A Mommy Blog About Raising Men, Not Boys.
RSS

Friday, July 29, 2005

I'm a Mirena Mom - See the Dark Circles?

So I'm finally at the end of an almost 4 week menstrual cycle. I had my Mirena IUD re-inserted several weeks ago, and unlike the first time I had it, I'm enjoying all of the side effects that they list in the fine print.
You know, the ones no one actually gets.
I've had my period for so long that I forgot I had it.
I'm exhausted, despite taking prenatal vitamins and iron it's been an amazing drain on my body for this to go on so long. I've taken advantage of my boss being on vacation to roll into work late every day this week, catching an extra hour of sleep every morning.
But I've got to get it together for next week.
It's pretty sad when you are so exhausted that no amount of coffee will snap you out of it. I liken it to when I brought the twins home. That sort of exhaustion that is soul sapping.

Post Script:
What I thought was the end was merely a pause. Vive La Kotex.

I'm a Mirena Mom - See the Dark Circles?

So I'm finally at the end of an almost 4 week menstrual cycle. I had my Mirena IUD re-inserted several weeks ago, and unlike the first time I had it, I'm enjoying all of the side effects that they list in the fine print.
You know, the ones no one actually gets.
I've had my period for so long that I forgot I had it.
I'm exhausted, despite taking prenatal vitamins and iron it's been an amazing drain on my body for this to go on so long. I've taken advantage of my boss being on vacation to roll into work late every day this week, catching an extra hour of sleep every morning.
But I've got to get it together for next week.
It's pretty sad when you are so exhausted that no amount of coffee will snap you out of it. I liken it to when I brought the twins home. That sort of exhaustion that is soul sapping.

Post Script:
What I thought was the end was merely a pause. Vive La Kotex.

Saturday, July 23, 2005

Off for a Mickey Wedding

We're off to a Disney Wedding of my Friend Kristine. She's having a fun improptu Wedding at the Magic Kingdom just somewhere in the park. I'm excited for her she moved to FLA for this guy and they are really great together. I really liked him a lot when I met him, he's very smart and pretty laid back and funny. So it'll be great to see them get married.
And of course Louis is excited that we're off to his favorite place.

Last night Louis and I took in DRAGON TALES LIVE! Woohoo baby we rocked the house on that one, let me tell you. Lou hit the motherlode on souvenirs and for dinner his specific request was a hot dog, a popcorn and a GREAT BIG COKE.

It was a hoot.

Well more from Disney when we return.

Off for a Mickey Wedding

We're off to a Disney Wedding of my Friend Kristine. She's having a fun improptu Wedding at the Magic Kingdom just somewhere in the park. I'm excited for her she moved to FLA for this guy and they are really great together. I really liked him a lot when I met him, he's very smart and pretty laid back and funny. So it'll be great to see them get married.
And of course Louis is excited that we're off to his favorite place.

Last night Louis and I took in DRAGON TALES LIVE! Woohoo baby we rocked the house on that one, let me tell you. Lou hit the motherlode on souvenirs and for dinner his specific request was a hot dog, a popcorn and a GREAT BIG COKE.

It was a hoot.

Well more from Disney when we return.

Celine Dion - The Shame

Okay so I have to confess, a Celine Dion song made me cry.
Now before you go judging me too harshly, I think I should state in my defense that I didn't know it was Celine Dion. I was flipping channels in the car and this song came on that I thought sounded like some sort of Bizarro World Cher.....and as I'm listening to it I realize it's all about how her life is worthwhile because of what she means to her son - not because of the STUFF she has....and it was very sentimental and sappy and I'm sitting there in the car and crying and I realize oh CRAP it's Celine Dion.
I think the song is called Brand New Day or a New Day Has Begun or something I have no idea as I'm not a fan - but man, I can't believe how touching that song was. I don't know shit she probably didn't even write it but it really was heartfelt - whomever wrote it got it right.

Too bad that damn annoying Celine Dion had to be singing it.

Perhaps Celine Dion IS BIZARRO WORLD Cher!

Celine Dion - The Shame

Okay so I have to confess, a Celine Dion song made me cry.
Now before you go judging me too harshly, I think I should state in my defense that I didn't know it was Celine Dion. I was flipping channels in the car and this song came on that I thought sounded like some sort of Bizarro World Cher.....and as I'm listening to it I realize it's all about how her life is worthwhile because of what she means to her son - not because of the STUFF she has....and it was very sentimental and sappy and I'm sitting there in the car and crying and I realize oh CRAP it's Celine Dion.
I think the song is called Brand New Day or a New Day Has Begun or something I have no idea as I'm not a fan - but man, I can't believe how touching that song was. I don't know shit she probably didn't even write it but it really was heartfelt - whomever wrote it got it right.

