Mommy Rehab

Life hands me lemons...well, usually. But this weekend was full of yummy beautiful lemonade - complete with my bestest friend ever and peace and quiet. Oh the bliss of spending an entire day at the Ritz-Carlton Spa. Lounge by the pool and be waited on hand and foot. You want a water? Poof! It's there. You want fruit? Poof!

My friend and I imagined what our lives would be like if we were "kept women" and we could do a spa day every day. Shoot - I would settle for once a month! It's nice to have someone wait on you for once. And, to eat lunch while it's still hot. And, to enjoy adult conversation that doesn't involve interruptions of someone yelling "I want..." You fill in the blank there. Oh, and the best part? A conversation that doesn't include the word poop. Ok, ok...it's still funny, but I didn't have to say it.

What do you do to decompress from normal life?

Soccer Mom

My son is signed up and on a team for soccer. I'm officially a soccer mom. Yep...I've become exactly what I said I would never be. I will be there for every game - cheering on the sidelines. And, I'll bring juice or cookies for the kids when it's my turn. Here's the definition of a soccer mom, but I have my own definition.

Here's my Top 5 List of what I won't do, and thus, by my own definition, just makes me not a soccer mom, but really just a regular cool mom:

5. I will not drive a minivan.


















4. I will not cut my hair super short.

3. I will not bring ridiculous equipment such that it appears as though I'm camping out.

2. I will not yell at refs or coaches for not playing my kid, nor will I yell at my kid or indicate to him in any way that he's "not good enough."

1. I will not wear mom jeans.








Now it's in writing. If you see me doing any of these things, please shake me.

Birthdays

When you're a mom, birthdays have different meaning. Funny thing is, your birthday doesn't really mean too much. You still have to wake up in the morning, go to work, get the kids to school -- just like any other day. I told my son that today was my birthday. He didn't care too much. He just looked at me like I had vines growing from my head and went about doing his own thing. But I do appreciate what my mother did for me on this day. She carried me for 10 months, went through child birth and did the whole mommy thing for me.

I will relish in the fact that today is my birthday and I can do what I want. I will eat what I want. I will be thankful for another wonderful year of life. And, if I'm lucky, I'll get a homemade card.

So, here's to year 31. I wouldn't trade the last 30 for anything.

Overwhelmed and Grossly Underpaid

Ever get the feeling that the people at work know just how stressed you are at home and want to seek revenge on you? That's how I've felt all week.

I feel like everything at home just keeps stacking up. There are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done and still have an ounce of sanity. Laundry, groceries, dishes, toys and pretty much everything else have been piling up. I don't get paid to do those things!

Breathe.

Tomorrow is Saturday. I want to have fun. Instead I will be catching up on all things in the pile. Let's hope the kids and the husband cooperate.

At the End of the Day

My day at work was just plain bad. Not only was I highly annoyed with everyone's hair on fire at work, but I got "reprimanded" for something that had NOTHING to do with me. Nothing like getting a finger pointed in the wrong direction. So, as I put out all the fires and turn the fingers away from me and pointing to the REAL problem I find myself in a funk.

I stewed all day at about the assinine requests and allegations. But as I arrived at the daycare to pick up the kids it all went away. I was greeted by my son with a big hug. The big squeezy kind that really mean they missed you. And a big "Hiiiiiiiiiii" from my 13-month-old daughter.

Life was good again. But I do not look forward to another day at work!

Back to School

My oldest son is now 4 and started Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK). He hated it. Apparently it wasn't the teacher. It wasn't his classmates. It was because he had hiccups. My youngest, who is now 13 months old, woke up three times in the middle of the night. Who knows what that means. Is it just me - or do you kinda like the "school year?" It definitely makes you get into a routine and makes life relatively normal. Now if I could only sync up a good dinner schedule, working out and time to do laundry we'll be set.

I'm baaaaaaack!

Oh the joys! I can finally write posts again. Please stay tuned as my blogging will be restored for your and my enjoyment.

Pregnant and Counting the Days

Pregnancy certainly is a blessing, but I think I want to ring the neck of whoever says "I love being pregnant!" REALLY? Are you insane?

Don't get me wrong. My husband and I did put ourselves in this predicament by choice. But LOVE being pregnant? I don't think so.

I've resolved to the fact that my body does not like having a little visitor. With my son, I had morning sickness (although it was all day long) for 22 weeks. This time around, I had sickness for 15 weeks which included medication for nausea. (Thank God for that!) In addition, I have had random bleeding issues since the beginning, which caused my stomach to sink and my heart to pound each and every time. Luckily, nothing major, but ya never know. Off to the doctor every time!

As I sit here with 10 more weeks left in my pregnancy with a sweet baby girl (we call her Baby Wow) all I think about is her health - is everything OK in there? I assume so. I do all the things I'm told to do, take my vitamins, etc. As I suffer through swollen feet, hands, boobs, and just plain not feeling so attractive, people ask me, 'How are you feeling?' and my general answer is "Hanging in there!"

