I got up this morning to talk to my mom after she left the ER. Yesterday she was in a car accident and had some subsequent back problems. While I was on the phone with her I received a beep from my call-waiting. Every time I see "Unknown ID" on my caller ID, I always think of Nathan. I don't ever expect it to be him, and generally it is a telemarketer. As the phone beeped again, I asked my mom to hold for a moment.
"Hello?"
"Hi.
pause
Brittany, it's Nathan."
Usually hearing his voice sends my heart into a twitterpated frenzy. In moments, I find hope where a starving man couldn't find a crumb. I can't imagine what it would be like to be stranded on an overgrown island with oceans, land between you and everything you ever cared about or ever could. This time, all I heard was the voice of a weak man searching for a connection.
The conversation that followed was surreal. He called to check in on Richie's health and apologize for his part in the negativity we created. I avoided saying "it's ok". I don't want to assume anything about Nathan. I know by tomorrow (when he said he would call again) everything he said today could be completely changed. I believe everything he said was true, but that is my own downfall.
mac book pro-blogging; it even smells better!
Today was one of those days. One of those days when all the evil in the world works against you. One of those days when you want to smash your own skull in with a hammer. One of the days when hearing "I love you" makes the whole awful day tolerable enough to blog about, and maybe even wonderful.
I can't even hash over the negative stuff. Like my dad (as my mother would sigh, frustrated) I am easy like Sunday morning. The only time I take the energy to stress is when it comes to be son. Period. Just the other day, I was riding in the car with Jennie and telling her about the recent happenings of my interesting little life. We're like peas and carrots; complimentary, and not necessarily opposites, but very different. She handles her business - and it can be a scary thing to watch. You do not want to be on the wrong end of her anger. She's the nicest person you could want to know, until you do something stupid. Stupidity is a no-no is her book. Me, I let it all slide. I wish I could be more like Jennie. I would have a lot less heart ache and a dramatic decrease in head aches. But, I still just let it all slide. I can't (and yes, I mean can't) get worked up over damn near anything. I just can't care. I'm one of those easy going people you hate. It hasn't always been like this, but especially since I became a mom, I just don't care about anything that doesn't have to do with Richie. Now, I hope to one day be as laid back as my dad (not quite there yet) but for now I'll just let it slide.
I did nothing and saw no one today. I did talk to my brother on the phone. We are going to try to get together before I leave in less-than-six days. This trip has just vanished! Tomorrow I am going to try to see my Aunt Jen and help Jennie move into her house. It's my only opportunity to see my Aunt Jen and the only day Jennie is moving into her house. Yes, I am screaming profanities in my head right now. I was supposed to be seeing her on Sunday but plans changed and my dad just told me. Maybe I'll just stay in bed tomorrow.
I keep trying to focus on the good and/or humorous parts of my day but I guess I am pretty determined to stay stressed. Richie is sick again and today was not a good day for crayon (or dog food) eating, so I got nothing but a head ache that can't decided if it's coming or going.
I, however, am going.
I can't even hash over the negative stuff. Like my dad (as my mother would sigh, frustrated) I am easy like Sunday morning. The only time I take the energy to stress is when it comes to be son. Period. Just the other day, I was riding in the car with Jennie and telling her about the recent happenings of my interesting little life. We're like peas and carrots; complimentary, and not necessarily opposites, but very different. She handles her business - and it can be a scary thing to watch. You do not want to be on the wrong end of her anger. She's the nicest person you could want to know, until you do something stupid. Stupidity is a no-no is her book. Me, I let it all slide. I wish I could be more like Jennie. I would have a lot less heart ache and a dramatic decrease in head aches. But, I still just let it all slide. I can't (and yes, I mean can't) get worked up over damn near anything. I just can't care. I'm one of those easy going people you hate. It hasn't always been like this, but especially since I became a mom, I just don't care about anything that doesn't have to do with Richie. Now, I hope to one day be as laid back as my dad (not quite there yet) but for now I'll just let it slide.
