Inherit

We inherit a lot of things from our family.  From my mom and my mormor I have inherited a strong dislike for a "change in plans."  I also inherited from them the ability to go with the flow and make the best with whatever life throws at us, but I can tell you, that we three women do not like it when our plans go awry.  I've noticed that as my mom and I get older we get much better at accepting change - I can verify that my mom has well surpassed me...but she's got some twenty years on me.

This house business is so frustrating.  I have spent the last three weeks imagining where the furniture will go, making arrangements with our landlord to move out, mapping out routes to the grocery store and the gym....so, as you can see, I am very disappointed and frustrated.  Papabear and the realtor found this other house.  It's great...it's just not what I planned...so it's frustrating me to no end.  Closings here happen so fast that I'm not too worried about that - we'll still be out of here in a month or so...ug, I am just trying to fight my inherited nonsense feelings.  I wish I could just be over it and rejoicing in the nicer house Papabear found.

Something I inherited from my dad is a lead foot.  I was pulled over AGAIN, two days ago for speeding.  It was one of those situations where I was completely phased out, not thinking about driving and I looked to my right and there was a cop, right in the median with the speed gun.  I pulled over and had my license and insurance out before he even got his lights on.  Last week when I was pulled over for the inspection sticker, I believe my flustered rambling about female issues helped persuade the officer to let me go.  This time, when I looked in my mirror as the officer stepped out of the car - I swear he was an Adonis, a gorgeous greek god.  That is the worst, because for a person like me, I end up just sputtering and saying the dumbest things.  I am not cool and I completely lack tact...so I braced myself for the worst.  I apologized for not paying attention and just hung my head.  He went back to his car and was there for so long I had time to call Littlelman's preschool and tell them I would be late because I was in the process of getting a ticket.

The god...I mean officer returned with a kind of notepad for me to sign.  He gave me a written warning (something I have never received before so I had to ask him to explain).  He said, "No more speeding and we'll call it even, okay, Ma'am?"  OKAY.  I haven't had a speeding ticket in over five years...I am trying to keep it that way.  OH, I was doing 58 in a 45 - in case you were curious.  Many parts of that road are 55...just not that particular part.

Well, I'm off to continue packing...hoping we'll be moving a few weeks...as always I'll keep you posted.  Oh, one last thing.  You know how sometimes your child can disappear in your own home?  That happened the other day.  I'm walking all over our house calling for Littleman.  He's not in all the usual places.  This is where and exactly how I found him:

Bathroom

Standing on the toilet,looking out the window, with sunglasses on!  The kid never ceases to amaze. (And he has clearly inherited his parents tendencies to be goofy.)

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Unbelievable!

SO, I am glad I did not post the pics from the "new house" because we are not going to buy that new house. (My apologies to the folks I emailed the pics to.)  The walk through this morning did not go great.  The builder was kind of a jack-ass and there were some issues Papabear was sure would not be resolved to his satisfaction, and so, we pulled out.  Oddly enough, our realtor had found a house she thought was perfect for us the night before - Papabear and his mom went to see it at noon.  Me and Littleman had to get lunch - the kid spent three hours in an empty house listening to grown ups talk about boring things - he and I had had enough.  Anyway, a few hours later, Papabear was driving me to the NEW(er) house for a look-see.

It's a little smaller and the yard isn't as big...or as nice (in my opinion), BUT, the house is in a better neighborhood (no waterpark or clubhouse, though), and it is a much higher quality home.  It is the most energy efficient you can buy and is really quite beautiful.  What a total hassle, though.  We had every thing scheduled for a closing in three weeks that isn't going to happen. Ug. 

I can't finish this blog because Littleman has decided to end his bath (I'm on the bathroom floor with the laptop).  More details to follow.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Haggis, hangovers, the law, and other juicy and not so juicy bits.

