Update of Us

Well, how have you all been? It's been a while, hasn't it? Well, here I am. Still trucking along with at least one blog post a month...I hope I haven't completely abandoned all of my readers....I still continue to strive for more posts per month, but I am also trying to be realistic. I'm struggling.

Do you remember how I used to whine and complain that I didn't have enough time? Time for being a mom, wife, full-time employee, homemaker, etc? Yeah, well, what made me think adding "student" to that list of roles would be seamless? It's not! I spend approximately 1 or 2 hours on my homework at least 5 nights a week. Now, I have a big project coming up, that is due on December 5th.That is truly my light at the end of this course tunnel. I think after that, I will be able to breathe again...at least until January when courses start again. Wish me luck!

I guess I should give you some other updates on our life, before I just jump right back into the swing of things. Last time you heard from me, besides the Halloween on TV schedule, I still had a pretty "open wound," from miscarrying. I can now say that I grieved properly and can now talk about it without losing myself. To be honest, it all just kind of seems like a dream, like it didn't really happen. I am still having minor issues in the "women's health" department, and will be going to give another blood sample later today; but, otherwise, I feel like this chapter is coming to a close. The miscarrying was awful. I had a couple of really, really hard days. If you follow this group on Facebook, you probably already knew that. But, with grieving comes comfort.

Through the awfulness of miscarrying, I thanked God. I thanked him for sending us to the hospital that day for the ultrasound. I am so thankful I found out that way. I can't imagine finding out in any other way. Plus, we now have ultrasound pictures of our angel baby - something I will treasure always.

When it rains, it pours in our house for some reason. I will continue on my Debbie Downer discussion and tell you that just a few weeks ago we lost our sweet, Chico Bandido.

 

He was 9 (the same age as Co-Co, when we lost her). We found out that he had congestive heart failure and a few days later, he passed in his sleep. I am sad; but, he was an older dog, who lived a wonderful life that other dogs dream of. He was spoiled rotten! We miss him; yet, I know he is with Co-Co now and they are having a ball...or playing with a ball...or something like that. ;)

Halloween came and went, all in a complete blur. Now the other holidays are upon us. I am prepared to put this awful fall behind me and take a nosedive right into Thanksgiving, Black Friday, winter, and our beloved Christmas. Don't get me wrong, not all of this fall, thus far, was terrible. I had some great times. Perhaps I will go into those more sometime.

Lucy is growing like crazy and has become a little kid, rather than a toddler. :( Bummer. Olive, is not a baby anymore and is a toddler. Crazy how time flies. I'll share more about their crazy, nerd sister antics later. :)

Have a happy Thursday. I hope I didn't bum you out. That was not my intention. Before I could really move on, I needed to fill everyone in on the bad and the ugly...now onto the good!

Dear Cori

Dear Cori of 2023:

First of all, Happy New Year! Was 2022 all that you imagined it would be? Hell no. Is it ever? Can we ever really predict what this crazy world will bring us? No. If you think you can, tsk-tsk. You, my friend, are taking things for granted.

Anyway, Cori of 2023, the 2013 version of you is quite the know-it-all, smart ass, huh? Agreed.

I thought I would take a moment and remind you of a few things - things that you may want to remember about these days, here is 2013.

Lucy is 3 years old. She has the cutest little toddler voice, all high pitched and her 'L' is a 'W' sound. "Wucy Kisstensen." I cringe at the thought of her ever losing this sweet little voice. She calls you momma too. When she gets really excited, she yells, "Momma! Momma!" It makes my heart smile.

Olive is 6 months old. She is quickly growing out of the cuddle stage. But, she is still allowing you to hold her during her naps, while she makes cute baby snores. This morning, she was staring out of her crib, across the hall. Between the crib slats all you could see were her beautiful, bright eyes. You got a good chuckle out of her goofy smile when you walked into her bedroom.

Heath is currently working three jobs, like the sterotypical man-provider he wants to be. He is working at the College, teaching for them, and doing two new websites as a freelancer. He is still trying to treat you like a princess. He is doing a pretty good job too. The two of you are closer now than you ever were in your almost 12 years together. The other night you apologized to him for the horrendous mess you call a bedroom and master bathroom. He said, "Thank you for saying that. But, I'm just used to it by now." Appreciating our strengths and accepting our weaknesses.

Remember these days? The days where you felt like you didn't have enough time. Your probably think that is silly in 2023. Lucy is 13 now, for you. You would probably love to talk to her about her day, phone-free, and sit by her bed at nighttime talking to her before bed, explaining who the Easter Bunny is, where Santa Claus lives, and why we pray.

You are currently still trying to lose those pesky pounds that you put on when you were pregnant with Olive. It sure is getting harder, as I'm sure you know better now than ever. You can do it though. You have successfully lost 20 lbs at 21 and 49 lbs at 24. What is 52 lbs, really? Remember these silly struggles, just in case you are still battling weight. Turkey and chicken are your friends. But, apparently not close enough friends that you won't eat them...

Chico and Squirty are getting older, but still amazingly loving and hilarious. You laughed pretty hard at Chico the other day when he coughed really hard and let out a big, squeaky toot at the same time. They love you so much and would follow you anywhere. I truly believe that. If you are sitting, they are on your lap. Although they are still terrified of Lucy, they love Olive so much. Chico likes her too much actually. You can't keep him from licking her face. But, we are noticing how old they are getting. Chico is coughing a lot and he can't jump on the furniture very easily. Squirt seems to always be at your feet and doesn't get out of the way like she used to. Both of their eyes are getting foggy. It breaks our heart. But, I know that you remember them fondly, just as we do Co-Co. She has been gone for almost 3 1/2 years and we still talk about her. Better to love and have lost, than to never have loved them at all.