Too bad that damn annoying Celine Dion had to be singing it.

Perhaps Celine Dion IS BIZARRO WORLD Cher!

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

New Strategy - BEDTIME WARFARE

I have decided that I will never get Louis into bed at a decent hour.
So I am going a different way.
I refuse to let him go to bed until after 11pm.

He starts begging to go to bed about 10:30, and I say "No, I'm busy, we can't go now." I let that go on for about 10 minutes - and then I say "okay, I guess we can go."

He drops straight off to bed - completely zonks out asleep almost immediately. This works very well vs. fighting with him for two hours when I "want to go to bed early" which never happens.

Here is what happens when I go to bed early.

  • I go into the bedroom.
  • The kids cry.
  • I roll over.
  • The kids cry and yell at each other.
  • Scott yells at them. They stop for a while.
  • More screaming, more crying.
  • I roll over, I look at the clock. Consider getting back up.
  • I drift off.
  • The light comes on, Scott comes in to change them and do the jammie thing - which is expected - it's jammie time.
  • I roll over, the lights go off.
  • More screaming. More crying.
  • I look at the clock, determine not to get up. I will relax, I will sleep.
  • The twins come in and are put into their bed.
  • Miles starts playing with his aquarium - the music thumps from his bed. The lights illuminate his corner.
  • Charlie is hitting the piano at the end of his bed - it says "A. A is for APPLE." Or he kicks on his aquarium, and it plays the same song as Miles, but at a different time. Or a different one if Charlie has messed with it.
  • I roll over, ignore them . Drift off.
  • Louis comes to bed. Immediately pokes me to bring me up to speed on on what happened on Thomas the Tank Engine Today.
  • Louis pokes me, tells me he needs a drink.
  • Louis pokes me, tells me he is scared of a whale.
  • Louis farts. Announces his fart.
  • I look at the clock.
  • It's midnight.

Going to bed early is GREAT.

New Strategy - BEDTIME WARFARE

I have decided that I will never get Louis into bed at a decent hour.
So I am going a different way.
I refuse to let him go to bed until after 11pm.

He starts begging to go to bed about 10:30, and I say "No, I'm busy, we can't go now." I let that go on for about 10 minutes - and then I say "okay, I guess we can go."

He drops straight off to bed - completely zonks out asleep almost immediately. This works very well vs. fighting with him for two hours when I "want to go to bed early" which never happens.

Here is what happens when I go to bed early.

  • I go into the bedroom.
  • The kids cry.
  • I roll over.
  • The kids cry and yell at each other.
  • Scott yells at them. They stop for a while.
  • More screaming, more crying.
  • I roll over, I look at the clock. Consider getting back up.
  • I drift off.
  • The light comes on, Scott comes in to change them and do the jammie thing - which is expected - it's jammie time.
  • I roll over, the lights go off.
  • More screaming. More crying.
  • I look at the clock, determine not to get up. I will relax, I will sleep.
  • The twins come in and are put into their bed.
  • Miles starts playing with his aquarium - the music thumps from his bed. The lights illuminate his corner.
  • Charlie is hitting the piano at the end of his bed - it says "A. A is for APPLE." Or he kicks on his aquarium, and it plays the same song as Miles, but at a different time. Or a different one if Charlie has messed with it.
  • I roll over, ignore them . Drift off.
  • Louis comes to bed. Immediately pokes me to bring me up to speed on on what happened on Thomas the Tank Engine Today.
  • Louis pokes me, tells me he needs a drink.
  • Louis pokes me, tells me he is scared of a whale.
  • Louis farts. Announces his fart.
  • I look at the clock.
  • It's midnight.

Going to bed early is GREAT.

Monday, July 18, 2005

Great Quotes from the McNeal Family

From Scott:
  • Louis! Stop coloring on that good book with a carrot! We do not color on good books with carrots!
  • Don't say we don't eat poop! I mean, we don't SAY we don't eat poop, it's a rude thing to say. Don't talk about poop!
  • Hey guys, can anybody come to this party? (that one was said to the twins one afternoon when they were supposed to be sleeping.....)

From Louis:

  • I can't tell the truth mom.
  • Oh look, that baby has such a cute penis.
  • Mom that lady is pooping, it stinks.
  • Don't clean my penis (shouted on the changing table at the mall)

And a family quotable.

At dinner at a questionable Chinese Buffet:

  • Bridgette: Stomach rumbling, "ugh...."
  • Scott: Oh hey, I don't feel so good.....
  • Louis: I Pooped!

