My Favorite Boys

Pat and I went to Milwaukee yesterday for work, and on the way home we stopped at Carter's Outlet to try to snag some good deals. We found a lot of things, one of which was the cutest little outfit - a red/white striped shirt with a whale on it, and the most adorable jean overalls. He's sooo cute sometimes! And I get so excited to capture on film my two favorite boys :) I will love them forever!!!

Lunar Eclipse and Yummy Snowflakes.

As I was driving home last night from my ACI Meeting, I was able to get a peek at the moon during its eclipse. Very cool! I made it home at around 9:00pm, and after searching for about 15 minutes for a part of my tripod, I scooted out to the courtyard to sit in the cold and try to snap a few photos. It was a rare occasion, because I had the camera completely in manual - but it actually turned out OK. I was bummed the moon didn't turn out white, but then I realized DUH! It was during the peak of the eclipse when the moon was SUPPOSED to be orange!! I'm a dork sometimes!



Then this morning, it was snowing sooooo prettily (is that even a word?)!! Seriously - big, fluffy, slow falling snowflakes. It looked like a movie. Or a snowglobe. It just made me happy. I know, its difficult to find the beauty in freezing cold weather in February......we're all pretty sick of it by this point (especially since most of the snow that's been on the ground has since turned to slippery slickity ice). But this did it. It was falling SO lazily, that you could pick out a nice big snowflake clump, follow it, and catch it on your tongue with relative ease. When's the last time you've done that?? I highly recommend it. I promise, its guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

WHOO HOOOO!!!!!!

Why the enthusiasm you ask? No, not because I posted twice in two days (although that is cause for celebration). EUNICE IS COMING TO VISIT TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!! I haven't seen her in two years, and even though it should be my turn to visit (because she came last to see me in Mexico) she's being a doll and making the trek again. Of course, I do have bait here......we live very close to a Target, and they don't have Target's in Canada :) Oh yeah, and Liam too!

Anywho - I'm very much looking forward to her visit. She's here until Tuesday. It was a good weekend for her, because Canadians' have Monday off for Family Day, a new holiday instituted by the new Prime Minister. Apparently it was a campaign promise that he followed through on. I don't know what I would like more - an extra holiday, or a politician that follows through on a promise.

Another reason for celebration - I expanded my wardrobe. This celebration is twofold. First, of course, fabulous new clothes! Second, is the commitment to my job they represent. Its like I officially decided to let go of the idea of being a stay at home mom for a while, and commit to making a real effort at succeeding at my job. It might seem like a small step, but it feels pretty significant in my mind.

What did I get? Well, a nice trip to Ann Taylor Loft, and some really nice professional threads :) A nice suit, a couple very pretty shirts, and a fabulous sash/belt thingy. I can't wait to wear them! I do need to buy a new pair of shoes to go with though.......

So, how's it going??

Ah - nice to see you again :) How's life? Good here, busy, but good. I've been doing well trying to deal with this depression issue......I think its improving, but its hard to tell. I've been on meds for about three weeks now, and I'm going to start seeing an official psychiatrist to help manage the dosage and such (instead of my OB/GYN). My therapist thought it would be a good idea, and I agree. We've been working through lots of stuff - I really like her!

Here's one thing that ALWAYS makes me happy and feel good:


Ahhh - my little man makes me soooo happy! He's so stinkin' cute! I just peeked in at him sleeping in his crib (I've been doing this more frequently lately). I love watching him sleep....his little arms splayed above his head in "TOUCHDOWN" position. *sigh* after Pat I never thought I'd love another man, but alas, I have been smitten by this little 16 pound wonder. His smile totally melts me!

The photo is from a little photo shoot we had on a gloomy day in our bedroom. He was so patient!! You can see some of the photos at my flickr page.

Right now, I'm waiting for the meatloaf to be done so I can go to bed. Yes, I'm cooking meatloaf :) Its the best meatloaf in the universe - from the House of Blues. Our neighbor Kelly cooked us a few loaves after Liam was born, and we devoured it. So so YUM!! Anywho, I'm going to cut out heart shapes of the meatloaf for Valentine's Day dinner tomorrow - and probably out of potatoes too. It will be cute and romantic! I also made some heart shaped cupcakes, with pink frosting and heart sprinkles. Yeah, I know its corny, but I'm so happy in love this year, with Pat and with Liam, that I just feel like celebrating - even if its cheesy!

