Lately, G has not been enjoying his Fisher Price Rainforest playmat. However, there is one "toy" (a mini stuffed monkey) that I can still use to entertain him. Said monkey's name is MoMo. MoMo has been misplaced a few times already, but I found him without too much searching. Today we almost lost MoMo for good.
This weekend we went 3 hours east to my hometown to visit family. On the way back, G slept for most of the ride, but we did have to stop to feed him. MoMo was hanging on the handle of the infant carrier by his tail, as he usually does. Hubby took out the seat and we went inside. About 30 minutes later, on the way back to the car, I noticed a big redneck truck with a few big hitches on the front. I notice a small orange stuffed animal with big eyes stuffed in the hitch...it looked just like MoMo! I showed hubby and he insisted that it wasn't...but it was! My mom went over and snatched it and we got in the car and left.
I can't even imagine what we'd have done if we lost him...whew!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Confession #14: I'm already stressing out about G becoming a teenager
I know this seems silly because we haven't even celebrated his 1st birthday yet, but being a high school teacher I am constantly hearing about things that go on. If you have kids, trust me...there is a LOT going on that you would never dream of. I went to high school in the mid-late 90s. Yes, people were having sex. Yes, people were drinking and using drugs...but the feeling I get is that it's way more rampant now. I don't think you would believe the things that I could tell you that I hear from students and I would never post them on here because if I did I could get fired...but if I found out that my son was doing those things I would #1 be very sad and #2 I would probably send him to one of those boot camps.
I think as a society we need to make a lot of changes. First of all, kids need their parents. Teens don't need all this freedom...they need family time. You might be a single parent and if so, I have tons of respect for you. My mother-in-law raised 3 boys alone and I have no idea how she survived...but guess what. She wasn't out dating all these men and leaving her boys to do whatever. She was working to put food on the table and doing the best she could. I have a student who is having serious issues right now and a lot of it is exaccerbated (SAT word!) by the fact that his/her mom has had several failed marriaged and is constantly off galavanting with some guy.
Second of all, we have got to take this trash off the TV and radio. Have you listened to the lyrics of these songs??? I remember in high school the worst song I'd ever heard was "Put it in your mouth" and now that's basically EVERY song on the radio! Then we turn on the TV and everything is so sexual. I can't lie...I enjoy watching "The Bachelor" but geez...going to the fantasy suite about 2 weeks after you met someone? Most sit-coms are centered around everyone jumping in and out of bed with each other. It just gets worse and worse. Rather than taking the time to talk to our kids and LISTEN to our kids, we'd rather let the TV or computer entertain them.
Third, kids need to have strict supervision when using the internet. It's SO EASY for them to access porn...and once they see it they easily get addicted. Then you have Facebook, Myspace and AIM where kids can write whatever and put pictures of whatever.
I also don't think kids need phones with unlimited texting...unless they have a plan where the parents can see all of their texts.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, we (parents, teachers, society) need to be stressing SELF-RESPECT. If kids had respect for themselves, they wouldn't be doing the things they're doing. Again, we don't talk and listen...we just assume that they're going to have sex so we get them birth control. Abstinence doesn't have to be about just avoiding pregnancy and STDS...it should be a way to strengthen and improve your character. It's about not giving yourself away to anyone and everyone who wants it. And it's about developing meaningful relationships with other people that don't have to be all about sex.
A few years ago, I had a guest speaker come talk to my 9th grade health classes. She talked about sex and abstinence in a way that every young person should hear. Unfortunately, she moved to Arizona, so I can't bring her in any more. Sometimes I want to quit my job and speak like she did...but I doubt I could afford to.
Please parents, talk to your kids...don't let them learn everything from other kids. And they need YOU.
I think as a society we need to make a lot of changes. First of all, kids need their parents. Teens don't need all this freedom...they need family time. You might be a single parent and if so, I have tons of respect for you. My mother-in-law raised 3 boys alone and I have no idea how she survived...but guess what. She wasn't out dating all these men and leaving her boys to do whatever. She was working to put food on the table and doing the best she could. I have a student who is having serious issues right now and a lot of it is exaccerbated (SAT word!) by the fact that his/her mom has had several failed marriaged and is constantly off galavanting with some guy.
Second of all, we have got to take this trash off the TV and radio. Have you listened to the lyrics of these songs??? I remember in high school the worst song I'd ever heard was "Put it in your mouth" and now that's basically EVERY song on the radio! Then we turn on the TV and everything is so sexual. I can't lie...I enjoy watching "The Bachelor" but geez...going to the fantasy suite about 2 weeks after you met someone? Most sit-coms are centered around everyone jumping in and out of bed with each other. It just gets worse and worse. Rather than taking the time to talk to our kids and LISTEN to our kids, we'd rather let the TV or computer entertain them.
