6 week check-up

so many things have been happening.  i wish i had someone to follow me and document it.  not for blogging, but for my own memory.  i have a really bad memory and it's getting worse!

i go for my six week check-up today.  i can't even believe how fast time has gone.  i have less than 3 weeks until i go back to work.  someone else will be holding my sweet ella all day and that same week annie is moving up to the preschool class where she will potty on her own, start learning spanish, math and reading!

anyone ever put the carseat on the dryer while its running to keep your baby asleep while you blog?  ha!  i just discovered this trick on accident.  don't judge, i've got 15 minutes till feeding.

i'm high on life right now.  can i just spew a few of the highlights?  bare with me.
i have breakfast with jessica once a week and it makes my world right.  right right right. everyone- spend time with your bestie often.  it keeps you sane, in check and loved all at once.
i have no expectations of myself this maternity leave.  i just do what i want.  and don't stress myself if nothing gets done, the house is a wreck, the frig is empty and i'm eating fruit snacks and cocoons all day.  oh well.
my memory is shot to hell.  i forget to put on deodorant like every day.  annie had to remind me to buckle her in yesterday.  did you send me a text or email and i didn't respond?  oh that's because i have already forgotten that you sent it.
ella smiles and coos at me and it makes my heart sing.  she does this all day long. (ps i just checked on her and she is snoozing away on the dryer)
pandora christmas music over the speakers in my house isn't a bad way to enjoy the day.
the bottom drawer of my freezer is full to the top with milk.  HOLLA!  who am i?  a milk pumping machine, that's who!


a few days ago i was driving the girls home after picking up annie from school.  for some reason ella hates this part of the day.  she cries the whole way to pick up annie and then cries the whole way home.  i know annie finds this slightly annoying in that she can't hear her music class/christmas music and the fact that a baby crying is a really uncomfortable sound in general.  so ella is pulling her usual cryfest and i hear annie say "don't cry ella, mommy's going to pick you up when we get home."  yall i got teary-eyed.  sweetness.

that's what it's all about.

sunday morning goodness.  

Wait Up... Life

Why haven't I written more blogs?  Where do the days go?

Let me say how great I feel.  How lucky and blessed I feel.  How much I'm in love with my family.  I'm completely smitten as I write this and look at Ella in her bouncy seat.  How did I get so lucky?  I can't even believe the love I feel for this new little girl.  Sounds silly, like of course you love your child.  But being a mother of one and then a mother of two, I just didn't know.  Annie is my world.  And I didn't know how I could add another child to that world.  But here I am, with two girls who I'm over the moon for, and thinking how I could ever doubt it.  Anywho....

I love being on maternity leave during the holidays.  It is the most fun.  The house is decorated.  Annie's birthday party  is in the works.  Christmas cheer all around.  

I just drank peppermint hot chocolate (w/ milk)  and watched ep. 9 of homeland.  Who am I?  I don't want to go back to work.  Who am I? 

Does anyone go to bed every night and think ... tomorrow I'm going back on WW and I'm going to work out... ???  Anyone?  I say it to myself every night.  Annnndddd 4 weeks have passed.  Annnndddd still nothing.  

Ok, tomorrow I start!! TOMORROW!

So Ella was sleeping through the night during week 4.  like 7/8/9 hour stretches.  I was slightly concerned.  But jumping for joy on the inside.  WELL... that was a fluke.  She now is back to one middle of the night feeding.  I'm not complaining.  Just saying.

And she only like the big green pacifier that they give you at the hospital.  Everyday I try a new paci just to see if she will bite.  Ha.  So far they all make her gag. 

Now on to Annie's birthday party...

I made the huge mistake of going on pinterest for princess party ideas.  HUGE MISTAKE.  I had it in my head that we are going low-key this year.  Cupcakes, bounce house, party hats, recycled birthday banner.  Well, of course I see ten thousand adorable homemade decorations to make.  And I feel inadequate if I don't do it.  I made a long list of things I want to make.  And if it weren't raining outside I would probably be at hobby lobby and Michael's at this moment.  So we might go big.  We'll see how the first few crafts go.  

((Good grief it is gloom's day outside.  I just looked out the window and it looks like 6pm at night))

I have not bought a single Christmas gift yet.  Except a few things for Annie.  Anyone have any good ideas for my nieces/nephew, in laws, parents, friends, Anthony?  Eek.  It is like I'm out of ideas.  Email me.  Thanks!

Ok, feeding time at the milk factory.  

More tomorrow maybe... it's fun to write down everything I'm thinking.

Flying Solo

day 3 yall.  day 3 flying solo. and i'm good.  i'm really good.

we finally slept last night like a "happiest baby on the block" baby.  sunday night and monday night ella decided she didn't want to sleep.  it wasn't fun.  sleep deprivation and me are not friends.  but yesterday ella found her voice.  and she is not afraid to use it.  she was awake and fussy.  a crying newborn makes me feel so uncomfortable. you know when you don't know what is wrong...  clean diaper - check.  full belly - check.  swaddled, pacifier, swing - check.  and still fussing... oh nooo.  makes you feel sooo uneasy.  i hate that sound.  so anyway, she cried yesterday and then slept all night.   today she is easy and happy again.

even though this is my second go 'round i am still googling at least 4 questions a day about newborns.  ha.  like baby hasn't pooped today, cause for concern??  baby has a cold, cause for concern??  baby's cord fell off early / mother accidentally pulled it off when changing diaper, cause for concern?? baby spit up, cause for concern?
yes, all googled within the last 24 hours.

what do you watch during the day on tv?  there is nothing on tv.  i am caught up on homeland except this week's episode.  holy cow i'm OBSESSED!! who wants to talk about it?  as a special treat i'm going to watch the last episode today.  like make myself a bowl of ice cream, curl up in my arm chair, dim the lights and watch it! can't wait.  brody and carrie. do we want them to be together?  i hate it, but love it.

isn't this child gorgeous... i'm so in love with her.  so in love!