Great Quotes from the McNeal Family

From Scott:
  • Louis! Stop coloring on that good book with a carrot! We do not color on good books with carrots!
  • Don't say we don't eat poop! I mean, we don't SAY we don't eat poop, it's a rude thing to say. Don't talk about poop!
  • Hey guys, can anybody come to this party? (that one was said to the twins one afternoon when they were supposed to be sleeping.....)

From Louis:

  • I can't tell the truth mom.
  • Oh look, that baby has such a cute penis.
  • Mom that lady is pooping, it stinks.
  • Don't clean my penis (shouted on the changing table at the mall)

And a family quotable.

At dinner at a questionable Chinese Buffet:

  • Bridgette: Stomach rumbling, "ugh...."
  • Scott: Oh hey, I don't feel so good.....
  • Louis: I Pooped!

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Walking with a Ring on My Foot

So we have one of the Fisher Price Ring Stacker deals. You've seen them, the rings are bright colors and they are graduated in size, from big to little, and the go on this little pole thing that sits on a rocking base. You've seen them, every kid on earth has one.
Well, Miles has figured out that the blue ring fits perfectly around his ankle. He goes over and steps into it, then runs around the playpen doing this bizarre dance with it. Like it's an accessory. But then he gets upset because he wants it off. And we have to go take it off of him.
It's very strange.
And I would like to confirm a children's programming note. Although I was skeptical TO THE POINT of believing it to be a prank, my friend Sarah was right.....
You CAN see the buttholes of all of the animals on 64 Zoo lane.
All of them.

It's just wrong.

Walking with a Ring on My Foot

So we have one of the Fisher Price Ring Stacker deals. You've seen them, the rings are bright colors and they are graduated in size, from big to little, and the go on this little pole thing that sits on a rocking base. You've seen them, every kid on earth has one.
Well, Miles has figured out that the blue ring fits perfectly around his ankle. He goes over and steps into it, then runs around the playpen doing this bizarre dance with it. Like it's an accessory. But then he gets upset because he wants it off. And we have to go take it off of him.
It's very strange.
And I would like to confirm a children's programming note. Although I was skeptical TO THE POINT of believing it to be a prank, my friend Sarah was right.....
You CAN see the buttholes of all of the animals on 64 Zoo lane.
All of them.

It's just wrong.

Hurricane Dennis - Tampa Survives Again

So we survived another one. Hurricane Dennis took it's track on out to the Gulf and left us the hell alone. Which was awesome.
I am bored with Hurricanes already.

Hurricane Dennis - Tampa Survives Again

So we survived another one. Hurricane Dennis took it's track on out to the Gulf and left us the hell alone. Which was awesome.
I am bored with Hurricanes already.

Saturday, July 09, 2005

GNATS To you

So we have some massive GNAT infestation going on. We think they came in with some fruit - Louis is a big banana guy when it come to breakfast, gotta have a banana. But suddenly they are EVERYWHERE. Scott did some research (he says that they are fruit flies not gnats but whatever) and now he's been putting amonia down the pipes at night (apparently this is where they lay their eggs) and he has bowls of redwine vinegar + Dawn sitting around everywhere. The redwine vinegar is a trap, they get stuck in it and die. So far it seems to be working - there are four dead in the kitchen bowl and three in the bathroom. Not a bad start.
Also - I've been very troubled lately by my friend Sarah's assertation that she can see the buttholes on 64 Zoo Lane.

I cannot see the buttholes - I am concerned Sarah has a serious butthole fetish and needs help.

Heehee. Just kidding.

But I couldn't see them!

GNATS To you

So we have some massive GNAT infestation going on. We think they came in with some fruit - Louis is a big banana guy when it come to breakfast, gotta have a banana. But suddenly they are EVERYWHERE. Scott did some research (he says that they are fruit flies not gnats but whatever) and now he's been putting amonia down the pipes at night (apparently this is where they lay their eggs) and he has bowls of redwine vinegar + Dawn sitting around everywhere. The redwine vinegar is a trap, they get stuck in it and die. So far it seems to be working - there are four dead in the kitchen bowl and three in the bathroom. Not a bad start.
Also - I've been very troubled lately by my friend Sarah's assertation that she can see the buttholes on 64 Zoo Lane.

I cannot see the buttholes - I am concerned Sarah has a serious butthole fetish and needs help.

Heehee. Just kidding.

But I couldn't see them!

Thursday, July 07, 2005

She's so Bootylicious Baby....

