I am HOME!
I was gone for a day for a business trip. It was my first one since last March when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant. At first I didn't want to go and knew I was going to be sad about missing the boys. I had this issue right after Rob and I got married. I didn't plan that too well. We got married on a Friday night and Monday morning I was on a plane for a 3 day business trip. I cried most of the flight to South Carolina. I knew this trip might be a bit like that as well. I did have a hard time sleeping. I fell asleep around 2am. I was up by 6am. I woke up a few times in between that and worried right away that Brandon was crying. Then I would realize I was in a hotel.
Once I got going with a room full of hospital CEO's, COO's, VPs etc. and got going I was back into the swing of things. I would occasionally make a mistake of zoning out when someone spoke up to think about Brandon but I always found a way to get back on track. It helped that Maria, our COO was with me. She really didn't need to be there as I can do most of the work and get everything we need to write our lenghty report but it was nice to have her and for our clients to have her there. I did get to check in back home once today which I was happy to hear Brandon was doing well with Grandpa. Half way through the day I realized I LOVE my job and was really kicking butt and in my element. I was okay being gone for a day doing something I love. I love being a mom and home but I love working too. I always thought I would be this tip-top business woman and have always loved meeting hospital executives and then I had Brandon. It was funny how the week before he was born I was on the phone with a VP talking financials and a few days later I was singing 'Twinkle Twinkle'. It was such a huge change.
SO- I survived my first business trip post baby. I loved coming home (after finding a way home because my husband forgot to pick me up...it's okay honey I forgive you) to my boys. The little man was asleep but I HAD to peek in on him. When I creeped over to his crib I noticed his tiny arm was sticking out of the crib. I was worried about him not being able to put it back in so I tucked it in and OOPS...I kinda woke him up---he he. So I had to love him up a little bit and do hugs, kisses, and loveys. Then I rocked him back to sleep. I know that sounds cruel- but you try going away for a day with no little bear. He didn't mind.
Thanks boys for supporting mommy working and loving her job and being able to provide for her family. Love you both!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Missing My Boys
Tonight I (Da Momma) am far away.
I am only a few hours away in Madison, Wisconsin but I feel like I am on the other side of the world in China.
I have been away from home for all of 5 hours but it feels like 5 months.
I will be home tomorrow night but it feels like I will be home in a year.
I miss my boys but I feel like a part of my heart is totally missing.
See you tomorrow night boys. I love you both. Momma
I am only a few hours away in Madison, Wisconsin but I feel like I am on the other side of the world in China.
I have been away from home for all of 5 hours but it feels like 5 months.
I will be home tomorrow night but it feels like I will be home in a year.
I miss my boys but I feel like a part of my heart is totally missing.
See you tomorrow night boys. I love you both. Momma
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!
I don't need to write much because sometimes pictures just say it all. Look at how much these 2 adore each other. Happy Birthday to the BEST daddy...You Da Man!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
My Random 25 Things
So I have been tagged on Facebook...and Myspace...and what seems like everywhere else with this 25 Random Things. SO- I am going to do it on Brandon's Blog. However I have to admit the ones my sister posted I kinda knew about so I am going to try and out beat her (something we always try and do) and post things even she or my husband may not know about me. HE HE!
1. A job I would be good at (not my dream job but something I would be good at) is a taxi driver. This is without a GPS system in my car. I am good with directions and remembering locations so I would be a good taxi driver.
2. One thing I want to do before I die is learn how to play another musical instrument. I always wanted to try the accordian.
3. If I could I would be another Michelle Duggar and have LOTS of kids. I really admire her (sometimes her husband Jim Bob drives me nuts) but I think Michelle is a great mom and I have no problem with her having 18 kids. I remember being 11 years old and telling my dad and Joan that I wanted 17 kids. They said I would only be allowed to bring 2 kids at a time to Christmas and Easter.
4. A hidden talent I wish I had: wood working. I would love to build coffee tables, shelves, etc. I do wish I could play guitar and sing too.
5. I don't have ONE dream job- some I would like to try: Teacher, Nurse, Doctor, Social Worker, CEO, and Funeral Director. I always wanted to be a funeral director and work with families who just lost a loved one. I think I have the compassion to do that.