Last night Papabear and I attended our very first "Robert Burns night."  He was a famous Scottish poet, so famous, the Scots have a national holiday to celebrate him.  The tradition is to serve haggis with whiskey shots.  Our Scottish friend, fully decked out in his kilt, read a Robbie Burns poem to the haggis as it came out of the oven (in OLD Scottish, barely understood a word) and we all toasted.  Haggis is okay...it reminded of me of Norwegian meatcakes, BUT haggis is mushy...still, it was fun to try it.  And the party was really fun.  Other poems were read, they had bagpipe music playing the background, and the people were interesting and friendly.  Papabear is now nursing a hangover, but, if you know me at all, you know that whiskey (and drinking in general) just isn't my bag.  So, naturally, I am up, bright and early, hanging out with Littleman on the couch watching PBS kids.

So, those of you on facebook saw I had a run in with the law.  It really wasn't a big deal.  I was pulled over last Sunday on my way to Nico's second birthday party.  I *thought* it was because I was jabbering away on my cell phone.  The officer walks up and says the usual, "License and insurance." (Not registration here in Texas.)  As I dig for the information, I asked why I was pulled over: "Ma'am, your inspection sticker expired in November." Ack.  Indeed it had.  Long story short, with my flustered antics I managed to not get a ticket - however, I promised the officer I would get the car inspected right after the birthday party I was attending (I had birthday presents strewn all over my front seat). Alas, I was so tired after the party, I went straight home..and the next day, Monday, I got that stomach bug.  By Tuesday I had completely forgotten about it...but by Wednesday morning I was in fear of driving into those officers again, so I promptly got my car inspected first thing. So, I am no longer in trouble with the law. (For now!)

In other news, Papabear's mom had sinus surgery on Thursday and she's recovering very well from that. 

We have started packing up our house.  We do a first walk through with the builder on Friday, then they get to fix what we are not happy with, then there's the final walk through, and then...well, I guess you know the rest.  We should be moving the weekend of February 20.  I am very excited about having our own space again.  Renting is so...well, after owning a home, renting really feels like such a step backwards.  The house we're buying is really roomy...we'll actually have a real guest room (NOT Papabear's office with a futon anymore), so feel free to visit.  The neighborhood has an amazing amenity center - it's a private waterpark, basically.  Should be fun.  I'll keep you posted on our purchasing progress.  I feel like it's a little early to post pictures...sort of like saying a baby's name before it's born. (Well, that's how Papabear and I felt with Littleman...for the most part).

I am sad to report that I am not feeling super healthy these days.  Every since the stomach thing last week, I've wanted to eat nothing but bread, rice, and potatoes.  Not exactly great choices for someone who needs to focus on cholesterol and all that nonsense.  OH and I had a HUGE transgression...I was in the candy aisle, (a place I NEVER venture) buying Reese's pieces for Papabear's birthday sundae, and I saw Twizzler Nibs...and I caved.  I don't usually eat licorice, it was my mom's favorite when Chuckie and I were little.  Still, when I opened that bag and placed the first Nib in my mouth, I was five years old.  My mom used to buy licorice at the candy kiosk at the Staten Island mall.  I could hear the crackle of the paper bag they sold it in.  I could remember watching my mother's fingers dig around the bag for the red ones (she liked the black), feeling the anticipation, and then that delicious Red #40 killing my chances at a cavity free childhood (totally worth it, by the way).  Mmmmm.  I ate almost the whole bag...I shared some with Littleman...but still, I am not proud of that.  (Did, however enjoy the unexpected flashback.)

I'll end with this - I am feeling happy these days and I am pretty confident Papabear is getting happier.  I know the whole house-buying thing is keeping him busy in a way that makes him feel purposeful and content.  (Renting really bugged him.)  I still miss people on a daily basis...but I guess we all have to live with that, right?  Who's reading this right now that doesn't have someone they miss?  Whether it be a parent or friend who lives a few states away, or someone that just isn't with us anymore?  That doesn't make the missing feel any better...but not feeling alone in my missing does feel a tiny bit better. 

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Puking Peanut Butter

That was me yesterday.

We started out great.  I got up early and was on time to the gym for my first workout in two weeks.  Even Littleman seemed happy to be getting back to our routine.  I worked out a little too hard and ended up with a bit of a headache.