The reality is I feel tired, excited, scared, anxious, a little helpless and uncomfortable. Pretty much par for the course. I just want it to be all over so I can hold my baby girl in my arms and bring her home to a family waiting to love her even more.

So, for those of you who LOVE being pregnant -- you get a gold medal. For me, it's all about the result. Either way, nothing beats being a mom no matter how many times you do it!

One Way to Keep Your Sanity

Being a mom has its challenges. Being a working mom has some different ones. My biggest challenge: What should we have for dinner every night?

Well, there's a few ways to deal with that:

1) Order or Takeout
2) Cook something (that's hopefully nutritious)

All that is fine and good, but getting to the grocery store is not exactly on the top of many women's list of "fun things to do with free time." One thing that I have found that saves my sanity is planning the meals for the week.

Although it takes some discipline (I am guilty of not doing it and then regretting it later), you will find that not only does it make it easier when you get home and you are trying to get dinner on the table (the answer to "what are we having?" is already answered), but you will also save money in the long-run cause food in your refrigerator (e.g., fresh veggies, fruit) will be eaten and not spoiled.

To help you out, here is a sample dinner menu for my family for a week, and to top it off, they are quick and easy (and toddler-friendly):

Monday: Sandwiches (usually toasted ham with cheese), salad and fruit
Tuesday: Tortellini, green beans
Wednesday: Turkey Meatloaf, baked potato (microwave), fruit
Thursday: Chicken quesadillas (use the already cooked chicken to save time), corn
Friday: Pizza (this I get takeout from a local place -- who wants to cook on Friday?), salad

Saturdays and Sundays are always up in the air. Sometimes we like to cook meals that take longer and sometimes we use the opportunity to hang out with friends and go out to eat. Whatever you decide, planning out meals allows you and your family to know what's for dinner and it's flexible enough to switch around based on your busy schedules or even prepare the night before to save even more time!

Adults Need to Know How to Speak

Ok, so I'm at the grocery store trying to buy birthday cupcakes for my son's 3rd birthday. Of course, in the middle of the Valentine's Day frenzy, all they have are pink frosted ones with hearts. Valentine's Day stuff was EVERYWHERE. There was even an express lane dedicated to just those men who waited till the last minute to find something for their wives.

In the midst of all this Valentine madness I took my cupcakes to the check-out counter. The cashier said "Happy Valentime's Day!" Which I replied "You too" despite the boiling under my skin. How could a woman, who was at least in her late 30s, say... "Valentimes" when the word is SPELLED OUT all around her. Call me weird or whatever, but it just really bothered me that she didn't know the right way to say it. My son, at 3 years old even knows better!

So, this brings me to my favorite misprounounced words:
1. Valentimes (Valentines)
2. Supposively (Supposedly)
3. Birfday (Birthday)
4. Worsh (Wash)
5. Bolleyball (Volleyball)

Potty Training a Toddler

Whoever said "Oh, my little angel just magically decided to go on the potty all by himself/herself. Training only took a couple days." Well, you make me sick. Whoever said potty training wasn't a process is fooling most of us. Potty training is hard work. And, at least I'm not in the minority. Ben's teacher, who not only has 6 children of her own (of which 5 are boys), but has potty trained gajillions of toddlers in her day as well as other professionals have said it is indeed a process and it takes several months and sometimes years.

Whew! What a relief! Things have always been so easy. Ben is so smart, so one would assume he would be one of those children that would only take a couple days. Nope. But, he really tries hard and I have had to learn patience. As he approaches his 3rd birthday, some may say "He's not trained yet?" My answer. No. According to all kinds of pediatricians and experts, those who think their child is ready many times is kidding themselves. My child wasn't physically able to even hold it in until just recently. You have to wait for their bodies to mature. And don't rush things along when they aren't ready. It'll backfire later.

Throughout the process, I have had to learn that what seems easy and logical to us is not necessarily true for a toddler. I have also learned to reach out to others for help. That's important cause most mothers feel like it's cheating to ask for help. That includes me. There's nothing wrong with asking for help. In fact, it makes life easier, and best of all -- less stressful!!

Reaching out to those who know what their doing has been invaluable. Let's be honest here... I'm a first time mom with one on the way. I'm by no stretch of the imagination an expert. I just do what makes sense to me. There's no rule book. I'm flying by the seat of my pants. But I do my best, and that's all we can do as mothers.

So, after nearly a month of what I would call full-on potty training, he's doing ok... he's making progress. I can't really ask for more than that. But it sure would be nice to be done!!

