For as long as I can remember, my feet have been claustrophobic. When I was a little girl, I HATED wearing socks because it made my shoes fit that much tighter. Because of that, I had horribly stinky feet.
Now, of course, my feet look like hell. I've been wearing Birkenstock sandals, sans socks, for at least 5 years now, if not longer, and my heels have paid for it. Of course, I am sure if I had worn socks most of my life, my feet would be softer and certain free from these horrible dry, scratchy patches.
I'd still prefer sandals over socks and closed-toe shoes. Even clogs kind of bother me. I would mind some nice, simple Mary Janes, but that's because they are light on your feet and airy.
I digress.
Yesterday, I went to Shoe Carnival with mom. I need to start walking to get fit and I need the shoes to do it. My feet grew when I was pregnant with TJ, so I knew a plain old 11 (yes, I wear the biggest women's shoe in the store) wasn't going to cut it. I feared wearing a men's clunky running shoe.
I managed to find some 11 wides that actually fit. Of course, the first thing I want to do when I put them on is take them off, but at least they fit well enough for me to call them comfortable... despite the fact that my feet FREAK out. My toes start to curl and I feel like I have to rub them next to each other, over and over and over and over and over again. It's the only way I know to soothe the anxiety of my toes!
So, on Tuesday, I am going to attempt to put the girls in the stroller after I get home from taking TJ to school. I am then going to do some walking in my women's Nike walking shoes (I prefer New Balance, but couldn't find the color I wanted).
My toes are already freaking out thinking about the shoes....
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Target Hell
Today I learned that when shopping at Target on University Dr., NEVER (and I repeat, NEVER) go through the check-out with the gigantic African-American guy. Please, don't do it. Don't even consider it. The dude is slower than Christmas. Wait, what is slower than Christmas? Because he is slower than THAT!
As I stood there, Lauren screaming, Katie the same, he is s-l-o-w-l-y ringing up my items o-n-e by o-n-e. Let me repeat, the girls are screaming. I'm trying to write a check, soothe them, put my groceries in the cart... typical mom multi-tasking... and he is taking his sweet, sweet time.
PLUS the women behind me were staring me down, as if I were some kind of freak show. "Hey, look at the woman try to handle two screaming babies at the same time" No, they didn't say it, but I could FEEL it in their stare. I wanted to just scream "HURRY THE HELL UP!" and "YOU! STOP STARING AT ME!"
Plus they've gotten new carts (the old ones are pieces of crap and there's always a buggy wheel), and the new carts are smaller, thus making it increasingly harder to shop with two babies in two car seats.
Grocery stores need to supply carts for MOMs (mothers of multiples). The only places that come close are SAMS and Costco. Don't these people CARE about how hard it is to shop with two young children - much less - TWINS?!
I got home just in time to feed the girls. I looked at the clock. 1pm. Hmmm... is 1pm too early to drink a beer???
At least they were nice and quiet (for the most part) for my wait in the car riders line at school.
Ahhhh..... the joys of motherhood.
As I stood there, Lauren screaming, Katie the same, he is s-l-o-w-l-y ringing up my items o-n-e by o-n-e. Let me repeat, the girls are screaming. I'm trying to write a check, soothe them, put my groceries in the cart... typical mom multi-tasking... and he is taking his sweet, sweet time.
PLUS the women behind me were staring me down, as if I were some kind of freak show. "Hey, look at the woman try to handle two screaming babies at the same time" No, they didn't say it, but I could FEEL it in their stare. I wanted to just scream "HURRY THE HELL UP!" and "YOU! STOP STARING AT ME!"
Plus they've gotten new carts (the old ones are pieces of crap and there's always a buggy wheel), and the new carts are smaller, thus making it increasingly harder to shop with two babies in two car seats.
Grocery stores need to supply carts for MOMs (mothers of multiples). The only places that come close are SAMS and Costco. Don't these people CARE about how hard it is to shop with two young children - much less - TWINS?!
I got home just in time to feed the girls. I looked at the clock. 1pm. Hmmm... is 1pm too early to drink a beer???
At least they were nice and quiet (for the most part) for my wait in the car riders line at school.
Ahhhh..... the joys of motherhood.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Fay, Fay, Go Away!
I guess it's officially a Tropical Depression now, but Fay is still causing problems! It's been raining non-stop since yesterday afternoon, and even though I know some farmers and locals are happy to have the rain... I am already over it.
The rain has found its way into our house. Tim seems to think the reason it is attacking our computer room closet is because it's an add-on to the main house and rain from the main roof is just pouring down and making its way in. Ugh. No fun and not a pretty sight. At least we caught it before it damaged too much in the closet.
I am also worried about the damn flooding. We live in a flood zone and pay well over $100 a month in flood insurance to FEMA, so if we have any flood damage, we will have no problems calling them and asking for every nickle and dime we can get.
I don't want flood damage! They anticipate a couple more days of rain. The front drainage ditch is filled already from one end of the street to the other. Our front walk is a small swimming hole. I just hope these HUGE trees around our house don't uproot and fall!!!
Fay, Fay, GO AWAY!
The rain has found its way into our house. Tim seems to think the reason it is attacking our computer room closet is because it's an add-on to the main house and rain from the main roof is just pouring down and making its way in. Ugh. No fun and not a pretty sight. At least we caught it before it damaged too much in the closet.
I am also worried about the damn flooding. We live in a flood zone and pay well over $100 a month in flood insurance to FEMA, so if we have any flood damage, we will have no problems calling them and asking for every nickle and dime we can get.