So, Happy St. Valentine's Day to you all! You are loved - and have a great day!!!!

Scrappage

I realize I haven't posted any scrapbook stuff in a while, mostly due to the hiatus I took because of the ol' computer crash. But, I'm up and running with a real live copy of Photoshop CS3......so here are the past few layouts I've been working on. Looking at them now, apparently I've been very drawn to earth tones as of late! As always, click on the images for a larger view.

The first one is my ALL TIME NEW FAVORITE! I just love how it came out, and it was so simple and easy! I just LOVE IT! Its called:

We Love You More - credits can be seen HERE

SOOO BIG! - Credits

L is for Liam - Credits

2007 Year in Review - Credits

Oh Holy Night - Credits

Grrrr....

I despise bottle feeding Liam. Like, physically doing it myself. It makes me angry. I feel awkward...like I don't know what I'm doing. Like I'm learning to nourish and feed him all over again. Ugh - I hate the way that feels.

This morning was the last time I breast-fed him. So as of today, he's officially weaned. I had visions in my head of this last time being picture perfect....me looking lovingly down at his beautiful little face as he drank mama's milk, pausing only to smile sweetly at me. Instead - it was pretty much the opposite! He was fidgety, fighting me most of the way because - lets face it - its just much easier to drink out of a bottle.....and getting that most of the time now, I know its his preferred method of feeding.

To tell you the truth I was kind of offended. I know he's just a baby, and when it comes down to it, he doesn't care where he's getting his nourishment from, as long as its yummy, and preferably in the easiest delivery method possible! But, I wanted him to want milk from his Mommy :(

*sigh* And my boobs really hurt right now because they are filling up......ouch!

Although I'm having difficulty emotionally with it......its whats best for us right now. Not just because I'm taking medication. I really must admit, there is a certain amount of freedom from not having to breastfeed. Its nice not having to pump during the day - and giving up night time responsibility to share with Pat is nice too. So there is a small, silver lining, and I know I'll feel better about it all soon.

New Do......

I chopped off 12 inches of my hair to donate to Locks of Love......

Before (it doesn't look that long here I guess - since its all kinky from sleeping on it crazy - but trust me, it was long):


After - I also got some golden highlights. Its been almost three years since I've colored my hair! You can also see my cool new carrier! isn't it awesome!?!?


And now, some cool pics of Liam and Daddy. I've been playing around with Lightroom presets.....pretty fun so far!


That's all for now :)

Babywearing USA

I really do love wearing Liam, and I know he's not going to be itty bitty forever, so I'm enjoying it now!

I've decided to branch out of my pouches and Moby wrap to include a wrap with a little more support. I found a FANTASTIC deal on Craigslist on this beautiful wrap by Ella Roo. Its just sooooo pretty!!! And, its called Kristen (who is a super awesome Chick and just happens to be my Sister In law!) Seriously - SO PRETTY!

The only bad part is woven wraps are sooooo different that the stretchies like my Moby. So its definitely a learning curve, and I don't quite love it yet. But, I'll give it a week or two, and we'll see where she takes us. I know that I can't use the Moby forever, because they don't give very much support for large kids, and since I have a Chunkasaurus Rex, I knew I'd be needing a woven soon if I was going to continue wrapping. We wore it on Saturday when we went to Shedd, and it was relatively comfy. Just needs some practice and breaking in.

I also decided to branch out to another type of carrier called a Mei Tai. I've tried a couple on, and they are pretty quick and versatile - and very comfy too! I have been lusting over this fabric called Loteria for a while, and just in general love all the Mexican Folk Art fabric - its just so cool, funky, and, well - MEXICAN! Here's a few of the samples - these are all made by Alexander Henry as part of his Folklorico Collection:

Frida, Senoritas

Loteria, Calaveras

I've been keeping my eye out on eBay and the "For Sale or Trade" boards out there, hoping something would come along in my price range, because I really can't afford to go shelling out $100 + for these carriers. I lost out on an eBay auction (by $1 - because I'm a crappy eBay-er)But I found something else a few days ago!!! I kept thinking and thinking about it - and last night I even dreamed about it. So I decided it had to be mine. Its a BBO :) OR in non-baby wearer speak, a Ball Baby Overall Mei Tai, which I'm so excited about because the design makes it feel a little more like a wrap instead of a back pack. Again, I'm STOKED because it is soooo stinkin' pretty! And FUNKY! can you see the glitter in the skulls?!?!

