Fear Of Flying.

Hey there.  Me, again.  I'd like to say that I will be posting more or trying to, but even though those are my intentions... I can promise anything.  So, maybe we just don't talk about that.  

Easter was great.  And exhausting.  I must admit that the "Easter Bunny" has a really hard time stopping themself from filling and filling and filling the basket.  There's just too many fun things to add in... so deal.  

I know that some people believe that Easter should not be about "gifts," but I would much rather gifts than candy.  We also played the "donate your candy/get to buy a small toy" card this year.  Gwen and I sorted through her candy and selected a bunch that she "donated" {I don't even know where I came up with donate, but it worked... I'll probably need a more in depth explanation next year} and she then was able to get a small figurine set.  Problem solved.

Next up, only 6 more days until we go to Disney World!! Gwen is filled with excitement and tells (and invites) every one she sees.  I will most likely be balling my eyes out the entire trip, just seeing how happy she is and how magical everything is to her.  Cannot wait.

Back to the matter at hand, I actually don't have a fear of flying.  I have a fear of flying... with Addie Kay.  Girlfriend DOES NOT like being "restrained" - be it carseat, stroller, baby carrier... she wants no part of it.  She wants FREEEEEEEDOM.  And that is not something that is usually found on an airplane.  So, I am a little nervous.

I mean, I am packing all the essentials: snacks, toys, iPad, etc.  But, I feel like I am going to have to buy the plane a round of drinks before we even take off.  Thankfully it's only a 2 1/2 hour flight, and not a 2 day drive (could not imagine), but there is the potential that it will be the longest hours of our lives.

I've even paid for preselected seats.  As far in the front as possible so that we will be the last ones on and the first ones off.  And you better believe that I will be waiting to the last possible moment to board.  If you could, maybe say a Hail Mary or two that we have a safe and smooth flight, and no turbelence either. Hehe.

Any tips for me??? Please remember that Addie is only 16 months old, and bargaining is really out of the question. But, I am open and grateful for all suggestions!

Wins, Losses, and Other Current Statuses.

Wow, I cannot even tell you the last time that I opened up this page.  It has definitely been awhile, but there just hasn't been the time (or the motivation to be honest).  It seems with every free moment, I am sneaking in a shower, or a load of laundry, or some snuggles with whichever little lady of mine is available.  But, in the past week or so, I have been thinking about this space of mine.  Of how it's like a little form a therapy.  How it's my grown up activity, that requires no babysitter, lol, ok maybe sometimes I could use a sitter.  ANYWAY...

What's up with us?!  Tons.

Currently...

Addie is 7 months old!!! (WTF?!?!)  How the hell did that happen??? She is about 15lbs.  Not sure of the inches.  And the happiest little thing on Earth.  No, really.  I mean, of course she cries, duh, but it's mostly bc she needs something (or the DAMN teeth) and otherwise she has a smile on her face.

We don't ever call her Addison.  Maybe once every now and then.  But, mostly, it is Addie, Addie Kay, or Addiecakes.  Or Sissy.

Speaking of Sissy, they ADORE each other.  Before Gwen's eyes are even open in the morning she says, "Momma, is Addie Kay awake??"  And when Addie sees Gwen, she reaches for her face and pull her in for a nice slobber.  They both love it.

Gwen, will be 4 in September.  (I think I just had a heart attack.)  She just finished her first year of preschool with an adorable little "show" that they put on for us.  (Hubs and I could not stop crying. Saps.)  She just seems so grown up these days.  Why seems to be her favorite word, and testing mom's limits seem to be her favorite activity these days... but she's three and this is to be expected, or at least that is what I am telling myself so I don't lose my sanity.  All in all though, she is a GREAT kid, and I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am to be her mom... even when she is in time out. ;)

Wins.

Remember that little challenge I gave myself - "15 by 30" to lose 15lbs, change eating habits, yada yada yada?  Yeah, that didn't happen. Until now.  I've changed a lot of the way that I eat, I am trying to sneak in some exercises here and there, and since about Mother's Day, I have lost 20lbs.  Bam.  Not only do I feel better about myself (which inadvertently affects everyone else in the house), but I feel healthier.  I'm not done working on myself yet, but I am getting there.

Hubs did a little work to the backyard a few weeks back.. and now there is a place for Gwen to place.  She even has one of those bounce house things (yes, I am aware of all the stories of them flying away. I tie it down, no worries).  Why is this a "win"??? Because girlfriend is BEAT by the end of the day.  AND usually sleeps in til about 8am.

We just got back from vacation! And even though, I could already use another one, it was exactly what we needed.  It was even better than last year.  Gwen tore up the water park one day.  We beached it almost every other.  And Hubs even managed to sneak in some golf (surprise, surprise).  

Losses.

I've been feeling very overwhelmed in the "mom" department.  I feel like I get worked up too easily, that I get a little loud too often.  I just can't stand repeating myself 18,000,000 times... "Slow down."  "No Running." No. NO. NO.  It's exhausting. I'm trying to fix it... but sometimes easier said than done.

