Most grateful moment of the day: We had a long night of wakefulness last night....Jack was up 3 times (finally came into bed with us at 2 a.m.) and Mallie was up 3 times- the 3rd time, Tommy had to get up with her and rock her for 1/2 hour. We were both very sleepy today. But after lunch, on the way home, Jack fell asleep for what turned out to be a 2 1/2 hour nap. And Mallie cried so hard the entire way home from lunch, that she tired herself out for a 3 hour 45 minute nap. THerefore, I helped myself to an almost 2 hour nap and felt like a million bucks this afternoon. I guess we only have Mallie to thank for this wonderful nap.
One thing I learned today: Sometimes it only takes one sentence out of someone's mouth to get a completely different view of a situation. There has been a nagging problem that I've been dealing with by getting annoyed and angry. A good friend helped me to see what the problem really is- and I feel above it now. I will not allow it to suck me in anymore and it feels liberating!!!
One moment I wish I could redo: I wish I had chiseled out a few minutes to read to Jack today. It's something I do almost everyday. When the day has ended and I realize I haven't done that, I look at all the unimportant things I did with my time and realize they all could have waited in line behind reading with him.
Best life tip: Floor washing is a constant issue in this house. I can equate it to my workout regimen- either I am gung-ho and wash it every single day......or I go weeks without washing it, to the point where I have to walk across the rug to scrape the crumbs and other goodies off of my feet. Lately, I've been the latter. Anyway, as I was scrubbing the kitchen floor tonight, I remembered the Martha Stewart philosophy for floor washing- which I plan to adopt because of its lack of intensity (surprisingly, from Martha!) She says a kitchen floor need not be washed more than once a week, if it is swept twice a day and spot cleaned upon necessity. I like it and MUST start doing it..... (This reminds me of the dream I had when I was pregnant with Jack. I was freaking out, in real life, that we weren't ready for a baby, due to our horrible house-keeping habits in our old double in Lakewood. My dream was very symbolic in that I was watching my baby crawling for the firt time. He was crawling toward me and I was so excited. But as he crawled past me, I saw that his little butt was covered with dust bunnies. I woke up with a new resolution to keep my floor spotless....which obviously did not last very long. Unfortunately, this dream has become a reality.
Biggest laugh of the day: After dinner, Jack appeared to have to go to the bathroom. Tommy noticed this, and asked him if he'd like to 'go poop on the potty', to which Jack responded, 'yes!'. So I was able to listen to them from downstairs. Jack sat on the potty for several minutes and Tommy kept asking him, "Are you going?" And Jack kept grunting and pushing and making a huge show of it. This was a gross, but very funny moment, especially hearing it from downstairs.
Best Tommy moment of the day: Tommy came home with a Christmas CD from the library after work today and started playing our Christmas collection tonight. He knows how much I love this music and I know I've forced it on him, but he's come to love it too. We're getting so excited for our first Christmas with 2 kids! The music certainly helps!!!
Best Jack moment of the day: We like watching Dancing with the stars on Monday nights. Jack likes observing it interactively- by dancing in the same way the 'stars' do it to the music. He really watches them and tries to copy their moves, running around our living room. It is always good entertainment (both the show and Jack). Tonight, Marie Osmond did the quick step with her partner. I was holding Mallie as he watched the first part of their dance intently. Then, he came over to me, and said 'Put baby right here" and pointed to the couch. So I put her down and he held out his hands to dance with me. It was the cutest thing. He saw them dancing together and realized he needed a partner to dance the perfect quick step. I was happy to oblige!!!
Best Mallie moment of the day: I heard Mallie laugh out loud today for the first time. It's still a little chuckle laugh, not a belly laugh yet. But definately more than a smile!!!! Tommy had her laying down on the floor and he was moving he arms like a cheerleader, up and down and out. She likes being roughed up a little bit- so she never would laugh with me because I am so careful with her! I think she's going to do great with her brother and 6 boy cousins. She'll hold her own!!!!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
November 18th, 2007
THANK YOU FOR MY SURPRISE 30th PARTY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!
This was the best way to celebrate my birthday. I was able to see all my family, not worry about my kids' childcare, and end up spending my actual birthday doing what I love the most- getting in my jammies at 7 pm, curling up on the couch with Tommy, Jack and Mallie and watching a movie. It was wonderful!!! I am still exhausted from Friday night.....not used to the late night or the amount of alcohol consumed.....just still REAL sleepy!!!! But I have the best memories from that night and can't stop thinking about how many people love me and wanted to show it by being there!!
Most grateful moment of the weekend: Walking into that surprise party and looking at all the people that had gathered there, just for me!!!! I remember seeing Molly Farrell and Scott and squinting to see if it was really them. I was so happy!!!! Then looking at Claire and Emily's faces and seeing how smug and happy they were for pulling the whole thing off. Then seeing Tommy walk across the room to hug me. I was amazed, shocked, and soooooo happy!!!!
One thing I've learned this weekend: That my husband can plan things if I let him. I am such a control freak and really thought he wouldn't plan anything for my birthday if I didn't remind him constantly or help him..... It turned out that he had everything under control and it turned out perfectly (OK, OK, he had some serious help from my mom, sister and cousin....)...but he still did a good thing, without my input!!!
Best life tip: One person can ruin your day.....if you let them. And ONLY if you let them. And if you do, they've gotten what they wanted.
One moment I wish I could redo: I wish I hadn't ruined part of my actual birthday by fighting with my husband over something really STUPID and unsolvable!!!
Biggest laugh of the day: Jack really got to show off his 'stuff' at my parents' house tonight. Di, Kevin, Dede, Emily, Chris, my parents and Claire and Drew were all a wonderful audience for him. There were so many laughs, I can't pick just one.
