She had enough!!

We are currently in the stage of what I call "bed training." I'm trying to get Marie to go to sleep in her new big girl bed before Natalie comes along. Marie is not the kind of child to just lay down and go to bed. That's probably because I just love to hold and rock her until she goes to sleep. SO I suppose partially my fault but I don't care. We have been doing this since Sunday night. So far it's been interesting. At the beginning I was laying with her in bed until she fell asleep. Well about 2 nights ago she just kept playing and playing. So I realize she likes me being there so she can play with me (DUH). That night was when the bed beat her up a little. The end result of that night was rocking her until she fell asleep. Last night however was a real success. We read her books, I stayed in bed with her for 2 lullaby songs then told her goodnight and left the room. She wasn't really liking that idea, so here comes the fight. Every time she came out of her room I was waiting to just put her back in bed. We did this for a good 15 minutes or so, you do the math on how many times she was placed back in bed (hint-it was ALOT). But by the end of the 15 minutes she wore herself out and was fast asleep. I did however get a 3am visitor :). Since Sunday she has stayed in her bed. So I was willing to let her sleep with her momma. Tonight has been interesting. Again we read the books, I stayed with her through 2 songs and then got up. She fussed for about 10 minutes then started saying "pee-pee." I thought she was saying baby so I just kept putting her back in bed. Now we aren't full blown potty training right now so I was shocked once I realized she was saying "pee-pee." Little turd...she was trying to get out of going to bed. I did take her to the potty and she did pee a little. Are we bed training or potty training Marie? Let's pick one and stick to it please! So once she is cleaned up we get back to the bed training. This time she had more stamina. It took her about another 15 minutes to finally settle down. But before she went down for the last time she got up out of bed and closed her bedroom door! I was laughing so hard. She had enough! I guess she really showed me by shutting that door! I checked on her a few minutes later and she was fast asleep. Having children is full of surprises and I love it. I can't wait to tell her this story when she gets older.

Crazy in Love....

Wow!!! It's been a little while since I posted my thoughts on this thing. Let me get you up to speed.

Brad has started his job overseas again. Not in Lybia this time but in Algeria. So far it's been a fairly decent experience for him. It takes some adjusting for him when he gets there and then when he gets back home. So that means some adjusting for Marie and myself as well. I have thoughts at times wishing the world would pause while he's gone (that's not going to happen). Marie is developing at such a fast rate I hate for him to miss a thing and I hate for her to go through certain things without her father right by her side. Then there's the hope that things will be all "rainbows and butterflies" when he gets home, but the truth is life goes on!! Any family that has to deal with a loved one gone for a while must adjust to the first shock of them gone but then deal with their shock of being thrust back in to the daily grind of raising a family. It takes a great deal of patience to not completely lose your composure and smile when dealing with tough situations. Some of those situations may not be all that hard in normal circumstances but because of the new stresses everyone has to deal with it can get tough!! I try to take things day by day. There are some days I wish I could erase but we must grow and learn from every situation.

Marie will have a little sister in March!! I'm excited, scared, nervous. Marie has been my sweet baby girl since before she was born. I have poured my heart and soul in to that little girl (maybe a too much, I dunno) and I'm nervous for her and what she's going to think when little sister comes in to this world. My only sibling is a half brother that I really don't have the best relationship with. I have cousins who I love and adore as my sisters. They are the closest thing I have to sisters and if Marie has half the relationship with her sister as I do with them then this is going to be the coolest thing for her. Even before we got pregnant with #2 I had thoughts of my love expanding. How in the world does anyone love more than one child? I know this may sound weird but I didn't know what amount of love I would have for Marie before she was born. I'm not really sure that it's a sharing of love but an expansion of love. Maybe I'm nervous because I have never loved like this before. As a child your first love is your mom and dad. Then you love your siblings (maybe even your pets). As you get older you develop love for other family members, boyfriends, best friends, etc. THEN you get married. You think you could never love anyone as much as much you love your partner. BUT my OH MY...here comes that first child. Geeez. I love Marie so much it hurts!! It brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it. So my nerves are all excited because feeling a love x2, OH WOW!! Then I think about the future...how the hell is Brad going to deal with 3 hormonal females in the same household? LOL. He may be wishing for a job out of the country to get away from all the drama!! Hell I may want to leave the country!! Maybe all this practice with Brad's current job situation will help with our care and patience for the future with 2 daughters. This does of course mean there will be a number 3. I always said I wanted about 4 kids. After I had Marie I thought "OK maybe 1 is good enough!" BUT here we goooooo. I just want to give this second baby girl all the attention that Marie got as a baby without interfering with the amount of attention Marie currently gets. I may be asking for a miracle but if I can do it I will!! Marie may have no problems with baby sister (I really hope not). She is such a momma's girl. Oh my...I can't believe I'm going to have 2 girls!!