I don't give myself enough "me" time.  I don't ask for it often enough.  Which is probably what is causing the above problem mentioned.  I need to realize that it's ok to step away.  Completely alone.  That I'm not a bad mom for wanting to sneak away.  That it will most likely help me be a better mom.

Teething sucks.  And I forgot how bad it sucks.  Need I say more?

Other Stuff.
Gwen started dance class... and LOVES it!  It is probably the cutest thing I have ever seen, and I have to keep myself from tearing up while I watch her.

While on vacation, Addie started crawling!  It's all she wants to do now, she has been unleashed! Time to bring the gates back out!

My blog needs a revamping.  And do I need to change the name now?? Someone had mentioned that to me a while ago, but I just don't think that I could do it.  Maybe, one day, something will hit me, but until then, the name stays.

That's all, for now.  Hope it's not another few months before my next post ;)

Saturdays Top 5 Laughs :: Watch Your Mouth.

There have been multiple moments these past few weeks that have really stopped me in my tracks, all of them happening with Gwen.  She continues to prove to me that she is listening to EVERYTHING we say, especially me.  Of course, I know that it's because we are together all day, every day, but some days it feels like I am spending it with a mini me.  She has picked up many of the phrases that I use on a daily basis, and uses them... perfectly.

1. While attempting to get my attention one day, I was a little busy with Addie and wasn't giving her the quick response that she was looking for, she said, "Mom, how many times do I have to tell you?!?!"  Let me tell you, I just about died.  I admit that since Addison's birth, I have said this to Gwen more than I should, but sometimes I feel like a broken record.

2. Another day, I over heard her saying to her Daddy, "Ok, Dad, do this, and then we can do this.  Those are the rules."  Yup, I say that too.

3.  One of Hub's most frequent sayings when asked to do something is, "Give me two minutes."  Guess who picked that one up??  Yeah, it's not so fun when we say, "Gwen come here" and she says, "Okaaaaay, give me two minutes!"  Dammit.

4. Yesterday, Gwen was riding her rocking horse around the house and at a certain point she started to get a little crazy and really loud, so I asked her to calm down a little bit.  Her reply?  "Hold on, Mom, I'm just looking for a parking spot."  I couldn't even keep a straight face, because I say that to her on the regular when looking for parking near her school... she'll want to have a full on convo and I'll say, "Hold on, baby, Mommy has to look for a parking spot."  Little parrot she is.

5.  Although this isn't related to the "theme" of this post, I find it hysterical.  Since Gwen became a "big girl" on the potty, she has found it neccesary to a) kick us out when using the bathroom {she apparently needs her privacy} and b) yell "MOM, I've got a SURPRISE for you!" when done and in need of my services.  Lol.  Thanks, Gwen.

That's A Good Plan.

We are now in the second week of preschool for Gwen, and {knock on wood} it's going great.

Last week, when leaving Gwen, we told her that we were "going to the store" and that we would be coming back for her right after.  She accepted our offer, and has been great since.

Today, when walking into her school she said to me...

"Mom, I'm going to school?"

"Yes, baby."

"And you go to the store?"

"Yup."

"Then I'll miss you, and then you come get me in a little bit?"

"Of course, I'll come get you in a little bit."

"Ok, Momma.  That's a good plan."

Ugh. Heart. Melt.

She's so excited to go, and I am excited to let her go, but it's nice to know that she's just excited to see me when I pick her up.  Good thing college is a loooong ways away, because I need to get it together before then!

Gwen celebrated her birthday at school today with cupcakes and Sophia the First party napkins that she picked out herself... and she was extra smiley when she walked out today.  She wore her birthday crown proudly, and was even more proud of the "I was a good helper today" pinned to her shirt.  

I couldn't be more proud.

Potty Problems

For awhile now, we have been working on the potty training thing.  This past month or so, has been "crunch time" because to attend pre-school, she had to be completely trained.  {Eeek!}  For the most part, she is.  I can say with confidence that as of right now, other than naptime and bedtime, she is Pee Potty Trained.  I stick her in a Pull Up when she sleeps, but from the minute she wakes up to the minute she goes to bed, she is in BIG GIRL UNDIES.

Here's the problem...

She's scared shitless  {pun intended} to poop.  She complains that her belly hurts, but holds it in and cries at the thought of having to go on the potty.  This charade happens after dinner and close to bed time, so even though I attempt to have her sit and "try" she ends up going to bed, and waking up with a dirty {#2} diaper in the morning.

Now, I have used all the "tricks."  Rewards and prizes galore.  It all means nothing.  She REFUSES.  

And although I am thrilled that we are so far along in the process, it's so frustrating {for both of us} that we can't get this part down.

What to do??

Do I stick her in underwear for bedtime and hope that waking up in that "mess" makes her want to go on the potty?  {and have to clean and santize everything!}

Do I wait it out?  And hope that this is just a phase that will soon pass?

The worst part of it all isn't that I have to clean it up, it's that she is genuinely in pain and uncomfortable holding it in, and I can't convey to her that "going" will make her feel better.

I'm open to any suggestions :)

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Happy 3rd Birthday Baby Girl!

