Husband took the little ladies up to visit his parents this morning. Those grandparents have a pool and a swing set, so the girls love going to play. I love having them leave to get some quiet time to myself in my own home. This week I had been trying to make a nap mat for Panda Girl. She is growing up and needs one for mother's day out. Today was my perfect opportunity to finish it up. I was amazed at how quickly I can complete a project when there are no little hands wanting to help (read: drive me crazy while using a machine I do not have complete confidence in using). It turned out really cute. She wanted nothing to do with it, but Sweet Pea has had fun playing school with it all afternoon.
The girls got home after I had finished (hallelujah) and just in time for their naps. As I was putting Panda Girl in her crib I took a big whiff of her. She smelled of summer: that intoxicating mix of sunscreen, sweat and chlorine. On me it smells awful, but on her it smelled magical. I hugged her extra close and took one more deep breath. How I love that smell.
As Gretchen Rubin says in her book, The Happiness Project, the days are long but the years are short. That hit me hard today. In the near future I won't have toddlers vying for my attention all the time. They won't be asking to help constantly. That amazing smell of summer will be replaced by smelly adolescent stench. While I truly needed and enjoyed my break today, I am aware that this time in their lives is fleeting. I am thankful I was able to appreciate my sweet little girls today.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Health and Education
Today I took Panda Girl to the pediatrician. Today's appointment was to recheck her ears. Two weeks ago I had hauled a feverish fussy toddler into the office at the end of the day. As I had thought, she had an ear infection. Her ear tubes had dislodged a couple of weeks prior to that day, so I had been expecting an infection to take hold. Today, when Dr. Alex peered into her ears, he was displeased. After one round of oral antibiotics, she still had an infection. He gave me two choices: another round of oral antibiotics (which he warned was very unlikely to work) or a series of two shots (administered today and tomorrow). I dislike shots as much as the next mommy, but I really want this infection gone, so I opted for option two. He also suggested I put in a call to my trusty ENT to get her in for another set of ear tubes. She is clearly a child who requires them.
Earlier this week I wrote our family's first letter to our new Compassion child. She lives in Honduras. We chose her because she has the same birthday as Sweet Pea. In her picture she looks small and slightly neglected, which I am certain was the aim of using that particular photo. She lives with her mom and grandfather. Neither of the adults she lives with are regularly employed. We showed Sweet Pea her picture and asked her if there was anything she wanted to know about this little girl. After being disappointed that this child could not come to her birthday party, she asked the questions I had assumed were coming: What is her favorite food? What is her favorite animal? What is her favorite color?
Today it occurred to me how lucky we are to be able to give Panda Girl the care she needs for her troublesome ears. There are so many places where she would probably end up with hearing loss due to repeated infections. She would struggle to speak. She would have difficulty in school resulting from her lack of language skills and hearing loss. Panda Girl is my very bright child. Sweet Pea is smart: asks why incessantly, has a killer memory and is highly observant. Panda Girl, however, is in a league of her own. Her father is a Mensa member, and I have no doubt she will end up like him some day. It breaks my heart to think about how many gifted children there are in the world who can't reach thier incredible potential due to a minor issue that can easily be cured with modern medicine. Imagine the problems those children could solve for all of us regular joes if given the chance to fulfill their promise.
While I don't think the little Honduran girl we are sponsoring is a genius, I hope she can grow up to become educated. I hope she can educate her future family. We partly chose a girl to sponsor because educated girls beget educated families. Girls pass on their knowledge to their children. Hopefully we can help end a familial cycle of poverty.
Earlier this week I wrote our family's first letter to our new Compassion child. She lives in Honduras. We chose her because she has the same birthday as Sweet Pea. In her picture she looks small and slightly neglected, which I am certain was the aim of using that particular photo. She lives with her mom and grandfather. Neither of the adults she lives with are regularly employed. We showed Sweet Pea her picture and asked her if there was anything she wanted to know about this little girl. After being disappointed that this child could not come to her birthday party, she asked the questions I had assumed were coming: What is her favorite food? What is her favorite animal? What is her favorite color?
