Night time tonight. I have my head leaned on my arm, which is rested on her crib.
We just get done w/ a good five minute conversation.
The she says.....
BabyGirl: Mommy?
Me: Yes baby?
BabyGirl: I want you to stay wiff me.
Me: I know but it's time to go ni-night.
BabyGirl: I want to yell.
Me: You want to yell?
BabyGirl: Yes, because then you will come back and talk wiff me.
HA! Clearly she's got this figured out :)
Monday, June 22, 2015
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Progress
The list of things being renovated in the house:
--new roof
--new outside A/C unit
--new trim color outside and new gutters
--repair/replace all rotted wood on house trim, powerwash entire house, replace several rows of rotted wood on garage
--removing all wallpaper in many rooms and repairing sheetrock, cracks in ceiling, etc.
--painting all ceilings, walls, trim, doors, baseboards (baseboards being replaced throughout whole house)
--new everything in master and guest bath--including tubs, sinks, countertops, toilets, faucets, shower fixtures, plumbing, vanity in master, resize master tub area so deck around is smaller and shower is bigger so I can have a bench--woop woop!
--all new flooring everywhere (replacing w/ wood, tile in wet areas, and carpet in bedrooms)
--new kitchen--keeping cabinets and painting/glazing them, but that's about it. New countertops, appliances, sink, faucet, garbage disposal, reworking the bar so you can actually sit at it, adding beadboard.
--all lighting fixtures inside out
--removing dated 'decorative' molding all over walls and columns
--new fireplace hearth/surround, backdoors (2 of them) replaced
--widen the guest bath doorway--was so narrow I couldn't hold a child and walk through at same time
--replace several closet doors so they slide instead of open like a door, re-size master closet entry so new doors could be installed
--adding wainscoting in formal living area, new hardware throughout house like door handles, etc.
--replace hinges in all doors and plantation shutters, replace all A/C vents
-I'm sure there's a few things I'm missing
The house built in the 90's is getting a total facelift--and draining my account. I knew it was going to be costly going in, so I made sure I got a great price on home to allow for all of these changes.
As with any remodel there are bumps along the way--even though we are not moving a single wall.
Here are some pictures of the flooring saga.
 |
| First stain too light--zebra effect. |
 |
| New Stain Options/ Color samples on the floor. The two boards in the picture were the original sample choices that the floor underneath was supposed to look like (one on right). |
 |
| Floors ALL sanded down again to get rid of stain color chosen in above picture. Looked nothing like it as you can see from the corner that they missed of sanding. I couldn't bear to take a picture of how bad they looked when the stain was on all the floors. |
 |
| Fourth attempt at color and the left is pretty much what we had the first time and the right is too brown/black, not a nice rich brown. |
I've basically thrown up my hands and handed it over to the designer/specialist lady who is helping me. I told her last night I've lost my patience and just need her to step in and handle. Because every time something new is done w/ the floor I have to run over there and look at it to decide what to do. Since I have so much time on my hands. It wasn't just the stain, but a few issues w/ the install itself--they needed to replace some boards as the joints weren't flush, etc..
The designer does this on the side (helps people choose things for new houses/remodels) as she actually has a flooring business of her own. Why didn't I use her company, you might ask? I did ask her to bid out the job but it was soooo much more than the current general contractor. What's crazy is that the guy doing the floor is a professional floor guy and has worked with my contractor for years. No idea why it's been such a problem.
And that's just a slice of what I've been trying to manage on top of working, traveling to Colorado for work, and taking care of my babes. So many decisions, selections, choices, it is just flat out overwhelming. The designer is helping BUT, I'm learning a lot as I'm going along....as an example, we picked out all the plumbing fixtures....well, I did research on the brand and found some troubling reviews on how they make the faucets, tub spouts etc i.e. they are making things out of plastic material, even tub spouts...who knew!!....I just didn't want that so I decided to change up all the plumbing and start over.
I've spent countless hours researching brands, materials, how things are made, etc.. I have become an expert!
If you've made it this far, congrats. I know it isn't super exciting reading material, but once I started updating on the house reno I got carried away, I guess. It's been all consuming during the day, after work, and weekend hours.....
Monday was the first day our weekend nanny became our full time nanny. Things are going okay so far, I think. I get the sense that she is a routine kind of person and wants to have that in place. Fine by me. My daughter hasn't cried while I left for work, so that is promising. She certainly still says "I don wan you go work" over and over, but when I have to go, she settles into her cur.ious geo.rge show and her morning bottle. Now, she threw a pretty good tantrum this morning while I was still here....she woke up that way, but thankfully settled down. My son had a rough night last night and was up every 3-4 hours....me too.
It is teething, for sure.
I mentioned the other day that he had two teeth growing in....well, to correct that his lower right tooth popped through first....followed closely by his lower left tooth. They are now visible but he really fights when I want to get a picture, so I'll just keep trying.
It's been very busy and thankfully our old babysitter has come about 3 times now to help out in the stretches where I needed someone. It's also been great having company at home w/ the kids. Even though I am back in my old city, I just haven't seen a lot of my old friends. None of them have young kids, either.
Hanging in there......
Oh wait, on to paint color!
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Wonderful Moment
Our nighttime routine w my girl has ebbed and flowed. She started out being able to be put down in her crib, walk away, then sleep. After we moved when she was around 18 months it went downhill from there, then we got a little better and she would go to sleep again w/out much fuss, then the bottle was taken out, etc etc. basically it hasn't stayed consistent.
We are now back into wanting mommy to lay on the floor, wets talk about it, cry and fuss mode. She is getting really good at negotiating. Mostly because she learned that it worked. The last few nights when I go to leave she says, "Mommy instead of leaving, I want you to stay here wiff me". She says she wants to "read a story for me". "Stay here and rest wiff me", she says. She wants to just kiss and hug me again.
If it's not that, she wants me to cover her again, she wants a sippy cup w/ water, wants her diaper changed, she wants "itty bitty milk" in a bottle, something in her room is scaring her....you have to hand it to her, she's creative.
Tonight I decided I should be firm and tell her what was going to happen....she would lay down, we would talk, then I would leave to rest, and she would go to sleep. She pulled out all of her tricks, wanted to read me story, me to lay on the floor next to her, but I was resolute I would not go back in there once I left.
She whined and hollared "Mommay...Mommaaaay".....and not too quietly. After a short while I lost my resolve. I am sure it would have worked if I had stayed out, but I didn't. I went in to try and quiet her down and then left again. Well, that made it worse. Of course. So after a few more minutes I just said I'm back in.....I went in, brushed her hair back w/ my hands, told her I would lay with her for awhile. I got my blanket pillow, fluffed it up for a long while of rest.
Once I laid down I reached my hand up between the crib slats and she wrapped her hand around my fingers. It just fit. Then.....she put her other hand on top of mine and just patted it tenderly and then rested it there......The smile on my face was so wide and my heart just swelled. Swelled.
I moved my hand slightly and she again, just patted my hand and gently brushed hers back and forth over mine.
It brought me to tears. The power of that touch just hit a deep spot in me......it was so....connecting.
Made me remember holding my own mother's hand.
What a great way to end what could have been a battle of wills evening.
She was asleep in 5 minutes.
