New Site

Thanks for stopping by, I am no longer blogging here at Blogger. You can find me at:

www.pinkmarvels.com

I am trying to figure out all the OpenId stuff so that I stop sending you all here but in the meantime please surf on over. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Random...

Theres a new post up at:

www.pinkmarvels.com

Please change your links as I will be writing there exclusively from now on!

Lea is on the cusp of turning three. She is such a remarkable little girl, very funny, caring and spirited. It is amazing to see her walk, run and most of all speak! As anyone who knows her well knows, she is a chatterbox! (she gets that from her mother!). She has come out with some really funny things over the last few weeks and I've got to share a few with you, for your enjoyment and my own safekeeping.

The other day, I politely asked her to pick something up the floor and she looked at me, straight in the face and said "no you do it."

Her favorite words are "cuz" and "sure". Her answer to everything is "cuz". Mainly, "Lea why did you do that?" her answer "cuz". Sure she uses as an affirmative response. As in "Lea would you like to set the table", "sure". The fact that she can even understand those concepts blows me away!

The funniest so far was yesterday. Bee and the girls picked me up after work, right at supper time. We were talking about what to make for dinner and I had taken out the fixings for tacos. But Bee let slip that he had brought a sippy cup for Anna "in case we decided to go somewhere for dinner" Lea, from the backseat immediately yells out "I wanna go out for dinner!" (props to Bee for remembering the eact words). We figured she would understand if we mentioned specific names so we tried to stay very generic but she caught on and there was no changing her mind. We're going to have to be more and more careful about what we say in front of her!

She also likes to talk to her dolls and I often hear her repeating things i've said. Mostly "baby go in timeout not listen, two minutes", followed by "say sorry and give me a hug". Today in the car she had a full conversation about how I brush her hair too fast and she says "no go fast Mommy". And if you ask her if she had a good night, like if i'm at work, she'll say " i was crying mommy! mommy! mommy!" complete with fake cry and all.

One of her newest sayings, and one that I am trying to make sense of, is "no go home mommy". She has said that quite often lately, in fact almost everytime we've come home from somewhere. I hope it's because she's at an inquisitive age and there is just so much to explore. I am trying hard not to take it personally.

In any case, it really is amazing to see how far she's come and I can't wait to see who she will become. I love my baby girl!

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Changes

Every once in a while I like to move around furniture and change the way my space looks. This was much easier to do in the apartment or my bedroom than it is in the house! A few days ago Bee and I decided to move his computer from the upstairs bedroom down into the living room so that we could at least be in the same space in the evenings. Usually he would go up to play WoW shortly after the girls were in bed and I would watch tv or read. It meant that we spent all our free time, apart. We are trying to work on our relationship and this is one of the things we decided to try.

Yesterday was a supremely bad day. Whiny kids, bad service at the stores etc all led to my feeling like I was going to snap at any moment. So after dinner, during the toddler witching hour (ie 6:30-bedtime) we decided to put together the new desk and move around the furniture so that Bee could bring down his computer. It took us about 1.5 hrs and the girls were a big help! The brought me books (one by one of course!) to put back on the bookcase once we’d moved it and just helped us move stuff around. It was nice to do something labor intensive and that kept us all busy at the end of a long and stressful day. I think the end result looks pretty neat! Judge for yourselves:

The bookshelf used to be where the desk is now (I hate the incredibly bare walls but I just can't find the perfect picture to hang there!)

Another shot of the desk

the bookshelf has been moved next to the ent unit and it has been decluttered! (notice the letter to Sam on tv, yes the Wiggles again!)

The desk came with a little bookcase that we had no room for so I decided to put it here, on the landing with some more of my books in it!

I’ve also decided to change my blog from Blogger to Wordpress. That means I have bought my own domain (Bee said I am not truly a nerd since I have my own domain name!) and I am slowly working on getting things up and running. Feel free to take a peek here: http://www.pinkmarvels.com/ I am very frustrated with Bloggers editing and the other night it took me 15 minutes to write a post and 50 mins to upload pics and get it edited properly. What a colossal waste of my time! Wordpress is apparently much easier to use and more user friendly so we’ll see! I’ll definitely let you know when I start using that site exclusively so you can all change your blog roll links J

I’d also like to add that a fellow blogger of mine, Danigirl posted this great list of free/inexpensive things to do in Ottawa and I thought some of my local readers might be interested! I definitely plan on checking out most of these places! Here is the post: http://danigirl.ca/blog/

Desperate Housewives

Before I started working and had loads of time on my hands, I loved television. I had a size able number of shows that I watched on a regular basis. Once in a while I would stop watching, usually due to a really good book. So, you know I am really busy when I have to delete shows off my PVR. My wonderfully reliable, gift sent from heaven, box o escape.