Today it occurred to me how lucky we are to be able to give Panda Girl the care she needs for her troublesome ears. There are so many places where she would probably end up with hearing loss due to repeated infections. She would struggle to speak. She would have difficulty in school resulting from her lack of language skills and hearing loss. Panda Girl is my very bright child. Sweet Pea is smart: asks why incessantly, has a killer memory and is highly observant. Panda Girl, however, is in a league of her own. Her father is a Mensa member, and I have no doubt she will end up like him some day. It breaks my heart to think about how many gifted children there are in the world who can't reach thier incredible potential due to a minor issue that can easily be cured with modern medicine. Imagine the problems those children could solve for all of us regular joes if given the chance to fulfill their promise.
While I don't think the little Honduran girl we are sponsoring is a genius, I hope she can grow up to become educated. I hope she can educate her future family. We partly chose a girl to sponsor because educated girls beget educated families. Girls pass on their knowledge to their children. Hopefully we can help end a familial cycle of poverty.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Book Review Time!
Recently I finished Henry's Sisters by Cathy Lamb. This novel is about a family of three sisters and one brother, Henry. Henry is mentally disabled in some way that is not ever fully explained (although the actual diagnosis is not important to the story). The four siblings had a very difficult childhood. Money was scarce, security was nonexistent and parental affection was absent. The three women grow up to live very different lives. One is a bestselling crime novelist. Another is a world-renowned photographer. The third stayed in the small town of Trillium River and became a teacher. A family situation causes the three sisters to have to come together and care for their brother and their family business, a bakery.
Much of the story explores the relationships sisters share. Lamb writes, "Sisters are the worst. And they are the best. A sister can be awful and complicated and loving and protective and petty and competitive, and when you die she is the person you want beside you holding your hand." I found the author's take on sisterhood to be insightful. These sisters love each other fiercely, but fight bitterly. They pull no punches when dealing with each other, but always come to the aid of a sister in need. The relationships are both painful and touching.
It is, however, a bit of a dark read. If you dislike injustice or pain in books, this is not the story for you. However, if you can hang through the darkness, it is a really good book. I truly enjoyed it.
Much of the story explores the relationships sisters share. Lamb writes, "Sisters are the worst. And they are the best. A sister can be awful and complicated and loving and protective and petty and competitive, and when you die she is the person you want beside you holding your hand." I found the author's take on sisterhood to be insightful. These sisters love each other fiercely, but fight bitterly. They pull no punches when dealing with each other, but always come to the aid of a sister in need. The relationships are both painful and touching.
It is, however, a bit of a dark read. If you dislike injustice or pain in books, this is not the story for you. However, if you can hang through the darkness, it is a really good book. I truly enjoyed it.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Change
Tomorrow is Sweet Pea's last day of preschool before it lets out for the summer. Instead of being excited to leave school behind, she is deeply disappointed. She loves her "red ladybug" classroom and all her friends. She adores her teachers, especially Miss Kelly. I have explained to her that she will get to be in a new class in the fall. She will get to be a "star" (aka Pre-K). This concept of moving up grades is totally lost on her. This is her first experience with it and she is unhappy about it. If it was up to her she would stay a red ladybug with Miss Kelly and her current class forever.
Last night as I was attempting to explain all of this moving up business to her, Sweet Pea started to cry. I hugged her and told her that I understand. We all have times in life when we don't want to face change. I was loathe to graduate from college. I absolutely loved my time at Texas A&M. When I graduated I was leaving behind my (future) husband, my sister, and my sense of self. I understood my place in the world in college. I had no idea who I would be once I graduated. I longed to stay, but I had to go.
I would love to say I handled the adjustment with grace and ease. Sadly, that was not the case. I was lonely. I (know now that I) was depressed. I understood at some level that I needed to mix things up, that I was unhappy. Some people eat (I did plenty of that: cookie dough out of the tube was my poison). Some people drink (not really my coping mechanism). Others find a hobby. I tend toward this latter group. I got a puppy. I consulted no one. I up and bought a dog one day after work. While it was very impulsive, getting Ally was an inspired decision. She has exceeded every expectation I have ever set for her. She is sweet. She is good with kids. She is adorable. For a brief period, she was my sanity. She is my Miss Kelly.
Last night as I was attempting to explain all of this moving up business to her, Sweet Pea started to cry. I hugged her and told her that I understand. We all have times in life when we don't want to face change. I was loathe to graduate from college. I absolutely loved my time at Texas A&M. When I graduated I was leaving behind my (future) husband, my sister, and my sense of self. I understood my place in the world in college. I had no idea who I would be once I graduated. I longed to stay, but I had to go.
