When Ben is out of town we probably send 20 texts and at least 5 pictures per day...I am sure it is slightly annoying but if the roles were reversed, I would want the same.
Last night before bed, Allie wanted to jump and "video for dad" so here it is.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
People just amaze me!
Tonight Allie and I ran to Wal-Mart for a couple things and there was a man standing outside smoking when we walked in. I have to negotiate with Allie to get in the cart (the option is not to push the cart or ride on the front - you must be IN it) so by the time the man was done with his cigarette we were finally getting situated. Anyway, the man walks up and asks when I am due, how old Allie is, etc then proceeds to tell me his daughter just had a baby but the problem with the baby is it (in his exact words) "doesn't have a butthole."
I was horrified. Who just comes out and tells a complete stranger this?
I was horrified. Who just comes out and tells a complete stranger this?
Have you ever???
Have you ever wanted something for someone, that they didn't want for themselves?
Have you ever been so frustrated with someone, extremely close to you, but if or when you say something, you are ostracised?
Have you ever let someone make you so mad that it ended up upsetting you?
Have you ever worried about someone so much, that the worrying turns to anger, which like the above question, results in sadness?
Have you ever had someone in your life, who you know is a wonderful person inside, but yet they make irresponsible choices?
Have you ever wanted to help someone but you cannot muster up the courage to approach them about it?
Have you ever thought to yourself, what would I do if something happened to this person, and I didn't attempt to help?
...welcome to my world. I unfortunately cannot divulge who this person is, but the situation is eating at me like a disease which is not healthy at 35-weeks pregnant. All I can hope and pray for is that they wake up before it is too late and realize a) how much I adore them; b) I am always here; and c) I will do anything in my power to help.
- Carmen
Have you ever been so frustrated with someone, extremely close to you, but if or when you say something, you are ostracised?
Have you ever let someone make you so mad that it ended up upsetting you?
Have you ever worried about someone so much, that the worrying turns to anger, which like the above question, results in sadness?
Have you ever had someone in your life, who you know is a wonderful person inside, but yet they make irresponsible choices?
Have you ever wanted to help someone but you cannot muster up the courage to approach them about it?
Have you ever thought to yourself, what would I do if something happened to this person, and I didn't attempt to help?
...welcome to my world. I unfortunately cannot divulge who this person is, but the situation is eating at me like a disease which is not healthy at 35-weeks pregnant. All I can hope and pray for is that they wake up before it is too late and realize a) how much I adore them; b) I am always here; and c) I will do anything in my power to help.
- Carmen
I forgot how many parts these things had!
Ben left this morning for Atlanta for the bowl game so Allie and I scheduled a lunch date with Dana, Evan and Jude. Allie absolutely adores Ev and Jude and as they were walking into Chick-fil-a she looked at me and said "I'm so excited mom!" Gotta love this age.
After lunch we ran to Babies r' Us to spend a butt load of money on baby items we need before RCR arrives. I've done well this week...Thursday night Ben got down all Allie's 8 million bins of clothes and I sorted through them, washed things, etc. Everything, and I repeat everything she had as a newborn has some sort of pink on it...I was shocked. Not that I didn't think we had anything pink, but I didn't realize all of it was. I am really taking a gamble on RCR being a girl. I washed probably 10 gowns and another 10-15 footed PJ's, of course all pink. Even her socks, bibs and washcloths were pink! So given all this, we embarked on a Babies 'r Us adventure today to get the necessities - bottle sterilizer (a whopping $70), white bibs, cream washcloths, poop sacks, socks, wipes, bottle nipples, a postpartum support belt for me (which I SWORE by after I had Allie), a Wubba-Nub...the list could go on.
The coolest thing I bought, which I didn't get with Allie, was the sanitizer...I have been a sanitizing feign today! I am all about convenience with this kiddo since we have Allie this go around, so I figured the $70 spent would be well worth the lack of time we will spend scrubbing bottles or waiting for the dishwasher cycle to end at night.
BUT...I did forget just how many frickin' parts the bottles contain. I was a total breastfeeding failure with Allie...I am sure mom's death had a little bit to do with it, so I am not going to get my hopes up if it doesn't work with RCR. I am going to try, but not kill myself with it. If the baby ain't happy, then momma ain't happy, which means 4663 Hyacinth Avenue ain't happy - LOL.
