One of those sniffling-like-a-six-year-old-with-a-runny-nose-I-want-my-mommy kind of cries.
Okay, I'm joking on the last part. (well at least kind of ;-)...)
Here's the thing: I felt about 18,000 times better afterwards.
Ahh yes, I am a crier. This used to be something I HATED about myself. But now I've come to accept it--embrace it even.
I have discovered through my years that the more I fight the cry, the closer and closer I get to making the situation worse. I may as well cry it out before it multiplies and erupts like a volcano.
So I cried for a few minutes. In order to not upset R too, I kissed his cheeks, assured him that mommy was okay, and told him how much mommy loves him.
What does he do next?
He rubs his lips on my cheek (something he's been doing for awhile...I like to think he's trying to kiss me), puts his head on my shoulder and squeezes my neck.
I smile from ear to ear with delight. This sweet baby is my precious son. How blessed am I?!?!?
Oh my sweet R, how you brighten mommy's world!
Then...I turn my head and he sticks my nose directly into his mouth.
Needless to say, I am then cracking up with laughter.
Oh R, you always know the right thing to say, even if it's not with words.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
When it all falls apart...
I have had one of those days.
One of those nothing is really wrong, but nothing is really right kind of days.
And that would be why I'm eating burnt and cold spaghetti. Yeah, I managed to pulled that one off.
But in order to not focus on all the stupid, silly annoyances of the day, I want to focus this post on the blessings that are always there when things fall apart. (These are in no particular order.)
1) My husband. Bless the man. He signed up to spend forever with me. He's got to be a saint. And he puts up with me when I just want to cry because I've burnt the spaghetti and it just so happened to be the straw that broke the camel's back.
2) My sweet baby boy. He had a super fussy day, but always seems to calm down and cuddle up when mama picks him up. Love that!
3) My family. They've put up with me for over a quarter of a century and still are ALWAYS there to listen to me...even when it's silly little complaints.
4) My Navy family. These people truly understand everything we go through with the Navy. When I'm at my whit's end with the night shift and never seeing my hubby, they get it AND sympathize. I know we'll always stay connected despite time and place, because we do have that military connection...that lifelong friendship that comes with the military lifestyle.
5) Our house and all the luxuries that go with it. Seriously people, have you ever stopped and thanked God for the simple things like food and shelter? To top things off, we're lucky enough to have a TV, computer, books, etc. etc. etc.
6) Last, but not least, my faith. I find that on days like today, I need to have a long talk with God. Afterwards I'll feel better and He'll remind me, like He did today, that in reality everything is OKAY.
Yep, we're blessed and I try to never forget it, even on bad days.
What helps you calm down and refocus on tough days?
One of those nothing is really wrong, but nothing is really right kind of days.
And that would be why I'm eating burnt and cold spaghetti. Yeah, I managed to pulled that one off.
But in order to not focus on all the stupid, silly annoyances of the day, I want to focus this post on the blessings that are always there when things fall apart. (These are in no particular order.)
1) My husband. Bless the man. He signed up to spend forever with me. He's got to be a saint. And he puts up with me when I just want to cry because I've burnt the spaghetti and it just so happened to be the straw that broke the camel's back.
2) My sweet baby boy. He had a super fussy day, but always seems to calm down and cuddle up when mama picks him up. Love that!
3) My family. They've put up with me for over a quarter of a century and still are ALWAYS there to listen to me...even when it's silly little complaints.
4) My Navy family. These people truly understand everything we go through with the Navy. When I'm at my whit's end with the night shift and never seeing my hubby, they get it AND sympathize. I know we'll always stay connected despite time and place, because we do have that military connection...that lifelong friendship that comes with the military lifestyle.
5) Our house and all the luxuries that go with it. Seriously people, have you ever stopped and thanked God for the simple things like food and shelter? To top things off, we're lucky enough to have a TV, computer, books, etc. etc. etc.
6) Last, but not least, my faith. I find that on days like today, I need to have a long talk with God. Afterwards I'll feel better and He'll remind me, like He did today, that in reality everything is OKAY.
Yep, we're blessed and I try to never forget it, even on bad days.
What helps you calm down and refocus on tough days?
Monday, January 16, 2012
Falling off the end of the earth...
...is something I need to stop doing with this blog. HA.
Really though, the holidays were a crazy time this year, but I'm back now and plan (and hope) to be much better at more regularly posting.