I did nothing and saw no one today. I did talk to my brother on the phone. We are going to try to get together before I leave in less-than-six days. This trip has just vanished! Tomorrow I am going to try to see my Aunt Jen and help Jennie move into her house. It's my only opportunity to see my Aunt Jen and the only day Jennie is moving into her house. Yes, I am screaming profanities in my head right now. I was supposed to be seeing her on Sunday but plans changed and my dad just told me. Maybe I'll just stay in bed tomorrow.
I keep trying to focus on the good and/or humorous parts of my day but I guess I am pretty determined to stay stressed. Richie is sick again and today was not a good day for crayon (or dog food) eating, so I got nothing but a head ache that can't decided if it's coming or going.
I, however, am going.
we're still on the payroll
Last night I decided to hop online to send my mom some pictures before bed and discovered I had a message from Chrissy! I had told her of my brief return to the sunshine state and she remembered. So, she says we should get together. Seeing as how I have missed her and her little one (August), I harassed her into braving public transit to come hang out with me. And she accepted! She called this morning and will be here in about an hour! I am so excited to see her (and August!). Last time I saw her little August was in August, when she was born. She was so tiny and made meager little noises that were some excuse for crying (she was two weeks old, Richie was 8 months I knew real crying). She's seven months old now and has changed so much. For that fact, so has Richie. I wish I had more time to spend with her. Last time they stayed for a couple hours and the poor lot of them were so exhausted. I don't want to just stand in the kitchen staring at the microwave clock for an hour, as I am sure that would only cause time to slow to halt, and Richie is taking a nap before they come so I decided to blog about my already-interesting morning.
Yesterday I was spoiled by Richie sleeping in. This morning I was jarred awake at a quarter to seven by one persistent little screecher. Sometimes I wonder if he considers the lack of playmate I am at such early hours. Mostly though, I doubt he cares. The whole house was already stirring with my dad running late for work, Ryann eating breakfast before school and Rocky looking after Sugar while making sure Ryann kept to her schedule. I sat on the couch, put Richie down, and let the world spin it's craziness around me. I even contemplated hiding in the bathroom. It's quiet there and the door locks.
Everyone left and I got Richie and I dressed. I realized Chrissy and I hadn't outlined a real plan except to say that today was okay. I decided that 8:00 a.m. was too early to call her and whimper about her coming over now. Rocky returned from dropping Ryann off at school. Richie played in the kitchen and Rocky was getting ready to take Sugar for a walk. Rocky and I got to commiserating about "rap music," pop culture icons, and "little Richmond". While we agreed on the negative juvenile influences in California, Richie ever so sneakily began shoving his face with handfuls of puppy food. Venison and rice dog food didn't sit well with his refined palatte and he began gagging and spitting. We laughed as I scoop food pellets from his gritty mouth. I decided he could have some cookies to chase down the nasty taste of dog good. With mommy laughing at him, he hesistantly shoved cookie after cookie in his mouth and drank lots of water. Much diarrhea followed.
Nearly 10:00 and already Richie has made my day, well, rich!
Yesterday I was spoiled by Richie sleeping in. This morning I was jarred awake at a quarter to seven by one persistent little screecher. Sometimes I wonder if he considers the lack of playmate I am at such early hours. Mostly though, I doubt he cares. The whole house was already stirring with my dad running late for work, Ryann eating breakfast before school and Rocky looking after Sugar while making sure Ryann kept to her schedule. I sat on the couch, put Richie down, and let the world spin it's craziness around me. I even contemplated hiding in the bathroom. It's quiet there and the door locks.
Everyone left and I got Richie and I dressed. I realized Chrissy and I hadn't outlined a real plan except to say that today was okay. I decided that 8:00 a.m. was too early to call her and whimper about her coming over now. Rocky returned from dropping Ryann off at school. Richie played in the kitchen and Rocky was getting ready to take Sugar for a walk. Rocky and I got to commiserating about "rap music," pop culture icons, and "little Richmond". While we agreed on the negative juvenile influences in California, Richie ever so sneakily began shoving his face with handfuls of puppy food. Venison and rice dog food didn't sit well with his refined palatte and he began gagging and spitting. We laughed as I scoop food pellets from his gritty mouth. I decided he could have some cookies to chase down the nasty taste of dog good. With mommy laughing at him, he hesistantly shoved cookie after cookie in his mouth and drank lots of water. Much diarrhea followed.