Bruno... Party of Four!

Ten days ago I gave birth to Ella Nicole Bruno and we became a family of four.

Ella:

Ella is so tiny.  I want to remember how small she is right now...  I also want to remember how she curls up into this little pod in the exact position she was in for nine months.  Fitting inside my belly.  She is easy going.  She sleeps too much (which isn't fun when I'm trying to feed her 8 times a day).  She latches on like a champ.  And she already is extremely patient with us/me.  So far, practically perfect in every way.

Postpartum:

Easier than I could have ever imagined or hoped for.    

This post-partum has been totally different than my first experience.  For one thing, I feel great. With Annie I was sitting on a donut for 2 weeks after delivery.  With Ella, I was feeling fine by day 3.   Also mentally I'm normal.  No crazies so far.  No baby blues.  It is amazing.  I guess just knowing what to expect this go round has really made all the difference.  

Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding is going great.  It isn't any easier though.   The first days still really suck.  But again, I know what to expect.  The lactation Nazis are still saying things like "well if it hurts you are doing something wrong".  Bull shit.  I'm sorry.  Bull shit.  Can we start a campaign that says breastfeeding hurts at first for some women.  You aren't doing anything wrong.  Just don't give up.  Keep with it for a few more weeks.  It will get better.  I promise.  Jessica's sister-in-law gave me a pep-talk around week 2 when I was about to give up breastfeeding with Annie.  She told me that yes, it hurts like hell at first.  But don't give up.  Yall, if she hadn't have told me that I might not have continued to breastfeed.  I was ready to give up because I thought for sure I was doing something wrong.  But I digress...  Breastfeeding is going grrreat and I am not in any pain anymore. Victory!

Annie:

Big sister, Annie, is ...adjusting...  She is fantastic with Ella.  She wants to help change her diaper,  kiss her, touch her, talk to her and she asks about her when Ella isn't around.  But she is a little more fussy and whiny than usual.  Week 1 was a hot mess.  Meltdowns galore.  This week is 10x better.  I know as the weeks go by and things get back to a new normal she will be 100% A-OK.  What is funny is I think Ella is the easy one to take care of at this point and Annie is more of a challenge. I would have thought the opposite.        

Life:

I would be lying if I said life isn't overwhelming at moments.  I need a schedule.  And we aren't there yet.  But I'm not worried.  I've got 7 more weeks to get this family into a routine.  I can't believe how easy it was to fall in love with this new little person we made.  I can't thank Anthony and my mom enough for making this transition so easy for me.  Next week my mom won't be here and I'll be flying solo.  I'm a little nervous.  I'm having a little anxiety about it.  But I know I will be fine. 

2 in a Row ... for AJ

Last night laying bed I have a wave tsunami of anxiety wash over me.  My eyes swell with tears and I say to Anthony... "Babe, I'm nervous about having another baby.  Like I'm really scared.  I think I'm going to throw up."

Anthony looks at me.  His calming presence, jolly smile, twinkling eyes.  He says "Babe, we f*cking rocked this the last time"!

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!  Not the response I was expecting.  But altogether perfect. So needless to say I laughed, kissed him and went right to sleep.  

Picture Day

My mom pointed out to me that this is my last month with Annie by herself. Whoa. That stopped me in my tracks. I've been so caught up in all the things I need to do before this baby gets here... I didn't think about that. I am going to cherish this last month with my Annie-Bananie as my only child. All the lovely things about her. I'm not going to wish this month away anymore.

Think of everything I've learned from her. All the silly blogs I've written.  The challenges, the laughs, my goodness. I'm tearing up writing this. Yall, hormones... They are ridiculous. I had an ultrasound last week and cried the entire time. Happy tears. But seriously, the tech must have thought I was nuts. Or maybe she is used to it. But to see Ella's face and her big Bruno nose and lips and cheeks. It still doesn't feel real unless I'm looking at screen. Like there she is... and will be in my arms in 5 weeks.

Ok, back to Annie.

So last Monday I had to go to offsite to a steel fab shop for work. A group of us went and were scheduled to leave the office at 8am. Well I don't usually get to work until around 8:15am. So to be at work 15 mins early is A BIG DEAL for me. I set my alarm 15 mins early... but of course was still rushing.
I pulled Annie out of bed, let her pick out her own outfit and quickly helped her get dressed. Purple skirt, non-matching / non-coordinating pink shirt, rainbow socks and pink shoes. Her hair was out of control that morning. Worst bedhead I have ever seen. Like the kind where you really need to re-wet it because brushing alone does nothing. But, whatever, I had no time for that. Quick front ponytail will have to do and the teachers can judge if they want to. The end. So I skid into the school parking lot. I rushed over to the breakfast room only to come to a dead stop in front of the sign on the door that says "PICTURE DAY! - Monday Sept. 24th".
Oh NO! Annie... your mom clearly can't get it together enough to read the calendar and at least make you look half decent for your school picture day....

Well later that morning I get an email from her school saying that picture day for the early preschool class will be on Tuesday! And just like that, I'm back in the game! The next day Annie was in her favorite dress (purple cupcake dress that looks completely ridiculous with a fall background, but she loves it and I'll take it). She even wore matching socks. Braid in front, smooth hair in back. And I even gave her a peptalk about saying cheese.

So all in all A+ for picture day.

I love you, Annie. And hope you read this one day and laugh at how silly your mother is.

A Nice Pirate or Mean Pirate?

Annie woke up this morning and told me she was a pirate.
I asked her if she was a nice pirate or a mean pirate.
She said "Mean pirate, Aaaarrrrrgggghhhhhh"
Who is this child?  Oh that made me laugh.

