Scare

Lucas could have gotten seriously hurt or worse today because of a mistake I made.

We came up the stairs and I had my hands full with him and my drink (just water) so I didn't close the gate at the top of the staircase. I usually go back and do this right away, but didn't because we got distracted and started playing in his room.

I was reading him a book and a little into it he crawled out of his room and down the hall. I had shut all of the doors and thought that the gate was shut so I assumed he was ok. I continued reading the book to him thinking that he would be back any moment. After a while with no sound from him, I thought that I should check on my mischievious son. What was he up to now?

My heart stopped when I turned the corner and saw the gate wide open and no sign of Lucas. Then I saw him teetering on the top step trying to go down by himself backwards. Shaking, I quickly scooped him up and thanked God that he didn't fall. I hate that I was so careless.

Girl Prediction

I'm going out on a limb here and predicting that I am carrying a girl this time. Maybe it's motherly instinct, or maybe it is that I already have a boy and wouldn't mind a little sister for him. Who knows? A little brother would be great, too, though.

My girl name of choice now is: Eliana Faith Lomonaco.

Eliana means God has answered me or God is Lord.

We would probably call her Ellie for short. Do you like it?

Napless

I have been hugely exhausted lately, and for some reason Lucas doesn't want to take his naps. It is killing me! Just sleep already, kid.

On a positive note, the other morning he slept in until 7:30 am. I forced myself to stay in bed to take advantage of it. So nice and unusual.

Knocked Up

It looks like Lucas will be having a little sibling in the next nine months.

Woo-HOO, we're expecting baby #2!!

While it seems awfully early (they will be just nineteen months apart), we are trusting God for His perfect timing. We were actually ready for another one as of this month.

Now I am understanding the excessive trips to the potty lately, why I've been so tired all the time, and have been needing to eat at odd hours.

How nuts that we will have two next Christmas! So much for traveling to Ohio.

Clogged Arteries

This morning I went out for breakfast with the women in our Bible study. I ordered a Strawberry Belgian waffle and asked for some bacon on the side. You need the salty bacon to cut all of the sweetness of the strawberries and whipped cream. My side was ENORMOUS-5 or 6 pieces!! I didn't want that much but I ate most of it since it was on my plate. Lucas had some, too. I am trying to fatten him up afterall. Anyway, I spent $5 on the side. 5 Bucks for bacon! I can't believe it costs that much for a heart attack. Next time, I'll ask for the mini side.

Chipped

Lucas had 6 teeth and now he has 5 7/8. He has a chip in one of his bottom teeth. I think that it was his first one. Sheesh, he's only had them for 4 months and one is already broken.

Perhaps it was from his habit of grinding them or from the time that he knocked a small metal flashlight around his mouth banging on his teeth in a full circle. I took it away, but the damage was already done. Thank goodness that they are not the permanent ones.

Energized

I am feeling so excited about life lately. I'm getting to be more like my old self again. Finally seeming to come out of the moved across the country, pregnant and new baby funk and making fun plans once again.

This week I am organizing a monthly breakfast for the ladies of our Bible study. I am also brainstorming social activities for the group. I recently started planning Lucas' 1st birthday party. And am having that Pampered Chef party next month.

Also, my just moved to California sister is coming for a visit next weekend. And our parents will visit at the end of March.

Oh and then we are going skiing (my first time) with church in February.

So many things to look forward to. What a sweet change!

Not Intended for Children

This morning, my glorious, how I love him, husband, took Lucas into the bathroom with him as he got ready for work. This allowed me to at least lay in bed for another half an hour. Oh how I needed it and really appreciated him. The boy was up at a little after 5 this morning!! As I tried to relax and go back to sleep, I heard Mike teaching Lucas how to drum.

"Like this buddy," BAM, BAM, BAM!

How calming.

A while later, it was time for me to take over so Mike could finish up and I noticed the toilet brush tossed on the floor amongst Lucas' pile of toys and books. Mike had given him the toilet brush to play with! Alright let me clarify that it is not really a brush with crusty, rusty bristles, but just the stick kind that holds the reusable toilet cleaners, but STILL. Gross.

Classic Christmas Carol

Ok, so this post is not really timely...it is something that I heard when in Orlando at Christmas time. But I was reminded of it as I began singing the catchy little tune last night and thought that it might be blog worthy.

It was a new "Christmas carol" that I heard on the radio (XL 106.7) in Orlando. It went like this:

All I want for Christmas, Christmas,
Is to get drunk, get drunk, get drunk...

No joke. Did anyone else hear it? Could you imagine carolers coming to your door next year and singing that?!

First Steps

Today Lucas took a few small first steps on his own. He actually ran. That's my boy!!

One small step for baby, one giant leap for babykind and toward growing up.

Hypocrite

Ironically, I really want to host a Pampered Chef party now. I am needing some new kitchen gear and what better way than to get it for free. Anyone want to buy any Pampered Chef stuff? Now I just need to make some friends to invite;-).

Nursery Rhymes

I came across this familiar nursery rhyme in one of Lucas' books. Though I did not remember the surprising conclusion.

Goosey, goosey, gander,
Whither shall I wander?
Upstairs and downstairs
And in my lady's chamber.
There I met an old man
Who would not say his prayers.
I took him by the left leg
And threw him down the stairs.

How is that for a new evangelism technique?

And had you ever heard the second half of One, Two, Buckle My Shoe?

Here it goes after Nine, ten, A big fat hen:

Eleven, twelve,
Dig and delve;
Thirteen, fourteen,
Maids a-courting;
Fifteen, sixteen,
Maids in the kitchen;
Seventeen, eighteen,
Maids a-waiting;
Nineteen, twenty,
My plate's empty.

Nice. It's a wonder that I never heard that part before.

What a mess!

I am pretty obsessive compulsive about cleanliness and tend to keep a pretty squeaky clean house (at least by outside appearance--I would fail the white glove test for sure). Lately, though, my neatness has be thwarted by the following: Lucas puking on the kitchen floor and then playing in it, a half dead fern that dropped many of it's leaves on my just cleaned kitchen floor, a picture that crashed to the floor and shattered glass as I was trying to clean up the fern leaves, and apple juice that sprayed its stickiness all over the kitchen as I was shaking the pitcher when I just needed a little drink. Darn it. Oh and there was the coffee that exploded in the microwave this morning. I think that I will stay out of the kitchen for the remainder of the day. I may burn it down or something.

Splish Splash

Lucas loves his bath. Last night, he had the most fun in the tub ever. He smacked the water with his hand, splashing the walls, the floor and my glasses. His toothy grin, giggles and squeals of pleasure were priceless. A few times, Lucas even bent over and drank the water from his tub like a dog(gross!).

When it was time to get out, I started draining the water. He continued to splash and smile until the last drop disappeared. Then he crawled over to the drain to find out where all of his fun went, studying the hole that robbed him of his water. Smartie!

I bundled his wriggly naked body in a fluffy towel, dried him off and put him in his jammies. Only to have him get crusty again eating his dinner.

