Being a mom to an amazing, absolutley insane and adorable little boy has been the highlight of my life thus far. He can make me smile when nothing is going my way. He can drive me so crazy and then just flash those snaggle teeth and make my heart melt. He has turned me into a person I never imagined I could be. A mom. I have transformed from an organized, young, crazy, cool young adult, to a full fledged working mother who sings "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and points to every car on the high way. I call him names like "my little chunky do" and my "Bubby." Don't ask where I got either of those names...I wouldn't be able to tell you.
Through this almost 16 month journey of having a living creature, that I made and carried, on this earth, I have struggled to not lose myself while becoming a mom. I don't want to judge anyone's parenting tactics or family dynamics but I am trying so hard to continue and keep my friendships strong, my relationship young, and myself sane. The latter is probably the hardest!
My days are non-stop, my nights are chaotic and restless, and my child is sometimes the kid at the park with banana in his hair and blueberry stains on his shirt. I can't do it all and if the worst thing about my day is that I didn't have time to put the dishes in the dishwasher or I didn't feel like fighting my toddler to change his shirt, who fucking cares? It is VERY hard for me to relax and let little things go but I have slowly come to find that in order to maintain myself and keep the Michelle I used to know, I need to let the Mommy in me relax and not try to keep up with the craft making, pinterest pinning, recipe following "super" moms. Maybe I cuss too much, sometimes I might drink too much wine, and when the weather is nice, my child spends way too much time in a running stroller.
Please let me know you struggle as much as I do to be a great Mom but not lose yourself in the process..?!?!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Loser Lunch Table
With competitive, ridiculously stubborn, and obnoxious parents, my poor son doesn't stand a chance. He needs to be fun, popular, and with a perfect quarterback name like Brody, I expect to see his name splashed throughout Sports Center. With a super athletic husband and my high calves, he is bound to be super athletic and cool...right? Of course, in our eyes, at 15 months he is perfect, fit to be king of the town, and will end up being a super star at a Division 1 college where we will tailgate, make great memories, and live vicariously through his fun. No pressure of course!
Well...my "perfect" husband and "perfect" son do share one little not so perfect commonality. They are both allergic to peanut butter. Since the first time my husband took at bite of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich around age one, he broke out in a rash. His mom tried one more time and the reaction worsened so he has never tried the stuff since. Can you imagine going through life without a Reese cup or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? I sure can't.
So, when I told our doctor about my husband’s allergy, she told me to stay away from nuts until after my son turned one. After my sons first birthday, we had him allergy tested and the test came back with very high allergic numbers to nuts. So...we have stayed away from the nut butters in this house. I still indulge in my regular snack of peanut butter and apples but the men...then tend to stick to grilled cheese and waffles. My entire family, Brody's babysitters, and about anyone who will listen to a first time mother ramble, knows that my son has a nut allergy. You can only imagine my shock and freak out when my mom shoved a peanut butter Christmas cookie in my sons mouth last weekend at a party. She blames it on the fact that the cookie was died pink so she didn't realize it was peanut butter. I say, any cookie that has those fork marks and a Hershey's Kiss topper is obviously a peanut butter cookie. I don't care what fucking color it is. After I flipped out and watched my sons lips swell up like Will Smith's on the movie Hitch, I poured Benadryl down his throat and within 45 minutes, the lips were back to normal. What a scary situation.
The next day was Christmas Eve so I explained the entire scenario to my family. As I shared the story and the fact that Brody IS allergic to peanut butter, my middle school aged cousin just looked at me with a "sucks to be you" look on his face. "What Aiden??" I questioned, knowing he had something to say. "Well," he said "Brody is going to have to sit at the loser lunch table. The kids with food allergies have a separate lunch table and it's really pathetic and there is only like one or two of them there. It sucks." WHAT?? Not my son. The quarterback of the football team. He sits at the cool lunch table. WTF are you talking about??
