When American Idol decides to have a kid show, we are ready.
Singing ability? Questionable. Fashion sense? Absolutely.
The look below is completed by nothing but his “Incredibles” underwear
Thanks for the glasses Auntie D!
Category Archives: parenting
I Can Handle It
Since I haven’t cut or colored my hair in the last 3 months I decided to remedy the situation. I was beginning to look like a homeless hag so no one complained when I made the appointment and took a few hours for myself.
While browsing through the latest issue of Glamour, another client came in pushing a baby stroller. From all the “ooohing and ahhing” in the salon I gathered there was a newborn in that deluxe baby limo.
Alright one baby. I can handle that.
My colorist came in and began talking as if I was paying her by the word. This blonde crazy must have just consumed 64oz of caffeine before seeing me. Despite just meeting her, she instantly starts in with, “We’ve been trying to have a baby. I’m already in my 30’s. My brother has 3 kids. Our in-laws have been asking about grand kids.”
This continues for probably 5 minutes despite the fact I haven’t uttered one word yet besides hello. “I’m sure it’s obvious because I’m so enormous but I’m pregnant!!!” Giggly shrieky laughter continues for about 30 seconds. That is so exciting, congratulations I say.
Alright two babies. I can handle that.
I sit and listen while I hear about the stroller purchase, the crib purchase, the clothing purchases, the room color, coordinating accessories in the room, and the baby’s name.
Another colorist comes in and starts working on the mom of the newborn. They begin catching up and all of a sudden there’s a “No, you are not!” “Yes, I am.” “No, you are not!”
Turns out the colorist is 42 and has a 12 week old. This was apparently a 2nd honeymoon baby which was not planned. After the birth she got her tubes clamped.
Alright three babies. I can handle that. End of story.
Normally, but not in my world.
Turns out the mom of the 12 week old is also 6 weeks pregnant. Yes, the same one whose tubes were clamped.
You know the minuscule percentage that’s always associated with procedures and how they can go wrong? Well, she’s spokesman for that group.
My first thought was, “Wow, that’s amazing.”
My second thought was, “Wow, you actually had sex 6 weeks after your delivery.”
Alright four babies. I can handle it but if you don’t hurry the f*** up with my hair I will freak out on all of you.
Sitting in the chair with a head full of foil, I begin pondering what the odds are of me being in this room at this time. It’s probably the same as getting pregnant while having your tubes clamped. I was half expecting octomom to walk in for highlights at any moment.
My colorist focuses back to me and says, “Do you have kids?” “Yes, 3.“ She starts asking me tons of questions about being a new mom. I happily answer and give her some helpful hints I have learned along the way.
Not once did I think to mention my recent miscarriage. OK, I did but I knew I would not say anything. There’s no need to rain on her parade. She’s so excited to be pregnant and become a new mom. It would be cruel to share anything with her that would cause her to worry during her last 14 weeks.
Towards the end of our conversation the question I had been anticipating while also dreading came. I calmly and simply answered her.
“So, do you think you will have more kids?”
“Maybe.”
The next time I need a haircut I may just hand Caroline a pair of scissors and say go to it.
After this experience, I know I can handle that.
A New Focus?
Maybe what I need right now is a new focus – something to direct my energy toward until I get the a-okay from the doctor to be out and about again. After browsing tons of TV shows and way too many internet sites, I think I might have found a new focus.
Let me clue you in.
Caroline received a princess sash from her aunt for her birthday. While she doesn’t know quite to do with it, I sure do.
I hope Tom Hanks inspires you as much as he’s inspired me.
Look out world, here comes Caroline Grace, the pageant contestant!
My Giggle Tribesmen
Even though I’m having a tough time right now, I know I am extremely lucky to have the family I do. I cherish everyone of them and the times we have. I’m also extremely fortunate to have kids who make me laugh.
During my day of teetering on Sunday I sat and watched some tv while Caroline was napping. The boys were in their room jumping around and making tons of noise. After about 15 minutes of what I can only assume was them jumping off their beds I decided to go up and tell them to stop.
I opened their door and started laughing immediately. Both boys were wearing shorts but no shirts. They had giant medals around their necks and were holding humongous chess trophies in their arms. I just laughed which caused them to giggle and giggle.
Alex said, “What? We’re Zulus and we’re hunting.”
Of course you are.
I’m so glad for those giggles.
Almost
I almost made it all day Saturday without crying.
Sunday I didn’t even come close. I was crying before 8 am.
Since coming home from the hospital on Wednesday night I had not left the house. I’m trying to follow the doctor’s orders of keeping it easy for 2 weeks and not lifting anything heavy (Caroline).
Well we decided to go out to dinner on the last night my parents were here. Babe’s Chicken House. Seems harmless enough. Except for the 40 minute wait. Tons of people, kids, and babies. I knew it would be tough to go out but I was completely overwhelmed with it all. Many times I almost grabbed the car keys from Derek so I could run back to the car and stay there. I kept tearing up when I would hear someone call a name we had considered or when a pregnant woman would go by. I kept thinking to myself, “Shoes. shoes. shoes. Think about shoes. Do not cry right here in the middle of Babe’s Chicken House for all of Frisco to see.” I managed to succeed and get into the restaurant for dinner. Dinner was great and I didn’t have any problems getting through it.
I think my emotional state had been building all day and it finally burst when I was toweling off from taking a shower that night.
It’s hard enough going through this process without all the “extras.”