6. I want to write a book. Actually I have 4 books I want to write in mind. I am actually researching for one of them.
7. A great hidden talent I do have: I can clap one handed and turn my feet all the way around. I was born VERY pigeon toed and supposed to have a bar between my legs as an infant.
8. I yelled (okay- downright SCREAMED) "OWIE" just twice when I was having Brandon. Then I would stop and said to myself outloud, "I'm okay, I'm okay, I'm okay" over and over and over- just to keep my mind right.
9. I would love to try and non-medicated all natural birth but I don't have faith that I could do it.
10. I couldn't live without: My husband and son....and Diet Coke.
11. My favorite blanket I sleep with at night was made by nuns.
12. I am horrible at asking for help- ask my husband. This is our number one fight. I could be in a full body cast and I would find a way to make dinner, clean the house, do all the laundry, and mow the lawn so I don't have to ask for help.
13. I have had WAY too many surgeries in my 28 years of life- tubes in my ears several times, adnoids out, apendix out, Nissen, gall bladder out, wisdom teeth out, laporscopic surgery....
14. If I could do one day all over again in my life it would be my wedding day. It went too fast and I would have done some things differently.
15. I have a major sleep issue. I have for many years. I haven't slept through the night in 4 years or so. At times it takes me 4-5 hours to fall asleep (this is the issue now and why I go to bed at 8pm). I haven't seen a dr. for the issue and really don't want to.
16. My greatest physical feature is my height. My least favorite physical feature is my height.
17. I RARELY have anger issues with people. I get angry and sometimes I express it wrong but there is ONE person I have major issues with and can truely say I HATE. I don't like being this way and hating him but I do right now and I am working through that. Someday I hope to say I don't HATE him and will be over it. No- it isn't my husband or any ex-boyfriend. I don't associate myself with this person anymore- nor does Rob or Brandon.
18. My hardest lesson I have learned in life- is a toss up between money and relationships.
19. I have clothes in my closet that range in 4 different sizes. I can blame a baby for this can't I.
20. I LOVE living in Minnesota. I don't mind the winter or snow or cold. I actually enjoy four solid seasons. I wouldn't live anywhere else.
21. I am NOT an 8-5 girl. I need a job where I can come and go...get my work done and leave...that is why I love where I am at right now.
22. My newest venture is journaling. I have been keeping a personal journal, a marriage journal, a baby journal for Brandon...and this blog.
23. My newest favorite website is www.momslikeme.com
24. I do not own an ipod. I had one that broke and an mp3 player is somewhere in this house. I have an itunes account and the music is on my lap top but I don't have an ipod. Rob wants to head to Circuit City soon when they are marked down.
25. My Birthday gift to myself is a TATTOO!!!! SURPRISE MOM! I am getting a bear paw on my foot or ankle with Brandon's B-Day or initials on it. I have been searching for the right place to go...but I WILL BE GETTING ONE!!!!
and one more...
26. If I could meet anyone- it would be Ellen. I LOVE ellen. I dvr her show every day and watch it at night.
1. A job I would be good at (not my dream job but something I would be good at) is a taxi driver. This is without a GPS system in my car. I am good with directions and remembering locations so I would be a good taxi driver.
2. One thing I want to do before I die is learn how to play another musical instrument. I always wanted to try the accordian.
3. If I could I would be another Michelle Duggar and have LOTS of kids. I really admire her (sometimes her husband Jim Bob drives me nuts) but I think Michelle is a great mom and I have no problem with her having 18 kids. I remember being 11 years old and telling my dad and Joan that I wanted 17 kids. They said I would only be allowed to bring 2 kids at a time to Christmas and Easter.
4. A hidden talent I wish I had: wood working. I would love to build coffee tables, shelves, etc. I do wish I could play guitar and sing too.
5. I don't have ONE dream job- some I would like to try: Teacher, Nurse, Doctor, Social Worker, CEO, and Funeral Director. I always wanted to be a funeral director and work with families who just lost a loved one. I think I have the compassion to do that.
