Happy 18 months Vivian!

Vivian is now 18 months old. It's hard to believe she has reached this age but my gray hairs prove it! I was just looking through some old photos of her from one year ago. She has changed so much!


Last April 29, 2008, she was this completely bald, chubby blob of a thing who couldn't sit up on her own yet. She didn't really have a neck, LOL. Her personality was just beginning to show its sassiness and diva-like features. Vivian was no where near being mobile and independent yet. She was 28 inches tall and weighed 18 pounds.


Just look at her one year ago!







This April 29, 2009, Viv is a bold and exuberant toddler who is getting into everything. She has some hair now, but not enough for a bow or clip and that hair looks different depending upon the light she is in -- sometimes a strawberry blonde, sometimes a redhead, and sometimes a faint brunette. Vivian is now 33.5 inches tall and weighs 24.8 pounds.



And Look At Her Now!






I must admit, I like her more now than I did one year ago. Sure I loved her. It comes with the territory. But I realize now that I'm not a "loving the baby stage" kind of mom. I sometimes miss the cuddles and rocking her to sleep but all the other stuff -- burping, middle of the night feedings, holding her bottle for her, having to hold her up because she couldn't sit up on her own, and all of those things..... well, I don't miss that so much.


Now she can communicate with me a little through sign language. She can feed herself. I like not having to do everything all day long for her. I like being able to dance with her and play games with her. She can hug me and kiss me back now and there's no greater feeling than that!


I know that each stage is important and you must go through them to appreciate the next one. I get that. But she's so full of life now. Her personality is in full force and she's funny as can be, cracking herself and me up on a daily basis. I love watching her eyes light up and seeing her make a connection. Those little wheels are just moving nonstop in her brain!


Now there are challenges at this age - MAJOR tantrums, defiance, frustration when she can't communicate to just name a few off the top of my head. Sometimes I have to chase after her because she is starting to run from me and head toward the road. She likes a particular food one day and the next day she wants nothing to do with it. (grrrr!)


So conflicts still arise each day but they are different. I feel like I have more of a handle on this thing (most days). Maybe I am just getting used to this whole motherhood thing a little more. Whatever the reason, I love the person that she is becoming and I love looking back at where she (and I) have been.


Happy 18 Months to my Vivian Rose! I love you!

Crazy Lady Running Down the Street in Her Pajamas

Who was that crazy lady running down the street in her pajamas? Oh yeah, it was me.



First thing I did this morning, after peeing, was let my dog out in the backyard to do his business. This is how I always start my day. He usually just stays in the backyard and comes to the door when he is done. As I'm preparing Vivian's milk, I hear him barking like a maniac. I peer out the backdoor. He's not there. I peer out the side door. He's not there. Oh crap....

So I run out the front door, barefoot, bra-less and in my pajamas. Don't be impressed. I don't look like a Baywatch model when I step out of bed. I've got my crazy hair sticking out in all directions. My eyes were bugging out like that guy from Mr. Deeds . And my adrenaline was racing through me. All I needed was some curlers in my hair, and I could've been the talk of the town!

It would not have been so bad if it were just my dog acting stupid for no reason. But alas, he had run toward a tall, dark and handsome fellow walking his three dogs. Lovely! "Good morning to you sir, I haven't brushed my teeth yet. No, I'm not wearing a bra. Oh my hairdo, well this is the latest fashion. Ummm, okay, well I better go now...." (dashing back inside my house as quickly as possible trying not to smack the dog in front of him).

A little embarrasing but not the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I'm sure I have many more years of odd ordeals that will happen to me. Still, I much preferred last night's dance inside the privacy of my own home over my crazy morning run. Yes last night I was doing my Carlton dance after our house in Ohio FINALLY went to act of sale. (Hooray! It's gone after 11 months!) You know.... Carlton Banks from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air TV show! I even pulled out my Tom Jones CD. Yes I have Tom Jones, doesn't everyone? "It's Not Unusual to be loved by anyone...."

After cheezing it up with the Carlton, I also did the Charleston Dance while grooving to some Alicia Keys as I gave Vivian a bath. My tradition is to turn on the radio in the bathroom and entertain her while she bathes. It is a free "my mommy is wacky" show for her. So last night after hearing the news that our house finally went to act of sale, Alicia was the first artist I heard through the frequency waves. And I believed Ms. Keys when she sang lyrics from "No One" and said, "But all I know is everything's going to be alright..." Thank you Alicia. I believe you.

Even though I was crazy pajamas lady this morning running down my street with no bra and no shoes on, everything will be alright. My house is gone along with all that debt. I'm entering a new chapter in my life. And deep down I believe that things will be fine this go round.

"To Thine Ownself Be True"

I have been thinking of this quote from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" since I woke up this morning.

”This above all: to thine ownself be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”


Actually I was only thinking of the line - "to thine ownself be true," and no, I don't normally think of Shakespeare or his quotes on a daily basis.

In fact, I haven't read his work since my days in college literature classes. I remember it though when I happen to catch the movie Clueless or Renaissance Man on television. Both great movies in their own respect.


Why am I thinking of this line? Well, it is something that has been in the background of my mind a lot lately -- being honest; being myself; understanding who I am and embracing it. The reason I started this blog was for me to just write down my thoughts as I stagger through this life trying to figure things out.

I haven't been good about keeping a journal or writing in my daughter's baby book. I don't even have prints of her photos made anymore. So this is my on-line diary or scrapbook, if you will.


