Welcome To The Snug

Everything Happens for a Reason

2010-06-18T22:38:00.004-04:00

So, I've been on hiatus from blogging for a few months now. Real life was just too damn busy. Busy in a good way.

Just before Christmas, I was informed I'd be getting laid off in early 2010. Merry Christmas. Fa la la la la. So, since February I've been thoroughly enjoying just being Mama. Bobby and I have had such fun. Several trips to the beach. Storytime at the library. Lunches at Chik-Fil-A. Afternoons at the playground. I wouldn't trade anything for the one on one time we've shared. He made me happy every day and I've never laughed so much as I have with my silly boy.

In hindsight, losing my job was a blessing. I got 5 fantastic months with Bobby all to myself. Now, our lives have changed. Patrick Daniel aka "Brother" arrived on June 10, 2010. We're all doing great and Bobby is a wonderful big brother.

I'm hoping to blog more regularly and share some of the anecdotes of life with Bobby (and now Patrick too)!

I'm in training for the U.S. Curling team...

2010-02-23T21:23:00.008-05:00

So, lots of changes and things going on in real-life. Some good, some bad, some just meh...but things seem to have settled back into the routine.

I've been enjoying the diversion of the Winter Olympics the past week or so. I do like the Winter games better than the Summer...although personally I do not participate in any sport that would have me outside in the cold. Sure, I have liked to ice skate since I was a kid, but at least 50% of my fondness for ice skating derives from the hot chocolate I get when I go. That, and the fact that my dad encouraged my sister and I to use hockey skates rather than figure skates...a life-saver for a girl with weak ankles!

Anyway, in watching the games, I have come to a few conclusions:

1) I do not generally like sports that are decided by judges. It's too arbitrary and open to favoritism. Give me the luge, downhill skiing or speed skating--be the fastest person and you win.

2) I love the snowboard cross. Racing down a hill on a snowboard trying to pass other competitors, stay on the course and be the fastest. Exciting.

3) I love Apolo Anton Ohno.

He is a badass skater yet he seems so grounded.

You can tell he just loves to compete. Also, he has proven himself a great dancer too :)

4) If any of my kids* ever get to compete in the Olympics, I'm not letting Rob go. Mr. Sports HATES the Olympic games and it is aggravating to watch them with him and his constant anti-Olympic commentary. He can stay home while my boys* and I enjoy the Olympic experience.

5) My niece that is on her high school rifle team needs to learn to cross-country ski so she can compete in biathlon. Shooting and skiing seems like such a weird combination but it's fascinating to watch.
*Yep, Baby #2 is on his way. Another boy, due June 20, 2010!

Please Obey the Rules

2009-12-04T10:35:00.004-05:00

I wrote about our new family tradition of the visiting elf here. He has returned again this year, and Bobby is now old enough to be cognizant of him. I re-read the story to him and explained the "rules" of the elf visitor. We can talk to him, but he can't talk to us, and we must never, ever touch him because he's magic.

Well, Bobby is a stickler for the rules. When getting his Christmas photo in front of the tree this year, I suggested he hold Yahootie for the picture. Bobby quickly reminded me that we can't touch him. Oops.

Later that week, Yahootie was "hiding" in Bobby's room, right on his hamper. Bobby was excited that he found him in his room. However, the day before Yahootie had been in our bathroom and Bobby wanted him to go back in the bathroom. Without thinking, Bobby picked up Yahootie to move him. Almost instantaneously, Bobby realized that he had broken the rule and tears started welling up in his eyes and he was frozen. I could tell he wanted to drop him but he was afraid to. So we apologized to Yahootie for picking him up and then we quietly asked him if it would be Ok if we moved him to the bathroom. Yahootie indicated that it would be ok.

Crisis averted.

I hope Bobby believes in the "magic" of Christmas for many more years to come. It's so fun!

Give Thanks

2009-11-26T09:00:00.001-05:00

Hoping you and yours enjoy a special day remembering all the things you're thankful for.

I'm thankful for: the health of myself and my family; the good weather we've had; Bobby's laughter; the love of my friends and family; finding a tube of chapstick in my pocket when I need it; the support and love Rob gives me every day-even when I'm stubborn; and so much more!

Halloween-Step 2

2009-10-30T10:58:00.006-04:00

This is the" Step 2 Car" Bobby got for his birthday in May:

He loves this car. He drove it-and parked it-all summer in our driveway. It was the best gift ever for a kid that loves cars. So, I decided he would be a Step 2 Car for Halloween. I thought of using a box, then I thought to try something softer. With the help of my sister, we made him the best costume and HE LOVED IT!

"A lawyer's time and advice are his stock in trade." Abraham Lincoln

2009-10-29T14:23:00.005-04:00

Sitting here in my office today, I just noticed that the big, framed "Supreme Court of Pennsylvania" bar admission certificate indicates that as of October 27, 2009 I have been a practicing attorney for six- SIX- whole years.

I still remember that butterfly-excited/dreadful feeling in the pit of my stomach while I scrolled down the on-line list of applicants that had taken the Pa. Bar Exam that July...and the utter excitement and jubilation I felt seeing my name on that screen! I honestly don't know if I could have lived through another exam season if I hadn't passed. Of the 5 associates I worked with at the time, we all passed but one.

If it's any indication of the stress of not passing...I am not lying when I say I never saw or heard from that girl again. She left work the day the results came out and never returned. She didn't call in sick, she didn't quit. She wasn't fired. She just went home and moved onto a different non-lawyering life. She didn't even clean out her office before going.

When you pass the bar exam, you still have to have a practicing attorney "Sponsor" your admission. Some associates kissed up to their bosses or partners and asked them, but I wanted someone that I really admired and looked up to in the legal profession and who taught me that a lawyer can be human.

I chose my favorite law school professor: W. Edward Sell, "Dean Sell". I took his Corporations class my second year. He had a reputation for NEVER canceling class, and being very difficult. Many 2nd and 3rd year students advised me NOT to take his class because another professor was an easy "A". But, Corporations was on the bar exam and I wanted to learn it--he was the foremost expert and actually authored the textbook. He also had a bust and plaque dedicated to him in the law school after 50 years of teaching. Do you know how daunting it was that first day of class, passing this on my way:It was a great class and he quickly became my favorite teacher of all time.

After that semester, he often persuaded my 2 friends and I to enroll in his other classes--and we did- in legal topics that we were not too interested in: Agency and Partnership, Sales etc. but we always looked forward to our hour or so a day with Dean Sell. We relished the stories and tales he would tell. Some students were very adept at probing questions to get him off topic and telling some colorful tales...(and he loved to tell slightly inappropriate jokes, with a wink, of course).

Dean Sell passed away the year after I became a lawyer. The day I dreaded had come. There was always some comfort in knowing he was only a phone call or short drive away. Over the past 6 years there have been some rough waters and some times that I have questioned what I was thinking when I applied for law school, but on those days, I look at his name on the certificate on my wall and I think back to how proud and honored he was to sponsor my bar admission and I try to remember that I have his legacy to fulfill. He saw something special in the quiet, frantic note-taking student that was afraid to raise her hand...and he seemed to instinctively know when to call me out and force my bluff...

It is a mathematical fact that fifty percent of all doctors graduate in the bottom half of their class.

2009-10-02T15:01:00.003-04:00

I got a card in the mail reminding me to make my yearly ob/gyn appointment. What fun. I know it's important to do, but not one of my favorite things to do. Knowing that they get booked up fast, I called to make my appointment for December only to be informed that the Dr. I really liked is no longer with the group. The Doctor I saw last year is out on maternity leave. So, it looks like I'm going to have to see a new physician. I chose the day and was told that Dr. Michael Bummer would be in the office that day.

As any Internet-savvy person would do, I googled Dr. Michael Bummer. I have never met him so I just wanted to see his credentials and what he looked like. Unfortunately I got more than I bargained for. Watch this clip and I'll let you see for yourself:

So, Dr. Bummer, as a licensed medical professional I would expect that you have enough money to buy a jersey and have your name stitched on the back like a real uniform if that's the look you're going for on a nationally televised game show. The DIY jersey you were sporting is just pathetic.
Second, Sixty-Nine. 69. Really? How am I going to take you seriously?

So, I guess I would be more impressed if he were on Jeopardy! but I suppose it takes some ~~skill~~ luck to make it to the Showcase Showdown...

I just wish he had been on with Bob Barker instead, at least then I could talk to him about Bob and the Barker Beauties while he's down there checking out my bits and pieces.

Male Influences

2009-09-28T15:03:00.003-04:00

So I was shopping at Wal-Mart yesterday with Bobby. He was happy as usual and talking up a storm. Because I couldn't help myself from laughing, he just kept saying the same 2 things over and over:

1) "Boutros Boutros-Ghali" THANKS, Dad. I don't know what the conversation was, or why my dad was talking to Bobby about this Egyptian diplomat, but when I picked him up on Friday, this is what he learned from PapPap.

2) "It's a Man's World" THANKS, Rob. Twice a month, I have to go to meetings at night for work. I get home, have dinner, play with Bobby, give him a tubby, get him ready for bed and then leave him in Rob's capable hands. Rob tells Bobby they are having "Man's night" then they sing "It's a Man's World"... paying homage to the godfather of soul, James Brown:

ahhh, Men.

Non-Political G-20 Observations and Ramblings

2009-09-25T09:15:00.019-04:00

So the G-20 is here. Protesters have been less in number than anticipated-which is a good thing. Although I think the local media would rather have the worst case scenario to report on. They have been gearing up for this for months.

The local news has had their "continuing live team coverage". They have been covering the G-20 like they cover "severe weather": if you watch the local news regularly, you will see that this city loves the threat of torrential downpours and possible flooding as well as blizzard-like snowfalls. Basically anything to show off all the "Stormtracker" and "Live Pinpoint Doppler" gadgety doodads and to get people to stock up on milk, bread and toilet paper.

The G-20 has brought that same newsy-enthusiasm for possible anarchist-led protests and violent run-ins with police. Now on our news instead of weather maps, we see digital maps of our city with restriction sites:
It was also only a matter of time before someone thought to use the City's beloved Steelers and our obsession with all things Steelers related to get some publicity for their cause:

Oxfam activists staged a mock football game to bring attention to world poverty. Unfortunately, their message was somewhat lost because as soon as Yinzers see a football game with the black and gold involved, they just start waving terrible towels and yelling things like "Cleveland Sucks" and "Here We Go Steelers!" In the 'Burgh, I imagine people were really just watching this game thinking "Hey, I bet that Singh dude won't miss two field goals like Jeff Reed did..."

Finally, in the midst of the news last night, a strange thing happened. Protesters and police forces were forgotten. For a brief fleeting moment, it was like we were on the red carpet at the Oscars. The President and First Lady arrived at Phipps Conservatory for the G-20 Welcome Dinner. Sally Wiggin broke from the serious news journalism to squeal like a school girl over Michelle Obama's outfit:"Oh, she must have been to Phipps before...she clearly chose her outfit because of the humidity inside there. Just lovely."

As I look at that picture, I say to myself, Self: You need an appointed umbrella holder!! How cool is that?

Then I wonder to myself: How did he get that job? Is there an umbrella-skills competition among the troops? Can he twirl the umbrella? Does it have a push button open and close feature? Do you think he sings that Rihanna song to Michelle: "Under my umbrella ella ella eh eh eh". Cause that would totally rock.

I imagine at some point he called home and said, "Mom! Guess what, I won't have to do another tour in Iraq after all. I won the 'Brella Bout in my unit! My umbrella skillz are the shiz nit." And then I wonder why he is talking like a west coast rapper. Which brings me to my next point.

It was reported that during the illegally planned protest march yesterday the Anarchists

"clogged streets, banged on drums and chanted":

"Ain't no power like the power of the people, 'cause the power of the people don't stop."

Come On! How can I respect you and your protest rights when you just ripoff Coolio like that?

"Ain't no party like a west coast party 'Cause a west coast party don't stop"

-Coolio, 1-2-3-4 (Sumpin' New)...

Pray Big For This Little Child

2009-09-23T11:00:00.005-04:00

Kelly Frey, a local news anchor here in Pittsburgh was featured in the newspaper regarding her difficult pregnancy with her first child, diagnosed with holoprosencephaly. It was a touching story and really showed the love that these first-time parents have for their child and the difficult journey they were on.

Their son, Bennett Ryan, was born this week. They had a photographer present to document the delivery as they were not sure how long, or if, their baby would survive. You can see the beautiful pictures here and read the touching and miraculous birth of this special boy. Baby Bennett is now at Children's Hospital. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. Miracles happen every day. You just have to believe.

I'm undaunted in my quest to amuse myself by constantly changing my hair. -Hillary Clinton

2009-09-14T12:53:00.006-04:00

"Gimme head with hair

Long beautiful hair
Shining, gleaming,Streaming, flaxen, waxen"

-"Hair" the Musical.