Back when the girls were little and did this wonderfully awesome thing called “nap” I would sit and watch my shows from the previous night. Or, If they decided to be up all night, I took it as a great time to clear out the pvr. I am ashamed to admit that in the last few weeks we have recorded only minutes or no show at all due to this little thing called “disc space”. Yes that’s right folks, I filled up the entire hard drive. In repentance (and because I could not give up ALL my shows) I decided to eliminate those that I was less interested in watching and those that I could somewhere else. So, what is on my PVR these days, take a look:

AI (2 episodes, not really sure why tho… I rarely watch. It’s one of those shows that I watch if they’re on while I’m browsing).

Behind enemy lines (ahem. We know who that belongs to!)

Buy Me (2 episodes, it’s a really cheesy Canadian real estate show about people selling their houses. I am always looking for inspiration or ideas and the fact that it’s kinda local make it seem more realistic. Plus it will help me sell my house when the time comes to upgrade)

CSI (2 episodes, deleted… we’ve given up. We plan on renting the whole season and watching that way).

Desperate Housewives (yikes. I'm 6 episodes behind. If it wasn't for you Amy! I would not watch!)

Dora (10 episodes - a big hit with the preschoolers!)

Fixing Dinner (Another Canadian Cheesy show! love the show but waiting for new episodes and I don’t want to miss any!)

Go Diego Go (what can I say, I love my kids!)

Sportscentre (not mine!)

Supernanny (one of my faves so I’m up to date! I try to remember that at least my kids aren't "that bad" to avoid freaking out over whats to come in the next few years!)

The Wiggles (6 episodes – including “ You make me feel like dancing!”)

Trading Spouses: Meet your new Mommy (another one that I am caught up on. One of my guilty pleasures! I even watched half of this episode but it was so depressing that I had to stop)

Y&R (6 episodes. Amazing really, considering it’s on daily and I lost track when I went to Texas way back at the beginning of March. Another show I could NOT give up, hence keeping up with it!)

If any of you are still reading, I’m so sorry that was prolly totally boring! But I’m always curious about what others watch, how much they watch and what they do instead. Pleas share how you feel! Lets discuss!!! LOL…

I really really admire people who do not have television and have debated giving it up. I had a girlfriend that had only the most basic cable available, in fact it might have been an antenna. And she had walls and walls of books. That she’d read. It was incredible. She often made suggestions to me and we were always trading books. The thought of being able to do that seems heavenly but it’s just not realistic. I like to enjoy reading and when I’m tired, at the end of a long day I often can’t make any sense of what I’m reading. I will read the same few lines over and over again. Those are the nights that I turn to the warm, blue glow of the screen.

*raises hand*

My name is Mar and I am addicted to television.

*returns to really old episode of Desperate Housewives*

She spends way too much time in my house!

The haps (fancy word for yet another bullety post)

Things have been very busy the last few days and I haven't had the time to update or email anyone. I hate feeling so disconnected. So, I think that in the interest of time, I will make this another bullety entry. Ok, I also have an ulterior motive. I'm moving my blog over to worpress and this is my first time using their posting software and bullets is one of the things that Blogger gave me a hard time with, so i'd like to see if it's much easier now :)

• Yesterday was one of those hectic days that gave me a glimpse of my future into a mom of two busy girls. I spent a good part of my day in the car. First it was Lea's library story time so I took her to that (she got to plant a Pea plant! so neat!). Then Anna had an appt with the allergist (more on that in a bit), then Bee and I attended a wake (more on that too) then I went out to visit with some friends. Phew. It was truly a tiring day and not exactly how I would have chosen to spend my day off.