I don't want flood damage! They anticipate a couple more days of rain. The front drainage ditch is filled already from one end of the street to the other. Our front walk is a small swimming hole. I just hope these HUGE trees around our house don't uproot and fall!!!
Fay, Fay, GO AWAY!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Sleep!!!! Plus new pictures...
First, an amazing milestone! Last night, the girls got a bottle at about 930pm and then they didn't wake up for another bottle until around 430am! YAY! Not even 11 weeks old yet! I am thrilled!
I did have a little freak out moment when Katie's Angel Care Monitor went off. She is a wiggle worm and she wiggles herself all over the bed. Last night she had wiggled her way up to the end of the bed, with her head pressed against the crib bumper. The monitor went off, I think, because she was too far off the sensor area. I moved her back and we both went back to sleep!
Tonight I doubt we will have that kind of luck again. Especially since our grumpy bear (Lauren) has been really fussy this evening. We'll see...
Here are our newest pictures:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/JediMommy/20080824/
I did have a little freak out moment when Katie's Angel Care Monitor went off. She is a wiggle worm and she wiggles herself all over the bed. Last night she had wiggled her way up to the end of the bed, with her head pressed against the crib bumper. The monitor went off, I think, because she was too far off the sensor area. I moved her back and we both went back to sleep!
Tonight I doubt we will have that kind of luck again. Especially since our grumpy bear (Lauren) has been really fussy this evening. We'll see...
Here are our newest pictures:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/JediMommy/20080824/
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Pictures (Memories) to Share
I've been thinking a lot about Papaw and Grandma lately. I've been so lucky to have two magnificent people like them in my life. They aren't alive anymore, but that doesn't matter. I still feel them around me. Especially Papaw. I've always had visits from him in my dreams since he passed. He never seemed to be a religious man (at least, I never saw him praying, reading a bible, or talking about God), but his presence after life has been very obvious to me.
The day after Papaw died, we had his funeral (because he did not want to be embalmed). During and after the service were many signs that he was still around, watching over us. Someone was talking badly about their brother, and a HUGE branch fell down off a tree about 20 feet from where we were standing outside. Then a few days later, more "talk" was happening inside the house and a lamp started flickering off and on quite rapidly. I've had countless dreams where he comes to talk to me. Real talk. It's real - it isn't a dream (only those who believe in after life communication can understand this phenomenon).
I also remember October 31, 2007. I was sitting in the exam room at my OB/GYN's office and I felt the presence of my grandparents and Jessica. As if I had their support. Tim and I had been trying to conceive for a while and this was our first round of medical help (a drug similar to Clomid) and I was convinced I wasn't pregnant. I was depressed and feeling really down, but suddenly I felt them in the room with me. I then found out that I was indeed pregnant! And shortly afterwards, as I was driving away, I heard my grandmother's voice tell me I would have a beautiful baby girl. Of course, now I think maybe she just forgot to add the plural of "girl" to that sentence.
I also have these two pictures:
This was taken in March, 1981. Me and my grandma! I was about 4 1/2 at the time. My grandmother had the greenest thumb and she treasured her plants. These plants next to us were probably ones that she had been keeping inside during the winter, hanging up in the indoor patio they had. It had a HUGE glass window that allowed plenty of sun to come through during the winter time.
My grandmother taught me lots of wonderful things, and she continued to teach me until her mind began to be robbed by Alzheimer's. I'd say I was around 15 (give or take a year or two) when he mind started to go. It was slow at first, but then it seemed to happen so quickly.
My Papaw was everything I could have asked for in a dad, too. My biological father wasn't in my life, and my Papaw proudly took the role (for what he could). He often called me his 7th child (my grandparents had six children). For a retired colonel, he was the biggest softie to me. He was always sweet, caring, huggable, and always smelled like Old Spice. In fact, just about every Father's Day, I would buy him a new bottle of the aftershave. He was such an amazing man. God, I miss him.I was there when he was taken off life support. I had woken up that day somehow knowing that was the day he was going to die. He had been in a drug induced coma for a few days and they were not able to take him out of the coma. Papaw had more than a decade of serious health issues, but he always keep ticking. We thought we had lost in in the late 80's when a major artery to his heart suffered damage from an aneurysm. He survived because it was Christmas day and the ambulance was able to get to him so quickly. After that, he suffered from many other issues that he survived like the soldier he was. But that horrible day, taking him off life support, was an awfully traumatic experience for me. I will never forget that wet, raspy, monsterous cough of his as he tried to breathe in air, as his lungs slowly filled with fluid and he let go. It was that reason alone as to why I couldn't be there when my grandmother was dying. I was so haunted by the sounds of his death that I couldn't possibly allow myself to have the visions of my dying grandmother in my mind. I wanted to remember her as the beautiful, vibrant woman she was before she was robbed of her mind.
What sad thoughts to share. But there were so many happy thoughts, too. Like Sunday trips to Fayetteville with my grandma to get the Tennessean Sunday Newspaper. We'd stop at McDonalds. I'd get a Big Big Breakfast and she would read the paper while I ate. We'd drive back home, and during spring time, we would stop and pick daffodils. Occasionally, she would make a BLT for lunch, split it with me, pour herself a glass of beer and then pour a little into a tiny glass for me (one of those Pimento Cheese glasses). Yep, my grandmother gave me beer. :) I never remember being affected by it. But that's probably why I love it so much now!
I will never forget my Papaw standing in the kitchen with a frying pan, flipped over, and him pretending it was a banjo. He made banjo noises while be danced for me. I doubt anyone else got to see this stern ex-colonel goof around like that very often. I always felt like that was a special thing he would do for me!