Nearly 10:00 and already Richie has made my day, well, rich!
deflowered
Monday, Jennie made a dangerous drive in a dangerous storm just to come see me. After peeking at blue skies that morning I surprised when 10:00 rolled around bringing clouds and sheets of rain. Jennie loves me so much she packed her and Alaina into her little red Jetta and jetted along the freeway. She got a good start, too. That is, until her tire blew. Thank goodness for her nearby handy hubby. After sitting in the rain for a while she was on her way again.
We stopped at Babies R Us. I bought organic cheese crackers, a snack trap, and the newest of new Wendy Bellissimo diaper bags. I hardly new love before this diaper bag! Ever on the quest for more pockets, Wendy Bellissimo fulfills my desires! It's denim with gold stitching (a la Levis) and has a studded star on the front. I will forever sing the praises of Wendy Bellissimo! I am blown-away by the quality of her products again and again.
After discovering the most wonderful diaper bag ever created, we took the kids to Mimi's to eat and then on to apartment to meet up with Shannon. Shannon, the slave driver, whipped Jennie and I until we started cleaning and packing. You see, Jennie is moving into her shiny new house on Saturday. We were having fun (as the three of us always do), until I noticed the time. I was not happy. We were packing at 2:00 in the morning, then 3:00 in the morning. Finally Jennie called it quits. What happens next? Richie woke up. I will say nothing more than that my child stayed awake for over an hour before passing out with me in Jennie's bed. I can't go into it. Don't ask. I've let it go...maybe. Although, Andrew was nice enough to let me invade his spot on the bed. So, all morning it was Jennie, Alaina, Richie and myself. Did I mention Jennie and I are close?
Richie woke up a few hours later. I felt over joyed and well rested (a few afters thinking he was not going back to sleep was a freaking blessing!). Jennie squinted as Richie laughed at her sleeping and gave Richie the evil-finger. Richie responded with more laughter. My dramatic little one had to laugh so hard his head just so happened to continually smack into my chest. After we were up and dressed, Shannon and I made a Starbucks run. Jennie stayed at the apartment waiting for Bree to drop off Amara (the baby she watches).
While we all waited and ate breakfast, the babies made a huge mess; Richie scarfed his first (two) donuts while Alaina smeared cheese on her face from my bagel. Unfortunately Alaina turned out to be allergic to the treat from good ol' Auntie Brittany. Her poor little face got all puffy and red. Jennie gave her some allergy medicine and we tossed messy and messier in the tub together. Alaina kept trying to wash Richie's hair and cuddle on him while Richie made angry goose noises.
One might think that my son would exit the bath clean, but he decided one bath wasn't enough and pooped in the water. I blame Jennie's tub; this is the second time that happened.
After waiting. and waiting. and we waiting. Bree finally showed up with Amara. We decided to strap the kids in the car and go shopping. Shannon came along for the first half, but then sadly had to go to work (with Alaina's cream cheese mess on her pants from the day before). Jennie and I went on to more shopping! I found the most adorable cell phone toy. It's similar enough to my phone that Richie no longer insists on prank calling through my speed dial. After shopping we waited for Bree to pick up Amara so we could finally eat! Somehow leaving at 6:00 turned into leaving at 7:30 and became eating dinner a (very expensive) dinner at Claim Jumpers. Fortunately, in all that time I did purchase an adorable frame to go in my son's bedroom!
Today was boring so I thought I'd write about the interesting times I had the past days before. Tomorrow my grandmother is coming to see me, which is way exciting since I haven't seen her yet. Early tomorrow though I am really hoping to see my friend Chrissy and her baby, August. I haven't seen them since August (the month, not the baby) and I can't wait!
Wish me fun filled hours!
Goodnight!
(!)
