It seems as though everything I see lately, says something about the New Year and a New You. I don't want there to be a new me. Maybe a slightly thinner and more fit me, but I like myself just as I am! I mean I have a great life--a wonderful husband, a beautiful and joyful little boy, a house to finally call my own, a "job" that I am loving, what more can a girls ask for! Well since it is the end of the year, I will look forward to the next one! So what do I want to accomplish in 2009? Well lets see...
1. To finish Xander's first year scrapbook before he turns 2, that leaves me only 6 months-yikes!
2. To be healthier--this requires a few steps. First, of all I am not going on a diet, I am just going to eat healthier, write down what I eat, and eat the correct portion size. That's right no counting calories, or fat grams, just a pen and some paper to keep me in line! Second, I am going to drink more water. It is not that I drink a lot of pop, or sweet tea, it's that I just don't drink anything, so I will start. Yes, I will write this down as well, lets try for at least 5 decent size glasses of water! Third, I have a toddler, I will use him as an excuse to run around, play, be silly, and "exercise"!
3. I will not buy unnecessary things this year. Shopping is a huge weakness of mine. I WILL control it! I will be frugal, and if I cannot get it for next to nothing, than we do not need it! Here I come yard/garage sales, craigslist, Marshall's and consignment stores!!!!! (Chris I know you will appreciate and help me with this one!)
4. I will try at least one new recipe a week! I have even started this today! I have a recipe in the slow cooker as we speak! This will not only allow us to broaden our menus, but also play into my frugality and make me plan my grocery shopping trips better, so I do not buy useless things. Stock the pantry with basics and use them and a wonderful array of spices to create wonderful meals!!!!
5. I will read at least one new book a month! I have lots of options sitting on the book case!
There, I think that sounds pretty good! Nothing too challenging, so I'll actually stick to it, and yet things that can only benefit and enhance my life! Here's to a wonderful 2009! May we all have good health, happiness and lots of love!!!
12/29/08
It's so nice
It's so nice when I have the opportunity to rock my "baby" to sleep. Xander is full of get up and go, and doesn't like to stand still very long. So it was nice that today and yesterday he let me hold him and rock him to sleep, for his nap time. Those are the kinds of moments that I want to cherish forever & hold for always in my heart. So on those days when he is misbehaving, I can flash to the days when he just wanted to sit in my lap and be rocked!!
He is such a joy, and growing up so fast! It seems like every day he does or says something new. He knows his colors, can count to five, and does pretty good naming fruits, vegetables, animals and other items. He also likes to repeat things we say. We definitely have to watch what we say. We have also taken to spelling things, who knows how long before he knows what we are spelling! We have meaning to give him a haircut, as he needs one, but then again, won't that make him look even more like a little boy? Oh they grow up too fast!!!!
He is such a joy, and growing up so fast! It seems like every day he does or says something new. He knows his colors, can count to five, and does pretty good naming fruits, vegetables, animals and other items. He also likes to repeat things we say. We definitely have to watch what we say. We have also taken to spelling things, who knows how long before he knows what we are spelling! We have meaning to give him a haircut, as he needs one, but then again, won't that make him look even more like a little boy? Oh they grow up too fast!!!!
12/26/08
Like the new kid in school
I don't know if it is because I am ten years older, or that I have a baby to protect, or that I am feeling like the new kid in school, but I am having a hard time making a point to get out and make friends here in Texas. It may have something to do with the fact that I am not working, unlike any of my previous moves, you are kind of forced to meet new people when you start a new job. Also, I had really special friends in SC, whom I love and miss terribly. I don't want them to feel replaced or abandoned anymore than they feel already. I obviously need adult contact, and while Chris and I have a great relationship-sometimes you just need to talk with your girlfriends. Now don't get me wrong I talk to one of my best friends nearly every day, but she lives in SC has 3 kids of her own and a full time job, so it is unfair to burden her with all my "problems". Time for a change!!! "New Year, New Me" will be my motto in 2009. I WILL make at least one new friend. I WILL go on play dates to give my son the opportunity to play with other children--and get some non-mommy time! I WILL be the confident and outgoing person I was before the move! There don't you feel better--I know I do!!!!!
Friday Fill-in 12/26/2008
1. I must __make my (positive) mark on this world___ before I die.
2. You can't stop _believing in yourself and others____.
3. I wish I never had to buy _unfortunately I like buying things--but if I never had to worry where the money was coming from to pay for them!____ again.
4. _Xander___ has helped me change my life.
5. I know the song _Do kids songs count-I sure know a lot of them!____ by heart.
6. If I weren't so afraid, I would _set out to meet more people in TX, slowly but surely I'm coming around!____.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _playing with Xander____, tomorrow my plans include _getting a haircut?____ and Sunday, I want to __spend time with Chris and Xander___!
2. You can't stop _believing in yourself and others____.
3. I wish I never had to buy _unfortunately I like buying things--but if I never had to worry where the money was coming from to pay for them!____ again.
4. _Xander___ has helped me change my life.
5. I know the song _Do kids songs count-I sure know a lot of them!____ by heart.
6. If I weren't so afraid, I would _set out to meet more people in TX, slowly but surely I'm coming around!____.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _playing with Xander____, tomorrow my plans include _getting a haircut?____ and Sunday, I want to __spend time with Chris and Xander___!
12/25/08
Santa Came!!!!
Santa came to town today!!! Xander seemed kind of confused, and wasn't really into opening presents. He was however, interested when we opened a present and then he could see what was in it! There was no stopping him then! He did have a blast running from one thing to another!! Overall a good Christmas, would be better if a.) we could spend it with friends and family and b.) Xander did not have a fever, poor thing! Merry Christmas!!
12/20/08
Friday fill-in on Saturday!
1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, __why aren't you sleeping___.
2. The first Noel, the angel did say, __this is the reason for the season___.
3. __no hills it is pretty flat here___, Over the hills and everywhere.
4. It came upon the midnight clear, _a windy-wind____.
5. __release all your burdens___, Let your heart be light.
6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing __and sing loud and proud and don't be afraid___.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _watching Christmas movies and making fudge____, tomorrow my plans include _watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music, and wrapping Christmas presents ____ and Sunday, I want to _well I don't want to but I will be cleaning the house____!
And the answers for real!
1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, _do you hear what I hear____.
2. The first Noel, the angel did say, _as to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay____.
3. _Go tell it on the mountain__, Over the hills and everywhere.
4. It came upon the midnight clear, _that glorious song of old____.
5. _Have yourself a Merry little Christmas____, Let your heart be light.
6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing _from your own front porch___.
7. See # 7 above Special thanks to carols.org for help with #'s 4 and 5
2. The first Noel, the angel did say, __this is the reason for the season___.
3. __no hills it is pretty flat here___, Over the hills and everywhere.
