I hope everyone is having a fabulous Mother's Day... lord knows we all truly deserve it. Today started off being one of my typical days.. even though I layed in bed with DH for at least 30 mins playing with S.. he was STILL the last one to tell me Happy Mother's Day. I figured it was going to be one of those holidays. You know the kind. The kind that you wait for in anticipation and once the moment arrives, you open that gorgeously child wrapped gift of yours and your mouth drops because you are now the proud owner of a..... dust buster. Yea. That kind.

Well, A and I left first thing in the morning, we went shopping (yes, guilty of last minute shopping for her mom and her mil) and we went to get a HydroMassage at the spa down the road. Which was nice. Nice, for a whole 15 minutes. Once I came home DH took the kids - yes all THREE of them - and went out. An hour later DH, two boys and one half asleep little girl walk in the door with the greatest card and much needed gifts. The card says something like.. "Mommy, thanks for teaching me all those important things in life..." (Open card.) "Especially that whole potty training thing, that's really come in handy over the years." It was great. Then DH, with the help of A, bought me makeup that I was in desperate need of and some wonderful, expensive shampoo. It was great.

But that wasn't it.

Then, A left with her DH and came back a while later with the greatest gift for me. A bag I have been dieing for from Bath and Body Works, a back massager and a nail set in a spiffy pink case. Did I mention the bag is full of one of the newest scents from the shrine of smelly-good? And the most wonderful card. Made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. :) Also made me feel like a heel considering she's S's godmother and I was able to get her a card. That's it. Zip. Zilch. Nothing else. That's ok. She'll be getting a nice, big, fat gift for her graduation, I'll just tack a Mother's Day gift in on that somewhere. (at least these are the plans I have) With DH working so much we should be able to afford it then.

S is working on the crawling thing. She lunges, scoots, shuffles, rolls and pretends to swim. So I figure she'll be crawling any day now. She's learning to wave bye-bye. And I think she says hi but I'm not quite sure. It might be a fluke.

I suppose I should get going. S should be getting to bed soon and then DH and I are going to bed early. Way too much to do tomorrow.

Ciao bella.

p.s. Super Mother's Day greetings to MSW, MomofFour and Turtlemama - yahoo isn't working right so I can't get on for some reason. Can we say... V-I-R-U-S? I'm sure a reformat is in my near future.

Here are the anticipated photos of my darling daughter!

Ughh. Been suffering from my sinus'. Thought it was bad before with just the constant running and suddenly being stopped up and not being able to breathe... but now... it's gross. Not to mention the sinus headache I constantly have because of the pressure.

So, just wanted to jump on to say hi and to admit that I am still alive. So much to do this weekend, let's see if I can get it accomplished.

More tomorrow.

Ciao

There are a handful of very meaningful events in one's life that takes a lot of time, care and preparation. I have put probably years worth of thoughts into so many events for my children and I. My wedding to Mr. Potato Head was absolutely gorgeous. It was written from scratch to reflect who we each were individually and who we each wanted to be as a couple. Of course, the couple we became happened to be the couple who can't stand each other’s existence today. But you'd never have known that during our ceremony. It took me months of research and brainstorming to create that day. A day that was incredibly unique and rare. I poured so much of myself into the planning that the day after our wedding I was fried for a good amount of time. It was like my brain went on overload and it was no longer allowing me to exercise it's ability to write. (Or it's ability to do much else, considering I actually went through with the decision to GET married. But that's a completely different entry for a completely different time.)

I have stumbled upon a new event that calls for an endless amount of research and creative brainstorming. My daughter's dedication.

Her birthday is coming up within a matter of months. And it's really important to me that she is dedicated before she turns a year. Not to mention that right after this dedication is celebrated I will be moving on - IMMEDIATELY - to the details of her first birthday party. All of my events are extravagant affairs. My informal dinner parties have been known to be announced by custom designed invitations. A's 8th birthday party included me "donating" over $400.00 to BirthdayExpress.com for a few favors and party-ware that focused on his love for Harry Potter. I'm talking, I have a serious problem passion for organizing events that others truly enjoy and talk about for ages. Which, of course, translates into - this being the first baby dedication that I have complete control over, without grandparents hovering over my shoulder, and my daughter's first real gathering - it's expected that I go all out. I'm already overwhelmed and I'm just attempting to compile a guest list.