So for the past two years, I have observed a booty call taking place every weekend out my back window (my kitchen window - to be exact). Every weekend on Saturday night a black SUV parks behind my window, and every Sunday morning she goes down to her car - he follows, they smooch and talk and smooch and talk and then she leaves. But something has changed! Can it be love?
First she got herself a NEW SUV and this one is a Lexus in a snappy tan color (kind of pearlized so it looks different shades).
Second - she was here all weekend, and now she's here in the MIDDLE of the week.

I think this booty call may have turned into a relationship.

Vicariously living through others.......

She's so Bootylicious Baby....

So for the past two years, I have observed a booty call taking place every weekend out my back window (my kitchen window - to be exact). Every weekend on Saturday night a black SUV parks behind my window, and every Sunday morning she goes down to her car - he follows, they smooch and talk and smooch and talk and then she leaves. But something has changed! Can it be love?
First she got herself a NEW SUV and this one is a Lexus in a snappy tan color (kind of pearlized so it looks different shades).
Second - she was here all weekend, and now she's here in the MIDDLE of the week.

I think this booty call may have turned into a relationship.

Vicariously living through others.......

Monday, July 04, 2005

SIMS2 - Yes it's an Addiction

So I'm playing Sims2 every weekend like a maniac - I love this damn game. I'm not sure why, but it's fun and I can do it AND watch the kids (ok I forgot to pause yesterday while changing diapers and there was this massive housefire during a party and like 10 party guests died.......oooops) but mostly I can do it while watching the kids.
My new thing is that I'm building real houses based on real floor plans. I've built one out of Better Homes and Gardens, one out of "NEWTAMPA HOMES" which was actually a condo but I made it a house, and I'm going to build a cottage out of THISOLDHOUSE magazine today.

It's sort of a weird hobby, because I think I like building the houses more than playing with the people.

SIMS2 - Yes it's an Addiction

So I'm playing Sims2 every weekend like a maniac - I love this damn game. I'm not sure why, but it's fun and I can do it AND watch the kids (ok I forgot to pause yesterday while changing diapers and there was this massive housefire during a party and like 10 party guests died.......oooops) but mostly I can do it while watching the kids.
My new thing is that I'm building real houses based on real floor plans. I've built one out of Better Homes and Gardens, one out of "NEWTAMPA HOMES" which was actually a condo but I made it a house, and I'm going to build a cottage out of THISOLDHOUSE magazine today.

It's sort of a weird hobby, because I think I like building the houses more than playing with the people.

Cholesterol of the EYES

So I went to get an eye exam on Saturday. I haven't had one in about 4 years or so.....it's been forever.
The eye doctor informs me he sees deposits of CHOLESTEROL IN MY EYES! What the fuh-hell? I mean, seriously, WHAT? Is this for real? He told me to go get a physical. I have one scheduled, actually - for Thursday. But I am freaked out. I have always had really low cholesterol - however my paternal grandmother had REALLY HIGH - so hell.

My DNA may have caught up with me.

In other related news, I got some cool glasses that have an orange frame!

Cholesterol of the EYES

So I went to get an eye exam on Saturday. I haven't had one in about 4 years or so.....it's been forever.
The eye doctor informs me he sees deposits of CHOLESTEROL IN MY EYES! What the fuh-hell? I mean, seriously, WHAT? Is this for real? He told me to go get a physical. I have one scheduled, actually - for Thursday. But I am freaked out. I have always had really low cholesterol - however my paternal grandmother had REALLY HIGH - so hell.

My DNA may have caught up with me.

In other related news, I got some cool glasses that have an orange frame!

Sunday, July 03, 2005

Cholesterol of the EYES

So I went to get an eye exam on Saturday. I haven't had one in about 4 years or so.....it's been forever.
The eye doctor informs me he sees deposits of CHOLESTEROL IN MY EYES! What the fuh-hell? I mean, seriously, WHAT? Is this for real? He told me to go get a physical. I have one scheduled, actually - for Thursday. But I am freaked out. I have always had really low cholesterol - however my paternal grandmother had REALLY HIGH - so hell.

My DNA may have caught up with me.

In other related news, I got some cool glasses that have an orange frame!

Cholesterol of the EYES

So I went to get an eye exam on Saturday. I haven't had one in about 4 years or so.....it's been forever.
The eye doctor informs me he sees deposits of CHOLESTEROL IN MY EYES! What the fuh-hell? I mean, seriously, WHAT? Is this for real? He told me to go get a physical. I have one scheduled, actually - for Thursday. But I am freaked out. I have always had really low cholesterol - however my paternal grandmother had REALLY HIGH - so hell.

My DNA may have caught up with me.

In other related news, I got some cool glasses that have an orange frame!