Natural Disasters

We left Florida in August of 2004, right before a string of four hurricanes hit the state. Much of the Orlando area was affected by the storms, many were without power and had roof damage. Some of our close friends had to practically rebuild their home because of excessive water damage from the storms.

We've been grateful not to have to deal with hurricanes here. But now we are facing new storm problems--flooding, mudslides, and such. Our city, Roseville, is flooded in some areas now due to excessive rain overflowing creeks. Luckily, we are not too close to the flooding. Our yard is just really soggy and muddy.

They did not have a white, but a wet Christmas in Sacramento this year. I'm glad that we got to enjoy some sunshine in Florida.

It's raining again today. Oh the weather outside is frightful.

We're Home

After a week in Florida for Christmas, we are back home safe and sound. We had a lovely time visiting and catching up with our family and friends. Too bad we didn't have longer there so that we could have enjoyed more downtime. Unfortunately, traveling home for the holidays doesn't make for a very relaxing vacation. I need another vacation now to recover.

Lucas did so well on the trip (I was really worried about the flight). He was about as perfect as a baby can be: he didn't melt down on the plane, he slept well at night, and grabbed naps when he could as we drove all over the place. We just have to get him back on California time and his readjusted to his nap schedule again.

I spent all day yesterday doing laundry--7 loads!! And today I will relax and enjoy the start to the new year.

Merry Christmas

One week and counting til little Lucas' first Christmas... We opened our family presents yesterday and he was more interested in the boxes and trying to eat the wrapping than the gifts themselves. Next year, perhaps we'll give him empty boxes and save some money.

I hope that everyone is able to slow down and enjoy time off with their families and loved ones. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful start to 2006. May the new year bring you peace, joy and prosperity.

Domestic Spying

What?! Bush oked this??? A chill is sent down my spine.

Actually, I could care less. Read my email, listen to my phone calls. I've got nothing to hide. I think that in the interest of keeping this country safe, it is ok to do this with just cause. Get over it and stop always looking for something to criticize our president for!

Smoky

We enjoyed our fireplace last night for the first time in a year. Now our house smells like a campfire. Mike tried to get the smoke flowing upwards by holding a lit newspaper in the flue. It seemed to go up, yet after awhile our place was filled with smoke. And yes, the flue was open. Any suggestions?

Party Pooper Part II

Here is the worst "party" that I was ever invited to... Our old neighbors asked us over to dinner. They told us that some other neighbors would be there too. We were so happy to have evening plans. And how nice of them to cook us dinner! We got dressed up like we were going out and went across the street only to find a strange man in the kitchen with an array of pots and pans on display on the counter. WHAT?!

So we were scammed into attending a sales presentation on these $1000 cookware sets. Slimy jerks! We were ticked!

Note to all party throwers: Call it what it is and don't trick people.

Party Pooper

I cannot stand sales gatherings that masquerade as parties. Tupperware, Party Light, cheap, crappy jewlery, Pampererd Chef. You name it, I've been to it or been invited.

I used to go out of politeness, especially when it was a friend hosting it. Then to be nice, I would feel as if I had to buy something. Something turned into 4-5 things and I was spending $75+ on crap that I never use and didn't need.

Now, I turn them down whenever I am invited. Recently, I was given an invitation to a purse party. What the heck is that?! I thanked the hostess (a neighbor who I had just met) and proceeded to throw the invitation in the trash right in front of her. I did this without thinking and it only dawned on me after I had done it. Guess I probably blew my chances of being her best friend.

Having a candle party? Don't waste the stamp on me. Count me out.

11.5 hours

That is how long my boy slept last night! Ahhh, sweet sleep.

Westward Ho!

The Crockers are slowly migrating to California. First it was Aunt Linda way back in the sixties. Then it was me about a year and a half ago. And now, my sister Katie is joining us out here in the wild west after the new year. A recent college graduate, she has just been offered and accepted a position at The Academy of the Sierras in Reedley about 3.5 hours southeast of us.

I AM SO EXCITED to finally have more family nearby!!! We will be able to see her relatively easily on occasional weekends and for holidays and whenever.

Now, she and I just have to work on the eldest Crockers to make the move. Their excuse... it's too expensive. But hey, who needs money for retirement anyway?

Yipee! What a Christmas present!

Food Restrictions Update

My diet is improving weekly. I am back on everything but dairy. For those who don't know what I am talking about, I have been on a terrible, "If it's good, I can't eat it," diet since the end of June because of Lucas' food intolerances. I was off of soy, nuts, berries, citrus, wheat, eggs, and dairy and it's only down to the milk products now. Guess what I will be treating myself to on Christmas? Give up? A raspberry hot fudge sundae with lots of whipped cream. I hope that he doesn't react and I can consume my precious milk again. I really miss my ice cream and pizza and normal tacos, and the list could go on and on. It's been a rough few months. Between lack of good food and time to myself, I've really been hating life at times.

Nuts

I lied unintentionally. There is still one more person to buy for. DANG IT!! Maybe he deserves coal this Christmas. That would be easy as we've got it in the garage. Well, back into the shopping frenzy I go. That is what I get for gloating.

It is finished

My Christmas shopping, that is. I am done and Christmas is still 2 weeks away (minus a day). That is the most on top of the shopping I have ever been. I love being organized. If only I could say the same about the rest of my life (the dishes, the laundry, the filthy house). And now I have to wrap them all. Well crap, I'm not so great after all.

Messy

In efforts to fatten up my skinny son, we have been giving him lots of food off our table to try. This morning it was french toast for breakfast. He gleefully sucked the syrup off of it and then proceeded to rub the sticky goop in his hair. I watched in amusement. Boy, have I mellowed out. We finally stopped him and put him in the tub when he started spreading the stickiness into his ear with a toothy grin. He loves to eat and make a mess. Such a boy.

Buzzed

I have been all jittery lately, like I am on speed or something. I think that it has to do with my excitement about giving out Christmas gifts this year. Last year, we sent boring gift cards to most everyone, as we were in California.

Don't get me wrong. I like gift cards and would often prefer that over someone picking out something that is entirely not me or two sizes too large, but they are just not exciting to give (or open for that matter).

Mike and I didn't even exchange with each other last Christmas because of lack o' dough and our spontaneous trip to Yosemite. But this year, is different. We will be with our Florida family AND we have a baby to buy for.

As a child, I would show my mother her present as soon as I bought it and ask her to forget it so she would be surprised on Christmas. And one year, I told my dad what my mom bought him as soon as he came home from work. I couldn't stand to wait then and things haven't really changed. Eeeeek. Only 18 days to go...

Automation

I am all for technology. I love when things are easier, more streamlined. It makes sense. I am not a technophobe. But, at the expense of sounding like an old fogy, I am going to rant a little about all of this new fangled crap that isn't working for me.

You go to the store now and there is a self checkout line. I consider myself a pretty intelligent person, yet every time I use this line, I get furiously angry. The damn computer is always yelling at me to place my item in the bagging area and when I do, it still seems unsatisfied. I pick up the bag while paying and the thing says, "Place your items in the bagging area." I scream, "Shut the HELL up!" in my mind.

