Sunday Social.

1. What is the most difficult thing you have been through? Losing my Pop.  I truly believed that man would live forever.  The day that we got the phone call that he was being put on hospice, I was in shock.  I didn't believe it.  The only thing that weakened the blow was having him with us for the last month of his life.  There wasn't anything left unsaid, on either parts.  It will be two years on July 30th, and it oddly feels like it's been an eternity since he's been gone, but I also can't believe that it has been that long already.  Make sense?  I still have voicemails from him that I play regularly.  The happiness in his voice helps take the sting away.

2. What was your best birthday? I've had a bunch of really great ones, but I'd say my 30th has been the best so far.  It's the first one I've celebrated with BOTH of my girls, and then had a great night out with my family and friends.  I may also be partial to it because I am loving 30. 

3. What has been your favorite thing you've done in your own city? There's a couple that I can think of. 1) I love the 4th of July fireworks here.  They are so well done, and the town has a fun bad playing and slides and stuff for the kids. 2) There's a super exclusive golf club here in town, that like celebrities fly in to play on and this past month, we got to have dinner there (a work function for Hubs).  They had a cake from the Cake Boss (it was even filmed for the show), and the views were amazing.  It's fun to say that we've been there.  3) I love that we've found "our" little restaurant.  I used to always push Hubs to try new places and usually we weren't impressed.  So we stick to our favorite now. They know us by name, and have known us since before we were even engaged.

4. What is your idea of the perfect date night? Dinner and drinks, preferably on the water around sunset. With a live band.   

5. Have you ever been to a blogging conference? No.  And I don't plan on it any time soon.  The next chance I get at a getaway will be with my husband, a beach, and a big ole' umbrella drink!

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 ;)

I Have A Blog?!?

I can't believe that it has been SO long since I've written anything!! I have to be honest, I have rarely thought about this... and when I actually have thought about it, or even had a moment to write... I've chosen to nap.  Or do laundry.  Or watch shitty reality tv the news.  I just haven't had the energy, nor the oomph, to sit down and really write.  Sorry.

So I guess here's a little recap.

I've been a busy Momma.  Addie is growing so quickly! She's 3 months already (holy shizballs), "talks" all the time, is super smiley, and (knock wood) sleeping through the night.  She's 12 lb 12.5 oz.  23 inches long.  And such a sweetheart.

Gwen is 3 and 1/2 and going on 30.  I swear.  The things that come out of this kid's mouth make me laugh on the daily.  They also make me cringe sometimes too!  She's getting smarter by the minute it seems, and it makes her seem less and less like that little baby she once was.  She's a fabulous big sister and is just so in love with her "Addie-cakes."  Heart. Melt.

I'm sick of snow.  If it snows again, I may need to be committed to the psych ward.  No joke.  Being stuck inside with a toddler and newborn all winter has been exhausting.

THEN, the DAY is was not subarctic warmer out, it was like Oprah showed up, but instead of giving away a glamorous gift, we all got upper respiratory infections.
"YOU GET AN UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION!"
"AND YOU GET AN UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION!"
"UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS FOR EVERYOOOOOOOOOONE!'

Yeah.  That was awesome. Shouldn't moms not be able to get sick???  And of course, I was a mess that Addie was sick.  I knew she would be fine, but she was barely 3 months old, and there wasn't much I could do for her except snuggle her as much as possible.

We are all on the mend (of course Hubs didn't get sick), but it was definitely a long and exhausting week for us all.

Then, my brother and his wife welcomed their first child (and my first niece!) into the world!!  Beautiful baby Mackenzie made an early (about 3+ weeks) appearance into the world (just a few hours past her Daddy's birthday!).  She's super cute and I can't believe how tiny she is, especially next to Addie.  It seems FOREVER ago that she was that little. ::insert sad face::

Gwen went back to school for the first time in a week yesterday (Thank God), and then we had a low key St. Patrick's Day full of corned beef and a few drinks.

I'm sure that I am leaving out TONS of things, but it's all I've got for now ;)

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.

Five On Friday

1. BIG NEWS! Gwen is officially a big girl! We have conquered pooping on the potty!  I am so proud it's ridiculous!  She has been fighting me for so long, that I admit there were times I was about to give up hope.  But, she did it!! Thank the good Lord.  The only thing left to overcome is nighttime, which I am ok with right now, one step at a time!