I have an on-going war with my hair. And I'm losing. I have pretty straight, fine but heavy hair. No body. No volume. No Oomph. Just straight, bleh hair.

I have colored, highlighted, lowlighted, permed, and body waved my hair trying to force my non cooperative hair into submission. I have had super short styles, mid-length styles and long tresses. I have tried bangs, no bangs, layers, side parts, middle parts and no parts. I have used curling irons, flat irons, hot rollers, blow dryers, blow dryers with diffusers and nothing seems to give me that elusive perfect coif.

I recently saw a commercial for Herbal Essences new product line "Tousle Me Softly".

and the model that had that perfect messy but styled look:

So, I decided to try these products. I got the shampoo, conditioner and spray gel. I was set. I was going to wash, rinse and repeat my way to the ultimate low-maintenance, high impact hairstyle...My hair was going to raise the white flag. Victory would be mine.

Or not. As good old P.T. Barnum said, "There's a sucker born every minute."

Let the Indocrination Begin...

2009-09-08T10:40:00.006-04:00

I have now successfully taught Bobby that this:

and this:

translates to: "GO IRISH".

Here is my future "Domer", Class of 2029

"I'm gonna marry a SMC chick like my mommy and Aunt Erin!"

Pittsburgh Welcomes the World...Now Get the Hell Out!

2009-09-08T08:45:00.000-04:00

For those of you not from the greater Pittsburgh area, The G-20 Summit is heading to the Steel City, the City of Champions.

In honor of this prestigious event, the city is welcoming the world leaders and showing our economic progress by shutting down. Closing up Shop. Hanging up the proverbial "Will Return" sign:

Schools in the city are shut down. Businesses are closing, the courts are shutting down. It's gotten so bad that the Pittsburgh International Airport had to issue a press release that they were NOT closing. Public transportation into the city will be limited. Parking garages will not be open for the regular commuter traffic...blah blah blah. In other words, STAY HOME BURGHERS!

Even though I no longer work in the Greater Pittsburgh area, hell I don't even work in Allegheny County anymore, I think I should do my civic duty and stay home. In my pajamas. All day.

Photo Phriday

2009-08-21T10:43:00.003-04:00

See that picture up there in the banner...that was Bobby at about 4 weeks old during his first trip to the beach. Here is this year's version: My how you've grown!

Friday Funny

2009-08-21T10:32:00.003-04:00

Maybe I won't win "Mother of the Year" awards, but if Bobby came home with this detention slip, I'd have to laugh. "That's what she said" is just a classic, and I use it frequently myself.

Jonas Brothers Mania

2009-07-28T09:35:00.005-04:00

My brother, although I love him dearly, has an almost unbearably large ego. But he's not arrogant or cocky. He just thinks he's the best. At everything. Growing up he used to like to tell me, "If I killed you? Who would notice?" The brother that put me into a figure-4 leg lock and then kicked me in the mouth (purely by accident, we weren't trained professional athletes, after all). He did this the week after I had my braces off. The result? My bottom teeth were straight for one week. Although we're technically adults now...he still likes to torture me. He still likes to say and do things to get under my sister's skin and drive her crazy. Yes, this is the brother I idolized. The brother I cried all day for when he left for college. Call me crazy.

Unfortunately for the rest of us, recent events will probably only add to his "charm." He has 4 daughters ranging in age from 20-11. His youngest 2 daughters REALLY REALLY like the Jonas Brothers. As any good father would, he got them tickets to the recent concert here in Pittsburgh. But he went one step further, he got them VIP tickets to the Jonas Brothers Sound Check Party before the concert. While they were there, the Jonas Brothers asked for 4 friends to come sit on the stage while they performed. My nieces and their 2 friends were picked. It was totally random, but now they will think their Dad is "the man"and had this all arranged, as he's taking full credit:

We Now Return to Our Regularly Scheduled Programming

2009-07-21T10:22:00.015-04:00

I guess you could say I've been on summer hiatus from blogging. Rob and I took a 5 year anniversary trip without Bobby. So, needless to say after being away and not seeing "Mr. Snuggables" for almost 2 weeks, I wanted to spend as much time as I could with him. But as Bobby says, "I'm Back, Baby"--yes, he is quoting George from Seinfeld.

Rob and I went to Texas. We did a whirlwind tour of Dallas, The Woodlands (to see my friend, Melissa), Houston and Galveston (to go to Schlitterbahn Water Park). Bobby had a great vacation at the beach with my parents. So, at least he wasn't at home while Rob and I were frolicking in the 111 degree heat.

We stayed at the Magnolia Hotel in Dallas. It was excellent. In addition to a Manager's Reception from 5:30-6:30 with free hooch, they had a nightly "Cookies & Milk" Happy Hour. This was the sole reason I picked to stay in this hotel. MMM. Cookies. It was a nice touch. The hotel itself was gorgeous and we had a huge suite with a full kitchen (not that we cooked) and the staff was so friendly. I highly recommend staying there if you're ever in the Dallas area.

Now, when we decided to head to the Lone Star State, I said I wanted to immerse myself in the cowboy life. This of course meant that I was going to wear my cowboy hat and ride a mechanical bull. In my mind I envisioned myself looking all sexy and natural like Debra Winger in Urban Cowboy:

Thankfully, there are no videos of my bucking bull ride because I didn't look quite as good. The reality did not match my vision; after struggling to even get on the bull, this was me just hanging on for dear life hoping I didn't impale myself on one of the horns...

So, riding the bull was my vacation "to-do". Rob's was to visit "Southfork". He is a huge "Dallas" fan. I have the rubber bins full of VHS tapes of the show in my basement to prove it. I am the complete opposite of a huge "Dallas" fan. But, I willingly visited Southfork and took the tour. It wasn't as bad as I imagined. It was actually enjoyable because they let you walk around the house on your own and I even got some decorating ideas for our next house:

I think big oil paintings of Rob and I would be a good decorating scheme.

The great conversationalist

2009-07-01T21:48:00.004-04:00

Bobby is at my parents' beach house for the next 10 days. Without me.

I miss him and think about him every minute. All my daily routines are missing the "Bobby factor".

My parents call several times a day to update me and let me talk to him. At 2 years old, he isn't a phone person. The conversation usually goes like this:

Me: Hello?

Grammy Pat: It's MAMA!!

Me: Put me on speakerphone. HI BOBBY. It's Mama!

Grammy Pat: BOBBY! It's mama. Come talk to mama.

Me: Bobby, are you at the beach? Did you jump the waves? Did you dig in the sand?

Grammy Pat: BOBBY! Get over here and talk to your mother. Say I love you Mama.

Bobby: I looove ewww mama.

Me: I love you, Bobby.

Grammy Pat: Ok, he's running away/playing/done.

Me: Alright. Give him a kiss and hug for me. Talk to you later.

Photo Phriday-Five Fantastic Years Edition

2009-06-26T11:13:00.004-04:00

From a Miss

to a Mrs.

June 26, 2004

It's been 5 wonderful years since Rob and I celebrated our fun-filled wedding day! It's been a memorable and exciting 5 years...

In these past 5 years, I've worked at 4 different law firms and I've had 3 different cars--Good thing I don't go through Husbands as quickly! haha

Happy Anniversary, Rob. I love you more now than on that spectacular day 5 years ago. I'm looking forward to many more years of growing old together! Love, Mrs. Robert :)
(and thanks for not greeting me this morning with "Are you F***ing Kidding me?"--as you did on the morning of our wedding...)

Losing a piece of my childhood...

2009-06-25T22:01:00.007-04:00

One of my personality traits is that when I am interested in something--I go ALL IN. Michael Jackson was the first Entertainer I loved. (He was a true entertainer, I can't describe him just as a singer, dancer, or actor....)

He still was at the top of my list of performers to see live. (I was supposed to be front and center when he came to Pittsburgh in 1984 but the concert never got booked...). I don't care what went on in his personal life. When I hear MJ, I am a little girl again, singing into a hairbrush, dancing around my room, making up choreography with my childhood friend, Dana. Growing up, I shared a room with my older sister. She had to live with me decorating my 1/2 of the room in the latest and greatest MJ memorabilia:

I even had a Michael Jackson "Thriller" jacket. Because EVERYONE had a "Beat It" Jacket with the zippers and I wanted to show I was a true fan. I dressed as MJ for Halloween. Luckily, he was light skinned so it wasn't full on black-face at age 10...But I adored him. I wore the glove. I moonwalked. My mom even borrowed my costume for a work party, and she won 1st prize! I made sure I had every detail covered...

One of my fondest memories of my grandma was her sitting outside the outside shower at our vacation house in Ocean City, NJ listening to me belt out "BEAT IT" with reckless abandon as if I was singing to a stadium of cheering fans...

Rest In Peace, MJ

My 2 Cents

2009-06-23T10:01:00.003-04:00

So, let me start by saying that I am not a regular viewer of the show- I have only seen tidbits and snippets of the show, but it is really hard NOT to be aware of the Jon & Kate + 8 saga...

Hearing all the rumors that there was a "major announcement" being made in last night's episode--and knowing all the celebrity rags were reporting that the "news" was a separation and divorce--I tuned in.

Honestly, the announcement I wanted to hear was that they were quitting the show, getting some family and couples counseling and going to work on the relationship in real life, not on reality t.v. I was holding out hope that they fed the Insider, Entertainment Tonight and Radar.com with some phony info. to throw them off the scent. They didn't. They announced their separation as expected and of course as Kate said, "The show MUST go on". Yea, because as if the kids don't have it hard enough, now they have to have the breakup of their parents' marriage and the fallout from that immortalized on t.v. and for sale on DVD...

Now, even if they had done what I hoped, their path may still have led to separation and divorce, but at least it would have spared the kids the very public spectacle of this very private issue, and at least Jon & Kate could have both slept well at night knowing they had done their absolute best for their family: that they had exhausted all possibilities, that they fought hard for each other AND their kids and that they did it the right way--privately.

Jon and Kate are famous only for being parents to a lot of kids. They weren't actors, singers or entertainers before this t.v. show. They were just a bunch of high school sweethearts who got married and wanted a family. They are not like Brad and Angelina. Their celebrity is like that of Paris Hilton (famous for her name only) or Kim Kardashian (famous for having a big ass and a sex tape*)

If they chose to go back to a normal, non-televised life, eventually the Paparazzi and their fans would lose interest. After all they are just parents raising their kids-just like all of us parents, whether we have 1 kid or 18.

In truth, I really hope TLC cancels the show.

*Credit: Joel McHale and "The Soup" for the apt description of Ms. Kardashian.

Photo Phriday

2009-06-19T15:57:00.002-04:00

My little Gilligan. He refuses to wear a baseball hat. The toddler bucket hats are too small for him, so I had to give him mine. It's a little big, but it keeps the sun off his face, protects his head from sunburn and most importantly he keeps it on!

How do I capitalize on this?

2009-06-19T15:06:00.012-04:00

Bobby is car obsessed. Not with play cars or trucks but with the real deal. At only 2 years old, he can identify cars by their logo and knows who drives what. And he is not limited by color, model, or type of car. He notices and points out all the different cars while we walk along our street, while we're driving anywhere or just walking in a parking lot.

He knows I drive a Subaruand that Rob drives a Nissan. Grandma Pat has a Ford (or "sword" as he says it)PapPap drives a Mercury, Uncle Matt drives a Cadillac, EeEe has a "v-dubya". And he even knows cars that he doesn't see everyday. He knows his friend Nate's mom has a Chevy.

Roman's mom has a Honda. My parents' neighbor has a Dodge.Every car brand, whether it's a car, pick-up truck or SUV is identified correctly. He can even identify the keys by the emblem on the key!!

He loves to look at the cars and touch the logos...whoever he identifies the car with first is what he sticks with, so although my brother also has a Cadillac...it's always and forever going to be "Matt's car" even though he knows which car is Uncle Brian's and which is Uncle Matt's.

Maybe I should print car logos like flashcards, videotape his "rainman-like" skills, post it on YouTube, become a viral video sensation, get on Oprah, and cash in on this talent...

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS...AGAIN!

2009-06-15T15:39:00.005-04:00

Marian Hossa turned down a lucrative, long-term contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins in order to accept a one-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings. He thought he had a better chance of winning Lord Stanley with Detroit. He thought Wrong! YOU LOSE!

Pittsburgh fans are nothing if not rabid. and loyal. That's why we'll never forgive Hossa for his defection.

'NUFF SAID.

NO DOUBT!

2009-06-15T10:29:00.009-04:00

I attended the No Doubt concert on Saturday.

I. Love. Gwen. Stefani.

If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I want to come back as Gwen Stefani. She has such a great and unique voice. She has killer abs! Even performing live, her voice was spectacular. She has a great energy and dance style. Her abs were amazing. She is so cool and fun. Did I mention her abs? No Doubt really performed a great show, and she absolutely rocked it!
Along with her amazing voice and stage presence, she is a mom of 2 boys. Here is what she looked like pregnant:

and here she is post-babies:She is one kick-ass Mama!