They are the Mexican Sugar Skulls - or Calaveras. I have a few on my bookshelf that made the trip back with me. Its not Loteria, but its the next best thing for sure - and for a great price!!!! YAY! It should be in the mail and on its way tomorrow!

And, tomorrow Liam and I have a Mommy/Baby play group with some other babywearers. I'm hoping there are some wrappin' type peeps there, who can hopefully give me some tips! I've been watching You Tube like crazy trying to learn new carries, but nothing beats a seasoned pro!

Ahhhh - beginning to feel normal again :)

And needing to post pics of my little man :)

Every once and a while you just get a shot that makes the 100's of photos you take so worth it :) This was definitely one of those! He just made this silly little face, and I happened to be pushing the button at the same time. *Sigh* I love his crazy hair!!

Hard to believe he's approaching 4 months, isn't it?

Lets see, we did buy a new computer (hooray!) - got a great deal on a beauty from Costco! But Pat has hijacked it until he gets all his CD's (which is hundreds) ripped and safely on his iPod. The man and his music. I think he has over 30 Bruce Springsteen CD's. Every other song on shuffle is Bruce. I mean, yeah, he sings OK.....but, jeez!

Also bought a copy (an actual legitamate, not pirated copy!) of Photoshop CS3! I'm so excited!! That is on its way and should be here this week, just in time for Pat to give me the computer back from his hijacking it! I can't wait to get back to scrapping!

:::::::::::: Health Update ::::::::::::

Well, I haven't really been myself lately. Really since, Liam was born. OK, really, since I stopped taking my depression meds in July 05 :) Anyway, its just been really difficult for me to function - being sad all the time - its not hard for me to function as far as being a Mom, I think I'm doing a great job at that.....but taking care of myself, the house, and work - well, it just wasn't happening. I've been going to a therapist since October....and that seemed to help for a while, but its just not enough.

So, I made the tough decision to start to wean Liam. There is a lot of research out there that says it is safe to breastfeed while taking some meds.....but not everyone is in agreement, and they definitely aren't long term studies. My doctor felt pretty adamantly about it - he said he wouldn't perscribe the meds if I was going to continue. So after a lot of my own research, I decided I didn't quite feel comfortable enough to exclusively breastfeed. I'm going to cut out the day time feedings, and if my supply will allow, continue with two feedings a day, one in the morning, one at night. These two feedings will also be at the time where the drugs are at the lowest in my system, so I feel better about that too.

That's the logical side of the story.

The reality is that it was a HARD decision for me to come to. HARD. I bawled like a baby the night the doctor perscribed the meds. It just broke my heart. For a lot of reasons. I worked SO hard to get to this point - breastfeeding was TOUGH at first. So hard. It was so easy to see why some women just can't do it. And after working so hard to achieve something, its heartwrenching to give it up. And I really enjoy the closeness and breastfeeding relationship Liam and I have right now. It makes me feel pretty darn special to nourish his body with something I produce.

I really didn't have a set goal for breastfeeding him - I started out small - just make it through the first week - just make it through 2 weeks, then a month, then two months - then four......ultimately I would have liked to do 6, but four is pretty darn good considering I wanted to throw in the towel a million times around week 2.

I know he'll do just fine on formula, and I know I'll still get lots of snuggles and cuddles. It just is a big change.

Bah Humbug.

I forgot to mention the Christmas adventures we had.........

We had great travelling weather, both to and from Michigan. Christmas was fantastic, lots of food, family and friends.

The bad news befell us on Christmas Eve. My computer died. *sigh* The good news is that A) I have my work computer to still get online and such, and B) I backed everything up on the Friday before we left for Michigan. I did lose a couple of photos, including a whole bunch of adorable ones of Liam (but aren't they all adorable?) and a perfect photo of my mom's Christmas tree...but those two alone aren't worth the $250 it costs for hard drive recovery. So I'll cut my losses and move on.