4. It came upon the midnight clear, _a windy-wind____.
5. __release all your burdens___, Let your heart be light.
6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing __and sing loud and proud and don't be afraid___.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _watching Christmas movies and making fudge____, tomorrow my plans include _watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music, and wrapping Christmas presents ____ and Sunday, I want to _well I don't want to but I will be cleaning the house____!
And the answers for real!
1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, _do you hear what I hear____.
2. The first Noel, the angel did say, _as to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay____.
3. _Go tell it on the mountain__, Over the hills and everywhere.
4. It came upon the midnight clear, _that glorious song of old____.
5. _Have yourself a Merry little Christmas____, Let your heart be light.
6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing _from your own front porch___.
7. See # 7 above Special thanks to carols.org for help with #'s 4 and 5
12/18/08
This weather is too wacky for words!
So today is December 18, 2008. It is approximately one week until Christmas and it is 78 degrees outside--yeah you read right!!! Earlier this week it was 40+ with a windchill of 32+, and overnight lows in the 30's. Now I am not saying that I don't like the warm weather but going from 75 one day to 40 the next takes a toll on the body. Mine is so confused it doesn't know if it should be sweating or shivering! According to the 10 day forecast our low tonight will be 63, but the low Sunday night will be 30--the weather here is crazy! I feel for my family in Minnesota where winter is always damn cold, but at least it is consistent!
12/11/08
Fill In Fun-- for 12/12/08
Thank you to my sister for finding Friday Fill-In!
1. Snow _balls____.
2. I'm looking forward to _Christmas Day____.
3. _Xander____ is the best __son___ ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is _Full House____.
5. I'm done with _cold weather____.
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is _Christmas music and FOOD____.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _working on scrapbook____, tomorrow my plans include _spending time with Chris and Xander____ and Sunday, I want to _look at Christmas lights____!
1. Snow _balls____.
2. I'm looking forward to _Christmas Day____.
3. _Xander____ is the best __son___ ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is _Full House____.
5. I'm done with _cold weather____.
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is _Christmas music and FOOD____.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _working on scrapbook____, tomorrow my plans include _spending time with Chris and Xander____ and Sunday, I want to _look at Christmas lights____!
It's beginning to look a lot like...
Christmas?!?!? Wait no it's not! It did feel very wintry yesterday, and we did get some snow, but alas, it is sunny and warmer today, with no trace of the light dusting-it's as though it didn't happen, just a figment of the imagination! Although I miss the beauty of snow, and how it makes everything look magical, I do not miss the cold! My body has adjusted to the heat of living in the southern part of the country.
12/2/08
Things I am Thankful For
- My wonderful husband Chris..we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on November 25th! I love you soooooooo much!
- My beautiful little boy Alexander! You and your father are my heart. I enjoy every second I have with you! You amaze and delight me at every turn!
- My family--we were lucky enough to have both Chris' mom and my mom and dad here the last couple of weeks! It was great that they drove down to see us, but the visits were too short! It makes me realize what a great set of parents I have and how much they love me! I miss them so much!
- My sisters--oh, how I miss them! I also realized how much more I love them, and how special they are to me, and how I would feel if I lost one of them. My brother-in-law lost his sister right before Thanksgiving and it makes my heart ache to think about losing one of my sisters. I love you two!
- My friends--I miss you all so much and am thankful that you are only a phone call or e-mail away!
- My health--other than a few aches and pains I am feeling pretty good!
- My home--I am thankful to have a roof over my head, and in this stressed economy, that is a lot!
- My freedom--thank you to the men and woman who serve our country and protect what I hold dear!
Although Thanksgiving was a few days ago, I am thankful for these things everyday!
11/6/08
For my husband
In approximately 19 days we will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary, and 16 years of being together. It seems like just yesterday that I met you for the first time, you and I have grown up together over the last 16 years. Chris you are the light of my life, you bring me such joy, and fill my heart with so much love. Thank you for loving me and giving me your heart. Last year you gave me what no other person ever can, our beautiful son, and for that I will forever be grateful. The two of you are the most important people in my life, and I am so thankful for each and every moment we have. I don't want either of you to go a moment with out knowing how much I love you! And as our wedding song says "I cross my heart, and promise to, give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true. In all the world, you'll never find, a love as true as mine." I look forward to the next 50+ years with you raising our child(ren), and growing old together. As Randy Travis says ours is "a love without end, amen"! Forever yours, your loving wife
For my son
It has been said that there is nothing like the love a parent has for a child, and this did not ring true until I had you. Xander, I love you so much that my heart feels like it will burst. You make me laugh, you make me cry, you let me see things through your eyes, and explore with you. I see the wonder in your eyes when you see something new, or realize you can do something you've never done before. I see the pride when you accomplish something new, and the disappointment and frustration when you realize you can't do it. You make me want to be a better person. You make me want to make this world a better place, not only for you, my sweet innocent boy, but for all the people living on it. Today you are 17 months old, and although you don't know it, you have made my world a better place. I love you from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet, you are my everyday! Mom
10/16/08
And they say "You can’t go home again"
So there is an old saying "You can’t go home again". Well in some ways I suppose that is true. Xander and I just returned from a long over due trip to Northern Minnesota to visit family. We stayed at my childhood home. It is different to go back to your childhood home after 10+ years of being gone (no it has not been 10 years since I have been home to visit, I simply mean having lived there!). It seems like every time I "go home" something is different. For the most part it is exciting, I get to explore my childhood home and see what is different and exciting. Yet at the same time it is sad, because it makes it harder to remember it, as it was, when I lived there! The previous times I came home for visits I did a lot of "running", visiting people here and there. This time I stayed put (but for a couple of trips) and just let my child enjoy his aunties, uncles, cousins and grandparents. I let friends and family come to me!!! We had a great time and to all those who came to see us-thanks, it was nice visiting with you!
It is refreshing to look at things you take for granted through the eyes of a child, where every thing is new and exciting. Who knew that picking up acorns, pine cones, leaves and sticks in the rain could be so much fun and so rewarding!?!?!? How about seeing kitties, dogs, and horses in person instead of a book; riding on a tractor with Grandpa Jeff; chasing your cousin around grandpa and grandma's house and letting her chase you; playing with Grandma Jan's rock collection and then drawing on her refrigerator with dry erase markers; playing with Grandma Peg's "robot" foot and the Velcro straps; getting lots of hugs and kisses and tickles form family members who love you so much and wish you were closer, so that they could see you more than once a year!
