Mrs.Adventure

Hermit.

2013-05-15T12:19:00.003-05:00

Sorry I've been hiding.

I still want to be, if we're being honest. I've just been SO freaking tired I can't even imagine writing. For once it's not that I don't have anything to write about I just don't have the energy to do it. I'm not sure if it's the new baby inside me but I feel like I have mono. I'm pretty sure I remember being really tired at first with Chloe but not this tired. Although with this pregnancy I'm also sleep deprived going into it.

What's big in our world this week, Teething.

Cue lot's of crying and me wishing for nothing more than a BIG glass of homemade wine. Or at least we think she's teething. She puts everything in her mouth including your hair.

Exhibit A:

She's just about 9 months so the timing's right. Had a fever yesterday which broke after some Tylenol. I'm hoping its her teeth and we'll be over this in a day or two. In the meantime I've been holding her a lot. Like most of the day. She just fusses and clings to me like a little monkey and God forbid I try and sit her down - tear central. Unless there's a pug or tex kitty around.

I also realize it's been TWO months since I took an official monthly photo. So throw out me being organized enough to take on photo a month. It's sad I tell ya. But what's gone is gone so maybe once the tears dry up I'll get motivated enough to be a good mom and take some photos of her. Her hair is still growing in dark brown and her eyes are blue as ever I can't wait to watch her blossom into a little girl this next year.

In other news we are still house hunting. Bargain shopping really. Tomorrow we are going to look at an unfinished 2200 sqft home on an acre for 50K. The inside is drywalled and painted but unfinished otherwise so it will need quite a bit (read: tubs, toilets, cabinets, flooring, doors) but if the location is right, we could make her our own. Plus it's has four bedrooms and two bathrooms prefect for a growing family.

Keep your fingers crossed for me would you?

I'd really like to find a home and get this move over before my belly prevents me from doing the fun stuff like painting ceilings. XO.

I'm a mom and I'm terrified.

2013-05-10T07:19:00.005-05:00

This mothers day seems a little heavier than I had imagined as I'm once again with child. Which is also one of the reason's I've been a little MIA this week (and last). Apparently motherhood for me starts with nausea which I couldn't be more excited about.

Walking into it last year I had no idea what to expect. But for the last 9 months being a mom is what I've been 'doing' its really my only job next to wife. It doesn’t matter that I’m tired or that I feel broken. It doesn’t matter that I'm nausous or that it's Saturday. Or that I'm in the shower.

And I'm pregnant again. Have I mentioned that?

What's weird is that my whole existence begs for her and this little one inside me to live. For their hearts to keep beating. To have the chance to love them. To know them. To teach them. To be there.

In a way I feel enslaved by motherhood. I've cussed her. But of course she's always there waiting for me to once again understand that it's not about me. It doesn't matter if I need to throw up mid-diaper change. I'm a mother. So without a choice I've been enslaved. To her. To them.

I always had this idea of a mother as nurturing and patient. Yet here I am and I've never been any of those things. And yet I am. It's like my body serves a purpose that my little mind can't even wrap around. The thought of someone hurting her brings me to my knees. Lord have Mercy on the poor idiot that ever lays a hand on her. I'm already afraid.

One day I'll look back and wonder how I did it. Question if there any sanity left. Thankfully I have a very understanding a patient husband. Right now between the nausea and Chloe not sleeping it feels like we're always playing catch up… like the pile of socks that have been moved from the dresser to the bed and back again twice already.

Hopefully things will slow down.

Laundry will get done and I'll eventually sleep.

A girl can dream right? After-all this Sunday is Mother's Day!

So Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mother's out there. Knowing you've been there or are silently in the trenches with me makes me feel less alone. XO.

You're going to be a Big Sister.

2013-05-07T10:54:00.001-05:00

Dearest Chloe,

This past week you're father and I found out that you're going to be a BIG sister. As much as a surpise as it was I couldn't be happier for you. My sister's are 6-7 years younger than me and so I'm really happy you two will be close in age. I'm so afraid that this new baby is going to make you grow up even faster before my eyes. Right now you still seem so small. You're my little baby, my little Chloe. I keep telling myself, you're only eight months.

Okay eight and a half months.

You are such a good baby 99% of the time. We pretty much have our daily routine down. You wake between 6-7 every morning. You wake up smiling and usually start playing with your mirror or fuzzy duck until I hear you and come in your room. Sometimes I just stand at the door and watch you and just let the minutes pass. You look so sweet, smiling, jabbering talking to your toys. The second you see me (or your father on the weekends) you smile the biggest cheesiest smile. One day I'll catch it on video.

You are a BIG eater. You like a bottle about half an hour after you wake up, unless you wake up yelling for it. You have a snack (pureed baby food) around 9 and another one around 2 drinking bottles in between. We're still doing a mix of baby-led weaning (allowing you to feed yourself) and purrees. A few of your favorite solids are: asparagus, banana's, apples, green beans (whole not pureed) and sweet potatoes. You like just about every puree with the exception of green beans and peas. But since you love whole green beans we figure its a texture thing.

You're moving. You've been moving around the floor in big circles for about a week now. You've defiantly figured out your hands and upper body. You're still rolling when you need to reach something, or scooting. You still haven't found your 'knees' but you have figured out how to pop your butt up and down to scoot forward an inch or so at a time which is cute. You love sitting up and playing with your toy's and often yell out in amusement, it's pretty darn cute. You also love to yell in restaurants and stores testing out your voice and trying different sounds.

May has already been a really busy month for us. This weekend we attended our big family renuion with everyone from my side of the family. Your Aunt, Cousins and Great-Grandpa drove in from Oklahoma. Your Grandma & Papaw drove up from Texas and the whole Nebraska crew showed up. Needless to say you were once again passed around like a hot potato which you loved.

The next two Saturday's we'll be attending 1st year birhtday party's as well as enjoying a Mother's Day weekend with your Grandparents in Protem. We're also starting to look for a house in hopes we'll find one by mid-summer. We'd love to have a BIG back yard for you to run and play in by the time you're mobile.

Whew. I think that's it. I love you little one.

XO,

Momma

Low expectations.

2013-05-04T09:17:00.000-05:00

I read a quote yesterday from a mother of two little ones (that are less than 2 years apart) she said: It's like raising twins, but one is big enough to injure the younger one. Both need you but one can run.

I'm hoping that since Chloe will be a year and four-ish months she'll be much more independent. Maybe even want to help? Ha ha. We still have 8 months to go anything can happen right?

I've been really nausous. As in throwing up daily. Again. Woohoo.

I thought YOU said every pregnancy was different?

