In my house I am outnumbered. There are two guys and one me! So, we have an office full of firefighter stuff, a guest bathroom so decorated in outdoorsy stuff that we refer to it as the "moose bathroom", a blue nursery and a deep maroon and purple master bedroom with a dark blue bathroom. Our house screams "males rule here!"
I have to admit that I prayed for a son my whole married life leading up to the day of Aaron's ultrasound. So, most of the time I am perfectly content in my male dominated house. But, there are times when I just want to visit somewhere "girlie".
That is why I love visiting my friend, Robin. She is the mother of the 5 girls that I previously spoke about. Her house is a "girl power paradise"! Each of the girls' rooms are painted in beautiful pastel colors. They have beautiful bedspreads and sweet, feminine furniture. The place just reeks of "girl".
So, I sometimes take Aaron over there and he helps even the odds for their dad. And, I get to soak in a bit of "girl world". Then, we come on home and it is back to fire trucks, balls and little toy cars...and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
5 Sizes Too Large!
Okay, we've all seen it: "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" (If you haven't ever seen it, leave your computer right now and run, don't walk, to your nearest video store and rent it!)
Anyway, the Grinch has a heart that is 2 sizes too small. Well, I have a couple of friends whose hearts are 5 sizes too big! Well, "too big" is deceptive because it sounds negative. Let's just say their hearts are bigger than the average person's!
You see, my friends' have adopted 5 sisters. Yes, you read that right! F-I-V-E five! Five sisters who range in age from 4 to 10! No, they are not crazy (as my husband claims every time he sees them all come flying out of their van or any time they come up in the conversation at home!) They just have a lot of room in their hearts.
I also think they have a lot of faith! It is a HUGE step to go from being a couple to having an instant family. It's hard enough when you give birth to a baby and then "grow" together as a family. But to bring 5 children permanently into your life? FAITH! FAITH! FAITH! It takes faith that the Lord will provide a house large enough, a vehicle large enough, a paycheck large enough...you get the picture!
Are their hearts 5 sizes too big? Or is their faith just the right size? (or are they just plain crazy as James thinks?) Feel free to decide for yourself!
Anyway, the Grinch has a heart that is 2 sizes too small. Well, I have a couple of friends whose hearts are 5 sizes too big! Well, "too big" is deceptive because it sounds negative. Let's just say their hearts are bigger than the average person's!
You see, my friends' have adopted 5 sisters. Yes, you read that right! F-I-V-E five! Five sisters who range in age from 4 to 10! No, they are not crazy (as my husband claims every time he sees them all come flying out of their van or any time they come up in the conversation at home!) They just have a lot of room in their hearts.
I also think they have a lot of faith! It is a HUGE step to go from being a couple to having an instant family. It's hard enough when you give birth to a baby and then "grow" together as a family. But to bring 5 children permanently into your life? FAITH! FAITH! FAITH! It takes faith that the Lord will provide a house large enough, a vehicle large enough, a paycheck large enough...you get the picture!
Are their hearts 5 sizes too big? Or is their faith just the right size? (or are they just plain crazy as James thinks?) Feel free to decide for yourself!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Do Kids Cause Cavities?
Ever since Aaron was born, I have told people, "Watch out! He's so sweet! He'll give you a cavity!" Well, it turns out what I was saying was true! I went to the dentist today and after almost 31 years, I had my first cavity! (Well, actually I had two minor ones that did not even show up on the x-rays! But, I still had to get my first 2 fillings! Ugh!)
So, I am wondering if what many of my friends have told me is true. Do kids cause cavities?! I know many women who did not get their first cavity until after they had a baby. Why is this, I wonder?
I have 2 theories. The first, and most scientific explanation is the many, many, hormonal changes your body goes through both during and after pregnancy. This has to effect your teeth is some way.
My second theory, and the one I believe to be correct, is that once you have a baby you just don't have to time to devote to your teeth that you used too! When it is just you and hubby you are very aware of your appearance and your breath. You want to be sexy for him (especially if you are trying to make that baby!) Therefore, your teeth get brushed a lot! Once baby enters the picture you are just too tired to care. You feel lucky if you get your teeth brushed before you pass out on the bed!
So, those are my theories. Or, maybe Aaron is so sweet he gave me a cavity!
So, I am wondering if what many of my friends have told me is true. Do kids cause cavities?! I know many women who did not get their first cavity until after they had a baby. Why is this, I wonder?
I have 2 theories. The first, and most scientific explanation is the many, many, hormonal changes your body goes through both during and after pregnancy. This has to effect your teeth is some way.
My second theory, and the one I believe to be correct, is that once you have a baby you just don't have to time to devote to your teeth that you used too! When it is just you and hubby you are very aware of your appearance and your breath. You want to be sexy for him (especially if you are trying to make that baby!) Therefore, your teeth get brushed a lot! Once baby enters the picture you are just too tired to care. You feel lucky if you get your teeth brushed before you pass out on the bed!
So, those are my theories. Or, maybe Aaron is so sweet he gave me a cavity!
Monday, August 28, 2006
The Eternal Optimist
My toddler son is an optimist.
