Teatopia

Saturday

Ugh! I'm so fed up with whatever is going on with my blog! And I lost some of my pics. I'll try to fix it later. I have some new ones to upload anyway.

This coming week is going to be so busy! We have to get ready for the trip, which for me means making many lists and checking things off as I go, and then making updated lists. I'm like that-- very organized and methodical. James sincerely believes I have a mild case of OCD. I'd have to agree! I remember I had something with one hand, I had to touch it with the other. Now I sound a little crazy, but that's what I did! I don't even think about that kind of thing anymore though. Now I obsess about other things, like making lists! :-)

This week, I have my morning jogging (go me! My ass is totally shrinking... now if I could just suck it up and weigh myself.. too scared!). Tuesday, my mom and I are making a trip to Atlanta to go to Babies 'R Us. Wednesday we're having Ben & Joey for dinner since they're dog sitting at our house while we're gone. I made a special trip to the Asian market downtown today so I can make Ben's favorite when they come, potstickers! Then, there's all the birthday planning and buying. I need to get going on it!!!

Oh, Olivia's been doing some news things! She's so advanced in some areas, but nowhere near walking! Strange...

-- After months of watching my mom and I play songs on this little flute, she now picks it up and blows into it! She always pulls it out of her mouth between each note so she can smile. :-)

-- She's obsessed with trying to put on her own shoes and socks, which of course she can't do. She sometimes won't even let me do it because she wants to.

-- She screams "hi" and everyone we see and waves. Before it was always "bye bye", now it's "hi."

-- She can tell us where so many of her body parts are! We ask and she points to them. She knows: mouth, eye, ear, hands, shoe, hair, tummy, teeth, and earring. I love when I ask her about her teeth. She gives me a cheesey grin and rubs her finger on her teeth, and then wants to touch mine. She also understands, "put on lotion" and she rubs all over herself.

-- This past week, she tried to dust the living room like she sees me doing. She took a papertowel from me and wiped off various things in the living room. So cute!

Hodge Podge

I'm sorry my blog has been on hiatus. I'm not sure what was going on, but after a few tweaks, things seem to be ok! Whew!

I am just so thankful for my moms' group. It's funny that I don't mention it more, since it's a daily part of our lives these days. It's actually more than a moms's group-- we don't just meet once a week. There are literally 10 things to do a week, easily! We jog with our strollers MWF, and often attend other things inbetween, like dinner last night and a non/new walkers group at the museum this morning. I'm so thankful for all the support and friends I've made. Just last week, I met a mom at the park (I think I mentioned it), invited her to the moms' group and now we've been hanging out. It's so good for Olivia to have other kids to play with!

Olivia and her betrothed, Robbie (Mf's son):

Has anyone tried the new iced mocha at Buger King! Yummy! Tastes like chocolate milk with cofee flavor! I tried to find a link to it, but couldn't.

Tonight I went to see my moms' show at my old school. Once again, I sat in the audience with tears in my eyes as I watch all my babies sing and dance. It brought back so many wonderful memories of teaching. I got tons of hugs afterwards, and some of them asked me if I was coming back next year. Of course, I'm not, but I do miss them. James dropped me off and picked me up, and he brought Olivia in when he came to get me. All the kids gathered around her, played with her curls (yes, she is actually getting some hair) and she began to cry. I think it was too much for her. She's so clingy to me in large groups. I think she's just starting to feel comfortable at playgroup.

I've started giving Olivia a few ounces of whole milk a day. She still nurses a lot, but it frees me up a little to be able to give her some milk while we're out. So now, in addition to the 3 half gallons we usually have for us (Organic only comes in half gallons, and we drink A LOT of milk!), we also have a half gallon of whole milk, which lets face it, I like to drink. So many calories, but oh so good and creamy!!!

Oh, and what to do for her party? I haven't decided on ANYTHING. I'm such a slacker I can't think of a theme.

Updates and a prank call

First, the call:

Tonight, I was walking around an outdoor shopping mall after returning a book to Barnes & Noble (I joined a book club and thought the meeting was next week when actually it's tomorrow-- no time to read the book. Heard it sucked anway). So, I'm walking around looking at baby clothes at Carter's and my cell rings. It's some totally ghetto girl I could hardly understand. I really have no idea what she was saying, and so I tell her she has the wrong number and wait for her to say something. She keeps talking, oblivious, so I just hang up. Well, a few minutes later, my phone rings again and it's the same number. I decide to answer it. She doesn't even say anything for the first minute because she's yelling at someone in the backgroung. I'm listening. It's pretty funny. So finally, she comes on the line and starts talking. I have no idea what she's saying, so I tell her she has the wrong number. Then she says, "Is this Hannah?" and I'm like, "um, yeah. Who is this?" and she says, "I'm wondering if you still have that push mower for sale." Huh? Push mower? I'm not selling a push mower. So she keeps asking me about the push mower, so I finally hang up. I decide to call my sister and tell her about the ass that just called me, and when my sister answers, she's laughing hysterically. Then, I know. It was her boyfriend Marc. He's the funniest guy I know, and he can totally pull off a ghetto girl voice! HAHA!