I did a quick Google search today on baby dedications and there were already too many aspects on the first page of results. I'm determined that this day will be perfect and beautiful. It will showcase the innocence that my daughter will retain until hormones begin flowing through her veins. Like my wedding to MPH, I will be writing the whole ceremony from scratch. I will include symbolism and song. It will be an incredibly unique day that will show my daughter that she is loved by so many - unconditionally.

So. How do I do that? I haven't even begun to know where to start. Perfection takes time. Time is something I don't have much of, so I'm going to have to start slow. I wonder if there are writing your child’s dedication self-help books... or a local hypnotist that can cure me of this maddening disease. I'm not even sure what I'm looking for in terms of clothing. I'm guessing summer so it'll have to be light and airy. Carefree. Full of hope. (Is this a description of her outfit for the day or of her? Not quite sure.)

This, my dear friends, has become my next endeavor. So if you read any off the wall rants or entries spoken in tongue - ignore it. Know that it's all part of the dedication writing process. And know that soon I will be back to normal. When I wrote my wedding ceremony I think I read over 100 different ceremonies from all sorts of different religions. I'm not a certain religion. I am what others call Non-Denominational. I call it a spiritual believer. I passionately believe in so much, but I don't do organized religion. It doesn't agree with me and I don't agree with the thought that I have to go to a certain place to discuss my life and decisions with God. I can do that right here, right now. I don't have to wait until the next service at my local church.

So with that being said - and I'm sure that just that one statement will get random readers irate. But hey - this is my blog, my thoughts, my opinions. If you aren't too keen on my ideas there's a little "X" on the top right corner of your screen... drag your mouse up there and click it. Because, quite frankly, I don't have time for you.

Well, that's that on the dedication thoughts for now.

Tons of stuff happened with my in-laws but I won't go into detail yet. I'll probably save it until the idiots do something else to piss my husband and I off again and then it'll be a good rant that will keep you intrigued. Or not. There's only so far that a red-neck soap opera can go. I do want to state that if 2ph is reading this I want you to know that never, ever has anyone ever spoken so cruel regarding one of my children and had the privilege of seeing them again. You and your mother can reflect on that in 5 years when you two have yet to see us again. I hope that no one ever tells you that they don't give a shit about your child. Although you don't raise your son nor do you care for him in any self respecting manner - I'm quite sure it will hurt you all the same. And if it doesn't then you are just a bigger pos than I thought you were. (Which is pretty hard to accomplish.)

The children are healthy and happy - I should have photos for you soon! I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

House is clean, children in bed, laundry going... A is doing her homework and I'm watching the god-awful movie Gigli.. it's funny this time around because A hasn't ever seen it and therefore I get to make all sorts of fun of it while she stares in amazement. We had a very productive day today, we started it off by taking the lil twins in to the ER. But they are ok. After an antibiotic round they should be as good as new. The question of the moment is - who needs to go in and get antibiotics next?

With Daddy out of town Sydnie was able to fall asleep on her own. Yiippee. Self soothing? We'll see how she sleeps tonight. I might try to CIO for a few minutes to see if it works. Or if it breaks my heart. She came home from Grandma's today and she ate like a pig. I do have great news to report. She is holding her own bottle! For the most part. It's easier for her if it's a 6 oz bottle. I suppose that talk I sat her down for the other day discussing the fact that she really needs to start being self sufficient in at least SOME areas for me really worked. ;)

A and I went shopping yesterday for the lil twins birthday. It's late but it's the first time we were able to do it and they are now proud owners of a very adorable wardrobe and the cutest shoes! Didja know they made platform flip-flops for 2 year olds? Target. I do not guarantee that they won't break their necks but at least the shoes are cute. She bought S some matching outfits with the lil twins - some were just too cute to pass up. And she found her a halter top that is so cute. Love it. And she found the most perfect white sandals for her. Not only do they match everything, which is what she was in desperate need of.. but they actually fit. She's in such an odd size - between 1 & 2. 1's are too tight but 2's still fall off and you can't see her toes in the sandals. But for some reason, the way these are made are perfect. And her red toenails are adorable.