She wanted pigtails in her hair this morning.  I love little girls in pigtails.  I think it might be the cutest thing ever.
Her imagination is growing.  I overhear her talking to herself when she is playing and the stuff that she says just blows me away.  Like big kid, big imagination, knows what going on in life conversations to herself.
Yall, this growing up thing... it just happens so fast. I know we all say that.  But, wow.  It just feels too soon for her to be a kid already.

Baby Ella is moving and dancing in my belly like she is ready to come out. Anthony asked me last night if I'm sure we got the dates right.  Hahaha.  I sure hope so, because I'm not ready.  I mean, I'm ready.  But my house, work, life aren't ready yet.  Annie kisses my belly and talks to her baby sister.  Does she really get it? I don't think so.  But she pretends she does because she knows it pleases me.
A new baby is coming.  Holy moly. I'm scared and happy and nervous and excited.  My family is growing.  I'm putting another human on this earth.  Wrap your head around the magnitude of that... amazing.

a few sweet ones from our beach trip 

Tootie's in Panties

Today is Annie's first day at school in panties!

I mean, what more is there?  She is practically a grown-up now, right? 

It feels good to put a topic I've been stressing about to rest.  And this has definitely been a topic of internal stress.  But it just happened, just like everyone said it would.

Lessons Learned. Though I'm sure I'll be just as worried when it's time to train No. 2.  

Anyway, nothing more.  Just needed to document this.   

Just Messy

Last night I was exhausted cleaning up after Annie.  I swear she makes a royal mess wherever she goes.  Pottying, food, toys, drinks, bath time, did I mention pottying???....  Good grief I’m so tired of picking up after a toddler.  It is never ending. Do people tell you how messy potty training is?  Maybe they do, but of course I'm surprised by this little fact. It is not fun to see pee running down your child’s leg and then soak into the bathroom rug and grout because they are so excited to show you the pee in their potty that they stood up mid-pee...  I’ve bought stock in Clorox wipes.  All the germaphobes out there with a toddler, how do you do it?  I don't have a concern with germs, but I feel like if I did I would be on xanax 24/7.

Yesterday, I walk into the half bath to find Annie sitting on the toilet, well no, sitting is the wrong word.  She looked like she was stuck in the toilet.  Like butt through the bowl... legs and arms waving out.  I said "Annie, is your butt touching the water?"  She said "Yes!" with a big smile on her face (like "how cool is that mom?").  Yall I was so grossed out!  NO NO NO NO NO NO.  Don't put your butt in the water!  Gross gross.  Oh and your princess dress is in the pee-water too??  Grrrrreeeaaatt.  Can I just get a drain put in the bathroom floor and a hose attached to the wall?  And just hose you off?  

temper tantrums love company

I am in no way happy about what I'm about to gloat about.  But this morning walking into Annie's school I saw one of her classmates have a meltdown about having to wait in the classroom for the breakfast teacher to come get them.  Remember when that happened to me a few weeks ago?  Well Annie's little fit was mild compared to this kid's full on crazy, screaming and kicking on the floor, he might be possessed temper tantrum.
I felt bad for the poor dad just standing there looking confused/dazed/stunned at this going down.   But I also felt sooo relieved that I saw it!  I wanted to walk over to him and give him a hug and say "Hooray!  Your kid does that too?  I'm so happy I witnessed this!".  But I didn't.
And the hilarious thing about this is Annie was sooo concerned for her classmate.  She asked "What's wrong with Ryker? Why is Ryker sad?"....  I wanted to say... "Ummmm don't you remember this same fit you threw 2 weeks ago, Ma'am?  Don't you remember when the breakfast teacher had to tell you to listen to you mommy?"

Oh well.  We are all in this together, parents.

Dolly took Annie to the neighborhood pool yesterday after school.  Dolly said a 4 yr old little girl named Josephine (umm how cute is that name!) befriended Annie and was teaching her how to hold her breath and put her head under water.  Also, don't you just want to pinch those chunky legs?  I do!! I love her.

Annie enjoying her snow cone at the pool  

Ugh.. did i miss it???

Remember how I wanted to do this?

Well I'm nearing 20 weeks and still haven't taken a single belly shot.  Am I too late?  I'm so lazy about it.  I like these because you don't have to commit to a certain outfit.  What should my background be?

Our power was off last night from around 7:30 - 10 maybe.  Not sure because I fell asleep shortly after 9 and then was awoken with every light in my house on.
Being without power was amazing, btw.  I'm not be sarcastic.  I bathed Annie by candlelight.  She laid in bed and we read a few books by candlelight too.  It was very relaxing.  After we put her down, Anthony and I laid in bed and talked. Just talked (well he played on his ipad for a while too).  But we had nothing to do and it was amazing.  So I just dozed off in darkness and silence.

What else... Yall I'm really into a few shows on TV that I suggest you get on board with.  First of all you need HBO.  Girls is my newest favorite show ever.  It is funny and awkward.  The writing is superb.  I'm obsessed.  Call me when you watch it to discuss.  I love it.  Also, True Blood.  New season just started last Sunday. I hate to love this show.  I hate it because it is literally nothing like the books.  You can't have a show based on books and then it isn't like the books at all.  LIKE AT ALL. Bad acting and bad plot and a little soft porn... I don't know.. it is just good.  I also love Pregnant in Heels, thanks Sarah.   And that is the extent of my TV watching. Anything I'm missing?  Nevermind, don't tell me.  I hate the feeling of trying to catch-up/keep up with a show that I'm too late on.

Potty Chart = Total Bust

I have to take a step back and laugh at myself.

For the last few weeks I have been obsessed with potty training.  And by obsessed, I mean, internally obsessed.  Well, maybe not so internal actually.  But whatever.  I just feel like time is of the essence and I've got to get this girl potty trained well before new baby arrives.