I tried to restore the computer with a first aid disk, but no avail. The First aid disk tried to boot up Windows 95.......so its just not worth it.

So now we're in the market for a new computer. At first, we were going to wait until February to do it (because of cash issues), but I just can't be without photoshop that long. Digital scrapbooking is my outlet - my creative release - and to not do it for that long would probably send me to the funny farm. So I think we'll be able to get one sooner. If I feel up to it this afternoon, we may go take a look see.

Oh the Pressure

Sinus pressure - that is. I'm flipping miserable. I suppose I'm feeling better, at least good enough to write this post, but for the most part I feel like my head is going to explode. The pounding with each and every cough......the swelling of the tissue around my eyeballs.....its not pretty.

Each and every one of you needs to thank the sweet sweet Lord that you are able to take advantage of modern medicine and over the counter remedies. Without those OTC meds, you would feel like me - basically like poop warmed over. I can't take decongestants because I'm breastfeeding. Decongestants dry up mucous membranes (a good thing for colds, bad thing for breastmilk). Since I'm not ready to give breastfeeding up yet, I sit here and suffer.

It was so bad yesterday, after failed attempts to get a doctors appointment I went to an urgent care facility. I got a crunchy granola homeopathic doctor, who didn't perscribe me any medications.....she said antibiotics aren't the cure because she was pretty sure its just a viral infection, even though my history has told me that it almost always turns into a bacterial sinus infection. She said my old doctors were practicing "bad medicine" by perscribing me antibiotics...contributing to the countries over-perscription of antibiotics and development of antibiotic resistant super bugs.

I suppose she's right and all, but I just wanted some relief, you know? Instead, I got recomendations of nasal & sinus irrigation, tea with fresh ginger, personal vaporizors and a shit pile of menthol eucalyptus. My whole house smells like a Halls cough drop. At least thats what Pat says...not like I can actually smell anything.

OK - time to take a long, hot shower & maybe soak in the tub a bit. maybe then I'll actually be able to breathe.

Info from Wedding Venue

My Dad picked up a pamphlet from the Park House that we got married in, and I've been wanting to type in the information to share.....finally, here it is!

Berger Park
Cultural Center
6205 N Sheridan

Come on in!

We're the Berger Park Cultural Center at the corner of Granville and Sheridan, right off the beach just before you reach Loyola Campus. You can't miss our beautiful landmark mansion. Perhaps you've driven by or got off the 151 or 147 Sheridan bus and wondered what does on in there. Well come on inside and take a look at our building and our Creative Arts Program Schedule.

Downey History

Downey mansion was build by M.T. Powers in 1906 at the cost of $20,000 for Mr. Joseph Downey who came to Chicago from Ireland in 1856. Mr. Downey was on the Board of Education, the Com. of Buildings and the Com. of Public Works during Mayor Swift's administration. The architect was W.C. Zimmerman. The mansion is two and one half stories of gray roman brick with a large overhanging hipped roof in the prairie style. The coach house is constructed with the same brick and overhanging roof and is two stories in height. The house originally was constructed with "Imperial Spanish" roofing tile. Both the mansion and coach house has had interior and exterior changes over the years due to modernization and tenant use. The original floor plans and pictures of the interior are available for viewing by request. The Downey House is significant historically as one of the few remaining examples of the lake-side mansions that once lined Chicago's lakefront from Lincoln Park to Evanston.

Mr. Downey passed away in Florida in 1925. His widow Lena Downey opened the mansion to community service as a "Home for the Destitute", "House of Good Shepherd", and "Chicago Home for Incurables". When Mrs. Downey passed on in 1934 she left the property to the Kliens who donated it to the Clerics of St. Viator in 1944. In 1973 Developers acquired a lien on the 3.5 acres and in 1979 proposed a high rise condominium complex development for the property. The Edgewater Community Council and many other local community groups joined in a lobbying effort which induced the Viatorian Fathers to accept a reduced amount for the sale of the property to the Chicago Park District in March of 1981.