Apparently, he got this same call earlier in the night (except his was real) and decided to do the same call to me. Except when he got the call, he played along with her. My sister told me the whole conversation.

Lady: "I'm calling about the push mower."

Marc: "What? A hand job?"

Lady: "No! A push mower! I'm looking for a push mower!"

Marc: "Oh . . . I don't have a push mower, but you want me to come do your lawn? You need your lawn did?" (yes, he said did.)

And it went on and on until finally she said:

"This isn't Melvin!" and hung up. HAHA! I love prank calls! And I especially love anyone who at the age of 35 (Marc) still thinks they're hilarious!!!!!

OK, now for the updates:

-- Remember when I posted about my biological dad? Well, I saw a wedding announcement in the paper this past weekend. His fourth marriage. It felt weird, and for some reason, it hurt.

-- I should stop seeing everything as a sign. Remember this? I gave some money to woman I thought needed help. Oddly enough, minutes before her approach, I had just been talking to someone about how God places events on our paths to test us. I think I believe that. At least I used to. Now, I just don't know. Anyway, a woman approached me tonight needing help. I'm a Christian and I'd rather help someone in the chance they're for real and let God judge the rest. But then, I'm listening to her story, and it's starting to sound really familiar. Then I figure it out. It's the SAME woman with the SAME story. I wanted to call her out on it, to tell her I knew she was lying and that I don't appreciate her trying to take what little money I've got. But I didn't. She was eyeing Olivia pretty closely, and if she had a knife or something, or a gun, I just don't want to think about it. So I told her I had no cash (not really even a lie) and left. Then I told a store manager to call the police.

Would you have called her out on it?

What is your philosophy when it comes to people begging for money? Do you refuse and assume they're a fake (when they probably are) or do you chance it and give anyway? I'm curious. I've always given money, but maybe I need to rethink it?

Retraction

I'm not actually retracting what I wrote about the hubby, but I have decided in all fairness, I should share some good things about him as well. He's actually a good guy most of the time, and he smells like heaven.

-- He's good at surprising me with random gifts, plans, and cards. He's always been like that.

-- The day I gave birth to Olivia, he gave me a diamond necklace with a charm of a mother and baby.

-- He allowed me to spend a tremendous amount of money on our South African safari trip because he knew it was my dream. He said he would've been happy going to the beach.

-- Most importantly and selflessly, he is working his job plus some side freelance work (in addition to going to grad school) so I can have my dream of staying home with Olivia and our subsequent children.

-- Also very selfless, he followed me to Georgia after we'd only been dating a few months because he said he couldn't live without me. I should add that he took a major pay cut (like half).

God, I love this man. He may drive me COMPLETELY nuts sometimes, but he's not so bad, really. :-D I think I'll keep him.

Men Suck

Come check this out.

Then, come back here and tell me why your husband* sucks.

*My husband knows I love him, but sometimes, he makes me want to jump off a bridge!!! Though I'm sure he'd say the same about me sometimes. :-) But he doesn't have a blog to write about me. HA!

Oh, and where's my love? Why aren't you people leaving me any love? I see you on my counter. Don't be shy!

Gross

Yesterday, I stepped on a used condom at the park, and later, a friend informed me that my ex, Doug, has a picture of his ass on his Myspace profile. I didn't look. Do I get props for that?

Happy Spring!

First of all, Happy Spring. I look forward to all the thunderstorms every year. They make me feel all cozy inside my house.

This morning, I had the most awesome jelly: strawberry & lavender preserves. Wait, that's not a jelly. What the difference between jelly and preserves anyway? I wish I knew how to make something like this. It was so yummy! There's a part of me that really wants to be all domestic, but then I go shopping instead!

My posts tend to get a bit random when I've been MIA for a couple days. I usually get online at night, but Olivia has really changed her schedule (but still is not sleeping throught the night) and I've been in bed earlier. She's been getting up earlier than she used to, so I'm trying to drag my smaller butt to bed so I don't feel like committing suicide when Olivia wakes up early.

Ok, so my butt is smaller. YIPPPPEEEEEEE! I've been walking several days a week, sometimes twice a day. The other night James and I were -------- what can I say we were doing? CAN.NOT.MENTION.THE.S.WORD!!!!!! Ack! Promised James I wouldn't write about anything too personal. People we know are reading. I mean, come on! They don't know we have sex! We're married, but I can't mention that we actually have sex!!! AH! And now I've gone ahead and said it. Ok, so the other night, James and I were spending time together, and he mentioned how much thinner I felt! Go me! I just wish I could tone the millions of folds of loose skin I have since being pregnant. I look fine until I sit down or lean over, then I look like I'm wearing an innertube!!!!

