It's been a tough week. My job is stressful but I was given an opportunity to lay out some much needed changes and only hope that it may have an impact and a benefit for the company as a whole.
Marley had a few stressfull days this week. Thankfully her fangs did not come out but the temper tantrums did. This was Wednesday morning with my grumpulophougus.
Marley laying on the floor, crying:
"Marney no want juice"
Mom asks "Do you want a breakfast bar?"
"Nooooooo". sniffle, sniffle.
Mom asks, "Does Marley need hugs and snuggles?"
"No, Marney no want hugs and snuggles." with a louder pitch and a few fists hitting the floor.
Mom asks "Does Marley want to lay on the floor and cry?"
"YEEEEESSSSS"
It was left at that. A happy Marley emerged about 10 minutes later and all ended well.
Sometimes we all need a good cry.
**************************************************************
I love Friday. Marley and I have been walking to the river front to listen to free concerts. We enjoy a slice of pizza and listen to a band and then head home. Sometimes we go with friends and sometimes we don't.
It was raining last night and I was really tired. The music venue was an 80's chick hairband and I was not in the mood. So we opted to stay home. We made a lady bug out of construction paper and glue. It kept our interest for about half an hour. Wondering what to do next, I noticed that it was still raining but the sun was out. This is when we decided to go on a rainbow hunt and we found one. This adventure led us around the block seeing neighbors, a fire truck and a heart built out of bricks.
I can't seem to get enough of the simple things in life these days and thanks to Marley they are more fascinating than ever before.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
It wasn't the rain....
...that detoured me from the beach this weekend, it was the lightning. I was somewhat disappointed because it was our plan, a wonderful day at the beach. I like the beach when it's cold or rainy yet I love the beach when it's warm and sunny. It's simply, earth, in it's raw beauty.
Last Friday Marley was nicknamed "Rain Goddess" at school. I remember dancing in the rain as a child and how much fun it was and how good it felt. Why I stopped doing such things, I don't know. I have come to realize that one of the true joys of being a parent is rediscovering the child in me and all the little things in life that are a joy.
Here is to my Rain Goddess. May you splash in many puddles, dance to the beat of your own heart and live to always enjoy the simple things in life.
Last Friday Marley was nicknamed "Rain Goddess" at school. I remember dancing in the rain as a child and how much fun it was and how good it felt. Why I stopped doing such things, I don't know. I have come to realize that one of the true joys of being a parent is rediscovering the child in me and all the little things in life that are a joy.
Here is to my Rain Goddess. May you splash in many puddles, dance to the beat of your own heart and live to always enjoy the simple things in life.
Monday, June 16, 2008
In the midst of insanity
As crazy as my life is, there are a few treasured moments that bring life back to reality.
After Marley and I read our books before bed she looked out the window and saw the full moon. She exclaimed, "Moon, Mommy, Moon-Mommy Marley go outside see Moon!" It was 15 minutes past her bedtime. The clock in me said "no" and a voice inside said "of course!". I carried her outside and found a spot on the porch where the trees and houses did not obstruct it in any way. We stood there, Marley in my arms, and we stared at it and talked about it a little. After a few quiet moments, Marley kissed me on the cheek and said, "I love you, Mom".
Moments...precious moments......
*********************************
There is a serial biter at Marley's daycare. This little boy, who I will call Lestat in the name of privacy. Lestat was on a rampage for awhile biting who he could and when he could. Marley fell victim three times in a month and other classmates more often. A meeting was held with the director and appropriate action was taken.
Two year olds don't necessarily bite because they are bad/unhappy toddlers. They bite for a variety of reasons one being they don't know how to express themselves any other way. They are only two! Another reason being, simple exploration. What ever the reason, it should not be taken lightly.
Lestat has not bitten Marley in at least a month. Last Wednesday, I was gathering Marley's things and noticed the dreaded piece of paper neatly folded and clipped with her art work and daily report. My first thought was, please not again! Then I looked down at the dreaded piece of paper and saw that Marley was not bitten. She was the one that BIT! I was horrified. My beautiful, blond haired girl grew vampire teeth in a matter of hours!
On our drive home I asked Marley who she bit. She said, "Marley bite Lestat Mom, Marley make Lestat cry". I almost drove the car off the road. Part of me wanted to say 'good for you, great job!" and the rational part kicked in and said, "we don't bite our friends".
Talking with her teachers the next morning, the consesus is that Marley had just had it with this boy. She was acting like a typical two and she stood up for herself. I simply can not stop laughing as horrible as that sounds. In a way I am very proud of her and in another way I am realizing she is going to be a handful as she gets older.
After Marley and I read our books before bed she looked out the window and saw the full moon. She exclaimed, "Moon, Mommy, Moon-Mommy Marley go outside see Moon!" It was 15 minutes past her bedtime. The clock in me said "no" and a voice inside said "of course!". I carried her outside and found a spot on the porch where the trees and houses did not obstruct it in any way. We stood there, Marley in my arms, and we stared at it and talked about it a little. After a few quiet moments, Marley kissed me on the cheek and said, "I love you, Mom".
Moments...precious moments......
*********************************
There is a serial biter at Marley's daycare. This little boy, who I will call Lestat in the name of privacy. Lestat was on a rampage for awhile biting who he could and when he could. Marley fell victim three times in a month and other classmates more often. A meeting was held with the director and appropriate action was taken.
Two year olds don't necessarily bite because they are bad/unhappy toddlers. They bite for a variety of reasons one being they don't know how to express themselves any other way. They are only two! Another reason being, simple exploration. What ever the reason, it should not be taken lightly.
Lestat has not bitten Marley in at least a month. Last Wednesday, I was gathering Marley's things and noticed the dreaded piece of paper neatly folded and clipped with her art work and daily report. My first thought was, please not again! Then I looked down at the dreaded piece of paper and saw that Marley was not bitten. She was the one that BIT! I was horrified. My beautiful, blond haired girl grew vampire teeth in a matter of hours!
On our drive home I asked Marley who she bit. She said, "Marley bite Lestat Mom, Marley make Lestat cry". I almost drove the car off the road. Part of me wanted to say 'good for you, great job!" and the rational part kicked in and said, "we don't bite our friends".
