For My Fellow Potter Heads
In case anyone missed it, the new Harry Potter trailer is available online. Yay! It's very cool and features the scene where Dumbledore visits Tom Riddle at the orphanage. The kid who plays the child Voldemort is actually Ralph Fiennes' nephew, so he looks a lot like the adult Voldemort. Very cool (at least to me!).
I'm very tired this week. I think my "vacation" just took too much out of me. Spent most of the day at work today getting ready for my release party on Friday. I'm actually happy for the busy work right now. Mindless tasks are best when you are too tired to think.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Eyes Have It
Sorry...I needed some cheesey eye-related title. I had to take Abby to the ophthalmologist (eye doctor) today. I left work at noon to pick her up from daycare to get her to GBMC, parked and in the office by 1. We made it with five minutes to spare. Our pediatrician recommended I make the appointment for her at her six-month checkup because one eye was looking a little lower than the other. Me being me, put off making the appointment for awhile and then once I called, couldn't get one for a month and a half. So, today it was.
She actually did really well. It's a pediatric ophthalmologist , which are hard to come by around here. The doctor was awesome and Abby really liked her. I was dreading the part when they had to put the drops in her eyes to dilate the pupils, but she even endured that like a pro. I was expecting a huge fit, but she just struggled a little when I had to hold her down so the doctor could put the drops in. We had to wait 30 minutes for them to take full affect, so we went to the lobby and she drank a bottle and snacked on some puffs. No tears and minimal whining. I was so happy!
The result of the exam was that the one eye is slightly off, but it's nothing that concerns the doctor at this point. But because my mom and I both have lazy eyes, she wants me to keep an eye on it and call her if it looks like it's getting worse. We have a follow-up appointment at the end of January just to make sure everything still looks okay. Poor baby was so exhausted afterwards that she fell asleep in the car. Of course, she woke up when we got home, but I put her right down in the crib. She cried a bit, but I'm pretty sure she's asleep again now.
Because I took a half day today, I'm now working a long shift on Friday for my Breaking Dawn party. Not fun, but I didn't want to waste a vacation day. I'm sure I'll find enough to do that day to keep me busy.
And now Mommy's going to go take a nap too. :)
Sorry...I needed some cheesey eye-related title. I had to take Abby to the ophthalmologist (eye doctor) today. I left work at noon to pick her up from daycare to get her to GBMC, parked and in the office by 1. We made it with five minutes to spare. Our pediatrician recommended I make the appointment for her at her six-month checkup because one eye was looking a little lower than the other. Me being me, put off making the appointment for awhile and then once I called, couldn't get one for a month and a half. So, today it was.
She actually did really well. It's a pediatric ophthalmologist , which are hard to come by around here. The doctor was awesome and Abby really liked her. I was dreading the part when they had to put the drops in her eyes to dilate the pupils, but she even endured that like a pro. I was expecting a huge fit, but she just struggled a little when I had to hold her down so the doctor could put the drops in. We had to wait 30 minutes for them to take full affect, so we went to the lobby and she drank a bottle and snacked on some puffs. No tears and minimal whining. I was so happy!
The result of the exam was that the one eye is slightly off, but it's nothing that concerns the doctor at this point. But because my mom and I both have lazy eyes, she wants me to keep an eye on it and call her if it looks like it's getting worse. We have a follow-up appointment at the end of January just to make sure everything still looks okay. Poor baby was so exhausted afterwards that she fell asleep in the car. Of course, she woke up when we got home, but I put her right down in the crib. She cried a bit, but I'm pretty sure she's asleep again now.
Because I took a half day today, I'm now working a long shift on Friday for my Breaking Dawn party. Not fun, but I didn't want to waste a vacation day. I'm sure I'll find enough to do that day to keep me busy.
And now Mommy's going to go take a nap too. :)
Monday, July 28, 2008
On the Abby Front
With all my whining about my trip yesterday, I forgot to mention about some of Abby's news. Since last week, she has learned how to clap (so cute!) and has finally seen the arrival of the two front teeth! Hooray! She's also been hard at work on figuring out how to pull herself up. She's accomplished it a few times, but definitely needs a bit more practice.
She was quite happy to go back to daycare today, even though mommy wasn't at all happy to go back to work. To make things worse, our WiFi was out all day, so I couldn't get online to check on the 40 or so e-mails I'm sure are awaiting me. Oh well, hopefully it will be back on tomorrow. I had some busy work to keep me occupied in preparation for my book release party on Friday night.
Tonight my mom is coming to pick up me and Abby around 6:30 to go to the funeral pallor. Fun. My great aunt passed away and the viewing is tonight. She went the way I hope to go someday...peacefully in her sleep. Too bad we can't all be so lucky.
With all my whining about my trip yesterday, I forgot to mention about some of Abby's news. Since last week, she has learned how to clap (so cute!) and has finally seen the arrival of the two front teeth! Hooray! She's also been hard at work on figuring out how to pull herself up. She's accomplished it a few times, but definitely needs a bit more practice.
She was quite happy to go back to daycare today, even though mommy wasn't at all happy to go back to work. To make things worse, our WiFi was out all day, so I couldn't get online to check on the 40 or so e-mails I'm sure are awaiting me. Oh well, hopefully it will be back on tomorrow. I had some busy work to keep me occupied in preparation for my book release party on Friday night.
Tonight my mom is coming to pick up me and Abby around 6:30 to go to the funeral pallor. Fun. My great aunt passed away and the viewing is tonight. She went the way I hope to go someday...peacefully in her sleep. Too bad we can't all be so lucky.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
There's No Place Like Home...
It's the last day of my vacation and the first day I've actually been able to relax (save for a trip to Target and the grocery store). Hooper's Island was stressful. We left on Thursday afternoon and made it to Easton before Abby started to fuss. We stopped at a McDonald's to feed her, then I sat in the back with her the rest of the way to keep her company. She fell asleep in Cambridge and slept the rest of the way there. When we got there everything was fine, but that night the water stopped working. This also happened the last time we stayed there, but my FIL and BIL fixed it. Apparently, they put some sort of wire too close to the ground and it got covered with water and shorted. It was too late to call a plumber, so we went without water all night. Fun.