I feel like I have done all the right things.  And we will have a bit of progress (3 times on the potty last Friday, for instance) and then a total regression/refusal of all things panties/potty/big girl related.

So I had a brilliant idea to make a potty chart for Annie.  Every time she potties she can put a super cool princess sticker on her chart. When she get 5 stickers she gets a treat.  Brilliant, right?
Yesterday after work I made a fancy sign for her that says "Annie's Big Girl Potty Chart" complete with potty clipart found in Word. Ha.  I'm so excited to show her.  I stop by Toys-r-us and pick up some really cool stickers, an Arial princess doll for the bathtub/pool, and some princess ring pops.  
Yall, I was excited!  I hung up her chart right above her potty and put her treats on the counter so she can see them.  I couldn't wait to show her.
The second she walks in the door she bee-lines for the treats.  " I want those.  I want candy", she says.  So I gingerly explain to her the rules of getting the treats.

Me: Annie if you pee pee in the potty you can get a sticker to put on your potty chart.  When you get 5 stickers you can have your treats.
Annie: I want candy {{whiney voice}}
Me: You can have the candy when you pee pee on your potty.
Annie: I want candy {{whining turning into tears}}
Me: You can have the candy when you pee pee on your potty.
Annie: No, I don't want to.  I WANT CANDY!!! {{full blown crying eyes out hysteria}}

TOTAL BUST!  I finally had to put away the candy and the chart. Anthony, Dolly and I took turns calming her down and cheering her back up.  I basically ruined the whole evening.  Yall I felt like I was on reality TV.  Like I was getting punked.  My feelings were so hurt and I felt like the biggest idiot.  I was just so excited about my damn sticker chart.  Obviously she isn't ready.

Super mom badge revoked until further notice.

What a Difference a Day Makes...

I want one!  But I guess I should wait till I'm done having chilrens...

Fun in Galveston

We took a little trip down to Galveston Sunday. Annie loves the beach.  She wanted to walk into the ocean and not stop. She is a little too brave sometimes.  She loves the waves and loves the sand.  I can't wait to take her to Florida with sandy white beaches and clear blue water.  

But she doesn't care about all of that.  Any ocean will do.   And for the past two days when she wakes up in the morning she asks if we are going to the beach today.  

Soon, Tootie, soon.

A Little Memorial Day Inspiration...

Happy Friday, yall!

Here's a little red, white and blue inspiration to get us in the Memorial Day mood this weekend.  I'll be enjoying some of my favorite people on the planet, the Stropolos and also making a day trip down to Galvy for some relaxing beach time.

Hope everyone has a great holiday!

Maw Maw Panties

Tell me since you had a baby you don't LOVE you some maw maw panties! I know I'm not the only one. The underwear formerly deemed as "period panties" have made their way to "everyday panties".

I remember folding my mom's panties years ago thinking, "why in the hell is the waist so high?". Now when I go to New Orleans and happen to do laundry, I can't tell me and my mom's underwear apart!

BUT I had to officially retired my maw maw panties for this pregnancy. The high waist is too tight around my belly. I stopped by Target at lunch to pick up some low-cut bikinis (which to me is like whooaa sexy-time). The underwear isle is sooo frustrating. First of all, how does a store have a complete shortage of size 7? Except in all of the crazy panties that only a 17 year old would find practical. Like crazy graffiti thongs, umm no thanks. Though, I'm sure I'd get a lot of praise from Anthony when I walked out the bathroom in them.
Also the wording on these packages... no panty lines, no wedgies, etc. ((I call bullshit)) LOL.

So I'm back in little tiny bikinis that I used to wear with my Seven jeans in College. Remember those jeans? You actually had to shave the top of your pubic hair because that is how low cut they were? Like a 1/2" zipper.  Seriously, lower than your pubic hair grows!...!.... Oh those were the days....

Anyway, I guess my mom was on to something. Maw maw panties... I'll see yall again in November.

My Two's Blues

This week we are full on dealing with the terrible two's. Annie is defiant, independent and spoiled. And I am tired, pregnant and hormonal. This house ain't big enough for two queens... ya dig?

This morning, after another power struggle - "me do it" - morning, we finally make it to school. Annie didn't want to wait in the classroom for the breakfast teacher to come get her. So she stood outside the classroom and threw a fit. Well the breakfast teacher came strolling down the hall and told Annie, "you need to listen to your mommy." I know the teacher was just trying to help me in the situation, but I felt like the "pushover" mom. Like the teacher was judging me thinking "oh I see why Annie doesn't listen in class, looks like she doesn't have to listen at home".

This sent me into a full over-analysis of my child, my parenting style, etc. etc.

Immediately I called my mother for back-up. Then I called Anthony to discuss how we are not going to be pushover parents anymore. Then I went online and read 10 babycenter articles about dealing with two year olds. And then I drank a coke out of the vending machine (with caffeine). And it was gooooood.
I know this is normal. And I know this too shall pass.

So while in a lunch meeting today, Dolly randomly texted me some pictures she took of us over the weekend, and it put it all back into perspective. Annie and me. Just trying to figure each other out. She is becoming her own person. She is pushing boundaries and my buttons. She is pretty cute, huh? I guess I'm going to keep her....

Big Girl Bed

Big news at my house over the weekend.  We converted Annie's crib into a big girl bed!  And yall, so easy (knock on wood).  I have been dreading the switch for sooo long.  Mainly due to horror stories from friends and co-workers.

Saturday night Anthony took the front rail off of Annie's crib.  Immediately we called Grannie-boo on Skype to show her Annie's new bed.  Annie was beaming with pride and said over and over again that she was sleeping in a big girl bed.
We read books, sang the good night song, tucked her in, and then stood by the monitor for 10 minutes waiting for the drama to start.
Nothing.  She talked to herself for a while and then silence.
We decided to go check on her after about an hour (note: we don't have a video monitor... we are weirdos... so we literally had to go peek in and check). This is what we found....

