Friday, February 29, 2008
13 days to go!!!
I'm getting really excited for my trip home. I'm counting down the days until we have California morning fog, afternoon sunshine and cool nights. You take that kind of weather for granted when you live there. Then, it feels like rain is a real inconvenience, but I'd take rain over 27 degree temperatures any day. I like to be organized about packing for CA, so I usually start a week or so before we go. Although, the older Maddie gets, the less "equipment" I seem to need. I don't need bottles (she doesn't use them anymore), burp clothes, as many diapers, etc. But, that's all been traded in for the amount of books, snacks, and various entertainment items I have to bring. So, I guess it's pretty equal! Maddie's totally teething right now, and it's about time. She's only had 5 teeth for a really long time and most of her peers got their molars months ago. She's showing every sign, other than a tooth actually popping through! I keep checking those gums though. This weekend should be fun. Tomorrow is the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Old Town (as Gabe says, "they sure love a parade") at 12:30pm. It's only a high of 47 degrees tomorrow and the high usually occurs in the late afternoon, so it will be cold. We'll bundle her up and brave the elements because she deserves to see shamrocks and leprechauns :) Then, we'll take it easy in the afternoon and make a good dinner. Sunday, I'm off to church and then we'll figure out what the rest of the day will be. Gabe needs to go shopping for shoes so that may work it's way into our schedule. Anyway, that's what's going on here. Hope you all have a great weekend.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
We've been "wait-listed"
I'm incredibly frustrated and the title of this post is because Maddie's on the wait list for several preschools. Some, I wish she was on the list, but she'd be so far down (I'm told) that there's no way she'll get in. I'm desperately trying to find a preschool for Maddie for the fall when the baby comes. It's an uphill struggle. The joke about putting your child on a preschools waiting list when they are born so that they may attend when they are two is REAL. I'm way late. Apparently, many of the preschools I'm interested in (you know, Co-op's, kid centered, etc.) had open enrollment in January! Many closed the enrollment period a few weeks ago. Wouldn't that be just my luck? Right when I'm so darn sick with debilitating nausea, I'm supposed to call and tour preschools? Yeah, right. I could barely think straight, let alone try to be pleasing enough that they choose Maddie. So, here we are. Calling schools and having the directors put me on waiting lists that they say "aren't very promising." Not to mention the fact that I had a baby at the wrong time of year. You read me right. Apparently, the preschools here (and elementary schools) follow a law that states that the child must be the required age by September 30th of that year. Meaning, when Maddie is ready for Kindergarten (which will begin in September) she will only be 4 because she'll be turning 5, 10 days after the cutoff. That means, she'll have to wait an extra year and start Kindergarten when she's 5 (practically 6!) What the heck? 6 year olds are in 1st grade. At least she's so tiny that it might look like it makes sense. Who knows. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. For now though, I'm a mom-on-a-mission.
The thing is, right now, with just Maddie and me, it's great. We have a blast, we have a routine, we're fine. I just want something she can do, on her own, with new friends a couple mornings a week after the baby comes. What else can I do? There are still the mass daycare centers that they have all over the country. They're all run independently, so no two are the same-and they take babies starting at 6 months, so Maddie doesn't have to fulfill some age requirement there. They are definitely more expensive and I just like the idea of a smaller place with less kids for Maddie. Maybe that won't be our reality until she's 3. When she's 3, I will be on top of the open enrollment periods for these preschools that I've called so that she can get in.
So, if you're someone who prays, please do. Lord knows I am. If you try to think positively, try picturing Maddie at the preschool of my dreams.
The thing is, right now, with just Maddie and me, it's great. We have a blast, we have a routine, we're fine. I just want something she can do, on her own, with new friends a couple mornings a week after the baby comes. What else can I do? There are still the mass daycare centers that they have all over the country. They're all run independently, so no two are the same-and they take babies starting at 6 months, so Maddie doesn't have to fulfill some age requirement there. They are definitely more expensive and I just like the idea of a smaller place with less kids for Maddie. Maybe that won't be our reality until she's 3. When she's 3, I will be on top of the open enrollment periods for these preschools that I've called so that she can get in.
So, if you're someone who prays, please do. Lord knows I am. If you try to think positively, try picturing Maddie at the preschool of my dreams.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
"The Baby Sounds Perfect"
That's a quote from my doctor yesterday as we were listening to it's heartbeat. It was VERY fast sounding-which is normal for it's age, but it left Gabe thinking that maybe it's a boy. He's so funny. Maddie was at the doctor too and she stopped what she was doing and listened very intently to the sound of the heartbeat. It was cute and we were telling her that's her baby; she's a big sister. Of course, she has no idea what we're talking about, but she'll be hearing this a lot in the months to come! It's funny because whenever you find out you're pregnant, you have moments of sort of not believing it. Then, you finally have the appointment that let's you hear that your baby is indeed alive and living inside you. It's crazy and very real. Yesterday we were in the same exact room they put us in when we heard Maddie's heartbeat for the first time. It was dejavu. I'm telling you, this pregnancy is EXACTLY the same as the last time. Makes me think there's a girl in there :) But, we won't know until the first week of April. That's when my next appointment is (it's supposed to be in March, but I'll be in CA, so it's after that) and we will get to make our appointment for the ultrasound then. I know lots of people who choose to not find out what they're having the second time around-but I'm not one of those people. I need to plan too much and organize the nursery to hold two kids! So exciting.