Third, kids need to have strict supervision when using the internet. It's SO EASY for them to access porn...and once they see it they easily get addicted. Then you have Facebook, Myspace and AIM where kids can write whatever and put pictures of whatever.
I also don't think kids need phones with unlimited texting...unless they have a plan where the parents can see all of their texts.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, we (parents, teachers, society) need to be stressing SELF-RESPECT. If kids had respect for themselves, they wouldn't be doing the things they're doing. Again, we don't talk and listen...we just assume that they're going to have sex so we get them birth control. Abstinence doesn't have to be about just avoiding pregnancy and STDS...it should be a way to strengthen and improve your character. It's about not giving yourself away to anyone and everyone who wants it. And it's about developing meaningful relationships with other people that don't have to be all about sex.
A few years ago, I had a guest speaker come talk to my 9th grade health classes. She talked about sex and abstinence in a way that every young person should hear. Unfortunately, she moved to Arizona, so I can't bring her in any more. Sometimes I want to quit my job and speak like she did...but I doubt I could afford to.
Please parents, talk to your kids...don't let them learn everything from other kids. And they need YOU.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Confession #13: Sometimes I feel like a single parent
It's really hard for me to put this out there, but here it goes...
Right now I'm laying in bed with the cat while my husband is sleeping on the couch downstairs. We haven't spoken in a few hours. If you asked me why, I couldn't really give you a good explanation. Here are the events leading up to him sleeping on the couch:
G was a little fussy this afternoon. I came home to pick him up and then took him back to school with me because we had a basketball playoff game. He fussed before we fed him, but then he was good. Hubby surprised us by showing up. G fussed at first but I think he didn't recognize daddy because he was clean shaven (he usually has a goatee and partial beard). Then he was good for the rest of the game. At the very end of the game I had to get the water coolers and when I came back, G was crying VERY loudly. Hubby stormed out of the gym. He gets "embarrassed" when G is loud. Whatever. I picked G up and he calmed down. He fussed a little as I put him in the car, but was quiet the whole way home. Hubby stayed downstairs slamming cabinet doors and acting immaturely until he realized no one was paying him any attention. I got G ready for bed and fed him with my mom.
That's it.
I've avoided blogging about this for so long.
And for right now I'm going to refrain from rehashing so many things because I've been praying and I have seen lots of improvement on hubby's part. But in this moment I'm reliving all the negativity.
Right now I'm laying in bed with the cat while my husband is sleeping on the couch downstairs. We haven't spoken in a few hours. If you asked me why, I couldn't really give you a good explanation. Here are the events leading up to him sleeping on the couch:
G was a little fussy this afternoon. I came home to pick him up and then took him back to school with me because we had a basketball playoff game. He fussed before we fed him, but then he was good. Hubby surprised us by showing up. G fussed at first but I think he didn't recognize daddy because he was clean shaven (he usually has a goatee and partial beard). Then he was good for the rest of the game. At the very end of the game I had to get the water coolers and when I came back, G was crying VERY loudly. Hubby stormed out of the gym. He gets "embarrassed" when G is loud. Whatever. I picked G up and he calmed down. He fussed a little as I put him in the car, but was quiet the whole way home. Hubby stayed downstairs slamming cabinet doors and acting immaturely until he realized no one was paying him any attention. I got G ready for bed and fed him with my mom.
That's it.
I've avoided blogging about this for so long.
And for right now I'm going to refrain from rehashing so many things because I've been praying and I have seen lots of improvement on hubby's part. But in this moment I'm reliving all the negativity.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Confession #12: I want an Extreme Makeover!
Way before "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" there was a regular "Extreme Makeover" show. They took regular people, flew them to Beverly Hills, and had plastic surgeons redo whatever they wanted. I loved the show so much that when I was in college I drove all the way to Atlanta for a casting call. You wouldn't believe how many people were there! I filled out the application and then they called groups of about 10 people to the back, lined us up, and asked each of us what we wanted done. I said a nose job and breast implants. I actually was told to come back for an interview that afternoon. (I broke my nose in 6th grade from a car accident. When I tell people that, they always say "I didn't notice until you told me." WHATEVER...obviously it's pretty bad if they let me progress.) I didn't get a call back after the interview. Of course part of me is sad...I could've gotten my nose fixed for FREE! But as far as the boob job, I'm kind of glad I didn't get it back then. But now there are several more things I would like done.
If they ever bring that show back, here's the list of what I'll request:
Nose job
Breast implants
Tummy tuck
Laser hair removal
Liposuction of hips and inner thighs
Porcelin veneers
Wow...I sound like Heidi Montag. I think it's funny that she went from wanting to be a mom so badly to getting 10 procedures done...I wish her luck in keeping that body if she ever does get pregnant!