After lunch we ran to Babies r' Us to spend a butt load of money on baby items we need before RCR arrives. I've done well this week...Thursday night Ben got down all Allie's 8 million bins of clothes and I sorted through them, washed things, etc. Everything, and I repeat everything she had as a newborn has some sort of pink on it...I was shocked. Not that I didn't think we had anything pink, but I didn't realize all of it was. I am really taking a gamble on RCR being a girl. I washed probably 10 gowns and another 10-15 footed PJ's, of course all pink. Even her socks, bibs and washcloths were pink! So given all this, we embarked on a Babies 'r Us adventure today to get the necessities - bottle sterilizer (a whopping $70), white bibs, cream washcloths, poop sacks, socks, wipes, bottle nipples, a postpartum support belt for me (which I SWORE by after I had Allie), a Wubba-Nub...the list could go on.
The coolest thing I bought, which I didn't get with Allie, was the sanitizer...I have been a sanitizing feign today! I am all about convenience with this kiddo since we have Allie this go around, so I figured the $70 spent would be well worth the lack of time we will spend scrubbing bottles or waiting for the dishwasher cycle to end at night.
BUT...I did forget just how many frickin' parts the bottles contain. I was a total breastfeeding failure with Allie...I am sure mom's death had a little bit to do with it, so I am not going to get my hopes up if it doesn't work with RCR. I am going to try, but not kill myself with it. If the baby ain't happy, then momma ain't happy, which means 4663 Hyacinth Avenue ain't happy - LOL.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Grocery List
While in Marshall, Allie never went to bed before 10:30 pm which made for some llllllloooooooonnnnnnnnggggggg and tiring days and nights. She was basically delirious by the end of the evening, and this video proves it.
Santa brought her a cash register (with play money and credit cards) and a shopping cart with more food to go with her pink kitchen my dad bought her last Christmas. Last night, Pam and I were sitting in the living room when our grocery princess walked in to take our orders. I swear, these are the moments as a parent that you live for! All the fits, tantrums, talking back and sassiness are washed away when you hear cute things like this come out of your child's mouth.
After the grocery list, Allie decided to play on her Hummer (which the poor kid still has not been able to ride because of the weather) and wear Oooh-Rob's (Ben's dad) specs. I have no idea where she comes up with things like this, but her imagination is hysterical.
Santa brought her a cash register (with play money and credit cards) and a shopping cart with more food to go with her pink kitchen my dad bought her last Christmas. Last night, Pam and I were sitting in the living room when our grocery princess walked in to take our orders. I swear, these are the moments as a parent that you live for! All the fits, tantrums, talking back and sassiness are washed away when you hear cute things like this come out of your child's mouth.
After the grocery list, Allie decided to play on her Hummer (which the poor kid still has not been able to ride because of the weather) and wear Oooh-Rob's (Ben's dad) specs. I have no idea where she comes up with things like this, but her imagination is hysterical.
Allie and her "idols"
For the last two years, my cousins Molly and Kasey have brought their Wii to Christmas Day at Mama and Papa's to play Just Dance with Allie. Please look at how in heaven Allie is - she loves these two girls! I wish we lived closer.
Prepping for Santa
Of all days for Allie to sleep in it was yesterday she chose - Christmas morning.
Dad always comes to Robert and Pam's to see her loot, yesterday I had to text him 20 different times to relay the status of princess and her sleep. She finally woke up around 10 am, and we had to wait in the bedroom for Papa B so I decided to get a quick video of her telling us what she thought she was getting from Santa. Now keep in mind, this kid has stuck by the things she wanted since early November - presents, candies, chocolate and a car.
Dad always comes to Robert and Pam's to see her loot, yesterday I had to text him 20 different times to relay the status of princess and her sleep. She finally woke up around 10 am, and we had to wait in the bedroom for Papa B so I decided to get a quick video of her telling us what she thought she was getting from Santa. Now keep in mind, this kid has stuck by the things she wanted since early November - presents, candies, chocolate and a car.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
An article to make you think
This is a phenomenal article that everyone should read. It brings tears to my eyes for several reasons.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2012/12/16/i-am-adam-lanzas-mother-mental-illness-conversation_n_2311009.html
My mother, who sold Seroquel for years, always told me that mental illness is under diagnosed, untreated and most important, extremely difficult to get help for when it comes to psychiatric or in-patient treatment - and this article portrays a mother, who knows her son needs help, but cannot find the right way to get it.
