a baby story!

have you ever seen 'a baby story' on tlc? when I was pregnant with double l, towards the end of the pregnancy, I watched the show everyday. I went into pre-term labor (one day I will write a post all about that adventure as it took place in california), but for now it just sets the stage for stating -- I was on bed rest, than "partial rest" for the last 7 weeks of my pregnancy. oh, yes -- the last 7 weeks! even though I went into pre-term, double l did not actually arrive until his due date! but I digress, this post is about my former "obsession" with 'a baby story'. I loved this show, actually I still like it. but I had to watch it, everyday. I worked from home during my bed rest, so I would ensure my lunch break fell later in the afternoon, so I could relax and watch it. I would totally get into these women's experiences and birth & just imagine the birth of my little one. I pictured walking up and down the halls breathing through contractions. I imagine my bub and I listening to our "birth playlist" (which we never actually made and just planned on listening to another one with classic, oldie songs) and then bub running into the hallway announce the sex of the baby (yep, we did not find out what we were having). I, especially, loved the last segment when they showed how the parents were living with their little ones. I noted on every episode how clean their homes looked. I just sat and watched the show, day after day, planning away. funny, not only because I should have known nothing goes along with the plan. HELLO! I just spent 6 days in a santa rosa hospital in labor. by the way, if you are new and not aware, we leave Pa! um, that was certainly not in the plan! but still, I planned. a natural birth, just like the ladies I was watching. I would breath through the contractions and not use any drugs.


sorry had to stop typing for a minute to laugh out loud at myself!!!

sure some of the ladies opted for pain killers and even some had c-sections, but I would just note those episodes as possibilities, but totally not going to happen.

I would sit on my big red chair and daydream through the episodes and enjoy every second of the show.

after the birth of double l, realizing nothing goes as planned, I didn't really watch the show. lots of reasons why, I was totally overwhelmed with being a new mother, I did not have time for months to watch any tv, oh and I wasn't pregnant anymore.

fast forward to this week, the obsession is creeping back. maybe because double l was napping, I was avoid cleaning the windows and actually sat down to eat lunch and turned on the tv. hey its on earlier now at 1:00. no, I am not pregnant. but honestly, I am really thinking about it. remember this post. well, the episodes I watched this week, where all about second and third children. no new moms, so again I became so interested in what would happen. how these ladies handled the logistics of getting to the hospital while having child care for the other children, how these ladies handle labor for the second, the third time around, and how the heck these women handled bringing these new little ones home...

I find myself bummed I will miss thursday and friday's episodes, because I will be in the office. hmmm, maybe I am ready to stop hitting snooze...

a saturday afternoon...

saturday afternoon visiting mimi and pops...




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progress...

double l is making progress with his treatments. praise the Lord for this answered prayer. no, we do not have answers to what is causing the congestion and wheezing, but hopefully will next month (specialist appointment - mid-may). yesterday, we had a "check-in" with double l's doctor. she said he sounded "great"! especially knowing we have been outside for the past three days and windows in the house are wide open. thankfully, we were able to drop another treatment. hooray!!! we are down to morning and night. plus we are still using the singulair. thankfully I have not seen any side effects, which you know was a big fear for me. of course, I would love to say double l's tantrums and stubborn behavior is just because of the drug, but we all know its a side effect of being 21 months :) and I must admit, the tantrums are not frequent, but the stubborn behavior (especially during mealtime) is present ALOT! yes, he is still congested and yes we are wiping his nose all day long (clear mucus - no infection), but the wheezing as subsided and not even present most of the time. thank you for your continued prayers, emails of support and advice. all are welcomed and much appreciated.

onto more progress -- philly's weather. we are in the midst of a heat wave! um, it's april and temps have soared past 90 degrees since saturday! YIKES. As lora put it in a recent email, her house is like an oven. well, mine too. apparently back in 1896, they neglected to put in central a/c. and apparently since then, no (including us) has taken on the expense! so, like last summer, the summer before that and oh yes, the summer before that... I will vow to put in the central a/c. sure, we have window units, but I don't like to put them in until late-june when I know the heat won't let up for months. april is NOT the month for a/c window units. its the month for sun showers, cool breezes and windows wide open. progress or cooler weather is on the way, just need to get through today! I want spring if only for a few weeks.

so, yes -- I let double l run around the yard yesterday in his onesie and sneakers. the sight is hilarious to me and totally reminds me of one of my great uncles that use to mow the lawn in black slip-ons, white socks, shorts and white undershirt. you are right -- no way to make the connection, but somehow I do!!!

stay cool!

monday, april 27th ~ simple daybook

a simple woman's daybook



For Today...