Speaking of exercise, I've been walking with moms from my group and making new friends. It's good for Olivia to be around other babies. Anyway, I feel like I finally have a circle of friends who are similar to me. It benefits me AND Olivia, which is important. After we jogged 10 laps around the track the other day, I met this cute mama at the park after Olivia and her daughter took an interest in each other. Anyway, the mom mentioned that she's just moved here and didn't know anyone (is is pathetic that I've lived here for 5 years and I don't know that many people either?). It's actually pretty common around here to be new and/or not know anyone because people are always coming and going since we're a military town. We've lost many friends to people getting trasnfered elsewhere. Anyway, the organizer of our moms' group made these little business cards for out group, and we all have them, so I gave the mama a card. I felt kind of stupid for some reason, but she's already joined!

I desperately need new shoes for jogging. Mine are old and dirty.

These are cute!

I also need another bathing suit. I don't see myself in a bikini again. Ever. Why is it so hard to find a cute one piece? Some of us have stretch marks from pregnancy!! And wrinkled skin! This one is super cute! Sexy, but it covers!

Well, I'm off to make egg salad before James comes home for lunch. Then, it's off to buy Olivia more mini bananas before our walk at 3:30!

Thinking About

. . . how excited I am about the hotel I booked for Savannah! They offer complimentary afternoon tea (sold!), a heated pool and hot tub, and we'll be just a quick walk away from great shopping and restaurants! Perfect!

. . . how much it irritates me when people don't watch their kids! We went to Chuck E. Cheese today with my moms' group, and one mom let her two year old wander around unattended nearly the whole time. The child spent most of the time going from table to table eating other kids' snacks. She came up to MF's baby and stole his fruit puffs on his tray and tried to force another kid's sippy cup in Olivia's mouth. Eeeeew! I stopped her before she could do it. Then, this other boy not affiliated with our group went around stealing tickets from people. I played several games of skee-ball (love that game!) and he tried to steal every ticket that printed as they came out. I had to push him away so I could tear off my tickets inbetween each game. He also stole my balls (haha!) and walked off with them. It shouldn't be my job to have to grab something out of a kid's hand! The other moms were warning each other to stay away from him because he wouldn't leave any of us alone. He followed me for an hour and not once did his mom check in with him! It ruins a fun time when you have to constantly monitor what other peoples' kids are doing! Some parents KILL ME! Makes we wonder if our organizer really said anything about monitoring our kids like she said she would? At least Olivia had fun. :-)

I just love her ears. They're like mine as a baby, but mine stuck out more!

Here's me and my puffy cheeks. My cheeks aren't even that puffy usually, but they always looks so round when I smile!

. . . how clever I am! Olivia has decided she wants nothing to eat but bananas. She screams several times a day and points to where our fruit dish is on the counter. Some days she eats two whole bananas. Can you overdose on potassium??? So, anyway, I decided to buy her the mini bananas. That way, she can have a few a day, and it's like she only ate one big one. Who's a clever mommy? (Actually, I'm really not. My grandma told me that my cousin buys them for his baby. HAHA!)

. . . what a little menace my baby has become. She can't even walk, but she gets into everything! I only turned my back for a SECOND! I was even in the same room!

. . . how cute my Livvy is!

. . . about moving my blog???? Still thinking. Leaning towards staying here I think. Too lazy to take on a second blog. Actually, it would be a third because I write at Mommy Musings too!

new friend and blogging dilemna--- HELP!!

First, let me say how much fun I had today! Olivia and I met a new friend at a gorgeous park nearby and walked with our strollers for what seemed like miles. The trail is nice and straight-- much easier for my jogging stroller to navigate than where we normally go. It's such a busy area, almost like a smaller Central Park or something. It just makes the time pass by much more quickly to have someone to talk to, even if I was completely out of breath! It's also neat because both of us want to try for baby #2 sometime this summer (I'll talk more about this later as we discuss it more), so we both want to get in shape! She's closer though than I am! Then, I got the sweetest e-mail from her saying what a nice time she had and that we should do it again! I felt like I did in high school when I made a new friend. I guess friends are important at any age and make us feel so much better!

OK, now on to my blog dilmena . . .

I asked you all a while back to answer some questions about your blog: are you anonymous? Does anyone who knows you in real life read it? When I posted that entry, I was starting to struggle with the fact that so many who know me read this. This blog started as something for fun. A place I could post family pictures and recipes. But then, it quickly became an outlet for me to vent, and through venting, I began to slowly expose myself, sometimes sharing a little more than I'd want those who know me in real life to know. There are a few people who read this who I talk to completely openly anyway (Entsar & Rebecca for example), but there are others who probably see a completely different side of me through my blog, and probably judge me just a little for posting about such personal topics. I'm not crude per se, but I have made references to my sex life a few times. I've also talked about family issues. But one thing has been constant: I never really have felt free to relax on here and say whatever I want-- often, what I really want to say.