Yesterday, I tried calling Lucas' GI doctor about his lack o' weight and my concern about it. I got dumped into a phone tree. "Press 1 to schedule an appointment, Press 2 to call about a prescription, Press 3 for an anal probe." You know the routine. I waited patiently for the instructions to leave a message for the doctor or doctors assistant. It seemed to take 5 minutes of listening to the stupid, unrelated prompts to get there. Finally, I pressed 4 as instructed and was immediately disconnected. Well, shit. I called back and was dumped into the main mailbox..."if you know your parties extension, press it now, otherwise enter the parties last name using the keypad." My doctor wasn't in the system. I called back. There was no prompt to talk to a REAL person, so I dialed the appointment desk. Surely, they can direct me. And wouldn't you know it, the freakin' person's voice mail came on! I left a message and never heard back. What ever happened to customer service? Where is this world headed?

Everything is becoming automated and it is starting to royally piss me off. Where are the real people these days? Oh wait...they are stuck in the self checkout line being yelled at to place their items in the bagging area.

Maybe I hate technology. It keeps my husband in the office after I go to bed almost every night. Damn computers.

9 Months

The time that Lucas spent in my belly (really it was more like 10, but 9 is the common misconception). And his age today. It's been a wonderful, impossible, joy-filled, sleepless roller coaster of a ride. I love him so much it hurts. I never realized I had that much more love to give.

We found out at this mornings sadistic doctors appointment that he weighs only 15 pounds, 15 ounces and is in the 1% (remember that 50% is average)!! My son is severely underweight. I am at my wits end and don't know what else to do--he is refusing to eat solids lately. Perhaps I will wean him now afterall, as formula has more calories.

I need a vacation!

Two Weeks Notice

If I was working a real job, I think that today I would up and quit. Throw in the towl. Walk out. Resign. Sometimes I feel as if I am just no good at this mothering business.

In the past 24 hours, I have been bit, screamed at, disobeyed, puked on, and had my hair pulled repeatedly. Too, I was awakened at the ridiculous, sick early time of 5:30 am by a whining, crying alarm clock that has no snooze button. These working conditions are unacceptable and the pay (and the diapers) really stink!

I am such an idealist. I always thought that being a mommy would be fun. Playing with the children all day. Laughing. Good stuff. I didn't envision the projectile vomit and early mornings. I hate reality!

Date

Mike and I are going out on the town this Friday night. It will be the second time that we have left Lucas at home with a sitter to venture out on our own and date again. This time, though, it will be a little different. He is older and wiser and perhaps may start having separation anxiety soon. This time, too, we are having the sitters feed and put him to bed rather than already having him asleep as we did the last time. It will be interesting to see how he does. I think that we will remain close to home in case it doesn't go smoothly. We are testing Lucas out to see if we can go to Mike's office Christmas party in a couple weeks leaving him with some friends.

TPed

My kid is going to be an excellent prankster. He has already gotten down the proper technique of quickly unrolling toilet paper. He climbed up to it in the bathroom yesterday and I watched as he proceeded to pull and spin the roll onto the floor. He was giddy with excitement. Today he continues to attempt to play with his wonderful new toy. But the mean mama that I am won't let him. I am a regular fun spoiler. Why can't Lucas like normal toys?

Klutz

That would be me lately! In the past week I have broken a bowl, a wine glass, and a cute Christmas mug just this morning. When I pulled out the never been used china for Thanksgiving, I noticed one chip and when I was putting it away there was another. With my record, I probably did that, too. It's just stuff, I keep telling myself and "chip happens." But I still feel like a clumsy idiot.

Pooped

Well, I survived hosting my first Thanksgiving dinner. The turkey turned out delicious and to my knowledge no one got sick or died after eating it. AND I ate whatever I wanted as a special exception to my awful diet. Lucas has shown no signs of reaction (yet anyway). Yeah!

I have been exhausted from all of the precleaning, decorating, dishes before and after (we finally used the wedding china), cooking and all of my other day-to-day stuff. I also made a wicked turkey soup afterwards with the carcass (how gross does that sound?).

We even decorated our house for Christmas with the nativity set, tree and candles. The boy loves it, especially the tree that is all lit up and spinning, and full of yummy looking ornaments he wants to put in his mouth. The bottom foot of the tree is naked, though, so he can't grab one and pull it down.

Only 28 days until Christmas and 26 days until his first flight across the country! So much shopping, packing and preparing yet to do. I need a nap.

Up, Up and Away

Tonight, my little monkey son climbed up our entire staircase, about 20 stairs. He did this all by himself, with me in tow only to catch him if he fell. I think that he heard his dada upstairs and wanted to be with him. He was quick, too. It only took him a few minutes. He is going to be a handful, this one.

Photo Op

Well, we finally got our portrait done last night. Our appointment was at 6:15 and it wasn't until 7:30 or so that we were photographed. We had to wait over an hour in a sweltering room with a wiggly little boy. We sat, painfully watching another family get theirs taken, just wishing that their stinkin' baby would smile so that they would be done and get out of our way. Lucas did the same thing, though, when it was our turn. That was the hardest part...trying to hold a pose and not laugh or look at Lucas while the photographer was doing everything in her power to get him to grin. None of them turned out perfect. Either Mike looked drunk, I looked ugly, or Lucas wasn't looking or was half hidden behind his daddy. We picked the best one and moved on with our life. Maybe we will avoid going to the cheapest place next year. You get what you pay for.

Daily Grind

My son has a new favorite thing to do (besides wearing me out from chasing him all over the house including UP the stairs and slowly driving me crazy). He does something that is as bad as running nails down a chalk board. It makes me cringe just thinking about it.

The kid LOVES grinding his pearly whites-two on the bottom and one on top. What a horrific thing to do! I have insane tooth issues, so it is probably one of the worst things that he could do at this point. What if he ground them down to nubs and then hit a nerve ending? Owwwwwwwwwwwwwww. Was that a Ren & Stimpy episode or a nightmare of mine?

Picture Perfect

Yesterday we attempted to get a family portrait done at Olan Mills for our Christmas cards. It was a doomed attempt from the get go. I tried to make an appointment about 10 times, but everytime I called the studio the phone just rang and rang. It was infuriating to me. Just get freakin' voice mail people! I hate bad customer service. They have the best deal in town, though, so I just put up with it rather than find another photographer. Finally we decided to just go in and either get an immediate time slot if available or schedule it while there.

I'd been thinking about what we would wear to somewhat coordinate together all week. Unfortunately, when getting dressed we found most of the clothes chosen needed ironing (or washing). Anxious to go, we hoped that the stains and wrinkles wouldn't show up in the photo.

Right before we left, Lucas did a face plant from standing into a toy filled bucket. He only screamed for a few seconds until I comforted him, but he had an long, angry red mark on his cheek. It looked awful.

As we were loading into the car and Mike was grumbling about how bad the timing of the photo was. I lost it and started lauging like a lunatic. The picture may turn out terrible but what memories we would have. In the end, we had to schedule it for later next week. Maybe we'll all be healed, washed and unwrinkled by then. Probably not.