• As most of you know, Anna has some pretty bad eczema and things have not been normal in the BM department forever, really. So we are trying to figure out what the cause of all this is, if there even is one. The second thing the ped recommended (after blood work) was that she see an allergist to rule out any allergies, more specifically milk. We met with the Dr, and she did a whole bunch of allergy tests (poor Annas arms were covered from shoulder to wrist) to find that she has NO allergies. I am thankful that that is the case, since I would not wish for her to have allergies, but i'm also disappointed that we have to keep searching for the cause of her ailments. We have an appt with a pediatric gastroenterologist for the fall, so maybe that will shed some light?

• Shortly after Mother's Day, Bee got an email that a friend of his, that he had worked with some odd 10 years ago had passed away. We both worked with him and decided to attend the wake to pay our respects. We were a little surprised that it was open casket but it was also nice to "see" him one last time to say goodbye. We didn't stay very long since we'd never met any members of his family and felt sort of out of place. We realized on the drive home that it was the first time either of us have lost someone so close to us in age. It's so sad to think of a life that's ended way too early.

• I finally got rid of the hideous white rocks that used to be at my front entrance. The condo corp decided to order a truckload of topsoil that we could all use to reseed our front lawns and I took advantage of the soil to finally give away the small decorative white rocks that I have always detested. In some situations they really look nice, but I was not happy with them. We have plans to put stones all the way across (Bees idea) or plant some plants and make it into a little garden (my idea!)
  

Lea last fall helping me clean up the rocks

ugh. the rocks.

the front sans rocks!

Mother's Day 2008 - Recap

I had no idea what to expect today since Bee was working the night shift. I figured it would just be another day, almost like any other. Boy was I wrong!

Our first family photo, right after Lea was born

I was up early with the girls and Bee brought me home my favorite coffee (Tim Hortons lrg dbl dbl of course!) and a bouquet of flowers. He then informed me that I had another gift coming that was not here yet and of course I just could not wait to find out. It turns out that he booked me a half day package at a Spa! I am so excited and I really think it's the best gift ever! Here is some info on what I will be receiving: Try a half day retreat which includes a Classic Manicure and Pedicure, a Bio-Youth facial plus shampoo and blow dry or set. Or replace your facial with a Body Polish or Relaxation Massage. Of course I just could not choose between a facial or massage so I am going to do both! How lucky am I! I also got some beautiful cards from the girls and it was a great beginning to Mother's Day.

Holding Lea for the very first time

I had plans with my Mom for lunch and she brought me another coffee (yes, another Tim Hortons lrg dbl dbl yummy!) and a sandwich. She also gave me a wonderful box of yummy Belgian chocolates. My mom knows me so well :) We spent some time together and then she was off. It was really nice to see her today and I am so happy she was able to stop by.

Our new family of 4

Bee told me that I could have whatever I wanted for dinner but after having had such a late lunch I wasn't hungry for much so we had McD's. Simply so I wouldn't have to cook :) I did get a raincheck for a dinner out on the town since we hate going out on the actual day. I have patience for waiting in line and hate hate hate crowded restaurants. Then he was off to work and I played with the girls for a bit and now they are both in bed. Hopefully for the night.

Holding Anna for the first time

I am just sitting here, in the peace and quiet, listening to Michael Buble, enjoying a glass of wine and loving feeling spoiled. It's so nice to have a day that's just about me, that recognizes the hard work we do as Mothers.

Feeding Anna for the first time

The last few days I have been very emotional, I think leading up to Mother's Day as well as having stopped taking the Pill (no! we're not trying to have another! it just messes with my system too much). The girls have been a little under the weather, Lea with a cold and Anna with teething. I feel for Lea, seeing as how I am just getting over a sinus cold myself so I know it is not comfortable. And to see Anna so upset is just hearbreaking. Several times over the last few days she has just wanted to be held and we lie down together, her head on my chest, me rubbing her back and she will drift off to sleep. When this happens I can't help but get teary eyed. I keep thinking that maybe this will be the last time that I will get to hold her like that, seeing as how she is growing up so fast. I am really going to miss the baby days.

Me and my girls

I'm also reading this book that had me in tears last night. It's called My Best Friends Girl and it has a really tragic beginning. It's not often that I cry at books but this one had the waterworks going! Thanks Mel for recommending it lol... but it really should come with a disclaimer.

So, my plans for the rest of the evning involve a few more glasses a wine and maybe getting caught up on my Desperate Housewives. I am now 4 or 5 episodes behind. Sounds like perfect evening doesn't it! Let's hope the kids cooperate and I stay awake long enough to make it through one episode!