Biggest laugh of the weekend: After the party, we went out for a beer with my sister, Drew, Timmy, and Brian. Timmy did an impression of Jack- he looked straight down at the floor and started walking quickly and seriously, with one arm swinging back and forth dramatically.......it was so funny because it's the exact same impression my dad does of Jack, without even knowing it! He has a very distinct walk when he is feeling confident and cool!!!
Best Tommy moment of the day: On occassion, Tommy tends to disagree with me in conversations with other people, or snap at me in a gentle, but obvious way. Tonight at my mom's we were talking about strategies of buying and selling stocks and I noted one strategy that we'd been considering. He responded 'Yea, But that's stupid." which made me feel like an idiot. (This was obviously, not the best Tommy moment'). But he quickly realized that what he said hurt my feelings and came over to the couch moments later and put his arm around me. I know he felt badly and he's been trying to monitor himself whenhe does this. It's just nice to know that he's not trying to hurt my feelings when he does this....it's just an impulsive reaction and he understands how I feel and wants to make it better!
Best Jack moment of the day: Jack was very well-behaved while we were at breakfast this morning. He sat in his booster seat and chatted with us. Jack has really been trying to hold conversations lately. He sits up in a chair, moves his hands as though he's trying to express something through them, and talks, mostly in unintelligible phrases, but sometimes with a real word or group of words thrown in there.... and then, sometimes (if we're lucky!) he throws in a huge, corny, somewhat forced, belly laugh at the end...just to reiterate that whatever he just conveyed was supposed to be REALLY funny....
Best Mallie moment of the day: Mallie is getting so strong! I can imagine that she'll be sitting up by herself within a month or so. We put her in the exersaucer for the first time tonight at my parents' house and she held her own for a while....This is a full month earlier than I ever put Jack in something like that! She's such a big girl!!!
This was the best way to celebrate my birthday. I was able to see all my family, not worry about my kids' childcare, and end up spending my actual birthday doing what I love the most- getting in my jammies at 7 pm, curling up on the couch with Tommy, Jack and Mallie and watching a movie. It was wonderful!!! I am still exhausted from Friday night.....not used to the late night or the amount of alcohol consumed.....just still REAL sleepy!!!! But I have the best memories from that night and can't stop thinking about how many people love me and wanted to show it by being there!!
Most grateful moment of the weekend: Walking into that surprise party and looking at all the people that had gathered there, just for me!!!! I remember seeing Molly Farrell and Scott and squinting to see if it was really them. I was so happy!!!! Then looking at Claire and Emily's faces and seeing how smug and happy they were for pulling the whole thing off. Then seeing Tommy walk across the room to hug me. I was amazed, shocked, and soooooo happy!!!!
One thing I've learned this weekend: That my husband can plan things if I let him. I am such a control freak and really thought he wouldn't plan anything for my birthday if I didn't remind him constantly or help him..... It turned out that he had everything under control and it turned out perfectly (OK, OK, he had some serious help from my mom, sister and cousin....)...but he still did a good thing, without my input!!!
Best life tip: One person can ruin your day.....if you let them. And ONLY if you let them. And if you do, they've gotten what they wanted.
One moment I wish I could redo: I wish I hadn't ruined part of my actual birthday by fighting with my husband over something really STUPID and unsolvable!!!
Biggest laugh of the day: Jack really got to show off his 'stuff' at my parents' house tonight. Di, Kevin, Dede, Emily, Chris, my parents and Claire and Drew were all a wonderful audience for him. There were so many laughs, I can't pick just one.
Biggest laugh of the weekend: After the party, we went out for a beer with my sister, Drew, Timmy, and Brian. Timmy did an impression of Jack- he looked straight down at the floor and started walking quickly and seriously, with one arm swinging back and forth dramatically.......it was so funny because it's the exact same impression my dad does of Jack, without even knowing it! He has a very distinct walk when he is feeling confident and cool!!!
Best Tommy moment of the day: On occassion, Tommy tends to disagree with me in conversations with other people, or snap at me in a gentle, but obvious way. Tonight at my mom's we were talking about strategies of buying and selling stocks and I noted one strategy that we'd been considering. He responded 'Yea, But that's stupid." which made me feel like an idiot. (This was obviously, not the best Tommy moment'). But he quickly realized that what he said hurt my feelings and came over to the couch moments later and put his arm around me. I know he felt badly and he's been trying to monitor himself whenhe does this. It's just nice to know that he's not trying to hurt my feelings when he does this....it's just an impulsive reaction and he understands how I feel and wants to make it better!
Best Jack moment of the day: Jack was very well-behaved while we were at breakfast this morning. He sat in his booster seat and chatted with us. Jack has really been trying to hold conversations lately. He sits up in a chair, moves his hands as though he's trying to express something through them, and talks, mostly in unintelligible phrases, but sometimes with a real word or group of words thrown in there.... and then, sometimes (if we're lucky!) he throws in a huge, corny, somewhat forced, belly laugh at the end...just to reiterate that whatever he just conveyed was supposed to be REALLY funny....