To add to the stress of night number one, we had to share our room with Abby because Ed's older niece was sleeping in the other room, his sister was in the living room and his younger niece was in the room with my in-laws. She went down without a problem, but as soon as Ed and I went in to go to sleep, she woke up and started crying. And she cried. And she cried. It wasn't even a normal cry, which I could have ignored. It was an all-out-gasping-for-air kind of cry. So I finally broke down and took her out of the pack-n-play. It took her a good 15 minutes to calm down enough that her breathing went back to normal. She fell asleep on top of me, so I tried to put her back down. And the crying started once again. Around this time, Ed abandoned me and went to sleep in the living room because his allergies were acting up and all the nose blowing wasn't helping the "getting the baby to sleep" situation. She fell asleep on top of me again, so I tried to put her down on the bed next to me. That didn't work either. By this point, she decided she was awake and wanted to play. Yup, it was playtime at 2 am. At one point, I was even so desperate that I tried to sleep on the floor next to the pack-n-play hoping that if I was next to her, she would go down. Uhhhhh...no. Finally, around 3 am, she was exhausted enough that she cried herself to sleep. The moral of the story is that we can't be in the same room as her when she sleeps because if she knows we're there, she wants to be with us. Argh.
Friday was supposed to be our day at the ocean, but that never happened. Pretty much everyone in the house got a crappy night's sleep (except for Ed's nieces). We managed to make it to the Delaware outlets, where we bought a few things on extreme clearance for Abby (including denim shorts in 18-months...yay!), but that was it. Had an early dinner at Pizza Hut and then headed back to the house. Abby was actually very, very good all day considering how little sleep she got the night before. She was a little fussy on and off during the ride back to the house, but it wasn't too bad. Ed's sister and younger niece left for home from Delaware, so his other niece was nice enough to agree to sleep on the couch so Abby could get her own room. The water was back on when we got back and Abby slept through the night, so things were looking up.
Yesterday was pretty good. We just relaxed most of the day. Ed's dad caught about 15 crabs in his crab traps, so I finally got to have some steamed crabs this summer. Yum! We left there around 5. Abby was pretty good on the way home, but started to melt down around the Bay Bridge. We stopped at Annapolis Mall so we could change and feed her. That was fun...apparently none of the regular women's rooms in the mall have baby changing stations. Have you ever seen a public bathroom without a changing station? Weird. We finally found a "Family Restroom" but it was closed. Oy! We tired the ladies room in Macy's where there were two changing stations. Then we fed her in her stroller and headed home. She was still a little fussy because she was just sick of being in her carseat by this point. I don't blame her...I was sick of being in the car, period! We made it home around 8:30 and Abby went down after we let her crawl around for a bit. And I've concluded that trying to go away with a baby is just more trouble then it's worth!
The end.
It's the last day of my vacation and the first day I've actually been able to relax (save for a trip to Target and the grocery store). Hooper's Island was stressful. We left on Thursday afternoon and made it to Easton before Abby started to fuss. We stopped at a McDonald's to feed her, then I sat in the back with her the rest of the way to keep her company. She fell asleep in Cambridge and slept the rest of the way there. When we got there everything was fine, but that night the water stopped working. This also happened the last time we stayed there, but my FIL and BIL fixed it. Apparently, they put some sort of wire too close to the ground and it got covered with water and shorted. It was too late to call a plumber, so we went without water all night. Fun.
To add to the stress of night number one, we had to share our room with Abby because Ed's older niece was sleeping in the other room, his sister was in the living room and his younger niece was in the room with my in-laws. She went down without a problem, but as soon as Ed and I went in to go to sleep, she woke up and started crying. And she cried. And she cried. It wasn't even a normal cry, which I could have ignored. It was an all-out-gasping-for-air kind of cry. So I finally broke down and took her out of the pack-n-play. It took her a good 15 minutes to calm down enough that her breathing went back to normal. She fell asleep on top of me, so I tried to put her back down. And the crying started once again. Around this time, Ed abandoned me and went to sleep in the living room because his allergies were acting up and all the nose blowing wasn't helping the "getting the baby to sleep" situation. She fell asleep on top of me again, so I tried to put her down on the bed next to me. That didn't work either. By this point, she decided she was awake and wanted to play. Yup, it was playtime at 2 am. At one point, I was even so desperate that I tried to sleep on the floor next to the pack-n-play hoping that if I was next to her, she would go down. Uhhhhh...no. Finally, around 3 am, she was exhausted enough that she cried herself to sleep. The moral of the story is that we can't be in the same room as her when she sleeps because if she knows we're there, she wants to be with us. Argh.
Friday was supposed to be our day at the ocean, but that never happened. Pretty much everyone in the house got a crappy night's sleep (except for Ed's nieces). We managed to make it to the Delaware outlets, where we bought a few things on extreme clearance for Abby (including denim shorts in 18-months...yay!), but that was it. Had an early dinner at Pizza Hut and then headed back to the house. Abby was actually very, very good all day considering how little sleep she got the night before. She was a little fussy on and off during the ride back to the house, but it wasn't too bad. Ed's sister and younger niece left for home from Delaware, so his other niece was nice enough to agree to sleep on the couch so Abby could get her own room. The water was back on when we got back and Abby slept through the night, so things were looking up.
Yesterday was pretty good. We just relaxed most of the day. Ed's dad caught about 15 crabs in his crab traps, so I finally got to have some steamed crabs this summer. Yum! We left there around 5. Abby was pretty good on the way home, but started to melt down around the Bay Bridge. We stopped at Annapolis Mall so we could change and feed her. That was fun...apparently none of the regular women's rooms in the mall have baby changing stations. Have you ever seen a public bathroom without a changing station? Weird. We finally found a "Family Restroom" but it was closed. Oy! We tired the ladies room in Macy's where there were two changing stations. Then we fed her in her stroller and headed home. She was still a little fussy because she was just sick of being in her carseat by this point. I don't blame her...I was sick of being in the car, period! We made it home around 8:30 and Abby went down after we let her crawl around for a bit. And I've concluded that trying to go away with a baby is just more trouble then it's worth!
The end.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
For Those Waiting With Bated Breath...