After having my daughter, I thought I'd have a clearer understanding of the meaning of life. But guess what, I don't. I'm more confused now than ever. I admire people who have strong passion for things like politics and religion because I do not. I'm more of a "middle of the road" kind of gal, I guess. Those things are not important to me at this point yet. In fact, I'm not sure where I stand with them.


But what I have been doing for me (and for my daughter) is being more honest with myself. I've been writing down my thoughts and feelings, good or bad, happy or sad. When people say, "isn't motherhood wonderful?" I reply honestly, "Well, it can be and it has its moments, but man, it isn't easy and my daughter is such a diva..."

I don't want to be fake. I don't want to be a braggart. What do I have to brag about anyway? I just want to be honest. My daughter is beautiful and funny(okay, so maybe that is bragging a little....) but she's not a genius. She's probably just average at this point, maybe even a little behind average in some areas. But I'm starting to think that it's okay to be normal, average, and even mainstream. As long as it's who you are and you're owning up to it.


What's wrong with being normal or average anyway? Why do you have to stand out or be so different? As long as you do what you do or like what you like because you truly do, then what is the harm in that? Many parents would kill to have just a normal, healthy child.


Why is there so much competition among parents to have the genius child? "My toddler can say 60 words and he's only 18 months old." Well, that's great. My daughter likes to put grass in her mouth but she does it while laughing. And she makes me laugh. And frankly I could use a laugh, not a child who can be disrespectful to me in two languages.


Not all competition is bad. I mean if there wasn't some incentive to be the best, we wouldn't have star athletes or the Olympics. But why does society feel the need to outdo and "one-up" over another just on the daily things in life. I have been sucked into the drama of feeling guilty that my child is not up to par but I'm trying to rise above that now. That is in part to some great people I have come to know.


For almost a year now, I have had the great privilege of being on a private online board with some wonderful women through babycenter. I have never met these ladies in real life; they all live in different U.S. states and even in Canada. Most of our toddlers are about the same age. We have different backgrounds, views and parenting styles. But we all have this common thing -- we're all completely and utterly honest with each other and we enjoy the conversations that we have on a daily basis. I learn so much from these gals - like Carrie, Danielle, and Jen for instance. There's also Jess, Cindi, Christie, Tammy, Erin, Shannon, Deb, Rebecca, Nikki, Liz and a few others that I know I'm forgetting.


Talking with these ladies is like being in mommy college together. We're asking questions, offering advice but more importantly support, laughing and exchanging stories. We share a lot - photos and videos, poop stories, husband rants, you name it. I don't feel like I'm in competition with these women. I don't worry as much if my child is doing what one of their kids is doing. They just want me to be myself. We're all true to ourselves.


Now I realize that this is all I can be right now - honest with myself and honest with others. Yes, I don't have it figured out. Yes, I have hard time being a mom and even liking it sometimes. Yes, I like Coldplay (Stuart, you can call me a zombie, if you want to. I'm okay with that. Hahaha!). Yes, I have a lot to learn. I don't know what is going to happen in the future and where the road will lead me and my family.


But I am being who I am and who I think I should be at this particular moment. I think Shakespeare would be proud of me for that.

The Triple "D" Effect

A trio of important "D's" has occurred over these last few days in our home. Two bad things - Disease and Delay but thankfully, one very good thing - Dad (and mom) came to visit us.


The first D is for Disease - Another stomach virus has found its way to infect our family (yet again, second time this year). It began with Vivian but I'm not sure exactly which day since I ignored her diarrhea and bad spit-ups thinking it was caused by teething. But when I threw up three times after lunch on Wednesday (April 22nd), I knew a bug was in our systems. Then of course once one area ends, another begins and you spend your entire day in the bathroom for other reasons. This disease plaqued Vivian and me for two days. We thought it escaped Kirk but unfortunately his began late on Saturday (April 25th), sneaking up on him like.... "oh no! I haven't forgotten you dadio!" At least Viv and I were better for the third D - my dad and mom's visit. Poor Kirk had to stay home during Saturday night while the rest of us went bowling. Now here it is Sunday and we're all still dealing with issues of this disease. I've been joking with friends and family calling Montgomery, Alabama a vortex of disease. Perhaps the water is a cesspool of germs here, like in that Erin Brockovich movie. Or maybe it is just Vivian's day care. I don't know. But enough already!


The second D - Delay - is the worst D of them all. We received a phone call from our realtor late Thursday evening, the night before our scheduled closing date on the Ohio house. The act of sale will have to be delayed for a few days; she informs us that the couple buying the condo from our buyers has had some underwriting issues with their deal; Delay is a common word every day and I should be used to it with the job I have. I can't do my part of a project until my boss does her part; then the executive director has to approve both our parts. And so the trickle down effect falls into play everywhere in life. But it doesn't make me feel better. And the reality does nothing for my impatience of wanting this ordeal to be over, instead of dragged out and put through the emotional ringer again. Supposedly, this delay is just temporary and everything will fall into place by the middle of next week. I sure hope so. Now my ode and montage seem premature and silly. I know these are circumstances beyond my control and happen quite often. I guess I just hoped that our sudden good fortune would last just a bit longer. Maybe this temporary hold will breeze in and out as fast as the stomach infestation arrived.


So thank goodness for the third D - Dad and Mom visiting us - to shed some laughs and some fun in what would have been an otherwise dreary, pathetic weekend. Vivian was so glad they were here too.