We stopped at Babies R Us. I bought organic cheese crackers, a snack trap, and the newest of new Wendy Bellissimo diaper bags. I hardly new love before this diaper bag! Ever on the quest for more pockets, Wendy Bellissimo fulfills my desires! It's denim with gold stitching (a la Levis) and has a studded star on the front. I will forever sing the praises of Wendy Bellissimo! I am blown-away by the quality of her products again and again.
After discovering the most wonderful diaper bag ever created, we took the kids to Mimi's to eat and then on to apartment to meet up with Shannon. Shannon, the slave driver, whipped Jennie and I until we started cleaning and packing. You see, Jennie is moving into her shiny new house on Saturday. We were having fun (as the three of us always do), until I noticed the time. I was not happy. We were packing at 2:00 in the morning, then 3:00 in the morning. Finally Jennie called it quits. What happens next? Richie woke up. I will say nothing more than that my child stayed awake for over an hour before passing out with me in Jennie's bed. I can't go into it. Don't ask. I've let it go...maybe. Although, Andrew was nice enough to let me invade his spot on the bed. So, all morning it was Jennie, Alaina, Richie and myself. Did I mention Jennie and I are close?
Richie woke up a few hours later. I felt over joyed and well rested (a few afters thinking he was not going back to sleep was a freaking blessing!). Jennie squinted as Richie laughed at her sleeping and gave Richie the evil-finger. Richie responded with more laughter. My dramatic little one had to laugh so hard his head just so happened to continually smack into my chest. After we were up and dressed, Shannon and I made a Starbucks run. Jennie stayed at the apartment waiting for Bree to drop off Amara (the baby she watches).
While we all waited and ate breakfast, the babies made a huge mess; Richie scarfed his first (two) donuts while Alaina smeared cheese on her face from my bagel. Unfortunately Alaina turned out to be allergic to the treat from good ol' Auntie Brittany. Her poor little face got all puffy and red. Jennie gave her some allergy medicine and we tossed messy and messier in the tub together. Alaina kept trying to wash Richie's hair and cuddle on him while Richie made angry goose noises.
One might think that my son would exit the bath clean, but he decided one bath wasn't enough and pooped in the water. I blame Jennie's tub; this is the second time that happened.
After waiting. and waiting. and we waiting. Bree finally showed up with Amara. We decided to strap the kids in the car and go shopping. Shannon came along for the first half, but then sadly had to go to work (with Alaina's cream cheese mess on her pants from the day before). Jennie and I went on to more shopping! I found the most adorable cell phone toy. It's similar enough to my phone that Richie no longer insists on prank calling through my speed dial. After shopping we waited for Bree to pick up Amara so we could finally eat! Somehow leaving at 6:00 turned into leaving at 7:30 and became eating dinner a (very expensive) dinner at Claim Jumpers. Fortunately, in all that time I did purchase an adorable frame to go in my son's bedroom!
Today was boring so I thought I'd write about the interesting times I had the past days before. Tomorrow my grandmother is coming to see me, which is way exciting since I haven't seen her yet. Early tomorrow though I am really hoping to see my friend Chrissy and her baby, August. I haven't seen them since August (the month, not the baby) and I can't wait!
Wish me fun filled hours!
Goodnight!
(!)
the sun, the sand, and the wind in my hair
Yesterday my dad, my baby sister, Richie and I took off to visit my other sister and her boyfriend in Belmont (near Half Moon Bay). It took us about an hour and a half to get there from Antioch. Richie didn't mind the drive. I thought it was very pretty but it's hard to believe that there is so much stuff in California.
We went to the restaurant where my sister and her boyfriend (Alex) both work. It's called Lil Biscuit House. If you ever venture to Belmont/Half Moon Bay/Santa Cruz it's worth going a little out of your way to eat there. The owner, Marty, is also the chef. He attended culinary school in California and now makes HUGE, delicious plates at the restaurant he owns. His mom does catering out of his restaurant, as well. I can't tell you how good the food is! They have a smoker in the back where they smoke meat daily. I didn't try them, but my dad and sisters gushed over the ribs. I had shrimp scampi and it was very, very good! And there was so much! Usually they don't put much shrimp on your plate but Marty piled it on! I left stuffed (carrying an equally stuffed baby). I could go on and on; it was that good!