Smile.
Sigh.
We are now back into wanting mommy to lay on the floor, wets talk about it, cry and fuss mode. She is getting really good at negotiating. Mostly because she learned that it worked. The last few nights when I go to leave she says, "Mommy instead of leaving, I want you to stay here wiff me". She says she wants to "read a story for me". "Stay here and rest wiff me", she says. She wants to just kiss and hug me again.
If it's not that, she wants me to cover her again, she wants a sippy cup w/ water, wants her diaper changed, she wants "itty bitty milk" in a bottle, something in her room is scaring her....you have to hand it to her, she's creative.
Tonight I decided I should be firm and tell her what was going to happen....she would lay down, we would talk, then I would leave to rest, and she would go to sleep. She pulled out all of her tricks, wanted to read me story, me to lay on the floor next to her, but I was resolute I would not go back in there once I left.
She whined and hollared "Mommay...Mommaaaay".....and not too quietly. After a short while I lost my resolve. I am sure it would have worked if I had stayed out, but I didn't. I went in to try and quiet her down and then left again. Well, that made it worse. Of course. So after a few more minutes I just said I'm back in.....I went in, brushed her hair back w/ my hands, told her I would lay with her for awhile. I got my blanket pillow, fluffed it up for a long while of rest.
Once I laid down I reached my hand up between the crib slats and she wrapped her hand around my fingers. It just fit. Then.....she put her other hand on top of mine and just patted it tenderly and then rested it there......The smile on my face was so wide and my heart just swelled. Swelled.
I moved my hand slightly and she again, just patted my hand and gently brushed hers back and forth over mine.
It brought me to tears. The power of that touch just hit a deep spot in me......it was so....connecting.
Made me remember holding my own mother's hand.
What a great way to end what could have been a battle of wills evening.
She was asleep in 5 minutes.
Smile.
Sigh.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Drum roll please.....
Let's start out w/ a really sweet picture from a new work camera phone...I didn't even know how to work the thing.
Now......onto.........the teeth!!
I got home from work tonight and started feeling around in his mouth (I do this regularly) because I kept wondering when they were going to pop through....and sure enough tonight I felt two little nubbies on his lower gums. I, of course, had to take a picture...at the end of his day. You can see how much he liked it. Can't really even see them but it's the best picture I could get. They are actually towards the back of his gums, closer to his tongue.
So exciting. He's been drooling like a faucet for months now, so it's about time. I looked back to when my girl got her first teeth and it was about 8 months too!
My big boy has some new tricks....he can roll over from back to front now. But, still gets stuck. He will cry out in his crib (loudly, mind you) when this happens. He screeches and just can't seem to figure out how to roll back over. I hope he learns soon because I turn him back over worried about him sleeping on his belly. The Dr. says it's fine but it's just a fear I have of him not being able to breathe somehow.
He also has a voice. He's starting to communicate all the things he does not like.
Let's see, he's not a fan of:
--being laid down on his changing table
--when his sister takes a toy from his hands
--getting pulled out of the tub when he is done. I put them both in the tub at the same time now and while it is more stressful (he cries almost the entire time he's out until he is dressed and has his night bottle), it still seems easier to do it at the same time. That's the hardest part of the day for him given he doesn't nap the best and is just so stinkin tired.
--when I put him down on the floor to sit and he sees me walk the other direction
How he's grown....here's a comparison of my little guy the day we brought him home from the hospital and now....just look at the those legs.
He is also back to sleeping pretty much through the night. We were on a roll there, but then our previous babysitter came over to stay w/ us last week since our current nanny was out of commission. She said she would get up w/ him and was just used to feeding him when he cried out during the night, so he slipped back into wanting fed more throughout the night. Since she's gone back, I've had to do a few cry it out sessions last couple of nights and think we are better. He went to sleep around 7 last night and didn't cry out until 5:45 am this morning. I fed him and he went back to sleep!! He got up after 7:30am.
Of course I say he is all smiles and so happy, but when my friend who hadn't seen him yet came over this past weekend, he was about as fussy as can be. It was hilarious though, because when she came in his room to see him after I got him out of the crib she just stopped in her tracks. Looked at him, looked at me, looked at him.....somewhat speechless. Well, except for saying...."What?!"....could not believe how much he looked like me. It is true, he's a mama's boy.
A positive in our lives is that our weekend nanny decided she wanted the full time job!! She kept asking me about how the search was going and I told her dismal. I said I had a few more interviews and she said not to make any hasty decisions. No chance there. So, weekend before last she sends me a text and says if I still wanted her, she would like to take it. YIPPEE KAY YAY YAY!!! I think she just needed to be comfortable w/ the decision to change yet again...she has had a rough go w/the last few families and just wanted to move towards something. I knew all along this would be a good fit, but it was important for her to come to that conclusion. She just didn't want to do overnights (will do the shopping), and I said that is far easier to get someone for weekend/overnight than it is for full time. I think what tipped her was we had gone to see the house where we will be moving when the massive renovation is done. She could then picture what it would be like, how close it is her to house, where the parks are, etc..
Now, as with any childcare situation, nothing is perfect. I fully get that. I'm sure there will be situations that come up. She is a bit more firm than I am w/ my girl. But, perhaps I could learn a thing or two. She's been in childcare most of her life. My son just melts into her lap. My girl....well, she's still wary of new people but seems to be in good spirits when I come home during the weekends when they are together
I will just feel so much more at ease knowing a very experienced, mother of grown children, dependable (so far) woman will be caring for them when I am not here. A grandmotherly-type in the warmness, but will still be firm when needed. I've already learned a lot from her. She gave me the courage to start putting my boy down for a nap (in his crib) and let him cry it out a bit to fall asleep. I had not done that ever with him. I don't know why...well, I do. I get anxious when he cries. It makes me want to fix whatever is wrong....and quickly. My other two babysitters were the same, so we all picked him up, rocked him, shushed him, etc..
So in that vein, I never let him cry more than a minute or two. Perhaps he'd be on a better schedule now if I had started earlier, but I was so surprised and proud when it worked! She just looked knowingly at me and said, "see!"...."you can do this". Just having someone support, encourage, and help me learn a new way of doing things was so wonderful.
Time will tell but I am glad she will be with us.
I can't post w/out sharing what my girl is up to....that's her in the store....pooping.
With a blue mouth from a ring pop to boot.
Now......onto.........the teeth!!
I got home from work tonight and started feeling around in his mouth (I do this regularly) because I kept wondering when they were going to pop through....and sure enough tonight I felt two little nubbies on his lower gums. I, of course, had to take a picture...at the end of his day. You can see how much he liked it. Can't really even see them but it's the best picture I could get. They are actually towards the back of his gums, closer to his tongue.
 |
| Really, mom?! |
So exciting. He's been drooling like a faucet for months now, so it's about time. I looked back to when my girl got her first teeth and it was about 8 months too!
My big boy has some new tricks....he can roll over from back to front now. But, still gets stuck. He will cry out in his crib (loudly, mind you) when this happens. He screeches and just can't seem to figure out how to roll back over. I hope he learns soon because I turn him back over worried about him sleeping on his belly. The Dr. says it's fine but it's just a fear I have of him not being able to breathe somehow.
