Having a husband is great preparation for having a baby. It's amazing how similar the "big kid" and "little kid" can be at times.
I usually enjoy going grocery shopping by myself. As nerdy as it sounds, grocery shopping by myself is almost therapeutic. I can aimlessly walk up and down the aisles and take my time choosing items. This weekend I went grocery shopping at Trader Joe with both Ryan and Piper in tow. Can you see the writing on the wall?
We weren't in the store five minutes when Piper was trying to stand-up in the cart and Ryan was MIA. When I finally caught sight of Ryan, his arms were full of items, none of which were on our list or that we needed. Three types of cheese, a six-pack of beer I've never heard of, sunflower seeds, pretzel bread and a package of scones somehow found their way into my cart. Don't get me wrong, all of these items are tasty. However, I try to stick to a weekly shopping budget, which was quickly getting out of hand. This was the first of numerous disappearances that resulted in more items appearing in the cart.
Simultaneously, Piper is screaming "dadada" and once again trying to climb her way out of the cart as my leg gets rammed with one of those tiny little kid carts that Trader Joe has. Those are the WORST invention ever. I have never experienced a trip to Trader Joe where a child hasn't hit someone with the tiny cart or knocked down a display. Don't even get me started on the chaos surrounding the sample counter in the back of the store.
By the time we were ready to check, I made my own addition to the cart - a nice bottle of Two Buck Chuck. After spending $35 over what I had originally planned, we made it home where my big kid and my little kid had lunch and went down for naps.
What did I do, I hightailed it to Target where I could sip a non-fat gingerbread latte from the in-store Starbucks and finally wander the aisles, all by myself.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Review: Mariola's Organic Spa and Retreat
I've driven by Mariola's Organic Spa and Retreat many times and have always been curious and wanted to try it. I even looked it up online, but the prices were a little high for my budget. When I saw a Living Social deal pop up for a hour massage, hour facial, 30 minute reflexology and 20 dollars towards product at Mariola's, I bought it in a heartbeat.
I made the appointment three weeks ahead of time. Luckily I wrote the date and time on my calendar because I didn't get a reminder call the day before. When I arrived, I was greeted by a fantastically relaxing scent and serene atmosphere. However, there was a bit of chaos as the gentleman at the reception desk helped a customer over the phone and another customer and myself waited to check in. This resulted in my massage starting 15 minutes late.
Working over a computer, heavy bags and a carrying a 16 month old have made my upper back and neck a mess. Needless to say, I was looking forward to a relaxing swedish massage. What I got instead was extreme pain as the masseuse put all of her body weight into her elbow and dug it into my back. I realize I have a lot of knots and tight muscles in my back, but it felt like I was getting beat up. The masseuse also talked throughout the entire massage, so there was no way to actually relax. I'm not a fan of being in pain the day after a massage.
Next up was the facial. I always get nervous about facials since I have sensitive skin, but the esthitician was fantastic. She used organic Hungarian mud to draw out toxins. While the mask was setting, she massaged my hands. And the best part is that she did it all in silence. I was in such a deep state of relaxation that I almost fell asleep. My skin was literally glowing by the time she was finished.
I was looking forward to capping off the experience with a reflexology foot rub. However, it turns out that the reflexology was actually supposed to be included in the massage. I had thought my massage went a bit long to make up for it starting late. Turns out that the combo massage/reflexology cheated me out of 15 minutes.
Don't get me wrong. It was wonderful to have an afternoon at the spa to myself. But the spa experience wasn't all I had hoped it would be. Although the spa was beautiful and everyone was very nice, I will probably not go back to Mariola's.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Wommy Guilt
Piper's daycare number flashed on the called ID in my office phone. Gulp! The dreaded 2:30 pm phone call - "Piper has a fever of 102.9." As I quickly gathered papers, closed out programs and shutdown my computer, I dreaded telling my boss that I would have to leave unexpectedly, again.
This is the third time in the last six weeks that Piper has spiked a fever at daycare. Sweet P made it through her first year of life without even one earache, but then they started to come in waves. One more earache within the next month and it will be time for tubes.
When I told my boss that I'd have to work from home both Thursday and Friday, I could tell she wasn't happy. It didn't help to have poor Piper screaming in surround sound during a conference call.
This is where the wommy guilt tears you apart. I feel guilty for not being in the office and then guilty for not giving Piper the attention she deserves. My heart breaks as Piper grabs my leg, wanting me to pick her up and cuddle her. But I can't until I finish the last minute deadlined project that's been dropped in my lap.
My fellow wommies tell me that the guilt never truly goes away, but that you just learn to manage it better. I don't know if I'll ever be able to manage the guilt of not being there 100% of the time for Piper. Fingers crossed that a MegaMillions lottery ticket will come through sooner rather than later.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Fall into Fashion
Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I love to see the leaves change color, hot cider, college football, the crisp weather where all you need is a sweater and of course, Halloween. Oddly enough for the Midwest, it is mid-October and 80 degrees. Not the norm. I should be enjoying the gorgeous weather before winter slush and snow bury me. But I really miss those cool 60 degrees days.
