Two Nannies

http://jezebel.com/382304/the-management-perils-of-having-two-or-more-nannies

This just makes me sick. Or maybe i just wish i had someone who would make me crepes in the morning. I cant imagine the world these people live in.......having not one, but two nannies. What is the point of having children if you arent present when they are growing up?

I know its spring

in Lexington because the hubby has red eyes, sneezes constantly, and i find kleenex in every pocket and all over the house. Even taking Allegra doesnt give him enough relief. So we were thrilled to find out that Lexington was voted the #1 City in the nation for allergies.
http://www.forbes.com/2008/04/08/health-allergies-pollen-forbeslife-cx_avd_0408health_slide_26.html?thisSpeed=15000

Now if that isnt reason enough to live here i dont know what is.

Production Week

I hate production weeks. Those are when the hubby has a show opening and they do all the techie stuff and runs. The nights go LOOOOOONG and he runs around all week in a panic trying to get everything done. But this week is especially hard because its so darn beautiful outside. I see families walking by in the evening and just sigh. Dinner seems a waste since its just me and the wolverine and he hasnt been eating much lately at night. Im a theatre widow....always have been , always will be. Its just our way of life. Now that we have small children though its something i no longer enjoy. Pre-kids, production weeks were like a nice dose of "me time"...HA...funny how things change.

I missed Susannahs call today and didnt get her message until afternoon, so we missed a chance to go to the park and picnic with her and sofia.....thats a downer. The wolverine is in deperate need of socializing. Lately he has started to really show the effects of baby sister entering his world. He always asks for "mommy"...as in..."I want mommy to read to me and daddy to hold baby sister"...or "i want to sleep with mommy in the guest room and daddy to take Vivi". There has been alot of that talk.

Today baby girl was sleeping in my arms and the wolverine was sleeping with his head laying on my lap....it was quite a sweet scene.

Charles Heston died yesterday.

Our basement flooded...AGAIN....on friday.

Ive been on a taco run the last two weeks.....the hubby and I have been making some kick ass tacos and enjoying them SO much......its a rip off of the Macho Taco we love so much at the Taco Sombrero down on the coast where we used to live.

Take a flour tortilla and smear it with refried beans, cheese, taco sauce, sour cream....then wrap it around a corn tortilla filled with ground seasoned turkey, lettuce, cheese, and salsa and pair it with an ice cold Killians. Youve got yourself one delicious spring meal. Dont worry about side dishes......its a meal in one....the Killians is your "side". Just make sure and give the kiddos a glass of milk.

Battlestar Galactica premiered friday night and we were so happy. I love that show. The season opener was solid....not a premiere stand alone...but an episode to set the stage for the season ahead. What are they doing with Lee? Who is Starbuck? Who is the fifth? Whats with the flip flop of Laura and Gauis. She was the one with all the faith and following the signs....he the man of science.....now he seems to be the big Jesus metaphor and she is refusing to follow anyones signs but her own.

We finished up with season 3 of Boston Legal and i am going to miss my dose of Denny Crane, Jerry Espenson, Clarence/Clarisse/Clavant, Shirely and of course Alan Shore . They better put out season 4 this summer. I just love this show.....it cracks me up. The teaming of the brilliant but asperger suffering Jerry and the emotionally crippled multiple personalitied Clarence has been the BEST.

If anyone wants to go see Tims play with me Friday night let me know. Could be fun. I will be nursing at intermission i am sure.

March Fuggin' Madness

Ok.....everyone MUST participate....its just too much fun....much more interesting then those "other" brackets the hubby is obsessing over this week.

Join me...


http://gofugyourself.typepad.com/

LOST

Yes, on occassion i get to watch an episode of TV. Tonights Lost episode was solid, wrapping up a stellar season so far. A writers strike sure would have helped seasons 2 and 3. Even though new questions pop up, others are being answered and with an end date in sight, it gives me hope that at the end of LOST i wont be feeling lost....like i was with X-Files.

I think the Desmond storyline is the heart of the show. His journey seems the most interesting and integral to the shows resolution. Also, it doesnt hurt that he is hot. I joked last week about the extended scene with "two hot, sweaty, foreign guys with accents" One with shirt unbuttoned, the other in a tank top. It seems the writers know how to keep their fans happy.

Oh...and Tom is gay. How great. M.C. Gainey can play just about anything ive decided. And he is a U.S.M. alumni.....where they hubby got his grad degree from. We met him at the last reunion.