Read this, digest it and put yourself in this mother's shoes.
Since mom died, I now sell a mental health drug and I see first-hand, numerous times a day while sitting in psychiatry offices that the mother in this article is 100% correct. Offices are slammed pack, 99% of them do not take health insurance (requiring hundreds of dollars per visit), once diagnosed, and a medication is recommended, such medication is often times not covered on the patient's insurance, again requiring hundreds of dollars cash, OR if it is covered, patients experience a large copay. Also, the days of Medicaid psychiatrists are pretty few and far between, leading to zero treatment available for those who are not fiscally able to afford it. These facts lead you to wonder why patients with a mental illness are basically "punished" for having such.
I have so much more I could write but I should stop as to avoid too many thoughts on paper.
Carmen
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2012/12/16/i-am-adam-lanzas-mother-mental-illness-conversation_n_2311009.html
My mother, who sold Seroquel for years, always told me that mental illness is under diagnosed, untreated and most important, extremely difficult to get help for when it comes to psychiatric or in-patient treatment - and this article portrays a mother, who knows her son needs help, but cannot find the right way to get it.
Read this, digest it and put yourself in this mother's shoes.
Since mom died, I now sell a mental health drug and I see first-hand, numerous times a day while sitting in psychiatry offices that the mother in this article is 100% correct. Offices are slammed pack, 99% of them do not take health insurance (requiring hundreds of dollars per visit), once diagnosed, and a medication is recommended, such medication is often times not covered on the patient's insurance, again requiring hundreds of dollars cash, OR if it is covered, patients experience a large copay. Also, the days of Medicaid psychiatrists are pretty few and far between, leading to zero treatment available for those who are not fiscally able to afford it. These facts lead you to wonder why patients with a mental illness are basically "punished" for having such.
I have so much more I could write but I should stop as to avoid too many thoughts on paper.
Carmen
Roll Call
A couple minutes ago Ben and I were in the kitchen and this was Allie's conversation, with a pen and a pack of fruit snacks (aka paper) in her hand:
Allie: "daddy say here"
Ben: "here"
Allie, as she writes: "thank you! mommy say here"
Me: "here"
Allie, as she writes: "thank you! Allie Parker Ross, here. Mickey Mouse say here...."
Allie: "daddy say here"
Ben: "here"
Allie, as she writes: "thank you! mommy say here"
Me: "here"
Allie, as she writes: "thank you! Allie Parker Ross, here. Mickey Mouse say here...."
Monday, December 10, 2012
More master bedroom updates
I love to decorate, and several factors make it even more fun:
1. Finding "new" spots for older decorations around the house
2. Discovering wonderful sellers on Etsy
3. Catching great deals on easy "update" items
I needed to find "something" to go above our bed, between the two windows. It's a smaller area so I had to watch the size so it didn't "swallow" or look "rinky-dink." These candle holders (I have a total of 2) have been in our master bathroom since the day we moved in and to be honest, they're a huge pain in the butt because I hit my elbow on them every morning while curling my hair. I decided to try moving one above the bed and it looks great; it adds something unique to the room and pulls out the bronze and khaki brown in the pillows. Not sure what I will do with the other one.
1. Finding "new" spots for older decorations around the house
2. Discovering wonderful sellers on Etsy
3. Catching great deals on easy "update" items
I needed to find "something" to go above our bed, between the two windows. It's a smaller area so I had to watch the size so it didn't "swallow" or look "rinky-dink." These candle holders (I have a total of 2) have been in our master bathroom since the day we moved in and to be honest, they're a huge pain in the butt because I hit my elbow on them every morning while curling my hair. I decided to try moving one above the bed and it looks great; it adds something unique to the room and pulls out the bronze and khaki brown in the pillows. Not sure what I will do with the other one.
I found both these fabrics at P Tree Textiles several weeks ago and loved them BUT the fabric was pricey AND I received a quote for $2 per square inch to make pillows. For each paisley ikat pillow (18x18) I was looking at $72 before the fabric, and $64 for the gray Greek key. Ridiculous if you ask me.
I found two separate sellers on Etsy and bought all 3 pillows for less than 1/2 what I would have paid to buy the fabric and have them made. I love gray and the fact it's really in style right now. If I had my way, with tons of money, I would have ditched the crib in the baby's room (mahogany), purchased a distressed off-white one, and used the gray Greek key fabric with an off-white linen.