This weekend we took Piper to the pumpkin patch. There is something just wrong about wearing shorts and a tank top to stroll through the corn maze...at least for this Midwest girl. I am so eager to wear my boots, sweaters and new corduroy pants!
You have to admit that Fall is the best fashion season. You're not icky and sweating, your make-up doesn't melt off, there is no humidity so good hair days are back in rotation and all you need is a fitted blazer or funky sweater to be comfortable. Don't even get me started on the fab shoe selection - suede knee high boots, stacked heal penny loafers, booties.
In the Midwest, Fall is over in the blink of an eye, so you have to enjoy it. That's why I'm not thrilled about our mini heatwave. Yes, I know I sound ungrateful, especially since the prediction is that we will have an absolutely awful winter.
No doubt that this warm snap be over in a week or so and I'll be eating my words. In the meantime, I'll take the opportunity to get some more wear out of my open toe shoes and soak up the last of summer.
This weekend we took Piper to the pumpkin patch. There is something just wrong about wearing shorts and a tank top to stroll through the corn maze...at least for this Midwest girl. I am so eager to wear my boots, sweaters and new corduroy pants!
You have to admit that Fall is the best fashion season. You're not icky and sweating, your make-up doesn't melt off, there is no humidity so good hair days are back in rotation and all you need is a fitted blazer or funky sweater to be comfortable. Don't even get me started on the fab shoe selection - suede knee high boots, stacked heal penny loafers, booties.
In the Midwest, Fall is over in the blink of an eye, so you have to enjoy it. That's why I'm not thrilled about our mini heatwave. Yes, I know I sound ungrateful, especially since the prediction is that we will have an absolutely awful winter.
No doubt that this warm snap be over in a week or so and I'll be eating my words. In the meantime, I'll take the opportunity to get some more wear out of my open toe shoes and soak up the last of summer.
Monday, October 3, 2011
8 Crazy Nights
I was at my desk feverishly trying to finish up projects and tie up loose ends before heading out on our vacation to St. Thomas when I got the dreaded call from Piper's daycare. She had a temp of 102.5 and I needed to go pick her up and take her to the doctor. Turns out my poor Sweet P had a double ear infection.
As I waited at the pharmacy, holding a sick little munchkin, I panicked even more about leaving her for a week long vacation. On top of my separation anxiety, I had visions of her being up all night and not having mommy and daddy there to comfort her. Turns out I had no reason to worry at all. In fact, Piper had such a great time with Nina and Papa that she barely noticed we were gone.
By the time we left, the antibiotics had kicked in and she was full of energy. During the eight days we were lounging on the beach and sipping pina coladas, the little nugget napped for two hours every single afternoon and slept for 11-12 hours most nights. Incredible. She learned new words, new songs and didn't have a single meltdown. Ummm - the week before, there were meltdowns in Target, at daycare and at home. It's true, grandparents have the magic touch.
Before now, we had only left her for one night with my mom and when we returned, she was super mad at us at gave us the cold shoulder. Oh yes, a toddler with attitude. We were fearful that upon returning from being gone over a week, Piper would absolutely hate us. Our flight arrived late Saturday night. On Sunday morning when we went to get her out of her crib in the morning, she stared at us in confusion. I guess after a week of Nina and Papa getting her up, she was a bit surprised to see us. It took her about an hour to fully adjust to the fact that both Nina and Papa and Mommy and Daddy were there.
It was amazing to see how much Piper bonded with Nina and Papa. They live in Arizona and we skype every Sunday, but having them to herself for an entire week must have been heaven. When we got home from dropping them off at the airport, Piper immediately ran to her playroom and called out "Papa." She walked around the house wondering where they went. It will be interesting to see how she reacts when we skype this week.
We learned a couple lessons with this experience. First, we can leave Piper and take a few days for some R&R, without feeling guilty. Secondly, grandparents are priceless and we are incredibly blessed that Piper has such great grandparents on both sides. Talk about a lucky little girl and a lucky Wommy.
Now to plan the next trip... ;-)
As I waited at the pharmacy, holding a sick little munchkin, I panicked even more about leaving her for a week long vacation. On top of my separation anxiety, I had visions of her being up all night and not having mommy and daddy there to comfort her. Turns out I had no reason to worry at all. In fact, Piper had such a great time with Nina and Papa that she barely noticed we were gone.
By the time we left, the antibiotics had kicked in and she was full of energy. During the eight days we were lounging on the beach and sipping pina coladas, the little nugget napped for two hours every single afternoon and slept for 11-12 hours most nights. Incredible. She learned new words, new songs and didn't have a single meltdown. Ummm - the week before, there were meltdowns in Target, at daycare and at home. It's true, grandparents have the magic touch.
Before now, we had only left her for one night with my mom and when we returned, she was super mad at us at gave us the cold shoulder. Oh yes, a toddler with attitude. We were fearful that upon returning from being gone over a week, Piper would absolutely hate us. Our flight arrived late Saturday night. On Sunday morning when we went to get her out of her crib in the morning, she stared at us in confusion. I guess after a week of Nina and Papa getting her up, she was a bit surprised to see us. It took her about an hour to fully adjust to the fact that both Nina and Papa and Mommy and Daddy were there.
