Ramblings of a stay-at-home mom

It's been a while

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:30:00 +0000

Hi! I've been AWOL for some time now and in hopes of getting back to my blog (and taking my mind off the not commencing labor), I thought I would post an update about life.
I'm 39 weeks pregnant as of today. I wish I wasn't pregnant at all anymore. We have thought for a week that I wouldn't make it to my appointment tomorrow morning, but it looks like I will. I've been sick for over a month...first with Strep Throat, then a viral infection and now...I'm not really sure what it is. All I know is that I'm huge, uncomfortable, and sick and I am wasting hours a week on timing contractions that don't seem to progress.
The girls are good. AJ knows the baby is coming any day and she's trying to be helpful as long as it doesn't interfere with snack time or her playing babies with Kayla. Speaking of Kayla, she has just seen the baby's infant car seat as a new toy and tries to put herself in it.
I'm starting to realize I am scared to have three children. With two, there's one adult for each, but I wonder what happens when the children outnumber the adults in the household. I never had that problem growing up, I was an only child. I thank god that AJ is old enough to open doors herself and buckle into the car. I am pretty sure I am gonna need her help very much, very soon.
As for Chris, he worries he'll be sleeping in the shed once all the estrogen fills the house. Poor guy, it's just him and Buddy (our beagle)

UPK Graduate

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:00:00 +0000

"I"m a UPK Graduate", that's the words my daughter sang at her graduation from pre-kindergarden last Friday. It was so cute to see all these little people getting their certificates and singing songs about getting "so big" and "abc's". I really felt like a goofball when I was crying my eyes out watching my little girl graduate and yet, we'll go through it all again next year when she graduates from kindergarden. For those who don't know yet, AJ was accepted into Global Concepts Charter School and will start her academic career there next year. She will have violin, spanish and computer class every week, as well as gym and library time. She's so excited, yet bummed because she'll be leaving all the friends she made in pre-k, one of which being her partner in crime Hailey. I guess we'll just have to keep the playdates going to ensure AJ keeps such a good friend.

Home Sweet Home

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:59:00 +0000

So, as some know, Chris and I have been house hunting on and off for over a year now. We had some disappointments but we've been patient and it finally is paying off. On the 13t we put an offer in on a 1700 sq. ft. house with almost 2 acres and tons of potential. The owner countered with a reasonable amount, so we took it. Our inspection was last week and it went very well. Only a list of 5 things, most minor fixes, like a GFI in the kitchen and a electrical box to cover a spliced wire in the basement. Finally, yesterday we met with the mortgage broker and Chris did the paperwork. Now we just wait for our letter from them letting us know the official acceptance and terms of our mortgage. I am so excited that we finally found our house. It comes at a good time too, since as things are set, we should close August 13th and be well settled in before baby #3 arrive at the end of this year.

A New Venture

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:13:00 +0000

I started back up with Mary Kay as a consultant. I had started my business back in 2003 or 2004 and then took some time off between then and now. I want to do something fun and have a chance to have a career and still stay home with the girls. What I've noticed so far is that everyone I know is either completely supportive or though they don't say it, they think it's a joke. I'm not really sure how Mary Kay gets a bad rap with people unless they met a pushy consultant. I love their products. I trust what they put in them, and I know they work. Not to mention the cost is reasonable compared to what you can buy at the mall. They are one of the only direct sales companies I know that really promote honesty within the company and refuse to steal another consultants clients. As far as for what opportunities they give women, I think it's amazing. They are rated one of the top 10 companies to work for and they have more millionaires than any other company.
I guess I'm ranting here but I really think this company is a great opportunity and a great product and I don't think enough people really know about it. On that note, if anyone knows anyone interested in Mary Kay, to buy or sell, I'd love to know. My website is www.marykay.com/racheljmancini.

she's a growing up

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 03:20:00 +0000

Today AJ came home from school crying. Daddy carried her in and she proceeded to tell us how her and her best friend broke up. Hailey ( the best friend) had gotten upset at Adrianna for laughing at her and called off their friendship. I cried. How do you deal with these things. The first time you're daughter has a friend spat? Is she really that grown up? I couldn't let my mind wrap around this idea that she's growing up so much.

Home Not

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 02:50:00 +0000

Inspection came- inspection went. The house is a no go. I'm over house hunting. Not much to say right now.

House Hunt No More...

