Arizona or Bust

Well . . . bust it is!  As many of you know we were scheduled to fly to Arizona yesterday to visit family.  All of us were so looking forward to the visit.  Scott and Chris getting to celebrate their birthday together for the first time in like 15 years, Addy getting to see her cousins, meeting Alexie . . . knife to the heart people.  Because it is all my fault that we aren't going.  I am just so sick with nausea I can't hardly function.  So, my family both here and in Arizona were amazingly stand up people and were okay when I panicked Friday night and realized there is no way I can make this trip right now.  Really . . . would you like to see what I spend my time doing?

I sit here.  All the time.  It looks like I peed the couch, thankfully I haven't done that yet.  It is just permanently indented from my butt sitting in the same spot all the time.

Here I am today, off the couch . . . to unpack. :( 

And since I am off work anyway, I lose my leave if I don't take it this week . . . this is what my house looks like on Sunday night.  Seriously.  It never looks like this on a Sunday night.  And as I sit in my spot on the couch and tell myself I have time I don't have to clean it because I am not going to work tomorrow, I am sweating. 

Okay, so that is the sad part of the story . . . its occurred to me that I have been focusing a lot on the sad parts lately.  Kick in the behind to me.  It could be a lot worse.  Look at all the things you have to be thankful for:

I am sick for a very good reason.  Keep your eye on the prize. 

My husband and daughter are willing to give up things they want (like Arizona) to support me in my time of need.  And even sick, my husband will take Addy upstairs to play scoobydoo wii so I can relax.

My parents - bless them!  Every day I am so thankful  to have my parents.  Last week they make St. Patrick's Day so fun for Addy with surprise gifts.  My little girl is so lucky!  They are always willing to help - with anything.  Thank you!

My AZ family - not one word of censure over the last minute decision.  Thank you!  You all are such a wonderful part of our lives and I can't wait to see you.  I am sad we aren't there with you now, but hopeful that soon we will have a wonderful visit.

My friends - who I am neglecting terribly.  I promise I will be better one day and we can hang out and I owe everyone coffee or tea or a martini . . . just knowing you are there is wonderful to my miserable self.

And my Kindle!  Did I tell you Scott got me one for Christmas?  It is my new BFF right now.  I love it, love it, love it.  If you are thinking about it - take the plunge.  So worth it.  I could do a post just about it.  If I can lose myself in a book long enough I can fade away from the constant annoyance of the nausea for a few minutes - heaven.

Looking forward to a restful week.  Perhaps a little work, but also some rest time for me.  I can be a true hermit.  Perhaps I can watch a buffy marathon.  Oh, isn't that a grand idea? 

Milestones

There is nothing like those special milestones . . . not just the fun ones, like walking and talking though.  I really love those difficult milestones that show tenacity and commitment, on the part of Addy and us as parents.  This weekend, even while I was sick as a dog still, Scott jump started Addy on the way to yet another milestone.  And the girl pasted with flying colors.

I admit we've been pretty strict parents when it comes to most things - we never caved on sleeping issues, or let up on schedule issues, even during travel.  The one thing we've been super lenient on is the binky.  Addy still sleeps with one.  I couldn't bear to force her to give it up.  It keeps her a little toddler in my mind.  Really.  Its me.  I am the only mother in the world that didn't want my baby out of diapers.  Another sign she was still little.  Pathetic I know.

So, this weekend Scott and Addy decided it was time.  She made a bag for the her binkies and we put it on the porch for the binky fairy. 

There was the promise of a great gift by the binkie fairy.  And the binky fairy delivered!

Boy, the tooth fairy is gonna have some high expectations.

So even though I bawled at least three times this weekend over my little one growing up, Addy sailed through and was so proud of her big girl status.  Gosh, I love this kid.

Still feeling absolutely horrible sick.  Trying a new medication and that is making it a bit more tolerable.  (I was really sick last time but not quite so severe.  I got sick at the exact same week in my pregnancy.  Unfortunately last time I was sick through about 17 weeks.  What does all this mean?  A boy, a girl?  Hopefully a super healthy baby!!)  Well the weekends are the worst because I am not focused like I am at work.  So today I decided screw the nausea, I am going to do one productive thing!  And I actually did.  Thank goodness, there is nothing worse then going day to day, just doing the bare minimum to get by - watching all the projects and needs pile up.  One tiny item is off the list:  the front flower bed no longer looks like it did above.

