Last night, my little genius ran into my room and scaled my bed. I let it slide while I finished what I was doing and waddled over. He jumped up and yelled "UP!" So I had to ask, "Where's down?" and he dropped and said "DOWN!" Un-freakin'-believable! When I grabbed him by the ankles and held him upside down, he said "up-down!" and I thought my heart was going to explode! So we hung out and I tickled him for a few and then out of nowhere he goes "UP!" and jumps up and lands on my chest. The fleshy part that doesn't like being used as a toddler landing strip.
Today we ran a few errands, and he was such a champ in the car, I got him a bag of Cheetos. Of course I took about 1/3 of the bag for myself, but to see the joy on his precious face as he covers it in orange powder makes my heart skip a beat. Can't lie.
I can't help but wonder what I did right to deserve such a gorgeous little boy. It has been (for the most part!) an amazing experience to get to watch him grow up. I still can't believe he's two years old. It blows my mind that he's getting a baby sister this summer. (That being said, I also can't wrap my brain around being pregnant over the summer. I was pregnant with Dante over the winter and walked in snow in flip flops to try to cool down. I'm screwed.) But Dante seems to just soak information like nothing I've ever seen. He retains so much, and I know he gets frustrated because he can't quite communicate what he wants to get across. I feel like a weird interpreter. It's funny and yet frustrating for me, too. I hate seeing that look on his face, when someone who doesn't live with us has trouble understanding what he wants to say and he keeps trying to repeat himself, to no avail. Gods help him, he is so sweet! He really loves when we go out and he gets to say Hi to people, and I know if I let him, he'd sit with his palms on his window in the car and just take all of it in like a dehydrated man in the desert who comes across a water fountain. He always looks like he is ingesting his environment, like he's going to get a test on what he saw when we sit down together.
Speaking of the Love of My Life, he's up from his nap...let the adventures begin! <3
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Ticked Off Tuesday: Laundry Rooms
I. Hate. Laundry rooms. They are, in essence, a great equalizer. We all want clean-ish underpants and sheets, but some people need to learn how to use timers. I know that at least 99% of the apartments in this building have stoves with timers. They are very simple to use! You hit the timer button, adjust the time with the up and down buttons, and when the set amount of time is up, it dings. I'm also willing to bet that if, for some reason, you don't have the same timer on your stove, or it's broken, the Family Dollar across the street MUST have egg timers for less than $2. Since I know I'm not the only one in this building that shops there, I'm sure you've seen them. USE A GORRAM TIMER! First, when clothes sit for too long wet in the washer, they start to smell. Second, clothes left in the dryer for too long will wrinkle, and I can't be the only one who hates both ironing and looking like a slob. And seriously, I hate waiting on your dumb ass. Yes, we all have lives, but I only get to do laundry once a week, for all three of us. That's at least 4 loads of laundry a week, and I need to get it done at a reasonable time so that we all have clean sheets and clean pajamas. If you're not going to get your crap out of other people's way, either go to Hell, or go to the laundromat down the street. I have much better things to do than wait for you to figure out how long it takes for either 45 or 66 minutes to pass. (Hint: it takes either 45 minutes or 66. Scary, huh?)
So, basically, for the most part, I can deal with not having a yard, or even a balcony, but having to wait for people to eject head from rectum when it comes to common space is enough to make me sell my soul (well, what's left of it...) for a patch of land and a few walls to call my own. I can deal with pretending to give a crap about total strangers who happen to live in close proximity, or the occasional bass thumping through the walls, but my time is precious. And it will be even more precious when the new little one gets here. So, that being said, get your crap out of my way so I can get on with my day, ok?
Thanks!
So, basically, for the most part, I can deal with not having a yard, or even a balcony, but having to wait for people to eject head from rectum when it comes to common space is enough to make me sell my soul (well, what's left of it...) for a patch of land and a few walls to call my own. I can deal with pretending to give a crap about total strangers who happen to live in close proximity, or the occasional bass thumping through the walls, but my time is precious. And it will be even more precious when the new little one gets here. So, that being said, get your crap out of my way so I can get on with my day, ok?
Thanks!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Party time! Excellent!
I am known in these parts for being...unorganized. And that's putting it mildly. And kindly. But one of my besties from 8th and 9th grade, Megan, and her GORGEOUS son James got here a little after noon, and we got our stuff together and headed for the flea market! Had an absolute blast looking at all the fun wares, the odd people, and smelling all that fantastic chile! Oh, sweet heavens!