Lately, I learned that news of my blog has spread. Some friends I didn't tell about my blog have found out and are reading. Much of my family reads it, which is fine, but I don't want to offend anyone. I admire people like Tertia. The whole world knows about her blog-- even her neighbor-- and she still feels free to post pictures of her arse (as she calls it) when she had a spider bite and she makes references to her sex life on occassion. It's not that I want you to see my ass, or that I particularly want to tell you about my sex life (or lack there of considering there's a baby in our bed, but that's another issue entirely). See? I don't even know if I should've said that!!!!!!

So, I'm thinking . . . maybe I should set up some sort of family-friendly blog with the things they really want to see: pictures of Olivia, family news, recipes, etc. and then I can have another anonymous blog where I can say more inappropriate things, if the mood moves me to. James asked me why I just don't keep a diary? I used to, but it wasn't nearly as much fun! I didn't have all my friends inside the computer to interact with, although I swear I'm getting less interesting as evident by my lack of comments lately. DOES ANYONE STILL LOVE ME????

Then there's the dilemna of moving. I suppose I could e-mail those who read regularly, and the lurkers, well, I guess they'd be screwed. :-) Or I could stay here, watch what I say, and not have to worry about setting up a new blog.

Hmmm . . . what to do???

Or, I could scrap the whole thing and find a new outlet, but something tells me, I'd miss all of you terribly.

Lost doggy, trip to ATL, BLOG DILEMNA

So one day last week, this little doggy ran into my house when I opened the door. Can't remember which day is was exactly because I am so sleep-deprived (don't even get me started) and time is relevant these days. Anyway, it was sometime in the last several days. It was a little beagle with big, sad eyes. We thought she might've been hungry, but she looked well taken care of and didn't seem to be hungry. She wasn't wearing a collar though and she was obviously scared and looking for some love. Our two dogs immediately went nuts and James said she could not stay. There are always dogs wandering around our neighborhood, and we have the piles of pooh in our yard to prove it. We assumed it was one of our neighbor's dogs, and James put the dog back outside. I felt sad, but I knew we couldn't keep it, especially with our dogs. It just made me sad because it hung around our yard for a while before it finally wandered off.

So, today we're taking a walk, and there are posters on this missing dog. I felt so badly. I should've kept her in my backyard, but I just didn't know. We could've been $200 richer too because the owners are offering a reward, but I probably wouldn't have taken it anyway. I did call them though to tell them I'd seen her. They didn't even thank me. How are people so thoughtless? I even gave them detailed directions to my neighborhood (they lived several neighborhoods away, so apprently this little doggy had gotten around). I've been keeping an eye out for her. I hope they find her. I'd die if something happened to our dogs!

We had a great time in Atlanta yesterday visiting with my uncle and aunt. It feels weird to call them that considering they aren't but a few years older than us! We went to a fairly authentic Mexican restuarant several blocks from their hotel. I love getting out and walking. It was super windy though and cold up there, but I enjoyed walking and talking with them. I hope we can see them again soon. It was nice being with an intelligent, wordly couple we could really talk to. We are so desperate for couples to hang out with, although we have a baby and James doesn't have much time. Things will be so different when James finishes grad school this summer!

So, tomorrow, I have the blog dilemna I want to discuss. I don't want to shut down I don't think, but if I move, I don't want to post where I'm going either. Not sure. I am pretty open on my blog, and a lot of people who know me read this. People I wasn't even aware of. Will discuss tomorrow.

Getting my groove back, post-preggo periods, and a little trip to Atlanta

So today, I had lunch with some of the moms from my moms' group at this awesome new Japanese Habachi place called Fuji. Last night, after writing my pathetic depressing post, I decided to remedy things, so I picked out an outfit (which I had to scrap today because it was so freaking cold, but I ended up with another I like) and decided I would accessorize! I even picked out earrings and wore my cute little ballet flats. The whole way to the restaurant I felt better. I noticed myself singing along with the radio and just generally feeling better. I even got hit on today. Ok, so it was a stock boy at the grocery store, but hey, it doesn't happen every day, especially not with Olivia with me. Although sometimes, you'd be surprised. Oh, I wanted to take pictures of myself, but Olivia was so active at the restaurant, and I just didn't get the chance. All she wanted was my food, and she kept putting all her finger foods on another baby's high chair tray. He was delighted!

I felt sad this afternoon though after Olivia picked out a shiny Tinkerbell balloon at the grocery store-- that's her latest obsession, balloons-- and then it blew away in the parking lot. It was so windy today, and I was juggling a million things, and I couldn't stop it. Olivia immediately started to fuss, and be being so emotional and PMS-y, I was sad. She was so excited to have that balloon! Speaking of . . .