Advice from your younger self:
-  You will never be younger than you are right now. Don't fret about the wrinkles on your neck or your non-glowing skin. Embrace it. It's all down hill from here; this we know.
- You are 27 and can barely stay off Twitter and Facebook. Remember this when Lucy won't put her phone down for 5 seconds. Plus, I am talking about an iPhone 5. Lucy's iPhone 15 will be much, much better!
- If you haven't already, go to Disney World. Go on a Disney Cruise. Do it all now before Lucy gets to be 'too cool' for you, or runs off to college.

I hope this email finds you, Heath, and the girls all well. A lot can happen in ten years - wonderful, amazing things and heart wrenching things as well. The future is always scary. You never know what it holds. The 'unknown' is borderline terrifying. You just have to trust in God. Trust in your relationship. Trust in your parenting. Trust in yourself.

"Lord, help me remember that nothing will happen today that you and I can't handle together."

See you in ten years. Whew...seems like a long time. I better not blink though.

Love,

Cori

Dear...

Dear Readers...I promise, I will totally get back into the hang of things here pretty soon. Tell my hubby that I need a netbook, or a keyboard for the girls' ipad, or something of the sort. :)

Dear Lucy...you have to do nothing more in the mornings than to just look at me, to brighten my day. Your bed-head is enough to make me smile.

Dear Winter...where is the snow? I work at an educational institution. Therefore, you are to give me at least one snow day a year. Is that too much to ask? Come on Jack Frost! Help me out!

Dear Chico...sorry, bud. Olive isn't eating solids yet. It's going to be a while before food gets thrown from the highchair. 

Dear 2012...thank you so much for giving me my second baby girl; but, seriously, you could have kept that extra 30 lbs. (I miss warm, chocolate-chip cookies straight from the oven. Mmmm...)

Dear Lucy...I love that you throw yourself up against the wall, when I ask you to pose for a picture - so, so dramatic.


Dear Doctors and Nurses...thank you. Thank the Lord that someone around here doesn't mind blood, or other bodily functions, and isn't a creeper at the same time.


Dear Walmart...although it appears that you are taking all of our money...

 

every time I price match and use coupons, I feel like I gain a little bit back. Muah-ha-ha.

 

Yes. That is $300. I am that crazy lady at Walmart who should really be using two carts. However, I usually only make one trip a month! And, diapers and formula are expensive...bah...

Dear Christmas stuff that still isn't put away...I love you; I promise. I'm just lazy...er...I mean sidetracked...and haven't put you away yet. It's nothing personal.

Dear Lucy...you think Olive doesn't sit still? You should try doing your hair!

Dear Hunny...I sure do love you.

Have a wonderful weekend, all! :)

Dear...

Dear Olive...I am unbelievably anxious for your arrival. Pregnancy, during the time, always feel like it lasts forever; but when I think of announcing we were pregnant in February, I can't believe at how fast these months have gone!


Dear Oreos...it's been real. I've enjoyed these last 8 months or so. I won't be seeing you again until I reach a reasonable weight. Take care!

Dear Uterus...tonight's the big night. Please be good to me. Let's go with minimally painful contractions until I can get an epidural. Thanks.

Dear Lucy...I love you baby girl. We will always have a special bond, since you were my first little girl. However, please know that I will have a bond with Olive too. Each of you are special and I will always have enough time and love for you both. In fact, I may smother you two and make you abandon me during your teen years...

Dear Chico...believe it or not, my foot is not your chair; quit sitting on it.

Dear Dad...yes, I posted a picture of my big ole' nasty foot. At least the big toe is hidden.

Dear Heath...look at what you are doing to our little girl. I am literally lying in bed at night with two tech geeks. :) As long as it pays her bills when she gets older...haha.


Dear September...check out a calendar. You are the beginning of autumn. So, don't be giving me this 95 degree weather, trying to be like August. You are better than that! Seriously. Everyone liked you better before. Now, give me light jacket weather. Please.

Dear Lucy...I am sorry that I can't build tents like Daddy. First of all, I don't get zip-ties from the garage, I'm a little more old school. And, second, it's hard to crawl on the floor with this belly! I promise that I'll be back on the floor with you soon enough.


Dear Readers...sorry if during the next 6 or 8 weeks I am a little MIA. I will be taking care of a new bundle of joy! :) I hope to stop in and share my birth story, along with any updates and several photos; however, you know how I am about that sometimes! :{ Perhaps I will write you in the middle of the night, in lieu of smothering Heath with a pillow...haha. (Don't get that? Check out Tuesday's post.)

Dear Husband...I cannot believe we are bringing another miracle into this world. I am so happy to be sharing my life with you. You are the best thing to ever happen to me; you gave me these wonderful blessings! :) I wouldn't change a thing with our life and I appreciate and love you so much. Remember these words when I am a raging 'B' over the next few weeks. :)

Everyone - have a great rest of September and hopefully you will hear from me soon. Watch Heath's Facebook account for updates. I will also try to give exclusive updates to 'I Love Lucy Jean' Facebook group members. :) Ah, the perks! :)

Pray for us that everything goes well! :)

Dear...

Dear Hyundai...I sincerely apologize for the stains you have acquired in the last three years. I would blame it on Lucy, but even the driver's seat has some marks. That is what you get for having tan interior. What were you thinking?

Dear Chico...you are a lazy bum and I envy you in the worst way.

Dear Blue Sippy Cup...I am sorry that we had to part ways. You should know every time we poured milk into you, that you took a risk of being tossed. Perhaps you could have laid under the bed forever, with your sour contents. Unfortunately, I found you and after a mutual, family decision, we opted for the trash can. It's nothing personal; we have weak stomachs.

Dear Organizing Blogs...I've come to realize that it isn't simply putting items into baskets that make things look spiffy (although it helps). You must have matching bins/baskets and name tags to really look great. You make me feel mediocre...damn you.

Dear Heath...although I think Lucy's new freckles (10 or so, on her cheeks) are absolutely adorable, it isn't quite fair that she looks so much like you. :[  This is a picture of Heath, not Lucy, for anyone who needed the clarification.

Dear Chilis Restaurants...I think our city could totally support a Chilis. What do you say? Yay or nay? I think so.

