The Great Closet Exchange - Fall 2008 Edition

I did it here on this last day of September. I switched the girls' closet from summer to winter. Come on, it is the last day of September, the chill is going to hit the air soon right? Of course I left a few summer items out because I can't make my kids suffer during these 80 degree afternoons we've been having. I also used my future telling abilities to determine what clothes the girls would fit into when and packed them up accordingly. But the worst part of it all was when it came time to pack all if little s's summer clothes that no one would be wearing again. Trying to determine what I could bare to part with and sell and what to keep and save for the probably not happening baby #3 is heart breaking. But I did it, I didn't stop until every piece of clothing found its home. (Minus the dirty stuff, I am not that good people.) Up next, toy clean out and organization, but that has to be done during nap time. Little eyes can not handle the tragedy of toys going bye-bye.

So are you getting ready for fall?

100th Post!

Wow! I can't believe that I have stuck to blogging this long, this time. Maybe you have read my first post where I promised to stick to it this time. I actually have. I didn't give up this time because it just seemed like one more thing in my life that I have to keep up with.

So for those of you that have been following for awhile and for those of you who just found me, I am hosting a giveaway in honor of my 100th post.

One lucky winner will receive:

• A wire basket with candy corn ribbon intertwined
• Foaming hand soap and lotion in juicy apple
• A painted wooden pumpkin
• Black bat frame to display your favorite trick or treaters
• Vanilla candle tied with brown ribbon and a love charm on a brown metallic leaf candle holder
• $20.00 gift certificate to Once Upon A Dream

And the rules:

• Leave a comment on this post (if you do not have a blogger account make sure and leave you email)
• Entries will be taken until Oct. 14, 2008 until midnight
• On the morning of Oct. 15, 2008 a winner will be selected by using random.org

Easy enough right. GOOD LUCK!

P.S. You only have until tomorrow to get your free initial clippie!

Not Me Monday - #2

It's that time again....

1. I did not do laundry all week only to leave it in over flowing baskets in my basement all week.

2. I did not only do half of the dishes from dinner last night because that was all that would fit in the dishwasher.

3. I did not stay at work late on Friday night so that Mr. B would have to wrestle the girls into PJs and get them ready for bed all by himself because I was to pooped to deal with it.

4. I certainly did not ignore Mr. B this morning when he told me that little s was awake as he was getting ready for work. I then did not tell him as he brought her to me in bed on his way out the door that she wasn't even fussing yet.

Up next is my 100th post with a giveaway!!! You can enter here.

New Bow Holders

This is what I did last night as I watched the new Grey's Anatomy on my fuzzy little TV in my craft room.

It has been several sleepless nights around our house. Little s finished her antibiotics from her last ear infection on Monday. She started running a fever again on Wednesday night. I had her ears checked yesterday, and one still looks a little red. But it could be the start or the end of an ear infection. So I am giving it a few more days, but I am not sure how many more nights that I can take of little sleep. She does not want to lay down.

I see tubes in our future. I hate to put her through a surgery, but we just can't keep going like this. Things were great during the summer, but we had no colds and runny noses to turn into an ear infection. Our doctor has told us 5 infections in 5 months qualifies us according to insurance. I keep thinking that we are headed that direction. First cold at the beginning of September and first ear infection to go with it. It is going to be a long winter.

New Initial Clippies - Free

These fully lined alligator clips personalized with the initial of your choice are perfect to sweep hair away from the face. Now through September 30, 2008, anyone who places an order at Once Upon A Dream will receive one free with their order.

She's Stuck

I was planning "A little about little s" post to follow Miss L's, but thought I would share tonight's events since little s wanted her spotlight a little sooner.

I was walking out the door from work and got a text from Mr. B.

It read: Get home now.

Followed by: S is hurt bad.

A mother's worst nightmare. Honestly, you think the worst, your heart drops to your stomach, you forget to buckle up and speed home.

When I got home they were all three sitting on the couch. Little s seemed fine, minus the lone tear on her cheek.

"S was hanging by her head from our bed." according to Mr. B. I really couldn't imagine how the happened. So of course I got taken to the bedroom to find that some how she slipped between the mattress and the foot board. We have a Queen Anne bed from Mr. B's great grandmother. There is a decorative railing, an opening and then a panel. Her little body hung in the opening, her two feet not touching the floor, pinned at her forehead. Funny thing is, as I was told this story, I kept wondering if in between her cries she yelled, "I stuck." This is one of her favorite sayings.

