Three, that’s a magic number

A man and a woman had a little baby,
Yes, they did.
They had three in the family,
And that’s a magic number.*

I don’t know exactly when I started wondering if Nate would be an only child.  If it was during pregnancy, if it was in the 7th week of his life when I thought I couldn’t go on.  Or, if it was when he turned out to be such an amazing person that I never wanted to share him, or split my time with another baby.  I know when I wonder now, though.  That’s easy. 

I am often impatient, crabby and far from perfect in this motherhood gig.  There are many things I can take blame for.    Many things I worry about now and things I have no idea how I will handle later.  I think that Mike and are great parents for Nathan, though.  We do our best and accept that our best is different from day to day.    But,  I wonder if we should do it again. 

Anything in life worth doing takes risk, I know that, we all know that.  But there is risk.    Will we get another healthy baby, can I swing it with two kids, and on and on.   Add to all of the what ifs that it is going to take the economy a very long time to recover and yikes, can we afford another kid?  I don’t mean diapers and small things like that but another person that will need braces, vision correction,  a car,  college tuition and probably room and board. 

I remember hearing one of my parents say after the surprise of baby #4 that if you wait to have kids until you can afford them you never will.   Is the responsible thing to do in that situation to never?  Do you deny a child a sibling  to afford them fancy vacations or private schools?  Which is the sacrifice, what would Nate want if he could tell me.  A playmate (even it its a PINK one) or a picture of the magic 3 in Europe.  That sounds so superficial- so I tell myself to relax, Mike is in the third year of his career.  Our journey has just begun.  And, we can decide when we are ready not because this was the month in our original plan to try for another.

I don’t know. I think that we will have another baby, eventually.  But right now our small family is perfect for me.  We are happy as 3.  On a day is as great as this one, or even one that’s really hard it seems much easier to keep moving forward than it would be to start over.   Which brings us back to risk.

*School House Rock

Crushed

I am reeling over the news that my favorite magazine of all time is closing shop!  Domino. 

I remember seeing a full page ad for it in Lucky, a new magazine about Shopping for your Home.  My two favorite things since I earned my first dollar babysitting.  Decorating my room was never just a hobby it was who I was, it was what I loved most. 

I was in the Seattle airport when I first laid eyes on it.   I was thrilled it was out.   I had subscribed to it before the first issue ever went to print -   but I bought a copy at the airport, even though I knew that one would be waiting for me when I returned to Chapel Hill.   I just couldn’t wait.

I know it’s utterly ridiculous to wax poetic about a magazine but I love it!  Every month when it comes I save it, waiting until I am free to read it from cover to cover.   Now that I am home with Nathan and feeling a bit disconnected from the outside world, it is my window.

I was pretty upset when blueprint went under after just 8 issues (all of which I have)  but this is worse.

I will miss you Domino- please do not refund my money for the issues I paid through 2010.   I don’t need it and you’ve earned it.

 

(has me wondering  about the $7 I just sent to Elle Decor this week- that is just too cheap- could they be next?)

Tag!

Carrie at Creative Envy (and also my great friend IRL) tagged me last week to write 7 things about me.   If you have been here very long you know a lot about me already.  I have done this here, here,  I’ve done this one, too.   And one of these.  None are exactly the same but there is a lot about me out there already.   I have been thinking about a theme for the 7 but couldn’t come up with a complete list.  I had pet peeves, guilty pleasures, a covet list- but it was all less than interesting.  What I settled on probably is, too.

As we await the 2nd round of this winter storm and I am getting ready to hand over my car for the rest of the week (if it is as bad as they are promising.)   I am looking forward to spring.    Dreaming of Spring.  Begging Puhxsutawney Phil to work with me and get on with it.

7 things I love about Spring

1. Daffodils-   Yellow is my favorite color, so I naturally love a daffodil.   To me when I see them pop up in the grocery store,  it’s like a promise of warmer days.  