Dear Olive...if you haven't heard by now, you look kind of like your sister, or so it seems. This means that we will have to explain your grumpy disposition all of the time. However, don't take it personal. You come by it honestly. :) I mean, look at your sister...

Dear Scale...if you could just keep that first number as a '1,' I would really appreciate that. I don't intend to see a '2' during this pregnancy, but I am getting pretty worried as of late. Help a pregnant girl out!

Dear Lucy...you can lie to us and say that you didn't poop your pull-up; but, you not sitting on your butt is a clear indicator something is up...literally.

Dear Motherhood Maternity Store...thank you for the adorable olive-colored dress that I purchased this weekend; however, I hated that I had to give you an arm for it. On another note: please consider giving the weirdo who helped me a different job, preferably in the back room where she can't be heard. Well, now that I think about it, you could also send the 90 lb, 20 year old wearing tightss back there too.

Dear Husband...I know you think I have an obsession with going to Sonic for slushes. But, I crave those strawberry slushes and Lucy loves getting one too.

Dear Olive...since we have confirmed that you are a girl, you are officially stuck with that name. :) I hope you like it.

Have a great day everyone! Any, "Dear..." letters you would like to send?

Dear...

Dear Lucy...know that when I recorded videos of your tantrums, I did it out of love. :) I just wanted to let you see what you will have to deal with someday. Also, I want you to know that I earned every one of those gray hairs that my future self will have.

Dear Mom...I think it is absolutely awesome that you have rescued two dogs from being put down. I wish I could do more too. Buddy (her new chihuahua-wiener dog mix) is absolutely adorable! I think I love him more, knowing that he is a rescue pup. How could anyone not want him?!

Dear Grandny...I cried last night again, over something touching and completely ridiculous to cry over. It made me think of you and smile. :)

Dear Facebook...Although you are kicking out baby photos, belly photos, and baby updates left and right, I am simply not fulfilled. I need lazier friends to update their statuses more often. See what you can do about that.

Dear Lucy...You are a princess. You will always be a princess. And, princesses can achieve any dream they choose!


Dear Olive...I am sorry if you don't like chicken wing sauce. You seem to kick a lot when I eat it. I am hoping those are kicks of joy.

Dear Heath...I think that you secretly put Lucy in bed with us sometimes, just so when it's just you and me it feels roomier. 

Dear Sonic...Thank you for giving us half-priced drinks at 4:02 pm the other day. I really appreciated that. And, the strawberry slush was delicious! :)

Dear Lucy...when I take pictures of you in "time-out," I do it out of love. :) I am hoping that this spot, on top of the toy box, does not become a routine thing. Hopefully I am documenting some long, lost childhood memory of yours that won't be so clear. Also, I think that mommy and daddy are pretty awesome for letting you sit with Aurora and Miss Alex, the puppy purse, in time-out - enough said. :)

Dear Pinterest...I sure do love you sometimes. You give me the most helpful, daily tips and you make me motivated to craft and organize my home. However, you make me feel completely inadequate as a homemaker. I have also discovered that I am not that crafty...whomp, whomp.

Dear Weekend...Can you please pick up Friday-day as a regular staple? That would be lovely. Think about it.

Lucy and the Chihuahuas

Lucy picks on the chihuahuas terrible.

Recently, I saved Chico from being beaten by a balloon on the corner of the sofa. She thought his growling was hilarious. We say that he just purrs like a kitten. :)

And, we have also had experiences like this...

Alright, so I admit it; she could never get Squirty in there on her own. I was forced to assist.

She also puts her "pretties" on the chihuahuas. Chico walked all around the house in his purple necklace. Squirt acted like we paralyzed her and wouldn't move. I was shocked that she even stayed upright; she usually flops to the ground.

At the end of the day, the chihuahuas love her too. She is just too easy to love.

Someday, you won't be able to separate Squirty and Lucy. I am sure of that - necklace or not.

Past Tree Experience

Thanks for the reminder to tell you a funny story about going to the Christmas tree farm.  Oh, you didn't remind me? Well, here it is anyway...

Back when I was in college, we would come home on the weekends for Christmas decorating and traditions. I would of course bring Heath along, as he slowly became part of the tradition as well. My dad still had an old work truck, with just one seat and two doors. The three of us would travel all over in that thing - my dad driving, Heath in the passenger's seat, and yours truly sat in the middle.

We used to break the tradition up into two parts. One weekend we would go pick out the tree and the next weekend, we would go get the tree. This particular year, when we went to go pick out the tree, it was wet. The ground was soggy and mushy. Tromping around, weaving in and out of possible Christmas trees was hard enough; but, the owner also had about seven dogs running around. They ranged from beagle sized to yellow lab size. I just crossed my fingers that they didn't jump on me.  Luckily though, we found a tree, marked it and told the owner we'd be back for it the following weekend. We made it out paw print free...

Once in the truck, my dad mentioned that he was trying to avoid stepping in dog crap, that was undoubtedly out there. Oh, yeah. I hadn't even thought about that. I was thinking of dirty paws. But, now that he had mentioned it, I did smell a hint of poo with the soggy, wet earth smell.

Noted.

The next Saturday, we pull up to the tree farm. My dad says, "Now, let's all be careful not to step in any dog poop. I don't want it tracked into the truck."

Heath and I agreed and nodded. We would be careful. Luckily the ground was a little harder and more frozen than last time. I specifically remember watching the ground as I avoided anything 'mud-like'. I was tip-toeing and skipping from one grassy patch to another. About fifteen minutes later, we were on our way. We were all very careful not to step in any dog poop.

Not even out of town yet, Heath says, "I smell dog poop."

My dad replies, "Hmm, nope. I don't smell it."

I agree, "I don't either."

Not even a minute goes by and Heath insists, "I smell dog crap! Someone stepped in it!"

I will never forget the next image I saw. It will forever be ingrained in my mind. I looked down at my dad's foot on the gas. He hadn't just stepped in a pile of dog crap. He stepped in that yellow lab's dog crap - the mother load. A huge pile was stuck to the bottom of his shoe and had squished up and curled over the side. Heath leaned over me, pointing toward my dad's foot. Immediately we all began to laugh.