Apparently, with all the food allergies out there today, there are now segregated lunch tables in schools. Let me tell you...this did not make me happy. I walked right into his 15 month doctors well visit today and flat out asked my pediatrician if my son was going to sit at the loser lunch table and what I could do about this. I'm sure she already thinks I'm insane since when she asked me if he was walking/climbing I responded "Yes, he's a fucking crazy man." I used the F word at the pediatricians’ office. Don't judge me until you're a mental working mom with a 15 month old son who literally doesn't stop moving, pulling hair, smacking, laughing at you, or trying to climb on and jump off furniture.
So...as I drag this post on and on, let me get to the point. My perfect, insanely popular, athletic, and desirable son might have to sit at the loser lunch table one day. Soak that in people, because it is not an easy thing for this pushy, mental mom to digest.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Well Hello Vegas...It's About Time We've Met
If I haven't made it blatenly obvious already, let me spell it out for you. I love to party. I literally smile when I think about getting dressed up, heading to the bar, dancing and having a great time. It has been really hard for me to totally adjust my life to the fact that this "party" side is never going to be what it was now that little Brody is running the show. Don't get me wrong, I am in LOVE with my son and wouldn't trade it for any amount of vodka sodas or techno clubs but...a mom still needs to get her fun in.
Because of my love for lavish cocktails and late night dancing, it may be surprising to hear that until a few weeks ago...I was a Vegas Virgin. There is no rhyme or reason as to why I haven't travelled the less than five hours on Southwest to get to that gorgeous, sinful city. It just hasn't happened. So...when my work asked me to attend a trade show in Vegas, I didn't hesitate. Of course, no trip comes easy anymore with babysitter changes and figuring out a serious schedule with the husband but I was determined to make this happen. After pages of handwritten notes to the hubby (not like he NEEDS them, it just made me feel better) and a quick trip to Forever21 to find some cheap, hoochie dresses, I was on a plane to Vegas.
Yes, this was work related but there are a few people in my work crowd who love cocktails and dancing as much as I do and luckily, they would also be in attendance. After spending the plan ride watching the Hangover (just prepping myself) I got there at what would be 5:00 my time at only 1pm. I had nothing to do for work until 6:30pm that night so I went straight to the hotel, checked in my room, and then took myself and my push-up Vickie's bathing suit to the pool. There, I ordered myself a marg and sat. I did nothing. It was early November, 80 degrees, no humidity, and I didn't have a care in the world.
After a work dinner, we ventured out to the casinos at the Paris hotel. I'm not a big gambler but I watched some of the guys lose their money as me and my super fun and cute counterpart from the Carolinas plotted our way to get over to the new and glamorous Cosmopolitan hotel.
http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/
Because of my love for lavish cocktails and late night dancing, it may be surprising to hear that until a few weeks ago...I was a Vegas Virgin. There is no rhyme or reason as to why I haven't travelled the less than five hours on Southwest to get to that gorgeous, sinful city. It just hasn't happened. So...when my work asked me to attend a trade show in Vegas, I didn't hesitate. Of course, no trip comes easy anymore with babysitter changes and figuring out a serious schedule with the husband but I was determined to make this happen. After pages of handwritten notes to the hubby (not like he NEEDS them, it just made me feel better) and a quick trip to Forever21 to find some cheap, hoochie dresses, I was on a plane to Vegas.
Yes, this was work related but there are a few people in my work crowd who love cocktails and dancing as much as I do and luckily, they would also be in attendance. After spending the plan ride watching the Hangover (just prepping myself) I got there at what would be 5:00 my time at only 1pm. I had nothing to do for work until 6:30pm that night so I went straight to the hotel, checked in my room, and then took myself and my push-up Vickie's bathing suit to the pool. There, I ordered myself a marg and sat. I did nothing. It was early November, 80 degrees, no humidity, and I didn't have a care in the world.