Best Mallie moment of the day: Mallie is getting so strong! I can imagine that she'll be sitting up by herself within a month or so. We put her in the exersaucer for the first time tonight at my parents' house and she held her own for a while....This is a full month earlier than I ever put Jack in something like that! She's such a big girl!!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
November 14th, 2007
Most grateful moment of the day: Jack really pushed my buttons all day today (for the 3rd day in the row). He tried to peel the wallpaper off the wall, knock the pictures of the wall, pounded the computer keyboard, threw several tantrums, one of which involved hitting and BITING me (for the first time ever).....you see where this is going. Tonight, I went to the PTA Preschool Night. I spoke to several preschool teachers about sending Jack to preschool next year (in the fall). I began to realize that the sign up date for all of these school in in January, which is in 2 MONTHS!!!!! I spoke to one teacher, who was breaking down the school day for me, describing 'circle time', 'helper time', 'free play time', etc. and I started imagining Jack doing all these things and immediately and uncontrollably, my eyes started welling up with tears! It was terribly embarrassing and I stopped the teacher and told her, 'Well, maybe I'm not ready for preschool!!!'. SHe was sweet and understanding. When I got home, Jack heard me come in and ran to the door, yelling 'Mommy! Mommy!!!' It was just the most grateful moment I had for him all day. I was so sick of the acting-up...but then I realized how little time we have left before SCHOOL starts!!!! It puts things in perspective for me!!!
One thing I've learned today: That there is such a thing as fate- for sure!!! I watched Oprah today (which I do not normally do!!). She had this couple on with the most amazing love story. They were in their 70's. During WWII, he was in a concentration camp in Germany at the age of 14. She was 10, and although her family was Jewish, they posed as Christians and lived on a farm right next to the concentration camp. She walked by the camp every day and gave him an apple and piece of bread and they would talk for a short time. After several months, he told her not to come anymore because he was being shipped somewhere else. They never saw each other again. 14 years later, he was living in NYC and was set up on a blind date. He and his date got to tlaking about where they were during the war, and they came to realize that he was the boy, and she was the girl giving him apples. He proposed to her immediately and they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year. It was the most amazing story I'd ever heard.
Best life tip: Challenge yourself. I took both the kids to a story time and craft time at a toy store today. Right when we got there, Jack started getting into all the toys. Mallie wet through her diaper all over her outfit. Then she got hungry. While I fed her, Jack actually listened to 2 whole books and then sat for the craft. I tried to help him, and so did several of the other moms there- taking pity on me!!! He had a great time and even though it was a huge pain, I'm glad he got to go.
One moment I wish I could redo: I wish I hadn't made the dinner I made tonight. I feel like I neglected Mallie while I was cooking this afternoon and it wasn't even that great.
Biggest laugh of the day: Several today! Jack and I were playing catch this morning in the living room. I was holding Mallie at the same time. Jack was telling her to look at him while he threw the ball to me. After he threw it, he'd run across the room, and then fall on the floor on purpose. He'd be very careful not to bump his head on the floor, while watching her the whole time to make sure she was watching him. He was trying to be such a big shot, while also trying not to hurt himself!!
I called Tommy before I walked into my meeting tonight to check on how everyone was. He informed me that Jack was in time-out earlier because he had pounded on the computer keyboard. Tommy said he lost his temper and told him to 'Go sit in time-out!!!'. Jack went and sat down and started crying, looking up and yelling 'Moooooommmmmy!!!!! Where are you??? Mooomy! Where are you!???"
Best Tommy moment: Right now- as I write this. I just looked over to the couch. Tommy is sitting, watching the 'Bruce Springsteen: Storytellers" show (Jack calls Bruce 'Boss', by the way!). Jack is nestled in his right arm and Mallie is sleeping in his left arm. I don't think I need to say any more!
Best Jack moment: Watching Jack in his story time today made me so proud. I know he was very tired at the time, so he probably sat for WAAAY longer than he normally would have.... but he was so attentive and then sat for the craft, as well. It amde me think, maybe he really is getting ready for school!!!!
Best Mallie moment: When Tommy got home this afternoon, he turned on music and for some reason, "Itsy, Bitsy, Teenie, Weenie, Polka Dot Bikini" was playing on the computer. I laid Mallie down on the ottoman and started dancing her little legs around. She was smiling and almost laughing while I did this. She was having so much fun and she looked so funny while I made her dance to that ridiculous song!!!!
One thing I've learned today: That there is such a thing as fate- for sure!!! I watched Oprah today (which I do not normally do!!). She had this couple on with the most amazing love story. They were in their 70's. During WWII, he was in a concentration camp in Germany at the age of 14. She was 10, and although her family was Jewish, they posed as Christians and lived on a farm right next to the concentration camp. She walked by the camp every day and gave him an apple and piece of bread and they would talk for a short time. After several months, he told her not to come anymore because he was being shipped somewhere else. They never saw each other again. 14 years later, he was living in NYC and was set up on a blind date. He and his date got to tlaking about where they were during the war, and they came to realize that he was the boy, and she was the girl giving him apples. He proposed to her immediately and they are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year. It was the most amazing story I'd ever heard.
Best life tip: Challenge yourself. I took both the kids to a story time and craft time at a toy store today. Right when we got there, Jack started getting into all the toys. Mallie wet through her diaper all over her outfit. Then she got hungry. While I fed her, Jack actually listened to 2 whole books and then sat for the craft. I tried to help him, and so did several of the other moms there- taking pity on me!!! He had a great time and even though it was a huge pain, I'm glad he got to go.
One moment I wish I could redo: I wish I hadn't made the dinner I made tonight. I feel like I neglected Mallie while I was cooking this afternoon and it wasn't even that great.
Biggest laugh of the day: Several today! Jack and I were playing catch this morning in the living room. I was holding Mallie at the same time. Jack was telling her to look at him while he threw the ball to me. After he threw it, he'd run across the room, and then fall on the floor on purpose. He'd be very careful not to bump his head on the floor, while watching her the whole time to make sure she was watching him. He was trying to be such a big shot, while also trying not to hurt himself!!
I called Tommy before I walked into my meeting tonight to check on how everyone was. He informed me that Jack was in time-out earlier because he had pounded on the computer keyboard. Tommy said he lost his temper and told him to 'Go sit in time-out!!!'. Jack went and sat down and started crying, looking up and yelling 'Moooooommmmmy!!!!! Where are you??? Mooomy! Where are you!???"