Has anyone else noticed less cramping with their period since they gave birth? I used to want to go to bed for several days before I was on the pill (which made them a little better) and before I had Olivia. I used to lay in bed and hold my tummy. I hurt so bad I'd physically get sick to my stomach. I really believe I've had menstrual cramps close to what labor felt like. It's such a relief not to hurt that badly anymore. I'll occasionally have a bit of cramping, but nothing that stops me in my tracks or interrupts my day.

Tomorrow, we're heading up to Atlanta to see my uncle. Well, he's technically my uncle, but in his early 30's and his wife is around James's age I believe. I haven't seen him since I was a little girl, so it'll be fun to catch up. I remember him giving my sister and I piggy back rides when we were little, and it was so much fun because he's to tall. He's a fmaily member I really haven't known that well because the circumstances are odd. He is my mom's half brother, from her father's second marriage. It should be a lot of fun. I just hope Olivia survives all the driving. I'm already worrying about when/where to nurse her, and how to keep her entertained in the car. We won't be able to stay long because James has a huge project due on Sunday for grad school, but it should be fun.

Quick Olivia moment: tonight, Olivia was eating some finger foods in her highchair, and James asked her where her shoe was. She pulled her leg out and propped it up on her tray, pointed to her shoe, and grinned. This kid cracks me up!

Oh, and how cool is my husband for letting my friend B AND his boyfriend doggy sit at our house for 3 days while we're in Savannah? I know many men who wouldn't want two gay men sleeping in his house and I'm SOOOO glad my hubby isn't like that. He accepts everyone. V v cool!

Just a quickie! I LURVE these shoes. Now, do I want them in black or beige? Hmmm . . . I think I need both! V summery and close-toed. Perfect!

boring old me

I dress very plainly. I've been noticing that lately. The other day, I was folding my laundry, and every.single.thing I folded was solid, dark colored, and plain.

I used to wear patterns and fun colors, and accessories. I was all about accessorizing. What has happened to me? I'd say it's because I had a baby, but I really don't think so. I stopped really fixing myself up a few years ago when I put on about 20 pounds. That when I think I started to have issues with my self image and maybe didn't try quite as hard.

I always wear the same earrings for one thing. I didn't used to. The same, plain diamond studs. They don't have special meaning or anything (they're actually from an ex, but why waste diamonds?). I wear the same necklace every day, too. My hair is usually pulled back in some boring old twist because it's so long and it gets on my nerves. Also, I need to touch up highlights that I can't really afford. Ask my friends. Rebecca used to steal my hair bands when we taught together so I couldn't put my hair up. MF always notices and compliments me when my hair is down because she says it's always up. I have long hair that most people tell me is really pretty, so why don't I leave it down? Laziness? Not sure.

I rarely wear my fun shoes. All my pointy-toed shoes-- the ones James calls my "elf shoes"-- I rarely wear them. My cute flats I wear sometimes, but lately I've been opting for boring old black flip-flops (which make me nervous because of my injured toe. Posted about this on other blog).

I am a plain Jane. I'm just realizing this. I want to be one of those women that's all put together, but instead, I'm boring. I have so little confidence, and I know I'd feel so much better if I made more of an effort, so why don't I? I have all the stuff (well, some of it doesn't quite fit, but I'm working on it!) I have all the accessories though. Cute jewelry from Frock Candy, Express, New York & Co. I just don't wear it.

We're going to Savannah* in a couple weeks. I should really take the time to plan out cute skirts and things. I'd feel more sexy, and I haven't felt that way in a long time.

*I will e-mail those of you who said you've been to Savannah so I can get some suggestions. :-)

I Opened My Big Mouth

I'm always so self-conscious when it comes to speaking up or complaining about something. It's not that I'm all that shy, but I don't want to appear negative or be thought of as a complainer. So, I was a little hesitant to say something after several unsupervised bigger kids were messing with the non-walker babies at playgroup yesterday.

But, I decided to get over my self-consciousness and speak up! After all, I have a right to put my baby down on the floor without some brat unsupervised bigger kid running over my baby, which is exactly what happened yesterday. Once is an accident, but some kids were completely nuts running around, and others were hitting and kicking and being total bullies!

Me: (to kid) Be careful! You stepped on my baby!

Him: It wasn't me. (Um, hello. I'm not blind)

Me: Yes it was. You need to watch out!

I shouldn't have to be the one to correct someone else's kid, but if their mom isn't around, I'm going to! Not too far back, I knocked some kid off this blow-up dinosaur in a moon bounce type thing because she was nose-diving on it, about to knock out tiny Olivia who was already sitting on it. Surely, Olivia would've had a concussion, at best. This kid was literally diving on top of her! I knew the kid wouldn't get hurt falling in the moon bounce, but Olivia surely would have if I hadn't stopped the kid! I don't like confronting other moms when it comes to their kids behavior, but I have no problem correcting the kids. What can I say? It's the teacher in me. I would never, ever, correct a child if his/her mom was there, only if they are hurting another child in some way and there's no one else to stop it. You don't mess with my baby!