The acquisition was one of the last sizable pieces of lakefront property in Chicago and provided the neighborhoods of Edgewater and Rogers Park with a public resource for the community recreation. The land, including 450 feet of lakefront and the 1906 Downey and 1909 Gunder mansions, was named Berger Park. The two mansions and their coach houses are located at 6205 and 6219 N. Sheridan Road.

Downey Mansion has since been restored using architectural drawings and photos of the interior and exterior of the building. The building is currently being used as classrooms for the Berger Park Cultural Center featuring pottery, music, painting, drawing, lapidary and creative writing.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

WHEW - my fingers are tired! Not sure if any of you, dear readers, are interested in reading that whole thing, but at least now its documented in my blog, so I'll have the knowledge for years to come :)

30 - treinta - the big three oh

I've been thinking about this post most of the day. I must say I've run through the gammut of emotions today, and as the day closes, I realize I'm in a very very good place :)

I woke up today kind of angry I guess. I never thought 30 would bother me very much, at least until I woke up. And then I realized it did! I really am not sure why - I don't necessarily feel old - I don't necessarily feel like I'm having a mid-life crisis.....its just, well, I'm officially out of my 20's.

My mood quickly improved as I opened happy birthday wishes in my inbox and greeted people over the phone. It really felt nice to be remembered and loved! It was also quite a treat to get a special birthday song from Larkin.....its always hilarious and sweet to hear little kids sing songs!

Things got even better when I opened a card not just from Patrick, but also one with a very sweet title written on the front - "Mommy". One can only assume, since Liam can't write neigh talk yet, that the sentiments in the card were picked out by Pat, but it was extra super sweet just the same. I also got SUPER sweet new Wii game - Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games :) Other presents include a fantastic Swarovski Crystal Snowflake Ornament, the Planet Earth Collection on Blu-Ray (the BBC version, not the US version!! AWESOME! And yes, I am a HUGE nerd), a Target gift card (Thanks Heidi!) and my first official pair of cool pants sewn by my mother-in-law Lorraine (they even have my name sewn in the tag!). Oh yeah, and a great dinner and fabulous cake, made my my amazing husband!

So that all had me feeling pretty good - and then came the comments. 30 is the new 20. The end of an era, and the beginning of a new one! After reading those, I really started feeling pretty awesome! I get to start a new decade of my life in an exciting new chapter. I am in a fantastic new marriage with a precious new little baby....I really couldn't ask for anything more!!! I am in such an amazing place in my life - I am so incredibly happy, so incredibly lucky, and so incredibly grateful for all the people and love I have in my life. Thank you God, for blessing me so much, and thank you all for sharing in such a special day with me!

Pout Watch 2007

I ALMOST had his pout caught on camera.....ALMOST This is as close as I got today. Don't worry, no babies were harmed in the capturing these photos...


The second pic is soooo close.....the only thing missing is the bottom lip sticking out. I MUST capture this on camera because it is quite possibly the cutest thing in the universe! It must be because he only does it when he's going to start crying, and not a "something is wrong and I need immediate attention" kind of cry....but more of a "I'm a Pouty Pants and I'm not happy" kind of cry. *sigh* So the watch continues....

Working together

Pat & I have worked for the same company for over 7 years now (7.5 for me - 9 in January for him), and even though we didn't work in the same group, I've always held him in pretty high esteem and very much respected him as a colleague - not just for his knowledge of cement and concrete, but for his personality and his ability to connect and relate to customers. For its one thing to have a lot of knowledge, but its quite another to be able to communicate that knowledge effectively to various groups of people. I shouldn't speak for him, but I will, and I'm pretty sure those feelings are mutual.

People may have thought it strange when I moved to Chicago and knowingly starting working with Pat in the same sales group. There's not many wife/husband teams that can do that successfully! Its not like we work together every single day, but there are days when we spend a lot of time together - during the day when working from home or in the office, and then in the evenings at industry functions. You know what? It really works for us. In fact, I think it probably has made our relationship stronger, especially after the birth of Liam - and definitely since my return to work. For one, working together gives us a way to connect outside of our procreation activities :) And I think that's very healthy! For another - sometime during the exchange of discussion of new testing equiptment, a holiday party, or proctoring for a certification exam, being able to admire him from afar, in his natural element, reminds me of why I love him so much to begin with. His warm personality, interaction with people, wittiness, charm, oh, and in the words of Simone while describing "Abe Froman, the Sausage King of Chicago" the fact that he's "Devistatingly Handsome".

