This week, I'm at the beach with the family and some friends. We're having fun, and I'm sure I'll post pictures later. In the meantime, I've been reminded how much I dislike cooking for large amounts of people. I chose what was probably the easiest, fail-proof, recipe in my small repertoire and still managed to cause myself much stress and a few tears. (Everyone liked it and no one got sick, so I'll consider it a success. I guess.) I'm not really a confident cook.
Ironically, if you asked the people who know me what my strengths are, chances are most of them would mention my cookies. I've always had a knack for them, and am always asked to bring some whenever I'm invited to a potluck, party, what have you. Just as an example: there are 9 adults at the beach this week and I made 5 batches of cookies. This translated to roughly 12 dozen cookies? We've been here for a day; and they are almost gone.
I make the same chocolate chip recipe that everyone else does (the one on the back of the yellow bag) but somehow they turn out differently than a lot of other people's. (I don't mean to make this sound conceited.) I've always been a little protective of my other recipes, but I'm happy to share tips. What's this blog for, if not for sharing information?
So, here's the plan. Coming soon, when I get back from the beach, I'll post a series of blogs with tips and my methods. I've been asked a lot this week, and this is the easiest way I know how to share. And now, I leave it up to you...what do you want to know? Any pressing questions I can help with?
Monday, July 12, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
I learned something new!
So here's a somewhat embarrassing fact about me....up until about a year ago, I didn't realize that libraries had actual books.* Like, books you actually want to read. Sure, I knew they had children's books and non-fiction books to do research with. I also thought they had a small selection of fiction books, but I thought they were old books. The "classics" if you may.
*At this point, I must openly apologize to my mother-in-law who is probably cringing. Until recently, she worked in a library and had done so for many years. Sorry Mary!
When I quit my job to stay home with Abby, I was looking for ways to entertain her and to save money at the same time. So, after some research I discovered rhyme time at the local library (20 minutes of sing alongs and storied geared toward the 0-2 crowd). While there, we checked out a few books for Abby. This continued for a few months, and I gradually figured out how to search for books for her. (Yes, this was probably taught to me at some point in school, but computers and I are not friends.) She now loves the library because it means 3-4 new books every time!
Then, a few weeks ago we were searching for Pinkalicious, and asked one of the librarians for help because I wasn't sure how many colors were in the series. (It's Pinkalicious, Purplicious, and Goldalicious if you're curious. They're quite cute.) That's when she introduced me to the concept of "holding" a book. The conversation went kinda like this:
Librarian- "Do you want me to hold Pinkalicious for you?"
Me- "How can you hold it, if it's not here?"
Librarian- Trying to hold in her shocked face. "Uhm, we put your name on a list and when it comes back in, we save it for you."
Me- "Oh. So how do I just keep checking every so often?"
Librarian- Now talking to me like I'm 4. "No. We email you."
Me- Still totally oblivious. "Then what?"
She went on to explain, very slowly, how this all worked. She even mentioned I could go online and add books to my reserve list. I thought to myself, "Holy crap, this is awesome!" I promptly went home and added books to my cue, and in a moment of curiosity tried a few titles I'd been wanting to read. I'd always hated trying to find books at the library (well, since I found out they have bestsellers and such) because I liked fancy displays at Barnes and Noble and Amazon to tell me what I'll like. So I opened up B&N.com and searched for books then added them on. I was so excited about this concept! I told Dan when he got home from work, and he looked at me like I was an idiot. Kinda like the librarian did. (Like I said, his mom worked at a library.)
Anyway, I have since gotten 2 books from my list and have one still holding for me. I'm going to save a lot of money, and I learned something new too!
Go ahead; laugh at me. I know you want to.
*At this point, I must openly apologize to my mother-in-law who is probably cringing. Until recently, she worked in a library and had done so for many years. Sorry Mary!
When I quit my job to stay home with Abby, I was looking for ways to entertain her and to save money at the same time. So, after some research I discovered rhyme time at the local library (20 minutes of sing alongs and storied geared toward the 0-2 crowd). While there, we checked out a few books for Abby. This continued for a few months, and I gradually figured out how to search for books for her. (Yes, this was probably taught to me at some point in school, but computers and I are not friends.) She now loves the library because it means 3-4 new books every time!
