Mama Ewww! April 25, 2008

I know I’ve mentioned before that Monkey likes to stick his hand down his diaper; I guess he has an itch or like most men just likes to do it.  Anyway we’ve been trying to break him of it but now I’m more than determined.  A couple of weeks ago he hurt his hand somehow and came up to me so I could kiss it–well luckily before I did I noticed a faint smell.  I looked at his hands and at first I thought he had dirt under his fingernails; well it wasn’t it turned out it was poop.  Now as gross as that was it’s not as bad as my next story.

Ok so last week I’m sitting in the kitchen watching t.v. when Monkey comes up to me and he says “Mama ewww!”  I look down and he has poop all over his hands and not the dry stuff either.  Oh man I wanted to puke but I picked him up and rushed him to the bathroom to rinse of his hands and then I changed him and gave him a bath.  Now I have told everyone (family and nursery workers) that if they see him sticking his hands down his pants to tell him NO!  Because let’s be real that is just disgusting and gross and I’m tired of finding surprises in his fingernails or all over his hands.

Mama, Help Me! April 22, 2008

If I’ve told y’all this story then I apologize if not then great.  Not to long ago Monkey and I were out shopping for Sweet Pea (she was home w/David).  Anyway I’m sure I’ve mentioned before that Monkey does not like to shop, he hates it but I make him tag along because you know I can’t exactly leave him at home even if he does scream like a banshee at times.  Ok well we’re looking around Target and his patience (what little there is) is now running thin and he’s tired of looking around; oh and he’s also mad because I have him strapped in so he can’t make a jump for it.  Anyway he’s getting mad and can’t unbuckle himself and what does he do–he starts screaming “help me, help me!  Mama, help me!”  Ummm can we say embarrassing, and if you’re wondering why here it goes.  First off my son is white w/blondish-brown hair and I’m Hispanic so I have a nice dark tan like all year w/black hair and brown eyes.  So I’m thinking great people are going to think I took this kid even though when look at his face and mine we look the same, and luckily I had pictures in my purse to prove that he really is mine.  Eventually he stopped but not before a couple people laughed while others kind of looked at us like what a little brat.  Either way I can totally laugh about now and I did then when we left just at the time it was a bit annoying.  All I know is that he says “help me” all the time and he uses it right but that doesn’t mean I want him constantly screaming it.  Oh well I guess I’ll just have to teach him something else to say like “I want out!”

Heels Dug In April 2, 2008

Yesterday was Tuesday which means I’m taking Sweet Pea to ballet.  Surprisingly she didn’t complain the whole time she got dressed and seemed to be ok with going.  Usually her response is “it’s too hard”, “it takes forever”, or “it’s boring.”  Like I said everything was fine even in the car and then we walk through the door–the moment we do she hit the brakes.  I ask what’s wrong and she say she’s not going in to dance because she doesn’t like it and thinks it’s boring.  So of course I tell her I didn’t drive all the way out here for her not to dance and that she needed to go in there.  Well I try to get her in the room and she straight up dug her heels in the ground and said “I’m not going in there!”  So then I gave her two options: 1. sit in the classroom and watch or 2. sit with and watch; either way we weren’t leaving until class was over.  Well after 5 min of her pouting in the back of the classroom she finally decided to join her class.  I really don’t know what to do and this is the worst she’s ever been.  My sister thinks that I should take her out but if I do am I sending the wrong message.  I mean she’s about to 5 do they really know what they like to do and won’t they find reasons to complain (not all the time, but you know what I mean).  Anyway her recital is in May and she’s just going to have to tough it out until then.  Any suggestions would be helpful.

My semester has officially started January 11, 2008

Sorry I’ve been a way the past couple of days but school officially started for me on Wed. so I’ve been printing out my syllabus for each class and trying to get back into the groove of things.  With the start of every semester I always get really nervous and wonder how I’m going to accomplish all of my work, plus the kids, and of course all of the other household things I do.  In case you’re wondering David does help me out but usually I have to ask.  Why is it that men have to be asked to do something?  Why can’t they just see that stuff needs to be done?  And why can’t they be as observant as us?  Ok, ok I’m done with that itty bitty rant-but please feel free to comment on it.

Anyways back to the real subject; so far so good with school.  As for other aspects of my life well Wed. night Monkey came into our room and was running a fever and ended up sleeping in our bed.  He still was running a fever Thurs. morning and he’s had this cough on and off but the last couple of days he seems to be coughing more.  So I decided to go ahead and make him a Dr. appt. and I was able to get in yesterday morning.  Well wouldn’t you know he has another ear infection, or I guess you could say that the last one never really went away even though I gave him his medicine.  So the Dr. this time around prescribed a stronger antibiotic and I hope it really helps this time around; then I go back in 2 weeks for his 2 yr check-up and for them to look at his ears again.  As for last night he ended up sleeping with us which I don’t mind but at times it’s not comfortable because he tends to squirm as all kids do.  But I do love him snuggling up to me and wanting me to hold him without all the wiggling so I can handle his few occasional squirms. 