I would love to say I handled the adjustment with grace and ease. Sadly, that was not the case. I was lonely. I (know now that I) was depressed. I understood at some level that I needed to mix things up, that I was unhappy. Some people eat (I did plenty of that: cookie dough out of the tube was my poison). Some people drink (not really my coping mechanism). Others find a hobby. I tend toward this latter group. I got a puppy. I consulted no one. I up and bought a dog one day after work. While it was very impulsive, getting Ally was an inspired decision. She has exceeded every expectation I have ever set for her. She is sweet. She is good with kids. She is adorable. For a brief period, she was my sanity. She is my Miss Kelly.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Allowing her to be her
Today was Sweet Pea's first official dance recital. She had been looking forward to today for weeks. It wasn't that she was thrilled to show us what she had learned or that she is a born performer. Her excitement was due to the costume. She wanted to put on that frilly pink tutu/dress thing. She wanted to be allowed to wear makeup. She wanted to look extra pretty. In case we were wondering, I think we officially have a girly girl on our hands.
Husband and my date this week was the first time in a while I had taken the opportunity to dress up. When I was sick I did not have the energy. I felt like I had accomplished something when I put on anything I would not wear to the gym. In general I enjoy dressing up. There were entire years in elementary school where I wore dresses every day. Thankfully my mom was happy dressing me as the prissy little girl. I would have hated her to try to change that about me.
Sweet Pea has always been highly energetic. She prefers to play with the boys because they play more active games. She would much rather play a rousing game of chase than sit and color. I don't really understand that desire in her, but I respect it. This is why I am often surprised when Sweet Pea wants to dress so girly. It seems in opposition to her personality. Girls who enjoy active games should like to dress as a tomboy would dress, in my own head. Clearly my expectations are inappropriate. Who says she can't run around the playground with the boys while looking like an adorable little girl? I think she has found the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, I worry that this dichotomy will backfire when she hits high school. I suppose we will just deal with the fallout then. I refuse to make her dress down when she wants to dress up. I will do her the same favor my mom did me: allow her to express herself with her attire (as long as it is not inappropriate). I am certain we will have wars in her teen years around the definition of appropriate. For now, I am going to enjoy the cute dresses while I can.
Husband and my date this week was the first time in a while I had taken the opportunity to dress up. When I was sick I did not have the energy. I felt like I had accomplished something when I put on anything I would not wear to the gym. In general I enjoy dressing up. There were entire years in elementary school where I wore dresses every day. Thankfully my mom was happy dressing me as the prissy little girl. I would have hated her to try to change that about me.
Sweet Pea has always been highly energetic. She prefers to play with the boys because they play more active games. She would much rather play a rousing game of chase than sit and color. I don't really understand that desire in her, but I respect it. This is why I am often surprised when Sweet Pea wants to dress so girly. It seems in opposition to her personality. Girls who enjoy active games should like to dress as a tomboy would dress, in my own head. Clearly my expectations are inappropriate. Who says she can't run around the playground with the boys while looking like an adorable little girl? I think she has found the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, I worry that this dichotomy will backfire when she hits high school. I suppose we will just deal with the fallout then. I refuse to make her dress down when she wants to dress up. I will do her the same favor my mom did me: allow her to express herself with her attire (as long as it is not inappropriate). I am certain we will have wars in her teen years around the definition of appropriate. For now, I am going to enjoy the cute dresses while I can.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Confidence
Having children has left me feeling inept in ways I never imagined. Until the little ladies came along, I was always able to figure almost anything out very quickly. I rarely had to struggle. (Side note: I thought having to try something more than once was struggling, shows you what I knew!) The fact that I struggled so mightily with the transition to motherhood was God's way of humbling me. Wow, did that work.
All this struggling has left me with a lack of self-confidence in recent years. Working women and working moms intimidate me (except for those who are truly my friends, they are kind and would never try to make me feel insignificant). When talking to women without kids who have serious careers, I feel looked down upon by them. I think that I can read their thoughts: "Can't she talk about anything other than her kids?" or "I need to use my brain all the time, she must not need that much stimulation." Needless to say, that kind of internal dialog is not good for one's self-esteem.