So the old saying "You can't go home again", I think that for the most part it rings true. For you see I can go home and visit--for it's not the home, but the family I miss. And, as long as my family is there it doesn't really matter where we are! They say home is where your heart is and now my home is wherever my husband and son are, for they are my heart. Does that mean that I don't miss my family in Minnesota--hell no! I miss them terribly, and I think about them often, but right now it means that my house at the end of the cul-de-sac in Texas is home! We may be physically over a 1000 miles apart but they are always close in my head and my heart! Oh and just a phone call away!
It is refreshing to look at things you take for granted through the eyes of a child, where every thing is new and exciting. Who knew that picking up acorns, pine cones, leaves and sticks in the rain could be so much fun and so rewarding!?!?!? How about seeing kitties, dogs, and horses in person instead of a book; riding on a tractor with Grandpa Jeff; chasing your cousin around grandpa and grandma's house and letting her chase you; playing with Grandma Jan's rock collection and then drawing on her refrigerator with dry erase markers; playing with Grandma Peg's "robot" foot and the Velcro straps; getting lots of hugs and kisses and tickles form family members who love you so much and wish you were closer, so that they could see you more than once a year!
So the old saying "You can't go home again", I think that for the most part it rings true. For you see I can go home and visit--for it's not the home, but the family I miss. And, as long as my family is there it doesn't really matter where we are! They say home is where your heart is and now my home is wherever my husband and son are, for they are my heart. Does that mean that I don't miss my family in Minnesota--hell no! I miss them terribly, and I think about them often, but right now it means that my house at the end of the cul-de-sac in Texas is home! We may be physically over a 1000 miles apart but they are always close in my head and my heart! Oh and just a phone call away!
9/23/08
Some of his favorite things...
Well in a couple of weeks my little one will be 16 months old...time flies! Here are some of the things he's loving right now!
1. Dora and Diego cartoons...and I mean LOVES them. He will turn on the t.v. and wait for me to turn them on. He's also started participating more, and will clap when they clap and point at the t.v. and sometimes he runs up to the t.v.
2. Food-he will now go to his highchair when he is ready to eat, either for snack time or lunch time. He will pretty much eat anything, although he has his moods. Some of particular favorites are cottage cheese, yogurt, fish, any kind of fruit and cheesy puffs!
3. Books--he will bring us book after book for us to read to him, both story books (his favorite is Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?) or picture books he loves the ones with animals and other children.
4. His mama--having been with him now 24/7 for a little over a month, he has definitely became more of a mama's boy, and gets very clingy when strangers talk to him, or I leave his sight (unless he's watching Dora or Diego)!
5. Water-he loves to splash in the water, both outside at his water table, and at bath time. The only thing is that he sometimes splashes so hard he gets water in his face which he does not care for!
6. Going outside--he loves to go outside and especially loves the front of the house where the sidewalk and driveway are. He is not as fond of the back yard unless he's at the water table (the grass is kind of poky when he falls down). He loves to pick up rocks and sticks.
7. Balls--anytime we see a ball in a store he goes nuts! He has at least 6 different balls, and he actually has a pretty good arm, he has some pretty good distance. Sometimes he'll throw whatever's within arms reach, blocks, shoes, stuffed animals!
8. Kisses and tickles--he laughs like crazy when Chris or I tickle him, and he loves getting kisses, though he hasn't quite figured out how to give them. When I or Chris ask for kisses he leans his forehead towards us...but it is very sweet.
9. Cell phones and the house phone--he loves to hold them and he'll hold them up to his ear and say Hi or Hey, but when their is actually someone on the other end, he gets shy and will smile and wave, but clams up!
10. Last but not least Ghali and Paci--Paci short for the pacifier of course, he seems to do more biting of the thing then sucking it and he will keep an eye on it, and when we take it form him when he eats, he will go to wherever we put it on the table and if he cannot reach it himself, he starts hollering. Ghali is his lovey, and it is a giraffe/blanket. He is called Ghali because before he was born we called Xander Boutrous, as is Boutrous Boutrous Ghali! Anyways Ghali goes everywhere with us and we actually have two, so he is never without one, especially when he needs a bath (Ghali that is). Xander likes to sniff Ghali, put a corner in is eye, ear, nose, toes, and he loves to rub him between his fingers.
1. Dora and Diego cartoons...and I mean LOVES them. He will turn on the t.v. and wait for me to turn them on. He's also started participating more, and will clap when they clap and point at the t.v. and sometimes he runs up to the t.v.
2. Food-he will now go to his highchair when he is ready to eat, either for snack time or lunch time. He will pretty much eat anything, although he has his moods. Some of particular favorites are cottage cheese, yogurt, fish, any kind of fruit and cheesy puffs!
3. Books--he will bring us book after book for us to read to him, both story books (his favorite is Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?) or picture books he loves the ones with animals and other children.
4. His mama--having been with him now 24/7 for a little over a month, he has definitely became more of a mama's boy, and gets very clingy when strangers talk to him, or I leave his sight (unless he's watching Dora or Diego)!
5. Water-he loves to splash in the water, both outside at his water table, and at bath time. The only thing is that he sometimes splashes so hard he gets water in his face which he does not care for!
6. Going outside--he loves to go outside and especially loves the front of the house where the sidewalk and driveway are. He is not as fond of the back yard unless he's at the water table (the grass is kind of poky when he falls down). He loves to pick up rocks and sticks.
7. Balls--anytime we see a ball in a store he goes nuts! He has at least 6 different balls, and he actually has a pretty good arm, he has some pretty good distance. Sometimes he'll throw whatever's within arms reach, blocks, shoes, stuffed animals!
8. Kisses and tickles--he laughs like crazy when Chris or I tickle him, and he loves getting kisses, though he hasn't quite figured out how to give them. When I or Chris ask for kisses he leans his forehead towards us...but it is very sweet.
9. Cell phones and the house phone--he loves to hold them and he'll hold them up to his ear and say Hi or Hey, but when their is actually someone on the other end, he gets shy and will smile and wave, but clams up!
10. Last but not least Ghali and Paci--Paci short for the pacifier of course, he seems to do more biting of the thing then sucking it and he will keep an eye on it, and when we take it form him when he eats, he will go to wherever we put it on the table and if he cannot reach it himself, he starts hollering. Ghali is his lovey, and it is a giraffe/blanket. He is called Ghali because before he was born we called Xander Boutrous, as is Boutrous Boutrous Ghali! Anyways Ghali goes everywhere with us and we actually have two, so he is never without one, especially when he needs a bath (Ghali that is). Xander likes to sniff Ghali, put a corner in is eye, ear, nose, toes, and he loves to rub him between his fingers.
9/22/08
Returning to normal?
