I was reminded by a friend on facebook today that it's that time to start reflecting on 2012 and time to look forward at 2013.
2012 has tested my strength as a human being more than any year of my life. Here's what I can say about that; I'm DAMN proud of myself. Raising two children under the age of two is challenging. Add a full-time job and a child with special needs to it and you've got yourself a potential disaster on your hands.... That's not me... I have and will always rise above any challenge put in front of me. I have chose to focus my time and effort into those who respect and support my family. I am FOREVER in debt to anyone who can read this, as if not for you, it would have been that much harder to rise above.
The birth of Adele has taught me more life lessons in one year, than in my previous thirty-two combined. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Don't be afraid to utilize that Army of family and friends that you have built over the years.
2. Everything will be okay, if not now, then sometime soon.
3. Do what makes you happy.
4. Love your children for what they are, not what you dream them to be.
Looking forward to 2013, here's a few things I'd like to continue to do:
1. Focus on healthy eating.
2. Run 5K races.
3. Raise my girls to respect themselves and others around them.
4. Blog
5. Not worry about things that are out of my control.
New goals (gotta have them!):
1. Run the Shamrock Shuffle in Downtown Chicago.
2. Develop my photography skills.
3. Read more!
4. Improve my writing skills.
5. Continue to grow as a teacher.
When thinking about the year ahead, I know we will continue to face challenges as a family, but I am thrilled to think about the millions of awesome moments that lay ahead and will surely outweigh those challenges.
"Forward, Together, Forward" was taken from NIU President John G. Peters in 2008 in response to the February 14th massacre at Cole Hall.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Twas the Night Before Christmas...
We have now completed holiday celebration 3 of 4! I can't decide if I prefer travelling over hosting yet. I will say that the girls did fantastic in the car on the ride to Mattoon Friday night and our ride to and from Bloomington in one day.
I also JUST finished my Christmas shopping online. This is due to a combination of procrastination and lack of time. Nonetheless, it is complete!
Santa's cookies are out and ready to be eaten (lucky guy!) I'm pretty sure I'll have a pair of very excited girls tomorrow morning when gift opening commences. Can't wait to see the look on Jade's face when she opens up her gifts.
Happy Festivus!!
I also JUST finished my Christmas shopping online. This is due to a combination of procrastination and lack of time. Nonetheless, it is complete!
Santa's cookies are out and ready to be eaten (lucky guy!) I'm pretty sure I'll have a pair of very excited girls tomorrow morning when gift opening commences. Can't wait to see the look on Jade's face when she opens up her gifts.
Happy Festivus!!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Emotional Weekend
Now that a few days time have gone by since the Sandy Hook attacks, I have had some time to digest my thoughts and others reactions. As an educator, I am aware that my school could be next. It's a reality of life and we are aware and practice as best as one can for armed intruders.
I'll start with the gun control discussions. In this situation, I'm not sure how the intruder acquired the guns or what the gun laws say in Connecticut. I honestly don't know whether or not lives would have been saved if those within the building were carrying. I have noticed a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking comments which are annoying since I don't think there is any one solution. The other side is stricter regulation of sales and carrying laws. If someone has a documented mental illness, it is not outside of the realm of logic to perhaps take a second look at this particular persons background thus questioning whether or not they are fit to carry. On the other hand, will this truly prevent someone to access? Probably not but I like the documentation part of it.
Morgan Freeman's reaction to the attacks was to ignore the intruder and focus on the victims. I appreciate the truth that intruders are always household names but victims typically are not. I have noticed an effort by those close to the deceased to promote there lives and give us a face and story to a name through facebook and other social media. I'm hoping this will create a new norm.
Another popular blog from a mother of a teenage boy with diagnosed mental illness shared several stories of what she and her family deal with on a daily basis living with a child with mental illness. She mentions threats with knives to her and his siblings and trips to the ER due to suicide threats. In each situation she feels as though she is not supported and there is currently no appropriate protocol or environment suitable for her son. As a mother of a child with a disability, I can empathize with her feeling of helplessness and how a disability of this sort can easily consume a family's resources both financially and monetarily. It sounds as though she is doing the very best she can with the cards that have been dealt and probably lives with constant worry and guilt about the affect her son may have on others and her own family. I agree that mental illness is a topic that needs to addressed in an honest way in this country and protocols and environments should continue to be developed and fine-tuned.
I can only imagine the horror the teachers felt for the their students and themselves. I know that every teacher out there feels a high level of responsibility towards their students and probably wants to protect them at all costs as though they are their own children. To those teachers and staff who survived the attack, I can only wonder what the future holds for them professionally and personally.
Then there are students who survived the attack and witnessed the violence first hand. How will this affect each student and how will the district and community respond?
I'll end this topic by saying I hope that each and every person affected by the attack is able to find peace in their lives.
James and I attended a family graduation party for my cousin who earned an associates degree. Without divulging to much information, he has been near the brink of death and has fought many demons in his soon to be 28 years. I was thrilled to see that his accomplishment was being acknowledged and excited to witness him propose to his girlfriend! The tables have turned for my cousin on his own accord and I couldn't be more proud of who he has become.
Finals week is upon us with which comes many loose ends to tie up before we leave for break. Time to get focused for the week ahead.
I'll start with the gun control discussions. In this situation, I'm not sure how the intruder acquired the guns or what the gun laws say in Connecticut. I honestly don't know whether or not lives would have been saved if those within the building were carrying. I have noticed a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking comments which are annoying since I don't think there is any one solution. The other side is stricter regulation of sales and carrying laws. If someone has a documented mental illness, it is not outside of the realm of logic to perhaps take a second look at this particular persons background thus questioning whether or not they are fit to carry. On the other hand, will this truly prevent someone to access? Probably not but I like the documentation part of it.
Morgan Freeman's reaction to the attacks was to ignore the intruder and focus on the victims. I appreciate the truth that intruders are always household names but victims typically are not. I have noticed an effort by those close to the deceased to promote there lives and give us a face and story to a name through facebook and other social media. I'm hoping this will create a new norm.