Post Partum

Well its been one month, 4 days and very little sleep since the big arrival. (serial comma just for you Hope) Its been quite a ride. Most of you read the play by play of our little ones arrival at my sisters blog http://hopesays.wordpress.com/

Im too tired to add anything to that. Im not here to recount the day....that i will do later. Today is about catch up. My babymoon period is much shorter the second time around. I knew it would be, but what i didnt know is how different i would feel this time around. Im less in the blackhole of babydom. That seems like a luxury now. Parenting two children is a circus act. I feel less like the tight rope walker juggling and more like the clown.

So a few things.

If your ever a guest for dinner and pasta is being served always bring a bottle of wine. Then when the happy hosting couple drink a few glasses , get frisky later after everyone has gone home and domestic bliss is retained YOU can take the credit and get the thanks.

This sounds fun for the kiddies.

Saturday, April 26- The Truck Stops Here Fundraiser. At this event kids will get to "check out" vehicles they may not normally get to see such as fire trucks, fancy cars, UPS trucks, & ambulances. It will be held in the Beaumont Kroger parking lot (the "extra" section to the right of the strip mall). Admission is $3.00 per child only (adults are admitted free). It will be from 10-1.


I want to thank all of you who have helped us these last few weeks. Food has been brought, hand me downs have been given, and socializing and support have been great. We appreciate it all SO much. We have some really great friends and SUPER family. We couldnt have gotten through the last month without you all. What a blessing and how dear you all are to us.

Fetal Stress, Membrane Stripping, and Induction...

OH MY!!!!!!!

So today our dr visit was a doozie! The babys ultrasound didnt go that great. Her movements werent happening. Her heart arythmia was more sporadic. Basically they didnt like what they werent seeing and were hearing. So at 41 weeks and a day......when you say to a dr. "tell it to me like it is"....they say...."have the baby...now". Tomorrow morning we are set to go in and do just that. IM not a fan of induction and im a bit torn on all this. However, this is where being informed and using a nurse mid wife you trust comes into play.
Dr Green said he stripped my membranes when he checked me. We left without seeing our CNM so she called me later asking how i was doing. After our conversation she deduced he hadnt stripped my membranes and told me to meet her at the office ...after hours mind you.

She stripped them FOR REAL.....and gave me homework. Rocking on hands and knees, castor oil, sex, nipple stimulation. All the oldies but goodies. She feels since i am already at about 3 or 4 that chances are good we can do this thing with little or no pit. She gave me hope. I love her for that. So we are going to do our darndest to get the party going. And we will let you all know how things are going.

Pray if you pray, hope if you hope, wish if you wish, meditate, vibrate....whatever you do...do it for us.

Big, Bored, and Babyless

We are so bored. Stir crazy. Today has been mind numbing.

I guess that is good. Its just that waiting for a baby to arrive is dull.
Im done nesting. I dont want to wash clothes anymore or take "that last shower" or grocery shop again or pack a bag for the hospital. None of that i find appealing. It all filled the time the last week or two but now im over it. Time to get this party started. Now if the guest of honor would just knock on the door.

My parents took the two nieces back with them to Tennessee. My sister is still here but busy doing consulting work. The peace and quiet is nice. Our Boston Legal Season Three hook up has crapped out on us, so we are at a loss of what we can do....ha. Sad isnt it.

I guess im going back to work in the morning. Something to fill the time and the pocketbook.

Beautiful Day

Sunshine. The wolverine napping at a decent hour. Ice Cream. The nieces going back with the grandparents to Tennessee for a few days.

Now if the baby would just slide into the world gently.

No baby

but plenty of family around the last couple of weeks. First my parents were in town for a week and now my sister and her two daughters are here until Thursday. But baby is still resting comfortably in utero.

Fat Tuesday. Heavy, spicy food and King Cake. Yum!!!

Sunday night already

How did we get here so fast. I go to work in the morning...somehow that doesnt seem right. I know they will all be surprised to see me. We all thought the baby would come this weekend. Oh well....my folks did and that has been awesome. The wolverine is enjoying the added attention. And i am enjoying it to.

Me and the hubby had a date tonight. It was just like when we first started going out. We got fast food and ate it in the car of the movie parking lot and then went in and saw "Juno". I really enjoyed it. The movie was a good one. I even got weepy towards the end....im blaming the prego hormones and the movie subject matter though.