Then, a few weeks ago we were searching for Pinkalicious, and asked one of the librarians for help because I wasn't sure how many colors were in the series. (It's Pinkalicious, Purplicious, and Goldalicious if you're curious. They're quite cute.) That's when she introduced me to the concept of "holding" a book. The conversation went kinda like this:
Librarian- "Do you want me to hold Pinkalicious for you?"
Me- "How can you hold it, if it's not here?"
Librarian- Trying to hold in her shocked face. "Uhm, we put your name on a list and when it comes back in, we save it for you."
Me- "Oh. So how do I just keep checking every so often?"
Librarian- Now talking to me like I'm 4. "No. We email you."
Me- Still totally oblivious. "Then what?"
She went on to explain, very slowly, how this all worked. She even mentioned I could go online and add books to my reserve list. I thought to myself, "Holy crap, this is awesome!" I promptly went home and added books to my cue, and in a moment of curiosity tried a few titles I'd been wanting to read. I'd always hated trying to find books at the library (well, since I found out they have bestsellers and such) because I liked fancy displays at Barnes and Noble and Amazon to tell me what I'll like. So I opened up B&N.com and searched for books then added them on. I was so excited about this concept! I told Dan when he got home from work, and he looked at me like I was an idiot. Kinda like the librarian did. (Like I said, his mom worked at a library.)
Anyway, I have since gotten 2 books from my list and have one still holding for me. I'm going to save a lot of money, and I learned something new too!
Go ahead; laugh at me. I know you want to.
The tides have turned....at least for a little while.
I know the last post was kind of negative, but that's how I've been feeling lately. I blame the rough pregnancy, the overwhelming heat, and the fact that I still have to care for a rambunctious 2 1/2 year old. And, may I remind you, they are not called "the terrible twos" for nothing. Lately, I've felt like I was just "going through the motions" of my life and not really doing anything very well.
Then there was yesterday.
Abby (who in no way, shape or form could be considered a morning person) woke up in a good mood and ate most of her breakfast (she hates breakfast). Instead of our usual fight, she actually asked to go potty after she ate. Then, we went to Little Gym. She did everything the teacher asked her to and did most of the activities while I watched with the other parents. She was even calmly waiting her turn and asking the other kids if she could please go next. Abby was one of the best behaved kids there. :-0
When we got home, her delightful attitude continued as she helped with the dishes and played by herself while I did a little cleaning. She ate almost all her lunch and even went down for her nap without so much as a peep.
By nap time I was feeling pretty good, and even did a few loads of laundry and some more cleaning. I was feeling like my old self, and it was wonderful! After nap, the good mood continued and we had a great afternoon.
The time from dinner to bedtime has always been Abby's witching hour, and yesterday was no different. There was a series of timeouts for painting on the wall (with water-based, washable finger paints, but still) and for fighting me when I tried to wash her hands. She was getting cranky, I was getting tired and all my good feelings about the day went out the window. After watching a little soccer and looking at pictures of herself on the computer with Daddy, she calmed down and went to sleep. But, by this time I was crushed.
I had spent the whole day feeling good, and then let a few minor things get to me. Then I realized I couldn't measure my day on a few time outs. After all, I do have a 2 year old and time outs are healthy. She needs them as much as I do.
Today, like yesterday, has started out pretty well. Dan has a work dinner tonight, so I'm sure I'll once again be very ready for bedtime. All in all, this last day and a half has been a much needed positive turn.
It's the little things, but it's always nice to get a reminder that, "Yes, I am a good mom."
Then there was yesterday.
Abby (who in no way, shape or form could be considered a morning person) woke up in a good mood and ate most of her breakfast (she hates breakfast). Instead of our usual fight, she actually asked to go potty after she ate. Then, we went to Little Gym. She did everything the teacher asked her to and did most of the activities while I watched with the other parents. She was even calmly waiting her turn and asking the other kids if she could please go next. Abby was one of the best behaved kids there. :-0
When we got home, her delightful attitude continued as she helped with the dishes and played by herself while I did a little cleaning. She ate almost all her lunch and even went down for her nap without so much as a peep.
By nap time I was feeling pretty good, and even did a few loads of laundry and some more cleaning. I was feeling like my old self, and it was wonderful! After nap, the good mood continued and we had a great afternoon.