Every night we have the same bedtime routine. He takes a bath. He plays in his diaper. I put his pajamas on. I read him a story (or two). We say bedtime prayers. I sing some songs. I kiss him goodnight, tell him I love him and put him in his crib. With very few variances, this has been our routine for over a year now.
After this, Aaron has his own routine. I put him in the bed and he starts crying and screaming, "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" This is where the optimist in him comes in. As I said, we have been doing this same routine for over a year, and I have never gone back in there after I put him down for bed. Yet, every single night he calls to me. Every single night! I just know he is in there thinking, "This is it! This is the night she will come back in and get me out of this crib! Maybe she can't hear me. So, I will scream louder!" And he continues to yell, "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" Then, a few minutes later, he goes to sleep.
Every night, without fail, he calls to me after I have put him down for bed. Each night is a new hope. You have to give the kid points for persistence!
Every night we have the same bedtime routine. He takes a bath. He plays in his diaper. I put his pajamas on. I read him a story (or two). We say bedtime prayers. I sing some songs. I kiss him goodnight, tell him I love him and put him in his crib. With very few variances, this has been our routine for over a year now.
After this, Aaron has his own routine. I put him in the bed and he starts crying and screaming, "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" This is where the optimist in him comes in. As I said, we have been doing this same routine for over a year, and I have never gone back in there after I put him down for bed. Yet, every single night he calls to me. Every single night! I just know he is in there thinking, "This is it! This is the night she will come back in and get me out of this crib! Maybe she can't hear me. So, I will scream louder!" And he continues to yell, "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" Then, a few minutes later, he goes to sleep.
Every night, without fail, he calls to me after I have put him down for bed. Each night is a new hope. You have to give the kid points for persistence!
Lord, Give Me Peace!
Last night when James and I were almost asleep, I sat up in the bed and said "what's that smell?" He didn't smell anything at first, but soon realized that something that smelled of burning metal or something electrical was coming through our air-conditioning vents.
We turned off the A/C and he went outside to check on the unit. We soon discovered that the problem was under the house and he called down to the fire department to get a thermal imager. There was no fire (praise God!), but there was water backed up in the unit and a fire probably would have started had we left the A/C on much longer.
After the fire truck left and we returned to our rapidly heating house, the reality of what could have happened sunk in! I started thinking about things like "what if this had been a night when James was gone?" or "what if we already been asleep?" My biggest fear in life is that something will happen to Aaron. So, needless to say, I got very upset!
As I tried to calm myself down, I just prayed to the Lord that He would keep us safe and give me peace about the situation. And, then I prayed again. And again...
I finally fell asleep and woke up to the precious calls of "Mommy? Mommy!" over the monitor. And guess what? Everything looks better in the morning! Sure, we have no air-conditioning and I have spent the day waiting on the A/C man to come out. But, we are safe, and I have peace! Now I just need peace about what this is going to COST us! :)
We turned off the A/C and he went outside to check on the unit. We soon discovered that the problem was under the house and he called down to the fire department to get a thermal imager. There was no fire (praise God!), but there was water backed up in the unit and a fire probably would have started had we left the A/C on much longer.
After the fire truck left and we returned to our rapidly heating house, the reality of what could have happened sunk in! I started thinking about things like "what if this had been a night when James was gone?" or "what if we already been asleep?" My biggest fear in life is that something will happen to Aaron. So, needless to say, I got very upset!
As I tried to calm myself down, I just prayed to the Lord that He would keep us safe and give me peace about the situation. And, then I prayed again. And again...
I finally fell asleep and woke up to the precious calls of "Mommy? Mommy!" over the monitor. And guess what? Everything looks better in the morning! Sure, we have no air-conditioning and I have spent the day waiting on the A/C man to come out. But, we are safe, and I have peace! Now I just need peace about what this is going to COST us! :)
Knock! Knock!
We were sitting at the dinner table recently when my 19-month-old son looked at his father and said, "Knock! Knock!"
Startled, his daddy said "Um...who's there?" Aaron replied, "doggies!" James said "doggies who?" Aaron said "ah! ha! ha! ha!"
I have to say, I almost lost it! I was laughing so hard I almost cried! James told him he needed to work on his punchline a bit, but I thought it was perfect!
Startled, his daddy said "Um...who's there?" Aaron replied, "doggies!" James said "doggies who?" Aaron said "ah! ha! ha! ha!"
I have to say, I almost lost it! I was laughing so hard I almost cried! James told him he needed to work on his punchline a bit, but I thought it was perfect!
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Pool Party/Wedding Reception???
Is it wise to have an outside wedding at a family resort at Myrtle Beach in June? If you answered "yes" to this question, you are sadly mistaken and you really need to read on...
In June, we took Aaron to Myrtle Beach. We stayed at a "family" resort that was ocean front. One afternoon we decided it would be fun to take Aaron down to the pool. As we arrived at the pool we realized there was a wedding going on in the other side of the courtyard that was only separated from the pool by a little stone wall. Since there were other people swimming we figured it would be alright.
WRONG! As I tried to enter the pool with Aaron in my arms, he started screaming like we were murdering him! We promptly ran inside to the indoor pool. There, not only did he continue screaming, but it sustained a nice echo effect as well!