Outside my window... hot, hot, hot! another 90 degree day, but this old house is still cool downstairs

I am thinking... maybe this is the year we should have invested in central a/c

I am thankful for... the balance mondays bring!

From the kitchen... a stocked 'frig, but no big dinner tonight as my bub starts his new bball league.

I am wearing... long shorts, navy/white strip tee and cute little gravis white/green slip-ons

I am reading... about to sit outside and review my notes from yesterday's sermon on hebrews and I am sure I will peak through the catalogs that arrived in the mail. on the night stand ~ becoming God's true woman by n. demoss.

I am hoping... to pack away winter clothes and unpack summer stuff this week

I am creating... nothing ~ I seriously need some inspiration!

I am praying... for answers and wisdom

Around the house... collecting estimates on the third floor and looking forward to the work to begin

One of my favorite things... simply chatting with double l over lunch

A few plans for the rest of the week... gigi's birthday, jumping back into a workout routine, hopefully hanging out with gigi on wednesday, maybe the zoo!

Here is a picture I am sharing with you...


I, finally, started the flower pots. hoping to have them filled and the beds cleaned out over the next two weeks. summer is here and all I wanted was a few days of spring...

8 things meme...

8 ThiNGs Meme
I've been tagged by the fabulous tiaras & tantrums! Thanks so much! This is fun!

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To
1) trying for another baby!
2) but first losing the last 15 pounds from the last one!!
3) seeing the california crew in june
4) the warm weather (clarification is the warm NOT HOT/HUMID weather)
5) getting some answers about double l's congestion and wheezing!!!
6) playing with double l on the beach.
7) calling on double l's teacher to babysit - she just gave her digits to us!!
8) the completion of the 3rd floor project

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1) double l woke us up before 6AM
2) cleaned the bathrooms
3) folded ALOT of laundry
4) sat on the deck and relaxed (if only for a few minutes)
5) visited with mimi and pops
6) tried out pops's new grill - YUMMY ribs!
7) took some fun pictures of double l on pops' mini john deer
8) made my bub clean up claire's throw up when we got home (poor bear-bear)

8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1) stay at home full-time with my little man
2) move to a house with a real master bedroom and a dry basement!
3) lose 15 pounds by next week
4) actually go to paris and stop just planning too...
5) not be such a stress ball
6) finish the 3rd floor myself -- not good at the handy manny stuff.
7) hire a cleaning lady
8) make double l's congestion and wheezing go away

8 Shows I Watch on TV
1) LOST
2) house
3) real housewives of nyc (I think its hilarious and can NOT wait for the jersey girls)
4) fox news is on a lot throughout the day
5) 24 - sometimes
6) thomas
7) pooh
8) barefoot contessa
9) tlc craziness every once in awhile - john & kate, duggars, what not to wear...

8 People I Tag - I am tagging anyone that wants to play along... since on average I don't see 8 comments :), I thought I'd leave it open to all....

Thanks TT -- this was fun!

will the 1.7 million please stand up...

interesting article on wsj.com about blogging as a profession. according to the article 'we are a nation of over 20 million bloogers', where '1.7 million are getting paid'!

WOW -- that's impressive. never did I think when I started this blog that revenue would be associated with it. oh, and to clarify there is no revenue coming from my little blog. but after reading the article and having several PR firms, vendors, etc... contact me, maybe it could. but then I think what's included in the 1.7 million bloggers getting paid?? are they getting paid through ads? because I will be honest I am not into the blogher ads. they seem so big and the rules make my head spin. even though I would love to go to the conference, ahem, just incase there is anyone dying to sponsor me :) and there are the google ads and they are just not attractive and I would be afraid that the lack of control over the content would serve up something I would never endorse. I do like the idea of featuring business' buttons I actual buy from and like their products... a similar display you would find at the nester.