I passed! Go me! Oy, I never want to look at any of that stuff again. I was really sweating it while I was taking the test too. About a third of the questions were about things that I had never seen on any of the reviews or practice exams I took. I thought for sure I was going to fail, but apparently I'm an excellent guesser because I only got 8 wrong, which is equal to about a 90%. Thank goodness! Now I can actually enjoy the rest of my vacation week.
After the test, I stopped at the Super Walmart around my in-law's house. I personally have a strong dislike for Walmart in general, but this store was pretty nice. Of course, it's still fairly new, so there hasn't been ample time to crap it up yet. I had to get formula and a couple other things for our trip to Hooper's. Speaking of formula, when (if ever) did any of you switch from regular to "next step" formulas? I know a lot of the "next step" cans say 9 months, but that seems a little soon to me. Plus, my doctor never said anything about switching her. He just said to switch her to whole milk once she has her first birthday. Hrm...
Anyway, after Walmart, I went to Ed's grandmother's house to pick up Abby. She was supposed to be taking a nap there, but was just crying in her pack-n-play instead. It was rather sad. She was glad to see me though and clung to me for awhile until she finally warmed up to the new environment and starting having fun. We were hoping to meet up with Val and Jordan, but it just wasn't meant to be today. Abby's now sleeping (finally) and we hope to crash dinner at Becky's house later so I can not only get a free dinner (heh) but so I can swipe the umbrella stroller my mom has in her car. Our regular stroller is very bulky and since we're going away, I would rather have a lighter, more compact one with me.
And now I'm going to go unwind. Finally. Perhaps watch some dvr'ed episodes of Jon and Kate Plus 8. I just can't get enough of that show. I don't know how that poor woman does it. I get exhausted taking care of just one!
I passed! Go me! Oy, I never want to look at any of that stuff again. I was really sweating it while I was taking the test too. About a third of the questions were about things that I had never seen on any of the reviews or practice exams I took. I thought for sure I was going to fail, but apparently I'm an excellent guesser because I only got 8 wrong, which is equal to about a 90%. Thank goodness! Now I can actually enjoy the rest of my vacation week.
After the test, I stopped at the Super Walmart around my in-law's house. I personally have a strong dislike for Walmart in general, but this store was pretty nice. Of course, it's still fairly new, so there hasn't been ample time to crap it up yet. I had to get formula and a couple other things for our trip to Hooper's. Speaking of formula, when (if ever) did any of you switch from regular to "next step" formulas? I know a lot of the "next step" cans say 9 months, but that seems a little soon to me. Plus, my doctor never said anything about switching her. He just said to switch her to whole milk once she has her first birthday. Hrm...
Anyway, after Walmart, I went to Ed's grandmother's house to pick up Abby. She was supposed to be taking a nap there, but was just crying in her pack-n-play instead. It was rather sad. She was glad to see me though and clung to me for awhile until she finally warmed up to the new environment and starting having fun. We were hoping to meet up with Val and Jordan, but it just wasn't meant to be today. Abby's now sleeping (finally) and we hope to crash dinner at Becky's house later so I can not only get a free dinner (heh) but so I can swipe the umbrella stroller my mom has in her car. Our regular stroller is very bulky and since we're going away, I would rather have a lighter, more compact one with me.
And now I'm going to go unwind. Finally. Perhaps watch some dvr'ed episodes of Jon and Kate Plus 8. I just can't get enough of that show. I don't know how that poor woman does it. I get exhausted taking care of just one!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Grumpalumpagus
Boy did I ever pick up a grumpy baby from daycare today. My daycare provider said today was the first time she ever thought about calling me because Abby just wouldn't stop crying. She was better when I picked her up, but turned on me soon after we got home. Part of it was that she's tired, seeing as how she only slept for one hour today. But I'm pretty sure it's those darned top teeth that are bothering her too. You can see that one of them is getting lower, so hopefully it's almost out. I gave her some Tylenol and put her down for a nap. She cried for a little while, but finally fell asleep.
My daycare provider told me about these teething tablets that the other baby who goes there takes. They're homeopathic and supposedly work miracles. She couldn't remember what they're called though. Any ideas? They're tablets, not the drops. I've tried the drops and she did not like those at all. I don't want to just keep her doped up on Tylenol or Motrin. Help!
Boy did I ever pick up a grumpy baby from daycare today. My daycare provider said today was the first time she ever thought about calling me because Abby just wouldn't stop crying. She was better when I picked her up, but turned on me soon after we got home. Part of it was that she's tired, seeing as how she only slept for one hour today. But I'm pretty sure it's those darned top teeth that are bothering her too. You can see that one of them is getting lower, so hopefully it's almost out. I gave her some Tylenol and put her down for a nap. She cried for a little while, but finally fell asleep.
My daycare provider told me about these teething tablets that the other baby who goes there takes. They're homeopathic and supposedly work miracles. She couldn't remember what they're called though. Any ideas? They're tablets, not the drops. I've tried the drops and she did not like those at all. I don't want to just keep her doped up on Tylenol or Motrin. Help!
Gaining Confidence
I finished studying the final two portions of the insurance review and haven taken two full practice exams today. The first one I got a 90% and the second I got a 91%. 70% is passing, so I'm definitely feeling more confident about taking the real thing on Wednesday. I just have to keep doing the reviews and practice exams up until then to make sure I retain as much as possible. Then I never want to look at it again!
I almost had a fit earlier when I went to schedule my exam. Like I said, I need to take it on Wednesday in order for the timing of getting my license to be correct. Thursday we're going away, so that wasn't an option. When I went to register, there were no available testing times for Wednesday at my preferred testing location. So not good. But then I switched locations to Crofton (!) and got in for Wednesday morning. Ed is so driving me! Abby will be coming along for the ride too. It's just as well...we got a notice today that our water will be shut off on Wednesday from 9-4, so being out of the house isn't a bad thing. Ed can take Abby to his parents' house while I'm testing. The actual test shouldn't take me more than 20 minutes or so, but you have to show up 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
And now to get back to the reviewing.
I finished studying the final two portions of the insurance review and haven taken two full practice exams today. The first one I got a 90% and the second I got a 91%. 70% is passing, so I'm definitely feeling more confident about taking the real thing on Wednesday. I just have to keep doing the reviews and practice exams up until then to make sure I retain as much as possible. Then I never want to look at it again!