As I slunk off to my room, I tried to tell myself that was the risk you take getting married someplace like that in the middle of June!
In June, we took Aaron to Myrtle Beach. We stayed at a "family" resort that was ocean front. One afternoon we decided it would be fun to take Aaron down to the pool. As we arrived at the pool we realized there was a wedding going on in the other side of the courtyard that was only separated from the pool by a little stone wall. Since there were other people swimming we figured it would be alright.
WRONG! As I tried to enter the pool with Aaron in my arms, he started screaming like we were murdering him! We promptly ran inside to the indoor pool. There, not only did he continue screaming, but it sustained a nice echo effect as well!
As I slunk off to my room, I tried to tell myself that was the risk you take getting married someplace like that in the middle of June!
My Brother's Response...
After reading about himself on my blog, my brother sent me the following email...
"Remember the email story about the guy trapped on his roof during a flood who passes up two boats and a helicopter rescue while saying "the Lord will provide." He dies in the flood and then asks God why he didn't provide, and God says "I sent you two boats and a helicopter, what more do you want?"
You don't want to run out of money in retirement, die from starvation, and then have God say "your brother/son/husband nagged you about saving for retirement your whole life - what more do you want?"
While practical advice, I still had to ask him "Where is this money coming from?" His answer was...
"With all the free time you have, you can surely think of a way to make money"
Yes, I can hear all you parents out there laughing your heads off (especially you fellow "stay-at-homers". And, your assumption is correct. He does not have kids!
"Remember the email story about the guy trapped on his roof during a flood who passes up two boats and a helicopter rescue while saying "the Lord will provide." He dies in the flood and then asks God why he didn't provide, and God says "I sent you two boats and a helicopter, what more do you want?"
You don't want to run out of money in retirement, die from starvation, and then have God say "your brother/son/husband nagged you about saving for retirement your whole life - what more do you want?"
While practical advice, I still had to ask him "Where is this money coming from?" His answer was...
"With all the free time you have, you can surely think of a way to make money"
Yes, I can hear all you parents out there laughing your heads off (especially you fellow "stay-at-homers". And, your assumption is correct. He does not have kids!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Aaron's Exit...
Last night I spoke at a local church about my recent trip to Arkansas. James and Aaron came with me. James was supposed to be running my slide show while I spoke. When we arrived, we discovered that there was no one to watch Aaron in the nursery.
As the preacher was doing the opening announcements, Aaron decided it was time to play! When we tried to get him to sit still he started saying "No! No Mommy!" and whining. James got up to carry him out and had to walk in front of the entire congregation. Aaron peeked his face over James' shoulder and very loudly said "Bye!" to the people. Of course they all laughed! I had to laugh, too!
It is so much fun having a toddler!
As the preacher was doing the opening announcements, Aaron decided it was time to play! When we tried to get him to sit still he started saying "No! No Mommy!" and whining. James got up to carry him out and had to walk in front of the entire congregation. Aaron peeked his face over James' shoulder and very loudly said "Bye!" to the people. Of course they all laughed! I had to laugh, too!
It is so much fun having a toddler!
My Brother's a Tightwad!
Now that I have your attention! My brother, Kevin, is an accountant. And while the family teases him about being tight, he really is just very good at his job. In fact, he "lives and breathes finance" or at least that is the motto on his website www.sharedfinance.com.
This isn't an advertisement for Shared Finance (although it is a great site with lots of practical advice!) The point of mentioning my brother is that we have very different approaches to life and finances. He worries (a lot!) about saving and retirement. I don't! Well, I do, but it is kind of difficult to think about retirement (30 years from now) when you are busy thinking about how you are going to pay for the gazillion diapers your kid goes through every day!
Plus, being a "stay at home mom" I have no active income. So, where am I supposed to get money for retirement?
The Bible tells us that God takes care of "even the sparrows". I just have to live on faith that God will take care of me as I grow older.
Meanwhile, I will still have to listen to my brother's lectures on savings, and I will tell myself he only lectures because he loves me!
This isn't an advertisement for Shared Finance (although it is a great site with lots of practical advice!) The point of mentioning my brother is that we have very different approaches to life and finances. He worries (a lot!) about saving and retirement. I don't! Well, I do, but it is kind of difficult to think about retirement (30 years from now) when you are busy thinking about how you are going to pay for the gazillion diapers your kid goes through every day!
Plus, being a "stay at home mom" I have no active income. So, where am I supposed to get money for retirement?
The Bible tells us that God takes care of "even the sparrows". I just have to live on faith that God will take care of me as I grow older.
Meanwhile, I will still have to listen to my brother's lectures on savings, and I will tell myself he only lectures because he loves me!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
The Three Bears
I was just reading "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" to Aaron. I got to thinking about something in the story. If Paw Paw Bear had his own bed...and Ma Ma Bear had her own bed...how did they get Baby Bear???
Saturday, August 19, 2006
I Am Bilingual!
Very recently I discovered that I was bilingual! You are probably asking yourself "how could she not know this?" You see, as there is only 1 person in the world who speaks fluent "Aaronese", and as I am the only one who understands it, I have been elected to be his translator! This 1 person is, of course, my 19 month old, Aaron.
