Today Facebook Will Determine my Worth

Yes folks, you guessed it, it's my freaking birthday.  Boo Hiss!  Ever since I turned 31 (add a few years for this one...), I have been a crab on my "special" day.  I don't particularly like hoopla, attention, people talking about my age or (now with the digital age) hoping that my facebook messages reach a "suitable" level so that I am not quite obviously a loser on such an obvious social media stage.  When people wish me Happy Birthday, my normal reaction is "oh...thanks" ::shoulder shrug::. 

However, I'm hoping to make the best of it and looking forward to my long weekend with my family at the lake!  Not to mention, it's going to be freaking gorgeous all weekend long, I'm packing up my running shoes, bike and swim wear to get some solid workouts in (this makes me happy, I know...I'm sick), and my mommy is taking me shopping at the outlets!  Score!  I'm just trying to focus on how blessed I am to spend the weekend with the ones I love!  Positive thinking. 

Oh, and it helps a ton that we only have 5 more school days left with kids!  The end is near!  whoot!  Maybe after I undig myself from the human-sized pile of grading I'll start to feel like summer is coming. 

And I've been a horrible blogger lately.  I am very sad my ode to my kids has suffered as a result of my insanely busy schedule...but I had to make choices to save my own sanity.  With two kids sick, stomach flu and eye infection and stomach flu again, school, hosting my first ever book club (more on my 50 Shades of Grey-themed fete later), taking over AP, moving rooms, keeping up with life, Tyler's sports, my training, and...oh...sleep...at times...I'm drowning.  I will check in and get back to blogging more when school ends.  I promise.  My blog will improve.  Please stay with me, don't give up as a reader.  I need your support more than ever.

I haven't watched TV in 5 days...now you realize the insanity that is my life.  Lack of TV is UNHEARD OF in our house.  My tivo is waiting patiently. :) 

Who else thinks the month of May sucks?!

So, if you're so inclined, show me some birthday love, so that I might validate myself on the social networks on this depressing day when my number gets bigger by one year.  ::sigh::

Hope your weekend is a blast, and you're spending it with your family!

Puke & Blood

Sorry for being bloggy-MIA, but I've been drowning in bodily functions over here.  How much puke can one 4 year old make?  Let me answer that for you...a crap load!  So we've been balancing our two jobs and obligations, a teething baby girl and a preschooler who might have well been possessed, given the amount of colorful vomit he has spewed all over our house.  Mental note:  maybe putting the lid of the toilet seat down isn't the greatest idea...as a plastic cover = major splash factor (use your imagination). Nasty! 

On top of pukefest 2012, the bitch is now officially back.  Yes folks, I've had a visit from my pain-in-the-ass of an aunt, after 22 long months.  I certainly didn't miss her!  Great timing body, thanks for that.  Oh, and thanks for the cramps, mood swings and plethora of zits.  I very much appreciate it.  Oh, did I mention I was planning on wearing cream to prom this weekend?!  Yeah, might want to rethink that plan.... 

If I'm not up to my elbows, literally, in spew, or running to the bathroom to welcome back my girlie curse, I'm absolutely drowning in end-of-the-year crap at work.  My grading pile is big enough to get up and walk away, I'm wigging out about my schedule next year and prepping, and I'm knee-deep into my freaking crazy order list (holy hell).  Not to mention trying to find time to keep my head above water keeping our house running, and, on the side, planning a very big 50 Shades of Grey book club for the ladies in my 'hood, with themed food and drink, of course. 

Let me sum it up by saying AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!  TGIF! 

13 Months w/ B

Happy 13 months, lovebug!  I can't believe we're heading towards 2!  Everyday is an adventure getting to know the little person you are becoming, and it's a blast :)  The best moments of my day include you; picking you up from Mimi's, having you and brother interact and laugh in the car on the way home and bath time.  I just adore every single moment! 

 

Here are a few impromptu pix of her at dinnertime tonight!

 So excited about the strawberries from Mommy's garden...yummy!

 Her first corn on the cob.  It was a bit too slippery, so Daddy helped.

Age: 13 months

Stats: B is nearing 19 lbs!  She's growing like a weed.  What's hilarious is that her belly is growing more that the rest of her.  It's adorable! 

Size (diapers, onesies, etc.): B is still in 9-18 range, depending on store.  I would say she wears mostly 12 months now, size 3 diapers (still), 3.5 shoe (little peanut feet) and quite a mullet tail to boot. 

Sleeping: Amazing!  It's about time!  We're through teething, colds and wakefulness.  She falls asleep drinking her bottle and goes down on her tummy easily.  She's also putting herself back down when she wakes up, which is a small miracle!  We're in a rythm!  Thank the lord!