Vivian with her grandparents (called Buddy and Mia)




They arrived Friday afternoon and left early today (Sunday, April 26th). We did manage to have a little fun while they were here. On Saturday, we visited the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts where they have a colorful, interactive children's exhibit. We also went there with Kirk's mom on Easter weekend but I had forgotten my camera. This time I took a lot of pictures of her playing around. Oh, and some of Kirk and I goofing around too.



Vivian at the children's museum:





Playing with magnets:




Seeing herself (well, her prism shadows) on the big screen:






Here she is talking to the mannequin
(I swear, it was like she knew the woman!) LOL!




Kirk had some fun with the mannequin too! LMAO!






Mom and I showing off our frames:





Dad and I with our building materials:




Dad (Buddy) and Vivian watching cars race around:




After the exhibit, we had lunch at O'Charley's. Then it was time for Vivian to take her nap. She was worn out from the museum. Unfortunately, after lunch Kirk started having his stomach issues. He and Dad planned to hit some golf balls but the outing had to be cancelled as Kirk layed in bed for the rest of the day. I could tell that by the afternoon my parents were a little bored so I offered to take them bowling instead. Viv came along too so Kirk could have some peace.


So the four of us went to Ace Bowling here in Montomgery. I so wished Kirk could have joined us. He would have loved it -- big screen TV's on every lane! A billiard full of pool tables! A fun arcade for kids (and adults). It was the nicest bowling alley I have ever visited. We used a 'buy one game, get a second game free' coupon that I had received in the mail. For the three of us to bowl and have shoes, the price was only $8. Mom and dad enjoyed themselves although I know Dad wishes his score would have been a little higher. Viv was our cheerleader and sat happily in the chair for two whole games! I know, I still can't believe it!


Can you tell who scored the highest?
I'll never tell! :-)





Mom showing off her bowling arm!




Dad wishing he would have bowled a strike here:




After bowling, it was time for home and not long after that, bedtime. My parents left early today to head home. They had been on vacation for a week and we were their last stop after adventures in Orange Beach and Dothan. My parents were looking at retirement communities in Dothan as a possibility for the future.


Well, thanks for the fun times Dad and Mom! You were definitely the highlight of our weekend. Between catching up on bowel movements and family drama and also of dad reminding me that hotels can often be "so quiet that you can hear a mosquito fart," I remember why I love you both so damn much. Hmm, I wonder where I get my sense of humor from?? Hahaha! Hopefully, Kirk, Vivian and I will find a way to move closer to you both someday soon.


But until then, I hope that this "Triple D Effect" will lead to the "Double E Story" - That's E for Escaping two house payments real soon and the Enjoyment of Life that will follow once that happens!


Let me leave you with a few more cute pictures from the weekend:

An Ode to My House (and former life) in Ohio

There she sits – 260 Tamarack Trail
But on 4/24/09, we go to act of sale

The time has come to let her go
It’s not easy, this much I know

A second house note, we will no longer miss
Here let me pause for you and reminisce

Two stories high and two sets of stairs
Imagine the work of picking up pet hairs!

Surrounded by woods, a picturesque scene
But holy crap, I had four bathrooms to clean!

Squirrels, rabbits and birds on any given day
But our dog was too stupid to chase them away

At the end of the street, we never heard a sound
Except the damn cat spreading fur balls and litter around

In the spring our trees had flowers, pink and white
And autumn brought the most beautiful colors in sight

We carved pumpkins and even spotted a doe
Kirk was drunk at Christmas, for two years in a row!

Ohio was the special place where Vivian was made
I often wonder if we should have stayed

We had great neighbors and a few nosey ones too
Couldn’t take the dog for a walk without someone talking to you

Winter could be cold and last really long
Over a foot of snow, now that’s just wrong!

I met wonderful people, salt of the earth, lifelong friends
Like Amanda, Cody and Jessica who make me laugh to no end

We toured Dayton, Cincinnati, made a visit to the zoo
Saw Caverns, the big Jesus, a Reds baseball game too

There was the ice sculpture festival, a trip to see Jungle Jim
Trader’s World, the Amish store, great coffee by Tim

Kirk worked at the air force base and me in crazy Moraine
I had amazing and generous co-workers but the politics were insane!


I had high tea at Central Perc. Ooh, can’t forget Graeter’s Ice Cream!
Bob Evans for breakfast each Sunday (their hash browns are a dream)!

Ohio, and particularly Springboro, you definitely made a mark
I will remember you fondly in my heart with a spark

I close this chapter of my life and look ahead with cheer
(Wishing we hadn’t forgotten the basement mini-bar full of beer!)

Most people know Ohio as the simple Buckeye state
But for almost three years, you were my soul mate.

Thanks for the memories!
All my love, Mandy

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Insomnia and Michael Jackson?

So it's half past 2:00 a.m. and I cannot sleep. I have a damn Michael Jackson song stuck in my head....


"Keep On With The Force Don't Stop
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Keep On With The Force Don't Stop
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Keep On With The Force Don't Stop
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Keep On With The Force Don't Stop
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough..."


What in the hell?


Yes, over and over again I keep humming it. Fine, I'll admit too that sometimes when I hum it, I cannot help but shake my head and shoulders a little.


I heard this particular song on the radio on my evening commute home from work today, er... I mean yesterday, actually. But I came home, played with Vivian, went for a walk, talked to a friend and did some things around the house. So....why is it back in my head now when I should be sleeping? Is Michael sending me cosmic forces and trying to channel me?

