of grandpa’s and PTAs

My husband sprung a last-minute work dinner on me… not only did I have to scramble for something to wear (because really- being gigantically pregnant I have SOOO many options) I also had to scramble for a sitter.

My mom had a gig- so she was out.  My step-mom had a date with her girlfriends.  My step sister is about to pop at any moment- all I need is her watching my kid and then having her go into labor… seriously, she can go at any second.   So that left me with my dad and my step dad.. both excellent choices- but I’ve never used either one of them without their respective spouses. 

In the end, I went with my Dad.  I totally sprung it on him last minute- like 3pm (“Dad- um, can you come over and watch the baby from 6.30-9.30?).  Thankfully my step mom was out- so it’s not like he had anything better to do or a hot meal waiting for him at home.  For the price of one small salad and a stuffed shells from the local pizza place he was all mine ($16- SCORE). 

You know what- it went really well- and it made me really happy when Maddie was sad that Grandpa had to go home (because, you know she was still up when I got home at 9.30- great)… I want her to be able to hang out with her grandpa.. When I was her age, my maternal grandpa was my absolute favorite in the world.. I think having that type of figure in her life is so important… it was for me!  When my dad left she said to me, “mommy, call grandpa on the phone and get him back!”.. it was the cutest EVER!

This morning, I had Maddie’s pre-school orientation… wow- pre-school!  Where did the time go?  How did my little 5 pound 13 ounce peanut turn into a loud-talking, ready-to-go-to-school, three year old?  Who hit the damn fast forward button the minute she took her first breath?  It’s just not FAIR!

Anyway-orientation was great.. I already know a lot of the other moms (and children) from last year’s two-year-old program… making it a little less scary for me AND Maddie!  Maddie’s teacher vows to help me get her potty training under control (thank God) and everyone else just seems completely cool!  I even signed up for the PTA!  Yikes!

 

Happy Birthday to my little blog…

August 17th- my blog’s birthday!  I had no idea when I started this blog, that I’d be able to keep it going all this time!  But I have.. a minor accomplishment (especially with a toddler at home).

Thanks to all my readers for giving me reason to write (and some cousins who yell at me when I don’t.. you know who you are)!

 

grand ole flag

Sorry that MJ preempted my 4th of July post yesterday; it was just too poignant a moment to pass up.  And, as I posted yesterday, his music is almost definitive of my childhood, that I couldn’t help but say something, even IF- with all the media coverage- there really is nothing left to be said.

Forth of July- another one of those childhood memory inducing holidays- maybe even more so than Christmas. Remember how excited you were for the 4th?  Off school for the first few weeks, the possibilities of summer spread out before you.  Hot weather, swimming, adults liquored up and more permissive than usual.  What WASN’T there to look forward too!

When I was younger, my Dad was a self-proclaimed Grucci  (or, as Dad thought, Gucci) Family member (Grucci are big fireworks people here on the East Coast); buying fireworks from his “secret” source and setting them off much to the delight of the kids and the neighbors.  It seemed, at the time, his fireworks were just as sophisticated as his professional counterparts, and I remember him boasting he spent $300?  $500? on fireworks (back in 1983 – that was a lot of money.. someone’s rent payment even)?   We’d spend the first part of the day swimming in my cousin’s pool.. getting all water logged and pliable; making up countless games and expending more energy than I probably can muster today.  We were surrounded by extended family- aunts, uncles, and more cousins- a grouping that, now that we are older, don’t get to see each other that much- having families and responsibilities of our own.  

The day went on forever, as days do when you’re waiting for night.  We’d celebrate the arrival of the fireflies with glee ’cause that meant just a few hours more until the firework show.  We’d take dibs on who got to retrieve the parachute men that came down from a few of the fireworks (these were actually silly, low-impact fireworks- but us kids loved them if only to chase down those parachute men).  Finally, it was time to go down to the lake.. where my dad set off the fireworks.  We’d bring towels and snacks and swim away the last moments of daylight while my dad setup his spectacular.  Looking back, this was probably my dad’s favorite holiday too- at the time he was young- 32? 35? – about my age now.  And he really got a kick of being the “man” and showing off his firework skills.  When I close my eyes I can see his Cheshire Cat grin as he ran away from the just-lit fuse.  