So unless you live under a rock, most of you know that Southeast Texas was hit by a nasty hurricane named Ike! Well unfortunately I can say that I have weathered (no pun intended) a hurricane. Although we were not directly in the line of the hurricane, because Ike was so big, we did receive a lot of wind (70 mph at least) and rain. Thankfully the new house seemed to withstand pretty good. The fence not so much, part of it that was attached between the house and the gate twisted in the wind and fell over. Also, because we lost power from 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning until 4:30 p.m. Monday, most everything in the fridge/freezer had to go, for future reference if you have an ice/water dispenser be sure to plug up the dispenser hole, or you will have leaks as the ice in the dispenser tray melts!! But, we can be thankful that is all we lost.
It was definitely an experience I hope I never have to have again! Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people who lost a little, a lot, or everything!
So now everyone is trying to return to normal, schools are opening back up this week, businesses are getting power back and reopening. That said I am back to the daily grind as well. Trying to maintain a schedule with Xander, as well as looking for child care, taking care of the house, tying up loose moving ends (change of address anyone?)! It is definitely a lot harder to do things when you have a curious little boy with you! I think things take twice as long!!!
Well back to it! The little one will be waking up soon!
It was definitely an experience I hope I never have to have again! Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people who lost a little, a lot, or everything!
So now everyone is trying to return to normal, schools are opening back up this week, businesses are getting power back and reopening. That said I am back to the daily grind as well. Trying to maintain a schedule with Xander, as well as looking for child care, taking care of the house, tying up loose moving ends (change of address anyone?)! It is definitely a lot harder to do things when you have a curious little boy with you! I think things take twice as long!!!
Well back to it! The little one will be waking up soon!
9/4/08
What to do, What to do!
So now that we are getting settled, and things are going smoothly, I have been thinking about going back to work. It's not that I don't want to work, it's just that I don't know if I want to in the same place.
I worked for over nine years at the same store. I helped open the store and saw it before it had any shelves, or fixtures. I set some of the first planograms (for those of you not in retail-planograms are what we use to set all the pegs and shelves in place, so that the merchandise can be organized), filled shelves, put up fresh decals. I have also held a lot of different positions in the store from a cashier supervisor to an hourly store manager. There were definitely good times as well as not so good times at "my" store. But, everything seemed to change around June of 2007. See that is when my son was born. I had a glorious 12 weeks learning how to be a mom and taking care of my new baby. But then I had to go back to work (now I know most people don't get the luxury of 12 weeks, some only get 6) not only was the staff different and people had changed positions, but the attitude was different. The "Fast, Fun and Friendliness" was gone, in its place was laziness, hatefulness and blame. The only thing that kept me going was knowing that Chris was going to get a new job. One that would set me free of that place, and the unhappiness and stress that it caused.
Well, I got my freedom from that store, and although I miss most of the people terribly, I do not miss that atmosphere at all. But my dilemma now, is do I want to continue to work for the same company doing what I know, because it provides me with benefits, or do I want to take a leap and try something new that is not retail, that allows me to work part-time doing something that fulfills me! I have been in the store that I would work at, at to be honest I did not feel the "fast, fun and friendliness" there, but for one cashier! I guess I'll be taking a look in the want-ads! I still have a little time to decide, as I won't be going back to work until after Xander and I get back from a trip to see our family in MN!
I worked for over nine years at the same store. I helped open the store and saw it before it had any shelves, or fixtures. I set some of the first planograms (for those of you not in retail-planograms are what we use to set all the pegs and shelves in place, so that the merchandise can be organized), filled shelves, put up fresh decals. I have also held a lot of different positions in the store from a cashier supervisor to an hourly store manager. There were definitely good times as well as not so good times at "my" store. But, everything seemed to change around June of 2007. See that is when my son was born. I had a glorious 12 weeks learning how to be a mom and taking care of my new baby. But then I had to go back to work (now I know most people don't get the luxury of 12 weeks, some only get 6) not only was the staff different and people had changed positions, but the attitude was different. The "Fast, Fun and Friendliness" was gone, in its place was laziness, hatefulness and blame. The only thing that kept me going was knowing that Chris was going to get a new job. One that would set me free of that place, and the unhappiness and stress that it caused.
Well, I got my freedom from that store, and although I miss most of the people terribly, I do not miss that atmosphere at all. But my dilemma now, is do I want to continue to work for the same company doing what I know, because it provides me with benefits, or do I want to take a leap and try something new that is not retail, that allows me to work part-time doing something that fulfills me! I have been in the store that I would work at, at to be honest I did not feel the "fast, fun and friendliness" there, but for one cashier! I guess I'll be taking a look in the want-ads! I still have a little time to decide, as I won't be going back to work until after Xander and I get back from a trip to see our family in MN!
9/2/08
We made it!!
Well for those of you reading, whom I left hanging...things are great! We did not have a crack in the foundation (just an air bubble), and other than a one day delay, we were able to close on our house and move in! Of course a lot has happened since I last posted. Sorry it has taken so long, but moving is a big effort. Oh and we just got Internet access and such late last week!
So the drive from SC to TX was a pretty smooth one! Unfortunately Chris had to drive the Uhaul, that left me and Xander to make the long drive together. Now if you have never ridden in a car with a toddler, you may not know that they have the attention span of a fruit fly! Thankfully I purchased a personal DVD player. So Xander was amused with Diego and Dora videos for the 949+ mile trip, that and he took some naps, ate snacks, etc. It was a pretty nice drive, and thankfully we made the trip before Gustave arrived, as that was the area which we drove through.
As far as moving into the house and getting settled--so far, so good! I am on a leave of absence from work, so Xander and I get to hang out and I try to unpack things while he "helps"! He has adapted rather well to the move and seems excited by the house, especially the back yard and the stairs (it is a two-story house)! Slowly, but surely we will get everything together! Most everything is unpacked--just have some odds and ends, and a little organizing to do!
Chris started work on the 25th and seems to really enjoy it! He is still learning, but as he is super smart, he will get the hang of things pretty quickly! He had a nice three day weekend because of Labor Day, and spent part of Sunday mowing the lawn--something he hasn't done in over 12 years! Let's just say he was feeling it yesterday morning!
Yesterday was my niece Evie's first birthday! It seems like just yesterday I was crying over the fact that my son was turning one! And then I teared up at the fact that she is now one! I looked at the pictures from her party--what a cutie! Wish we could have been there! Though like I've said before, it is so nice that we have the technology to send pictures within the same day as something happens! I miss our Minnesota families so much, and am very much looking forward to going there in October!
Speaking of little ones--sound as though mine is stirring! Until we meet again!
So the drive from SC to TX was a pretty smooth one! Unfortunately Chris had to drive the Uhaul, that left me and Xander to make the long drive together. Now if you have never ridden in a car with a toddler, you may not know that they have the attention span of a fruit fly! Thankfully I purchased a personal DVD player. So Xander was amused with Diego and Dora videos for the 949+ mile trip, that and he took some naps, ate snacks, etc. It was a pretty nice drive, and thankfully we made the trip before Gustave arrived, as that was the area which we drove through.