After a work dinner, we ventured out to the casinos at the Paris hotel. I'm not a big gambler but I watched some of the guys lose their money as me and my super fun and cute counterpart from the Carolinas plotted our way to get over to the new and glamorous Cosmopolitan hotel.
http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/
Once we did our team time, we collected the “fun group,” made our escape, and jumped into cabs that jetted us the three quick minutes down the street to “sanctuary.” I had heard this place was where you needed to go to see and be seen. We went to the four story chandelier bar where we sipped on cosmos (DUH!) and watched the hotness of every person in that bar. I started to see lines forming near a side entrance and realized, we were outside a huge club. These lines were intense and these girls were wearing lingerie. LITERALLY. Apparently, it was pajama night and I didn't get the memo. I had to get into this club.
After what seems like hours of eye fucking a big bouncer, he gave me the head nod to come around the side and get in the short line. I grabbed my people, pulled out a credit card, and got us into that club! We spent hours and hours on the rooftop, moving from poolside to techno house club. I was addicted. I could have stayed there all night if I wasn't reminded about our 9:00am meeting the next day.
Needless to say, my first trip to Vegas was amazing and it was for WORK! I’ve already planned a girls trip with my friends for next summer. I’ve gotta get some serious partying in before Brody even thinks about becoming a big brother!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Missing You
There are so many things to update on right now. The successful first birthday of my beautiful baby boy. My husbands new job and the fact that he will actually be in the state of Maryland this week. The fact that I managed to put my blackberry through the washing machine and bang my car into the side of a wall all in the same short week. However...right now I don't want to talk about any of that and none of it seems to matter. Right now, the only thing that is on my mind is that I miss my dad. So much.
Today it has been five years since my dad passed away. Not only was he the funnest, kindest, most loyal, and most memorable person most people have ever met, he was truly an absolutley amazing father. I feel insanely blessed that I grew up with a man who loved me so much worked so hard to give me, my mom, and my sisters anything we ever wanted. He loved me with ever fiber in his body and I will never forget that.
It hurts my heart that my son will never get to know how wonderful and amazing his grandfather was. My dad would have been the absolute best grandfather imaginable. There is no way I will ever be able to explain to Brody how cool and fun and awesome his grandpa "Big Joe" was, but I am sure as hell going to try...
Today it has been five years since my dad passed away. Not only was he the funnest, kindest, most loyal, and most memorable person most people have ever met, he was truly an absolutley amazing father. I feel insanely blessed that I grew up with a man who loved me so much worked so hard to give me, my mom, and my sisters anything we ever wanted. He loved me with ever fiber in his body and I will never forget that.
It hurts my heart that my son will never get to know how wonderful and amazing his grandfather was. My dad would have been the absolute best grandfather imaginable. There is no way I will ever be able to explain to Brody how cool and fun and awesome his grandpa "Big Joe" was, but I am sure as hell going to try...
Saturday, September 17, 2011
You Couldn't Live My Life
One summer during college, I think it was between my junior and senior year, I was busy. I had an internship during the day, worked out with a trainer for about 2 years to prepare for my senior soccer season, and worked at a bar every night as a cocktail waitress. When I was tired, stressed, or felt super busy, my signature phrase would be "You couldn't live my life." I would say this to my parents, aunts, uncles...pretty much anyone who would listen. My dad used to crack up in my face and say "Girl, I would love to live your life. Your life is awesome and easy. You couldn't live MY life."
Well, he was right. I was getting college credits for my internship, I worked out with a trainer for free because we had crushes on each other and would make out, and I spent my nights flirting and drinking beer while I made money. That was as amazing as funfetti cake! It was so simple. If I could turn back the clock I would remind myself how simple and stress free that time really was. Well...fastforward about seven years later and here I am.
My latest blogging hiatus goes to show the immense INSANITY my life has been in. I got a promotion at work (good thing). My husband got a new job (good thing). My son started walking and is all over the place (good thing). However, with all of these good new things in our life, come the craziness. With the more responsibility I have at work, comes more work. My husbands new job is a great career move for him and for our family. The downside, he will be travelling and in training both out of the state and out of the country for the next 6-8 weeks. This means, I'm a crazy, working, "single" mother on Mondays through Fridays and then the hubby comes home on the weekend. Talk about crazy!