After a wonderful dining experience we headed over to the beach. It was Richie's first time at the beach and he loved it! Unfortunately it was too late to play in the tide pools but we still had fun. Richie was fascinated with the water until I put his feet in it. He enjoyed playing in the sand - even when he fell face first into it after trying to run on the beach. We stayed until it got so cold Richie was shivering in my lap.
We went to the restaurant where my sister and her boyfriend (Alex) both work. It's called Lil Biscuit House. If you ever venture to Belmont/Half Moon Bay/Santa Cruz it's worth going a little out of your way to eat there. The owner, Marty, is also the chef. He attended culinary school in California and now makes HUGE, delicious plates at the restaurant he owns. His mom does catering out of his restaurant, as well. I can't tell you how good the food is! They have a smoker in the back where they smoke meat daily. I didn't try them, but my dad and sisters gushed over the ribs. I had shrimp scampi and it was very, very good! And there was so much! Usually they don't put much shrimp on your plate but Marty piled it on! I left stuffed (carrying an equally stuffed baby). I could go on and on; it was that good!
After a wonderful dining experience we headed over to the beach. It was Richie's first time at the beach and he loved it! Unfortunately it was too late to play in the tide pools but we still had fun. Richie was fascinated with the water until I put his feet in it. He enjoyed playing in the sand - even when he fell face first into it after trying to run on the beach. We stayed until it got so cold Richie was shivering in my lap.
blue-da-ba-dee
I am nearly four days deep into my California trip. Yesterday was the best of it, so far.
Jennie brought Alaina out to Antioch yesterday to pick me up. I am closer to Jennie than anyone else and I have missed her! On the phone with her while she was making the long drive to see me I could hardly stay in my skin. The last I saw her was in August when she married her high school sweetie-turned-hubby. Our babies are only a month different in age. We were actually due the same week, but Richie came early and Alaina came late. Wouldn't it be too much if the next babies were that close? It could happen...
Anyway, Jennie finally pulled up to the house. I ran to the car, after waving wildly. (I didn't want her to forget where I was...) I grabbed Alaina out of the car, probably scaring the poor child who obviously had no recognition of who I was. I squeezed Jennie and dragged my huddle to the house. Richie was sitting inside, confused. I held onto Alaina as she watched Richie refuse to be held by Jennie, freak out and run around the kitchen. Richie and Alaina didn't play much together; Alaina was not impressed by Richie boy-babyness.
We headed to lunch at Applebees then on to Babies R Us where I influenced (in a very bad way) Jennie; she left with the Wendy Bellissimo bedding I was supposed to dissuade her from. I fully believe Jennie would have got the slightly less expensive one if they had it in stock...anywhere. Or if I hadn't been there. Alas! The fates were against her and she left with gorgeous, wonderful super-bedding. The colors are so rich! Once Jennie gets Alaina's new room in their new house painted, it's going to be a baby utopia! It's a good thing I am leaving to return to Texas because I would definitely try to talk her into the Wendy Bellissimo furniture!
After my evil doings, we went on to Jennie's place as she sadly warned me of the empty walls and stacked boxes. Jennie got ready and all of a sudden it was four in the afternoon! Jennie called The Picture People about getting the babies pictures done and we ran to the mall. Well, we drove...but doesn't "run" sound so much more dramatic?
Once at the mall we spent who knows how long in Gymboree. Determined to spend as much money as humanly possible, and find coordinating boy-girl outfits in the process, we dove head first into baby couture. It was a blast! We opted for rainbow colored summer outfits for the babies; Alaina in a cute off-the-shoulder summer dress and Richie in a polo shirt and brown shorts. After our splurge at Gymboree, we went to the photo place where they were ready for us. Looking back, I wonder why we thought it was a good idea to put two kids who didn't remember, or like, one another in a small space to cheese for the camera. Somehow, it just didn't work out. Of hundreds of clicks, we got two good pictures. Alaina was determined to be away from Richie while he was smiling big (as always) for the camera and running off. Most of the pictures were funny, but in a sarcastic-not-very-cute sort of way. Still, we did like two of the poses and ordered prints.