Last night Husband and I ventured out on our own. We headed to a place full of wild animals, food and wine. Stumped? We had a donor dinner at the zoo. It was fabulous. We got to watch the small cats be fed. We learned about their rituals, diets, personalities. The highlight of the evening was the jaguar feeding. They are such beautiful creatures. Watching the dynamic between the two animals was fascinating. There was no sharing. There was growling. There was lots of chasing the other away. In some ways watching them posture for the food was similar to watching the posturing of my little ladies over a favorite toy. Thankfully last night I was not in charge of discipline and did not have to jump in and referee the big cats.
The best part of the night was meeting new people. We sat at a table with other young couples. None of them are parents. One couple is still dating. I am not often around those who do not share my same stage of life. Instead of being terrified, I was elated. I enjoyed hearing about one woman's neurology residency and another woman's yoga classes. It was fun to hear people discuss great food and other worthwhile charitable causes. I was surprised that I could relate to everyone there. While I know they could not understand my life, I didn't feel the need to prove anything. I actually had confidence in myself again. I did not feel less than any of them due to my choice to stay home and raise our kids full time. We even exchanged information with one of the women to get together at another date. The best part is the fact that we will see these people again at another function. Hopefully this is the start of a trend. Self-confidence, how I have missed you.
All this struggling has left me with a lack of self-confidence in recent years. Working women and working moms intimidate me (except for those who are truly my friends, they are kind and would never try to make me feel insignificant). When talking to women without kids who have serious careers, I feel looked down upon by them. I think that I can read their thoughts: "Can't she talk about anything other than her kids?" or "I need to use my brain all the time, she must not need that much stimulation." Needless to say, that kind of internal dialog is not good for one's self-esteem.
Last night Husband and I ventured out on our own. We headed to a place full of wild animals, food and wine. Stumped? We had a donor dinner at the zoo. It was fabulous. We got to watch the small cats be fed. We learned about their rituals, diets, personalities. The highlight of the evening was the jaguar feeding. They are such beautiful creatures. Watching the dynamic between the two animals was fascinating. There was no sharing. There was growling. There was lots of chasing the other away. In some ways watching them posture for the food was similar to watching the posturing of my little ladies over a favorite toy. Thankfully last night I was not in charge of discipline and did not have to jump in and referee the big cats.
The best part of the night was meeting new people. We sat at a table with other young couples. None of them are parents. One couple is still dating. I am not often around those who do not share my same stage of life. Instead of being terrified, I was elated. I enjoyed hearing about one woman's neurology residency and another woman's yoga classes. It was fun to hear people discuss great food and other worthwhile charitable causes. I was surprised that I could relate to everyone there. While I know they could not understand my life, I didn't feel the need to prove anything. I actually had confidence in myself again. I did not feel less than any of them due to my choice to stay home and raise our kids full time. We even exchanged information with one of the women to get together at another date. The best part is the fact that we will see these people again at another function. Hopefully this is the start of a trend. Self-confidence, how I have missed you.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sharing
I feel as if I spend half of my time reminding the little ladies to share. Many mornings I am tempted to don a black and white striped jersey to make my job as referee official. Panda Girl, as a second child, is a sharing champion. There are very few things she objects to sharing with Sweet Pea. Sweet Pea, on the other hand, is a true first child. She wants to share nothing with her little sister. Nothing. Sadly, this behavior is payback from my own childhood. I too was a true first child in this regard.
I live with a pack rat. As a reformed pack rat myself, I understand the internal dialog Husband has regarding his stuff: "What if I need it some day?" or "I may be able to fix this." or "The girls could play with this.". Living with Husband has cured my need to keep things. I have learned to let go of any emotional attachment I have to a particular candy dish or an unworn sweater. It has been liberating to be able to shed our stuff.
This weekend we had a garage sale. Several items were sold and we made some real money. I had multiple huge bags of baby clothes. Husband and I have already decided that two little ladies are plenty of kiddos for us. Therefore, it was time to let go of the adorable newborn sleepers my girls wore as babies. I took out one outfit I really liked from each of them and put the rest out for sale. Several items did sell, however we still had bags upon bags remaining in our yard at the end of the day. I was very temped to rifle through those bags and take out a few more choice pieces. However, I knew where that path would lead: putting all of it back up in the attic to collect dust. So, before I could change my mind I loaded up the minivan and took it all down the street to the local crisis pregnancy center.