Other than that, not much is happening around here. We're healthy and counting down the days until we go home. I'm going to take some pic's of Maddie today because many of you are asking for them.
Other than that, not much is happening around here. We're healthy and counting down the days until we go home. I'm going to take some pic's of Maddie today because many of you are asking for them.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Ready for Spring...
Hello All,
I haven't been online in a while because I hurt my back. I know, I know... can I have any more problems?!? Well, apparently I can. I've been to the chiropractor two times and I go again this morning. I'm finally starting to feel some relief. Basically, he said that when you're pregnant, you have this hormone (I think) called Relaxin and it makes all your joints softer so that your hips can spread, blah, blah, blah. So, that's my problem. This baby is giving me serious pain in my back-pain that meant that for the past 5 days, I've been standing crooked. Bizarre. So, I think I'm almost done with all my physical problems and life can just get back to normal. But, to be honest, I'm sort of down lately. I think it's mostly the weather and the fact that every sickness possible has struck our house ever since I found out I was pregnant. It's made it more stressful than I remember when I was in the first trimester with Maddie. I was working back then, and while I do remember being sick all the time (morning sickness), I could come home after work and just lay down and do nothing. I don't really have that luxury anymore. Maddie's too busy and on the move-which doesn't allow alot of down time for me. She is still taking 2 naps a day (fingers crossed that this never changes) which is awesome because I do get that time to myself. But, during that time, I'm usually wishing the weather was nicer so we could go out and do something, or I'm obsessively worrying about what life will look like this time next year. I mean, picture it. I'll have an almost 2 and half year old and a 6 month old!! Everything I've read about being pregnant the 2nd time talks about this worry. Which is good because it shows that I'm not all alone. But, you mom's know how it is. You sort of can't imagine how you'll even take care of just one baby and when she arrives, you don't remember life without her? I'm hoping that happens the second time around. All I know is that pregnancy the second time, is different. I'm still trying to figure out if it's good-different, or bad-different. Just trying to be honest. Gabe and I go on Friday to hear the heartbeat for the first time :) That's pretty exciting and I'll post how it goes.
I haven't been online in a while because I hurt my back. I know, I know... can I have any more problems?!? Well, apparently I can. I've been to the chiropractor two times and I go again this morning. I'm finally starting to feel some relief. Basically, he said that when you're pregnant, you have this hormone (I think) called Relaxin and it makes all your joints softer so that your hips can spread, blah, blah, blah. So, that's my problem. This baby is giving me serious pain in my back-pain that meant that for the past 5 days, I've been standing crooked. Bizarre. So, I think I'm almost done with all my physical problems and life can just get back to normal. But, to be honest, I'm sort of down lately. I think it's mostly the weather and the fact that every sickness possible has struck our house ever since I found out I was pregnant. It's made it more stressful than I remember when I was in the first trimester with Maddie. I was working back then, and while I do remember being sick all the time (morning sickness), I could come home after work and just lay down and do nothing. I don't really have that luxury anymore. Maddie's too busy and on the move-which doesn't allow alot of down time for me. She is still taking 2 naps a day (fingers crossed that this never changes) which is awesome because I do get that time to myself. But, during that time, I'm usually wishing the weather was nicer so we could go out and do something, or I'm obsessively worrying about what life will look like this time next year. I mean, picture it. I'll have an almost 2 and half year old and a 6 month old!! Everything I've read about being pregnant the 2nd time talks about this worry. Which is good because it shows that I'm not all alone. But, you mom's know how it is. You sort of can't imagine how you'll even take care of just one baby and when she arrives, you don't remember life without her? I'm hoping that happens the second time around. All I know is that pregnancy the second time, is different. I'm still trying to figure out if it's good-different, or bad-different. Just trying to be honest. Gabe and I go on Friday to hear the heartbeat for the first time :) That's pretty exciting and I'll post how it goes.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Primary
We went to vote at 7:30am = no line!! :)
Maddie got a sticker too! (a little under the weather, can you tell?)So, today is the Virginia Presidential Primary and it feels really cool to be part of this time in history. It's a big deal. I think until this election, I've always taken my right to vote for granted, but for some reason, now, at almost 30 years old, I'm starting to understand why it's so important and why we are lucky to be able to vote for what we want. It's pretty spectacular. So, if you're a Virginian (or at least someone who's transplanted here) then vote today.