A more recent pic of me and my girls

So far Lea has been up 5 times and her crying just woke up Anna. I think it's going to be a long night after all. Sigh.

Bee just sent me this interesting article from work (our tax dollars at work people!): Study pegs mom's market value at nearly US$117,000 a year

How did you spend your Mother's Day?

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish all the Mother's in my life (and there are a lot of you!) A very wonderful Mother's Day! May you all be treated as the heroes you truly are!

The Wiggles ~ You Make Me Feel Like Dancing

OMG I love, love, love this! I caught the new Wiggle and Learn show for the first time last night and taped it to show Bee what Sam looked like (the yellow Greg replacement) and this came on. I think it's great and have watched it way too many times already!


Anthony (the blue Wiggle) is still my all time fave. Gotta love that smile!

Enjoy!

2 going on 15

I know that they always say that each age that you’re experiencing is easier than the next but I must admit that 2.5 is a very tough one. I know that Lea is trying to assert her independence but why does it have to be so hard!

The other day, we were getting ready to go to the park. She didn’t want to go to the park. She ran to the bathroom, slammed the door and yelled “I not getting dressed, not going to park!”. I had visions of my life in about 13 years. When did she turn into a teenager????

She is also in the “I do it!” stage. She wants to attempt to do just about everything on her own but when she can’t quite get it right (like putting on a shirt or getting the toothpaste on her toothbrush) she gets extremely agitated, whiny and yells “mommy help me” as if I had just left her there to fend for herself. Of course if I ask her if she wants help she says “no me big girl”. Sigh. I really want her to embrace her independence and grow with it but it’s so hard to anticipate what is going to cause a meltdown and what isn’t.

She’s also decided that she doesn’t need to eat dinner. We try to encourage her but her answer is usually “me no eat”. We’ve even tried to bribe her with pudding or other dessert and she will say “me no want dessert” so even that doesn’t work!

She likes to think that she’s a little mommy too and I often find her correcting Anna. Just now, she told said “Anna that’s not nice” in that firm tone of voice that I use when correcting HER behavior.

In terms of discipline, time outs just don’t work with her. She will stand in the corner and sing songs or dance. It seems to have no effect on her whatsoever. So we’ve resorted to putting her in her room WITH THE DOOR CLOSED. She absolutely hates to have her door closed so I hope that will make her think twice about being naughty.

Of course there are sweet moments too. Like just now, she handed Anna a yogurt that she got out of the fridge. She came back with one for herself and one for Anna. How cute is that!

The other day, Bee took them shopping while I was at work. He showed me a card that he got for their Nana and when we got home Lea got upset because she wanted "the card for mommy". Bee calmly explained that that was not for a few more days but not to worry that it was safe. He looked at me and smiled, since we both knew she had ruined the surprise.

Those of you with older kids, it gets easier right???? This is just a phase right?? Please tell me there’s a light at the end of the tunnel!

Google Quiz

a FACEBOOK friend of mine did this quiz and I thought it looked like fun (hey was just after 6am and I was waiting for my coffee to brew!) so I gave it a try. I actually had a good chuckle while doing it! Enjoy!


Q: Type in "[your name] needs" in the Google search:
A: The beautiful Marianne needs to be rescued. Marianne needs to marry a (fairly) wealthy man. It's not therapy Marianne needs but a dose of ... ( I love the dot dot dot)

Q: Type in "[your name] looks like" in Google search:
A: "Marianne looks like a total "I love Lucy" rerun with the pigtails on." (I wonder if i could even do pigtails now???)

Q: Type in "[your name] says" in Google search
:A: "I've learned that I can do anything I set out to do," Marianne says. "I'm sure that if I really put my head and heart into it, I can accomplish anything ...(awww.. maybe I should be a motivational speaker!)

Q: Type in "[your name] wants" in Google search:
A: We don't really consider what Marianne wants (now I know why I never get what I want!!!)

Q: Type in "[your name] does" in Google search:
A: - You Tube - Marianne does a jig (ok this was second hit but first one was BORING)

Q: Type in "[your name] hates" in Google search:
A: Marianne hates the sea and wants to go dance in the town (love the sea, and love to dance, almost accurate lol)

Q: Type in "[your name] asks" in Google search:
A: They nod in unison and Marianne asks, "What's the catch?" (hahahaha so true! Anyone that knows me knows that I never get jokes...)