The car was full to overflowing with baby clothes, maternity clothes, blankets, diaper bags, etc. I wanted those items to be put to good use. So I chose the pregnancy center. They counsel women to have their babies and either keep them or put them up for adoption. They do not advocate or give referrals for abortions. Since their philosophy fits nicely with my own, I felt comfortable donating our old things to them. To say the workers were shocked at the volume of stuff I was donating is an understatement. I was almost ashamed at how much our girls had at an age where they could not possibly appreciate it all. However, putting that aside it is great to know there are women in need who will benefit from my overspending. I truly hope they enjoy some of the adorable outfits my girls hardly wore.
See, there is hope. First children can learn to share after all.
I live with a pack rat. As a reformed pack rat myself, I understand the internal dialog Husband has regarding his stuff: "What if I need it some day?" or "I may be able to fix this." or "The girls could play with this.". Living with Husband has cured my need to keep things. I have learned to let go of any emotional attachment I have to a particular candy dish or an unworn sweater. It has been liberating to be able to shed our stuff.
This weekend we had a garage sale. Several items were sold and we made some real money. I had multiple huge bags of baby clothes. Husband and I have already decided that two little ladies are plenty of kiddos for us. Therefore, it was time to let go of the adorable newborn sleepers my girls wore as babies. I took out one outfit I really liked from each of them and put the rest out for sale. Several items did sell, however we still had bags upon bags remaining in our yard at the end of the day. I was very temped to rifle through those bags and take out a few more choice pieces. However, I knew where that path would lead: putting all of it back up in the attic to collect dust. So, before I could change my mind I loaded up the minivan and took it all down the street to the local crisis pregnancy center.
The car was full to overflowing with baby clothes, maternity clothes, blankets, diaper bags, etc. I wanted those items to be put to good use. So I chose the pregnancy center. They counsel women to have their babies and either keep them or put them up for adoption. They do not advocate or give referrals for abortions. Since their philosophy fits nicely with my own, I felt comfortable donating our old things to them. To say the workers were shocked at the volume of stuff I was donating is an understatement. I was almost ashamed at how much our girls had at an age where they could not possibly appreciate it all. However, putting that aside it is great to know there are women in need who will benefit from my overspending. I truly hope they enjoy some of the adorable outfits my girls hardly wore.
See, there is hope. First children can learn to share after all.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Mother's Day
What a crazy weekend. Sweet Pea had her first friend sleepover. Her friends, ER and AC, spent the night Friday night. The girls' mom and I were college roommates and had planned a garage sale together. All three girls slept in Sweet Pea's room together. She was ecstatic. She gave them her stuffed animals (so they would feel comfortable). She even willingly gave up all movie selection privileges to her friends during the garage sale the next day. I was pleasantly surprised with how much she enjoyed her friends. It was adorable. It was also a huge realization that she is growing up more everyday.
Sunday we got up early. Husband had arranged for us to attend our local zoo's Sea Lion breakfast. They had a hot breakfast for us and the sea lions put on a show. The trainers were on hand to answer questions about their animals. They were adorable. It was very fun for all of us. It was even a cool morning, which is rare around here these days. After we walked the zoo a while longer Husband dropped me off at home and ventured out to the suburbs to visit his mother. I had been feeling under the weather all weekend, so I truly enjoyed the quiet time in our home. Later we went out to dinner with my family. All in all it was a lovely Mother's Day. I hope you enjoyed yours as much as I enjoyed mine.
Sunday we got up early. Husband had arranged for us to attend our local zoo's Sea Lion breakfast. They had a hot breakfast for us and the sea lions put on a show. The trainers were on hand to answer questions about their animals. They were adorable. It was very fun for all of us. It was even a cool morning, which is rare around here these days. After we walked the zoo a while longer Husband dropped me off at home and ventured out to the suburbs to visit his mother. I had been feeling under the weather all weekend, so I truly enjoyed the quiet time in our home. Later we went out to dinner with my family. All in all it was a lovely Mother's Day. I hope you enjoyed yours as much as I enjoyed mine.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Time
Quick question: So where, exactly did Spring go? It seems as it was January, Sweet Pea's birthday, and then I blinked. Suddenly it is May. Um, wow. Sweet Pea only has two more weeks of school. One of those weeks is short too. I don't know how this happened. Is life going to keep passing me by? Every year is moving faster. However, the days do not seem any shorter. Gretchen Rubin has Four Splendid Truths. My favorite is: The days are long, but the years are short. I would suggest that each year is shorter than the last. In some ways the fast pace is comforting. It helps me realize most issues pass with time. Waiting things out has become much easier. Patience is in larger supply.
