Sick baby

Murry's sick--lots to tell--no energy to do it. Tomorrow maybe.................

Teenager in Training

Today was a stay-at-home and catch up on the housework day. We've been running for 4 days and needed today to get some things done. Back at Christmastime Murry was fascinated with Santa and she loved that Santa Claus movie the other day. Last night Mamaw sent it home with us. That was 104 minutes of uninterrupted cleaning time for me. Thanks Mamaw! Ok I did have to stop to get her a drink and a snack halfway through, but you can't ask much more of an 18 mos. old kiddo. Then of course I feel guilty for leaving her on her own for most of the day and so we played with the little people after I finished up as much as I could. The house was getting out of control a little bit. Why does motherhood have to come with such guilt? Most of the time I can just let it go, but every once in a while it really gets to me. Today wasn't one of the bad days. After we played for a half hour or so, I went back to doing housework. And believe me it's gotten waaaaay better for me since she was born. When she was first born I felt guilty about everything, but now I realize that I have to retain some of my own idenity so as not to go crazy and that taking care of me makes a better mommy for my baby girl. And giving her a clean house and food is part of the whole Mommy business. I think at first I though I'd fill her every waking hour with fun and learning. Have I ever come a long way, baby! lol

Anyway, not much new here today, so I'll give you the short list

1. Murry is digging the shower/bath thing. I told her we were taking one after breakfast and as soon as I took her out of the highchair, she ran screaming "BATH" to the back of the house.
2. The little people castle has some stairs......she was making the little queen go up and down the stairs. She'd say "up the stairs to see Papaw"......"Ok down the stairs to see Mamaw" and making the little people go downstairs. LOL--this cracked me up. Over at Mom's house, Mom's living room is downstairs and Dad's living room is upstairs and she doesn't get to go up there much since there is no gate. She will stand at the bottom and holler at the guys.....Paaaapawww and Uncle Ricky....Daaddy........ This is just one of those sweet things I want to remember.
3. She also now think her Daddy is leaving everytime he asks for a kiss. This is because he's been gone soooo much. But it'll be over soon. It did not exactly make him all giddy with happiness that she keeps asking if he's "going bye-bye" or "go to work" when he asks for a kiss. :(
4. We've been practicing counting to 5 and tonight she did it all by herself for the first time while D was getting her ready for bed. I don't think she has it down completely, but it'a start. I just can't believe the pace she is learning new things. Whew!
5. She is really starting to enjoy talking on the phone and thinks she has to talk to everyone....but I don't let her. She loves to talk to the grandparents though. And a little sidenote---she's really missing her Nana, and has been asking about her everyday. She talked to Grandma Sherry today.
6. One more......the short list keeps getting longer huh? Tonight she came in carrying her little people castle and I saw little muscles in her arms......my baby is growing up so fast...............*sniff, sniff*

I'll leave you with this quote that I read last night about motherhood in the book Mojo Mom. Oh and I'm too lazy to go look up who said it..........but it's a good one!

The days are long, but the years are short.

So true, So true.

When 10 minutes in the buff isn't enough?

I didn't make it in here yesterday---had a busy day. Went to playgroup, the shop, and out to the grandparents and to look at the house. Basically I was gone all day. My computer was sad from being neglected and I've had to spend hours on it tonight to make it feel better. Poor lil guy.

So anyhow yesterday was a good day with Miss Murry--she had a blast running around all day. Definitely her kind of day. She had fun dancing with Mamaw while they watched Santa Claus 2. There was something that worried her though. I guess Santa falls down and gets an owie because we heard about it at least 100 times. No matter how much we reassured her Santa was okay, she just kept going on and on and on about it. Guess what I heard ALLLLLL the way home from Mamaw's house. AHHHHHHH!

So onto today. Today we had a playdate with Trisha and Miss Tally. The girls had fun being silly girls. Tally's walking which is so cute and they actually went back in Ann-Maries room and played together. It's sweet to watch them until Ann-Marie gets bossy. She must get that from her daddy. *smiling innocently* For the most part she does really good with Tally, but every once in a while I have to chill her out. I do have to make her share toys. She often wants what Tally has. Kid stuff, though, and they'll work it out as they get older and the age difference seems less.

Trisha made us some yummy shakes for only 2 points. The girls were scared to death of the blender though, so I ended up with an armful of sweet lil girls. Tally was sleepy and kept laying her head down. She smelled all sweet and didn't help my baby fever at all.....damn you Trisha for washing your kid ;) LOL

We went out for chinese--shame on me--but it was yummy. We have the sweetest little waitress who always talks to Ann-Marie. We used to go in so often that Murry would go right to her, but we don't go near as often as we used to.

On the weightloss front--I was down 3 more lbs for a total of 9.6 lbs. Slooooow, but sure. I always tell myself after a good loss that I won't start slacking, but yet that's exactly what I do. Like losing 2 or 3 pounds gives me licsense to eat! *huge eyeroll*

We took another shower/bath again tonight and I'm loving this. It's a real time saver and I don't have to get onto Murry for splashing water everywhere. With the curtain closed, she can splash to her heart's content. And she did. Dad came home in the middle of our shower and took the little goofball. Between getting a bath, daddy being home, and running naked for a bit, she was really feeling her oats. She got all silly with herself and was having so much fun running in the buff and making silly faces. Then mom, bearer of bad news, made her put on a diaper and PJ's. Then her and D played for over an hour. Then Mom, bearer of bad news, announced bedtime. You are seeing the trend here, right?

That's the news that is news from the homefront of Miss Murry and her tired Mommy. Goodnight all!

Another boring(but fun) day.............

Murry slept till after 10:30 or at least that's when I heard her in there calling out, "mama, mama." Gotta love the kid's sleeping habits. So breakfast was late--11 and we were hoping to get to see the Mam today since it's Tuesday and all, but she's not feeling so great. Poor Mamaw. :( So Murry's been housebound for 4 days and she's not going too crazy yet. I'm taking her to my WW meeting. Going to get ready for that soon. We may go out to dinner, just the 2 of us so we can stay out of the house for a bit. You know plus the whole eating after I go weigh-in. I was soooo close the other day to my 10 lbs mark. I've been hovering between 8-10 lbs loss for the year. I need to get it moving down--faster. Staying busier, drinking lots of water and counting those points! Hopefully I'll see a lower number at my official WI tonight---tonight! It really stinks that it's at night.

Now that the snow is melting off, we should have a busy rest of the week. I have playdates scheduled the rest of the week. Now I just have to plan around those and make good food choices and get my housework done in the off times. I'm bad about letting it all go when I'm busy.

Ok today with Murry.....

