From This to That

So...I had a great idea for a post a week ago. Unfortunately, like the planes over my house, the idea flew past me two minutes after it arrived. Rather than wait on another strike of inspiration, I thought I'd put together a random list of things for you. All kinds of things. A cornucopia of thoughts, if you will. Happy Friday!

1. The Mom of the Year nominations keep rolling in. Okay, I know every kid gets into things/gets hurt. But sometimes they manage to cluster those things into a few day span. It's quite humbling what a mom can fail to prevent, even under close surveillance. A sampling: iInjury. It's an injury to the eye caused by an iDevice (in this case an iPad. Falling from a speaker. Because someone yanked the cord.) Oops. It has almost healed. In the meantime, the gash reminds me daily of the dangers of listening to uptempo bluegrass.  Next up: Soapatizer. This was my first encounter with the Poison Control hotline. I hope it's my last for a very long time. She's fine, and it wasn't a toxic substance. Can't blame her...who doesn't like a little Palmolive before dinner?? Side note, it would have been a bigger deal had I purchased anything but the original formula. 
2. It's Fall. Starbucks, as us Americans know, officially kicks off the season with the return of the pumpkin spice latte (psl for those in the know). I got mine Day 2. Even the beer companies follow the lead of Starbucks. Immediately after PSL returned, pumpkin beer flooded the store shelves. Also, fall TV returns, football kicked off, and tourists stopped crowding the Carolina beaches. See? Starbucks started it all. I couldn't be happier to kick summer to the curb.
3. Except I'm Celebrating Summer for One More Week. For months, one of my best friends, my mother, and my inlaws have been planning for a weeklong retreat to the beach. It starts this weekend. Hard to believe it's finally here. Which means our week of packing and prep is in full swing. Work really hard for a week to get ready, travel with a pre-toddler (joy!), and unpack/stock pantry/get distance from whoever you rode with leads to a much-deserved week of relaxation. Except we are bringing babies. Oops. At least we'll be entertained!
4. Ready to Read a Good Book. Any suggestions? Normally, I have one (or three) lined up for a beach trip. But, I'm guessing the only reading I'll get done is works by Eric Carle. And, let's be honest, by now it's just reciting. And rewriting.
5. A Year Old. Hayley has just one month and four days left in the months-old crowd before she joins the year-old ranks. I guess I'll be party planning at the beach!
6. Speaking of Parties...My summer consisted of party planning, hosting, throwing, and attending. I think I'll do a mini series for the blog of some of the highlights. It was super fun. And super exhausting. Turns out, things I used to do easily are a bit tougher to do while (literally) chasing around a walking kiddo. On the bright side, I can not only chew gum and walk, I can also make banners, write notes, send emails, and assemble favors while walking.
7. For Your Viewing Pleasure. Here's a photo from a past beach trip.

This is actually from Tybee, but I love beach sunrises.

Have a great weekend!
 
        



From Then to Now

It was 10 years ago this week (early June) that I graduated high school. Which means it's about three weeks shy of being my 10 year anniversary in North Carolina. Because once I left, I didn't go back, save for the occasional family/friend visit. It's funny to think how some days the decision between jam or syrup on waffles will stump me for an hour, but the decision to move to this state was as easy as knowing either way, butter goes on the waffles first. Since my blog is inspired by the transitions in my life, I figured this particular transition, one which truly changed the direction of my life, was due a post. So let's take a look and then and now.

Then
I was in a serious relationship and was convinced everyone had a person meant for them.

Now
I'm married to someone who knows as well as I do that relationships are serious work. Not at all like the stuff Nicholas Sparks portrays in his novels. More like the slogan for Lowe's: Let's Build Something Together. But, the payoff with this view is that much greater.

Side note: I am clutching this piece of delicious cake because it was one of the only things I got to eat that day. Don't worry, I had plenty of liquids.

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Then
I drove a sweet ride. (Don't laugh. I was a teenager, it was paid for, and I had friends who drove much worse vehicles).

Now
I cruise in a mommy mobile. At least it's still adventure-based (according to Subaru's convincing messaging).

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Then

I knew I'd get my bachelor's degree and a great job. End of story.

 

Now        

I have my bachelor's, my master's, and I work for an 8 month old. And I love it.

 

 

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Then

I had good friends, and I loved Friends.

Now

I have strengthened friendships, gained some great new ones, reconnected with a best one, and I still love Friends. But it does sting a little to see it on Nick at Night (when did it replace Happy Days???).

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Then

I had no idea about Facebook and barely used email. I didn't drink coffee, sip wine, or know anything about teething.