My child can talk! Boy, can my child talk! He talks about "gahgies" (doggies) and he talks about "cuppas" (cups). He talks about "Doah" (Noah as in Noah's Ark) and he talks about "blue drawberries" (blue strawberries otherwise known at blueberries). He even talks about "boose" (moose) and "aahs" (toothbrushes). If he is awake, chances are he is chattering about something!
The thing is, being the person who spends 95% of his waking hours with him, I seem to be the only one who can understand him. If I had a quarter for every time someone asks me "what did he say?" I could easily pay for his college!
Unfortunately, this translating job is a volunteer one. Now, please excuse me while I go feed "Awwin" (Aaron) some "ah ah ish" (goldfish crackers).
My child can talk! Boy, can my child talk! He talks about "gahgies" (doggies) and he talks about "cuppas" (cups). He talks about "Doah" (Noah as in Noah's Ark) and he talks about "blue drawberries" (blue strawberries otherwise known at blueberries). He even talks about "boose" (moose) and "aahs" (toothbrushes). If he is awake, chances are he is chattering about something!
The thing is, being the person who spends 95% of his waking hours with him, I seem to be the only one who can understand him. If I had a quarter for every time someone asks me "what did he say?" I could easily pay for his college!
Unfortunately, this translating job is a volunteer one. Now, please excuse me while I go feed "Awwin" (Aaron) some "ah ah ish" (goldfish crackers).
"Round" is a shape!
I used to think the term "baby fat" was meant for babies. You hear people say things like "she'll grow out of her baby fat" or "once he starts walking, that baby fat will come right off". Now, as a mom, I realize that baby fat is the weight you gained while you were pregnant that wants to stay with you your child's entire life!
So, today I am talking to all you moms who still have that "baby fat" or those out there that would just like to lose a few pounds!
I do some kind of work-out almost every day. No, I am not some sort of work-out maniac. I am just a mom who wants to live to see her baby grow up and have his own babies (and if I'm lucky, I will get to see their babies!) I am also a woman with PCOS which puts me at risk for diabetes, which puts me at risk for a heart-attack, which puts me at risk...etc,...you see the pattern. Thus, I lift weights and walk or ride my bike almost daily.
So, why do I stay the same size? Could it be my poor eating habits? I try to eat right (Oh come on! Who am I kidding?) Could it be my work-out nemesis? (Have you ever tried to do a push-up with a 23 pound toddler on your back?) Or could it just be the way I am made? (Excuses! Excuses!)
To console myself I look into my baby's eyes (as he throws himself across my stomach to prevent me from doing sit-ups!) and I know he loves me no matter what size I am. And as I try to get "in shape" I remember that "Hey! "Round" is a shape!
So, today I am talking to all you moms who still have that "baby fat" or those out there that would just like to lose a few pounds!
I do some kind of work-out almost every day. No, I am not some sort of work-out maniac. I am just a mom who wants to live to see her baby grow up and have his own babies (and if I'm lucky, I will get to see their babies!) I am also a woman with PCOS which puts me at risk for diabetes, which puts me at risk for a heart-attack, which puts me at risk...etc,...you see the pattern. Thus, I lift weights and walk or ride my bike almost daily.
So, why do I stay the same size? Could it be my poor eating habits? I try to eat right (Oh come on! Who am I kidding?) Could it be my work-out nemesis? (Have you ever tried to do a push-up with a 23 pound toddler on your back?) Or could it just be the way I am made? (Excuses! Excuses!)
To console myself I look into my baby's eyes (as he throws himself across my stomach to prevent me from doing sit-ups!) and I know he loves me no matter what size I am. And as I try to get "in shape" I remember that "Hey! "Round" is a shape!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
"I'm Free! I'm Free!"
I love being a stay-at-home mom! As I have mentioned before, I feel like my Aaron is a miracle gift from God. But, sometimes I think that God has a sense of humor! He looks down on me and laughs! "Ha! Ha! You wanted to be a mom so bad? Take this! And this! And...THIS!" Sometimes, at the end of the day, I am just plain TIRED!
Sunday, James and I dropped Aaron off with his Aunt Leslie who was visiting from England. This was an "everybody wins" situation. They got to spend time together and we got a little break! The icing on the cake was that our friend, Kevin, had just bought a boat!
As we drifted around the lake, I sunbathed on the back of the boat and read a book. It was warm and comfortable and...and...and...what was that feeling? Oh yeah! FREEDOM! There was nobody whining. There was nobody demanding "drawberries" or a "cupa". There were no diapers, carseats or cribs! Just 3 grown-ups who could do whatever they wanted to do! And, we did! After the lake, we went to a movie. Then we went to a nice, leisurely dinner. We stayed the night at Kevin's house slept in and then awoke to the sounds of silence. But, what was this weird feeling? Oh. I missed Aaron!
Yes, the freedom was nice! But, I sure could not wait to get that baby back in my arms again! And when I did, I covered him in all sorts of "Mommy kisses"!
Sunday, James and I dropped Aaron off with his Aunt Leslie who was visiting from England. This was an "everybody wins" situation. They got to spend time together and we got a little break! The icing on the cake was that our friend, Kevin, had just bought a boat!