She seems fine except for a little bruise on her forehead and the fact that she refused to go to sleep tonight. Since little s started crawling, I have been on my toes with her. She is always into something, but a good listener. I have a feeling that this is only one of the first heart stopping moments with her.


P.S. Only 4 more posts until my 100th!

A Little About Miss L

Miss L is my girly girl. She is the princess loving, dress up queen, and the second mom of our house. Sometimes I wonder if I acted like Miss L as a child. I think that she gets a lot of her personality from me. Often I can not help but laugh at some things she does because I would do the same and the rational of her three year old mind is amazing.

Yesterday, we were getting ready to head out for lunch and run some errands. I always carry a change of clothes for both girls in the diaper bag. Since Miss L has been potty trained, I have carried extra undies as well. Accidents happen, I have learned from these experiences. It just so happens that Miss L noticed the extra pair on the way out the door, and demanded to know why they were in there. I quickly explained in case she had an accident. "I am not going to have an accident," she quickly replied and snatched the undies from the bag. She took off to her room only to reappear a few seconds later to tell me that she put them back in her drawer where they go. When we arrived back home as I was unbuckling her, she reminded me again, "See I did not have an accident." I guess she was right, but I know with my luck the day that I don't take the extras along, the accident will happen.

Also, the fair was in town at the beginning of the month. We took the girls and had a great time. The bad mom that I am did not take the camera of course. We happened to be driving by the area that the fair is located the day they were packing up and heading out of town. Mr. B pointed this out to Miss L. She immediately started crying that she did not want the fair to leave. Everyday since then Miss L has asked about the fair. She has cried real tears telling me that she doesn't want it to leave. I have tried all different explanations, but for now I am just telling her it will be back next year.

We are working on being able to identify numbers and letters right now. Unfortunately we are not getting to far. She just wants to turn the flash cards I bought over to see the picture on the back. This is why I could never be a teacher, I just do not have the patience.

This precious child forgets nothing (so I am not understanding the number and letter thing). Bribes work with her, as long as you have full intentions to come through on them. She doesn't forget about that cookie you promised at home after running errands.

This child has an enormous vocabulary. She has been talking in sentences and phrases since the age of 1, so I have always been astonished. But she still amazes me daily with the things that come out of her mouth. This morning Mr. B was doing some yard work in the back yard. She asked to go outside with him so I let her play on the deck. When she cam in side she preceded to tell me that, "Perhaps that wasn't such a good idea. My feet got wet from the grass. Could you get a towel to dry them with while I take my shoes off." "Perhaps!" What three year old uses the word perhaps correctly?

I know as Miss L continues to grow, her unique personality will shine brighter and brighter. But I can not help but wonder if she is me made over as a child.

Not Me Monday

I love this lady. mckmama is such an inspiration with her many small children. She always seems to have it all together, but lets you know that it is not exactly as it appears.

So here is my list of did nots. This is pretty therapeutic.

1. I did not allow my girls to eat cheese its this morning for breakfast because that is what they wanted, and it sound easier than actually cooking something. And I absolutely did not allow Miss L to scoop handfuls out her self and put in their bowls.

2. I did not stay up till way past midnight every night last week making hairbows.

3. I did not refuse to do laundry this weekend and really regret it because we have all clean towels.

4. I did not decide to do this so that I wouldn't have to go do the laundry.

5. I did not leave a sink of nasty dirty dishes in hopes that Mr. B would do them.

6. I did not forget to pay the babysitter Friday.

Introducing....

Bow Bands

Aren't these super cute? Stretchy bow bands can be worn by infants trough toddlers. Check them out!

Candy Corn

I really like candy corn, but it is one of those candies that I am glad is only available once a year. I think this year I will be able to get my fix without getting a sugar high. Isn't this adorable?

I finally got several of my fall/Halloween bows listed at Once Upon A Dream. You can check them out here. I do have several more to list, but it is late and I need sleep.

OOOPS

Crap! I deleted all of my bows by accident the other night at Once Upon a Dream. I did not even have half of the pictures saved, so I have been busy re-photographing them and slowly re-posting them. If something you are interested in seems to have disappeared, email me at laurenlpopp(at)gmail(dot)com. I have added several new pillowcase dresses, so check them out. Here is my new favorite.





P.S. Only 9 posts until my 100th post, in which I am planning a huge giveaway. So come back.

The Cutest Shoes Ever

Uptown Girl is hosting a giveaway.

I love shoes, especially cute baby shoes, and these are the cutest I have ever seen.

is a shop at Etsy that creates these beautiful hand made baby shoes. Check it out.