And then there were the cars! My Papaw bought my grandmother a Mercury Cougar, and she loved it. We actually wrecked on an icy bridge coming home from Fayetteville one time. That's the time I realized my grandmother and I both shared some E.S.P. abilities, because we both knew we were going to wreck moments before it happened. I remember their red Volkswagen Beetle. My mom had a blue Super Beetle (it had a dash board!). I also remember the Cadillacs. I think he had two or three (total - not at once). They always had butterscotch candies in the ash tray.
My papaw loved taking pictures of my grandmother. I remember him getting several different 35mm cameras. He'd take pictures of her. Sometimes her with her flowers. She'd always take pictures of the house and the flowers.
It's amazing how many wonderful happy memories I have of them. I only wish TJ had gotten to know them. But I know they look after him.
They say life isn't always fair...
... but did they say it was unfair? Today it seems so.
Recently, a couple of my family members suffered a horrible loss. There aren't enough words for me to describe how full of sorrow I am for them. It deeply hurts my heart.
It is times like this that we have to be so thankful for what blessings we have. In the past 6 years I've lost many family members (at least, "many" in my book) and there's never enough words to describe the pain. We've all suffered loss and we all know how different kinds of loss feels like. But it never makes the next loss any less painful.
What's strange is that last night my mother gave me some pictures that my aunt Nancy found. They were pictures of me with my Papaw and others with my Grandma (on the Madden side). Some of the photos I had never seen before. There was also a few pictures of me with Jessica when she was a baby, one when she was a toddler, and another when she was school age. I loved seeing all the pictures, but it was bittersweet. I wanted to cry when I saw the photos, because I miss them all SO much that it hurts.
Life is so unfair and cruel sometimes. Today I am thankful for all of my blessings, and am full of sorrow for all the loss.
Sending love to my family (you know who you are) and I want you to know you are in my thoughts and if there is anything I can do from here, please, please let me know. We love you!
Recently, a couple of my family members suffered a horrible loss. There aren't enough words for me to describe how full of sorrow I am for them. It deeply hurts my heart.
It is times like this that we have to be so thankful for what blessings we have. In the past 6 years I've lost many family members (at least, "many" in my book) and there's never enough words to describe the pain. We've all suffered loss and we all know how different kinds of loss feels like. But it never makes the next loss any less painful.
What's strange is that last night my mother gave me some pictures that my aunt Nancy found. They were pictures of me with my Papaw and others with my Grandma (on the Madden side). Some of the photos I had never seen before. There was also a few pictures of me with Jessica when she was a baby, one when she was a toddler, and another when she was school age. I loved seeing all the pictures, but it was bittersweet. I wanted to cry when I saw the photos, because I miss them all SO much that it hurts.
Life is so unfair and cruel sometimes. Today I am thankful for all of my blessings, and am full of sorrow for all the loss.
Sending love to my family (you know who you are) and I want you to know you are in my thoughts and if there is anything I can do from here, please, please let me know. We love you!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Check-Ups
TJ and the girls each had a check-up on Wednesday. TJ's 5-year and the girls' 2 month appointments.
TJ is in the 96th percentile for height and 97th for weight - which means he weighs exactly what he should for his height. Dr. S said that because TJ is about the size of the average 6 to 6 1/2 year old, I shouldn't be alarmed by his loose tooth. That's right... TJ has his first loose tooth (his bottom right. Starting Kindergarten and the first loose tooth all in one week? Let's just say that it's too much for me. I've been more devastated with the prospect of him losing his tooth than I was with him starting school.
I imagine this old man, chiseling away at my son, chipping away his youth. Chip one, starting Kindergarten. Chip two, the loss of his first tooth. It never stops, it never slows down, and I don't think it ever gets easier.
As for the girls - Lauren has now been surpassed by her sister in weight. Katie is an "average" 11 lbs (even) and Lauren is an even 10 lbs. They are in the teens percentile for height, but I seriously doubt these girls are always going to be that way. I am pretty certain that has everything to do with being preemies.
Note to self- must call and make appt. for their four month appointments.
Tim and I have been enjoying the Olympics this week. He and I both LOVE gymnastics and swimming. As we've witnessed Michael Phelps win his 7th gold metal this evening, an unprecedented, historic event, I gaze upon his mother and wonder what it must be like to be her. You see, that's the difference between being a young person and a true adult. You make the identifiable feeling switch to the parent from the child. Instead of wondering what it is like to be Phelps, I wonder what it is like to be his mother.
Twinkles in my eyes are probably quite visible from the other side of a stadium. I dream about what TJ might grow up to be - and what kind of athlete he is to become. I don't do this yet for the girls because they are so tiny still. But with TJ, I see his proclivity towards sports and his desire to play them, and I wonder if I am looking at a future Olympian. Chances are slim (there just aren't THAT many Olympians in the general public), but that doesn't mean I can't dream or push him to have a dream too.
It was very surreal tonight to see history in the making. What an amazing Olympian Michael Phelps truly is. What a great role model. And I'd give anything to sit down with his mother for twenty minutes!
On another note... I went to WalMart this morning after dropping TJ off at school. It was nice! The girls were sleeping well (rare for being in the car seats) and although I DO miss TJ, it was a very quiet and non-chatty shopping event... sans the freaks that chase me down to converse about the twins! Lord help me, because one day it is going to be the worst possible time and I might just lose my cool with a nose blue-hair. Raney told me once about being chased down by a blue-hair who wanted to look at her twin girls. It happened to me today. Her hair wasn't blue - but it certainly was BLACK!