Talking with her teachers the next morning, the consesus is that Marley had just had it with this boy. She was acting like a typical two and she stood up for herself. I simply can not stop laughing as horrible as that sounds. In a way I am very proud of her and in another way I am realizing she is going to be a handful as she gets older.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Why I miss Blogging
My schedule:
Rise and Shine: 6:30
-Snuggle time with Marley
-Juice and breakfast for Marley
-Coffee is percolating
-Beagles are walked to the back yard (don't ask, ask the house instead)
-Sit with Marley and enjoy a cup of coffee
-Make Marley's lunch
-Brush teeth, get dressed, etc and try not to forget the beagles in the backyard.
Run out the door at 8:05 a.m.- This, on occasion, has been the time Marley chooses to take Elmo for a walk around the block. An activity that is slated for the evenings and weekends.
8:20 a.m. Marley and I arrive at daycare. I help Marley settle in, talk to her teachers, etc.
8:30 a.m. time for Mom to go to work.
8:45 a.m. I'm clocked in.
5:45 p.m. Clock out. Race to the daycare.
5:58 p.m. Big huge smile from my most adoring fan and a "Mommy!"
Some days a run to the grocery store as Marley would say "shopping!" other days straight home.
Then it's dinner, activity time and the night time ritual.
8:30 Marley is sound asleep.
It leaves me with two hours of time for dishes, shower, miscellaneous odds and ends and maybe a little reading, video watching time to myself.
All I can say is I love weekends!
Being a Mom that has to work has it's challenges.
More to come.
Rise and Shine: 6:30
-Snuggle time with Marley
-Juice and breakfast for Marley
-Coffee is percolating
-Beagles are walked to the back yard (don't ask, ask the house instead)
-Sit with Marley and enjoy a cup of coffee
-Make Marley's lunch
-Brush teeth, get dressed, etc and try not to forget the beagles in the backyard.
Run out the door at 8:05 a.m.- This, on occasion, has been the time Marley chooses to take Elmo for a walk around the block. An activity that is slated for the evenings and weekends.
8:20 a.m. Marley and I arrive at daycare. I help Marley settle in, talk to her teachers, etc.
8:30 a.m. time for Mom to go to work.
8:45 a.m. I'm clocked in.
5:45 p.m. Clock out. Race to the daycare.
5:58 p.m. Big huge smile from my most adoring fan and a "Mommy!"
Some days a run to the grocery store as Marley would say "shopping!" other days straight home.
Then it's dinner, activity time and the night time ritual.
8:30 Marley is sound asleep.
It leaves me with two hours of time for dishes, shower, miscellaneous odds and ends and maybe a little reading, video watching time to myself.
All I can say is I love weekends!
Being a Mom that has to work has it's challenges.
More to come.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The Sneaky Chef
Marley is a very picky eater. As a baby she ate almost everything that I put in front of her until she was 18 months old. It was like a light bulb turned off. She started refusing all the food I normally prepared. Her doctor and many friends and relatives told me not worry, that kids only eat what their bodies need. Being a first time Mom, I still worried. She's healthy but I worry that she's missing out on a crucial developmental stage of trying new flavors and textures.
For Christmas my sister in-law gave me a fabulous cookbook called The Sneaky Chef. This cookbook for kids "hides" vegetables in favorite dishes like pizza, mac 'n' cheese, hot dogs, etc. My first reaction was, what a wonderful concept!
I was going through the cookbook yesterday to pick out a couple of recipes to make this weekend and I started thinking. Is this concept really fabulous? It certainly makes meal time less of a struggle for a parent but is it truly a good idea in the long term for kids? The vegetables are pureed, so that children do not detect them and the flavors are hidden-hence the sneakiness. Shouldn't a child be offered the cauliflower in it's unpureed form to be able to enjoy it as an adult? If children are only eating vegetables that are hidden, won't they miss out on a developmental stage of being introduced (even if it's over and over again) to certain foods?
Like Marley, I was a very picky eater as a child. As an adult, I will eat certain foods that I would not even try as a child. Although, I am still picky. Certain vegetables I still won't eat but it certainly was not a lack of my parents trying.
Any thoughts about this would be greatly appreciated!
I am still going to make a couple of the recipes today. The corn muffins with zucchini sounds delicious! And I am not a fan of zucchini at all.
For Christmas my sister in-law gave me a fabulous cookbook called The Sneaky Chef. This cookbook for kids "hides" vegetables in favorite dishes like pizza, mac 'n' cheese, hot dogs, etc. My first reaction was, what a wonderful concept!
I was going through the cookbook yesterday to pick out a couple of recipes to make this weekend and I started thinking. Is this concept really fabulous? It certainly makes meal time less of a struggle for a parent but is it truly a good idea in the long term for kids? The vegetables are pureed, so that children do not detect them and the flavors are hidden-hence the sneakiness. Shouldn't a child be offered the cauliflower in it's unpureed form to be able to enjoy it as an adult? If children are only eating vegetables that are hidden, won't they miss out on a developmental stage of being introduced (even if it's over and over again) to certain foods?
Like Marley, I was a very picky eater as a child. As an adult, I will eat certain foods that I would not even try as a child. Although, I am still picky. Certain vegetables I still won't eat but it certainly was not a lack of my parents trying.
Any thoughts about this would be greatly appreciated!
I am still going to make a couple of the recipes today. The corn muffins with zucchini sounds delicious! And I am not a fan of zucchini at all.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
What to do in February....
I found this over at Montessori Mama's and had to steal.
The February 10
I think the February ten is right up my alley:
1. Blogger.
2. Snuggling under warm blankets with Marley.
3. A car that has finally warmed up to the point that I can blast the heat.
4. My bathrobe and slippers at night.
5. Two obnoxious beagles that keep my feet warm and my face clean.
6. The warmth of the oven when I take out a batch of oatmeal cookies.
7. Very happy that I no longer live in snow country. Although 11,600 feet was fun in my twenties the coast of NC is more my pace in my 30's.
8. Bundling up and taking Marley for walks in her stoller.
9. My sweaters. I have a few that I just love to wear!
10. The Febraury 10 that I will steal and post on my blogger page in hopes that the author does not mind.
The February 10
I think the February ten is right up my alley:
1. Blogger.
2. Snuggling under warm blankets with Marley.
3. A car that has finally warmed up to the point that I can blast the heat.
4. My bathrobe and slippers at night.
5. Two obnoxious beagles that keep my feet warm and my face clean.
6. The warmth of the oven when I take out a batch of oatmeal cookies.
7. Very happy that I no longer live in snow country. Although 11,600 feet was fun in my twenties the coast of NC is more my pace in my 30's.