Best Tommy moment: Right now- as I write this. I just looked over to the couch. Tommy is sitting, watching the 'Bruce Springsteen: Storytellers" show (Jack calls Bruce 'Boss', by the way!). Jack is nestled in his right arm and Mallie is sleeping in his left arm. I don't think I need to say any more!
Best Jack moment: Watching Jack in his story time today made me so proud. I know he was very tired at the time, so he probably sat for WAAAY longer than he normally would have.... but he was so attentive and then sat for the craft, as well. It amde me think, maybe he really is getting ready for school!!!!
Best Mallie moment: When Tommy got home this afternoon, he turned on music and for some reason, "Itsy, Bitsy, Teenie, Weenie, Polka Dot Bikini" was playing on the computer. I laid Mallie down on the ottoman and started dancing her little legs around. She was smiling and almost laughing while I did this. She was having so much fun and she looked so funny while I made her dance to that ridiculous song!!!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
November 13th,. 2007
Most grateful moment of the day: Tonight, after dinner, Tommy told me to go to bed. I am still under the weather, trying to fight off this cold. And I had a horrendous day with the kids: Jack is not feeling himself and cried all day long, sometimes uncontrollably. And Mallie was being a high-maintenance baby, not letting me put her down much. Tommy must have seen the exhaustion in my eyes and took pity on me. I'm writing this from bed at 9 p.m.!!!!
One thing I've learned today: I learned that sometimes my mommy needs me as much as I need her! My phone rang at 8:20 this morning and she asked if she could come over....this isn't a rarity- although it's a good 2 hours earlier than she usually calls. She was up at 4 this morning, worrying about several different issues. I cannot count how many times I've been up for hours, watching the clock waiting for it to turn a decent hour to call her. It was nice to know that she was waiting to call me this morning and that she wanted to tell me what was on her mind. I hope I helped.
Best life tip: When I start feeling like I'm drowning in whiny or crying children and I want to throw one or both of them out of the window, I try to create an out-of-body experience for myself. I just try to pretend that whatever is going on is not really happening and transport myself elsewhere. Honestly, half the time, I don't know where I go, but wherever it is, it's better than where I am!!!
One moment I wish I could redo: I decided to put my foot down with Jack today. He's been asking for his pacifier ALL day for the past 2 days, even though he knows that the only time he gets it is at naptime and bedtime. I am sooooo tired of hearing him whine for it. So I decided that we are going to get rid of it all together....figuring that if he's miserable all day without it anyway, might as well just give him a reason! I put him up for his nap and listened to him cry and yell for me for an hour. He was beside himself, but I held firm. He slept for 1/2 hour and then woke up screaming for it again. After another 1/2 of him sobbing, I gave in. As he sat on my lap, sniffling and breaking into periodic sobs, I realized that he was really, really warm to the touch. I took his temperature and he had a low-grade fever. I've had the feeling that he's been not feeling well all week....which could account for him asking for his pacifier constantly in the first place. All of this started making me feel really guilty for letting him work himself up so much all afternoon. I wish I would have put it all together sooner and saved him some misery.
Biggest laugh of the day: Jack was sitting next to the baby's wet diaper we had just taken off of her. He picked it up, so I told him 'Put that down, it's yucky.' To which, he replied by squinting his eyes, lifting his chin and pursing his lips and quickly asking me "That my poo Mom?" Once he saw me laughing at him, he continued asking me with the same expression on his face, over and over again.
Best Tommy moment of the day: This one happened yesterday: I handed the fussy baby off to Tommy and told him not to put her down and let her cry (as he sometimes has the tendency to do!!!), then I went back in the kitchen to start the dishes. Things got really quiet after a while in the living room and I peaked in to see the baby laying on her changing mat in front of Tommy. She was smiling at him and kicking her little legs while he had a pair of her pants on his head, waving the legs of the pants around by furiously shaking his head. He wasn't saying anything, just ricking back and forth in her view and waving his new hat around. He didn't even know I was watching, until he heard the laughter coming out of the kitchen.
Tommy also had a nice victory today. I called him to ask him what in the 'h' I should do about the screaming Jack Gilbride today. He told me to give him some Tylenol. I snapped at him and said 'What the 'h' is that going to do? I'm calling the doctor' and basically hung up the phone on him in frustration. Oh yeah, and I also noted that he was acting like his mom being 'Dr. Gilbride' even though he didn't know what he was talking about. About an hour later, the nurse from the doctor's office called me back and advised that I give Jack Tylenol for the evening to see if it improves his mood and peps him up. I had to call Tommy back with my tail between my legs. He was gracious though.....he laughed, but then said that someone in the office had just said something funny.
Best Jack moment: Jack came running downstairs after his bath with his 1/2 wet head, in his little red, zip-up, footie pajamas tonight. He looked so cute, and so little. After a day of testing me, whining and crying, and seeming bigger and more obnoxious than usual- it reminded me of how little he really is and that he is still my baby.
Best Mallie moment: Mallie has had a few rough bottles today for some reason. She's been coughing and screaming in the middle of them. The early evening one was no exception. She had a complete fit and we couldn't get her settled down. I brought her upstairs, away from her noisy brother, and laid her on her changing table in her room and closed the door. I stripped her down to her little diaper and she stopped crying almost immediately. As soon as she made eye contact with me, she was smiling and cooing and kicking around like usual. We chatted for about 20 minutes and when I dressed her and brought her back downstairs, she was good as new!