Rushed back since I was having so much fun, time became obsolete (again, normal for me!) and got juice and the ice cream cones to bake the cupcakes in. Got home, put Dante down for a nap, got the cupcakes made, assigned jobs to my friends, and the party started late. No shocker! I had planned on getting the kids elbow deep in potting soil and seeds, but it was way too windy outside! Had some yummy Udi's bread and some good cold cuts, and enjoyed a yummy cake that Donna Ann made! The kids had fun with the sidewalk chalk out on the patio, Dante got to get all kinds of love from his girl McKenna, and he just loved all the attention he got! He loved his presents, and I love how awesome our friends are! I cannot express how thrilled I am to have such wonderful people in our lives!
After the party, Nancy and her sweet mother in law Claudia and my friend Scott helped get everything upstairs, and after Scott left, Nancy and I had the brilliant idea to put the tricycle she got Dante put together. Quite amusing, and if I can figure out how to put pictures on this gorram thing, I'll post them.. I'm sure I made a few faces that might be considered priceless.
Got that blasted thing put together and made dinner for Hubby, and as soon as he got home, I escorted Nancy, Claudia, and Bill and their boys downstairs, even though they had just got there. The boys had a blast chasing each other in the garage and it gave me a chance to see all my boys having fun, which makes me so incredibly happy, I can't even see straight! I love when they come to Colorado!
Now Dante is finally in bed; he's been out for about an hour and a half. I expect he'll sleep like a bump on a log well into the late morning! Now, I think it's my turn. But we remembered that Firefly is streaming on Netflix, so...my geek flag is flying! LOL!
But I am SO over cake. I'll take veggies for my birthday on April 2nd. FYI.
Rushed back since I was having so much fun, time became obsolete (again, normal for me!) and got juice and the ice cream cones to bake the cupcakes in. Got home, put Dante down for a nap, got the cupcakes made, assigned jobs to my friends, and the party started late. No shocker! I had planned on getting the kids elbow deep in potting soil and seeds, but it was way too windy outside! Had some yummy Udi's bread and some good cold cuts, and enjoyed a yummy cake that Donna Ann made! The kids had fun with the sidewalk chalk out on the patio, Dante got to get all kinds of love from his girl McKenna, and he just loved all the attention he got! He loved his presents, and I love how awesome our friends are! I cannot express how thrilled I am to have such wonderful people in our lives!
After the party, Nancy and her sweet mother in law Claudia and my friend Scott helped get everything upstairs, and after Scott left, Nancy and I had the brilliant idea to put the tricycle she got Dante put together. Quite amusing, and if I can figure out how to put pictures on this gorram thing, I'll post them.. I'm sure I made a few faces that might be considered priceless.
Got that blasted thing put together and made dinner for Hubby, and as soon as he got home, I escorted Nancy, Claudia, and Bill and their boys downstairs, even though they had just got there. The boys had a blast chasing each other in the garage and it gave me a chance to see all my boys having fun, which makes me so incredibly happy, I can't even see straight! I love when they come to Colorado!
Now Dante is finally in bed; he's been out for about an hour and a half. I expect he'll sleep like a bump on a log well into the late morning! Now, I think it's my turn. But we remembered that Firefly is streaming on Netflix, so...my geek flag is flying! LOL!
But I am SO over cake. I'll take veggies for my birthday on April 2nd. FYI.
Friday, March 25, 2011
How did THIS happen?
Two years ago today, I was planted right here. Not really able to move, since I gained 50 pounds while I was pregnant with Dante. (Which probably explains why I have my own butt print on the couch...) I was bitching and moaning that they wanted to wait until my birthday (April 2nd) to induce, unless he decided to make an early entrance into this world. I was tired of being pregnant, tired in general, and the very definition of Super Bitch. Little did I know that at 6:58 am the next day, my water broke like the proverbial floods, and I had to drive myself to the hospital that my doctor wanted me to go to, 23 miles away. Snow fell, and the highway was closed while I was on it. Long story short, Dante was born March 26th, 2009, at 10:18 pm.
It blows my mind that my little boy is going to be two years old tomorrow! It blows my mind that I am pregnant again, like an odd kind of masochist. I am still wrapping my brain around what I must've done to deserve my blessings. I also can't help but wonder what kind of mom I really will be when we get to the brass tacks. Hrm.