Sleep, Precious Sleep

I am happy to report that little s slept for 12 hours straight last night. Compared to the three previous nights, it was a miracle. Oh sweet antibiotics, you are my hero.

P.S. Still feel the need to shout, "A Mom knows when something is wrong with her baby. Take her word for it. I have yet to be wrong."

Advice Please

I am about to pull my hair out with our doctors office, and it is all due to one person. (And billing, but I can handle them).

Let's start from the beginning. We go to a large practice. There is a whole floor dedicated to pediatricians, and then a floor with all adult doctors and one who sees patients of all ages. Guess who we see, a very sweet lady who sees the patients of all ages. Not only do we see her, but so does Mr. B's mom, sister, grandparents, several aunts and the majority of his first and second cousins on his mom's side. She is awesome and very thorough. She always explains things so that I can understand them, but doesn't make me feel stupid at the same time. She suggests spreading out immunizations so not to overload the girls, but is very cautious with antibiotics. I would not want to change doctors for anything.

However, about this time last year, her MT decided that she needed to be paid more money. Our doctor is extremely busy and her main MT works her butt off. But she is great. I always thought that she was a nurse until some one told me different. Since the entire office was on a pay freeze, she decided to transfer to another doctor who was not so busy. So her last week working with our doctor, a nurse was bought in to train and be the new nurse for our doctor.
When they first came into the room, it was obvious that this world was moving to fast. Then it came time for little s's shots. She stuck her twice with the same needle and tried to hide it. I know this is not something that would really hurt her, but it is not good practice. I work at a nursing school, trust me I asked the opinions of very well educated people, ones who teach this to future nurses. I was mostly upset about the way that she blatantly tried to hide it. So I called our doctor and told on her. We have never had her as a nurse again. I have often heard the doctor outside the room tell some one else not to go get her to help with our family.
It was not long and our good ole' MT was back. They just couldn't make it without each other. (I am sure she got her raise, but don't know for fact.)

Flash forward to now. Poor nurse was demoted to answering phones. She answers the dang phone every time I call. She is suppose to take a message, make you an appointment or call you back with instructions from the doctor. I point blank from the beginning tell her little s has an ear infection. I know this by how she is acting, and the fact that she can not sleep. It is a mom thing, and the fact that every time she gets a cold, she gets an ear infection. I am on the phone with her forever simply to make up a bunch of symptoms so that I can get an appointment. She asks the same questions over and over again. Today she even called me back ten minutes later to ask me two questions that she already asked. But things escalated even after all this today, and I am done with her.

Another nurse called me back after I answered all her ridiculous questions. She started giving me instructions on how to suction her nose out and telling me the doctor on call would call her in cough syrup. OK so what is he doing about her ears? This cold is almost gone and I have it under control. She started apologizing saying that there was nothing in the note about her ears. The entire reason I called. So of course the doctor on call saw her in the middle of nap time. Of course she had an ear infection on her left ear and fluid in her right. Of course we needed an antibiotic that we needed to see a doctor to get a script for.

So I am just wondering if this nurse has linked the incident of her poking little s twice to her demotion? Do you think that she remembers me and is making my life miserable. Her questions are truely dumb, and I have no idea how she made it through nursing school. So I wouldn't think that she keeps wanting to look like a complete idiot to me.

So here is where I need your advice blogland. What do I do? I have been contemplating writing a letter to our doctor, but I do not want to seem like the tattling, psycho mom that I am sure I will. It is ridiculous the hurdles that I must jump over to get past this women. And I am really at my wits end, and we are just now going into cooler months which I am sure will equal more ear infections. So please tell me what you would do.....

Running through my Head Right Now...

#1
Still some coughing and runny noses, a little fever in the evenings.
Debating whether to call the pedi or not.
Know she will want to see them.
Spend $30 in co-pays to hear it is probably just viral.
Pedi is not very generous with antibiotics.
Can't blame her.
But if I wait, what if it is pneumonia.
Then our pedi will want to know why I didn't bring them in sooner.
She will think I am the worst mother ever.
Will see how they feel in the morning.

#2:
Stop making Miss L eat stuff that she says that she doesn't like.
Even though she has never tasted it.
She has figured out how to puke on you when you do this.
How can I make her try new things without the fight?

#3
Why is that moms are the only ones who worry about this stuff?

Here we go again. Babysitter just called and said both girls have a temp. They are low grade, and I gave her instructions for meds. I am debating whether or not I should go home. I am still making up time from last week, but my cell battery is low. I feel like crap not being at home with them when they don't feel well, but I hate to leave early since who knows what tomorrow might bring.

Working moms, when do you make the call about heading home to be with your sick babies?