1. She took her first shower--ahhhh combined bathing--see how I'm saving time here.......
2. She came in and asked me, "mama making lunch?" and I was!........making connections lil miss smarty pants!
3. She peed in the floor after our shower, but she knew it was a bad thing and tried to clean it up...............I was so tickled that I couldn't be mad and she almost made it to the potty--lol
4. We did our dancing to a different Mickey DVD--thanks to Nana who has made our supply more plentiful
5. She talked to Mamaw and Daddy on the phone......She really just likes to hold it and listen, but she'll say something every once in a while.
6. We watched Monsters, Inc----again! That movie is too cute.
7. We colored--she's remembering a few colors(green, blue, and brown) can't remember red for anything...........

That's about it so far........more exciting news from the homefront to come---I hope!

My Boring Life

I'm stealing the name of Trisha's Blog for my post title today.......It could have been the name of my blog, too, but I'm not a copycat ;) Today was a very nice day with Murry. She was great except when her Daddy stopped by to drop off some pop for me. He stayed a little bit to see her and all she did was whine the whole time. It kills me that even at this age, she knows who might cave to the whining. I can't complain too much because D's really been trying harder on the discipline front over the weekend. He finally gave her a little swat last night for being a toot. She'll be one as much as long as you let her, but if I keep my thumb on her---she's a pretty good girl.

I'll hit the highlights here.....we danced a lot today. We did our Disney dancing and I was listening to the radio quite a bit---and any music means that we need to dance according to Miss Murry. You do not get pics of this. Her language is increasing by leaps and bounds. Today she was using words I didn't even know she knew. Tonight we were sitting at the table while she was coloring and she handed her Dad a crayon and said, "here sweetie" LOL---in such a grownup voice. My baby is growing up--waaaa waaaa. She also asked me to "change her diaper" just because it was wet. I know this makes it sound like I need to hit the potty training trial hard, but I don't think she knows yet before it happens--while it's happening, yes---after, she wants it off. So we're waiting on that before part. I'll give her a go in a week or two.

We played with dolls. I guess everyday Holly and Suzy need to switch PJ's and they need a new diaper of course. We colored pictures and played Mommy is the jungle gym. After a night away from my girl, I'm always ready to spend some good quality time with her. Here are a few pics. The one of the quail that we colored made me choose the title. We did that one together as in i colored it and she scribbled all over. And yes, I know that a quail isn't blue. Dan had to point that out already. ;)

Ok so it was boring, but a good boring. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Gotta love motherhood. And hey write it down--I made a semi-short post. hee hee

Anyone else win the lottery?

We didn’t and I’m hoping no one else did so that it’ll keep going up, up, up. I love to daydream about all the cool things I could do when we win, I mean if….lol

I had to repost the snot pic in case you didn't see the lovely stream of snot or the redness in my lil baby's face. Awww these are the moments---right? LOL

It’s been very nice having Dan home……it means I’m not on call all day for the motherhood thing. Plus he’s nice to talk to---sometimes ;) I know he needed this weekend to get some work done on the house, but it really wasn’t worth all the trouble it would have been to get things around in this snow and ice. Not to mention freezing off parts of his body trying to work over there.

Today has been a usual stay at home day. Dan did let me sleep in which is awesome. Thanks Dan! There is no greater gift to me than being able to sleep in and not having to get up and take care of the herd. It’s not that it’s hard or terrible to take care of them, but it’s just a nice break from the grind of it all. Since he’s been so busy with the house, it’s been pretty much just me here at the home front. Which is why if we ever build another house, it’ll be when our kiddos are older. So when I finally dragged my bum out of bed around noon---yes I said noon--we lazed about for a while. What else are you going to do when you’re snowed in? After I got bored of that, I decided there were too many stinky bodies around the house. I gave Miss Murry a bath, and then it was B’s turn, and then I grabbed a shower to help wash down all of B’s dirt. Dan and Beau are on their own. Beau stinks, but he’s not my dog and he’s too big and fruity to even consider trying to bathe him. So we’re all clean now and fed. Murry’s down for a nap

Here come the tangent and probably tmi:
In my book I’ve been reading, it talks about bonding and skin-to-skin contact. I did the whole bonding bit and believe me with the breastfeeding, plenty of skin to skin contact. So anyhow she was talking about how you should still be doing skin to skin contact even at Murry’s age. I’m sure we get our quota in, but it got me to thinking about how AM always wants to hug me when I’m naked and she’s still very into boobies. I guess boobs = comfort for her. She’ll reach down my shirt and get herself a big old handfull every once in a while. At first it kinda weirded me out, but it’s not like she hasn’t seen’em before huh? She’s also been known to take a grab at other boobies, right Mamaw? ;) I guess Moms are just built for comfort. Dan always said he didn’t care for rocking her since she never quite gets comfy on him like she does with me. Apparently they make nice little pillows as well. At first all this giving up my space and my body parts seemed like too much, but now I’m getting more comfortable and I think the next kid will be easier on me--I hope anyhow. Also I’ve had some time to semi have my body back and I really am starting to want that next baby. This time at least I’ll know what’s coming and be more prepared. I know there will still be the new challenge of taking care of 2 instead of one, but I’ll handle that as well. I’m getting more and more confident in my ability to handle whatever is thrown my way.

On another front--the weightloss front--the scale seems to have moved in the proper direction for once. I’m .2 lbs away from my 10lbs loss since Jan. 3. Very slow, but still moving in the right direction. I’m hoping by Tuesday that I’ll officially be at the 10 lb mark at my WW wiegh-in so I can schedule myself a hair appt. That’s gonna be my 10 lb treat to myself. Any of you who have seen me lately know I’m in desperate need of it. My gray is taking over and my ends are split all to hell. So self-control, self-control. I can do this!

Thanks to those who are taking time to comment. Oh and thanks for reading these novels I keep writing……..what can I say? My typing skills have improved tons---that’s it--that’s my excuse---I’m improving my typing skills.

Mad Cow Disease Strikes Again!

