Leaving my baby

Posted in All About Me, Oh Baby by

Shawn and I recently went on a trip to Las Vegas and left Joseph with his Grandma. (Shawn’s mom.) This was the first time that I was away from Joe for more than a few hours since I went to the hospital right after he was born. I really struggled with mixed emotions of guilt, elation, abandonment, and fear.

I knew that Joseph would be in great hands. My MIL is a nurse, raised two boys on her own as a single mother, and is one of the most cautious, careful people I know. He would probably take more precautions and care that Shawn and I do ourselves. I was more concerned about her stamina. I mean, I am whooped by the end of the day. Joey is a handful. He is all over the place, squirmy, and currently teething. He is also not a big napper. So, I was concerned that she would be worn out. Luckily, Shawn’s aunt and a few of her lady friends came by and helped out so she could get a break and have that extra pair of hands every once in a while.

I think that the biggest thing I struggled with was guilt. Guilt of leaving him, guilt of not being there, guilt of having fun and enjoying myself without him. It took me a few days to get over the constant guilt I felt about leaving him and allowing myself to relax and have a good time. I think that part of it was that I was getting reports that he was fussy, wouldn’t sleep, etc. After a couple of days of this, I had Shawn call his mom and talk to her to see how things were. She gave him a different perspective: they were having fun and she was enjoying her time with her grandson. It was hard work, but it was good. This made me relax a bit more and eased my mind that she, and him, weren’t miserable.

I continued to have some guilt about having a good time and enjoying myself without having to constantly care for Joseph. It was a revelation that I NEVER stop care-taking. Yes, Shawn helps a ton, but I am still “in charge” in one way or another. I can’t explain how good it felt to stop that for a little while. I know that is something that I have to work on, but I am unsure how to do this without having to fly across the country.

All in all, it was a really great experience. Shawn and I got the time we both really needed as a couple, I was finally able to relax and realize that he would be okay without me, and my MIL and Joseph got some serious bonding time together. I just hope that she wasn’t so worn out that she’d watch him again for us before he’s in preschool.

 

 

101 Things: 80. Go to Las Vegas

Posted in 101 Things, Travel by

Last week Shawn and I took a trip to Las Vegas. He had a national sales conference for work and we decided to add a few days onto the trip for a vacation. (Joseph stayed with Grandma Cathy for the week.)

Its been about five years since we’ve been to Las Vegas, the last time was for our friends’ wedding. Shawn’s conference was actually in Lake Las Vegas, which is about 40 minutes from the strip. It was a beautiful resort that seem a million miles away from the chaos. While Shawn was busy with meetings I hung out and went to the hotel’s spa. Heaven.

After the conference was over, we headed down to the strip and stayed at The Palazzo, which is attached to The Venetian. We had a beautiful suite to stay in and really enjoyed the shops, restaurants, and casino. We went to see the ” “America’s Got Talent” show (Shawn’s choice) which was fun, but I would have preferred to see “Love” instead. Oh well, maybe next time.

Banned Book Week 2012

Posted in Books by

 

I committed a crime this year for Banned Book Week. I didn’t read anything off of the list this week. Unless ‘You Are Your Child’s First Teacher, Third Edition: Encouraging Your Child’s Natural Development from Birth to Age Six‘ has been banned somewhere. . . .

September’s Birchbox

Posted in Fashion by

Yes, it is October. Being out of town for half the month, I didn’t even get this box until the end of September. I apologize. Okay, now on with the reviews.

  • Birchbox and Color Club® Custom Collection – I received a charcoal gray color from their collection. It was almost black with two coats. Went on smoothly and I got about 4-5 days without chipping. That’s pretty good in my book.
  • Caudalie Vinexpert Firming Serum – Firming serum is something that I like to think I don’t really need. . . It’s formulated with grape-based actives and other botanicals that soften the look of wrinkles, plus tightening agents that go to work right away to lift sagging skin. It smelled great, kind of grapey in a fresh fruit way, not a jolly rancher way. It was also very smooth and light going on. Not too sure about how well it works, I think that this is one of those products and need time to do their job.
  • Sedu® Anti-Frizz Polishing Treatment w/ Pure Moroccan Argan Oil  Designed to add shine and smooth down frizz, it helps protect hair against the dulling effects of blow drying, curling, and straightening. It lived up to the hype and instantly boosts shine and adds softness. The lightweight serum absorbs right away and has a faint woodsy scent. I was a bit nervous about oil in my hair, but I’d definitely use it again.
  • WEI™ to Go Sleep Over Kit: Real Clean and Ideal Skin – This was a combo sample showcasing the  Real Clean Gelled Oil Cleanser and the Ideal Skin Perfect Finish. I wasn’t too big of a fan of the oil cleanser, it just didn’t feel clean to me. Maybe someone who has sensitive or dry skin would like this better. The finishing cream is another version of a BB cream, having moisturizers, skin treatments, and coverage all in one. Meh.
  •  twistband™ Lace up for Fall – I received one of these previously. It’s made of soft elastic that keeps braids, buns, and ponytails secured. Because they’re thicker than regular hair ties, they don’t leave crimps in hair. Since my hair is too short for a full pony, I can’t really judge.