6. I want to write a book. Actually I have 4 books I want to write in mind. I am actually researching for one of them.
7. A great hidden talent I do have: I can clap one handed and turn my feet all the way around. I was born VERY pigeon toed and supposed to have a bar between my legs as an infant.
8. I yelled (okay- downright SCREAMED) "OWIE" just twice when I was having Brandon. Then I would stop and said to myself outloud, "I'm okay, I'm okay, I'm okay" over and over and over- just to keep my mind right.
9. I would love to try and non-medicated all natural birth but I don't have faith that I could do it.
10. I couldn't live without: My husband and son....and Diet Coke.
11. My favorite blanket I sleep with at night was made by nuns.
12. I am horrible at asking for help- ask my husband. This is our number one fight. I could be in a full body cast and I would find a way to make dinner, clean the house, do all the laundry, and mow the lawn so I don't have to ask for help.
13. I have had WAY too many surgeries in my 28 years of life- tubes in my ears several times, adnoids out, apendix out, Nissen, gall bladder out, wisdom teeth out, laporscopic surgery....
14. If I could do one day all over again in my life it would be my wedding day. It went too fast and I would have done some things differently.
15. I have a major sleep issue. I have for many years. I haven't slept through the night in 4 years or so. At times it takes me 4-5 hours to fall asleep (this is the issue now and why I go to bed at 8pm). I haven't seen a dr. for the issue and really don't want to.
16. My greatest physical feature is my height. My least favorite physical feature is my height.
17. I RARELY have anger issues with people. I get angry and sometimes I express it wrong but there is ONE person I have major issues with and can truely say I HATE. I don't like being this way and hating him but I do right now and I am working through that. Someday I hope to say I don't HATE him and will be over it. No- it isn't my husband or any ex-boyfriend. I don't associate myself with this person anymore- nor does Rob or Brandon.
18. My hardest lesson I have learned in life- is a toss up between money and relationships.
19. I have clothes in my closet that range in 4 different sizes. I can blame a baby for this can't I.
20. I LOVE living in Minnesota. I don't mind the winter or snow or cold. I actually enjoy four solid seasons. I wouldn't live anywhere else.
21. I am NOT an 8-5 girl. I need a job where I can come and go...get my work done and leave...that is why I love where I am at right now.
22. My newest venture is journaling. I have been keeping a personal journal, a marriage journal, a baby journal for Brandon...and this blog.
23. My newest favorite website is www.momslikeme.com
24. I do not own an ipod. I had one that broke and an mp3 player is somewhere in this house. I have an itunes account and the music is on my lap top but I don't have an ipod. Rob wants to head to Circuit City soon when they are marked down.
25. My Birthday gift to myself is a TATTOO!!!! SURPRISE MOM! I am getting a bear paw on my foot or ankle with Brandon's B-Day or initials on it. I have been searching for the right place to go...but I WILL BE GETTING ONE!!!!
and one more...
26. If I could meet anyone- it would be Ellen. I LOVE ellen. I dvr her show every day and watch it at night.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Some new Motherly Loves
I haven't done 'Motherly Loves' lately...
Motherly Love is cringing through your teeth as you lift your baby from his crib and you have pain shoot through your back.
Motherly Love is wanting to be the one throwing up instead of your child.
Motherly Love is rocking your baby to sleep for what seems to be an hour...you do this because you aren't at home and your baby isn't familiar with the surroundings.
Motherly Love is wondering what photos you can do without on your camera so you can delete them because you take too many photos.
Motherly Love is not getting mad at daddy when he gives Brandon a taste of Mountain Dew. After all, you were the one that forgot the sippy cup.
Motherly Love is perfecting the art of driving one handed so your other hand can be reaching behind the passenger side seat to hold your sad baby's hand.
Motherly Love is memorizing the 'Good Morning Engines' book...your child's favorite.
Motherly Love is staying up late attempting to journal every thought of motherhood and every milestone in your sons baby book.
Motherly Love is forcing yourself to back off and let Daddy handle situations so your child gets used to both mom and dad.
Motherly Love is when someone else is holding your baby and says, "Mom is over there...Say HI to Mom." and you look around the room wondering who this 'mom' is only to smile and realize it is you...and that you really are a mom.