Alright well that’s been my week so far in a nutshell and I shall return tomorrow to talk about whatever floats my boat.  Have a great weekend!

The Past 2 Years January 2, 2008

I know I already said this but I really can’t believe that my little Monkey is 2; I mean it seems like it was only yesterday when I first brought him home.  The other day I was going through the kids closet and I still had his coming home outfit in the closet and it made me think back to how he used to look.  He was so little and skinny that David and I would joke that his legs looked like chicken wings, but he soon plumped out.  Sometimes I wish he was still that little but I think I enjoy this stage a lot more.  I love how he’ll run up to me screaming mama and then give me a great big hug, or how he just wants to curl up with me on the couch.  And lately when he sits next to me he has to hold my hand or at least be touching me and everytime it just makes my heart melt.  Even right now he’s sitting on my lap and for once actually letting me type without any problems.  I love how he looks when he runs and watching him explore the great outdoors.  What really cracks me up is when he’ll grab some tools (real or fake) and then start banging away on stuff because now he’s turned into our own little Handy Manny.

Now for some things I really miss.  When he was first born I used to call him my little tree frog because I could lay him on my chest and he fit just perfectly.  I didn’t have to hold him in place he would just lay on my chest; but don’t worry I did hold him.  I also miss him falling asleep in my arms and just looking down and watch him sleep so peacefully.  Sure I walk into the kids room and just look at them but it’s not the same.  I really miss that sweet little baby boy who didn’t have to get into EVERYTHING, and constantly find ways to drive me crazy.  Sure I love his exploring side but seriously does everything have to go in your mouth and do you have to climb on every piece of furniture in the house–I guess the answer is “yes mom I do because I’m a boy and that’s what we do.”

And now for the bittersweet kicker to you turning 2 is that you’re now in a big bed.  I love how excited you get knowing you now have your own big bed like your sister to sleep in, but at the same time it makes me sad because I know you’ll never be that little again to sleep in a crib.  My little baby boy is growing up and before I know it you’ll be starting kindergarten and then from there it’ll all become a blur.  But if there is one thing I’ve learned from Sweet Pea is to enjoy the moments I have with the two of you now so that I can hold on to them forever.

*Off subject but speaking of kindergarten Sweet Pea starts in August and as excited as I am I’m really going to miss having her home with me.  I know it’s a part of life and I know how much she’s going to love it but doesn’t it just seem like it all goes by way to fast?

Judgemental Moms October 16, 2007

Today Sweet Pea had ballet and once again I regret the fact that I signed her up for a 2:oo p.m. class.  Hello can we say idiot because it’s in the middle of nap time which means Monkey is usually crabby.  However, there are a few times when he’s actually pretty good like today.  Everything was going fine until it was time to go, I had the unpleasure of tearing Monkey away from the crayons they had their.  Needless to say he was not a happy camper and proceeded to cry and scream, no maybe howl is a better word.  Anyway here he is throwing a fit and as I’m trying to leave they are all looking at me, no no staring at me as I’m trying to leave.  To try and make him stop I place my hand over his mouth and start patting it-you know where it sounds like they’re making Indian sounds-because by that point I’m sure I have blood coming out of my ears; all the while trying to have a smile on my face. 

Now I’m sure something like this has never happened to any of these women because afterall they have so much more wisdom then me.  Ok so here comes my problem.  I have found that no matter where I go I seem to get looks from other moms who are older than I am.  I feel like they take one look at me and judge as if I’m 16 and have no clue to life more or less how to raise children.  EXCUSE ME!  For the record I’m 28 with two kids and while I might not know the meaning to life I do know how to raise my children.  And this isn’t the first time I’ve experienced this or the first place-for example playgrounds.  Now I understand that in today’s society it’s normal for women in their mid 30’s to early 40’s to start a family but seriously what makes these women so much more wiser then me at 28 when it comes to children.  I know I can’t be the only one who has felt like this or has even had this happen to.  I mean do you ever feel scrutinized by some of these women. 

And let’s not stop there because I know there are older moms out there who feel just like me, except they’re having moms around my age judging them.  Why is that?!?  I personally don’t think age should be an issue but for some reason it is.  I don’t know about any of you but I would think motherhood would be a bond for us; something that we all have in common.  We’ve all been through the sleepless nights, the worrying, and the adjustments to all that being a mom brings and yet there are many of us who can’t seem to get along with anyone.  