So, today, while out walking, I mentioned to the assistant organizer of our group that I felt really uncomfortabble about having to pay so much attention to what some of the older kids are doing because their moms are obviously too busy to watch them. It's only a few kids who misbehave, but a few of the younger kids got hurt yesterday, and this isn't fair or appropriate. I also explained that a new mom attending the event yesterday was upset that her child was shoved to the ground by another child several times. I was worried she wouldn't want to come back! She thanked me for telling her and said she'd handle it.

The next thing I know, the head organizer is calling me and many others asking about the "incident" yesterday and wanting names. Yikes! I don't want to get in the middle of anything!!! I tried to play it down and explained that I was just hoping she could, as our organizer, politely remind parents to watch their kids, even if it's just checking in with them from time-to-time. I don't want it to get back to anyone that I am tattling or making trouble. I just want my daughter to have a safe place to play.

I know it's hard when you're a tired, sleep-deprived mom who just wants to sit and talk. It's not like I wouldn't like that. But if you have a child, sorry, but you do actually have to watch them. Hope I won't be the bad guy in this.

Did I do the right thing or should I just let kids be kids?

On my mind

>I posted about my shoe dilemna here. I desperately need some springy shoes. We're going to the coast for a mini-vacation and I want something that'll look good with a variety of ourfits, like flip flops would, except that I really shouldn't wear them. These might work . . .

>Speaking of our trip, we're going to Savannah because I hear it's gorgeous and I've never been. I'm pushing to stay in this awesome hotel on the water. We'll see what our checking account says about that. Our taxes are almost done. *Fingers crossed for a big return!!!*

>When we have playgroup in my moms' group, I am always hesitant to put Olivia down to play. Very few moms pay attention to their kids. I'm tired of her getting hit, pushed, and stepped on when she's crawling around. Kids will be kids, but they also need to be watched!!! Not sure how to handle this. Do I say something? A few of us with younger babies feel are irritated. I don't want to blame the kids, even though some of them are totally bratty, but it's lack of repsonsibility on the parents' part that makes these kids think they can do whatever they want!

>I am such a sucker for Lifetime movies lately. They are mindless and sometimes really cheesey. Perfect for unwinding!

>I've been exercising a lot with my jogging stroller. I can tell my waist is getting more defined. Now, if I could only get back my smoking ass!

>I'm kinda sorta maybe considering bringing along some lingerie on our little trip. I haven't worn anything sexy in a looooong time. So what if my tummy is covered with zebra-like stretch marks, my boobs are leaky, and I can pull loose skin away from my tummy from here to Timbuktu? My husband thinks I'm hot, and I'm determined to get my confidence back! I'm not a plus sized girl, and although I'm no longer wearing jeans in a single digit size, I still want to be sexy for my man. Now if I could only tolerate a thong . . .

>They say that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor. So, in my effort to get our family healthier, and because I've been trying to go a bit more "green", I decided to buy some environmentally friendly~ and most importantly, SAFE~ cleaning products. No chemicals! I feel comfortable wiping down Olivia's high chair and tub with them, and best of all, the nice lemony scent is real!

Worried

Just wondering . . .

Has anyone heard from GFF? Her blog is now password protected, and I'm worried something's wrong. If you've heard from her, please let me know. She's a good friend and I want to know that everything's ok.

Thanks! :-)

11 Months

My Doodle Bug,

I can't believe this is your last month as a "baby" baby. Next month, you'll be a toddler. How can this be? Of course, you'll always be my baby, but it's whistful to think how quickly this first year has gone by.

This month has been a big one for you. You have become so much more like a little girl. You're starting to only want our food. You grunt and point, and won't eat anything unless you think it's come from our plates. You don't even like your finger foods anymore. Gerber puffs, saltines, and Cheerios used to be your favorite thing ever! You're growing up! You listen to our conversations when we don't even realize it. The other night, I was nursing you, and telling my mom how impressed someone was today when you told them "bye bye" and waved. I didn't even think you were listening since you were drinking away, and you pulled off from me, waved to me, said "bye bye" and went back to nursing. The other night, someone said "tummy" and you began patting your tummy. You don't miss a thing!

This month, you've started doing what we call "monkey lips" like you did when you were a newborn. I missed it when you stopped, and I"m so excited you've started doing it again. I love it! My little monkey!!!!

You've really taken an interest in the dogs this month. You like to pat them, feed them, and chase them around the house. They love it! It's the most attention they've gotten since you arrived. You've also started trying to eat the dog food, so we have to be careful.