8. Bundling up and taking Marley for walks in her stoller.
9. My sweaters. I have a few that I just love to wear!
10. The Febraury 10 that I will steal and post on my blogger page in hopes that the author does not mind.
Daily Chef
As I am learning how to cook daily foods again I came across a great dish. It did not come from a food website or one of my many cookbooks nor my Mother. I found it on the back of a Pierogies box and changed it of course.
Pierogies a la Spectacular
A box of delicious frozen Pierogies
Portobello Mushrooms
Red Onion
Olive Oil
Parmesan Cheese
Dice the onion, chop the portobellos. Heat the olive oil until warm and throw all the ingredients in until the pierogies are no longer frozen and the onion and portobellos are to your liking. Sprinkle with parmesan and feast!
Next time I may add fresh spinach, red pepper and a smackering of hot red pepper flakes.
This is the best dish I have found so far when you are tired, hungry, have a two year old and need to find the time to blow bubbles.
Pierogies a la Spectacular
A box of delicious frozen Pierogies
Portobello Mushrooms
Red Onion
Olive Oil
Parmesan Cheese
Dice the onion, chop the portobellos. Heat the olive oil until warm and throw all the ingredients in until the pierogies are no longer frozen and the onion and portobellos are to your liking. Sprinkle with parmesan and feast!
Next time I may add fresh spinach, red pepper and a smackering of hot red pepper flakes.
This is the best dish I have found so far when you are tired, hungry, have a two year old and need to find the time to blow bubbles.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Ease on down, Ease on down the road...
All of life's changes in the last six months has completely changed the way that I normally have done or handled situations. Priorities are different, the time I have in which to accomplish tasks has significantly reduced and the tasks keep multiplying. It's a good thing that I was a great multitasker prior to all of the changes! At least the changes have subsided for the time being and I'm hoping I'll be able to blog more often.
I started a new job a couple of weeks ago. It is a job that I have been looking for and I am thrilled to have the opportunity.
My only complaint is that Marley has fallen into the category of the child in daycare for 9+ hours a day and I miss her. Thankfully, I am I am over joyed with the daycare. Marley seems very happy and loves her teachers. They give each parent a review on paper of the daily activities. Periodically they will make a suggestion of a game to play with your child that incorporates what they are learning. One week it was reptiles. The suggestion was to roll play dough between your hands and make snakes. Now when Marley sees play dough she says SNAKE! Which make Mommy jump every time.
*********************************
I just came back from seeing the movie The Wiz. The movie is based of off L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz. It has an amazing cast but I am not amazed that it did not win an Oscar. It was still a joy to see. It made me realize what a fortunate person I am. When a person has positive, supportive people surrounding them, they can unlock inside of them what they thought they were lacking.
Dorothy's quest through out the film is to go home. At the end of the story, Glinda the Witch tells her that home is not a place where you eat or where you sleep. Home is the strength that you find within yourself to accomplish life. A satisfying life that only you can define on your own.
On that thought I bid a good night to everyone!
I started a new job a couple of weeks ago. It is a job that I have been looking for and I am thrilled to have the opportunity.
My only complaint is that Marley has fallen into the category of the child in daycare for 9+ hours a day and I miss her. Thankfully, I am I am over joyed with the daycare. Marley seems very happy and loves her teachers. They give each parent a review on paper of the daily activities. Periodically they will make a suggestion of a game to play with your child that incorporates what they are learning. One week it was reptiles. The suggestion was to roll play dough between your hands and make snakes. Now when Marley sees play dough she says SNAKE! Which make Mommy jump every time.
*********************************
I just came back from seeing the movie The Wiz. The movie is based of off L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz. It has an amazing cast but I am not amazed that it did not win an Oscar. It was still a joy to see. It made me realize what a fortunate person I am. When a person has positive, supportive people surrounding them, they can unlock inside of them what they thought they were lacking.
Dorothy's quest through out the film is to go home. At the end of the story, Glinda the Witch tells her that home is not a place where you eat or where you sleep. Home is the strength that you find within yourself to accomplish life. A satisfying life that only you can define on your own.
On that thought I bid a good night to everyone!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
The Move
I have been in Wilmington for approximately six months now. Lots of changes in my life and a lot of transitioning. I moved to a house that was temporary and it was wonderful but I did not unpack all my belongings to simply repack them in three months. I felt I was living out of a suitcase and could not wait to finally feel settled again. Then I found a place that was three blocks away, adorable and a huge fenced in back yard for the dogs. It turned into a nightmare. The evening before the move I walked in to look around and to picture where my belongings would go. As soon as I opened the door I smelled dog, not just dog, but dirty dog. The landlord had nine dogs along with various other animals living there and why I did not notice the smell or the see the dirt, I don't know. I looked around and the place was filthy. I am not the type of person who is obsessed with cleanliness, but when you find a bird feather stuck to your bedroom wall.....needless to say I called the landlord and was diplomatic, what my family and friends heard was $!*%#!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have since found a new place that is wonderful. I moved last Thursday, it took 12 hours but it's done! The place is charming, the landlords are wonderful and best of all it's CLEAN.
Now back to my laundry, I've been working hard getting the dirt pit, as I so graciously nicknamed it, out of all my linens, towels and clothing.
I have since found a new place that is wonderful. I moved last Thursday, it took 12 hours but it's done! The place is charming, the landlords are wonderful and best of all it's CLEAN.
Now back to my laundry, I've been working hard getting the dirt pit, as I so graciously nicknamed it, out of all my linens, towels and clothing.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Daily Chef I am not
One of the main things I have had to adjust to with all the transitions is cooking. Hubby did the cooking, it is how he would unwind after a busy day at work. In return, I did the grocery shopping and the dishes.
I have come to the realisation that I am a lousy daily cook! I can make a killer quiche, a delectable crusty whole wheat loaf of bread and many other non-daily dishes. Thankfully I know how to boil water and pasta and I have become very good friends but it gets old day in and day out.
Today, I will be starting a new theme. It will appropriately be called "The Daily Chef". It will include recipes that I have found easy and delicious as well as a few I conjure up on my own. I am my own guinea pig and will advise you on the ones to truly avoid. Any suggestions or recipes that you would like to share would be greatly appreciated. I would love to know what you had for dinner last night and what you are planning for this evening.
Now I begin:
Stove Top Stuffing Casserole:
1 box of Stove Top Stuffing
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup of frozen peas
1 chicken breast cooked and cut up in chunks or shredded
Prepare the stuffing as recommended. Mix in all remaining ingredients and enjoy.
I give it a 2 star rating. It was nice to have the next night when I was tired and hungry.