I almost had a fit earlier when I went to schedule my exam. Like I said, I need to take it on Wednesday in order for the timing of getting my license to be correct. Thursday we're going away, so that wasn't an option. When I went to register, there were no available testing times for Wednesday at my preferred testing location. So not good. But then I switched locations to Crofton (!) and got in for Wednesday morning. Ed is so driving me! Abby will be coming along for the ride too. It's just as well...we got a notice today that our water will be shut off on Wednesday from 9-4, so being out of the house isn't a bad thing. Ed can take Abby to his parents' house while I'm testing. The actual test shouldn't take me more than 20 minutes or so, but you have to show up 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
And now to get back to the reviewing.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
I'm On 'Cation!
Yay me! I'm off until next Monday. Abby is still going to daycare tomorrow and Tuesday so I can finish studying and get a few things done around the house. Hopefully I'll be able to take my exam on Wednesday and then Thursday we're leaving for Hooper's Island. It will be nice to go and relax without the whole insurance-exam thing hanging over my head. We're even planning on going to OC and the Delaware Outlets for a day. Not that we currently have any outlet-spending money, but whatever. It will be fun just to go somewhere. And I don't have to worry about getting totally exhausted this year like my six-month-pregnant self did last year. Now I just have to worry about the baby getting exhausted.
Speaking of Abby, I'm afraid the poor baby has officially inherited her mommy's big butt and thighs. Oy. All her 12-month tops fit...and most of the one-piece outfits fit (just as long as they have elastic around the legs), but the 12-month shorts just aren't fitting. Especially the denim ones. I've been trying to find 18-month jean shorts for her, but I haven't had any luck. I did find a cute, simple denim skirt for her at Target, so she'll be wearing that a lot. She has tons of really cute random tops that just don't go with anything else she has. I'm pretty lucky though that this is my first snafu as far as baby clothes go. Yay for older girl cousins!
Yay me! I'm off until next Monday. Abby is still going to daycare tomorrow and Tuesday so I can finish studying and get a few things done around the house. Hopefully I'll be able to take my exam on Wednesday and then Thursday we're leaving for Hooper's Island. It will be nice to go and relax without the whole insurance-exam thing hanging over my head. We're even planning on going to OC and the Delaware Outlets for a day. Not that we currently have any outlet-spending money, but whatever. It will be fun just to go somewhere. And I don't have to worry about getting totally exhausted this year like my six-month-pregnant self did last year. Now I just have to worry about the baby getting exhausted.
Speaking of Abby, I'm afraid the poor baby has officially inherited her mommy's big butt and thighs. Oy. All her 12-month tops fit...and most of the one-piece outfits fit (just as long as they have elastic around the legs), but the 12-month shorts just aren't fitting. Especially the denim ones. I've been trying to find 18-month jean shorts for her, but I haven't had any luck. I did find a cute, simple denim skirt for her at Target, so she'll be wearing that a lot. She has tons of really cute random tops that just don't go with anything else she has. I'm pretty lucky though that this is my first snafu as far as baby clothes go. Yay for older girl cousins!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Randomnicity
-Hey...that would be a good name for a band...Randomnicity. My other favorite "It Should Be A Band Name" name is Flaccid Bacon. That's the one we came up with at work. Their first album would be called "Limp and Greasy."
-Becky and Scott finally agreed (for the most part) on the names for the twins. Read all about it on her blog. My boy name is still Edward Ronald. Our father will just be honored twice if I ever have a boy. He deserves it.
-I don't get the whole Twilight mania that's going on right now. I guess I now understand how some of you felt during Harry Potter mania (although Harry Potter rules, so that was warranted). For those who aren't "in the know," Twilight is a series of teen books about a high school romance between a human girl and a "vegetarian" vampire. Well, vegetarian in the sense that he doesn't feed on humans. Anyway, there are three books out now and the fourth is coming out on August 2nd and we have to have a midnight party for it. It's not anywhere close to what our Harry Potter release party was, but I'm expecting about 150-200 people there for it. Don't get me wrong...I read the books and enjoyed them. They're just not the end-all-be-all that some people are making them out to be. Whatever.
-Studying is actually going well. I'm starting to understand this whole insurance thing. I'm done with six of the ten parts of the exam I need to know. I'm shooting for Wednesday or Thursday to take my exam. Woohoo.
-I have to work tomorrow. Blah.
-For some reason, my mom has this thing about not liking to give Abby sippy cups. She is starting to take to the Nuby ones that my sister recommended. The top is closer to a bottle nipple, so it's easier to get them to make the switch. I gave my mom the cup with some juice/water in it to give to the baby and she decided to pour it all into a bottle instead. Weird.
-Time to put Abby down for the night. Bye!
-Hey...that would be a good name for a band...Randomnicity. My other favorite "It Should Be A Band Name" name is Flaccid Bacon. That's the one we came up with at work. Their first album would be called "Limp and Greasy."
-Becky and Scott finally agreed (for the most part) on the names for the twins. Read all about it on her blog. My boy name is still Edward Ronald. Our father will just be honored twice if I ever have a boy. He deserves it.
-I don't get the whole Twilight mania that's going on right now. I guess I now understand how some of you felt during Harry Potter mania (although Harry Potter rules, so that was warranted). For those who aren't "in the know," Twilight is a series of teen books about a high school romance between a human girl and a "vegetarian" vampire. Well, vegetarian in the sense that he doesn't feed on humans. Anyway, there are three books out now and the fourth is coming out on August 2nd and we have to have a midnight party for it. It's not anywhere close to what our Harry Potter release party was, but I'm expecting about 150-200 people there for it. Don't get me wrong...I read the books and enjoyed them. They're just not the end-all-be-all that some people are making them out to be. Whatever.
-Studying is actually going well. I'm starting to understand this whole insurance thing. I'm done with six of the ten parts of the exam I need to know. I'm shooting for Wednesday or Thursday to take my exam. Woohoo.
-I have to work tomorrow. Blah.
-For some reason, my mom has this thing about not liking to give Abby sippy cups. She is starting to take to the Nuby ones that my sister recommended. The top is closer to a bottle nipple, so it's easier to get them to make the switch. I gave my mom the cup with some juice/water in it to give to the baby and she decided to pour it all into a bottle instead. Weird.