Okay, enough of my "Proud to be an American" sentiment :) Today, I'm feeling even better than yesterday, but still coughing like a person who smokes 3 packs a day :( Not attractive. It's Valentine's this week and I need to get Gabe something. Just something small, but seriously, I have a great husband and he deserves something. I mean, for the past (too many to count) days, he has gotten up at the crack of dawn to walk and feed dogs, headed to work to open the store (7 days a week), come home to help with the baby, laundry and of course cooking. No wonder he's tired!! So, I appreciate him; how could I not? I've got to figure out what to get him. Many of you commented about me getting a home alarm and I want to explain that. I'm a scared-cat; I am always imagining someone breaking in to my house (especially when I'm showering; who knows?) and Gabe is always hearing me say these things. So, to show his love, my Valentines present is the home alarm. How do you spell love? A-D-T :) Anyways, we live pretty close to Route 1 which isn't always the best in terms of sirens, etc. so we just want piece of mind. Plus, we get a discount on our home owner's insurance for having an alarm-so it's a win-win. It gets installed next Tuesday. Okay, I have to do homework for my class tomorrow night. If you don't know I'm taking a class, it's to renew my teaching license before it expires. It's pretty interesting, but since it's once a week, half the time I forget I have homework! Have a great Tuesday...
Okay, enough of my "Proud to be an American" sentiment :) Today, I'm feeling even better than yesterday, but still coughing like a person who smokes 3 packs a day :( Not attractive. It's Valentine's this week and I need to get Gabe something. Just something small, but seriously, I have a great husband and he deserves something. I mean, for the past (too many to count) days, he has gotten up at the crack of dawn to walk and feed dogs, headed to work to open the store (7 days a week), come home to help with the baby, laundry and of course cooking. No wonder he's tired!! So, I appreciate him; how could I not? I've got to figure out what to get him. Many of you commented about me getting a home alarm and I want to explain that. I'm a scared-cat; I am always imagining someone breaking in to my house (especially when I'm showering; who knows?) and Gabe is always hearing me say these things. So, to show his love, my Valentines present is the home alarm. How do you spell love? A-D-T :) Anyways, we live pretty close to Route 1 which isn't always the best in terms of sirens, etc. so we just want piece of mind. Plus, we get a discount on our home owner's insurance for having an alarm-so it's a win-win. It gets installed next Tuesday. Okay, I have to do homework for my class tomorrow night. If you don't know I'm taking a class, it's to renew my teaching license before it expires. It's pretty interesting, but since it's once a week, half the time I forget I have homework! Have a great Tuesday...
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sickness strikes again
Hello All,
Hope you had a great weekend. Ours was a mess. I've been terribly sick since Friday morning; fever, chills, a cough that won't stop, and exhaustion. It's been bad, but thankfully we have Gabe's family here and they helped sooooooo much with watching Maddie while I rested. It's almost like I've been out of town or something because for the past 3 days, Maddie's woken up and Gabe's taken her to his mom's and then brought her home when it's time for bed. It's been so strange. But it's also allowed me the time I needed to feel better and today I feel pretty much back to normal except for my cough. But, that's so much better than when I thought I was dying on Saturday. Gabe and I have been saying that we've never been so sick in one year as we have this year. And, of course, this is the first year either of us got the flu shot. We were strongly advised to get it because we have a little one in the house. Who knows what we'll decide next year. It's too hard to be this sick though. So, today is freezing and Maddie and I are going to lay low. We have a home alarm guy coming at 1pm; we're getting a home alarm system because of my paranoia :) and that's all we have planned. I'll write again when I feel better.
Hope you had a great weekend. Ours was a mess. I've been terribly sick since Friday morning; fever, chills, a cough that won't stop, and exhaustion. It's been bad, but thankfully we have Gabe's family here and they helped sooooooo much with watching Maddie while I rested. It's almost like I've been out of town or something because for the past 3 days, Maddie's woken up and Gabe's taken her to his mom's and then brought her home when it's time for bed. It's been so strange. But it's also allowed me the time I needed to feel better and today I feel pretty much back to normal except for my cough. But, that's so much better than when I thought I was dying on Saturday. Gabe and I have been saying that we've never been so sick in one year as we have this year. And, of course, this is the first year either of us got the flu shot. We were strongly advised to get it because we have a little one in the house. Who knows what we'll decide next year. It's too hard to be this sick though. So, today is freezing and Maddie and I are going to lay low. We have a home alarm guy coming at 1pm; we're getting a home alarm system because of my paranoia :) and that's all we have planned. I'll write again when I feel better.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
For the Undecided Voter...