As far as moving into the house and getting settled--so far, so good! I am on a leave of absence from work, so Xander and I get to hang out and I try to unpack things while he "helps"! He has adapted rather well to the move and seems excited by the house, especially the back yard and the stairs (it is a two-story house)! Slowly, but surely we will get everything together! Most everything is unpacked--just have some odds and ends, and a little organizing to do!
Chris started work on the 25th and seems to really enjoy it! He is still learning, but as he is super smart, he will get the hang of things pretty quickly! He had a nice three day weekend because of Labor Day, and spent part of Sunday mowing the lawn--something he hasn't done in over 12 years! Let's just say he was feeling it yesterday morning!
Yesterday was my niece Evie's first birthday! It seems like just yesterday I was crying over the fact that my son was turning one! And then I teared up at the fact that she is now one! I looked at the pictures from her party--what a cutie! Wish we could have been there! Though like I've said before, it is so nice that we have the technology to send pictures within the same day as something happens! I miss our Minnesota families so much, and am very much looking forward to going there in October!
Speaking of little ones--sound as though mine is stirring! Until we meet again!
8/14/08
Are you Serious?????
So in my last blog posting I mentioned that we were buying a house. How exciting we thought, our first home. Now I know why I have been renting for the last 10+ years. I think this moving experience is going to give me an ulcer.
Not only do I have to fax like a thousand things both to the mortgage place and the home company, but now we've had an inspection and everything is great except for two things. Turns out they are two really BIG things. First the air conditioner is not working right--hello have you see the weather in TX, it is hot-- A/C is a must! Second there is a crack in the foundation-so now we do not know whether we will be able to get that fixed in a weeks time, which is when we are supposed to be closing on the house---aaaagh! Apparently we have to hire a structural engineer to determine the severity of the crack, and if it is severe enough, then they have to rip up the floor in that spot to get to the foundation, so they can fix it.
Now we cannot just sit here and wait, as we have given our notice at the apartment, and we have a Uhaul truck scheduled for Monday morning!!! Chris also HAS to start work by September 1st--and, that is the reason we are moving in the first place!!! We also have to close by the 26th of August with our mortgage---aaaagh. So either we will be living out of our car until all of this is taken care of, or we will have to get a storage building and live out of it! Oh the stress--I think my stomach just seized! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!
Not only do I have to fax like a thousand things both to the mortgage place and the home company, but now we've had an inspection and everything is great except for two things. Turns out they are two really BIG things. First the air conditioner is not working right--hello have you see the weather in TX, it is hot-- A/C is a must! Second there is a crack in the foundation-so now we do not know whether we will be able to get that fixed in a weeks time, which is when we are supposed to be closing on the house---aaaagh! Apparently we have to hire a structural engineer to determine the severity of the crack, and if it is severe enough, then they have to rip up the floor in that spot to get to the foundation, so they can fix it.
Now we cannot just sit here and wait, as we have given our notice at the apartment, and we have a Uhaul truck scheduled for Monday morning!!! Chris also HAS to start work by September 1st--and, that is the reason we are moving in the first place!!! We also have to close by the 26th of August with our mortgage---aaaagh. So either we will be living out of our car until all of this is taken care of, or we will have to get a storage building and live out of it! Oh the stress--I think my stomach just seized! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!
8/9/08
Things have been a little bit crazy!
Well it has been a while since I typed anything, but with good reason. We are soon to be on the move! Chris has found himself a job "Deep in the Heart of Texas"--Near Houston to be more specific! It is an exciting new chapter in the lives of our family! We have lived here in SC for just over 10 years. It will be sad to leave all the wonderful people we have become friends with, but they are never more than a phone call, e-mail or text away.
As our families will tell you they are all a tad disappointed, because we are not moving back to MN. Technically we are only 1-2 hours closer than we are now. But, even though they are sad, I know that they only want the best for us, and are truly excited. And it will be a nice place to visit in the winter months when MN gets sooooo cold!
More exciting news is that Chris and I are buying our first home. It will be nice to finally have something that is ours. Oh to think of all the money we have spent in rent over the years! It will be fun decorate the new house, the way we want it. I of course am not looking forward to the actual painting and such, but you do what you do!
I will be taking a leave of absence from work for multiple reasons. First, I need a break! Secondly, as I have relied on one of my best friends to watch Xander while I'm at work, I need to find a suitable daycare for him. Thirdly, I am not sure exactly what I want to do yet! I know I will transfer to another "retail store", but I just don't know what I want to do there or how many hours I want to work a week! Only time will tell!
Well I hear my sweet little boy stirring in his room, so I will sign off. Until next time!
As our families will tell you they are all a tad disappointed, because we are not moving back to MN. Technically we are only 1-2 hours closer than we are now. But, even though they are sad, I know that they only want the best for us, and are truly excited. And it will be a nice place to visit in the winter months when MN gets sooooo cold!
More exciting news is that Chris and I are buying our first home. It will be nice to finally have something that is ours. Oh to think of all the money we have spent in rent over the years! It will be fun decorate the new house, the way we want it. I of course am not looking forward to the actual painting and such, but you do what you do!
I will be taking a leave of absence from work for multiple reasons. First, I need a break! Secondly, as I have relied on one of my best friends to watch Xander while I'm at work, I need to find a suitable daycare for him. Thirdly, I am not sure exactly what I want to do yet! I know I will transfer to another "retail store", but I just don't know what I want to do there or how many hours I want to work a week! Only time will tell!
Well I hear my sweet little boy stirring in his room, so I will sign off. Until next time!
7/19/08
I Like Myself!
There is children's book, that I bought for my son-based solely on the title. It is called I Like Myself! It is by Karen Beaumont, with illustrations by David Catrow.
"I like myself!
I'm glad I'm me.
There's no one else I'd rather be."
If there is one thing I can instill in my child (and possible future children) it is to love themselves, and to be who they are, no matter what other people think, because what people see on the outside is just a fraction of what makes you, you! I want to teach my son to be a good person, and that what is in his heart and mind is more important than his looks. A beautiful person is NOT beautiful if there is hate in their heart and mind! A baby is not born hating anyone or anything. It is how that baby is raised and the environment in which that baby is raised that makes them grow into adults who hate, and who obviously do not like themselves!
There is another children's book that we read over and over to Xander. It is called Whoever You Are by Mem Fox and illustrated by Leslie Staub.
"Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world."
This book talks about children all over the world and the differences in their outward appearances and in how they live, but how we are all the same in our hearts. Do you think the world would be a different place if every parent all over the world read these books to their children? Maybe we wouldn't be so quick to look at some one and judge them solely on their outward appearance.