BH (Blue Hair) -- "Oh! I have to see your babies! Are they twins? Wait right there, I have GOT to see them!"
I slowed down for her to take a look as I didn't want to be overly rude.
BH -- "Did you know you were having twins?"
Me -- "Uh, Yes."
BH -- "How far along were you when you found out?"
Me -- "About five weeks" (I think!) I then started moving away from her more and more slowly.
BH -- "Now, identical twins are in the same sac, right?"
Me -- "Yes, they can be. My girls are fraternal"
BH -- "Two sacs"
At this point I was very, very annoyed. I started walking further and further away from her...
BH -- "What are their names?"
Me -- "Katherine and Lauren"
BH -- (mouthing the worlds as if she were on a stage from Broadway) "Kath-er-ine and Laurrrrr-en"
I kept walking away
Me -- "Yes, we are truly blessed!"
At that point she may have finally gotten what I was trying to drive home... LEAVE ME ALONE!
I also had another person ask me to stay put so her daughter could come and look at the girls. WTF!? Do you want me asking you to stay put? How about you put yourself in MY shoes and get a grip on reality... you shouldn't ask strangers of any kind, in any store, to "wait right there" so that people could look (stare) and your children!
Well, I am off to put the girls to bed after their post-bottle 30 minute wait. Good thing too - my eyes are closing as I type this!
TJ is in the 96th percentile for height and 97th for weight - which means he weighs exactly what he should for his height. Dr. S said that because TJ is about the size of the average 6 to 6 1/2 year old, I shouldn't be alarmed by his loose tooth. That's right... TJ has his first loose tooth (his bottom right. Starting Kindergarten and the first loose tooth all in one week? Let's just say that it's too much for me. I've been more devastated with the prospect of him losing his tooth than I was with him starting school.
I imagine this old man, chiseling away at my son, chipping away his youth. Chip one, starting Kindergarten. Chip two, the loss of his first tooth. It never stops, it never slows down, and I don't think it ever gets easier.
As for the girls - Lauren has now been surpassed by her sister in weight. Katie is an "average" 11 lbs (even) and Lauren is an even 10 lbs. They are in the teens percentile for height, but I seriously doubt these girls are always going to be that way. I am pretty certain that has everything to do with being preemies.
Note to self- must call and make appt. for their four month appointments.
Tim and I have been enjoying the Olympics this week. He and I both LOVE gymnastics and swimming. As we've witnessed Michael Phelps win his 7th gold metal this evening, an unprecedented, historic event, I gaze upon his mother and wonder what it must be like to be her. You see, that's the difference between being a young person and a true adult. You make the identifiable feeling switch to the parent from the child. Instead of wondering what it is like to be Phelps, I wonder what it is like to be his mother.
Twinkles in my eyes are probably quite visible from the other side of a stadium. I dream about what TJ might grow up to be - and what kind of athlete he is to become. I don't do this yet for the girls because they are so tiny still. But with TJ, I see his proclivity towards sports and his desire to play them, and I wonder if I am looking at a future Olympian. Chances are slim (there just aren't THAT many Olympians in the general public), but that doesn't mean I can't dream or push him to have a dream too.
It was very surreal tonight to see history in the making. What an amazing Olympian Michael Phelps truly is. What a great role model. And I'd give anything to sit down with his mother for twenty minutes!
On another note... I went to WalMart this morning after dropping TJ off at school. It was nice! The girls were sleeping well (rare for being in the car seats) and although I DO miss TJ, it was a very quiet and non-chatty shopping event... sans the freaks that chase me down to converse about the twins! Lord help me, because one day it is going to be the worst possible time and I might just lose my cool with a nose blue-hair. Raney told me once about being chased down by a blue-hair who wanted to look at her twin girls. It happened to me today. Her hair wasn't blue - but it certainly was BLACK!
BH (Blue Hair) -- "Oh! I have to see your babies! Are they twins? Wait right there, I have GOT to see them!"
I slowed down for her to take a look as I didn't want to be overly rude.
BH -- "Did you know you were having twins?"
Me -- "Uh, Yes."
BH -- "How far along were you when you found out?"
Me -- "About five weeks" (I think!) I then started moving away from her more and more slowly.
BH -- "Now, identical twins are in the same sac, right?"
Me -- "Yes, they can be. My girls are fraternal"
BH -- "Two sacs"
At this point I was very, very annoyed. I started walking further and further away from her...
BH -- "What are their names?"
Me -- "Katherine and Lauren"
BH -- (mouthing the worlds as if she were on a stage from Broadway) "Kath-er-ine and Laurrrrr-en"
I kept walking away
Me -- "Yes, we are truly blessed!"
At that point she may have finally gotten what I was trying to drive home... LEAVE ME ALONE!
I also had another person ask me to stay put so her daughter could come and look at the girls. WTF!? Do you want me asking you to stay put? How about you put yourself in MY shoes and get a grip on reality... you shouldn't ask strangers of any kind, in any store, to "wait right there" so that people could look (stare) and your children!
Well, I am off to put the girls to bed after their post-bottle 30 minute wait. Good thing too - my eyes are closing as I type this!
Monday, August 11, 2008
It's Oh So Quiet
It is almost painfully quiet in the Towle House at this moment. TJ is at school, the girls are sleeping, and even the dogs are snoozing away. I can't believe how quiet it is. I don't think I've ever heard this kind of silence before!
TJ's first day of Kindergarten was Friday, 08-08-08. What a day it was! I was out running errands all day and TJ was enjoying his phase-in day at school. He got to arrive a little later than normal and I was actually able to walk him to class. It was all very surreal for me.