We then met up with Papabear's mom and sister.  We took them to our new house.  OH, did I forget to mention that???  Long story short, we found a really great house.  Papabear is sick of renting and resigned to the fact that we are going to be in Texas for a few years, so no more renting for us!  Closing in hopefully 30 days...I'll post pictures and details later.  Anyway, they wanted to go through the house with a fine-toothed comb to make sure we get the most of our money.  After about an hour and a half of that (for which I am utterly grateful), I had a migraine and I was starving.

We went for lunch...I ate a few bites of a chicken taco salad and some of Littleman's french fries.  Went straight home and crawled into bed.  This was about 2pm.  By some stroke of luck, Littleman slept for two hours...I, alas, was in too much pain to sleep.  When he woke up, he quietly went to my office to play on my computer while I dealt with the pain in my head...my stomach didn't feel right, and of course, my first response is, "I must need some food."

I opened up a jar of peanut butter and spread it on an apple - thinking, "My, how healthy am I..." COMPLETELY forgetting that VERY morning when Papabear left the house saying, "Hey, you two stay away from peanut butter for a few days, just in case."  I'm blaming the headache for my forgetfulness. (You know about that whole salminella thing...)  Littleman's spidey-sense must have kicked in, he smartly declined the peanut butter snack and asked for plain crackers.

Well, you can imagine how the story ends.  The minute Papabear walked through the door I ran to the bathroom and spent my evening praying to the porcelin prince.  It was awful.  I rarely get sick like that and when it happens it's just so awful.  I cried like a baby.  Mostly crying because I felt so wretched, but then I couldn't stop crying for my BF who is pregnant and has to go through something like that multiple times a day!  I don't know how I'd survive!  Let alone with little people to look after...

Well, the good news is I feel much better today and soon we'll have a house of our own again.  It is HUGE, lots of room for all of you, so come on out for a visit this spring or summer!

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

For Chuckie

Littleman unearthed a Ducktales DVD at the library a while back.  For some unfathomable reason, he LOVES it.  He's watch HOURS and HOURS of it in the past few days due to his fever and mommy letting him sit on the couch for an eternity.  Anyway, my brother, Chuckie, and I used to watch Ducktales on TV after school when we were kids.  I called him to tell him about Littleman's new obsession and Chuckie said, "Remember the Chips Ahoy cookies?"  I had fogotten...but as soon as he mentioned them it came back - I could taste them and the cold glass of milk my mom gave us when we watched the boob tube and readied ourselves for riding our bikes out on the streets of Staten Island.

Here is a video of my son singing and dancing along to the theme song.  This is for Chuckie because I know upon hearing it, he will be sent back about 20 some years....

Ducktales

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

My sister ran a marathon!

I thought good and hard about the title of this entry.  Some contenders: "Disney Rocked!" or "Who goes to the Magic Kingdom and forgets their camera?" (Yes, I did that.)  However, the point of the whole weekend was that my little sister...okay, not so little anymore, actually, 17 years old and a towering 5'9", ran a full on marathon!  Twenty-six MILES! 

IMG_4032

This photo was taken at the last mile, Lauren was smiling and waving her arms at us as we cheered and whooped as she ran by.  I couldn't believe how unphased she looked!  It was hot and sunny and she made running a marathon look as easy as cake.  I was so proud.  I AM so proud.  That's some real dedication there.  I really am glad we could be there to cheer for her and hug her later.  I can't imagine the physical and mental tolls that kind of exertion requires and it's so impressive how cool she is about it.  Afterwards she said, "Well, the marathon wasn't so bad, it's this damn blister!"  She said the blister was worse than the running!  She is super-girl, as far as I am concerned.

So, now you must be wondering about the rest of our trip.  To sum up: awesome and exhausting...but mostly awesome.  With the $170 we saved by saying Littleman was two, Papabear and I bought the Park Hopper tickets so we could take Littleman to all the parks - not to mention the last time Papabear was in Disney two of the parks (Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom) had not been built yet!  So, he was curious.