Well I threw up for EIGHT months with Chloe. I don't feel different. Wait I do. Worse. Because I have a little girl that needs mommy to play on the floor and read her books not be curled around the toilet crying.

Crying? Oh it's what I do when I'm upset. Throwing up pisses me off. Great defense right? Anyway I have an appointment this Wednesday to find out how far along I am. We're thinking just a month but it will be nice to confirm it. I feel like I could be 6 weeks or more since that's when I started to get sick with Chloe.

Besides the sickness, The second that I start thinking about a little baby inside me again I get SO excited. Yet I'm afraid that the second I look away I'll miss something I can't get back, Chloe this small. Does that make sense?

We've decided to find out the sex this time. Since we didn't last time and this is most likely our last baby, I'd like to experience both. Why not? Plus I think it will be really fun to know what we are having and be able to talk to our little bean by name. From the start. The whole time I was pregnant with Chloe I would look down and ask my stomach "who are you… are you a little Chloe or Denver?".

Of course there was something beautiful and amazing finding out seconds after she was born but since I have a choice I'd like both experiences. If you can't tell I like my cake and eating it too. Either way, I know we'll be just as in love with this baby as we are our little Chloe bug.

PS: If you're in the mood for an educating yet funny video about staying alive or getting laid click here. Relax it's educational.

Pregnant. Again.

2013-04-28T14:54:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday morning started like most others, Chloe woke around 6:30 am needing a bottle. But for the first time in a long time while sitting in her room in that beautiful early morning light, I became nausous. The kind of nausous that made me yell out for Mr. A in hopes he could help.

"Please take Chloe, I might get sick."

I jolted up headed past the bathroom into the kitchen and started sipping on a glass of ice cold water. For the rest of the morning the only thing on my mind was 'please start, please start". All morning I hemmed and hawed around making excuses on why I hadn't started. Oh it's just "Hormones"or it's because "I stopped breastfeeding" or my favorite, I read online that "It takes a while to regulate."

THIS IS NORMAL.

While out on an family errand picking up a few essentials (read: soap and diapers) Mr. A suggested we pick up a pregnancy test for piece of mind. Just like last time I argued for a minute saying we should just wait a week or so "I'll start". But of course his reasoning ~~won~~. After an hour or so at home all was aligned so I skittered off to the bathroom expecting a negaitive result (because there is no way I could be pregnant again).

I never even had a change to sit the stick down.

BAM.

(TMI: the splash's you see are water y'all... I'm a rinser)

Oh hell.

I double checked.

And then double checked again.

And again.

I tried closing my eyes and opening them again. Jumping up and down then looking again. I closed one eye leaving one open. Then I looked in the box to make sure there wasn't a second test just-in-case.

One $10 test and our lives are forever changed. Again.

Then just like last time, I darted out of the bathroom strait to Mr. A saying "we're pregnant' forcing the stick into his hand as if last time was just a rehearsal fo the big surprise- another baby!

Another baby!!!

Then I proceeded to I cry like a baby in his arms telling him I wasn't sure if I can handle another baby. I sobbed and sobbed I'm still so tired. I selfishly wanted my body back before I lost it again. My boobs are still sore from drying up and now my belly will once again grow. Chloe is only 8 months. EIGHT Months.

But here. Inside me. Another miricle. Another baby for us to love. An addition to our family. Another US.

Of course that the shock has worn off I (we) couldn't be more excited. Well Mr. A always was I needed a little convincing I'd stay sane. While I'm sure the first year or two with a baby and a toddler will be much more hectic and sometimes even scary in the end having them that close in age will be SO much fun.

So here's all the key points I keep going over again, and again. Keeping calm y'all.

I'm excited that they will be close in age (read: best friends).
Chloe will never have a memory of being an only child, she'll always have memories of her little sister or little brother being there. Sharing makes friends.
It's that many less years we will be in 'baby mode'. We knew we wanted two. At the moment the house is already in full swing baby mode so it's just a year or so longer. It's not like we are pulling things out of storage after years.
I've done this before.
Chloe is 'just enough' ahead of our new addition that we'll be able to transition her into a toddler bed so we can reuse the crib. And the high chair. And the playstation.
If we had waited we would have a three year old and a baby meaning it's that much longer we would be held back from things like family hikes, canoeing and what-not. One of us would always be behind with the little one this way they'll grow together.
I'm also thankful that I'm HOME.
There's not job to loose this time.
And wasn't I just the one whining about missing the baby stage? BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR.

The best things so far in our lives have been unplanned so why should we expect anything different this time? Now we just need to make that first doctors appointment. Have an ultrasound so we know how far along I am.

I may even want to find out this time who's in there. Or not.

Ready or not family of four here we come!

I'm not ready.

2013-04-26T08:38:00.002-05:00

I can't get it off my mind, she's growing up. Fast. I loved her clingy infant stage. I already miss the heaviness of her body on mine. She moves now, looks around, then proceeds to grab my check as if she's trying to pull it off. Kisses me. Giggles.

Even knowing I've been here for almost every-single moment of her life thus far, it feels like if I blink I'll miss something amazing. I feel like I haven't soaked up enough of her smallness. Soon she'll be crawling, she's already rolling like a burrito. Then talking. She's already trying to say daddy (da-da-da). Being about to watch her grow is the most beautiful gift I've ever been given and yet time wants to take it away from me.

For months now I've prayed that she would sleep through the night but lately I've been enjoying those middle of the night wake ups. Crazy maybe but I know they won't last forever and its really the only time she's still. After her bottle she'll wrap her arms around my neck, adjust her head into the crook of my neck and breathe heavy sweet baby breaths for as long as I hold her. As long as I WANT to hold her. Sure sometimes this momma's tired and I lay her right down, other times I just sit there in the dark holding her, feeling her heaviness knowing that I will miss it. So much.

Sometimes I cry. Like now. Damn hormones I'm a mess.

What's more, I haven't started my period. Yeppers. You read that right. AND I'M FREAKING OUT. Sure, I'm only two weeks late. Not late "enough" but TOO late. But enough too late that it's the only thing on my mind. So there's that.

Happy Friday Friends. XO.

I'd rather not talk about it.

2013-04-25T06:52:00.003-05:00

Here's the thing. I've thought about writing at least a dozen times already this week. I log in, click new post and then proceed staring at the blank page like it owes me money. Honestly I'm not sure what's wrong with me since there's quite a bit I could talk about. I could give a really funny description of the tornado of a weekend.