Marie is such a sweet little girl. She gets more and more independent every day yet still needs her mom and dad for every other need. I am grateful for the things (mostly patience) that she has taught both of her parents. I can't believe she will be 2 in February!

Oh shit...I'm gonna be 30 in December...Wow.oh.wow.

Brad and I will be married 4 years in May with 2 kids!! What were we thinking?!?!

Ha.

Ha.

Sleepless in Seattle

Well I recently traveled to Seattle for a pediatric conference. The conference was actually really good. The doctors giving their little talks were funny and had some great topics to discuss. I must say I am a little bit smarter after going on this trip. I did go on this trip by myself. Brad and I have been making lots of trips without each other here lately (some we have no control over) and I think the both of us have come to the conclusion that we are tired of traveling alone!! Some might think it’s just awful traveling without someone to share the memories with. I did my best to have a positive attitude the whole time and truly enjoyed my visit in Seattle. The town itself is BEAUTIFUL! Downtown Seattle was sooo clean. I was really impressed.

The trip went smoothly getting there. I tried my best to not look like a tourist but there were times I had to whip out map and it was like “all eyes on me.” Shoot. I have concluded the only way to look like a native in Seattle was to look forward and don’t smile at anyone, especially those holding out cups or cans for money. I had a pretty good idea on the names of different forms of transportation that I might need. If you have ever traveled in Seattle you would know what I’m talking about. Do I take the Light rail, or city bus or Monorail? But the names on the signs say Link rail…blahblahblah! It can get a little confusing. Anyone ever staying in Seattle I highly recommend the Grand Hyatt. It’s BEAUTIFUL! I wanted to get in the bathtub immediately, but I waited. I had a tour to get to. The first tour I participated was the “Underground Tour.” The tour guide had this really dry sense of humor but it was perfect for the tour. I was laughing the whole time. It’s underground because Seattle was first built at sea level which was stupid because the tide would go in and out and would mess the town’s roads up. So after a great fire that burned buildings down they rebuilt the town up a few feet above sea level. So during the tour you got to see what was there originally. The next day I went on the “Duck tour,” which takes you on this WWII amphibious craft around town including one of the lakes, like actually in the lake. I took a video of the craft making it’s decent in to the water. That’s a weird feeling!! But it was a great trip. The next day I went on a “Savor Seattle Food Tour.” I choose this tour to broaden my horizons as far as food goes. If any of you know the real Jennifer I am extremely picky with my food, I’m really terrible. But I ate things and drank things that I would never choose off a menu. Some were good and some were bad but I tried everything they sat in front of me. I am very VERY proud of myself.

I must say though the highlight of my trip, which wasn’t originally planned, involved the Yankees. Not only did I go to a great game, but they (the Yankees) were actually staying in my hotel. How cool is that?!?! I’m thinking I was on the elevator with them but I felt like such an idiot because I didn’t recognize anyone so I didn’t ask for pictures or autographs. The game was awesome though. The Mariners and Yankees were tied from the 4th inning until the 12th when the Mariners FINALLY got a winning run, ending the game around 11:30pm. During the game however, this was the best part, 4 young men rushed the field. The 3rd was nude! The crowd was going wild. I asked those around me if they had ever seen anything like this before and they said no. I even kept the sports section from the paper the day after because the writer even said “Some strange things were happening at Safeco Field last night.” I had to chuckle when I read that.