Kennywood's Open (and I don't mean your fly is down)

2009-06-08T14:38:00.006-04:00

My parents took Bobby away to the beach a few weekends ago. He was gone 5 days--the longest I've been away from him his entire life. He had a wonderful time and as any smart parents would do, we decided to fill our weekend with things that we cannot (or do not) do when Bobby is around. For me, this included a Saturday filled with beauty treatments: haircut/style, manicure and pedicure. (Thank God I was finally able to catch up on all the Jon & Kate drama covered in all the celebrity rags).

However, in a more curious decision, on Sunday, we decided to go to Kennywood. Now, most parents probably don't run to an amusement park without their kids, but then I remembered this:and I thought this might not be the summer for Bobby to explore the rides at Kennywood!

So, Rob and I went and rode the bumper cars and The Whip and we enjoyed all the roller coasters: Phantom's Revenge, The Thunderbolt, The Racer and The Jackrabbit. We didn't go on any "wet" rides (although I need to go back for the LogJammer), and I don't do any "puke machines"(i.e. any ride that just goes in a circle, upside down- or both -and will just lead to nausea).

We enjoyed a sampling of the food fare: Potato Patch Fries and a corn dog for me. Turkey dinner at the Cafeteria* and an ice cream for Rob, and a shared funnel cake for both of us.

*Due to my insider knowledge of Kennywood cafeteria workers and the inner workings of what goes on there, I cannot really enjoy eating a meal in the Cafe as I was privy to the "Mutant Parade" of Cafe workers every year during the Health Department seminar on food safety.

Anyway, I got to relive my 3 summers working at the Park. It was THE BEST summer job in College--it kept me motivated to finish school (I had my fill of flipping burgers and cleaning up the condiment/seating area), I got to work with and get to know people from other schools, we got to ride the coasters early in the morning during the "test runs" and it was a fun, hijinks-filled summer job, in spite of the motto, "If there's time to lean, there's time to clean."

So, that brings me to the greatest revelation of the afternoon. I may just bypass Kiddieland altogether*. At 2 years old, Bobby is more than tall enough to ride my favorite coaster, The Jackrabbit. The Jackrabbit was the first coaster I ever went on. I think I was about 4, maybe 5 years old.

It is a wooden coaster built in 1921. The only safety device is a strap (I can't even call it a seatbelt) that goes around both riders in the car. Now, when I was little and I would go on with my dad, when we sat down and fastened the strap around us, it was so loose around me because he was so much bigger that it really was useless. The Jackrabbit is famous for a "double dip" hill. I can still remember the ~~panic~~ thrill of feeling like I was going to fly out of the coaster--the force of the ride made me fly up to an almost standing position...I was definitely airborne by the 2nd dip! (check out the dips at 1:22 in this video):

How many years of therapy do you think he would he have to endure if I strapped him into this ride at 2 years old?

*DISCLAIMER: I am a responsible, educated, worrisome, somewhat overly-protective parent and in no way do I intend to put my 2 year old child on a roller coaster, even if he is big enough.

Now, this is the scene from the front car of the Phantom's Revenge:

I feel like the coaster is going to go right off the track and plummet to the Earth when it crests the first hill. It's fantastically scary. I can only hope that Bobby will progress to someday enjoy roller coasters like Rob and I do, even though they scare the bejesus out of me.

Photo Phriday

2009-05-29T10:14:00.003-04:00

Bobby got this car for his birthday and I have a hard time getting him out of it. Anytime we go outside he heads straight for it...

Unfortunately, he may have inherited the automobile enthusiast gene from my father. Bobby identifies cars and car types and loves everything about them. I wonder if this is just the first of many automobiles he'll enjoy driving...

Moose A. Moose and Zee D. Bird

2009-05-27T12:05:00.007-04:00

We had Bobby's 2nd birthday party on Sunday. It was a "Moose and Zee" party. They are his favorite characters from Noggin.I made him a special t-shirt to wear with Moose and Zee in party hats, and it even had Frisco the FireAnt! But my greatest endeavor was trying to make a Moose cake and Zee cupcake. I found the instructions on the Noggin website. I am ok with the baking aspect of the cake-making. It was the decorating that had me a bit nervous. Thankfully my sister came over to help. I don't think it would have turned out as well if I did it on my own. Here is the masterpiece:

and here's the Zee cupcake. I did this one all by myself :)
My ever-artsy and crafty sister made Bobby the greatest gift. His very own Moose and Zee dolls:

I really think she should start selling these on Ebay!

TWO!

2009-05-21T20:11:00.003-04:00

Bobby is 2 years old today. I wanted to finally write down the story of the day he was born, so that the little details wouldn't be forgotten, and someday he'd be able to read about his arrival. But, I've been up since 4:45...we had a stressful morning at Children's Hospital, and I spent the rest of the day doing anything I could to try to make him happy and comfortable.

His surgery went well, and any guilt I was feeling or doubts about whether we really had to put him through this were put to rest when the surgeon came out and said everything went perfectly, and he really needed the surgery as he was as tongue tied as he could be.

So, Bobby, I promise that someday soon I will write about the day you changed my life and fulfilled my dream to be a mother. I will share every detail, from the first labor pain right to the moment I first held you and you peed on me. I love you, Bobby, and just like our song goes....God picked you out from all the rest, just because he knew that I loved you the best!

This was just before you peed on me. The first of many times!

This was taken right after we brought you home. Your dad and I didn't really know what to do with you. At least we figured that part out!

A Contract With Myself

2009-05-20T11:39:00.005-04:00

At exactly 12:34 p.m. tomorrow, May 21, 2009, I will officially be a mother for 2 whole years! Unfortunately, in spite of giving birth 731 days ago (2008 was a leap year), I still maintain ~~a little~~ way too much "baby weight". In the past 2 years I have done Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers (twice), bought a Wii Fit, started and quit Body for Life, Fit Yummy Mummy, the Carb Addicts diet and a number of other weight loss plans.

I don't know why I can't get back on track...it's like there is a broken switch in my brain. I previously did Jenny Craig over 10 years ago and I lost 65lbs. and kept it off! I was fully self-motivated. I ate healthy, I exercised, I weighed myself regularly to make sure I could step things up if the number on the scale started to creep upwards...

I put on some weight during the summer of 2001, when I was on Semester at Sea. Living on a cruise ship with a Greek staff cooking Greek food and no feasible to way to exercise will tend to lead to some weight gain. But I got right back on track after coming home. I was at my all-time lowest weight in October 2002, just in time for my 10 year high school reunion. Coincidentally, I met Rob the next month. I stayed about the same (give or take 5 lbs) up until about the time I got pregnant. Now, I did not go crazy "eating for 2" but I put on a healthy amount of pregnancy weight.

I lost about 20lbs. fairly easily after giving birth (7lbs. 4oz. being all-Bobby)...but then I just hit a wall. Nothing I did seemed to matter. I was breastfeeding and hoped that would help, but it didn't. I think I've lost and gained the same 15lbs. over and over during the past 2 years. I have never gotten back into my pre-pregnancy clothes, of which I have a closet full.

I have never liked exercising, I've only done it because I knew I should. Now, between work, spending time with Bobby (and Rob) and doing stuff around the house, if anything needs cut from my schedule, you can bet it's going to be exercise.

Recently, my childhood neighbor started blogging about his weight loss journey here. He is married with 4 boys under the age of 4. I have found some inspiration in his story. He lost weight to get healthy and be active with his kids. He found the time in spite of everything going on in his life. Maybe my prior motivations just won't work anymore. The last time I lost any considerable amount of weight I was single and definitely ready to mingle...

Now, maybe I have to picture a healthier (not just thinner) me, running around the park with Bobby and not being so sluggish and tired. Perhaps I should lose weight to be a better mom to Bobby. Period.

On this the eve of Bobby's 2nd birthday, I am going to commit to living a healthier life. I'm not going to do another "diet" but I'm going to make healthier food choices. I am going to commit to exercise not focusing on weight loss, but on being active and healthy. I need to set a good example for my little boy and I want to be able to fully participate in his life!

Photo Phriday

2009-05-15T14:29:00.003-04:00

This was my first 2-wheel bike. I think I was about 5 years old in this picture so this is vintage 1979! I wonder how long it took ~~my parents~~ Santa to find a BLUE girls' bike? Because that is all I wanted. Thanks, mom, for letting me ride the bike all around the house since it was too cold/snowy outside. You taught me to put people ahead of "things". That carpet eventually got replaced, but I'll always have the memory!

I can still remember the day that I first tried to ride it without training wheels. My dad took us to South Park. I was riding around thinking he was holding onto the back. Unbeknownst to me, he had let go and I was balancing on my own. Of course, I was so focused on balancing that I kindof forgot to steer. Heading straight for a set of stairs that went down to the field, I was a deer in headlights. Frozen, but with my bike moving beneath me. Luckily my dad caught up to me and grabbed the back of the bike just as I started my descent. Thanks, dad, for giving me independence, but also for keeping a steady hand close by!

Irrational Fear?

2009-05-15T10:58:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again. Bees are buzzing. I am freaking.

I have an irrational fear of getting stung by a bee. Because I have never been stung by a bee. or a wasp. Or any other stinging bug/insect/critter.

I'm not afraid of the sting, the pain or the icky stinger in me. No, I've convinced myself that because I have not been stung by a bee, I have no way of knowing if I will be one of the 2 million people in the U.S. that is allergic. If stung, will I suffer a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction?

On my last day of my last summer working at Kennywood I was assigned to the lemonade stand. It was hell. The lemonade was homemade so we were cutting and squeezing lemons into glasses with sugar and water. Do you know how many bees were attracted by the mass amounts of sugar water in the plastic cups, spilled on the ground, and on the counters?? Swarms. I was near stroke stage by the time my shift ended.

*Bzzz Bzzzz Bzzzzzz*

DIBS!

2009-05-11T12:40:00.003-04:00

After many failed attempts and months of trying, we finally got Bobby to voluntarily ingest a dessert-like food item. I was so excited when my Dad informed me that Bobby had eaten three whole Dibs!Rob went and bought 2 containers the next day. Bobby refused to eat any on Saturday. However, he ate another 3 Dibs yesterday. This made up for the Mommy guilt I had when we went for Ice Cream on Mother's day. Sitting in the front seat of the car, Rob and I ate our Coldstone ice cream with mix-ins. In the backseat, Bobby whined and screamed anytime we even tried to put a spoon of ice cream near his lips. Passersby probably saw him fussing in the backseat and thought we were horrible parents for enjoying a summer treat without sharing any!

The Merry Merry Month of May

2009-05-08T11:57:00.004-04:00

Here's a rundown of my May calendar of events:

May 2-Wedding Shower

May 4-Rob's birthday

May 9-Wedding Shower-Killarney's birthday

May 10-Mother's Day

May 12-My grandma's 89th birthday, my brother's birthday

May 13-My birthday, my sister's 1/2 birthday :)

May 21-Bobby's birthday/Surgery day

May 24-Bobby's birthday party

May 27-Bobby's 2 year check up and post-op check-up

May 30-Wedding

May 31-"Diaper party"/Baby shower

*whew* I think I'm going to need a vacation from "May"!

CREATORS OF THE SNUGGIE--CALL ME--LET'S MAKE A DEAL!

2009-05-04T11:37:00.008-04:00

Open Letter to all Ad execs, Marketing Gurus, Internet sales personnel, Product Research people, and all Readers:

I was ~~shamelessly self-promoting the idea~~ thinking of starting an on-line campaign to get this blog sponsored by SNUGGIE- THE BLANKET WITH SLEEVES.

"The Snug" and Snuggie-The names certainly lend themselves to cross-promotion. Read the Snug while curled up in your Snuggie! Your hands would still be free to type your comments! I am always cold, and curled up with a blanket. Rob and I battle over the thermostat as I wrote about here. Perhaps I could be persuaded to exclusively use a Snuggie for all my warmth-providing needs. I could agree to only blog while wearing my Snuggie.

Also, with the advent of the "Snuggie Pub Crawl" it seems like a natural sponsorship to my blog...what with the idea of this being a virtual private drink room in an Irish Pub!

A well-balanced diet

2009-04-29T09:29:00.003-04:00

I am not a picky eater. I eat fruits, vegetables, seafood, ethnic foods etc. I am willing to try just about anything at least once. (Except for sushi--I do have a preference for cooked food). However, I do have a few idiosyncrasies when it comes to certain foods, mostly revolving bread choices. Rob is well aware of these. For example, my mother used to make "meat cakes" for dinner on occasion. A "meat cake" is a hamburger with no bun. I do not like "meat cakes"! A hamburger is only properly eaten on a bun with condiments, not with a fork. Also, a hot dog goes in a hot dog bun, not wrapped in a piece of bread, and certainly not cut to fit onto a hamburger bun. I would rather eat a hotdog cut up on a plate than to eat one without the proper bun.