Motherly Love is sharing your foods with your little love. Even your favorites and you want to save it all for yourself...even lick the plate clean favorite foods- but you let the babe have some.
Motherly Love is letting your child move his hand quickly over your mouth to get you to make a funny noise with your lips....Motherly Love is not screaming when his long nails scratch your face.
Motherly Love is crawling into the tub with your son so he can have the full tub effect without tipping over.
Motherly Love is taking 20 minutes to say bye-bye to people so you can get your baby to wave bye-bye.
Motherly Love is being fully loaded...a nuk in your purse, in your pocket, in the diaper bag, in the car seat, in your coat pocket, in your glove box, in the crib, next to your bed....you get the point.
Motherly Love is writing something special to your baby every day...something new he/she did, the events of the day, etc.
Motherly Love is wiping nose boogies with your sleeve.
Motherly Love is being okay with a kid in jammies all day because he keeps pulling his socks off. So you have to keep him in jammies all day so his feet stay warm.
Motherly Love is smiling big and saying "It's okay honey" when your kid throws up all over you....and keeps throwing up in your hands. (Sorry that is a gross one).
Motherly Love is pinched toes from letting your kid hop on your feet to learn how to walk.
Motherly Love is making extra effort to show love and affection to daddy in front of the baby so he knows how much mommy and daddy love each other.
Motherly Love is cringing through your teeth as you lift your baby from his crib and you have pain shoot through your back.
Motherly Love is wanting to be the one throwing up instead of your child.
Motherly Love is rocking your baby to sleep for what seems to be an hour...you do this because you aren't at home and your baby isn't familiar with the surroundings.
Motherly Love is wondering what photos you can do without on your camera so you can delete them because you take too many photos.
Motherly Love is not getting mad at daddy when he gives Brandon a taste of Mountain Dew. After all, you were the one that forgot the sippy cup.
Motherly Love is perfecting the art of driving one handed so your other hand can be reaching behind the passenger side seat to hold your sad baby's hand.
Motherly Love is memorizing the 'Good Morning Engines' book...your child's favorite.
Motherly Love is staying up late attempting to journal every thought of motherhood and every milestone in your sons baby book.
Motherly Love is forcing yourself to back off and let Daddy handle situations so your child gets used to both mom and dad.
Motherly Love is when someone else is holding your baby and says, "Mom is over there...Say HI to Mom." and you look around the room wondering who this 'mom' is only to smile and realize it is you...and that you really are a mom.
Motherly Love is sharing your foods with your little love. Even your favorites and you want to save it all for yourself...even lick the plate clean favorite foods- but you let the babe have some.
Motherly Love is letting your child move his hand quickly over your mouth to get you to make a funny noise with your lips....Motherly Love is not screaming when his long nails scratch your face.
Motherly Love is crawling into the tub with your son so he can have the full tub effect without tipping over.
Motherly Love is taking 20 minutes to say bye-bye to people so you can get your baby to wave bye-bye.
Motherly Love is being fully loaded...a nuk in your purse, in your pocket, in the diaper bag, in the car seat, in your coat pocket, in your glove box, in the crib, next to your bed....you get the point.
Motherly Love is writing something special to your baby every day...something new he/she did, the events of the day, etc.
Motherly Love is wiping nose boogies with your sleeve.
Motherly Love is being okay with a kid in jammies all day because he keeps pulling his socks off. So you have to keep him in jammies all day so his feet stay warm.
Motherly Love is smiling big and saying "It's okay honey" when your kid throws up all over you....and keeps throwing up in your hands. (Sorry that is a gross one).
Motherly Love is pinched toes from letting your kid hop on your feet to learn how to walk.
Motherly Love is making extra effort to show love and affection to daddy in front of the baby so he knows how much mommy and daddy love each other.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Random thoughts
Tonight we are in Paynesville visiting Gma and Gpa Quick. I love working from home so I can have this flexibility since Rob is usually off during the week. We don't get to spend too much time together during the weekends. So this worked well.
About my job- I was interviewing for a management position in long term care. I have a few more steps to continue but I am not sure I will take the job.