One thing I've learned today: I learned that sometimes my mommy needs me as much as I need her! My phone rang at 8:20 this morning and she asked if she could come over....this isn't a rarity- although it's a good 2 hours earlier than she usually calls. She was up at 4 this morning, worrying about several different issues. I cannot count how many times I've been up for hours, watching the clock waiting for it to turn a decent hour to call her. It was nice to know that she was waiting to call me this morning and that she wanted to tell me what was on her mind. I hope I helped.
Best life tip: When I start feeling like I'm drowning in whiny or crying children and I want to throw one or both of them out of the window, I try to create an out-of-body experience for myself. I just try to pretend that whatever is going on is not really happening and transport myself elsewhere. Honestly, half the time, I don't know where I go, but wherever it is, it's better than where I am!!!
One moment I wish I could redo: I decided to put my foot down with Jack today. He's been asking for his pacifier ALL day for the past 2 days, even though he knows that the only time he gets it is at naptime and bedtime. I am sooooo tired of hearing him whine for it. So I decided that we are going to get rid of it all together....figuring that if he's miserable all day without it anyway, might as well just give him a reason! I put him up for his nap and listened to him cry and yell for me for an hour. He was beside himself, but I held firm. He slept for 1/2 hour and then woke up screaming for it again. After another 1/2 of him sobbing, I gave in. As he sat on my lap, sniffling and breaking into periodic sobs, I realized that he was really, really warm to the touch. I took his temperature and he had a low-grade fever. I've had the feeling that he's been not feeling well all week....which could account for him asking for his pacifier constantly in the first place. All of this started making me feel really guilty for letting him work himself up so much all afternoon. I wish I would have put it all together sooner and saved him some misery.
Biggest laugh of the day: Jack was sitting next to the baby's wet diaper we had just taken off of her. He picked it up, so I told him 'Put that down, it's yucky.' To which, he replied by squinting his eyes, lifting his chin and pursing his lips and quickly asking me "That my poo Mom?" Once he saw me laughing at him, he continued asking me with the same expression on his face, over and over again.
Best Tommy moment of the day: This one happened yesterday: I handed the fussy baby off to Tommy and told him not to put her down and let her cry (as he sometimes has the tendency to do!!!), then I went back in the kitchen to start the dishes. Things got really quiet after a while in the living room and I peaked in to see the baby laying on her changing mat in front of Tommy. She was smiling at him and kicking her little legs while he had a pair of her pants on his head, waving the legs of the pants around by furiously shaking his head. He wasn't saying anything, just ricking back and forth in her view and waving his new hat around. He didn't even know I was watching, until he heard the laughter coming out of the kitchen.
Tommy also had a nice victory today. I called him to ask him what in the 'h' I should do about the screaming Jack Gilbride today. He told me to give him some Tylenol. I snapped at him and said 'What the 'h' is that going to do? I'm calling the doctor' and basically hung up the phone on him in frustration. Oh yeah, and I also noted that he was acting like his mom being 'Dr. Gilbride' even though he didn't know what he was talking about. About an hour later, the nurse from the doctor's office called me back and advised that I give Jack Tylenol for the evening to see if it improves his mood and peps him up. I had to call Tommy back with my tail between my legs. He was gracious though.....he laughed, but then said that someone in the office had just said something funny.
Best Jack moment: Jack came running downstairs after his bath with his 1/2 wet head, in his little red, zip-up, footie pajamas tonight. He looked so cute, and so little. After a day of testing me, whining and crying, and seeming bigger and more obnoxious than usual- it reminded me of how little he really is and that he is still my baby.
Best Mallie moment: Mallie has had a few rough bottles today for some reason. She's been coughing and screaming in the middle of them. The early evening one was no exception. She had a complete fit and we couldn't get her settled down. I brought her upstairs, away from her noisy brother, and laid her on her changing table in her room and closed the door. I stripped her down to her little diaper and she stopped crying almost immediately. As soon as she made eye contact with me, she was smiling and cooing and kicking around like usual. We chatted for about 20 minutes and when I dressed her and brought her back downstairs, she was good as new!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
November 10th, 2007
OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!! Only one more week of being in my 20's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Most grateful moment: This morning, I mentioned to Tommy that I needed to get out to run some errands and 'shop'- just to see what his reaction would be. I could tell that he wanted me to take one of the kids with me. Neither of us wanted to be 'stuck' with Mallie because she's a little more high-maintenance. But Jack would have been awful shopping with me. So after I got ready, I ran downstairs and said 'You don't really want me to take one of them, do you???" and he replied with a prompt 'YES!".... But I kept at it and finally ran out of the door in a moment of his weakness. I got 2 hours by myself...shopping away!!!! It was GREAT!!!
One thing I've learned today: When you stress about something for an entire week, the situation will not come to fruition.
Best life tip: If possible, when dining with 2 year olds and infants, reserve a room off to the side of the rest of the restaurant. We went to CYC with a bunch of people and kids tonight and we could have stayed in this room for hours. It was PERFECT! The kids literally ran around the table about 200 times....the babies were on the floor and in their strollers. The parents lolled around and drank wine. What could be better!!??
One moment I wish I could redo: I wish I had taken time to get rid of my headache that haunted me all day long. The only way to get rid of a headache for me is to take a nap...and I didn't have the time. SO it chased me all day... and annoyed me!!! I can't wait to go to sleep tonight!!!
Biggest laugh of the day: I have two.... the first: My brother-in-law Brian is here often to visit Jack, get a free meal, hangout...etc.- and sometimes- when we're lucky, he even visits us! His favorite joke when he's here is to ask Tommy and I if we're getting divorced everytime we snap at each other of pretend to be annoyed with each other. Today, he asked "are you guys going to get divorced?" and I replied "Yes, Brian...you're going to be from a broken home". He said "I won't be from a broken home!" and I said "essentially, you will"..... referring to all the time he spends here- which I love! This cracked me up, but I'm my biggest fan of my own humor!