As we drifted around the lake, I sunbathed on the back of the boat and read a book. It was warm and comfortable and...and...and...what was that feeling? Oh yeah! FREEDOM! There was nobody whining. There was nobody demanding "drawberries" or a "cupa". There were no diapers, carseats or cribs! Just 3 grown-ups who could do whatever they wanted to do! And, we did! After the lake, we went to a movie. Then we went to a nice, leisurely dinner. We stayed the night at Kevin's house slept in and then awoke to the sounds of silence. But, what was this weird feeling? Oh. I missed Aaron!
Yes, the freedom was nice! But, I sure could not wait to get that baby back in my arms again! And when I did, I covered him in all sorts of "Mommy kisses"!
Parenting and Grandparenting
My husband's brother got married this weekend. So, we spent most of the weekend with my in-laws. It is always interesting when 4 generations of the same family get together!
What is extremely interesting to me is watching my husband be both child and parent at the same time. James is a great dad! He absolutely adores Aaron and they have a big time together. But, he is also very firm with him. Although he is only 19 months old, Aaron is expected to behave in certain ways. He knows this and most of the time it is not a problem.
Then, you throw grandparents and great grandparents into the mix! Let the spoiling begin! I believe in what I call "the right of the grandparents". This means that they can get away with things that parents would not normally do at home. Krispy Kreme donuts? Sure! Why not? He's at Grandma's! Stay up late? Sure! He's at Grandma's! Eat corn for 4 meals straight and then break the toilet? Sure! He's at...oh wait...that was the right of the "Auntie" and a story for another time...!
My husband disagrees. He thinks our rules should be enforced wherever Aaron is. He gets frustrated when his parents give in to Aaron's fit throwing (and Aaron knows he can get away with it with the grandparents).
I am not sure I know the answer to this problem. In fact, I am not sure there is one! The grandparents will continue to be the "spoilers" and my dear sweet husband will just have to live with it!
Besides, aren't we glad they love Aaron enough to try to spoil him?
What is extremely interesting to me is watching my husband be both child and parent at the same time. James is a great dad! He absolutely adores Aaron and they have a big time together. But, he is also very firm with him. Although he is only 19 months old, Aaron is expected to behave in certain ways. He knows this and most of the time it is not a problem.
Then, you throw grandparents and great grandparents into the mix! Let the spoiling begin! I believe in what I call "the right of the grandparents". This means that they can get away with things that parents would not normally do at home. Krispy Kreme donuts? Sure! Why not? He's at Grandma's! Stay up late? Sure! He's at Grandma's! Eat corn for 4 meals straight and then break the toilet? Sure! He's at...oh wait...that was the right of the "Auntie" and a story for another time...!
My husband disagrees. He thinks our rules should be enforced wherever Aaron is. He gets frustrated when his parents give in to Aaron's fit throwing (and Aaron knows he can get away with it with the grandparents).
I am not sure I know the answer to this problem. In fact, I am not sure there is one! The grandparents will continue to be the "spoilers" and my dear sweet husband will just have to live with it!
Besides, aren't we glad they love Aaron enough to try to spoil him?
Thursday, August 10, 2006
A Cloud of Fear!
Weddings are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. Unfortunately, as we prepare for my husband's little brother's wedding on Saturday, suspicions of bombs and terrorism have placed a cloud of fear over our family.
I woke up this morning excited about the prospect of seeing James's sister, Leslie, tomorrow. You see, she lives in England, about an hour outside of London. She hasn't seen her nephew in over 8 months. She was scheduled to fly in today for the wedding that will take place on Saturday.
A little before 10:00 a.m. my mother called and asked if I had seen the news. She then proceeded to tell me that the British government had uncovered a "9/11 type plot" to bring down planes that were heading toward America out of London. All air traffic was on hold.
I have to admit, immediately I felt a wave of fear wash over me. Where was Leslie? Was she in the airport? Was she in the air? Had they caught all the terrorists or had some made it onto planes?
I hung up the phone with my mom and called my in-laws. They did not know much at this point in time. They had received a page from Leslie that she had cleared security, but been stripped of all her possessions except for her passport and wallet. She said the lines were long, but she did not know why. This was at 7:00 a.m. our time. They had heard nothing more.
At last check, we were able to confirm that her plane had taken off and was expected to arrive about 2 1/2 hours later than scheduled.
I guess we will have more than one thing to celebrate on Saturday!
I woke up this morning excited about the prospect of seeing James's sister, Leslie, tomorrow. You see, she lives in England, about an hour outside of London. She hasn't seen her nephew in over 8 months. She was scheduled to fly in today for the wedding that will take place on Saturday.
A little before 10:00 a.m. my mother called and asked if I had seen the news. She then proceeded to tell me that the British government had uncovered a "9/11 type plot" to bring down planes that were heading toward America out of London. All air traffic was on hold.
I have to admit, immediately I felt a wave of fear wash over me. Where was Leslie? Was she in the airport? Was she in the air? Had they caught all the terrorists or had some made it onto planes?