There is something about the 4th that brings everyone together- family, friends, neighbors.  Sitting last Friday night on the lawn of the Amityville library, you could sense the underlying electricity of excitement and anticipation among not only the children but the adults.  Cause- maybe if it is only for one day- we are all the same. We are all Americans- and it’s that one unifying concept that brings us all together, regardless of what our differences may be every other day of the year.

This Forth was Maddie’s first exposure to fireworks; last year we didn’t get to see any- and she was still a little too long to stay up until 9:30-10:00 pm anyway.  This year I was DETERMINED to get the kid to a firework show.  Why does it always seem like we’re scrambling last minute to get to the show on time (and why is it also that we never *quite* know what time the fireworks are set off)?  Alas, we got to shows both on the 3rd AND 4th (lucky girl) and Maddie was transfixed by the sites and sounds.  

THIS is what makes it all worthwhile- being a parent that is: the craziness, the frustrations, all the good stuff and yes, the bad stuff rolled into one- when you watch your child’s face as they watch THEIR first fireworks.. it’s just, well.. priceless!

 

heart strings

I’ve heard mothers lament about how, when dropping their child(ren) off at daycare, their heart breaks.  Their child(ren) cry, give them puppy eyes, or make them somehow feel like a shit sandwich because they don’t want to go to daycare.  I’ve (thankfully) never really felt badly about this as Madeline was really only watched by family her entire life, and Madeline never really cared- she loved hanging out with Grandma or Lucianie (my downstairs landlady when we lived in NJ). 

Until this morning.  Maddie really stuck it to me this morning.  She’s never, EVER,  cried when we drop her off to my mom’s house… but this morning she did- and it was horrible.  She begged to come with me; she gave me “the look”- you know, the kind of look that makes you feel like the worst parent in the world.  She made ME cry.  I’ve never gotten that upset over dropping her off… but it just really got to me. 

I’m sure after 5 minutes, and the promise of chocolate from the vegetable store, her mood improved… to be 2 years old and happy over chocolate- don’t you wish it could stay that easy?  Ha!

 

party central

Ah- a 60 degree Saturday.  It seems we’ve been waiting for the 60s for months.  Wait, we have been waiting for months, that whole winter thing.  You know everyone is completely stoked when 9 out of 10 facebook updates references the weather.  You gotta love modern technology- somehow, daily “updates” is supposed to be meaningful.  Some days I can’t even think of a good update save, “didn’t lose my shit today, 1 point for Dina.”

We had two parties on Saturday: a baby naming in Westchester and a surprise 30th birthday party one town over from us on Long Island.  It was a busy, crazy day.  I actually had to wake Maddie up to get her ready for the baby naming which started at 10:00am.  How we were all showered, dressed, and out the door by 9:00am still baffles me; I’m not sure, should we need to repeat the feat, we could.

In between the two parties, we treated Maddie to McDonalds.  She was super excited to get a happy meal- cheeseburgers are her fav.  As we were sitting in the booth, ravaging our hamburgers (Angus burgers for John & me), a woman came up to us and asked how old Maddie was.  Upon telling her 2 1/2, the woman said, “look at how she’s such a big girl, eating so nicely.  There’s something special about that child.”

It is nice to here those types of proclamations from strangers.  Of course John and I BOTH think there is something extremely special about Madeline- we’re her parents… but to hear it from a complete stranger, one who had never even interacted with Madeline?  It felt almost divine.  A confirmation that yes, what we feel about Madeline- emotions we can’t even begin to translate into language- is true and justified.  It was special.

The 30th birthday party was obviously in the evening… the atmosphere was dark and there was a DJ playing semi-current tunes (come on, can we go ONE party without hearing Meatloaf).  Madeline and her cousin Rhianna were totally the hit of the party- dancing, twirling, running, and laughing.  Is it wrong to feel almost jealous of their youthful innocence?  The ability to just have fun without worrying how you look or how others perceive you?  What is the age all that changes… 5? 10?   I hope it never happens for them.