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 02:10:00 +0000

So, not long after my last blog about the troubles of house hunting have we found the ONE! Our offer was accepted yesterday on a huge old home in North Buffalo near Delaware Park. The neighborhood is amazing! We are about 1-2 blocks from a Frank Lloyd Wright home that is AMAZING, about 3-4 blocks from the zoo and we're having Adrianna interviewed for the Frederick Law Olmstead school. I can't believe this, I am so excited and sublimely happy.

I hope that our families are as happy as we are about this. I can't quite tell yet. I think they are worried for us, and my folks are probably sad that they won't have the grandkids right upstairs anymore. I just hope they see how happy we are about it and support us. It's important to me that they do support our big decisions.

YEAH!!!! Now we just have to work on how we're gonna move!

House Hunting

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 02:27:00 +0000

The search continues. We put a bid in on another house this week and come to find there were 5 bids. We were asked to come back with a higher offer, but we declined. It seems that every home we've had interest in either had a bid right before we were ready to offer, or had a multi offer situation. I can't help but hope this is some sort of divine intervention and that the right house is out there, we just haven't found it yet.
I am just so frustrated with the back and forth of finding something, and then starting over.

" I love being a mom, I just hate doing it"

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:17:00 +0000

" I love being a mom, I just hate doing it", is a quote from a book I started a few days ago called I Was a Really Good Mom, Before I Had Kids by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile. I bought the book because I've been doing lots of thinking in the last few weeks about my job and my duties as a mother. I've been overwhelmed, bored, lonely, and just plain stressed. I think as a mother these feelings are inevitable. As I'm reading this book, I realize how normal it is to be overwhelmed as a mother.
I think that as a stay-at-home mom, people assume you have all this time, and should be thankful that you don't have to go to a daily job, without realizing the stress of being home surrounded by children all day. Don't misunderstand where I'm coming from. I do love my children, they are my life. Yet, perhaps the fact that I refer to them as my life is a problem. What happened to the me before motherhood? Where is the independent, confident, in-shape woman I was before I was a mother? As mothers we tend to make this world in our head of being perfect, of keeping to together, and enjoying every moment. The reality, however, is that as we go through motherhood we hit roadblocks, challenges, and emotions that change how we feel about motherhood. We end up feeling bad because we crave time for ourselves, or we feel like a bad parent for yelling at our child in the store because they have grabbed the toy off the shelf for the 5th time after being told to put it back.
There's so many choices as a mother.... tv/no tv, organic/not organic, homemade baby food/gerber, and the list goes on. It's a constant decision-making process and we are constantly critiqued based on our decisions, making us constantly question our decisions. I think there's something to learn about motherhood. I think it's important to see all the expectations we put on ourselves and that other put upon us as mothers and really look at them and see what are impossible expectations. I can still be a good mom if I need me time. I can still be a good mom if I let them watch tv when they should be doing their homework. I can still be a good mom if I don't cover my baby in organic clothes and buy them expensive organic formula. By realizing these things, I can enjoy motherhood instead of just living through it.
It's important for mothers to understand that motherhood isn't easy, you're not failing if you are overwhelmed, and you can be a mother and still find time to be you in there somewhere.

Dad update.

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 01:49:00 +0000

The most current info on my father is that he's going to have surgery next week. He had to take a stress test that resulted in them saying he can handle surgery. It's now a series of tests over the next week to CYA the hospital before they do the surgery. He'll go in at 6 am, surgery is scheduled at 7:30 am and if things go well, he will be home the next morning. I pray they go well.

My dad has smoked for about 50 years of his life and up until now he's really found every excuse to smoke. I know it's VERY hard to do, but I always worried about him killing himself smoking. He apparently is going to stop. He started a new medication that he takes ( a pill) that is supposed to attack the part of his brain that craves the cigarette and that after 8 days of the pill he stops smoking cold turkey and the pill is supposed to help decrease the urges. I'm worried about this because NOTHING has ever worked. He doesn't like to feel with drawl symptoms ( who does) but I hope he'll deal with it now that I think he realizes how important his health is when faced with the chances of cancer.

Trip.

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 01:45:00 +0000

We just returned from a week long excursion to Virginia and North Carolina. I had a great time. We spent a few days at Nags Head on the beach. I never knew that the Wright Brothers first flights were there. We took a tour and walked the path they flew. We did putt putt golf and played on the beach. It was really relaxing. Then it was off to see family at my mother's family reunion. I really forget how great my family is until I get to spend some time with them.

I'm not sure why it is, but it seems that whenever you go on vacation, you need another one the moment you get home to relax from the first vacation. ( Does that make sense) I love traveling but it takes me a while once I get home to unwind and get back into the swing of things.

Threes a charm.