Between batteries dying, the baby crying because she HATED her life jacket the entire time. Add to that day two of our weekend get-away Mr. A woke up throwing up. It was ONE hell of a weekend. One day I'm sure we'll laugh about it but at the moment we're still recovering. I'd rather just forget about it.

So If we're being honest I might have even been hiding. Sure, I've kept the most adorable human I know alive. But really all I've been doing is house wife and mom stuff. Since my brain is on creative lock down I've been searching Pinterest for Chloe's 1st Birthday Party. I can't believe it's only 3 months away... Tear.

(someone please ~~send~~ make this momma a stiff drink)

No really. I want one.

Any-HOO, I've finally decided on a theme for Chloe's 1st Birthday: Picnic. I'm thinking red and white gigim table cloths. Baskets with napkins. Mason jars filled with sweet tea and lemonade on ice. Fruit on a stick. Food on a stick. Corn on the Cob. Watermelon. Games.

(Image Sources: Here and Here)

What do you think? I'd love to hear you're ideas!

Five Down.

2013-04-19T06:45:00.001-05:00

I've been in love with him for six birthdays and six Christmas's. I still can't believe the young wild eyed man I met in California at 18 is the same loving 30 year old man I'm married too.

Today marks our five year wedding anniversary.

Five.

In someway's it feels like we've always known each other and yet at the same time I remember that feeling of wanting to run down the isle.

Not much has changed, I still feel like the luckiest girl alive.

I thought about writing down a list of things I love about him, but I've done that. So I decided to make a video compiled of photos of the last six years to show how far we've come. But then I procrastinated. Because I'm still me.

So I'm left with this, my words. Some how none will sum up the amount of love I feel everyday and how thankful I am. But I am. I realize how fortunate I am to have love. To be in love.

This year we'll be celebrating on the lake.

We bought a boat.

Last weekend to be exact. I haven't told you because I've waiting to snap photos (which hasn't happened damn me). We named her Five Down as sort of a tribute to our 5 year anniversary… and I sorta love it.

We've rented a cabin on a nearby lake and will be boating our weekend away hoping to catch a fish or two. Soaking up a little sun and opening a bottle of vino or two in the process I'm sure.

5 down 80 to go!

PS: Sure 80 might be "a little" extreme but with modern science I feel like there's a chance.

My Boobs: They're almost mine again.

2013-04-16T13:57:00.002-05:00

I've wanted to post about breast feeding for a few weeks now, ever since I decided it was over. That's right folks, I decided. Does that make me a bad parent? No, because I'll have my sanity.

In short she's started biting and nipping at me and it hurts like hell. No teeth yet but we're waiting for one any day now she's chewing on everything. She'd chew on the pug if he'd let her. Since she's still not sleeping through the night my sanity is already pretty questionable.

So about three weeks back I decided to start stretching out the time in between feedings to make life a little easier. I'd supplement with a bottle and wait the extra hour or two, instead of nursing her first. This went on for a week or so and I noticed we were down to about three feedings a day. Three. I felt free. Liberated even. So I started skipping the 2nd feeding and just nursed a little earlier for the last one - and ta-da two feedings a day.

Just-like-that.

After doing that for the last week I'm happy to report we're down to one a day and I'm hoping by the end of the week we will be done. There's been no pain on my behalf (due to weaning) which I was pleasantly surprised with.

I didn't really do any research or talk to anyone about it. I'm not sure how any of our supposed to know when the right time is. I suppose some wait for their little one to decide, which was my plan up until I actually became a mother. Then I went through months and months of struggling with feeding her using nipple shields and pumping. It sucked.

Then it was easy. Three months of easy. Three months of nursing in the backseat, on road trips. In bathroom stalls when we were out at restaurants. Being a mom is anything but glamorous I tell ya. But then she started biting. And now here we are 8 months in and we're done with the journey. She and I anyway there might be other little ones later. I can't believe it's over. Really over.

Why don't I feel sad?

Auction Day.

2013-04-11T10:31:00.004-05:00

The day we've waiting on for week now was finally here. Court house auction day.

There were two homes that I knew of 'being auctioned'. So a few day's prior Mr. A and I drove by the one near our rent house. It was a typical 'rent' house. The paint was good. One car garage. Basement. Nothing fancy. We figured the value was somewhere between 80-90K if it was being sold on the market. In this area that will buy you about a 1200 sqft house + basement, 3 bed, 2 bath on about a 1/4 − 1/2 acre lot.

Unless you're like us and you're trying to score one at half of that. Dream Big… right? Anyway, the day was finally here and I had NO idea what to expect. Would there be a crowd of savvy investors? Would there be a bidding war like I saw on "storage war's' but over a house? What does the bid start at?

We live just around the corner from the downtown square so even though the weather man was calling for rain I decided to walk (I need it). I put Chloe in her car seat and then into the stroller so if it rained I'd be able to keep her covered. As we approached the courthouse I could see there were construction workers still working on the outside of the building. They've been working on a restoration project for a month or so now so I wasn't surprised just confused at how the auction could take place with all the noise. . I walked around the entire courthouse, all four doors seemed to be 'sealed off' and not a soul to be seen.

No savvy investors. No one period. Except the workers hanging off the side of the building that is.

So I did what I always do when I can't figure something out - I call husband. He tells me to just walk across the street and ask the bailiff who works at the nearby jail. I did and he had no idea either. So I decided to just go stand near the steps but far enough away from the steps, the workers and the dust. I found a spot just out of the way and proceeded to just stand there.

Just as I was about to leave a older man with very black hair walked past me then turned and stood by the steps. Once I could see his face I could tell the hair was dyed as his eyes and hairline gave his real number away. He was holding one of those leather note pad holders so I figured he at least knew why he was standing there. Unlike myself who was starting to second ever thing I did up on to this awkward moment. Since he was standing exactly where the auction was supposed to be, I approached him.

"Exc-ccuuse me Sir, are you here for the auction?"

He looks at me and scoffs: Yes. yes I am (Then he looks around as if he's wondering where every one is as well).

I proceeded: "Ok, we'll I know it's probably not 'proper' but as you can tell I have no idea what I'm doing and I was hoping you'd help, I'm not bidding".

He laughed this sweet old man laugh which made me feel much more at ease then said "ok but let me read this first".

I smiled then nodded thinking he needed to look over his notes. Although I was still a little confused because there was still NO one else around so who was he thinking he'd bid against?

Then he started reading out-loud "Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen, we are here today to auction of Document Number 2008-000098877 Book 2008 Page 7896 All Of Track 15….. "

(Narration inside my head: HOLY CRAP he's the auctioneer. Wait - if he's the auctioneer and he know's I'm not bidding why is he reading this to me? Wait is the auction going on right now? Where are the people? Damn it man - What the hell is going on?)