After Jennie driving out first thing in the morning all of a sudden it was past 8:00 p.m. Where did the time go? We still needed to eat dinner and drive home. So, we hit Mimi's Cafe and then straight home for me and poor Jennie still had to drive all the way back to San Ramon!
Jennie, I found another positive for you; no more hours of driving just to hang out for the day! Not that we still won't, but at least we won't have to!
A special note to end on:
My son ate his first crayon at Applebees. Yes, baby Richie took a bite out of a blue wax crayon. It only took him a few hours to leave me a little blue present in his diaper. Bring on the toddler years!
Jennie brought Alaina out to Antioch yesterday to pick me up. I am closer to Jennie than anyone else and I have missed her! On the phone with her while she was making the long drive to see me I could hardly stay in my skin. The last I saw her was in August when she married her high school sweetie-turned-hubby. Our babies are only a month different in age. We were actually due the same week, but Richie came early and Alaina came late. Wouldn't it be too much if the next babies were that close? It could happen...
Anyway, Jennie finally pulled up to the house. I ran to the car, after waving wildly. (I didn't want her to forget where I was...) I grabbed Alaina out of the car, probably scaring the poor child who obviously had no recognition of who I was. I squeezed Jennie and dragged my huddle to the house. Richie was sitting inside, confused. I held onto Alaina as she watched Richie refuse to be held by Jennie, freak out and run around the kitchen. Richie and Alaina didn't play much together; Alaina was not impressed by Richie boy-babyness.
We headed to lunch at Applebees then on to Babies R Us where I influenced (in a very bad way) Jennie; she left with the Wendy Bellissimo bedding I was supposed to dissuade her from. I fully believe Jennie would have got the slightly less expensive one if they had it in stock...anywhere. Or if I hadn't been there. Alas! The fates were against her and she left with gorgeous, wonderful super-bedding. The colors are so rich! Once Jennie gets Alaina's new room in their new house painted, it's going to be a baby utopia! It's a good thing I am leaving to return to Texas because I would definitely try to talk her into the Wendy Bellissimo furniture!
After my evil doings, we went on to Jennie's place as she sadly warned me of the empty walls and stacked boxes. Jennie got ready and all of a sudden it was four in the afternoon! Jennie called The Picture People about getting the babies pictures done and we ran to the mall. Well, we drove...but doesn't "run" sound so much more dramatic?
Once at the mall we spent who knows how long in Gymboree. Determined to spend as much money as humanly possible, and find coordinating boy-girl outfits in the process, we dove head first into baby couture. It was a blast! We opted for rainbow colored summer outfits for the babies; Alaina in a cute off-the-shoulder summer dress and Richie in a polo shirt and brown shorts. After our splurge at Gymboree, we went to the photo place where they were ready for us. Looking back, I wonder why we thought it was a good idea to put two kids who didn't remember, or like, one another in a small space to cheese for the camera. Somehow, it just didn't work out. Of hundreds of clicks, we got two good pictures. Alaina was determined to be away from Richie while he was smiling big (as always) for the camera and running off. Most of the pictures were funny, but in a sarcastic-not-very-cute sort of way. Still, we did like two of the poses and ordered prints.
After Jennie driving out first thing in the morning all of a sudden it was past 8:00 p.m. Where did the time go? We still needed to eat dinner and drive home. So, we hit Mimi's Cafe and then straight home for me and poor Jennie still had to drive all the way back to San Ramon!
Jennie, I found another positive for you; no more hours of driving just to hang out for the day! Not that we still won't, but at least we won't have to!
A special note to end on:
My son ate his first crayon at Applebees. Yes, baby Richie took a bite out of a blue wax crayon. It only took him a few hours to leave me a little blue present in his diaper. Bring on the toddler years!
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