-Time to put Abby down for the night. Bye!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Just Another Way to Put Off Studying
Not that I have much to say that's actually interesting, but I really don't feel like studying. It's 9:24 now...I'll give myself until 10 and then I have to start. Ed and I have a goal for me to take my test next Wednesday. We'll see how that one goes. But we really are in a time crunch right now, so I gotta just suck it up and do it. It's a little stressful because if I fail, I have to wait 2 weeks before I can retake it, which will be too late for what we need my license for. Blah.
I have a random summer bookfair tonight, which is why I'm home right now. I just went ahead and dropped Abby off at daycare at her usual time. Why throw off her day if I don't have to? Then I ran to the grocery store and now I'm playing. I also need to get a shower in before 10 so I don't have to go to work looking totally gross. I have no idea how big this bookfair tonight is going to be, but if I had to guess I would say that it's going to be lame. It's just an odd time of year to try to do one, but I'm willing to give it a shot if they are.
The training of the new CRM is going well. She's one of those awesome people who have done everything and been everywhere. She used to work as a lead bookseller at our Annapolis store, so she already knows a lot. She also used to work for Scholastic's bookfair division and for Joe Corby's, so she knows how to get into schools and all that jazz. So really, we've been just chatting up a storm for the past couple of days with a little training thrown in. Good times.
Okay, off to take a shower and then get to the studying. Work is 12:30 today and I have to leave a little early to pick up Abby's 9-month pictures from Sears. Yay!
Not that I have much to say that's actually interesting, but I really don't feel like studying. It's 9:24 now...I'll give myself until 10 and then I have to start. Ed and I have a goal for me to take my test next Wednesday. We'll see how that one goes. But we really are in a time crunch right now, so I gotta just suck it up and do it. It's a little stressful because if I fail, I have to wait 2 weeks before I can retake it, which will be too late for what we need my license for. Blah.
I have a random summer bookfair tonight, which is why I'm home right now. I just went ahead and dropped Abby off at daycare at her usual time. Why throw off her day if I don't have to? Then I ran to the grocery store and now I'm playing. I also need to get a shower in before 10 so I don't have to go to work looking totally gross. I have no idea how big this bookfair tonight is going to be, but if I had to guess I would say that it's going to be lame. It's just an odd time of year to try to do one, but I'm willing to give it a shot if they are.
The training of the new CRM is going well. She's one of those awesome people who have done everything and been everywhere. She used to work as a lead bookseller at our Annapolis store, so she already knows a lot. She also used to work for Scholastic's bookfair division and for Joe Corby's, so she knows how to get into schools and all that jazz. So really, we've been just chatting up a storm for the past couple of days with a little training thrown in. Good times.
Okay, off to take a shower and then get to the studying. Work is 12:30 today and I have to leave a little early to pick up Abby's 9-month pictures from Sears. Yay!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Mommy Needs a Nap
I don't know why I've been so darned sleepy lately. I know I'm not pregnant, so don't even go there. I think I'm just not getting enough sleep lately. Last night Ed and I were up until 1, then we both woke up with the baby this morning since Ed had to leave for softball at 8. I should finally get a chance to sleep in on Thursday since I'm off and Abby is spending the day with Ed's mom. She wanted her, so I wasn't going to argue!
My mom came by around 9:30 this morning to pick Abby and I up to go see my grandmother. She was thrilled to get to see the baby, so that was nice. It totally threw off what little bit of a schedule Abby has though. I managed to give her breakfast around her normal time, but her morning nap is off. She fell asleep in the car on the way home but woke up when I took her out. I put her right in the crib and she didn't fuss, but now she' playing instead of sleeping. I'm going to keep her in there until she falls back asleep though. She needs her sleep or she'll be rather unhappy later.
Speaking of Abby not being happy, she has been a bit on the fussy side for the past few days. Those darned top teeth have been right at the cusp of breaking through for forever now. The doctor said that they're right there ready to go. And now it looks like one of the bottom teeth next to one of the ones she already has is getting ready to come through too. I wish they'd just break through already so she can get a little relief.
I don't know why I've been so darned sleepy lately. I know I'm not pregnant, so don't even go there. I think I'm just not getting enough sleep lately. Last night Ed and I were up until 1, then we both woke up with the baby this morning since Ed had to leave for softball at 8. I should finally get a chance to sleep in on Thursday since I'm off and Abby is spending the day with Ed's mom. She wanted her, so I wasn't going to argue!
My mom came by around 9:30 this morning to pick Abby and I up to go see my grandmother. She was thrilled to get to see the baby, so that was nice. It totally threw off what little bit of a schedule Abby has though. I managed to give her breakfast around her normal time, but her morning nap is off. She fell asleep in the car on the way home but woke up when I took her out. I put her right in the crib and she didn't fuss, but now she' playing instead of sleeping. I'm going to keep her in there until she falls back asleep though. She needs her sleep or she'll be rather unhappy later.
Speaking of Abby not being happy, she has been a bit on the fussy side for the past few days. Those darned top teeth have been right at the cusp of breaking through for forever now. The doctor said that they're right there ready to go. And now it looks like one of the bottom teeth next to one of the ones she already has is getting ready to come through too. I wish they'd just break through already so she can get a little relief.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
9-Month Checkup
I really hate taking Abby to the pediatrician by myself. Oh well, a mommy's gotta do what a mommy's gotta do. At at least it was only one shot this time, which she got over fairly quickly, so it wasn't too bad.
My little chunkamunk is 22 1/4 lbs and 28 3/4 inches, which is the 90th percentile for both. And that would be why my darned back hurts all the time! Her head has moved up to the 50th percentile, so yay for growing brains!
After the doctor's visit, I dropped her off at grandma's house. Grandma had a surprise for her, which was actually a gift from Becky's MIL. It was a hand-me-down Step 2 "Push Around Buggy" in pink. So cute...and Abby just loved it! My mom took her for a couple of rides in the neighborhood and she had a blast "driving" with one hand. Hehehehehe. Hopefully we'll take her out in it soon so I can get some pictures. Maybe we'll even take it to Hooper's Island with us.