I don't know if it is really this easy.  Maybe she just hasn't figured it out she can get out of her bed if she wants.  The time will come, I'm sure.  But for now I'm grateful for this easy breezy transition.

Informer

Do not tell Anne Bruno your secrets. She will tell everyone.

I go to drop Annie off at school on Monday. The admin at the front desk, Ms Deborah, tells me she has a funny story to tell me. I think... oh no, what did Annie do now?

She said last Friday Annie was telling everyone that her mommy and daddy were at the doctor because mommy had a baby in her belly button. So the teachers said, oh Annie I don't know if your mommy and daddy want you to share that with people. (I hadn't told anyone at Primrose yet that I'm pregnant. Not that it is a secret, but it just hasn't come up, ya know.) Ms. Deborah said she didn't know whether to say congratulations to me or just say nothing because she didn't know if I was telling people. Hahaha.  But how cute that she says its in my belly button.  I love my child.

So Annie outed me at school....
She is such a tattle tale. But for real, yall. It might actually be something I have to discuss with her in the near future. She tells on her friends, she tells on the dogs, she tells on me.

Anthony put on Grey's Anatomy last night. He still watches this show every week. I do not! But of course I got stuck watching it last night. AND yet again am reminded why I DO NOT WATCH THAT SHOW. Yall they all get into a plane crash in the last scene. Everyone. Like really? Really Sholanda? Really? No Really? I can't. I just can't.

Also, Annie might be getting tubes in her ears again.  She still has fluid in her ears.  We go back in 4 weeks to recheck and if fluid is still there, we get tubes.  

Also, I'm on my third dr this pregnancy.  I meet the new dr. on Monday.  Please god let this one be a good fit.  But funny side note, the nurse called me to discuss the payments with me.  And she said if I pay it in full I get a free gender ultrasound.  Does anyone else find this funny?  Like what a hilarious incentive.  Just saying. 

sunset boat ride

last weekend we were in New Orleans for my grandmother's 80th birthday. The weekend was swell.  We got a few shots of us on the boat cruising into the sunset.

not a lot has been going on.  its funny how i used to soak up every weekend with absolute intent of sharing it on my blog. documenting everything.  who has the energy for that these days?  i surely don't.  i still have easter decorations up.  just to put it in perspective...

this morning heading out the door for school, annie told each dog bye, gave them a hug and then a kiss.  i love when she does things like that out of the blue.   she also was taking her baby around and kissing things with it.  like "baby kiss the carseat". "baby kiss annie".  she apparently was in a super lovey mood today.

here are a few shots heading to school on monday.  she was actually in a matching outfit (and of course in her favorite minnie shirt).  this morning however she decided she wanted a blue skirt, her red and white minnie shirt, purple socks and pink shoes.  i love that she knows what she wants and has her own idea of fashion.  but do i get scared people at daycare are probably judging me and my child looking like a ragamuffin everyday.

happy birthday, super dad

nothing is more natural to me than loving Anthony. it is like breathing. it is like blinking my eyes. from the moment i met him, i loved him.
so many things in life are hard. relationships are hard. raising a baby is hard. getting up and going to work everyday with a smile is hard. but everything about anthony is easy.

anthony's birthday was monday and we celebrated it much like we did mine... we did nothing. but, aj, i just hope you know how much i thank god every day for you. i'm so happy you were born.

Last weekend in Slidell.  Princess Tootie passed out, Anthony living the "High Life"

this might be "TMI"...

I'm thinking I might be crossing the line on this one. But whatever, I'm just going to put myself out there.  And it was quite funny.


Last night was the first time in my life that I have ever been constipated. I thought I was slightly constipated during my last pregnancy, but clearly I was mistaken. Never in my life, yall. But now I know.

So last night right after I get home from work I felt like I needed to go to the bathroom. So I go, and sit there for 10 minutes with NO progress...
I wasn't going to just sit on the toilet all night and there wasn't anything happening down there any time soon. So I just pulled up my pants.

Yall the uncomfortableness! omg. Too much information, I know.

I walk back into the kitchen where Annie and Anthony are eating dinner. I'm slightly hunched over and walking a little funny.

Well Annie picked up on it right away. She looks at me and says "Mommy poo poo in her pants?"
I cracked up!! ((How does she know these things?)) I say "No, honey. Mommy did not poo poo in her pants." ((I wish))

my "thank goodness" moment this morning

it was a typical morning... rushing.
Annie's "need" to do everything by herself has added extra minutes to our morning routine that i haven't accounted for yet in my alarm clock timing.
this morning she was in an extra helpful mood.  she wanted to help me open the blinds so the puppies can look out the windows all day.  she wanted to help me put the puppy gate up.  she wanted to put her diapers in her backpack by herself.
so i was rushing.  trying to propell us out the door.
(side note: did i tell you Annie climbs into the car and her carseat by herself?  super fantastic for when baby no. 2 gets here. bravo my brilliant child.)
so Annie was climbing into her carseat and i see her little bag of fruit loops in the cup holder.  that reminds me.... Annie is on antibiotics twice a day. it has to be taken with food; hence why i have fruit loops for her to munch on on the way to school.  damnation, i forgot to give her her medicine this morning.
so i tell Annie to keep climbing into her carseat and i need to go get her medicine.  i'll be right back.

so i get/give her the medicine, hop in the car, open the garage door, and pull down the driveway all in a fast swoop.

as i'm backing down the driveway i hear Annie say, "mommy, buckle".  "buckle, mommy.".  ... i'm trying to figure out what she is saying then it HITS ME..... I FORGOT TO BUCKLE HER INTO THE CARSEAT!