You are such a smart, sweet, beautiful, loving, funny, little girl with the BIGGEST personality.

You amaze us every single day, and we continuously feel blessed to have you in our lives.

You bring more joy to our world than we could have ever imagined...

You are simply amazing.

Mommy and Daddy love you more than anything in the whole wide world.

Happy Birthday Princess!

What Did You Just Say?!

I knew this day was coming.  It was inevitable.  But, just because I knew it would eventually be here, does not mean that I was any less shocked.  

Hubs and I definitely have potty mouths.  Him way more than me.  But, we both are guilty of it.  And many people in our family and extended family share the same trait.  

The car is the worst for the Hubs.  He lacks the ability to "censor" himself as we travel down the Garden State Parkway, or any other road for that matter.  He is the epitome of a "Jersey driver" and it'll never change...  

Today, Gwen and I were driving down to Hubs' work to drop off some lunch for him, when someone {a big truck} cut me off.  Luckily it wasn't a close call, but I still had to say, "WHAT are you doing?"  to which my daughter chimed in... {ready for this?}...

"Are you F!@#ing kidding me?"

My head did the exorcist turn around and I said, "What did you just say?!"

And she kindly repeated, in the sweetest little voice, "Are you F!@#ing kidding me?"

My jaw hit the floor.

"Noooooooooo.  You don't say that."

She immediately apologized, "I sorry Mommy, I won't say that."

She legitimately knew that it was something that shouldn't be said.

It actually took more of me not to burst out laughing than to get mad... at her.  I mean she used it perfectly.  Without any help.  She's more and more like her daddy each day, lol.

Her daddy, on the other hand, was about to catch my wrath.

As we handed him his sandwich, I delivered the news.  And then proceeded to tell him that he was now on "Potty mouth probation."  Indefinitely.  He couldn't help but laugh either, even though I threw him an evil eye.

I even asked her to repeat what she said to her Daddy.  And she wouldn't {good girl}.  She truly knew it was wrong.  

  

I guess we are all on "potty mouth probation," well at least if you want to be around my daughter.  Because even though it was comical at the moment, it's not something that I want to happen again.

Good thing she's adorable...

Have your kids thrown out the F-bomb or something similar??  How did you deal with it?

Miss Independent and Her Control Freak Momma

A wave of independence has swept over my tiny toddler... and it ain't so pretty.  About week ago began the "I want to do it" "I do" "Me do, me do, ME DO" phase.  It's to the point where tantrums are thrown, tears are shed, and days are sometimes ruined.  

For example, last night, while trying to move along the bedtime process, I put Gwen's pjs on {which is something that I do every single night}... she SCREAMED like I was torturing her, then began to rip her pants off, so that she could put them on herself.  Say what now?!?

This hasn't been the only time.  It happens with putting on shoes.  Buckling her belt in the stroller.  Zippering her purse {that we can't leave the house without}.  So on and so on.

It's almost insane.

I want to give her the independence, but I don't want her to think that behaving like a lunatic because she hasn't gotten her way is ok with me.

Is this normal?  Or am I being a bit a of a control freak?

Of course I want her to learn how to be more independent, something that is inevitable... but I need to learn how to navigate this path a little bit better.  For all of us.

I also need to learn to be more patient with parts of this process, but to be honest, spending 20 minutes waiting for her to put on her own shoes when she ultimately needs my help to buckle them, isn't always time efficient.

I never expected this.  Or for it to be an "issue."  Grr. Any advice mommas?

*****

In other news, lol, we spent the day in the city with one of my besties!  She is only 2 weeks away from having her first baby boy!!! Ahh!  I cannot wait to meet little Harrison :)  I took this belly pic of her today.

Bring on baby boy!

A Lesson In Gwen-ese

It's pretty common that every toddler has that in between phase of language that is clearer than just baby babble, but not quite understood by all yet.  And Gwen is no exception.  Although we are closer to the clear side of things, she still has some words and phrases that she uses and most don't understand.

Her "Crocodiles" - means her Crocs.  Lol, yes, not that far off, but when she is asking you to find her Crocodiles for her, don't panic... we are a reptile free household.

"doh-doh" - means Play-doh.  I actually love this one.  She calls it that because on the commercials, the jingle is "Play-doh doh doh, doh, doh doh, doh."  Therefore, we've dropped the Play and picked up an extra doh.

"I love your haircut" - just means she loves your hair.  I don't know why she added the cut part, but she did.  When I finish drying my hair every morning, she says, "Mom, you done with your haircut?"  Makes me smile.

"Take a bathtub" - just a bath.  But, she's partially correct, she is in the bathtub.

She also still call things by different names:

"Apples" = Could be Apples or Grapes.  We're getting better, I mean she used to call every fruit {except bananas} "apples"

"Cuh-cake" = Donut

"Sandwich" = Yellow American Cheese.  Hey, at least she dropped the "Turkey" part

She is definitely getting clearer each day, but for most people that aren't around her all the time, I am forever the translator... or they just stare at her and smile.

I'm sure that I'll miss Gwen-ese when it's gone, just like I miss the baby babble... but for now, I'll just be fluent in it.