Due to the morning appointment, I had to work late yesterday, which sucked. Oh well...I actually got some stuff done, so that was good. Next week I have to train someone coming into my position at the Power Plant store. That should be interesting, considering I'm one of the least organized people on the planet. I'll just have to show her the right way to do things, not my way. ;) But somehow I have an excellent reputation within the district, so there you go. I guess it helps when you've been doing the job as long as I have.
Now I have to study. Ed's on his "you have to get your insurance license" kick again. And this time there's no putting it off...he has a specific agenda in mind. Blah. I hate studying...that's why I never went for a higher degree. Hopefully I can get it done quickly and take the test in a couple of weeks. I'm on a deadline.
I really hate taking Abby to the pediatrician by myself. Oh well, a mommy's gotta do what a mommy's gotta do. At at least it was only one shot this time, which she got over fairly quickly, so it wasn't too bad.
My little chunkamunk is 22 1/4 lbs and 28 3/4 inches, which is the 90th percentile for both. And that would be why my darned back hurts all the time! Her head has moved up to the 50th percentile, so yay for growing brains!
After the doctor's visit, I dropped her off at grandma's house. Grandma had a surprise for her, which was actually a gift from Becky's MIL. It was a hand-me-down Step 2 "Push Around Buggy" in pink. So cute...and Abby just loved it! My mom took her for a couple of rides in the neighborhood and she had a blast "driving" with one hand. Hehehehehe. Hopefully we'll take her out in it soon so I can get some pictures. Maybe we'll even take it to Hooper's Island with us.
Due to the morning appointment, I had to work late yesterday, which sucked. Oh well...I actually got some stuff done, so that was good. Next week I have to train someone coming into my position at the Power Plant store. That should be interesting, considering I'm one of the least organized people on the planet. I'll just have to show her the right way to do things, not my way. ;) But somehow I have an excellent reputation within the district, so there you go. I guess it helps when you've been doing the job as long as I have.
Now I have to study. Ed's on his "you have to get your insurance license" kick again. And this time there's no putting it off...he has a specific agenda in mind. Blah. I hate studying...that's why I never went for a higher degree. Hopefully I can get it done quickly and take the test in a couple of weeks. I'm on a deadline.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
9 Months!
And some outtakes. These show why taking the monthday picture is a two-parent job!
Gah! I have a 9-month old! How did this happen?
Lots of fun things this month. We can now crawl and we're trying our darndest to pull up. She has started to try little bits of regular food and loves Cheerios. She plays really well by herself now and is talking up a storm. We went swimming and swinging for the first time. Fun stuff!
Here's her official picture:
And some outtakes. These show why taking the monthday picture is a two-parent job!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
How is this comfortable?
Because I'm Bored...
Abby's (supposed to be) sleeping and Ed's umpiring, so here you go:
2 of 20 survey
1. Two weird things about yourself: I can watch the same movie everyday and never get bored of it (goes for music too), my husband is the only man I've ever dated
2. Two physical attributes you like about yourself: My nose and my eyes
3. Two personal attributes you are thankful for: My patience and empathy
4. Two changes you feel could change the world: Requiring a license to have babies, finding an alternative to oil
5. Two things to be thankful for today: Abby and my family/friends
6. Two of your favorite things (not people): My house and my bed
7. Two things you detest doing: Cleaning and waking up in the morning
8. Two things you know you should do more: Exercising and eating better
9. Two things you want to do before you leave this world: Go to Europe and go on a cruise with all my family and friends
10. Two things about your house you'd like to change: Bigger and cleaner
11. Two favorite celebrities, and why: Judd Apatow and Seth Rogan because they crack me up
12. Two celebrities you don't like, and why: Oprah, way over worshipped and over paid; Brittney/Lindsey/Paris, do you really need a reason?
13. Two favorite books: Harry Potter (all of them) and The Chronicles of Narnia
14. Two cases of odd things that go together nicely: Diet Dr. Pepper/Malibu, pineapple/bread
15. Your two most "famous" scars: The huge scar across my knee from tripping on Christmas Day 2 years ago, my c-section scar
16. Two things you've accomplished today: Going back to work after being off for five days and dealing with a cranky baby
17. Two things you intend to accomplish today: Make dinner and go to sleep
18. Two favorite things about Summer: Swimming and cooking on the grill
19. Two favorite things about Winter: Christmas and snuggling up with Ed under the covers on cold mornings
20. If you had the money and time, what two things would you do in the next year: Stay at home full time and fix up the house
Abby's (supposed to be) sleeping and Ed's umpiring, so here you go:
2 of 20 survey
1. Two weird things about yourself: I can watch the same movie everyday and never get bored of it (goes for music too), my husband is the only man I've ever dated
2. Two physical attributes you like about yourself: My nose and my eyes
3. Two personal attributes you are thankful for: My patience and empathy
4. Two changes you feel could change the world: Requiring a license to have babies, finding an alternative to oil
5. Two things to be thankful for today: Abby and my family/friends
6. Two of your favorite things (not people): My house and my bed
7. Two things you detest doing: Cleaning and waking up in the morning
8. Two things you know you should do more: Exercising and eating better
9. Two things you want to do before you leave this world: Go to Europe and go on a cruise with all my family and friends
10. Two things about your house you'd like to change: Bigger and cleaner
11. Two favorite celebrities, and why: Judd Apatow and Seth Rogan because they crack me up
12. Two celebrities you don't like, and why: Oprah, way over worshipped and over paid; Brittney/Lindsey/Paris, do you really need a reason?
13. Two favorite books: Harry Potter (all of them) and The Chronicles of Narnia
14. Two cases of odd things that go together nicely: Diet Dr. Pepper/Malibu, pineapple/bread
15. Your two most "famous" scars: The huge scar across my knee from tripping on Christmas Day 2 years ago, my c-section scar
16. Two things you've accomplished today: Going back to work after being off for five days and dealing with a cranky baby
17. Two things you intend to accomplish today: Make dinner and go to sleep
18. Two favorite things about Summer: Swimming and cooking on the grill
19. Two favorite things about Winter: Christmas and snuggling up with Ed under the covers on cold mornings
20. If you had the money and time, what two things would you do in the next year: Stay at home full time and fix up the house
Monday, July 07, 2008
Busy Afternoon
Well, the PH Playgroup was a bit on the small side this time around. It was me, Abby, Meg, Conner and Paige. Tracy was supposed to join us, but apparently she wasn't as lucky as some of us with the crazy storm last night. She and Ethan were napping while we were playing. ;) We had a good time though. Abby and Paige got to swing and we were all treated to some excellent pretend gourmet food, courtesy of Conner. And as promised, we were the only ones at the playground. Good times.