I just went back and read the lyrics thinking it might have some hidden meaning for me and what may be going on in my life right now. You know how sometimes you can hear a song 100 times and then suddenly pay attention to the lyrics. And those lyrics may give you some kind of epiphany or new perspective on life. Maybe the lyrics will give me a clue...

Nope, these lyrics don't mean jack to me. In fact, they sound rather silly and repetitive.

In fact, I just laughed at the line where he says, " I'm melting (I'm melting) like hot candle wax". Laughing out loud....

Um, yeah Michael. You are melting these days. You don't look like yourself anymore. Hahaha! In fact, I just found this comical history of Michael's face, comparing him to Mr. Potato Head, The Joker and other literary figures of time.


I don't mean to pick on poor Michael. The media does that enough already. I really do like the guy. Well, I like his music from back in the day. He wasn't a masculine fellow, as comedian Eddie Murphy would joke. But he was a talented guy and his music will forever be a part of history.


All I sit here and wonder is why I can't get this particular goofy song out of my head. I have tried to at least think of another one of his tunes I like better than this one, like "Smooth Criminal," "Thriller," or "Billie Jean." But, Nooo! My mind races back to this one.


So again, I repeat, What the hell?


Am I am not sleeping because I'm nervous about the house going to act of sale on Friday? Am I thinking about how my parents are coming to visit this weekend and how I should really clean the house before their arrival?

No, that's not it. Both of those will be fine. I really believe that our house will sell without any problems. And well, my parents know what a slob I can be so why concern myself with that.


I don't know....


Michael, leave me alone! I need to sleep! Can't you go bother Tito or Janet? I'm crawling back into my bed now. Go look for your glove.

What Do You Want?

"What do you want?" my husband asked me over the weekend. Such a simple question and my mind drew a complete blank.

It came up because our house in Ohio is going to act of sale this Friday, April 24th. Also, we're expecting a good chunk of tax money back too. So we're going to have some money coming in soon instead of barely breaking even and racking up debt as we have done for the past year.

So Kirk turns to me and kindly asks, "Is there anything that you want (within reason) for yourself? Is there something that you want to buy or that you've thought of recently that you wish to have?" And I couldn't think of anything for several minutes. "A new pair of running shoes, maybe," I finally said.

How pathetic is that? Or is that a good thing that I'm not not wanting anything material?

I don't spend a lot of money on myself besides groceries and a lunch with a friend maybe three times a month. I have had the same work clothes, bras and underwear for several years now. My mom takes me shopping once a year so that is the only time I typically get something for me. I never randomly purchase something for myself anymore. But I kind of thought I needed to come up with an answer to that question he asked me.

Funny because I've been asking myself a lot of questions lately. I've been trying to find more meaning in my life, simplify my life and be more grateful of the things I have. Yesterday I began a gratitude journal in hopes to make me realize how fortunate I am and to remind me of the good that happens each day.

When I got home this evening and Vivian was having a typical tantrum, I decided we both needed fresh air. Perhaps we both needed to clear our heads and think about what we want. So off we went for a 30-minute stroll around the neighborhood.

What do I want? I thought about it some more.... here are some things that came to my mind....

I want to be happier with myself.
I want to find my purpose.
I want to lose a few pounds.
I want to set small goals for myself each week or month and achieve those goals so I can feel a sense of accomplishment.
I want to listen to music more often so I can be uplifted, dance and act silly.
I want to make my daughter laugh more each day.
I want to invigorate my senses more -- through looking at art, tasting new foods, and being exposed to creative outlets.
I want to live more in the moment instead of thinking ahead to the future or reminiscing for too long about the past.
I want to start planning a trip, even if I don't take that trip for several years.
I want to take longer and hotter showers, because they feel so damn good.
I want to read more books.
I want to send random gifts to my friends across the U.S. because they are such awesome people.
I want to be a better person, wife, mother, relative and friend.
I want to learn to knit or crochet, whatever is easiest.
I want to find ways to make other moms realize that it's okay to not love every moment of motherhood and you don't have to feel guilty over it.
I want to encourage people who need it and deserve it.
I want to get my mom drunk someday.
I want to stop saying the things I want and start doing them, living them and being them.

And finally, I want to go to bed because my head is hurting from this list.

So there you have it sweetie! Now, I bet you're sorry you asked! :-)

All Work and No Play (Huntsville Trip)

Well so much for a fun-filled weekend in Huntsville. Most of it was spent either staring at the beautiful scenery from the glass window of the hotel room/ tour van OR peeling Vivian off the floor from her crying fits. (In her small defense, she developed a cold before we left and was not feeling well).

I was sent to Huntsville by my employer to check out hotels and meeting space for the conferences, training and other events we host throughout the year. We have four major conferences a year plus regional training and, unfortunately, I'm responsible for planning and marketing all of these events -- from the setup of the room, to the food that's ordered, to the entertainment used, to writing the scripts of the moderators and creating the PowerPoints of the event, to raising money through sponsorships, to coordinating exhibitors, creating the theme and designing a brochure and program, and the list goes on. A little stressful at times, to say the least!!! Anyway, that's what brought me to Huntsville.


Our family was happy to go. Sure it's not easy to travel with a toddler, but any excuse to get out of Montgomery and head to the prettiest, cleanest and most technologically advanced part of this state (in my opinion) is a plus in our book.