Another popular blog from a mother of a teenage boy with diagnosed mental illness shared several stories of what she and her family deal with on a daily basis living with a child with mental illness. She mentions threats with knives to her and his siblings and trips to the ER due to suicide threats. In each situation she feels as though she is not supported and there is currently no appropriate protocol or environment suitable for her son. As a mother of a child with a disability, I can empathize with her feeling of helplessness and how a disability of this sort can easily consume a family's resources both financially and monetarily. It sounds as though she is doing the very best she can with the cards that have been dealt and probably lives with constant worry and guilt about the affect her son may have on others and her own family. I agree that mental illness is a topic that needs to addressed in an honest way in this country and protocols and environments should continue to be developed and fine-tuned.
I can only imagine the horror the teachers felt for the their students and themselves. I know that every teacher out there feels a high level of responsibility towards their students and probably wants to protect them at all costs as though they are their own children. To those teachers and staff who survived the attack, I can only wonder what the future holds for them professionally and personally.
Then there are students who survived the attack and witnessed the violence first hand. How will this affect each student and how will the district and community respond?
I'll end this topic by saying I hope that each and every person affected by the attack is able to find peace in their lives.
James and I attended a family graduation party for my cousin who earned an associates degree. Without divulging to much information, he has been near the brink of death and has fought many demons in his soon to be 28 years. I was thrilled to see that his accomplishment was being acknowledged and excited to witness him propose to his girlfriend! The tables have turned for my cousin on his own accord and I couldn't be more proud of who he has become.
Finals week is upon us with which comes many loose ends to tie up before we leave for break. Time to get focused for the week ahead.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Murphy's Law
Today is one of those days which proves that if it can happen, it will. Murphy's Law at play all day.
I have very limited information regarding the Connecticut school shooting but the act of killing 27 people is enough to at the very least, create pause. It is a day of reflection & grieving and my heart hurts for the students & teachers involved.
Lesson learned regarding insurance: always get pre-approval for anything out of the ordinary. In other words, even though YOU may think it would make sense to assume that a test is covered, don't...
I am currently blogging through my I-phone blogger app since what else should you do when the power goes out in your subdivision?
Off to read Jade more stories by candlelight & make a few more shadow puppets before bed.
I have very limited information regarding the Connecticut school shooting but the act of killing 27 people is enough to at the very least, create pause. It is a day of reflection & grieving and my heart hurts for the students & teachers involved.
Lesson learned regarding insurance: always get pre-approval for anything out of the ordinary. In other words, even though YOU may think it would make sense to assume that a test is covered, don't...
I am currently blogging through my I-phone blogger app since what else should you do when the power goes out in your subdivision?
Off to read Jade more stories by candlelight & make a few more shadow puppets before bed.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Nice Little Weekend
My Friday night started out fabulous enjoying a hilarious White Elephant Party with some of my nearest and dearest friends. We had quite the selection of misfit gifts including: a VCR, neck pillow, singing donkey, Yankee candle holder, bubble lawn mower amongst other ridiculous items. I ended up with the bubble lawn mower which Jade and Adele will be happy with come spring.
Saturday was a Hodge podge day of laundry and a little relaxing along with a 4th birthday celebration for our friends M & S at Chuckie Cheese. Jade had a blast and was especially smitten with a helicopter ride that would lift you into the air.
The evening brought James and I an opportunity to see a movie which we haven't done in ages. We were both anxious to see "Lincoln". I worry about historical movies on the big screen because I hate to fall in love with the person and movie to then find out historical inaccuracies. Some level of fiction is expected I suppose. I found out that for the most part, the movie's portrayal of Lincoln was accurate, however evidently his cabinet members were not accurately portrayed. From my understanding, Mary Lincoln was just as grief stricken by the death of their son Willie as the movie indicated. She was quite the firecracker and I was interested in the dynamic between the two. I fell in love with Lincoln's relationship with his son Tad but then ended up finding out that Mary could not handle the sound of children's laughter in the house after the loss of there son Willie. It was also somewhat comforting to be reminded that politics has indeed been politics for hundreds of years. Lincoln's ability to connect with African Americans was evident and it has been noted that Frederick Douglass mentions Lincoln as being the only white man to make him feel like he wasn't being judged by his race. This movie has peaked my interest to learn more about Abraham Lincoln and his family.
Jade, Adele, James and I went to Navy Pier's Children's Museum. I was not happy with $19 parking but we got into the museum for free since we are DCM members. This museum is 3 floors and full of activities and interactive exhibits that suit both Adele and Jade well. Jade climbed up a rope tower that lead to a tunnel made of rope while then walking the plank to get back to us. I am always impressed with her athletic ability. Adele got to play with some sensory toys in different areas of the museum. One of the most interesting exhibits was a "skating rink/dance floor" complete with a disco ball and music. The floor was made of slippery plastic that allowed you to slide around the floor. Both Jade and Adele had a blast sliding around.
We left the museum before an opportunity for meltdowns and I have to say we are starting to get a hang of this toting two kids around business. This evening we have been catching up with laundry and I am about to grade papers then hopefully get to reading "Little Earthquakes".
Saturday was a Hodge podge day of laundry and a little relaxing along with a 4th birthday celebration for our friends M & S at Chuckie Cheese. Jade had a blast and was especially smitten with a helicopter ride that would lift you into the air.
The evening brought James and I an opportunity to see a movie which we haven't done in ages. We were both anxious to see "Lincoln". I worry about historical movies on the big screen because I hate to fall in love with the person and movie to then find out historical inaccuracies. Some level of fiction is expected I suppose. I found out that for the most part, the movie's portrayal of Lincoln was accurate, however evidently his cabinet members were not accurately portrayed. From my understanding, Mary Lincoln was just as grief stricken by the death of their son Willie as the movie indicated. She was quite the firecracker and I was interested in the dynamic between the two. I fell in love with Lincoln's relationship with his son Tad but then ended up finding out that Mary could not handle the sound of children's laughter in the house after the loss of there son Willie. It was also somewhat comforting to be reminded that politics has indeed been politics for hundreds of years. Lincoln's ability to connect with African Americans was evident and it has been noted that Frederick Douglass mentions Lincoln as being the only white man to make him feel like he wasn't being judged by his race. This movie has peaked my interest to learn more about Abraham Lincoln and his family.
