Before dinner today I took Nico to the playground. We got there at the same time as another family, a mom with her twin 3 year old girls and 1 year old son. Nico kept looking at them and smiling the whole time he was in the bucket swing, so I took him out and he ran right over to the kids. They all hung out for a few minutes on the big playground equipment, then the other kids went to the swings and Nico and I went on the little slides. He spent a half hour just running around picking up mulch and leaves. When the other kids were leaving, Nico ran back over to them and waved bye bye. The girls started patting him on the head and their brother was waving, and Nico leaned in to hug one of the girls. So the girls thought that was great and they both smothered him with hugs and kisses.
It took me a half hour to get Nico back home, which is a three minute walk, because he wanted to play on everyone's lawn and pick up all the leaves. I'd pick him up to carry him after he'd run off the sidewalk and over the curbs, and he's start screaming and wiggling. He played out front with some of our neighbors' kids and then we came in for a big dinner. He was just too cute playing with the other kids, it makes me feel so good to see him joining in with them on his own.
Monday, January 7
Little things
While it's nice to have big nice things happen in life, it really is the little things that make every day worthwhile. Yesterday we had our family pollyanna and everyone was there. It doesn't happen very often, and when it does it's a lot of fun to be together. I got a gift card for Fossil, so I can go and pick out a new watch to assist me in my effort to be more punctual. We were a half hour late for the party yesterday, so this gift couldn't be more appropriate. It was the gift from my list that I was really hoping to get. Bonus: cool gift card packaging. As a former packaging designer, I'm a sucker for any unusual box or container. Fossil gift cards come in thin tin cases just big enough to hold the card, and the lid slides off like one of those old lip glosses from the 80's. I'm almost as excited about the tin as I am about the gift card.
Yesterday there was a nice little surprise, something unprecedented. Frank gave me a Christmas gift all on his own. This year I didn't even mention us exchanging, because I didn't want to have to ask over and over or see him getting all frustrated. Just wanted to enjoy the holidays. So two days after Christmas he asked if I got him anything, and he was shocked when I said no, and that I didn't want anything. We have a notorious battle over gifts, and how his family isn't gifty but mine is, and I love gifts and he couldn't care less. It applies for any holiday... Valentine's, birthdays, whatever. His mom doesn't even call him on his birthday, which I think is weird but that's just how they are. Anyway, yesterday Frank surprised me with an astrology book and it made me cry. Is that weird?
Little surprises have been popping up around me all day so far. Nico started picking up his cell phone and saying "Shesh" when he puts it up to his ear. We're guessing that's "Yes" but whatever it is, it's so cute to see him learning. My clothes dryer went two full cycles without breaking down. I got to eat breakfast and lunch. It's warm enough outside for us to go to the park. I'm not the least bit sleepy. And I even have time to take a shower. You don't want to know when my last shower was... I'll just say I'm overdue haha.
Yesterday there was a nice little surprise, something unprecedented. Frank gave me a Christmas gift all on his own. This year I didn't even mention us exchanging, because I didn't want to have to ask over and over or see him getting all frustrated. Just wanted to enjoy the holidays. So two days after Christmas he asked if I got him anything, and he was shocked when I said no, and that I didn't want anything. We have a notorious battle over gifts, and how his family isn't gifty but mine is, and I love gifts and he couldn't care less. It applies for any holiday... Valentine's, birthdays, whatever. His mom doesn't even call him on his birthday, which I think is weird but that's just how they are. Anyway, yesterday Frank surprised me with an astrology book and it made me cry. Is that weird?
Little surprises have been popping up around me all day so far. Nico started picking up his cell phone and saying "Shesh" when he puts it up to his ear. We're guessing that's "Yes" but whatever it is, it's so cute to see him learning. My clothes dryer went two full cycles without breaking down. I got to eat breakfast and lunch. It's warm enough outside for us to go to the park. I'm not the least bit sleepy. And I even have time to take a shower. You don't want to know when my last shower was... I'll just say I'm overdue haha.
Sunday, January 6
Mommy's had enough
Today I would really like to get something off my chest. It's not about anyone in particular this time, because several people have done this recently, but it's definitely something that's been bothering me for a while.
For whatever reason, people have had the idea that it's open season for making comments about the way I am with my son. I've been on the receiving end of more jabs and jokes than I care to recall regarding how over-protective I can be with him. It's been a year (plus time while expecting) and honestly I've had enough. I've heard all the comments, and I'd just like to let everyone know that it's time to keep them to yourselves.
Maybe it doesn't occur to some that I went through a whole lot to get that baby here. Just realize that when you're at 26 weeks, you wake up bleeding in the middle of the night (more than once I might add), and your doctor tells you to meet her in the labor and delivery unit, it scares the shit out of you. Raise your hand if you spent 10 days in the hospital hoping not to deliver a 1 1/2 pound baby, were poked and prodded by specialists, then spent three months sitting in bed. Then and add some preeclampsia (Google it people, it's no joke) to all that, just for fun. Anyone? Bueller?