I think this is something I can ponder as I go back to sleep.
It blows my mind that my little boy is going to be two years old tomorrow! It blows my mind that I am pregnant again, like an odd kind of masochist. I am still wrapping my brain around what I must've done to deserve my blessings. I also can't help but wonder what kind of mom I really will be when we get to the brass tacks. Hrm.
I think this is something I can ponder as I go back to sleep.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Restaurant Review: Udi's Arvada
Let me preface this by saying I'm a bit biased: One of my best friends, Kayla, is a server here. But the prices are excellent, the food is usually very good, and even when Kayla isn't my server, the service is good. I love their kids menu! For breakfast or brunch, Dante *loves* the French toast, and since we were there late today, he got a big ol' bowl of mac and cheese with house made chips and fresh fruit for only $3.50!
Today, I learned they now have a "Happy Hour" menu, so I went nuts and ordered a hummus plate, and a falafel plate. They were only $3 and $4 each! The "problem" was that each plate came with a HUGE side of bread, so I got to bring a bunch of that delicious Udi's artisan bread home with us! The hummus, unfortunately, tasted like something I can get out of a plastic container at Target. Nothing special. The falafel was mediocre, and I can't quite put my finger on why. It was a bit too crispy on the outside for my taste, but I am used to the falafel at Jerusalem (a FANTASTIC restaurant near DU) and at International Delights in Las Cruces. This was like neither, in any way, shape or form. All they had in common was the name.
But if you get to go for breakfast/brunch, while pricer than the "happy hour," it's still quite reasonable. I think when I went for brunch a week or so ago, my Greek omelette was $8.50, and it was HUGE! AND it came with two slices of toast for me to slather in a garlic mayo before I threw my eggs onto it for a delicious sandwich! The decaf (I'm pregnant, remember?) was insanely good and rich, and yes, I had a taste of Dante's toast. SO GOOD!
Apparently they are known for their pizza, but I have yet to try it. When I really feel a strong need for pizza, I live next door to Il Vicino.
All in all, if you find yourself shopping near Olde Town Arvada, hit Udi's up! They have a selection of gluten free goodies to take home, and on the menu, and I think if you stick with brunch or American fare, you are in for a fantastic meal!
Today, I learned they now have a "Happy Hour" menu, so I went nuts and ordered a hummus plate, and a falafel plate. They were only $3 and $4 each! The "problem" was that each plate came with a HUGE side of bread, so I got to bring a bunch of that delicious Udi's artisan bread home with us! The hummus, unfortunately, tasted like something I can get out of a plastic container at Target. Nothing special. The falafel was mediocre, and I can't quite put my finger on why. It was a bit too crispy on the outside for my taste, but I am used to the falafel at Jerusalem (a FANTASTIC restaurant near DU) and at International Delights in Las Cruces. This was like neither, in any way, shape or form. All they had in common was the name.
But if you get to go for breakfast/brunch, while pricer than the "happy hour," it's still quite reasonable. I think when I went for brunch a week or so ago, my Greek omelette was $8.50, and it was HUGE! AND it came with two slices of toast for me to slather in a garlic mayo before I threw my eggs onto it for a delicious sandwich! The decaf (I'm pregnant, remember?) was insanely good and rich, and yes, I had a taste of Dante's toast. SO GOOD!
Apparently they are known for their pizza, but I have yet to try it. When I really feel a strong need for pizza, I live next door to Il Vicino.
All in all, if you find yourself shopping near Olde Town Arvada, hit Udi's up! They have a selection of gluten free goodies to take home, and on the menu, and I think if you stick with brunch or American fare, you are in for a fantastic meal!
Walking Brain Fart
I am a walking brain fart. I'll have my keys in my hand while I'm looking for them. That being said, I feel bad for not posting anything yet about my 20 week anatomy scan that took place this past Monday. It went great! I got some great pictures (14!) on a pretty disc, and I need to remember to walk to Walgreen's tomorrow to pick them up since I spaced it today. Baby is about 12 ounces, huge, and already a bully. I got to watch the little bugger punch me! Didn't feel it, but I saw it! LOL!
