Day 6, Monday: If you couldn't answer with your job,
how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?
I don't have an actual 'job'. I am a stay at home mom. I play, clean, teach, love, provide, transport, clothe, bathe, feed, encourage, discipline and nurture two little boys and little old doggies. All day, everyday. I don't get much time to myself. Paying a babysitter so I can go to the yearly doctor appointments makes me excited because I get to drive in the car alone and sit the doctors office waiting room ALONE. On the other hand, I am never alone. I get to be with my little guys all the time---how freaking lucky am I? What I 'do' is exactly what I need to be doing at this stage of my life--and for that, I am very lucky and blessed. (Note to self - reread after the 857th time during the day that I swear my children have been abducted and replaced with children clearly raised by wolves)
Day 7,
Tuesday: The thing(s) you're most afraid
of
Death. Losing loved ones. The memories of these days with the boys fading--I want to be remember to look back and see these little faces this little forever.
Day 8, Wednesday: A piece of advice you have for others.
Anything at all.
Totally cliché, but totally true-- Count your blessings. Everyday, count them. Remembering the positives helps in every situation. Get to counting!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Attempting to make up for being 23 days behind in this challenge...
For never living there or really spending an extended amount of time there... I know a lot about NYC. When reading other blogs by gals that live there, watching RHONY or Million Dollar Listing Manhattan (if you don't watch Bravo.... I don't think we would get along.... ;) ) and seeing clips of the city--I often know where they are and I could probably tell you how to get there either walking or by subway. Having a pied-à-terre is my biggest fantasy. Win the lottery-- I know the first thing I would do (after taking care of my family and dearest friends, of course) would be to buy a pied-à-terre. I believe I would buy one on the Upper West Side. While I would like to think that I am cool enough to live downtown--I am not. And, while I would like to think that having all that money (remember, I won the lottery) would allow me to fit in seamlessly in the Upper East Side-- I would not. I know exactly where they boys and I would spend my days, where we would eat, play and hang out. I know exactly where I would walk Ace & Wyatt in central park. I also just know that Kelly Ripa,Andy Cohen and of course, SJP, would welcome me into their circle of coolness (even though they are cool enough to live downtown and I would be all the way up on the Upper West....).
I know a lot about NYC and I am good at daydreaming (or as my husband would call it - bullshit. :)
Day 3, Friday: Things that make you uncomfortable.
Obviously--death, abuse, drugs.. rank among the things that make me MOST uncomfortable, but don't they make everyone uncomfortable? Other than the typical subjects that makes one uncomfortable-- I tend to get uncomfortable while watching TV and have to fast forward the DVR. Shows like the Bachelor, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars--reality television--often makes me uncomfortable because some of the people just totally embarrass themselves and I feel so sorry for them. The general people unscripted with a camera in front of them is usually just bad news. This causes a conflict with Brian. I think he lives for the moments when people make an ass out of themselves. He doesn't want any part of it fast forwarded so I usually just sit there and cringe. Another TV related aspect of being uncomfortable--when someone loses. Super Bowl--Big Ten Championship game (OH--IO)... I turn it off or walk away. I feel too sorry for the losers. I know, I am loser... whatevs.
Day 4, Saturday: Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it
My favorite, but there are many quotes to love.
This one has a special in my life after all of the miscarriages
it's just the right thing to do.
I could go on and on......last one.
ok....this is the last one. ;)
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Trying again.
I am starting this challenge about 23 days late. Seems appropriate for me. Here goes nothing.
Day 1, The story of your life in 250 words or less (or one paragraph... no one will be counting your words... probably).
Born in the fall and a huge lover of all things fall. Proud natural redhead. I have awesome parents, seriously awesome. I am more than lucky to be their daughter. My sister is 15 years older than me and she is the coolest. My mom and sister have aged very gracefully, I pray to be that lucky. My childhood friends, college friends, Cleveland-Michigan-Boston friends and my Cincinnati friends mean the world to me. Though, my dogs, Wyatt and Ace, are honestly my best friends. They have been my best friends on my worst days and are rarely more than a foot away from me. I married the only guy that I told my mom I would marry someday (I was 16 and he was 18 when I said that). We will celebrate 10 years this July. It's been a thrilling, challenging, exciting, happy, scary, overwhelming, awesome ride. After a 4 year struggle with miscarriages---we became parents. I am the mom to two little boys, Jack & Matt. They are our world. I have a Master's degree in school counseling and while I know that I as a professional career it is my dream job.... the job I have currently is one million times more important and fulfilling. I am a stay at home and there is nothing I am more proud of than my family.