Spoke to DH earlier and he's doing fine.. he should be back tomorrow. I hope so... I miss him already. You'd think I'd love the weekend off, but I hate it. I despise sleeping alone.

M & A just went up to bed.. they helped today, they even were in charge of picking up the dog poop. HA HA. They deserve it since I rarely ask them to do anything. I suppose I should wrap this up and get to bed, without DH here I'm gonna be up extra early to take over the early morning shift with S.

G'nite all.

Here's photos we just took.. mommy and daughter hair do's :)

Yes, she's still trying to get her toes! This girl and her damn toes! I just realized it takes me twice as long to get ready now because I have someone else's hair to do now - and it's not as easy as boy hair!

I should be given an award. Plain and simple. I deserve a humanitarian award. Yes. I have decided to toot my own horn. Especially after my in-law fiasco tonight. And I know that everyone has in-law problems. Most people despise their in-laws, with a select few being blessed with great ones.. I am 29 years old, and I have been married more times than I care to admit. (Starting when I was 16 purely for the fact that I was pregnant and "doing the right thing".) And with each marriage, came HORRID in-laws. Some were considerably worse than others.. as a matter of fact, I think my last in-laws take the cake. But my current ones? Oh wow, they take the cake. Looney. I mean seriously padded wall looney.  DH comes from a family of lumps. Lumps that closely resemble my ex-DH. Lumps that think the only responsibility they need to maintain would be to wash their ass. On a weekly basis. Do not ask me how DH comes from this family. While I'll admit he has his "moments" at least he snaps into reality quite quickly. And anytime that he is in close proximity to his family he seems to slip with more ease or have a complete dumb blonde moment. But, with his dedication to me and the children I can look past that. That's not to say that he doesn't frustrate the hell out of me. I lose my mind when too many of these moments come close together. But I have to state in his defense that unlike his family he a) maintains a job b) is aware that he can not quit his job just because he doesn't feel like getting up in the am c) is aware that he has responsibilities that go far beyond being self-centered d) takes full responsibility for his child AND his step-children, (whom he considers to be his own) e) loves and adores his wife and does everything in his power to make sure that I'm aware of it on a daily basis. So, in short, he blows his family away. But yet, TF seems to think that her lump children out-weigh him in life achievements. She never ever gives him credit due. She's forever complaining, bitching, screaming, sighing - never a moment of encouragement or pride. Always self-centered. Hmmm. I wonder where the rest of them get all of that from? She even has the audacity to talk shit about him to whoever will listen. She believes that bitching, complaining and calling her child names makes her look good. Poor her. Yeaa.. Sure.

And don't get her started on how I should raise my child. She's so use to raising her grandson, who is treated like her son, that she forgets what a true, responsible parent is. So she decides to "advise" me on how to forego orajel or teething tablets and use whiskey. Teething? Give 'em a chicken bone. Breakfast? Put coffee in her bottle. Oh it won't hurt her. Stunt her growth? Nonsense. That's a myth. It's just insane and it never stops.

Tonight's problem? 3 weeks ago DH spoke with his stepfather to borrow the truck to use for work. No problem he says. Well, the shipment of steel has not come in yet, so he hasn't began on the job site. Well, instead of picking up the truck when we weren't using it, we left it there so they could have access to it in case they needed it. Big mistake.

Lesson one: Do not approach this family with logic. Nor common sense. It backfires.

So now, 2ph has the truck and has decided that he needs to get a job. I guess being unemployed for months on end has gotten boring. And he decided that he's entitled to it. Nice. Let's not give a shit about your brother. Let's keep being self-centered, let's whine about how everyone does something to you but yet you never do anything. Let's just be a piece of shit and prove once again that no one matters to you but yourself. And mil? Hell.. she defends this lump to the death. How about you all realize THIS would be the reason why I LEFT here. I can not stand, nor handle, being around his family. Good intentions? Sure. Common sense? Absolutely not. I swear I am going to get far away from this family again. And once I do... good luck on finding me. Good riddance. So long. Sayanara. I'll send you a Christmas card. Ok. Maybe I won't. We'll see.

I hate that I have to take my daughter away from them, however, they play dirty. Lies. Selfishness. Ignorance. Lies. Lies. Did I mention they are habitual liars?

