WTH?! kind of week

Yep- it was that kind of a week; actually the month of June has been kinda crappy if I think about it too hard and I even had a long-awaited vacation! Hmm..maybe I should re-evaluate and put my big girl panties on. ;)

Big girl panties would NOT have been enough for this week though; here's a run down:
1. Monday very early morning- husband leaves for week in Lake Okachobee for work
2. Monday evening- G has rapid shallow breathing despite three aerochamber treatments (albuterol)----off to pediatric after hours we (me and him) go at 6:30pm (note: bed time is usually between 7 and 7:30pm).
3. Leave peds after hours around 8:45pm after duoneb treatment and breathing issues almost all resolved; continue albuterol treatments for the next 2-3 days and take prednisone if he gets bad again in 24 hours (yeah right- prednisone= non-sleeping toddler----lots of prayer we don't have to use this).
4. TUESDAY around 8pm- notice smell in guest bathroom= sewage coming up from drain in shower stall----**&^; go to other bathroom- floor flooding from base of that toilet---#$#^^*(!!!
Drano 'aint going to fix this. Plumber called who arrives a little after 9pm and informs me he'll have to run the loud snaking machine from the roof plumbing access area---better not wake my kid up dude!
Outcome: problem solved within an hour and G remained asleep---of course, it's only when a smaller less significant sound occurs that he wakes up :) Even though Brandon does NOT read this blog- I need to send out multiple internet thank you's because he came and helped me through this Sh**!! situation (yes, there is cursing in this post).
5. WEDNESDAY right before 1pm- get a return text from Stephanie, daycare provider that Gavin has had a good day but has only drank his sippies- not eaten anything. Seconds later- another text goes something like this: "now I know why he hasn't eaten anything- he just threw up." (insert explicative) Tell boss I must leave and drive over the speed limit to go pick up my poor sick boy. He's never thrown up before and all I can think is that I wasn't there for him when he wasn't feeling well. Confession: tears on my way there for what a crappy week this has been so far and WHAT ELSE, please nothing else. Then- put my big girl panties back on and tears dry up.
Long story short: poor G throws up a total of 6 times; is limp and very dehydrated and we go to pediatrician's office. Thankfully don't need to go to ER but start very small, frequent amounts of pedialyte. NEEDS pee diaper before 9m---feels like he's a newborn again. (small flashback to the crazy OCD new mom I was on charting pee/poop and breastfeeding for the first few weeks-ahhh!). Success- we got pee diaper around 7:30pm; little guy got a bit more energy back. In bed with me- needless to say I don't sleep much because I'm waking to every move he makes and giving him fluids every 2 hours or so.
6. THURSDAY, stay home with G who is almost 100% back to my silly little energy packed boy; minus the three diahhrea diapers early in the day. Poor little guy KNEW those farts were different--he said "oohhhh" for each of those diapers. (Eww I know, but that's the type of thing that gets discussed around here- this is about "mommyhood.") By afternoon- he's all good to go; takes a good afternoon nap and things are looking much better than yesterday. Mommy= so.dang.exhausted!! Can I please step out of my body and go sleep for a day? Scout and Molly- you're in charge.
7.And, today's Friday: husband got home very late last night and scared the buh-jee-zus out of me; he'd tried to call me so I didn't get startled but all phones go on silent in my bedroom at night--especially since G was in bed with me. (No, that will not become a habit---can't sleep well with toddler flipping 360 degrees all night and I'm guessing the husband would like his spot in the bed back).

So, I wish I could say that I have that "whoohoo, it's Friday" feeling like I used to have pre-motherhood. It just isn't being felt today because my head is still whirling from the events of the week.

So, apologies for the cursing- it just needed to happen; don't judge. ;) Next week will be better- right?!

It's been a while....

Pictures first!