*sigh* I married a real, live, dreamboat. I couldn't be luckier!

Happy Christmas time

Haven't blogged much because frankly, every time I get a free minute to spend on the computer, I typically am scrapping, or at least surfing the websites for scrappy stuff :) There are a few holiday presents I'm finishing up, and although fun, its definitely time consuming. I've given up on the placeholder post....I'm just not going to go back and fill in. Stuff happens.

On top of that, I've been rather crabby lately, and when I'm crabby I don't feel much like (typing) writing. I'm seeing a therapist (have been since October-ish) but I still haven't worked out this random anger. Anger is a strong word....its not that strong of a feeling.....I appear to be mourning my freedom (i.e. pre-baby days) and I can't seem to quite let it go yet. Or maybe its not that - maybe its more dealing with guilt that he's in daycare and I'm working - or guilt that I enjoy the break from him while he's at daycare? I dunno. Like I said, I'm trying to work it out. Last session I felt really good about life and where I am right now, so I'm making progress. Pat's doing great dealing with me while I'm trying to deal with these emotions and does a lot for the baby/housework areas, so that definitely helps. On top of that, I started my period last week, so those hormones certainly didn't help anything either.

*sigh* I suppose this is all part of the transition into parenthood? I hope it goes away.....having those kinds of feelings hanging over my head certainly makes being a parent not fun for me. In all honesty, days are mostly good - but some days - like today - its just hard. And its not because Liam is difficult at all - on the contrary, he's a great baby. Sleeps pretty well, he's happy and smiley and talkative - he's so easy to love!

I started Weight Watchers last week. Pat's doing it unofficially as well. We've been doing pretty well - definitely stepped up the veggie and fruit intake! That's always my downfall. I just don't like the green stuff. My first weigh in was 5.4 pounds down - whooo hoo! I've got about 30 more to go, so it will be a slow and steady process. I would like for this time the weight to stay off....no more of this up and down crapola. Enough already with that - the past 10 years has been up & down, up & down. We're gonna take it down this time, and keep it there. I want to be an AFTER - not a before!

In Lions news.......its so depressing! They played well today and should have won, but alas the dumb ol' Cowboys prevailed with a stellar drive. Boo. Oh well, at least I got a pic of my boys in their gear!
And, here's a pic of Liam after the game....*sigh* I don't blame you buddy, I don't blame you one bit. I wanted them to win too.

Funny note - Liam's becoming much more aware of his surroundings, being scared by loud noises and such. Hence, throughout the game, when greeted with an over enthusiastic shout of grief/disbelief/happiness/cheer from Pat - Liam promptly stuck out his bottom lip and started to cry. It's pretty cute actually. That little pout gets me every time!

Sin-B-Gone

I'm not sure why, but that phrase is in my head. I suppose that is what baptism is.......washing away original sin, right? We had Liam's ceremony today, and it went really well, despite the super craptastic weather. Everyone made it into town safely - before the ceremony we went to breakfast brunch at the Fireside - it was very yummy!

It wasn't an official Mass - they do baptisms the first Sunday of every month. There was only one other little baby - little Madeline. Her grandmother brought water from the River Jordan, which was poured into the font and used for both babies - I thought that was a pretty cool touch!

Here are a couple pics from the day, courtesy of Karli - our photographer :) I took the one of just him in his gown. Just a note about Liam's baptism gown (I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before). He's number 47 in his family to be christened in it....including his daddy & his grandma.....It was made in 1917 by hand by Salomea Mach Luczak Neimcal, who is Liam's great-great-great-grandmother. Its comprised of two cotton petticoats, and one embroidered linen overlay, which is lined in either pink or blue ribbon, depending on the sex of the baby. Its pretty fragile now, but still very pretty! It was an honor to have him wear it!

Place holder

I have a lot of things to talk about, which I will get to later.....but for now, I'll hold their spot with this post:

Thanksgiving
Holiday Assimilation Issues
Christmas Trimming
Liam's cold (poor boy)

*sigh*

Today is my first day back at work.