So, last night after my boys went to bed, I decided to take a shower and take my sweet time since I had the place to myself, essentially. I'm about to step in when my feet squish on the bath mat. Seems that SOMEHOW Dante's shampoo landed on it and leaked. Great. It was a big enough spot that I couldn't rinse it off in the sink. So I figured I'd share the shower with the damn rug to see if I could get it out, then I had planned on wringing it dry and letting it hang. After trying to wring it, I realized that it reeked! So I tiptoed out to the laundry room and washed it. Yeah. When I say I'm insane, I'm really not kidding. So I got to stay up while my bath rug and my kitchen rugs (What? Not gonna waste a load of laundry on ONE ITEM. That's not my way!) went through the wash. I wasn't going to dry them (especially the bath mat since it has a rubber back) but then I figured that may have been part of the reason for that smell. So I set the dryer on "Delicate" and waited patiently in this same spot. Mmmm, couch and laptop..... Anyways, I didn't get to bed til almost 4am.
But today, er, Wednesday, wasn't bad for the most part. Took Dante to Target for a few things that I knew were on sale (and that I had coupons for!) and priced out stuff for his party. Lo and behold, Target was too expensive for what I want, even with all my coupons, so it can wait til I get to Albertson's and King Soopers. Then we went for a cup of coffee with one of my dearest friends, Scott, so we could catch up and I could show him the ultrasound pics. While we were waiting for Scott to get there, Chris "Birdman" Anderson showed up with a friend and I realized from that vantage point that his head grazes the menu board. Next time you go to Starbucks, take a good look at the menu and imagine someone's head getting so close to hitting it that if you smelled that menu, you'd smell his hair products. Got to talk a little smack about the Spurs, and he had a fangirl all but throw her panties at him, and he booked it out of there like a bat out of hell. Can't blame him! (Of note, Denver won 115-112. Good.)
On a different note, I realized today that I have a lot of pet peeves. Enough that I could easily bitch about one a week and be set for a long, long time. I also realized that I could very easily write reviews from a tired mom's perspective about different activities and restaurants around the Denver Metro area. Let me know what you think! While yes, for the most part, this little piece of the blogosphere is for me, I also want to have little bursts of my brain farts around for Dante and the Impending Doom to reference when they are curious as to what my reaction might be to something.
And on that happy note, I think I am going to waddle over to my meds, waddle to the bathroom, and pray I don't kill myself on any of Dante's toys as I waddle to bed.
So, last night after my boys went to bed, I decided to take a shower and take my sweet time since I had the place to myself, essentially. I'm about to step in when my feet squish on the bath mat. Seems that SOMEHOW Dante's shampoo landed on it and leaked. Great. It was a big enough spot that I couldn't rinse it off in the sink. So I figured I'd share the shower with the damn rug to see if I could get it out, then I had planned on wringing it dry and letting it hang. After trying to wring it, I realized that it reeked! So I tiptoed out to the laundry room and washed it. Yeah. When I say I'm insane, I'm really not kidding. So I got to stay up while my bath rug and my kitchen rugs (What? Not gonna waste a load of laundry on ONE ITEM. That's not my way!) went through the wash. I wasn't going to dry them (especially the bath mat since it has a rubber back) but then I figured that may have been part of the reason for that smell. So I set the dryer on "Delicate" and waited patiently in this same spot. Mmmm, couch and laptop..... Anyways, I didn't get to bed til almost 4am.
But today, er, Wednesday, wasn't bad for the most part. Took Dante to Target for a few things that I knew were on sale (and that I had coupons for!) and priced out stuff for his party. Lo and behold, Target was too expensive for what I want, even with all my coupons, so it can wait til I get to Albertson's and King Soopers. Then we went for a cup of coffee with one of my dearest friends, Scott, so we could catch up and I could show him the ultrasound pics. While we were waiting for Scott to get there, Chris "Birdman" Anderson showed up with a friend and I realized from that vantage point that his head grazes the menu board. Next time you go to Starbucks, take a good look at the menu and imagine someone's head getting so close to hitting it that if you smelled that menu, you'd smell his hair products. Got to talk a little smack about the Spurs, and he had a fangirl all but throw her panties at him, and he booked it out of there like a bat out of hell. Can't blame him! (Of note, Denver won 115-112. Good.)
On a different note, I realized today that I have a lot of pet peeves. Enough that I could easily bitch about one a week and be set for a long, long time. I also realized that I could very easily write reviews from a tired mom's perspective about different activities and restaurants around the Denver Metro area. Let me know what you think! While yes, for the most part, this little piece of the blogosphere is for me, I also want to have little bursts of my brain farts around for Dante and the Impending Doom to reference when they are curious as to what my reaction might be to something.