Ode to Change

"Change is the only constant in life." I heard that somewhere - a teacher, a boss, someone. Things are changing. As my belly begins to get larger and the weather changes from hot to cold at the drop of a hat, other things have kept me on my toes. Change is all around us. Sometimes it makes us feel old. Sometimes it makes us feel young.


My husband has embarked on a new career journey - his own business. Scary? Yes. Exciting? Yes. Do I think about it a lot? No, cause I believe in him. He's a smart cookie and his motivation is not only for his own career aspirations, but to provide a better life for his family. I like that kind of change.


Ben is growing like a weed. Oh boy the potty training stories... but that's another blog posting!

Happy New Year

'Tis the New Year when we all are determined to be more organized, more giving and well... thin! Well, I have an excuse. Being pregnant is a good excuse to forego alot of things -- that includes being THIN! I would like to be more organized. Who wouldn't? But I can honestly say that all I want is health and happiness. I'm good on those so far, I just hope it continues this year and for many years to come!

'Tis the Season

As we approach Christmas, stress often takes center stage. I can personally say that my Christmas shopping is not nearly complete -- I still have a ways to go. My poor husband has been working like crazy, and in my nauseated pregnant state I don't feel like doing much of anything.

Friday we had a party, a neighborhood affair, that started at my house. Of course I frantically had to clean up the house for guests. I did the best I could, but I wish I had the energy to go the extra mile. Oh well...

Saturday, John had to work all day. I took Ben to the playground and we both took a 3 hour nap. Oh the glorious nap!

Sunday was a business lunch at Disney. It was great. We got a babysitter and John and I kinda had a date. It was so NICE!! Even though we were joined by another couple for lunch, John and I ventured into the park (season passes are nice) and we walked around and rode one a ride. Doesn't sound like much, but it was great to spend some decent time with him. It's been so long since he and I have been able to spend "alone" time. I think we both missed it.

This week will prove to be yet another fun-filled week of John working late and me trying to keep everything at home together (and try to maintain its clean appearance). I have to find sometime this week to grocery shop, Christmas shop, drop off dry cleaning, wrap the gifts, and pack our things for the upcoming weekend. I can't wait till John gets home at a decent hour again!!

One Holiday Down...

Thanksgiving was last week and what a week it was. I must say I am thankful for many things in life. I am thankful to have a husband who supports every move I make, who makes me laugh and most importantly, who loves me (and shows it) no matter what I do.

I'm thankful for my son who is really the light of my life. He reminds me that every minute matters and that not so fun things (i.e. cooking, cleaning) can wait. Playing is way more fun! No matter what a day I had at work, nothing tops him yelling "MOMMY!" when I come pick him up at daycare.

I'm thankful for my family, both my parents and my in-laws. My parents are supportive, loving and always want the best for me (who wouldn't!). But the funny thing is they love me despite my wierd sense of humor (very unlike theirs) and my crude honesty. We do share a love for really bad, old TV shows: Brady Bunch, Golden Girls. I can watch them for hours. Of course my husband just shakes his head. My in-laws -- I must say my in-laws truly are a blessing. They spoil me as much as they spoil their children (and grandchildren) I don't think too many girls can say that about their in-laws!

I'm thankful for so many things I would bore you to tears. But I'm also thankful to be a mommy again. I'm 7 weeks pregnant and all I can do is pray for a healthy bundle to love more and more every day. I can't even imagine how wonderful it will be to have two children who really give meaning to life.

That's what Thanksgiving is all about.

Happy Hump Day!

Whoever thought of "Hump Day" was either really bored or well... had a really good sense of humor!

Things have been hectic with a father-in-law who has seemingly gone through the wringer the past few weeks (well, months really), school projects, football games and your basic toddler chasing. As the days get shorter and the hope of cooler weather comes about (a girl in Florida can hope for cooler weather -- that doesn't ACTUALLY mean it happens), we have taken advantage of more family time playing outside (football is the game of choice right now) and cuddling on the couch.

We cook dinner every night. Hard to do considering our busy schedules. It is generally way easier to just get something fast -- subs, pizza, etc. Planning out meals does help. But who has time to do that?? I try, but it doesn't always work. My favorite standby: Chicken Quesadillas. Lowfat, just enough for dinner and not too heavy, and FAST. A girl can do anything with that already cooked chicken!! Just microwave it or sautee it on the stove with some onions and you're in business!

On a totally separate note: Anyone have suggestions on kicking a really nasty coffee habit??!!

Is it Almost October Already?

Wow. A month has officially gone by without a post from me. I've been busy with work, school, home and all the other miscellaneous things that seem to pop up. School has been great so far. I'm learning so much and it's definitely manageable to juggle work, home and a toddler.

Ben has certainly kept us on our toes this month. He has battled a cold and we have really kicked into "high gear" on potty training. For so long, he really wasn't ready. Now -- I think he's ready and he's doing great so far. But, it is a switch for me when I'm so used to not having to stop at a restroom every two hours. He also managed to bonk his nose pretty good on the wood part of our bed resulting in swollen nose, a small cut and a visit to the doctor to make sure it wasn't broken.