I was contemplating getting Miss Murry out since the other time we got a good snow, she was too sick to play in it. Luckily Daddy stayed home today since the weather was nasty and he was able to take her out there to play. She wanted to go out there so bad and when I told her it was cold, she started in on the whining and crying. She got to go out once she calmed down. She really didn't have appropriate clothing, but we layered her up pretty good and put on a hat and mittens. This pic was before though and the cow hoodie has gotten a little too tight since Halloween --thus the pissed off cow look. LOL Ok--so child goes out and freezes her little petunia off--you'd think that would make her want to come back to the nice warmth of the house, right? Wrong! What is wrong with kids that they suddenly can't feel the frostbite when the powdery white stuff falls on the ground? She had a blast though and fell in it, ate it, and made little snowballs to throw at the window. It was when it was time to come in that she threw a huge fit which I tried to let her Daddy handle it, but I think he's not been around enough lately to know how to best handle a fit and it's not that I think he's a bad Daddy or anything--I've figured my way through trial and error. Plus he doesn't ever want to spank her or put her in the naughty spot. I'm guessing this is because he's not around much. You seeing the terrible cycle here. This of course makes me the discipline nazi. Fun, fun. So here he is with a toddler in full blown fit, and it's all I can do not to run over there and just take over..........I did however exercise self control. Read--I didn't run over and take control, but I did coach a little from the sidelines. hee hee My control freakin self couldn't just hand it all over now could I? He worked it out and did a pretty good job. Teacher says B- for today. I saw good things happening, but also room for improvement. She did land in the naughty spot for a little stay, but she pepped back up. She knows that I mean what I say and she knows that Daddy's easy-- ;) So she was a bit of a tootie today--trying his patience as he hasn't been around her for a whole day in a long while. Hopefully when she gets up from her nap, she'll return to being the little sweetheart that I know and love.

Here are some pics from their snow playing. Photographed by moi, of course, in the comfort of my warm home in my bathrobe. I did get dressed--I just like the robe--so quit looking at me like that..........I said stop it............Anyway--the pics:

The father-daughter walking away one tugs at my heartstrings...Awwww. The snowball sharing , red-faced, snot dripping one just makes me LOL---ewwww that's some super sexy snot you got going on there D!

Ta-ta for now--more to come--threat or promise take it as you will....*big cheezy ass grin*

Pffffftttt.......and other stinky things!

This evening was good---minus dh’s gas from the taco soup I’ve been fixing all the time. Even lil Murry is enjoying the taco soup and it gases her up, too. It doesn’t bother me because I never get gas-- ;). We went out for dinner at Applebees. I love their WW menu and think every restaurant should have one!!! I had an excellent chicken tortilla melt. Yummmm!

Tonight I was folding socks and Miss Murry came up and said, “hold me” and then answered herself, “not right now”---LOL It was just so sweet that I had to stop what I was doing and hold her. She’s really starting to string sentences together--short ones, but sentences. I can’t believe how fast she is growing up and it makes me want another baby. Don’t expect one right away, but I maybe next year sometime. Still it gives me baby fever--which is crazy since I had a hard time enjoying Ann-Marie as a baby sometimes. More of that messed up conflicted mama brain stuff going on. I hope next time will be easier--that I’ll have one of those babies that is smiley and happy to be here and my next child should be a good sleeper who never fusses.*daydreaming* Nah! I'll take one just like Murry as long as he/she is healthy, but I wouldn't mind the sleeping issue to be easier. My kid was frustrated…..I think she came out expecting to walk and talk already since those seem to be the things that have chilled her out. She’s been a really fun toddler, but the baby part almost did me in. I do hope that I’ll remember how fast it flies and really enjoy the next one more as a tiny baby.

Back to tonight, after we got home, we sat down to color in her new coloring book and work on our colors. She did pick up a few--brown, green, and red as we were coloring. I think between now and 2 we’ll work very hard on colors, shapes, and numbers. She can sorta count to 5--she often skips 4 though so it’s still a work in progress.

Ok as Murry would say……Ta-ta for now!

But P.S. <---you knew i couldn't just keep it short right? If you take the time to read--drop me a line--I live for the comments--LOL Not really, but they are nice.

I find duck, Mama!

Well last night Blogger was being a pain so I gave up and went to bed which is a good thing since I really needed the sleep. Badly! Yesterday was sort of a blah day anyhow. I had really wanted to take Murry to the park, but it was so windy that we would have been blown away not to mention how fast the temperatures were falling.

Today we went to a playdate at McDonald's which was nice. It was good to get out of the house for a bit. I was being my usual indecisive self, but looking at the pile of laundry and the whiny kid convinced me we needed to get out. Plus we needed to hit Wal-Mart before the total blizzard hit--if there will even be one. We had a new member join and turns out I sort of knew her--as our brothers are friends and they live in the same house at OSU. She has a little girl and it'll be nice to have another girl in the group.

Murry was her usual self sticking close to Mom, but she enjoys going. Part of it is me--I know--since I don't like her to get too far. We have a lot of 2 and 3 year old boys and they are well--boys. She's younger and a timid lil thing. I do let her venture more when it's a park or somewhere where there is more stuff that is for her age.

Ok here's my tangent for the day----I picked up some books yesterday at the library---a romance, a mystery, and a few on motherhood. It's nice that there are some honest books about what motherhood is like. It is not all roses and smiles. Sure there are times when my heart is bursting with love and there are many times when I want to walk out and say --this is not what I signed up for. Today started out as one of those days. Lately Murry wakes up talking nonstop about what she wants and she wants it 10 minutes ago. Now I don't want to discourage her from talking, but anyone who knows me even the least little bit knows that mornings aren't my finest times. So I try to ignore her, but she was driving me nuts, nuts! She wasn't doing anything bad, I just needed a few minutes of peace and quiet. When I'm in my "mornings suck" mood it's hard to get excited b/c "I find duck" for the 300th time. That's great honey--move along. "I find duck"--yes dear I'm so proud--now go play please. This went on till I left the room to go straighten up---here she comes with the magazine--"I find duck" Grrrrrr. Super, now can you find something else please. Where's your baby? Have you given your baby some milk this morning? Momma? Yes Ann-Marie? I find duck......Superfantabulous!
Then we went to the playdate because Mama couldn't handle hearing about the duck for the 301st time. She was such a good little girl and we had fun shopping--she was acting all silly and giving me hugs and kisses. She wanted the balloons and the Disney pens, but took it well when I told her no she couldn't have them--so I did buy her a little coloring book. She fell asleep on the way home and even slept through a desperately needed diaper change. Awwww---that's a first for her. So see how the feeling flopped. Much like the weather around here. I realize that a lot of it is my mood, but is a Mom not allowed to have a mood since she is pretty much on the clock--round the clock? Hmmmm?

I heart the little duck finder flopping around in there--time to go...........more later maybe........