You're such a good helper! You like to try to do things for yourself, like trying to put on your own socks and shoes, which you rub on your feet trying to get them on. You pick up my chapstick and rub it on your lips, and you think all bottles and tubes are lotion. You touch the end of lotion bottles and them rub your face. When I put powder on you, you reach down and pat the powder on your little peeper. So smart and helpful!

Proably the most amazing thing about you is your vocabulary. I don't want to brag too much, but your vocabulary is incredible! I'm just so proud of you-- I'm your Mommy! It amazes us everyday, and complete strangers often tell me how smart you are! You're only 11 months, and you can say about 20 words, which you use correctly. Last week, you pointed to the stars in your book and said "daw!" You also can say "balloon" which sounds like "bawoo". There are other words you know, but cannot say. You know who everyone in our family is, and you point to them on command. We do read to you a lot. Afterall, your Mommy is/was an English teacher and a total bookworm! I hope you'll love to read, too. I just can't believe how fast you pick up new words. You're such a clever, clever girl!

You've also turned into a little sass! You mess with things you know you shouldn't and them you shake your finger at yourself. I think you also do it to get a rise out of me. As soon as I give a disapproving look, you start shaking your finger at yourself.

We've been taking a lot of walks lately, and you seem to love the new jogging stroller. You kick your feet while we walk and you often sing little made-up songs. You love any activity where you can hang out with your boyfriend Robbie, MF's handsome little man. Who knows, you two might even get married someday!

Other things I want to remember this month:

-- You're back to nursing a lot. You seem to like nursing more than solid food lately.

-- You are VERY allergic to eggs. Your face turns bright red within minutes if you have certain foods with egg. I'm hoping you'll outgrow your allergy with time.

-- Your legs are starting to have more shape, like a little girl's. They are still pudgy at the top, but your calfs are more defined.

-- You point at everything that interests you. EVERYTHING! It's neat because eventhough you can't tell us, we know what you want when you point to it.

Ok, I've got to save some for next month. I LOVE YOU, BABY GIRL! I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Day!

Although last night wasn't so good (Olivia threw up EVERYWHERE after eating some vanilla frozen yogurt-- and we're not talking about spit up here!!!), today has been awesome.

The day started out with Olivia helping me dress her. She wanted to put on her socks and shoes, although she really had no idea how they went on, but she seemed very proud when I made a fuss over how clever she was for trying!

Then, twice today, she pointed to herself and proudly said, "BABY!" I'm so excited about all the words she's saying. She's so verbal, although not so advanced when it comes to physical milestones. I don't see her walking in the next month. But anyway, last week, she said "bah-woo" and pointed to the balloon. She loves balloons, so much so that we have to have one floating around at all times. She loves hitting them!

We've also been working on "pat your fat tummy." We haven't quite established exactly where the tummy is. She seems to think it's any region in the mid-section and often smacks me in the boob when I tell her to pat Mommy's tummy.

So, yesterday, MF and I went to a twice-a-year consignment sale in the hopes of snagging some good deals. We really didn't find much (well, MF did) but I didn't see anything I liked. I did buy one of those play kitchens for a good deal, but what I really wanted was a jogging stroller since the lady who offered me hers now thinks her hubby tossed it a while back. I also hoped to find a shopping cart cover and some Robeez. No such luck. Well, afterwards, I headed over to local consignment shop and found a shopping cart cover there, and a used jogging stroller for $60. It was an Instep, and I want a Jeep. They were about to close, so I left and decided to think about it. Well, after considering our lack of finances (and the fact that I had $50 in b-day money and I wouldn't have to put much more towards it), I decided to go for it. I shouldn't be picky when we are so broke! BTW, please pray for James. He's looking for a new job that pays more. I know he's worth more than he makes. He made twice this in Maryland, and the cost of living isn't THAT different. Anyway, I went back today and bought the used one. I felt a little sad not having the one I wanted, but when the lady behind me said how much she liked the one I was buying and that she had the same one, I knew I was making the right choice. Can't wait for stroller exercise in the morning at the park!!!

This evening, James is working his resume and I'm meeting my friend B and his man for coffee. Oh, and then Grey's is on! Yippeee! Oh, and did I mention is 75 oand GORGEOUS out??

** Edited to add: What??!? No Grey's? I missed the end of the episode 2 weeks ago, and so now I'm confused why there haven't been any new episodes the last two weeks!!!

Sometimes it's good to be different . . .

How do you feel about being friends with people who are VERY different from you?

They say diversity is good . . . Yes, this is something I believe. Those of you who read me regularly know that I am v. interested in other cultures, but we're not always drawn to people who are very different from us. What happens when someone has completely different morals or values than you? Can you be good friends?