THANK GOODNESS my child can communicate with me.  i'm sure she was thinking i'm a complete nut job.  but i'm just thankful she knew that it was weird to be in the carseat without being buckled.

i'm losing it.

dilly dallying - and other things

Let me start off by saying I’m in the depths of first trimester blues. I’m tired and not feeling well. Meds are helping... taking the edge off. So blah. Hopefully I will only feel this way for the first trimester, just like I did for my pregnancy with Annie and everything will be wonderful come 4 weeks.

Annie is an angel by any toddler standards. However (big however) I have no patience for her cute antics while I’m not feeling well. So all of the usual things she does that i would typically find completely adorable (and probably would blog about), I find myself reaching within for strength and patience.

During our bedtime routine, for example, Annie likes to dilly dally around. Like a mix of stall tactics and just not a care of anyone's schedule. Does that make sense? She likes to undress herself. It is process. A 5 minute process. And she's cute while doing it. But I just want to bathe her already. Then when bath time is over she likes to flop around like a fish out of water until every last drop of water has been drained out of the tub. Then she likes to read her books to herself instead of letting mommy read them to her. Again all cute things she does on a regular basis that has me throwing a fit internally because I just want her to go to bed (so I can go to bed).

Anyway, that’s what is going on right now. I had my ultrasound on Friday and everything looked great. I definitely think its a boy. I have no idea why. I just looked like a boy when I saw it.

I talked to mom this morning about our Easter plans and what we are going to put in Annie's Easter basket this year. I'm pretty excited! Now what Little Crane dress is she going to wear??????

"you get what you get, and you don't throw a fit"

I saw that quote on Momastery this morning. Can you hear your grandmother saying this to you? I can... Hot summer day in New Orleans, probably coming home from Lafreniere Park, 101 degrees in the back of the car with all of my cousins piled in. All 8 of us splitting 1 coke, complaining that we are thirsty and someone is drinking it all.

I love it.

We took Annie to the rodeo this weekend. And by rodeo I mean carnival and livestock show. I was surprised at how up close and personal you can get with the animals. The petting zoo was cray cray! Nothing at all like the Houston Zoo where it is so regulated. Children, animals, parents, all running amuck in the petting zoo. And they had lamas, goats, pigs, kangeroos. Just crazy. I think Annie was in love/confused by the whole experience. But she loved seeing her friends "Olivia and Laine and Giggy" as she calls that bunch.

The whole Houston rodeo is huge! Yall, what happens when Annie is sixteen and wants to be dropped off there with her friends without a chaperone? I don't know if I can. Just saying...

I've had a hard time finding words for my blog lately. I get that way when I have serious stuff going on in life that just doesn't fit into my happy-go-lucky blog. But I want happy-go-lucky. That is what I love about blogging. (PS. Happy 1 year of blogging to me!) I love going back and reading something from last year and remembering that happy moment. That is what I want.

I go for my first ultrasound this Friday. I can't believe it is already time for that. It's about to get legit up in here. I mean, just saying that is surreal!

Did you know my mom clips articles from the Time Picayune and mails them to me weekly? I get random articles from her with something like "thought of you" scribbled in the margins. I don't tell her enough how much I like it. It is just something she does that I treasure.

And another shout-out to Emily who says the most perfectly worded perfect things and makes life make sense again.  Thanks for your emails this morning!

the stare-down

Annie was laying on the changing table getting a new diaper after bath time.  She pushed the mirror hanging on the wall over the changer.  I asked her to stop because the mirror would fall.

She pushed it again.  

I said "No Annie.  Mommy said don't push mirror."

She looked at me.  Gave me a smirk (at least I think she did).  And pushed the mirror again. 

I said "ANNIE!". And looked at her with my serious, stern face (gig, you know the one...).   She looked back at me. We locked eyes.

It was an official stare-down!  

It was bewildering and annoying and adorable all at the same time.  And then for some reason I started laughing.  And she started laughing.  Just from silence to laughter.  And it was hilarious!  

But I lost the stare-down.   

Go That Way...

When Annie is in the car with us she tells us which way she thinks we should go. She will point and say "go that way".  I love the sureness in her voice.  I love her conviction.  Like not a doubt in her mind where she wants to go.  Something I wish I was better at :)

Anyone read Momastery? I read something on there I while back that I keep thinking about... here it is.

I am sitting in a quiet bedroom with God. We are alone – the two of us. I am perched on the edge of a four poster bed and my legs are dangling off the side. God is in a rocking chair across the room and She’s knitting. God knits, it turns out. She also rides a Harley, but never while knitting.

I am pissed at God, so I’m glaring at her while She rocks and knits.
She won’t ask me what’s wrong. I’m waiting for Her to ask. I’m dying for Her to ask. I sigh. I breathe as deeply and loudly and with as much angst as possible. 

Nothing from Her. Nothing disturbs Her peace, nothing breaks Her concentration. She is not curious. 

So I just start.  Why would you say all of those things about caring for orphans and make me love them so much and then lead me on a seven year wild goose chase and then leave me empty handed? This adoption’s going to fall through, isn’t it? You’re going to leave me empty handed, aren’t you? Aren’t you? I know you are. 

Please don’t. If you do, that’s it for us. I’m not kidding. I’ll quit trying not to be a jerk. I’ll quit writing. I’ll quit talking to you and caring about other people and smiling so much. I’ll spend all my money on fancy make-up and couches and I’ll spend all my time watching Real Housewives of Orange County. No. Housewives of NEW JERSEY. Take that. I’m serious. Friendship with you is too exhausting. I’m going to have to quit you, based on principle and utter confusion. If you don’t pull through for me this time- it’s atheism for me. Atheism. I’m so serious. 

God keeps knitting. Then She smiles and holds Her stitch for a moment. She looks up at me with her soft crinkly eyes and She says:
"Honey. You are so angry. I understand. I love you so much. Would you like me to stop knitting so that we can talk about all of this?” 