When it comes to breakfast foods, I like toast with my eggs. English muffins, bagels, and biscuits are also acceptable forms of breakfast bread.

Last night we had breakfast for dinner. I went to get the bread for my toast and *Gasp* we didn't have any. Not even a heel piece. I checked the fridge. No English muffins either. Rob said we have hotdog and hamburger buns. THE HORROR! I checked the pantry, I could make Bisquick biscuits but there wasn't enough time. No refrigerated biscuit dough. I was frantic. I didn't even want the dinner anymore, but I was hungry.

I reluctantly toasted a hamburger bun. BLECH! My dinner was ruined.

War of the Sexes

2009-04-27T10:21:00.005-04:00

In general, I do not want to raise Bobby that this is "for girls" or that is "for boys". He has dolls and stuffed animals. He has a set of plastic dishes and tea cups for our living room "tea parties." He watches Rob cook dinner most nights (during the week)...he helps me with laundry, and I'm going to make sure he can do his own laundry someday...Rob works in a predominantly "female" occupation, while my career choice is dominated by men. You get the idea. We don't want to stereotype gender roles. Bobby is a rough and tumble boy with bruises, cuts, and dirt under his fingernails, all covered in a fine layer of grime and muck (well, at least until tubby time every night)...He is an all-American boy. I don't have any problem with Bobby wearing character clothing or fun things on his clothes, but I do want it to be boy's clothing. He could wear Dora the Explorer, but just not a shirt with ruffles and pink or flowers...

So, all that aside, yesterday my mother pulled out the new sandals she got him for his birthday. I took one look at them and said, "They are girls' shoes." When I pointed out the pink accents and the flower on the side, she refused to admit I was right saying, "They are brown sandals."

You be the judge:

These are called "Li'l Sunshine" sandals. Here's the description from the store website:

Shine on. Brighten her look with these girls' sandals. In a
variety of fantastic colors.

Score: Mama-1. Grammy Pat-0.

So, the conversation continued, and being a smart-ass, I asked, "Is the bathing suit you got him trunks or a 1 piece?" (implying she bought him a girls swimsuit). My mom responded, "No, I got him Mickey Mouse swim trunks." So, again, not letting it go...I asked, "Are you sure it's Mickey or is it Minnie Mouse?" She was visibly annoyed.

Score: Mama-2. Grammy Pat-0.

Feeling victorious, I took a swig of my vitamin water. Simultaneously, my father who was quietly enjoying the discussion added, "No, we got him Mickey Mouse trunks with a Holly Hobbie swim shirt."

*PHEWWWWW* *COUGH* *COUGH* *AHAHAHAH* *CHOKING* *GASPING*

That is the sound of me laughing so hard I choked, causing the vitamin water to come out my nose burning my sinuses...

Score: PapPap-Winner!

A Former Teacher's Rant...

2009-04-23T09:10:00.003-04:00

Today is National Take Your Son/Daughter to Work Day. I don't know when this tradition started, but it was certainly not in place when I was a child. I think in theory it's a great concept. Exposing kids to different careers and getting a sense of what a real day at work is like is always going to be beneficial.
That being said, ever since I was a teacher, I often wondered why this day was held in April. I taught 5th graders and usually about 1/2 the students would not come to school on this day. So, 50% of the students missed a day of school and maybe had an out of school learning experience but the other 50% who did come often had a "wasted" day of "fillers". I tried to enrich their lessons with fun activities that would just support something we'd already learned. We couldn't move onto new concepts with 1/2 the class absent. Also, I didn't want the kids who came to school that day to feel punished for doing so...
Schools are off approximately 3 months a year. Why can't parents take their kids to work during June, July or August?!?!?!

Happy Birthday...Snip Snip!

2009-04-21T09:38:00.003-04:00

My little Bobby will be 2 years on old on May 21. And how will he celebrate his special day? Well, he's scheduled for surgery. It's not for any major problem(THANK GOD!) but to me, anything involving anesthesia and referred to as "surgery" inpatient or outpatient--is major. Especially when it's my baby!

Bobby is tongue-tied (medically, his condition is Ankyloglossia. Try saying that 3 times fast!). Basically, his tongue is tightly connected to the bottom of his mouth. It's really connected near the tip of his tongue, and he can't really stick his tongue out too far. He'll be having a Lingual Frenectomy under general anesthesia.

I know it's better for him in the long run, but why does it have to be on his birthday?

The Universe is Conspiring Against Me...

2009-04-09T15:28:00.004-04:00

Although I have only gone a few times, I love Drive-In Movies. The last time I went I saw Harry Potter (not sure which one) because I had recently had Bobby and I was able to see the movie and have him with me. Perfect.

I had Rob all gung-ho for a family Drive-In movie night tomorrow. The Double Feature was:

Adventureland AND

Gran Torino...Perfect.

Rob would agree to this. He has been wanting to see Gran Torino since it came out and we both want to see Adventureland.

I checked the website today to see about admission prices and what times the shows start...and the movies are NOT playing on the same screen starting...TOMORROW.

CURSES!!! Foiled again!

Another milestone

2009-04-06T16:04:00.002-04:00

We made it almost 2 years before taking Bobby to the ER. Thank goodness for the miracle glue--it wouldn't have been a pretty sight if he had to get stitches.

Fun Family Rituals

2009-04-06T14:18:00.007-04:00

It's that time of year again--time to dye Easter Eggs! I have fond memories of this childhood ritual: fighting over who gets to use the official egg dipper and who is stuck with a regular old spoon, making sure that my brother, sister and I had the same number of eggs to dye, trying to use the dye before my brother started mixing them up to try to make a black egg, looking for a crayon to write on the egg...Ah yes! Fond memories, indeed.

We always used Paas dye, and we always got just the basic colors, no glitter or sparkle eggs in our house. One year, I convinced my mother to let us get the Egg shrink-wraps, I just wanted something a little more grandiose than the fizzy tabs in vinegar. This was not the fun time I anticipated. You had to put the shrink wrap around the egg and then submerge it into boiling water so the wrap melted around the egg. If you don't know my mother, let me assure you that she was not ever going to let us put our own eggs into the boiling pot of water. We were lucky if we were even able to stand next to the stove and watch.

This is the woman that used to let us get sparklers for 4th of July but then instructed us, "HOLD YOUR ARMS OUT AS FAR AS YOU CAN, NOW, LOOK AWAY!!! LOOK AWAY!!! DON'T LOOK AT THE SPARKLER, YOU MAY BURN YOUR EYES!" I wish I was exaggerating. My sister and I would have to hold our sparklers out away from our bodies and we never got to see our own sparkler designs. We could look from a distance at each other's designs. Here's how that would go:

Me: Erin, do you see mine? What does it look like?

Erin: It's really cool, make circles...Write my name!

Me: Ok. Do you see it? Does it look like your name? Can you see the letters?

Erin: Yeah, alright, now look at mine.

Me: Yay! Cool. Ok, now write my name so I can see!

Pat (our mother): Ok, that's enough, you're going to burn yourself...LOOK AWAY!

Fun, right?

So, anyway...back to the eggs.
Last night Bobby and I dyed our eggs. Rob didn't want to be involved. Must be a dad thing. My dad never seemed interested in joining the fun, either. We had a great time--I loved being able to share this tradition with Bobby--without the fighting and petty disagreements of my youth! And I even kept the egg dipper so next year, we'll each have our own!!!

April Fool's Day

2009-04-01T11:49:00.004-04:00

I haven't thought of any good pranks to pull today. Ho hum. This day needs spiced up with some silliness...

Willy Wonky?

2009-03-27T14:56:00.003-04:00

I had to go talk to my neighbor about a tree that was falling into our yard. Rob designated that having such conversations was "my job"... afterwards, he asked me how it went.

I told him that it was hard to focus because of her "wonky eye". He looked confusingly at me. "Wonky Eye?" he inquired. So, I had to explain--I thought that was a universally-known, descriptive term. Maybe not the medical term for such a condition, but at least a well-accepted general use term in the American lexicon. Hell, it's defined on Urban Dictionary--so it's gotta be legit, right? Here's an example:

Now, I'd rather not have any references to or images of Paris Hilton on here, but she has the most famous Wonky Eye...Just google images for "Wonky Eye" and you'll see...she tops the list!

Fun For the Whole Family?

2009-03-23T10:43:00.006-04:00

Rob was away this weekend so I decided to have a fun Mother-son weekend. I decided to get out of the usual Saturday routine and take Bobby to Kidapalooza. My mom graciously agreed to accompany us. I feel better knowing there's a second set of eyes watching him when we're in big crowds of people, and it would be fun for all of us, right?

I was especially excited to take Bobby on the rides. I was hoping this summer we'd take him for his first trip to Kennywood. For those non-Pittsburgh readers, Kennywood is THE BEST amusement park, and it's right here in Pittsburgh. We always went every summer and even at 34 years old, I still get that jittery/excited feeling in my stomach when it's "Kennywood Day!" (Even after working at Kennywood for 3 summers during college, I still feel the same way...) Ok, Kennywood merits its own future post, so back to the Kidapalooza weekend--

I thought Bobby would love the carousel and we'd introduce him to the fun of carnival-type rides. I was wrong. The screams started as soon as we mounted the horse. They continued throughout the ride. Here is an image from Bobby's "Fun" day with mama and Grammy Pat:

We didn't try any more rides after this. We also tried to get his picture with Dora the Explorer and Curious George. Unfortunately, I think he has inherited my innate fear of mascots, large-headed costumed characters, Santa and the Easter Bunny.

But, it wasn't all bad. He did enjoy the petting zoo, although my ever-cautious mother and I kept him in the stroller on the outside of the fence. He could just look. No touching or petting the germ-infested animals. Here have some hand-sanitizer just in case. He also liked "Toddler Town" with soft things to climb on and books to read.

All in all, I think he had a great day. He truly enjoyed watching the baby ducks and peeps...

Hmmm... maybe with the nicer weather we'll make a trip to the South Park Game Preserve...

Not In The Mood

2009-03-20T16:09:00.004-04:00

I haven't been feeling very Bloggy this week. Just in a mental funk--wee bit stressed at work...not with work--just with the office drama and politics...
I have concluded that I would do well to work in an an all-male office. Women can be such be-yotches to work with. Granted there are arrogant, egotistical men I've worked with and had issue with, but an office filled with laid-back, family-oriented type guys like one of my bosses would be ideal.
The best legal assistant I've ever had was male. We were like 2 peas in a pod... We worked together, took the same bus to and from work and we were friends...no drama or issues.

I just want to come to work, do my job, and get home to Bobby and Rob at the end of the day. Period. That's all. Nothing more, nothing less. Is that too much to ask?

*sigh* I made it to Friday...another week closer to a summer vacation :)

Top O' the Mornin' To You!

2009-03-17T09:21:00.002-04:00

Don't Be Superstitious

2009-03-13T15:04:00.002-04:00

From Me to You on this Friday the 13th!

Another Milestone...

2009-03-12T10:00:00.005-04:00

It seems that Bobby never stops growing and reaching new milestones. He'll always be my baby but I must admit he's growing up fast. Too fast. Last weekend my sister, EeEe, came over and we did the unthinkable. We took down the crib and put up a toddler bed.All week I talked to him about the "big boy bed." Was I preparing him or myself for this change?

I searched high and low for a pillowcase that would have characters he liked. I'm not going to rant about the poor selection of boy-themed bedding in the stores--my only question is why do boy things have to be limited to Batman, Spiderman or WWE wrestling? He likes Dora and Boots--but I'm not buying him Dora with pink butterflies on it. The Sesame Street ones looked too babyish...so I left each store empty-handed.

EeEe came through for us again. Bobby's favorites are Moose and Zee from Noggin. He loves them and EeEe made him his very own pillowcase. He loves it! He even gives Moose and Zee goodnight and good morning kisses!

Once again, his transition has been easier than I anticipated...he's still sleeping through the night (and even sleeping in longer in the mornings)!

In a Galaxy Far Far Away...

2009-03-09T16:29:00.003-04:00

My niece (and goddaughter) Aislinn told me this weekend that she found my old Princess Leia costume (with wig) in her attic. She was really into Star Wars as a little kid. Not the new movies either but the original, old school, Princess Leia bun hairdo trilogy. She even made up an interpretive dance set to the Star Wars theme--whenever I hear that music it makes me smile just thinking about it...

She dressed up as Luke Skywalker for Halloween one year. I got the Princess Leia costume to match. We had a lot of fun dancing around in my parent's living room in character.

However, one of the funniest things ever was that she thought Harrison Ford's character's name was Hans Olo. Priceless.

I hope someday Bobby has fun playing in character, and I'll make Aislinn come over and reprise her role...