Naughty Behavior

I stayed up waaaay too late last night reading blogs and surfing the net. This is what happens when I don't have a good book to read. I just finished "The Wedding" by the way and it was wonderful, superb, and excellent. When I finish a good book like that it makes me feel a little lost. I used to not even consider staying up past midnight, but for some reason since I got a computer--sleep is optional. For a while anyway. Then I'll get to a point where I'm about to fall over and just go to bed early and nap as often as possible. Then apparently I start this all over again. I try very hard, but I'm just not good at the moderation thing. I get way to much into whatever my latest addiction is. Right now it's blogging, preceeded by message boards, chatting, scrapbooking, reading(this one seems to stick for life, but goes through phases), my child, teaching(yes i was obsessed with teaching), school, eating, drinking, partying---i'll stop now before it gets ugly. ;)

Anyway Murry woke up in a mooood. She wanted to hold her new baby and hold her while I changed her diaper which makes it impossible to change the diaper. This was worth screaming her freaking head off. I guess I didn't knock hard enough on the wood last night. What she didn't know is that Mamabear stayed up tooo late last night having herself a little party, and wasn't in the mood to listen to screaming first thing in the morning--ok at 10:15, but stillll. So she landed herself in the slammer---naughty spot--- where she proceded to sceam her head off for her 2 minutes of jailtime. Now I know this isn't how this is supposed to go, but what can I do? So then I go in and sit on the toilet till she calms down. (the naughty spot is the laundry room which is in the bathroom--handy huh?) She finally calms down after a few seconds of me sitting there staring at her and mission accomplished--i didn't give in to the fit and the child is no longer screaming. Back to that diaper change......now she's glad to have me changing her soaked bottom because she sure as hell doesn't want to be back in the naughty spot. Score one for Mom! Plus I have to throw in how proud I am that I'm able to keep my cool since I just woke up and was being screamed at at the top of her lungs and if you've ever had the pleasure ---she has a great set of lungs! I hope she's a famous singer someday so she can take care of her ole Mama......heehee

Then onto breakfast--this went well and I put on the Monsters so I could clean the kitchen and dh calls to say he's coming home for lunch. That's a nice surprise. She was glad to see him for a bit as was I considering how much he's gone lately.

That said--why does he undo everything I do! I had tied a little snowman to the balloon so I wouldn't have to rescue it from the ceiling every five minutes. He proceeds to undo this within 5 minutes of being home. I also don't want her playing with things that are off limits---like cell phones--which he let her play with as soon as he walked in the door. It also leads to bratty behavior which is the enemy in my world. I think he's just trying to be Mr. Cool Dad! Well I have another think coming for him............

Ok off to go be productive for a little bit, but I'm sure I'll have more breaking news for you as the day goes on........................

1/2 a day later.........

Murry and I spent some good time together once I got off the computer. We played with the little people--she's real into her farm right now, and we took care of baby Suzy. (Suzy started the whole mess this morning if you'll remember, but I tried not to hold a grudge though I did give her an evil eye once or twice) We did our Disney dancing. I can honestly say we've done it enough that she's noticing the routine. She was all excited and I put a new one on (she has 3) and she was enthralled. Her little dance moves are sooo cute and she loves to hold my hand and turn in circles. I look like a total spazz--I know this for sure since I can see my reflection in the TV screen--but she could care less! After that time to wind down--we played with the people some more and watched Dr. Phil. Then it was time for a story and a nap. Whooohooo naptime! Got in some good computer time and actually had to go wake the girl up at 6:00..........speaking of I better go to bed at a decent time since she took a 2 hour nap--she may get up early----anything before 9am being early. We have this wacky schedule right now since D doesn't get home till around 8 or 9 and she has to have her bonding time with Dad. I'll be glad when the house is done and we can roll it back an hour or so.

I told Dan I would write it in my book--since I don't have a book this will have to do---he took the trash out tonight without me having to even ask--amazing--I was so in shock that I asked him to do it and didn't even notice it was already done.

Ok I've bored you long enough and if I come up with more I can always post it later because it's my blog! LOL

Spoiled Brat? am not am not am not!

Sitting here eating my fudge bar, before you roll your eyes, though it is a WW 1 point fudge bar and it is delicious. Went to my meeting tonight and yes, I gained 1 lb as I expected. I haven't been being the best and it usually takes a few days to catch up with me. Tonight we talked about winning outcomes which is basically rehearsing situations in your head and making good choices. I do that sometimes, but other times I say to hell with it and eat the brownie like the other night at MNO. A better choice would have been to have them box up the dessert and take it home for the skinny man to enjoy while I sneak a bite or two. Then I would still have gotten to enjoy the "free" ness of it without piling up extra calories. Then came chili at mom's last night, I brought my own light chips to make a sort of Frito chili pie which was good. Then when she brought out the candy, I said wth, it's for Valentine's day, right? What is Valentine's Day anyway? I should be treated like a queen everyday riiiiggghht? ;)

Murry had a great day. We went shopping and out to lunch with Mamaw. I did eat decently healthy there. She did, too. I'm trying to give her good eating habits so she doesn't have to struggle with her weight like I am now. Anyhow she was a good girl today as she has been for a while now--knock on wood. That one time in the naughty spot seems to have made an impression. For Valentine's Day, she got a new baby doll--Suzy we're calling this one---from Mom and Dad. She loved her and didn't get far from her for the rest of the evening. In a few days, I'm sure she'll be old news. I'm going to have to start hiding some toys, dolls, etc. to make them new again because now she has until August for any new toys. Well she may get a small Easter present--we'll see. Aunt Weez and Jessi stopped by to bring her a Valentine's Day present which was just very sweet of them. It was a cute little Valentine beanie baby bear. Kiss-Kiss, I think she said his name was. And a balloon. My kid's not spoiled at all huh? ;) Luckily she'll have me to nag for her 18 years about appreciating everything she gets. lol Just like Dad did for me, and I say that in a very appreciative way, of course. I truly do appreciate how lucky we are to have everything we have and to have the family support--in financial and emotional ways. We've definitely been helped along the way. And, yes Dad, I finally do understand. I don't want to spoil Murry, but when I saw her face light up when she saw that doll while we were out shopping, I couldn't resist getting it for her. Luckily Valentine's Day was coming up so I'd have an excuse to give it to her.

I was talking to some girls today at my WW meeting---listening to them actually---complaining about their parents and saying how glad they were that they didn't live close to their parents. It made me sad. I can't wait to move in next to mine. I love watching them with my daughter. She loves them so much already and can't let more than a few days pass without asking to go see Mamaw and Papaw. It'll be nice to be able to pop over for a quick visit or have them drop by to see her--she'll love that. And as she gets older, I'll bet she'll have a path worn out over to Mamaw's house--even if she is coming over to complain about me.--lol

I got a dozen red roses and a very sweet card for Valentine's Day. I know he spent way too much money, but I won't tell him that. Next year I guess I need to be very specific. I love the flowers--don't get me wrong, but we just don't have that kind of $$ to be blowing on something that will die in a week. I'll baby them and try to get as long out of them as I can. Plus Mom and I saw this stand where they were selling them for 14.95 a dozen! I have got to teach that man how to shop! He may be hopeless by now if he hasn't caught on after being married to me almost 8 years! Yes, I said 8 years--unbelievable, but true. Anyhow it was very sweet of him

Ta-ta for now!