But all good things must come to an end, and boy did mine end with a whammy! I got a phone call the day before I was supposed to leave that my flight the next morning had been canceled (oh crapola). They quickly said there was a red eye flight leaving Seattle at 11:30 that night. So then I ask “well when is the next available flight? Well ma’am the next available seat isn’t until Wednesday,” and this was Sunday might I remind you. Hmm ok well that’s not going to work. Crap! So I agreed to take the redeye. But dangit I was going to go shopping that afternoon and relax in the hotels hot tub and have a great meal that night. So I finish what I had planned on doing that afternoon but without much enthusiasm. I get to the airport without problem. Decide to have a drink and some chips and dip at the airport. Then I decide I need a Dr. Pepper and some Junior Mints (a decision I wish I hadn’t made looking back). FINALLY I get on the darn plane about 11pm. I’m actually sitting next to a pretty interesting couple. So we have conversation for a little while until we all decide we should go to sleep. But I can not get comfortable. Usually on the plane I instantly fall asleep. It’s just proven I will take a nap without incident. The flight is about 3 ½ hours back to Dallas. I start getting REALLY uncomfortable and will sweat off and on, my stomach is churning. The thought crosses my mind that I might actually vomit but I push it aside. I don’t throw up on airplanes, are you crazy? HAHA. Never say never. About 10 minutes before they turn the lights on in the cabin I check in the pocket in front of me for a barf bag. Thank goodness…I found one. But the only good that did was let my stomach and my brain know that I could just let it all go. AND I DID! 5 Minutes before lights on, I realized why the junior mints were not a good idea. After I was done I quickly ran to the bathroom. Oh boy. I could not wait to get off that plane. I did have some time to relax and sleep it off at DFW but I was even happier to touch ground in Odessa.

La-di-da!!

Haven't posted anything in a while, just thought I would put a few thoughts down before I get ready for bed.

Do I ever post anything on here about life not being busy? Well it's not any different this time. I recently competed in my 3rd triathlon! 15 months after Marie was born. Man that's something...I really think there's something about having a child that made the difference in this race. I don't know if Marie was "training" me since she was born, if it's the physical changes your body goes through during pregnancy that allows you to endure more, or if I actually trained better than I've ever trained before (many times I was pushing a stroller on my 3 mile jogs...thanks Marie!!). If you ever feel like you want to try to accomplish something wonderful and a triathlon seems interesting...you won't go wrong with the Danskin triathlons. It's all women and it supports breast cancer. This year was the best one for me because I participated with 2 great women, Christy Lewis and Anne Villari. Oh and being at Disneyworld didn't hurt either. I always get so emotional when I cross the finish line. This year the race fell on Mother's day. There was no way Marie could join me on this trip so it was a little sad when I couldn't run up to her and love on her after the race. But believe me I sure did when I got home.

How do you get things done when you feel like you have so many things to do looming over your head? Not post a blog about it right?!?! I have things like painting my house, painting a cabinet for Marie's room, hanging pictures, ordering pictures that were taken like over 3 months ago (I still haven't ordered pictures from Marie's newborn days...bad mama). It seems like I am in this constant battle of organizing and cleaning. Well ok really there are some times with me sitting on my tushy. I guess it's being overwhelmed with the amount of stuff I want to get done mixed with the amount of things that I want to enjoy. Sometimes nothing gets done. Brad never seems to be overwhelmed. Or so it seems on the outside. Sometimes I think having a regular routine helps keep me organized but then I revolt against routines and then nothing gets done. I used to be just soo organized and had all my ducks in a row. Does having a child really make a person change so much they can't see who they were anymore? Or am I just going crazy...haha. Ok it's not that bad. But how do some women do it? I have a friend who seems to get everything done, or at least that's what she posts on facebook, she even has a job on the side, goes to all sporting events for the family, works her butt off at work and she still seems sane. Thanks for making the rest of us look bad Amber Theinert...ya I said your name.