Some of you know I want to be trained to be a postpartum doula. I have decided to wait a year before pursuing my goal. I want to wait until Panda Girl is in school more so I won't be missing out on this fun time with her. Sweet Pea is going to start a five day school week next year. Panda Girl will only attend two days/week. Thus, leaving me three days per week to have one-on-one time with Panda Girl. I have never had that much time with her and I am beyond excited. I know I am going to enjoy our days together immensely and I don't want to miss that. The following year Panda Girl will be attending three days a week. I feel as if that is a good time to start training for an interesting new career.
Being a doula is not at all what I thought I would do with my life. I had always considered myself to be a "math" or numbers person. However, I think what I really enjoy is problem solving. I like to think of new ways to deal with issues. Since I had a myriad of issues in my early years as a mother, I feel uniquely equipped to help other new moms.
While I would love to start my training today, I can easily wait until next year. I know it will come sooner than I realize.
Some of you know I want to be trained to be a postpartum doula. I have decided to wait a year before pursuing my goal. I want to wait until Panda Girl is in school more so I won't be missing out on this fun time with her. Sweet Pea is going to start a five day school week next year. Panda Girl will only attend two days/week. Thus, leaving me three days per week to have one-on-one time with Panda Girl. I have never had that much time with her and I am beyond excited. I know I am going to enjoy our days together immensely and I don't want to miss that. The following year Panda Girl will be attending three days a week. I feel as if that is a good time to start training for an interesting new career.
Being a doula is not at all what I thought I would do with my life. I had always considered myself to be a "math" or numbers person. However, I think what I really enjoy is problem solving. I like to think of new ways to deal with issues. Since I had a myriad of issues in my early years as a mother, I feel uniquely equipped to help other new moms.
While I would love to start my training today, I can easily wait until next year. I know it will come sooner than I realize.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Book Review Time!
I am going to lump two books together today. I recently read both of Mia King's books that chronicle the life of Deidre McIntosh: Good Things and Table Manners. Deidre is a forty year old single woman with her own successful local television show, Live Simple. She has a wonderful apartment which she shares with her best friend, Will. She loves her life and would not change a thing. Then, at the beginning of the first novel, everything changes.
Deidre finds herself living in a shack in a tiny town called Jacob's Point, OR. She is escaping her life in Seattle and hoping to build a new one. The story is far from unusual. It is even predictable in many ways. However, it is uplifting and enjoyable to read. The plot is even engrossing at times. I was in the mood for light reading after tackling some pretty heavy novels lately, and these filled the bill beautifully.
Especially if you consider the two books together, the characters are everything from heroic to hopelessly flawed. I loved getting to know each one of them. The second novel leaves off at a good point to finish out that segment of Deidre's story. However, there is more that can be written. I can't wait to see where Ms. King takes us next.
Deidre finds herself living in a shack in a tiny town called Jacob's Point, OR. She is escaping her life in Seattle and hoping to build a new one. The story is far from unusual. It is even predictable in many ways. However, it is uplifting and enjoyable to read. The plot is even engrossing at times. I was in the mood for light reading after tackling some pretty heavy novels lately, and these filled the bill beautifully.
Especially if you consider the two books together, the characters are everything from heroic to hopelessly flawed. I loved getting to know each one of them. The second novel leaves off at a good point to finish out that segment of Deidre's story. However, there is more that can be written. I can't wait to see where Ms. King takes us next.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Rest
Do you ever feel like your life is a constant series of loose ends? I can't seem to finish anything up lately. Unfortunately, new priorities keep getting dumped in my lap. In January or February I decided to have a yard sale. The original date for the aforementioned sale was April 24. There was no way I could pull that off with The Great Stomach Ache of 2010 in full swing on that date. So, it got pushed back to this Saturday. I still have not sorted through everything, yet there is no way I can postpone this any more. Sweet Pea has her ballet recital next weekend and preschool is almost done for the year. Somehow it has already been two months since I had a hair cut (mine is short, thus the need to cut frequently is great). I can't remember the last time my house had a really good scrubbing, and I don't want to figure it out either. I know that would just lead to feeling grossed out.