Lots seems to have been going on since I last posted at Easter. The most significant being the loss of a family member. I won't get in to details to protect the privacy of those closest to him. Continued prayers for his close family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Changes to "my path in mommyhood" include the recent development of the husband being given first dibs on job opportunities out of town. The work in our local area is slowing down and he was chosen to go do these other jobs. Pro's= he still has a job; a bit more income for working out of town; lastly- a bit less mess in my house Monday-Friday morning (haha). The con's= i don't know how good I'll be at being single mommy to G; who knows what the poor little boy will end up eating! I also know it will affect G and he'll be wondering where his Daddy is and why he gets to see him for a couple days and then he's gone again. This will occur for approximately two months.

Which brings me to something else that I cannot- NOT- mention: the loss of the family member I mentioned above resulted in a single mother of three. My situation cannot even begin to compare and so I slap myself each time I think about whining about my husband being out of town Mon.-Fri. for a couple months (I'm slapped again).

On to little Mr. G's happenings:

The kid continues to stretch his independence muscles; making it a lot of fun for my ever stretching reserve of patience. Somehow, each day God equips me with a new queue (what a weird word) of patience. I do enjoy watching my little guy test limits at times; it's hard not to smile or laugh but stick to teaching him some healthy limits.

Language development: we THINK he's added a new sentence to his repertoire: "I want that," sounds more like "ah ahnt dat." Certainly he is always asking "wasss dat?" So far most of my efforts to teach sign language is NOT paying off :( I'm the only one trying to consistently reinforce it, so it makes sense.

Little G loves to tell our dogs what to do. Apparently our disdain and, more often than not, annoyance with the dogs has rubbed off on him and he usually addresses them with a stern voice. Sorry to say the dogs are definitely animals now and dethroned from their previous higher status.

Most recent check-up for G was right at his 16 month birthday, stats: 70% weight and 80% height with an average noggin. No real concerns or issues to be too excited about so it was a great visit. He did have to get booster shots---ouch! He takes a chewable flinstones vitamin with added iron because his iron was still a bit low. He thinks this is his morning treat and I'm just happy he doesn't protest.

I've found a no-cry way to brush his teeth! After letting him "brush" (aka suck the training toothpaste) off it for a minute in front of the bathroom mirror, we move on to the changing table and it becomes a game. I "tickle" his mouth and teeth with it and it's an all out giggle fest--WORKS FOR ME! :)

Potty training is on the horizon- or at least the first attempts at potty training. He now usually grabs his crotch when he pees (or has peed) and is less ok with being in a dirty diaper for any period of time (I can empathize with that). I have not yet bought a portable potty for him but probably will just so he becomes familiar with it over time. What am I in for?? I can imagine a huge poopy mess---gahh!! Wrangling the child while changing a diaper, while also trying to keep poop off my hands is already crazy!

Lastly, we took a vacation to the beach last week. We were there for my Godson (yay- I'm a God mother) George's baptism this past Sunday but was fortunate enough to make a trip out of it because his parents rented a condo for the week before. Ahhhh....I love the beach and time off from work! Gavin didn't mind the beach and was waving the water towards him; he wasn't too keen at first on the sand all over him. He definitely enjoyed all of the helicopters, planes, birds and people and dogs to watch. Another precious, priceless moment of mommyhood: sitting in my chair at the water with Gavin in my lap having a snack; he's laid back on me and we're just sharing a quiet moment enjoying the view----LOVE IT and I'll cherish it forever. I will let him cuddle with me as long as he wants to; soon the day will come when cuddling isn't cool. (I may then hold him down and give him embarrassing kisses just to prove a point.)

Oh---I have to give props to other blogs that I find and stalk; here are a couple:

The Pioneer Woman this woman is awesome- four kids, cooking up yummy stuff, lives off the ranch--wow!

MODG This blog is absofreakinlutely hilarious (with some profanity). I only wish I could be as humorous as this Momma; however, I do not envy her placenta pill adventure-----ewww. Just read the blog.

That's all for now- come back to visit!

Good Friday and 5QF (5 question Friday)

This was sweet baby boy around Easter last year- I'll post a pic of him this year later today- or maybe after church Sunday.