While going through all of this, I am still training for the Baltimore half-marathon. The race is in 4 weeks so I'm putting in about 26-28 miles a week. Yes, I put this added stressor on myself but I signed up for this race way before the rest came about. Thank God for Moms and sisters because I wouldn't be able to get through the next few months without them.
The only positive in to this busy lifestyle? I'm five pounds thinner than I was before I got pregnant...Holler!
So...I now have to say... You Couldn't Live My Life!
Well, he was right. I was getting college credits for my internship, I worked out with a trainer for free because we had crushes on each other and would make out, and I spent my nights flirting and drinking beer while I made money. That was as amazing as funfetti cake! It was so simple. If I could turn back the clock I would remind myself how simple and stress free that time really was. Well...fastforward about seven years later and here I am.
My latest blogging hiatus goes to show the immense INSANITY my life has been in. I got a promotion at work (good thing). My husband got a new job (good thing). My son started walking and is all over the place (good thing). However, with all of these good new things in our life, come the craziness. With the more responsibility I have at work, comes more work. My husbands new job is a great career move for him and for our family. The downside, he will be travelling and in training both out of the state and out of the country for the next 6-8 weeks. This means, I'm a crazy, working, "single" mother on Mondays through Fridays and then the hubby comes home on the weekend. Talk about crazy!
While going through all of this, I am still training for the Baltimore half-marathon. The race is in 4 weeks so I'm putting in about 26-28 miles a week. Yes, I put this added stressor on myself but I signed up for this race way before the rest came about. Thank God for Moms and sisters because I wouldn't be able to get through the next few months without them.
The only positive in to this busy lifestyle? I'm five pounds thinner than I was before I got pregnant...Holler!
So...I now have to say... You Couldn't Live My Life!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Beach Baby
My babes and I have taken a slight hietus to relax at the beach, drink beers, bronze our bodies, and just relax. I was very nervous that my first beach get-a-way with a baby would be a disaster. I am used to getting to the beach, getting up by 10am, frying my body in the sand until at least 4pm when it is time to start boozing, bathing, and getting ready for a night out. Things were a bit different this year but mostly, in a good way. Having Brody to laugh at, look at, and play with made our beach days even more entertaining. We are also so lucky to have a big family who loves my son immensely so they jumped at the chance to walk him, take him up for a nap, or let me and the hubby go out for a night of drinking. Seriously, what would I do without the fam?
Brody was obsessed with the water. I mean, a kid named Brody should love the beach, right? If the penis didn't give it away, his attitude and actions scream BOY. This kid was face diving into waves (p.s. he's 10 months old). I am going to have a serious trouble maker and heart breaker on my hands. I'm fine with the heart breaking...I'm not a fan of teenage skanks anyway.
So, without further ado...here are the latest and greatest of my little beach bum
Don't lie to yourself...this is the cutest baby ever. I might not be able to have more kids because there is no way I can dublicate this cuteness.
That's right and hopefully his friends think so in 15 years when he's in high school. I wouldn't mind be the hot mom. Just saying...
Brody was obsessed with the water. I mean, a kid named Brody should love the beach, right? If the penis didn't give it away, his attitude and actions scream BOY. This kid was face diving into waves (p.s. he's 10 months old). I am going to have a serious trouble maker and heart breaker on my hands. I'm fine with the heart breaking...I'm not a fan of teenage skanks anyway.
So, without further ado...here are the latest and greatest of my little beach bum
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Real Housewives??
I have said it once and I'll say it again. I am obsessed with Bravo and the Real Housewives. It doesn't matter which season (even though I have my favorites), I get involved, intertwined, and obsessed with their catty fights, ridiculous lifestyles, and bitchy attitudes. The Real Housewives of NYC is definitley my least favorite. These women just annoy me. I don't have a favorite or even a feeling that I could hang out with one of them for the day and have a great time. This doesn't mean, however, that I don't watch every episode and have an opinion on their every move and attitude.