If you want what you have, then you'll always have what you want!
And I've got it all!!!!!!! hee hee

Gobbagobble

That's babytalk for breakable. I have a porcelain doll in the top of my closet and my lil Murry thinks she has to hold it everytime she sees it. I need to hide that thing already for all the good that will do since she has a memory like an elephant especially when it comes to things like this. I keep telling her it's breakable...........gobbagobble in her terms. It's so funny how she'll say it wrong for a looong time and then one day poof, she says it perfectly. It goes the other way too, things that she used to say perfectly, she suddenly can't say for anything. I think she just gets in a hurry.

Today was cleaning day for me. Got the bathrooms done and a few loads of laundry. I still need to dust and vacuum, but all in good time. We did our Mickey dancing, even though I really didn't want to. I needed to make up for my chocolate indiscretions over the weekend. At this point, I just hope to maintain, and lose next week. That seems to be the trend. It's like when I lose a couple I give myself permission to splurge which would be fine, if I just did it once, but NOOO I have to lose all self-control and go off the deep end!!! It's an everyday struggle, but one that I plan to never give up on. At this rate I will lose it all in about 2 or 3 years! Years! And that is okay, because by then it truly will be a lifestyle change, not a diet. I refuse to give up though!!!

Back to Murry. I told her she couldn't use my computer as a coaster and being the innovative little girl she is becoming--here's what she came up with.

Gotta give her credit. No she didn't put it in the kitchen like I told her to, but she didn't use the computer either. I see a true independent streak trying to emerge, and I'll encourage it when I can, but she will mind her Mama as well.

We ended up over at Mamaw's for dinner. Chili. Thanks again, Mom. Ann-Marie was being her usual comical little self dancing around and entertaining us all. Maybe, just maybe that has something to do with all the sugar she had. Mamaw gave her the cutest little lip purse for Valentine's Day and it came filled with candy. Not that we let her eat it all, but she had one piece to go with the pudding and sugar pop that she'd already had. What is it about grandparents that makes them want to sugar up the grandkids? I think it must be that they know they get to send that spazzy kid home. As we were leaving Papaw was feeding her donuts. *eyeroll* Those must have hit her once we got home cause she hit another silly lick and almost fell flat on her face from the couch. She was sitting there swinging her legs and swung just a little too hard. Luckily, she's becoming fairly coordinated and caught herself.

I lied

I have to apologize for lying--I try very hard not to tell lies. I originally thought that my posts would get shorter, but am noticing that I am really enjoying wrapping up the day by writing about it in my blog. Today was a good one--not real productive--but good. I accomplished things, but not things you can see or measure. Let me start at the beginning. First off my wonderfully thoughtful daughter slept till 10:30--God bless her. Then Daddy wanted me to bring her to bed so he could see her and I ended up drifting back off so I think my day officially began around 11:30. Like the song says....Life's about getting up early, staying up late---sleeping in--I think that's in there somewhere and if it's not--it should be! So I was definitely thoroughly rested, I guess since I did stay up till after 2. Anyhow, we got some breakfast and Miss Murry drew some pictures. Her drawing ability is coming along. She used to not be able to push hard enough to make the marks, but now she can scribble with the best of them. She likes me to draw things and then she colors them in--sort of ;) Right now we're drawing snowmen a lot. I headed onto the shower--determined not to stay in my PJ's all day today. My favorite little person followed me back--she told me "potty, mama". I thought oh boy, here we go again, and all I wanted was a quick shower. But on the off chance she might actually go, I took of her diaper and hooked her up with a magazine. Then I hopped in the shower and whaddya know--when I look out she's made pee-pee in the potty. Whooohooo! It was a lot this time, too. So I rush my shower so we can celebrate. We do a little happy dance and Mommy gets all excited. She's still just looking at me like I've flipped my lid. So I put her pee in the big potty, and thought she'd get all excited about getting to flush it down, right? Well of course not because she usually does just opposite what I expect. Instead she acts scared of the flushing and almost tears up---silly kid. I'm thinking candy might help. I think she'd pee for M&M's. I meant to pick up some today, but it slipped my slippery mind. I did pick her up the cutest little mermaid bath toy--just a 1$ toy---but forgot the M&M's.

Ok at that point, I would like to have put some panties on her, but they were all still in the wash, and we were getting around to go. I am not ready to try potty training out in public yet. Yikes! I'm going to have to start carrying around extra clothes. Bigger bag--here we come. I have become very attached to my almost purse-sized bag. I think I can just carry the extra bag in the car, though.

So anyhow, Nana came over and we went to Chili's for lunch. I didn't do well on my nutrition. Haven't done well most of the weekend. Starting fresh tomorrow. That's the charm of WW's--it's all about lifestyle change. It may take me years, but as long as the scale is moving down, even at a snail's pace--I'm content that I'm making better choices. Not perfect, but better.

That's a pic of the two of them just before we left. And yes, that is Monsters in the background. Sully to be exact--he's the good Monster. We love this show, and highly reccomend it.

Murry loves Nana. They had fun playing together, and they even read her naptime book together. Then I just laid her down in the crib and my sweet girl went to sleep. This is soooooo exciting for me that she finally is taking her naps without me staying in there till she falls asleep. It's one of those things I said I wouldn't do, but you have to choose your battles and that one wasn't worth the fight. But it's over--yay!!! The new trick is just leaving the door open. Sometimes I have to get onto her for playing, but most days she's out in 5 minutes or less.

Nana ended up staying so I could try to find her a flight online. It worked out great because my dh didn't bother to tell me he wouldn't be home so I could go to Mom's Night Out. I told him that it didn't matter since I know he's been working his butt off, but he still could call and let a person know. Anyhow, Nana stayed with Murry while I went--thanks Nana!!!--so I got to go.

It was just 4 of us this time, Jami, Sheresa, Jenny, and I, but we had a good time---as usual. Very good to see you getting out Jami-- so glad you could make it! Since I had already eaten a nice sized lunch, I was going light on dinner. Ordered grilled chicken from the light menu and they aren't kidding when they say that it's a light portion. It was plenty, though. So we're enjoying our food and talking away, and the waiter tells us that we get free dessert and gift cards......what??? He had mentioned this earlier, but he was kind of a goofy guy. When Jami asked him about the cole slaw and how it tasted.....he told her it tasted like cole slaw....hmmmm very helpful. Anyway you can see why I was questioning his mental capabilities, but he wasn't kidding. The manager came over and told us we could have any dessert on the menu for free. Ok---you tell a fat girl she gets free chocolate and you're just asking for trouble! I couldn't resist, and it was delicious. Yeah it was free, but I'll pay for it Tuesday at my weigh-in.
And of course I have to go back now to use my 5$ gift card. That's how they hook you in--right? Dan'll love that place so we'll have to go together.