2. CHILI PEPPERS.  Last weekend, my awesome cousin took me to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Brooklyn.  The show was pretty amazing.  I can't get over the fact that they are all 50+ and still kicking ass.  Flea literally walked across the staged on his hands.  Impressive.  And I am pretty sure I got a contact high from all the pot smoking going on around us.  Lol. Oh to be 21 again.

3. DE-FRIENDED. A few weeks ago, a "friend" {really just an acquaintance} de-friended me because he was tired of seeing my happy posts and family pictures.  Really, D-bag?!  I mean, I could care less, I mean I don't know when the last time I saw this guy in person, but you could have just silently removed me from your friend list, I didn't need a public bashing because you can't handle seeing someone happy.  I wouldn't have even noticed.  Good riddance, sir.  Hope life gets better for you.

4. GIFTS OF LOVE.  Gwen randomly came up to me last week and asked if we could go and get some "gifts of love" for her family and friends.  I was like, "What?  What are you talking about?"  My sweet girl was talking about Valentine's Day presents... how freakin cute!! So we have been talking about "gifts of love" all week.

5. 15 BY 30.  Sad to say {not really}, but the big 3-0 is rapidly approaching.  And although turning 30 doesn't bother me in the slightest, I WOULD like to start my 30s off with a bang.  So I am giving myself the goal of losing 15lbs by the big day.  It's more about changing my eating habits, getting more exercise in, and well, looking HOT for my 30th.  Funny part is that I don't even have actual plans yet for it, I just want to celebrate in a big, fun, hot way.  Wish me luck.

Happy Friday!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we don't get anymore snow... I've had enough.  I've had enough of being cooped up in my house with two kids and no adults to talk to.  Enough of my husband being a zombie because he is putting in crazy hours because of the snow.  Enough of school being cancelled and Gwen BEGGING for it every. single. day.  I've just had ENOUGH.  I'd like a beach and an umbrella drink STAT.  M'kay?  Thanks.  But, I guess I'll have to settle for red wine and reality tv.

Pavlov's Dogs Live Here.

I'm not sure how it happened, or how they even know, but BOTH of our children seem to be trained by Pavlov.  They could be completely immersed in something else, Addison sleeping ever so soundly in her swing, Gwen watching an episode of her fav show, yet the SECOND we {Hubs and I} sit down to eat, they instinctively decide to go BUCK WILD... simultaneously.

My fork hasn't even reached my mouth and Addison is awake and crying for a change or she needs to eat as well.  Meanwhile, Gwen is barreling down the hall with every toy she can carry, ready to tear apart the living for the ump-teenth time.

They just know.

They know that Mom and Dad are about to have some normalcy, a moment of peace together and think, "Hahahaha, not on our watch!  We'll take care of THAT!"

Now, Gwen, we can sort of  distract, with a snack or a movie, but Addie is in need of us, so dinner in shifts it is... again.

We just laugh at this point, because no matter what time we plan dinner for, they are on to us.

But, that's being a parent right?!?!  Putting them before yourself.  And hey, we've got plenty of years to eat a meal together.

Good thing they're adorable.

Addison Kay :: 1 Month

How in the world has one month {well more} gone by already?!?  Slooooooow down time, please.  It has been a whirlwind of a month+, between Addison's arrival, the holidays, and getting into a routine, so, I guess it's easy to see why it has flown by.

Height
Girlfriend grew two inches!  22 inches.

Weight
AND she gained two pounds!  That explains the CONSTANT eating she's been doing.  She houses at least 4 ounces every time she eats.

Diapers
Newborns currently, but when we run out of them {we don't waste diapers in this house}, I can easily put her into Size 1.  

Clothes
Newborn.  Even though she is gaining weight, she's still a tiny little peanut.  0-3 month clothing is definitely still big.  

Food
I am nursing and supplementing, so breast milk and formula.  I have been lucky that both of my babies were easy and nursed AND used a bottle.  Thanks girls :)

Sleep
The first two weeks she definitely had her nights and days mixed up, but I think we have corrected that ::knocks on wood::  She has one long stretch of sleep during the night from 11-11:30 until 5-ish, which is great! She is a loud sleeper though, constantly squeaking and grunting, which sometimes keeps me from getting "real" sleep.  

Naps
We've been trying to wake her up every few hours to make sure that she isn't wide awake when it is time for us to sleep.

Teeth
Nope, just a cute gummy smile!

*We've been calling her "Addie-cakes" {her Wela gave her that name} or Addie Kay*

Can't wait to see what this month brings!