be a sewing class!

PS: make sure to check out Erin's Website, she really is fantastic both as a person and a photographer!

Let's Talk About...

I'm working on a post but I need everyones honest opinion.  I have put up a poll (don't worry it's anonymous).  Select your answer as to how often you and your significant other get intimate. I have the poll closing on Friday or Saturday I don't have a calendar handy!

Project Overload

I am in project overload this week.  You know the weeks, where you have so much that you "want" to do that you become so extremely overwhelmed that you get nearly nothing done? That's the kind of week I am having, hence why my blog has been a little sporadic.  Here is what has been going on in our lives:

1. I got a new phone on Monday! I made the switch from a crackberry to an iPhone which is way more addicting.  I thought the transition would be tough but I haven't looked back since.  We are on a budget so we got the 3GS's.  Jason got one too, he was upgrading from his ancient razor, yes he still had a razor.
2. Spring gave us a sneak peek, which means we spent close to 8 hours at the zoo, went to the park, took walks and played outside.  We also spent some time at the library and I checked out a new book that is adding to my project overload.
3. My real estate gig had me working on a postcard which was all consuming in itself.
4. I'm reading a book that I am hoping will change our lives.  I love magazines and was reading an article about clutter and the author said she read this book and it changed her life, so I checked it out from the library and have begun reading it.  It's a little out there but the premise is going through your entire home top to bottom, every drawer, closet every inch and getting rid of things.  This is something that we really need to do and I am hoping this book gives us the swift kick we need.  I'll keep you all posted on the status.
5. I'm School Board President at Augie's daycare and have been dealing with board issues and am creating a website for the center.

And then just life in general, the ins and outs of my daily week.  I'm taking an amateur photography class tomorrow morning which I am so extremely excited for, and which will probably add more projects to my brain but that's OK.  I'm borrowing my parents DSLR until we can buy our own, I'm sure I will be driving my household crazy taking pictures but oh well.

I have lots of topics I want to blog about, so I hope to be getting them transferred from the note pad in my brain to the computer in the weeks to come!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

So I told you yesterday about the benefits of Facebook Contests and today I found out I won one!! I'm so excited, I won Augie and I tickets to see Madagascar Live which Augie is just going to love.  One of our favorite indoor play places Firefly Play Cafe was having a contest about the strangest thing your little one has put in his or her mouth.  Well some of you remember the Dead Baby Bird Incident ( here it is in the words of Augie.)  But in a nutshell we were playing outside when Aug was about 14 mos old.  He loved eating mulch and I was constantly batting things out of his mouth.  Well I saw him put something in his mouth and I actually thought it was a wild mushroom, so I ran over to him to bat it away as he was pulling it out to examine when to my surprise it was a FEATHERLESS DEAD BABY BIRD!!!!!!!  I freaked out grabbed him ran into the house screaming and trying not to vomit.  I took him into the kitchen and sprayed his face with the sprayer trying to get him to rinse out his mouth.  Try to tell a 14 mos old to rinse and spit, it doesn't work.  Coincidentally a few days later Augie came down with the Chicken Pox, when I was telling the pediatrician about what had happened and asking him if they could be connected.  ( I was a new mom!)  He listened intently, paused and then said "Wow, that's got to be the grossest thing I have ever heard."  and then when I left I heard him telling one of his partners "you gotta hear what this little guy tried to eat!!"  I felt awesome!!!

Contests

One of the reasons I love facebook is for their contests. I "like" just about evry business page I can, well local ones because they are always doing contests, or just updating their loyal customers about something.  In the last few months I have won 2 tickets to see Broadway Across America CATS and I won Augie this awesome vest from one of my fave store's in Columbus Lottie Da Baby the owner Amy is an absolute doll. I met her at a Baby Bonanza before she opened her store and we had an instant connection.  Her store has amazing things, that are a little over our everyday budget but it's a great place for gifts and she is always doing contests.  So if you don't get on facebook very much, this is one reason to check it daily!

Run Momma Run

I have been wanting to get back into running. I ran a 1/2 marathon when I was 9 weeks pregnant with Addie and I haven't ran since I stammered across the finish line. I just read this articleand am hoping to start up again. Once the snow melts and it gets warmer and...

Kate Spade Sample Sale

It is Sample Sale time at Kate Spade.  This promotion happens about once a year and prices are up to 75% off.  I have found that some items do go quickly so if you see something you just have to have order it fast, but if there are things you are on the fence about sometimes they offer an additional discount on the last day.  Here is the link Kate Spade Sample Sale, you have to enter your e-mail but they don't spam you.  Happy Shopping!

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope everyone had a wonderful day.  I would love to tell you that we did something romantic, but it was just another night for us.  Jason did bring me a box of choclates which he informed me that he laughed while he was picking them out, because I'm not a fan of choclate so he was actually buying them for himself! At least he is honest and knows me well, I guess it's the thought that counts.   I hope to post my birth story with Addie tomorrow night, it's going to be a long one so make sure to check back!