How had Heath, the farthest away from it, smell it? And, my dad and I hadn't.

My dad pulled over on the side of the highway. He jumped out of the truck, mumbling what we can only assume were phrases including cuss words. Heath and I watched as he drug his leg along the grass of the ditch. He then leaned on a tree, trying to scrape his foot up and down the bark. Lastly, he used the tree to balance himself as he poked at his Adidas Superstar with a stick.

In the truck, there was nothing but tears and laughter. It was like watching a movie.

Once he felt that he had cleaned enough off, he got back into the truck. A few more miles down the road, we finally calmed down from laughing enough to let the truck fall silent.

"I still smell it!" Heath exclaimed.

This time, I checked my shoes. Smaller pile, but I was guilty too. My own shoe was embedded with poo. This time we didn't even bother stopping. Heath rolled down his window and threw my shoe in the back. My poopy shoe rode home with the Christmas tree.

Now, I have to be honest. I am literally laughing so hard that I'm crying while typing this. The story goes straight to my giggles. It is the single, most hilarious story that I can recall in my lifetime, thus far. The irony...the foreshadowing...the awesomeness...

It is a story that we talk about almost every year that we go to get our tree. This year was no different. We recalled the dog poop trip and laughed all over again. THAT is what memories are made of! :)

I only hope someday Lucy can have her own dog poop story. :)

Going Out for Supper

No - this isn't another post about my weight (which is still the same).

I want to talk about going out to eat with the family, with Lucy more specifically. Thank goodness this has become so much easier. When she was really little we always had to bring everything along; however, now, we can order her items off of the menu and can just get a little cup of water, with a straw, for her to drink out of. Not too bad at all. Except...

Remember when I told you about our little chihuahua clean-uppers?

Where are they when you need them?

This was after I picked up about half of it!

And, yes, Lucy is wiping her own face, after dinner. :)

Long story short, I ended up squatting down with a plate and wipe, picking up random, small pieces of food. I just feel so guilty. 1) We allow her to do this at home, because of the Chihuahuas. Perhaps we should rethink this. 2) She is too young to really understand. I think I just confused her by saying "No." 3) I was a waitress in high school (yes - it's true), so I know what it is like to clean up after little kids (it sucks!).

Do your children do this? Do you pick it up? Or, do you just tip bigger? :)

Our ABCs

My house has given it's best. I'll give it credit. It tried very hard not to let Lucy take over. But, without the playroom finished, the poor house lost.

The living room was the first to go. My leather ottomans with lids, used to be filled with blankets and our electronic gadgets. Now? Toys. Each cabinet has baby locks on it, and we have to use a swing door baby gate to go in and out of the room (because of stairs - ugh!).

Now, the kitchen has succumbed. We already had the highchair, the safety latches for the cabinets, and a baby gate. We also had a small, ride-on car in the corner. The cherry on top? New ABC magnets on the fridge - lots of them!

When I first brought them home, Lucy was napping. So, I used the two pack to spell out our names, our last name, the dogs' names, and even some random words. The magnets were neatly ordered just as I, being super anal, would have it. :)

Heath: "You know they won't stay like that."

Me: "I know!"

I said this in a slightly annoyed tone. He knew that I was being a bit particular about it, and there was a good chance that it would continue as long as the magnets stayed.

To my credit, they have been on the fridge, post-Lucy play, for four days now and I haven't reorganized them. Every time I walk by the fridge though, I see the beginning and the end of our last name. The middle? Who even knows where those letters went? They might possibly be under the fridge. I know it's only a matter of time until I put our names back together. It's for learning purposes right? :{

Anyway, enough with my antics...

Here is something else about ABCs that has been circling the Blog and Facebook worlds.  I thought I would join in too.

Cori's ABCs

A - Age: 20 something

B-Bed Size: Queen. Sometimes I wish it was a king (no offense Hun!).

C-Chore you hate: Sweeping/Moping - it is a wonder it ever gets done.

D-Dogs: Our two chihuahuas, Chico (black, 6 yrs. old) and Squirt (tan, long-haired, 5 yrs. old)



E-Essential start to your day: hitting the snooze button. I am not a morning person!

F-Favorite color: dark red

G-gold or silver: I like both; but, lately I've been into white gold and silver.

H-Height: average

I-Instruments you play: Trumpet, French Horn, and little Tuba. I also rocked the bells in 4th grade. :)

J-Job Title: ---------

K-Kids: Lucy, my beautiful little girl

L-Live: to the fullest! :) In the Midwest...

M-Mom's name: Mom, and Mimi :)

N-Nickname: Momma, Mum, Sweetheart, Babydoll, Cori Dee, and occasionally, the dreaded Corky. :{

O-Overnight hospital stay: only when I had Lucy. I stayed three nights! One of them I was in labor all night.

P-Pet Peeve: Lots! Improper grammar (like double negatives!), when people say "a hunerd" instead of "a hundred", when people say "warsh" and "warsh-cloth" instead of "wash", loud talkers at movies, and when people's jeans get stuck on the tongues of their tennis shoes (not in purposely, Justin Beiber kinda way).

Q-Quote from a movie: "So it's not gonna be easy. It's gonna be really hard. We're gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, for ever, you and me, every day." - The Notebook

Photo from IMDB.com

R-right/left: righty

S-Siblings: an older sister

my sister, my mom, and me

T-Time you wake up normally: the alarm starts going off at 6:20 am. I usually drag myself out of bed around 7, depending on if I need to take a shower.

U-underwear: Umm, yes....? Victoria Secret?

V-veggies you dislike: Spinach, raw onions, peppers, squash, tomatoes

W-What makes you run late: sometimes Lucy, most of the time it's shear laziness and being slow

X-x-rays you've had: teeth a couple of times and my hip/pelvis once

Y-Yummy Food You Make: tonight we are having grilled chicken wraps! :)

 Z-Zoo animal: I love to watch the monkeys and the polar bears

Happy Hump Day!