Now to what's been on my mind for a few days now...
Some of our dearest friends are moving in a month (or less), some of other closest friends will be moving in April when we do, and some of other dear friends are staying here and I'm. Not. Ready. For. Any. Of. It.
I'm terrible with goodbyes. Generally I either act like nothing is changing (case and point, leaving my students in Ohio) or I cry like a hormonal teenager.
So what's a girl to do?
Pray that we end up heading to the same base (or close bases), make plans for visits, keep up with each other on facebook (and blogs), and make a blog post so that when I'm all "see ya later" they know that I truly do care and am crying on the inside.
Okay, bawling.
Oh military life, you are a cruel mistress.
I know this is what we signed up for, but who knew the people we met would become such a part of our life and our family.
We've been blessed to know you all and hope to always stay in touch.
...you can't get rid of us that easily. ;-)
Really though, the holidays were a crazy time this year, but I'm back now and plan (and hope) to be much better at more regularly posting.
Now to what's been on my mind for a few days now...
Some of our dearest friends are moving in a month (or less), some of other closest friends will be moving in April when we do, and some of other dear friends are staying here and I'm. Not. Ready. For. Any. Of. It.
I'm terrible with goodbyes. Generally I either act like nothing is changing (case and point, leaving my students in Ohio) or I cry like a hormonal teenager.
So what's a girl to do?
Pray that we end up heading to the same base (or close bases), make plans for visits, keep up with each other on facebook (and blogs), and make a blog post so that when I'm all "see ya later" they know that I truly do care and am crying on the inside.
Okay, bawling.
Oh military life, you are a cruel mistress.
I know this is what we signed up for, but who knew the people we met would become such a part of our life and our family.
We've been blessed to know you all and hope to always stay in touch.
...you can't get rid of us that easily. ;-)
Monday, December 19, 2011
Some of the things I never thought I do...
...and then I became a mother.
1) Have my morning routine--that used to take 45 minutes--down to the time it takes for my son's mobile to play twice. AND I still get the same things down. WHAT was I doing before that made me take so long? I guess I just knew that I didn't HAVE to be done fast.
2) Go out in public without a shower and makeup and with my hair looking slightly better than the bird's nest outside our house. I had to run to Walgreens for my sick husband and I had a cranky--possibly teething--baby with me. I'm just thankful that's there's no "People of Walgreens" website or my "look" might have made it on there that day.
3) Get up at 5:45AM and like it. Love it even. R decided to wake up and stay up at that time the other morning. After watching him smile and giggle for a while, I decided this early morning stuff wasn't half bad.
4) Sing 24-7. I know that's a scary thought to some, but R seems to love hearing me sing. Often, when he's really cranky, it's the only thing that will soothe him. His favorite songs? ABCs and Rock-a-bye baby. We also sing many, many other songs--including Christmas songs.
5) Stay in on the weekend and enjoy it. I'm not saying that I don't like to have company or go places and I'm not saying that I didn't enjoy some home relaxation time before; however, I've found a new appreciation for staying in and relaxing with the hubby on weekend evenings. We watch "Bones" on Netflix and eat dinner together. Very relaxing.
6)Do chores with only one hand and/or pick things up with my feet. Yep, I know, this makes me sound a bit like a gorilla. There have been many moments in motherhood where I've done chores one-handed with R on my hip. There have also been moments when I needed something off the floor while rocking R and have picked it up with my toes. Yep, I'm adaptable...haha.
What is something you've done that surprises you now that you have a child(ren)?
Happy Monday!
1) Have my morning routine--that used to take 45 minutes--down to the time it takes for my son's mobile to play twice. AND I still get the same things down. WHAT was I doing before that made me take so long? I guess I just knew that I didn't HAVE to be done fast.
2) Go out in public without a shower and makeup and with my hair looking slightly better than the bird's nest outside our house. I had to run to Walgreens for my sick husband and I had a cranky--possibly teething--baby with me. I'm just thankful that's there's no "People of Walgreens" website or my "look" might have made it on there that day.
3) Get up at 5:45AM and like it. Love it even. R decided to wake up and stay up at that time the other morning. After watching him smile and giggle for a while, I decided this early morning stuff wasn't half bad.
4) Sing 24-7. I know that's a scary thought to some, but R seems to love hearing me sing. Often, when he's really cranky, it's the only thing that will soothe him. His favorite songs? ABCs and Rock-a-bye baby. We also sing many, many other songs--including Christmas songs.