Now 

Ha

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Then

I loved writing and had aspirations of having an audience one day.

Now

Thanks for reading!

From Jar to Kitchen

So I received this book from my baby registry (what seems like eons ago). Cooking for baby sounds like a great idea, but it also sounds a bit too Martha-y for my mommy style. Until recently. I have been doing some introspective analysis (fancy phrase...translation: thinking about me) and realized I need more creative outlets. Although lately I have been questioning the amount of projects I have agreed to this year, I realize most of them I accepted and volunteered for because of their appeal to my creativity. Babies are fun, but all this routine stuff can really be a downer for a girl who used to thrive on only one routine: lack of routine.

So even though I feel like I never have any time, I realize I made time every week to watch The Voice. Now that the show is over for awhile, I know I have at least two hours a week to do something else. Now...what to do??

I have really been struggling with Hayley's meals. She does great and eats everything but peas (who can blame her?). But, I feel the urge to begin giving her more balanced meals and introduce meats. I take issue in feeding her meat from a jar. Mostly because I force myself to sample all her foods, and I don't want to eat meat from a jar. Enter the stroke of genius to start using my baby cookbook. I love cooking. She loves food. I have two extra hours a week. What could go wrong?

Rather than napping or relaxing during the oh-so-cherished morning nap, I busied myself with planning, scheming, preparing, and cooking some actually delicious "real" baby food. Minced pear with pork, nutmeg, and sweet potatoes. Pureed Chicken Parmesan leftovers from last night (sans parmesan). Turkey with cinnamon apples and pumpkin. Yum. Even made the kitchen smell delicious. The hardest parts were waiting for lunchtime and deciding what to serve. I felt like a kid myself on Christmas morning. 11:30, she wakes. I am feeling like a total rockstar momma. Or Martha. Maybe a rockstar Martha.

Any experienced parent can probably guess where this is headed. Did you notice a word I used too much in this whole idea? I.

First up, pork with pear and sweet potato. I pureed it some, thinning with homemade baby stock (don't fret, it isn't made from a baby). Drumroll, please...

 
Not what you would call an overwhelming success. In fact, my child actually refused food.

Well maybe she wants a bit more flavor. Let's try the leftovers from grown-up dinner last night. Chicken Parm without the Parm:

No go. Though, to be fair, the face was less of disgust and more of uncertainty with this one.

Another stroke of desperation genius: Make fun shapes from the pureed food and let her self-feed. All food is better when eaten with fingers. So the chicken parm puree became tiny chicken parm meatballs. And...

 

 

 

It worked. Back to feeling like a rockstar. Turns out, she is my kid after all. She isn't picky about flavors. She is picky about texture. Like her momma. I have a long-sworn hatred of cottage cheese, steamed oysters, pulpy orange juice, and other such "foods".

Summary: I haven't given up. I think she is ready to start on more "real" food, especially at the biggie meals like lunch and dinner. Finger foods (even those not really meant for fingers) seem to do the best. The baby experiment continues...

Confessions

Ever have one of those days where you just want to spill your guts to someone? Those times where you actually don't want to have a conversation; you just want a captive audience. No? Just me? Well, you can guess where this post is headed so if you came expecting to read something insightful, forget about it for today. Today I am going to be selfish and blurt out some confessions and thoughts to a blank screen. And maybe it will make someone else feel a little less selfish for wanting to do the same thing. Or, at least, that's what I will tell myself. Here goes.