After playing for awhile, Abby and I headed to the mall to get her pictures done. We walked around for about an hour and then headed to Sears. By this time, Abby was a bit on the tired side, so the photo session didn't turn out quite as well as I had hoped, but the beginning shots were cute. By the end though, it wasn't pretty. She wouldn't cooperate with the photographer and kept trying to cover herself up with the backdrop (which was funny, but didn't make for a good picture). If you're morbidly curious, you can view the pictures here. For the one-year shots, I definitely need Ed with me. He's much better at getting her to smile than I am.
For anyone who doesn't read circulars, Target has a good diaper sale this week...on Huggies AND Pampers. Score! I have Target coupons and manufacturer coupons for both, which you can combine. Yay for cheap diapers!
Well, the PH Playgroup was a bit on the small side this time around. It was me, Abby, Meg, Conner and Paige. Tracy was supposed to join us, but apparently she wasn't as lucky as some of us with the crazy storm last night. She and Ethan were napping while we were playing. ;) We had a good time though. Abby and Paige got to swing and we were all treated to some excellent pretend gourmet food, courtesy of Conner. And as promised, we were the only ones at the playground. Good times.
After playing for awhile, Abby and I headed to the mall to get her pictures done. We walked around for about an hour and then headed to Sears. By this time, Abby was a bit on the tired side, so the photo session didn't turn out quite as well as I had hoped, but the beginning shots were cute. By the end though, it wasn't pretty. She wouldn't cooperate with the photographer and kept trying to cover herself up with the backdrop (which was funny, but didn't make for a good picture). If you're morbidly curious, you can view the pictures here. For the one-year shots, I definitely need Ed with me. He's much better at getting her to smile than I am.
For anyone who doesn't read circulars, Target has a good diaper sale this week...on Huggies AND Pampers. Score! I have Target coupons and manufacturer coupons for both, which you can combine. Yay for cheap diapers!
Thunderbolt and Lightening...
very, very frightening. We had the craziest storm last night. The thunder and lightening just seemed to go on forever...even after the rain had stopped. Every time the thunder rumbled, Ed and I would look in the monitor expecting Abby to wake up screaming, but it never happened. She's also been sleeping through a week's worth of fireworks/crackers courtesy of my rude neighbors, so I don't know why I was so worried. I used to be able to sleep through anything too...then I had a baby!
Sadly, today is the last day of my mini-vacation. But don't cry for me just yet...I'm taking a full week in a mere two weeks. :) We're going to Hooper's Island for a few days, so at least we're getting out of the house. Plus, it makes the in-laws happy. We're even going to try to get to Ocean City for a day trip. Woohoo. After that, I'll have one full week plus two loose vacation days to take before the holidays. That's one of the best things about being at my store for so long...I'm up to four weeks of vacation a year. My last full week will be the week of October 6th. That covers my anniversary and Abby's first birthday. Then we'll have her party that weekend, so I'll have the whole week to get the house in order. How perfect does that work out? :)
very, very frightening. We had the craziest storm last night. The thunder and lightening just seemed to go on forever...even after the rain had stopped. Every time the thunder rumbled, Ed and I would look in the monitor expecting Abby to wake up screaming, but it never happened. She's also been sleeping through a week's worth of fireworks/crackers courtesy of my rude neighbors, so I don't know why I was so worried. I used to be able to sleep through anything too...then I had a baby!
Sadly, today is the last day of my mini-vacation. But don't cry for me just yet...I'm taking a full week in a mere two weeks. :) We're going to Hooper's Island for a few days, so at least we're getting out of the house. Plus, it makes the in-laws happy. We're even going to try to get to Ocean City for a day trip. Woohoo. After that, I'll have one full week plus two loose vacation days to take before the holidays. That's one of the best things about being at my store for so long...I'm up to four weeks of vacation a year. My last full week will be the week of October 6th. That covers my anniversary and Abby's first birthday. Then we'll have her party that weekend, so I'll have the whole week to get the house in order. How perfect does that work out? :)
Sunday, July 06, 2008
And She's Off
Oh yeah. We've entered a whole new world of crawling madness. If there's a place we don't want her to go, that's the first place she now heads for. It's pretty funny actually. When she really wants to get going, she puts her head down and motors. She's now trying to pull herself up too, but she can only get as far as her knees right now. I'm just waiting for the day when I look in the monitor and see her standing in her crib. It's all happening so fast! We're even getting her nine-month pictures done tomorrow since I'm off.
The 4th was fun. Had a few friends over. It was a baby-palooza. And all three babies actually watched the fireworks. They were starting to get tired and fussy, but when they saw the crazy lights in the sky, they were fascinated. Too funny. For those who requested the Pineapple Stuffing recipe but may not remember my spouting it off, I posted it on the Naptime Gourmet. Enjoy!
Besides going to the Sears portrait studio tomorrow, we're supposed to have the PH Playgroup part 2 at the park. Should be interesting. :)
Oh yeah. We've entered a whole new world of crawling madness. If there's a place we don't want her to go, that's the first place she now heads for. It's pretty funny actually. When she really wants to get going, she puts her head down and motors. She's now trying to pull herself up too, but she can only get as far as her knees right now. I'm just waiting for the day when I look in the monitor and see her standing in her crib. It's all happening so fast! We're even getting her nine-month pictures done tomorrow since I'm off.
The 4th was fun. Had a few friends over. It was a baby-palooza. And all three babies actually watched the fireworks. They were starting to get tired and fussy, but when they saw the crazy lights in the sky, they were fascinated. Too funny. For those who requested the Pineapple Stuffing recipe but may not remember my spouting it off, I posted it on the Naptime Gourmet. Enjoy!
Besides going to the Sears portrait studio tomorrow, we're supposed to have the PH Playgroup part 2 at the park. Should be interesting. :)
Thursday, July 03, 2008
One Small (Crawling) Step at a Time.