Jade, Adele, James and I went to Navy Pier's Children's Museum. I was not happy with $19 parking but we got into the museum for free since we are DCM members. This museum is 3 floors and full of activities and interactive exhibits that suit both Adele and Jade well. Jade climbed up a rope tower that lead to a tunnel made of rope while then walking the plank to get back to us. I am always impressed with her athletic ability. Adele got to play with some sensory toys in different areas of the museum. One of the most interesting exhibits was a "skating rink/dance floor" complete with a disco ball and music. The floor was made of slippery plastic that allowed you to slide around the floor. Both Jade and Adele had a blast sliding around.
We left the museum before an opportunity for meltdowns and I have to say we are starting to get a hang of this toting two kids around business. This evening we have been catching up with laundry and I am about to grade papers then hopefully get to reading "Little Earthquakes".
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Putting ideas into action....Sometimes
As a teenager and woman in my early twenties, I prided myself on my ability to be spontaneous and well organized in most facets of my life. Since the girls have come along, I'm finding that it is nearly impossible to be spontaneous and even my organizational skills have taken a toll.
These points are not a surprise but I can say that I am getting back on track. A part of this requires me to tell people "no" sometimes. I am a social butterfly by nature and I adore spending time with my friends but it's become way to easy to overbook weekends and life in general. I also use to raise my hand at work for every little opportunity to help out on a committee, after school committement or coaching responsibility.
Times have changed and I'm beginning to realize that I need to re-shape my expectations of myself. I am now more concientious at what I commit to and pride myself on quality not quantity.
In my previous post, I mentioned wanting to involve myself with charity. I am proud of my efforts to raise $ for The Chromosome 18 Registry and for our donation of toys to
These points are not a surprise but I can say that I am getting back on track. A part of this requires me to tell people "no" sometimes. I am a social butterfly by nature and I adore spending time with my friends but it's become way to easy to overbook weekends and life in general. I also use to raise my hand at work for every little opportunity to help out on a committee, after school committement or coaching responsibility.
Times have changed and I'm beginning to realize that I need to re-shape my expectations of myself. I am now more concientious at what I commit to and pride myself on quality not quantity.
In my previous post, I mentioned wanting to involve myself with charity. I am proud of my efforts to raise $ for The Chromosome 18 Registry and for our donation of toys to
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Trying to Stay Sane
The holidays bring out stress in myself and most everyone around me including my students. No matter what I do, holiday stress seems to creep through.
A lot of this has to do with worrying about making sure we as a family keep up appearances. I realize that most people feel some level of nausea toward the holidays which is comforting since misery loves company. Tasks such as decorating the house, sending out holiday cards, purchasing gifts and attending/hosting parties open up so many opportunities for logistical issues to arise and feelings to be hurt that it's essentially Murphy's Law at it's best.
So what can I DO to remedy the situation and paint it the way that best suites my family's needs......
We'll start with not just trimming the Christmas Tree but also the Christmas List. Willing participants are needed and have been found which helps in the way of financial pieces. I would FAR rather spend relaxed and unforced time with individuals that I love than worry about what color sweater they would like this year.
Next, I am going to do my best to follow suite with action taken by the girls day care teacher and DONATE time, money and items to charity. I am starting with a virtual tea party to raise money for The Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Group.
Also, I am going to keep my body/mind/spirit in check by making sure I keep up with running three times a week and commit to meditation again. Along with this, James are looking to continue our low-carb diet.
Lastly, I have planned and committed to parties of those who fill our cups with as much joy as possible this season. One of my goals for the New Year comes in from a little inspiration from Jane Lynch's Memoir "Happy Accidents". At one point in her acting career, Jane had been cast as an understudy for a main stage actor at Second City. She dutifully filled her role of attending each and every show and performed flawlessly for several years. All along hoping and waiting for the opportunity to become a main stage character. Finally, after one of her millions of polite pleas to the house manager, Jane was told that it was never going to happen.... She reflects that part of her flaw as a human being is putting energy into something after it's time has passed.. Jane becomes upset with her self for giving to people who would never be able to fill her cup back. I love this reflection because I know a lot of people who have been on either end of this situation and it simply sucks. Building some self-awareness and continuing to commit to those who want to commit to family and I are key in having us live our best lives.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Thanks....Part 2
11. I am grateful for a lovely 80 minute massage!
12. I am thankful for excellent friends that thought of the idea.
13. I am grateful for those who chose a career in medicine.
14. I am thankful for the time I have with my daughters.
15. I am grateful to those who risk their lives to ensure my family's health and well being.
16. I am thankful for those who treat Adele like they would any other child.
17. I am grateful for our new family from the Chromosome 18 Registry.
18. I am thankful for 5K's with great friends!
19. I am grateful for our wonderful insurance (most of the time!)
20. I am thankful for Sunday playdates with friends!
12. I am thankful for excellent friends that thought of the idea.
13. I am grateful for those who chose a career in medicine.
14. I am thankful for the time I have with my daughters.
15. I am grateful to those who risk their lives to ensure my family's health and well being.
16. I am thankful for those who treat Adele like they would any other child.
17. I am grateful for our new family from the Chromosome 18 Registry.
18. I am thankful for 5K's with great friends!
19. I am grateful for our wonderful insurance (most of the time!)
20. I am thankful for Sunday playdates with friends!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Turning Lemons into Lemonade
We geared ourselves up for Adele's Ear Tubes Surgery last night when low and behold I get a phone call from Dr. Amin at 10:00 saying that the Audiologist who was supposed to do the ABR Hearing Test after surgery had an emergency and wouldn't be able to attend, thus forcing us into a situation where we had to reschedule. Yikes....