Thanks for letting me share these books with you, and I hope that you will take the opportunity to read them and share them with the children in your life. If we all were to like ourselves more, maybe we wouldn't dislike others so much!
"I like myself!
I'm glad I'm me.
There's no one else I'd rather be."
If there is one thing I can instill in my child (and possible future children) it is to love themselves, and to be who they are, no matter what other people think, because what people see on the outside is just a fraction of what makes you, you! I want to teach my son to be a good person, and that what is in his heart and mind is more important than his looks. A beautiful person is NOT beautiful if there is hate in their heart and mind! A baby is not born hating anyone or anything. It is how that baby is raised and the environment in which that baby is raised that makes them grow into adults who hate, and who obviously do not like themselves!
There is another children's book that we read over and over to Xander. It is called Whoever You Are by Mem Fox and illustrated by Leslie Staub.
"Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world."
This book talks about children all over the world and the differences in their outward appearances and in how they live, but how we are all the same in our hearts. Do you think the world would be a different place if every parent all over the world read these books to their children? Maybe we wouldn't be so quick to look at some one and judge them solely on their outward appearance.
Thanks for letting me share these books with you, and I hope that you will take the opportunity to read them and share them with the children in your life. If we all were to like ourselves more, maybe we wouldn't dislike others so much!
6/28/08
What I am thinking about today!
It seems that I have incredible meaningful thoughts that I would love to express on my blog...when I am driving in the car, or at work, or while shopping. Then when I come here to type, I don't remember the the utter "brilliance" that I wanted to share (ha ha), or what I am feeling at those moments. I really think that I need to get a tape recorder of some sort.
Lately a lot of my thoughts have been in reference to the changes that will be happening to the O'Brien family this year. No-- the changes do not involve having a baby...we are not ready for that yet! No, it involves the imminent move to...well that's just it, I don't know where, or when. Everything is up in the air.
I feel bad for Chris, because I know that he has a lot of pressure to not only find a job, but to find a job he loves, that not only pays well, but is in a place that the whole family will love. I have already decided that I will be taking a leave of absence from the place I work, at least until I find a place or a person I feel comfortable leaving my child with, so with that I have no problem! Then after that I don't know! I am trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up..more thoughts on that at a later date.
I am excited at the prospect of this move and the new adventure that awaits, but I am also saddened knowing that we will be leaving the family of friends we have made here. We have lived here for 10 years and we have made a lot of friends and memories and it will be hard to say goodbye. Hopefully wherever we move to we can come back and visit, and our friends will want to come visit us!
Well that is it for today, until next time!!!!
Lately a lot of my thoughts have been in reference to the changes that will be happening to the O'Brien family this year. No-- the changes do not involve having a baby...we are not ready for that yet! No, it involves the imminent move to...well that's just it, I don't know where, or when. Everything is up in the air.
I feel bad for Chris, because I know that he has a lot of pressure to not only find a job, but to find a job he loves, that not only pays well, but is in a place that the whole family will love. I have already decided that I will be taking a leave of absence from the place I work, at least until I find a place or a person I feel comfortable leaving my child with, so with that I have no problem! Then after that I don't know! I am trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up..more thoughts on that at a later date.
I am excited at the prospect of this move and the new adventure that awaits, but I am also saddened knowing that we will be leaving the family of friends we have made here. We have lived here for 10 years and we have made a lot of friends and memories and it will be hard to say goodbye. Hopefully wherever we move to we can come back and visit, and our friends will want to come visit us!
Well that is it for today, until next time!!!!
What happens in a year!
So much can change in a year. When Xander was born we had his hand and foot imprints done by a lovely woman at the hospital. Well, when his first birthday came, I contacted the same woman and she came to our house and made imprints again, this time on clay shaped like a one. She brought the finished product by today. Chris and I marveled how much he has grown in a year, just by looking at his foot and hand prints. They were at least double in size. In fact almost everything about the boy has doubled, or in some cases tripled, in size!
Xander was 7 lbs 13 oz and 20 3/4 inches when he was born. He now weighs 25 lbs 8.5 oz and is 31 and 1/2 inches tall. He had no teeth, now he has 12 teeth. He had peach fuzz for hair and now he is growing a fine mullet (we are thinking a trim may be in order). Thankfully the growing process will slow down a little over the next few years.
Xander is such a clown, and keeps us laughing all of the time. He is so close to walking, it is scary. He walks like a champ holding on to your fingers or his little hippo walk/ride on toy. He'll even stand up on his own in the middle of the floor, and just look at you beaming at what he can do. He has taken a few independent steps, but either gets scared, or just too excited and either lunges toward you or sits down!
Sometimes I want him to continue to crawl, as it keeps him more a "baby" and other times (especially when I am carrying him) I want him to walk. Oh the inner turmoil! To see him learn new things is so amazing, and to see the excitement in his eyes when he does it is even more amazing.
Xander your daddy and I love you so much and everyday with you is a wonderful gift that we cherish. We are amazed by you and you bring us such joy everyday!
Xander was 7 lbs 13 oz and 20 3/4 inches when he was born. He now weighs 25 lbs 8.5 oz and is 31 and 1/2 inches tall. He had no teeth, now he has 12 teeth. He had peach fuzz for hair and now he is growing a fine mullet (we are thinking a trim may be in order). Thankfully the growing process will slow down a little over the next few years.
Xander is such a clown, and keeps us laughing all of the time. He is so close to walking, it is scary. He walks like a champ holding on to your fingers or his little hippo walk/ride on toy. He'll even stand up on his own in the middle of the floor, and just look at you beaming at what he can do. He has taken a few independent steps, but either gets scared, or just too excited and either lunges toward you or sits down!
Sometimes I want him to continue to crawl, as it keeps him more a "baby" and other times (especially when I am carrying him) I want him to walk. Oh the inner turmoil! To see him learn new things is so amazing, and to see the excitement in his eyes when he does it is even more amazing.
Xander your daddy and I love you so much and everyday with you is a wonderful gift that we cherish. We are amazed by you and you bring us such joy everyday!
6/18/08
Isn't it funny...
Isn't it funny how when you become a parent things you wouldn't have given a second thought to are suddenly in the forefront of your mind. Here are a couple of things that I have been thinking about today...
1. Am I making my son fat? Is he eating the right foods? I was never obese when I was a child, in fact looking at pictures I was fairly thin. However, I am technically obese now. Do I feel obese-no, do people think I am obese-no. When I was a child, my mom was a stay at home mom. We lived about 10 miles from the nearest "city" of considerable size. Eating out and "going to town" were luxuries we got to do every now and then, it was a special treat. We had our own garden and my mom canned and froze fresh vegetables for us to enjoy in the COLD Minnesota winters. We raised cows (and by we I mean my parents) and would have someone butcher them for us and our freezer would be full of fresh meat. Trips to the grocery store were for things like milk and cheese, pasta, rice, cereal, bread-staples we did not make at home. The only time we had candy was at holidays, and any sweets we had were usually baked by mom or grandma. In fact the only sweet cereal we ate was when my Grandma Burt would bring it over. Now once my youngest sister started school, my mom went to work, and things around the house changed. Not for the bad of course, my mom still made sure we had healthy choices and we still made family dinners.