And on that happy note, I think I am going to waddle over to my meds, waddle to the bathroom, and pray I don't kill myself on any of Dante's toys as I waddle to bed.
Monday, March 21, 2011
A Day "Off"
In about 12 hours, I get to find out if we are buying pink or blue! I have a feeling it's a girl, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing since kids tend to be karma. But I must admit that I really want ruffles on someone's butt and they sure don't fit on mine.
Today was a lot of fun, even if the only place we went was Starbucks so I could buy a newspaper for the coupons. Dante had fun, and he was just so stinkin' sweet, he nearly gave me a cavity. He helped me with laundry, he ate like a champ...He did scream a little bit after his bath for reasons I'll never understand, but he was mostly ok today. He read the baby lotion bottle again, even finding where it said "baby" on the back of the bottle, not just the front.
I noticed there were some fantastic deals in the coupon section of the paper and the ads. Not going to bore you with the details, but I actually had a lot of fun making lists for certain stores and coordinating the coupons. I feel like a super cool geek, if that makes any sense.
I also made some fantastic red layered enchiladas today, just plain cheese with a fried egg. It tasted like I was back at my Gramma's house in Las Cruces. Now I miss my Gramma even more just thinking about those yummy enchiladas. Damn. As much as I truly love Denver, and I can't imagine living anywhere else (except maybe Portland, Oregon...), I really miss just cruising over to Gramma's to hang out and watch tv, or going to bingo with both grandparents or the Farmer's Market with Mom. But then I remember all my great friends here, and as hard as it is, I know the schools are better for Dante and The Impending Doom, and can't imagine going back. Besides, I'd miss the zoo, and the parks here, and the weather, and, well, all of it.
Looks like I just thought with my fingers! LOL! Ah, rambling. Gotta love it. I am having a hard time turning off my brain because of this appointment...
Not going to post anywhere on the internet what color we're buying til after Dante's birthday party on Saturday. I have people I want to tell in person and a huge chunk of them will be at the party, so, everyone else gets to wait!
And now I am going to take my nightly benadryl (something has to stop this insufferable itching...) and hope I get some rest!
Today was a lot of fun, even if the only place we went was Starbucks so I could buy a newspaper for the coupons. Dante had fun, and he was just so stinkin' sweet, he nearly gave me a cavity. He helped me with laundry, he ate like a champ...He did scream a little bit after his bath for reasons I'll never understand, but he was mostly ok today. He read the baby lotion bottle again, even finding where it said "baby" on the back of the bottle, not just the front.
I noticed there were some fantastic deals in the coupon section of the paper and the ads. Not going to bore you with the details, but I actually had a lot of fun making lists for certain stores and coordinating the coupons. I feel like a super cool geek, if that makes any sense.
I also made some fantastic red layered enchiladas today, just plain cheese with a fried egg. It tasted like I was back at my Gramma's house in Las Cruces. Now I miss my Gramma even more just thinking about those yummy enchiladas. Damn. As much as I truly love Denver, and I can't imagine living anywhere else (except maybe Portland, Oregon...), I really miss just cruising over to Gramma's to hang out and watch tv, or going to bingo with both grandparents or the Farmer's Market with Mom. But then I remember all my great friends here, and as hard as it is, I know the schools are better for Dante and The Impending Doom, and can't imagine going back. Besides, I'd miss the zoo, and the parks here, and the weather, and, well, all of it.
Looks like I just thought with my fingers! LOL! Ah, rambling. Gotta love it. I am having a hard time turning off my brain because of this appointment...
Not going to post anywhere on the internet what color we're buying til after Dante's birthday party on Saturday. I have people I want to tell in person and a huge chunk of them will be at the party, so, everyone else gets to wait!
And now I am going to take my nightly benadryl (something has to stop this insufferable itching...) and hope I get some rest!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Seriously?
I just sat in absolute awe as Dante laughed his way through the Sesame Street theme song. I try to keep reading about where he sits on an "average" scale, and I can't pin him anywhere. He's smarter than a 3 year old in some ways, and a little behind in others. Yes, he's made some amazing progress since I was told to have him evaluated by a speech pathologist in January (which I still haven't done, mostly because of the progress he's made...)