We are currently prepping for a "big boy" room. He will have the room of champions -- decorated in none other than fire trucks (his favorite!). We're still trying to hammer out exactly what color to paint, but I'm sure we'll figure that out quickly.

Couple of good menu items that are quick and easy during the week: club sandwiches and turkey kielbasa on the grill.

Back to School

Yesterday marked the first day of school for most kids. My son began a new classroom at his daycare and I began taking a class towards a masters in healthcare administration. Feels good to learn again.

In making dinner last night, I learned that I really do have some cooking skills. I was able to come up with a healthy dinner, cook it and serve it within 20 minutes - all while chasing a toddler and trying to entertain my sister-in-law and her friend.

Vanessa's Quick Chicken and Watercress Dinner

Ingredients:
1 pkg of chicken cutlets (usually 4 in a pkg)
1 cup flour
2 eggs
splash of milk
bag of watercress
2 Tbsp. dijon mustard
vinegar
oil
2 garlic cloves pressed (optional)
white wine (optional)
lemon juice
cucumber (optional)

Directions:

1. Defrost chicken.
2. While the chicken defrosts, in a small bowl mix dijon mustard, pressed garlic cloves, splash of oil and splash of vinegar. Wisk together.
3. Cut open bag of watercress and put in bowl.
4. Beat two eggs and a splash of milk in a pie pan.
5. Put flour in another pie pan. Season with salt/pepper or however you wish.
6. Heat a large pan on med. high heat with canola oil (it won't smoke like olive oil)
7. Dredge chicken in eggs, then flour.
8. Place all four pieces of chicken in pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
9. Cut cucumber for salad and put in bowl with watercress.
10. Pour in about a 1/2 up of lemon juice in pan with the chicken.
11. Pour in wine too. Just eyeball it. Probably about 1/2 cup or so.
12. Let it cook off and it's ready.
13. Mix the dijon dressing you made in steps #1 and #2 into the watercress salad. Mix well.

Serves 3-4 people.

Enjoy!!

Important Lessons

Ok, so one of the biggest struggles of a working mom is how to balace work life and home life. You want to be the best you can be in your career, and then switch to being the best mom you can be. It's not easy, but I've learned two very important lessons:
1) You can't expect everything to go as planned
2) Roll with the punches

Once you got that all figured out, it all becomes a lesson in time management. Modern technology is great, but I find that writing down all appointments/activities/errands in one master calendar (I keep on my desk), I can plan my time accordingly. This means, planning every day, from when to grocery shop to hair appointments. BUT, if you refer to lesson #1, you must remember to be flexible.

For example, I had every intention of grocery shopping yesterday, but when I picked up Ben, he wasn't in the best mood. So -- I improvised and figured I would go today. You can't wait until you are out of everything to make your plans, or you can be in big trouble, but refer to lesson #2. As I was preparing to defrost dinner, I realized we didn't have what we had planned on eating. Of course! So, I refer again to lesson #1 and find something else. Pork chops in the oven (shake n' baked with some sort of seasoning). As those baked in the oven I made onion rings in the toaster oven and mashed potatoes in the microwave. Dinner was ready in 25 minutes -- I really can give Rachael Ray a run for her money-- and I have modern conveniences to thank.

What would we do without microwaves and such? Well, back in those days, women didn't work.
Today's blog is tributed to: Dr. Percy Spencer - inventor of the microwave
THANK YOU!

T.G.I.F.

Wow. Am I glad this week is over. I don't know why. It wasn't extremely hectic, nor was it strange. It just is what it is. This weekend we are heading down to visit our families. Now, most people would think that it's a great think that my folks and my in-laws live so close together. In my opinion, it's a blessing and a curse.

The blessing part is that they are indeed close together so we can see them all at once and not have to make two separate trips. The curse is trying to divide time equally (which just by the nature of things, never really is equal) among families. It's really stressful trying to make everyone happy. We try hard, but just short of moving in or at least moving next door - it's just not gonna happen.

When you have a toddler, and you are away from home, things all get changed. Change is good. But, not for a toddler. They thrive on routine and repetition. Since our toddler has sleep issues when we are away, we tend to shy away from too much traveling in general. Not because we don't want to see people or do things... just for the pure purpose of keeping everyone on track and avoiding weeks of working back to the way things were. Napping is especially hard because of all the excitement and activity. Last thing you want is a super cranky toddler, tired parents and frustrated grandparents. But, as he grows older, we know the importance of adapting to change every once in a while. Evolution is what has made us the most intelligent mammal in existence (or has it?).

I think someone told me: "The only thing constant in life is change." I know this to be true and it keeps me on my toes. And with a toddler, that's EXACTLY where I need to be.