I say that my "battle" with weight started as soon as I got my license and a car. I went to work, and started earning the freedom of a paycheck. It was during these "independent " times where my weight started to increase. It wasn't a big deal for me to go to McDonald's or Taco Johns to get some lunch with friends, or to sit at Frontier Cake and Steak Restaurant for hours doing homework and eating chili fries, and drinking coffee loaded with sugar. My hours spent playing outside and running around our huge yard ended too. Now I am not even close to my heaviest weight which I would say was at my wedding, but I still need to lose about 80lbs to be at a healthy weight. While this has always been at the back of my mind, it is ever more important now that I have a child. Not only to I want to get healthy so I am there for him as he is growing up, but also because I want to set a healthy example for him. Now, I am not saying that he cannot have a Snickers bar if he wants, but everything in moderation. My biggest challenge is not the diet, but the exercise. I can lose weight on a diet, and if I am serious about it, stick with it. I lost all my pregnancy weight and am in a size smaller than I was before I had Xander (don't applaud), but I am still not there. My first goal in the next year is to lose 50 lbs in a healthy weigh through diet and exercise. My second goal is to ensure that I am setting a healthy example for my son, and to ensure that he gets healthy nutritious meals.
2. "Going Green" I never made a conscious effort to think about my impact on the world in which we live, until Xander was born. Of course, it also helps that every where you look nowadays you see or here about "Ways to Go Green" or "Save money and buy Green". Now, I never littered and at my parents we recycled, and I donate a lot to Goodwill and such, but recently I have been looking at both my spending habits, and other aspects of my everyday life. Now my husband would agree when I say I spend too much money on "things". ( I think I have some kind of addiction to shopping, and I am trying to fix the problem!) "Things" encompasses a lot of stuff, both needs and wants. While my spending on wants has dramatically decreased, my spending on needs has dramatically increased. Most of it is what I think are needs for Xander, I know that he perfectly content with the stuff he has, and really doesn't care whether he has 10 shirts and shorts outfits or 5. All of this stuff I buy will eventually end up in a landfill, and I want to limit my contribution to that, as well as teach my son the importance of saving the earth. I want my children's children to have the same kind of earth I enjoyed as a child, with clean air and clean water! So along with my healthy eating goal, I am making a healthy life goal. I have been making a conscious effort to curtail spending, and I am making progress, but it's one step at a time, and one day at a time. I feel better getting that out of my head and onto print. It makes me more accountable to myself, and makes me feel like I can make a difference in the world.
Things to do today (and everyday)...
1. Turn off lights--use the sunlight when possible
2. Do not let water run unnecessarily
3. Eat fruits and/or vegetables at every meal
4. Drink filtered water, rather than bottled water
5. Turn the tv off and explore the outside
6. Sing a silly song
7. Love yourself
1. Am I making my son fat? Is he eating the right foods? I was never obese when I was a child, in fact looking at pictures I was fairly thin. However, I am technically obese now. Do I feel obese-no, do people think I am obese-no. When I was a child, my mom was a stay at home mom. We lived about 10 miles from the nearest "city" of considerable size. Eating out and "going to town" were luxuries we got to do every now and then, it was a special treat. We had our own garden and my mom canned and froze fresh vegetables for us to enjoy in the COLD Minnesota winters. We raised cows (and by we I mean my parents) and would have someone butcher them for us and our freezer would be full of fresh meat. Trips to the grocery store were for things like milk and cheese, pasta, rice, cereal, bread-staples we did not make at home. The only time we had candy was at holidays, and any sweets we had were usually baked by mom or grandma. In fact the only sweet cereal we ate was when my Grandma Burt would bring it over. Now once my youngest sister started school, my mom went to work, and things around the house changed. Not for the bad of course, my mom still made sure we had healthy choices and we still made family dinners.
I say that my "battle" with weight started as soon as I got my license and a car. I went to work, and started earning the freedom of a paycheck. It was during these "independent " times where my weight started to increase. It wasn't a big deal for me to go to McDonald's or Taco Johns to get some lunch with friends, or to sit at Frontier Cake and Steak Restaurant for hours doing homework and eating chili fries, and drinking coffee loaded with sugar. My hours spent playing outside and running around our huge yard ended too. Now I am not even close to my heaviest weight which I would say was at my wedding, but I still need to lose about 80lbs to be at a healthy weight. While this has always been at the back of my mind, it is ever more important now that I have a child. Not only to I want to get healthy so I am there for him as he is growing up, but also because I want to set a healthy example for him. Now, I am not saying that he cannot have a Snickers bar if he wants, but everything in moderation. My biggest challenge is not the diet, but the exercise. I can lose weight on a diet, and if I am serious about it, stick with it. I lost all my pregnancy weight and am in a size smaller than I was before I had Xander (don't applaud), but I am still not there. My first goal in the next year is to lose 50 lbs in a healthy weigh through diet and exercise. My second goal is to ensure that I am setting a healthy example for my son, and to ensure that he gets healthy nutritious meals.
2. "Going Green" I never made a conscious effort to think about my impact on the world in which we live, until Xander was born. Of course, it also helps that every where you look nowadays you see or here about "Ways to Go Green" or "Save money and buy Green". Now, I never littered and at my parents we recycled, and I donate a lot to Goodwill and such, but recently I have been looking at both my spending habits, and other aspects of my everyday life. Now my husband would agree when I say I spend too much money on "things". ( I think I have some kind of addiction to shopping, and I am trying to fix the problem!) "Things" encompasses a lot of stuff, both needs and wants. While my spending on wants has dramatically decreased, my spending on needs has dramatically increased. Most of it is what I think are needs for Xander, I know that he perfectly content with the stuff he has, and really doesn't care whether he has 10 shirts and shorts outfits or 5. All of this stuff I buy will eventually end up in a landfill, and I want to limit my contribution to that, as well as teach my son the importance of saving the earth. I want my children's children to have the same kind of earth I enjoyed as a child, with clean air and clean water! So along with my healthy eating goal, I am making a healthy life goal. I have been making a conscious effort to curtail spending, and I am making progress, but it's one step at a time, and one day at a time. I feel better getting that out of my head and onto print. It makes me more accountable to myself, and makes me feel like I can make a difference in the world.
Things to do today (and everyday)...