He also has a voice. He's starting to communicate all the things he does not like.
Let's see, he's not a fan of:
--being laid down on his changing table
--when his sister takes a toy from his hands
--getting pulled out of the tub when he is done. I put them both in the tub at the same time now and while it is more stressful (he cries almost the entire time he's out until he is dressed and has his night bottle), it still seems easier to do it at the same time. That's the hardest part of the day for him given he doesn't nap the best and is just so stinkin tired.
--when I put him down on the floor to sit and he sees me walk the other direction
How he's grown....here's a comparison of my little guy the day we brought him home from the hospital and now....just look at the those legs.
He is also back to sleeping pretty much through the night. We were on a roll there, but then our previous babysitter came over to stay w/ us last week since our current nanny was out of commission. She said she would get up w/ him and was just used to feeding him when he cried out during the night, so he slipped back into wanting fed more throughout the night. Since she's gone back, I've had to do a few cry it out sessions last couple of nights and think we are better. He went to sleep around 7 last night and didn't cry out until 5:45 am this morning. I fed him and he went back to sleep!! He got up after 7:30am.
Of course I say he is all smiles and so happy, but when my friend who hadn't seen him yet came over this past weekend, he was about as fussy as can be. It was hilarious though, because when she came in his room to see him after I got him out of the crib she just stopped in her tracks. Looked at him, looked at me, looked at him.....somewhat speechless. Well, except for saying...."What?!"....could not believe how much he looked like me. It is true, he's a mama's boy.
A positive in our lives is that our weekend nanny decided she wanted the full time job!! She kept asking me about how the search was going and I told her dismal. I said I had a few more interviews and she said not to make any hasty decisions. No chance there. So, weekend before last she sends me a text and says if I still wanted her, she would like to take it. YIPPEE KAY YAY YAY!!! I think she just needed to be comfortable w/ the decision to change yet again...she has had a rough go w/the last few families and just wanted to move towards something. I knew all along this would be a good fit, but it was important for her to come to that conclusion. She just didn't want to do overnights (will do the shopping), and I said that is far easier to get someone for weekend/overnight than it is for full time. I think what tipped her was we had gone to see the house where we will be moving when the massive renovation is done. She could then picture what it would be like, how close it is her to house, where the parks are, etc..
Now, as with any childcare situation, nothing is perfect. I fully get that. I'm sure there will be situations that come up. She is a bit more firm than I am w/ my girl. But, perhaps I could learn a thing or two. She's been in childcare most of her life. My son just melts into her lap. My girl....well, she's still wary of new people but seems to be in good spirits when I come home during the weekends when they are together
I will just feel so much more at ease knowing a very experienced, mother of grown children, dependable (so far) woman will be caring for them when I am not here. A grandmotherly-type in the warmness, but will still be firm when needed. I've already learned a lot from her. She gave me the courage to start putting my boy down for a nap (in his crib) and let him cry it out a bit to fall asleep. I had not done that ever with him. I don't know why...well, I do. I get anxious when he cries. It makes me want to fix whatever is wrong....and quickly. My other two babysitters were the same, so we all picked him up, rocked him, shushed him, etc..
So in that vein, I never let him cry more than a minute or two. Perhaps he'd be on a better schedule now if I had started earlier, but I was so surprised and proud when it worked! She just looked knowingly at me and said, "see!"...."you can do this". Just having someone support, encourage, and help me learn a new way of doing things was so wonderful.
Time will tell but I am glad she will be with us.
I can't post w/out sharing what my girl is up to....that's her in the store....pooping.
With a blue mouth from a ring pop to boot.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Ms. Personality and Squishy Bear
Baby girl is 2 1/2, will be 3 in a few months. So, we are working on potty training again...well, let me just say, working on taking her to the potty when it's convenient for me. I know she is ready. I just don't think I'm ready-- to halt what I am doing wherever we are to get to a potty. The other day after the bath she was running around w/ no clothes and said she had to go potty, took herself in the bathroom, jumped up on the toilet (w/no little seat on top) and proceeded to go potty. All by herself. I followed her in there just in time to see her getting the toilet paper. I was amazed. She did great. I've known for awhile she can do this....when we've been dealing w/ her bladder infections or lack thereof, we've had to have her pee in a cup. Well, when I get her on the potty, she goes on command every time.
AND....dum dum dum......she even went poopy on the potty last night!! First time with me ever!! Last night right before bed she got that look and started to walk away...I asked her if she had to go poopy and did she want to go in the potty. She said YES! pretty enthusiastically, so I said why not?....I got her up on the potty and she tells me to go away. Um, okay...I go just outside the door and hear this little voice...."sittin' on the potty....sittin' on the potty". I asked her what she was doing and she said, "Just singing". Ok.
Next thing I know she says, "mommy"...I go in there and sure enough, she had gone. I made SUCH a big deal out of it and told her how great/amazing/cool that was. Then she said go away. Once again I went around the corner....she says "mommy"....I go in there again and she left more presents.....this scene of back and forth went on for probably 10-15 minutes. She kept saying she had to go.....and she kept going. At one point she said, "squeeeeeze". It was sooo funny.
I've been holding trying full on with her until we move into the new house...I didn't want there to be so many changes all at once w/ the move....but maybe we'll try some more given how well she is doing with it and seems to want to try.
I will admit that my stomach dropped a bit when I thought about her not being in diapers anymore. It was just one of those moments where I went oh wow....my baby is no longer going to be a baby. I'm not going to have my girl in diapers anymore. It's strange because I look forward to her milestones but it seems I want to keep her my baby. I didn't realize I'd have those feelings but in all honestly, this would be the first major transition. She is still in her crib, she still drinks her bottles.
Some funnies:
Tonight we were snuggling together watching shows before bed and I turned to her and said we need to decide when we want to get her out of diapers and into big girl underwear.
I said we could get some for her just like mommy has.
She said, "No, those too big". !!
I was talking w/her the other day and think I asked her to do something and she said no.
I stuck out my lower lip like I was sad.
She said, "Just cry mommy baby, just cry".
Things she's saying now:
Everything is "Just like mine"....If we see books, or toys, or anything really she'll say, "yup yup just like my toolbox", "yup, just like my brother".
We've started the Why phase. As an example....when she went into the bathroom and saw the roll was empty she says to me, "no paper. Why mommy, why no paper?". Tonight I was doing laundry....she was calling for me from her crib so I went in to see what she needed. She asked what I was doing and I said laundry...."why mommy, why you do laundry?". For the most part, I answer her w/ a real answer, not just say because. I want her to learn and know there are reasons for things. Most of the time.
Why mommy why?
She was calling for me from her crib to come here the other night. I stuck my head in the door and asked her what she needed. She looks at me, pokes her little finger out of her crib, points to floor, and says, "No, come over heeeeere".
Just wanted to capture some of the things she says/does right now and it is just a small window into her big personality. She wants to be miss independent but often says "hold me like a baby". I comply anytime she asks.
My son, my boy....my snuggly wuggly squishy boy. I can just squeeze him all day long. He's got the right amount of babyfat to where it is super soft, and oh so fun to hold.