When we were standing in the school corridor, waiting to walk back to the classroom (with the other phase-in kids from that day), TJ rubbed my arm and told me "I will always be with you, mommy." I think he knew I was a little sad about seeing him go. What a sweet, darling, caring, loving child!
We got into his class and he found a CUTE little gift bag from the teacher. What a great idea! It made the kids feel a lot better about this "first." I gave my son a kiss and he turned his head a bit and wiped my kiss off his lips!!! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Already he doesn't want his mommy kissing him in public? My heart was broken!
When I picked him up from school, one of the first things he told me was that he had the routine Friday lunch of Pizza, but they gave him chocolate milk. His response? "Yuck! I wanted white milk!" Yes, my son does NOT like chocolate milk.
They also have a rest period (a.k.a. nap time) and he was actually able to lay there and rest. He said the teacher played nice music and that it made it easy for him to close his eyes. TJ hasn't had routine nap time for close to two years now. I was a little worried he wouldn't be able to rest - but apparently he can and he DID!
Today he actually has a full class of students to be a part of. I can't wait to hear about it all. I miss my little buddy! After I dropped him off at school today, I went and dropped something off at the Post Office. When I pulled up to the box, I can honestly say that my ears hurt a little because they weren't hearing TJ making some sort of comment about something or another. Mr. Talks-a-lot wasn't there and every ounce of my being missing that. I think Kindergarten is going to take more getting used to for me than my resilient little monkey.
Over the weekend, we had lots of floor time with the girls. They really enjoy laying out and looking at each other and the toys I lay down for them (a baby activity mirror and a few colorful rattles). Lauren was in her typical grumpy state and I was holding her while Katherine enjoyed some time down on the floor by herself. I got this adorable picture of her looking at me with a tiny grin. I love it!
Actually, Katie was grins all weekend long. It's such a wonderful feeling - seeing your little blessing looking up at you and grinning. They are so small and so innocent. They don't know a whole lot, but you know they know love. You know they know you love them because they smile at you. And you know they love you too. They may not be able to say the word or even understand what it is, but that innate feeling to love the one who cares for you is there. It's such a miracle to see it happen, especially when you know how easily life can be taken away from you. This perfect little being that grew in my belly loves me. I am so blessed because so many things could have gone wrong (and albeit, could still go wrong), but I have this wonderful little ray of sunshine smiling at me! Oh, I can't wait for Lauren to do the same! I know it is just a matter of days now!
Along with smiles this weekend, we had some tears too. Not just Lauren's colic (yes, she fusses SO MUCH when she is awake), but TJ got stung by a wasp this weekend - while IN the house, sitting at his computer! I am really pissed because I don't think my pest control person is doing his job... but I won't get into that. I panicked because just a few months ago, Tim was stung on his hand and a few days later his entire hand was swollen. He ended up going to the doctor because of it. I've never been stung (knock on wood), so I didn't know if TJ would have a major reaction or not. Very scary for me! So, I Googled what to expect & what to do, and ended up giving TJ some Benadryl and Ibuprofen. We also put Benzocaine on the sting. Everything was okay a few hours later and even today it was fine. I am just really surprised he didn't have a major reaction. He gets really, really red when a mosquito bites him - the bites get to be hard knots that are usually about the size of a quarter, and RED! So, needless to say, I am surprised he did so well.
Tim also celebrated his birthday this weekend! He's officially closing in on 40, as he turned 38 on the 10th. We were pretty low-key in our celebration. We made dinner at home and had a Publix German Chocolate Cake for dessert. TJ gave his dad a couple of t-shirts with funny sayings on them (although TJ doesn't understand the humor). I gave him some slacks, which he needed. My mother always spoils Tim, treating her as if he were her own, and gave him a very generous gift card.
Mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I always have such a hard time answering that question. I rarely purchase things for myself, and when I CAN do it, I just don't know what I want. So, I told her to get me a gift card to Michael's or something like that. I always want something from there (it's that crafty soul I have), but I will probably end up using it to purchase a frame or something like that. I may be crafty, but I am super practical and have a hard time being frivolous. In fact, it pains me to be frivolous. It just isn't in my nature.
Well, I've spend enough time blogging for one day. Off I go to hang and tag some clothes for the HAMOM MOM's Mart next weekend. This is one thing I NEED to do when TJ isn't around or it will never be done! Until next time.... May the Force be with You!
TJ's first day of Kindergarten was Friday, 08-08-08. What a day it was! I was out running errands all day and TJ was enjoying his phase-in day at school. He got to arrive a little later than normal and I was actually able to walk him to class. It was all very surreal for me.When we were standing in the school corridor, waiting to walk back to the classroom (with the other phase-in kids from that day), TJ rubbed my arm and told me "I will always be with you, mommy." I think he knew I was a little sad about seeing him go. What a sweet, darling, caring, loving child!
We got into his class and he found a CUTE little gift bag from the teacher. What a great idea! It made the kids feel a lot better about this "first." I gave my son a kiss and he turned his head a bit and wiped my kiss off his lips!!! I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Already he doesn't want his mommy kissing him in public? My heart was broken!
When I picked him up from school, one of the first things he told me was that he had the routine Friday lunch of Pizza, but they gave him chocolate milk. His response? "Yuck! I wanted white milk!" Yes, my son does NOT like chocolate milk.
They also have a rest period (a.k.a. nap time) and he was actually able to lay there and rest. He said the teacher played nice music and that it made it easy for him to close his eyes. TJ hasn't had routine nap time for close to two years now. I was a little worried he wouldn't be able to rest - but apparently he can and he DID!