I suppose I better sign off of here and get some sleep. Things will get better. I will be free. And in the end, at least they aren't as bad as my last in-laws, whom need to be shot in the head tortured slowly.

Tonight's prayer: Please all mighty one above, rescue me from the ignorance that is known as my husband's family.

I love love love babycenter.com - everyone is aware of this. From the early stages of pregnancy I have found comfort in knowing that there are other women out there who are going through the same exact frightening thoughts or worries that I am. From ligament pains to our first flutters, we have encountered them all together. Once our children were born we've shared our daily routines such as nap schedules, first tooth (which S has yet to join), sitting up, etc.. with eachother - many of us finding help for our situations or problems that may come up. We confide in one another, something that may be easier at times with "friends" that are strangers still. We vent about in-laws, husbands, doctors.. But we also find ourselves competing with eachother. Who's baby crawls first, sits first, rolls over first. Fortunately for me, S hasn't dared become a first and so I have had no need to volunteer her placement.

I don't get to follow up on my birth club as often as I would like. It's about the same as a good blog entry. Far and few between. You're lucky to get photos on a regular basis. I post when I can. There - I read when I can. Or when I'm worried and/or have a problem. It is comforting to know that I can count on my birth club friends.

Today as I am reading through the headlines I noticed something that S and I had been missing out on. "Born2LearnSign Week of 4/11-4/17" My curiousity wouldn't allow me to stop as my mouse clicked on the link.. was this a group of babies that are deaf that I wasn't aware of? I hadn't heard anything about any of the moms finding out that their children couldn't hear yet.. was this something I would have to worry about? Should I test S - like the NST during pregnancy? It turns out that I had nothing to worry about. Except that I am obviously behind in the times. I should be teaching my daughter sign language. My first thought - Sign Language? She doesn't even know how to articulate words yet. But allowing a few more minutes for it to sink in I figured, what the hell. Silly it seems, I'm sure. But who knows. It'll be fun. We'll see what she picks up. People will laugh at me I'm sure - but do I have anything better to do with my daughter than teach? Nope. And since it's a thread, I'll be able to follow it weekly.

Lesson of the day: support threads are good, great - and even give you a lift in your day. Disclaimer: Ignore the stupid shit.

It's almost 1 am and my daughter wants to play. Wait. She is playing. Talking. Laughing. Great mood. Too bad it's bedtime. She woke up 45 mins ago like this. Ready to go. C'mon Mommy, play with me.

Do they make sleeping pills for babies? JUST KIDDING! LOL - I love her when she gets like this. Everyone else thinks it's ridiculous that I get up and play with her when she's in this sort of mood - no matter what time it is. But life's too short not to enjoy all those smiles.

Here are some photos from yesterday...

First encounter with a dog...

oooops...

First off - I am a ripe ol' 29 as of 7 something this morning. And to celebrate my rounding the corner off to 30, Annie had my hair done. And boy was it done. With just a hair cut I had a make-over. That would be because I donated to Locks Of Love. We initially cut 11 1/2" off of my hair. And it needed to be done. And then after the initial cut, we colored/highlighted and I STILL had a huge pile of hair on the salon floor. I couldn't believe it. We got pictures today, so I'll have them up soon. It is so short, it hasn't been this short since I lived in Santa Monica. It's insane. I am glad that I did it though, hopefully some child will be able to make use of my hair. And the cut from 15 mins for a hair wash to 3 mins is absolutely wonderful and just what I need to be Pumpkin's mom.

Last night I was given a wonderful dinner. Steaks and all of my favorite dishes. We bought all kinds of alcohol but someone pooped out on me before it was even dented. *ahem* Today we sat around with the children and I blew out my Cinderella cake. Yes, I said Cinderella. It was adorable.

I got tons of photos of all three kids this weekend. I can't wait to show you all how different M looks now. Puberty has changed my child. And I'm not talking just his voice. Now, I'm going to go sneak another shooter and another piece of bday cake before bed.

Hope everyone is well.

It's funny how time flies for an infant. Just a few months ago all my daughter did was sleep, eat, dirty a diaper or stare. And now, she is so active, aware and alert. Her motor skills are fastly progressing, picking up objects - holding it with both hands, putting it straight to her mouth. She "talks" and "yells". She gets excited when she sees the girls playing or one of the puppies come near her. She grabs your face with both hands and leans in with her mouth open wide to give you kisses. She scrunches up and cuddles in your neck to give you a hug.