Like Mother, Like Son

2009-03-06T09:20:00.006-05:00

As you can tell from the previous post, I've been learning how to use our new scanner, and I've gone into the archives to get some childhood photos. I came across this one of me with my first Irish Setter, Shamrock:This is a picture that I took last week of Bobby with my 2nd Irish Setter, Killarney:

An Ode to EeEe

2009-03-05T21:50:00.009-05:00

"EeEe, You funny little, sunny little EeEe"

"Hey you, over there..."

These were the opening lines of silly songs I used to make up and sing in the quiet of the night to my older sister, Erin (aka EeEe)--I have all but forgotten everything but these snippets...

(And yes, our mother tended to dress us alike, as if we were twins, ignoring the fact that we were 3 1/2 years apart...)

She and I shared a room until our older brother went away to college. I am pretty sure I had my stuff moved into his room before the car actually cleared the driveway...I was in 6th grade, Erin was in 9th. She was my first roommate, and we couldn't wait to get away from each other.

Of course, we had our sisterly moments where we split the room down the middle with jump ropes tied together (She had the 1/2 with the door, so I was "trapped"), we co-existed with our decorations: my half was filled with Cabbage Patch Kids and then Michael Jackson. I'm sure she was mortified.

However, earlier in our childhoods, it was fun sharing a room. We played "baseball" with rolled up socks for balls. If you hit the "ball" you had to run the bases without touching the floor. We played "I see something" (Our version of "I Spy"). I was so predictable. I always said, " I see something peachy colored". This referred to my sticker of Han Solo on my dresser--hairy chest and all. I remember a lot of fun sharing our room. When my Dad would inevitably yell up the stairs, "Do I need to come up there?" when we were up to our usual hijinks, we would answer in unison, "No, Dad" followed by stifled giggles.

Once my sister went away to college, and we no longer had to share living quarters, we became the best of friends. She has helped me through the trials and tribulations of my 20s...always supportive without judgments. She is my best friend and I rely on her even more than I used to (which was a lot) now that I'm a mom too.

She's been so supportive of me trying to figure out this whole parenting thing...I sometimes feel guilty thinking back on her early days of motherhood. I was in college when she had her first child. Breastfeeding, diapers and baby spit up were not in my realm of understanding...

I love that Bobby calls her EeEe now...it's like I passed that on to him. He loves her and of course she corrupts him like any good aunt should do!

When we would fight and complain to my mom she always imparted her wisdom to us saying she had no sympathy because she always wanted a sister and didn't have one. This was supposed to make my sister and I appreciate each other. It didn't work then, but I can now say I understand what our mother was trying to tell us. There is something special about the relationship of sisters.

You like me, you really like me...

2009-03-05T13:09:00.011-05:00

I am honored to receive the Kreative Blogger Award from my cousin, Irishembi. The rules of the award state that I must list seven things I love, and then to pass the award on to seven bloggers I love to read*.

*(I just recently passed on an award, and I'd just be passing this one onto the same favorite bloggers, so I'll give everyone a reprieve...Instead, leave a comment about something YOU love)

So, here are 7 things I love (other than the obvious--my family, friends and Killarney...)

1. The boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ. I love it for the memories I have of childhood vacations, I love the smells of Mack and Manco pizza wafting through the sea air, I love the sound and feel of the boards as you walk on them..2. Warm sand under my toes. I love the beach, the sound of the waves, the seagulls, and the smell of the salt air. Some of my Irish ancestors are from Dingle, County Kerry. I think the love of the sea is in my blood. If I could live anywhere, and have my family around me, It would be in a beachhouse, close to the ocean. Those soft footprints in the sand are truly good for your soul.

3. Hot Chocolate. Warm, creamy, delicious hot chocolate. At home, I use my beloved "Cocoamotion" machine to whip up a frothy treat for me and Rob. However, the best hot chocolate I've ever had was in a little shop in Uruguay--my friend Melissa and I took a day trip when we were in Buenos Aires. They actually melted a real chocolate bar right into a mug of steaming hot milk. It was heavenly.

4. BIG, BOOMING Summer Thunderstorms. I love the ominous look of the clouds in the sky as the storm builds...

5. Snuggling under a blankie reading books with Bobby. I love to read books with Bobby and there's something special about snuggling in the La-Z-Boy with him after his tubby and bottle and reading books before bedtime. I am anxiously awaiting the day I can read the Harry Potter books to him...

6. The smell and feel of Play-Doh. This is a newly-rekindled love. Santa brought Bobby his first tubes of Play-Doh this year. I had forgotten how unique the smell and texture are. Bobby doesn't like the Play-Doh out of it's container, but I will absentmindedly play with it and smell it while playing on the floor with him. I think this might have to be my new perfume of choice:

7. Grilled Cheese sandwiches. I love them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I love them homemade or at a restaurant. I love them with lettuce but you can't cook them with the lettuce. You have to take the time to make it with love and pull apart the cheese and bread to put the crisp lettuce on...

Well, that's it. Another peek into my ~~deranged psyche~~ beautiful mind.

So, What do YOU love?

Time keeps on slippin' slippin' slippin' into the future

2009-02-28T19:31:00.003-05:00

I'm glad this is not a Leap Year. I don't like Leap Years...that extra day doesn't seem fair. It's like the previous day called a "do-over".

I also do not care for daylight savings time. I don't mind the "fall back" part but the "spring ahead" sucks. I am not a farmer, I don't till the land, I don't get up to feed the cows. There is no reason that I need to lose that hour of sleep time.

Rob gets irritated with me because that night, and for about a week after, I will gripe about the "lost hour" of sleep...and I will continually update him on what the real time actually is. (Don't get him started on how I irritate him when we travel to South Bend, Indiana, which doesn't adjust their clocks...so there is South Bend time, real time, home time etc., but that's a story for another post...)

Here's to March...Arriving on time this year...

Oh, and Jack Frost, if you're reading this, you can move on now...

Jamming On My Way To Work

2009-02-27T10:18:00.002-05:00

I typically listen to Howard Stern on Sirius during my morning commute to work. However, he is off on Fridays, and they just replay the best of the week. Today I switched over to "terrestrial radio" and scanned through the local stations when I heard "Chains of Love" by Erasure. I cranked the speakers and sang right along at the top of my lungs.

I haven't heard that song in awhile, and I haven't listened to an Erasure CD in forever...I forgot how awesome they are and how much I love their songs. It made me think that I need to put some more CDs in my car for some drive-time jam outs, I'm talking some old school Erasure, The Housemartins, Blondie, Beastie Boys and ???? I'm going to have to go check out my CDs and dust off some classics.

Now, for your listening and viewing pleasure--Erasure:

Heaven On Earth

2009-02-21T21:41:00.002-05:00

There is no better moment during the day than those final sweet moments holding Bobby before he drifts off to sleep.

He usually stares intently at me and we identify all the parts of my face (including my glasses) and then I kiss and snuggle his neck which gives him the giggles. A hug and a kiss followed by a quiet *sigh* and he's off to dreamland...

A Little Worried...

2009-02-21T21:24:00.006-05:00

Today is my mom's birthday...The big 6-4! She loves her birthday so of course had everyone over--3 kids + spouses + 7 grandchildren----a full house. Bobby is the youngest grandchild and today he is 21 months old. Just 3 more months until his big party.

I'm just a little worried about the whole cake thing. For his 1 year party I had a "cupcake" theme for him. He didn't take one bite of a cupcake and he spit out the icing. Picture of Bobby digging into a piece of cake--getting it all over his face and hands? Didn't happen. When I tried to put some icing on his finger, it was as if I was asking him to put pure shit on his finger and lick it. I figured it was a fluke...he just hadn't had a lot of sweets yet.

Tonight, my mom tried to get him to stick his finger in the cake, to lick the icing, something. It was pathetic. It's like we are torturing him by trying to get him to eat sweets...

We've tried continuously during the past year. He doesn't like cake, ice cream, whipped cream, pie, muffins or any real desserty type foods. He will eat my mom's chocolate chip cookies--without the chips. (She makes him 6 cookies before she adds the chips in). The only other cookie he eats regularly is Lorna Doone.

How am I going to stick a candle into a shortbread cookie?

Some Day...

2009-02-19T11:22:00.003-05:00

I've recently started to experience "baby fever"...
One co-worker is due in June, another is going through fertility treatments at the moment and I just found out another friend is expecting.
I know we're hoping to have another child--I just sometimes wish we weren't such planners and just kindof let things happen...

WHERE IS MY C-O-F-F-E-E?!?!?!?!?!

2009-02-18T09:35:00.006-05:00

Here's one of my favorite "Ralph's World" songs...this sums up my thoughts for the day...

I must confess...

2009-02-16T13:53:00.007-05:00

I am somewhat obsessed with little people. I know it is not politically correct, and if you or someone you know or love is a little person, I apologize, but I just can't help it.
I am totally fascinated by little people. Especially Dwarfs. (or is it Dwarves?) I think it all started back when I used to go with my dad to WWF (now WWE) wrestling events here in Pittsburgh. In addition to the main event wrestlers, there would usually be a dwarf match.
Then when my older brother was in college, there was a dwarf that lived in his dorm. I heard stories of him and couldn't wait to see/meet him when I visited. This was at the height of the "Dwarf Tossing" phenomenon...

I love to watch shows on TLC or Discovery channel about their lives. I am a big fan of "Little People, Big World". When I met Rob I think he found this personality quirk a bit odd. I can't blame him considering he's 6'7" and the complete opposite of a little person.
I was so excited the one year we were in Myrtle Beach for vacation and one of the stores was having a personal appearance by one of the original Munchkins from the "Wizard of Oz"--I dragged Rob along and I was completely mesmerized...

There is a local bar here in Pittsburgh that advertised for a "midget". Certain nights have "Midget Madness" at the bar. If someone buys the $10 shots, "ManBoy" comes out and pours shots right into your mouth, sometimes in costume.

I was out once with Rob and some friends when we spotted Shaun, aka "ManBoy"... I was your typical? Midget Groupie--

He is somewhat of a local celebrity, so I didn't feel completely awkward asking for the photo, but I'm sure he was annoyed by me.

So if you ever happen to see a little person--give them a smile from me!

To learn more about Little People of America, click here.

I might just need a Weed-Whacker...

2009-02-11T14:55:00.010-05:00

For those who didn't know me as a child, let me just come clean and confess that my legs are naturally, extremely hairy. Take the worst, hairy legs you can imagine. No, worse. Seriously, mine are worse. Like this:Ok, maybe now I'm exaggerating, but you get the idea.

I am just cursed with it. I think I got my share and my sister's because her legs have nary a hair. I remember being teased about my hairy legs in 1st grade. I was an innocent little girl that wore knee socks. The hair actually came out over the top of the knee socks. Gross, right? I hated wearing pants in the winter because the hair would get all staticky from the dryness and it itched and rubbed. I'm telling you, it was no fun. Many tears were shed over this abundance of pricklies growing from the epidermis of my lower extremities.

However, as soon as my mom knew other kids were noticing and teasing me for it, she did what any good mom would do--she was going to help me get rid of that hair. Every few weeks, I'd put my bathing suit on, stand in the bathtub and she'd slather my legs with Nair. Now, this was like 1979-1980 so this was the hardcore chemical-smelling goo, not the flowery moisturizing and exfoliating lotion of today. But Nair was the only option--I was only 6--a little too young for a razor. I hated the process because I already felt self-conscious but God did I love the results! After a few years, I started doing the Nair on my own and eventually progressed to razors. Let me just say that when it comes to hair removal, I'll try just about anything short of lasers.

I once asked for an Epilady for Christmas--a torturous device that plucks individual hairs at warp speed. I used it for about 4 months but the pain was horrific. Removing leg hair should not involve streams of tears down your face. Shouldn't have asked Santa for that one.

Anyway, I was recently given a free sample of Smooth Away to try in exchange for a review-good or bad. First, let me start by saying obviously I think I have more hair issues than the average woman. That being said, the Smooth Away did work. It just took a really long time for me. If you have an average to below-average amount of hair (ERIN!), I think it would be a painless and easy product for you to use. It did work great for me on my knees -where I always seem to nick or miss hairs. I didn't notice less regrowth with the hair inhibitor lotion, but it was a great moisturizing lotion, but honestly, I don't think those kinds of lotions work on my unnatural hair growth. I've tried them all. I can shave my legs in the morning and feel stubble in the afternoon. Isn't Rob a lucky guy?

So there you have it, my 2 cents worth. You may find its worth it to give it a shot. I'm probably going to try it out on my face and will probably keep using it on my knees. If you want more information about Smooth Away, click HERE

Should I start charging for his autograph?

2009-02-11T11:36:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago we went to PirateFest. It's a carnival-like atmosphere and a chance to win Pittsburgh Pirates merchandise and get player autographs. Here is our deranged family photo op:The pirates have not one, but two large-headed mascots. The Jolly Roger above and the classic Pirate Parrot:As you can see, Bobby had about had it. While there, Rob picked up a copy of the Pirates 2008 Yearbook-just another piece of sports crap to sell on Ebay. However, thumbing through it the other night, Rob came across our future MLB star right there on the glossy pages of the yearbook:Yep, that was Bobby at PirateFest back in Jan. 2008. Rob is now in the process of trying to obtain as many copies of this as he can get his hands on...