1. Turn off lights--use the sunlight when possible
2. Do not let water run unnecessarily
3. Eat fruits and/or vegetables at every meal
4. Drink filtered water, rather than bottled water
5. Turn the tv off and explore the outside
6. Sing a silly song
7. Love yourself
6/12/08
Xander opened a birthday present today made by my grandma (his great-grandma). It was a little lovey blanket. When Xander opened the package and I pulled out the blanket it made me long to see my family. It is hard living 2300+ miles from everyone. My grandma will be 85 years young this September, but unfortunately she is not doing well either physically or mentally. It is hard to comprehend, as we have been living away from our family (in Minnesota) for almost 10 years. I remember my grandma from my youth, when she was very active and always in the garden or baking something delicious. Grandpa is still as "sharp as tack" my mom says, but he is feeling his years too, and needs to have knee replacement surgery.
Thinking of Grandma B, got me thinking about my other Grandma & Grandpa who have been gone now for over 10 years. They would've really loved Xander, and it's sad that they did not get to meet him.
When we are younger, we often times take advantage of our family and the fact that they'll always be there, or that they are always around. Looking back now, I wish I had spent more time with my Grandparents. Grandma & Grandpa V, are gone forever and Grandma & Grandpa B aren't going to be around forever. I wish Xander had the opportunity to visit with his grandparents more often, and sometimes I feel guilty living so far from them. Hopefully once Chris gets a permanent job, we'll be able to travel more often.
Until then, we'll have to make do with phone calls, e-mails and photos! I am so thankful that we live in a world (albeit an expensive one--gas for $3.72!!) where we can reach someone in an instant, either through the phone or the Internet. And when I am missing my family all I have to do is look at some photos or give them a call, and we are instantly connected.
Thinking of Grandma B, got me thinking about my other Grandma & Grandpa who have been gone now for over 10 years. They would've really loved Xander, and it's sad that they did not get to meet him.
When we are younger, we often times take advantage of our family and the fact that they'll always be there, or that they are always around. Looking back now, I wish I had spent more time with my Grandparents. Grandma & Grandpa V, are gone forever and Grandma & Grandpa B aren't going to be around forever. I wish Xander had the opportunity to visit with his grandparents more often, and sometimes I feel guilty living so far from them. Hopefully once Chris gets a permanent job, we'll be able to travel more often.
Until then, we'll have to make do with phone calls, e-mails and photos! I am so thankful that we live in a world (albeit an expensive one--gas for $3.72!!) where we can reach someone in an instant, either through the phone or the Internet. And when I am missing my family all I have to do is look at some photos or give them a call, and we are instantly connected.
6/6/08
Happy Birthday Xander
Well I woke up this morning and it finally dawned on me, the whole reason I have been so sad about Xander turning one is that he is now no longer my "baby". He is my little boy. He'll be walking and talking and running before long, and my snugly little baby will be replaced by an independent, strong willed little boy who wants to explore and of course get into things he shouldn't! Oh I know that he'll still come to his mama for hugs and kisses (at least for a little while!) and he'll still sit on my lap to read a book, but the days of exploring and running free are coming sooner rather than later. Of course this "little boy" started emerging before today, but I chose to ignore those times. I cannot ignore them any longer!
Does this mean that I am ready for another baby, definitely not. I have just come accept that I am now ready to move on to the next step of Xander's journey into adult hood. I am ready to cheer on his accomplishments, and move past the "baby" stage. Does that mean I won't cry anymore today, probably not. Today is a momentous occasion not only do we (Chris and I) get to celebrate the arrival of the sweetest, baby boy at 7:39 p.m., but we also get to celebrate the fact that we have been successful as PARENTS!!!! He is thankfully, happy and healthy and we had a little something to do with that.
So Happy Birthday Xander--my sweet, handsome, adorable, charming, little boy! I love you so much and look forward to this journey we call life!
Does this mean that I am ready for another baby, definitely not. I have just come accept that I am now ready to move on to the next step of Xander's journey into adult hood. I am ready to cheer on his accomplishments, and move past the "baby" stage. Does that mean I won't cry anymore today, probably not. Today is a momentous occasion not only do we (Chris and I) get to celebrate the arrival of the sweetest, baby boy at 7:39 p.m., but we also get to celebrate the fact that we have been successful as PARENTS!!!! He is thankfully, happy and healthy and we had a little something to do with that.
So Happy Birthday Xander--my sweet, handsome, adorable, charming, little boy! I love you so much and look forward to this journey we call life!
6/5/08
my first blog
Well I never thought I would be a blogger, but after reading my sister's blog, I thought she had a pretty good thing going, so I decided to start my own.
Tomorrow is Xander's fisrt birthday, and whenever I think about it I cry. It just doesn't seem like a year has passed. I remember is birth so vividly, and when I look at him I wonder where the time has gone. He is so close to walking and will totter along holding on to our fingers. He is quite the charmer and loves to laugh and smile.
It also makes me cry to know that none of mine or Chris' immediate family will be here to help us celebrate. However, we do have some good friends here whom I consider my extended family and they will be here. For those that can't be here I have asked that they write a letter or card to Xander to be opened on his 18th birthday!
As it is, I have planned what I hope will be a special birthday for Xander--though he won't remember it!! I am going to attempt to make a cake from my childhood, called Wacky Cake. We will also be having a light lunch. Tomorrow we will be taking a picture of Xander in a blue polo shirt, which I will continue to do on every birthday. It will be neat to see how he changes every year. I also have a lady coming to take his hand and foot imprints. She came to our room at the hospital, to take his imprints, so this will make a nice ending to his first year!
Xander will be waking up soon, and I need to get his lunch ready. Talk again soon!
Keesha
Tomorrow is Xander's fisrt birthday, and whenever I think about it I cry. It just doesn't seem like a year has passed. I remember is birth so vividly, and when I look at him I wonder where the time has gone. He is so close to walking and will totter along holding on to our fingers. He is quite the charmer and loves to laugh and smile.
It also makes me cry to know that none of mine or Chris' immediate family will be here to help us celebrate. However, we do have some good friends here whom I consider my extended family and they will be here. For those that can't be here I have asked that they write a letter or card to Xander to be opened on his 18th birthday!
As it is, I have planned what I hope will be a special birthday for Xander--though he won't remember it!! I am going to attempt to make a cake from my childhood, called Wacky Cake. We will also be having a light lunch. Tomorrow we will be taking a picture of Xander in a blue polo shirt, which I will continue to do on every birthday. It will be neat to see how he changes every year. I also have a lady coming to take his hand and foot imprints. She came to our room at the hospital, to take his imprints, so this will make a nice ending to his first year!
Xander will be waking up soon, and I need to get his lunch ready. Talk again soon!
Keesha
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