If they ever bring that show back, here's the list of what I'll request:
Nose job
Breast implants
Tummy tuck
Laser hair removal
Liposuction of hips and inner thighs
Porcelin veneers
Wow...I sound like Heidi Montag. I think it's funny that she went from wanting to be a mom so badly to getting 10 procedures done...I wish her luck in keeping that body if she ever does get pregnant!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Confession #11: I'm addicted to coupon and freebie sites
I think when you create a new email address just for junk mail to be sent to and then you purposely sign up for junk mail, you might have a problem. *blushing*
I have recently discovered that there are lots of blogs dedicated to finding great deals, free samples, and coupons...and I have to admit that I check them frequently. Some day in the near future, I am *hopefully* going to have a mailbox full of free shampoo, mineral makeup, whitening strips, laundry detergent, and other random things that I can't even recall right now. When they do begin arriving, I'll be sure to brag all about it ;) Check out my blog list to see some of my favorites.
I have recently discovered that there are lots of blogs dedicated to finding great deals, free samples, and coupons...and I have to admit that I check them frequently. Some day in the near future, I am *hopefully* going to have a mailbox full of free shampoo, mineral makeup, whitening strips, laundry detergent, and other random things that I can't even recall right now. When they do begin arriving, I'll be sure to brag all about it ;) Check out my blog list to see some of my favorites.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
What I miss most...
from my life before G:
10. My pre-baby body...not that it was all that great, but it wasn't all saggy and stretch-mark-y like it is now
9. Spending money on whatever...now we spend a ton on formula!
8. Snuggling up on the couch for hours at a time with hubby and watching movies
7. Sleep...although the night sleep situation has been *knock on wood* awesome lately
6. Being able to fix a meal without worrying that G is going to have a breakdown and having to abandon it
5. Road trips...need I say more?
WOW...I thought this was going to be an easy post, but I actually am having a hard time thinking of 5 more things. I just love my little boy so much...I miss him so much when I'm away from him! Maybe a better topic for today is the Top 10 Things I Love the Most about G (so far):
10. The way he holds the bottle while I'm feeding him
9. When he gives me an unexpected smile
8. How cute he is in every outfit I put on him
7. When he holds my finger
6. How determined he is to belly scoot
5. Snuggle time
4. Watching him lay on his activity mat
3. How soft his hair is
2. His coos
1. The thought of all the fun things to come in the future!
10. My pre-baby body...not that it was all that great, but it wasn't all saggy and stretch-mark-y like it is now
9. Spending money on whatever...now we spend a ton on formula!
8. Snuggling up on the couch for hours at a time with hubby and watching movies
7. Sleep...although the night sleep situation has been *knock on wood* awesome lately
6. Being able to fix a meal without worrying that G is going to have a breakdown and having to abandon it
5. Road trips...need I say more?
WOW...I thought this was going to be an easy post, but I actually am having a hard time thinking of 5 more things. I just love my little boy so much...I miss him so much when I'm away from him! Maybe a better topic for today is the Top 10 Things I Love the Most about G (so far):
10. The way he holds the bottle while I'm feeding him
9. When he gives me an unexpected smile
8. How cute he is in every outfit I put on him
7. When he holds my finger
6. How determined he is to belly scoot
5. Snuggle time
4. Watching him lay on his activity mat
3. How soft his hair is
2. His coos
1. The thought of all the fun things to come in the future!
Monday, February 15, 2010
The formula mystery
When we realized G had colic, my husband wanted to switch to Enfamil because they have one called Fussease which supposedly helps with fussiness and gas. We went through one can and didn't see a difference, so we went back to Similac AES. Our pediatrician later told us that it can take up to 2 weeks for a baby's digestive system to get used to a new formula.
We stayed with Similac AES for a while and then my husband decided he wanted to try soy. We got Parent's Choice soy (which was half the price of name brands!), but G seemed to get worse...so we went back.
After that switch, it seemed like his poops were different. They were harder and he spit up A LOT more. (The doctor says that babies spit up more between 2 and 6 months of age). Hubby did some more research and found out about Similac Alimentum which is marketed as a "hypoallergenic" formula for food allergies and colic. Of course, wouldn't you know it...it's flippin expensive! We started out with a bottle of the pre-mixed stuff...what a pain! It has to be refrigerated! Then we found the powder at Babies R Us...it's $26 for a 16 ounce can compared to $21 for a 23 ounce can of AES. It annoys me that it's not part of the deals because it's a small can. (Right now you get a $5 gift card from BRU when you buy two 23 ounce cans of Similac).
At first I thought the Alimentum was great. His poops were back to normal and he seemed to burp easier...but it doesn't seem to help the spit up. Sometimes he doesn't spit up at all, but other times he spits up A LOT.
I don't know if we'll ever find the perfect formula for him.With all the choices out there, it'll drive a new mom crazy. I'm ready for real baby food!
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