These Are A Few Of My Least Favorite Things

1. Bundt Cake

2. Skinny Jeans or Pants (cute on Audrey Hepburn or Laura Petrie but that's about it).

3. Having to look at the huge sign of the mutilated baby (held by a pro-lifer) when I go to the grocery store because it's next to the abortion clinic.

4. My noisy neighbors that buy their teenage son and his friends alcohol then let them make noise at all hours which is right near the baby's bedroom window.

5. Seeing people that shouldn't wear tight low-rider jeans wearing them.

6. All the section 8 housing that's creeping into our subdivision and most section 8 tenants.

7. The difficulties of trying to get together with my mom friends and their kids/babies.

8. People that think they are too good for Walmart, but have Target-idous. What's the deal with that?

9. Winter.

10. Themes.

Everything Good

Well my husband has turned a major corner in his recovery. He feels great and now only has to take ibuprofen when needed. His voice is almost back to normal and he feels great. He is still slightly exhausted from the whole surgery, a little weak. However, he sleeps better than ever and can feel more rejuvenated after a nights sleep. He had tried the cpap machine over the last several years and probably close to 5 different masks. His blockage was so bad that no mask would do the job because after he laid down his throat closed up. The Dr. explained that was why he would not keep a mask on his face because he felt like he was suffocating in his sleep no matter what type of mask he wore. Before the surgery he had another sleep study and the nurse brought in several different masks throughout the night none of which worked. He was wondering if he had made a huge mistake after the surgery because the pain was unreal. Now he does not question his decision and feels better than he's felt in years. He says, "I feel like a new man!" I am so glad. The sleep apnea really disrupted our lives, all of us, something had to give. He could hardly function being that exhausted (and cranky) all the time, us too. It really began to effect his thinking over the last year. Being tired, cranky, and foggy all the time is unacceptable especially when you are a police officer!!!!!

Baby is doing well. 4 teeth popped through just in January alone. He is walking and maneuvering around a little better every day. It's amazing how their little brains take so much in for so long then all the sudden, bang all these great things start happening. He still doesn't like falling though (can't blame him). We ended up going to the mall a few times this week so he could play and walk around where the play area has a rubberized floor. He loved it. He is an only child (so far), and stays home with mommy all the time so he was mesmorized seeing all the kids playing the kids playing. He couldn't take his eyes off all the people either.

I feel pretty good now that my husband is doing better. I have been sleeping in the baby's room so everyone could get maximum rest (if Momma's overly exhausted, the household falls apart, especially with a healing Daddy). My husband was up several times a night and set his alarm for pain meds. Now that he is sleeping better and feeling better I think I may try to sleep in my own bed tonight. Baby who has slept through the night for months has been waking up to nurse a lot since I have been in there with him. Maybe he smells the milk machine, perhaps I snore . . . . . . nah, I'm not even going to go there!

I have been on the Momma Val (not diet), eating less and better regimen. I lost 4 pounds in 2 days. Weird I know. Along with the regimen (not diet) I have been drinking a bunch of tea. Feels good and warms the soul. I like tea. I have been eating some of the Amy's frozen meals. I do from time to time but love them and want to eat them more and more. I am surprised how much I like them, they are vegan and loaded with lots of good stuff. Low in fat and nutrient rich. They are a little pricey and never on sale. My two favorites in the pot pit category are the shepard's pie and the tamale pie. YUM! I love food all around. All kinds, but I do know how to eat healthy and have no problem doing so as long as I'm not pregnant, pmsing, or at the height of breastfeeding which I'm not anymore (still breastfeeding but I am sure it's less production because of the solids). I think I was more hungry in the first 10-11 months breastfeeding than I was during my pregnancy. I just never felt full.

I turn 35 this Saturday. Sad I know. What the heck happened to 34, or 33 for that matter? I don't really mind it anymore. I feel like I've earned it now. I got so much done in my life and waited so long to have kids, I don't mind. I've arrived! Well, at least I've arrived to motherhood. Being a SAHM is a gift. It's the best and the hardest job I've ever had. I love it. Jobs and careers seem so trivial now. Yes, they pay the bills but honestly in a few years the work you do and the people you work with, well, will they ever matter as much as the little person you are raising? Not even comparable. The biggest plus, I can go to work in my pj's, somedays even my underwear (if I am doing laundry and have no clean clothes, or if the last clean outfit I have get's puked, peed, or pooped on, or baby food smeared on it). It's the only job that I could do all greasy, smelly, without a shower, and be overweight and my boss still finds me irresistable.

