So, I have a huge high school reunion coming up this spring. It's for the entire 80's, so covers my graduating class, as well as my brother's and his wife's. They are going, so I have decided to go. I sent my check in today. ($95 per person, I might add)
Now, I'm wondering what I am getting myself into? It's at some lame local hotel, probably in one of the ballrooms. I won't know anyone. At my 10 year reunion, it was all the student government types, certainly not the gang I ran with. The gang I ran with either didn't graduate, transferred to the "drop out" school or sort of disappeared. Still, I can't help but hope there may be some familiar faces. Oh sweet jesus, what the hell am I going to wear??????
The impending party has given me sort of a reality check. I have let my weight skyrocket since the whole prednisone-weight-gain thing. I work out sporadically, but know from experience that it's going to take more than that. So, I've officially decided to join Weight Watchers again. It's served me well in the past, I lost 40 lbs before my wedding. For me, I have to attend meetings and that is the hardest part of all. In a week that leaves little to zero spare time, I somehow need to squeeze a meeting in and be committed to going. It's not going to be easy. Clearly the fact that it's $40 a month to attend isn't enough to get me there. My credit card has been charged this $40 a month since last October, when I rejoined the first time. Have I attended any meetings since then? No. I am aiming for going this Friday.
It's time to get serious. Off to eat my subway turkey sandwich now. (7 points). I already looked up my dinner (round table chicken garlic thin crust for 4 points a piece!).
Wish me luck...
***
Today was William's follow up neurologist appointment to check his development. (He had a skull fracture last June, then subdural hematomas in September most likely from the skull fracture - very long story) We were given the all clear by the neurologist, he appears to be meeting all the expected developmental milestones. He said not to worry about the commando crawling, that some children don't crawl at all.
Whew! That was a huge relief. Ready to put all of that behind us.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Living in the Moment...and Princesses
Once again, I find myself lagging on this whole Blog thing. I am always thinking of things to Blog about, but by the time I actually make it to the computer, I am too tired to write. Then, when I am available to write online, I can't seem to find any motivation. Maybe I do need a blackberry.
So, yeah. Much to my chagrin, Sofia is becoming increasingly interested in all things princess oriented. While watching the Oscars, she was calling any woman in a formal gown and updo a "princess" saying she wants to "go see the lady." This is partly due to her recent interest in dolls and all thinks girlie, but mostly because she knows we are going to see the Disney princesses on ice on Saturday. When we were in Disneyland last November, we saw so many little girls (mostly preschoolers) running around with their princess dresses on over their regular clothes. My eyes rolled back so far into my head, I almost fell over. I swore I would never let Sofia do that, I would never be *that* mom.
Why do I get the feeling I am going to be eating my words here in short order?
***
So, we transitioned Miss Sofia into her own big girl bed over the weekend. We did attempt to do this about 5 months ago and it was such a dismal disaster, I was afraid to try again. Much to my delight, she slept in the bed all night with no problem. She didn't get out, didn't cry, it was - dare I say - easy? Same for naps the next day and again, overnight sleep. Maybe my waiting until she was almost 3 (pure laziness) was a good thing? Time will tell. The real test is going to be in a few weeks when the twins join her in the nursery. I'm not sure how she's going to feel about sharing her room, but she'd better get used to it. I don't think we're going anywhere anytime soon. Steve likes his job and seems to be thriving, plus the flexibility is nothing to sneeze at. I have a great schedule and good health insurance. (trying to look at the positive here)
Other than the sleeping arrangements, having 3 kids in a 2 bedroom house (840 square feet) is thus far incredibly challenging but not unmanageable. My life would be much easier had I another bedroom (or two) a dishwasher (*gasp* I know, 3 under 3 and no dishwasher) and a larger washer/dryer, but then I think of the "olden days" when people had 4 or 5 kids in a house such as mine (and they were considered well off by the standards of the day), probably had to wash even their clothes by hand and I feel silly for complaining. I'm trying to live more in the moment, appreciate what we do have and not be so focused on what we don't have. *huuuuuummmmm*
But if the new sleeping arrangements prevents my children from sleeping well, we're moving. This mamma needs her sleep.