Day 1, The story of your life in 250 words or less (or one paragraph... no one will be counting your words... probably).
Born in the fall and a huge lover of all things fall. Proud natural redhead. I have awesome parents, seriously awesome. I am more than lucky to be their daughter. My sister is 15 years older than me and she is the coolest. My mom and sister have aged very gracefully, I pray to be that lucky. My childhood friends, college friends, Cleveland-Michigan-Boston friends and my Cincinnati friends mean the world to me. Though, my dogs, Wyatt and Ace, are honestly my best friends. They have been my best friends on my worst days and are rarely more than a foot away from me. I married the only guy that I told my mom I would marry someday (I was 16 and he was 18 when I said that). We will celebrate 10 years this July. It's been a thrilling, challenging, exciting, happy, scary, overwhelming, awesome ride. After a 4 year struggle with miscarriages---we became parents. I am the mom to two little boys, Jack & Matt. They are our world. I have a Master's degree in school counseling and while I know that I as a professional career it is my dream job.... the job I have currently is one million times more important and fulfilling. I am a stay at home and there is nothing I am more proud of than my family.
Monday, October 15, 2012
happy
Being happy with the present is one thing that I strive for. It wasn't always easy to do. For about the past 5 years we lived in a state of temporary. Living in Michigan was temporary. Living in Boston was temporary. I was extremely happy in Michigan. We couldn't have had more fun or have met more fantastic people. It was a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. Living in Boston was overwhelming at times, but cool. I have zero regrets that we moved there. It was clearly good for my fertility.... Boston is where we became parents and for that, it was also a 10. While all good. Temporary. You know you will one day leave your friends, grocery store, favorite restaurant, etc..... It causes anxiety to think about when and where we move. It made me sad to think about those that we left behind. It always feels really good to just enjoy where you and what you have at the present time. Be thankful. Be at peace. Be happy.
These words really sang to me. It's true. It's good stuff.
These words really sang to me. It's true. It's good stuff.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Jack
Jack,
You are over 2 1/2, but I wanted to write to you when you turned 2 1/2 so here goes.
Can I just tell you that at this rate I think you are going to be way smarter than me by kindergarten? My love, you are smart. Sometimes you say things and your Dad and I look at each other like, what?! To be fair, we do read to you like our life depends on it, but because you love it. If we get 6 books to read to you and you seem tired after 5, you remind us that we still have one more book to read. We only have to tell you one time what something is and then you can tell us. It might be a week later and we'll be looking a page and you will tell us, "that's an octagon". The other day you counted to 5 in Spanish. Then counted backwards from 10. Unprompted, and I have never counted backwards with you. Your little brain never stops.
I absolutely adore you. You are so very sweet. You give me a hug and kiss every morning and ask me how I slept. You kiss your brother 3 hundred times a day and will do anything to make him laugh. He adores you. I love it how you still snuggle in at naptime for stories. I love it that recently I was crying about something that happened to Ace and you came running in to 'kiss it and make it all better'.
You LOVE preschool. You know every turn I need to make to get us there. When we are driving there you will tell me... "this way..." and point right or left. When you finally see the building...you start clapping and laughing. Walking you to your door is one of my biggest joys. I am forever grateful to be able to take you and pick you up every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Your teachers are Mrs. Debbie and Mrs. Leann. Charlie is your buddy and you know every classmates name. We are so proud of you. I also love that you hug me when I pick up and kiss "baby Matt".
I can't begin to explain your love for Dora the Explorer. You ask to watch Dora all day. I let you watch 2-3 episodes and when I start it, you get SO EXCITED. I love how you say Dora. I can feel your excitement.