• Sometimes I think I only work out so I can eat junk food that day and feel less guilty. Hello Friday.
• I love playing with my girl, but there are days where I count the minutes until naptime. Those are usually the days where Karma calls in the No Nap Ninja. Ever had a visit from that guy? He's delightful.
• One of the hardest things about being a mom and staying home is following routines. I despise them. I guess you would call this me being stretched for growth. So far, no luck.
• Another reason I am not a workout fanatic is because of this resistance to routine. I like the feeling post-workout, but I truly hate doing the same thing every day. Which is a bit ironic, since I do drink coffee everyday while checking email and Facebook. Hmmm.
• I talk to myself while I cook (I also do this other times, but let's focus). I have always pretended I am hosting a cooking show, even when I was little and "cooked" with a microwave. I also used my mom's cookbooks for pretend school (my brother was the lucky student). I have no idea where this came from. If nothing else, narrating my day or my cooking was not a mom adjustment I had to make. I talk outloud whether Hayley is around or not. (I think I hear them coming with the straight jacket.)
• Since it's almost summer and since I rarely get to drink coffee while it's hot anyway, I've given up and started making iced coffee. And I almost like it better. Jumping on the iced coffee bandwagon.
• I hate keeping secrets. (Gosh, I bet this is shocking considering the post topic.) I will keep secrets for a friend, but that leaves very little room for mine. So I am pretty much an open book if you get me talking (which isn't hard to do).
• I could never live at the beach. Give me cool mountain air anyday over waves/sand/sun. I actually only enjoy the beach one or two times a year. I get bored.
• I wish I could sing. I truly can't hold any (good) notes. I always dreamed of being a singer, but it seems you have to have some talent to do that. Or have kids. Poor Hayley...
• I resisted the peer pressure to get an iPhone for years. And now I want one. Android keeps letting me down. The final straw is the crappy cameras on nearly all Android phones. 
• My favorite holiday is still Christmas. I love decorating, baking, and wrapping presents. I hope to be able to host Christmas more now that we have a kiddo. See next confession.
• I LOVE hosting. Maybe that's why I found myself planning/hosting four parties and a beach trip this year. It relaxes me to organize parties (mostly), and I love the joy a party can bring to the honoree. Makes me feel like a chocolate chip cookie...warm & gooey inside. (I also love chocolate chip cookies.)
• I NEVER wish for summer. I wouldn't shed a tear if I never saw another thermometer above 80. I dread summertime. I hate shorts. I hate mosquitoes (though they love me). I hate being hot. From the time it warms up (in Charlotte that is typically April) until it cools down for fall (not until October), I count the days and hibernate indoors as much as possible. Being pregnant during this time was rough last year. I see why people have spring babies.
• I only visit Illinois for my friends, and that says how much they mean to me. Because I hate flying back there. I actually get nauseated thinking about it. I don't mind Chicago, but the rest of the state gives me a yucky feeling inside. It always has, and that's why I left. But, I will be headed there in August this year for a friend's wedding and to meet another's baby (Hayley's best friend). I love you ladies! 
• I always wanted three kids. Then I had one. Now I am more reasonably considering two as the final count. (Graham was right on this ONE thing.) 
• I have a HORRIBLE long-term memory. Honestly, I think I've blocked a lot of time periods from my mind without realizing it. That unfortunately leaves a lot of gaps. If you ever see me smiling and nodding along, it's nothing personal. I've been through some stuff that my brain doesn't want me to relive. My short-term memory, on the other hand, is spectacular. Which is why I always cram-study. Does me no good to start earlier than necessary (my procrastinator self just high-fived my crappy memory).
• Ironically, I have a tough time letting friends get close (which speaks volumes for those I do let in). I think it's because I do open up so much when I trust someone. I've learned to be more cautious with handing out trust cards than I was in the past. So I keep a very small circle of friends and a much larger circle of acquaintances. 
• I want to do something great. I just don't know what that is. I have dreams of writing, of being an event planner, of helping Graham open a restaurant, of starting a business, of working for a great cause, of raising great kids, of winning the lottery...I guess time will tell what happens. Though, sadly, I doubt it will be the lottery thing. Spoiler alert: I would truly be someone who would pay off debts for friends/family. I'd spend some, too. 
• My five year anniversary is Saturday. Crazy how fast time goes. 

Whew. And there you have it. Happy Friday!

From Hayley up to Mommy Down

So the traditional line is sun up to sun down, but since we are heading into longer daylight hours, neither part of that description would describe our "day". Like many mommy bloggers (and others too really), I thought it would be fun/entertaining to do a post of our day in pictures. Also, it will probably make you feel better about your day (or at least more sane if you feel alone in the throes of mommyhood). I follow several wonderful mommy bloggers. Unfortunately, they're also mostly Martha Stewart types. (Thank God Martha didn't have a handle on EVERYthing in her life!), and while they inspire me, they also make me feel a bit like I'm living on the wrong planet. So, maybe this post is really just for me so I can see something published that I can relate to. But, maybe, it's also for you. Join me for a day on Planet Chaos.

Warning: These pictures may contain dirty (no really, dirt might be there) images. I have a cat, a dog, a husband, and a baby. My house can be messy, even if I am cleaning it. It just makes way for new messes. I hope you can relate. 

 

 6:28 am: Hark! The gentle crib-kicking and squealing sounds of my precious little girl. I am not exaggerating...I had a visitor at the house and she sweetly said, "I know you have a six-month old, and who else am I hearing upstairs?" To which I had to sheepishly reply, "That IS my six month old. We call her the Hayl-storm."  Anyway, this isn't a HORRIBLE wakeup time, unless of course your child didn't sleep until 11 pm and was up at 3 am. So my hopes of starting my day before she got up went straight to the trash, along with the delightful diaper I found her squirming in when I walked into the room. And so it starts.