Bonus Freebie: tili Bags – Made of durable plastic, each quart-size zip and seal bag can hold a variety of belongings—from paper clips and sandwiches to makeup and toothpaste. Especially great for those on the go, they make life easier by keeping things organized. I received the turquoise/leopard print one. Not really my style, but it is durable and handy. I used it to pack toiletries.

Anyone interested in signing up for a Birchbox? Please click here so I get points for the referral. Thanks a bunch!

Roadblock

Posted in All About Me, Dream Year 2012 by

I want to that everyone for the encouragement and support in regards to my previous post.

It is difficult to not go down the “I failed, I’m not good enough” road when you don’t meet a goal that was so important and worked so hard for. (Running in this summer’s heat wave, 5:45 run times, etc.)

A good friend of mine put it in the perfect perspective for me:

“Samantha, you have faced many challenges in the past few years and wouldn’t be in such a good place now if you looked at them as failures. Roadblocks my dear, go around or over but never give up. We all believe in you. ”

So, I’m going to look at it as another roadblock and find a detour to get to my goal.

Failure

Posted in All About Me, Dream Year 2012 by

Last Friday was the March of Dimes Night Moves 5K. I did not run in it.

Ever since then end of August, I’ve been having a recurring problem with my feet as well as my right ankle/knee. I was struggling to be able to run consistently because of the pain and having to take days to rest it do I wasn’t hobbling around. I kept trying to work it out, but in the end I felt that I would do too much damage if I ran the race.

I’m planning on going to see my doctor and also talk to a running specialist about it. I am hoping that it is just a combination of needing better running shoes and maybe correcting my gait.

I am beyond disappointed. I was actually in years on Friday night when I had to finally come to terms that I wasn’t going to be able to meet my goal. I feel like a failure and I’m really sad, angry, and frustrated with myself and my body.

Until I can figure out what I can do to continue to run without pain, I’m planning on getting back into yoga and doing some lower impact cardio, like the elliptical. Hopefully, I can get things figured out and will be able to try again for a different 5K in the future.

I want to thank everyone, especially my sister and Shawn, for all of their support while trying to accomplish my goal. I’m sorry I let you all down.

Joseph: Six Months

Posted in Oh Baby by

Where do I begin? I cannot believe that a half of a year has gone by. Amazing. My sweet Joseph is no longer an infant, but a bouncing baby boy. Full of life and bringing so much joy and light into our lives.

This month has been full of new things. I have added many new foods to my diet: sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, butternut squash, avocados, and applesauce. I love them all!

I am constantly moving, either squirming about when anyone holds me, bouncing in my chair or on people’s laps, or rolling about on the floor. I can sit up with some help. I’m still a little wobbly, but I can stay upright on my own for some time. I am so close to crawling! I get on my hands and knees and rock back and forth and lunge forward. I just need to put my skills all together and then there will be no stopping me.

I love to play with my toys and grab at anything I can reach. Pulling mommy’s hair is a favorite activity. So is petting Walter. He makes me laugh and smile whenever he enters the room.

I had some trouble with sleeping and napping this month, but with mom and dad’s help I’m getting back on track. I also cut my left front tooth. This has made me in a much better mood.

I wonder what more I will be able to do after this month goes by.

That time of year

Posted in She's Crafty by

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There is something about September when the air starts to get crisp that makes me want to pack away the sewing machine and pick up the knitting needles. I’ve been planning out my projects and have already started a few. Some on the list: hats, mittens, and sweaters for Joseph, a cowl and a pair of socks for myself, and a scarf and new winter hat for the hubby. There are also Christmas gifts I want to get started and I am also dreaming of a sweater for myself. Now I just have to find the time to work on them!

Quilt for James

Posted in She's Crafty by

Another baby quilt! My dear friend is having her second child and this time its a boy. I made a quilt for their daughter, Lola, and I wanted to make one for this little guy as well. I used the same pattern as I did for Lucille Rose. I purchased all the fabrics from Joann’s. Isn’t the dinosaur focas print cute? I prefer the bright colors instead of going the pastel route. That way the quilt will be able to grow with James.

I’m a little miffed at myself because I accidentally made a mistake and flipped on of the rows and didn’t notice it until I had quilted the whole thing and was applying the binding. Remember to check your work, Samantha! Oh well, I don’t think that its too noticeable and it just adds more character, right?

 I hope he’ll come to like the dinorsaurs. Joe was enthralled with the colors and patterns. Welcome to the world, James and congratulations Christi, Dave and Lola!