I hung up the phone with my mom and called my in-laws. They did not know much at this point in time. They had received a page from Leslie that she had cleared security, but been stripped of all her possessions except for her passport and wallet. She said the lines were long, but she did not know why. This was at 7:00 a.m. our time. They had heard nothing more.
At last check, we were able to confirm that her plane had taken off and was expected to arrive about 2 1/2 hours later than scheduled.
I guess we will have more than one thing to celebrate on Saturday!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Why Isn't He Sleeping?
I knew it was too good to last! For the last year or so, Aaron has either taken a long 3 hour nap during the middle of the day, or two 2 hour naps (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). It was WONDERFUL. I could check my email, read a book that didn't rhyme, go to the bathroom by myself (unless you have a toddler you don't realize what a privilege that is!) or if I was really inspired, I could get some work done around the house!
Now, the whirlwind of energy that I call "son" thinks that his bed is some kind of gymnasium or stadium! First, I get the concert. Various songs are sung and noises made as he sits contently in his bed. Then, he throws everything out of the bed. "Thunk!" There goes a book. "Thunk!" There goes another book. Then there is a softer "thunk!" That's poor "Pooh" hitting the wall. Next comes "clink, clink, clink" as one by one all the binkies are thrown out of the crib.
After this the concert begins again. He starts jumping up and down in the crib and wailing "Mommy!" "Mommy!" "Mommy!" "I go..." "I go!"
So, I go into his room to return his binkies. I hand him Pooh, I kiss him on the forehead, and tell him that I love him.
And, an hour later I am still thinking, "WHY ISN'T HE SLEEPING???"
Now, the whirlwind of energy that I call "son" thinks that his bed is some kind of gymnasium or stadium! First, I get the concert. Various songs are sung and noises made as he sits contently in his bed. Then, he throws everything out of the bed. "Thunk!" There goes a book. "Thunk!" There goes another book. Then there is a softer "thunk!" That's poor "Pooh" hitting the wall. Next comes "clink, clink, clink" as one by one all the binkies are thrown out of the crib.
After this the concert begins again. He starts jumping up and down in the crib and wailing "Mommy!" "Mommy!" "Mommy!" "I go..." "I go!"
So, I go into his room to return his binkies. I hand him Pooh, I kiss him on the forehead, and tell him that I love him.
And, an hour later I am still thinking, "WHY ISN'T HE SLEEPING???"
Traveling with an Infant (Really)
So, in the first blog about traveling with an infant, we had barely made it on the plane. The plane ride can be tricky and whether your experience is good or bad depends on a lot of factors.
The first and most important factor is your baby's personality. If your baby is fairly easy-going, thank your lucky stars and proceed with your traveling. They will probably react the same to flying as they do to anything else. If your baby is fussy by nature, reconsider flying until they are older. Aaron was an extremely easy-going baby. So, the flight was pretty smooth for him.
The second factor (and one you have no control over whatsoever!) is the attitude of your flight attendants. On our flight, we had AWESOME flight attendants. They made the biggest fuss over Aaron and kept coming by to see if we (we meaning Aaron, really) needed anything.
Another factor is the people around you. Again, this is a factor that you have absolutely no control over! But, they can make or break the flight. Keep in mind that not all people enjoy babies. I LOVE babies and I HATE being on a flight with a crying baby! I find it helpful to apologize at the slightest sound of a whimper. Also, it helps to adopt a "I'm sorry to be flying with an infant, but I absolutely had to get to __________" look on your face. If the people around you are sympathetic to your plight, it will go much easier for you!
So, these are just some of my thoughts on traveling (or really just flying) with an infant. May you fly the "friendly" skies!
The first and most important factor is your baby's personality. If your baby is fairly easy-going, thank your lucky stars and proceed with your traveling. They will probably react the same to flying as they do to anything else. If your baby is fussy by nature, reconsider flying until they are older. Aaron was an extremely easy-going baby. So, the flight was pretty smooth for him.
The second factor (and one you have no control over whatsoever!) is the attitude of your flight attendants. On our flight, we had AWESOME flight attendants. They made the biggest fuss over Aaron and kept coming by to see if we (we meaning Aaron, really) needed anything.
Another factor is the people around you. Again, this is a factor that you have absolutely no control over! But, they can make or break the flight. Keep in mind that not all people enjoy babies. I LOVE babies and I HATE being on a flight with a crying baby! I find it helpful to apologize at the slightest sound of a whimper. Also, it helps to adopt a "I'm sorry to be flying with an infant, but I absolutely had to get to __________" look on your face. If the people around you are sympathetic to your plight, it will go much easier for you!
So, these are just some of my thoughts on traveling (or really just flying) with an infant. May you fly the "friendly" skies!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Another Miracle...
Last night another miracle baby was born!
Since 2004, my friend, Mary, has lost a baby to trisomy and had 2 other miscarriages. Last night, she gave birth to an 8 lb. 7 oz. perfectly healthy baby boy! I have just returned from the hospital where I got to hold him and love him and tell him how glad I am that he is here.