Shattered

Gone are the dreams of Lucas gracing the covers of the magazines and wearing a thong diaper for the Baby Abercrombie catalog.

The appointment went well, as far as he was concerned. He was well behaved and cute as usual. I was praying about it on the drive there and I heard a voice in my head saying, "Turn around and go home." Hmmmm, not a good sign. The voice could have been my own, yet I kept hearing it. I figured that there was no harm in checking it out, though. The "agency" seemed like a shady establishment as soon as we entered with cheap modern furniture, a loud animal print rug and blaring disco music. We met with the "producer" and she showed me all these business cards for children that they represent. In the end, I asked if there was any cost to the parents and she waved it off as only a few hundred dollars for the photos. A few hundred turned out to be almost $700 to over a thousand depending on the package that you chose. I am supposed to call her back today to see if they want Lucas. Whatever, we don't want them. Scam artists.

Early Bird

I am so not a morning person. Yet today I arose at the sick early time of 5 a.m. to run with my new partner, Tammy. We met at 5:30 for a 2 mile jog in the cold, misty, still pitch black, morning. I was home by 6 and crawled back into my flannel sheets (only slightly sweaty) for another hour and a half of snoozin'. Lucas really slept in this morning, but I didn't get to take full advantage of it. I do feel great, though, and we are doing it again on Thursday. Oh and for the record, Tammy, picked the time, not me. I wanted to do it in the evenings when our husbands were home to watch the kids (she has 3), but she is too tired by then. And I would prefer going a bit later in the a.m., but her husband leaves at 6:15 for work, so I'm stuck. It's that or run alone which was not really happening.

We passed another hardcore early runner on our way back to her place and I called out "Good Morning" in an entirely too chipper and overly loud voice for that time of day. Maybe I am a morning person after all.

Mom Prom

I have some fun plans coming up this weekend. My mom's group from church is having a "Mom Prom." Yes, it is the same group where Lucas got beat up a month or so ago. Anyway, the ladies are getting all dressed up and going out together for a night on the town without the kids or spouses. It will be nice to hang out with friends without children interrupting and clinging to us for a change. I don't know what that feels like anymore.

Baby Super Model

Tomorrow we have an appointment/interview with a child talent agency. They are seeking baby models for print ads for Baby Gap and Pottery Barn Kids. They liked his fireman photo for those of you that have seen it. Maybe Lucas will be the next child Zoolander. I keep having him practice his baby blue steel look and he almost has it down. Let's just hope that he is not in a fussy mood at the personality interview. So exciting!

Sorry Aunt Katie

Lucas is no longer a vegetarian. Today he had his first meat:chicken. It came out of a jar, was mixed with his favorite sweet potatoes and tasted...like chicken. Yummy!! I can't believe how quickly he is turning into a real boy. He is able to feed himself little snacks like cheerios, graham crackers and gerber fruit and veggie puffs. Tonight he grabbed a tortilla chip dipped in salsa off my plate and jammed it in his mouth. His hands are lightning quick. The thing was half chewed up by the time I was able to pry his jaws open and dig it out of his mouth. He didn't even seem fazed by the hot salsa. What a kid!

Friday I'm in Love

Tonight is our first date night since we instituted the weekly tradion recently. Mike and I have been out alone only once since Lucas was born 8 months ago. It's tough to do without shelling out big bucks for a baby sitter (and we are not sure that we are entirely trusting of any one besides other parents yet). How much do baby sitters charge now anyway? I was $5 per hour years ago.

We are not going out, but dating at home once Lucas goes to bed at 8 pm. Our typical date these days involves renting a DVD or turning on the T.V. There has got to be more to do than this but after almost 11 years together, we have run out of ideas/creativity. My friend suggested lighting candles, drinking wine and just talking. Now we are on to something. I just have to buy some candles and wine. Any other at home hot date ideas? And no, Mike, it can't include the freakin' computer or office;-).

Trick or Treat

This year, I had the idea to give out something different instead of our standard chocolate treats (since I couldn't enjoy the leftovers). Wendy's was selling coupon books for free Frosty's so we bought those instead. I was feeling pretty good about our cool goodies until Mike burst my bubble right before the first Trick or Treaters arrived. "You'll have to get the door and give them out. They're lame treats." "WHAT?! Why didn't you tell me before...?" Ding Dong. I was mortified and opened the door, my face flushed only to be staring at Darth Vader. "I apologize for the lame treats Mr. Vadar, but we just wanted to do something different this year." I did not even try to use any of my sales techniques. Darth reassured me that it was ok and seemed happy with the treat. In fact, everyone was quite thrilled. One group of high school boys said something about our house being the best one yet. So it was cool after all. Shew, here I thought that we were going to be egged.

My old friend

I almost gave up on you. After years spent together, I thought that I was over you and didn't need you in my life anymore. You made me feel guilty when I wasn't around you and started costing me too much money. And then I decided to give you one last try, went for a jog, and I'm hooked once again. At least for now.

The weather is great and I am trying to get back into running. I just can't seem to get motivated or into a routine without a partner. I may have solved the partner problem, though. I have a "date" with a new potential next Wednesday. She lives in the next neighborhood and is a mom of a little one Lucas' age. We'll see if it works out. She may even be interested in doing a full or half marathon. There still is hope for us yet. Now if I can only find some new shoes. My favorite kind, Mizuno Legends, are no longer being made. Curses. Even the shoe manufacturers are trying to keep us apart.

Blah, blah, blog

Well, here's the update:
Lucas is 8 months old today.
I am finally feeling better-no more fever and hardly any sore throat.
It is ok for me to have citrus again and I am trying eggs this week.
Oh and Uh Oh Oreos are ok for me to have!

Life is getting better!

Sick Days

If I had a normal 9-5 job, I would have called in yesterday and today. That is one of the toughest things about being a mother...taking care of a little one (as well as you can) when you are sick and feeling like you have been run over by a dump truck. Mike is home today and took the little guy out to run some errands. And I am blogging. What is my problem?

Emotions

Lucas let them all hang out while our visitors were here. His little personality is starting to show and he is a feisty one, folks. My kid? No way!? During the 4-5 hour drive to Yosemite, he screamed angrily probably because I was sitting right there and wouldn't pick him up. I tried everything to calm him, sang every song I knew, rubbed his head, held his hands, gave him toys, and he wouldn't have any of it. Dude, I can't take you out of your car seat when we are doing 75 down the highway!! Joyfully, he yelled again on the return trip. We were all in their rental minivan, which I am sure that now they regret getting so that we could all be together. Well, we learned to drive separate next time and to get our own hotel room. Our heads were ringing after the screamfest drive and I had to feed him all night to keep him quiet so that they could sleep. It's nice to be home and have normalcy once again. My kid, apparentaly, doesn't like change.