He is 7 months now and has hit several developmental milestones....he's sitting on his own now like a big boy. When on his belly, he's been able to push his chest up w/ his two arms and keep his head lifted up--he doesn't do this much because he doesn't like being on his tummy at all and gets "stuck"--he can't figure out how to move so just stiffens all four limbs and just cries. He's grabbing at things, looking for dropped toys....but I still can't get him to consistently hold his own bottle. I know he can do it. I honestly thinks he likes just laying there to get fed instead of working for it. I suppose I would too. He has been a droolin fool for months now. He has been chewing chewing on his hands, my hands, anything he can get his hands on, his feet..... So much so that I got a few more chew toys that are the best thing.....they are rubber-ish and have 4 prongs and a hole in the animal. It's great because he can grab many places and he won't drop it. And it has nubs, etc so it must just feel good on his gums.
He's been suffering a bit from constipation.....he's been doing a lot of grunting that poor boy...and w/ that plus his teething, his naps have suffered. BUT, I am so proud that I have gotten him to sleep much better at night. He was waking up like a newborn again but he's transitioned back into his crib for all his naps and night time. He goes to bed around 6:45pm and falls asleep maybe around 7:00pm-ish. And he's been waking here and there but able to put himself back to sleep until 6-ish am. That's just great. Now last night was odd because after putting him to bed he got super fussy so I fed him another bottle at 8pm, then he slept totally through until 6 this morning. The thing is, he still needs more sleep. He's not the best napper, but we are trying to get him on a nap schedule to help w/ that. But he continues to catnap or not nap.
But, when this kid is full and not tired, he is just so dang happy. You can't help but smile.
He is the spitting image of me too....I look in his face and see my own. His eyes and nose, for sure. Anyone who sees him or his picture says he's mama's boy, for sure.
AND....dum dum dum......she even went poopy on the potty last night!! First time with me ever!! Last night right before bed she got that look and started to walk away...I asked her if she had to go poopy and did she want to go in the potty. She said YES! pretty enthusiastically, so I said why not?....I got her up on the potty and she tells me to go away. Um, okay...I go just outside the door and hear this little voice...."sittin' on the potty....sittin' on the potty". I asked her what she was doing and she said, "Just singing". Ok.
Next thing I know she says, "mommy"...I go in there and sure enough, she had gone. I made SUCH a big deal out of it and told her how great/amazing/cool that was. Then she said go away. Once again I went around the corner....she says "mommy"....I go in there again and she left more presents.....this scene of back and forth went on for probably 10-15 minutes. She kept saying she had to go.....and she kept going. At one point she said, "squeeeeeze". It was sooo funny.
I've been holding trying full on with her until we move into the new house...I didn't want there to be so many changes all at once w/ the move....but maybe we'll try some more given how well she is doing with it and seems to want to try.
I will admit that my stomach dropped a bit when I thought about her not being in diapers anymore. It was just one of those moments where I went oh wow....my baby is no longer going to be a baby. I'm not going to have my girl in diapers anymore. It's strange because I look forward to her milestones but it seems I want to keep her my baby. I didn't realize I'd have those feelings but in all honestly, this would be the first major transition. She is still in her crib, she still drinks her bottles.
Some funnies:
Tonight we were snuggling together watching shows before bed and I turned to her and said we need to decide when we want to get her out of diapers and into big girl underwear.
I said we could get some for her just like mommy has.
She said, "No, those too big". !!
I was talking w/her the other day and think I asked her to do something and she said no.
I stuck out my lower lip like I was sad.
She said, "Just cry mommy baby, just cry".
Things she's saying now:
Everything is "Just like mine"....If we see books, or toys, or anything really she'll say, "yup yup just like my toolbox", "yup, just like my brother".
We've started the Why phase. As an example....when she went into the bathroom and saw the roll was empty she says to me, "no paper. Why mommy, why no paper?". Tonight I was doing laundry....she was calling for me from her crib so I went in to see what she needed. She asked what I was doing and I said laundry...."why mommy, why you do laundry?". For the most part, I answer her w/ a real answer, not just say because. I want her to learn and know there are reasons for things. Most of the time.
Why mommy why?
She was calling for me from her crib to come here the other night. I stuck my head in the door and asked her what she needed. She looks at me, pokes her little finger out of her crib, points to floor, and says, "No, come over heeeeere".
Just wanted to capture some of the things she says/does right now and it is just a small window into her big personality. She wants to be miss independent but often says "hold me like a baby". I comply anytime she asks.
My son, my boy....my snuggly wuggly squishy boy. I can just squeeze him all day long. He's got the right amount of babyfat to where it is super soft, and oh so fun to hold.
He is 7 months now and has hit several developmental milestones....he's sitting on his own now like a big boy. When on his belly, he's been able to push his chest up w/ his two arms and keep his head lifted up--he doesn't do this much because he doesn't like being on his tummy at all and gets "stuck"--he can't figure out how to move so just stiffens all four limbs and just cries. He's grabbing at things, looking for dropped toys....but I still can't get him to consistently hold his own bottle. I know he can do it. I honestly thinks he likes just laying there to get fed instead of working for it. I suppose I would too. He has been a droolin fool for months now. He has been chewing chewing on his hands, my hands, anything he can get his hands on, his feet..... So much so that I got a few more chew toys that are the best thing.....they are rubber-ish and have 4 prongs and a hole in the animal. It's great because he can grab many places and he won't drop it. And it has nubs, etc so it must just feel good on his gums.
He's been suffering a bit from constipation.....he's been doing a lot of grunting that poor boy...and w/ that plus his teething, his naps have suffered. BUT, I am so proud that I have gotten him to sleep much better at night. He was waking up like a newborn again but he's transitioned back into his crib for all his naps and night time. He goes to bed around 6:45pm and falls asleep maybe around 7:00pm-ish. And he's been waking here and there but able to put himself back to sleep until 6-ish am. That's just great. Now last night was odd because after putting him to bed he got super fussy so I fed him another bottle at 8pm, then he slept totally through until 6 this morning. The thing is, he still needs more sleep. He's not the best napper, but we are trying to get him on a nap schedule to help w/ that. But he continues to catnap or not nap.
But, when this kid is full and not tired, he is just so dang happy. You can't help but smile.
He is the spitting image of me too....I look in his face and see my own. His eyes and nose, for sure. Anyone who sees him or his picture says he's mama's boy, for sure.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Where do I even begin?
It's been a month since I wrote. Can't believe it. Well, yes I can. I've thought about writing so many times. And then when the kids get to bed I pretty much can't muster the energy to drag out the computer, log in, and write. There have been several things I keep saying to myself to remember next time I actually log in. In fact, I am writing w/ my eyes closed at the moment. Long story about my eyes having issues....