We started with the character breakfast buffet, which ended up being a major waste of money.  Littleman was fascinated that Leo and June, from Little Einsteins, would be walking around while we ate, but as soon as he saw them up close, he freaked.  He wanted nothing to do with them.  We learned, rather quickly, that he preferred to watch his favorite characters (Goofy and Captain Hook) from a distance.

 

IMG_4024

 

IMG_4023

I'm not sure which was more shocking to Papabear, June making some moves on him or the bill for this breakfast!

We met up with Lauren on Saturday, before the marathon.

IMG_4027

Littleman loved the 3-D muppet show and the Honey I Shrunk the kids play area at Hollywood Studios.

IMG_4031

I DID leave the camera in the car (a tram AND ferry ride away) when we got to Magic Kingdom.  I did buy a disposable and I have to pick the photos up today.  I'll admit, though, that I'm kind of glad I forgot the camera.  I spent more time actually enjoying the moments than behind the lens. When I finally did get my camera back, I really didn't take that much. 

At Animal Kingdom they now have a whole Dinosoaur themed section.  Littleman LOVED it.  There's a giant play area he spent much of the day in - lots of slides and climbing nets.  Super fun for the little guy who's butt was spending a lot of time in the stroller.

IMG_4036

Right after this, Papabear had to leave and catch his plane back to TX.  Littleman and I stayed an extra night so we could spend a little time with Lauren after the Marathon.  Here's Littleman crossing swords with her at Epcot's Norway.

IMG_4046

Sunday night I was SO utterly wasted.  Papabear had gone, Lauren had dinner plans with her running mates, and Littleman and I were just about spent.  I splurged on a cab-ride back to our hotel and ordered pizza from room service.  Somehow, Littleman had enough energy for this:

IMG_4049

We watched the end of the movie, School of Rock, and then crashed into an oblivion of sleep.  The next morning, Monday, we had quite a few hours to kill.  I had planned to spend them in the pool, BUT, it had rained all night and it was cloudy and 62 degrees!  Our hotel was very close to Downtown Disny, so we killed some time there.

IMG_4052

 

IMG_4054

Fortunately, there are loads of free things to do at Downtown Disney.  I did, however, take Littleman to a way-oeverpriced lunch at the very cool T-Rex cafe.  It's a lot like those Rainforest Cafe's - with all the animated, life-size animals, except this one is all dinosaur themed.  It was pretty amazing. Attached to their gift shop is a "sand pit" where kids can use brushes to look for dinosaur bones.  Littleman spent more than 45 minutes in it.  I had a book with me, so that was pretty cool.

IMG_4057

IMG_4058

  So, now we are home and Littleman started spiking a fever yesterday.  He was up to 103 by 9pm last night.  Papabear and I were so sick last week, neither of us could believe that Littleman would avoid it.  Amazingly, it kept at bay until we got home.  He's down to 100.3 this morning and happily watching endless episodes of Ducktales (borrowed from the library).  He has requested baking cookies for daddy, so I will oblige...much to my chagrin (ha ha). 

I loved our trip to Disney, as quick as it was.  Now I know that the best time to take "the kids" is when they are a bit older - six and up, I think.  Then they really get it and can go on just about any ride.  (Littleman cried when he was told he wasn't tall enough for the Star Wars and Autoban/race car rides.)  I suppose I'll start saving now...it will cost nothing less than an arm and a leg.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Happiness is a Blue Jeep

Here's a video of Littleman driving his jeep like the little man that he is.

BlueJeep

And here's Littleman dancing with his cousin on Christmas Eve.

Dance

Enjoy.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Pinch Me!

Disney

So, yesterday afternoon my stepdad called me wondering if Littleman and I would fly over to Orlando this weekend so we could cheer my sister when she finishes the marathon she's running in Disney World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Um....let me think...OKAY!  He feels guilty that he and my mom can't be there.  So, he bought our tickets and hotel room!  I am still in shock.  On Saturday morning I'll be taking my little boy to Disney World...I just can't believe it.  Oh, and in case you are wondering, NO, Papabear absolutely could NOT miss Littleman's first trip to the Magic Kingdom.  We found him a super cheap ticket, and he's coming, too!  He's leaving Sunday, but Littleman and I will stay until Monday afternoon.