I have a trip to Seattle planned in less than 2 weeks. I'm pretty excited, never been to that part of the US before. I'm going to a pediatric conference for work but I still get some sight seeing in on a daily basis. Any tips?

I feel so old...

And not because in December I will be turning 30.

Today we had a gathering for Easter. It was great. But once 5 pm starts rolling around man-oh-man I'm ready to get in my PJ's and relax. Except tonight I had a TON of laundry to do because yesterday was spent with another gathering for Easter. ANYWAY it just so happens (in my old age) that I forgot my purse and something for Marie at my Granny's house. As I call to see if anyone could bring it my way I hear they are about to do this and they are about to do that. And I'm thinking "I'm about to want to be in bed!!" Am I sick? Old, for real? Is it the fulfilled life I have with 2 extremely energetic counter-parts? Am I just like my father (now I might be getting warmer). My father and I have never been the type to stay up late. I would love to sleep in late but here lately even sleeping in late hasn't done me justice. Just like last night and the night before. Last night Brad and I got 9 hours of sleep! Now that's pretty darn good. But the night before I got about 12 hours. But I still start to slow WAAAAY down at 5 pm. I've also felt a little sick here lately so maybe I came down with a virus, who knows. I just feel so ashamed to say sometimes that my bedtime is seriously within an hour or 2 of Marie's. She goes to bed between 7:30 and 8pm, fyi. I try to think how things will be when baby #2 comes along. I see that others have done it and I'm sure they have all felt the same as I do now, or maybe not. As I go through my medical checklist I see things that are part of the problem, poor appetite and lack of water. It seems that my ability to whine about the situation is stronger than my ability to fix the situation. I have seriously been dealing with this for a while now. A good 3-6 months at best. Lets see when did they first bring out Cadbury eggs this season?? haha. I eat more of those than anything else. BAD BAD Cadbury eggs!

Needless to say, despite my exhaustion, I am running my 3rd triathlon in about 2 weeks. As the date gets closer and closer I rethink my agreement to torture myself with this race. I just have to think about the finish line and know that #3 is going to be great!!

Now on to the whole 30th birthday thing. I actually sent the Zac Brown Band a message asking if they would do a private concert for a 30th birthday party!! I'm sure I won't get a reply from them...haha. But seriously I was thinking of getting the AWESOME DJ Brad and I had at our wedding and have a little party. But where should we have it? If Zac Brown did respond with a decline wouldn't be funny if the reason was because they were "stuck in colder weather..."

HAHAHAHA

The past week and its blessings

This I must say has been one of the best weeks I have had in a while. Marie and Brad have been such a blessing this week I can not describe. We had an afternoon date last Sunday that was filled with Fuddruckers, movie and a nap.

Don't laugh too hard but one of the best moments of this week was Wednesday. I more or less did a triathlon. Christy and I swam before work, ran at lunch and then I road my bike after work. We did just about every distance we will need to complete in May. Brad, bless his heart, took Marie with him to Hobbs to visit with some of his family. SO I got a night all to myself after a hard day of training. THAT WAS AWESOME!! I love my husband and child but man it's great to have one night to myself, even if it was a Wednesday.

Brad finally went and got himself a grill and we have cooked and relaxed in the backyard more than ever since we moved in to the new house. AND I must say he is a most excellent cook on the grill. We have already had steak and chicken, YUMMY! We have had a glass of wine or 2 after Marie goes to bed. And we aren't great wine drinkers. We actually get the cheapest wine (Arbor Mist...haha) but the best tasting to us.

We went to a birthday party for some of my highschool friends son, he turned one. It was a great party! Marie had fun messing with her new surroundings. I also got to chitchat with some old friends and Brad met some new friends. Thanks Luis, Alisha and Gavin!!

That night my mom kept Marie. SO Brad and I went on a date. This was 2 weekends in a row that we have gone out on a date. AND honestly I ask myself "Why the hell don't we do this more often?" Usually I make excuses about the house or I'm tired or whatever. I will stop doing that. Forgetting that the house needs to be cleaned or that the laundry needs to be done feels sooo good. We watched "Lincoln Lawyer." HOLY CRAP it was good. It's a great drama film with GREAT twists and turns. If you have seen it you will understand my next comment. As we were leaving I gave Brad a great big hug and told him I was lucky to have him as my husband. Brad is a great protector of me and Marie, if you didn't know that about him.