I think for a minute and look at the knitting in her lap. I gaze at the part that’s done. It’s breathtaking. All blue and green and hot pink and gold and silver. At first the colors seem to swirl wildly but then, suddenly, I recognize a pattern. The pattern is me. I am beautiful. Swirly, wild, and beautiful. 

No, I Say. Don’t stop. Keep knitting.   

Because She is knitting my life, of course. I am what Her hands are working on. And I want Her to concentrate. I still trust Her. 

God? I say. I’m going to dance. While you knit, I’m just going to dance. I don’t really know what else to do.
And God looks up one last time and I see that Her eyes are twinkling this time.

Powerful stuff.  Happy Tuesday! 

Hello Annie, It's been awhile...

Annie, my love, you are one of a kind. You crack me up daily. I can't believe how sweet and special you are. Did you know that your daddy and I are over the moon for you? I sure hope you know this especially later in life when you might need me to remind you often. You are enough. You are plenty enough. And you make my life so much fun to live.

Lately, my little parrot, you tell me to "be careful" when I'm going up and down the stairs. You say "Annie be careful, too." You also are the best at praising me when I do something great... like pee pee on the toilet, walk down the stairs and change your diaper. You say "good job, mommy! you're awesome".

You are such a smart little cookie. You bring so much fun and laughter to everyone.
You are going to be a great big sister one day. When that time comes, don't worry that you won't get all of our attention always. Just know that you were my first. My first baby. You and me, kid, we have our own special club. We started it the day you were born. Thanks for having patience with me and helping me learn.
You are my girl, little rootie tootie.

Val Day

Happy Valentine's Day to my sweetie and sweets. Anthony and I snuck away for lunch today at a very nice steak house, Del Friscos. It was a fun treat and we ate like Kings, I tell ya. I could barely stay awake come 2:30pm.

Am I the only one that didn't watch the Grammy's?? This is the second morning hearing about it on the radio and how amazing it was. I'm so out of the loop. I didn't even know it was on.
Anthony and I are addicted to a new series on HBO. Game of Thrones. It is all we talk about/ think about. If you have HBO, go watch season 1 on demand right now. Don't miss it.

We are going to a Mardi Gras ball this weekend and I have found myself yet again without a dress. Or shall I say too big for the 4 formal dresses I own. And this is my question. Why can guys rent a tux like on every corner and girls cannot rent dresses???? This makes NO SENSE to me. I don't want to spend $150 on a dress. I am pouting about it. I'm taking suggestions. Though I've already borrowed a dress (thanks Sari!) and solicited advice from most of you.

I did the blooming sucker valentines for tootie's class. They came out super cute. (forgot to take pictures though...)

Did you see the few snippets of pictures floating around for the mini photoshoot we did Sunday for The Little Crane? My child is the one who is sucking her thumb, pouting in the corner. Ha. But yall, the new line... SO ADORABLE!

My Funny Valentine!

home with Annie

As I type this I'm watching Annie host a tea party.  We are in the game room.  The sky is gray outside.  Sad considering this is a rare treat to be home with her on a school day.  The natural light from the open windows make the pink table and kitchen look so cute right now.  It is quiet and I feel like I'm being a rebel by not being at work right now.  Annie is in her pink princess dress and green blue (she just switched) princess shoes.  She is a pro at high heels by the way.  Like full sprint in those heels and not miss a beat.  She is a darling little girl and I can't help but feel smug right now watching her cook and play  and share tea with me.  "you want some tea, mommy?"

Annie and I are playing hooky today because she threw up on the playground yesterday at school around 4pm.  She told her teacher that "her tummy was sick".  Since then no more throw up.  No fever.  No nothing.  Primrose has a 24hr policy.  So that means we are home today.

When we got moving this morning around 7am I realized that we have no food in our house.  So we went out for breakfast.  Just Annie and me.  It felt good and empowering.  She had a Mickey Mouse pancake and I had eggs and decaf coffee.  Yes, the pancake is shaped like Mickey Mouse with grapes as the eyes and bacon as the smile.

After we got home I asked her if she wanted to put big girl panties on and she said "no".  So do you make them put panties on?  Or do you just continue to ask until they eventually say "yes"?  Well I didn't force the issue.  I've just been asking her if she wants to use the potty.

Well that's all for now.  I have a new obsession.  Momastery blog.  Google it.  Read it.  Fall in love.  I look forward to what she is going to write every day.  I can't get enough.

get excited!

Toms Ballet Flats are here!  YES YES YES!!!

Caffeine...

So I decided to go cold turkey off caffeine this week.  What was I thinking??  Ummm Caffeine detox is real, yall.  Like REAAALLLL.  Headaches, Exhaustion, Moodiness.  ...  Awful.
People keep asking me why I decided to do this and I really don't have a good answer.  I thought my coffee drinking was getting excessive.  I might be getting knocked up so I'll be limiting caffeine then anyway.  And there is a great decaff K-cup here at work.  So no good answer.  But I did it.  Yesterday I had to leave work a little earlier than usual because I was feeling SO bad.  And today I'm still feeling bad.  Hopefully tomorrow this headache will go away.
My co-worker told me it wasn't good for your body to abruptly quit caffeine.  I'm thinking... well hell, even when I try to make a healthy change I still don't do it right.  Sooo typical of me.

So you want to hear some funny stories about Annie, huh?  It might be the only reason you read this blog, huh? Well I've got them.