I am working frantically to find deals on tickets into Disney World, if I buy them at the gate it will cost over $400! Yikes!  I've also been informed that you can buy "meal plans"...so I'm looking into that as well.  We'll only have two days in the park - I've already decided that we will only be going to MGM (which I believe is now called "Disney Hollywood Studios") and Epcot.  The Hollywood Studios is where Littleman can meet the characters from Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, The Muppets, and Little Einsteins!  And my sister will be finishing her marathon - yes, my 17 year old sister if running an ENTIRE marathon!, in Epcot.  Can't wait to take Littleman to Norway! :)

If you have any Disney tips, please email or call me before Friday!  I am so excited my face hurts from smiling so much.  Techincally, this weekend could potentially cost us around $800 we should really be saving...but, you know what? You only live once.  Papabear and I had already decided that we'd have to put off a Disney trip until our second child was old enough to enjoy it - since it will cost undoubtedly a few grand.  I am grateful for my stepdad's generosity. I still can't believe we're going! 

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

New Year photos

Here we are, outside, chilly, but having fun.

Before2009

Here we are, just a few minutes into 2009.

 

After2009

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

A new year...

Man, 2008 was a doosie for us...at the party we attended last night, which was very small, some one went around and asked, "What was the best thing for you in 2008?" 

As it turns out, I was putting pj's on Littleman when the questioning began, so I missed Papabear's answer...or if he answered at all.  When I returned to the crowd, I could see he was making the "holding back tears" face.  I'm sure no one else noticed...nor were they thinking about what an awful year this had been for him when they began the conversation.

I can't say it was my favorite year, either.  However, my response was gratitude for finding this small niche of friends.  I really, truly feel so lucky that I found four women that I can be myself around.  I'm also grateful (although I did not say this aloud) that they have husbands that my husband gets along with/shares interests, etc.  None of them are musicians, but they are a good group of guys, easy to be around, and most importantly, LOVE a quality beer.  It is SO hard for Papabear to make friends.  It took him forever when we lived in NY...and I know he misses those guys painfully.  I am glad, though, that that we found some people he can have some guy time with.

So Littleman stayed up until midnight!!!  I just can't believe it.  I NEVER thought I'd be hearing my THREE year old say, "Happy New Year, mommy."  By ten o'clock he and his little buddy could barely keep their eyes open, as they sat huddled in a chair under a big blanket as we set off fireworks.  Then the cops showed up!  That was fun, everyone was drunk except me and the little ones.  Turns out fireworks are illegal in that town - luckily we had already blown up the really good ones, also it was about 40 degrees and we were freezing. 

We got home at 1 am.  Littleman was up at 7:30!!!!!  In my sleep I shuffled out to the living room and put on Wall-E, 98 minutes later, I shuffled out again and put on Curious George.  I love that Littleman is at that age where he can get a drinkable yogurt from the fridge, a banana from the fruit bowl, and dry cereal out of the pantry all by himself.  Yes, I feel a little guilty letting him watch nearly FOUR hours of television this morning, but staying up after midnight is just not my bag anymore!  He went in for an early nap over an hour ago.  It's a beautiful day, so I suspect we'll spend the new year's first afternoon at the park.

Speaking of the new year, I am not doing that whole resolution thing.  I've already begun my mission to eat better, live healthier, and try, against all genetic odds to lower my cholesterol.  This is going to be a big year - I plan on having a baby this year, my best friend is having a baby this year, Papabear's best friend, Z, is getting married, two of my siblings, Lauren and AJ, are graduating from high school and will start college in the fall, we are probably going to buy a house...just that is a mouthful and I know there will be more.  As always, I am excited for what adventures lay ahead of us.

Happy New Year, every one!

 

Read and post comments | Send to a friend