Oh and Christa's little Sam, who we dubbed Tank because he is so much bigger than Lucas, was a perfect angel. He either slept or smiled and squealed happily on the trip. Maybe he'll be different in two months when he is Lucas' age. I hope not, though, as they already have their hands full with Andrew, their active, two-and-a-half year old.

It was like Sam was Dr. Jeckyl and Lucas was Mr. Hyde.

Road to Recovery

Since Christa left on Saturday, I have been pooped. We had a wonderful, but very busy and tiring visit. Lucas was sick for part of the time and had a day or two of uncharacteristic screaming whenever I wasn't holding him. That was super draining. He also got totally out of whack sleepwise, as he was in his pack-n-play in our room while they were here. By the time that they left, he was waking up 2-5 times per night. And he had been sleeping 10+ hours straight before they came. Luckily, he got back to normal within a day or two of their leaving. Praise God for that because I was getting sick from lack of sleep. Now I just need to get into a workout routine again. I really wish that I had a more consistant running partner here.

Get Up, Stand Up

Lucas does now. It's his new favorite thing. It seems like he just mastered sitting up on his own and now he is off to something bigger and better pulling himself up on anything that he can grab. This kid is growing up so fast. We think that he will be walking by Christmas.

Breakdown

I had one yesterday. They happen every now and then. How come no one ever told me just how flippin' TOUGH this mom business is? Or maybe they did and I just shrugged it off like I did the warnings about the first year of marriage. I wish that I could enjoy it more. I am a bit of a type A basketcase which doesn't help me mellow out and just go with things. I feel better today after getting all liquored up. Just kidding, no booze, but I do feel more sane and happy.

Imprisoned

I put Lucas down for a nap a little bit ago and he didn't want to sleep. This is often the case--I don't understand why kids fight it when they are so obviously tired. Anyway, he was fussing loudly and I peeked in and saw the funniest thing. He looked like he was in jail, sitting up with his legs stuck out of the front of the crib and his hands clutching the bars, red faced and screaming. Hmmm, that doesn't sound as funny as it was. Am I mean? I went in and picked him up out of solitary confinement and hugged him telling him that it was time to go to bed. That seemed to satisfy him and my little convict is sleeping now. He'll wake up just in time for another round of his favorite, cold green bean mush in the mess hall, er high chair.

Vacation

My best friend, Christa, will be here to visit in a few days. I will be "on vacation" while she is here. Actually, we will be gone quite a bit exploring San Francisco, Napa, Gold Country and Yosemite. I am really excited, for it has been about a year since I have seen her and we both have had new babies in that time. Looking forward to meeting her little Sam and showing off Lucas. They are two months apart. Too bad they can't grow up together and be best friends, too. The house across the street is for sale. Maybe...

Green Beans For Sale

Lucas hates them. He gagged and sputtered and screamed while I tried to feed him today. I even tried to mix them in with carrots but he was NOT INTERESTED.

Trooper

Lucas was beat up yesterday. Seriously. I took him to a church sponsored Mom's group and one of the kids (a two and a half year old boy) clocked him in the head with a toy hammer as little Lucas sat innocently on my lap. My tough guy didn't even cry, though I had to fight back tears. How mean to strike a sweet little infant! Lucas didn't even take the kid's toy or anything. The mother yelled at the little brat, who proceeded to come at Lucas and hit him three more times. I felt like a fool for letting it happen so many times, but I just didn't expect it after the kid was corrected or in the first place. Today, Lucas has a reddish, black mark under his eye. A shiner? Poor baby. This is only the beginning of the fighting...Ugh, boys.

Eight Legged Killer

I am not a fan of spiders. With all there legs (and eyes), they kind of creep me out. Plus they bite and jump and make webs all over my house--inside even--gotta love it. Thank goodness for the Swiffer duster. We have a little bit of a problem with them here. In Florida, houses got roaches. Here we have spiders. I think that I would take spiders over roaches, yet I worry that one will bite Lucas in his crib (or me). I've found and exterminated several pretty big, threatening-looking ones by vacuuming them up in his room. I'm afraid to squish the big ones for fear that they will attack me. I know, I know...I'm pretty girly when it comes to bugs. I used to call Mike in tears, long distance when I was in college and discovered a roach in my apartment. "Help me kill it," I would squeal.

This weekend, I discovered a ton of babies nesting by our front door (luckily outside). I found and bought a spray that claimed to kill spiders and used it on them yesterday afternoon. I don't want hundreds of new spiders to infest our house. I checked on them an hour or so later and they seemed dead. Then I spied their pissed off mother lying in wait for their killer. No joke, it was a black widow the size of a silver dollar. I wonder how many of her husbands she ate to get that big. I got the spray and doused her too praying that she wouldn't jump on me. After this, I was actually afraid to go out my door for the rest of the day, though I did. I called Mike to warn him about her waiting in the doorway. I either made her madder or killed her and I didn't want to take any chances with my husband. To be sure, he squished her when he got home. I went out and checked the spider carcass and indeed it was the poisonous kind. Glad that I killed the babies, too. Eeeek!

Nuts

He's seems to be having a slight, potential reaction. It is so hard to tell...is it a drool rash? Does he have a slight case of acne? Or is he allergic to something? I decided to get off them again and see if he clears up. Well, at least I was able to finish off our peanut butter.

PB&J

I forgot how good these are. I hadn't had one for at least four months. Too bad that I couldn't have regular milk to wash it down with. Vanilla soy milk just doesn't do it for me. I'm back on soy, wheat, hopefully nuts. Life is continuing to improve. Now if I could just get enough sleep at night.

Job Offer

Today I went into my old office for a visit. The boss offered me a part time postion. I thanked her, what an honor to have an offer when I am not even in the market, but turned her down nonetheless. The only person that is going to be raising my little boy is me. I don't want to miss out on anything. I've got the most important job that there could be for me--raising a healthy, happy little son. It's the best, but most challenging career there is.

I did say that I'd be happy to do something very part time from home. She had some ideas of things that I could help her with. We'll see if anything comes of it.

Awwww Crap

Only one brownie left. I had to eat them quickly before they spoiled. You know, for the good of the baked goods.

Liberation

My life is getting better and better. I feel like I am really getting this mommy business down and then I have a hard day, but I guess that that comes with the territory. I love his age now...six months, though on Saturday he'll be seven, is really fun. The boy sits up, scoots around until his little toes have blisters, "talks" a ton...Bababababa BAH, reaches for and tries to eat EVERYTHING. He is a little boy now, not so babyish. And he is exhausting to watch and keep track of and he is not even walking.

My diet restrictions are lifting somewhat, too. We are trying anyway. I am now able to try to reintroduce everything...slowly. One new thing every 5-7 days and see how he reacts. If nothing, I can keep eating it. I am starting with soy, and then on to nuts, and eggs, berries, citrus, and dairy. So excited!! I see a light finally!

Yellow

My aunt recently told us that Lucas looked a little jaundiced and that we should get him some sun and get him into the doctor soon. I am so SICK of doctor's appointments so I waited until he had one yesterday and asked about it. "Does he look jaundiced to you?" The doctor asked what he eats. I told her...sweet potatoes, squash...she cut me off and said that he is colorful because of all of the beta carotene in his diet. Shew, I hate to see what he will look like when I start him on peas and green beans.