This past weekend I packed up the little ladies and took them an hour north to visit my parents. Husband stayed home, ostensibly work on the house. However, when I called on Saturday he was at a crawfish boil, ahem. Anyway, it is fun to visit the grandparents and all but it is exhausting. The first night we were there I may have slept 4 hours, maybe. I have yet to recover. I put the little ladies down for naps today and I nestled in to read (shocking, I know). The next thing I knew I was hearing Panda Girl cry and I was totally confused. I thought it was morning. I had slept so soundly that I woke completely disoriented. A cup of coffee later I am still sluggish. Sometimes I wonder why I decide to do things that I know will be tiring just before an especially busy week. Why do I expect to be superwoman?
Anyway, this superwoman is going to spend the evening on the couch and go to bed early. Hopefully that will give me the energy I need to get through this insane week. Here's the thing: there are lots of fun things to look forward to this week. I do not want to be dreading it. On Friday, Husband and I are having lunch with a development director at the zoo because they want our input on fun activities for those who give charitably. How can I not look forward to someone wanting MY opinion? I have always LOVED to give input, even when it is unsolicited and unwelcome. This guy actually asked us to think about ways to have fun at the zoo. A sweet college roommate is doing the garage sale with me on Saturday. Her sweet girls are around the same ages as my little ladies. Thus, all three of them are spending the night on Friday. I am so excited. It is the first slumber party for my girls and I know they will have a blast. Plus, I get to catch up with one of my favorite people. Then on Mother's Day, we are going to have breakfast with the sea lions at the zoo. We get to help feed them and have photos taken with them. For some people this would be a nightmare, but for me it is pure heaven on Earth. What a fabulous Mother's Day gift.
All this to say, I need to rest up so I can truly enjoy what is to come. I do not want to miss out on any of the fun activities coming my way. So, I need to go sleep.
This past weekend I packed up the little ladies and took them an hour north to visit my parents. Husband stayed home, ostensibly work on the house. However, when I called on Saturday he was at a crawfish boil, ahem. Anyway, it is fun to visit the grandparents and all but it is exhausting. The first night we were there I may have slept 4 hours, maybe. I have yet to recover. I put the little ladies down for naps today and I nestled in to read (shocking, I know). The next thing I knew I was hearing Panda Girl cry and I was totally confused. I thought it was morning. I had slept so soundly that I woke completely disoriented. A cup of coffee later I am still sluggish. Sometimes I wonder why I decide to do things that I know will be tiring just before an especially busy week. Why do I expect to be superwoman?
Anyway, this superwoman is going to spend the evening on the couch and go to bed early. Hopefully that will give me the energy I need to get through this insane week. Here's the thing: there are lots of fun things to look forward to this week. I do not want to be dreading it. On Friday, Husband and I are having lunch with a development director at the zoo because they want our input on fun activities for those who give charitably. How can I not look forward to someone wanting MY opinion? I have always LOVED to give input, even when it is unsolicited and unwelcome. This guy actually asked us to think about ways to have fun at the zoo. A sweet college roommate is doing the garage sale with me on Saturday. Her sweet girls are around the same ages as my little ladies. Thus, all three of them are spending the night on Friday. I am so excited. It is the first slumber party for my girls and I know they will have a blast. Plus, I get to catch up with one of my favorite people. Then on Mother's Day, we are going to have breakfast with the sea lions at the zoo. We get to help feed them and have photos taken with them. For some people this would be a nightmare, but for me it is pure heaven on Earth. What a fabulous Mother's Day gift.
All this to say, I need to rest up so I can truly enjoy what is to come. I do not want to miss out on any of the fun activities coming my way. So, I need to go sleep.
Panda Girl Update
Last week I took the little ladies to the pediatrician for Panda Girl's well child exam. Since she is still experiencing acid reflux, Dr. Alex suggested testing her for food allergies and celiac disease. Today I got the call with the results: she is clear. No food allergies. No celiac disease. We will have to retest for celiac in a few years, but for now we do not need to put her on a special diet. I am thrilled. This is such an answered prayer. Now I feel like I can focus on other things, like cleaning this house enough so that the people in the jump suits and crazy helmets don't seal off the house and prevent entry due to it becoming a toxic waste sight!
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