but how the heck do you get started? and honestly does it take a lot of effort? because as you read, I am all tapped out. what are bloggers getting paid for? posts, reviews, ad space, all of the above?? okay lets hear it... advice on how to make my first million blogging or even how to make my first million [period]! I'd like the 1.7 million to please stand up and spread the knowledge (and maybe some of that wealth) around...

it is time...

double l needs a hair cut!




for more wordless wednesday, check out 5 minutes for mom.

mommie's struggling

I started this post last wednesday with all intentions of posting it that night. but I got tired and never finished it. honestly that is the story of my life these days. I get tired and don't finish the chores, dinner, my book! but I always finish my work -- work being defined as my paid part-time position (which is more like a full-time job). I once was consumed with work, so I think everyone was shocked when I opted to go back part-time after double l arrived. and I honestly feel the work/life balance I wanted is now way out of whack again. I am reigning the balance back in. today is an off day for work and full day on day for double l. and I am staying true to that balance. even if its just for today! I need this. my son needs this. my job does not need me online all day today. they will survive.

I won't be finishing the post I started, but thought you may want to read it...

so we off to gymboree. ill -- after I changed that poops I just smelled!!!

but first I would love to know how you balance? or how do you deal with the struggles of getting it all done?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

unfinished post...

I am a full time mama, but feel like I am a good mama part-time; I am a part-time employee, who works full-time; I miss the mark as a wife ALOT; and since my inbox is full of unanswered emails, I am not the most responsive friend either.

this overwhelmed feeling has been haunting me all week. the stress of multitasking has been a weight that I am not able to bare for awhile. reading how so many of you juggle so much more than me, I have no idea why I am so freaked out.

as I type this I should be folding laundry or finishing mopping the floors upstairs. but I am tired and have no motivation to finish the five things I started today. of course, I obsessively check my work blackberry even though today is an off day, despite the fact I took a work call, worked throughout the day and have prepped for the next two days that I will be in the office. I wonder why I put so much effort into something that should be at the lower end of the scale of what truly is important and such little effort is put into the house! my home should be very important as its our nest, nest egg, and is & will continue to a placed filled with memories!

beautiful weekend...

we missed the free library festival (bummer). we just could not get our acts together or should I say our act was together and we started some much needed yard clean-up!

saturday

after an early saturday morning out at home depot, CVS, etc..., we headed back home for a late morning walk. we saw the kids playing baseball and stop at the nearby park. as for the park -- I was less than impressed. but double l had fun. I mean come on -- he had never been there, claire joined us, there were other kids to watch, and mama & daddy were with him. priceless to see his smiling face and curious expressions at the bigger kids climbing the juggle gym. in due time, my little man -- don't rush it!!!

hope you all had an enjoyable weekend. oh and I finally started to plant some flowers and clean up the deck & porch. more on that later...

we ate on the deck and had burgers, beans and melon/berry salad. well, me, my bub, and our friend justin enjoyed that dinner. double l had a few bites of chicken tenders, some cheese and fruit. boy, oh boy -- he has become some picky eater!

saturday was gorgeous!






and my heart goes out to my blogging buddy, terra -- did you see the news about the snow in colorado? well, terra made the best of it! she partied :) with juicy juice, of course!

free library festival

I love books. I use to read all the time before double l arrived. since giving birth, I shamefully have to admit I have not finished one book. well, I am committing to jumping back into a past-time I have so missed.

my little town emails me a newsletter every week and I found the following event posted!

Free Library Festival Street Fair & Literary Marketplace
The Free Library Festival's Street Fair & Literary Marketplace is the place for bookstores, publishers, cultural organizations, and authors to sell books, share their missions, promote literacy--and for readers to discover new writers and explore what's new in the literary world. Many exhibitors present special in-booth activities or offer festival specials.

event details can be found here and it begins tomorrow at 11:00.

yes, its downtown, but this weekend is supposed to be beautiful!!!

we have plans tomorrow and not sure if we will be able to make it after church on saturday, but I would love to check it out!

for all you non local folks (and local), I need to make a book list, so let me know some great reads!!!

okay, I am shutting down and going to read some of new book :)

future blogger!

for more wordless wednesday, visit 5 minutes for mom!