2. Walks to the Park- I love to walk outside when it’s still a little chilly but the sun is out.  I am looking especially forward to the two parks in our neighborhood.  Now that Nate is walking and climbing I think he is going to love these outings, too.

3. Bare Feet!  I am a cold person, I have been as long as I can remember.  Right now I am wearing socks and a pair of slippers that look like Uggs and my toes are still not warm.  I can’t wait to be bare foot in the house again, and for my toes to defrost.

4.  Starbucks: Ice Tea Lemonade.  I give up my Chai in the summer (for the most part) and switch to this drink.  It just tastes like Spring.  Also drinking milk is not refreshing.  (I can’t help but remember Will Farrel in Anchorman.  “Milk was a bad choice!”)  It reminds me of the sun tea that my childhood friend’s Mom would make.  It reminds me of running track when we had country time lemonade after practice.  Maybe I love it because it makes me feel young? 

5.  Rain.  This one is sort of contradictory to the list but the truth is I love a gray rainy day.  Not for days on end, but a random day here and there.  It feels like home.    I love to have the windows open and let the fresh smell in, light a candle and bake something.   I love the break from the sunshine, it makes me appreciate it more.

6. Gardening!  Man, did I over think this last year!  This year I will not get all worked up over it.  I am going to buy what I like and plant it.   I cant wait to have the yard though.  I haven’t seen the grass, or the beds or even the sidewalk in weeks.  I love the way the yard looks and smells after I have mowed the lawn, weeded and watered the beds.  Instant gratification.

7. Grilling.  As much as I love a one pot meal of soup or pasta, I also love the change to lighter and fresh eating.  Grilled meat and salads, fruit, wine.   I also enjoy that it mixes up your cooking options.  I can use recipes that I haven’t in months.   Meal planning and cooking is a big part of my week so this change is always refreshing.

 

What do you love about Spring?

Filler

I’m still alive.  I know I haven’t been posting much its just that nothing is going on worth reporting.  So, I give you this.  You’re welcome.  (run!)

We did have a meeting with the bath fitter man child tonight.    He asked why we were interested in redoing our tub and I said “come with me,  you’ll see.”    Now, our bathroom isn’t bad.  The reason for doing this or wanting to do this is that the old tub and shower surround is shoddy.   Our house is 17 years old and its just worn out.    Also, we want to avoid any water damage that is lurking behind the walls since we cant get caulk to dry, ever.  Ever!   The man child gasps and says “Oh this is terrible!”  There is some paint chipping around the window, its not a big deal at all and he was like – The walls are pulling away from the studs and the sky is falling!   Oh man, I knew we were in for it.  It’s paint, kid.  The fan is in the toilet room not in the room with the shower, it’s FINE.  He said we need to have the walls ripped out and rebuilt as wall as new copper pipes put in.  (some racket about the lifetime guarantee)   It was very down hill from there.  He didn’t seem to  understand why I wasn’t interested in purchasing a curtain rod from them (because I already have one, thanks)   This “no pressure, I’m not selling you anything you don’t know that you need”  was such a line.  When we told him we were just looking for the estimate tonight, thanks, he excused himself to stand on the porch for 10 minutes to let us discuss it.    “But if you pay half tonight you can save $325.00!”   Sorry, but that isn’t enough  savings to force us into a decision- whats $325?   He left very upset.    Now it’s not that we wont use them down the line.  I don’t disagree with tearing out what is there now and rebuilding because we truly don’t know what is going on behind there, and there has to be some damage the way we go though the caulk.  I also love that they will put the walls up to the ceiling and re frame the window.  I love that we will get new fixtures (which he called appliances.)  I just wasn’t down with him pressuring us into doing this tonight.   He was not happy when he left.  He needs to relax, I have his name and his cell #.  I will give him the commission if we decide to use this company.    He took  his shoes off, I will give him the job.