Chicken Curry
3 chicken breasts-cubed
1 can coconut milk
2 shallots
6 green onions
2 cloves garlic
salt & pepper to taste
curry powder
2 cups of cooked jasmine rice
Cook the chicken in a pan until it's almost done. Pour the can of coconut milk over the chicken and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Saute the shallot, green onion and garlic and add to the chicken. Let it simmer for about half an hour. Pour over jasmine rice and voila! Delicious!
This one gets a 5 star rating. I will be making it again. It was easy, quick, inexpensive and the left overs were even better.
Happy daily eats everyone!
I have come to the realisation that I am a lousy daily cook! I can make a killer quiche, a delectable crusty whole wheat loaf of bread and many other non-daily dishes. Thankfully I know how to boil water and pasta and I have become very good friends but it gets old day in and day out.
Today, I will be starting a new theme. It will appropriately be called "The Daily Chef". It will include recipes that I have found easy and delicious as well as a few I conjure up on my own. I am my own guinea pig and will advise you on the ones to truly avoid. Any suggestions or recipes that you would like to share would be greatly appreciated. I would love to know what you had for dinner last night and what you are planning for this evening.
Now I begin:
Stove Top Stuffing Casserole:
1 box of Stove Top Stuffing
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup of frozen peas
1 chicken breast cooked and cut up in chunks or shredded
Prepare the stuffing as recommended. Mix in all remaining ingredients and enjoy.
I give it a 2 star rating. It was nice to have the next night when I was tired and hungry.
Chicken Curry
3 chicken breasts-cubed
1 can coconut milk
2 shallots
6 green onions
2 cloves garlic
salt & pepper to taste
curry powder
2 cups of cooked jasmine rice
Cook the chicken in a pan until it's almost done. Pour the can of coconut milk over the chicken and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Saute the shallot, green onion and garlic and add to the chicken. Let it simmer for about half an hour. Pour over jasmine rice and voila! Delicious!
This one gets a 5 star rating. I will be making it again. It was easy, quick, inexpensive and the left overs were even better.
Happy daily eats everyone!
Monday, January 07, 2008
Welcome to 2008!
'Tis the season to reflect.
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before? Moved to a new city by myself with my daughter in tow.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I never make New Years resolutions, daily resolutions are more my speed.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Oh yes! and very exciting too. My sister in law and a close friend.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes, my Grandmother and my Mother's neighbor.
5. What countries did you visit? The good ol' USofA.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? Stability.
7. What was your biggest achievement of the year? My daughter Marley. She always will be.
8. What was your biggest failure? The house I moved into...don't get me started.
9. Did you suffer illness or injury? Thankfully no.
10. What was the best thing you bought? A new vacuum! No maybe the curtains hanging in my room. Ok, I'll be honest it was the box of chocolates I bought before the holidays and consumed each and every morsel in my closet all by myself.
11. Whose behaviour merited celebration? My family and friends without their support I would be left flailing in the wind.
12. Where did most of your money go? Moving and bills.
13. What did you get really, really, really excited about? A part in an Indie movie, ask me and I'd love to tell you the story.
14. What song will always remind you of 2007? The ABC song followed by Up Up Apple Sauce (translation, twinkle twinkle little star). Sung many times daily by me and requested by you know who.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer? a) happy b)thinner c)the same
16. What do you wish you’d done more of? reading
17. What do you wish you’d done less of? worry
18. How did you spend Christmas? With my family. It was wonderful as usual.
19. What was your favourite TV program? Got rid of the TV and very proud of it. Although, last seasons "Lost" on DVD has caught my eye.
20. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hate?! That's a rough word.
21. What kept you sane? My Optimism.
22. Who was the best new person you met? My roommate.
23. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007. Don't sell yourself short.
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before? Moved to a new city by myself with my daughter in tow.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I never make New Years resolutions, daily resolutions are more my speed.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Oh yes! and very exciting too. My sister in law and a close friend.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes, my Grandmother and my Mother's neighbor.
5. What countries did you visit? The good ol' USofA.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007? Stability.
7. What was your biggest achievement of the year? My daughter Marley. She always will be.
8. What was your biggest failure? The house I moved into...don't get me started.
9. Did you suffer illness or injury? Thankfully no.
10. What was the best thing you bought? A new vacuum! No maybe the curtains hanging in my room. Ok, I'll be honest it was the box of chocolates I bought before the holidays and consumed each and every morsel in my closet all by myself.
11. Whose behaviour merited celebration? My family and friends without their support I would be left flailing in the wind.
12. Where did most of your money go? Moving and bills.
13. What did you get really, really, really excited about? A part in an Indie movie, ask me and I'd love to tell you the story.
14. What song will always remind you of 2007? The ABC song followed by Up Up Apple Sauce (translation, twinkle twinkle little star). Sung many times daily by me and requested by you know who.
15. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer? a) happy b)thinner c)the same
16. What do you wish you’d done more of? reading
17. What do you wish you’d done less of? worry
18. How did you spend Christmas? With my family. It was wonderful as usual.
19. What was your favourite TV program? Got rid of the TV and very proud of it. Although, last seasons "Lost" on DVD has caught my eye.
20. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hate?! That's a rough word.
21. What kept you sane? My Optimism.
22. Who was the best new person you met? My roommate.
23. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007. Don't sell yourself short.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Hello again!
So many changes, but I'm back!!!!! After a 6 month hiatus it's a challenge to get back into the swing of my blogger page. Where do I start?! Many life altering things have happened that has kept my mind focused elsewhere. More stories to come.
I have decided to make my come back with my previously mentioned addiction. If you have not discovered this phenomana you are missing out. If you need advice about parenting, it's a great place but you must take all advice given with a grain of salt but I like salt and some advice is worth contemplating. Do not even mention the subjects stay at home mom vs working mom. It's an all out riot. If you have a problem with your car you can save a ton of money by at least walking into the mechanic with the appropriate lingo.
Now my all time favorite subject these days. The elections. We see America at it's best. My favorite question so far is
Clinton or Obama and why?
My favorite answers
OBAMA FOR 2008!!
Hilary is the devila nd very stuid, doesnt know ****
neither one! google ron paul
can't stand Clinton, but if they were the only choices, I think Clinton could actually do as good a job as Bush (and he is sort of Nixon-like), I doubt Obama can even do as good a job as Carter.