So off we went Thursday afternoon when Kirk left work. Viv started with a runny nose and lots of sneezing that morning so it was bad karma from the beginning. We hit Birmingham traffic right around the 5 o'clock peak. Nice! Viv was screaming and crying every few minutes. She DID NOT want to be strapped into the seat and her little nose was a leaky faucet. Finally I climbed in the back with her and entertained her as best as I could. After an hour of us both being frustrated, I pulled out the portable DVD player and Elmo entertained her the rest of the way.


We arrived at our destination, the Westin Hotel, after 7 p.m. It was a beautiful hotel right next to an outdoor shopping center and a variety of restaurants. I was nervous though. The hotel didn't seem conducive to a toddler and was also a bit fancy for my taste. But it was free, paid for by the Huntsville Convention and Visitor's Bureau who was happy to court me in hopes that our association will bring their city the business. Vivian fell asleep around 8:00 p.m. and since our dwelling place was just one big room, we had to turn the lights off and go to sleep as well.


The next morning my busy day began. I toured five hotels and one convention center between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Kirk and Viv joined me for breakfast at our second hotel stop. Then they took off for an hour's visit to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful day and I was so jealous to not be with them.


Kirk and Viv had a whole day to themselves while I was working:




I had to smile and pretend that I liked each hotel when in reality some of their outdated carpet and ugly decorated rooms would make the roaches scatter about if they would even choose to stay there overnight. I did have lunch at a Ruth's Chris Steak House though. Mmmm, steak salad! (sorry, no table sweepers! it was inside a hotel so it was not the usual upscale employees from stand-alone establishments).


My feet were hurting by the end of the day from all the walking I did at each location. By 3:30 p.m. I was ready to see Kirk and Vivian but my tour still included a stop at the Monte Sano State Park and its view from the top overlooking the city and finally, the Burritt Museum.


Views from Monte Sano State Park:








This is by far, (again, my opinion only) the most beautiful city in Alabama and maybe the only one I could see myself possibly residing in permanently. Everything around the area is clean. Traffic wasn't heavy and the scenery was wonderful. Why couldn't Kirk and Vivi have been with me at the top of that mountain? They were stuck in the hotel room though as Kirk didn't want to deal with her extreme elevator fears until I returned.


Finally I did return around 5:00 p.m. My tour and business had ended. We were all starving. As we drove around the Bridge Street shopping center next to our hotel, everything seemed too crowded and overpriced. So we opted for my friend Jill Comb's recommendation, La Alameda Mexican Restaurant instead. Great choice Jill, thanks. It wasn't crowded. The food was good and fast and we sat in a secluded booth where no one could hear Vivian whine. After dinner, we walked around Bridge Street watching all the prom-goers take photos in their gowns that revealed way too much cleavage for 16-year olds.


A snap shot of the Bridge Street outdoor shopping center:





Back at the hotel courtyard we let Vivian walk (well, run) around. We found an outdoor bar and each ordered a drink. Kirk and I took turns chasing her around while the other sat and enjoyed the drink (so it was mostly me running after her). I purposely kept her up past 8p.m. in hopes to tire her out. It was still another restless night for all of us though with her stuffiness, coughing and moaning. Poor girl!


Viv running around the Westin courtyard:




This morning her mood was the worst yet. So we gathered up our things and said, it's time to go. No attaction visits for us today. No Space and Rocket Museum. No Sci-Quest. No Early Works Museum for us. Montgomery, here we come, like it or not. And we left. After a quick stop into Cracker Barrell, we were on our way, three hours of road time.

-------------------------------

Perhaps the only highlight of the trip for me was meeting the American Flag designer while touring the Embassy Suites downtown on Friday afternoon. I spotted this man wearing an American flag shirt sitting at a table with flags scattered about. The man was Robert Heft, (well, a 17-year old boy at the time) who designed the current U.S. flag being used and flown today. He was selling autographed flags to promote patriotism so of course I had to buy one, well two of them actually. I shook his hand and took a photo with him. He has spent his life traveling with people like Bob Hope to meet soldiers and spread American spirit. By law he is the only person permitted to write on an American flag since he is the artist of its design. So I met a man who changed history and purchased two souvenirs for family members.


Meeting Mr. U.S. Flag Designer:




Other than that chance meeting, it was all work and no play! I didn't get to visit any of the attractions like I had hoped. Oh well, when you have a toddler who is sick, all you can do is try to take care of her. So good bye Huntsville. Maybe I'll see you again someday.


I would have been even more disappointed if I hadn't found a surprise package waiting for me when I arrived at our home. Thanks Erin M for the wonderful caramel brownies you sent! (You're so sweet and they are so dang tasty, like an "orgasm in the mouth!" LOL) That was just what I needed after a hectic and stressful trip. Back to reality now....

Hair-less and Happier

Isn't it amazing how a haircut can make you feel rejuvenated and like a brand new person again? What is it about hair that helps define us and brings us joy (or sorrow if it's a bad one)?


We gave our Sheltie dog, Bono (yes, named after U2 singer) a buzz cut over the weekend. And he's like a frisky puppy again. No more moping around the house, panting and slobbering with matted hair. He's as happy as a clam now (where did that saying originate and what does it really mean? Jess McKnight, any thoughts? :)


Bono Before:







Bono Today:






Yes, he is a handsome dog with all that beautiful long hair of his. But it's getting hot over here in Alabama and he's miserable in this heat. And summer hasn't even started yet! So we made the decision to buzz him.


Since then, Bono seems so full of life. He's bouncing all over the place, jumping, running around. It's like a brand new dog! He feels alive again! He has a purpose.