My Husband's Blog Suggestion

"Hey! That is what you need to add to your blog."

"What?"

"You need to add something to your list of 'Baby Musts' or 'Toddler Musts'."

"Oh yeah? What's that?"

"Chihuahuas- to clean up the kitchen floor around the highchair."

I think he's right. :)

Cabin Fever

I am not one to complain about the cold. I would much rather be cold than hot. It is so much easier to wrap up in a blanket, than it is to shake a heat headache and be all sweaty, without exercising.

I am not one to complain about the snow. I still get snow days, as an adult! It is so beautiful (until it gets all dirty along the side of the roads). And, for the holiday season, it is a must!

However, this year I am kind of getting sick of it - for the first time.....I think ever. I am not even sure why. I thought originally that it must be because we keep getting tastes of good weather and then it's cold again.  No....that isn't right....this is the Midwest; I should be used to that by now! Perhaps it is because I never leave the house. No...that isn't it either; I leave the house every single day and am hardly there sometimes! Hmmm, what is it?

It must be Lucy. I just keep thinking of all the fun things that I want to do with Lucy and you know what? Most of that is not inside the house.  There is only so much you can do in the house before you just want to bust out.

So, I decided to indulge my yearnings for spring, believe the groundhog, and wish for spring to be right around the corner.  Here are ten things that I can't wait to do this spring, in no particular order:

1) Plant flowers
The snow piled up so high on my mums that they died. :( So, I'm going to give winter a glare and a fist shake, tell him that he can't keep me down, and plant some more.  How do you like me now?  Side note: I thought long and hard, way harder than I should have, about if winter was a he or she just now. Mother nature? Jack Frost? Hmmmm....as you can see I settled on Jack. Anyway...

2) Hang up Lucy's Swing

She got a swing for her birthday (thanks Grandma!) and I can't wait to push her in it. She loves the one at daycare; so, I'm excited to spend evenings in the backyard pushing her.

3) Cook-Out

Heath and I enjoy cooking out, even sometimes the healthy stuff!  Yes - there is such thing, like grilled chicken. I'm sure Lucy will enjoy it too.

4) Open-Up the House

I know I just mentioned getting out of the house.  But, sometimes you just have chores to do! So, if I have to be in the house, at least I can open up the window, enjoy the fresh air, and watch the curtains blowing in the breeze.

5) Go for Walks/Runs

As I mentioned yesterday, I am starting to really enjoy running. I am looking forward to running outside several times a week and not depending on mother nature to set my warm or cold schedule.  Also, Lucy got a wagon for her birthday (thanks Abuelo!). We were able to take her out once this year already and she loved it. I can't wait to take her out again. I think we will be making lots of trips around town in it.

6) Spring Clean

I know what you are thinking, "Who wants to clean?" Alright, so it's less about the cleaning and more about the organizing. I thoroughly enjoy organizing things. I'm a freak. I envy those people on HGTV that come into people's homes and organize all of their stuff!  I do not envy, however, the organizers on Hoarders. Yuck.  I am looking forward to 'remodeling' our basement into a playroom, organizing everything, and putting it all back! Yay!  That includes cleaning out the closets and medicine cabinets. :)

7) Go Fly a Kite
No, not get out of town; but, actually fly a kite. Lucy got a kite for her birthday. I used to fly a kite every Easter with my family, when I was little. I am excited to do it again, and especially with Lucy. I imagine she'll be mesmerized.

8) Introduce Lucy to New Animals

Now that Lucy is older, she can appreciate things more. She will enjoy going to my mom's house to see the animals (cows, horses, chickens, cats). My grandparents even have a rabbit on their farm for her to meet. And, of course, she can see that not all dogs (or 'Chicos' as she calls them, because of our chihuahua named Chico) are chihuahuas and rat terriers. There are such things as big 'Chicos' too. Also, before it gets too hot, I want to take her to the zoo. She would just love that.

9) Get Jazzed up about Rain & Tornadoes
I, like many others, am petrified of the horrific capabilities of a tornado. I can't imagine the destruction. And, the only real tornado I've seen was like an EF1, or something pathetic.  So, I really am incapable of imagining it. However, I love a good storm. I've loved thunder, lightning, and rain for as long as I can remember. I think it's calming and I love sleeping while it rains. I also love the adrenaline rush of a good tornadic storm. And, you are right; "tornadic" doesn't sound like a word; but, it is one because the weather people drive me nuts with it! That and football announcers saying 'trickeration'. WTH?   

10) Easter!
This is kind of the kick-off to spring, in like a lion! It will be a lot of fun to dye eggs with Lucy and have her be able to somewhat collect them. Perhaps she will have more fun throwing plastic eggs and eating the real ones! Either way, anytime we get together with family is a good time!

By the way...at work today I saw a high schooler visiting, because of a special event. She must be yearning for spring as much as I!  She had shorts on today - not gym shorts like..."I just got done working out or I'm too cool to wear real pants because I'm so athletic."  They were like kahki Daisy Duke's!  Someone needs to calm down their excitment. It is still 32 degrees out and their is still snow on the ground, honey!

Anyway, happy 'winter to spring transition' everyone! What are you excited to do this spring?

More About Me

If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals or are they members of your family?Well, as my profile suggests, they are totally members of our family. The Chihuahuas are my fur-children. :) They were an even bigger part of our lives before we had Lucy. Santa would bring them gifts, as did the Easter Bunny, and so on. Santa still brings them gifts; but, Lucy is now the center of our universe. We try to make sure we give them special time and attention when Lucy is sleeping. They are still very special and close to my heart.