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0000

Things come in threes? We put an offer in on a house, but we didn't get it. The same day we find out that the doctors want to do surgery on my father who has a lump in his throat that they can't determine cancerous or not. Chris' dad, the same day, had stroke-like symptons and was taken to the hospital. WHEW. A lot going on.
Thankfully Chris' dad is home now, with more medicaiton, but seemingly ok. My father is getting a second opinion before making any plans to go under the knife, and as far as not getting this house...well I look at it as a blessing in disguise.
With a family reunion coming up in North Carolina, my daughters first school Halloween party, and the house remodel we're still doing...I couln't imagine the mortgage paperwork right now. (We're gonna wait till after the first of the year to look again)
Actually, after all this talk about all this stuff ( a little wordy), I could really use a vacation. Wish me luck at the beach. Nags Head...here we come.

Internet mommies.

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:18:00 +0000

Just an update. The mom's group is still underway - the website isn't finished so the site link is not active yet. As soon as it is done- I will let everyone know.

Stress..... Commence

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:02:00 +0000

I'm frustrated. I think I'm sick, scratch that, I know I am sick. I have a busy weekend as a pair of Chris and I's close friends are getting married and we have lots to do. So this sets the stress level.
I recieved an email from my sister-in-law who in reality I adore. We don't really talk, I assume because aside from family and both having small children, we have nothing in common. She is brilliant and a well of knowledge which I appreciate. My issue is this: her husband and her have made some decisions that I don't agree with but anyone who knows me should know, I can accept everyone and their beliefs. The problem I see arrising is that she asked for feedback, which I gave, and was honest. This created a email from the brother-in-law explaining his heritage, family and practices and sharing his wishes for us all to abide by this. I have a problem with this, which I then shared.
You know when you write something because you're ticked off, sick, sad, or just having a bad day....the ones that once you send it you ask yourself, was that too harsh? Did I really say what I was trying to say? Did I get flustered and sound I'm lashing out? That's where I'm at. It's a WTF did I just do...did that help at all or just make things worse. ( This is the point at which I crawl very quickly into a hole)
Previous to this email, I have not really commented on my sis-n-laws emails because I know we share different family values and I just figure, why interject? it's interesting to read what she's researching, what decisions she's made and her thoughts. I respect them and that's that. I move on. But for some reason this one struck a chord and now I am sinking into a situation that I hate. Yeah for stress!!!

Busy

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:09:00 +0000

I've been swamped. Chris moved his office to the basement so I'm starting to tear apart that room. I spackled, I primed... I tore out the stuff in the closet. Hopefully tomorrow I wil paint. We went to Home Depot and picked out carpet, which is ready to order ( they measured) and once that is done I have a time frame to get the bedrooms ready. I have to repaint both kids room, tear off the moulding (we're replacing it) touch up the paint in our room, and be ready to clear out the bedrooms before the carpet arrives. I'm not really sure who told me it would be fun to remodel.

I'm starting a mom's group

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 02:01:00 +0000

I decided to start a mom's group. I joined a mother's group here in Buffalo thinking that I would meet some mom's, talk about life, and have fun. The problem was, I didn't. The group was so big, hundreds of members and you had a pay a fee to join. I was turned off to say the least. At first the idea was to just have girls night out, but then I realized a group would be fun. My husband and I are designing a website.... The Girls Group where mothers will be able to meet other mom's, post a get together, play dates, updates on life, questions, and upload photos. I want a site where women can focus on fun. It not finished, but feel free to check it out. I'll be having the first meet up in a couple weeks.

First Days always make me cry

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 02:01:00 +0000

Adriana started pre-k today. Here's the play by play. The bus was 40 minutes late. I was preparing Adrianna for all the important questions...What's your name, what grade are you in, where do you live... finally the bus arrived and within an instant my little girl was gone, on her way to school. Grandpa had given her one of his business cards with her address written on it and put it in her backpack in case she needed it later. This is important, because when the bus arrives home 15 minutes late ( which seems like 5 years). My little girl is freaking out because the bus came down the street the opposite way and she didn't see our house. She thought they were letting her off at a strange house and by the time I came around to the bus door, she was crying and running back to her seat holding this little business card with her address on it. It was the best thing ever. You may ask me why- but it's because I realized, even though she's getting older- she's still my little girl. Not to mention she is brilliant and she pays attention. I am such a proud parent today, a parent who cries everytime she see that picture in here head of her little girl and this little business card.