Turning lemons into lemonade and rolling with the punches is a theme that keeps coming up in our lives especially related to Adele's needs. These type of situations are gentle reminders that the ship will sail and flexibility is key. Adele's big smile and hug in my breakdown moment reminded me that she is just fabulous and will continue to be fabulous.
Our lemonade came in the way of a trip to DCM which also lead to us purchasing a membership! I was pleased to hear that through April of 2013, we will be able to use our DCM membership to get in free at Navy Pier's CM and Oak Lawn CM! Another bonus was that we went to DCM on a day in which we practically had the entire place to ourselves!
Turning lemons into lemonade and rolling with the punches is a theme that keeps coming up in our lives especially related to Adele's needs. These type of situations are gentle reminders that the ship will sail and flexibility is key. Adele's big smile and hug in my breakdown moment reminded me that she is just fabulous and will continue to be fabulous.
Our lemonade came in the way of a trip to DCM which also lead to us purchasing a membership! I was pleased to hear that through April of 2013, we will be able to use our DCM membership to get in free at Navy Pier's CM and Oak Lawn CM! Another bonus was that we went to DCM on a day in which we practically had the entire place to ourselves!
I haven't been to the museum with Jade in awhile and I can tell she's getting to know the place and was also just as pleased that crowds were elsewhere. Adele had a great time in the Young Explorers area.
Time for more good laughs reading fabulous short stories from David Sedaris' "Me Talk Pretty One Day".
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Bracing Ourselves
Tomorrow Adele is getting tubes put in her ears. We are thrilled to see how her hearing improves. I'll admit, I'm not the most flexible person on the planet but when someone tells you that your daughter's surgery is at 8:00 a.m. then gets moved to 1:00 in the afternoon, you get a little upset. This is upsetting because I'm wondering if anyone out there has tried to avoid feeding their 6 month old for 5 hours without admitting themselves to the loony bin? We did hear directly from Dr. Amin a little while ago and she told us to feel free to feed her apple juice and or pedialite until 11:00.. She also admitted that the last 2 hours will suck. I appreciate her honesty.
I'm going to have to go into Labor/C-Section mode tomorrow with the same thought that I had throughout those experiences: this to shall pass. This surgery will be a huge benefit for Adele and I know it will be all worth it.
Okay breathe......
Monday, November 12, 2012
Cold Weather
Today was the quintessential "oh yeah winter's coming" kind of day. It's interesting the way weather snaps you into reality of things to come.
I am bound and determined not to make the same mistake of forgetting to buy gifts for a few people like I did last year. That being said, I decided to print out 4 Weeks to a Somewhat Frazzle Free Christmas which includes a week by week goal sheet which is right up my ally. I am happy to report that we have a budget, gift ideas and Christmas Cards will be ready as soon as our winter photo session happens next weekend!
After I picked Jade up from daycare, we decided to go to Target (what a shocker!) for winter hats and gloves. I let Jade pick out a hat for Adele and herself.
I am bound and determined not to make the same mistake of forgetting to buy gifts for a few people like I did last year. That being said, I decided to print out 4 Weeks to a Somewhat Frazzle Free Christmas which includes a week by week goal sheet which is right up my ally. I am happy to report that we have a budget, gift ideas and Christmas Cards will be ready as soon as our winter photo session happens next weekend!
After I picked Jade up from daycare, we decided to go to Target (what a shocker!) for winter hats and gloves. I let Jade pick out a hat for Adele and herself.
Of course along with the cold weather comes my craving for a Skinny Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks.....Yummmmmm! I see many of these and my Teavanna favorites in my future!
Time to top off the reality of cold weather by curling up with a book......or more like my I-Pad.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thankful...Part 1
Many of my friends on facebook are posting what they are thankful for daily throughout the month of November. Rather than doing this daily, I figured I'd list ten at a time three times this month.
1. I am thankful that I have the persistence and fortitude to have created the life that I am currently living.
2. I am grateful that I was raised in a house that unconditionally supported my endeavors in school and the performing arts.
3. I am thankful to be in an occupation that fills my soul with joy each and everyday.
4. I am grateful for very few bad days in my work life.
5. I am thankful for the staff that I work with at LHS. I am in awe of my colleagues talent on a daily basis.
6. I am grateful to those who love me for better and worse!
7. I am thankful for a nice big glass of Sauvignon Blanc on one of those bad days.
8. I am grateful for the most loving, intelligent, perceptive and empathetic two-year old daughter.
9. I am thankful for a baby girl who has shown me what unconditional love is.
10. I am grateful that I am sitting here with a roof over my head, belly full of food and a macbook ;)
1. I am thankful that I have the persistence and fortitude to have created the life that I am currently living.
2. I am grateful that I was raised in a house that unconditionally supported my endeavors in school and the performing arts.
3. I am thankful to be in an occupation that fills my soul with joy each and everyday.
4. I am grateful for very few bad days in my work life.
5. I am thankful for the staff that I work with at LHS. I am in awe of my colleagues talent on a daily basis.
6. I am grateful to those who love me for better and worse!
7. I am thankful for a nice big glass of Sauvignon Blanc on one of those bad days.
8. I am grateful for the most loving, intelligent, perceptive and empathetic two-year old daughter.
9. I am thankful for a baby girl who has shown me what unconditional love is.
10. I am grateful that I am sitting here with a roof over my head, belly full of food and a macbook ;)
Monday, October 29, 2012
Philosophy
I've recently had a few discussions with various women in my life regarding my life, home & work balance. Women are often amazed at how I am able to "get away" for a coffee, glass of wine, run, shop etc.... I have to admit that at times I do let that bastard "guilt" get the better of me, but most of the time I am thrilled with the balance in my life. We also happen to have a tremendous amount of support from both families and they are for the most part located close by.