Now please don’t get me wrong there are some really nice moms at her dance studio who have been really nice to me, but there are always those few moms who just kind of look down at everyone else.

Anyway I just had to get this off my chest because today was the straw that broke this mama’s back.  And I knew that I could come on here and vent because I know with all of you other moms out there I’m not alone and that you would totally understand.  So thank you ladies for being there and listening to me, and seriously what would I do if I didn’t have y’all and my sister to talk to.  Oh I know drive David even more crazy than I do now.

TOTW: Toys August 20, 2007

I know I haven’t done a Mommy Talk in a long time but I’ve decided to pick it back up again.  The one sight that would host Mommy Talk is no longer doing it but instead has a link to a forum that has topics of the week-TOTW: Toys - Baby Talkers Forums-this is last weeks topic but I think it’s an interesting one.

toys, toys, toys… how much is too much (same thing with clothes)!?!

What is an appropriate amount of toys for a child to have? Do you find yourself always looking for new toys or the next best thing? Do you go to friends’ houses and see a toy and say to yourself “my kid has to have that”? How much is too much? What are your child’s favorite toys? Are they even REAL toys??

I can’t say what I think is an appropriate amount of toys because I don’t think it matters how much or little my kids have it would be scattered all over the floor.  But at the same time I don’t think it’s necessary to go out and buy every single hot new toy that comes out because really it all that stuff would get to be to much.  Oooo I just thought of a toy that we have WAY, WAY, to much of and I’ve told family to not buy anymore-STUFFED ANIMALS.  Seriously folks the amount of stuffed animals we have is a bit ridiculous.  Most of them are Sweet Peas and Monkey has a few but not nearly as many.  Anyways I have them tied to a rope hanging from the ceiling-I’ll post a pic soon-which thankfully has kept them off the floor.  As for the ones that wouldn’t fit on the rope I decided if they were worthy enough to keep and if not then off to the goodwill.

Which brings up another thing how often do you go thru toys.  As for me I go thru when I can’t stand all the little messes everywhere; which is about every few months.  Most of the toys that throw out are the McDonald’s toys, because really they aren’t toys.  David doesn’t like the idea of giving their toys away because of space issues so instead I box the good ones up like all the infant toys; you know just in case ;)  But for big stuff we haven’t done anything with them because just when I think they don’t play with it I’ll see them dragging it out and having a good time.  Now I do realize in a couple of years Sweet Pea could grow out of playing with her Dora Castle and then I’ll have to decide what to do but until then I guess I won’t worry about it.  And Monkey just plays with whatever but makes the biggest mess out of all the Little People stuff. 

Alright I know my answer wasn’t profound or really even helpful so you can imagine the mess I have pick up every day.  But what about you moms and dads out there-any tips of what you do, or when you think enough is enough.

Sacrifices of being a sahm July 16, 2007

 ”With great power comes great responsibility.” This is my gift, my curse.”

“Fear of the name only increases fear of the thing itself.”-Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

 

July 16: What sacrifices have you made as a SAHM or a Working Mom?

Ok before I get into today’s mommy talk I have to tell y’all about the little stunt my Monkey tried to pull.  Alright well I was cleaning up some stuff and I start to hear him cry and then Sweet Pea yells “Mom he’s crying and won’t stop.”  So I go over to see the problem because at first I thought she took his toy-nope that wasn’t the problem.  The problem was he climbed into the entertainment center where you put the stero, anyways he gets in there turns himself around and then freaks because he’s to scraed to turn around or to let himself fall out.  Well being the loving mom I am I took one look started laughing and got the camera.  And yes after I took the picture I got him out and gave him a big hug and kiss.  I haven’t seen him try to crawl up in there since.

Ok now back to Mommy Talk.  Never in a million years did I ever see myself as a sahm but that all changed the moment Sweet Pea came in to the world.  I was able to stay home for awhile, then went back to work and realized that I didn’t want to miss out of her life and plus I wanted another baby.  Deciding to be a sahm wasn’t the easiest decision because David and knew that financially it would be hard and it has been but it’s been worth it watching my kids grow.  Not only that but I don’t have a degreee (currently in shcool) and I knew whatever job I find would be enough to pay for daycare and with very, very little in the end.  So really with two kids it’s kind of pointless, oh and I was always in daycare and didn’t want that for my kids.  Now please here me I don’t think there is anything wrong with daycares and my mom had to because it was only her.  But for me and my family I really wanted to be the one to take care of them and see all their firsts .