I came home just in time to watch Grey's Anatomy. I love this show! For one thing it proves that I do have an attention span longer than your average gnat. I thought pregnancy and motherhood had robbed me of my ability to pay attention to anything for more than 30 seconds, but thankfully I was wrong. Don't get me started on my forgetfulness--it's unreal. I can't even remember how many times I've locked myself out of the house lately. I know it's at least 3 and once out of the car with both sets of keys in it---had to call the locksmith for that one!

I came home to a peaceful home. I came home rejeuvenated and ready to be "mommy" for another week. I came home and was glad to see my two favorite people. I came home and I was grateful for the wonderful daughter and the wonderful husband that I have. No they're not perfect, but neither am I. Dan wishes I would cook more, Murry wishes I would roughhouse allllll day long. I wish Dan would pick up after himself ( i really do not think this one is asking too much ;) I wish Murry wouldn't whine--ever! Murry wishes Daddy were home all day.--lol But at the end of the day---none of that matters because we have each other, and we have a lot to be grateful for. And I am.

All out of panties........

One might ask, is this child's mother color blind? Actually I am not. We started the day off in PJ's that matched, but I had the bright idea to give potty-training a real shot today. We went through 3 pairs of Tinkerbell panties and 3 pairs of tight pajama bottoms in about an hour and a half. Since we only have the 3 pairs so far, I decided to call it a day, and try again in a week or two--maybe sooner. The first time she peed in them about 15 minutes after her bath--probably from all the bathwater she drinks. The second pee came about 15 minutes after she drank a glass of strawberrry lemonade. So on the 3rd pair, I thought ok----in 15 minutes we're gonna sit on the potty. And she did----forever! She looked through a whole magazine, and a book. So after 20 minutes or so she got up and went to play. 5 minutes later panty #3 was a gonner. Ohhh well, we tried, and we'll try again. I'm gonna pick up some M&M's and try giving her those for pottying in the potty. If she'd just do it a few more times, I could get her excited about it, I think.

I did manage to talk myself into doing our Disney dancing today, been feeling pretty lazy. I even attempted pilates, but it was impossible with Murry jumping all over me. I'll have to save that for when she's sleeping. I got a few things done today--changed sheets on the bed, unload and reload dishwasher, a load of laundry--so far---and some general pick'em up around here.

Murry ate something new for lunch--beef ravioli--I think the trick with her lately is to act like it's my own food, and then she wants it. She's even been eating taco soup which is kind of spicy, and today she helped me with my lean cuisine which was also sort of spicy. We've been eating lots of Progresso veggie soup since it's the only way I'm getting veggies down her lately.

That's all for now--TTFN!

Trash Day

Friday is our trash day, but that's not really the kind of trash I was talking about. Today has been a hibernating day so far. Murry woke up at 8 am! Yuck! It seems to happen about once a week. So we layed around and watched Sesame St. Then I finally made myself get up long enough to take care of my herd. (Baylee (aka B), Beau, and of course lil Murry) Everyone got fed and had a chance to potty or get new potty pants whichever applies ;) As soon as that was done I put on some Monsters, Inc and laid on the couch. Mommy's taking a sabbatical. It's the worst day of my TOM. The one where the cramps hurt so bad and I need to stay near a bathroom for multiple reasons. It didn't used to bother me like this, but now I'm your typical PMS'er. Something about having a baby......changes everything....and they mean everything! So I snoozed on and off till Monsters was over, then I managed to get up and play with Murry for a while. She was mad at me about the whole laying on the couch. I was boring her. Now I know why moms are more boring than dads, moms are there all the time, and no one can be fun every minute of every day. Anyhow after a while she did get the hint and go play. Then of course she started her getting into trouble for attention bit. First it was playing in the blinds, then it was slobbering on her hand and putting it on the TV. Gross!!! That one warranted big threats. I finally gave it up and got up, but not without some grumbling. I took about 32 oz of Diet Pepsi by IV to get moving. I just hooked up another 32 to get me through the afternoon. I think about once a month (obvious times) I just need to hole up for a few days. I feel better afterwards, but kind of like a bum while I'm at it. For instance a kid just knocked on the door selling something and I'm still in my jammies! I told him to try me another day through a miniscule sliver crack in the door. I think I'm getting known as the crazy lady around here, but I could care less. Can't wait to live in the country where people leave you the hell alone. I grew up in the country and that's where I'm supposed to be. If I want to walk out on the porch in my pajama bottoms and tank top with stuff hanging out everywhere--that's my business! I can't stand living this close to people, especially this crazy neighbor lady that I almost got into a fight with. I was just waiting for her to make the first move so I could kick her ass! I'm not usually like that, but this lady had it coming. She was all threatening to call the police and trying to intimidate me because I told her that her boys couldn't have their frisbee back until someone picked up the trash that they threw into my yard! On purpose--I know for sure because it came over my back fence after I hacked the kids off because I told them to quit poking sticks through my fence and get out of my yard! I told her to bring it on! She ended up picking up the trash, and the best part, my favorite part--she stepped in a bunch of dog crap while she was back there. LOL I love it! Anyway the world is full of stupid people and when I live in the country I don't have to deal with so many of them. Today has been rather uneventful, thus the diarrhea of my mind, (fingers?) lol

Don't get off the edge of your seat yet........I may have more for you later ;) hee hee

Grocery Day and the Nursing Magazine

Does anyone else just hate Grocery Shopping? I mean load into the cart. Load onto the belt, back into the cart, into the car, into the house, then finally put that crud in cabinet. I am so sick of looking at that I almost never cook on grocery day! It has to be the one household chore I despise the most. I takes to much time--you gotta make lists, get all ready, leave the house. You get my drift........I don't like to grocery shop. Other shopping is fine, but I really would like an online grocery store that delivered and didn't charge you an arm and a leg. *daydreaming* I guess I hate feeling like I have to set aside a day and waste it doing something like that. I have fun shopping for other stuff at Wal-Mart. Like today for instance, Ann-Marie and I found some of the cutest little hair clips for her hair. It's when I head over to the grocery department, that I go "oh bother, here we go" I try to tell myself that it could be worse. I could live in the days when everyone had farms and women had to go out and help gather up the food on the farm. But even that farmwife didn't have to leave the farm to get the food. She could go right out to the henhouse and grab a chicken and wring it's little neck right? LOL Ok, ok so it's not that baaaad. I survived another grocery store trip and lived to tell about it. whew, close one.