So, yeah. Much to my chagrin, Sofia is becoming increasingly interested in all things princess oriented. While watching the Oscars, she was calling any woman in a formal gown and updo a "princess" saying she wants to "go see the lady." This is partly due to her recent interest in dolls and all thinks girlie, but mostly because she knows we are going to see the Disney princesses on ice on Saturday. When we were in Disneyland last November, we saw so many little girls (mostly preschoolers) running around with their princess dresses on over their regular clothes. My eyes rolled back so far into my head, I almost fell over. I swore I would never let Sofia do that, I would never be *that* mom.
Why do I get the feeling I am going to be eating my words here in short order?
***
So, we transitioned Miss Sofia into her own big girl bed over the weekend. We did attempt to do this about 5 months ago and it was such a dismal disaster, I was afraid to try again. Much to my delight, she slept in the bed all night with no problem. She didn't get out, didn't cry, it was - dare I say - easy? Same for naps the next day and again, overnight sleep. Maybe my waiting until she was almost 3 (pure laziness) was a good thing? Time will tell. The real test is going to be in a few weeks when the twins join her in the nursery. I'm not sure how she's going to feel about sharing her room, but she'd better get used to it. I don't think we're going anywhere anytime soon. Steve likes his job and seems to be thriving, plus the flexibility is nothing to sneeze at. I have a great schedule and good health insurance. (trying to look at the positive here)
Other than the sleeping arrangements, having 3 kids in a 2 bedroom house (840 square feet) is thus far incredibly challenging but not unmanageable. My life would be much easier had I another bedroom (or two) a dishwasher (*gasp* I know, 3 under 3 and no dishwasher) and a larger washer/dryer, but then I think of the "olden days" when people had 4 or 5 kids in a house such as mine (and they were considered well off by the standards of the day), probably had to wash even their clothes by hand and I feel silly for complaining. I'm trying to live more in the moment, appreciate what we do have and not be so focused on what we don't have. *huuuuuummmmm*
But if the new sleeping arrangements prevents my children from sleeping well, we're moving. This mamma needs her sleep.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Coming up on a year!
It has been quite sometime since I updated this blog. There's been quite a bit going on.
I have found that balancing work and parenting to be incredibly challenging. The kids have been sick pretty much off and on since September, so it's been a bit bumpy, but I finally feel like I have gotten my bearings.
As the boys approach their first birthday, I am continuously amazed at their development and burgeoning personalities. Both boys are crawling, both are voraciously eating table food and both are fabulous sleepers (thank god). They pull themselves up on anything they come across and are starting to seem to enjoy each other's company (as opposed to the mild annoyance they seemed to show each other for many months). I call them the anti-twins because people constantly are asking if they are twins. I hear people whispering when we are out. Are they twins? Are they brothers? Is she the nanny? People are really confused.
David is extremely observant and seems to always be thinking. He has to check out what the jar looks like before I feed him. He will spit out certain foods if he doesn't like their texture (avocado, banana) and is quite the lover of anything carb related. His favorites, pancakes and cheerios. When he eats, he's very measured and patiently nibbles on his food, doesn't make a huge mess.
William on the other hand...Since the moment he was born, he was passionate about everything and that includes eating. He inhales anything that you put in front of him, practically licking his fingers when done and squeeling for more. That boy is a CHOWHOUND. It's not a true meal unless there is food everywhere; all over his face, bib, clothes, the floor, in his hair...Suffice it to say, we're doing a lot of baths lately.
I love to watch them explore and play with their big sister. It honestly feels like I've lived 10 lifetimes in this past year, no exaggeration. Last spring is a blur to me. I'm so happy to have made it through and look forward to celebrating my boys turning one soon! Some pics...
David showing off his new teeth.
Sofia having fun at the park.
William showing off his new teeth!
David with some crazy hair!!
I have found that balancing work and parenting to be incredibly challenging. The kids have been sick pretty much off and on since September, so it's been a bit bumpy, but I finally feel like I have gotten my bearings.
As the boys approach their first birthday, I am continuously amazed at their development and burgeoning personalities. Both boys are crawling, both are voraciously eating table food and both are fabulous sleepers (thank god). They pull themselves up on anything they come across and are starting to seem to enjoy each other's company (as opposed to the mild annoyance they seemed to show each other for many months). I call them the anti-twins because people constantly are asking if they are twins. I hear people whispering when we are out. Are they twins? Are they brothers? Is she the nanny? People are really confused.