On the way down to CYC we were playing our Irish music. Jack has heard it so much that he sings along now. THe lyrics were: "It's good to see you, to be in your arms" Jack was singing 'See you.....in your heart!" It was so cute...and got a good laugh from his mom and dad.
Best Tommy moment of the day: Not only is Tommy a really, really good dad...but he's a really, really good uncle too. We went to a playgroup party that our nephew Danny went to today. His dad, Kevin, wasn't there. But Tommy paid so much attention to Danny. He rolled around and wrestled and played with he and Jack just the same. It was really sweet to see how genuinely he cares about his nephews, even though he has kids of his own.
Best Jack moment of the day: Jack had a great time at this birthday party today. It was at a toddler's activity gym, called Gymboree. The owner put on a lesson, including songs and games and other activities. It was really well done...but instead of doing any of the activites- Jack spent most of his time at the basketball hoop, shooting 3-pointers. It was obvious how he marches to the beat of his own drum. He ended up doing the parachute and some of the songs and had a wonderful time with his cousin Danny and his other friends.
Best Mallie moment of the day: At dinner tonight, Mallie laid on the floor between Brooke and I on her blanket, just chatting and kicking away. She let us eat and talk and drink. She was really good!!! And she looked adorable in her white sweater dress, bow and stripped tights. So cute!
Most grateful moment: This morning, I mentioned to Tommy that I needed to get out to run some errands and 'shop'- just to see what his reaction would be. I could tell that he wanted me to take one of the kids with me. Neither of us wanted to be 'stuck' with Mallie because she's a little more high-maintenance. But Jack would have been awful shopping with me. So after I got ready, I ran downstairs and said 'You don't really want me to take one of them, do you???" and he replied with a prompt 'YES!".... But I kept at it and finally ran out of the door in a moment of his weakness. I got 2 hours by myself...shopping away!!!! It was GREAT!!!
One thing I've learned today: When you stress about something for an entire week, the situation will not come to fruition.
Best life tip: If possible, when dining with 2 year olds and infants, reserve a room off to the side of the rest of the restaurant. We went to CYC with a bunch of people and kids tonight and we could have stayed in this room for hours. It was PERFECT! The kids literally ran around the table about 200 times....the babies were on the floor and in their strollers. The parents lolled around and drank wine. What could be better!!??
One moment I wish I could redo: I wish I had taken time to get rid of my headache that haunted me all day long. The only way to get rid of a headache for me is to take a nap...and I didn't have the time. SO it chased me all day... and annoyed me!!! I can't wait to go to sleep tonight!!!
Biggest laugh of the day: I have two.... the first: My brother-in-law Brian is here often to visit Jack, get a free meal, hangout...etc.- and sometimes- when we're lucky, he even visits us! His favorite joke when he's here is to ask Tommy and I if we're getting divorced everytime we snap at each other of pretend to be annoyed with each other. Today, he asked "are you guys going to get divorced?" and I replied "Yes, Brian...you're going to be from a broken home". He said "I won't be from a broken home!" and I said "essentially, you will"..... referring to all the time he spends here- which I love! This cracked me up, but I'm my biggest fan of my own humor!
On the way down to CYC we were playing our Irish music. Jack has heard it so much that he sings along now. THe lyrics were: "It's good to see you, to be in your arms" Jack was singing 'See you.....in your heart!" It was so cute...and got a good laugh from his mom and dad.
Best Tommy moment of the day: Not only is Tommy a really, really good dad...but he's a really, really good uncle too. We went to a playgroup party that our nephew Danny went to today. His dad, Kevin, wasn't there. But Tommy paid so much attention to Danny. He rolled around and wrestled and played with he and Jack just the same. It was really sweet to see how genuinely he cares about his nephews, even though he has kids of his own.
Best Jack moment of the day: Jack had a great time at this birthday party today. It was at a toddler's activity gym, called Gymboree. The owner put on a lesson, including songs and games and other activities. It was really well done...but instead of doing any of the activites- Jack spent most of his time at the basketball hoop, shooting 3-pointers. It was obvious how he marches to the beat of his own drum. He ended up doing the parachute and some of the songs and had a wonderful time with his cousin Danny and his other friends.
Best Mallie moment of the day: At dinner tonight, Mallie laid on the floor between Brooke and I on her blanket, just chatting and kicking away. She let us eat and talk and drink. She was really good!!! And she looked adorable in her white sweater dress, bow and stripped tights. So cute!
Friday, November 9, 2007
November 9th, 2007
Most grateful moment: Brooke called me this morning to inform me that our plans for the morning (Squeaky Sneakers) were cancelled. SHe invited us over to her house for a pladate instead. Jack has been asking to play with Charlie all wekk, so he was ecstatic to be going to his house! The reason this was my most grateful moment is because Brooke and I have so much in common and we are very similar in our parenting styles. It's so great to have time with her to run things by her, have her run things by me, laugh about our kids and other things..... It's just really refreshing to have another mom that's on my page. It hasn't happened much since I've become a mom, so I'm grateful to find someone like her when I do!!!
One thing I've learned today: I learned that people are thinking about my up-coming birthday as much as I am!!! Claire called to invite me to have drinks with she and Emily next Friday night. I've been talking to Tommy about it and he finally pretty much told me to keep quiet about it, saying that he's got something planned. I don't necessarily believe this, but at least it's got his wheels turning a little. This is a b-day I'm not exactly looking forward to...so it's nice that other people know that and are going to help me through it!!!