Thoughts on Florida

I am glad to be gone from the state that I grew up in. Not that it is really a bad place, with all it's humidity, hail, and hurricanes. It was a wonderful place to live, especially when that was all I knew. But after being gone for over a year, I still have absolutely no desire to ever live there again. It's not that I don't miss my friends and my family (Mike's) that is there. I really do. And it is not that my new area is that much better. I just want to move forward in life, not backward. I am not at all thinking of how I can get back there. To go back would be almost like we were defeated by the big bad world and needed to crawl back home to our security blanket. Though Mike's job is not entirely secure now (they are starting to lay off people), I would prefer not leave this area if he needed to get new employment. There is so much here to still see or somewhere, anywhere else. I am so over Florida. But do look forward to my Christmas visit!

Game on

So here is my new and improved running plan...run a half marathon in February and do the full a couple months later on April Fools day. That gives me about six months to prepare for the full. I think that that is an ample amount of time. At this point, I think that the goal will be just to finish the full--a worthy goal, I suppose. Check out the details on the Golden Gate Headlands marathon that I am planning to do: http://www.envirosports.com/events/displayevent.php?eventid=1549
Looks pretty sweet and includes a stretch of beach running. I'm psyched.

Freebie

Do the calories count when you eat a big wad of ooey gooey brownie crumbs/knife scrapings?

Thanks to Mike

I just wanted to publicly thank my husband for updating my blog site. This weekend, he added a photo of me in my profile and rearranged the placement of the links on the left of the page. Or bumped them above the previous posts and archives because honestly, who cares about that? I think that it is a big improvement, especially the cute pic of ME;-).

You should check out his handiwork on our family's web site--completely done by him at: http://www.thelomonacofamily.com/ . New photos of Lucas are coming soon (hopefully this week).

Food, food and more food

My life is really food centered lately. I am not enjoying being this obsessive, but what can I do. So here was my weekend of food...

Friday night, I suggested that we go out for burgers to our locally famous drive up burger place, Nubbin's. Mike normally jumps at the opportunity, but wanted a Wendy's salad instead (WHAT?!). I was a little disappointed to be eating a burger alone--you feel like an unhealthy pig when your husband is dining on a bowl full of veggies. Oh well, over it. I figured a burger would be safe now that I can have wheat again, but to be cautious, asked the teenaged cashier if he could tell me the ingredients in the buns because of food allergies. He looked at me and laughingly replied, "There is bread in the buns." I am so not humored by my crappy diet and I was tempted to kick him in the teeth...but I refrained and just told him that I needed to know. He got me a pamphlet that they had behind the counter that listed the ingredients in everything there. Quite helpful, but I found that there was soy flour in the buns. Thinking that I had to have a salad, too, I couldn't find one without cheese, citrus, etc. I got frantic. What the heck could I eat?! Should I order a plain hamburger patty? Sick. Anyway almost in tears, I chanced it and got the burger that I so badly wanted. And the next day, Lucas did not break out. Yippee!

Saturday, after I ran out of dark chocolate, I decided to make these new brownies that I can eat-ooey gooey chocolatey chewy brownies. They are wheat free, dairy free, egg free, nut free and surprisingly not taste free. The large dark chocolate chunks help, I think. They are so yummy (by my new diet's standards) and can be ordered online at: www.thecravingsplace.com

And Sunday, Mike picked us up some more burgers at Wendy's. He didn't hear me mention that I couldn't have mayo (eggs) and had to cut it off my bun and wash the residue off my tomatoes so that I could safely have it.

I guess that it doesn't help that the only thing that I got out to do was go food shopping.

Polarized

Sometimes, I really hate that that we people are so split. It seems that people either love or loathe God. Yesterday, I was at a wedding and heard a guy at the next table mockingly say, "I've got the big JC on my side." Everyone laughed. It made me want to cry because it reminded me of Jesus being tortured and the crowds mocking him. "Prophesy for us Christ...who just hit you?"

Politically, we are a divided nation. Our President is a hated man by so many. He is blamed for everything that goes wrong in this country and beyond. His ideals are mocked by the masses. In fact, I met a girl recently who was moving out of the country (perhaps partially for political reasons). She was talking about how nice it would be to get away from her mother-in-law. I joked with her, saying, "Oh is she the typical, psycho mother-in-law?" "Yeah, she's a conservative!," she spat. I choked. Sheesh.

Oh Lord, why does it have to be this way? Why can't everyone know you? Why can't we all just get along?

Green

I've heard lots of terms for marijuana over the years: weed, pot, dope, hemp, hash, roach, ganja...and I am sure that the list could go on and on. Come on...I went to Florida State University, ok. Anyway, I learned a new one this weekend in an interesting way. Mike was speaking to a potential customer for some car parts that he is selling on eBay. He told the guy that he wanted to wait the auction out and if he didn't sell it online because the bids were too low, he'd call him back. The guy was very anxious for the parts and was offering cash that day. Then he sweetened the deal hoping that Mike would jump on it..."How about the cash and some green." Mike was thinking that the cash was the green. But then it dawned on him that he was speaking of another leafy green. Needless to say, Mike did not sell the parts (even though it was such a sweet offer) and I never have smoked the devil weed. But I have inhaled. You can't help it in Jamaica. The air is thick with it. I came back to the country feeling like I had dumbed down a bit.

Rash

Crap! His face flared up in red bumps again. We did eat out last night, so perhaps it's something other than wheat. I tried to scrap all of the sour cream off my salad, but maybe got a speck or two inadvertantly. I just can't be careful enough. I can't wait when all of this is past and I can laugh about it someday. In the meantime though, this royally bites.

One Nation Under God

A local rock station in Sacramento is having the Pledge of Allegiance said every hour on the hour in protest of atheist, Michael Newdow's lawsuit to have it removed from public schools. Mr. Newdow is from the Sacramento area as well. It seems that all the crazies live here. Anyway, I was super impressed that a seemingly liberal rock station would be in favor of leaving the Pledge alone. Basically, the dj was saying that we have every right not to say the Pledge individually and we are not pledging our allegiance to God but to the flag. He also said that in saying "one nation under God," it is the same as the "in God we trust" that is on the money that we are spending everyday.

Why are so many people opposed to and/or afraid of their Creator? I feel sorry for those who think that this life on earth is it for them. How empty and hopeless an existence that must be!

Stubborness

Some people just don't get it. Today I saw a man in a wheel chair who was hooked up to an oxygen tank...and smoking a cigarette. Hello, anything up there or is the brain as black as your lungs?

Freedom

Oh JOY, I can eat WHEAT again!! Yippee! I had a doctor's appointment today and was told that we can start adding things to my diet again starting with grains. We will see how Lucas handles it. I feel like a giant weight has been lifted off my chest. It's not like it frees up that many things for me, but I can once again consume normal breads and pastas. Substitutes called Spelt and Kamut are just not as appetizing. Maybe my life will resemble normalcy again one of these days soon.