Eating: I hung up my bf "shoes" a couple of days after B turned one, not because I didn't want to continue, but because she would absolutely NOT latch any longer.  I was very sad, and I think it might have had something to do with being a working mom (snif) and not being with her more frequently to get into a better toddler feeding rythm...but such is life.

 

B loves herself some cheese, blueberries, cheerios, waffles, macaroni and cheese and anything that doesn't have veggies in it.  We're struggling with those.  When she's done, she throws every last morsel on the floor.  It's hilarious and infuriating at the same time. 

Milestones:
1. standing by herself

2. new words:  mama, uh-oh, ba-ba (brother), no, more

3. walking holding one hand

4. going down to bed awake

5.  sippy cup adventures

6.  exclusive whole milk (continued formula until last week for 1 feeding)

7.  finding and pointing to Mommy's nose

8.  pointing at EVERYTHING and calling attention to things she dropped by saying mama and pointing at what she wants

9. giving five

Favorite toys/activities: Her new Learning Home is by far her fav, balls, anything that isn't her toys (Brother's stuff, a water bottle, etc), walkers and activity tables, a ride in the buggy or wagon, walking holding 1 hand, shaking the baby gates, bath time

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I'm Mom Enough!

The Time Cover regarding breast feeding in public and attachment parenting DID NOT sit well with me.  How dare they make it look and sound like only the "crazy" moms bf in public, attachment parent, yet they ask if you're "mom enough" if you formula feed.  WTF! 

 

They made what I consider a beautiful, natural, beneficial and bonding experience into something provocative, and that pisses me off. 


I may not be a perfect momma, but I make the choices that work for me and my family, including breastfeeding and all that went with it.  I nursed in public, and wasn't embarrassed about it.  I nursed into front of my extended family, and they never complained.  I don't cloth diaper or cosleep, but I certainly don't fault those that do.  I am a full-time working mom, and some may judge that I have "other people" raising my kids.  I feed the kids organic, take them on runs with me, made my own baby food, wear or carry B as often as I can and I sometimes feed them McDonald's or let them stay up late.  I am confident in my choices.  They work for our family of four, and I'm not going to apologize for them.

Has anyone heard the Real Men of Genius radio commercial about nursing in public?  It infuriated me! It just mocked the concept yet again. 

So he's why I'M mom enough for these two little people that share my heart...

   

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and moms-to-be!  Don't let anyone tell you what choices are the right ones.  Make decisions that fit your family, your beliefs and your stance on parenting, not what society deems the "most accepted".   You are MOM ENOUGH! 

And to the strong, loving, amazing women that made me and who continue to support who I am and who I've become.  To my own mommy, my best friend, my rock, my role model...I love you!  To my MIL, my mom away from home, who always supports and listens to me, thank you!  Sending love to the other very strong and amazing women/mothers in my life, my friends (IRL and on the net), my late Grandma, Nana and Aunt Gretchen, my amazing Aunts (Alison, Diane, Judy).  You are all unbelievable women that I strive to be.  Thanks for being your kick-ass selves!  xoxo

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Standing UP to Her Big Brother

I wanted to properly document that B stood by herself yesterday.  :)  Big milestone!  :)

Now it wasn't under the most "glamorous" circumstances ::cough:: McDonalds Playland ::cough, cough:: but I was excited just the same.

Unfortunately, I was a single parent last night, hubs was out golfing, so I didn't have my camera (or even my cell phone) handy when the moment occurred.  Darn it. 

B is convinced she already knows how to walk.  She doesn't.  But her newest thing is running, yes running, while holding my fingers.  I look like a complete goober trying to balance her and run alongside her quick self.  When she gets out of the car, she demands to be put down and WALK with me to the mailbox everyday.  It takes us until dinnertime to get down and back up.  I sometimes don't have the patience for it. 

Regardless, B doesn't want to waste her time on crawling anymore.  That's so juvenile.  ::eye roll:: She wants to frolick with her big brother, run after him, run away from him and WALK up and down and up and down the McDonalds Playland slide (with my help of course) a million and one times.  Man, can that get O.L.D.  ::sigh::

Either way, we're very close to calling this little girl a walker...or perhaps a runner.  ::gulp::

And the girl is obsessed with pointing!  I can almost never tell what she's pointing to, because when I get to the subject of her pointing, she usually turns around and points to something else.  It's just loads of fun.  Cute, nonetheless! 

Happy almost Friday!

B says "you" should have a great end of you week!

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PYHO: Married w/ Kids = Lame?

This weekend I went back home. Yes, home.  My kind of town, Chicago is!  Sweet home Chicago!