If you could have a dream come true, what would it be?My wish would be to see Lucy grow up, get married, and have a family of her own. Materialistically, I would love to be able to help design a home, to be custom built. :)

What would you do with a billion dollars?Design a home to be custom built, with all the trimmings!
Buy a huge Cadillac SUV
Buy a truck for Heath
Buy a snow blower
Go to Disney World annually
Go on a European Cruise
Go on a Disney Cruise
Adopt more Chihuahuas
Start my Masters and Doctorate right now
Visit my distant family annually
Go on a clothing shopping spree for the entire family
Pay off our family’s debt/share with our families
Invest/Save
Donate


What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?Lucy, Heath sometimes (if he didn’t put me in the bad mood, haha), good food, the movie theatre, buying a new movie, holidays, the weekend, shopping for pretty much anything, new clothes, a new purse, decorating, organizing, exercising, family, sleep

What is your bedtime routine, with your kids?It changes with teething. She gets her jammies on, she gets her binkie and her sippy cup of water, and we try to read to her on most nights. On others we snuggle until she is sleepy. I always pray and occasionally sing to Lucy.

If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your significant other?We met in high school. :) It really isn’t that interesting. Haha.

What kind of books do you read?I like mysteries. I am super juvenile and have been reading Nancy Drew Mysteries since I got the entire set for Christmas in 2009. It is a quick and fun read. I have also been reading the Pretty Little Liars Series; I am in the beginning of the third book. Otherwise, I am lame and like reading biographies about celebrities. I finished ‘Miles to Go’ about Miley Cyrus and have read the beginning of Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett’s book, ‘Sliding into Home.’

How do you see yourself in 10 years?Oh boy! Well, I hope we are even more financially secure and perhaps I will be making more money ;). I hope we will be shopping around for or moved into a new home. I am still thinking 3 children. I want to have my Masters degree and hopefully either have or am working on a doctorate. Of course I am still happily married and our family is involved in the community.

Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to see outer space?Umm….no. This isn’t really even something that I had to contemplate.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?Hit snooze as many times as I can. Then when Heath pokes me and says, “You need to get into the shower.” I finally give in. I then gather my undergarments and a brush, then head for the shower.

If you could change one thing about your significant other, what would it be?That he listened more sometimes and that he had the same sleep schedule as me (stay up late and sleep in). :)

If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?I wouldn’t. It is weird to think of a name that fits me. I like my name now too. I used to hate it because it was a boy’s name. But, now that I am older, I like the uniqueness (without the crazy spellings).

If you had to choose between six months of sun or six months of rain, what would you choose?I would probably choose sun; but, I sure do love rain! I just love thunderstorms!

If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?Cheeseburger, fries with ranch, and bosco sticks. I have an addiction! Or, Kraft Mac and Cheese!

What is the thing you enjoy about blogging the most?The journaling – I think it will be so neat for Lucy to see these blogs when she grows up. It is sort of like writing a book about your life, with really short chapters. Plus I love getting followers, ‘Likes’, and comments about the blogs. It makes me feel like people care, which is really nice. :)

Do you prefer salty or sweet foods?
Salty – bring on the chips, crackers and cheese. When I was pregnant it was all sweets though (Oreos, Sour Patch Kids, and Laffy Taffy).

What items are in your purse right now?My wallet, a coupon book, Ibuprofen, Sucrets, a pen, gum, a compact, chap stick, my keys, my cell phone, my iPod Touch, a small brush, tampon case, lipstick, antibacterial, paint samples, lotion, perfume, Dramamine, and a list of daycare children for Lucy’s valentines

If you had to choose between vacationing at the beach or in the mountains where would you go?I have been to both and enjoyed the beach more, I think. I was horrible at skiing!

What do you watch on television that you know you shouldn’t?I don’t think I watch anything that I necessarily shouldn’t. It is more that I shouldn’t watch so much TV! Right now I watch: Pretty Little Liars, Greek, American Idol, American Pickers, Hellcats, Glee, Holly’s World, Saturday Night Live, Tosh.0, and Biggest Loser.

I also watch: Secret Life of the American Teenager, Kendra, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Melissa and Joey, Storm Chasers, the Buried Life, 16 & Pregnant, and Teen Mom.

After some reflection I’ve decided that I probably shouldn’t watch 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom. They are pretty horrible; they are my guilty pleasures. And, Tosh.0 is pretty offensive. Haha. Lucy is definitely banned from these shows!

My Top 20 Baby to Toddler Musts

I was thinking the other day, as I was using one of our many 'transition' products, "Wow, I couldn't do without this!" I felt compelled. I just needed to share with someone the awesomeness of the product and tell every mom that they should get one!

Now, here we are. I decided to make another list of my top 20; however, this time, it is for the transition from 'Baby' to 'Toddler'. Many items we purchased a long time ago and we have been using them for months; but, they are becoming even more useful. So, soon-to-be-moms out there: register for these too! You will need them before you know it!

Again, these are in no particular order and most are musts. Some, however, are just Lucy favorites. Enjoy!

1) Dishwasher Basket


We use this every time we put dishes in the dishwasher. It has become a permanent fixture. Unless you hand wash or boil the nipples for bottles (which we did every once in a while), it is impossible to keep them from flipping over in the dishwasher. Then they collect water and need to be washed all over again. Also, the small parts to bottles and sippy cups sometimes slip through the top shelf in the dishwasher; so, putting them inside is great! We also put Lucy's silverware in the basket!


2) Toy Box

I had a toy box growing up. So, this is a pretty 'usual' thing in our family. In fact, after I used mine, we gave it to our cousins. Then after they got older, they gave it back to Lucy! :) The box will go in her big-girl bedroom for all of her random, small toys. It is a great storage place and it hides all of the clutter. Plus, the top is a great place for all of her stuffed animals to sit. :)

3) Outdoor Swing

Lucy used this swing at daycare from the time she could hold her head up, and somewhat sit up on her own. She loved it. In fact, she would sit and swing for a good 20 minutes or so. We hadn't purchased one yet, since winter was coming. But, Lucy just got one for her birthday from Grandma (thanks!). This spring will be filled with swinging. I love the type of latch too; it is near impossible to fall out of. And, it comes in blue and red too.