5) Stay in on the weekend and enjoy it. I'm not saying that I don't like to have company or go places and I'm not saying that I didn't enjoy some home relaxation time before; however, I've found a new appreciation for staying in and relaxing with the hubby on weekend evenings. We watch "Bones" on Netflix and eat dinner together. Very relaxing.
6)Do chores with only one hand and/or pick things up with my feet. Yep, I know, this makes me sound a bit like a gorilla. There have been many moments in motherhood where I've done chores one-handed with R on my hip. There have also been moments when I needed something off the floor while rocking R and have picked it up with my toes. Yep, I'm adaptable...haha.
What is something you've done that surprises you now that you have a child(ren)?
Happy Monday!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Right now I'm...
...back from my LONG holiday hiatus. Christmas for us happened at the beginning of December when my family came to visit and will be happening again at the end of December when the hub's family comes to visit. Christmas day? We'll likely exchange a few gifts between us and then shower our R with his first Christmas gifts; it'll be a laid back, low key day. However, I will miss my family dearly. This is one of the first Christmas seasons that I have not been anywhere near home.
...missing my baby boy. He's here, but asleep and I find that I'm comforted by the fact that he's sleeping so soundly, but I miss those chubby cheekers. Am I the only mom who checks on their baby at least every hour while I'm awake? Oh well, he's adorable and totally worth every second.
...at a weird cross roads between normal time and "Navy time." My husband is working strange hours right now for the Navy and is on a 7 days on, 2 days off kind of rotation. I'm finding now that even though tonight is the beginning of the weekend for many, it's really just another work day for us.
...counting all my blessings: loving, hard-working husband; sweet, adorable baby boy; wonderful, supportive family; great friends both near and far; roof over our head; food on our table; happy 99% of the time--life is good. I realized the other day, to my great joy, that I have everything I've ever wished for. Don't get me wrong, I'd like more children in my future, but I am so blessed to be living my own dreams out!
...thinking that my book (a loaner for my mother-in-law) is calling my name. She lends me the greatest novels. If only I were a faster reader and then I could begin to make a dent in the pile of delicious novels I have.
...thinking that a relaxing bath with said book is in order for the near future!
...wondering what the rest of the world is up to tonight. Or rather my Navy wife friends, friends back in the good ole O-H-I-O and my other family members.
...wishing a very happy birthday to one of my best friends from home. Love you Nici!
...contemplating a super top secret part-time from home job opportunity that has been offered to me by my parents. Okay, it's not that top secret, but it's not time to shout it from the roof tops yet, until I've thought it through a bit more. I am excited though!
...finding that I worry a lot about being a good mother to my R. He's such a HUGE blessing. I just hope I'm doing justice to this whole job of mom. My husband thinks I need to lighten up on myself. He's probably right.
...craving some chocolate Almond Dream ice cream. Yes, you heard me...ice cream made from Almond milk. Divine! And R friendly, since he's exclusively breastfed and has had trouble with dairy anytime I've had it.
...thinking that I really need to get my Christmas shopping done. Like yesterday...
...wondering if my R is cutting a tooth. He's had a ton of drool, is chewing everything he can get his hands on, and has had a few cranky days lately. I can't imagine that getting a tooth is comfortable. Yowza...poor little cutie.
...realizing that I have a bookmark on my computer for my friend Brittany's blog, but not one for my own.
...feeling a little ridiculous about just spending 2 hours on facebook. In my defense though, I was researching for a good 1.5 of those 2 hours for my potential part time job.
...in disbelief over the fact that my husband will be finished with his 2 years of training in 3.5 short months.
...deciding that I'm done for the night with the post, but will be back again soon! I promise to not be gone as long this time...i.e. see you at least by Monday! :-)
Night all!
...missing my baby boy. He's here, but asleep and I find that I'm comforted by the fact that he's sleeping so soundly, but I miss those chubby cheekers. Am I the only mom who checks on their baby at least every hour while I'm awake? Oh well, he's adorable and totally worth every second.
...at a weird cross roads between normal time and "Navy time." My husband is working strange hours right now for the Navy and is on a 7 days on, 2 days off kind of rotation. I'm finding now that even though tonight is the beginning of the weekend for many, it's really just another work day for us.