Today he actually has a full class of students to be a part of. I can't wait to hear about it all. I miss my little buddy! After I dropped him off at school today, I went and dropped something off at the Post Office. When I pulled up to the box, I can honestly say that my ears hurt a little because they weren't hearing TJ making some sort of comment about something or another. Mr. Talks-a-lot wasn't there and every ounce of my being missing that. I think Kindergarten is going to take more getting used to for me than my resilient little monkey.
Over the weekend, we had lots of floor time with the girls. They really enjoy laying out and looking at each other and the toys I lay down for them (a baby activity mirror and a few colorful rattles). Lauren was in her typical grumpy state and I was holding her while Katherine enjoyed some time down on the floor by herself. I got this adorable picture of her looking at me with a tiny grin. I love it!Actually, Katie was grins all weekend long. It's such a wonderful feeling - seeing your little blessing looking up at you and grinning. They are so small and so innocent. They don't know a whole lot, but you know they know love. You know they know you love them because they smile at you. And you know they love you too. They may not be able to say the word or even understand what it is, but that innate feeling to love the one who cares for you is there. It's such a miracle to see it happen, especially when you know how easily life can be taken away from you. This perfect little being that grew in my belly loves me. I am so blessed because so many things could have gone wrong (and albeit, could still go wrong), but I have this wonderful little ray of sunshine smiling at me! Oh, I can't wait for Lauren to do the same! I know it is just a matter of days now!
Along with smiles this weekend, we had some tears too. Not just Lauren's colic (yes, she fusses SO MUCH when she is awake), but TJ got stung by a wasp this weekend - while IN the house, sitting at his computer! I am really pissed because I don't think my pest control person is doing his job... but I won't get into that. I panicked because just a few months ago, Tim was stung on his hand and a few days later his entire hand was swollen. He ended up going to the doctor because of it. I've never been stung (knock on wood), so I didn't know if TJ would have a major reaction or not. Very scary for me! So, I Googled what to expect & what to do, and ended up giving TJ some Benadryl and Ibuprofen. We also put Benzocaine on the sting. Everything was okay a few hours later and even today it was fine. I am just really surprised he didn't have a major reaction. He gets really, really red when a mosquito bites him - the bites get to be hard knots that are usually about the size of a quarter, and RED! So, needless to say, I am surprised he did so well.
Tim also celebrated his birthday this weekend! He's officially closing in on 40, as he turned 38 on the 10th. We were pretty low-key in our celebration. We made dinner at home and had a Publix German Chocolate Cake for dessert. TJ gave his dad a couple of t-shirts with funny sayings on them (although TJ doesn't understand the humor). I gave him some slacks, which he needed. My mother always spoils Tim, treating her as if he were her own, and gave him a very generous gift card.Mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I always have such a hard time answering that question. I rarely purchase things for myself, and when I CAN do it, I just don't know what I want. So, I told her to get me a gift card to Michael's or something like that. I always want something from there (it's that crafty soul I have), but I will probably end up using it to purchase a frame or something like that. I may be crafty, but I am super practical and have a hard time being frivolous. In fact, it pains me to be frivolous. It just isn't in my nature.
Well, I've spend enough time blogging for one day. Off I go to hang and tag some clothes for the HAMOM MOM's Mart next weekend. This is one thing I NEED to do when TJ isn't around or it will never be done! Until next time.... May the Force be with You!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Funnies, Pictures and Firsts
There's so much I want to blog about tonight, but I am just too tired. I am waiting on the 30 minute mark post-feeding with Katie so she can go join her sister in their room for bedtime... when momma needs to lay down and SLEEP!
We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow - our first day of Kindergarten. I will be able to walk him to his class tomorrow so I will be sure to take a picture, too. Even cooler - TJ will be taking this new journey on a pretty cool date - 08-08-08 - plus it is the first day of the summer Olympics! Great day to remember.
I've uploaded some good and some funny pics to our photobucket account:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/JediMommy/20080807/
There aren't many there, but here are a couple of highlights....
I tried desperately to get a pic of all three kids but it just wasn't happening. Lauren and Katie were both fussy, and TJ was really tired of hearing it. I don't blame him, I was pretty tired of hearing the fussing, too!
They say pictures are worth a thousand words. This next one... well, who knows. I swear to you that TJ actually enjoys me pinching his nose with my toes. I don't know why and I really don't encourage it. However, this is what transpired and since I had the camera close... click! The other day he kept asking me to squeeze harder and harder, and I did. I squeezed as hard as I possibly could. Later, I noticed a red mark on his nose. Yep, from my squeezing! Hey, he literally asked for it. What can I say?
And finally, I got a picture of the girls together and actually had success. If you look at my photobucket pics, you will see a really good one of the two of them looking at the camera. In this photo (also on the PB album), it looks like Lauren is licking Katie's arm. She spent a lot of the time trying to nurse her shoulder or mouth her outfit. Too cute. I also noticed how great the sheet was for a background in this picture! The flowers match the flowers in the heart design of the dress. Thanks Raney!
We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow - our first day of Kindergarten. I will be able to walk him to his class tomorrow so I will be sure to take a picture, too. Even cooler - TJ will be taking this new journey on a pretty cool date - 08-08-08 - plus it is the first day of the summer Olympics! Great day to remember.
I've uploaded some good and some funny pics to our photobucket account:
http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y202/JediMommy/20080807/
There aren't many there, but here are a couple of highlights....
I tried desperately to get a pic of all three kids but it just wasn't happening. Lauren and Katie were both fussy, and TJ was really tired of hearing it. I don't blame him, I was pretty tired of hearing the fussing, too!