We went to church this morning to end the week just perfectly! Marie was a very good girl in church. We didn't have to leave the main room once. Usually we sit in the cry room or just stand in the back so she can exercise her little legs. Maybe the reason she was so good was because she slept the first 15 minutes...haha. She fell asleep on the way there and woke up about 15 minutes in to the service. After church we ate and then took Marie to a local park to get her nice and tired for a nap. That girl is like the energizer bunny. She can go and go and go as long as you will let her. I love that she loves the outdoors. I would stay in the house more if it wasn't for Marie. Thank goodness for her!! Everyone needs to feel that sunshine on their skin.

We went to the store this afternoon and I got some more Cadbury Eggs!! Thank goodness. I was starting to have withdrawal symptoms for real!! I enjoyed one while writing this.

And now instead of ironing my pants or sleeping I am writing this. I remember one of my friends on facebook posting a joke one time about how girls on facebook judge their other girl friends on facebook by either the number of "blessings" they talk about or how much they complain about their lives. I think about that as I write this blog today. I'm glad I get to post a blessing.

Easter is next weekend. I hope we get some good pictures of Marie and her new Easter basket.

I hope everyone has a great week!!

It was one of those days...

It actually was a good day for Brad and I. I woke up with all the intentions of getting a bunch of stuff done but in the end I spent most of the day with Brad doing date night things. That was all fun and good, until now. At 9:30 at night I have a few chores that really should be handled but instead I am typing this blog and thinking about counting sheep. It's hard being a full time mommy, wife and professional. Working full time 5 days a week then having a busy weekend can really wear on a person's nerves. I'm not saying it's anything specific that wears you down just the pace and the constant GOING. But I will agree that if my life is not always filled with the things I do on a daily basis I wouldn't know what to do with myself. SO why do I bring this up? I look around my house...particularly to my right...



And see this mess. Now some of you may say that's not bad. But in that particular area I see about 20 things that I need to work on. I have what some people would call a "type A" personality. If I could I would diagnose myself as having some degree of OCD. My own personal experiences with this is that I sleep much better knowing I will not wake up with a mess in my house. But I will stay up late making sure the house is clean, so in the end I lose sleep. Tonight I believe I will just go to bed with a dirty house. I have those days when my type A personality doesn't really get to spend much time exposing itself. And it was one of those days.

Brad and I enjoyed a lovely day together going out to eat and then to a movie, baby free. We seriously must do this more often. Marie spent the afternoon with her Grrrrnny and Papa. It was nice spending a few hours doing stress free things.

We also took the dogs to the groomers. Gizmo now has her summer haircut!!



She can no longer "whip her hair back and forth," at least for a few weeks. She gets a little sassy and frisky when she has no hair.

Also Marie is Marie. She still has her cough but I am hoping she will do better tonight. Last night wasn't that good of a night. COUGHED all night long. If this crazy wind would ever settle down all these little ones might be able to breath a little better. Marie never acts like she is feeling bad. She is one of those kids that comes in to the office and the parent swears up and down their child is sick but never seems to act like it once they enter the office building. Yes I have one of those children. She had a 101.4 fever on Thursday when she went in to our office and had a blast running around making her momma chase her. She really is a good baby. Brad and I are truly blessed to have such a great family.

Oh and one of those things on my list today was to clean out my car. WOWZERS!! That was an experience. It's been a while since that has happened...I knew I smelled sour milk somewhere. I FOUND IT!! GROSS. My poor car. I also stripped down Marie's car seat as well. My conclusion is that no food should be fed to a baby in a car seat, haha. So many crumbs fell out of that sucker this evening. But after tonight she will have a super fresh smelling car seat. That type A personality is slipping away day by day. I just hope I don't turn in to a total slob!! HAHA. Ok the thought of that just makes me laugh.