I am preparing for another cabin fever run.  We have two back to back storms coming in threatening a foot of snow combined.   So to the grocery store for some stocking up.  Oh how the mighty have fallen.  I will be on the news tomorrow with my hands in the air when there isn’t any milk left.   Ohio, get off my lawn!

Sleepless in Columbus

Guys, I am beat.  For the past two weeks Nate’s been having a hard time with naps and last night he only slept from 12 to 3:30.   Gah- hoping this ends soon.  I “think” I know what to do to help the nap situation.  We’ll see how it goes today if he can stand staying up an extra hour after last night.

Anyway, as a result of a difficult couple of weeks I am trying really hard to fight the funk.    That being said I haven’t worked out once this week and it’s Thursday!  Today during the nap attempt I am going to shower and make our grocery list so we can be out this afternoon until Mike gets home.  Even if there is no nap this will make the day easier.   Oh, the learning curve.  She is steep.

I will be just fine, this is not the first or last time this will happen.  Sometimes you feel better just typing that as a reminder.   This too shall pass.

I am looking forward to the weekend.  Any movie rental suggestions?  Store sales I should be aware of?  Mama needs some free time!

Detour

Sometimes when you are busy living your life, things happen that you intend on writing about.  Things that make you laugh, purchases made, life lessons.  But, you are busy and time gets away from you.  When you finally sit down to put your thoughts together too much has happened and in the grand scheme of things none of it is as exciting to recall as it would have been if you would have captured it the day it happened.  I do this all the time.  I miss opportunities.  This past weekend is the perfect example, as was our Thanksgiving trip which I simply gave up on.

I had an incredibly productive weekend.  I purged and organized like a machine.  My closet went well, I got rid of a lot that I thought would be harder to let go.  I got rid of 20 pair of shoes and several belts along with a few coats and purses.  I went through my socks, nylons and underwear.   I got rid of more than half.  It felt so good I moved to the linen closet in our master bath.  I went through my jewelry and my products, getting rid of a ton of stuff.    The heap of garage sale items in the basement is getting impressive.  Though I realize it could all end up at goodwill, too.

The next day we made the 90 mile trek to Ikea.  Oh, Ikea.  I love you so.   We went to look at bedroom furniture.  I had a short list of items I was looking for and I was really wanting a day of inspiration.  Ikea is the perfect place if you are looking for stimulation overload.  Seriously, I had a happy headache when we left.

We went for bedroom items.  We came home with none.  New ideas yes, but nothing for our bedroom.

We bought a desk and a drawer system for the den.  Unless you know me IRL you don’t know what a victory this is!   Mike has said for 2+ years that the den is last priority.  He could care less if that room remains empty for ever. EVR!  I have never liked this but didn’t argue since nearly every room in our house was empty when we moved in and there were other things I wanted more.  Now the house is filling up and the den is a sore spot.  The first thing you see when you walk into the house.   You have seen pictures of it before, it’s where I park my jogging stroller and the phone sits on a lone table near a bookcase.   So, when we rounded the corner of office furniture I followed him in and he said, “I like this one.”  Me too I reply and keep walking.   He is still there, checking out the drawer unit and looking at the tag.  “I think this is what we should buy today.  Would that be okay with you?”  

I spent some time with a hex- key and then some time figuring out how to arrange the room and voila, we have an office!  We need about 40 things to complete the room.  That chair is part of our patio set.  The jogger is in the basement for the season. We need curtains, a desk chair, a comfortable chair and ottoman (Mike reads a lot of proposals at home) some paint (the walls and I may even paint the bookcase black) and probably a rug.  But, this is a start.  And you know all I need is a start.

This totally bumps the bedroom down the list, again.  Which is disappointing but I can deal with it because I never thought this room would happen.    A personal plus is this is a space to share, not just  Mikes room.  I moved in all of my scrap supplies today and intend on using it a lot.  It is exactly what we both need. I  have the space to be creative and it is around the corner from plain view so I can leave unfinished pages out until they are finished.  It is great for Mike because he has been working at our kitchen table for years.  He works at home a lot, he deserves a proper space. 