 

Easter!

Easter was incredibly special this year.  Sure, our holidays are normally a little chaotic, but this year was super duper chaotic!

Our celebration actually started on Thursday; my grandparents, uncle and cousin flew in from Florida to celebrate with us.  Since my family has made the slow migration to Florida starting in ‘92, the “big” holidays haven’t really been the same.  I was happy to recreate the huge, family-filled Easter of my childhood.   There’s something about having a ton of family around that makes holidays that much more special.. and to share it with Madeline made it even MORE awesome!

Saturday was the big religious night: John’s baptism, my confirmation, and our religious wedding ceremony.  It was a looonnng night- 3 1/2 hours.  Again, looking down the pew and seeing my family there to support us (and one very special friend) really brought the whole experience together for me.  God is very much in the relationships we have with other people… not just the “power up there”.  So to have my family and friend there to support John and I was a very real manifistation of God’s love… especially having parents, step parents, in-laws.. all together, all getting along.  If that isn’t heaven sent, I don’t know WHAT is!

For me, the most special part of the night was the renewal of our wedding vows.  Six and a half years later, I never thought I’d get to walk down the aisle again or carry a bouquet- or get a chance to take vows.  Over six years ago, John and I giggled our way through our vows… and we did the same April 12th.  I don’t know what it is about saying vows that make us both crack up- maybe it’s because the whole thing seems so “grown up”.. but in our hearts, we still FEEL like we’re “playing house”. 

After the religious wedding ceremony was over, we headed home- it was almost midnight and Maddie had hit her limit.  Somehow, on Easter morning, despite my lack of sleep (and Maddie’s foot in my ribs the whole night)- I was able to wake up before her and lay down some bunny tracks with finger paint.  I made a track from the table where the baskets were to the door.  It was a little bit of a rush job, and I make no claims as the authenticity of the tracks, but Maddie got a kick out of it, so that’s all that matters.

As Easter dinner didn’t begin at my mom’s house until 4pm- we all just hung out and relaxed:  me, John, Maddie, Elizabeth & Rachel.. sure, a full house for us, but we made it work.  Mom’s house was jam-packed… at least 18 people.  Exactly like the major holidays of my childhood: chaotic, loud (VERY loud), slightly drama-filled, and fun.

cousins!

It seems, after a few years, that our family is healing a bit from past squabbles and/or misunderstandings.  One in particular is a relationship that I’ve had my mind on for a while (Grandma, if you’re reading this- y0u know what I’m referring to- and I hope this Easter returned one of your chicks to the fold).  See, that’s what Easter is about.  Forgiveness, peace, and love.  The whole reason why we even HAVE an Easter is because of Jesus dying on the cross- to pay the ultimate price for humanity’s sins… so to have lost-sheep at the Easter dinner table- well, it was certainly appropriate.  And I hope the spirit of Easter doesn’t end… that the forgiveness, peace and love isn’t put away until next year with the empty easter baskets and plastic eggs.  And I hope a certain someone I know gets the thing she wants most of all.

 

Weight Watchers update, week 8

I was a little nervous for this morning’s weigh-in.  Last week, I wasn’t given a tracker.  I tried my best to track in my regular journal, but there just isn’t enough room in the day AND it wasn’t the same.  On top of the missing tracker, I had a big dinner party Saturday night. While my eating was under control (I was just SO busy in the kitchen cooking for eight) drinking wasn’t, and I managed to put back 1 1/2 bottles of Jay Lohr Cabernet.  I don’t even want to KNOW how many points that is!

So this week, I really didn’t track- I kept my eye on portions, eating filling foods, and “tracking” mentally.  A couple of early morning walks were also thrown into the mix.  I must have done something right, because I was down .4 pounds!

It was a nice vacation from writing down points… but this week, I’m back to tracking!

 

fifth’s disease?