4) Stacking Cups

Santa Claus got Lucy these for Christmas. It is a Lucy favorite and not a must. However, they are great for learning and development. Lucy and Heath play with these almost every night. They stack them and Lucy knocks them over. They yell into them, put them on each other's heads, and even put them on the dogs. The are so simple and cheap; but, they are one toy she plays with the most.

5) Snack Dispensers

Where would we be without these?! For car rides, they are a must! With dogs who like to steal snacks, they are a must! For babies on the go, they are a must! For babies who get antsy in high chairs, they are a must! Whew! Okay, get my point? They are so helpful!

We use these so often that I wish I had more than just two. We put Gerber Puffs, Crunchies, Yogurt Bites, and even Cheerios in these containers all the time. When you tip it upside down, nothing falls out. Plus, Lucy caught on right away. She didn't struggle with getting snacks out at all. She carries the container around during snack time, whether that be at the house in the living room, in her car seat, or in a shopping cart. She can snack anywhere and not make a huge mess. And, I don't have to do a thing!

6) Sippy Cups

We weaned Lucy off of her bottles pretty early. Almost as soon as she could hold one on her own, we started to integrate sippy cups. We did it because bottles slowly drip and caused a big mess when Lucy would throw hers down. Sippy cups, or more specifically these cups, don't leak. You have to suck or pinch the nipple for it to leak. We can put her to bed with a cup of water and it is no problem at all. She just throws it down when she is done and it there isn't a big wet stain the next morning. These are what we use; they are made by Munchkin.

7) Sun Blockers

These are something you need with an infant too, not just a toddler. However, it seems like we travel a lot more now-a-days. Lucy is finally 'travel-friendly'. Haha. We got this set for both backseat windows in our SUV. They work really well and don't block the view completely. There are only two complaints that I have. 1) The heat warning dot turned white once and never went back. Not a big deal though. 2) The bottom suction cups are either amazing (you can't get them off the window) or they are horrible (you can't get them to stick). I think it has to do with the temperature of the window. In the cold, not so helpful!

8) Popcorn Puffs (Cheesy Optional)

When Lucy first started eating semi-solid food, I remembered popcorn puffs. I used to love them as a child because they literally would disintegrate in your mouth. Since they are only $2 at the store, what an affordable snack?! Although they aren't as nutritional at Gerber products, Lucy loves them. We used the plain ones as an occasional snack when she was little and now that she is older, we have integrated the cheese ones. She really loves those! Warning: the child may become addicted. ;)

9) Music Play Table

As soon as Lucy could pull herself up, she played with one of these at daycare. She would play until her little legs got tired. Grandma Jeannie got her one for Christmas (thanks!) and now she plays at our house all the time. She dances to the music, moves all the little gadgets and I have even caught her trying to repeat the colors and sounds. It is great for development.

10) Outlet Plugs

Of all the baby-proofing items out there, this one is the most needed in our house. Lucy thinks plug-ins are so neat. And, our house was built fairly recently; so, we have a ton of outlets. In addition, I have found that these help put my mind at ease for other things too. We usually fold our blankets and put them behind our love seat. Sometimes they topple over and I find them pushed up against one of our outlets. I always get freaked out about it possibly starting a fire. So, I covered the outlets with these! I feel so much better now! :) Irrational? Eh, what's the price of peace of mind?

11) Crib Music Box

Lucy has two music boxes (thanks Mimi!). One is very similar to the one above. It is more of a fun item for Lucy to play with until she falls asleep. The other has 'cry recognition'. It's amazing! We turn it on at night and it plays a lullaby for 15 minutes and then fades out. It even has a light that shines on the ceiling. Then, if Lucy starts crying, it recognizes the pitch and starts playing again for 15 minutes. Sometimes we don't even have to get up with her, the box will comfort her back to sleep! It sucks a lot of batteries; but, it is worth it! Warning: high-pitched chihuahua barking sometimes sets it off too. :{

12) Fleece Jacket

Heath and I have read that you are not supposed to put your baby in their car seat with a big winter jacket on. It claimed that the car seat isn't being as effective. So, we try not to do this with Lucy. It's tough with Midwest winters! So, we usually bundle her in stocking caps and blankets. With her carrying car seat, it wasn't a problem lugging her back and forth. Now, with her big girl car seat, we can't do that anymore. So, we use one of these little jackets in addition to the blankets (thanks Mimi!).

13) Formula/Snack Dispensers

We used something very similar to this when Lucy a newborn. We used them for formula. You could measure out the formula into these and just throw them in the diaper bag. I highly recommend them for that use! It beats trying to lug around a big container or buy those expensive packets.

Now, that Lucy is older we can use if for small snacks. They aren't really as good as the snack dispensers, like above; however, it would be nice to send with her when she is getting babysat. Not everyone has Cheerios in the house. :)

14) Faucet Cover

This has saved a lot of bumps on the head! Granted, we aren't as careful because we know the faucet is covered; but, it helps nonetheless. He is great! Lucy likes him, he covers all the sharp parts of the faucet, and she can't pull on the shower knob!

15) Cardboard Books

Right now Lucy destroys any book that isn't cardboard. She is in a tearing stage. :( Sad day for my magazines. She loves to look at books and jabber. We joke that she is imitating us reading them to her. Her favorite is 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. It has smaller pages; so, she can turn them easily. And, the colors are vibrant too!

16) Cabinet Locks

Another baby-proofing item that we got were these, or something similar. There are so many locks out there and we have found that we had to get different ones for different kinds of knobs. Our kitchen and bathroom cabinets have handles and the corner cabinet and TV stand have knobs. So, be careful buying and it will be worth it!

17) Bumbo Tray

I never really recommended the Bumbo before; sorry about that. I do though. It is a nice addition. However, you really can't have the Bumbo without the tray! Even at one year old, we put Lucy in here for snack time. It is a nice change from the high chair. Plus, she likes being on the floor, next to her toys and the chihuahuas.