It may not be sunny here yet.  Heck it snowed 10 days ago.  But I needed some color!!!! 

Joy.  Color.  A productive hour spent.  And I even got some of my maternity clothes unpacked and ready to go.  Thanks Courtney for bringing them over!!  I am definitely out of regular clothes now.  But I can't have anything touch my stomach so I am in dresses and skirts with no tights - brrrrr.  I am really hoping we have an early spring!

Excitement

I wasn't exaggerating about Addy's excitement about having a baby brother or sister.  Being an only child myself, I have been very worried about having another child.  Would Addy feel bad?  Would she be happy or upset?

I can't ever remember wishing I had a brother or sister - being an only child was great.  So, what the heck am I doing to my little girl?

Well, she is more excited then both of us combined - seriously.  She has now posted this sign on our front door:

The purpose is to ensure that everyone knows we are having a baby!  As you can tell she is definitely thinking that a girl would be perfect.  We aren't sure if we are going to find out or not, we'll have to think about it some.  Addy isn't opposed to a baby brother - but as she points out most of the boys at school are kind of mean, and girls are nicer.  Love her tried and true logic. :)

5 years

I kept asking myself why did it take 5 years for me to commit to doing this again?

OH YEAH!  Now I remember . . .

THE FREAKIN' NAUSEA!!!!!

So, although I am miserable and grumpy, I am happy to announce that we will be having a baby in September.  Addy is so very excited to be a big sister.  We are of course very excited as well.  Did I mention I am miserable and grumpy too?  Good times.

Love, your anti-social, pity party, miserable and grumpy friend, Jessica

PS.  Hopefully in a few weeks I will feel tons better and I can once again be my fun self. 

PPS. I would be okay if it was sooner rather then later.

PPPS.  I have set a date to feel better.  It is realistic, because it is a far ways out.  I really have decided I must be better before the royal wedding.  I have waited 30 years to see a Prince marry his Princess again and darn it, I am going to feel better so that I can enjoy it in all its media craziness!!

PB is the best!

This recipe is interesting.  These are great for a snack for both adults and kids, includes some yum and some hidden healthy items.  But, you do have to love peanut butter to enjoy.


Peanut Butter Blondies


6 Tbsp of butter
1 cup (packed) brown sugar
1/2 cup sweet-potato baby food (stage 1 or 2)
1/2 cup carrot baby food (stage 1 or 2)
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tsp vanilla ext.
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup oat bran
1 cup flour
1/2 cup peanut butter chips (optional)


Preheat the oven to 325.  Spray 9x13 pan.  Heat butter and brown sugar.  Remove from heat and allow to cool for a bit.  Whisk in baby food, peanut butter, vanilla, eggs, and salt.  Add oat bran and flour until just combined.  Mix in the peanut butter chips.  Pour into baking dish.  Bake for 30 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.  Allow to cool completely in pan.  You can sprinkle powdered sugar on these, or frost them if you like.

Be My Valentine

 Addy was so excited for today, she made us promise to get her up super early so we could exchange gifts this morning and not wait until after school.  She helped Scott shop for the valentine's gifts and she was very excited to give me my presents.  When I went into her room to wake her up she was sound asleep, but when I mentioned it was V-day she popped right out of bed.  I got her into the kitchen and she looked like this.  She informed us that sometimes in the morning her eyes are all sticky and wet and she has to rub them to make them work.

 

 Quickly she was "awakened" by the excitement of the Valentine's day extravaganza awaiting her!

 She wasn't waiting to get her new puzzle going.

 Holy smokes, check out the stash she got at school?!  It was like Halloween all over again.  She scored big time.  I was a little jealous and found myself negotiating what I might get to try. :)

She even had a present waiting from Grandma and Grandpa on the porch when we got home!

My favorite part of the day?  Addy helping me unwrap the beautiful necklace and bracelets she picked out for me all by herself - she was so proud.  And getting to take an afternoon to spend a couple hours having a late lunch with Scott.  Priceless!

A.D.D.Y.

It feels like it has been way too long since I did an update just about our Little.  She isn't so little anymore.  She is going on 4 1/2 and she is very tall for her age.  She is not quite the tallest in her class but very close.  Here are some random things about Addy:

She still loves Scooby Doo - I would say out of all the shows and cartoon characters she likes this is still her go to.  She knows all the songs and silly parts and begs me to watch her very favorite scenes with her.  She'll laugh in anticipation of a most silly fall, scramble or funny face the gang makes.