Annie officially started in the Early Preschool class yesterday.  And she got a new backpack!  For you non-Primrose parents out there, babies and toddlers get a Primrose tote bag to take back and forth to school.  Preschoolers get a Primrose backpack.  And my child got a backpack.  I almost cried when I saw her walking in the house with it on yesterday.  She is so tiny and the back pack is so big!  But she loooooves it.  Like too cool for school with her "big girl backpack" as she calls it.  Also every this "big girl" now.  I guess they reiterate that at school.  But she says she's a "big girl".  So when I say "you are my favorite little girl", she says "no big girl".  But how can you argue with a two year old that she is still my little girl.....

Last week when we were at the Dr. office I had to use the restroom.  Annie came into the big stall with me.  When she heard me peeing she looking at me and said "Big girl, Mommy! Big girl!  You're awesome!"  Hahahaha.  I cracked up laughing.  She is too much.

This one is for Kaley... This morning when I was helping Annie get dresses I pulled off pajama shirt and she held her arms back like she was doing superman.  So I said, "Annie are you doing superman?"  And she said "No, Mommy.  Parker is superman."  Hilarious!

Felt so good!

I want to sew.  I've been lazy or busy or somewhere in between.  BUT I want to start.
Felt pillows are everywhere.  I found an easy tutorial on making felt flower pillows here.  I could totally do one of these!  I love the gray chevron with yellow petals.  Love the spoon me.  Love them all.  

God Bless Texas

One of my favorite things about living is Texas is the rodeo, baby!! We just bought our Zac Brown Band tickets and I’m pumped! If you haven’t been to a rodeo you need to go. It is crazy. Like bull riding in real life is cra-zy.

Speaking of Texas, my little Texan had her 2 yr check-up this morning. She is in the 35th percentile for height and 85th percentile for weight. Sounds about right for us :) She had one shot and didn't even cry for it. Such a big girl!

Cookie Monsters

Our adorable Kiddos eating cookies Saturday during the Saints game. 

Cookie monster says nomm nom nomm!!

every little thing is going to be alright

Woke up this morning. Smiled at the rising sun.  Three little birds on my doorstep. Singing sweet songs, a melody pure and true. This is my message to you.
Don't worry about a thing.  Because every little thing is going to be alright.

So much to say.  First off. I'm finally feeling like myself again since the holidays.  As I've said before 2012 will be a big year.  I have hope and joy. And the best is yet to come. Opportunities have unfolded.  God's graces are ever more.  That is all I'll say for now.  But I woke up this morning with peace in my heart.  Ready to begin.  

Work is hectic and I LOVE it!  Seriously, I need the challenge!  I have two new "roles". First, I was asked to be a part of the new mentorship program for new grads.  I thought it was an honor (but when I went to the first meeting, I realized everyone else felt like its a burden).  Oh well.  And I'm on the FEED committee now.  Which basically means I do bid estimates for future projects.  Anywho, exciting stuff for me.  I'm ready for the change of pace.

Annie is moving to the preschool class at the end of the month!! Huh huh huh?  So she will be the little fish in the big pond again.  I got her progress report last night and her teacher wrote "Annie rules the roost in this class and has no problem saying so".  Ha.  Who's child is this?  Oh mine.  So with this class switch comes potty training!! I'm already stressing because I haven't done real research on it. Should I buy the babywise potty book?  Yes, I'm an over researcher.  

Funny story:  I bought the 1 month free gymboree class off Groupon.  Anthony took Annie to her first class this past Tuesday.  She got bored with it after the first 30 mins (she already does all of this stuff at Primrose).  So Anthony and Annie played independently for the remainder of the class.  At gymboree there are different obstacle/equipment things to play on ... like balance beams, tunnels, etc.  ((i'm butchering this story...)) So Annie walked down this triangle balance beam and decided she wanted to walk back up it.  When she got to the top of it, she turned around, raised her arms and screamed "Ta-Dah!!!!!" to the whole gym!  

One more funny story: When Annie does something good and wants praise she says "I did it" which I now know she got from me because I constantly say "You did it!".  Well I also am a huge fan of high fives.  I just like them.  So I tell Annie to give me a high five and I tell her she is awesome. Last night in the bathtub she is just chit chatting with herself and her toys and I hear her say "I'm awesome".  Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.  Perfection.

the morrow buckaroo

the ole kitty is going to be a mom next month...  my does time fly ... and so we are making the trip down to nola this weekend celebrate the coming arrival of the little buckaroo.  can't wait to see her belly and give her some good loving.  the shower is cowboy themed.  doesn't that sound darling?  it will be with Jess as the captain!

so i'm heading home a little early to pack and get everything together.

happy friday.  

hello 2012!

I'm so happy to back at work.  Never thought I would say that.... but I am.  Happy to be back into a normal routine.  Happy to be productive.  It is the rhythm of life. We need it. Annie didn't like being dropped off at school today.  But I know she is happy to be back with her friends and routine and fun things they do at school.

I feel like she has changed so much just over the holidays.  She is growing too fast.  She is now putting an inflection at the end of her sentences when she is asking a question.  I don't know if it is the first time I noticing it, but Anthony and I were very impressed.  Ha.  She is mega mega into babies and role playing.   Like princess dress and purse bringing her babies to a tea party.  Big time into tea parties.  I never did tea parties when I was a child.  I just wasn't into them.  I didn't get it.  I used to pretend to have a pizza shop with my friend, Sarah... So whatevs.  Princesses have tea parties I guess.  And she changes her babies diapers and changes there clothes.  It's too much.

We had a good new year at the beach.  So many babies you just didn't know what to do.  I was very impressed with Galveston.  What a great 1.5 hour drive get-away!
And now it is resolution time.  Which to me means being healthy inside and out.  Living simple. Putting family first.  Possibly adding to my family.  And just being a better person all around.  One day and task at a time.  First things first is ORGANIZING my house and life!  More on that tomorrow on The Little Crane.  I'm assuming my 10 readers are also following TLC... right?  Well if not, please go follow the blog and buy clothes and support my besties.  K? K!

Here are few pics from NYE Galvy