This all starts back to my childhood when I can remember spending many weekends with my grandmother and aunt who lived together at the time. They provided a 180 degree environmental switch for me and gave my parents time to decompress and just enjoy life. I valued the time I had with them and looked forward to spending time with them! We shopped at "expensive" stores, watched lots of "Golden Girls" episodes, read books, cooked and generally laughed a lot!
Later on in life, I began to connect with my father's family and would spend the day talking politics, sociology (I didn't realize this at the time), psychology, finance and history. Some of the richest conversations I have ever had come from my "beekeepers".
Jump forward to when James & I first started dating.. One of the first things we discussed as a serious couple was politics and when and IF we wanted children. Fortunately we were on the same page with both. One of the other things that I wanted was to have conversations that involved how we would raise our children and the expectations of each of us. We agreed that child rearing in ALL aspects belongs to both parents on an equal basis.
As I've entered my second year of parenthood, I've come to realize that my philosophy of needing to commit to MY needs as well as those of my children and husband is somewhat rare for varying reasons. I do consider myself a feminist and have always been perplexed by traditional female and male roles within families and try to sway from them. For instance, it's just as important for me to be able to fix a dryer as it is James be able to nurture my girls, albeit I don't have much background in fixing dryers. I become frustrated for my friends with children who never seem to be able to get a break. I realize that some people don't have many outlets or supports but I have a sneaking suspicion that for some people that ugly word "guilt" is the suspect.
Please don't get me wrong, I realize many mom's that I have come across choose to prioritize their lives in different ways.. I respect that and I'm happy for those who get to live their dreams!
Listen up moms of children and animals: You are all outstanding women with the ability to build an empire... I ask you not to forget about yourselves because you deserve the best in life! I admire all of you and can say that I am a better person for knowing each and every one of you.
This all starts back to my childhood when I can remember spending many weekends with my grandmother and aunt who lived together at the time. They provided a 180 degree environmental switch for me and gave my parents time to decompress and just enjoy life. I valued the time I had with them and looked forward to spending time with them! We shopped at "expensive" stores, watched lots of "Golden Girls" episodes, read books, cooked and generally laughed a lot!
Later on in life, I began to connect with my father's family and would spend the day talking politics, sociology (I didn't realize this at the time), psychology, finance and history. Some of the richest conversations I have ever had come from my "beekeepers".
Jump forward to when James & I first started dating.. One of the first things we discussed as a serious couple was politics and when and IF we wanted children. Fortunately we were on the same page with both. One of the other things that I wanted was to have conversations that involved how we would raise our children and the expectations of each of us. We agreed that child rearing in ALL aspects belongs to both parents on an equal basis.
As I've entered my second year of parenthood, I've come to realize that my philosophy of needing to commit to MY needs as well as those of my children and husband is somewhat rare for varying reasons. I do consider myself a feminist and have always been perplexed by traditional female and male roles within families and try to sway from them. For instance, it's just as important for me to be able to fix a dryer as it is James be able to nurture my girls, albeit I don't have much background in fixing dryers. I become frustrated for my friends with children who never seem to be able to get a break. I realize that some people don't have many outlets or supports but I have a sneaking suspicion that for some people that ugly word "guilt" is the suspect.
Please don't get me wrong, I realize many mom's that I have come across choose to prioritize their lives in different ways.. I respect that and I'm happy for those who get to live their dreams!
Listen up moms of children and animals: You are all outstanding women with the ability to build an empire... I ask you not to forget about yourselves because you deserve the best in life! I admire all of you and can say that I am a better person for knowing each and every one of you.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Always a story
We just experienced round two of ear and eye tests for Adele within two days. Doctors appointments are becoming a way of life around here...
Fortunately, Adele has no issues with her eyes at this point.. We can check this off the list.
As for her ears, it goes something like this....Her ear canals have grown substantially since July and the ENT was able to get a good look inside. Adele does have fluid in both ears and is still presenting with a hearing loss. She removed some wax from her left ear as well. The plan is to get "tiny titan" tubes placed in her ears ASAP. Since she will already be under anesthesia, they will do another ABR hearing test immediately after the surgery to see if she still has a hearing loss. The ABR test definitively shows whether or not she still has the conductive loss after the fluid has been removed. If she does not have any hearing loss, Walla! If she still has a conductive loss, we'll take her in for a CT scan to determine if the bones in her middle ear are developed properly. Also, if she still has a hearing loss, she will be fitted with hearing aides. I'm happy that we have a plan and that something as easy as draining fluid out of her ears and inserting tubes will allow my child to hear and develop speech & language without those barriers!
We first met our ENT back in July when Adele failed her hearing test. She was the first doctor to suggest that Adele's hearing loss may be related to a syndrome. Though I was very happy she told us this, James and I were a little unimpressed with her general bedside manner. She appeared quite clinical and not very empathetic. Since July, she gave birth to a second daughter. During this visit, she told me that her two-month old daughter was born with some physical issues that may be related to a syndrome... Essentially she is in the throws of what we were going through 3 months ago.... I was extremely impressed with her new and improved bedside manner. She even went as far as to ask if she thought she was to harsh when breaking the news about Adele possibly having a syndrome! I told her that I didn't think she was too harsh, however I did mention that now she will be able to connect on an emotional level with her patients since she has been through the unknown! She thanked me for my honesty and wanted to know what I thought of Adele's geneticist. Warm and fuzzies for her now along with the staff that we are getting to know quite well!
It's Friday! Looking forward to a fun day visiting with my nieces tomorrow and a little R & R on Sunday (along with lesson planning and grading).
Fortunately, Adele has no issues with her eyes at this point.. We can check this off the list.