They say pictures are worth a thousand words. This next one... well, who knows. I swear to you that TJ actually enjoys me pinching his nose with my toes. I don't know why and I really don't encourage it. However, this is what transpired and since I had the camera close... click! The other day he kept asking me to squeeze harder and harder, and I did. I squeezed as hard as I possibly could. Later, I noticed a red mark on his nose. Yep, from my squeezing! Hey, he literally asked for it. What can I say?
And finally, I got a picture of the girls together and actually had success. If you look at my photobucket pics, you will see a really good one of the two of them looking at the camera. In this photo (also on the PB album), it looks like Lauren is licking Katie's arm. She spent a lot of the time trying to nurse her shoulder or mouth her outfit. Too cute. I also noticed how great the sheet was for a background in this picture! The flowers match the flowers in the heart design of the dress. Thanks Raney!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Recipe: Baked Ziti
Here's another dish donated to us by Raney (via the HAMOM group AND her own kindness). We actually froze what was left over and heated it up in the microwave for lunches afterwards. It was so yummy and actually tasted even better after it was frozen! Thanks Raney! It was DELICIOUS!
Baked Ziti
1 lb ground beef
1/2 of an onion, finely chopped
1 lb ziti or penne pasta, cooked al dente
2 jars of spaghetti sauce (I use the Bertoli tomato and basil)
1.5 cups sour cream
6 slices provolone cheese
1 - 2 cups mozzarella cheese - however cheesy you like it
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350. Spray a large skillet and a casserole dish with
Pam. Saute onion over medium heat in skillet for a few minutes until it
is soft, then add ground beef and brown, chopping beef into little
pieces as it cooks. When beef is brown, add spaghetti sauce. Cook for a
few minutes until it comes to a simmer. Then add to pasta (in the large
pot you cooked it in) and mix well. Layer half of the pasta mixture in
the casserole dish. Top with provolone cheese and then spread the sour
cream over the cheese in an even layer. Layer the remaining pasta
mixture and top with mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 25 - 30 minutes.
Baked Ziti
1 lb ground beef
1/2 of an onion, finely chopped
1 lb ziti or penne pasta, cooked al dente
2 jars of spaghetti sauce (I use the Bertoli tomato and basil)
1.5 cups sour cream
6 slices provolone cheese
1 - 2 cups mozzarella cheese - however cheesy you like it
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350. Spray a large skillet and a casserole dish with
Pam. Saute onion over medium heat in skillet for a few minutes until it
is soft, then add ground beef and brown, chopping beef into little
pieces as it cooks. When beef is brown, add spaghetti sauce. Cook for a
few minutes until it comes to a simmer. Then add to pasta (in the large
pot you cooked it in) and mix well. Layer half of the pasta mixture in
the casserole dish. Top with provolone cheese and then spread the sour
cream over the cheese in an even layer. Layer the remaining pasta
mixture and top with mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 25 - 30 minutes.
Recipe: Northern Italian Pasta Shell Stuffing
After I had the twins, members from the HAMOM group brought food to us. This was the first dish brought to us and I LOVED IT! I emailed the MOM and got the recipe and just HAD to share it with you all!
Northern Italian Pasta Shell Stuffing
3 packages frozen, chopped spinach
3 pounds ground round
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 large onions, chopped
Grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper
2 jumbo eggs
1 (1-pound) package jumbo pasta shells
2 cups tomato sauce (your own or ready-made)
Place frozen spinach in a strainer and run under hot water until thawed.
Squeeze all of the water out and place in a large bowl. In a large
saute pan, cook the ground round until browned. Drain meat, reserving 2
tablespoons fatin the pan, and place meat in the same bowl with the
spinach. Stir in the cream cheese until blended with the meat and
spinach. Saute the chopped onions in the reserved meat fat until
transparent. Transfer onions to the bowl with the other ingredients and
stir to combine. Add grated cheese, salt and pepper, to taste, and
combine. Let mixture cool and then add the eggs. The filling can be
made up to 1 day in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook pasta shells in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain and
cool to the touch. Stuff the shells with the meat mixture. Place
shells in a large baking pan and cover with tomato sauce. Cover with
foil and bake for approximately 1 hour. Serves 6-8.
Northern Italian Pasta Shell Stuffing
3 packages frozen, chopped spinach
3 pounds ground round
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 large onions, chopped
Grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper
2 jumbo eggs
1 (1-pound) package jumbo pasta shells
2 cups tomato sauce (your own or ready-made)
Place frozen spinach in a strainer and run under hot water until thawed.
Squeeze all of the water out and place in a large bowl. In a large
saute pan, cook the ground round until browned. Drain meat, reserving 2
tablespoons fatin the pan, and place meat in the same bowl with the
spinach. Stir in the cream cheese until blended with the meat and
spinach. Saute the chopped onions in the reserved meat fat until
transparent. Transfer onions to the bowl with the other ingredients and
stir to combine. Add grated cheese, salt and pepper, to taste, and
combine. Let mixture cool and then add the eggs. The filling can be
made up to 1 day in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook pasta shells in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain and
cool to the touch. Stuff the shells with the meat mixture. Place
shells in a large baking pan and cover with tomato sauce. Cover with
foil and bake for approximately 1 hour. Serves 6-8.