Easter

I hope you all had a blessed Easter. we sure did...

early morning, double l reads his card. he is such a sweetheart! he ate breakfast and relaxed, while mommie and daddy took turns getting ready for church!


after church, I set the table as mimi & pops came over for an early dinner. double l made cards that I placed on each plate. I dressed the table in simple white tulips cut short in three small vases and put two egg candles in votive holders.

dinner: grilled pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon (with roasted fennel seeds) - my bub found the recipe in the weber cookbook. I made a green bean warm salad (with toasted walnuts and red onion), melon & berries fruit salad and a green salad (thanks mimi) rounded out our meal!

dessert - the barefoot contessa's lemon yogurt cake. I love it and make it for ever spring and summer special dinner.






after mimi & pops arrived, double l received another basket full of goodies and treats. we went for a long walk around our neighborhood and enjoyed a yummy dinner and dessert.



it was a wonderful day and evening. here are my guys chilling out before bedtime and a clean dining room table...



"...blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

john 20:29

"now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

hebrews 11:1

may you hold Easter in your hearts all year long!

sunday is coming...

just watched this video over at carrie's blog and had to post it as well! sunday is coming!

I love my bub!

for those of you who do not know, my bub is my husband. he is my best friend and I am his! I am his biggest fan and he is mine. I vowed to be a proverbs 31 wife and honestly fall short all the time. but he still loves me.

and I love him. I love him so much. I do not say it enough! and sadly I don't always act like it.

my bub is funny, quiet and oh, so handsome. he is so smart and has such an analytical mind. he is a godly man, who has been instrumental in my spiritual growth. and for that I am eternally grateful...

we married 5 1/2 years ago and I remember the moments documented below like they were yesterday. I was in awe at how happy I was that day. I was so thankful that God made this man for ME.

we don't take as many pictures together these days. it seems double l is our main "focus" ~ get it :) so, I am pledging to start capturing "us" again!

love you bub!

the hunter!

double l's first easter egg hunt!







for more wordless wednesday, checkout 5 minutes for mom!

wow, its been awhile...

how funny that I did not plan my time away from the blog-o-sphere, it just happened. life actually just happened and there was no documenting of it, no ramblings about it, no pictures showcasing the beauty of it. I just did not log onto blogger and rarely checked my reader. I am anxious to hear what all of you have been up too, but for me it was nothing more than turning 34, having a blast with my little man and eating non-stop on sunday. really it was simply that! boring to most, but I contently call it my life and whether I document it in a post or simply live it with no voice behind it ~ I love it, take it for granted too often and so want to enjoy it even more.

for now, I am signing off. but you will 'see' me later as I catch up on your life!

hope you are loving life, enjoying it and by no means taking it for granted...

xoxo

follow up with the doctor

today, we had our follow-up with double l's doctor. lots of fluid in the ear, no wheezing (hooray!), but tons of congestion still! we are dropping one nebulizer treatment, so only 3 a day. we have medicine for the ears and will go back in 4 weeks to recheck them! the doctor did ask me if I think the singulair is working and I said 'no, not really'. double l still has so much congestion and this awful cough. she recommended a allergy specialist, so we are on his books for may 22nd! and we spoke about claire. we do not want to jump the gun as no-one is saying claire is causing all these issues, but I can't help but worry about it. I, of course, came home and immediately started scrubbing the house. thankfully we have two floors of hardwood and only have a few rugs. I scrubbed all the woodwork and wiped down all baseboards and windows! so the house is clean and I love that! but my son is in love with his dog and constantly hugs her. again, I do not want to jump the gun, but claire is now banned from upstairs and bub & I have a plan to keep the dog hair under control.

any tips on controlling dog hair :)

at any rate, we still have no answers of what is causing all the congestion. but definitely feel thankful the wheezing has subsided! stay tuned as I just booked appointments with every doctor I can get my hands on. lora got it right -- insurance is a good thing. especially ppo which I don't have to mess with referrals.

p.s. I am watching fox news and they are discussing twitter. its hilarious as they are more clueless than I!

a new chair?

double l was very curious about this new seat that arrived at the house. it is now in its rightful place -- the bathroom.

visit 5 minutes for mom for more wordless wednesday posts...