Since 2004, my friend, Mary, has lost a baby to trisomy and had 2 other miscarriages. Last night, she gave birth to an 8 lb. 7 oz. perfectly healthy baby boy! I have just returned from the hospital where I got to hold him and love him and tell him how glad I am that he is here.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Traveling with an Infant
I love to travel. That's probably obvious if you read "Pregnant and Traveling". So, when Aaron was born I thought "I am not going to let this baby slow me down!" Ha! Ha! Ha!
Aaron and I took our first "out of womb" plane trip together when he was about 7 months old. Accompanied by my hubby and my mother, I thought "this should be a breeze." Famous last words!
We arrived at the airport with an hour and a half before the flight time. In the pre-baby days, I would have checked in, cleared security and still had at least an hour to wait.
Not this trip! The first thing I discovered was that everything takes at least twice as long to do. First, check-in. No one told me that you have to have the word "infant" stamped on your boarding pass. I checked in at the little kiosk like I normally would. Then, when security would not let us through, I had to go back to the huge line at the counter.
Once I finally got the boarding pass straightened out, I had to clear security. Ok. I take off my shoes and have my boarding pass and ID ready. Wait! I have to fold up the stroller and and juggle the baby, also.
We clear security and have 5 minutes before boarding. But wait! Where is my mother? She had wandered off in search of the breakfast we thought we were going to get with all the spare time we were supposed to have! Oh well. She's a big girl. She'll find her way to the gate.
Finally, it is time to board. Again I have to fold up the stroller and juggle the baby, but this time I do it with a bagel sandwich that my mom was kind enough to bring me!
Did I say something about traveling with an infant? This was just getting to the plane! :)
Aaron and I took our first "out of womb" plane trip together when he was about 7 months old. Accompanied by my hubby and my mother, I thought "this should be a breeze." Famous last words!
We arrived at the airport with an hour and a half before the flight time. In the pre-baby days, I would have checked in, cleared security and still had at least an hour to wait.
Not this trip! The first thing I discovered was that everything takes at least twice as long to do. First, check-in. No one told me that you have to have the word "infant" stamped on your boarding pass. I checked in at the little kiosk like I normally would. Then, when security would not let us through, I had to go back to the huge line at the counter.
Once I finally got the boarding pass straightened out, I had to clear security. Ok. I take off my shoes and have my boarding pass and ID ready. Wait! I have to fold up the stroller and and juggle the baby, also.
We clear security and have 5 minutes before boarding. But wait! Where is my mother? She had wandered off in search of the breakfast we thought we were going to get with all the spare time we were supposed to have! Oh well. She's a big girl. She'll find her way to the gate.
Finally, it is time to board. Again I have to fold up the stroller and juggle the baby, but this time I do it with a bagel sandwich that my mom was kind enough to bring me!
Did I say something about traveling with an infant? This was just getting to the plane! :)
Pregnant and Traveling
My sweet Aaron was a world traveler before he even left the womb! Two weeks after I found out that I was pregnant, my niece and I flew out to Texas. That was the only time that I have ever even considered using the little baggie that the airline was so kind to put in the seat in front of me!
Then, when I was about 5 months along, I got the bright idea to fly to Athens, Greece for a mission trip to the Olympics! Actually, I had the idea long before that, but that was when I actually did the traveling!
The actual traveling part of the trip to Greece is kind of a blur in my memory. I do remember being miserably tired and that they tried to serve me fish! Ugh! The travel agent that my team used booked us on a tour of Europe on the way there and back (or at least that is what it felt like!) For some weird reason we had layovers in both Paris, France and Bucharest, Romania! I have traveled from NC to Indonesia in less time than it took us to get from NC to Athens. Seriously, I have!
Traveling while pregnant...can it be done? Yes! Do I recommend it? Not really! But, if you do feel the need to fly the friendly skies while you are preggers, here are some things I recommend:
1. Try to get the most direct flights. Even if it cost a little more. You will be glad you did!
2. Get up and walk around the plane as much as possible! Your legs, back, etc. will thank you.
3. Sleep as much as possible! I slept on the planes, in the Bucharest airport, the Athens subway, the Athens airport, a mini-bus touring Bucharest...do you see a trend forming here?
4. Carry high protein snacks with you. I recommend almonds and turkey jerky. Airplane food is disgusting when you are not pregnant. It is even worse when you are.
5. Let the flight attendents cater to you. It is okay to be a little more demanding when you are pregnant, but don't be witchy!
6. Request an aisle seat when booking your ticket-this goes along with #2. Plus, you know you are going to have to go to the bathroom!
Then, when I was about 5 months along, I got the bright idea to fly to Athens, Greece for a mission trip to the Olympics! Actually, I had the idea long before that, but that was when I actually did the traveling!
The actual traveling part of the trip to Greece is kind of a blur in my memory. I do remember being miserably tired and that they tried to serve me fish! Ugh! The travel agent that my team used booked us on a tour of Europe on the way there and back (or at least that is what it felt like!) For some weird reason we had layovers in both Paris, France and Bucharest, Romania! I have traveled from NC to Indonesia in less time than it took us to get from NC to Athens. Seriously, I have!