Actually this one went better than last week's trip when Trisha and I took the girls to Wal-Mart. Ann-Marie had to reach back in the cart and grab the fresh roasted chicken and proceed to pour the juices all over the rest of my groceries! Yuck! Oh, and my purse took the brunt of it, and still smells like roasted chicken---I need to think about trying to wash it--huh? So if I'm around and you smell a week old roast chicken--now you know why.

Murry's been a good girl today. She is the highlight of the shopping trip actually. She points to all the stuff and either tells me what it is or asks if she doesn't know. My little baby sure is growing up. Last year at this time, we were lucky to make it through a grocery trip and to the car without her having some kind of meltdown. I cannot tell you how many times I had to sit in the parking lot and breastfeed. Me and the next baby may never leave the house. Yeah that sounds good, we'll turn over the chore of grocery shopping to Dan. Except then my house would be full of sugar and fat---so bad idea! Ok enough whining about grocery shopping.

Ann-Marie's accomplishment for today is that she is really putting together sentences. She was telling me at the store. I hear baby. I see Pooh. I see Tigger. I want juice. Maybe she was saying it for a while but I really noticed her being consistent with it until today. She misses nothing by the way. We went back to look at the exercise DVD's and she says--I see DVD. My kid knows DVD. I'm not sure if I'm proud or sad---lol.....No it's good. She wanted me to buy her one, but took it well when I said she had plenty of them at home. When we left, she saw the Sonic across the parking lot and said "grilled cheese" She even added a please at the end, so how could I resist. She got her grilled cheese and ate it on the way home---all of it.

More in the exciting life of Mom & Murry to come.......after the old nap......whoohooo freetime!

Our evening has been mostly uneventful. The only thing noteworthy is that Ann-Marie saw a baby nursing in a magazine and she was super curious about what that baby was doing. She kept going back to it over and over again. Makes me wonder if she remembers nursing. She gave that baby a kiss--that or she was trying to nurse from the picture--I couldn't tell for sure....LOL

Teeckle, Teeckle

Well I've been trying real hard to just get up and get going in the morning. I got used to lazing around for an hour which really cuts into your day when you don't get up till 9 or 10 anyway. Plus I'm sure all that lazing around helps my weightloss. *eyeroll* So today at 9:30 we were up and running. Finally called in Murry's allergy medicine which cost me 40 bucks! Good grief! That bottle better last at least 2 months. Then I called back a friend who is back in town. She has a 4 month old baby boy. We talked forever, but I managed to keep on going--made breakfast, ate, even cleaned the kitchen and did a load of laundry. I'd love to had a cordless headset. I'm sure they make them, but imagine they would cost a ton. When this phone (which is from the dark ages) dies, I plan to seriously check into it. Anyhow, she promised to come by and see me soon---she better!

Then I managed to only stay on the computer for 30 minutes like I promised myself that I would. One might wonder, what has Murry done all this time? Well she played like a good little girl. Then when she got bored, she asked me to put on Monsters, Inc. which I did. She did take a poo and bring me a diaper while I was on the phone. Another thing I did while on the phone. Amazing how much you learn to multitask when you become a Mom. One of these days I'm going to have to try putting panties on the kid and potty-training b/c I really think she's about ready. I keep saying after she's 18 mos. which is coming up the 12th. So we'll see, huh?

After I got off the computer, she was looking kinda sad, since I'd been ignoring her most of the morning--so we proceeded to have a tickle fight. This definitely cheered her up, but then I had to pry her off so I could go get ready. Again with the having too much fun. She seemed to want to dance which is so sweet, so I turned on the radio in my room and she ran circles and danced till she got dizzy while I got ready. Ok it's 12:00 and I'm all ready to go, so I cleaned up the place before we left even made my bed. (Nana would be so proud) 12:20--we're totally ready and have 10 minutes to kill---more dancing in the kitchen. We spun round and round. Her Daddy got her this silly monkey last night while they were shopping and it sings the "Hey, hey we're the Monkees" song which she wanted to dance to. Ok time to go.

We head off to our playdate and meet a new mom in playgroup. She seems really nice and her little 13 month old is a real sweetie. Ann-Marie was her usual shy self for an hour which is just silly. Once she finally got over it though she had a blast playing on the slides and stuff. Then she and I headed to the food court to get some subway. *clapping* I made a healthy choice. lol Annnnnd I only had one teeny tiiiny bite of her chocolate chip cookie. Got home just in time for naptime or so I thought. She was all giggly and silly. She kept taking my hair and saying teeckle, teeckle rubbing it in my nose, then she'd just fall over laughing. I couldn't resist her sweetness, so we had to sit and be silly for a 1/2 hour or so. I finally said enough at 4 and put her down for her nap. I heard her in there at 4:30 still playing around, so I went in to lay down the law, the mama law ;) . That brings us up to now. It's 5:45 and she's still a snoozing as far as I can tell. Gotta love naps. Mama's time.

More to come..........I bet you're sitting on the edge of your seat. No? I said this would be adventures, but I also told you my definition of adventure is a loose toddler-type interpretation.

When naptime was over, it was dinner time. Miss Murry woke up all demanding and when I asked her to add please to her demands she broke down. She wanted Monster on, a drink, and she was hungry, and she wanted it all now. I couldn't move fast enough for her. Sometimes she can be so darned hardheaded. I have no idea where she gets that.....*eyeroll* So she had her fit, but her hardheaded mother wasn't letting her get away with it, she had to say please for her drink and her sandwich. Well she decided to cop a huge attitude which landed her in the new "naughty" spot. I set up a gate in my laundry room. She was none too happy with that. I only put her in for 2 minutes and it seemed like eternity since she screamed, "Mama, hold me" the whole time. It broke my heart, but I will not have a child who acts like that. It was a long battle, but Mommy won as I intend to anytime I feel like I am being disrespected. My kids will know all about respecting others and using their manners or they'll have a permanent boot in there ass---lol. As a teacher, I saw too many kids who were in charge at home. Kids don't know how to handle that kind of power and it makes them such little heathens. I don't blame the kids though and I always worked my hardest to make an impression on these particular kiddos.
Once that little episode was out of the way we were good to go. We did our Disney dancing again which was fun--she totally loves it!!! Then we did put on Monsters because this time she asked me very nicely, and there was nothing on that I cared to watch. Then we just waited for Daddy to finally get home and he did around 9:30. I've been letting her stay up late to see him. shew as so excited when he came in. She went and pulled out his chair in the kitchen and said " sit in lap......daddy eat.....apples......lol. He's been eating when he gets home and she sits in his lap and has her 2nd dinner. He put her to bed tonight since she's been such a stinker about going lately. I think it went okay. He didn't know the whole routine, and didn't realize he was supposed to sing, " You are my Sunshine"----LOL----He said she kept saying something about sunshine. heehee..... Oh well they made it.

Here's a page from way back--this was a favorite hat that I loved to put on her all the time.