The time from dinner to bedtime has always been Abby's witching hour, and yesterday was no different. There was a series of timeouts for painting on the wall (with water-based, washable finger paints, but still) and for fighting me when I tried to wash her hands. She was getting cranky, I was getting tired and all my good feelings about the day went out the window. After watching a little soccer and looking at pictures of herself on the computer with Daddy, she calmed down and went to sleep. But, by this time I was crushed.
I had spent the whole day feeling good, and then let a few minor things get to me. Then I realized I couldn't measure my day on a few time outs. After all, I do have a 2 year old and time outs are healthy. She needs them as much as I do.
Today, like yesterday, has started out pretty well. Dan has a work dinner tonight, so I'm sure I'll once again be very ready for bedtime. All in all, this last day and a half has been a much needed positive turn.
It's the little things, but it's always nice to get a reminder that, "Yes, I am a good mom."
Friday, July 2, 2010
6 months
It occurred to me recently, that I will be 24 weeks pregnant on Monday. Which, makes me 6 months pregnant. HOLY CRAP, HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!?!
When I think about it, or think about someone else whose 6 months along, I think, "Wow. That's really pregnant." And I guess, in a way, it is. I'm more than halfway through this thing (assuming Austin decides to come around the preferred 40 week mark) but I feel as if it's all gone really quickly. Then again, part of the reason I feel that way, is that I still feel like crap.
Where is the energy and the enjoyment that you're supposed to have during your second trimester? With Abby I felt great. I was hot and tired, because it was summer and I was pregnant. But, I also felt pretty good. Excited; energized! Now, I'm 6 months in and still have to contemplate taking a Zofran if I choose to consume any meat or have too much protein. My poor, sweet daughter has been in a very cuddly and loving mood lately, but I've found myself wincing every time she hugs me or wants to climb on my lap because it hurts. And don't even get me started on the back pain. (Which I fully intend to ask the doctor about starting physical therapy for at my next appointment. Hopefully, I can fix at least one of my issues.) The weird thing about it all, is that I'm not all that tired. I just feel crappy.
Hopefully, Austin is giving me all this junk now and will be a delightful baby when he comes out. Laugh at my thinking all you want, but it is this thought that is getting me through all of this. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited about his arrival. I've had a blast buying adorable blue and green tiny outfits. I can't wait to cuddle a little baby again. I'm especially excited to experience all the little, everyday things I missed with Abby because I was working. Mostly, I just can't wait to meet my son (and to give him a kiss and forgive him for everything he's putting me through!)
So, yes, this 6 months has gone by really quickly. I just really hope the rest of the time goes just as quick. Now, excuse me while I go try not to throw up.
When I think about it, or think about someone else whose 6 months along, I think, "Wow. That's really pregnant." And I guess, in a way, it is. I'm more than halfway through this thing (assuming Austin decides to come around the preferred 40 week mark) but I feel as if it's all gone really quickly. Then again, part of the reason I feel that way, is that I still feel like crap.
Where is the energy and the enjoyment that you're supposed to have during your second trimester? With Abby I felt great. I was hot and tired, because it was summer and I was pregnant. But, I also felt pretty good. Excited; energized! Now, I'm 6 months in and still have to contemplate taking a Zofran if I choose to consume any meat or have too much protein. My poor, sweet daughter has been in a very cuddly and loving mood lately, but I've found myself wincing every time she hugs me or wants to climb on my lap because it hurts. And don't even get me started on the back pain. (Which I fully intend to ask the doctor about starting physical therapy for at my next appointment. Hopefully, I can fix at least one of my issues.) The weird thing about it all, is that I'm not all that tired. I just feel crappy.
Hopefully, Austin is giving me all this junk now and will be a delightful baby when he comes out. Laugh at my thinking all you want, but it is this thought that is getting me through all of this. Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited about his arrival. I've had a blast buying adorable blue and green tiny outfits. I can't wait to cuddle a little baby again. I'm especially excited to experience all the little, everyday things I missed with Abby because I was working. Mostly, I just can't wait to meet my son (and to give him a kiss and forgive him for everything he's putting me through!)
So, yes, this 6 months has gone by really quickly. I just really hope the rest of the time goes just as quick. Now, excuse me while I go try not to throw up.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
A few days at the beach
I apologize for the absence, but it's been a busy week or so. We went to the beach for a few days and I've been furiously trying to complete my digital photo books. (I decided to complete this project before the baby gets here and am working on my last of four books.) That, and the last few nap-times have been spent trying to relieve some of the back/hip/leg pain that has come along with this pregnancy. Regardless, I am back and with beach pictures!The trip was planned for a few days on Bald Head Island with my family. Dan was going to stay home to work and enjoy some quiet time without Abby and I around. Or so I thought. We were leaving on Thursday morning and coming back Sunday, so a part of me thought Dan might cut out of work early on Friday and join us for a day.* However, when my mom and siblings showed up at the house, there was Dan too! I was quite happy and glad he would be there for to play with Abby in the ocean. (I hate the ocean, and spend as little time in the sand as possible. I thought my daughter would have more fun with the playful parent and not the stick-in-the-mud one. And, I enjoy having him around. Silly me. :) )
*He is know for doing this sort of thing. Dan loves surprises, and since he thinks way more than the average person, he's really good at them. He once rode a Greyhound from Harrisonburg to DC to Richmond and spent a day with my family, just so he could be at the airport when I came back from a trip to New York. It was late at night and he didn't want me to have to drive back to JMU by myself. He spent 8 hours on a bus for 2 hours in the car with me. It's always been one of my favorite qualities about him.
Anyway, the trip was nice and relaxing and Abby has a blast at the pool, beach and with Grandma, Grandpa, Kelsey and Jordan. It also didn't hurt that we ended up ocean-front thanks to a broken AC in our original house. As in, on the beach! Like, walk out the back door and you have sand and ocean views!
In true Abby fashion, she would only spend 10-15 minutes playing in the waves before wanting to go back in the house, but she had a lot of fun trying to build sand castles and collecting shells. Dan tried boogie-boarding and narrowly missed getting bit by a sting ray. He stepped on one and came running back to the house very quickly. Thankfully, it was Saturday so no one else felt the need to go back in the water.
All in all, a great trip! Enjoy the pictures, Shutterfly is calling my name...
Monday, June 21, 2010
Adventures in Potty Training - 2 weeks later
It has now been two weeks of potty training and I must say, I am exhausted. Spending several hours a day sitting on a hardwood floor reading books is not good for anyone, especially a pregnant woman who already has back problems. But, alas, I've pushed through.
When I left you last time, Abby had initiated the training process and was doing well. However, as soon as I hit "submit" on that post, she turned on me. The following morning Abby went from active, excited trainee to stubborn, screaming every time you mentioned the potty detainee. I was stumped and have to admit the morning started with screaming and tantrums and ended with both of us clutching each other, sobbing. I reassured Abby I loved her; she told me the same. Something else had to be done. It was a turning point, but we soon discovered the key to our potty training success: the egg timer.
Abby has always responded to times. Tell her there's 15 minutes before bed, and as long as you count down she goes up without a fight. (Most of the time.) So, when she refused to sit on the potty, I introduced the timer and told her she only had to sit for 5 minutes. When the timer went off, she could get up. It took a few times, but eventually she understood the time on the potty was short and stopped fighting me. There were a few times she immediately had an accident after getting up from her 5 minutes, but there was no screaming or fighting so I considered it progress.
Everyone advised me to switch to big girl underwear and it would be a snap. We tried; I cleaned the floor four times in a morning and switched back to pull ups.
Wednesday of this past week we tried again with the big girl underwear (after having pretty good success for a day or two) and this time it seemed to stick. We went three days with only one accident, and even then she was at the base of the toilet before she started to wet herself. Yay, progress!
I was nervous about this past weekend because we were traveling to Northern Virginia and Abby was going to stay with her MaMa while I went to a baseball game with Dan (and Jaime, Joe and Carol). I knew Mama would do a great job of trying, I just didn't know how Abby would respond. I was terrified my last 2 weeks would end up being for not. But, Abby did great. She stayed dry to and from (3 1/2h car trips!) and used the potty at MaMa and PaPa's . She had a few accidents while I was gone, but I blame that on all the fun she was having.
Which brings us to today. Two weeks later.
It was a long journey, but I think I can say I have an almost* potty trained little girl.
*Almost, because I still have to calm her down and talk her through pooping on the potty. And she's still in diapers at night. And she's terrified of public restrooms, so she just holds it until we get home.
Regardless, diapers to underwear in 2 weeks isn't too bad.
Does anyone know a good masseuse?
When I left you last time, Abby had initiated the training process and was doing well. However, as soon as I hit "submit" on that post, she turned on me. The following morning Abby went from active, excited trainee to stubborn, screaming every time you mentioned the potty detainee. I was stumped and have to admit the morning started with screaming and tantrums and ended with both of us clutching each other, sobbing. I reassured Abby I loved her; she told me the same. Something else had to be done. It was a turning point, but we soon discovered the key to our potty training success: the egg timer.
Abby has always responded to times. Tell her there's 15 minutes before bed, and as long as you count down she goes up without a fight. (Most of the time.) So, when she refused to sit on the potty, I introduced the timer and told her she only had to sit for 5 minutes. When the timer went off, she could get up. It took a few times, but eventually she understood the time on the potty was short and stopped fighting me. There were a few times she immediately had an accident after getting up from her 5 minutes, but there was no screaming or fighting so I considered it progress.
Everyone advised me to switch to big girl underwear and it would be a snap. We tried; I cleaned the floor four times in a morning and switched back to pull ups.
Wednesday of this past week we tried again with the big girl underwear (after having pretty good success for a day or two) and this time it seemed to stick. We went three days with only one accident, and even then she was at the base of the toilet before she started to wet herself. Yay, progress!
I was nervous about this past weekend because we were traveling to Northern Virginia and Abby was going to stay with her MaMa while I went to a baseball game with Dan (and Jaime, Joe and Carol). I knew Mama would do a great job of trying, I just didn't know how Abby would respond. I was terrified my last 2 weeks would end up being for not. But, Abby did great. She stayed dry to and from (3 1/2h car trips!) and used the potty at MaMa and PaPa's . She had a few accidents while I was gone, but I blame that on all the fun she was having.
Which brings us to today. Two weeks later.
It was a long journey, but I think I can say I have an almost* potty trained little girl.
*Almost, because I still have to calm her down and talk her through pooping on the potty. And she's still in diapers at night. And she's terrified of public restrooms, so she just holds it until we get home.
Regardless, diapers to underwear in 2 weeks isn't too bad.
Does anyone know a good masseuse?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
How cool was that?
Abby is always full of energy after dinner. It's the combination of full belly, sugar from a popsicle and (mostly) the fact that Daddy is home. Yesterday, she was beyond excited. She was hyper. She was running back and forth between Dan and I jumping on us and diving in for hugs. While adorable, it was not the most gentle of activity. After a few too many bumps to the belly, I started to get kicked from the inside as well.
This continued for several minutes, until Dan decided Abby should go upstairs to play "soaps and makeup" (translation- Abby plays in our room with her many soap, lotion and makeup containers while I lay down and watch from the bed.) She calmed down slightly, but was still yelling, laughing and having a blast. Meanwhile, the action in my belly kept increasing. It was getting downright uncomfortable.
After a half an hour, things calmed down a bit and we went back downstairs so Dan could go for a run and Abby could try the potty. (Potty training is a whole other story, I'm not ready to tell. It's not been fun. She did however have success on this try.) As Abby calmed down, so did the circus that had been going on in my belly.
At first I thought it was strange how the two correlated, but after thinking about it, it's kind of cool. Austin is at the stage where he can hear and react to things outside of the womb, and he was reacting to Abby's noise and chaos.
For the first time, at 21 weeks gestation, my two kids were playing together.
This continued for several minutes, until Dan decided Abby should go upstairs to play "soaps and makeup" (translation- Abby plays in our room with her many soap, lotion and makeup containers while I lay down and watch from the bed.) She calmed down slightly, but was still yelling, laughing and having a blast. Meanwhile, the action in my belly kept increasing. It was getting downright uncomfortable.
After a half an hour, things calmed down a bit and we went back downstairs so Dan could go for a run and Abby could try the potty. (Potty training is a whole other story, I'm not ready to tell. It's not been fun. She did however have success on this try.) As Abby calmed down, so did the circus that had been going on in my belly.
At first I thought it was strange how the two correlated, but after thinking about it, it's kind of cool. Austin is at the stage where he can hear and react to things outside of the womb, and he was reacting to Abby's noise and chaos.
For the first time, at 21 weeks gestation, my two kids were playing together.
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