So watching his transformation, I decided it was time to be rid of my shaggy dog look as well. Here are my before and after shots. Isn't it amazing! I look like I've lost five pounds in the face just from a new haircut! :-)



Mandy this morning (aka The Shaggy Dog look):




Mandy now:




Hair-less can really make you happier (and even thinner sometimes). Less really is more, as the expression goes. Since I will never be tall, dark or handsome, I decided that today I would be short, dark-haired (instead of going lighter or blonder like most women do), and mysterious. Did I make the right choice? Time and reactions will tell, I guess. Stay tuned.

Egg-stra Special Easter Weekend

Vivian all dressed up on Easter Sunday:





Whew, what a hectic and great Easter weekend for 2009! Kirk's mom (Debbie) came to visit us. She arrived Thursday, April 9th and left today, Monday April 13th. Vivian had a blast playing with her grandma or "Mimi" as she is called.


Mimi and Vivian:




Vivian looked so pretty in her Easter outfit that her Mimi gave her. In fact, Mimi spoiled us all and fattened us all up with the things she brought -- a cookie cake, New Orleans pralines, a Muffaletta, white beans, shrimp and more!


Cookie cake from Mimi:




We stayed busy doing activities, eating way too much of the food that I mentioned above and enjoying our time together. In addition, we received some wonderful news. But first, let me recap our weekend of events.


On Wednesday, we received a package from my nanny Kathy Filce and her family. She sent us a basket full of cookies and several gifts for Vivian, including an outfit that she handmade. As you can see, Viv was more interesting in playing with the outfit and putting it on her head rather than wearing it, LOL. What a ham she is! (Thanks Nanny!)


Why wear clothes when you can play with them instead? :)




I'm inventing my own style. Soon all the runway models will be dressed like me:




Homemade cookies from Nanny:




On Friday, Vivian and Kirk had Mimi all to themselves as I worked. Perhaps the best news all weekend began with the phone call we received Friday afternoon -- from our realtor in Ohio. We had an offer on our house! After 11 long months of nothing, not a single offer or interest, we received our first one on Friday evening. Then later in the weekend we were delighted to receive a second offer by a different couple. But I'll expand more on that a little later.


Friday night we ate out at No Way Jose's Cantina Mexican Restaurant here in Montgomery. Mimi and I felt like celebrating the good news on the potential house offer so we each had two margaritas. Mmm, so good (and strong)!


Me and Kirk with my mucho bueno margarita!




Between that and the burrito, taco and enchilada I ate, I didn't think I'd make it out the door. Then Kirk orders fried ice cream for dessert and his mom orders flan. (Damn you! Of course I had to eat several bites of each) Vivian loved their huge aquarium where she could watch the fishes swim. It was a great evening and we were stuffed!


Kirk's fried ice cream (it looked better than it tasted)




On Saturday, we visted the children's exhibit hall in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. What a great time we had there! I was nervous that it might be too advanced for Vivian, since she's just 17 months old but there was plenty for her to see, touch, and do. The kids' exhibit is very interactive and hands-on. Vivian could play with magnetic artwork, touch velcro pieces of fabric, dance in front of a prism screen, build with blocks and other things and so on. She had a ball and so did the adults! Also, she loved trying to walk near the geese and ducks that were located just outside the museum's pond. She didn't want to leave and we had to drag her into the car! Later that night, Kirk's mom fried shrimp for us and made some sides. So delicious! Kirk and his mom played video games while I did some chores around the house. Debbie entertained Vivian all day long so that I could be productive. Gotta love grandmas!


On Sunday, we made our traditional visit to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. I dressed Vivian up in that lovely Easter dress that Mimi bought her. We received several "oohs" and "awww"s as we walked around the restaurant and store. Several people commented on her outfit and even her "sparkly pink shoes" as some flaming waitor smiled and said as he walked by. :) Our regular waitress Salena even gave Vivian a stuffed bunny. She loved it. That girl is so spoiled, I tell ya!


Viv with the stuffed bunny our Easter Sunday waitress gave her:




When we arrived home, we gave her the Easter basket full of goodies -- plastic Easter eggs, Peeps marshmallows, bubbles, books, sidewalk chalk and more. Her favorite was the eggs. She walked all over the house with them and the backyard as well. She didn't like the Peeps (what is wrong with my kid?) She just kept shaking her hands like, this is sticky and bothering me! LOL.


Viv with her Easter basket of goodies:




Walking around our yard with her eggs:




Kirk and his mom enjoyed a game of bubble wars outside in the backyard, trying to see who could put the most bubbles and soap suds on each other (LOL). Vivian stared at them in amusement.


Bubble wars!




But the best gift was the phone call from our realtor saying we had a second and better offer on our home in Ohio. Our realtor called the realtor of the couple who made the original offer to see if they wanted to change or retract their first bid. The first couple backed out and we accepted the second offer which is very close to our asking price. Now we're waiting to see if the inspection and rest of the process goes well (Fingers crossed!!!) I still can't believe that after 11 months of nothing, we received two offers in just two days! I told Kirk's mom that she brought us luck.


So all in all, a great Easter weekend! Kirk's mom had brought eggs for us to dye but from all the hectic activities and the excitement over the house offers, we forgot to dye them. Oh well. It was still egg-stra special in its own way. I hope you had a wonderful Easter as well.

Poop Stories (warning, these may gross you out)!

I was just waiting for another funny poop incident to happen before I shared my past stories here on this blog. And tonight was the night.