As for her ears, it goes something like this....Her ear canals have grown substantially since July and the ENT was able to get a good look inside. Adele does have fluid in both ears and is still presenting with a hearing loss. She removed some wax from her left ear as well. The plan is to get "tiny titan" tubes placed in her ears ASAP. Since she will already be under anesthesia, they will do another ABR hearing test immediately after the surgery to see if she still has a hearing loss. The ABR test definitively shows whether or not she still has the conductive loss after the fluid has been removed. If she does not have any hearing loss, Walla! If she still has a conductive loss, we'll take her in for a CT scan to determine if the bones in her middle ear are developed properly. Also, if she still has a hearing loss, she will be fitted with hearing aides. I'm happy that we have a plan and that something as easy as draining fluid out of her ears and inserting tubes will allow my child to hear and develop speech & language without those barriers!
We first met our ENT back in July when Adele failed her hearing test. She was the first doctor to suggest that Adele's hearing loss may be related to a syndrome. Though I was very happy she told us this, James and I were a little unimpressed with her general bedside manner. She appeared quite clinical and not very empathetic. Since July, she gave birth to a second daughter. During this visit, she told me that her two-month old daughter was born with some physical issues that may be related to a syndrome... Essentially she is in the throws of what we were going through 3 months ago.... I was extremely impressed with her new and improved bedside manner. She even went as far as to ask if she thought she was to harsh when breaking the news about Adele possibly having a syndrome! I told her that I didn't think she was too harsh, however I did mention that now she will be able to connect on an emotional level with her patients since she has been through the unknown! She thanked me for my honesty and wanted to know what I thought of Adele's geneticist. Warm and fuzzies for her now along with the staff that we are getting to know quite well!
It's Friday! Looking forward to a fun day visiting with my nieces tomorrow and a little R & R on Sunday (along with lesson planning and grading).
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Traditions
I am not much of commercial Christmas kind of person. I don't enjoy having to buy gifts for a million people and go into bankruptcy to do so.... I also don't feel that people should buy me gifts for Christmas. There are about a million other ways to celebrate family and friends, that's not one of my favorites.
So I got to thinking about why I even bother to decorate my house, a tree and attend parties related to Christmas; tradition. What I remember and value the most as a child is spending quality time with people I love. I can remember baking cookies with my mom and grandmas, going with my dad to choose the best Christmas Tree and going Christmas Carolling with my friends in Jr. High and High School.
That being said, my goal with Jade and Adele is to create traditions of our own not only for Christmas but other Holidays as well. I am looking forward to baking those cookies with the girls and when they get older, I would like us to volunteer as a family at a local soup kitchen. My hope is that when they get older, they remember and try to create traditions of there own.
So I got to thinking about why I even bother to decorate my house, a tree and attend parties related to Christmas; tradition. What I remember and value the most as a child is spending quality time with people I love. I can remember baking cookies with my mom and grandmas, going with my dad to choose the best Christmas Tree and going Christmas Carolling with my friends in Jr. High and High School.
That being said, my goal with Jade and Adele is to create traditions of our own not only for Christmas but other Holidays as well. I am looking forward to baking those cookies with the girls and when they get older, I would like us to volunteer as a family at a local soup kitchen. My hope is that when they get older, they remember and try to create traditions of there own.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Happy
This has been a week of many little things/events that have boosted my happy meter! Love when good choices pay off!
First slice of happy relates to my weight loss. I could not believe the scale Friday morning when it read that I lost 5 pounds this week!! I have been sticking to a 1200 calorie diet and tracking everything I eat and drink through myfitness pal which has become my best friend these days. I'm reminded that I can do this and know that it will take sometime but I'll get there.
Another slice of happy comes from our newest family members; two sets of African Dwarf Frogs! One set resides with us at home and the other set is in my classroom at school. Jade loves feeding our pair at home but we have yet to name them. After creating a poll on my Haiku page at school, our two little darlings were named Georgia and Otis. I love the positive reactions Georgia and Otis bring to my classroom and that I have something to focus on when I'm at my desk and need to decompress.
Last slice of happy comes with a weekend full of activities with family and friends from all parts of our world. It's energizing to be around those that love you and just what we needed!
First slice of happy relates to my weight loss. I could not believe the scale Friday morning when it read that I lost 5 pounds this week!! I have been sticking to a 1200 calorie diet and tracking everything I eat and drink through myfitness pal which has become my best friend these days. I'm reminded that I can do this and know that it will take sometime but I'll get there.
Another slice of happy comes from our newest family members; two sets of African Dwarf Frogs! One set resides with us at home and the other set is in my classroom at school. Jade loves feeding our pair at home but we have yet to name them. After creating a poll on my Haiku page at school, our two little darlings were named Georgia and Otis. I love the positive reactions Georgia and Otis bring to my classroom and that I have something to focus on when I'm at my desk and need to decompress.
Last slice of happy comes with a weekend full of activities with family and friends from all parts of our world. It's energizing to be around those that love you and just what we needed!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Day 1 Re-cap
I have to say that I am loving this Myfitnesspal App. Some of my favorite functions are the ability to scan barcodes of food for easy logging, calorie counting and storage of favorite foods/recipes.
I'm on a 1200 calorie a day diet and did not go over my goal yesterday. I think the tracker helps to keep me in line but time will tell. My biggest challenges will be impulse eating and making sure I get on a steady exercise routine. My plan is to get to Bikram once a week and run/walk another two days a week. My overall weight loss goal is to lose 26 pounds.
Yesterday ended up being a lovely little Saturday. I had some quality time with Adele and we tried some stage one green beans. She still sticks her tongue out with the food in her mouth, yet she seems to be excited to get the food. I'm sure she'll be a pro before you know it. In the evening, my parents stopped by and James & I headed out to Naperville for dinner at Blackfinn. I had the Ahi Tuna Salad with a Skinny Girl Margarita.. The salad was great and the Margarita was excellent! I've never had a skinny girl drink but the name didn't set high expectations.. I'm sold on skinny girl drinks. After dinner, we walked along the riverwalk for an hour. Home by 8:30 and in bed by 9:00. Fine by me!
I'm on a 1200 calorie a day diet and did not go over my goal yesterday. I think the tracker helps to keep me in line but time will tell. My biggest challenges will be impulse eating and making sure I get on a steady exercise routine. My plan is to get to Bikram once a week and run/walk another two days a week. My overall weight loss goal is to lose 26 pounds.