The Etsy seller I purchased the gray Greek key pillow from was wonderful. Little did I know, she is also an interior decorator. Last weekend I messaged her a picture of our couch and living room, and less than a day later she sent me 3 clusters of fabric swatches to look at. I ordered the pillow covers (a total of 8) last Monday, and got them in the mail over the weekend. I was not expecting to get them as soon as I did, so I have to find the inserts this week. Once I get them situated, I will post pics.
I love when sellers actually help you out, and provide their ideas. The shop that helped me is called Kloe Studio...check out her items!
Carmen
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Another "nesting" project!
We moved in to this old house, built in 1954, in November 2008. We needed SO many things it was unbelievable, so we decided we would buy furniture, decorations, etc. as we found what we wanted and could afford it.
In October 2009 we bought an awesome kitchen table and 8 chairs from Christian Street Furniture here in Baton Rouge. After the purchase, I didn't touch the table or dining room. In fact, the original dining room changed after Allie turned 1. Like all households with children, you "make do" during specific periods. At one point, before the playroom was even thought of, we rearranged the front part of the house and our dining room became a playroom (see below pictures from 2010). Several months ago we bought a chandelier for the "new" dining room, and again, I haven't touched the room since.
Last week (thanks to Pinterest!) I found a blog of an interior decorator in Dallas - Emily Hewitt. I've never actually hired an interior decorator - I've only found pictures of things I like in magazines, online, etc. I had NO idea how addicted to her blog I would become...she is to thank for our bedroom project, some of the nursery and now...the dining room!
It is fun when you find someone with the same tastes and interests as you. I am not one for clutter, especially with kids. Her simplistic taste is what makes me love her ideas. I pieced together ideas from two of her designs.
...and now for my pics. Did I mention I am all about "decorating on a dime?"
Yesterday I went to World Market and Pier One and found everything Emily used (for the most part) in her designs. I messaged her earlier in the week to ask where she purchased a mirror I love, but as part of her contractual agreement with her clients, she cannot reveal. But that doesn't mean I can't tell you where I found all the items I used! Check out the below original prices, then the next line to see how much I saved.
ORIGINAL PRICES:
Plates - World Market - $5 each
Bowls - World Market - $6 each
Runner - World Market - $25
Napkins - Pier One - $5 each
Napkin Rings - Pier One - $6 each
Chargers - Pier One - $4 each
Today, I ran in to Wal-Mart simply for milk (story of my life) and found not only silver chargers, BUT the actual plates I envisioned for this project, for....get ready...a FRACTION of the price...I was so proud of myself.
NEW PRICES:
Plates - Wal-Mart - $2 each each
Bowls - Wal-Mart - $1.50 each
Chargers - Wal-Mart - $0.97 each
In October 2009 we bought an awesome kitchen table and 8 chairs from Christian Street Furniture here in Baton Rouge. After the purchase, I didn't touch the table or dining room. In fact, the original dining room changed after Allie turned 1. Like all households with children, you "make do" during specific periods. At one point, before the playroom was even thought of, we rearranged the front part of the house and our dining room became a playroom (see below pictures from 2010). Several months ago we bought a chandelier for the "new" dining room, and again, I haven't touched the room since.
Last week (thanks to Pinterest!) I found a blog of an interior decorator in Dallas - Emily Hewitt. I've never actually hired an interior decorator - I've only found pictures of things I like in magazines, online, etc. I had NO idea how addicted to her blog I would become...she is to thank for our bedroom project, some of the nursery and now...the dining room!
It is fun when you find someone with the same tastes and interests as you. I am not one for clutter, especially with kids. Her simplistic taste is what makes me love her ideas. I pieced together ideas from two of her designs.
...and now for my pics. Did I mention I am all about "decorating on a dime?"
Yesterday I went to World Market and Pier One and found everything Emily used (for the most part) in her designs. I messaged her earlier in the week to ask where she purchased a mirror I love, but as part of her contractual agreement with her clients, she cannot reveal. But that doesn't mean I can't tell you where I found all the items I used! Check out the below original prices, then the next line to see how much I saved.
ORIGINAL PRICES:
Plates - World Market - $5 each
Bowls - World Market - $6 each
Runner - World Market - $25
Napkins - Pier One - $5 each
Napkin Rings - Pier One - $6 each
Chargers - Pier One - $4 each
Today, I ran in to Wal-Mart simply for milk (story of my life) and found not only silver chargers, BUT the actual plates I envisioned for this project, for....get ready...a FRACTION of the price...I was so proud of myself.