You LOVE anything with wheels. Trucks. Cars. Trains. Construction vehicles.... I think you've already put about 1,000 miles on your matchbox cars. Good Night, Good Night Construction Site is your favorite book.
You've become a picker eater than I would like, but you are very good about eating healthy things so I can't really complain. You love eggs, all fruit, cheese, hummus, greek yogurt and fruit snacks. You also really like ice cream. You are my child. :)
While you are wonderful in my eyes.... you must also know that you can drive me insane sometimes. You have a wild side. You can be loud. You don't always listen the first time or second. You almost always do by the third, but sometimes I just wish you would listen the first time. You can be stubborn about your socks (of all things...). You have dump truck socks and you freak if you have to take them off....you've even watched them go around in the washer and then go running when you hear the ding of the dryer ending to get them. You are two. You are not terrible, but you are two and slightly challenging at times. It's okay, it's what I signed up for.
A few weeks ago you told us that you think your balloon went to China. You told me that your train was broken and it needed batteries. Then went to where we keep the batteries, got two and told me you needed a screwdriver..... We passed a tire store the other day and you told me that all those cars were on risers getting new tires.
I love you sweetheart. I cannot wait to see what you are up to by your 3rd birthday.
Stay sweet. Stay innocent. And, please...stay happy.
xo,
Mom
You are over 2 1/2, but I wanted to write to you when you turned 2 1/2 so here goes.
Can I just tell you that at this rate I think you are going to be way smarter than me by kindergarten? My love, you are smart. Sometimes you say things and your Dad and I look at each other like, what?! To be fair, we do read to you like our life depends on it, but because you love it. If we get 6 books to read to you and you seem tired after 5, you remind us that we still have one more book to read. We only have to tell you one time what something is and then you can tell us. It might be a week later and we'll be looking a page and you will tell us, "that's an octagon". The other day you counted to 5 in Spanish. Then counted backwards from 10. Unprompted, and I have never counted backwards with you. Your little brain never stops.
I absolutely adore you. You are so very sweet. You give me a hug and kiss every morning and ask me how I slept. You kiss your brother 3 hundred times a day and will do anything to make him laugh. He adores you. I love it how you still snuggle in at naptime for stories. I love it that recently I was crying about something that happened to Ace and you came running in to 'kiss it and make it all better'.
You LOVE preschool. You know every turn I need to make to get us there. When we are driving there you will tell me... "this way..." and point right or left. When you finally see the building...you start clapping and laughing. Walking you to your door is one of my biggest joys. I am forever grateful to be able to take you and pick you up every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Your teachers are Mrs. Debbie and Mrs. Leann. Charlie is your buddy and you know every classmates name. We are so proud of you. I also love that you hug me when I pick up and kiss "baby Matt".
I can't begin to explain your love for Dora the Explorer. You ask to watch Dora all day. I let you watch 2-3 episodes and when I start it, you get SO EXCITED. I love how you say Dora. I can feel your excitement.
You LOVE anything with wheels. Trucks. Cars. Trains. Construction vehicles.... I think you've already put about 1,000 miles on your matchbox cars. Good Night, Good Night Construction Site is your favorite book.
You've become a picker eater than I would like, but you are very good about eating healthy things so I can't really complain. You love eggs, all fruit, cheese, hummus, greek yogurt and fruit snacks. You also really like ice cream. You are my child. :)
While you are wonderful in my eyes.... you must also know that you can drive me insane sometimes. You have a wild side. You can be loud. You don't always listen the first time or second. You almost always do by the third, but sometimes I just wish you would listen the first time. You can be stubborn about your socks (of all things...). You have dump truck socks and you freak if you have to take them off....you've even watched them go around in the washer and then go running when you hear the ding of the dryer ending to get them. You are two. You are not terrible, but you are two and slightly challenging at times. It's okay, it's what I signed up for.
A few weeks ago you told us that you think your balloon went to China. You told me that your train was broken and it needed batteries. Then went to where we keep the batteries, got two and told me you needed a screwdriver..... We passed a tire store the other day and you told me that all those cars were on risers getting new tires.
I love you sweetheart. I cannot wait to see what you are up to by your 3rd birthday.