Pearly Whites

Little Lucas is finally growing his first teeth. Two are pushing through at once. No wonder he has been drooling like a leaky faucet and gnawing on everything in sight for a couple months now. Yesterday, I teared up realizing that he would never again have the same precious, all gums baby smile. At least not in my lifetime.

Open Mouth

For a very conscientious person, I sure do make a lot of verbal faux pas. A recent example: We were getting Lucas' six-month pictures taken at Wal-Mart and we were told to flip through the sample album and choose 4 of the backgrounds. I came across a really cheesy looking, tropical one and had to comment. "Wow, that's really hokey." The photographer said, "That's my son." "Oh, he's cute." was my quick, not so clever reply. Doh.

E.Coli?

So, I started prepping tomorrow night's dinner, a southwest tri-tip roast. I took out all of the ingredients for the rub (chili peppers, garlic, cumin, oregeno, olive oil) and the meat and noticed that the roast looked a little green. The sell before date on the package was today, so tomorrow it just may be a little more moldy. Maybe tomorrow evening I will have a blog titled ER.

Long and Lanky

I just got back from Lucas' six month check up. He is tall and thin like his Daddy. Maybe too thin, though. His weight was below the 5th percentile. 50% is average. GREAT! My kid is anorexic, yet he is still in diapers and a boy! Do boys ever have eating disorders? Can one of these doctors visits ever be normal?!

He also had his shots today, which made him scream (and me tear up). After all of the excitement, he came home and crashed. Yet it is time for him to eat. Should I wake him up to feed him or let him sleep and perhaps disappear into nothing?

Debbie Downer

I really embarrassed myself at a party last night. It was honoring a lady from our church who just passed her architectural exam--a celebration. I was introduced to this young couple and was talking to them for awhile about everything...children, their upcoming wedding, hometowns, etc. Then I brought up the big news event, the New Orleans and Katrina tragedy. I started relaying some stories of the atrocious things that I had read about or seen on the news. It seemed like the lady was trying to change the subject (as it was not really party conversation), but I kept going. "The children were starving and the mother, who was pregnant, was feeding them the only thing she could find...cookies." Then, I got the brush off. "It was nice meeting you." and she walked away. Humiliating.

Seven

This is the number of times that my son has puked since being fed this morning. What is the mother *#$%ing problem? Is he not being burped enough, does he have acid reflux (which might entail meds and me having to give up more foods), did he eat too much, or maybe he just likes the taste of it?! I am so frustrated with the new story of my life. It's such a guessing game and I hate that about it. I want a formula to this child rearing thing. I want to know the answers. WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE SO HARD? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Wishful Thinking

Oh and about that marathon in December...don't think that it is happening...this year, anyway. The training is not coming along. First off it's hotter than hell (100+) here most of the day. Second, I cannot get my butt going in the morning because this kid keeps waking up so freakin' early. I am lucky to get 5-6 hours of sleep per night which really isn't enough for me. Yes, I should go to bed earlier, but then I really wouldn't have a life. Perhaps I will shoot for the half instead. 13 miles is a little more realistic than the full enchilada. Boy, what I wouldn't give for the ability to eat a cheese enchilada right now...must be strong.

Addicted

I think that I have a problem with food. I like it too much. Now that I can eat so little, I fantasize about what I can't consume. And then I binge on something I can, like tortilla chips (I had to look at 10 brands before I found one without soybean oil). Happily, I am my prepregnant weight once again. My body is for sure not the same, though. Pass the chips.

Extreme Makeover

Today I finally cashed in my gift certificate for an "extreme makeover" at a local beauty college. I received my first ever facial which was very nice, got my hair cut and styled and had a spa manicure and pedicure. What a relaxing treat for a mom who doesn't get out of the house alone much. The five hours that it took to be pampered was the longest that I've been away from Lucas in his entire six months. It was so nice to have some me time again.

Note: That was a super baby shower gift! I was told to baby myslef after the baby came.

Half a Decade

Five years ago tomorrow, I got married. This night five years ago, I couldn't sleep because I was so excited about the next day's event and the future that was before me. 5 years ago, I had no idea what was in store. I called Mike several times throughout the night to remind him of things. "Don't forget the plane tickets." "Bring the license so that we can get it signed." "Please be on time."

Five years later and I am still reminding him of things. "Put the toilet seat down, I almost fell in." "Slow down, you'll give the baby whip lash." "Please wipe that nasty stubble out of the sink."

Despite the nagging reminders, I am also continually reminded of how much I love him and how blessed I am to have him as my husband and the father of my child.

Five years from now and we are going to celebrate in Hawaii. I wonder what I will be reminding him of then. "Don't forget your speedo."

Pukester

This week, our little pukiepie hit the bullseye, so to speak. Daddy was playing with Lucas by holding him over his head like an airplane. And the baby let loose and ralphed right in Mike's face...in the mouth to be more precise. Mike said that it tasted like chicken.

Restrictions

Yesterday we found out that the formula is not covered by insurance. We really can't afford $40-60 per week for it. And today, I finally had an appointment with a specialist about Lucas' allergies. Well, the good news is that I can continue to breast feed. That is the best thing that I can do for him. The bad news is that I can officially eat next to nothing.

My new diet has the following restrictions: Dairy, Soy, Wheat, Nuts, Berries, Citrus, and Eggs. All it leaves is meat, potatoes, rice, limited fruit, and vegetables. Mmmmmm. Can't wait for the holidays.

My head was ringing the whole way home. This royally sucks!

Only in California

Last night, our neighbor started mowing their lawn at 10:30pm. Why would someone be so rude when others are trying to sleep? Not to mention, how on earth could they see what to mow? SHUT UP and do it in the morning, you freakin' freak!

Luke Puke

Today is a tough day. Lucas is finally taking the straight up formula, which is good, but it is still a challenge to give it to him. He squirms and wriggles, distractedly looks around, digs his nails into my arm as it craddles him, and occasionally even blows the stuff out to be funny. It's a joy feeding him, lemme tell you. Oh and recently he's been even more spitupy than usual. The kid seems to spew up most of his meals sometimes. And often, I am the target of that yak.

Bad Mommy

Thump (pause) SCREeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeAM! No...he didn't...did he? I bolted into the room and found my poor baby lying there on his back next to a pillow screaming his bloody head off. He had finally done what I feared he would eventually. Lucas had rolled off the bed.

I had left him in our room happily playing on our bed a few minutes earlier to clean up a mess he made. I had even taken the safety procautions to block him from falling with pillows, or so I thought. On my way back, I got distracted by email, but for only a second.

I felt like such a terrible, neglectful mother to let something like that happen to my little son. Luckily, almost as soon as I held him and kissed him he stopped crying. Lucas was absolutely fine. The fall probably just surprised him. Someday when he does something crazy, I can blame it on the time he fell on his head when he was a baby.