Best life tip: If at all possible, do not stress out when you are trying to get pregnant! It is one of the biggest things in life and it feels as though you should be able to plan it for yourself and know exactly when it should happen for you. It gets so disappointing and frustrating when it doesn't go as planned. But I feel like it's one of the few things that's truly left up to God. God knows when you're ready and when that baby is ready to come into being- and that's when it happens. Not according to your own calendar.
One moment I wish I could redo: I wish I hadn't hung up on the telemarketer who called this afternoon. He was just doing his job and I could have given him an excuse. I felt guilty about it for an hour afterwards.
Biggest laugh of the day: Jack and Charlie were playing on the playground next to Rocky River library. Jack, being the runner that he is, began running away from me. I started threatening him with a 'time out' which usually works...but not this time. He kept inching further away from me. By the time I caught him, he was in the Middle School parking lot 1/2 a block away...laughing hysterically. As I grabbed him, swooped him up and began carrying him back, I heard Charlie yelling from the playground..."Jaaaaaaaack!!!!!! Coooooome baaaack!" He was so concerned. And Jack's reply as he heard Charlie: "OOOOOOOOTaaaaaaaaaaaay!"
They are the cutest little buddies who really do look out for each other!!!
Best Tommy moment of the day: I brought the kids up to meet Tommy at Rocky River Brewing Co. for dinner tonight (he had met his friend Brian up there for happy hour). I walked through the door and started struggling and shuffling toward their table through the crowd with the kids. Later, after Brian left, Tommy told me that seeing the 3 of us come through the door was the highlight of his day- even though we completely interrupted his happy hour.
Best Jack moment of the day: Jack took his wooden pirate ship out today. He built it a week ago at the Home Depot children's workshop. He showed it to me and started telling me about it saying 'boat', 'Home Depot', 'eyes' (referring to the goggles he wore to protect his eyes), 'baby night-night' (because Mallie slept the whole time we were there), and 'hammer'. This happened a week ago and he remembered all these details from the experience! I was pretty impressed!!!
Best Mallie moment of the day: Mallie was a handful today. She was up 3 times last night and wouldn't let me put her down this morning. However, the entire time we were at dinner, she sat in her carseat and smiled at Tommy. She is SUCH a Daddy's girl!!! When we got home, she let him feed her 1 ounce and as I write this, she is sleeping in her pack-n-play in the living room- which she NEVER lets me sleep her in!!!! Anything to keep her daddy happy!!!
One thing I've learned today: I learned that people are thinking about my up-coming birthday as much as I am!!! Claire called to invite me to have drinks with she and Emily next Friday night. I've been talking to Tommy about it and he finally pretty much told me to keep quiet about it, saying that he's got something planned. I don't necessarily believe this, but at least it's got his wheels turning a little. This is a b-day I'm not exactly looking forward to...so it's nice that other people know that and are going to help me through it!!!
Best life tip: If at all possible, do not stress out when you are trying to get pregnant! It is one of the biggest things in life and it feels as though you should be able to plan it for yourself and know exactly when it should happen for you. It gets so disappointing and frustrating when it doesn't go as planned. But I feel like it's one of the few things that's truly left up to God. God knows when you're ready and when that baby is ready to come into being- and that's when it happens. Not according to your own calendar.
One moment I wish I could redo: I wish I hadn't hung up on the telemarketer who called this afternoon. He was just doing his job and I could have given him an excuse. I felt guilty about it for an hour afterwards.
Biggest laugh of the day: Jack and Charlie were playing on the playground next to Rocky River library. Jack, being the runner that he is, began running away from me. I started threatening him with a 'time out' which usually works...but not this time. He kept inching further away from me. By the time I caught him, he was in the Middle School parking lot 1/2 a block away...laughing hysterically. As I grabbed him, swooped him up and began carrying him back, I heard Charlie yelling from the playground..."Jaaaaaaaack!!!!!! Coooooome baaaack!" He was so concerned. And Jack's reply as he heard Charlie: "OOOOOOOOTaaaaaaaaaaaay!"
They are the cutest little buddies who really do look out for each other!!!
Best Tommy moment of the day: I brought the kids up to meet Tommy at Rocky River Brewing Co. for dinner tonight (he had met his friend Brian up there for happy hour). I walked through the door and started struggling and shuffling toward their table through the crowd with the kids. Later, after Brian left, Tommy told me that seeing the 3 of us come through the door was the highlight of his day- even though we completely interrupted his happy hour.
Best Jack moment of the day: Jack took his wooden pirate ship out today. He built it a week ago at the Home Depot children's workshop. He showed it to me and started telling me about it saying 'boat', 'Home Depot', 'eyes' (referring to the goggles he wore to protect his eyes), 'baby night-night' (because Mallie slept the whole time we were there), and 'hammer'. This happened a week ago and he remembered all these details from the experience! I was pretty impressed!!!
Best Mallie moment of the day: Mallie was a handful today. She was up 3 times last night and wouldn't let me put her down this morning. However, the entire time we were at dinner, she sat in her carseat and smiled at Tommy. She is SUCH a Daddy's girl!!! When we got home, she let him feed her 1 ounce and as I write this, she is sleeping in her pack-n-play in the living room- which she NEVER lets me sleep her in!!!! Anything to keep her daddy happy!!!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
November 8th, 2007
Most grateful moment: I gave Mallie her first baby massage. She was on her changing table, in her little onesie. Tommy was giving Jack his bath, so we could hear them singing and being loud and obnoxious boys. We were just having a little girls' spa evening. Most times, babies get really relaxed when they're massaged....but Mallie got so excited that her little arms and legs were kicking everywhere. I think this proves how little contact I get with her during the day when I'm chasing around her crazy brother- she craves the attention! It was nice to be able to give it to her!!!!