As much as I want to get him into school as soon as he is developmentally ready, the way schools have been making cuts, I can't help but wonder if he'd be better off with me for a bit, or in an online school (when he's old enough!) It is scary how much he picks up if you just present the information to him in a way he understands. Last night, while watching the "Up and Down Song" on Sesame Street, he went up and down just like the monsters on the screen, laughing the whole way!
I am not a very good pregnant lady. Seriously. I get very angry at weird things, and I'm waiting for the day I snap in traffic and get shot. A few weeks ago, I went from the UPS Store to the Dollar Store (Same shopping center, but on opposite sides) and since my car has problems getting up and going, I am super cautious at 4 way stops since I have precious cargo. This crazy lady thought it would be a great idea to honk at me, so I flipped her off. Next thing I know, I'm parking at the dollar store and this burly, crazy looking black lady was yelling at me to watch who I flip off. I yelled that not only was I pregnant and skinnier than her, I'd take her out like yesterday's garbage. (I'm 20 weeks and 210 pounds and about 5'8'. FYI.) The best part was the group of people on the sidewalk between us, laughing like they were at a taping of The Daily Show. As she walked inside Kmart, the group just pointed at her and laughed at her face. It was hilarious.
I also think that women who love being pregnant either are lying to themselves and their friends and family, or they are mutants with amazing DNA. Every so often, I am amazed that I haven't gone apesh*t off a bell tower yet, with either pregnancy. Before Dante, there were three movies that made me cry: Steel Magnolias, Edward Scissorhands, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Since my first pregnancy, I now cry at jewelry commercials, the way some actors hug on a TV show, at any dumb thing you can possibly imagine. It's odd and it drives me insane.
My pregnancy with Dante also made me insane in other ways. When I was waiting for him to make his grand (and painful) entrance into this jacked up world of ours, I only got out of bed to pee, eat, or get more food. Needless to say, I gained 50 pounds, an insulin dependent bout of gestational diabetes and an even more cynical outlook on the whole child-bearing thing. I must say that the only good thing about being pregnant (aside from the excuse to be bitchy, irritable and slow) is the huge payout at the end. Now, even when not pregnant, I obsess over calories and sugar content, the amount I work out, and I read a ton more articles on metabolism and other weird things that I used to have no interest in. And I'm now incredibly OCD with the way I have to have things in my kitchen. I used to be laid back and now if my cheese grater is out of place, I snap. (On the inside, at the very least!) I think it's because I have so little control over the little things, I have to make mountains out of molehills to give myself the semblance of control. Yikes. I'm nuts!
All in all, I am dumbfounded and amazed at where this odd little life of mine has lead me. I know I don't do things "by the book" for the most part, and most of what I have learned in the last two years has been to trust my gut and pray for the best, but I think I've managed to do a pretty good job. I've met kids older than Dante with less social graces, so I must be doing SOMETHING right! Right?
As much as I want to get him into school as soon as he is developmentally ready, the way schools have been making cuts, I can't help but wonder if he'd be better off with me for a bit, or in an online school (when he's old enough!) It is scary how much he picks up if you just present the information to him in a way he understands. Last night, while watching the "Up and Down Song" on Sesame Street, he went up and down just like the monsters on the screen, laughing the whole way!
I am not a very good pregnant lady. Seriously. I get very angry at weird things, and I'm waiting for the day I snap in traffic and get shot. A few weeks ago, I went from the UPS Store to the Dollar Store (Same shopping center, but on opposite sides) and since my car has problems getting up and going, I am super cautious at 4 way stops since I have precious cargo. This crazy lady thought it would be a great idea to honk at me, so I flipped her off. Next thing I know, I'm parking at the dollar store and this burly, crazy looking black lady was yelling at me to watch who I flip off. I yelled that not only was I pregnant and skinnier than her, I'd take her out like yesterday's garbage. (I'm 20 weeks and 210 pounds and about 5'8'. FYI.) The best part was the group of people on the sidewalk between us, laughing like they were at a taping of The Daily Show. As she walked inside Kmart, the group just pointed at her and laughed at her face. It was hilarious.
I also think that women who love being pregnant either are lying to themselves and their friends and family, or they are mutants with amazing DNA. Every so often, I am amazed that I haven't gone apesh*t off a bell tower yet, with either pregnancy. Before Dante, there were three movies that made me cry: Steel Magnolias, Edward Scissorhands, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Since my first pregnancy, I now cry at jewelry commercials, the way some actors hug on a TV show, at any dumb thing you can possibly imagine. It's odd and it drives me insane.