C none of the above. Hey when they talk about change, are they referring to what's left of my paycheck when they get done with it?
and finally a somewhat intelligent answer
Barack talks about hope and change yet has no substantial plans or adequate experience to bring it about - all talk and few results is not substance. Clinton is a longtime veteran of knowing how to provide change by leading and by working with both parties. Hillary will do a lot more than Obama - she's ready to hit the ground running while he'll still be trying to figure out how things work.
Barrack just got to the senate about 2yrs ago and is not ready for the big presidential seat.. yet. Hillary is ready because she's worked very hard in congress and knows how high-level politics works. A proven person who has actually gotten results is preferable over an orator who just raises hope and doesn't have the experience to bring it about. Hillary can actually do what she says because she's done it many times before. Hillary is already on many important Congressional committees.
My answer has gotten 2 thumbs up and 3 down, disappointing there are no more thumbs down. Sorry not sharing my answer on my blog.
Gotta love the USA!
I have decided to make my come back with my previously mentioned addiction. If you have not discovered this phenomana you are missing out. If you need advice about parenting, it's a great place but you must take all advice given with a grain of salt but I like salt and some advice is worth contemplating. Do not even mention the subjects stay at home mom vs working mom. It's an all out riot. If you have a problem with your car you can save a ton of money by at least walking into the mechanic with the appropriate lingo.
Now my all time favorite subject these days. The elections. We see America at it's best. My favorite question so far is
Clinton or Obama and why?
My favorite answers
OBAMA FOR 2008!!
Hilary is the devila nd very stuid, doesnt know ****
neither one! google ron paul
can't stand Clinton, but if they were the only choices, I think Clinton could actually do as good a job as Bush (and he is sort of Nixon-like), I doubt Obama can even do as good a job as Carter.
C none of the above. Hey when they talk about change, are they referring to what's left of my paycheck when they get done with it?
and finally a somewhat intelligent answer
Barack talks about hope and change yet has no substantial plans or adequate experience to bring it about - all talk and few results is not substance. Clinton is a longtime veteran of knowing how to provide change by leading and by working with both parties. Hillary will do a lot more than Obama - she's ready to hit the ground running while he'll still be trying to figure out how things work.
Barrack just got to the senate about 2yrs ago and is not ready for the big presidential seat.. yet. Hillary is ready because she's worked very hard in congress and knows how high-level politics works. A proven person who has actually gotten results is preferable over an orator who just raises hope and doesn't have the experience to bring it about. Hillary can actually do what she says because she's done it many times before. Hillary is already on many important Congressional committees.
My answer has gotten 2 thumbs up and 3 down, disappointing there are no more thumbs down. Sorry not sharing my answer on my blog.
Gotta love the USA!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Stress Reliever
Ok, so here it goes....
With working, packing (still haven't filled a box but have gone through and purged items), coordinating, and all the other logistics in my life, my stress level is though the roof. I brought Marley home from daycare yesterday and we usually play outside but it has been really hot and muggy and I simply was not in the mood.
With a small tantrum we came inside and I brought out all the puzzles. Marley was not interested, it's summer she doesn't care about the heat, she wanted to be outside. Sorry but Mommy is not giving in this time.....so I thought.
I was busy with something and Marley was climbing up the walls, then she started running around the coffee table in her toddler Cro-Magnon way. I stopped what I was doing and joined her, mimicking every move. After two laps we were both on the floor in a fit of hysterical laughter. When the laughter subsided we did it three more times.
It reminds me of a Peanuts cartoon that I read years ago. The punch line was "if you can't beat 'em join 'em"... and so I did.
With working, packing (still haven't filled a box but have gone through and purged items), coordinating, and all the other logistics in my life, my stress level is though the roof. I brought Marley home from daycare yesterday and we usually play outside but it has been really hot and muggy and I simply was not in the mood.
With a small tantrum we came inside and I brought out all the puzzles. Marley was not interested, it's summer she doesn't care about the heat, she wanted to be outside. Sorry but Mommy is not giving in this time.....so I thought.
I was busy with something and Marley was climbing up the walls, then she started running around the coffee table in her toddler Cro-Magnon way. I stopped what I was doing and joined her, mimicking every move. After two laps we were both on the floor in a fit of hysterical laughter. When the laughter subsided we did it three more times.
It reminds me of a Peanuts cartoon that I read years ago. The punch line was "if you can't beat 'em join 'em"... and so I did.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Please don't come back from the moon: My review, my perspective
As you can see with all the latest blog entries, I am procrastinating on the packing. I truly would love to have my mind on something less mundane .
I finished the book please don't come back from the moon by Dean Bakopoulos last night. It was short and it was good. I can't say that I will be enthusiastically handing it over to someone else tomorrow either. In fact I'm wondering whether or not to donate it so I don't have to pack it!
The story line is about Michael a boy from Maple Rock, Michigan a suburb of Detroit. A depression hit and many Father's simply left their homes, their wives and their children. One Father left a note stating that he "went to the moon". Michael's Father left when he was a teenager, he watched his Father climb into a car, both with an understanding on both their faces and his Father was simply gone, never to be seen again. The book trails Michael's life through the rest of his teenage years and entering his late 20's early 30's always with an emptiness in his heart. At the end he has a wife a stepson and a daughter, lots of questions and yearnings and not a lot of trust in himself. He's content but not happy.
This book, although melancholy, was very well written. I think the line that struck me most was the very last line of the book:
"Like an eye, the moon follows us wherever we go".
When my Grandmother passed away last month I felt that she was watching me. I made sure I didn't say the word "got" unless it was grammatically correct. I cringed when I wore my blue jeans and I went through all the letters she ever sent me kissing each one. She is a beautiful woman and I know she is still out there watching over me quit possibly from the moon.
I finished the book please don't come back from the moon by Dean Bakopoulos last night. It was short and it was good. I can't say that I will be enthusiastically handing it over to someone else tomorrow either. In fact I'm wondering whether or not to donate it so I don't have to pack it!
The story line is about Michael a boy from Maple Rock, Michigan a suburb of Detroit. A depression hit and many Father's simply left their homes, their wives and their children. One Father left a note stating that he "went to the moon". Michael's Father left when he was a teenager, he watched his Father climb into a car, both with an understanding on both their faces and his Father was simply gone, never to be seen again. The book trails Michael's life through the rest of his teenage years and entering his late 20's early 30's always with an emptiness in his heart. At the end he has a wife a stepson and a daughter, lots of questions and yearnings and not a lot of trust in himself. He's content but not happy.
This book, although melancholy, was very well written. I think the line that struck me most was the very last line of the book:
"Like an eye, the moon follows us wherever we go".