Q: Type in "[your name] goes" in Google search:
A: Marianne goes electro...many collaborations here but most notably, Beck who delevers the ultra funky romp "Sex With Strangers" Fantastic album!!!" (maybe I should download that album????)

Q: Type in "[your name] likes " in Google search:
A: In her spare time, Marianne likes to play volleyball rollerblade and play with her chihuahua (umm random much)

Q: Type in "[your name] eats " in Google search:
A: Marianne eats well, she has always eaten well

Q: Type in "[your name] wears " in Google search:A: Marianne wears Mystique Judith wears Shalimar But you don't wear no perfume That's why I want to spend my life with you That's why I want to spend my life (song lyrics apparently - guess I need to check out Mystique?)

Q: Type in "[your name] was arrested for" in Google Search:
A: Marianne was arrested for disturbing the peace by yelling at students in Hawaii. (heck yeah, I'm going to Hawaii!!!)

Books, Crocs and Lasagna

How about another mismatched post for you! I can't seem to string together two thoughts so it's all going to be random blabbing :) With some pictures thrown in for your enjoyment.


I have decided to give up on Harry Potter 5 - The Order of the Phoenix. I know that some of you will be sadly disappointed but I just cannot get into these books. This is the second time I have tried to read this one and have had to put it aside. I just don't have enough time to read as it is, and would rather read something that I truly enjoy. Like this:






That's lullabies for little criminals by Heather O'Neill. I know that Heather has had a hard time finding it, I think because it was written by a Canadian author. It was chosen at this month's book club selection (and btw, was also the book that I had ordered from Amazon and never received until I complained and got sent another copy priority post). It's a truly wonderful book, in all it's sadness. The subject matter could be considered depressing but I love the way the book is written and the insight into this little girls world. It really is sad but very very well written. It's so nice to be able to read something and look forward to reading again (sorry Harry!)

It's also great to have some new friends on Goodreads (Hi Mel! and Belva!) it's so great to be able to share my hobby with others and I love reading about others' opinions when it comes to books. It's also a great way to find new reads that I may have missed as well. It's been a fun way to try new authors and also discuss books with friends. I truly love this site!

________

You know what's really truly frustrating? I made a lasagna from scratch for dinner last night. The last time I made it, was when I was away in Texas and Bee said the girls loved it. Well, last night they certainly did NOT. Lea had maybe one bite and Anna decided to throw it all over the floor. See:

I try not to take it personally and they did have a big lunch but I still find it really frustrating when I go to the trouble to cook and then they don't eat. If it were nuggets, Mac and Cheese or Chef Boyardee they will eat like little fiends. I know that this is the nature of kids but I just needed to vent a little!

________________

I found the cutest little pair of Crocs (not the real ones!) at my store for a whopping $2.99 and I was thrilled to find that they were just Anna's size! I had to get them for her :) I just love these pictures and hope her legs stay chubby like that forever!!!! (ok, not really but you know what I mean!)

Look at those chubby legs!!!! LOVE IT!

The toy box tried to eat my baby!

We were given a toy box by a colleague of Bees. He has two boys and they had outgrown the need for one so he asked us if we were interested. Considering the enormous amount of toys my kids have, we said sure! We were shocked by its size but love that it fits almost all the toys!

Today though, it crossed into a danger zone. It tried to eat Anna. See:

You can actually see that her feet are dangling off the floor. ( I should also add that she was freaking out at this point but of course I had to grab the camera before rescuing her!)

Yet another example of the sheer size of this toy box. Lea and her friend Kaylee just had to climb in and lo and behold they both fit with room to spare. Mind you there seems to be a lot less toys??? FYI that picture was taken a few months ago!

Playing Catch Up

Another bullety update for you!

- Bee is on his busy week at work, and I’m working the 2 days that he’s off in between. This means that we don’t get to see each other very much and when we do, we are both exhausted. This is the part about working too much that I find the hardest. I cannot wait for my hours to go down a bit. It doesn’t help that the last week or so has been packed with activities. Fun activities, but it makes for a busy family!

- My house is a mess. Laundry needs to be done, floors need to be washed, surfaces need to be dusted. Sigh.