Soon, she'll be crawling, then walking. She'll become a smart mouth and begin talking back. She'll get sassy and have an attitude. All while concealing her wrong doings with the sweetest smile you've ever seen. She'll bat those eyes at you and puff out her lower lip to avoid a time-out.

So today, then tomorrow, I am going to enjoy and relish in the quiet, loving, sweet, gorgeous baby girl that I have and watch as she learns and takes in everything around her. I will play with her and stimulate her mind. I will take time out to help her grow. To nurture her.

Truly, what is being a parent about, if it isn't to enjoy every second of our child's life?

MSW: I haven't heard anything... get a hold of me asap. Free minutes all weekend. Love you.

The past week has been stress-o-rama. I'm talking my insomnia is flared - even with sleep aids I have not been able to sleep. I lay in bed, mind zinging - thoughts chasing, worrying, wondering, stressing. It's absolutely peachy. Last night I did get some, about 4 hours. Which has been good. For 3 nights in a row I had zip, zilch, nada sleep. So, I'm sure I have been a beautiful person to be around.

Entry Title Story - Last night as DH and I were laying in bed, taking time to get "frisky" which doesn't get to happen often... I felt like messin' with him. I was in a good mood and I wanted to lay, laugh and enjoy eachother - something that doesn't happen often. Well, he starts to kiss my back and my neck, very lovingly - and I stop, body becomes frigid - and in a very matter of fact voice I inquired.. "So, are we going the making love route tonight?" - Oh he was dumbfounded. Frustrated - I'm sure he wanted to get his groove on - lol. All while I was making a huge joke out of it. So after about 45 mins of me being a smart ass he starts being loving again - and he said, he wanted to love his wife - and c'mon girls, we know what that translates into. So I asked why? (Dumb question I know, but I was postponing the inevitable.) And the most ridiculous answer came from his mouth. "Because you deserve it."

I stopped... turned towards him.. and stated - "So, I DESERVE to let you f*&$ me?" He was flabbergasted. He stops and is silent for 20 seconds and then asked, "How the hell did you just twist that to become that?! I truly want to know how you were able to do that."

That my dear readers - is the true essence of my husband and I.

It's Friday - it's the weekend and my birthday is Sunday. Big ol' 29 - and I tell you that I can NOT wait. I'm so ready for 30. 30 is fabulous and right around the corner. Saying goodbye to my 20's can not happen fast enough!

Here I sit. 9:30 am on a cool Tuesday morning, working on my second cup of coffee. And I ponder... so many different things go through my head when/if I sit still. Right now, I'm pondering the milestone my daughter seems to enjoy way too much. Toe s*u*c*k*i*n*g. * = to keep sickos who google that term for other reasons and matters than the one ahead.

I'm not sure how well you know me. If you do - you know that I have a general disguist towards feet. Mens, womens, teens, children. It doesn't matter. I will only kiss or play with my children's feet when they are very small, much like pumpkin, many years before they are able to grow foot fungus. Once foot fungus is even a vague possibility - no way, no how. Keep those disguisting things away from me.

Yet my daughter seems to relish in this. I know for a fact that she does this on purpose. How do I know? Because, quite frankly, she gives me this evil grin right before she does it and digs right in. She'll sit on my lap, look up, grin and then in a move that would envy many a contortionist, she yanks up both feet right towards her mouth. Inevitably one will hit her nose, (quite handy if she needs to pick it while her hands are busy playing with the object she knows shes not suppose to have) and one will make it to her mouth. The one that made it to her mouth is the treasured one. The adorned. Because then she will start sucking on it.. both hands wrapped around her ankle, pulling even further in. She will suck and chew, gnaw as drool runs down her toes to her ankle and then right down her leg. It's quite gross. And I can't handle it. You hear slurping noises as she growls at it. Much like a dog would a bone.

I can hear it now.. "Come here you damn toe, I'm going to gnaw you good. Oh yes I am. Avoiding me all this time, staying as far away from me as you can when you know that I want you in my mouth. How dare you? I'll get you back. Oh yes I will. How do you like that?!"