Vivian took a huge dump during her dinner. Yes, lovely. I of course waited until she was done before changing her. She didn't seem to mind. Like the character Fat Bastard from the movie Austin Powers says, "Everybody likes their own brand." :-)


So after she's done eating, I bring her into her room and plop her onto the changing table. I pull off her pants and toss them onto the floor since they seem clean. No seeping through. That's a good sign.


Then I look at her diaper.... a good "chunk" of it is coming out the right side. And yes, you can tell what she had for dinner from the previous night. Suddenly I look over at her leg and see streaks of it there. Great!


"I need help with this one!" I call down the hall to Kirk. (He's pretty good about helping me when it's a two-person kind of job.)


So he grabs the air freshener and a match. I grab a dozen baby wipes. And we clean like a team.


It wasn't her worst or best display but it was memorable because of the words that we both utttered during the process of cleaning her present for us.


In a matter of two short minutes, Kirk and I uttered the following phrases:


"Oh my gosh, there is shit on the floor!"

"Look you can see the corn kernels in it!"

And

"There is poop all over your shoe too!"


(Laughing out loud as I am typing this....)


Well we got it done and she was so happy afterwards. She felt lighter and cleaner, I am guessing.


Why is poop so funny? Well it is actually disgusting but funny to talk about it, in my opinion. There is a long line of happy crappers in my family. My relatives hold nothing back when it comes to poop tales. In fact, to break the ice at family functions, often my brother and my aunt will kick things off:

My brother Stuart says: "So, how's everyone been shitting lately?"

Aunt Christine says: "Good Stuart, how about you?"

My brother Stuart then says: "Oh fine, fine. Thanks for asking."


Then someone else will chime in at how weird theirs looked recently because most of my family turns around and looks at their turds before they flush. Oh come on, don't act like you have never done it before either!! (Hahaha!)


And now you know more about me and my family than you ever wanted to know. This is part of the reason I am so sick and twisted.


Below are some of my favorite poop stories from the past year, both of Vivian and of my dog Bono.


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Another Poop Story (about my dog, this time)..

posted by Mandy on Feb 2, 2009 at 08:54 AM

So I've got another poop tale to tell. This time, it was my dog. (Sigh). You ever feel like your life could be a sitcom? As I think back to my night, I think, wow, this would make a good "Everybody Loves Raymond" episode or something. Looking back now it's actually very funny. But at the time, it was all I could do to keep from vomitting.



Okay - so here it is - WARNING, WARNING - if you have a weak stomach and can't handle disgusting details, please stop reading. Or Read At Your Own Risk!



I'm watching the Superbowl and my dog is nearby and I kept smelling this awful smell. Finally, after my daughter went to bed, I decided to do the thing that no pet owner enjoys doing - lift up that tail to see what's there. Sure enough, my biggest fear had come true. He had a huge pancake of poop stuck outside his bunghole. So I call DH over for help. I grab a wet, old towel and try to get it out. It won't budge. DH tries. It won't budge. Meanwhile, we take turns holding up his tail and trying not to puke. The smell was so awful, way worse than anything DD had ever done! LOL. So finally, DH says, we'll have to give him a bath. It's 9:00 p.m. at this point and the 4th quarter of the Superbowl is well on its way. (Sigh) Fine, I say. So we give him a bath and DH uses the hand-held shower head to just Spray, Spray, Spray in that area in hopes that it will come out. He continues giving him a bath but never gets a good look in there. I left the room to check the score and then come back in the bathroom to ask, "is the poop gone?" I think so, he says. Well, no, he was wrong. I lifted up his tail and there it is, in all its full glory refusing to budge. So I look at DH, and with a serious face like a surgeon I say to him, "I'm going in." And I will spare you the rest of the details after that. LOL. Let's just say I was late to work this morning b/c I made an emergency grooming appointment for my dog (a Sheltie). I told the stylist that I better not see one hair around his bunghole when I pick him up this afternoon......I want to be staring at a full moon when I see him again. LOL.



I swear ladies, I don't make these things up. I have had more disgusting and hillarious things happen to me in the last two years than in my entire 30 years of life. I guess that's why they say life is a rollercoaster sometimes - lots of highs, lows, and the ride is unpredictable (and often disgusting) at times. I hope I didn't gross you out too much this Monday morning. I hope it made you laugh anyway. I did catch the last two minutes of the game, thankfully but I know I won't be able to eat anything brown for the rest of this week!!!

--------------------------------

Rub a dub dub....

posted by Mandy on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:55 PM

....there is a huge terd in the tub! LOL Yes, my daughter decided to give me a special present tonight as I gave her a bath. I know this is not a crazy or totally off-the-wall thing for a baby or toddler to poop in the tub. But we made it fourteen months without her doing it... until tonight. What do you do when this sort of thing happens? You laugh first of all. I did anyway. Then you grab toilet paper or something to try to get it out and do your best to continue giving her a very quick bath after that since she already had some soap in her hair. DH was kind enough to clean it up as I dried her off, put her clothes on and put her straight to bed. He looked at me and laughed and said....well, at least you weren't in there with her! LOL since I have been known to take a bath with her every so often.



Why don't these talk about these things in parenting classes, LOL? Why don't these kids come with a manual? :-) I hope my story made you laugh and didn't make you gross out too much!



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Funny Poop Story!

posted by Mandy on May 28, 2008 at 02:14 PM

I'm not sure this is the right forum for this but I didn't know where else to share my funny story.