Santa's watching

My three year old is over analyzing Santa. Yes, I know it is only September.

I try not to let her watch too many commercials. That is why I love my DVR so much. But lately instead of turning around and finding something to do while a commercial is on, she has actually been paying attention. I am usually not in the room to fast forward, so she comes to find me and tell me about the latest and greatest toy that she just saw and has to have. My response has been well I guess you will have to tell Santa.

Last night Mr. B was home and somehow we got on the topic of Santa. Miss L was being ornery so we told her that if she is not good that Santa would not bring her anything. This is the conversation we have had over the last 24 hours.

Miss L: Santa's at the North Pole he didn't just see me hit you.

Me: Oh yes he did. He can see everything.

Ten minutes later.
Miss L: It's dark, Santa can't see me.

Me: He has a magic globe and can see all kids and knows if they are being good or not.

This morning:
Miss L: Santa was sleeping. He didn't see me.

Me: Mrs. Claus watches the globe while Santa sleeps.

Miss L: With her glasses?

Me: Yep.

Clearly, I am going to have to work on this Santa thing and my responses. She is determined to find a way that Santa did not see her hit me last night.

The Crap Phone

So I know that you are all super interested in my new phone. Well, as my luck has it, the phone that I received from my friendly DHL driver Friday is junk. You can barely see the screen.

I spent over ten minutes on hold Friday night to hear that I could exchange this phone in the store. So Saturday morning we went to the store only too hear that we could not exchange it in the store. And "customer service has a bad habit of telling people this." Looks like customer service needs to get some customer service.

So I am now waiting for my new phone to arrive so that I can mail this one back. I shouldn't expect to be in any other situation right now. This is my luck and how things always turn out for me.

Computer Time and Picture Taking

Maybe the girls are following my example. Oops.

Miss L keeps stealing my camera. She always returns it where she finds it, but with a few surprises.

New Phone

I was able to upgrade my phone starting yesterday. (Read: Get a new one for free/cheap because I have had the one I am currently using for the weird amount of months AT&T picked out for me.)

So I got this phone. It is a refurb. So I am a little nervous. But the return policy said that I had 30 days to return it if I did not like it. Does anyone have this phone? Do you like it?

I really did not want another flip phone, and that was about my only option in the free category. I don't use my phone enough to shell out any where up to $300 and then wait on half of it to come back in the form of a rebate. I'm cheap remember.

One day I won't be so lazy....

Crap! Why do I do this to myself. I usually wash my sheets on Tuesdays because it is just easier since Mr. B is out of town then. But, Miss L is asleep in there on my bed with no sheets. I really do not want to wake her up for the fear of getting puked on. So I guess I am sleeping on the couch and not my bare mattress with the sick kid.

Holidays are not always what they seem

A day off from work is usually bad for me. I am required to work 24 hours per week in order to keep my insurance. Since I work at a college and in the evenings to cover night classes, I coordinate my schedule to be there during class time. My schedule changes each term. Currently there are no classes on Fridays, so I have been off.

Now I know you are thinking, 24 hours a week. That sounds so easy. With two small kiddos, I am always adding up half hours and ending up at work on a Friday for 1 hour just to make sure I am covered. Any of you moms that work 40+/week, you are my heroes. I just couldn't do it. Not to make excuses, my day can start as early as 5am. Then I head to work any where from 2-4pm after a full day of butt wiping, snack feeding and nap wrestling. By the time I arrive, most are winding down their days. But my work day is just starting. I am then usually there until 9-10pm. I can never walk through the door and go to bed, so it is 12 or 1am before I can fall asleep.

I, just like you look forward for those holidays free from work. Time to relax, spend time with friends and family, and catch up with things around the house. Since I am only part-time, I do not get paid for holidays. Which is fine with me. It just means that I need to make sure all of my hours are worked at other times during the week. BUT, every time there is a holiday, one of my kids gets sick the same week. I am not lying. Every time. And then I end up trying to squeeze 24 hours into 2 days.

Mr. B came home from work Sunday with a nasty stomach bug. The details you do not want to know. After being at work tonight for about 2.5 hours, I got a call from the babysitter that Miss L is throwing up with a fever. And to top it all off, Mr. B is working out of town tonight. (Although this is supposed to be the last time).

So I am counting. 21.5 hours left to work this week, and I will be going in late tomorrow when Mr. B gets home. That is if I don't catch this before its all said and done with.

I do feel awful for her. I hate it when they don't feel good. All pathetic looking laying around and not wanting to play. But why does this always happen when it is only a 4 day work week?