David is extremely observant and seems to always be thinking. He has to check out what the jar looks like before I feed him. He will spit out certain foods if he doesn't like their texture (avocado, banana) and is quite the lover of anything carb related. His favorites, pancakes and cheerios. When he eats, he's very measured and patiently nibbles on his food, doesn't make a huge mess.
William on the other hand...Since the moment he was born, he was passionate about everything and that includes eating. He inhales anything that you put in front of him, practically licking his fingers when done and squeeling for more. That boy is a CHOWHOUND. It's not a true meal unless there is food everywhere; all over his face, bib, clothes, the floor, in his hair...Suffice it to say, we're doing a lot of baths lately.
I love to watch them explore and play with their big sister. It honestly feels like I've lived 10 lifetimes in this past year, no exaggeration. Last spring is a blur to me. I'm so happy to have made it through and look forward to celebrating my boys turning one soon! Some pics...
David showing off his new teeth.
Sofia having fun at the park.
William showing off his new teeth!David with some crazy hair!!
All the kids in their play "area"
More teefs!!
Shamus and Guido kicking it!
They're ready to update their blog!!
More teefs!!
Shamus and Guido kicking it!
They're ready to update their blog!!
Monday, February 11, 2008
That pesky work/life balance
Since I returned to work 5 months ago, I have struggled to achieve a work/life balance. It has been an uphill battle. There is never enough time to do what I need to do. Chaos surrounds me at all times. I heard the Gossling father from J&K+8 say "Sometimes, I wish I could cut my ears off" and unfortunately, I knew exactly what he meant.
A few weeks ago, I made a few adjustments in my life that should help immensely. First of all, I put Sofia on a wait list to add an extra day for preschool. Once there is an opening, she will attend on Thursdays, my day off, in addition to her Wed/Fri. I feel quite guilty doing this as I adore spending time with my little girl, but taking care of all 3 kids alone has become borderline unmanageable at times.
I took the boys to the park the other day, put them in the swing and they just sat there with a blank, confused look on their faces. They had no idea what to make of a swing. I realized how incredibly sad that is. My boys don't know what it is to swing, go down a slide, play in sand, etc. because I never take them to the park. I never take them anywhere. Sofia was in playgroups, Gymboree, etc. long before their age.
I made the decision that I need to devote more time to them one on one and also to myself. I spoke to my boss about reducing my hours and she agreed. I am hoping to now have more time with the boys, more time to clean, more time to workout, get organized, etc. I've had a few weeks with the new arranegment and have to say, it's been wonderful. Typically, Sofia is in preschool until 3 p.m. when her daddy picks her up, allowing me time to take her on a playdate or late afternoon park run. She comes home beaming, talking about who she played with at school. I think the consistency of attending preschool 3 days in a row is going to be extremely beneficial to both of us as.
Overall, it's a great set up. Of course, my smaller paycheck will not be fabulous, but for a few hours, it's probably worth my peace of mind.
A few weeks ago, I made a few adjustments in my life that should help immensely. First of all, I put Sofia on a wait list to add an extra day for preschool. Once there is an opening, she will attend on Thursdays, my day off, in addition to her Wed/Fri. I feel quite guilty doing this as I adore spending time with my little girl, but taking care of all 3 kids alone has become borderline unmanageable at times.
I took the boys to the park the other day, put them in the swing and they just sat there with a blank, confused look on their faces. They had no idea what to make of a swing. I realized how incredibly sad that is. My boys don't know what it is to swing, go down a slide, play in sand, etc. because I never take them to the park. I never take them anywhere. Sofia was in playgroups, Gymboree, etc. long before their age.
I made the decision that I need to devote more time to them one on one and also to myself. I spoke to my boss about reducing my hours and she agreed. I am hoping to now have more time with the boys, more time to clean, more time to workout, get organized, etc. I've had a few weeks with the new arranegment and have to say, it's been wonderful. Typically, Sofia is in preschool until 3 p.m. when her daddy picks her up, allowing me time to take her on a playdate or late afternoon park run. She comes home beaming, talking about who she played with at school. I think the consistency of attending preschool 3 days in a row is going to be extremely beneficial to both of us as.
Overall, it's a great set up. Of course, my smaller paycheck will not be fabulous, but for a few hours, it's probably worth my peace of mind.
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