Auctioneer man: "Taking bids going once…. going twice…. (me: should I say something?) Sold back to the bank!

Me: Excuse me... What just happened?

Auctioneer man: Well since no one bid the house goes back to the bank.

Me: But didn't the bank already own it. And no one bid because I'm the only one here.

Auctioneer man: Yes. But please miss I need to continue.

"Document Number 2009-00088….. blah. blah. so and so."

(Inside my head: What the hell is going on? Why is he still reading. Should I bid. Husband said I could up until a few thousand I mean what if I say "ONE DOLLAR" and he's all sold to you ma'am there with the baby').

I decide to keep quiet so I wait very awkwardly until he's finished reading through his sheet. To me the person - not bidding. After he's done I quiz him on the cost of two homes that I had written down since I never heard a 'starting bid" he tells me... drum roll please… 100K.

HOLY COW. No way Jose.

So I dig deeper asking questions like "Why would the bid start at 100K if it didn't sell on the market after months and months for 90K?"

Since the narration could get long so here's what I found out:

They are required 'by law' to hold an auction at the courthouse steps. Although in the case of our town not houses are actually sold like this, which explains why I was alone. The bank starts the auction bid on what they have into the house up until this point. This includes second mortgages and anything they did prior to auction day. So in our case it's best to let the auction come and go and go directly to the bank and bid. They are more desperate by then as well as have run out of many options. On the same note I spoke with our landlord (since he owns 13 or so I figured he was a good start) and he said you can sometimes get a house for half of the value if the bank was in a tough spot, it's all about timing. So it never hurts to ask.

Second, if you know of a distressed property. Say maybe on that's been vacant for years or has been on the market more times that you can count you can find out who owns the house by taking the address to the County Assessors Office and asking them 'who's been paying the taxes' or 'who holds the deed'. Be prepared though, they might have you look up the records yourself so those of you who don't know the Dewey Decimal System might need to pay Google a visit. Xo.

Next you can search this site for Hud homes in your area by state or by county. I found quite a few fixer uppers in our area for $20-35K one house was even on a few acres so it's worth a look. In my limited experience most Hud homes are missing most of the appliances (it's the same with most foreclosures) and a lot are missing lighting and some are damaged. The good thing about buying a Hud is they are vacant unless you live in a area where homeless have found it (so you don't have to worry about tenant like in the auction situation were some still have owners or renters living in them). You can also have all you inspections done prior to writing an offer unlike an auction situation. We'll be looking into a few of these for sure.

Then there's the idea of going strait to the bank. Not only are they stuck with the mortgages, a lot of the time they haven't listed the houses. It's important to note at every bank is different, the larger banks might have a little more wiggle room to allow for a good deal just to move the house, where as a smaller bank might be looking for anyway out so I say - ask them all :o).

Happy House Hunting Friends!

Mr. A's Homework

2013-04-10T13:16:00.000-05:00

(This past week I read a paper that hubs had to write for one of his classes. It described our basement so well that I thought I'd share it with you).

As I fumble with the key in my pocket, my fingers can detail the pockmarks left behind from years of rust eating away at its composition. This skeleton key fits a door that leads into the utility portion of my home’s basement. After a few moments of jostling the key and knob in rhythmic unison, the tang of the lock recedes, and I am granted access to the most seldom inhabited room of the house. With a squeak right out of Scooby Doo, the door swings open on its own. I can just barely make out the dimensions of the room from this aspect. It is about 14 feet by 12 feet. The sunlight coming in from behind me is not enough to illuminate the corners of this room. I duck my head and walk on in. Now I have to fumble through this meager light, in hopes of finding the light switch. I put my hand on an oak beam overhead and follow it into the darkness. I find my prize within a few yards. A second or so later, a dim 60 watt bulb arcs to life in the middle of the pitch. With this new light, I am able to take in some more of the dreary conditions.

I am surrounded by boxes, bags, bicycles and another ten years’ worth of junk accumulation. There is a winding path that leads through the labyrinth of stacked moving boxes. I get flashes of past stages of my life as I survey the items that are plugging up this room. I can see the luggage that my wife and I always take on international flights. I can see that the green ribbon attached to one of the pull handles is still vibrant against such a sullen backdrop. There, in the corner stands a stack of saltwater fishing rods I used when I lived on the Gulf Coast. As I pull my hand back from the light switch, I notice that the wiring under the house is very old. So old in fact, that the insulation on these wires is a fabric of some sort. I dare not touch it as it looks like it would crumble right off of the wire. There is a centrally located floor drain in this space. Though it is currently dry, I can see evidence of flooding from the rains of last spring. There are tiny riverbeds that have been carved into the caked dirt on the floor. This intrusion of moisture is almost certainly to blame for the heavy, moldy smell that I now pull through my nostrils. This room is recessed into the earth and as a result smells very earthy, like a cave.

Without warning, a click and the rushing sound of a fan remind me of the other inhabitant of this dark, lonely place. The furnace has fired. Now this tiny space that has so much stuff in it has become very noisy. So noisy in fact that a conversation would be difficult at this point. All of the ductwork that criss crosses overhead is rumbling with heated air being forced through it. At the end of the furnace’s cycle, I can detect a new noise. I can hear my wife and her muffled phone conversation. I cannot discern anything about the conversation, but I can tell that it is my wife speaking. Her tone is being muffled by layers of construction materials. She is right above me. I can hear the wood floor creak with each of her footsteps. I can almost see each of her footsteps as she traverses the space above me. She is completely unaware of the creeper below. This is where things go to be forgotten. The only residents of this place are mold, darkness and a very temperamental furnace.

Thrifting and Pie

2013-04-09T08:21:00.000-05:00

I'm sure most of you 'get it' I like to thrift shop. I mean I've been telling you since 2010. I can't believe it either. Anyway the other day I was looking around the house analyzing all my favorite items (yes I do this often) and it was SO clear the items that are really unique or different are usually those I've found at garage sales or thrift stores.

Thrifting isn't anything new but before I'd really only stop in to browse the furniture section for something needing a little TLC. This was the same time in my life when I would have spent $100 on a pair of jeans and not even blinked. Actually I did it quite often. There was a time in Mr. A and I's marriage we'd spend $150 on dinner and joke that we spend more on food then our house (which at the time was $1200 a month). Looking back now I realized how 'fluid' we were with funds. I mean we took 3 International Vacation's in a period of 3 years.

But then we were poor.