Stay sweet. Stay innocent. And, please...stay happy.
xo,
Mom
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Matt, 6 months
Dear Matt,
You're 6 months old. In one way it does seem like 6 months ago we had you, but in other ways it feels like you've always been a part of this family. Remembering life without you is hard. You continue to be a sweet, sweet baby. Honestly, you've never kept us up all night (you've had a few rough nights, but never ALL night). You smile easily and your laugh is addictive. Jack LOVES to make you laugh. You only cry between bites of food or when your bottle is empty. You've had green beans, peas, carrots, pumpkin, plum, peaches and bananas. You love it all. Your taking a bottle about 4 times day. We went to the doctor today and found out you weigh 23.4 pounds and you are 28 inches long. Off the charts. Your two bottom teeth are trying to break through and it leaves you drooling and wanting to put EVERYTHING in your mouth. You are sitting up all by yourself and you love to play in your jumperoo and with certain toys. Your hair is too much. It's growing in like a mohawk. I sometimes spike it and you look adorable :).
We are in the middle of trying to raise money for Cincinnati Children's Hospital. They have an annual walk and we have a team, Giving Pease a Chance. We are doing a great job raising money and we are so excited to walk with our family and friends to celebrate Cincinnati Childrens and the Little Hearts Institute.
I love you so very much. Life with you, Jack and your daddy is sweet. These days mean the world to me. I am so thankful to spend all day with you and be the one that gets to get up from your naps and see that smile. Can't wait to see what you accomplish this month.
All my love,
Mom
You're 6 months old. In one way it does seem like 6 months ago we had you, but in other ways it feels like you've always been a part of this family. Remembering life without you is hard. You continue to be a sweet, sweet baby. Honestly, you've never kept us up all night (you've had a few rough nights, but never ALL night). You smile easily and your laugh is addictive. Jack LOVES to make you laugh. You only cry between bites of food or when your bottle is empty. You've had green beans, peas, carrots, pumpkin, plum, peaches and bananas. You love it all. Your taking a bottle about 4 times day. We went to the doctor today and found out you weigh 23.4 pounds and you are 28 inches long. Off the charts. Your two bottom teeth are trying to break through and it leaves you drooling and wanting to put EVERYTHING in your mouth. You are sitting up all by yourself and you love to play in your jumperoo and with certain toys. Your hair is too much. It's growing in like a mohawk. I sometimes spike it and you look adorable :).
We are in the middle of trying to raise money for Cincinnati Children's Hospital. They have an annual walk and we have a team, Giving Pease a Chance. We are doing a great job raising money and we are so excited to walk with our family and friends to celebrate Cincinnati Childrens and the Little Hearts Institute.
I love you so very much. Life with you, Jack and your daddy is sweet. These days mean the world to me. I am so thankful to spend all day with you and be the one that gets to get up from your naps and see that smile. Can't wait to see what you accomplish this month.
All my love,
Mom
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
some days...
Some days are better than others....it's this way in everything. School, relationships, motherhood, friendships, everything.... I am having one of those days where everything is just fine. It isn't even a challenging day with the kids..., but I am feeling a little down. For some reason I am missing Boston and our life there. I guess it might be the time of year. I am missing walking around our neighborhood. Fall is the best. I miss Payson Park & Elisabeth. I miss my Perkins. I miss my mama friends and those sweet little babes that I've known since they were a few weeks old. I miss the schedule Brian had there. We had more time together. We had a routine. Here...he works all the time. All the time. It's been a constant chain of events since we moved here and I don't feel like we have our routine yet. We'll get there. We left Boston on my birthday last year...it's almost been a year. It was about this time last year that I found out we where moving back to Ohio. I was thrilled. And, I am happy to be here. Like I said, it's just one of those days....
Ogunquit, Maine...JHP's first birthday
Ogunquit, Maine |
The kiddos almost 2 years old |
Woodstock, VT |
JHP on Acron Street |
Hayride near Crane Beach |
JHP at Skyview Park |
the babes in our great beginnings class about 2 months old |
Maine |
gender reveal via skype--it's a boy! :) |
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