Let's back up to the move over here.....last I wrote they were packing our stuff up and leaving us for a week w/out anything and delivering a week after that. Turns out the next several days were not that bad. We kept the TV, internet and our babysitter brought down a recliner and a few lawn chairs. I had the blow up mattress, kids had their beds. I could still pretend it wasn't super real that we really were moving. We ended up driving over here on Sunday, April 19th....planned to leave at 9am, left about 11am. We weren't exactly sure how to bring all of our stuff....even w/ movers there were things we kept behind for a week. Tried to see about getting a trailer, a truck, my car and a rental, but it ended up working fine because my babysitter rode w/ me and her nephew filled up his suv. I paid him to drive over (and back home) same day. I was super nervous how it was going to go w/ the 2 kids, a packed car, a cat, and a 5 1/2 hour drive....It went much better than I had anticipated. We drove for about an hour then pulled over to get bottles out, etc and then my babysitter squished herself between the 2 carseats in the back pretty much for the rest of the trip. She could keep them both entertained w/ portable dvd or chewy toys, etc.. Worked great for me because I could just focus on driving and not worry about the fussing behind me. We stopped one other time to just take a break, bathrooms, etc. and we got some icecream. Babygirl loves her some icecream.
We got here late Sunday and I had to go to work on Monday (when they were going to delivery all of our house stuff). We were pretty darn tired, but still unloaded everything, blew up the mattress, got the kids beds, etc. I had borrowed a camping cot for my babysitter but she preferred to sleep on the floor. Seriously. I just gave up that battle.
The next day the new nanny did start and both of them manned the house/kids/unpacking all week long. I actually stayed home Tuesday so I could help unpack and get us settled. I was so thankful my babysitter could stay all week and help 'train' the new one. She pretty much took care of the unpacking and organizing. Now, I paid for her time, of course, but it was money well spent.
The new nanny....well. Lots more to say on that one.
What has been extremely difficult is my girl has not taken to this move well at all. So much change in a short amount of time. Mama back to work full time, new house, new caretaker....she has continued to ask about the other babysitter and her daughters. How do you explain to a 2 year old they are far away now and we can't play? She keeps saying "I wanna go you car to C house, play with girls", "I miss her". All I can say is, I know baby.
Mornings have been torturous. I have had to leave the house with her screaming and clinging to me for dear life for the first few weeks. I've literally had to peel her off of me and hand her over, they hold her a few minutes so I can get out the door. Brutal. It wasn't as bad when my old babysitter was here with her, but after she went home after the first week and it was just the new one....oh wow. She wasn't havin it. I just told the new one to text when she finally calmed down because otherwise I just wouldn't be able to concentrate. Every morning when I went in her room after she woke up she would ask, "You go work?". I just couldn't lie so I would say Yes. Once she heard that--it was pretty much tears until I left the apartment. "I don wan you go work"...over and over and over. Not letting me out of her sight and following me. "You stay wiff me". "I go wiff you to work". Just reliving it now is making me anxious and so sad for her. And to top off the change for her, I have a new weekend babysitter so I can try to just manage everything I need to do w/ the remodel at the new house. And just breathe. Today I was so tired I took a nap in the L.o.wes parking lot in my time away.
What could I tell her??.....how I've managed is to just acknowledge how she feels. I would tell her that I know it's hard, we had a lot of changes....it is hard moving to all new things, but mostly I would just say, " I know baby, I understand.....I know.......I know".
On top of it all the first week we were here it seemed her bladder infection was back. She was complaining of it hurting again and I called I don't know how many pediatric offices. We are now in the suburbs. Means lots of kids. Didn't think it would be so difficult to get in to see a stinkin doctor w/ a sick kid....well, since we weren't established yet, they just wouldn't work us in. After calling around for over a few hours I said forget it, we are just going to urgent care. Long story short they started her back on antibiotics and said she had another bladder infection, but after meds didn't help and we FINALLY got in to see a pediatrician a week later (after I called back and said listen, we couldn't get in to see you guys a week ago, still problems....and it still took talking to a nurse to get us in). They did a follow up urine and sent to lab and come to find out they wouldn't have called what the urgent care tested for was an infection because it was below their threshold and theirs tested okay too. So if not a bladder infection, what does she have that is making a strong odor and hurting her? Not sure as of today, even. They suggested we watch and see....then schedule w/ a pediatric urologist. So, the appointment was made for a few weeks out and we will see.
The nanny. I really don't have the energy to type out all of the things that have happened over the last several weeks w/ her. Let's just put it in a nutshell--she isn't the person for us. It started with her wanting to start at a later date than we discussed, apparently she wanted to take a trip. Okay fine, I could see that. Then before starting said she wanted to get a sinus surgery and could she do it the second week of starting. Um, no....I worked w/ her on waiting until I could at least get back up. Since starting she sprung on me one morning she needed to go have physical therapy, but no big issue she says, for this and future appointments she could just take the kids...uh, what? Then another night texted the night before and said she had a 7 am Dr. appointment the next morning (when that is the time she is supposed to be here) the same morning I was leaving the house at 6:00am for a work trip. Guess she needed to see the dermatologist and 'forgot' I was leaving town? Then texted just the other day the night before and said her best friend was home from college, could she bring her to hang w/ her and the kids. I had texted back saying it would be okay in the afternoon, but not in the morning given how baby girl has had a hard time w/ change. Well, she showed up w/ the friend anyway. Said she didn't get my text. Sure.
Bottom line is she is young, immature, not dependable and seems to have more physical issues than anyone I know at that age....dermatologists, surgeries (several of them), physical therapies, etc etc.. long list of ailments. And, she is still on her parent's payroll. She has a dog-walker when she comes to nanny. The worst part is she had the surgery this past Thursday and texts me on Friday saying she had a bad reaction to something, was heading back to the hospital and wouldn't be able to come to work for awhile, she'd be on bedrest. What? We had already planned for her mom to come tomorrow because I assumed she wouldn't be recovered. But, with this new wrinkle she said she has to be on bedrest and maybe her mom could watch them until she is better. Oy vey.
The thing is, she had great references and experience working full time as a nanny. It's funny because I had a small little worry when I met her and told a few friends about it...but just couldn't put my finger on it. I think intuition is usually right on....now having worked w/ her for 4 weeks or so, I know why. It's not that she's not trying w/ the kids, but on top of the dependability issue, she doesn't eem to connect well w/ my girl. My boy, no prob.....he's easy and happy. And only 7 months.
My realtor friend warned me from the beginning that she was too young...but I thought it would be worth trying given no situation is perfect....she will be 20 this year by the way.
So, I've had to start my nanny search again. I talked to my realtor friend again who has a nanny in her family to see if she could network.Well, two popped up that are very experienced. I was set to interview one of them yesterday. I talked to her last week and called her at 8 am yesterday morning just to reconfirm we were set and it went to voicemail. Right then and there I knew she wasn't going to come. Sure enough, no call....no show. JEEPERS. Then I've tried to tag w/ the second one for a few weeks now and we finally met up tonight. She came at 6pm from a trip back out of town w/ her husband and child in the car waiting for her. Made me feel a bit rushed but at least she made the effort and didn't flake. She has been w/ her current family for about 8 years but the kids are now school aged and they don't need her full time. She wasn't overly warm, but my girl ran right up to her and started talking to her. That's not usual, especially now. She normally holds her arm over her eyes and says, "I shy". Not sure how this will turn out. She has an 18 month old--can't tell how old she is, late 20's, early 30's? So that makes me somewhat nervous.....will she have another one? How nurturing is she? I know now that I prefer a nanny who is older, preferably w/ their own grown children, and a mother. I just need that experience for my kids....and for me.