Not in the 'oh money's really tight' kind of way. I was pregnant and laid off work. So I'm talking the kind where we were paying both our Mortgage, Electric and Gas bills for our house in Texas, plus the rent house in Missouri we lived in. Paying for insurance wasn't an option. The kind of poor where you worry about how much gas you use each day and have to steal some from your lawnmower the day before pay day. The kind of poor where you feel like you won the lotto on pay day and thank the lord you won't actually have to go to a food kitchen because you used up the last of the groceries for dinner the night before.

Shit was hard yo.

But hey it's more than a year later and we're still here sarcastic and in love as ever. It also helps that Mr. A has an awesome job. Its safe to say I've learned quite a few lessons from it all. So while I might spend a little more on an item I know I won't find 'thrifting' I also alway's hold out for a good deal if I think I can find it. The day's of spending $100 on a pair of jeans is over - WAY over. But hey that doesn't mean I'm not going to find them thrifting for $2 it's happened.

And that's why I do it y'all. My haul last week: 2 brand new bamboo cutting boards $3, newish toys for Chloe $1, and a ~~partridge in a pear tree~~ new floppy at for me $2. It's addicting (as I rub my hands greedily) buwahahaha.

Last but not least you should make THIS PIE.

(totally my photo - I can't believe it either)

I did and it was amazing. So we made it again and again even trying it with fresh strawberries in place of apples and it was PERFECT. It's gooey, not to sweet, has little crispy sugared flakes on the crust. So we made that one again and again. The one in the photo is probably the 9th pie I've made using this exact recipe so what are you waiting for go make one you won't regret it. Then invite me over. XO.

A Growth Chart.

2013-04-08T08:24:00.001-05:00

Sure she's only 7.5 months but if we're being honest I've wanted a growth chart for months and months already. It started when I was pregnant. There was the Pinterest explosion of the giant ruler growth chart.

(image source)

They were super cute and I wanted one. I even planned on making one but seeing as how we're having this conversation we know how that panned out. Then I started thinking: Do I want to haul a 6 ft board around for that long? Would she want it?

Then I saw this one - and I died. Seriously. It's perfect.

(image source)

It has all the look of the ruler I wanted and more. Much more. Plus it's made out of canvas so storage is no issue. When she's older she can keep in a box if she wants or have it displayed in an office or something. Or better yet she'll whip it out and use it for her kids because it's the coolest growth chart in the world. Okay maybe I went a little deep with that one, but at least you see what I'm thinking.

The only problem? The price tag $38 + $10 shipping.

The original plan of buying vinyl and putting it on a board would have been around $20.

But then I got to reasoning, it would be around for a while. Quite a while if I had it my way. Plus I really like it. It's something I could use for multiple children, if we decided to. I really like it. I really disliked most other growth charts I'd seen because they look like they were made for a child's room and while I see the reasoning - I'd rather keep ours around longer than the 'small child' stage lasts. And maybe I'll have it in the kitchen or bathroom who knows.

So I go to Mr. A who is playing on the floor with Chloe with all of this in my head and let it all sort of explode out of my mouth (in no particular order) and wait for his "why that's ludicrous respnse… but instead at the end he just said "Well order it if you want it that bad".

I jumped and clicked my heals (in my head anyway) and ordered it.

So tell me am I the only person that is measuring our 8 month old on the wall?

That's right y'all she'll be 8 months in less than a week. I can-NOT believe it.

Right now. Big things.

2013-04-05T08:17:00.000-05:00

I'm exausted.

Even though we thought we took every precaucion we could for a good nights sleep, Chloe woke up at 10:30, 12, 1:15, 3:30 and then awake for the day at 6:45.

After 7 months of sleep deprivation, just shoot me now.

Teething maybe? I hope so. I'd like to think she's waking up crying for a reason I can't control. Last night after the third wake up I even cracked an gave her some baby ibuprofen. Which didn't (seem) to help at all since she was up an hour and a half later.

I guess I should mention, The night before she woke once, at 3:30 am.

Which wasn't unusual. At all. But even with the sleep deprivation, I feel like the luckiest girl on earth. Right now I'm sitting in my jammies, sipping coffee while I watch Chloe play on the floor. My big plans for the day? Cleaning up the kitchen and then a walk. It's supposed to be in the high 60s today and I'm hoping to take advantage of it.

Plus my pants are approaching muffin top status, so a nice afternoon hilly stroll it is.

(Now I feel like I need to say thank you to the man that makes it all happen)

Thank you again dear, you are my dream(s) come true. There isn't anywhere I'd rather be than at home 'keeping your home fires burnin'. Even when I get the poo on me. I Love you.

(Chloe Easter Morning)

Ahem.

I'm sure you'd appreciate a switch of gears, We are also on the hunt for a pontoon.

I'm pretty excited.

We're wanting one on the cheap in good condition so a 'hunt' it is. It was bound to happen sooner or later. I'm hoping for sooner, like today. Maybe it's Little Big Town singing in my head but… I wanna go motor boat'n (again).

So much fun. I've already bought both Chloe and I not one but two swim suites. Goodwill style y'all but damn if they are not adorable. Her's mine are more of lets suck in in and cover it up.

Our's future boat will most likely a glorious 70's Model with nice upholstery that some grandpa kept in his shop building. I'm already thinking of a slide. Definatly a BBQ.

And because we have a habit of buying a boat and a house at the same time. We're also looking into buying a house (or two) at the courthouse. Instead of going the route of a newer home we are looking at the possiblity of buying them for 1/4 or less of the price on the steps of the courthouse.

Have you heard of anyone buying a house or houses this way?

We spoke with a neighbor that picked up a house for 13K and while I know its few and far between I've heard of quite a few more instances similar to this. So it happens. They are usually foreclosed, older, fixer-uppers. Did I mention fixer uppers and old? Most look like they smell of fried food and cat pee.

There will be one within the week that I'm planning on checking out. We drove by, stalker style on one of the nicer houses to be auctioned off. The only thing is there's tennents. Again not unheard of but we'll have to figure out how we'd want to handle all of that as well. Cash for keys maybe?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Any-hoo Chloe's letting me know that it's diaper change time so I have to run. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend! XO.

Maybe it's because I'm a border-line alcoholic.

2013-04-01T07:39:00.002-05:00

I'd be lying if I didn't admit how excited we are about these. And I say we because Mr. A has asked when they'd arrive more than a couple times over the weekend.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Last week on one of my ever frequent sitting on the sofa while nursing the baby episodes I flipped on the TV. Just before turning it on I made a wish that there would be something other than the regular flavor of daytime smut.. And it worked Dr. Oz was on.