Corona... take me away
As I sit here, approaching 2am, I find my only bit of sanity can be found in a bottle of Corona (don't forget the limes). Seriously... I've resorted to drinking. Lauren has screamed for an hour straight. The child is so different from my other children. I was bound to have a baby that wasn't easily soothed, that cries a lot, and sucks all hope of sleep right from the palm of my hand. Ahhh, the life of motherhood. My nerves are shot and since I needed something to take me away from the screaming, I've decided to open a nice, ice cold beer.
Amusingly, while Lauren screamed for an hour in her bedroom, between me laying her in her bed, picking her up, walking her, sitting with her, patting her (you name it), Katie was sleeping like a champ. Lauren screamed, Katie slept. TJ slept in the next room, too. Tim slept in our room across the hall. Everyone was sleeping except me and Lauren. Even the dogs were snoring. Heck, if I was any less of a mom, I could have slept through it too... and I only say "less of a mom" because I really DID feel like walking away and sleeping. I could have. I could have easily just sat down and fallen asleep.
Lucky Tim will be getting his butt up at 3am so I can get some sleep before he goes to work. I hate having to wake him up so early, but that's our deal. He will get up as early as 3am to watch the girls so I can sleep. Yesterday he got up after 4am, and the day before was after 5am. Not so lucky today, though.
And then lucky me, I will get about 2.5 hours of sleep before I have to deal with them all day. Ahhh, the joys of motherhood.
I don't want to wish their life away, but I can't wait until they sleep at night, consistently, at the same time. I just can't wait!!!!
I kept telling myself not to bring Lauren downstairs. I didn't want her to have to go to sleep in a bouncy seat or the swing. Now I have to wake her up and keep her up because she is sleeping in the swing, and I will be damned if she doesn't go to sleep after her next bottle in less than an hour!
SERENITY NOW!
Amusingly, while Lauren screamed for an hour in her bedroom, between me laying her in her bed, picking her up, walking her, sitting with her, patting her (you name it), Katie was sleeping like a champ. Lauren screamed, Katie slept. TJ slept in the next room, too. Tim slept in our room across the hall. Everyone was sleeping except me and Lauren. Even the dogs were snoring. Heck, if I was any less of a mom, I could have slept through it too... and I only say "less of a mom" because I really DID feel like walking away and sleeping. I could have. I could have easily just sat down and fallen asleep.
Lucky Tim will be getting his butt up at 3am so I can get some sleep before he goes to work. I hate having to wake him up so early, but that's our deal. He will get up as early as 3am to watch the girls so I can sleep. Yesterday he got up after 4am, and the day before was after 5am. Not so lucky today, though.
And then lucky me, I will get about 2.5 hours of sleep before I have to deal with them all day. Ahhh, the joys of motherhood.
I don't want to wish their life away, but I can't wait until they sleep at night, consistently, at the same time. I just can't wait!!!!
I kept telling myself not to bring Lauren downstairs. I didn't want her to have to go to sleep in a bouncy seat or the swing. Now I have to wake her up and keep her up because she is sleeping in the swing, and I will be damned if she doesn't go to sleep after her next bottle in less than an hour!
SERENITY NOW!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Milestones Galore
The week is full of milestones!
The girls have been smiling and "laughing" since they were born... except it was all in their sleep. However, over the past few days we've seen more smiles and tonight Tim even got a small chuckle out of Katie. I can't wait until we get these on a regular basis!
One of the hardest things for me, being a mom to preemies, is the WAIT. We all have to wait until that first smile, first laugh, first tooth, etc. The first year is loaded with first after first... but we pretty much have a wait a month longer for each of those firsts. The girls are 8 weeks old now, but that equates to one month olds. So, they pretty much are still sleeping, eating, pooping ALL the time.
They do have great muscle tone for their ages and can hold their heads really well. They are getting a lot of tummy time, too - so we ARE going to avoid any and all chances for positional plagiocephaly, which is what TJ had (flat head). Tummy time WILL help that.
The BIGGEST milestone for the Towle Family this week is the beginning of Kindergarten! TJ met his teacher today and starts on Friday with a phase-in day. Only 1/3 of his class will be there, as the other 2/3 will split Wednesday and Thursday of this week. He told me he met a new kid and that is a new friend, which made me feel good. TJ is out there ready to make new friends without any reservations. Not all kids are like this (I don't know if I was), and it makes me feel good that he is confident enough to call a new kid his friend. Way to go, TJ!
The girls have been smiling and "laughing" since they were born... except it was all in their sleep. However, over the past few days we've seen more smiles and tonight Tim even got a small chuckle out of Katie. I can't wait until we get these on a regular basis!
One of the hardest things for me, being a mom to preemies, is the WAIT. We all have to wait until that first smile, first laugh, first tooth, etc. The first year is loaded with first after first... but we pretty much have a wait a month longer for each of those firsts. The girls are 8 weeks old now, but that equates to one month olds. So, they pretty much are still sleeping, eating, pooping ALL the time.
They do have great muscle tone for their ages and can hold their heads really well. They are getting a lot of tummy time, too - so we ARE going to avoid any and all chances for positional plagiocephaly, which is what TJ had (flat head). Tummy time WILL help that.
The BIGGEST milestone for the Towle Family this week is the beginning of Kindergarten! TJ met his teacher today and starts on Friday with a phase-in day. Only 1/3 of his class will be there, as the other 2/3 will split Wednesday and Thursday of this week. He told me he met a new kid and that is a new friend, which made me feel good. TJ is out there ready to make new friends without any reservations. Not all kids are like this (I don't know if I was), and it makes me feel good that he is confident enough to call a new kid his friend. Way to go, TJ!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
Mimi is coming home!
Just a quick note to say that Ruth is on her way to get mom from Vanderbilt! I will post more as I have the info!
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