I took my Vivian to the doctor this morning for a follow-up to her ear infection. Thank goodness I did since she still has it. Dr. Mukkamala placed her on a different, stronger antibiotic. She warned me that it might give her the runs....

Well, she wasn't kidding!!! Thirty minutes after I gave her the antiobitic (called Cedax I believe), I was feeding her apple-pear-blueberry fruit mix in her high chair and she starts making that face. Moms, you know what I'm talking about - when your child's face fattens up and turns red or white and she starts grunting. Well she kept doing that for several minutes. I thought, Oh brother, this is going to be a doozie!! She's probably staining her clothes right now like she does nearly every other day.

When I thought she was done, she'd go at it again. :-) Finally, I think she is done and gently pull her from the high chair and there is a glob of poop hanging from the side of her diaper. Then I notice there's already another blob of it on her high chair mat. I'm thinking....eww, don't fall on me and don't fall on the floor because I know the dog is going to lick it up and gross me out. Then I start laughing at the whole situation and try to flip Vivian over on her tummy so I don't have to worry about her poop dropping on me or the floor.


We made it to her room and the changing table. Surprisingly, she didn't stain her clothes and managed to keep the rest of her poop in her diaper. It was just the two little terds that reared their ugly faces!

Anyway, I just wanted to share this funny story. I hope it makes you laugh. I hope you'll share your funny poop stories too. (I grew up in Louisiana, an hour west of New Orleans in a smaller cajun town and my family openly talks about their bowel movements and every other gross thing under the sun!)

Have a great poop-free day if you can help it!


=================================================================


Well, there you have it! My poop stories are all up to date. Now you know why I'm such a mess and my family is such a mess, literally!

The One Thing I Am Sure Of

Every so often, I take inventory and do some personal reflection. For awhile now, I have questioned nearly every aspect of my life. I have this tendency to analyze, ponder and overthink nearly all facets around me -- like my faith and religion (or lack thereof), my career path, my choices as a mother, my place here in Montgomery, and so on. Lately my constant questioning has kicked into high gear and sometimes I cannot sleep at night because of it. (But that is a post or even a series of posts for another day). All that aside, there is one thing, fortunately, that I remembered last night that I am sure about. And that is Kirk, my husband.



Our wedding day, August 17, 2002





I was having trouble sleeping (again). Then I looked over at Kirk and felt a sense of comfort and peace. He is the one thing in my life that I never question. I have absolutely no doubts that he is the person I am supposed to be with, my life partner.


Now, that doesn't mean that we have a perfect relationship or that it doesn't take effort for both of us. Because it does; we work hard at it every day. Simply it means that I don't wake up and wonder if I made a mistake marrying him. I don't wonder if there is someone else out there who is really for me. I never, ever think that way. Because I know he and I were destined to meet.


I often speculate if my family and friends thought I was nuts when I became engaged to Kirk. We had only known each other for four months when he proposed. Before Kirk, I had dated two different guys for several years and the relationships went nowhere (nowhere I wanted to end up in the long run, I should say, LOL). Kirk and I were "just friends" first and we met through the internet (this was before it had gotten trendy or was advertised on television). But then it came on suddenly and furiously -- a common bond and passion that when I think back to.... I still get the goose bumps. I just knew it. I knew without an explanation that he was my soulmate. I knew it in a way that I couldn't describe or share with others. I just knew. And thankfully, almost seven years later, I still know it today.


On our honeymoon in Cancun




I don't mean to be all sappy and mushy here, because that's not me (as most of my good friends know about me.) But I've come to appreciate and respect him even more lately and he deserves some kudos from me. I try to tell the people I love that I appreciate them.


Kirk and I have been through some difficult times. Shortly before and after our marriage, we both lost our grandfathers. A year later, Kirk's father dealt with prostate cancer. We lived in Kirk's office for five days during and after Hurricane Katrina, not knowing if our families were okay (or alive). We moved three times in four years. Kirk has been laid off from several jobs when he was a contractor. I had a hard time adjusting to motherhood and moving to Alabama (still do, sometimes). We had a very comfortable life for awhile (financially speaking) but now we barely break even and have debts. Our familes bring a lot of drama to the table as well. But somehow, through all of that, we manage to pull together.


Hardships usually tend to either tear people apart or bring them closer together. Thankfully for us, our bond grows deeper over time. We work every day at being a better partner and a better communicator.


I learn so much from him. He is the more affectionate one, the one who is better at talking and showing appreciation. Every day he tells me that I am a good wife and a good mom. He makes me feel loved and valued. And every day I try to remind myself that I am a lucky woman because I have him. To have someone that understands you, puts up with your sarcasm, that you can be utterly silly with (because I am extremely goofy). He is my best friend, my lover and everything in between.



Silly Us!




Before I became a mom, I was a wife. I keep that fact in the back of my mind as I get boggled down with all the motherly duties I have. I try to be both, not just one or the other. At night I carve out some time just for him usually before bedtime -- to talk, to cuddle or just enjoy his company. Doing that helps our relationship from getting lost in the mundane.


I am no relationship guru. I only know what works for me and I realize that everyone has their own unique thing with their partner. All I know is that with him by my side, I have the courage to do most anything and that I am guaranteed lots of laughter along the way.


Kirk if you happen to read this, let me just say it again: I love you! Thank you for being that constant in my life, that one thing that I can count on and be sure of, no matter what. No questions asked.


My favorite picture of us