Doctors really need to put their heads together and come up with a new name for fifth’s disease… really, it’s a VIRUS.  Calling it a “disease” makes it sound just way more terrible than it really is!

I’ve heard of kids getting fifth’s disease before- but I haven’t had any experience with it… until now!  Apparently, that’s what Maddie has!  My wonderful mom took Maddie to the doctor this am (I had my own appointment with the reproductive endocrinologist).  She had a slight fever last week, she has a cough, and the tell-tale rash on her face.

She actually isn’t all that miserable- she’s a little fussy, but it’s hard to figure out if that’s “sick” fussy or “i’m a 2-year-old” fussy.  She’s certainly starting to act more independent- down to throwing her sippy cup on the floor when she’s finished.  Of course, I’m sure everything will change once she goes to bed- why do coughs get so much worse when it’s bedtime?  It’s so super annoying.

I hope she feels better soon- nothing pains me more than seeing her miserable!

 

six years

Wow, I’d be remiss if I didn’t post that my 6th wedding anniversary was this past Saturday, January 31st.  I don’t want to post some gushy, outpouring of emotions about my husband or my marriage.   I love him.  We make a great team. We’re committed to each other and to our marriage. I’m not going to talk about some cheesy-romantic-comedy moments we’ve had that will make you jealous.  We’re just regular people trying to make sense of the World and each other, together.  I figured I would, however, put together a sort of list of six “realizations” about marriage… (in honor of the six years I’ve been married) maybe they can help someone out.. or, maybe they’ll just make you laugh!

1. problems don’t seem as bad when you can tackle them as a team.
2. it’s amazing that after a few years of marriage, emotions somehow become linked- so that you can actually FEEL what your spouse is feeling without them having to explain it.
3. it is completely normal to wake up next to your spouse and think, “damn, I have to keep doing this FOREVER!”  But you quickly realize this is a blessing, and not a curse.
4. it is possible to be completely opposite and yet have a good marriage.
5. some of the BEST presents I’ve ever gotten are the most simple (for example, husband putting my coffee on before he leaves the house- and he doesn’t even drink coffee).
6. contrary to what most people thing, marriage is hard work- that doesn’t mean it’s BAD work- just that it takes effort to make sure you are growing together, not growing apart.

 

Weight Watchers update- week 3

Yowzer!!! I didn’t do that well this week- somehow gained 1.2 pounds.  Nice, right?  I’m actually not that worried as I could have done much, much worse.  I also don’t think the actual weight gain was that bad considering I wore much heavier clothes this time around.  I try to wear the same outfit for each weigh-in, but this has proved difficult for some reason.  I need to work on making sure laundry is done Wednesday night!

Anyway- I think my MAIN problem is portion control; I don’t SEEM to eat horrible food, and have done (I think) a good job of making healthy soups and filling foods to have on hand.  My main problem is the QUANTITY of food I’m putting in my mouth.  I will be vigilant this week- not only tracking my food, but MEASURING.  I think this is the only way I’m going to get a handle on this thing.

There are so many people in our Thursday morning meeting that are inspiring- quite a few, believe it or not, with weight loss over 50 pounds, and at least two 100+ pound losses.  And you know what?  They still struggle!  It’s a real eye-opener!

Here are my “excuses” for the week- or why I think the week could’ve gone much worse:  my grandparents were in town- and not that THEY forced me to eat, I did eat quite a few meals at my mom’s house… for some reason I tend to eat more at my mom’s than I do at my own home.  I think this is because when I’m home, I have other stuff to do:  clean up the dinner mess, play with Maddie, etc. etc… At mom’s not so much.  We also went to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx last weekend- and lets face it, that type of “Italian American” food isn’t low cal or low fat!  I think I did OK- eating a salad and a stuffed artichoke… I’ve also been trying to watch my simple sugars (white sugar, white flour-based foods, etc.) because of the whole insulin resistance/PCOS thing.  I’m hoping the Metformin kicks in and helps me drop some weight too!

And- like a previous post- I NEED TO GET MOVING!