NO baby yet folks.....but am working on it.
Lara....great lasagna.
Melinda.....tim and I split one of the chocolate bars and it was SOOOOOO nice.
Tonight i am going to soak in the tub and use a vast array of bath goodies ive recently aquired. I cant wait....i even have the latest IN STYLE magazine to read......because you all know how fashion conscious i am.

Finally a new post in a new year

IM finding that blogging is the way that friends with young children keep up with each other. Most of us are cramming our few precious free moments into times of the day that make phone calls almost impossible. And honestly if i find myself with a quiet moment......well i just want to sit down and put my feet up. It never lasts long enough to call a friend, or even eat some ice cream. So im glad alot of blog alot and i can follow along and feel like im part of your life, or least know what is going on.

We are waiting for the baby to come. Sure feels like it could happen any time now. My parents are coming up tonight. God love them. It will be a relief to not have to wonder anymore about what to do if i have middle of the night labor. Although several of you have so graciously told me that you would be there for us anytime....and for that we are thankful. Its nice to know you have friends. And im finding i have some really good ones. Also my sister comes in next friday with the two nieces so that should be wild. With family arriving and friends on call....well the hubby and I are able to relax a bit now.

I spent last evening with three wonderful women having dinner and good old girl talk. It was such a nice treat. I dont take it for granted any more like i did in my 20somethings when it was an everyday things. I love these women....respect these women....and feel a connection to them, and their lives even though i dont see them often enough. I think its the understanding of where they are in their lives.....our common threads...and watching how strong and amazing they can be under such chaotic conditions. It makes me want to complain less.....but also makes me realize its ok to need help sometimes.....and to feel overwhelmed.....and to wonder if you are up to the task of your daily life. Its also nice to feel like their are women out there who arent all that different from me......that maybe get me. At the very least they know what its like to feel like no matter how much you do or how hard you try some days it sure doesnt feel like enough.....and other days it sure feels like maybe you ARE doing alright. Maybe i AM that strong warrior woman who will take her family on her shoulders and carry them into the next day.


All this on the eve of bringing another life into our family...our little world. Im excited, scared, anxious, and elated. Everything at once. I want this experience to be everything it can be......a celebration....an event....a spiritual experience. Its all those things. Very few things in life are as pure and primal as giving birth. Our connection to God is never more clear or apparent as when your natural body and your spiritual body are working together like they do when your pushing life into the world. Its amazing.......

We will keep you all updated.
Thanks Melinda for putting last night together.
Thanks Lara for the Lasagna.
Thank you Maria and Rachel.
Thanks to you all.

Goodbye with old, hello to the new

Always an exciting time of the year, looking forward for a change. Its been a whirlwind week and a half, and honestly year. Im looking forward to 2008 and wiping the 2007 off my feet. The christmas tree is down and the decorations back in storage. Now to figure out where to put all of the wolverines things. We did alot less this year and kept our word to not overspend or go crazy with gifts and overwhelm the little guy. However, our families didnt get that memo....so between christmas and his birthday...well.....his room is a little crowded. But the upside is he should have plenty to entertain him over the coming months, the least of which is the arrival of the baby sister.

I hope you all have a happy new year!! And be safe tonight. WE will be spending the evening like all parents of a 3 yr old and one on the way.....holed up on the couch spending quality couple time in the front of the tv.

Christmas Spirit

If any of you are feeling the yuletide bliss head on over to our house Friday at 6:30 for our annual Christmas pot luck dinner. Just bring a dish and your best Christmas cheer.



We finally have a decorated tree.....and a few other decorations around to make it more merry. Now the trick is not going crazy trying to keep the wolverine from taking everything off the tree. How can something so small make me so insane.

I went to my work party friday night and the good DR. has outdone herself again on the giftgiving. For those of you who dont know in the last 3 years she has given me a digital camcorder, a digital camera, and an Ipod. This year we all unwrapped GPS systems from her. the lady is generous. But what i most appreciate from her is my job. Working with her has allowed me to be the parent i wanted to be. She is so gracious and flexible and understanding. Im amazed. The woman is a working machine....her work ethic is crazy, so there are times i feel like i really leave her with the short end of the stick. But hopefully when i am there, i am doing work that makes her business better and her patients happier.