So...last night while I was straining my tired eyes to stay awake and watch the Reunion Show part 2, I found myself getting irritated. As they went back and forth during the entire show (poor Andy Cohen) bitching and fighting, I was barely paying attention. But then they started getting on Ramona and saying she has a drinking problem. First of all, I will start by saying that I am not a super Ramona fan. She is obnoxious and a little ridiculous but spunky and wants to have fun. Regardless, they showed clips of her and her constant need, love, and demand of pinot grigio. So????? If these women think Ramona has a drinking problem, they themselves have mental problems.
The woman loves her some pinot...so do I. As a matter of fact, I have a big glass of delicious Barefoot Pinot Grigio right now.
http://www.barefootwine.com/
Why can't the woman have a glass (or 4) of wine at social events if she wants to? I don't care if it's 10:00 in the morning or 10:00 at night. If she wants some wine, give her some wine. I expect some type of alcoholic beverage at any event I go to. If I show up somewhere and it's a sober event, I am irritated. I don't care if it's a breakfast, a baby shower, or my grandma's 85th birthday. I demanded alcohol at my baby shower because I said I didn't want everyone else to suffer and be sober just because I had to be. Does this make me an alcoholic? Maybe I love my cocktails because I am a working mom of a 10 month old and my only connection to sanity is the large glass of wine I consume each night. Maybe it's because I actually love the taste of wine and champagne. Or maybe...just maybe, it's because I'm 27 years old and if I want a fucking drink, give me one.
So Ramona, if you want these woman to butt out, just use my favorite phrase...DTMMB. Don't Tell Me My Business. I use this at home, at work, and with friends. If you want wine, pour a glass and shout out DTMMB.
With that, I'm off to finish this wine, finish some work, and start packing for my vacation that starts bright and early Friday morning. I might even drink a mimosa on the way to the beach (the husband will be driving). How do you like me now Jill Zarin?!
So...last night while I was straining my tired eyes to stay awake and watch the Reunion Show part 2, I found myself getting irritated. As they went back and forth during the entire show (poor Andy Cohen) bitching and fighting, I was barely paying attention. But then they started getting on Ramona and saying she has a drinking problem. First of all, I will start by saying that I am not a super Ramona fan. She is obnoxious and a little ridiculous but spunky and wants to have fun. Regardless, they showed clips of her and her constant need, love, and demand of pinot grigio. So????? If these women think Ramona has a drinking problem, they themselves have mental problems.
The woman loves her some pinot...so do I. As a matter of fact, I have a big glass of delicious Barefoot Pinot Grigio right now.
Why can't the woman have a glass (or 4) of wine at social events if she wants to? I don't care if it's 10:00 in the morning or 10:00 at night. If she wants some wine, give her some wine. I expect some type of alcoholic beverage at any event I go to. If I show up somewhere and it's a sober event, I am irritated. I don't care if it's a breakfast, a baby shower, or my grandma's 85th birthday. I demanded alcohol at my baby shower because I said I didn't want everyone else to suffer and be sober just because I had to be. Does this make me an alcoholic? Maybe I love my cocktails because I am a working mom of a 10 month old and my only connection to sanity is the large glass of wine I consume each night. Maybe it's because I actually love the taste of wine and champagne. Or maybe...just maybe, it's because I'm 27 years old and if I want a fucking drink, give me one.
So Ramona, if you want these woman to butt out, just use my favorite phrase...DTMMB. Don't Tell Me My Business. I use this at home, at work, and with friends. If you want wine, pour a glass and shout out DTMMB.
With that, I'm off to finish this wine, finish some work, and start packing for my vacation that starts bright and early Friday morning. I might even drink a mimosa on the way to the beach (the husband will be driving). How do you like me now Jill Zarin?!
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