While we're on the subject, at least twice a week I'm lucky enough to catch a Dr. Oz and I'm usually a fan. Does that officially make me a house wife? Maybe. This time in particular they were taking about the health benefits of red wine and then they said "The best thing you can do for your heart is have a glass of red wine while you walk after dinner". Or something really-really close to that.

Then they showed this super awesome wine sippy cup that was basically every classy alcoholics dream come true.

Does it get any better than that?

No. No it doesn't.

So what do I do? I emailed them. And they gladly offered up a set of glasses for us to try. Because we're awesome. Not us as in he and I, although I won't argue - it's really YOU that I have to thank. YOU guys are awesome. I wish I could hug you all. Honestly, If you didn't stop by each day to laugh at me (with?) I wouldn't be so lucky. SO of course once they arrive and check out as awesome I'll be back with a hook up :o).

Have I say thank you? Thank you.

Maybe I'm not getting my point across. Let's see - I need to figure out some other way to thank you. If you have any suggestions I'd love to hear them. Unless you want money. Cough, Cough. Too bad we can't all meet up for wine eh?

In the meantime, the weathers been wonderful so we've still been going on our walks but they are a little less classy.

I feel like a kid a Christmas, except its just a day in April, Santa is Norma our post lady and I'm 29 waiting on boozy glasses to show up. Because let's face it, sometimes mommy just needs a drink.

(clearing of the throat)

So there's that.

Happy Monday Friends!

Dearest Chloe,

2013-03-29T09:12:00.005-05:00

You turned 7 Months this past week. I still can't believe how quickly time seems to fly by now that we have you in our lives. You are such a happy baby and a pleasure to be around. Even though you still haven't slept through the night - I really can't complain.

You wake up smiling and playing in your crib every morning between 6-6:30 after your 2 am feeding of course. You'll play on a blanket and laugh at your pugs as they walk around you watching your every move for a good hour every morning before you're ready to eat.

Then we spend a good hour listening to music in the kitchen. I clean the kitchen while you watch in amazement and play in your high chair. We've been feeding you a mix of solids and puree's so around lunch I usual give you a snack of some sort. You're still playing with most anything solid but man, you'll get down on some purred sweet potatoes and green beans. You also really like fresh apples and banana's.

You and I took our first big trip without your daddy to Texas this past week. You were wonderful on the flight. You smiled at everyone at the airport and fell sound asleep before take off both flights.

Your mother on the other hand was a nervous reck. We had a wonderful visit with your grandparents, aunt's as well as some of your dad and I's old friends. The weather was wonderful and the flowers were in full bloom, it was a wonderful change from our 30s in Missouri.

You've been sitting up on your own and have mastered rolling over. You're still hesitant to crawl or stay on your stomach for any length and time. I think it has something to do with the fact that you started to sleep on your stomach a couple months ago. You are still just as vocal as ever, no words yet but you're trying. You've also started yelling if I leave the room and then giggling with I return, I love it. You've also started this new squealing squeak that you do when you see your dad. Its a combination of you yelling and trying to talk, It's really cute. He of course loves that you get so excited he home.

Changes: Still not teeth but you are chewing on your hands and every toy that fits in your little pie hole, so we are waiting. I am still trying to figure out the best way to bathe you. You are quite the squirmer and get very excited by splashes of water. You'll kick you're legs like a frog wiggling your way across the tub. I bought a small inflatable insert but so far it only contains you in a smaller area - I still end up covered in water. Your hair also appears to be growing in. Its still looking like it's going to be brown and your pretty little eyes are still as blue as ever.

Well little one I think that's it for now you've just woke up from a nap. I love you so much and I'm thankful to be your momma.

XO.

Hi there.

2013-03-27T07:55:00.002-05:00

It's been a while, Texas had me. We flew back in on Monday and I honestly have no idea how it's already Wednesday. I'm not really in a story telling mood so you'll have to forgive me if I sound more like I'm talking to you in the grocery store.

The flight there was pretty un-eventful. Other than the fact that I thought I was going to die. I learned some pretty important packing lessons like: Don't pack a duffle bag down with 40 lbs of clothes and expect it to be easy to manage with a baby.

Oh and the reason you should bring a stroller:

Yep. That's me on the toilet with Chloe in my lap. Class, Class, Class.

The pulling the pants back up with baby in arms was pretty amusing even to me. Just take my word for it if you're traveling alone bring a stroller, even superwoman needs a hand every now and then. I think.

Other than that little obstacle Chloe was wonderful. She smiled at everyone through the security line. Played on a pallet on the floor until we boarded then promptly fell asleep. It was the same on the return flight, obviously she get's it from her father.

The photo is blurry because I was freaking out but hey I thought of you guys and my need for photos so I braved it :o).

My visit with my family was wonderful. Which reminds me… Have I told you that my little sister is moving here? If you've been a reader long you might be wondering if it's the same sister that I had all the issues with wedding wise and the answer is YES.

I think we've worked through most of it, for the most part. I guess it's safe to say we've agreed to disagree for the sake of having a relationship. Then there's the fact that we were pregnant at the same time and missed out on all the fun that would have brought.

Hindsights always 20/20 isn't it?

Now that we have little ones 6 week apart in age - the hatchet is buried.

So in less that 2 months my little sis, her husband and my little nephew will be a short 3 hour drive. While I was in Texas I had quite a few talks with my dad on retiring and I think I've at least got him leaning on it.

It would be so wonderful for he and my mother to be able to visit whenever. Travel the world. Fish the great lakes. Hike those beautiful smokey's. They are just now approaching their mid-50's and if they are blessed with the chance I say RUN WITH IT.

But that's me. I'm also the girl that would look at 100K as a free year to travel the states in an RV, baby and all. Because why not? So if you have an extra 100k or an RV I'm your girl.

Now let's switch gears here so I can announce a few winners (a week late)!

I have to say I was pretty amazed at the amount of interest and entries on the Lil Helper Diaper giveaway, 129 y'all. So without further ado - the winner of the diaper of their choice is # 6 - Mrs. Pancakes! And the winner of the 8x10 Printcopia Giveaway is # 5 - Domestically Seasoned!

(Winners please send me an email with your info)

Happy Hump Day!

Leaving on a jet plane…

2013-03-19T06:13:00.001-05:00

So tomorrow's the big day and I'm nervous as hell. More so because of my fear of flying then the fact that I'll be doing it alone with our 7 month old. I've packed and re-packed and I'm pretty sure I've remember everything 'major'. I mean I am flying to Houston (the 4 largest city in America, or it was last time I checked) so I'll be able to buy whatever I need if I need anything.