We headed north to help my brother's gf celebrate college graduation.  We are crazy proud of her, not just because it took her until she was 33 to graduate, but also because she chose the most noble of professions(IMHO)...teaching!  Way to go T!  We love you!  Welcome to the "club". 

T & B had an absolute blast hanging out with their "cousins".  There were babies and preschoolers abound!  Fun times!

B & little Hayden

 B and his bff Hunter

My BFF's kiddos (Hendrix & Maddox) came over to play also!  What a blessing it was to spend time with them.  They're moving just down the street from my parents, so I'm pretty pumped to have a chance to see them more often.

T & Hendrix playing superheroes.  They're a bit obsessed:)

Maddox and B doing the "baby thing"

 We also spent quite a bit of time with my parents (although, sadly, this is the only photo I have of them). 

Anyway, on to the reason for this post. 

At the graduation party, I was hoping to let loose a little.  I was looking forward to feeling less like a mom, and more like the me of yester-year.  I had a pretty difficult week of work (see previous post) so I was looking forward to a bit of adult conversation and, admittedly, maybe a few too many adult beverages.  I knew my parents would be there to help supervise the kiddos, I didn't have to drive, so I thought I'd be free to partake a bit more than usual, relax a bit. 

Ummmmm...

Lets just say that it's a bit difficult to get your vodka on when you have one kid playing by the fire and another attached to your hip at all times.  You have to feed, change 4 (yes 4) poopy diapers, and entertain a squirmy yet not-quite-walking baby girl.  Not to mention the adult interactions were a bit sporadic.  Every time I started to chime in either a kid needed me or I just had nothing to offer the conversation.

Things went downhill quickly. 

My fabulous adult-filled night turned into just about every other night at home.

Plus, and here's the kicker, I was pretty much called "lame" by all the younger, (yeah, they're 30-31...so whatever) single and kid-less party-goers (mostly my brother's friends).  We were talking about going to Vegas and random stories about nights out drinking, and I made the mistake of trying to chime in.  I was IMMEDIATELY rebuffed.  Basically it felt like "how dare I interject and compare our lives".  I mean, I was a double-kided, married (gasp) person.  How could MY life compare to theirs.  One of the guys even said "well our lives are VERY different, you can't really compare us".  Well okay then.   

Now, was he talking negatively about my choices to be a married mom of 2?!  Maybe, maybe not.  Did I take it that way.  Ummmm...hell yeah I did. 

I quickly went from feeling like a contributing member of the "party" to a foreign invader, an unwanted guest on "their" turf.  How dare I try to (gasp) have fun, and (double gasp) compare my younger, single, kidless days of old to their current lives.  I mean...I'm....double L.A.M.E. and the farthest thing from them. 

So, moral of the story is...my mood dropped quickly.  I was put in my place, and that is where I stayed the rest of the night.  The vodka went away.  My jovial mood quickly turned.  I stopped participating in the discussions and humorous stories.  I went right back into full-on lame married mommy mode.

So just because you're a married mom does that mean you're boring? 

Personally, I don't think so. 

I guess I have to figure out how to not let that perception bother me.  I like what my life has become.  I adore being a wife and mom.  I made these decisions freely.  I'm not embarrassed by that.  So why does it bother me they perceive me as lame-o? 

But I'm fun too.  Just ask me.   

Now go pour out your own heart!








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I am Woman, Hear me...Cry

I'm very blessed, but I don't have a perfect life. 

My career path has been less-than-smooth. 

But, despite the road blocks, drama and far too much education, I have forged on and fought for my ability to be a teacher. 

I'm a lucky one.  I love my job.  I enjoy most days at work.  I feel rewarded, every once in a while.  I feel like I'm quite possibly making a difference.  It's a blessing to be in my line of work.

However, with a great job also comes great challenges. 

Unfortunately, I'm also a very sensitive and emotional person.  I take things to heart.  I'm not a roll-off-my-back type.  Things people say and do often stick with me.  They affect me greatly.  I find myself pining over things, worrying about things, dwelling on things.  I can't sleep.  I'm sick to my stomach often.  I'm just a sensitive, worrier.

Education and a public school setting is full of drama, cliques, pressure, bullying and back-stabbing.  And I don't mean the kids...
 
I am angry with myself. 

I think it's my fault people tend to walk all over or take advantage of me.  I'm clearly not giving off a "I'm a strong woman, don't mess with me" vibe.

I must look weak. 

I need to figure out how to be a better role model for my kids.  I don't want them to think mama is weak or timid.  I don't want them to see me fold under pressure, do things I should have said "no" to or have emotional reactions to personal or professional situations. 