Trip

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:52:00 +0000

We're leaving for vacation on Friday. It's almost 1 whole year since Chris and I tied the knot and we're excited to take a small trip to celebrate at Cedar Point. The kids are coming, and so is grandma acting as a hired babysitter. I just couldn't imagine leaving the kids home while we go play at an indoor waterpark and www.cedarpoint.com. We have a dogsitter and I can't wait to get away for a few days.

Home Wars

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 19:19:00 +0000

I am frustrated. My hubby and I talked about possibly buying some property that needs work, and has a good bit of land. My thought was that we could fix it up, rent it for a little while and then maybe expand it or something and make it our own. My husband hears this and his head goes spinning off on buying income property and how this will make us rich. I love that my husband is a dreamer, but damn it, sometimes I wish we were on the same page when it comes to these things. Is this just a difference of the sexes? I want to secure a future home for my family while the man wants to blow all our money in investment property and buy us a $450,00 house? I mean please, you've got to be kidding!!!!

Pampered Mom

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 01:54:00 +0000

So I've been thinking lately of ways to get back to making some of my own money and still being a "stay-at-home" mom. This led me to think of what I like. I hosted a Pampered Chef party a couple weeks ago and I had a great time. We cooked a new recipe, I got discounts, free stuff, and an amazing hostess special. Well, of course, now I am a Pampered Chef consultant. I'm in love with Pampered Chef. So here's the plea for help.

I am trying to schedule some parties. Hostess specials rock for September and the first booking I get will get a special FREE item from me once their show is closed out. I could really use the help to get things started!!! (Also, for friends far away who might want to order from catalog - I can have it shipped directly to you.)

Lil' K Bean

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:16:00 +0000

The bean (Kayla) has found a new favorite toy. He's blue, has a long nose and his floppy ears crinkle. She's at the point where she's learning to hold and to pull things to her mouth where, let's face it, everything in existence goes at that age. She loves to suck on his nose. I was getting worried however when she kept taking her mouth to the toy instead of the toy to the mouth because she was spending alot of time looking towards the floor.
She is also standing like a champ. She started stomping her foot which cause her and mommy to lose their balance and she does this lil' flop to the side. She barley rolls over yet so you can imagine my surprise when she seems like she'll be walking at 6 months. ( wishful mommy thinking) Oops, the bean is waking up.....till next time.

Art Me

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 03:43:00 +0000

Today I purchased a huge amount of new art supplies. Chris and I decided It was ok for me to get back into my hobby. I think I miss having an outlet of my own. I haven't really painted in 3 years and I miss it. I can't wait for it all to arrive. We figured I will make a space in the basement for an art room. It's so exciting to know I'm gonna get back into art.

Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:07:00 +0000

My hubby and I have been discussing this whole blogging thing lately. He writes an informative, business blogg and I write a personal, fun blog. We both have advertisements. He promotes his blogg and gets over 100 visitors a day. I however, do not promote my blogg and I get maybe 3 visitors a day. I really don't mind since my blogg is very personal. However, what I hate is that he has made over $100 from his blog from people who click through his adds and buy things or sign up for services. It amazes me that he can make money from writing on the internet. Am I jealous, probably. But hey, he's actually a pretty good writer- if you haven't checked out his blogg yet, please do. He's on my list.

Bathroom

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:01:00 +0000

I officially miss my bathroom. It's been about 6 weeks since I had even a working toilet in my house. I think I have even forgot what my bathroom looks like. My husband, who works his tail off, has had no time to finish it and well, let's face it, I am no good at drywall. At this point, I would just love to have a place to wash my face and brush my teeth that is not over dirty dishes.

Finally this week, we're getting back into finishing the drywall and being able to move on to priming and painting (my job) and doing tile. I think we're still a week out from having a working bathroom, but if we do it right, in the end it will all be worth it. I'll have to invite friends and family over just to show off my new bathroom. Yeah for remodeling!!

It's getting hard

noreply@blogger.com (blogmom) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:53:00 +0000

So, it's week 6. I've lost 11.4 lbs. and I'm now down to consuming 28 points a week. (don't ask me to explain the points) I started at 39 points. 29 + 10 for breastfeeding. Since I'm no longer breastfeeding, and because I loose points for every 10 lbs, I'm down 11 points a week. I'm hungry. I was so used to eating almost anything I wanted (in moderation) to now, really having to look at what I'm eating. I'm eating 94% fat free popcorn as I blog because it's 0 points and I'm still hungry. I guess this whole loosing weight thing had to get tough eventually. My goal- to keep up with the average of 2 lbs. a week. My goal is still 48.6 lbs. away.