Take the toe/foot away and she screams. Must. Have. Foot. Must. Suck. On. Toe. This child has 40 some odd pairs of shoes. I can't put them on her. I'm talking shoes to match certain outfits. But as soon as I put the adorable shoes on.. she's screaming and throwing a fit. Why you ask? Because she can't SU*K ON THEM!

So I sit here, and yet again, revel in the meaning of motherhood. Watching my daughter sit up and play with.... HER FEET. I smile. Sip my coffee. And thank God that he's given me such a perfect pumpkin that even I can overlook the foot fe*ish.

We were driving around the other day and as I pull into a gas station my husband nonchalantly states to no one in particular.. "It's pretty sad when Americans can't afford to drive to work." And you have to admit. The man is right. Today our local price is $2.19 per gallon. The other day 5 dollars gave me 2.6 gallons. The price has become absolutely ridiculous. True. This entry is coming from a girl who remembers her mom bitching about the gas price rising to 99 CENTS. I remember sitting in the backseat of my mother's celica, peering out the dirt crusted window at the now very retro style of the gas pump. A big fat 9 9 . And now?

I was going to write a witty condolence entry for Pope JP II. But I can't. I don't know if I can bring myself to write something sweet and endearing about a man I never knew, not to mention a man that I truly can not believe had no knowledge of all the controversial events that happened within his reign of his faith. So I will leave it at, I am sad that a man revered by so many has passed.

Life has still - been busy. Pumpkin is busy gnawing on various Gerber cookies. A is busy avoiding as much school work as possible. And M is busy being a stud. And I am busy reveling in my role as mom.

My brain is fried. I mean, serious people sensory overload. Or maybe it's people overkill in general. I'm not sure. All I know is that I have been up and going since 7 am (ish) and haven't stopped yet. And if I decide to attempt more and keep going tonight I will probably unleash my wrath upon some poor unsuspecting and truly undeserving soul. Which would probably turn out to be DH. And that'd definitely wouldn't be a spectacular thing. Especially with as good and loving he is. And how he takes my venting without as much as a tiny bit of attitude copped my way.

Actually the deserving souls would never hear it from my mouth anyways, considering they are parents of friends *ahem* or family - and I would never be disrespectful. Hey ma - guess all those beatings measured up to something. I let elderly strangers who are in the wrong walk all over me and degrade me without a blink of the eye. Thanks - what more could a daughter ask for.

Today began with job hunting, errands, appointments - get 5 girls ready, one girl (pumpkin pie of course) had to get ready about 7 different times this evening purely because of her poop explosivo. However, still sitting. Still straight up. And still smiling. Even though she can't possibly feel ok when anything in her mouth comes right back out the other end in a disguisting consistency that will make a grown man puke. (And it has.)

Hopefully DH will get a call back this week on one of the many applications he's put in. I will - and I promise - I truly will get my copy site up asap. I swear it's on my list of to dos. But tonight I figured I'd do something productive since I was surrounded by rowdy children girls. So I had DH bring up all of Annie's totes from the basement and I proceeded to clean them out, match them up (keep in mind twin girls) and then organize them into stacks. 1 stack Sydnie, 1 stack babies - too big, 1 stack too small for babies AND Sydnie - they are off to the consignment shop tomorrow. And then in all the clothes that are a)too small for the twin babies and b) too big for Sydnie, we put away for when Sydnie grows into them. Have I told you how much I love these clothes?? So I have all of that organized and clothes that all of our children can wear now - up in their rooms. Yea me. See, I try to help out around here so I won't be a burden. But after 3 days it seems like I already am. Grrr. I can't believe that certain female. I'd like to shoot her, or myself. NOt sure yet.

Everyone will have to nevermind the typos - way too drugged on scripts to worry about it right now. I just can't wait to have my stuff again and my own things. Even my own damn ketchup for god's sake. Is that too much to ask for?

Yes. Sydnie shit all day. Up. Down. Sideways. She's reminding me of a man who still needs to learn how to pee in a female bathroom. Let alone remember to put the toilet seat down. Sydnie will turn 6 months in 2 days. I can't believe she is so old now. Sits in the high chair - playing with toys. Something I didn't think she'd ever be old enough to do.