I actually thought we had hit the right one w/ our weekend nanny. She is from England, experienced, great personality, very bubbly and warm. I hired her for the weekend position and learned more about her current work situation. She is in a daycare that she is not too fond of and it doesn't pay well (hence why she looking for part time on weekends). She knew we were struggling from the get-go w/ our current nanny......so I just put on the table that I'd like her to consider taking us full time. She seemed excited about it, as was I.....but I gave her the job description and the next time she was here I could tell she was apprehensive.....a few things concerned her...the overnights once a month for my work travel (she has a dog), and the shopping w/ the kids. I could get over the shopping, etc but the work travel I need to do. I'm sure there was a way for us to work it out i.e. my new weekend person could have done overnights....but I just got the sense this wasn't right for her...right now. And that's fine. I'd rather have her with us on the weekends and know she is still helping us out.
So, who knows.....it is just so difficult/such a roller coaster to find the right person......and again, there is no perfect person or situation...I even thought about daycare again, but the idea of shlepping two kids out every morning and picking up and having no one to help out w/ the house stuff I need.....it just doesn't seem reasonable. And even though a nanny is super expensive, I feel pretty strongly that's still what we need to do right now.
I'm slowly fading, so I'll just attach some pictures and hope it isn't another month until I post again....
There have been some good moments along the way....
My sister was here to visit (was a good one, she did great w/ baby girl and baby boy, we laughed a time or two which hasn't happened in a while) and she left me w/ a present. SIDe note: my babysitter left and my sister came the following week. I didn't know I had to go on the work trip when I did so her flight was booked such that I was leaving on Monday morning May 4th and she was leaving on Tuesday May 5th. It worked out good, though, because she was here on one of the overnights where the new nanny had to stay. Well, my sister called me on the trip and said, new nanny has got to go. How's that for not worrying a mama when she is out of town?.
Anyway, my sister left me a present of new pajamas. My girl saw them when I first had them on and said, "What's that?". I told her they were a present from auntie. She looks at me and says, "Aw, that's so special".
HA!
This is her "Smile". Here's me: C'mon, look at the camera, say cheese, open your eyes...baby, open your eyes....Baby....c'mon, just open them.
Ah, forget it.
Although I did get her here....but now, to get the other one to have a smile too? Boy that's askin' a lot.
Hey, I got one!......
So much more to update......
Let's back up to the move over here.....last I wrote they were packing our stuff up and leaving us for a week w/out anything and delivering a week after that. Turns out the next several days were not that bad. We kept the TV, internet and our babysitter brought down a recliner and a few lawn chairs. I had the blow up mattress, kids had their beds. I could still pretend it wasn't super real that we really were moving. We ended up driving over here on Sunday, April 19th....planned to leave at 9am, left about 11am. We weren't exactly sure how to bring all of our stuff....even w/ movers there were things we kept behind for a week. Tried to see about getting a trailer, a truck, my car and a rental, but it ended up working fine because my babysitter rode w/ me and her nephew filled up his suv. I paid him to drive over (and back home) same day. I was super nervous how it was going to go w/ the 2 kids, a packed car, a cat, and a 5 1/2 hour drive....It went much better than I had anticipated. We drove for about an hour then pulled over to get bottles out, etc and then my babysitter squished herself between the 2 carseats in the back pretty much for the rest of the trip. She could keep them both entertained w/ portable dvd or chewy toys, etc.. Worked great for me because I could just focus on driving and not worry about the fussing behind me. We stopped one other time to just take a break, bathrooms, etc. and we got some icecream. Babygirl loves her some icecream.
We got here late Sunday and I had to go to work on Monday (when they were going to delivery all of our house stuff). We were pretty darn tired, but still unloaded everything, blew up the mattress, got the kids beds, etc. I had borrowed a camping cot for my babysitter but she preferred to sleep on the floor. Seriously. I just gave up that battle.
The next day the new nanny did start and both of them manned the house/kids/unpacking all week long. I actually stayed home Tuesday so I could help unpack and get us settled. I was so thankful my babysitter could stay all week and help 'train' the new one. She pretty much took care of the unpacking and organizing. Now, I paid for her time, of course, but it was money well spent.
The new nanny....well. Lots more to say on that one.
What has been extremely difficult is my girl has not taken to this move well at all. So much change in a short amount of time. Mama back to work full time, new house, new caretaker....she has continued to ask about the other babysitter and her daughters. How do you explain to a 2 year old they are far away now and we can't play? She keeps saying "I wanna go you car to C house, play with girls", "I miss her". All I can say is, I know baby.
Mornings have been torturous. I have had to leave the house with her screaming and clinging to me for dear life for the first few weeks. I've literally had to peel her off of me and hand her over, they hold her a few minutes so I can get out the door. Brutal. It wasn't as bad when my old babysitter was here with her, but after she went home after the first week and it was just the new one....oh wow. She wasn't havin it. I just told the new one to text when she finally calmed down because otherwise I just wouldn't be able to concentrate. Every morning when I went in her room after she woke up she would ask, "You go work?". I just couldn't lie so I would say Yes. Once she heard that--it was pretty much tears until I left the apartment. "I don wan you go work"...over and over and over. Not letting me out of her sight and following me. "You stay wiff me". "I go wiff you to work". Just reliving it now is making me anxious and so sad for her. And to top off the change for her, I have a new weekend babysitter so I can try to just manage everything I need to do w/ the remodel at the new house. And just breathe. Today I was so tired I took a nap in the L.o.wes parking lot in my time away.
What could I tell her??.....how I've managed is to just acknowledge how she feels. I would tell her that I know it's hard, we had a lot of changes....it is hard moving to all new things, but mostly I would just say, " I know baby, I understand.....I know.......I know".
On top of it all the first week we were here it seemed her bladder infection was back. She was complaining of it hurting again and I called I don't know how many pediatric offices. We are now in the suburbs. Means lots of kids. Didn't think it would be so difficult to get in to see a stinkin doctor w/ a sick kid....well, since we weren't established yet, they just wouldn't work us in. After calling around for over a few hours I said forget it, we are just going to urgent care. Long story short they started her back on antibiotics and said she had another bladder infection, but after meds didn't help and we FINALLY got in to see a pediatrician a week later (after I called back and said listen, we couldn't get in to see you guys a week ago, still problems....and it still took talking to a nurse to get us in). They did a follow up urine and sent to lab and come to find out they wouldn't have called what the urgent care tested for was an infection because it was below their threshold and theirs tested okay too. So if not a bladder infection, what does she have that is making a strong odor and hurting her? Not sure as of today, even. They suggested we watch and see....then schedule w/ a pediatric urologist. So, the appointment was made for a few weeks out and we will see.
The nanny. I really don't have the energy to type out all of the things that have happened over the last several weeks w/ her. Let's just put it in a nutshell--she isn't the person for us. It started with her wanting to start at a later date than we discussed, apparently she wanted to take a trip. Okay fine, I could see that. Then before starting said she wanted to get a sinus surgery and could she do it the second week of starting. Um, no....I worked w/ her on waiting until I could at least get back up. Since starting she sprung on me one morning she needed to go have physical therapy, but no big issue she says, for this and future appointments she could just take the kids...uh, what? Then another night texted the night before and said she had a 7 am Dr. appointment the next morning (when that is the time she is supposed to be here) the same morning I was leaving the house at 6:00am for a work trip. Guess she needed to see the dermatologist and 'forgot' I was leaving town? Then texted just the other day the night before and said her best friend was home from college, could she bring her to hang w/ her and the kids. I had texted back saying it would be okay in the afternoon, but not in the morning given how baby girl has had a hard time w/ change. Well, she showed up w/ the friend anyway. Said she didn't get my text. Sure.