My employer is recognizing Earth Day today and has encouraged us to wear green. I think every day should be Earth Day- taking care of what God has given to sustain us. But today...today is special because it is the recognition of the crucifixion of the Savior.



Yesterday I came across a Bible verse that I know I've heard before but is more significant to me at this time in my life: "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30). I think it is so simply said but so profoundly true. I fail at this often- I'm ambitious, I want to boast my accomplishments and it's easy to get lost in focusing on the things I want for myself (can we say self-centered??)versus putting the focus and praise on Him- where it belongs. I truly know and believe that nothing I do is because of my own organic ability or talent- God affords me the blessings I have. For more of an explanation of what this verse means- go here.


I look forward to celebrating the "fun" parts of Easter with baby G; but I look forward even more to sharing with Gavin how much his heavenly Father loves him and what this means.


Now- on to 5QF:

1. What is your favorite Easter tradition?


Time with family. I want to start a new tradition of reading together as a family more about the Biblical significance of this season. Gavin's Aunt Gammy (my Aunt Laura) sent him such a great children's book (just got it last night- thanks Aunt Gammy!!) that talks about celebrating Jesus at Easter. We'll be reading this tonight.

2. Are you a "shower" or a "long, hot bath" kind of person?

I WISH I could say I was a long, hot bath kind of person. I immediately thought about Tootie when I read this question because she is the ONLY person I know who is definitely a bath person (maybe not long, hot bath- but definitely bath). I never really took baths after I was proably about 5 or so (?)- so I guess I'm a shower person. I must say though- I was a warm bath person while pregnant, especially 3rd trimester- it felt SO good. Haven't taken a bath since the little guy was born.

3. Can you parallel park and if so when is the last time you did it?

Tentatively saying yes, but it definitely can be anxiety producing- especially if you're talking about in between two other parked cars. I was really good at this at one point- after a trip with a group from UF to New Orleans- all we did was parallel park and I was the designated driver- learned out of necessity. Last time: probably about a month ago downtown.


4. What is your favorite Easter candy?

Amazingly don't have a favorite Easter candy; however, the mini cadbury eggs were pretty tasty last night when I was making the treat for Gavin to take daycare. (Side note: after posting yesterday about the CUTE treat I was going to make for daycare and making it last night- I realized that the eggs could pose a choking hazard for my son and the other little guy!! Did I mention I'm a first-time Mom??) ;) Daycare provider is going to take the eggs off for the little guys.


5. Easter: do you go all out with the Easter Bunny or focus on the religious part of the holiday?

I don't "go all out" but usually have some fun with the commercialized part but trying to make more of my focus on the death and rising of Christ.

hot mess Thursday

I just went to use the ladies room and realized momma looks a hot mess today! Yikes! I had on the "perfect" necklace with my shirt at first- and then buggy boy decided he liked the necklace, too- pulled a little too hard and broke it :( So, alternative necklace is ok but probably adding to the hot mess situation. haha- laugh it off, right?!

On a better note: I'm planning to make THESE for daycare Good Friday/Easter party tomorrow- yum and cute, too. We'll see how it works out- doesn't look easily ruined, though.

I PROMISE there will be a post with pictures coming soon; I've been taking pictures but just not taking the time to post. I know pictures are what REALLY make a blog interesting- not babbling about nonsense ;)