Simply Retail is actually doing well. Business is picking back up again- next week I do to Madison, the following week I go to Albert Lea and then in Feb. some time I will go to Florida and probably Boston! So things are good. I like being able to have Brandon during the day and spend time with him and have that freedom but yet still work. I have to be disciplined to work during his naps. This week has been hard with that seeing that I am so sick from a bad cold and cough that the boys gave me I have been napping with him at times. However I have still been signing business and doing well. They did drop my benefits but that is fine because Rob is picking them up under his work and they will actually be better. It takes a small chunk out of his pay checks but that is okay. My work is still able to pay me my regular salary. I have been there over 2 years and really haven't gotten a pay increase but I am really happy and satisfied with this...I can work 10-20 hours a week and really kick things out and move things along and for the most part keep my pay so I am really satisfied and content with that. AND I get to be with bear. So the work thing is good.
Because of this we got rid of Rob's truck. We are actually glad for that. We will be a one car family for a while. My car is rather a pricey monthly payment (it usually is for a dream car isn't it). Robs truck payment was high too and saw no need for both of them. Rob works 6 miles from us so if I need the car for the day I will drop him off and pick him up. He also has friends that can drive him home at his night shifts so I don't have to wake Brandon up to go get Rob. We also have a neighbor that we told were very nice and would be willing to come stay with Brandon for 10 minutes while I run and get Rob- so we will make it work. On days when he works more early morning shifts he can take the car since we most likely will be staying home for the day. This is a huge weight off our shoulders as the 2 payments were large and a big chunk of change. We will be saving for a used Jeep or something of that sort. Once we have that we will start another savings for another car (my next dream car- a minivan...sad...I go from a hardtop convertible to a mini van). We will buy the mini van or some other vehicle and then get rid of my car. That will leave us with NO payments. YAHOOO. After that is done we have our monthly house payment and utilities, cell phone, and one student loan left and that is ALL. We are very proud of ourselves that we don't have credit cards.
As for my back- we aren't doing the surgery. My neurosurgeon is just not okay with it. I am okay with that. In my gut I was not ready for it. So instead I will be seeing a pain specialist on a regular basis. My first apt. is on Friday. We will try different meds since my vicodin and muscle relaxors aren't helping at night. The problem is I let it get bad throughout the day then I can't control it at night. But I am not always comfortable with taking narcotics during the day when I am caring for Brandon. We might try a patch or injections or a pump thing and see if that will help. Maybe some high steroids and non-narcotics during the day and then see if we can control the pain with narcotics at night. The back is becoming a major issue. I had a friend invite me to go skiing. I would love to go but it isn't possible. The other day I went to a movie and had to leave near the end because I was in too much pain. There are times when all you think about is the pain. I have been really good at hiding it but there are times when I go to the bathroom and cry or really fight back tears.
Brandon is doing great. He is a full crawler now. He likes to roll still though. We have been having an issue with him being cold. At night (he is sleeping well now) he is in a long sleeve onsie, socks, and polar fleece jammies. He also has 2 warm blankets covering him and is away from the window and by the heating vent. When I get him for his one evening wake up he is ice cold. His lips have even been blue. I have noticed a few times in the morning too he is ice cold- ears, hands, toes...he doesn't kick the covers off either. I think at times he is waking up because he is so cold.
AND...BIG NEWS.....We will be having a contest coming soon. Once I get back home and get the photos on my lap top I will post the contest. I have a great prize for the winner too.
For all those moms out there...I want to invite you to visit a great website. It is like a facebook for moms only better. It was featured on Kare 11 and I know Cindy Chapman the site manager from my Moms Expo I put on. It is www.momslikeme.com You have to select your state and city. So, if you don't live in Mpls...you can still visit. I have posted many times and got some great feedback on there. I posted about Brandon being cold and lots of folks replied. One mentioned low blood sugars, poor circulation, a few said it is a phase and their kids had the same issue. Some suggested the sleep sack and a heater in his room. We have an extra space heater that is very safe and will shut off if it gets to a certain temp or tips over so we will be trying that. I am going to buy a sleep sack too. We will see if that works.
Well, I am off to bed. G00d Night.
About my job- I was interviewing for a management position in long term care. I have a few more steps to continue but I am not sure I will take the job.