- I am frustrated with Amazon. I ordered the book club selection for May (Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O’Neill) at the beginning of April, and was told that it would be here by the 24^th. Usually Amazon is right about their shipping dates and it’s usually delivered at the beginning of the time frame given. In this case, I have yet to receive my book. It was purchased used so I think that may be adding to the delay. I contacted the seller and he told me that he had shipped the following day, after receiving my payment. I figured that maybe it was caught in the mail somewhere and let it go. Then a few days ago I got an email from Amazon asking me to “rate the seller”. I felt that I could not do so without at least having received the book and it did not feel right to rate him poorly on something that may or may not be his fault. I have gotten tired of waiting for the book and am anxious to read it since the Book Club meeting is fast approaching. I decided that I was going to contact Amazon and file a complaint and see if there was anything they can do (on a side note, I was recently screwed over by Ebay, a seller taking payments but not shipping products, I DID get my money back) but decided to give the seller one more chance and emailed him again this morning and informed him of my intent to contact Amazon directly. His response was “we will send you another copy priority mail today”. I wonder how long that will take to get here. Most of you know that I am a horrible pushover but I find that as I am getting older, I am becoming a bit firmer and do not like being taken advantage of.

- Bee and I got to go out Saturday night! It was our friends 30^th Birthday and we were invited to a private room at a pool hall for a night of drinks and pool. I got all dressed up and felt like a million bucks! It was nice to get out together and just have some fun.

The Birtday boy and his Bro. Just wanted to show all my Texan friends that he is a Dallas Stars fan!

- I got my first pedicure last week. I am not much of a foot person but when my friend Amy suggested it, I would have given anything to get out of the house for an hour so off we went to get our tootsies rubbed. We went for the “spa pedicure” which included a leg massage and paraffin wax. It was heavenly. I can’t believe I waited so long to get one. I just love the way my toes look all painted and my feet are so so soft!

I am in a cooking rut. Ever since I started working again I just find that I do not have time to shop for food or cook. We have been relying heavily on easy to bbq foods, processed and canned food or take out. I hate that we are eating this way, especially as the nice weather approaches and the fruits and vegetables will begin to be fresh again. I really need to get organized and make a meal plan so that Bee knows what to make when I’m at work. Where do I find the time?

I also miss reading. That’s something else that I have had to put aside in all my busy-ness. By the end of the day, I am just too tired to read and end up vegging out in front of the tv for an hour before heading to bed way too early (like 9:30pm).

The nice weather means more time sitting on the patio, which also means patio cushions littering my living room. The girls made themselves a little fort and actually sat there for close to 45 mins reading books and doing puzzles and NOT FIGHTING. That's really the biggest part.

They really make all the hard days easier.

The Quest for Balance

I have been meaning to blog about going to work for quite some time, but just have not had the chance. A friend of mine mentioned that a new consignment shop run by Moms was opening in my area and that they were looking for sales associates. I decided that it might be something I would enjoy and submitted my resume. I got called back for an interview and was offered a position. At the time of the interview I gave them my availability based on Bees schedule so that we would not need additional child care. I had decided that if I was not available enough than it was their loss and not a big deal to me. They did find my hours to be reasonable and hired me.

I started working about a month ago. There was a learning curve involved and that was a little frustrating but now that I am getting a handle on how to do things, it’s become much easier. I have never worked retail before so that is very new to me, and I must say not very exciting! I do enjoy working with parents and seeing their kids when they come into the store. I already have some repeat customers that know me and like to chat. I have been working 25 hours a week or so and to be honest, have decided that it’s too much.

There are so many things to consider, especially since I am not working for the money (I know, how lucky am I right). However, Bee and I have found that we have no time together, since we’re often saying hi-bye as one of us comes home and the other leaves. It doesn’t leave much time for family either. The days that we do have off together, I find that I spend my time cleaning the house since that’s what suffers the most in my busy-ness. Bee and I talked about it the other night, and it was time for me to be honest and admit that I am stretched too thin and that there is not a very good balance. I miss seeing my friends, having time together with my husband and family and just being able to relax a little more.

I am a perfectionist and total control freak so it was really hard for me to admit that I couldn’t take it all, and that something had to give. But, when it comes to my kids and my family, there is no contest. So, I spoke to my boss and have asked to have my hours reduced, hopefully to two shifts a week (15-20 hrs). She was very agreeable and feels that family is very important and at the same time does not want to lose me (cause I rock! Just kidding! I have lots of customer service experience). So, I have sucked it up, and tried to rearrange my priorities. Hopefully it will help and if not, I will have to reevaluate the whole working thing.