Yup, Abby finally showed off her crawling skills at home. Not too much, mind you, but enough to prove to me that my daycare provider isn't on crack after all. ;) We were playing downstairs Tuesday night, when she decided she wanted something a little bit in front of her. So, about four "crawls" later, it was in her hand. It took me a second to realize what she did. Then the light bulb went off and I was like, "Whoa! You just crawled!"
Yeah...nothing gets by Mommy! She did it a couple more times, but it was only one or two "crawls" each time. It's getting there though. I guess we're going to have to suck it up and buy baby gates soon. Sigh. We're going to have to get one of the crazy long/expensive ones for downstairs. For those who haven't been to my house, my downstairs is basically divided into two main parts forming kind of an "L" shape. The big, long part is the family room. The smaller part has the bathroom and utility room off of it. It also contains the washer and dryer (they're hidden behind folding doors) and the cat's food and litter box. We want to keep her out of the smaller part, hence the huge gate. At least it will also serve to block her from the independent heater down there (we have two-zone heating), which will be a huge baby hazard come winter.
Today is a good day...I'm on vacation! A short vacation, but it's better than nothing. This morning Abby and I went grocery shopping after her morning bottle. She was good as gold, especially considering I dragged her to three different places. She loves to go shopping because people are always smiling at/talking to her. She eats up the attention. Now I somehow have to find time to clean the house and then the early part of tomorrow will be spent cooking. Fun! The weather better cooperate so that they can have the fireworks!
Sadly, my sister won't be coming over tomorrow. She's officially on "house arrest" because of her short cervix. She really needs to be careful and take it easy or else she's going to wind up on hospital bed rest. That would really be bad. I'll be over there on Saturday to take her some leftovers. I also told her to pick out some casseroles she would like me to make, get Scott to go grocery shopping for the ingredients, and then I would come over to cook/freeze whatever she wants. If there's one thing I can do to help people out, it's cook.
If I don't have time to write tomorrow, have a safe and happy 4th, everyone! :)
Yup, Abby finally showed off her crawling skills at home. Not too much, mind you, but enough to prove to me that my daycare provider isn't on crack after all. ;) We were playing downstairs Tuesday night, when she decided she wanted something a little bit in front of her. So, about four "crawls" later, it was in her hand. It took me a second to realize what she did. Then the light bulb went off and I was like, "Whoa! You just crawled!"
Yeah...nothing gets by Mommy! She did it a couple more times, but it was only one or two "crawls" each time. It's getting there though. I guess we're going to have to suck it up and buy baby gates soon. Sigh. We're going to have to get one of the crazy long/expensive ones for downstairs. For those who haven't been to my house, my downstairs is basically divided into two main parts forming kind of an "L" shape. The big, long part is the family room. The smaller part has the bathroom and utility room off of it. It also contains the washer and dryer (they're hidden behind folding doors) and the cat's food and litter box. We want to keep her out of the smaller part, hence the huge gate. At least it will also serve to block her from the independent heater down there (we have two-zone heating), which will be a huge baby hazard come winter.
Today is a good day...I'm on vacation! A short vacation, but it's better than nothing. This morning Abby and I went grocery shopping after her morning bottle. She was good as gold, especially considering I dragged her to three different places. She loves to go shopping because people are always smiling at/talking to her. She eats up the attention. Now I somehow have to find time to clean the house and then the early part of tomorrow will be spent cooking. Fun! The weather better cooperate so that they can have the fireworks!
Sadly, my sister won't be coming over tomorrow. She's officially on "house arrest" because of her short cervix. She really needs to be careful and take it easy or else she's going to wind up on hospital bed rest. That would really be bad. I'll be over there on Saturday to take her some leftovers. I also told her to pick out some casseroles she would like me to make, get Scott to go grocery shopping for the ingredients, and then I would come over to cook/freeze whatever she wants. If there's one thing I can do to help people out, it's cook.
If I don't have time to write tomorrow, have a safe and happy 4th, everyone! :)
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
My Little Fishie
Abby has definitely inherited both her parents' love of the water. We went to my aunt and uncle's house on Saturday for my cousin's high school graduation party. They have an above ground pool too, so my mom told us to bring Abby's bathing suit and a float. I let it be known that I was not going in, but my mom wanted to take Abby and Claire in herself. So we let her give it a shot.
Becky forgot Claire's inner-tube bathing suit thingie, so my mom had to hold her the whole time. Abby was in her duckie float. You would think she would be annoyed about not getting much attention. Nope, not my child. She was happy as could be kicking herself around the pool (she was seriously booking it a few times), splashing water all over. At one point, her whole face was wet from her splashing herself. Didn't phase her at all. She stayed in there a long time and would have stayed in even longer if we had let her. At least it looks like we don't have to worry about her being afraid of the water. She's my little fishie! :)
Other than that, the weekend was fairly dull. The party was what it was...a family picnic. I made the yummy pineapple stuffing that I had at the picnic I went to last week. It was a hit and I had to give the recipe to a few people who asked for it. I'm making it again for the 4th. :) Sunday was a nothing day and yesterday was back to work. Just have to get through today and tomorrow and then I'm off until next Tuesday. Hooray!
Abby has definitely inherited both her parents' love of the water. We went to my aunt and uncle's house on Saturday for my cousin's high school graduation party. They have an above ground pool too, so my mom told us to bring Abby's bathing suit and a float. I let it be known that I was not going in, but my mom wanted to take Abby and Claire in herself. So we let her give it a shot.
Becky forgot Claire's inner-tube bathing suit thingie, so my mom had to hold her the whole time. Abby was in her duckie float. You would think she would be annoyed about not getting much attention. Nope, not my child. She was happy as could be kicking herself around the pool (she was seriously booking it a few times), splashing water all over. At one point, her whole face was wet from her splashing herself. Didn't phase her at all. She stayed in there a long time and would have stayed in even longer if we had let her. At least it looks like we don't have to worry about her being afraid of the water. She's my little fishie! :)
Other than that, the weekend was fairly dull. The party was what it was...a family picnic. I made the yummy pineapple stuffing that I had at the picnic I went to last week. It was a hit and I had to give the recipe to a few people who asked for it. I'm making it again for the 4th. :) Sunday was a nothing day and yesterday was back to work. Just have to get through today and tomorrow and then I'm off until next Tuesday. Hooray!
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