TF stopped by here today. As TF as ever might I add. Never fails. She did pick up my oldest child for school tomorrow. And tomorrow I will be working all day. I am to not be interrupted. (Yea - we'll see how long that works out for us.)

Well, I best get going.. love you all.

Sweet dreams from the land of cold, miserable, freezing, holy burness of snow, sleet and hail state that I currently reside in.

Sydnie's been on the verge of sitting, but it's more a propping herself up while she lunges forward towards her feet.. propping herself up of course with her tummy. Today was the day. Easter of all days. My daughter sat up ow her own, straight up, unassisted! Yea Sydnie!! On Easter. HOw perfect is that? She looked adorable today! Her Easter dress that I bought while I was pregnant was perfect. And gorgeous. DIdn't get photos tho - no one had a camera on hand. Which is so unheard of.

We, as a family, went to church today. It was nice. THen we had a wonderful Easter dinner, drove over to see everyone. Thinks have been great today. And Sydnie even kept her next explosivo diaper under control until after all of the festivities.

Well, I'm going to get ready for bed... Tomorrow I need to begin my task of a new site with MSW. I need money, so if you know anyone who needs some copywriting done - give em MY NAME. I'm desperate.

Hope all is well.

Wow. Flu.

I don't understand why everytime I come home my daughter gets sick. WTF is that? Here we are again. Vomiting. Acidy Runs. Screaming. No Formula. Daddy came home just in time for all of this. Thankfully. He's been gone for a bit and finally got back home yesterday. We love love love him. Don't know what I would do without him. And I missed our nightime ritual feeling. So needless to say, I'm happy to have him home. And I was finally able to take a long shower last night, exfoliate, shave - the whole regimen. Without as much as a peep. It was heaven!

I've had an MPH sighting, TF stories. And all sorts of goodies for you. When I have the opportunity to sit down and actually spend some time, I will catch you up. For now, I'm going to sneak outside for a cig with my husband.

Have a great Easter everyone. I want photos!

Week from HELL. I don't even know where to begin. But I wanted to get on here real quick and let everyone know that we are alive and fine. Things are going well and hopefully we'll have some good news soon. I haven't been able to get online because life is so hectic right now.

My head is in the midst of a massive pounding migraine. I might be hung over. Not quite sure yet. Lots to do today and I really gotta get up and going but I'm so tired. I haven't been getting a lot of sleep because pumpkin has decided that she wants to stay up til 2 am playing. Nice. What can you really say to a child that normally sleeps all night long? Think I'm going to go crawl onto the couch, curl up in a ball and die for a few days. Nothing permanent of course.

Hope all is well, and know that I'm thinking about everyone.

Due to a family emergency.. duh, read previous entry.. I'll be gone for about three days. I'm on my way out the door to start a 16 hr drive - one way. Let alone the drive RIGHT back. Ugghh.

I'll msg and give an update as soon as I can.

What an insane weekend. First M went to go stay with Annie and the girls. He missed them so much that he thought a weekend visit would be nice since he was leaving soon. It was an extra bonus that today was the girl's birthday! Six years old!

Happy Birthday Hailey & Macey!!
We love you more than all the leaves
on all the trees in this world!

So anyhow, that has turned into a nightmare because my husband's family can not seem to retain any type of normalcy for any length of time. I am still trying to get down to the bottom of it, but my phone died today in the midst of an important conversation with mil. So M is still at Annies and I will be getting him home this week. And I promise you, if a certain crank-head that hears voices, talks shit about my child again - I will beat her ass. No questions asked. If she were a respectable ADULT, I might take her opinion into consideration. Hopefully MIL and I will be able to talk things out calmly and rationally tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed.

I've done tons of cleaning and organizing this weekend. A ton of rearranging in the house. And my living room rocks. It's so cozy and warm feeling. With the yellow paint and amber lights. Pumpkin's pack'Nplay is now set up - semi-permanently - in the livingroom. When we first put her in it she didn't move a muscle for 30 mins. It was the longest I have ever seen her stay still. She looked so perplexed, didn't know what to do. We went to Goodwill and donated a bunch of housewares and clothes. My house is coming together, slowly but surely. And it's much nicer to hang out in the livingroom now, watching tv. Speaking of which I think DH is falling asleep on the couch watching Cops or some shit like that. I better get going and get him to bed. My tooth is killing and I have tons of stuff to figure out tomorrow.