When my Grandmother passed away last month I felt that she was watching me. I made sure I didn't say the word "got" unless it was grammatically correct. I cringed when I wore my blue jeans and I went through all the letters she ever sent me kissing each one. She is a beautiful woman and I know she is still out there watching over me quit possibly from the moon.
Marley update
So here I am blogging instead of frantically trying to coordinate and organize this impending move. I truly thought I would have no time to blog but here I am! Actually I am at work, it's slow and I have just about done everything that I can do to make sure the transition goes smoothly. And anyways, what are they gonna do if they find me blogging, fire me, HA!
Marley has become quit the little girl these days. She went through a phase recently where she was OBSESSED with her belly button. That obsession had subsided... until yesterday when one of her teachers caught her offering her belly button a sip of water from her sippy cup. She also likes to share her sippy cups with her stuffed animals too. Belly buttons, stuffed animals they are both adorable and need tending to, right!?
Marley's vocabulary is growing. She has quite a list going these days. She says "bubble", "turtle", "all done", "more", "nana" (which interchanges with my Mother and a banana), "Mama and Papa" for Grandma and Grandpa, and last but not least there is "apple sauce". Not surprising that it's her favorite word but also her favorite food! If she sees something she doesn't know what it is, she simply calls it "apple sauce", it too is interchangeable.
Then there are her animals. Marley's favorite are two stuffed animal beagles and the real ones too! She also has a little Lamb which she calls "BA" (yes that loudly) and recently another stuffed dog that follows commands. Marley is constantly telling the new dog "DOWN" (yes that loudly). As far as calling the animals by their given identities she'd rather not. She's working on saying "dog" but would much rather bark and she'd much rather meow for a kitten, moo for a cow and so on. Just don't ask her what the dragon says, it's quite frightening when she lets out a big "RAH" and bares her teeth and claws.
Motherhood is better than I would have ever imagined. Watching her grow and discover the world and her capabilities simply astounds me. Her daycare had their first "water day" a couple of weeks ago, I was so excited for Marley knowing how much she loves the water. When I picked her up her teachers told me that out of all the kids Marley had the most fun, I wasn't surprised. So now when people ask me how Marley is doing, I tell them that she knows how to have the most fun!
.... Even with a pile of dirt that she played pretend shampoo. This dirt stuck to the scalp and after four real shampoo's still did not get it all out...but I won't go there because she had the most fun putting it there!
Marley has become quit the little girl these days. She went through a phase recently where she was OBSESSED with her belly button. That obsession had subsided... until yesterday when one of her teachers caught her offering her belly button a sip of water from her sippy cup. She also likes to share her sippy cups with her stuffed animals too. Belly buttons, stuffed animals they are both adorable and need tending to, right!?
Marley's vocabulary is growing. She has quite a list going these days. She says "bubble", "turtle", "all done", "more", "nana" (which interchanges with my Mother and a banana), "Mama and Papa" for Grandma and Grandpa, and last but not least there is "apple sauce". Not surprising that it's her favorite word but also her favorite food! If she sees something she doesn't know what it is, she simply calls it "apple sauce", it too is interchangeable.
Then there are her animals. Marley's favorite are two stuffed animal beagles and the real ones too! She also has a little Lamb which she calls "BA" (yes that loudly) and recently another stuffed dog that follows commands. Marley is constantly telling the new dog "DOWN" (yes that loudly). As far as calling the animals by their given identities she'd rather not. She's working on saying "dog" but would much rather bark and she'd much rather meow for a kitten, moo for a cow and so on. Just don't ask her what the dragon says, it's quite frightening when she lets out a big "RAH" and bares her teeth and claws.
Motherhood is better than I would have ever imagined. Watching her grow and discover the world and her capabilities simply astounds me. Her daycare had their first "water day" a couple of weeks ago, I was so excited for Marley knowing how much she loves the water. When I picked her up her teachers told me that out of all the kids Marley had the most fun, I wasn't surprised. So now when people ask me how Marley is doing, I tell them that she knows how to have the most fun!
.... Even with a pile of dirt that she played pretend shampoo. This dirt stuck to the scalp and after four real shampoo's still did not get it all out...but I won't go there because she had the most fun putting it there!
My first Meme
I stole this from my good friend Viking Zen.
One Word Meme
1. Where is your mobile phone? Purse.
2. Relationship? Enriching.
3. Your hair? Brown.
4. Work? Tedious.
5. Your sister(s)? Awesome!
6. Your favorite thing? Coffee mug.
7. Your dream last night? Frustrating.
8. Your favorite drink? Coffee.
9. Your dream car? Elephant.
10. The room you're in? Office.
11. Your shoes? Sandals.
12. Your fears? Abandonment.
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? Happy.
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? Marley.
15. What are you not good at? Anorexia.
16. Muffin? Banana Nut.
17. Wish list item? Vacation.
18. Where you grow up? Earth.
19. The last thing you did? Breakfast.
20. What are you wearing? Shorts.
21. What are you not wearing? Sombrero.
22. Your pet? Double.
23. Your computer? On.
24. Your life? Hectic.
25. Your mood? Optomistic.
26. Missing? Earring.
27. What are you thinking about? Moving.
28. Your car? Jeep.
29. Your kitchen? Functional.
30. Your summer? Splendid.
31. Your favorite color? Red.
32. Last time you laughed? Today.
33. Last time you cried? Weeks.
34. School? Pending.
35. Love? Fabulous.
One Word Meme
1. Where is your mobile phone? Purse.
2. Relationship? Enriching.
3. Your hair? Brown.
4. Work? Tedious.
5. Your sister(s)? Awesome!
6. Your favorite thing? Coffee mug.
7. Your dream last night? Frustrating.
8. Your favorite drink? Coffee.
9. Your dream car? Elephant.
10. The room you're in? Office.
11. Your shoes? Sandals.
12. Your fears? Abandonment.
13. What do you want to be in 10 years? Happy.
14. Who did you hang out with this weekend? Marley.
15. What are you not good at? Anorexia.
16. Muffin? Banana Nut.
17. Wish list item? Vacation.
18. Where you grow up? Earth.
19. The last thing you did? Breakfast.
20. What are you wearing? Shorts.
21. What are you not wearing? Sombrero.
22. Your pet? Double.
23. Your computer? On.
24. Your life? Hectic.
25. Your mood? Optomistic.
26. Missing? Earring.
27. What are you thinking about? Moving.
28. Your car? Jeep.
29. Your kitchen? Functional.
30. Your summer? Splendid.
31. Your favorite color? Red.
32. Last time you laughed? Today.
33. Last time you cried? Weeks.
34. School? Pending.
35. Love? Fabulous.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
I'm still here
Moving is not fun and I haven't even packed a box yet. That process will begin this weekend. The good news is I have a place to live, a job and I have secured a daycare for Marley.