So what is everyone doing for the holidays this year? Anyone traveling? Or hosting? Or just going to spend the time in quiet contemplation?

Fun moments with a friend

Time to play dress up!!! Noah likes the spaghetti straps. The wolverine is feeling more modest today.

Too much cuteness!

"Good Baby" Shofner

Scary Tim terrorizing the children!

Getting some air!!!

Best Buddies!

Higher!!

Greco-Roman wrestling!

A little cross dressing never hurt anyone!

Look at our Beautiful Tree!!!

that is what the wolverine said as we stood before our newly "built" tree which stands as bare as a babies bottom at birth. Not a light, not a decoration, not a piece of tinsel.

and yet, he still loves it.
Priceless.

Go! Speed Racer! Go!

http://movies.aol.com/movie/speed-racer-2008/28066/video/trailer-no-1/2033773

Im sorry, but i admit, the Wachowski brothers vision of Speed Racer seems right on target for me. How else would you bring this cartoon to present day. For many of us, the first "japanamation" we ever experienced, putting Speedy in the Wachowskis world seems a perfect fit. They so obviously love the genre....and with their penchant for black leather, we are sure to be lucky enough to see Matthew Fox bad assing it up all poured into a leather suit.

Looks fun. Hilariously great cast. Perfect popcorn flick.

Plum Tuckered Out

that is what i am. And frazzled. And frayed. I wont continue with the F words because its likely to lead nowhere good.

Today has been one of those days. I like to blame it on the hormones. Nothing horrible has happened. Ive actually gotten some small things done. But for the most part i feel very on edge, impatient, and heavy. Those are not good feelings to have when you are a third of family. Not good mothering feelings, not good partner feelings. I think today would have been an excellent day for me to just be by myself. Of course then i would have missed the good moments. And all of those included the "rest of the family".

I blame it on the hormones and on the fact that any time we sit down and discuss the state of our finances it tends to stress me out. Contemplating taking time off for post partum is scary. We have grown to depend on my financial contributions and without them things look "scoshy". (a word we use for a variety of things.) But we just need to do the couple of things we can to make it better and not worry about the rest.

Im trying to go down my growing list of things to do before the baby gets here. For a procrastinator that is a huge deal. Some of you understand im sure.

But somehow, even with diminishing funds, gestational diabetes, and too much to do in too little time i am feeling optimistic. I think that is what pregnancy does for you. Helps you to look ahead. Im also really looking forward to Christmas with the wolverine and Tim. This year it will be the little things that make it special. And i look forward to being able to create something as a family that will hopefully one day make some great memories for the wolverine. More then just.."Wow, we used to get alot of presents". I want him to think of Christmas and think of the smell of banana bread, decorating the tree together, enjoying all the lights and carols, spending time with family, and most of all being thankful for what we have that is the most precious, each other.

Halloween flashback

Here is the wolverine decked out like Lightning McQueen and me decked out like the 11 yr old version of myself complete with jammies, matching house shoes, pigtails, and a bite guard.

See what you people miss when you dont trick or treat at our house. Also, i believe the wolverine enjoyed launching the pumpkins into the front yard more then the trick or treating.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

The long weekend turned out to be exactly what i needed. A nice birthday melted into a wonderful time with family for the holidays. And much needed rest and PEACE. It ended with a birthday dinner for a friend and a relaxing and fun day with the hubby and wolverine.

Ive been SO wound up the last couple of months....i thought i would never be able to shake it off. I thought i would not get any time to just chill and relax and for one minute NOT be stressed out. But i was wrong. I actually found myself feeling good and happy and at peace. What a nice place to be for a change.

The hubby and I went christmas and birthday shopping for the wolverine. What is it about Toys R Us that can turn a responsible, sane adult into a 7 year old with money to spend????!!!! We actually did good. But for a few crazy minutes our shopping cart was filled to the brim with nothing but big items. Luckily somewhere between theSit and Swivel music station, the drum kit, and the hot wheels aisle, we regained out composure, put all but two reasonably priced items back and were on our way. It felt good. I dont want to be one of "those" parents with one of "those" kids. Plus....oh yeah....we are trying to save up a little before baby girl gets here so no need to shell out several hundred on a child who would be just as content with some empty egg cartons and one dollar hot wheels cars.

Happy Birthday Melinda. Welcome to your 30s.

Thanks Tim.......i love you.

Good night little man. I love you too.

Baby girl.......love you too.