TTFN

Woke up to a not so smily face today. The first thing she said when I walked in the room was, "Daddy at work?" Yes, honey Daddy's at work. *sigh* You're stuck with me again--kid. She's been really missing her daddy while we've been building the house. We're at a stage where he has a lot to do, so he's gone most of the time. The day did improve though. I knew today was a day where we needed to get out of the house. So we got all ready--right down to the pigtails, again, and went over to Mamaw's house to visit for a few hours. We stopped by to pick up some Rib Crib on the way, and I may pay for that later at my WW meeting.

Now for the TTFN--if you're a big Pooh fan--or Tigger really, you might remember this. When Tigger leaves he says TTFN--"ta-ta for now" So the other morning Dan taught her this while they were watching her new Tigger movie. You can tell her to tell someone TTFN and she says "ta-ta for now". It just cracks me up! Mamaw thought it was adorable as well of course. When she's in a hurry it's just "ta for now", but she can do the whole thing when she wants to. That's the whole thing isn't it--when she wants to. *big eyeroll* She's so supershy with anyone she doesn't know real well that getting her to unattach from my shoulder much less talk is a huge chore. But once she comfortable, she's a real ham.

I wonder does anyone else have this problem? I'll get to doing something fun with her and when I need to or want to stop, she has complete meltdown. Like today we were at Mamaw's dancing on top of the chair,(she was on top not me ;) )and you think the natural thing to do is stop when the song goes off, righhht? Not according to her. Again, Mama. --Song all done---Again Mama.......She did let that one go, once I went and got her balloon she'd been playing with. It's like geeez.......makes me not want to be toooo fun because then I have to deal with a fit or talk her out of one each time.

On today's picture--there is the cutest little green vest that goes with that, but I of course let the batteries die on the camera, so I didn't have it to take a pic when she was ALL ready. That's about right for me.

Later that same day...........
Well the meeting was good I'm down about 2 more lbs. Sloooowww, but sure. Now I just need to lose this coming week so I can break my lose/gain cycle. After the meeting I went to bunco for some good "mommy' time. Ann-Marie and Dad went shopping and out for dinner. A little Daddy time seemed to do her good. She seemed happy when I got home. :) Those were my adventures in Mommyhood today. I hope tomorrow is a good day as well.

My First Entry

Ok I named this adventures with Mom and Murry, but often the day spent with a toddler is adventurous in different ways than you might imagine, unless you've been there of course. First off we nicknamed our daughter Murry since that is how she first said her name. I wouldn't actually do that to a girl--that would just be cruel. When I was about her age someone nicknamed me Bob for whatever reason---I cannot imagine! So I guess the tradition must continue on--giving boy nicknames to our little girls. Anyhow today started off as usual--get up to her smiling little face, change diaper, put socks on freezing little feet, and stumble in to make her some breakfast. She had oatmeal and I had cereal. She used her spoon and fed it to herself, of course, because she's hit this real independent streak. After breakfast, I cleaned up the kitchen while she played with her dolls. Then we both played with them for a bit. After we got bored with Holly, Heidi, and Lulu, we moved onto watching Monsters Inc.---one of the few kids movies that I truly enjoy watching over and over. We need some more like that---I'm wanting to pick up "A Bug's Life". Of course we never actually watch an entire movie as she doesn't have the attention span. Neither do I anymore for that matter. I did get the idea to try putting her hair in pigtails while watching it from the cute little girl on there---I hadn't realized how looooong her hair is getting. Once we got a ways into it, I went on to do chores, and she went to play in her room. After I did my chores, we read a few books, and then I sat down to pay some bills and during the ten minutes it would have taken me to do that--she needed my "help" no less than 3 or 4 times. After finally finishing that up, I attempted to get on the computer, but it wasn't cooperating. I took that as a hint that I needed to get busy and get some stuff done---so off to do more chores. Then I ended up laying in the floor in her room for a good 30 minutes playing with some little people with her. She's really getting into her little people. Then I put on "Monsters" again so I could make lunch. That's when she sat on the couch and was being so good(in the pic above) while I cooked. I had to stop and take pics of my little couch potato. I burnt the grilled cheese and had to feed it to Beau (the dog), but it was worth it. After lunch we put on her favorite video--Minnie Mouse---it's a singing and dancing one. We danced the whole 30 minutes which she thought was just awesome and I got in my exercise. If my foot will cooperate, we'll have to do it more often. Then I actually got on the computer and next thing I know Ann-Marie is laying in the floor looking all pooped out. She finally got up and told me "bed mama" I guess she realized that hard tile floor sucks for sleeping. Smart girl--LOL! She went down for a nap and I got in some "mommy time" a little computer, a little work--mopping because I hate to do that while she's awake. The few times I have she's slipped on the despised tile which scares me . I cannot wait till we move so I can have some carpet already! Around 5 she woke up and we came in here to play for a bit. Surprisingly (not!) Monsters was still playing since I just kept running it during naptime. What is it about the silence that I can't handle anymore? I don't mind now and then, but most of the time I have a TV or radio running in the background. Moving along--I made dinner and we ate---I had some chicken wraps, she had pb&j and we split a can of veggie soup. Lately it's been the only way to get her to eat her veggies. After dinner we played for a few minutes till Wife Swap came on--one of the few shows I like to watch, but I'm trying to get back into TV a little---you can more easily watch TV and play or fold clothes than you can while on the computer. And we did that as well--we folded a load of clothes. She handed me each piece of clothing telling me what it was and who it belonged to with 90% accuracy. Ok so I still have a little "teacher" left in me. From there it was bath time, but first she sat on the potty and made her very first pee-pee in the potty! Yay! Momma did a happy little dance with her, but she didn't seem to know what the big deal was about. Then Daddy finally made it home since he was working late. I would like to say that was the end of the day, but it was not. After only an hour of "dad" time, it was time for my Murry to go to bed. She did not take this well to say the least. Boy can she scream! Once we booted Dad from the room, I got her calmed down, and bedtime went as usual. Why didn't I let him do it--sounds logical enough, right? The last 5 or so times that he's tried to put her to bed---she just won't go--ended up crying for an hour one night. Go figure! It has been a while since he's tried so we might give it a go tomorrow night. And that folks is a day in the life of Mom and Murry. When folks ask what did you do today, I often say nothing, but I know better----I did so much. I took care of my baby girl. We learned, laughed, cried, hugged, kissed, and all in all these very ordinary days add up to an extraordinary childhood. I know. Because my mom stayed at home with me as well. There is no place on earth that I'd rather be.

Don't worry I won't have the time or energy to post this long everyday. If you read all of this, you are a true friend. Hope your day was 1/2 as good as mine. ;)