Marley and I saw several daycares last Friday and it does pay off to walk into these places. I had 6 places to see on my list but only made it to 3 because I kept getting lost. I know, I know, I should never seek a career as a Captain of a ship. I feel with all the research I have done I chose well. The first place we saw was great and is in fact the place that I have chosen for Marley. The director and the teachers were fabulous, they truly care about the children. The second place I saw was horrible. It was huge and it felt like a factory for kids. The director didn't let me ask any questions. We did see the class where Marley would be placed and the kids were screaming, a few were crying and the teachers were chatting in the corner. I ran not walked out of that place. The third place would be great except it's in a bad area of town and Marley would be the only white kid. Color doesn't bother me what so ever but it would be awkward. Even though it's the 21st Century this still is the south.
Although I would love to clone Marley's current daycare, I feel I have made an excellent decision for her. I really don't want to uproot her and put her in another daycare again. Although I will if she's not happy.
I am going to give my notice at work today. I always hate resigning from a job. It feels like I am breaking up with someone which is never a good feeling. I am also telling Marley's daycare today too........sigh................
It's all a little bitter sweet. I am excited about the new town, the new people I will meet but I will miss the house and the life I have built here. Being a diplomats kid you'd think I would be used to saying goodbye but it's never been easy.
That's my life in a nutshell for the time being. I will try and blog as much as I can but realistically it won't be as much as I would like to.
Happy Wednesday!
Marley and I saw several daycares last Friday and it does pay off to walk into these places. I had 6 places to see on my list but only made it to 3 because I kept getting lost. I know, I know, I should never seek a career as a Captain of a ship. I feel with all the research I have done I chose well. The first place we saw was great and is in fact the place that I have chosen for Marley. The director and the teachers were fabulous, they truly care about the children. The second place I saw was horrible. It was huge and it felt like a factory for kids. The director didn't let me ask any questions. We did see the class where Marley would be placed and the kids were screaming, a few were crying and the teachers were chatting in the corner. I ran not walked out of that place. The third place would be great except it's in a bad area of town and Marley would be the only white kid. Color doesn't bother me what so ever but it would be awkward. Even though it's the 21st Century this still is the south.
Although I would love to clone Marley's current daycare, I feel I have made an excellent decision for her. I really don't want to uproot her and put her in another daycare again. Although I will if she's not happy.
I am going to give my notice at work today. I always hate resigning from a job. It feels like I am breaking up with someone which is never a good feeling. I am also telling Marley's daycare today too........sigh................
It's all a little bitter sweet. I am excited about the new town, the new people I will meet but I will miss the house and the life I have built here. Being a diplomats kid you'd think I would be used to saying goodbye but it's never been easy.
That's my life in a nutshell for the time being. I will try and blog as much as I can but realistically it won't be as much as I would like to.
Happy Wednesday!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
The Book Club
I joined a book club last summer mainly to recondition my "Mommy Brain" back to a state of thoughts that did not involve routines, diaper changes and the trials and triumphs of breast feeding. Sadly I have not been able to attend that many, there has always been a conflict, despite the fact I truly am a homebody. The meetings I have attended have been fabulous, the book club has a great group of smart ladies. Some of the books on the other hand have been down right awful.
The two I do not recommend are "Marley and Me" by John Grogan. It's a cute story but in our book club session we couldn't find anything to talk about, as far as the book goes. It was given a unanimous two thumbs down by the whole group. Another book was "Best Friends" by Martha Moody. Another two thumbs down and very little discussion about the book during the meeting.
My favorite book so far was "Sunflower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See. What a fantastic book, I could not stop thinking about it for weeks after I finished. Lily and Snow Flower are best friends and you see their friendship and lives develop and change during 19th century China. This book does not leave out any details about female bonds, foot binding and how stifling it was for Chinese women during that time. Needless to say it was given a two thumbs up from everyone in the book club. The meeting lasted a lot longer than normal and the only discussion was about the book.
We are now on the last book of the list which is "Please Don't Come Back From the Moon" by Dean Bakopoulos. One member of the book club has read it and has already given it a thumbs down. I haven't even opened it yet, so we shall see.
We voted on the next list and here it is:
1. The Road - Cormac Macarthy
2. The Thirteenth Tale - Diane Settterfield
3. Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
4. A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini
5. Stolen Lives - Malika Oufkir
6. The Raw Shark Texts - Steven Hall
I am proud to say that my suggestion is number 5! I am very intrigued with number 4. He is also the author of "The Kite Runner" a book that I have read and heard wonderful things. We will see about the others.
Sadly, I will have to leave my book club due to the imminent move but I have the list, friends from the book club and hopefully will find another that is just as fabulous.
The two I do not recommend are "Marley and Me" by John Grogan. It's a cute story but in our book club session we couldn't find anything to talk about, as far as the book goes. It was given a unanimous two thumbs down by the whole group. Another book was "Best Friends" by Martha Moody. Another two thumbs down and very little discussion about the book during the meeting.
My favorite book so far was "Sunflower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See. What a fantastic book, I could not stop thinking about it for weeks after I finished. Lily and Snow Flower are best friends and you see their friendship and lives develop and change during 19th century China. This book does not leave out any details about female bonds, foot binding and how stifling it was for Chinese women during that time. Needless to say it was given a two thumbs up from everyone in the book club. The meeting lasted a lot longer than normal and the only discussion was about the book.
We are now on the last book of the list which is "Please Don't Come Back From the Moon" by Dean Bakopoulos. One member of the book club has read it and has already given it a thumbs down. I haven't even opened it yet, so we shall see.
We voted on the next list and here it is:
1. The Road - Cormac Macarthy
2. The Thirteenth Tale - Diane Settterfield
3. Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
4. A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini
5. Stolen Lives - Malika Oufkir
6. The Raw Shark Texts - Steven Hall
I am proud to say that my suggestion is number 5! I am very intrigued with number 4. He is also the author of "The Kite Runner" a book that I have read and heard wonderful things. We will see about the others.
Sadly, I will have to leave my book club due to the imminent move but I have the list, friends from the book club and hopefully will find another that is just as fabulous.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Words of Wisdom -Times Two!