Bottom line is she is young, immature, not dependable and seems to have more physical issues than anyone I know at that age....dermatologists, surgeries (several of them), physical therapies, etc etc.. long list of ailments. And, she is still on her parent's payroll. She has a dog-walker when she comes to nanny. The worst part is she had the surgery this past Thursday and texts me on Friday saying she had a bad reaction to something, was heading back to the hospital and wouldn't be able to come to work for awhile, she'd be on bedrest. What? We had already planned for her mom to come tomorrow because I assumed she wouldn't be recovered. But, with this new wrinkle she said she has to be on bedrest and maybe her mom could watch them until she is better. Oy vey.
The thing is, she had great references and experience working full time as a nanny. It's funny because I had a small little worry when I met her and told a few friends about it...but just couldn't put my finger on it. I think intuition is usually right on....now having worked w/ her for 4 weeks or so, I know why. It's not that she's not trying w/ the kids, but on top of the dependability issue, she doesn't eem to connect well w/ my girl. My boy, no prob.....he's easy and happy. And only 7 months.
My realtor friend warned me from the beginning that she was too young...but I thought it would be worth trying given no situation is perfect....she will be 20 this year by the way.
So, I've had to start my nanny search again. I talked to my realtor friend again who has a nanny in her family to see if she could network.Well, two popped up that are very experienced. I was set to interview one of them yesterday. I talked to her last week and called her at 8 am yesterday morning just to reconfirm we were set and it went to voicemail. Right then and there I knew she wasn't going to come. Sure enough, no call....no show. JEEPERS. Then I've tried to tag w/ the second one for a few weeks now and we finally met up tonight. She came at 6pm from a trip back out of town w/ her husband and child in the car waiting for her. Made me feel a bit rushed but at least she made the effort and didn't flake. She has been w/ her current family for about 8 years but the kids are now school aged and they don't need her full time. She wasn't overly warm, but my girl ran right up to her and started talking to her. That's not usual, especially now. She normally holds her arm over her eyes and says, "I shy". Not sure how this will turn out. She has an 18 month old--can't tell how old she is, late 20's, early 30's? So that makes me somewhat nervous.....will she have another one? How nurturing is she? I know now that I prefer a nanny who is older, preferably w/ their own grown children, and a mother. I just need that experience for my kids....and for me.
I actually thought we had hit the right one w/ our weekend nanny. She is from England, experienced, great personality, very bubbly and warm. I hired her for the weekend position and learned more about her current work situation. She is in a daycare that she is not too fond of and it doesn't pay well (hence why she looking for part time on weekends). She knew we were struggling from the get-go w/ our current nanny......so I just put on the table that I'd like her to consider taking us full time. She seemed excited about it, as was I.....but I gave her the job description and the next time she was here I could tell she was apprehensive.....a few things concerned her...the overnights once a month for my work travel (she has a dog), and the shopping w/ the kids. I could get over the shopping, etc but the work travel I need to do. I'm sure there was a way for us to work it out i.e. my new weekend person could have done overnights....but I just got the sense this wasn't right for her...right now. And that's fine. I'd rather have her with us on the weekends and know she is still helping us out.
So, who knows.....it is just so difficult/such a roller coaster to find the right person......and again, there is no perfect person or situation...I even thought about daycare again, but the idea of shlepping two kids out every morning and picking up and having no one to help out w/ the house stuff I need.....it just doesn't seem reasonable. And even though a nanny is super expensive, I feel pretty strongly that's still what we need to do right now.
I'm slowly fading, so I'll just attach some pictures and hope it isn't another month until I post again....
There have been some good moments along the way....
My sister was here to visit (was a good one, she did great w/ baby girl and baby boy, we laughed a time or two which hasn't happened in a while) and she left me w/ a present. SIDe note: my babysitter left and my sister came the following week. I didn't know I had to go on the work trip when I did so her flight was booked such that I was leaving on Monday morning May 4th and she was leaving on Tuesday May 5th. It worked out good, though, because she was here on one of the overnights where the new nanny had to stay. Well, my sister called me on the trip and said, new nanny has got to go. How's that for not worrying a mama when she is out of town?.
Anyway, my sister left me a present of new pajamas. My girl saw them when I first had them on and said, "What's that?". I told her they were a present from auntie. She looks at me and says, "Aw, that's so special".
HA!
This is her "Smile". Here's me: C'mon, look at the camera, say cheese, open your eyes...baby, open your eyes....Baby....c'mon, just open them.
Ah, forget it.
Although I did get her here....but now, to get the other one to have a smile too? Boy that's askin' a lot.
Hey, I got one!......
So much more to update......
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
We are a movin'
I'm sitting here in my son's nursery and slowly things are being packed up and taken out of the house. I have a super sad feeling in the pit of my stomach and on the verge of tears several times. It just seems so final....perhaps because I accepted the job, built the plan to move, and now it's finally here. This is where I brought my son home to....this is the first nursery I put together before the baby was born! All of our toys are packed up....there are stray puzzle pieces, blocks, plastic thingys. Oh moving is emotional. I will so dearly miss the support we have here w/ the babysitters and their families. They have been a lifeline for me...my one babysitter was even in the delivery room for my son. She has really treated us like family and I think what has gotten me about leaving here is...I feel that someone has my back, like for real has my back, no matter what happens. If I were to get sick.....if I were to need to travel out of town....if my cat needed emergency vet, whatever comes up I know that I can depend on them. It's something I haven't felt since my mom passed. That was pure unconditional love and I've been going it alone in terms of responsibility, it seems, since then. I do everything myself--buy houses, move, have kids, take out the trash, travel, get new jobs, etc. the list goes on and on. I just got to experience having not only physical but some emotional support that was unwavering (at least that's how I feel). I got to experience having someone down the street pop in pretty much everyday.....and love on my kids. Love them and want to spend their free time w/ them--and me. Maybe just the companionship I will miss a lot. Having another adult to bounce things off of, ask questions about how to do X w/ the kids, ask what could be wrong w/ the baby, someone to go w/ me to the Dr. for all the appointments my kids have had.
Okay now I am crying.....shew-ee.
Deep breaths, it will be okay. Big picture is I could have stayed here longer, but the education system leaves a lot to be desired and I just don't think private religious school is for me. That's what most folks do around here given the public system is so sub-par. And, job outlook was pretty bleak....the jobs I looked into here had salaries significantly lower than what I can earn in my old city. Money isn't everything, but I've decided that my current profession helps me pay to have the help I'd like to have w/ raising the kids. Parenting is dang hard, especially w/ a 2 year old and a baby. I do enjoy having some professional 'brain time'.
My short term goal was to go back to my industry until my son gets into school, then figure it out from there. That's 5 years. A lot can happen in that time frame. I'll put in the universe I want to our family to remain healthy.