Ocean City, Here We Come, Right Back Where We Started From...

2009-02-09T13:15:00.007-05:00

Ocean City, NJ is where my family vacationed every summer for many years. I have such fond memories of fun times there. Singing "Beat It" at the top of my lungs in the outside shower, playing shuffleboard at the park, riding my bike all over the island, playing innumerable games of the card game, "Spit" with my siblings and cousins.
Most of all though, I remember the boardwalk. Goofy Golf. Wonderland. PlayLand with the mummies on the roof. The Giant Slide. Irene's. I loved our vacations there, and it will always be my favorite place. I cannot wait until Bobby is old enough to really enjoy all that the Boardwalk has to offer.

Of course, the boardwalk is also home to Mack & Manco's pizza. It is a simple, but heavenly combination of dough, cheese and sauce. No other pizza even comes close. There is nothing better than a few slices + a birch beer...

Well, Bobby had his first trip to Ocean City. The "Return to Camelot" as Rob called it.

My little adonis

2009-02-09T12:55:00.003-05:00

I took Bobby for his first trip to Ocean City, NJ 2 weekends ago. There was an indoor pool at the hotel, so I scoured the house looking for last summer's bathing suits and swim diapers.

He is already practicing to have his waist size stay the same year to year. Do you think all men learn this trick early on? Gotta love the "Toddler Beer Belly"!

My Fairyland

2009-02-06T15:15:00.005-05:00

Facebook has an application called "My Fairyland". I am addicted. I wish I could sprout wings and fly into the world of fairies. You collect gold and diamonds, grow plants in your garden, try to turn a worthless rock into gold in alchemy, make magical elixers in herbology, use various wands to cast spells. You get the idea. I love the whole casting spells, and the thought of flitting around on wings...I am a warped 34 year old.

I also wanted to go to Hogwart's when I started reading the Harry Potter books. I read the first 4 books the summer before I started law school thinking I'd never again have time to read for pleasure. I read the 5th (and longest book) in the midst of studying for the bar exam in July 2003. Well, I actually stopped studying for a few days until I could finish the book because I couldn't concentrate on the law while Dolores Umbridge was torturing Hogwarts students. The last book came out while I was on maternity leave with Bobby. I loved that he slept so well and gave me time to read! But I digress...

Originally, I named my facebook fairy "Tink". I love Peter Pan and Tinkerbell especially. I even have a Tinkerbell tattoo. However, there were a lot of Tinkerbells flying around. I needed something more original. Last night I searched online for Irish Fairies. I found out about "BeanTighe"--here's her description:

There is an Irish Fae called the BeanTighe (BanTeeg). She is usually
described as a small elderly woman. (I disregarded this description
for my fairy picture above) She always has a smile and full dimpled
cheeks. They are always looking for a warm friendly home to guard over. The
BeanTighe like the Beansidhe or Banshee attaches her self to a home. She is a
faery house keeper. The members of the family would often wake to find
unfinished chores done. She especially worked to
help the tired and overworked mother. They love children and
will make sure they are taken care of. They will adjust blankets, sing lullabies
and close drafty windows. If you want to invite one to your home leave her a
bowl of strawberries and cream. They are especially attracted to homes with
children in. Do not keep your home spotless because
she must feel needed. You are indeed blessed if the BeanTighe
chooses to take up residence in your home.

I think I may have to put out some strawberries and cream tonight, I could sure use some help in the domestic chore department...

Steelers Rant...

2009-02-02T10:52:00.009-05:00

Let me start by saying I am really proud of the Pittsburgh Steelers and their 6th Superbowl victory. The team brings a lot of excitement and enthusiasm to the city. We are the City of Champions. I have been alive for all the Superbowl victories, and I do appreciate greatness.

Now, I acknowledge the fact that I am married to the head "Yinzer". Rob eats, sleeps and breathes Pittsburgh Sports-Steelers, Pirates and Penguins. He is a sports junkie that collects memorabilia and autographs. I have even assisted in obtaining coveted autographs for him. I accept the fact that I will be a Steelers widow most Sundays. 8 home games + 2 home playoff games at least, not to mention the weeks he travels to away games. I am supportive. We have a Steelers mailbox at our house. I have the Pittsburgh Steelers Polka on my phone. I cheer for the hometeam. I have my own terrible towel. I have sat through the snow at Heinz Field to cheer on "The Bus" in his last home game. I have been to the "Terrible Tailgate". I went to the last Superbowl celebration parade. I dress Bobby in Steelers gear:
I. Am. A. Proud. Pittsburgher.

However, I was completely aggravated last night. Yes, it was a great SuperBowl victory. It was historical--the first franchise to get the 6th ring. Youngest SB winning coach. Young quarterback with 2 SB wins. I GET IT.

But, I CAN'T STAND THE LOCAL NEWS MEDIA in Pittsburgh. All I wanted to do was watch "The Office" after the game last night and they pre-empted the show for "Extended Superbowl news coverage." The "news" consisted of nothing but videos of drunk Pittsburghers going into the streets and waving terrible towels and yelling. Then it got even better...not 2 minutes after our local anchor, David Johnson, proclaimed that "our city and the fans are not the type to go out and start fires" the first reports came in from Oakland about fires being set. The "news" was reported that fires were being set throughout the neighborhood, but they didn't know what was being set on fire, what the police were doing about it, and they had no other details to provide.

Following this stellar journalism, we have "Breaking News". This just in..."Ben Roethlisberger, Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers is HAPPY to win the SuperBowl." Wow. Thanks for that breaking story. I thought he might have been depressed, morose, lackadaisical, but Happy? Whodathunk it?

That is all. Thank you.

The 6-Pack Win

2009-02-01T23:29:00.006-05:00

Just wanted to say Congrats to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a well-fought victory--Bringing the Six-Pack Back to the Burgh. Enjoy the win, Steelers Nation...more thoughts to come...

Sober House? Not so much.

2009-01-29T22:49:00.003-05:00

Rob bowls on Thursday nights. As soon as Bobby goes to bed, it's Colleen time. I usually do some cleaning and laundry, but I always watch "The Office" and now am addicted to certain shows on VH1. Am I an unsupportive fan if I watch Celebrity Rehab and now Sober House on VH1 while relaxing with an Iron City

Beer or a glass of wine?

88 and going strong...

2009-01-29T22:24:00.003-05:00

It's been a long week. On Sunday night, my mom called me pretty late--which is never good. She told me my 88 year old grandma had fallen and she had a fractured pelvis. She was in the hospital and in a lot of pain. My grandma, whom we call "Mom" is the only grandparent I really ever knew. I am her youngest grandchild of 7 and Bobby is her youngest great-grandchild of 14. My grandfather, her husband, died 2 years before I was born. My other grandparents, Mom-Mom and Pap-Pap died when I was very little and I have no memories of them. I have always been close to "Mom". She came and lived with us when I was about 6 years old. She stayed with us until the month before I got married--24 years later.
At 83 years old she decided to move to a senior-citizen apartment and be on her own. She flourished. The independence and her "own space" did wonders for her outlook on life. I usually go and visit every Sat. with Bobby. I was just there the day before the fall. She really loves Bobby and looks forward to our weekly visits. They have a routine and she really perks up when he is around.

Anyway, I was really upset and anxious to get in the hospital and see her. I went in after work on Monday. She was obviously in pain and I knew it would take her awhile to get back to her usual self, but she was as perky as she could be. After talking with her for a while, I knew she'd be just fine. In spite of everything she was going through, she managed to tell me that 1) I needed to dye my hair back to blonde because the brown was not a good color for me (even though it's now close to my natural shade) and 2) she told me that I didn't really need that piece of candy I was eating. Yep. She'll be just fine in no time. I hope when I'm her age I am as strong and feisty as she is...
Here we are together on my wedding day 6/26/04:
Keep up the hardwork at Therapy, Mom. I love you!

It's a Major Award...

2009-01-22T23:45:00.000-05:00

And it goes to......drumroll, please........................................ME!!!!! It's Mine. All Mine!!! Muwhahaha!! Meredith over at 24hours... gave me an award! WooHoo--what a great surprise! Take a Look: Here are the rules for these awards:
a) List 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep! and
b) Pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

Ok, so now I have to share 10 honest things about myself....

1. I refuse to wear pantyhose ever again. They are uncomfortable. When I did wear them, I got snags and runs in them ALL the time, which just made me look trashy. I don't think they serve a purpose. I am old enough to decide now that I am not wearing them, and nobody can make me.

2. Whenever I have a court appearance, no matter if it is a walk-through uncontested motion or a full-blown argument, I have to allot myself an extra 15 minutes so I can arrive early enough to have time to go to the bathroom beforehand. I have gone to the bathroom in every county courthouse in Western Pennsylvania. I know, that is TMI, but you wanted honesty!

3. I really like my name, and always have. I was usually the only Colleen in my class. Also, I don't mind the nickname, "Coll". It's what everyone eventually ends up calling me. Even teachers, and my boss now.

4. I had a truly wonderful childhood. Even Rob refers to it as "Camelot". Sure, I had my moments of typical teenage angst and misery, but looking back, it was a cherished time.

5. My sister and I have gotten along a lot better since she left for college. Once we didn't have to live together, we could become friends. Although, I do have fond memories of sharing a room and playing games when we were supposed to go to sleep. Sock Baseball was classic--no touching the floor-you had to jump from bed to bed etc. and of course, "I see something..."

6. Rob is 100% my "type". Tall. Very tall. Hairy Chest (just like in B.J. and the Bear). Smart. Professional, but with a family-friendly career in Education. He wears glasses. He doesn't take himself too seriously. He makes me laugh. He likes to travel. Most of all, I can be my goofy self with him and he likes it.

7. I am a very even-tempered, laid back person. It takes A LOT to "push my buttons".

8. I am a big procrastinator. I can only really get motivated when there is a set deadline looming. I work well under pressure.

9. I fell instantly in love with Bobby the moment he was born, even though he peed on me the first time I held him. That was just his special way of saying "Thanks, mama!" I was worried for a long time that I had absolutely no maternal instinct because unlike my sister, I am not a "baby person", which is still true. I don't really like to hold other babies, besides my own.

10. I know this is so politically incorrect to say, but I am kindof grossed out (freaked out) by pregnant bellies. I was more than a little concerned that when I got pregnant, I would be disgusted by my own body. I wasn't, and I got better overall. I also surprised everyone when I said I was going to breastfeed because I had an aversion to that as well--at least until it was my own reality.

*********************************************
And Now I pass on the awards to:

Irishembi-Because I said So

http://d2dmad.blogspot.com/

http://jiggetyjigg.blogspot.com/

http://weightingforperfection.blogspot.com/

http://happymealsandhappyhour.blogspot.com/

http://halftimelessons.blogspot.com/

and

I give the award posthumously to PittGirl @ TheBurghBlog

Are We Deranged Parents?

2009-01-22T14:24:00.003-05:00

Wait. Don't answer that. I know Rob and I are a bit, shall we say, quirky...but when this song comes on Noggin, we both stop whatever we're doing to sing along. Bobby loves watching Noggin, although it's not the shows so much as the mascots, Moose A. Moose and Zee--they are my favorite too!

Thursday HaHa

2009-01-22T13:42:00.003-05:00

Maybe Rob and I can reach this stage and then I won't feel so guilty over my lack of motivation...

I'm Just Sayin...

2009-01-21T14:11:00.004-05:00

I don't want to get all political, but I did have a thought about yesterday. I didn't get to watch the Inauguration yesterday, but I did watch some of the news coverage last night, and I read some online articles updated throughout the day. I don't understand the people who were crying during the ceremony. Tears streaming down their faces. The time to cry was not yesterday.

It was 8 years ago.

And again 4 years ago when the mistake continued...

mmmmm Jimmies.

2009-01-20T14:11:00.004-05:00

I was just thinking I could go for something sweet. I thought of jimmies. A bowl of jimmies. With some whipped cream. Yeah, that would do it.

"Pennsylvania Lottery-Benefits Older Pennsylvanians. Every Day."

2009-01-16T15:14:00.006-05:00

It's kindof funny how your life can take you in such an unexpected direction. Although I now enjoy being an attorney, I never dreamed of this career growing up. It was something I just decided to do so I could have a stable job and support myself--it seemed interesting and I knew a lot of people who I didn't think of as exceptionally "smart" who were successful attorneys...how hard could it be?

If you look over to the right, you'll see a link for Momgenerations.com (a very informative and fun site--check it out, but not right now, ok?)...anyway, one of the mom-bloggers on there, Audrey, is married to my childhood next door neighbor, Matthew. (That's how I came to know about the site). He is 6mo. younger than me, and we played together all the time growing up.