Traveling while pregnant...can it be done? Yes! Do I recommend it? Not really! But, if you do feel the need to fly the friendly skies while you are preggers, here are some things I recommend:
1. Try to get the most direct flights. Even if it cost a little more. You will be glad you did!
2. Get up and walk around the plane as much as possible! Your legs, back, etc. will thank you.
3. Sleep as much as possible! I slept on the planes, in the Bucharest airport, the Athens subway, the Athens airport, a mini-bus touring Bucharest...do you see a trend forming here?
4. Carry high protein snacks with you. I recommend almonds and turkey jerky. Airplane food is disgusting when you are not pregnant. It is even worse when you are.
5. Let the flight attendents cater to you. It is okay to be a little more demanding when you are pregnant, but don't be witchy!
6. Request an aisle seat when booking your ticket-this goes along with #2. Plus, you know you are going to have to go to the bathroom!
Grocery Shopping...Ugh!
I used to love to go grocery shopping. My husband and I would go together and it was a time of bonding over meat and produce. Not anymore! Now, I go grocery shopping with a toddler. It is an experience, but not necessarily a good one!
First comes the wrestling match to get him into the cart. He wants to run around the store. I want to keep him contained!
Then, come the sticky fingers. There is an art to parking the cart just right so that the love of your life does not grab a breakable jar, or a container of yogurt. You truly do not realize how much those things hold until they are splattered on aisle 12!
Finally, I make it to the check-out. Have you ever tried to pry a box of goldfish from a 19 month old's fingers? I swear that kid must work out. He is supernaturally strong! If I do manage to get the goldfish away (which I gave to him to keep him from screaming to begin with) then he either starts screaming or taking the food off the conveyor belt as fast as I put it on!
This is why I dread going to the grocery store!
First comes the wrestling match to get him into the cart. He wants to run around the store. I want to keep him contained!
Then, come the sticky fingers. There is an art to parking the cart just right so that the love of your life does not grab a breakable jar, or a container of yogurt. You truly do not realize how much those things hold until they are splattered on aisle 12!
Finally, I make it to the check-out. Have you ever tried to pry a box of goldfish from a 19 month old's fingers? I swear that kid must work out. He is supernaturally strong! If I do manage to get the goldfish away (which I gave to him to keep him from screaming to begin with) then he either starts screaming or taking the food off the conveyor belt as fast as I put it on!
This is why I dread going to the grocery store!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
My Little Miracle Baby
My son, Aaron, is almost 19 months old. There are times when he is about to send me through the roof with his clinging and whining (as 19 month olds are prone to do!). But, I thank the Lord every day that Aaron is even here to cling and whine. There was a time when my husband and I were not even sure we would be able to have a biological child of our own.
When we started trying to have a baby in the spring of 2000, there was no doubt in our minds that we would have a baby in 2001! Then, 2001 turned into 2002 and still no baby. By 2003, we thought that maybe we needed a little help with this venture.
We started seeing a specialist and she started us on all those lovely fertility tests! (Let me tell you, the guys' test is WAY better than any test we women have to go through!) We found out right away that I have "PCOS" (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. Then, it was discovered that I have a closed tube on my left side. But, on the day of my appointment to discuss fertility drugs (October of 2003), I found out I was pregnant and due on July 5, 2004!
Now, if you look closely at the dates, a baby born in July of 2004 would be over 2 years old by now, and Aaron is only 19 months. In December of 2003, I miscarried that baby.
There was a lot of discouragement and despair after the miscarriage. But, on the Friday before Mother's Day of 2004, I found out I was pregnant again! This time everything was good and healthy with the pregnancy and we had our miracle baby in January of 2005!
When we started trying to have a baby in the spring of 2000, there was no doubt in our minds that we would have a baby in 2001! Then, 2001 turned into 2002 and still no baby. By 2003, we thought that maybe we needed a little help with this venture.
We started seeing a specialist and she started us on all those lovely fertility tests! (Let me tell you, the guys' test is WAY better than any test we women have to go through!) We found out right away that I have "PCOS" (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. Then, it was discovered that I have a closed tube on my left side. But, on the day of my appointment to discuss fertility drugs (October of 2003), I found out I was pregnant and due on July 5, 2004!
Now, if you look closely at the dates, a baby born in July of 2004 would be over 2 years old by now, and Aaron is only 19 months. In December of 2003, I miscarried that baby.
There was a lot of discouragement and despair after the miscarriage. But, on the Friday before Mother's Day of 2004, I found out I was pregnant again! This time everything was good and healthy with the pregnancy and we had our miracle baby in January of 2005!
A Trip to Church
This morning Aaron and I went to church. I always try to let him come into the sanctuary for the music before I take him to the nursery. As he stood in the pew dancing to the music, I thought, "This is what motherhood is really about!"
Saturday, August 05, 2006
A Little History...
Who am I? Well, I am a 30 year old mother of one. I have a 19 month old son, Aaron. While I have a Masters Degree in Christian Education, I choose to stay at home with him, instead of working outside the home. My husband works several jobs to support us. He is a firefighter and paramedic.
Moms Rock Blog! Why???
Why did I start this blog? As a "stay at home mom" I feel like someone who is less than 3 feet tall controls my life. I figure there are others out there who feel the same way. This way, I can share my "mommy adventures" and others can share theirs (or if you are not a mommy, share whatever adventures you are up to!)
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