My pregnancy with Dante also made me insane in other ways. When I was waiting for him to make his grand (and painful) entrance into this jacked up world of ours, I only got out of bed to pee, eat, or get more food. Needless to say, I gained 50 pounds, an insulin dependent bout of gestational diabetes and an even more cynical outlook on the whole child-bearing thing. I must say that the only good thing about being pregnant (aside from the excuse to be bitchy, irritable and slow) is the huge payout at the end. Now, even when not pregnant, I obsess over calories and sugar content, the amount I work out, and I read a ton more articles on metabolism and other weird things that I used to have no interest in. And I'm now incredibly OCD with the way I have to have things in my kitchen. I used to be laid back and now if my cheese grater is out of place, I snap. (On the inside, at the very least!) I think it's because I have so little control over the little things, I have to make mountains out of molehills to give myself the semblance of control. Yikes. I'm nuts!
All in all, I am dumbfounded and amazed at where this odd little life of mine has lead me. I know I don't do things "by the book" for the most part, and most of what I have learned in the last two years has been to trust my gut and pray for the best, but I think I've managed to do a pretty good job. I've met kids older than Dante with less social graces, so I must be doing SOMETHING right! Right?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Holy Smokes....
Last night, after his bath, I was dousing my son in enough baby lotion to lube him up for a pig chase, when he said "BABY" out of the blue. Then he pointed at the lotion bottle.
I asked, "Where does it say 'baby?'" and HE POINTED AT THE WORD "BABY!" I was afraid it was a fluke, so I picked him up (kinda hard, since he was a slippery little thing!) and asked him to show Daddy where it says "baby." AND HE DID IT AGAIN!
He turns 2 on March 26th. I'm so very impressed! I love my smart little booger! =D
I asked, "Where does it say 'baby?'" and HE POINTED AT THE WORD "BABY!" I was afraid it was a fluke, so I picked him up (kinda hard, since he was a slippery little thing!) and asked him to show Daddy where it says "baby." AND HE DID IT AGAIN!
He turns 2 on March 26th. I'm so very impressed! I love my smart little booger! =D
The Day That Sparked a Blog...
Today, er, Monday the 14th, was my friend Donna-Ann's birthday! We woke up, unsure of what was going on, when I offered the idea of brunch and the Denver Zoo, since I'm a member. Dante, almost two and a spitfire in his own right, was being, well...a spitfire. His current favorite phrase is "bye bye" and I shuffled us both all over the apartment while my bemused husband looked on, sleepily. So I got us dressed and out the door, and Dante and I made it to the car in one piece. I buckled him in and we made our way to Le Peep for some good company and good food.
My girls were a bit later than us since I knew where the restaurant was, and Dante decided that being confined to a high chair was beneath him, and his way of retaliating was throwing crayons. Unfortunately, the waitress must've been tired, and a few things didn't occur to her. Things like letting me order his funny face pancake before my friends had arrived, or asking my friends when they got there if they'd like anything to drink. Whatever.
So after our delicious meal (and terrible service), we booked it over to the zoo for some sunshine and gorgeous creatures. I got Dante some fruit like I always do, and he got to eat cantaloupe, honey dew, watermelon and some grapes from the comfort of his stroller while the girls and I took turns pushing him. I let him out in the Primate Panorama area, and as soon as his Carter's sneakers hit the pavement, he was off and running! So after some chasing and some scolding, he finally calmed down enough for my liking when we got to the Great Apes. There was a crowd gathered around the orangutans and I had no idea why, so I coaxed him over to the gorillas. One was smack dab in front of the glass, but Dante was ENTHRALLED with a few cute little ladies. Again, he ran over to see the orangutans again and then I saw why: There was a new one! Mama had him on her back and she was climbing the ropes in her enclosure, and dear gods, I squeed like a Belieber. Wrangled Dante out the door and we went for the little area where the drums and small village were. While there, he got his first skinned knee. I was more upset than he was. (Still am, actually!)
So I got him cleaned up, and we started making our way to the giraffes, my favorite! Around the lions, we let Dante out of his stroller and herded him toward the giraffes. Somewhere around here he fell another two times, adding to his future scar count. Near the zebras (right next to the giraffes), he decided to be cranky and was attempting to walk on the curb that keeps people out of the animal enclosures. So I coerced him into following us to the giraffes, and he grabbed his sippy cup and pitched it over the wall. So, there we were and Dante's cup was in the grassy area between visitors and the giraffes. Imagine my delight. So I informed a passing zoo employee who then had to get on his walkie talkie to get a zookeeper over to retrieve the cup. I got the cup back from the zookeeper, Kayla put Dante back in his stroller and we booked it for our cars.