I love you M - enjoy your day over there - I will be there soon.

We took Sydnie in for her 4-month shots, although she is 5 months old. (Remember, we took a vacation to see family in December and are now a month off.) We got her dressed in this adorable, while preppy outfit from Children's Place, made sure she was adorable - and then she proceeded to spit up ALL OVER IT. Not just a bit, not just the shirt - all over sweater, pants, socks - everything. So with mere minutes to leave, she was immediately changed into a simple sundress. So much for grand plans.

She was in such a happy, sweet, giggly mood for her pediatrician. At 5 months and 11 days she weighs 15lbs 12oz, 25" long and her head is measuring at 16.5". Everything is great. I would like to add now that my pediatrician does NOT agree with WIC, and thinks that PURE juice is WAY too much sugar intake. Not to mention that it's completely unnecessary because she gets her nutrition from her fruit babyfood. So HA WIC. She said that I should feel comfortable watering juice down til she's well over a year. And that it is not necessary to give her juice OR a sippy cup until she's about 9 months. And if I time it right, the juice IN the sippy cup will give her added incentive to use the cup.

I then decided to take my shot ridden child to the mall. Had to use my Gymboree Bucks before they expired. She now has two full sundress outfits, including matching hat and shoes. :) The asian inspired set. Go figure. And then at Children's Place - she must have this hat! No, I can't crochet so I guess I'm going to have to come off the $8.50 to get it eventually. We tried it on her and she's just so cute you can eat her up in it. But after spending over $80 at Gymboree I couldn't justify the purchase to DH. I will get it. Somehow. Someway.

Well, pumpkin is beginning to wimper. Tylenol time.

I received my package from MSW today... well, not MY package, but Sydnie's package and it held the most gorgeous baby blanket! We all absolutely love love love it! It's so soft I was scared I wouldn't be able to wash it, but she's assured me that I can. :)

I opened it, gave it to pumpkin and she latched on! Then A tried taking it so he can feel it and she just was not having it. They played tug o'war until I stepped in! The best part of this present is knowing the sentiment involved.

*sigh* this is what great friends are for.. :)

I am miserable. Absolutely, freakin' miserable. I woke up at 3 am with my nose and my top teeth aching.. I should have known then that a sinus infection was coming on.

Fast forward to today.. pain, miserable, aching, throbbing pain in all bazillion of my sinus cavities. Ick.

DirecTv was installed today. The penis having individuals in my house have taken to their own respective rooms, with their own respective televisions. I've barely seen one or the other. Fortunately Second Hand Lions is on right now and I happen to like this movie. A plus, install guys installed all new phone jacks in my home, in all four rooms, so I have more than one phone jack to work with. Yay me.

I have all but the top of one wall done in my livingroom. And if I had a step ladder it'd be done as well. But, it can wait 'til morning. At least I get to hang all my photos up tomorrow. Yippee. It's awfully bright in here, going to have to change lighting tomorrow as well. And I'm thinking that I just might stencil a quote on my photo wall. I just gotta figure out a quote. Something that describes our family... something that's "us".

I suppose since it's almost 1am I should be off to bed.

G'nite.

I forgot to mention I had an MPH sighting today.

Instead of under-estimating him. I have apparently OVER-estimated him. Ha. Told you MSW. He apparently did not block me on MSN, even though I was flattered when I thought he had, as he appeared online last night. Well, today he apparently had a virus that messaged everyone on his msn list. I respond with "What is that, other than a virus extension..." He says, oh shit, don't click on that, I have a virus, blah blah blah. And then we continue to have a 2 minute msn conversation - all while my nickname appears with every sentence I enter as.. "Mr. Potato Head's Ex". And he continuously speaks to me AS he sees this. 1+1=234. He didn't get it. He probably never will. Unless he Googles me, and finds this, reads it - and enlightens himself.

Now, how dense did you think he wasn't?

Ex's. If you EVER forget why an ex became an ex.. have a 2 minute conversation with him, and you'll remember quick like. I fortunately do not have to go that far. If I could EVER forget, which I couldn't... I have wonderful friends and loved ones that would be quite happy to remind me.