Even though I have gone through the same motions for the past 3 days I was completely overwhelmed that night when I had to put an ace bandage around my chest again. I have to wrap my chest, use pads for a few weeks, and have hot flashes. All things you just deal with when having a baby. All good except for that I am missing one part of that equation.
I had a good cry and went to bed.
Sunday morning my parents were leaving. Just a hug from my mom and dad sent me over the edge again. I pretty much teetered between crying and dealing with life the rest of the day.
I know this will take time and it will get better but it sure is difficult right now.
4 days
A lot has happened in the past 4 days for us and a lot has happened because of “4 days.”
4 days ago we found out we wouldn’t be parents again.
4 days ago we were so deeply saddened by that news.
4 days ago we had to tell our children about babies dying before having a chance to meet them.
According to doctors I was 20 weeks and 3 days pregnant. If I was 19 weeks 6 days pregnant I would have had a different experience.
4 days difference = much more difficult process for us
Because of those 4 days, I had to go through labor and deliver a baby only this time he never opened his eyes.
Because of those 4 days, we had to visit a funeral home and make cremation plans for our little one.
Because of those 4 days, we have to pick up his remains in a week.
I keep waiting for this to end but the law has a different idea.
Worries
So I’m on Day 4 of bed rest.
In just that short amount of time I’m pretty sure of a few things: I could compete on Iron Chef, I could be a bridal consultant on “Say Yes to the Dress,” and I could be a home designer. I feel in my 100 hours of tv watching I am now an expert in a lot of areas. Really no schooling is involved for a lot of these professions – just take a little bed rest in and you will have a new degree in no time.
I’m trying to relax, think positively, and pass the time as quickly as I know how (mostly in 30 min or 1 hour segments). I have also finished 2 books so my mind doesn’t go to complete mush.
Even with all of that I find thoughts of worry and anxiety creeping up.
I had worried about being pregnant in the middle of the summer. Now I worry I won’t be pregnant tomorrow.
I worried about my kids reaction to having another baby. Now I worry about my kids reaction if this doesn’t turn out as hoped.
I worried about having my youngest two so close. Now I worry about them never meeting.
But for right now, I’m going to try and push through the day and focus on what comforts me -my kids went off to school with smiles on their faces, my husband has been there for me every step of the way, and my friends have sent encouragement and prayers.
We will get through today together, worries and all.
Sugar and Spice
Nothing says little girl like…wearing a fire helmet & making shooting sounds while pointing a toy gun at your mom
Something tells me she’s watching her brothers very closely
Tap, Tap, Tap
It’s a sad, sad day in our house.
It’s a day that I wasn’t ready for.
Let me back up.
It was nap time for Caroline.
Or so I thought.
After I placed Caroline in her crib she insisted she was not tired.
She disagreed with my plan by pounding on the wall and screaming.
I let her scream for 10 minutes, perfectly secure in my parenting abilities, knowing she needed rest.
And then the crying stopped.
I knew it. She’s exhausted and has finally given into sleep.
For a moment I sat on my bed with a bag of chips continued folding laundry.
But then I heard an unfamiliar “tap, tap, tap” sound coming from the baby monitor.
I walked over to the monitor and pressed the video button.
It took a moment for the image to come up.
While waiting, the “tap, tap, tap” sound continued.
What could that sound be? She had two baby dolls and a blanket with her in bed.
The monitor’s picture finally came up.
Clear as day was her crib.
But…Caroline was not in the crib!
I searched the screen desperately, telling myself the bars of the crib were some how obstructing my view of her body.
No, no, no. This can’t be happening. I need her to take naps still. I need her to be contained in a box with no hope of getting out.
I walked upstairs to her room and tried to peek under her door to no avail.
The carpet was blocking my view.
Surely she must have brought a toy into bed with her which I didn’t notice. Surely she must have the skinniest profile ever and is sitting in that crib tap, tap, tapping away.
I finally gathered enough mental strength and opened her door.
There she sat on the floor trying to put the pieces into a farm puzzle.
“Tap, tap, tap.”
After a moment she noticed me.
An enormous grin spread across her face.
She said, “hello.”
My face didn’t quite say that.
Needless to say we’re off to IKEA tonight to find a little bed for her.
I’m thinking of customizing it with straps for nap time.
What!
We rarely eat fast food for dinner but I decided the other night was the exception. The boys had 3 activities we needed to be at, all around dinnertime. We drove through McDonald’s on the way to our 2nd and 3rd activities of the night. I decided Caroline and Andrew would eat once we arrived at Alex’s practice but he needed to eat in the car on the way.
Here was my order at the drive through:
I’d like a #13, a 20 piece chicken nugget (yes, all 3 kids polished this off with no leftovers), 3 milks, and 3 small fries.
After receiving the food, I placed Alex’s food on a tray and handed it back to him.
Andrew immediately wanted to know, “When do Caroline and I get to eat?’
When we get to the lacrosse field I will give you your food.
“What’s my food?”
I got you some chicken nuggets, a small fry, and a milk.
“What!”
What do you mean what. I got you the food you asked for.
“What do you mean I got a small fry?”
I got you a small fry, Alex a small fry, and Caroline a small fry.
“What! That’s all I get for dinner?”
What are you talking about? You have this meal every time we come to McDonald’s. There will be more than enough food for you.
“Why do I only get one small french fry with my meal?”
Ohhhh. No, you get a small bag of fries. With many fries inside the bag.
“Good because I need more than just one fry. I thought you were only giving me one fry. I’m hungrier than that.”