Simply Retail is actually doing well. Business is picking back up again- next week I do to Madison, the following week I go to Albert Lea and then in Feb. some time I will go to Florida and probably Boston! So things are good. I like being able to have Brandon during the day and spend time with him and have that freedom but yet still work. I have to be disciplined to work during his naps. This week has been hard with that seeing that I am so sick from a bad cold and cough that the boys gave me I have been napping with him at times. However I have still been signing business and doing well. They did drop my benefits but that is fine because Rob is picking them up under his work and they will actually be better. It takes a small chunk out of his pay checks but that is okay. My work is still able to pay me my regular salary. I have been there over 2 years and really haven't gotten a pay increase but I am really happy and satisfied with this...I can work 10-20 hours a week and really kick things out and move things along and for the most part keep my pay so I am really satisfied and content with that. AND I get to be with bear. So the work thing is good.
Because of this we got rid of Rob's truck. We are actually glad for that. We will be a one car family for a while. My car is rather a pricey monthly payment (it usually is for a dream car isn't it). Robs truck payment was high too and saw no need for both of them. Rob works 6 miles from us so if I need the car for the day I will drop him off and pick him up. He also has friends that can drive him home at his night shifts so I don't have to wake Brandon up to go get Rob. We also have a neighbor that we told were very nice and would be willing to come stay with Brandon for 10 minutes while I run and get Rob- so we will make it work. On days when he works more early morning shifts he can take the car since we most likely will be staying home for the day. This is a huge weight off our shoulders as the 2 payments were large and a big chunk of change. We will be saving for a used Jeep or something of that sort. Once we have that we will start another savings for another car (my next dream car- a minivan...sad...I go from a hardtop convertible to a mini van). We will buy the mini van or some other vehicle and then get rid of my car. That will leave us with NO payments. YAHOOO. After that is done we have our monthly house payment and utilities, cell phone, and one student loan left and that is ALL. We are very proud of ourselves that we don't have credit cards.
As for my back- we aren't doing the surgery. My neurosurgeon is just not okay with it. I am okay with that. In my gut I was not ready for it. So instead I will be seeing a pain specialist on a regular basis. My first apt. is on Friday. We will try different meds since my vicodin and muscle relaxors aren't helping at night. The problem is I let it get bad throughout the day then I can't control it at night. But I am not always comfortable with taking narcotics during the day when I am caring for Brandon. We might try a patch or injections or a pump thing and see if that will help. Maybe some high steroids and non-narcotics during the day and then see if we can control the pain with narcotics at night. The back is becoming a major issue. I had a friend invite me to go skiing. I would love to go but it isn't possible. The other day I went to a movie and had to leave near the end because I was in too much pain. There are times when all you think about is the pain. I have been really good at hiding it but there are times when I go to the bathroom and cry or really fight back tears.
Brandon is doing great. He is a full crawler now. He likes to roll still though. We have been having an issue with him being cold. At night (he is sleeping well now) he is in a long sleeve onsie, socks, and polar fleece jammies. He also has 2 warm blankets covering him and is away from the window and by the heating vent. When I get him for his one evening wake up he is ice cold. His lips have even been blue. I have noticed a few times in the morning too he is ice cold- ears, hands, toes...he doesn't kick the covers off either. I think at times he is waking up because he is so cold.
AND...BIG NEWS.....We will be having a contest coming soon. Once I get back home and get the photos on my lap top I will post the contest. I have a great prize for the winner too.
For all those moms out there...I want to invite you to visit a great website. It is like a facebook for moms only better. It was featured on Kare 11 and I know Cindy Chapman the site manager from my Moms Expo I put on. It is www.momslikeme.com You have to select your state and city. So, if you don't live in Mpls...you can still visit. I have posted many times and got some great feedback on there. I posted about Brandon being cold and lots of folks replied. One mentioned low blood sugars, poor circulation, a few said it is a phase and their kids had the same issue. Some suggested the sleep sack and a heater in his room. We have an extra space heater that is very safe and will shut off if it gets to a certain temp or tips over so we will be trying that. I am going to buy a sleep sack too. We will see if that works.
Well, I am off to bed. G00d Night.
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