I've tried to make my leave as easy as possible for Mr. A. He works and goes to school so I've made a couple dinners in advance. He's only been away from Chloe for the 3 day's that I visited my Grandpa in OK so he's already hanging his head a little. Thankfully we live in the future - so there's Skype.

How can you beat daily face time for free? You can't.

Speaking of living in the future are any of you savvy on baby apps? Chloe is AMAZED with our phones and I know there are baby apps because I've seen the very weird stuffed animal iphone holders on the diaper isle.

I was hoping it might entertain her for 5 minutes of the hour and a half fight, so if you have any suggestions, I'm all ears.

Ah, Texas I've missed you. A little bit. Not the traffic or mosquitoes but damn if I'm not looking forward to your amazing TexMex. I'm also really looking forward to visiting with my family. Waking up at my folks, having coffee on the front porch with mom. Sweet hugs from my Aunt Lois. My littlest sisters sarcasm. Watching Chloe and her little cousin play together. We've even planned a little half day trip an hour north to meet with an old high school friend in the Bluebonnet fields for a photo-opp. It should be fun.

Plus there's the fact that I'll be able to make it to one of my best friends house warming parties (with homemade vino of course). I feel like an outlaw. And I'll be able to buy a fancy Texas koosie at the airport so I arrive back home with more class than I left with.

Ya'll come back now, ya here?

Sorry, I'm feeling a little nostalgic excuse me.

XO.

You're not lucky, You're an asshole.

2013-03-18T07:21:00.002-05:00

I'd like to get a few things off my chest. So I figured what better way that here -with my people?

Saturday Morning. It's gift time at Clinique and I'm running on E on just about everything. So Chloe and I head to the Makeup Counter at the Mall. A place I once loved, a place I worked at for years. This time it was different, I was no longer childless, No longer looking for fun bright new eyeshadow shades no longer alone. In fact since I'm trying to get Chloe used to literally 'being on me' for hours at a time (read: Airport / flight) I've been slinging her up.

So Chloe and I walk into Dillard's and by walk I mean I walked she hung on me like a monkey. As my eyes found the counter I immediately notice the line already formed at the counter. I count to ten and pep talk myself into the fact that I NEED it, because I really did not want to stand in a line for something I've already done without. I approach the counter taking my place in the very long line.

I guess that when I first noticed the lady in red be-bopping around the counter trying on lipsticks right off the display's. I cringed for a second because 'it's nasty' but I quickly redirected my attention to the getting madder by the minute, blue hair, two ladies in front of me. She was tapping fingernails on the counter, in that I want to kill someone way.

Right about that time one of the sales girls said "I can help whoever's next". The lady in Red jumped up to the counter asking about a color of lipstick. But then within a second old blue hair very loudly say's "EXCUSE ME - I WAS NEXT" then promptly looks at the lady in Red and say's "there's a line I suggest you find it".

I wanted to explode in applause.

I mean usually, I'm that person. You know the one looking like an asshole for calling someone who's obviously being a douche canoe - a douche. Because (gasp) we shouldn't say things like that, it's not nice. So when the little old lady looked around behind her after her little outburst, I of course gave her a quick wink as if to say - thank you or you rock grandma.

Then Sunday came. I ran into the grocery to grab a couple times.

3 if I'm being literal.

As I approached the checkout line, I saw that once again there was only ONE line.

One.

Which sucks when you're the lady with three items in a line full of women with FULL carts. We've all be there it's an awful place to be. Again, I took my place in line. After a minute or two I was no longer the last person in line because another lady with a cart had taken her place - behind me.

Then the heaven's parted and a sweet awkward teen yelled "I'll take the next person in line". The lady in front of me had already started to put her items on the conveyer - obviously it's me. Finally. But before I could step out of line the lady behind me (with a cart FULL of groceries) cuts me off and approach's the newly opened counter.

I get behind her. Pissed. But it will still be faster than the line I was in. If we're being honest here my face NEVER hides my feelings, just ask Mr. A.

One glance at me (knowing what she did) she's say's "WHAT?" a little defensively.

I'm not sure what she thought I would say because my first thought was yelling "you know what - you're a douche and a few other choice words I could have said" but I didn't I just took one very long deep breathe, looked her square in the face and very quietly said "just thinking you're an asshole". Maybe it wasn't any better. But I said it quietly enough that no one seemed to notice and I felt a little better.

So I get into the truck and tell Mr. A.

He tell's me that I'm WRONG. That the next person in line area is a 'gray' area. Which I don't believe. I believe we live in a freaking SOCIETY where there are RULES.

Rules like you don't use the handicap stall unless you NEED it or it's the only one available. Rules like you let the little lady cross the road at the cross walk and you stop for unloading school buses and when there is a line and a new one opens or someone say's I can help whoever's next - if you just happen to be that person that walks up past everyone else...

You're not lucky. You're an ASSHOLE.

So friend's what do you think?

Gray area or Not?

Easter Photos…

2013-03-15T06:46:00.002-05:00

It's seems as if most everyone has received their Easter Cards so I can finally share these, Lord know's I've wanted to for the past two weeks!

And I die…

I mean - did you realize our baby was this cute?

Sweet, sweet, sweet.

Last but not least this is the one we used for our Easter Card:

And I die again.

Lil Helper Review & Giveaway!

2013-03-13T08:12:00.002-05:00

Finally a review I’ve been working on for more than a month. Literally. Long story short photos were lost and retaken.

Lil Helper sent me review package that consisted of:

One Size Original PUL Cloth Diaper
One Size Mesh Cover (an item they are testing)
One Size Charcoal Bamboo Cloth Diaper
Drawstring Wet-bag
As well as a set of Bamboo Wipes

I’ve been using them for over a month now and they are pretty great. All the three diapers I was sent are very trim, not bulky at all and the colors they are sold in are bright.

I really like that each diaper is one size which means, they grow with your baby and will fit from 7 pounds all the way up to 35 pounds. The diapers come standard with sturdy snap closures (my favorite) no Velcro to stick to everything.

What makes Lil Helper different (other than their great company mission which I told you about here) them different is each diaper comes along with two detachable liners (one small and one large). The inside of the diapers have a snap at the front and back where you attach the snap on liners.

One Size Bamboo Cloth Diaper (white outside, gray inside)

This is the softest diaper I've EVER felt. The inner lining of the diaper is made of bamboo. Liners are made of bamboo and micro-terry. The large liner is three layered, that is two layers of bamboo and one layer of micro terry. The small liner is four layered, that is two layers of bamboo and two layers of micro terry.

Did someone say absorbent?

