beach bound - almost

I woke up this morning so excited! Why? Well, Jennie and I were supposed to be taking the kids to the beach. I got out of bed and could hardly keep myself from waking up Richie. I waited for him to wake up on his own. Then I rushed like a mad person to get him dressed and the diaper bag packed so I would be ready by the time Jennie and I set, 10:00. I was calling Jennie all morning with no answer. I figured she was trying to get her and Alaina ready. She finally picked up at 10 minutes to 10. She sounded like sand paper. You know, the painful and scratchy sound two pieces of sand paper make when you rub them together. Yeah, that is the sound that came through the phone masquerading as Jennie's voice.

Jennie has gotten sick from Amara now too. First Richie got sick, then Alaina, and now Jennie. I refuse to get sick! In order to secure my immunity, I spent all day with Jennie. And we ate ice cream from Cold Stone. It's good for what ails ya! I wish we could have gone to the beach but I would have hated for Jennie to have a horrible time. Alaina is still pretty sick too, and the beach is breezy on the warmest day.

I was hoping my dad would be able to get time off work tomorrow because I haven't really gotten to spend any time with him since I've been here. We were going to make a trip into San Francisco. However, it's looking like he will only get half a day off, at the most. What a way to end my vacation!

I am looking forward to being home. It's comfortable, familiar, and affordable. California is so gosh darn expensive it's hard to comprehend moving back. Texas is a nice place to settle down and raise a family. I don't need the hustle, the bustle or the smog. It is nice having places to shop besides your friendly neighborhood Wal-Mart, but nothing beats a breath of fresh air. And reasonable gas prices. There are so many reasons to stay far from this evil money devouring pit. And so many things that keep bringing me back.

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.

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!

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!

(!)

Poetic Injustice

Wading navel-deep in liberal feminism, it's difficult at times to remember the male portion of the gender pool has emotional depth and, sometimes more so than it's female counterpart. I plead guilty on at least 9 previous counts of judging-a-book-by-its-cover, as well as 3 1/2 counts of over-dramatizing a situation as a means of ignoring the feelings of a man. It's hard to raise yourself to be a compassionate soul, especially when bred from bra-burners. Though young, the experiences of my love life (from married at 17 to solo mom in a single bound!) have taught me many things. One thing I know is that a good man (I mean a good man) is hard to find; they are out there, just not in great number. Unfortunately, too many women think that since there did exist a day when the fairer sex could not vote that men should suffer, without complaint. Apparently, I missed the part of my history class where the teacher discussed the unjust oppression of women. I will probably get kicked out of the ol' maids club for this. They might even take away my Bedazzler.

I'll deal.

Three-hundred and Fifty-five Million Dollars

After a weird night of tossing and turning, I woke up yesterday prepared for a battle with any and every "associate" at Babies "R" Us. It was the day we were finally going to pick up the new crib, and Richie was no longer going to have to sleep in his small, though safe, pack'n'play. My whole body was tense and cold during the drive to San Antonio. My heart was already beating hallow in the icy cavity of my chest at the mere thought of confrontation. Unfortunately, yes, the closest and only baby store is in San Antonio. That's a three hour long drive, complete with aggravated toddler. In mommy time, when you factor in screaming and snacks, the trip is actually an eternity. Trust me, I did the math. Point is this, I had a very long time to think about how much I was going to hate the entire day. I wouldn't usually get all huffy over, well, anything. But! This is my son's leg, so I figure this was one battle I would choose to fight.

Thankfully, Richie was well-behaved. It was almost scary. Also, we made good time in getting there. Once we arrived, we left the crib in the car and headed up to the customer service desk. About four women listened to my sob story and complaints against Jardine. A big ol' macho man helped bring the crib in as one nice lady pointed us in the direction of the furniture. I had already called earlier in the week to have the Wendy Bellissimo crib put on hold until we could make it out to pick it up. The helpful girl who had talked to me on the phone was working that day and assisted us in retrieving the new crib. We were also purchasing the Summer custom fit gate for wide openings. (We have a, you guessed it, wide opening that goes into the great room and no standard gate would do.) When we realized that the giant wonder-crib would block back seat passengers from exiting the car until it removed, we decided to grab a bite to eat and pick up the crib after. We paid for everything and left, on the hunt for sustenance.

Enter Mr. Mysterious-So-and-So. Stage left.

I was terrified that, since the day had already gone so well, we were going to return to find that the baby store had probably been blown up. Nope. Smooth sailing. The crib was packaged so well that, after taking it out of the box, it was still protected so as not to receive a single scratch on the drive home. Hopefully.

Fast forward; we survived the drive home. Barely. Richie was less than impressed with being stuck in back with only a view of his new bed. Fortunately, we arrive home with time to spare before bedtime for the little one. Time to assemble! The crib price was decidedly in direct correlation to how many pieces and parts were included. Even so, the process began easily enough. Richie was determined to test my skills as a crib-assembler, and attempted to destroy all progress. I ought to recommend his methods as a way of insuring the absolute safety of nursery furniture. It wasn't until the mattress support that any problem became apparent. The problem turned out to be human error. My son probably could have figured out to match each "a" sticker to the other. I, on the other hand, had to stare at the crooked mattress support for who-knows-how-long, before realization occurred. Ok, so I'm no master crib-assembler. There go my hopes and dreams. Still, I think I'll live.

Due to my mattress support fiasco, Richie's bedtime passed by while he amused himself by sitting in the tray that fits in the track of his toy box. A quick diaper change, shimmy into pjs, and Richie is ready for bed. As per our usual routine, I turn out the lights, turn on the lullabies, cradle my angel, kiss his forehead then his nose and lips. I tell him "Sweet dreams. Mommy loves you." and I lay him down. I'm pretty sure that Wendy Bellissimo designed baby heaven, and Richie seems to think so too. He's thrilled with his new crib! He sleeps through the night, no problem. He even wakes up in a chipper mood!

So, I've decided I am going to win the lottery and buy Wendy Bellissimo cribs for everyone!




Wendy Bellissimo Honey Crib and Antique Firetruck Bedding