I don't flatter myself that I was the first person ever to have a baby, or to have complications. All I'm saying is that I had a lot of time to think and pray (yes, I do believe in a God) and ask the universe to let me have a big fat healthy baby, and in return I'd do my best to make sure he'd be ok. So when I get little comments about being over-protective or people feel they need to add their two cents about the way I do things with my kid -- yes, my kid, not your kid -- it can be aggravating. If I'm doing things a certain way, that's because it's how I want to do things. If you want to make me the butt of a joke or voice an opinion, I'm giving fair warning that I'll give you my opinion in return. In the past couple of weeks, four different people have pissed me off with this stuff. I'm not trying to be overly harsh, honestly. Just let me be myself and give me a break with the comments and we'll call it a day.
For whatever reason, people have had the idea that it's open season for making comments about the way I am with my son. I've been on the receiving end of more jabs and jokes than I care to recall regarding how over-protective I can be with him. It's been a year (plus time while expecting) and honestly I've had enough. I've heard all the comments, and I'd just like to let everyone know that it's time to keep them to yourselves.
Maybe it doesn't occur to some that I went through a whole lot to get that baby here. Just realize that when you're at 26 weeks, you wake up bleeding in the middle of the night (more than once I might add), and your doctor tells you to meet her in the labor and delivery unit, it scares the shit out of you. Raise your hand if you spent 10 days in the hospital hoping not to deliver a 1 1/2 pound baby, were poked and prodded by specialists, then spent three months sitting in bed. Then and add some preeclampsia (Google it people, it's no joke) to all that, just for fun. Anyone? Bueller?
I don't flatter myself that I was the first person ever to have a baby, or to have complications. All I'm saying is that I had a lot of time to think and pray (yes, I do believe in a God) and ask the universe to let me have a big fat healthy baby, and in return I'd do my best to make sure he'd be ok. So when I get little comments about being over-protective or people feel they need to add their two cents about the way I do things with my kid -- yes, my kid, not your kid -- it can be aggravating. If I'm doing things a certain way, that's because it's how I want to do things. If you want to make me the butt of a joke or voice an opinion, I'm giving fair warning that I'll give you my opinion in return. In the past couple of weeks, four different people have pissed me off with this stuff. I'm not trying to be overly harsh, honestly. Just let me be myself and give me a break with the comments and we'll call it a day.
Saturday, January 5
Earth to La Rivera
If you've been around me lately, you may have noticed small changes. I might be in the room with you, but I'm not completely present. I would apologize but I don't have any control over it, so I don't necessarily feel bad.
This afternoon I met my girls in Philly. I got there a little early, which is completely unusual because I suffer from chronic tardiness. We were in a small shop where all the fabric stores are on 4th Street below South. In addition to the six of us, there was one man having a pair butt-hugging black jeans hemmed, and a woman with her two small children waiting to talk to the store's owner. I'm sure there were important details being discussed among my group, and there was girl talk about this and that... I heard some of it, but mostly I just sat there looking around at everyone and pretending to listen. I'm not even sure if I said hello to all of them when they came into the shop. Did I give hugs and kisses? I don't remember. I know I was sitting on the bench... and I stood up at one point... and I looked over to make a fuss over someone and then tuned back out.
I remember leaving the shop and saying goodbye to the girls, who were going out to lunch together. I had to get back home so I couldn't go out, but honestly it was probably for the better because I am no good around people right now. Even with the people I want to be around, I'm just absent. I don't even listen to the things I'm saying. Maybe I'm too consumed with myself at the moment, I don't know.
Tonight we're listening to Kid A. This album is one of my favorite pick-me-ups. When I feel stuck inside my own head, or uncontrollably dazed out, these songs make me feel a thousand times better. Like it's ok to just live, and to just be. They remind me I'm not alone. Speaking of not wanting to be alone, I decided it was time to get off my ass about sending in my Mom's Club of Mount Laurel membership papers. Nico and I need to make some friends around here. We're both ready. I'm thinking my current state of mind is due to us not getting out enough, and not having any real connections in our town. I might have to spend some time pretending to listen to people I don't know very well, but it's the only way I can think of to break my prego funk. A little hair of the dog, if you will. And OMG I see I misspelled one of the days of the week in the title of my last post. Eesh.
This afternoon I met my girls in Philly. I got there a little early, which is completely unusual because I suffer from chronic tardiness. We were in a small shop where all the fabric stores are on 4th Street below South. In addition to the six of us, there was one man having a pair butt-hugging black jeans hemmed, and a woman with her two small children waiting to talk to the store's owner. I'm sure there were important details being discussed among my group, and there was girl talk about this and that... I heard some of it, but mostly I just sat there looking around at everyone and pretending to listen. I'm not even sure if I said hello to all of them when they came into the shop. Did I give hugs and kisses? I don't remember. I know I was sitting on the bench... and I stood up at one point... and I looked over to make a fuss over someone and then tuned back out.