I have the utmost respect for Moms that work full-time. I really don’t know how they do it and still stay sane. There are just not enough hours in the day. But, my situation in also unique and Bee has an erratic work schedule that leaves me a part time single Mom some of the time so my challenges revolve around that. I am hoping that the extra time will allow me to take some much needed (and deserved, I feel) ME time. I miss being able to read, or go out with friends in the evening. I know my friends miss having me around too.

“Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away.” Barbara De Angelis

Adventures in Potty Training

For quite some time now we have been talking, reading and showing Lea how to use the potty. We have tried various methods to get her interested and nothing has seemed to work. She is just too smart for bribery and it will just have to be on her terms. So we’ve been a little more slack lately and letting her decide when she’s ready and the interesting part, is that it’s working! A couple of weeks ago, I came home from work to learn that she had gone on the potty, on her own. During the afternoon she did NOT want to wear a Pull-Up after being changed so, Bee reminded her what to do if she needed to go potty and she agreed and off she went bare bottomed. She shocked Bee by asking to go potty, and not on the little potty but the BIG potty. We have an insert so Bee used that and sure enough she went. For a few days that was her regular pattern. Of course there is much fanfare and Smarties (choc candies) when she actually goes. I was working quite a few days in a row and she was going everyday that I was at work. I was starting to be afraid that she would only go when I wasn’t home.

During her bath one night, she proclaimed that she needed to go potty so I sat her on the regular potty without the insert and she was able to hold herself up and even went pee to boot. She shocked us a few days later while resting on the couch (she had high fevers for a couple of days) by getting up off the couch, taking down her pants and Pull Ups and going potty. This was the first time that she had made the connection that she had the urge while actually dressed. I was under the impression that she was going when she had nothing on because she had no safety net so to speak. So when she decided to go while clothed, it signaled progress!

It has stayed that way for quite some time. Her deciding to go on the potty when she wants to. We try to remind or ask her if she needs to go and so far it’s been hit or miss. She has been going at least once a day sometimes a few times a day. She has also decided to go only on the big potty with no insert. This does not bother me one bit. Yesterday Bee was with her and she went into the bathroom, used her little potty as a stool and climbed up on the toilet all by herself and went. We were both shocked and awed that she could do that and very very pleased since hopefully soon she will be able to go on her own when she pleases.

This morning I am home alone with the girls since Bee is working an overtime day shift (lots of cashola!!! And he figures he has to say yes once in a while). I was peacefully sleeping until Lea came to stand beside the bed to announce that she went potty. In my haze I was confused because there is no stool and only a big potty upstairs. But, she had no bottoms on and seemed to have gone???? I asked her to show me how she had gotten on the potty and she would not repeat her acrobatics. I am really really interested to see how she managed that!

The funny thing is that now that she has been going more regularly, she is not as interested in the candy that we were offering as a reward. I wonder if that means that it is becoming a habit for her?

The next step, getting her to wear underwear…

Funny!

So this morning, as i 'm putting the milk back in the fridge, I notice something that just doesn't belong.

Ever since i've had kids, they have loved to sneak things into the fridge. I have found tons of toys, and other misc stuff that doesn't belong there. This morning it was this:

Because we all keep our sunglasses in the fridge right? Worst part is I have no idea which of my girls did this! But it certainly put a smile on my face, and hopefully your's too!

Spring activities!

With the warm weather here (Sorry Jolene!), and the sleep issues we've been having with Lea I have been trying really hard to get the kids out and doing stuff to tire them out. The winter has been long and with Anna just having learned to walk it was really hard to get out and do stuff outside. So now it's time to make up for it. Bee has been on the night shift and i've been keeping the girls busy in the morning to let him get some good sleep. They seem to love being outside and I am sure the fresh air does wonders for them!

A couple of days ago, we went to the Experimental Farm with some friends. We all had lots of fun and enjoyed seeing all the baby animals.

After the farm we went back to a friends house for lunch and more playing!

It has been so nice to get out enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. And may I call attention to the fact that my kids are NOT wearing hats, mitts, scarves and other misc winter paraphernalia!