Despite the 4 pounds. I will eat cake on my birthday!

Anti Monkey Butt Powder?

This is funny. Check out their website. I thought it was a joke but it's an actual product that people use. Hmmm! Not a problem that I have, at least at this point in my life. Will have to keep it in mind in case it ever is? I will post unusual products from time to time. I find it interesting and humorous. Hope you do to.!?

Vegetarian Chili

I found these packets of seasoning for vegan chili at my grocery store a few weeks back. I made it and put on baked potatoes. It was a hit. It is vegan but we of course topped with plain yogurt, some shredded cheddar and freshly snipped green onions. There is no fat in the chili when you prepare as directed so we did not feel bad topping with a little cheese and yogurt. It's very good but I feel like I want some cooked onions in it. This would definitely qualify as a "Skinny Meal" like on Mama Cheryl's "Skinny Meals" site.

Dragged baby and sore hubby to the mall today. I have a pair of baby shoes I needed to return at Stride-Rite and I thought it would be an excellent opportunity for the family to get out of the house. Well Chicago weather was anything but favorable for a trip to the mall with a baby and recovering hubby. It snowed about 2 inches last night and just as I told my husband I was going to start the car I headed out to the driveway when down came the rain. Then I thought I'd shovel a little path to both doors when it started to thunder. Yep. Thunder. So I rushed the shoveling and headed back inside. We then set out for the mall a short bit after that.

Upon arriving at the mall it was like a downpour, and a cold one. We tried to hold umbrellas over us and baby and stroller . . . . . . Ha! Ha! My husband said in a very nasal soft voice, "My shoes are soaked, let's go home." Then he waved his hand like forget it, so we ventured inside with a screaming baby and wet feet. We made our way to the store and actually ended up getting some Melissa & Doug toys in exchange. I love most of the Melissa and Doug toy line. Who would have thought that a childs shoe store would have toys though? Afterwards, we let baby walk around a bit (holding on to Daddy's hand). We hit the kids play area with the rubber floor and coin operated ride-ons. That was a hit. Good times at the mall. Not normally a fan of malls but it worked for today under the circumstances.

Baby's sleeping. Vegetarian chili is cooking on the stove. Potatoes are in the oven. Hubby is watching the few dish channels that are currently working as he eats his cream of wheat. Blagh! He has been doing OK. I have been calling the Dr.'s on call over the last few days asking for different pain meds. We now have a little pharmacy on the kitchen counter but only one really works. Last night he had a bit of stitch string come loose (which I guess is normal after 6-7 days). His right ear and side of throat hurts bad though. I again called to talk to nurse, she said that it was normal and to "Hang in there!" He returns to work next Tuesday. He will be on the day shift though so he can work with his dad for the last four months before his dad retires. I like afternoon shift best. That's when I get my own time in the evening after baby goes to sleep. It's quite relaxing, but would really suck if I had kids in school and sports, etc., when a family needs their dad around. I must try to relish these days before homework, soccer, parent-teacher conferences, etc.

A Corny E-mail Just Made My Night!

One for the girls
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my shape to keep.
Please no wrinkles, Please no bags
And please lift my butt before it sags.
Please no age spots, Please no gray
And as for my belly, Please take it away.
Please keep me healthy, Please keep me young,
And thank you Dear Lord, For all that you've done.

Five tips for a woman....
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to You.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.

Foot Note:
One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob:
"If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts."

Random Thoughts

Stuck inside.

I am not a stay-in-my-house-all-day kinda person.

Hubby has worse pain but able to sleep better with vicodin.

Frustrated baby, wants to walk & ride his new toys by himself . . . . . . can't!

Tired of everyone calling my cell phone constantly because my husband can't talk. I really don't talk on the phone unless baby is asleep or we are in the car. Ring! Ring! Ring!

Hate snow! Can't go anywhere unless I shovel the 12 inches in the driveway . . . . . . maybe tomorrow?

Feeling fat but if I eat more or less scale is stuck in same spot . . . . . to the ounce . . . . . . been that way for months . . . . . probably til I'm done nursing, so says the LC and several books :(

Wonder why many of the SAHM's are obsessed with "the almighty?" Maybe in religious cults it is a rule that you must be a SAHM? and homeschool?

Still can't believe that my MIL asked my husband to drive her to the airport on Sunday. He just had surgery on Monday and can hardly function. Wonder if they are flying to Selfishville?

Just realized I have a lactose interolance. I found great flax cereal at Trader Joes. Been eating with organic milk. Not jiving with me. Stopped today . . . . . . . feeling fine!