Second sacrifice: being around other adults.  I love my kids but man do I miss having a real conversation with an adult.  I’ve tried playdates-don’t get me started, I’ll save that for another day.  I miss meeting new people and getting to interact with adults.  But I have made some good friends at church, and since blogging y’all have helped soooo much.  Oh and since Ashly stays home I talk to her all day too.  Seriously though being able to blog and talk to other moms has been such a blessing to me because even though I don’t see any of y’all face-to-face I’m still getting the adult interaction I need.

So what about y’all out there what are the sacrifices any of you have made by working or staying home.

Pregnancy Weight July 13, 2007

 “There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it… “

 ”You see, before he came down here, it never snowed. And afterwards, it did. If he weren’t up there now… I don’t think it would be snowing. Sometimes you can still catch me dancing in it.”-Edward Scissorhands

Since I wasn’t here on July 2 I thought I would go ahead and answer the question today.  And here it is; July 2: How hard was it for you to lose your pregnancy weight and keep it off?

For me losing the weight has been pretty difficult.  At first I couldn’t understand how I just couldn’t drop the weight in a snap.  I was 24 when I had Sweet Pea and I thought my metabolism was still fast enough to help shed the pounds-WRONG!  If anything it became as slow as molasses.  In my younger days I didn’t have a problem maintaining a healthy weight or even being able to loose a couple of pounds, and now I was still carrying all this fat.  Ok so with Sweet Pea I gained 30 lbs and only lost maybe 10 lbs.  So I went from being 130 lbs to now 160 lbs-and this was very hard for me to deal with.  I have a chubby face and this only made it worse.  But the realization of how I looked came after I saw some pictures of myself at her 1st birthday party-OMG!  I kind of started watching what I eat and I was working and I was able to shed some fat.

Now onto when I was prego with Chunky Monkey: I think I weighed around 150 lbs and gained 20 lbs so now I was a whopping 170 lbs.  As of now I weigh 165 lbs and I look bigger now then I did when he was first born; or at least I think I do.  Maybe my weight has redistributed itself.  What I do know is that I hate looking at myself naked in the mirror.  I just don’t find myself as attractive as I did before my kids, but I know how lucky I am to have a husband that not only thought I was sexy while pregnant but he thinks I’m sexy now even when I don’t.  I wish I could say that with this May Challenge I’ve really stepped it up a notch but I haven’t.  I work out only 1-2 times per week and don’t always watch what I eat.  I know how important it is for my health for me to loose the weight, and I want to teach my children the importance of staying healthy.  Now don’t think I want to be a size 5 or something but I would be happy with either a size 8 or 10.  I went from a 14/16 to now a size 12 and sometimes on a really good day I can fit into a 10.  I just need to be committed to change in my eating lifestyle and realize that I’m not 18 anymore and I can’t always eat what I want.

Biggest Challenges of Motherhood July 9, 2007

“I know we could both go on with our lives and we’d both be fine, but I’ve seen what we could be like together. And I choose us.”

July 9: Your biggest challenge of motherhood: how things were when baby was first born, how things changed as time went on and what type of challenges are you facing right now?

I’ve kind of talked about the struggles I’ve had before and hopefully you won’t mind me talking about some of them again.  At first one of the hugest challenges for me was getting used to a new routine.  One minute you go from being able to sleep all night and maybe even sleeping in a little in the morning to interrupted sleep all night long.  I had read how often you have to wake up through the night but to experience it first hand was rough.  I was exhausted everday for at least the first 3 months, and how I managed everything I don’t even have a clue.  But let me tell you when they finally slept through the night I was in heaven because seriously when was the last time you were able to sleep a whole 7 hours straight.

But the biggest struggle was my hormones, they were so out of whack that I was driving myself crazy.  And then you top off bringing a new born baby home for the first time and whoa you better watch out.  I was seriously overwhelmed when I brought Sweet Pea home.  David helped but really had no experience with kids and definetly not with babies.  So I often felt that I was expected to know exactly what to do, and I also felt that I was constantly being criticized on how I was raising her.

As of now I have more confidence in my parenting ablilites, and things were easier the second time around.  Yes there were some adjustments to make but overall a lot easier.  And yet now I’m facing a whole new set of issues, for example Sweet Pea discovering real independence served with a little attitude on the side.  She is definetly my drama queen but man can it be exhausting.  My Monkey, however, is for the most part very easy going but when he wants he can be the most stubborn person I know.  It doesn’t matter how many time I tell him “no” he still insists on getting into things and then laughs when I get on to him.

But overall I wouldn’t change any of the experiences I’ve had with my children because they have made my life and absoulute joy and very interesting.  So for any of you who have read this let me know about some of struggles then and now.  Have a great day!