Fire

We had a little scare a couple days ago. I was trying to nap and heard a weird popping noise from the front of the house. I wondered what Lucas was doing in his crib, but looked at the baby monitor and realized that the sound wasn't coming from his room. Maybe it was construction sounds from the roofers across the street? I heard the strange sound again and had to investigate.

As I entered our office I smelled a pungent smoke and saw ash pouring from the computer monitor. Ack, we have a fire!! Not sure what to do, I called Mike at work. Wouldn't you know it, he wasn't at his desk so I left a voice mail. "Our office is on fire, call as soon as you can." I peered into the place where the smoke was rising from and saw a ball of flame inside. Shaking, I dialed 911 for the first time in my life. This thing could blow up and ignite the room, our wooden roof and maybe burn our house down.

As I was talking to the operator, I grabbed my sleeping baby from the next room in one arm and our wedding album in the other. He looked very confused and groggy and perhaps even a little pissed off. If he could have spoken he would have said, "Hey, ma, what are you doing?! Can'tcha see I'm sleeping here." Little did he know, I was saving his life.

As I was getting off with 911, the other line beeped in and it was Mike. I quickly explained the situation. "Did you unplug the monitor?" Uh, no. So, I dropped Lucas off on our bed...I wasn't going to take my baby into the inferno ...and ran in risking my life to try to find the right plug in the sea of wires. Once I unplugged everything in the room, I evacuated the house with the baby. I phoned my parents as the fire engine with sirens screaming pulled up in front. So cool! If only Lucas was old enough to appreciated it. They brought the smoking monitor out of the house and fanned out all of the toxic fumes (though it still smells a little acrid like fried machinery in here).

Mike came home, we went to the mall to allow our place to further air out and he took me out to dinner.

Anyway, as a word of friendly advice...don't leave anything electronic running while you are not at home. The fireman said in another 30 minutes, we would have had a house fire. Praise God that we were all safe, as was our place, all but the toasted monitor. Now Mike has an excuse to finally get that flat screen.

Small Again

I am getting thin again. It's nice to nearly have my old body back after seeing it morph into something huge and unfamiliar for about a year. Only about 3 pounds to go to get back to my prepregnancy weight. Not too shabby.

Is this because I am training for a marathon and running my butt (and thighs, and stomach, etc.) off? Nope, I'm having a really tough time getting into a running routine with the baking summer heat and my recent lack of sleep at night with a sick and perhaps teething baby. My recent shrinkage is primarily because I am on a new "I can't eat anything" diet. Lucas has so many food allergies that I am severely limited as to what I can eat. No dairy, soy, nuts or berries. It's tough because I am a sweet tooth and ice cream junkie and those are all off limits. Also, soy is in everything. Try checking any label and I'll bet you find a soy ingredient.

I am starting to wean him which is really sad but probably best for all of us. If he would just freakin' take the formula. He pushes the bottle away and screams. I can't imagine why?! The stuff smells like feet and he let's me know he hates it. If he keeps this up, he's going to start shrinking, too. I don't know what to do.

New Tricks

Here are a few of Lucas' latest learned stunts:
1) Toe sucking
2) Making bubbles and fart noises with his lips
3) Rolling over (he's been doing this for over a month now)
4) And my personal favorite...trying to touch the baby that he sees in the mirror

It is AMAZING to see him grow.

Twentysomething

Only one more year of my twenties to go. Weird. Am I old?!

Last year on this day, I found out that I was pregnant. My how my life has changed in just 365 days. Different home, different job, different state. It's like I am not really me anymore. Wait, I am still me, but only better.

Fears Realized

Today, two of my greatest fears came true today (well nearly anyway).

1) My little boy almost rolled off our bed.
2) I put my hand in the garbage disposal with the "blades" still spinning.

Let's just say that I caught him just in time before he fell to bonk his head or worse. And luckily all of my digits remain intact after reaching into the disposal that was still apparently on. I wouldn't stick my hand in there for years fearing that it would just randomly turn on. Now it is something that I routinely clean out. I turned the switch off and stuck my fist in only to feel the quick sting of the churning machine. It did absolutely nothing to me, but I hurt mentally for an hour or so. Mike wouldn't take me to the hospital like I asked him. Jerk!

Now I need to avoid all bridges (so I don't drive off), walking on thin ice (so I don't plunge into the frigid depths unable to find the hole I fell in), and guard my teeth with my life (so they don't get shattered, of course). And then there are spiders...

Silence

What is it anymore? It's something that I rarely hear these days. I shower to screaming, eat to whining, and shop to cries. Oh and I have a good baby. He's not colicy or anything. Oops, there he goes, he's up and fussing AGAIN...gotta run.

Sleeping In

I have a whole new perspective on sleeping in now that I am a momma. This morning when the sun came streaming in the window, I peeked at the clock and it was a little after 6 am. I thought, "Oh good, I get to sleep in today." And I actually felt refreshed for a change. REFRESHED AT FREAKING SIX IN THE MORNING!! I remember the days not too long ago when sleeping in was snoozing until around 9 am. Now we are lucky to get shut eye after 6.

Yesterday was a tough morning. He woke up at 4:30 am and didn't want to go back to bed after that. I think that he wanted to be with his daddy for Father's Day. So we pulled him in between us and eventually the little guy conked out and we were able to get a tad more rest in. I kinda like those weekend mornings where we all cuddle up together in our bed. It reminds me of crawling into my own parent's bed when I was a kid. And how safe and loved I felt. Now we are on the other side of the bed--the parents. It is still crazy to think it, yet wonderful.

It's Official

Starting next week, I start my training for the December 4 California International Marathon. I've recruited a training sucker, er, I mean partner and I am rearing to go. I've got 10-15 pounds to go to get my old body back and I may just be there in time for bathing suit season. Whoopie!

Alone

This week I started really feeling like I am very much alone in California. Sure, I have friends here, but no real compadres as of yet. I don't talk on the phone with anyone. No girls night at a coffee shop. Or ever take a quick walk or jog with anyone. Just me and my baby all day long. It's a really tough transition after spending most of my life in one place and having countless pals to call up and/or hang out with in Orlando. I am no longer working either, so I have no real adult interaction. And Mike is gone for 10+ hours a day and then wants to have his unwind time, balance the check book, etc, when he walks in the door. After dinner and Lucas' bath, I am off to bed (often by myself).

I miss my friends, I miss my husband, I miss my old self and life. But I wouldn't give up this time with my sweet child for anything. I am just in a new stage now and hopefully I will get used to it and into more of a routine soon.

I need to be more purposeful about making friends, too. It is I who needs to make the effort. People here already have their friends, so I must seek them out. Maybe this season of aloneness is so that I can focus on God and my baby.

Busted

Last weekend as my sister was visiting, we ventured out for some sight seeing. I had my first feed Lucas in public experience. We were in Old Sacramento, a local tourist spot that resembles an gold mining town and it was time for my little boy to eat. Mike helped me to find a quiet bench in a secluded seeming area. There were hardly any people around as I covered myself with a blanket and started to feed my son. And then wouldn't you know it...a tour bus pulled up and people poured out. I'm glad that I wasn't arrested for indecent exposure. Oi.