A Baptist Church somewhere in North Carolina:
"Don't Give Up! Moses was once a Basket Case"
And my favorite Baptist Church that I pass everyday:
"May I suggest a good book for your summer reading?"
~ God
"Don't Give Up! Moses was once a Basket Case"
And my favorite Baptist Church that I pass everyday:
"May I suggest a good book for your summer reading?"
~ God
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend
This forgotten Blog. Life has been crazy there is just too much going on! The one thing about living at the beach is visitors. My Mother came down the weekend before Mother's Day, my Mother-in-law was here the weekend after Mother's Day and my sister is visiting again, this time for 10 days. My brother-in-law is coming with his wife next weekend. So if anybody else would like to make reservations at Casa Marley it must be done soon, July 31 is our last day in the house and the month of July will be spent packing/organizing/pulling our hair out, etc. Although we will still be living at the beach, just a different one, so reservations can be made at the "new" beach beginning August 15th.
What a whirlwind of a weekend! Friday I secured a job, a place to live and saw a new "Words of Wisdom" it's the best yet and will be posted before the weeks end. Saturday, Marley and I went to the beach. The weather was gorgeous and hot but I could not convince her to get her feet wet. I can't really blame her, the water is freezing!
Marley is entering a hording phase. She must sleep with as many stuffed animals and toys that can fit in her crib, still allowing room for her to lay down. At the beach she MUST carry, her sand shovel, various toys, a sippy cup and pick up every single seashell (broken or not). Oh and Mom can not help her carry a single item, she must do this herself. Inevitably she dropped most of the items along the way, even the sippy cup that landed in the ocean and was rescued by a brave swimmer. I was allowed to carry the sippy cup after that incident.
Sunday morning was spent cooking various meals for Marley, in an attempt to get veggies inside of her. Among the hording phase, she has also decided that nothing suits her palette unless it is cheese, bananas or peanut butter. Thankfully, she did not turn up her nose to the broccoli, chicken, cheddar nuggets I made.
Sunday evening Marley went to a babysitter for the first time. The babysitter was one of the teachers at her daycare, someone Marley knew, but it was still a little traumatizing for Mom and Dad. For four hours I got to be the old me. It felt great, the trauma of dropping her off at a babysitter wore off very quickly! We had tickets to see Government Mule play in an outdoor setting. It was wonderful, it was fabulous and the weather could not have been more perfect. I picked Marley up from the babysitter at 9 p.m. and she slept until 8:30 the next morning. I could not have asked for a better scenario than that.
Monday was yet another gorgeous day so Marley and I had to go to the beach again. This time Mom remembered to bring a bucket for all the seashells, toys and sand shovel. Marley was yet again apprehensive about the waves. I still could not blame her too much the water was freezing. I did decide that she needed to get her feet wet (literally, ha ha). I started kicking, skipping and splashing in the water, Marley enjoyed watching me but she insisted on staying in the dry sand...until we found a tidal pool. That was it Marley found heaven. She jumped, skipped, splashed and then found the courage to try out the waves. The rest of the time at the beach was spent chasing Marley who was literally trying to drown herself. No more resting quietly on the beach for Mom. Maybe it wasn't such a great idea to show her how much fun the waves can be after all.
Being a relatively new Mom, I see the world very differently than I did before. There is a sense of pride and sheer happiness when your child is bringing joy to strangers who are merely observing your child exploring and at play. What surprised me the two times at the beach this past weekend was the fact that it was not the "Grandmother" types that were cooing over her, it was late teens/early twenties boys! There was one in particular that was playing in the surf on his skim board that stopped to watch Marley. He had a silly grin on his face and I thought to myself what a great Dad this guy is going to make someday.
Happy belated Memorial Day weekend!
What a whirlwind of a weekend! Friday I secured a job, a place to live and saw a new "Words of Wisdom" it's the best yet and will be posted before the weeks end. Saturday, Marley and I went to the beach. The weather was gorgeous and hot but I could not convince her to get her feet wet. I can't really blame her, the water is freezing!
Marley is entering a hording phase. She must sleep with as many stuffed animals and toys that can fit in her crib, still allowing room for her to lay down. At the beach she MUST carry, her sand shovel, various toys, a sippy cup and pick up every single seashell (broken or not). Oh and Mom can not help her carry a single item, she must do this herself. Inevitably she dropped most of the items along the way, even the sippy cup that landed in the ocean and was rescued by a brave swimmer. I was allowed to carry the sippy cup after that incident.
Sunday morning was spent cooking various meals for Marley, in an attempt to get veggies inside of her. Among the hording phase, she has also decided that nothing suits her palette unless it is cheese, bananas or peanut butter. Thankfully, she did not turn up her nose to the broccoli, chicken, cheddar nuggets I made.
Sunday evening Marley went to a babysitter for the first time. The babysitter was one of the teachers at her daycare, someone Marley knew, but it was still a little traumatizing for Mom and Dad. For four hours I got to be the old me. It felt great, the trauma of dropping her off at a babysitter wore off very quickly! We had tickets to see Government Mule play in an outdoor setting. It was wonderful, it was fabulous and the weather could not have been more perfect. I picked Marley up from the babysitter at 9 p.m. and she slept until 8:30 the next morning. I could not have asked for a better scenario than that.
Monday was yet another gorgeous day so Marley and I had to go to the beach again. This time Mom remembered to bring a bucket for all the seashells, toys and sand shovel. Marley was yet again apprehensive about the waves. I still could not blame her too much the water was freezing. I did decide that she needed to get her feet wet (literally, ha ha). I started kicking, skipping and splashing in the water, Marley enjoyed watching me but she insisted on staying in the dry sand...until we found a tidal pool. That was it Marley found heaven. She jumped, skipped, splashed and then found the courage to try out the waves. The rest of the time at the beach was spent chasing Marley who was literally trying to drown herself. No more resting quietly on the beach for Mom. Maybe it wasn't such a great idea to show her how much fun the waves can be after all.
Being a relatively new Mom, I see the world very differently than I did before. There is a sense of pride and sheer happiness when your child is bringing joy to strangers who are merely observing your child exploring and at play. What surprised me the two times at the beach this past weekend was the fact that it was not the "Grandmother" types that were cooing over her, it was late teens/early twenties boys! There was one in particular that was playing in the surf on his skim board that stopped to watch Marley. He had a silly grin on his face and I thought to myself what a great Dad this guy is going to make someday.
Happy belated Memorial Day weekend!
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