(snug fit = no leaks)

We had a wicking' issue because the bamboo wicks the moisture away (even from itself). So I've learned that she does better in these during the day and I use the original at night.

All and all the Bamboo diaper is very lightweight diaper, super absorbant and amazingly soft it just doesn't work well for us if she's on her stomach. I'd also like to note that Bamboo is naturally deodorizing and anti-bacterial so this is my GO-TO diaper if she starts looking even a little 'rashy'.

One Size Original Diaper (red outside, white inside)

There's a reason this puppy is called "original' it's pretty much perfect. The inner lining of the diaper is made from micro fleece (polyester). The liners are made from unbleached cotton and micro-terry. Just like the bamboo - The large liner is three layered, that is two layers of unbleached cotton and one layer of micro terry. The small liner is four layered, that is two layers of unbleached cotton and two layers of micro terry.

I have always used this diaper along with the two liners, and never had any leak problems. Ever. Which means they get six thumbs up from this household.

The Wet-Bag:

Is made of a single layer of PUL material and can easily hold about 4 wet cloth diapers+liners. Since its compact, I keep it folded up in my purse until it's used. Which if you've shopped around you'd know is a fantastic deal.

Bamboo Wipes:

These wipes ultra soft and two layered. One layer is a soft organic bamboo terry and the other layer is microfiber. They are so plush they will make you want to use them yourself. Not that I have. Yet.

Folks even if I QUIT cloth diapering I would still use these wipes.

One bamboo / terry wipe replaces like six disposable wipes. Why? Because I'm wasteful like that. I hate to touch the poo, so when needed I use as many wipes as I need to. Cue the cloth wipes and I only need ONE. They come in a square 8″ x 8″ in size which is perfect for wiping little bottoms. A pack of 5 is $10.

Now the part I'm sure you knew was coming - the giveaway!

The kind folks at Lil Helper would love to hook you up with a diaper of your choice. All you have to do is decided on the bamboo or original and leave me a comment below.

*** For an extra 3 entries (please leave additional comments) you can 'like' lil helper's Facebook page.

A winner will be picked next Friday - Good luck!

Motherhood calls and shit happens.

2013-03-12T08:34:00.001-05:00

You know that person that's taking up two parking spaces because their car door is open? You can see the mom's ass hanging out of the back seat and you wonder what in the hell could be so important, it's raining for gods-sake.

In my case it was a shit diaper.

Motherhood calls and shit happens.

It's pretty much my motto. Second only to: Hakuna Matata.

(and now I'm singing)

"It means no worries for the rest of you're day's… it's our problem free… philosopy… Hukuna Matata.

Hukuna.

Matata.

Hukuan

Matata…

Which is why I'm also going to tell you that the giveaway I promised will-not be posted until the am. The wonderful folks at Lil Helper (remember way back when I mentioned them?) have been more than helpful (and patient) over the past few weeks as I asked question after question. Finally it's time to share the dirt, I mean diapers with you.

Talk with you soon friends.

XO,

Rach

MIA.

2013-03-11T14:22:00.001-05:00

So apparently this thing called "life" has decided to get in the way of our relationship.

It's not you, It's me.

Thankfully the sky isn't falling, I'm still alive and sarcastic as ever. I'll be back tomorrow with a fantastic give-away as well as my regular antics.

In the meantime how about an adorable photo or two?

She's almost 7 Month's ya'll…

XO.

Welcome Printcopia (and a giveaway too).

2013-03-05T08:53:00.005-06:00

Friends, I'd like to introduce you to the newest supporter of my wine and cheese habit. I mean this website:

Our affair started about a month or so ago when they offered up a 8x10 Canvas print to review & giveaway to you guys. After a couple quirky emails back and forth they decided they wanted to advertise with us as well.

*Cue Angels Singing*

Not only am I flattered but I'm also pretty excited that I can introduce them to you. I received the most beautiful piece of art from them and am so impressed with the quality. I quickly gave it away as a gift to my mother since we were seeing her that same weekend and I KNEW she's LOVE it.

(please ignore the sunlight, it's my fault not theirs)

Not only do they offer amazing quality canvas prints but they offer awesome deals all the time. I signed up for their 'email updates' a while back I get offers every couple of days. Last week it was a 16 x 20 Canvas Print with free shipping for only $29 buck-er-oos. I can't wait to get family photos taken this spring so I can take advantage of deals like that when they come along.

I love the fact that with a simple upload you can turn a photo "into a piece of art".

If you'd like to drop your name in the hat for a chance to win an 8x10 canvas from the kind folks at Printcopia just leave a comment with your name below. Oh and please make sure I can 'email you' or contact you if you win.

For fun (and because I'm nosey) you can leave an additional comment (extra entry) telling me what photo you'd have put on canvas and why. XO.

A winner will be announced next Friday, March 16.

Good Luck!

If I die in a fiery crash, it's his fault.

2013-03-01T07:08:00.005-06:00

I know, it's no surprise to most of you that I'm afraid of flying. Sure I've flown international multiple times and would do it again in a heartbeat. But the only way I survived them was with the help of Xanax and Johnny Walker (the second being out of the question when you fly alone with a 6 M old). We've gone there, discussed that I won't bore you with old time tales.

Instead I'd rather share a little disagreement between the Mr. And I on if I should "drive" or 'fly" to Texas next month.

Me: So I really need to pick dates I'm going to go to Texas and book it.

Mr. Arkansas: Ok... (pause) You're flying right?

Me: No, I thought I would just road trip it (making jazz hands).

Mr. Arkansas: I'd rather you fly.

Me: I don't want to die dude.

Mr. Arkansas: Seriously Rach? (eye roll) Driving is SO much more dangerous… There's meth-ed out truckers… Dangerous highway conditions… What if it snows? 13 HOURS RACHAEL. Trucks stops. Shitty diapers. Dirty bathrooms. OKLAHOMA where you can pull over for an hour! Don't do it. Ugh.

Me: Right. But I have a .38 if anyone tries to rob us I'm a gangster remember. I can handle her in the car - she's great. I do it every other day anyway . Plus you know I love a good road trip and I won't have to fly on a plane alone with our baby and possibly die. Win - win.

Mr. Arkansas: 13 hours…. (then he rattled off statistics that are most likely incorrect but prove that I'm safer in a plane than in my own car).

~~Because I can't always win~~ - He won.

So guess at least I won't have to die alone if said plane goes down. I’m going to die with a bunch of people. Granted it’s a bunch of people I don’t know, and thought of dying with a bunch of strangers gives me the creeps.

But like he says… I’m probably not going to die in a plane crash.

Unless I do.