Yesterday ended up being a lovely little Saturday. I had some quality time with Adele and we tried some stage one green beans. She still sticks her tongue out with the food in her mouth, yet she seems to be excited to get the food. I'm sure she'll be a pro before you know it. In the evening, my parents stopped by and James & I headed out to Naperville for dinner at Blackfinn. I had the Ahi Tuna Salad with a Skinny Girl Margarita.. The salad was great and the Margarita was excellent! I've never had a skinny girl drink but the name didn't set high expectations.. I'm sold on skinny girl drinks. After dinner, we walked along the riverwalk for an hour. Home by 8:30 and in bed by 9:00. Fine by me!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Third Time's a Charm
Weight Loss..... UGHHH!!!! I'm entering into another psychological an physical warfare with my body in hopes of being around for my grandchildren and having energy for my children (both at home and at school). I've been here before and it is just a god-awful emotional battle ground for me...
I've done this before, two times. Once after college when my time could be COMPLETELY devoted to working out and eating right (along with the fact that I was 22 years old) and then after having Jade. The second time around life had changed dramatically so I had to "reinvent" how I was going to approach weight loss. Low and behold, 6 months later I reached my goal weight..... Then we got pregnant with Adele......
I've gone kicking and screaming into it this time, but I've got a train I need to catch with about 10 of my mommy friends and I'm not going to get left behind.
In case your interested, I'm using my fitness pal app for my iphone do to calorie tracking and fitness tracking.. A few of my co-workers have used this app with much success so I'm willing to give it a try!
Speaking of Adele.. Nap time is over!
I've done this before, two times. Once after college when my time could be COMPLETELY devoted to working out and eating right (along with the fact that I was 22 years old) and then after having Jade. The second time around life had changed dramatically so I had to "reinvent" how I was going to approach weight loss. Low and behold, 6 months later I reached my goal weight..... Then we got pregnant with Adele......
I've gone kicking and screaming into it this time, but I've got a train I need to catch with about 10 of my mommy friends and I'm not going to get left behind.
In case your interested, I'm using my fitness pal app for my iphone do to calorie tracking and fitness tracking.. A few of my co-workers have used this app with much success so I'm willing to give it a try!
Speaking of Adele.. Nap time is over!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I still think 1990 was ten years ago...
My buddy George Takei posted this fun one yesterday and thought it was very fitting with the kind of weekend I had. Glad to be up and blogging again!
On Friday my students were asked to have the youngest person in each row collect erase boards.. I heard one of the students say "1997" and just about threw-up in my mouth... I informed them that I was a senior in high school that year and if they'd like to figure out my age they should do the math; they did and of course the smart ones low-balled my age.
That evening, I attended an EPCHS Band Reunion with my good friend and was pleasantly surprised with the number of people I knew. We shared some good laughs about band and choir back in the day but thought it was a little sad that I didn't remember which show I conducted as Senior Drum Major.... My friend and I scoped out the room after that conversation and determined we had spoke to everyone we felt like speaking to and proceeded to do a little people watching to top of the night.
On Sunday we happened to go to an Apple Orchard that was just minutes away from NIU. Coincidentally, college spirit day at LHS was Monday so I figured what other excuse would I need to visit my Alma Mater? As I was driving up Annie Glidden Road, the memories flooded back: Amnesia Night Club, Starbusters Otto's, Neptune East 4th floor, Graham Hall and my night classes (on a side note, I loved that the High Incidence Disabilities Professors never scheduled classes before noon). Unfortunately, all the bookstores and the Alumni Center were closed so I was out of luck in terms of buying another sweatshirt. I was startled out of memory lane when Adele suddenly started screaming in our car and we got to pull over only to discover that she had a massive poopy diaper (sorry but this our lives these days). Just a reminder that low and behold, it is NOT the year 2000, but that's also okay by me.
Book Club reading time! Until next time.
On Friday my students were asked to have the youngest person in each row collect erase boards.. I heard one of the students say "1997" and just about threw-up in my mouth... I informed them that I was a senior in high school that year and if they'd like to figure out my age they should do the math; they did and of course the smart ones low-balled my age.
That evening, I attended an EPCHS Band Reunion with my good friend and was pleasantly surprised with the number of people I knew. We shared some good laughs about band and choir back in the day but thought it was a little sad that I didn't remember which show I conducted as Senior Drum Major.... My friend and I scoped out the room after that conversation and determined we had spoke to everyone we felt like speaking to and proceeded to do a little people watching to top of the night.
On Sunday we happened to go to an Apple Orchard that was just minutes away from NIU. Coincidentally, college spirit day at LHS was Monday so I figured what other excuse would I need to visit my Alma Mater? As I was driving up Annie Glidden Road, the memories flooded back: Amnesia Night Club, Starbusters Otto's, Neptune East 4th floor, Graham Hall and my night classes (on a side note, I loved that the High Incidence Disabilities Professors never scheduled classes before noon). Unfortunately, all the bookstores and the Alumni Center were closed so I was out of luck in terms of buying another sweatshirt. I was startled out of memory lane when Adele suddenly started screaming in our car and we got to pull over only to discover that she had a massive poopy diaper (sorry but this our lives these days). Just a reminder that low and behold, it is NOT the year 2000, but that's also okay by me.
Book Club reading time! Until next time.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
People first, then money, then things
I like to spend money, make it rain, burn a hole through my pocket etc.... This has been a constant source of anxiety in my life. In college I went on a 2 year spending spree that led to a decision to file for bankruptcy.
After college, I sobered up from money lightning fast after realizing that my long-term goals would surely be put on hold due to my bleak credit record. I was angry at the choice I made but vowed never to make that mistake again. Part of keeping that vow was educating myself on how money works.... Enter financial guru Suze Orman. "The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke" saved my financial future and set me to a path of redemption for several years ahead. Orman preaches the line "People first, then money, then things". That's simple right?? WELL sort of....