Around age 4 or 5, I remember planning our future together. Of course we would get married, but we were each going to remain living in our own house with our own moms-neither one of us was willing to leave our mother at that point. We would stay right next door to each other though. How would we support ourselves, you may ask? Well, my dream was to work the Pennsylvania lottery machine at DiStefano's drug store--which I could walk to from my house. I loved that the lottery had its own little checkout line, and all those fun buttons to push and noises from the machine. Plus, DiStefano's had the world's greatest candy aisle! Seriously.

Once we started school, Matthew and I didn't really play together anymore...I went to Catholic school and he went to public school so we never had the same friends or activities. Eventually, DiStefano's closed. My parents moved away. We all grew up.
Today, I'm happily married with a child and not living with my mother...but if I could work a lottery machine that would be a dream come true.

10 X 10 = 100

2009-01-14T13:42:00.003-05:00

For this momentous occasion of my 100th post *Applause, Applause*--I give you Colleen's Top 10 Top 10 Lists:

NUMBER 10-Top 10 "Bobbyisms"
10. "Mulk" (translation: I want a bottle, mama!)
9. "BBO" (Bobby trying to spell out his name like we do B-O-B-B-Y
8. "mote" (a noun- meaning the t.v. remote, or a verb- meaning turn on Noggin right now so I can see Moose and Zee)
7. "Hewwo" (Hello, said from his crib in the early morning hours)
6. "Hand" (translation: give me your hand and follow me so I can show you what I want)
5. "Pus" (Referring to Gerber Puffs snacks)
4. "Butt" (dual meaning word--it can be referring to his grammy Pat (Pat pronounce Butt), or a lightswitch (called a button)
3. "O's" (referring to Cheeri-o's)
2. "Pup" (refers to "Freny" his lovie)
1. "Mama" said 100s of times/day and I never get tired of it

NUMBER 9-Top 10 Things About Rob That Make Me Smile
10. His eternal optimism when it comes to any Pittsburgh sports team
9. His 100% enthusiasm and dedication to whatever he's doing at the moment
8. He believes he can convince me that his farts don't smell
7. He always remembers important dates and anniversaries of milestone events in our lives
6. He still calls me "Murray" sometimes
5. He insists on having an "arm pillow" between us at night but always ends up on my side of the bed anyway
4. He is a big kid at heart
3. His worst vices are watching sports and selling memorabilia on Ebay
2. He is the best Dad to Bobby
1. He loves me unconditionally

NUMBER 8-Top 10 Places I've Been Post-Rob
10. Cleveland, OH
9. Toronto, Canada
8. Rochester, NY
7. New York, NY
6. Las Vegas, NV
5. South Bend, IN
4. Surfside/Myrtle Beach, SC
3. Chicago, IL
2. Boston, MA
1. San Francisco, CA

NUMBER 7-Top 10 Places I've Been Pre-Rob
10. Rancho Cucamonga, CA
9. South Bend, IN
8. Disney World, FL
7. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
6. Antwerp, Belgium
5. Ocean City, NJ
4. Surfside/Myrtle Beach, SC
3. Monterey, CA
2. Rome/Florence, Italy
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina

NUMBER 6-Top 10 Places I've Been and Never Want to go Back to:
10. Istanbul, Turkey
9. Casablanca, Morocco
8. Cairo, Egypt
7. Moscow/St. Petersburg, Russia
6. The Grand Canyon
5. Uruguay
4. Athens, Greece
3. My former employer
2. the single world of dating
1. High School

NUMBER 5-Top 10 Favorite Foods:
10. Mashed Potatoes
9. Kirkland Light Salted Kettle Chips (sold at Costco--Yummmmeee)
8. French Fries
7. Vanilla milkshake
6. cheeseburgers
5. My mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies
4. My dad's breakfast combo
3. Anything Somebody else has cooked for me
2. Grilled Cheese
1. Mack and Manco Pizza

NUMBER 4-Top 10 Favorite Movies of All-Time
10. Rudy
9. Sixteen Candles
8. The Lion King
7. The Notebook
6. The Great Escape
5. Private Parts
4. Dazed and Confused
3. Swingers
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
1. My Dog Skip

NUMBER 3-Top 10 Blogs/Websites I visit(ed) regularly:
10. The Burgh Blog (even though it is no more, I had to include it because it was great while it lasted)
9. 24 Hours is Never Enough
8. thesuperficial.com
7. The McMommy Chronicles
6. Day2Day Madness
5. Happy Meals and Happy Hour
4. Realityblurred.com
3. Irishembi-Because I Said So (my cousin's blog)
2. Craigslist

1. Facebook (So addictive!)

NUMBER 2-Top 10 Bars/Clubs I've Been To:

10. Kopy's-Pittsburgh, PA

9. Panini's-Cleveland, OH

8. McSorley's Ale House-New York, NY

7. Corby's-South Bend, IN

6. Henry J. Beans-Buenos Aires, Argentina

5. Mario's-Pittsburgh, PA (Only because I met Rob there!)

4. The Linebacker Lounge-South Bend, IN

3. The BA News-Buenos Aires, Argentina

2. Lefty O'Doul's-San Francisco, CA

1. Sullivan's Tap Room-Boston, MA

NUMBER 1-Top 10 Random Things about ME:

10. When I eat alone, I have an unhealthy fear of choking and nobody being there to perform the Heimlich to save me.

9. I have not see my natural hair color in 19 years...

8. I once had an entire drawer devoted to just blue shirts. (my favorite color)

7. I have an intense fear of walking on bleachers due to a nasty incident as a child where I fell and knocked out a whole mess of teeth

6. Due to a short upper lip (the space between the bottom of your nose and your mouth) I can't fully close my mouth without concentrating on doing that, and it looks really unnatural.

5. I never, never, ever run in public thanks to my friend Tom who at age 14 told me I really shouldn't because I looked "oafy"... (thanks Tom for forever scarring my psyche...)

4. I can eat grilled cheese anytime, anyplace...and often order it out at restaurants...(I'm a cheap date fo sho!)

3. I hope to visit every continent before I die (I've already been to Europe, Asia, Africa, South America & North America--only Australia and Antarctica to go!)

2. I have always regretted not practicing piano when I took lessons and have wished all of my adult life that I was able to play an instrument proficiently.

1. My first t.v. "crush" was on Greg Evigan when he was on "B.J. and the Bear"...due to this fact, I still like men with hairy chests...

Soccer Mom

2009-01-01T20:08:00.005-05:00

Goodbye 2008. Hello 2009. I realized yesterday that I was completing my first full year as a mom. It was quite a year having Bobby go from a teething infant to a running toddler. Sometimes it feels like some days go so slowly, but really, this year flew by. I still can't believe my baby isn't a baby anymore. wah. Although I do enjoy his emerging language development, sense of humor and quirky personality.
It was fun spending a "pajama day" with him today. We played ball in the hallway. Much to my chagrin, he seems to like to kick the ball. Soccer is the one sport I didn't want Bobby to play, because I really can't stand to watch it and I don't understand it. To me, it's just a bunch of people running around. I used to have to go watch my brother and sister play in high school. Maybe it's the bad memories of sitting on that field afterschool and being bored silly. As much as I don't like the sport in general, don't get me wrong, I love Becks! I would probably be able to sit through a game or two watching him. Pure Torture, I tell you.
Come to think of it, if Bobby could be an early prodigy ala Tiger Woods, Soccer could become a lucrative passion...and with me as his agent, of course.

Technologically Disconnected

2008-12-30T13:34:00.004-05:00

I went completely unplugged over the holiday. I didn't get on the Internet. I didn't check my email. I never logged into Facebook. I didn't blog.

It was nice to live in the moment and truly enjoy the holiday at home with my family.
I did however watch way too much Noggin with Moose and Zee

as well as the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse--can't get the songs out of my head...

Food Glorious Food

2008-12-30T12:08:00.005-05:00

Rob and I are fans of the Food Network Show, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" hosted by Guy Fieri. We like this show because it goes to our kind of place--the neighborhood joint with some great food and lots of unique characteristics. The show features out-of-the-way places that serve comfort food, traditional American fare and just plain good eats. Most featured restaurants are known by word-of-mouth and the "regulars". The show does not spotlight 5 star, white linen table cloth restaurants with Maitre D's.

Anyway, there were some tapings done in and around Pittsburgh and the restaurants are starting to show up in the episodes. Rob and I visited one this past Saturday. Nadine's is nothing fancy, just a bar that serves food. It is in the southside neighborhood of Pittsburgh. This is a popular section of the city (and the model for Mr. Roger's Neighborhood) with lots of restaurants and bars--so to stand out they must be serving some good grub.

I ordered a delicious Fried Bologna sandwich. It was scrumptious. Anyone who has never had such a delicacy is missing out. My dad used to make these when I was little. Of course, it was a rare occasion for me to have one since I literally lived on grilled cheese for most of my childhood. I ate grilled cheese for breakfast and lunch most days. It was a great dinner with tomato soup too. I noticed on Nadine's website that they also serve Grilled Cheese. I told Rob we're going back for that.

While we're on the subject of sandwiches, one of my other favorites is Bologna and peanut butter. I know it might sound odd, but it is really very good, try it. It's fabulous. This was another one of my father's creations. The man thinks that anything tastes better with peanut butter, and he's usually right.

Work It, Work It

2008-12-17T16:12:00.005-05:00

Right after Thanksgiving, we dressed Bobby in his Christmas outfit (I love the velcro tie!) to get a holiday photo. Given Bobby's energy level, we have approximately a 15-second window to snap the right photo before he is off and running...Here were the top 2 contenders:
1) Rob's choice for our cards:

and 2) my choice, and eventual winner: (So GQ, don't ya think?)
Of course, these were both taken before he pushed the tree over thus permanently damaging the top portion of our artificial tree so that it cannot be affixed to the upper pole area. We now have a Christmas shrub: Ahhh memories. We'll be buying a new tree the day after Christmas.

A not-so-fun milestone...

2008-12-17T12:28:00.005-05:00

Just one week shy of the 19-month mark and Bobby is sick for the first time. It started with a slightly runny nose which progressed to a cough. He just didn't seem himself, and lost the "sparkle in his eyes". He continued to sleep through the night and didn't show any real signs of an ear infection, but with the holidays coming up, I decided to err on the side of caution, so I took him to the Doctor yesterday. Poor guy has 2 ear infections and is on antibiotics for the first time. I was not totally surprised. He was having a snack before his doctor's appointment and took the 2 pretzel rods and was trying to shove them into his ears...

I previously wrote about his affinity for Tylenol (or "nana" as he calls it). Figuring he takes his Nana so well and even asks for it by name, I was pretty confident he'd have no problem with the medicine. Boy was I wrong. My mom has had to hold his arms and legs while I struggle to shove the syringe in his mouth whenever he starts wailing. I'm going to consider these twice daily wrestling matches my exercise for the next 10 days.

I figured last night would be a rough one and I went to bed early thinking I may be up with him in the recliner all night. Bobby slept all night though. I didn't, but he did. I expected him to be up, so of course when he wasn't I had to make sure nothing was wrong. I was up checking on him pretty regularly between 2am and 5 am. I wouldn't have it any other way though. I'm glad he was able to sleep and hopefully that will help him get better faster. I'm tired all the time anyway, what's another night of losing sleep to me?

I also learned, when the Dr. was figuring out the proper dosage of antibiotics for him, that Bobby at 19 mo. is the size of an average 3 year old. I only hope he's somewhat athletic, unlike me!

Yahootie, Jr.

2008-12-15T13:34:00.005-05:00

I wrote about the "Elf on the Shelf" here. We named ours Yahootie in honor of the elf my grandparents had. Here is the original Yahootie:

and here's the present-day version: There is definitely a family resemblance!

Aloha Friday

2008-12-12T09:51:00.004-05:00

It's Aloha Friday. You know the drill.

Today's question is:

How old were you when stopped believing in Santa?

I believed for a really long time. The last year I believed was 5th grade. So I was 10 or 11 years old. I loved Santa but was terrified of him. Even now, I feel some anxiety when I see him. I guess that terror from my childhood is ingrained in my brain synapses or something. I always had to go see him though, and through lots of tears I managed to tell him my wishes.

I took Bobby to see Santa before Thanksgiving--I like to beat the rush. He was "that kid". Blood-curdling screams. Mall walkers stopping to see who was being subjected to horrific torture. The tears started flowing and there was no way he was going to sit on that man's lap, so I stepped in and sat next to Santa and held Bobby for the picture. Unfortunately, I think Bobby has inherited my "kringlephobia".

Check out Kailani at islandlife808.com for more Aloha Friday fun.

Memories...of the way we were...

2008-12-12T09:22:00.003-05:00

My brother-in-law posted a picture from his wedding on Facebook today. I think it's a great picture of me and Rob, and I had never seen it before:
This was taken in May 2005, about a month before our 1st wedding anniversary.