It was amazing to see how much Piper bonded with Nina and Papa. They live in Arizona and we skype every Sunday, but having them to herself for an entire week must have been heaven. When we got home from dropping them off at the airport, Piper immediately ran to her playroom and called out "Papa." She walked around the house wondering where they went. It will be interesting to see how she reacts when we skype this week.
We learned a couple lessons with this experience. First, we can leave Piper and take a few days for some R&R, without feeling guilty. Secondly, grandparents are priceless and we are incredibly blessed that Piper has such great grandparents on both sides. Talk about a lucky little girl and a lucky Wommy.
Now to plan the next trip... ;-)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Sun, Surf and Sleep
T-minus six days until we embark on our first Piperless vacation. Months ago when we were planning our vacation to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, we were salivating at the thought of lying on a beach, enjoying a cocktail and sleeping in. Now that it is less than a week away, I am panicking.
In 15 months, I've only spent one night away from Piper. She spent that night with grandma and everything went great. But when we got home, I swear she gave both Ryan and me the cold shoulder. The little nugget definitely had an attitude and let us know that she knew we had left her. After a week away she is bound to absolutely hate us. Plus, I'm not quite sure how I'll deal with the separation anxiety. Yikes!
Nina and Papa are coming in from Scottsdale to spend the week with Piper. I have no doubt they'll all have a blast and she will be spoiled rotten. As I'm compiling a list of lists (emergency numbers, Piper's schedule, like/dislike list, food like/dislike list), I'm starting to wonder if the lists are more for my own security and sanity than Nina and Papa's.
Hopefully by day two of the trip, I'll be refreshed from sleeping past 5 am, enjoying leisurely dinners and adult beverages. It will be easier to miss Piper while sipping a pina colada on the beach. Geez - do I sound like a horrible wommy or what!?
Nina and Papa have have promised to text photos and keep us updated of how the munchkin is doing. Stay tuned to see how this wommy handles a week of R&R in the Virgin Islands. Yes, I know, it's a tough assignment, but someone has to do it.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Tears and Toddlers
This week at daycare drop-off there were some tears, but not from Piper. I was the one who needed a Kleenex. Piper officially transitioned from the infant room to the toddler room. My Sweet P has suddenly become a big girl.
Piper's daycare is wonderful and her teachers are absolutely amazing. In fact, her teachers have taught me as much as they've taught Piper. Being a first time mom is completely overwhelming and I constantly asked the teachers for advice. Heck, her main teacher has 15 years of experience with babies. She helped me figure out when to transition to baby food and when to move to whole milk. She calmed my nerves and let me know that everything I was worried about was completely normal. When I'm worried about Piper not eating enough or not feeling well, her teacher would call to check in throughout the day to let me know how everything was going. Piper adores her and so do I.
On our last drop-off in infants, I dressed Piper up in a special pink sundress, put her hair in pigtails with matching pink bows and put on her silver shoes. We got there early and gave all of the teachers little gifts. I gave Piper's teacher a hug and that's when the tears started. Then I looked over and saw my Sweet P sitting at the table eating cheerios and she just looked so darn grown up...and the tears really flowed. Yes, I realize she is only 15 months old, but seeing her next to the younger babies made me realize how quickly time flies by. I plan to continue enjoying every moment!
The infant room is like a little cocoon and I love getting her settled and chatting with her teacher every morning. I am going to miss that.
Word on the street is that Piper's teachers in toddlers are pretty fantastic too. Maybe by the time she transitions to the next classroom I'll be able to hold it together. Oh who am I kidding, I am sure I'll be the class cry baby once again.
Piper's daycare is wonderful and her teachers are absolutely amazing. In fact, her teachers have taught me as much as they've taught Piper. Being a first time mom is completely overwhelming and I constantly asked the teachers for advice. Heck, her main teacher has 15 years of experience with babies. She helped me figure out when to transition to baby food and when to move to whole milk. She calmed my nerves and let me know that everything I was worried about was completely normal. When I'm worried about Piper not eating enough or not feeling well, her teacher would call to check in throughout the day to let me know how everything was going. Piper adores her and so do I.
On our last drop-off in infants, I dressed Piper up in a special pink sundress, put her hair in pigtails with matching pink bows and put on her silver shoes. We got there early and gave all of the teachers little gifts. I gave Piper's teacher a hug and that's when the tears started. Then I looked over and saw my Sweet P sitting at the table eating cheerios and she just looked so darn grown up...and the tears really flowed. Yes, I realize she is only 15 months old, but seeing her next to the younger babies made me realize how quickly time flies by. I plan to continue enjoying every moment!
The infant room is like a little cocoon and I love getting her settled and chatting with her teacher every morning. I am going to miss that.
Word on the street is that Piper's teachers in toddlers are pretty fantastic too. Maybe by the time she transitions to the next classroom I'll be able to hold it together. Oh who am I kidding, I am sure I'll be the class cry baby once again.
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