NEW PRICES:
Plates - Wal-Mart - $2 each each
Bowls - Wal-Mart - $1.50 each
Chargers - Wal-Mart - $0.97 each
After Christmas the reindeer and small trees will be replaced with a large silver Mercury glass vase of hydrangeas and two silver Mercury glass tea lights, all from World Market.
My next project is to finish this hutch on the opposite wall of the dining room table. I found this awesome mirror at World Market today for $50 (Hobby Lobby can't even touch that price), made the hydrangea bouquet, and bought the small vase. I had the plate rack, which I plan to put our China plates on (they are white with a silver band) after the holidays. I need to move the pine cones and add a tall silver lamp and a silver picture frame, hang the mirror (and obviously wipe Allie's hand print off!), then I should be close to being done. I want to find two leather chairs to add to this room, but those will have to come after Christmas.
Enough of my rant - enjoy!
Carmen
Thursday, November 29, 2012
The nesting has started
Monday night Ben was out of town, Allie got in bed with me around 1:30 am after a bad dream that woke me with a scream and the words "that's my syrup!" so needless to say, I did not sleep well. I had a personal day left for the year so I took off Tuesday to get about 8,000 things organized and situated around the house.
I remember when I was pregnant with Allie that I hit a point when I wanted everything around the house as perfect as possible, and unfortunately, I think I'm there again. Tuesday I redecorated our room, pictures are below. I still have some things left to do but it looks so much better than it did.
Tonight I had Ben raise the baby's crib so I could see what the crib skirt looked like. I still have some decorating left, but it's coming along.
My last project, which is in progress, is to have new pillows made for the couch in the living room. I've found fabric but need to narrow the choices!
I remember when I was pregnant with Allie that I hit a point when I wanted everything around the house as perfect as possible, and unfortunately, I think I'm there again. Tuesday I redecorated our room, pictures are below. I still have some things left to do but it looks so much better than it did.
I need two more porthole mirrors for above the bed
Fabric for throw pillows. I ordered two 18x18 pillows in the tan, cream and gray paisley and a bolster in the Greek key.
My mom's favorite flower was the hydrangea so I decorated with them in small glass containers. This one is on Ben's nightstand.
My nightstand with several hydrangeas and my absolute favorite picture of Ben, Allie and me.
Etched vase from our friend Derek's sweet mom for my 30th birthday.
Pardon the price tag on the mirror and it's "off-centerness" - this was a trial. :)
Tonight I had Ben raise the baby's crib so I could see what the crib skirt looked like. I still have some decorating left, but it's coming along.
The white balance on my camera is really white...not sure how to make these look better.
Ben's original Peter Rabbit books from when he was a kid.
Rabbit lamp compliments of Pammy
Not sure if this pillow will stay here or not...needed somewhere to put it.
My last project, which is in progress, is to have new pillows made for the couch in the living room. I've found fabric but need to narrow the choices!
Monday, November 26, 2012
My FINAL "Thankful"...
I am awful about finishing my days of things I am thankful for leading up to Thanksgiving. I swear, I start it every year and end up quitting half-way through.
My final "thankful" for this year goes out to my sweet, spunky, smart and sassy, Allie Parker Ross. Since this kid entered the world, kicking and screaming on June 11, 2010, she has been the biggest joy in my life. "When one door closes, another door opens" is my motto for my life from May 12 - June 11 of 2010. Mom's death was the closing of one door, but Allie's birth, and my welcoming to motherhood opened another.
Allie - I will never be able to explain just how much you mean to me; my world would not be complete without you. I hope you can look back at this blog one day and laugh, cry or scream (over some posts!) about how much your dad and I cherish you.
My final "thankful" for this year goes out to my sweet, spunky, smart and sassy, Allie Parker Ross. Since this kid entered the world, kicking and screaming on June 11, 2010, she has been the biggest joy in my life. "When one door closes, another door opens" is my motto for my life from May 12 - June 11 of 2010. Mom's death was the closing of one door, but Allie's birth, and my welcoming to motherhood opened another.
Allie - I will never be able to explain just how much you mean to me; my world would not be complete without you. I hope you can look back at this blog one day and laugh, cry or scream (over some posts!) about how much your dad and I cherish you.
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