Two things struck me when I saw it. First, I remember feeling fat getting into my bridesmaid dress. 3 years and one pregnancy later and I'd LOVE to be at the weight I was then. Funny how looking back I know I should have been happy about the way I looked.

Second, I love my hair in the photo and only wish it could look like that every day when I do it myself as opposed to having it done at the salon. I'm currently growing my hair out for the umpteenth time in my life. I grow it, get sick of it, cut it, then grow it out. A vicious cycle.
If only I could have a stylist at my disposal...

Tis the Season...

2008-12-09T11:00:00.004-05:00

It's that Time of Year again. Time to Make the Candy Cane Cookies.

These cookies are my dad's favorite. His mother was an excellent baker and would make him these cookies every year. When she died (over 30 years ago), my dad remarked to my mother that he'd never get any candy cane cookies again. Even though my mom does not like making these, to her credit, not a single year has gone by that my dad hasn't enjoyed these cookies! When I was old enough, I started to help. Unfortunately, my grandmother (Mom-Mom) never shared the secret to how to roll/shape these cookies without becoming totally frustrated. The recipe is easy enough:

1 cup butter or margarine -- softened
1 cup powdered sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon red food coloring

Mix first 6 ingredients together well. Add flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Add food coloring to 1 portion. Blend well.

NOW THE TRICKY PART:

Roll 1 teaspoon of each color dough into ropes and 5-1/2-inches long. Lay them side by side. Pinch ends together. Twist to form a spiral. Lay on ungreased baking sheet. Shape to form canes. (This sounds pretty basic. But just try it, it's easier said than done.)

Bake in a 350-deg. F. oven for about 10 minutes until pale gold. Cool on sheet for 2 to 3 minutes then remove. Makes about 4-1/2 dozen. (This is a total lie. We are lucky if we get 2 dozen!!!!).

Over the years, we've tried lots of different tricks to get these shaped just right. My mother always tells me how perfect Mom-Mom made them. So delicate and tiny. Perfectly twisted and shaped. I can't say that about ours. I have gotten better at shaping them, and some do turn out decent, but the majority look sad and pathetic. Ours belong on the Island of Misfit Cookies!

I like to bake and I like to think I got a lot of my grandma's talent in that respect, but I do wish every year that I would have been old enough before she died for her to show me how to make these darn cookies. One year we tried to skimp and we took all the dough, put it into one big log and cut circles out. We justified this by saying that they were peppermint candy cookies. It didn't work. We returned to the candy cane making.

It is a labor of love to make these cookies, and I know my dad appreciates them. No matter what they look like, they taste delicious--they are made with love. And it's one tradition that we'll keep up every year!

Meet Yahootie

2008-12-02T14:11:00.004-05:00

I'm trying to get started on some new Christmas traditions with Bobby now that he's getting older and more active. I have such fond memories of my childhood Christmases. I believed in Santa way too long. I still love the "magic" of Christmas.

I heard about the "Elf on the Shelf" and decided I wanted to get this and start the fun with Bobby. The Elf comes with a book which I read to Bobby. It explains how the scout elf reports back to Santa and gives the rules (ie. you can talk to the elf, but you can't touch him). Each night I move the elf to a new location. Once Bobby gets a little older, I think it will be fun to put the elf in different hiding places and have him find him. One of the first tasks to do with the elf is to "adopt" him and give him a name. I was thinking of waiting on this for a year or two until Bobby could help pick out a name.

However, on Saturday, my parents popped in to see our Christmas decorations and I was showing the elf to my mom. She kept saying he looked familiar and thought maybe she had seen something like that before. I told her that it's supposed to look "retro", and I just think it's so cute.My dad looked at the elf and said it looked like one that his dad (the original Pap-Pap)used to have that sat near his chair. My parents called me last night to tell me they think that Pap-Pap's elf was named Yahootie. That is what I'm naming our elf. Yahootie.

Belated Thanks Giving...

2008-11-29T22:49:00.003-05:00

There is so much I am thankful for. It may be human nature to focus on what I don't have or what I wish for, but over the past few days, I've tried to focus on what I'm really thankful for...

I give you "What I am Thankful for 2008"(in a stream of consciousness order):

-the good health of my family and friends.
-the strong bond I have with Bobby. Even after hearing "mama" approximately 10,000 times on Thursday, it never gets old and it makes my heart giggle. I hope to never lose that feeling...
-Rob, and the fact that he accepts my "quirkiness" and "Irish Stubbornness" without fail. He thinks my trying to relive my childhood, aka "Camelot" with Bobby is endearing and not psychotic.
-that my sister and I, after some tumultuous teen years, are the best of friends. I can't even quantify how much she means to me and how much I rely on her.
-that Killarney is alive and well, even if she is a "geriatric canine". She is my daughter and the best dog in the world. I'm thankful for every day Bobby gets to know her. She means more to me than anyone can imagine--and more than I've ever told anyone.
-That Bobby calls my sister, Ee-Ee (what I used to call her), now I have to work on him calling my brother Brian, Bubba.
-That my 88 year old grandma is as lively and feisty as ever.
-that my Grandma has been able to enjoy Bobby and is someone who truly appreciates him just for him.
-That my parents are so supportive and loving of me and my family
-that my friend "Tootie" and I can go weeks without "talking" but I feel as close to her as anyone in my life...I thank god every day for our friendship.
-that I live in the same city as all of my immediate relatives
-for a happy married life, better than I could have ever imagined
-for Bobby's fun personality and childlike wonder
-for a job with wonderful co-workers and a fantastic work-life balance
-that I was at SMC in the 90s when Lou Holtz was the Coach and the IRISH WON GAMES and were National Contenders
-for Chapstick ultra
-that Rob's worst vice is sports memorabilia collecting
-that my life has led me to where I am today...

"Oh, the horror, the horror. They are hitting the ground like sacks of wet cement!"

2008-11-26T11:30:00.001-05:00

18 month stats...

2008-11-26T10:51:00.002-05:00

There is really little to no chance of Bobby being average size or smaller. There are really no "petite" people in my family. Rob is 6'8". At 18 months, Bobby is 33lbs. and just under 35 inches tall. It may look and seem ridiculous but I still love cuddling with my "baby" even if he is all arms and legs and almost too heavy for me to lift/carry.

Merry Christmas-Hope it's your time of the month...

2008-11-25T11:14:00.005-05:00

I've been searching online for a Christmas gift for one of my 16 year old nieces. On the site for UncommonGoods.com, they have a gift finder tool. I put in "Teen" Price "$25-$50" and the #1 suggestion was this:

What is that you ask? Brushed steel tampon cases. For $32. Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a tampon holder, don't you think? The search continues...

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. -Dr. Seuss

2008-11-20T10:11:00.008-05:00

For those "Yinzers" (and you know who you are) who have been following the musings of PittGirl on the BurghBlog (the link was in my blog list)...it is no more. Unfortunately, PittGirl's anonymity was compromised and so she had to bid adieu! No more rantings of pigeons. No more fun analysis of Steelers games-what were they really thinking? No more dread lord Zober. No more rantings about annoying burghers. *sniff* *sniff*

To read her final farewell, click here.

PittGirl and the BurghBlog will be missed. That's church.

Momgenerations.com Giveaway!

2008-11-18T09:56:00.003-05:00

Check out Momgenerations.com and their video gift guide & contest to win some really cool stuff for the kiddos!

Let your tears come. Let them water your soul. -Eileen Mayhew

2008-11-17T10:48:00.005-05:00

My cousin, Irishembi, blogged about crying here. I fully admit I am an emotional being. I cry while reading books. I cry hearing certain songs. I cry at movies, commercials and t.v. shows. I cry at memorable, happy events. However, I vowed not to cry at my own wedding and I didn't (I didn't want to appear to be a blubbering mess in all the pictures!!! It worked and I was just all smiles!).

Once when I was dating Rob, he called and I literally could not speak because I was crying so hard. He was very concerned that something had happened. It took all my energy to tell him between sobs that everything was fine and I was just watching the "Dawson's Creek" series finale and I'd have to call him back. The fact that he didn't go running for the hills after that meant a lot to me. (He has since seen me blubbering watching "My Dog Skip" and reading "Marley and Me", so I think he's grown somewhat used to this quirky behavior).

My grandmother used to tell me that sometimes you feel better after a "good cry". I think that's true. I don't cry everyday, and I have a pretty even-keeled temperament but sometimes a good cry is good for the soul.

There are a few movies, and certain scenes within those movies, that guarantee the unrestricted flow of my tears. In no particular order, here's a sampling:

1) Rudy
2) The Notebook

3) My Dog Skip

4) Paulie

5) Steel Magnolias

6) Life is Beautiful

7) Billy Elliot

8) Dead Poet's Society

9) Hoosiers

10) The Lion King

Friday Funny

2008-11-14T09:30:00.001-05:00

Aloha Friday

2008-11-14T09:21:00.002-05:00

Aloha Friday! In honor of the past few weeks of my life, here's today's question:

How do you deal with Stress? What do you do to relax?

For me, a warm bath usually helps. Also, if I can squeeze it in, a nap! Last night, I took a warm bath, poured myself a glass of vino and watched "The Office". Heavenly!

HAPPY 1/2 BIRTHDAY TO ME...

2008-11-13T09:29:00.003-05:00

My birthday is May 13. Today is my 1/2 Birthday! The fun part is that today, November 13, is my older sister's actual birthday. Yes, we are exactly 3 1/2 years apart-to the day. So in a twisted way, we get to share in each other's special day. I don't know exactly how or when it started but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with my sister feeling left out in May. (Middle child syndrome?) You see, My birthday is May 13. My older brother and our grandmother-who lived with us growing up-share a birthday on May 12. Also, our birthdays usually fall around Mother's Day, so to my sister, it probably seemed like everyone in the house was getting presents except her. My uncle Danny was the first to start giving my sister something on her 1/2 birthday. It kindof evolved from there.
It is a fun family tradition that we have kept up-even my parents wished me a happy 1/2 birthday this morning! I want to keep the fun and tradition going with Bobby. Last year I had a 1/2 birthday party for him(his is Nov. 21, since his actual birthday is May 21) complete with 1/2 a cake! In 6 months time, he changes and grows so much, why not celebrate it??
Rob thinks it's ridiculous but it is just something silly that means a lot to me! So I will continue to celebrate!

I Just Want a Chocolate Chip Cookie...or two, or twelve

2008-11-12T09:35:00.006-05:00

Maybe this is why I haven't lost much weight recently!
For me, stressed = desserts!
Does it ever seem like things are going along just fine and then *BAM* you get hit from every direction? That's been my life the past few weeks.

Bobby's part-time caregiver informs me that she is not going to be able to watch him regularly anymore, so I embark on a child-care search. Bobby is with the new sitter for the 1st time today. It was the first time I had to leave him somewhere unfamiliar and have him crying and clinging to my leg. It really broke my heart. On top of all the childcare drama, my 10 year old dog, Killarney--my first "baby" had a tumor that needed to be removed. She had surgery yesterday. She got home last night and was listless and lethargic. She has a very large incision with 2 drainage tubes. I just wanted to lay on the floor with her all night and pet and cuddle her...

My Honey Did...

2008-11-12T09:17:00.004-05:00

Rob was off yesterday for Veteran's Day. I took Bobby to the sitter, so that Rob could have some time to do some things around the house...Boy was it worth it! Rob did so much yesterday, and was still in a good mood when I got home last night!

He emptied the dishwasher, did all the leaves/grass cutting, winterized the outside stuff like the grill and A/C unit, did laundry, re-caulked my tub, stripped the beds, flipped the mattresses, washed the sheets, put new sheets on and took out the garbage. He rocked the Honey-Do list...

I've gotta give him props!!! He is a gem!!!

Only 44 Shopping Days Left...

2008-11-11T16:57:00.003-05:00

The holiday shopping season has officially begun in our house! I prefer to do most of my shopping online--there is the initial rush of ordering everything, then you get a second dose when packages start arriving at the door...
Once again, I'm going to try to get to Christmas before Rob guesses his gifts. I think ruining my surprises for him is part of his holiday traditions--it sure does bring him great joy! Last year I had to throw down the gauntlet and tell him that if he guessed what his presents were, I would return them all and he'd be getting whatever crap was left at the stores on Christmas Eve. I still think he guessed everything, but he kept it to himself, thus giving me the illusion that I was surprising him. I really do love buying for everyone and trying to get frivolous gifts that nobody "needs" but would really want to have!

Now, if I can only learn to wrap presents well. I really do try but honestly, I can't wrap a box, let alone an odd-shaped item. Bobby at 17 mo. would do better than me. But, it's the thought, right?

Aloha Friday

2008-11-07T11:47:00.006-05:00

This week's question is...............

What is your favorite Children's Book?

My personal favorite is the classic "Make Way for Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey.

To read to Bobby, my favorites are:
"You are My I Love You" by MaryAnn Cusimano and
"On the Night You Were Born" by Nancy Tillman