I feel like I'm too quick to judge people. And don't worry, I'm not reading your blogs and judging. I love my blogger friends! It's just that lately, I've noticed myself looking at some of the moms in my moms' group and thinking: I could never be friends with her. I don't know why I do it, but there are some things that just seem *so* different. There's this one lady who seems to want to be friends, but she's weird, and it bothers me. I'd never be rude to someone, ever, but she doesn't even believe women should wear pants. And she wears her hair in a bun with a net. I don't want to debate the fundamental differences of Christianity here or have anyone tell me which bible verses to consult, I'm just expressing my thoughts on my blog and telling you that I don't feel drawn to someone who dresses like they live in 1850. I can't help it and I wish I didn't feel that way.

At the opposite extreme, I have a friend who completely sleeps around. I really like her, but our values are so very different. In some ways, I worry she brings me down. It's not my place to tell her what to do, but I'm always thinking about it. I could never tell her (and she doesn't know I have a blog!), so what to do???

There are some differences that are wonderful and easy to accept:
I grew up surrounded by people different from me: friends in the neighborhood, people at school, etc. I loved it! My best friend from Maryland, Entsar, is first generation American. Her parents are from Africa and she's Muslim, yet we have a lot in common in terms of interests and we just "click", although technically, our backgrounds are very different. We worked with students with mental retardation in high school and spent many hours shopping and laughing! I love her to death. She can make me laugh like few others can! She truly has a heart of gold. Our differences really don't matter.

I've never thought of myself as someone who is judemental, but as someone who's trying to expand her circle of "Mommy" friends, I'm realizing that maybe I'm not as open-minded as I once thought. But aren't we all that way? I think it's natural to tend to surround yourself with people like you. And it's weird, because I love hanging out with my gay friend B and his man. They are awesome! And different from me (obviously since I'm not gay, but if you count the fact both B and I sleep with men, we aren't so different afterall!) :-)

Do you have friends who are VERY different? Do you tend to gravitate towards people who are like you or do you embrace people who are VERY different? Would it be hard if a friend led a lifestyle you completely disagreed with or couldn't relate to?

*This is an open and honest post about my feelings!!! Please, only respectful comments. That doesn't mean you have to always agree with everything I post, but there's never a reason to be nasty.

I had sex with George O'Malley

Last night, I dreamed that I slept with George from "Grey's Anatomy", except he was deaf and I had to sign to him. WTF? Why couldn't it have been Denny??? or even McSteamy? or I suppose even McDreamy, who is quite hot, but I just don't like his nose for some reason.

Actually, this is just one of many weird dreams I've had lately.

What's with the dreams? And no, I am not preggers. I just know someone would've suggested that. I almost wish I was. At least it would mean I'm not demented and crazy, which apparently, obviously, I am.

I won't even go into some of the other dreams I've had lately. Some are far weirder, although they didn't involve me sleeping with anyone.

Had any weird dreams lately? Come on, you know you want to make me feel better.

Where I was

Hello! Did you think I died? I never go this long without blogging. And what an entry to have left at the top of my page! About farts! Ha!

We've had no cable, internet, or phone service since Thursday because of the storms. Twenty-two tornadoes touched down in our small town, and although our house is unscathed, I can't say the same for many other homes and businesses in our area. It really makes you think. We've all seen damage on the news, but I'd never seen any with my own eyes until the last few days. We are so lucky! Many areas were severely damaged all around us. There were tornado warning sirens going off half the night on Thursday, but I guess we really didn't take them as seriously as we should've. James strapped Olivia in her baby bjorn carrier so she wouldn't be blown from his arms if something did hit (I found this adorable and quite sensible), but we didn't take cover in a safe spot or anything, and if I'd known all the damage being done down the road, I would've.

James ALMOST went back to work Thursday night. Am V. v. glad he didn't! The tornado came right through the parking lot!

Here are some pictures I took yesterday when I ventured out and got stuck in traffic!

Tons of trees are down everywhere!

This is the church where we got married. The roof is pretty messed up.

These people's shed blew into their house!

The shed from the front:

I drove by Eckerd today, and the entire side of the building is gone, and the bricks flew into people's windshields. I also saw tons of houses with trees through the roofs, as well as billboards down. Our favorite Mexican restaurant will be closed for a while (boo!) and many homes have to be re-built from scratch. Like I said, we are v. lucky!!!!!!

This is the side of the Eckerd drugstore (picture from our local paper):

Some friends of ours took more pictures showing much more devestation than mine. I'll post them if James still has them on his computer.

I have other things to update you on, like my fabulous new book club (like that's so thrilling) and the fact that my not-even-11-month-old is now saying two syllable words! Clever girl! She is AMAZING! Oh, and my utter disappointment over finding out that the jogging stroller I wanted to buy was actually an "all terrain stroller" and now I can't find one single jogging stroller in our entire area. This town sucks.

Hope you're having a wonderful, restful weekend. Get some sleep for me since I haven't slept more than 3.5 hours straight in oh, a YEAR AND A HALF!!!! But I wouldn't trade motherhood for the world.