While we were leaving, I saw this 30-40 something lady and her 25 year old boyfriend walking about with a purse dog in a stroller. Being the legal eagle that I am, I informed a security guard. Dogs aren't allowed for so many reasons, I can't even fathom bringing one to the zoo. If I have to follow the rules, so do other people. My two cents...
So I got him home, put him down for a nap, and decided that although I had planned on getting laundry done while he slept, I was so wiped, I needed a nap, too. So I ate, played on Facebook and zonked out.
Woke up, and got the laundry together and got it over to the laundry room only to learn that one of the dryers was out of commission. JOY. Here I am with FIVE loads of laundry, two washers, one dryer, and only one night to do it all in. *grumble grumble*
In all our trips over there, Dante flirted with a couple neighbors, learned that his chalk can draw on the cement floors, and got one of those neighbor girls covered in banana and chalk. She was a pretty good sport about it...
Now both my boys are asleep and that last bit of clothes are drying....
These are my adventures. And I wouldn't trade them for anything.
My girls were a bit later than us since I knew where the restaurant was, and Dante decided that being confined to a high chair was beneath him, and his way of retaliating was throwing crayons. Unfortunately, the waitress must've been tired, and a few things didn't occur to her. Things like letting me order his funny face pancake before my friends had arrived, or asking my friends when they got there if they'd like anything to drink. Whatever.
So after our delicious meal (and terrible service), we booked it over to the zoo for some sunshine and gorgeous creatures. I got Dante some fruit like I always do, and he got to eat cantaloupe, honey dew, watermelon and some grapes from the comfort of his stroller while the girls and I took turns pushing him. I let him out in the Primate Panorama area, and as soon as his Carter's sneakers hit the pavement, he was off and running! So after some chasing and some scolding, he finally calmed down enough for my liking when we got to the Great Apes. There was a crowd gathered around the orangutans and I had no idea why, so I coaxed him over to the gorillas. One was smack dab in front of the glass, but Dante was ENTHRALLED with a few cute little ladies. Again, he ran over to see the orangutans again and then I saw why: There was a new one! Mama had him on her back and she was climbing the ropes in her enclosure, and dear gods, I squeed like a Belieber. Wrangled Dante out the door and we went for the little area where the drums and small village were. While there, he got his first skinned knee. I was more upset than he was. (Still am, actually!)
So I got him cleaned up, and we started making our way to the giraffes, my favorite! Around the lions, we let Dante out of his stroller and herded him toward the giraffes. Somewhere around here he fell another two times, adding to his future scar count. Near the zebras (right next to the giraffes), he decided to be cranky and was attempting to walk on the curb that keeps people out of the animal enclosures. So I coerced him into following us to the giraffes, and he grabbed his sippy cup and pitched it over the wall. So, there we were and Dante's cup was in the grassy area between visitors and the giraffes. Imagine my delight. So I informed a passing zoo employee who then had to get on his walkie talkie to get a zookeeper over to retrieve the cup. I got the cup back from the zookeeper, Kayla put Dante back in his stroller and we booked it for our cars.
While we were leaving, I saw this 30-40 something lady and her 25 year old boyfriend walking about with a purse dog in a stroller. Being the legal eagle that I am, I informed a security guard. Dogs aren't allowed for so many reasons, I can't even fathom bringing one to the zoo. If I have to follow the rules, so do other people. My two cents...
So I got him home, put him down for a nap, and decided that although I had planned on getting laundry done while he slept, I was so wiped, I needed a nap, too. So I ate, played on Facebook and zonked out.
Woke up, and got the laundry together and got it over to the laundry room only to learn that one of the dryers was out of commission. JOY. Here I am with FIVE loads of laundry, two washers, one dryer, and only one night to do it all in. *grumble grumble*
In all our trips over there, Dante flirted with a couple neighbors, learned that his chalk can draw on the cement floors, and got one of those neighbor girls covered in banana and chalk. She was a pretty good sport about it...
Now both my boys are asleep and that last bit of clothes are drying....
These are my adventures. And I wouldn't trade them for anything.
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