Please tell me it gets easier!!!!!

I'm a distracted, unmotivated, crabby, unproductive mess.

Dropping off Liam went well this morning, in big part thanks to Pat's help. I had a hard enough time getting myself ready on a schedule, let alone trying to get him ready too. Pat gave me a good suggestion though - a list of things that need to go in the diaper bag so we can check things off and not have to think about it. Also, preparing the bag and bottles the night before would also be a big help.....Things you learn as time goes on.

I miss my little man :(

But I'm thankful to have time away from him, know what I mean?

*sigh*

I know it will get easier as we get more onto a schedule and such, but in the mean time it just feels like life is all mumbly jumbly.

A friend sent this.....it kind of makes me cry, but makes me feel a bit better too....

A Working Mother's Prayer

O Lord, since I must now entrust my precious child into the arms of another so that I may go forth to earn bread for our table, accept my offering of tears and deep regret. Take my child, Lord—and my aching heart—and lay them together in your dear Mother's lap where both may rest secure until I come again to claim my treasures.

Amen.

My new favorite picture

DOH! I can't STAND it! Pat and Liam are sooooooooo cute!!! My new favorite picture :)

I've got a lot to catch you all up on - our Holidome weekend was FANTASTIC, and I had a great time in Saginaw for a week......but that means lots of photos to upload and post. And, right now, my little He-Man Liam has a cold :( He's so sniffly and pathetic...but I think its harder on Pat and I than it actually is on him. We'll get through it.

Procrastination

I really should be packing, or at least piling, things together for our big trip......but I'm not. I'm snuggling and surfing the net. Tomorrow we're headed to Kalamazoo for an O'Brien family weekend at the Holidome - which really should be fun. The Mayer family used to do hotel weekend trips on the occasion while growing up, and I LOVED it :) Hopefully it will be just as fun!

Then, Liam and I are going to Saginaw for the week! HOORAY! I can't wait!!

:::::: BIG DAY ::::::

This morning, Liam and I went to Shedd Aquarium to meet up with some other Chicago Mommies - I met them online at a baby wearing website TheBabyWearer.com I must say it was rather nice to get out and meet new people - big and small :) Liam slept most of the time, but it was cool for me to get out and chat.

We had a big milestone today - I took Liam to daycare for 1/2 day. It was sooooo difficult. I didn't cry - I almost did but I didn't. I also wanted to turn around about 6 times to tell Josefina various things.....but I didn't. I just had to let it go - she'll learn him, just as I have!

I made the decision to take him to an in-home daycare....its not even a day care really, its like paying for a surrogate great grandma! Seriously - her house totally reminds me of my grandma's!! She's a very sweet old lady - her previous families had a lot of great things to say about her. And I felt like I could trust her, you know?

He was only gone for a couple of hours - four I think - but it felt so good to have him in my arms again. I really missed him......except then I was sad for a second, because he smelled like Josefina's house :( and not ours :( It just makes me sad to have to have someone else take care of him, you know? I suppose it will get easier.......with time.

OK - enough procrastination.......off to get some things done.

Pics from the Baby Faire

The owner of Karma Baby Slings took a couple pics of us while at the booth (that's her in the Green tank - Stacey!) - Liam looks so cute snuggled up in there!!! Of course, he doesn't fit quite as well after I was a big ol' dumb arse and shrunk mine :( but he still loves being in it!! I'm hoping they stretch out a bit.....we'll have to wait and see!

More scrappage and the American Baby Faire

This could possibly be my new most favorite layout EVAR!!! You can see credits HERE

This weekend Liam and I had a fun day, all to our selves. I really wanted a new sling, but didn't have a ton of extra cash, so I had the opportunity to work a booth at the American Baby Faire in Schaumburg to earn a free one. So I did - for Karma Baby Slings. And I took Liam with me, hoping he would not fuss too much during my 3 hour shift - he totally didn't. In fact, he laid, snuggly in his sling, the entire time. He was the epitome of a sling baby! He woke up to have his diaper changed and eat, and sometimes to just look around a bit, but for the most part he just was asleep! It was so empowering!!! We ended up being out for an entire day, just me and baby - from 9AM to 5PM. It might not seem like a big deal, but I was so proud of myself for taking him out on my own.