8:00 am: It's time for a workout while she naps. As if all I just did wasn't workout enough. Quick recap: messy diaper; changing a baby while she's kicking, trying to crawl, and rolling; downstairs in time to see a very relieved Daddy head off to work as he shouts "Good luck!"; jumperoo while I make her oatmeal and peaches; highchair while she blows bubbles as she eats; floor time while Mommy cleans bottles (most frequent activity in my life), and floor time means getting into everything so constant pulling away from danger is needed; swing for a minute with a teether while Mommy FINALLY has time to gulp some water (forget breakfast); and then a bottle and a nap. Anyway, now I'm ready to hit it with Jillian. Really, for someone who hates working out, this is a fun workout. Still, that's like having the best root canal you've ever had or the best load of laundry you've ever done.

9:50 am:  Snuck in a shower after workout and half a cup of lukewarm coffee. I'd like to tell you that my morning snack was a banana or yogurt, but today it was a brownie. Hey, I worked out! Since it's raining, I'm feeling lazy, and the only people we'll see today are Target mommies and a good mommy friend with two boys, my attire is a jersey tunic and leggings. And wet hair. Because who has time to blowdry?? She's up again...here we go.

12:30 pm: Just finished a lovely chat with a good friend (sometimes called my twin. True to form, we dressed alike today). Hayley was good for most of her visit, though a bit fussy. A walk, followed by a bottle and nap allowed us to have a good talk though. Now I'm cramming in a quick lunch of a turkey wrap and rice cake chips. And water. I always forget to drink water. I'm also getting my list and coupons ready for Mommy Mecca aka Target. Good sales this week, which is nice when you are spending someone else's money (thanks hubby!). Oh yeah, and must think of something for dinner. Preferably something easy that appears to take a lot of work. (The slow cooker is my BFF.) That way, I can actually finish it and impress the man without having to stress. Hmm...thawed homemade soup and fancy sandwiches!

2:40 pm: Back from Target. She loves her newfound freedom of riding in the cart (not in a carseat), so she enjoyed the trip. I grabbed several storage totes along with our baby and big people groceries, so my cart was filled to the max (and I still had to carry two totes). Plus, I had a baby. This led to several kind folks asking if I could manage to my car, a few more staring as they passed, and me demonstrating my talent luck in getting it all safely to the car. Basically the people offering help were politely saying "Honey, you look like a mess. Let me help." Ah well. Back for a bottle and NOT a nap. Although tired, her teeth decided to keep her from sleeping. Which prompted me to brew another cup of coffee and munch on a few strawberries with Nutella. Mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Also, I did get a 15 minute nap in before we headed to Target. Trying to scrounge up some energy wherever I can!

The blurriness of this photo is one example of the awful phone I had to substitute for this post.

4:58 pm: Still no nap thanks to those teeth. She's going on four hours of awake time now. Yikes. Now we are up against an awkward period...if she naps now, bedtime will be stretched, but it's also dinner time...and she's had almost all her bottles for the day. Fun. Luckily, it has cleared up outside so we can go for another walk to kill some time. Good thing I planned on an easy dinner. For now, she's sitting in her swing gnawing on celery. Waiting on Daddy to get home (puh-lease don't let today be a late night for him)...

5:46 pm: Thank the Lord. A 33 minute nap and now Daddy's home. Dinner for Hayley: cereal and sweet potato apricot. Yum? She likes it. Next up is playtime with Daddy and a small run to the store (alone) for Mommy.

The aftermath of bathtime (add).

7:50 pm: A walk for Hayley, shopping trip for Mommy, a bath & a change into PJs, a dose of Advil for teething, and a bottle later, and she is still awake. Trying so very hard to rest, but her teeth are agonizing her. Let's cross our fingers that the Advil works!

8:25 pm: Finally. Sleep. Two exhausted parents collapse on the couch to tune out to mindless TV. Tonight it's Bones, How I Met Your Mother, and The Voice. All on DVR (no commercials).

11:00 pm: Holy cow. It's late. Off to bed.


And there you have it. Our not-so-perfect-but-completely-real day.


The reason for the shoddy photos (and not many including Hayley) is because this weekend I ruined my phone and had to resort to powering up an old (and really awful) phone. 

Added note: I got my replacement phone running the next day so I did add a few additional photos. Marked with (add).

Another added note: I found this article http://socialtimes.com/pinterest-causes-stress-among-moms-survey-finds_b126789 on Pinterest and blogs causing stress for those who feel less than perfect. I think my post will help cure you of that. It may also help to know I wrote this a couple weeks back and forgot to post it. You're welcome.