18) Boogie Wipes

One splurge that is worth it! Okay, they aren't that expensive; but, they are worth the money! These wipes are very soft, softer than diaper wipes. They also have saline in them to help their little noses. And, they smell good. Lucy would cry when we would use tissues or damp cloths. She actually allows these. They also fit nicely in the diaper bag.

19) Bath Bucket

This is it! The item that was so awesome that I had to recommend it. I know, I know. Anyone who has been down the baby aisle at Walmart has seen these. But, if you are like me, your first thought was that it probably didn't work that well. Wrong! It does! It is amazing. I really don't know how people get all the soap out without one of these. I've become spoiled. Lucy has even learned to tilt her head back for me.

20) Baby Gate, Extreme

We broke down and bought one. We had been blocking our stairs for a long time now and finally broke down this last weekend. Lucy cannot and will not stay off of the stairs. A regular baby gate isn't cutting it either; they just aren't long enough and don't work well with open staircases. We need one that doesn't mount to the wall (I don't want to drill holes!) and that has a gate. Plus, I think our chihuahuas just may be able to slip through too. Haha.

Online portions of this gate were around stairs, a fire place, and a entertainment center. It is great for 'cornering' items in.

Those are my recommendations for the 6 month to 18 month range. I will be sure to share any other wonder-products that I find along the way. Any mothers out there want to add any items or comments?

10 Things I Never Thought I'd Say

1) "Heath! Why did you delete SpongeBob off the DVR? We didn't have anything to watch!"

2) "Chico! No, ouchie....no, no." Lucy treatment is rubbing off on the dogs.

3) "Want some yum yum?" Ahhh.....baby talk. :{

4) "These 1st birthday decorations, Lucy, are for the 'little girl down the street'." Perhaps she will believe us - ?

5) "For her birthday, we got Lucy a new C-A-R-S-E-A-T; it faces F-O-R-W-A-R-D." Why did I need to spell 'forward'?

6) "You're smashing your own hand, hunny."

7) "No. We don't chew on diapers."

8) "The wall has to be strong; so, when Lucy throws things at the ceiling fan, and it flings across the room, it won't put a hole in the wall." We are trying to mentally, and physically, prepare for toddler Lucy.

9) "Heath, she just drooled all over your pants."

10) "Will you wash that dog toy off? Lucy keeps chewing on it..."

What did you think that you would never say? :)

Move the Dog Food

It officially happened. Lucy got into the dog food.

I had always been told that she would get into the dog food and undoubtedly eat it. So, we had prepared as best we could. We put the dog food on the other side of the baby gate allowing the chihuahuas to climb up and then back down the stairs for snacks and water. Then, Lucy also started climbing up and down the stairs; so, we had to move the dog food.

We decided the kitchen was a good place, over in the corner. Lucy hardly spent any time in the kitchen when she wasn't in her high chair - that was until I started making Christmas cookies. She was done with snack time and grew very impatient of 'the chair.' So, I pulled a few Tupperware bowls out of the cabinet, gave her a few wooden spoons, and let her bang away on them. It was a great past time for her, for about 10 minutes. Even Heath thought she would be fine playing while we worked on the cookies. Other things in the room became more interesting though, such as the heater vent or the door stop.

We had Christmas music playing and I think Spongebob was even on in the living room, which we could hear. But, that wasn't enough to dull the sound of the hard, dog food from clinking on the side of their shiny, silver bowl. I didn't even have to look; I knew it was Lucy!

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no........." I hollered, getting progressively louder and harsher, as I ran with peanut butter fingers to snatch up Lucy. I immediately pulled her hand out of her mouth and started digging for food. She thankfully only had one piece and it was placed directly between her four top teeth and four bottom teeth. At least she was going to try and chew it!

The look on her face? Surprised, at me that is. The taste? I've seen worse reactions to green beans and little licks of vanilla ice cream! Dog food however, was apparently not so bad.

I guess we will have to move the dog food again! She'll just have to stick with heater vents, door stops, and Tupperware!

Lucy, the Dog: Part II

I actually had a normal lunch today at work and was looking through the blogs I follow. I went to one, A Southern Accent, to see the newest cute designs. I am not one for give-a-ways or new deals; so, I skipped over the first entry fairly quickly. The next was about the blogger's new carpet and a picture of her living room.

I love looking at people's homes, so I immediately studied the photo. She has such a unique sense of style and awww, what a cute dog! Then I read the text.

Her dog.....it's name is Lucy.

Are you freaking kidding me?

Related Post: Lucy, the Dog

Lucy, the Dog

When naming Lucy, we never considered another girl name at all. We joked what we would name her twin (that my mom knew was undoubtedly there, since I was so huge). But, honestly, we had been talking about names long before pregnancy. It was a fun pastime and I liked to dream about our future together, as a family.

I grew up watching ‘I Love Lucy.’ To this day, it is still my number one show. Hilarious! If you haven’t seen it, shame on you. It is not only hilarious and well written, but it is a piece of our pop-culture history! I love Lucille Ball and have collected many items based on the show. So, for me, it seemed pretty obvious to name my daughter Lucy. It was adorable and classic. It seems like older names are coming back too – even more reason! When I told Heath, he liked it too. Then, he watched the show and found a love for Lucille Ball as well (except for her crying, “Whaaa”- haha). It was a sure thing at that point.

Today, roaming blogs and the usual social networks, my sister-in-law turned me onto another blog. It was about getting in shape; sending me there was stemmed by my post yesterday about my momma body. I read it and enjoyed it greatly. I even started following it! But then…I read about the blogger. She was adorable, inspiring, straight-forward, had a great husband, and then…..bum, bum, bum,….her dog’s name is Lucy.

Uggghh…..I literally raise my eyebrows and curl my mouth at the side in disturbance when I think about it.

Lucy isn’t a dog’s name….oh, alright, it isn’t the worst dog name I’ve ever heard; but, it is my baby girl’s name! Have you ever had that happen to you? A dog has the same name as your child? I don’t even know what to think. When people hear ‘Lucy’ do they think, “Oh that’s a dog’s name?”

At least it was a cute dog.