I remember leaving the shop and saying goodbye to the girls, who were going out to lunch together. I had to get back home so I couldn't go out, but honestly it was probably for the better because I am no good around people right now. Even with the people I want to be around, I'm just absent. I don't even listen to the things I'm saying. Maybe I'm too consumed with myself at the moment, I don't know.
Tonight we're listening to Kid A. This album is one of my favorite pick-me-ups. When I feel stuck inside my own head, or uncontrollably dazed out, these songs make me feel a thousand times better. Like it's ok to just live, and to just be. They remind me I'm not alone. Speaking of not wanting to be alone, I decided it was time to get off my ass about sending in my Mom's Club of Mount Laurel membership papers. Nico and I need to make some friends around here. We're both ready. I'm thinking my current state of mind is due to us not getting out enough, and not having any real connections in our town. I might have to spend some time pretending to listen to people I don't know very well, but it's the only way I can think of to break my prego funk. A little hair of the dog, if you will. And OMG I see I misspelled one of the days of the week in the title of my last post. Eesh.
Thursday, January 3
Thrusday
So today is Thursday. Yep. Why not let's discuss what we did today?
As usual I woke half way up from 6:40 to 7am while Frank was getting ready for work. Then Nico let me sleep until 8am, and we sat in bed for a little while. For breakfast, cheesy scrambled eggs and soy milk. Plain for him, chocolate/vanilla for me. Nap at 11 for him, then we went to my doctor's for an ultrasound and monthly appointment. The baby in the belly is still a girl, and she's a pound and a half and looking great. My blood pressure is good, I think I've gained about 15 pounds, and I was correct in assuming that we'll get whichever doctor/surgeon happens to be on duty should I go into labor before the scheduled delivery day.
Mom watched Nico while I was having my dr. visits, and when I came back to the waiting room Nico had bright red smile. Jell-O. The kid loves Jell-O, and how cute is my mom to bring some with her. He's got quite an appetite. If he finishes his food and is still hungry, he bangs on the table or shouts, or both. It's cute but a little bossy I think. I just laugh and say, "Ok, let's feed the bear!" and he makes noise until I come back with more food.
I had a headache for a few hours so some of the evening is a blur. I have a small job to work on tonight, and also some things I'm helping Fay with. Frank got promoted about two weeks ago, and the new job is more work and longer hours. He's at George and Irene's tonight, and he's working every weekend (from home) thru the end of February. Tonight it'll be nice to be alone so I can get some work done. Nico's sleeping. There's an almond croissant in the fridge with my name on it. First I've got to dull this heartburn with some Tums. There's a lot of heartburn lately. That and kicking, and a general feeling of bigness. This is week 24. In the next month or so, I'm going to get a hair cut, have the brows touched up, and try to keep cute til April. I'm debating on when to get a massage with the spa gift card my sister gave me... before or after the baby comes? Maybe before... this is the last chance in the foreseeable future for me to get a maternity massage, and I think I really should have the experience. Yesss.
As usual I woke half way up from 6:40 to 7am while Frank was getting ready for work. Then Nico let me sleep until 8am, and we sat in bed for a little while. For breakfast, cheesy scrambled eggs and soy milk. Plain for him, chocolate/vanilla for me. Nap at 11 for him, then we went to my doctor's for an ultrasound and monthly appointment. The baby in the belly is still a girl, and she's a pound and a half and looking great. My blood pressure is good, I think I've gained about 15 pounds, and I was correct in assuming that we'll get whichever doctor/surgeon happens to be on duty should I go into labor before the scheduled delivery day.
Mom watched Nico while I was having my dr. visits, and when I came back to the waiting room Nico had bright red smile. Jell-O. The kid loves Jell-O, and how cute is my mom to bring some with her. He's got quite an appetite. If he finishes his food and is still hungry, he bangs on the table or shouts, or both. It's cute but a little bossy I think. I just laugh and say, "Ok, let's feed the bear!" and he makes noise until I come back with more food.
I had a headache for a few hours so some of the evening is a blur. I have a small job to work on tonight, and also some things I'm helping Fay with. Frank got promoted about two weeks ago, and the new job is more work and longer hours. He's at George and Irene's tonight, and he's working every weekend (from home) thru the end of February. Tonight it'll be nice to be alone so I can get some work done. Nico's sleeping. There's an almond croissant in the fridge with my name on it. First I've got to dull this heartburn with some Tums. There's a lot of heartburn lately. That and kicking, and a general feeling of bigness. This is week 24. In the next month or so, I'm going to get a hair cut, have the brows touched up, and try to keep cute til April. I'm debating on when to get a massage with the spa gift card my sister gave me... before or after the baby comes? Maybe before... this is the last chance in the foreseeable future for me to get a maternity massage, and I think I really should have the experience. Yesss.
Tuesday, January 1
Happy New Year!
Just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I hope 2008 is already treating you well.
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