Detour?  Yes.  Victory?  Indeed.

Spilled Milk

I have had enough of the drippy sippy.   These are 3 we have tried in the 3 weeks since weaning.   We don’t use the nuby anymore at all since he leaned how to poke the entire top in.  The Avent is the best shape for him but it goes from a little drip to a total mess depending on its mood.  The other one is a MLB version of a Playtex, it’s okay but not leak free either. I don’t want anymore milk in my carpet.    Help! Does a leak free cup exist?

Cabin Fever

 The weather this week has been horrible.  We have about 6-8 inches of snow and the temps have been hovering in the single digits.   Last winter I mentioned that our little commuter car acts like the toboggan in Christmas Vacation when it snows so Mike takes my car when there are more than a few inches on the ground.

We have been in the house for three days.  Not counting the before dawn trip to the airport on Tuesday.  I am trying to keep it together but I am bored.  I was very motivated  yesterday by the cuymh task but didn’t finish though I am about half way.  I made my bed today which is a boring little tidbit but I did it!   I am going to do some laundry and finish up sorting my shoes.  Exciting!

This week has thrown off our plans.  Monday Nate slept through story time at the library and yesterday was the first day of our toddler class which was canceled.   So, the boy has taken his entertainment into his own hands, err legs.  (yes, it is 11am and he is in pj’s)

He is a climber, he has been a climber but he is getting better at it.  He has also discovered that not all of the kitchen cabinets have kid proof tabs and the ones that do, he has leaned how to open.   Remind me what was so appealing about a boy?  Heh.

To help me entertain myself and each other.  Tell me what you like to do on snow days.

CUYMH: 2

January’s task: Bedrooms

When I first read this I thought what a waste of a month.  Our bedrooms are clean and tidy.    They really are but so is most of our house, its what you don’t see that needs the work.  

Peter wants our bedrooms to have zones.   Sleeping, clothes, reading, etc.  And for our kids rooms to have them as well.  This isn’t working for my family.  We don’t use our rooms for much.  Nate’s is for sleeping, reading books and diaper changes.  Those zones are established with his rocking chair, bookcase and a changing table.  Our room is for sleeping and watching some TV.   So this is a nice idea but for our home it’s not something for us to work toward.

This does not mean that my work here is done!  His other things do apply.

Make it a room for grown-ups. – yeah, that means get Nate’s books, pacifiers and toys out of there.  Okay, will do!

Bring back the romance.  see above.   This room is totally hopeless in it’s current state.  This is a large part of why we are working on a makeover.  But, there are a few things I can do to make it a nicer environment. 

Make the bed.   FINE!   I am not good about this but I will admit that it is a must if you want a nice relaxing space.  Will add this to my “today” mantra.

Beware of what’s under the bed.   This isn’t too big an issue.   Mike and I both have our summer clothes in bins under the bed.   I should vacuum under there.

Clean the closet. (this is exactly what the email reads) We wear 20 percent of our clothes 80 percent of the time. To weed out the ones you don’t wear, turn all of the hangers in your closet one way. After you wear an item, turn the hanger to face the other way. Get rid of the clothes on the hangers that haven’t been turned in the last year

I clean out the closets all the time,  tossing things that don’t fit or have a stain.  But what I don’t do is get rid of the things I am not wearing.  I have lots of button up  shirts and slacks and dresses that I don’t wear but just can’t get rid of.  I don’t know why, what if I need them?  Or, is it more of I don’t want an empty closet.  Is it a quantity over quality issue?  If so that is exactly the point of this exercise.