One thing I learned today: I learned that my cousin Emily has 2 blogs and that one is all poetry. I read it this afternoon and was blown away. She has always had a beautiful, unique take on the world (I remember once my mom and I talking about this and my mom used the following Emily-ism to illustrate this point: it was fall time and Emily said the fall reminded her of dad's walking home from the bus stop with their ties blowing in the crisp autumn breeze.) Her poetry had such pretty images and amazing comparisons that I would never have thought of. I think the sign of a good poet is that you read their poems, thinking that you never would have thought of that yourself....but why wouldn't you because it seems so logical once it's presented in that way.
Best life tip: Give your baby lots of tummy time or they will not develop their tummy and arm muscles. I'm trying hard to remind myself of this one!!!
One moment I wish I could redo: I felt really nauseous this afternoon and laid around until Tommy got home. Jack was getting under my skin because I wasn't entertaining him. I wish I had just fought through it and acted like myself. I tried doing this once Tommy got home so I wouldn't ruin the evening and it worked. I wish I'd done that earlier.
Biggest laugh of the day: Emily came over and saw Jack's trying-not-to-laugh-even-though-I-know it's-funny-face and completely lost it. It is the funniest face ever.
Best Tommy moment of the day: Yesterday, Tommy came home from work with a dozen rainbow-colored roses for no reason. It was really the highlight of my day and made me smile.
Today, Tommy was dancing with the kids to some Irish music and asked me if I thought he did this too often with them. He was worried that he's not being creative enough with them. If you could see the kids when he's dancing with them, you'd know that he's not doing it often enough!!! They LOVE it!!!
Best Jack moment of the day: We went to Kim and Kylie's house for a plyadate this morning. Jack's been begging to see his friend, Charlie, who was there, as well. WHen we were leaving, Charlie walked outside with us. I told Jack to tell him 'good-bye'. Jack turned and waved to Charlie, saying 'Bye CHarlie!' over and over again....even though Charlie was busy doing something else and not paying any attention. He also told the lady at the drive-thru window at Dunkin Donuts 'Hi' about 10000 times in the 3 minutes we were there. She wasn't paying attention either, but he felt the need to say it!!!
Best Mallie moment of the day: THis one actually happened yesterday. I was changing Mallie in the morning on our bed. As soon as I took the diaper out from under her, she started pooping...all over our sheets. Then I realized that I didn't have another diaper, so I put her on a blanket and ran to get another one. When I lifted her little butt to put her in the new diaper, she started pooping again-----a huge explosive one which shot across the air, from the foot of our bed all the way to our pillows- covering one of them in baby poo. It was quite impressive....and her reaction was the typical huge smile and squeal!!!
I have called Mallie 'Bird', since she was born. "Bird" has evolved to several other nicknames that have been adopted my many other people, too. "Mallie Bird", "Birdie", "Birdence", "Birderrific" Even Jack calls her "Pretty Bird" when he hears me.
One thing I learned today: I learned that my cousin Emily has 2 blogs and that one is all poetry. I read it this afternoon and was blown away. She has always had a beautiful, unique take on the world (I remember once my mom and I talking about this and my mom used the following Emily-ism to illustrate this point: it was fall time and Emily said the fall reminded her of dad's walking home from the bus stop with their ties blowing in the crisp autumn breeze.) Her poetry had such pretty images and amazing comparisons that I would never have thought of. I think the sign of a good poet is that you read their poems, thinking that you never would have thought of that yourself....but why wouldn't you because it seems so logical once it's presented in that way.
Best life tip: Give your baby lots of tummy time or they will not develop their tummy and arm muscles. I'm trying hard to remind myself of this one!!!
One moment I wish I could redo: I felt really nauseous this afternoon and laid around until Tommy got home. Jack was getting under my skin because I wasn't entertaining him. I wish I had just fought through it and acted like myself. I tried doing this once Tommy got home so I wouldn't ruin the evening and it worked. I wish I'd done that earlier.
Biggest laugh of the day: Emily came over and saw Jack's trying-not-to-laugh-even-though-I-know it's-funny-face and completely lost it. It is the funniest face ever.
Best Tommy moment of the day: Yesterday, Tommy came home from work with a dozen rainbow-colored roses for no reason. It was really the highlight of my day and made me smile.
Today, Tommy was dancing with the kids to some Irish music and asked me if I thought he did this too often with them. He was worried that he's not being creative enough with them. If you could see the kids when he's dancing with them, you'd know that he's not doing it often enough!!! They LOVE it!!!
Best Jack moment of the day: We went to Kim and Kylie's house for a plyadate this morning. Jack's been begging to see his friend, Charlie, who was there, as well. WHen we were leaving, Charlie walked outside with us. I told Jack to tell him 'good-bye'. Jack turned and waved to Charlie, saying 'Bye CHarlie!' over and over again....even though Charlie was busy doing something else and not paying any attention. He also told the lady at the drive-thru window at Dunkin Donuts 'Hi' about 10000 times in the 3 minutes we were there. She wasn't paying attention either, but he felt the need to say it!!!
Best Mallie moment of the day: THis one actually happened yesterday. I was changing Mallie in the morning on our bed. As soon as I took the diaper out from under her, she started pooping...all over our sheets. Then I realized that I didn't have another diaper, so I put her on a blanket and ran to get another one. When I lifted her little butt to put her in the new diaper, she started pooping again-----a huge explosive one which shot across the air, from the foot of our bed all the way to our pillows- covering one of them in baby poo. It was quite impressive....and her reaction was the typical huge smile and squeal!!!
I have called Mallie 'Bird', since she was born. "Bird" has evolved to several other nicknames that have been adopted my many other people, too. "Mallie Bird", "Birdie", "Birdence", "Birderrific" Even Jack calls her "Pretty Bird" when he hears me.
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