What I came to realize back then is that anytime major stress and/or life changes hit, my outlet is to shop. I have several vices including shiny sparkly things, perfumes and purses. It's a simple equation: stress + $$ = shop.
Well yeah major life change here we are! Low and behold I'm shopping more than usual....... OH WELL! I've come to the conclusion that as long as people are first, things can move up to second for awhile.
After college, I sobered up from money lightning fast after realizing that my long-term goals would surely be put on hold due to my bleak credit record. I was angry at the choice I made but vowed never to make that mistake again. Part of keeping that vow was educating myself on how money works.... Enter financial guru Suze Orman. "The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke" saved my financial future and set me to a path of redemption for several years ahead. Orman preaches the line "People first, then money, then things". That's simple right?? WELL sort of....
What I came to realize back then is that anytime major stress and/or life changes hit, my outlet is to shop. I have several vices including shiny sparkly things, perfumes and purses. It's a simple equation: stress + $$ = shop.
Well yeah major life change here we are! Low and behold I'm shopping more than usual....... OH WELL! I've come to the conclusion that as long as people are first, things can move up to second for awhile.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Shenanigans
Since we became a family of four, our weekends have been absolutely insane and entirely too fast.. This weekend was certainly no exception.
Friday night entailed mommy time for me with my gals in one of my mom's groups. These evenings typically turn into some type of mommy shenanigans with a slice of therapy. The beautiful thing about this group of ladies is that we have now been friends for nearly a year and so every one's guard has come down and we've really begun to understand what makes each of us tic. It's a mixed bag of mom's with many other titles than mom including but not limited to: artists, photographers, teachers, cooks, IT pro's, waitresses, wives, mad skills shoppers and last but not least women who are just trying to make a good life for their families.
Saturday morning Jade and I attended a morning birthday party for a friend. I really loved the concept of a morning birthday party because it was PJ's for everyone and who doesn't love breakfast food? Laid back & cozy always works for us these days.
In the afternoon, I was able to sneak away with Adele for awhile for an impromptu shoe shopping trip with one of my very good pals. I realized that out of the MANY material addictions I tend toward, shoes are not one of them. The last time I shopped for fall/winter work shoes was three years ago. I am the type of girl who likes to buy the "perfect" pair of shoes and wear them down to the ground.
I've been looking forward to Sunday all week because it was triple celebration at my "sis's" place. The weather was flawless and it had been too long since I'd seen my EP second family. I felt inspired to dust off our Nikon D5000 for the occasion. Here's a few of my favorites:
Til next time! Goodnight all!
Friday night entailed mommy time for me with my gals in one of my mom's groups. These evenings typically turn into some type of mommy shenanigans with a slice of therapy. The beautiful thing about this group of ladies is that we have now been friends for nearly a year and so every one's guard has come down and we've really begun to understand what makes each of us tic. It's a mixed bag of mom's with many other titles than mom including but not limited to: artists, photographers, teachers, cooks, IT pro's, waitresses, wives, mad skills shoppers and last but not least women who are just trying to make a good life for their families.
Saturday morning Jade and I attended a morning birthday party for a friend. I really loved the concept of a morning birthday party because it was PJ's for everyone and who doesn't love breakfast food? Laid back & cozy always works for us these days.
In the afternoon, I was able to sneak away with Adele for awhile for an impromptu shoe shopping trip with one of my very good pals. I realized that out of the MANY material addictions I tend toward, shoes are not one of them. The last time I shopped for fall/winter work shoes was three years ago. I am the type of girl who likes to buy the "perfect" pair of shoes and wear them down to the ground.
I've been looking forward to Sunday all week because it was triple celebration at my "sis's" place. The weather was flawless and it had been too long since I'd seen my EP second family. I felt inspired to dust off our Nikon D5000 for the occasion. Here's a few of my favorites:
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| Our Tiger |
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| Smiley baby with daddy who doesn't like to smile for pictures |
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| Auntie & Adele |
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| Three musketeers for the evening! |
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| Love this! |
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| My goddaughter :-) Go on with your bad self! |
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| Taking care of business! |
Friday, September 14, 2012
Sometimes I get a good feeling
Heard this song in the car today on the way home from work and decided it was the perfect title for today's post. I'm not sure if it was because it's Friday and sunny, but today was a high energy positive vibe kind of day. My students vibe off of my moods a lot and I know that positive energy is contagious, which may help to explain why it was such a great day at school. Also, I received a compliment on my teaching style from a "challenging" student today! Moments like those are what help fuel me for future inevitable rough patches.
Time to pick up my babies and head then head out for dinner with my mommy pals!
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!
Time to pick up my babies and head then head out for dinner with my mommy pals!
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Necessity is the mother of invention
This blog is no exception to the above! It's born out of a craving to share our family's triumphs, tribulations and just plain everyday doings. Before I had children, I always thought of blogs as selfish endeavor's for attention. After having children and exploring friend's and writer's blogs, I've determined that blogging just may be right up my alley; time will tell.
I was giddy in the car this afternoon on my way home from picking up the girls when I saw an email from a member of my 18q- group. Turns out this member is very local which is EXTREMELY exciting when you've got a 1 in 40,000 kind of child. I'm hoping to build a connection with this family and I've been welcomed with open arms by everyone in the group.. I've said that having a child with a disability like Adele's is similar to winning the lotto... You become part of an "elite group" that understands just what your going through and depending on how old their children are, can provide a glimpse into the future.
Jade's newest and cutest is singing.... The child sings about everyone and everything "daddddyyyyyy aaaand mommmmmmyyyyy aannnndddd sisssssyyyyy gooooo to Ellleeonorrraaa's callllll grandmaaaa". I am smitten when she does this and can't help but to do a total "my kid's gonna be the next American Idol" mommy thing... The other plus to her love of singing is that I've already found one of her preferred learning styles (insert OMG she's such a teacher eye roll).
On that note, it's time for mommy to enjoy a Zombie Dust and call it a night!
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