5 Question Friday

I recently discovered THIS blog and am participating in her 5QF, so here it goes: Rules for 5QF: HAVE FUN!! Oh, and copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP! Questions for Friday, April 15th: 1. What is your favorite sign of spring? The sun staying up later- after baby G goes to bed (another option to get a workout in if I was too lazy to go during lunch). I also love the few days we have in Florida with high's of 70-75 before we go straight to the 90's. 2. What was your best birthday ever? A few special memories: turning 13- the morning of my birthday before I went to school, my mom and step-dad revealed my gift: a stereo with cd player! I LOVE music (didn't care for a t.v. in my room) and was so excited about this gift! My 21st b'day, which is bittersweet because it was only 5 months after my mom passed away. However, my stepdad, my aunt, my hubby (then boyfriend) and a few of my friends all went to a small local fishing town (Cedar Key), spent a couple nights and had a great time making a fool of ourselves at the local honkeytonk bars! My hubby also knows that he can't lose with getting me a gift certificate to a spa on my b'days. 3. What is your favorite dessert? Oh geez, um- just put one in front of me and I'm usually good-to-go. :) Currently since Sonic has come back near our house, I've been craving Sonic Blasts- but have (thankfully for my weightloss efforts) only indulged once so far. Chocolate is my usual go to- I'm more of a sweets versus salty type of gal. OOHH- OOH- I should mention here that hubby and I have recently discovered NUTELLA- this stuff is amazing (why didn't we try it before)!! 4. What is the best excuse you've ever used to get out of a ticket? Haha- (bowing my head in embarrassment): I was speeding to get to work on time (worked at the local Sheriff's office) and a police department motorcycle cop (yes we have both sheriff's office and police department here) pulled me over. I motioned to my badge and star on the back of my car that signify I work for law enforcement. He gave me a warning and I thankfully got out of it. I was surprised he didn't just say "so what" since our police dept. and sheriff's office aren't the best of partners all the time. 5. Do you wake up before your alarm, with your alarm, or after hitting snooze several times? For me- the key word is not MY alarm but my husband's; he has to be up before I do. Baby G has been sleeping until 7am (hallelujah- he used to wake up no later than 10 past 6am!) this week so it would be nice if I could at least sleep until 6:30 without interruption, but such is not the case. I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning and will be praying that buggy boy continues his trend and that the damn dogs (one in particular) also sleep until at least 7am. When I used to use an alarm- I turned it off after it initially went off; no snoozing- that's annoying. I think I learned this from only getting one wake-up call (and knowing I BETTER get up) when I was a kid. Fun times in mommyhood: my little guy presently has what I thought was pink eye (it still could turn in to that) but is a bit miserable with the crust on his eyes. We're hoping it's just exacerbation of allergies and have started some eye drops. Fingers crossed my employer does not fire me (not really but just sucks I've had to miss some work) for having to take off days/partial days with a little one when he is sick, etc. during my probation period. I have NEVER been this unreliable in getting to work on time- missing work, calling in to work- until having a child. Definitely makes me putting something else on my checklist of what to look for in a boss/employer. Happy Friday!! My outlook is especially uplifted presently because I have a beach vacay to look forward to with my BF in early June- yipppeeee; the stars aligned!!

Holding hands

One of my present pleasures of motherhood: now that my little guy wants to walk everywhere, he likes to hold my hand when he's walking outside in a new place. We usually spend at least 15 minutes or so at the end of the evening after dinner outside. Lately G likes to walk down our driveway and out on the street (thankfully we live on a cul-de-sac with little traffic)- holding my hand. I'll hope that this lasts a LONG time but I know that his growing confidence and quest for independence will make it shorter that I'd like it to be. For now- I look forward to seeing him reach his hand out for me and feeling those small, chubby fingers hold on to mine. ;)

Mommy made it through a triathlon

:) Yes- I delved bravely back in to the world of triathlon yesterday. I finished the TriGator Super Sprint triathlon for the second time. The first time was back in like 2007- before baby, before post-baby weight and when I had more time to selfishly devote to training! All of those are excuses--did you catch that?? ;) Anywho- I thought this really short tri would be a good one to welcome me back without too much residual pain. And...it went fine. I wasn't the fastest and wasn't the slowest; didn't drown in the pool, didn't fall of my bike and didn't twist an ankle on the run! SUCCESS! And...drum roll----here's the best part: I BEAT MY TIME FROM 2007!! Note: there will most likely be NO pictures posted of me from the race. ;)