I'm done with being the victim.  I'm done with playing the fool.  I've got to figure out how to be a stronger me.   

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Is this not the Cutest?!

Next stop...the Majors.  lol. 

Okay, not really.  But, regardless of if he whiffs, runs to the wrong base or kicks dirt instead of fielding a ball, it's adorable to watch!  There's nothing like a preschooler in a baseball uniform up to bat.  So cute!  Although we spent our 7th anniversary at a little league game, it's the nature of the next stage of our lives as parents.  I may complain a bit about my loss of free time, but I'm still thankful I have the opportunity to be this little boy's mommy!  I am, and always will be, his biggest fan!  Go Cobras! :)

Up to bat!

 On first

 Waiting to go home

 Of course I couldn't post without a picture of my little boo boo, too!  She was mid-change and crawled away from me.  B was trying to scale the baby gate to play with her big bro.  B is now pointing at EVERYTHING and loves to clap.  She's saying "mama", "dada", "more", "brother", and "yay".  We're working on more signs.  She's definitely not as receptive as T was, but I'm not giving up.  We're working on walking holding one hand, but she's very timid.  She's changing everyday.  It's amazing to watch! 

TGIF! 



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PYHO: Why Don't You Like This, Darn it?!

I don't know why this bothers me.  Maybe it's because I've always wanted a little girl to play dolls and Barbies with.  Maybe I just hoped for a relief from balls and rough housing and matchbox cars.  Maybe it's because I always loved and cared for them as a child.  But for some reason...

my little girl doesn't like stuffed animals!  Period.   

I know she's only 12 months.  I realize she might latch onto a "lovie" at some point in the near future.  However, right now, I can't even get her to cozy up with a blanket.  No blanket to snuggle, no favorite stuffed animal to hold or carry around, no dolly to love on, no favorite soother (besides binky and her hair).  Nothing. 

Even my son had a "lovie", he still does.  He has a favorite blanket and good ole "buddy" (and all the buddy clones that we bought for replacements).  Buddy has been through the ringer.  There is a buddy bear at Mimi and Papas, one at daycare, and one in his bed.  I also have a back-up Buddy Bear in T's closet.  If Buddy disappeared, it would probably be world-crashing.  T also loves his "guys", as he calls them.  All his doggies, bears, dinosaurs, etc come up and down the stairs almost every day.  He has to be surrounded by them at night.  God forbid we can't find one of them.  He will know, and bedtime won't be easy.

Here's baby T with his Buddy Bear.

So why is it so heartbreaking that baby B hasn't taken to any of the lovie possibilities I have offered? 

I don't know. 

All I know is...it bothers me.  I get sad and disappointed.  I start to look into her preference for balls and cars to her frilly pink and purple toys.  I hear stories of other moms who have their girls cradling dolls and pretending to fill their purses.  I worry I won't get the girlie girl I had hoped for. 

I know that's not a big deal.  I'm a great boy mom.  I love sports, competition, getting dirty and all that good stuff.  I would be full of pride if B decided she preferred softball to dance.  I would be okay with it.  Eventually.

Right now, I still offer her the snuggly purple puppy I bought for her, the cute lion lovie blanket, the snuggly fluffy blankie, the "my first dolly", and I hope this time she will take to it. 

Isn't this the cutest?  So why doesn't she like it?!?  ::snif::

Pour Your Heart Out with Shell @ Things I Can't Say!








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Bloggy Lovin' ~ May Edition

It's that time again.  I can't believe a month has gone by!  I'm currently looking for May Sponsors.  You can click on my PR/Sponsors tab above, or just email me @ klscherman at gmail dot com, for more information.  Right now, I'm only doing blog swapping and product reviews.  I would be glad to promote YOUR blog or business, as long as you do the same in return!  I'm very active on fb and twitter, and love commenting, retweeting, linking up and participating in your blog. 

If you're a current sponsor, and would like to continue supporting each other, just let me know!

Looking foward to working with you!

Also, here's a little April Sponsor Love.  These are a few of my favorite posts by my current sponsors.  Go check them out, and tell 'em I sent ya!  xoxo





Playdate Activities - Such cute ideas!  Wonder Mommy has some great product reviews too!



Toddle Along Tuesday Series ~ What's in My Diaper Bag
This Baby Better Have a Penis ~ Melissa is expecting Baby #2! 
Parenting:  Baby vs. ToddlerWhy are There so Many Sippy Cups

Bridal/Bachelorette Fun - Love these creative ideas!
Thinking Back Thursday Series - She really makes me remember my earlier days with this series!



My Confession ~ is the grass really greener?




Her Very Brave Post-Partum Depression Series ~ This is part four, but there are links to parts 1-3!






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