I have this, issue, I guess, with having him out in public. I just don't like to do it, because I get soooooo stressed out when he's crying. I hate a fussy cry-ey baby in public. I mean, I don't really like it at home either, but at least he's not bothering anyone (except maybe the neighbors). Anyway, having him in a sling or wrap pretty much calms him, so I'm so much more confident - while going out, and even in our own house. He's not fussy when he's in the sling. Its pretty much awesome.

Anywho - that was pretty much my big achievements for the weekend :) We also had some friends and thier kids visit on Sunday (oooohhh - they also brought us some YUMM-O chicken yumminess and pecan pie!!).

Plans for this week include picking a child care giver, attending the USGBC, and heading to Kalamazoo for a family fun weekend!!!

When Superfluous Spending Pays Off

So we're in Target buying necessities, when I pass through the cat isle on my way to finding the Shout Stain Remover and see "Cat Hats" - or maybe it was more like the Cruel and Unusual Punishment isle, really. I see a cute "Hat" for $3.00 and really, just have to, HAVE TO, have it. Seriously.

All for this.


This is a prime example of when buying something you don't need pays off. Because sometimes, you just have to laugh your ass off. Even if it is the expense of your own cat, and even if it only lasts a few minutes.

New scrappage

Credits can be seen HERE

Purchases, Stress and Wheel of Fortune

::::::::::::::::::: Wrap A Go Go :::::::::::::::::::

Last Friday, I had a crazy rough day….just short tempered and unable to deal with a crying baby. So as soon as Pat got home from work, I took a quick jaunt to a local baby store that I’ve been meaning to visit – Be By Baby. It was there I was able to speak with the staff and try on a few different types of baby slings. I really have wanted one since Liam was born – but they are kind of pricy, and didn’t really know how to use any them. I bought one online, and it didn’t quite fit right (and no returns….criminey). I bought another one (or rather, Pat did, from Target) but it never seemed to fit Liam quite right. So, with the help of the experts, I found an amazing sling – or rather, a wrap – The Moby Wrap. I love it. Liam loves it. It makes traveling so easy!!! Here’s a cute pic of us from the Pumpkin Patch on Tuesday (more on that later)……

I also picked up a CD of Kids sing along songs by Putamayo, some cute little Baby Legs, and, Pee Pee Tee Pees – because Liam likes to pee all over us, and we’d rather he’d not.

::::::::::::::::::: Nanny/Daycare Search :::::::::::::::::::

*sigh* this has been the source of all my angst and stress for the past week. I’ve found a couple potential candidates – and they come with stellar referrals, but I told myself that I would really try to listen to my gut instinct when it came to hiring the right person – be it a nanny, home day care or whatever. It is coming to my attention though, that when it comes down to it I trust no one, which is making the decision and the process difficult. I still have a couple of interviews, so we will see how it goes from there.

The crazy thing is, even though I don’t want to leave Liam with anyone – I can’t bear the thought of staying home full time either – not that we could afford it if I wanted to……

::::::::::::::::::: Wheel of Fortune :::::::::::::::::::

Even though we missed seeing the Wheel Mobile on Saturday, we decided to head there on Monday just to see what all the fuss was about (and to see if we could make it big on the big wheel). Liam came with, and did so well! He made one little fuss (all wrapped up in my Moby) and even took a bottle without so much as a peep! Anywho - It wasn’t very crowded, especially compared to the amount of people the camera’s showed on the News on Saturday evening, so it was a good choice to come on Monday. Especially since it sucked. Seriously. There were throngs of people, and all for a dumb speed round and cheesy prize packs like wheel of fortune fanny packs. Lame-o. I did get a cool pen out of the deal at least….and I don’t think I”ll be making it big on TV any time soon.

::::::::::::::::::: Pumpkin Patch :::::::::::::::::::

We headed out one warm Tuesday afternoon, hoping to score some warm apple cider, yummy doughnuts, and maybe score a few cute pictures of Liam. A big success on all accounts! Here are a couple of pics from the day. I don't have them all uploaded of Flickr yet, but check back at a later date........