I heart U - she is so loving.  A day doesn't go by that she doesn't tell us how thankful she is for her parents, grandparents, family and friends.  She'll even say something sweet like "know what I like even more then Scooby Doo and playing toys?"  "My family."  Ahhhhh, so sweet!

Arts and Crafts - Addy still enjoys painting and coloring.  She draws the best people, with nice big belly buttons and she loves to have people's hair falling out in a shower of raindrops around them.  She colors in the lines very well and always has a fantastic story to go along with each creative picture.  Grandma and Grandpa supply Addy with a ton of activities - and she thoroughly enjoys each one.

(This last one here was so fun.  It was for ages 6+, but I had to concentrate to get it together.  Addy cheered me on "good job Mommy, you are getting it together."  Cupid's house is ready for V-day.) 

Why?  All day long, every day.  Morning. Noon. Night.  She is so curious and you never get away with a simple answer.  Do you ever find yourself completely speechless by the 4th or 5th why?

Performer - Addy loves to preform for those she is close with!  She loves to do dances, play in a band, sing or storytell.  She has a vivid imagination and uses it to ham it up and entertain us.

Independence Day - She does have her moments . . . we've coasted pretty good for about 6-8 months, but I am noticing she is getting more and more bossy and independent.  We're having daily battles of will right now.  As frustrating as it is, I do get a kick out of seeing this side of her personality.  I know she won't be a shrinking violet in life.  But there are moments that I am not sure I can take another moment of miss sassy pants.

Silly Quotes:

"Did my bug get from my toes to your toes and then into your tummy?"  Trying to understand how she could pass her stomach bug to me.

"Lets rustle up some grub" - when I said lets start making some dinner tonight.

"When I meet a boy and I want to love him I will do this."  Turning to the side, clasping her hands, tucking down her chin and batting her lashes - watch out boys!!

"Mommy, its okay you always lose.  Being a loser is okay since you are a good cleaner" After she beat meet at a game.

What a blessing Addy is to us!!  Love you Little!!

New Blog

I am so excited to announce my new blog.  I am going to be a two blog girl!  I will always have this blog, which is my family and life.  But I am partnering with my very special friend Courtney, you can meet her here at Jahjong, on a new blog.

Introducing our new blog for working moms:  From Manager to Mama

We've noticed a major lack of working moms in blogdom and we want to fix that.  We are creating a resource for all of you mamas working outside the home.

Please stop by and check it out and more importantly please share with your mom friends.  This isn't for only working moms, but hopefully will include help for those raising kids and working outside the home.

Have a wonderful week!!

Father Daughter Dance 2011

Last night was the Father & Daughter Dance.  Jeff and Scott took the girls.  We spent most of the day getting all ready for the big date!

First Addy got a special spa bath.

 

Then it was time for the (drum roll please) foam rollers:

Addy and Gracie wanted to get ready together and so we headed to the Pelton's for final preparations.

 
The girls had big time FUN getting ready together.











What beautiful girls we are blessed with - inside and out!  They are going to grow into remarkable women.

Father & Daughter Dance 2011

 

Hawaii 5-0

We had an amazing 8 days in Hawaii.  I've never made a secret of the fact I haven't wanted to visit the premier vacation spot, so when we got the chance to go, I wasn't jumping up and down.  Kauai knocked my socks off and made me a believer that Hawaii is a truly magical place.  We had a wonderful time.  Even a 24 hour food poisioning incident couldn't wreck our trip.  We still had an amazing time!!  Here are some shots from the trip:

The girls at dinner our last night:

Addy enjoying the pool:

 This is crazy - this is the view from our room.  Heaven!!

 The pool was a huge hit - there was a kiddie pool that Addy really enjoyed.

 Beyond the pool, we had the beach and mountains . . . this is a morning shot!

 Addy all ready for the luau.

 Every morning at 9am they would feed the koi.  The kids got their own little bowls of food to share with the fish.

 Washing the sand off her toes in the pool after dinner.

 Waimea Canyon was amazing.

 You might recognize this from the food network.  Even better then expected!

 Our resort was truly amazing.  We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay.