Wednesday, September 29, 2010

I Love Being a Mom....And Working!

Gasp! I know that there are some individuals out there who are thinking, "Oh, you horrible mother, you. You actually enjoy leaving your children--the children who you birthed--to WORK?!? Shame on you!" Well, to those who say that--or even think that--I say "Shame on YOU."

I love my children more than life itself. I wouldn't think twice about removing all my appendages for my two little miracles. But I also love to work. I also have a strong sense of self, and I know that this self isn't meant to stay at home and watch the household and children all day long. And most importantly, I know that there is absolutely, undoubtedly nothing wrong with that.

But let me be clear: This is not a bash against stay-at-home-moms. I think those women who are able to stay at home and watch children are spectacular! I've always said that it takes a special person to do this, AND keep the house clean, AND make meals, AND keep their relationship intact. So don't get me wrong--I'm not a "SAHM-Hater." I'm simply saying that I enjoy being a "WM"---working mom. I thrive on being a busy individual. To me, it keeps things interesting. I love that my "typical" day involves sheer madness, a crazy game of get-the-kids-dressed/fed/cleaned-so-that-we-can-move-on-to-the-next-thing! I love that I'm able to provide for my family, and knowing that what I do during the day lets us do all the fun memory-making activities that we're so blessed to be able to do. I love knowing that my kids are always dressed to the nines because of the money I'm able to contribute to our household income. I love that each night, when I lay my head down on my pillow, I get a sense of total fulfillment in my life.  And get this....I LOVE my job.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Muliple Personalities

Quite frequently, Emma displays multiple personalities throughout the course of the day.  Here are just a couple we encountered this weekend.
Emma, the Sad Chef

Emma, the Happy Chef

Emma, the Karoke Star

Emma, the Sweetheart

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Open House

Kid's Kastle had their Open House last night, so I drug the whole family out, despite Andy's lack of enthusiasm. I knew it would be cute to see all the fun things the kids do. Plus, it gives me a chance to hear just how well-behaved Emma is. (Insert a tiny snicker here.)


As expected, they had treats galore in the cafeteria. Which meant I had to play cop to Emma's little fingers. That girl would eat a whole mountain of sugar if no one was looking! In between the piles of donuts and taffy, were little stations of all the activities that Kid's Kastle offers. As if you don't pay enough as it is on tuition, they torture you with all the fun things that you NEED to enroll your kid in additionally. And of course, Andy & I get suckered into a lot of them. But I mean, Emma just HAS to do dance class because I did the exact same class when I was there. And she HAS to take Spanish classes so that she's able to talk to 25% percent of her peers once she enters elementary school. Right? Right?!?...

So anyway, after we looked at all the "can't-miss" extra curricular activities, we headed to each of the kid's classrooms. Emma was up first, so I had a chance to touch base with Miss Brenda. I wanted to get the real scoop on how Missy Lucille acts. And the verdict is in: Emma, for the most part, obeys and does what she's told. For the most part. Miss Brenda explained that she has trouble with clean up time. Hmmmm, no surprise there. The only time the girl cleans up is when she's at Grandma's. But I'm convinced that Grandma gives her crack, because Emma is so damn addicted to wanting to go to Grandmas ALL THE TIME. So why wouldn't she clean up at Grandma's?.....it's easy to do what your drug-dealer asks of you, right?

Wow. Did I really just compare my mom to a drug dealer?

I digress.

Back to Emma's behavior. Miss Brenda says that she gets along great with the other kids; she's well-ahead of the curve when it comes to academia. They had their "artwork" up in class, where Miss Brenda explained that they're focusing on tracing and learning numbers and letters. Well, let me just tell you: my little 3 year old already knows how to spell her name, thankyouverymuch. Although an untrained eye may not be able to read it, but nonetheless. She knows her numbers. Go Emma! The one area where Emma could use some improvement on is....get this....patience. What?!? It seems as though if there is a toy she wants, or if she wants to play on the swing and someone else is using it, she either 1) throws a fit, or 2) has a slight history of pushing her way to get it. Now I haven't had any notes sent home, saying she threw a kid off the teeter-tooter, so I'm thankful there. But I must admit there was a slight smirk on my face when Miss Brenda told me that. Hey, the girl knows what she wants. Can't say I really blame her.

After talking with Miss Brenda, it was on to Drewbie's room. The "Kelly's" were there, eagerly awaiting our arrival. (There are two "teachers" in Drew's room: Miss Kelly and Miss Kelly.) And can I just tell you that I love these two! They are so loving, always giving Drew kisses and hugs. And they are so good with the babies. The do circle time and finger painting and silly songs and story time and playtime. They snuggle and love. They give such great attention to these babies. I just love them! And I secretly think that Drew's their favorite. They constantly say how cute he is and how lovable he is. And that's my little man!

One question that I was dying to ask was, "How in the world do they get him to sleep on that little cot?" All the babies take naps on these little cots (the same sized-ones that the big kids use) and it just blows my mind to think that they can actually keep them on these for the entire length of nap-time! She explained that it took some time to get used to, but that they eventually learn to lay down and go to sleep. Miss Kelly said that Drew loves to nuzzle with the other kid's pillows, so she suggested that I get him one. Which is no surprise. My little man loves dogs and all things fluffy. He literally rolls around on the ground with fluffy items. It's truly the cutest thing!  I'll have to post a video of this soon.

I could go on and on, but I think I've written enough for one entry. If you're still reading this, I'm impressed. I would have moved on by now.  You know, with my (lack of) impatience and everything.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

I Crushed Emma's Finger!

For the record, I debated even telling this story.  Because it's quite traumatic for me.  I still randomly cringe at the thought of what happened, so having to relive it by writing about it here was an internal debate.  But I figure I'll want to document these things, because 15 years from now we'll be able to talk about these "war stories."

So the other day, I was getting Drew out of the car.  We were in a parking lot, in a spot that was really tight.  Emma had already gotten out of the car and was waiting for us on the side of the car.  Because the spot was so tight, I was struggling to get Drew out of the car seat.  After I finally did, I shut the door quickly.  Then I heard the most gut-wrenching scream.  Emma had her finger stuck in the door.  Not the part when it shuts...no, it was in the hinged part.  Her poor pinkie finger was stuck in the door.

Of course, I had already locked the door.  So I'm now screaming, trying to unlock the door.  And of course it won't unlock.  Drew's now screaming, because he is scared.  Finally, after what seemed like 10 hours, I unlock the door and Emma's finger is removed.  I scoop her up and put her on the trunk of the car, so that I can see her poor little finger.  I thought for sure that it was going to be broke.  Or crushed.  She's still screaming, bright red in the face.  Drew's screaming at my feet. 

At this point, I think Emma realizes the severity of the situation because I was like, "Emma, look at me.  Take deep breaths out."  And she was looking at me directly in the eyes, doing exactly what I told her to do.  And surprising enough, Drew is just standing there at my feet, holding on to my legs.  Screaming, yes.  But he's not running off anywhere. 

We were meeting Andy for dinner before his football game, so he was already inside the restaurant.  After asking Emma to bend her finger, I realized that it was not broke.  She was able to bend it and I could squeeze it to feel that the bones were still intact.  (Not really sure what not-intact bones feel like, but whatever.  It made me feel better to know that she would let me touch her pinkie.)  So I call Andy and tell him to come outside ASAP.  Emma had calmed down a bit at this point.  She was now asking for a Band Aide, so I realized that she was probably okay.

After about 5 minutes or so, we all realize that--somehow--her finger was not broke.  She must have just pinched it in the door.  She said she was okay to go inside and eat some dinner, so we proceeded with our plans.  The waitress at the restaurant was so sweet.  She brought us a Band Aide and some ointment.  No, Emma did not need ointment, but it sure made her feel better!

After all was said and done, I felt horrible.  Still do.  As I started off writing this entry, it was very traumatic for me.  I keep getting flashbacks of that scene and what COULD have happened.  That night, I kept tossing and turning, just thinking about seeing my little girl's finger stuck in the door.  Oh, it just pains me.  If anything happened, I would just feel so bad.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Are You Ready For Some Football?!?

It has finally arrived. After a long and boring winter; a hot, humid, and dry summer...football season has finally arrived.

And it's about damn time!

Time to bring out the blue white. Time to reach into those cupboards and grab your fall recipes. Time to strike up some cinnamon sticks and hot chocolate. Time to pray for forgiveness now, for the horrible obscenities we're about to throw out at what's sure to be some stupid ref calls. Oh, I can't wait! The best time of the year is finally upon us, folks. Let's dig in and enjoy the season.

LET'S GO HORSE!