Hey, I'm in your boat. Your Democratic boat that is :) Anyway, after talking to my sister today, she led me to a link I want to share with any of you who are undecided, or who aren't sure where certain candidates stand. Here it is:
http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/issues/index.html#/context=index/issue=health
It's not a long read and you can catch (in a nutshell) what each candidate believes in; in terms of health care, abortion, the economy, environment, illegal immigrants, etc. It's worth your time; especially if you're in a state that hasn't had your primary yet. Virginia's is next Tuesday the 12th. Can't wait to help make history :)
http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/issues/index.html#/context=index/issue=health
It's not a long read and you can catch (in a nutshell) what each candidate believes in; in terms of health care, abortion, the economy, environment, illegal immigrants, etc. It's worth your time; especially if you're in a state that hasn't had your primary yet. Virginia's is next Tuesday the 12th. Can't wait to help make history :)
Strange weather
Hello,
Today we are having the strangest weather. It's warm and windy outside and it's only 8am; not to mention that it's February (you know, winter?). Last night I told Gabe I thought the weather was neat because you can kind of trick your mind into thinking it's March or something and then he said "yeah, or global warming." True, but I was trying to be positive :) So, yesterday was busy. Maddie went to Gymboree and fell down, hurt the back of her head and let out an incredible wail :( (very sad). She recovered, but only after scaring a few of the other children with her crying, which in turn made them cry! Then, we came home to where Gabe was home sick from work and still dying. I headed out to the asthma doctor and had a breathing test; seems that my lungs are doing fine. In the afternoon, I snuck out again to get a pedicure and relax (ahhh. But, I got home and realized that I really hate the color I chose! I was on the phone with Mom when I was choosing my color and didn't pay enough attention. It's the color of shrimp :( and I was going more for the color of cotton candy (or something along the pink lines and not so coral). Guess I'm stuck with it. Today, Maddie and I are going to open gym at Gymboree with Siobhan and Aibha (I think) and then running errands. Busy, busy. I may try to take some pic's today so that I can post them. Hope you all have a fabulous Wednesday.
Today we are having the strangest weather. It's warm and windy outside and it's only 8am; not to mention that it's February (you know, winter?). Last night I told Gabe I thought the weather was neat because you can kind of trick your mind into thinking it's March or something and then he said "yeah, or global warming." True, but I was trying to be positive :) So, yesterday was busy. Maddie went to Gymboree and fell down, hurt the back of her head and let out an incredible wail :( (very sad). She recovered, but only after scaring a few of the other children with her crying, which in turn made them cry! Then, we came home to where Gabe was home sick from work and still dying. I headed out to the asthma doctor and had a breathing test; seems that my lungs are doing fine. In the afternoon, I snuck out again to get a pedicure and relax (ahhh. But, I got home and realized that I really hate the color I chose! I was on the phone with Mom when I was choosing my color and didn't pay enough attention. It's the color of shrimp :( and I was going more for the color of cotton candy (or something along the pink lines and not so coral). Guess I'm stuck with it. Today, Maddie and I are going to open gym at Gymboree with Siobhan and Aibha (I think) and then running errands. Busy, busy. I may try to take some pic's today so that I can post them. Hope you all have a fabulous Wednesday.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Monday
Hello All,
It's been FOREVER since I kept up my blog like I did in the old days (you know, summer time?) so I'm officially back. There's many reasons I haven't even been online as much, but that's a bore. So, Maddie and I had a nice day. We got up early and then had to go back to bed because Zora is sick. She woke me up at 5:30 puking (lovely) and in that commotion, Maddie woke up too. Can you tell that nothing is sound proof in our house? Then, Maddie and I went on a nice walk with Siobhan and Aibha and then back to their house to play for a bit. Gabe woke up really sick also (he thinks he's dying :)-you know how men are... He's been to the doctor and has swollen glands and some gross infection on the tonsils so he got antibiotics. He's not well, though seriously, so he's banned to the basement because I don't want that s&*t. So, everything's fine here at Casa de Mejias. We're keepin' on keepin' on because what else are you going to do? (I'm in a weird mood, can you tell?)
It's been FOREVER since I kept up my blog like I did in the old days (you know, summer time?) so I'm officially back. There's many reasons I haven't even been online as much, but that's a bore. So, Maddie and I had a nice day. We got up early and then had to go back to bed because Zora is sick. She woke me up at 5:30 puking (lovely) and in that commotion, Maddie woke up too. Can you tell that nothing is sound proof in our house? Then, Maddie and I went on a nice walk with Siobhan and Aibha and then back to their house to play for a bit. Gabe woke up really sick also (he thinks he's dying :)-you know how men are... He's been to the doctor and has swollen glands and some gross infection on the tonsils so he got antibiotics. He's not well, though seriously, so he's banned to the basement because I don't want that s&*t. So, everything's fine here at Casa de Mejias. We're keepin' on keepin' on because what else are you going to do? (I'm in a weird mood, can you tell?)
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