...counting all my blessings: loving, hard-working husband; sweet, adorable baby boy; wonderful, supportive family; great friends both near and far; roof over our head; food on our table; happy 99% of the time--life is good. I realized the other day, to my great joy, that I have everything I've ever wished for. Don't get me wrong, I'd like more children in my future, but I am so blessed to be living my own dreams out!
...thinking that my book (a loaner for my mother-in-law) is calling my name. She lends me the greatest novels. If only I were a faster reader and then I could begin to make a dent in the pile of delicious novels I have.
...thinking that a relaxing bath with said book is in order for the near future!
...wondering what the rest of the world is up to tonight. Or rather my Navy wife friends, friends back in the good ole O-H-I-O and my other family members.
...wishing a very happy birthday to one of my best friends from home. Love you Nici!
...contemplating a super top secret part-time from home job opportunity that has been offered to me by my parents. Okay, it's not that top secret, but it's not time to shout it from the roof tops yet, until I've thought it through a bit more. I am excited though!
...finding that I worry a lot about being a good mother to my R. He's such a HUGE blessing. I just hope I'm doing justice to this whole job of mom. My husband thinks I need to lighten up on myself. He's probably right.
...craving some chocolate Almond Dream ice cream. Yes, you heard me...ice cream made from Almond milk. Divine! And R friendly, since he's exclusively breastfed and has had trouble with dairy anytime I've had it.
...thinking that I really need to get my Christmas shopping done. Like yesterday...
...wondering if my R is cutting a tooth. He's had a ton of drool, is chewing everything he can get his hands on, and has had a few cranky days lately. I can't imagine that getting a tooth is comfortable. Yowza...poor little cutie.
...realizing that I have a bookmark on my computer for my friend Brittany's blog, but not one for my own.
...feeling a little ridiculous about just spending 2 hours on facebook. In my defense though, I was researching for a good 1.5 of those 2 hours for my potential part time job.
...in disbelief over the fact that my husband will be finished with his 2 years of training in 3.5 short months.
...deciding that I'm done for the night with the post, but will be back again soon! I promise to not be gone as long this time...i.e. see you at least by Monday! :-)
Night all!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Military Wives
I found this on facebook of all places and I loved it!! I have found that military wives are very strong (and yet flexible) women. I'm proud to be a military wife and proud to be friends with the amazing military wives I know!
"What is a military wife...
Each one may look different and each is wonderfully unique,... but this they have in common:... Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.
Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!
They call her 'Military Dependent',
but she knows better:She is fiercely In-Dependent.
She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...
She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move
........all with ONE Power of Attorney.
She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert,
The Arctic,
Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.
Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.
Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...
Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands;
his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed;
the glue that holds them together.
A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.
Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart .
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband, she will remain his military wife."
"What is a military wife...
Each one may look different and each is wonderfully unique,... but this they have in common:... Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.
Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!
They call her 'Military Dependent',
but she knows better:She is fiercely In-Dependent.
She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...
She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move
........all with ONE Power of Attorney.
She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert,
The Arctic,
Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.
Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.
Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...
Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands;
his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed;
the glue that holds them together.
A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture,
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.
Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart .
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband, she will remain his military wife."
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Be still my beating heart...
My sweet boy laughed today.
Oh the sweet melody that is R's giggles.
And just when I think my heart might explode with joy from the sound of his laughter, he squealed! Did I mention that he also picked up his baby keys and shook them?
...OH BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!
R has been smiling the sweetest smiles since about 6 weeks old, but this is the first time I remember him really laughing and holding onto a hard toy without us putting it in his hand. (He's been picking up and holding onto soft stuff toys by himself for a few weeks.)
And what caused his sweet laughter?
The raspberries...on his sweet "piggies." Gets 'em every time.
It's really neat to see each new stage with our baby. And to see him come into his own sweet personality.
I'm forever excited for the next thing he'll do!
Oh the sweet melody that is R's giggles.
And just when I think my heart might explode with joy from the sound of his laughter, he squealed! Did I mention that he also picked up his baby keys and shook them?
...OH BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!
R has been smiling the sweetest smiles since about 6 weeks old, but this is the first time I remember him really laughing and holding onto a hard toy without us putting it in his hand. (He's been picking up and holding onto soft stuff toys by himself for a few weeks.)
And what caused his sweet laughter?
The raspberries...on his sweet "piggies." Gets 'em every time.
It's really neat to see each new stage with our baby. And to see him come into his own sweet personality.
I'm forever excited for the next thing he'll do!
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