I am going to the easy stuff first while I consider what the answer to that is.  I am going to do my shoes (again) first.  I know there is a lot in there that I am keeping that I won’t wear again.  Out of style, damaged, whatever.   I don’t need a closet full of shoes when I wear only a few pair.   This task I will do today when Nate naps.  I will also clear off our night stands and dust, vacuum, wash our bedding and make the bed.  Oh, Dudes!  And dust the blinds!  Oh my word.  Dust the blinds.

The guest room closet needs some purging.  There is a dead TV in that closet that Mike promised me would be gone before Nathan was born.  That is also the off season coat closet and we both have a few coats that can go.  This will only take a few minutes as well. 

The real work this month is going to be why can’t I get rid of my old unworn clothes.  Will I do the hanger trick and hold on to them for a year then get rid of it all or do it now.  I will let you know but I bet I put it off and turn the hangers.  

Anyone else tackling this one with me?  Do you keep clothes you don’t wear?

A week behind

My sister flew in from Seattle last Thursday and we have been busy.  A good busy, the kind where you shop and eat and frequent Starbucks and just talk and talk and shop and eat and talk and then, its over. Five days have passed and  you’re leaving for the airport to take her home. 

Here are some of the happenings.

• Nate is walking all over the house.  In just a week he has gone from 3 steps to full on walking.
• I found my DREAM bedding- perfect in every way, color, pattern and texture.  And, it was 50% off!  I put it on hold and took pictures to show Mike.  He hated it.  I now hate him.  The search continues.
• Nate got a new pair of shoes
• Heidi watched the kid so Mike and I went to dinner and a movie.  Alone!  It was fantastic.  We saw the dog movie, the dog dies. WTF?! 
• I ate terribly while Heidi was here.  Apparently that is part of what we do. 
• While we watch girl movies.
• I think I forced her to do as much shopping in a few days as she does in a year. 
• I think it is good for her!
• She was underwhelmed with Target’s design event.
• I don’t know why we don’t share that gene.
• I forced HGTV on her anyway.
• I am researching options for a shower makeover.  We have a tub with three “walls” – and I am OVER caulking the thing.  Also, we need a new non-drippy faucet.    I am looking into cost for tile vrs a system like bathfitter.  
• I don’t know why I am doing this now since this is a “later”  item. 
• I have new ideas for a few rooms of the house, too.
• This time of year makes me crazy.  I don’t know why I am always in full on redecorate and organize mode.
• I need to get into full on operation get the ass in gear, mode.
• Nathan is done teething for a while.  His last two came in this weekend, all that’s left are his 2 year molars.  He now has 16 teeth.
• Nate mastered walking  and began talking and signing even more.
• I got the first twinge of OMG baby yesterday at the mall.
• I kicked myself in my own ovary and told it to shut the hell up.
• I picked out new glasses.  Cart before horse, I need an eye exam before I order them.
• Decided I am  happy with the length of my hair, can’t decide if I want bangs.   I have this argument with myself every single time I have cut my hair in the past 7 years. 
• Every.
• Time!
• My dog ate a jar of baby food.
• No, not the food.
• The jar.
• This line is for you to imagine what we are doing with his waste..
• Do you need more time?
• I know.
• Gross.
• We don’t know for sure that any of it went down.
• We only know that there were 3 pieces of it on the floor and blood on his bed.
• We couldn’t find the rest of the jar.
• We hope he just chewed it up a bit and spit it out after it cut him.
• But, we don’t know.
• So grocery bag over the hand for a week it is.
• Later that night the dog peed in the house.
• A little later, the cat puked in my bedroom.
• Pets are overrated.
• I got all mad and pissy about grocery shopping and cooking.
• I decided I needed to cook more new food.
• I made a soup that took over an hour.
• It was not good.
• I found a way to turn everything Mike said into him having terrible taste until we were all cracking up over it.
• I don’t think it is funny.
• That bedding was perfect.
• I don’t know him at all.
• I have over 100 items in google reader.
• I am equally overwhelmed and excited to catch up after a blog hiatus.

 

So, whats up with you guys?  Anything happen in the last week?