I started my job....I left the kids over here and worked on the 1st, 2nd, then came back for the weekend. When I came back it was sooo tough--my son had an ear infection, my daughter super fussy, my baby sitter had a respiratory infection, and I had strep throat...and my cat was super sick too. Almost all of us were on antibiotics. I barely had a voice the first few days I was working and swallowing felt like sandpaper. My daughter spiked a fever on the Sunday I was supposed to drive back and I just said no, I just can't leave like this. So, I sent a note to my new boss and said I would fly over that Monday morning. He was totally okay and understood considering he's moved before w/ little ones too. But he has a wife at home managing things. I just flew back this past Saturday morning and the movers are now here today to get going.
Usually bumps in the road w/ the movers....this time it's delivery. They are packing us up today and not able to deliver until Mon/Tues next week. WHAT?! I about lost it. What am I supposed to do w/ 2 kids, a cat, and we won't have our stuff until a week from now.
So, I'm trying to roll w/ it. They are taking our stuff and I am keeping enough to stay in our house until Sat/Sun this weekend. Then me, kids, cat, and babysitter will head the 5 1/2 hour drive to the apartment...have some picnics until we get furniture and tv, new nanny will start on Monday too (I hope). A little nervous about the nanny because she hasn't even started and she asked to move her start date--but that ultimately didn't need to happen--and take 2 days off for sinus surgery in 2 weeks. I negotiated w/ her on waiting an additional two weeks so I could get more settled and back up care in place. She is young....but she has a lot of energy and has a very sweet disposition. Her references were outstanding. This is where I have to go on blind faith and hope it works out....and we just try. Worst case she's not a fit and I'll have to continue the search. There are no perfect situations and we've had our fair share of ups/downs even w/ the current babysitters. Both of their daughters have had issues along the way that we've just had to work through.
So I managed to get the apartment, buy a house (closing april 29th), get a nanny, start my new job, hire a general contractor for major house renovation, stop all utilities and start in new place (minus a few), travel back and forth, deal w/ my poorly sleeping children due to sickness and allergies, and see my cat get much much better......thank you lord.
I hear the tape ripping in the other room and they are getting close to finishing the inside of the house. I kept our tv/internet for the rest of the week and some clothes/toys/food, etc. Enough to live off of....I think babysitter will let us bring a recliner down for a few days just so we have something to sit on. I kept a blow up air mattress and a pack/play and rock/play for the 2 kids to sleep in. I am sooo hopeful that if they are still in their rooms, even if in different beds, they might just sleep better than if we were at babysitter's house.
We are going to rent a car for babysitter to drive w/ me.....will need it for all the stuff I kept here. I am so, so thankful she is coming w/ and staying maybe a week. I learned coming over here that it is just an overwhelming task to move.....and do it by yourself w/ 2 kids would be insane.
We are going to the Dr. on Thursday for my son's 6 month well baby visit. Wow. He is a droolin' fool and has to have teeth popping soon. He is such a smushy, lovey little guy. And, still take a lot to nap.
Lots of changes....I have to just continue to breathe and stay focused. It will be okay. I have been running on fumes these last several weeks. Even my eyelids have wanted to stay shut when I blink. I seriously have been worried something is wrong w/ them because I have to consciously use muscles to blink back up.
Okay now I am crying.....shew-ee.
Deep breaths, it will be okay. Big picture is I could have stayed here longer, but the education system leaves a lot to be desired and I just don't think private religious school is for me. That's what most folks do around here given the public system is so sub-par. And, job outlook was pretty bleak....the jobs I looked into here had salaries significantly lower than what I can earn in my old city. Money isn't everything, but I've decided that my current profession helps me pay to have the help I'd like to have w/ raising the kids. Parenting is dang hard, especially w/ a 2 year old and a baby. I do enjoy having some professional 'brain time'.
My short term goal was to go back to my industry until my son gets into school, then figure it out from there. That's 5 years. A lot can happen in that time frame. I'll put in the universe I want to our family to remain healthy.
I started my job....I left the kids over here and worked on the 1st, 2nd, then came back for the weekend. When I came back it was sooo tough--my son had an ear infection, my daughter super fussy, my baby sitter had a respiratory infection, and I had strep throat...and my cat was super sick too. Almost all of us were on antibiotics. I barely had a voice the first few days I was working and swallowing felt like sandpaper. My daughter spiked a fever on the Sunday I was supposed to drive back and I just said no, I just can't leave like this. So, I sent a note to my new boss and said I would fly over that Monday morning. He was totally okay and understood considering he's moved before w/ little ones too. But he has a wife at home managing things. I just flew back this past Saturday morning and the movers are now here today to get going.
Usually bumps in the road w/ the movers....this time it's delivery. They are packing us up today and not able to deliver until Mon/Tues next week. WHAT?! I about lost it. What am I supposed to do w/ 2 kids, a cat, and we won't have our stuff until a week from now.
So, I'm trying to roll w/ it. They are taking our stuff and I am keeping enough to stay in our house until Sat/Sun this weekend. Then me, kids, cat, and babysitter will head the 5 1/2 hour drive to the apartment...have some picnics until we get furniture and tv, new nanny will start on Monday too (I hope). A little nervous about the nanny because she hasn't even started and she asked to move her start date--but that ultimately didn't need to happen--and take 2 days off for sinus surgery in 2 weeks. I negotiated w/ her on waiting an additional two weeks so I could get more settled and back up care in place. She is young....but she has a lot of energy and has a very sweet disposition. Her references were outstanding. This is where I have to go on blind faith and hope it works out....and we just try. Worst case she's not a fit and I'll have to continue the search. There are no perfect situations and we've had our fair share of ups/downs even w/ the current babysitters. Both of their daughters have had issues along the way that we've just had to work through.
So I managed to get the apartment, buy a house (closing april 29th), get a nanny, start my new job, hire a general contractor for major house renovation, stop all utilities and start in new place (minus a few), travel back and forth, deal w/ my poorly sleeping children due to sickness and allergies, and see my cat get much much better......thank you lord.
I hear the tape ripping in the other room and they are getting close to finishing the inside of the house. I kept our tv/internet for the rest of the week and some clothes/toys/food, etc. Enough to live off of....I think babysitter will let us bring a recliner down for a few days just so we have something to sit on. I kept a blow up air mattress and a pack/play and rock/play for the 2 kids to sleep in. I am sooo hopeful that if they are still in their rooms, even if in different beds, they might just sleep better than if we were at babysitter's house.
We are going to rent a car for babysitter to drive w/ me.....will need it for all the stuff I kept here. I am so, so thankful she is coming w/ and staying maybe a week. I learned coming over here that it is just an overwhelming task to move.....and do it by yourself w/ 2 kids would be insane.
We are going to the Dr. on Thursday for my son's 6 month well baby visit. Wow. He is a droolin' fool and has to have teeth popping soon. He is such a smushy, lovey little guy. And, still take a lot to nap.
Lots of changes....I have to just continue to breathe and stay focused. It will be okay. I have been running on fumes these last several weeks. Even my eyelids have wanted to stay shut when I blink. I seriously have been worried something is wrong w/ them because I have to consciously use muscles to blink back up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)