Oct. 29, 2005








And............. Oct. 29, 2006

Oh how I treasure sleep

Today I woke up with Bailey at 5am with a huge headache brewing. It got worse and worse through the day and I'm convinced it's exhaustion. I haven't really slept since Bailey was born and I knew it would catch up to me sooner or later.

Never have I felt so tired......

Random guilty pleasures....

Reality TV:
Ok.... there was a moment in time when I thought I wasn't going to get addicted to reality TV. But now there are so many shows on that you can't help but to pick something to watch. It's almost like having instant gratification because in a few weeks the show is over. Or some of them, they are one episode at a time type deal. Some of my favorites?
Survivor: One of my favorite ever. I have watched that show since day one of season one episode one. I didn't think Aras's win was fair... I thought Terry should have won. The naked gay guy won fair and square. The porn star had his stratagy figured out from the getgo. This season is a little early to predict anything yet. We shall see. I am hoping for Yule (think that's his name) the young asian guy who found the immunity idol on exile island on the SECOND episode. He's a hopeful for sure.
The Amazing Race: One day Chris and I are going on this show. That's right! Seriously, we are. We feel that we can do it and be at least in the top few people to finish. We are smart enough, intuitive enough, patient enough, and definitely competitive enough. It is the most fair reality show competition on tv. You finish last, you are out of the competition. No voting, no tribal counsel, no back stabbing.... ok there is some backstabbing going on, but all in the eye of the competitor. Although, if your car breaks down and we pass you up, we will pick you up for karma's sake. lol. This season, I am rooting for the father/daughter team. They are adorable ... and how many of us can say that we've done the Amazing Race with our dads?
America's Next Top Model: I don't know why, I just love that show.
Wife Swap and SuperNanny: That's just a GIVEN!! Gotta love Wife Swap because you're just ASKING for drama when you put total opposites in every household every week. Super Nanny I watch because everytime I watch that show I thank my lucky stars of how well behaved and wonderful our Reese is and that we are doing a good job at being parents. Although there have been many things that I have taken from this show and applied it to our lives with Reese.
Airline: How is Southwest Airline still in business?
Flavor of Love: This is just a show that I watch to fulfill my inner ghettoness.
American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance?: These two shows are in the same genre I think. I love watching the first 2-3 episodes when they try out everyone on earth who can sing/dance or not. It's funny to see all these people make a fool of themselves on national TV. And then if you watch it that far along, you might as well watch the whole dang season and get it over with. I usually predict the winner from the first few episodes, but the last 'Dance', I had no idea that Benji would be the winner. But I knew Taylor Hicks was a given from day 1.
Inked and Miami Ink: Just love the retail drama about them. I can totally run both those stores. That and I wouldn't mind working for Ami James and Carey Hart. Really.
Project Runway: If I knew how to sew, I would totally do this show. Except that I don't think I can stand NYC for that long. But they do send you to exotic locales. Again, last season, I knew Cloe would win and this season I am hoping that Micheal Knight will win. Although he has made 2 very disappointing gowns so far. Everyone has had their bad days though. I just hope that Laura doesn't come up with 12 babydoll, plunging neckline dresses. Uli doesn't make all long flowing summer dresses. And I hope that Jeffrey doesn't win period. He's arrogant and tactless. He doesn't really deserve it.
Parental Control: That show is just funny!

And all the competition shows on Food Network. Cakes, Sugar Show Pieces, Cookies, BBQ, etc.

I'm sure I have missed some shows but these are some favorites. We still watch some of America's Funniest Videos. There are episodes that you just curl up laughing at. Tears rolling down your cheeks funny.

Anywho.....

Laugh baby... laugh!

Yesterday we got Bailey to chuckle while playing with her in bed. It's the sweetest sound when you can get a baby to laugh. She laughs, then spits. It's gross, but it's the cutest thing since she's my kid!!

We also took her in to take her 3 month pictures yesterday. Our friends Jen and Chuck are trying launch a photography business so I thought I'd use them for her pictures. And then again for her 6 month photos because I want the shots to be consistent. When we get the cd, I will post on here!

3 Months have gone by.....

I can't believe it's been 3 months since Bailey has made her appearance into the world. We have been blessed to have such a good baby.


 

Has it really been 12 weeks??

Man, maternity leave sure FLEW by!!

Though I am happy to be back at work. Trying to shake this guilty feeling of leaving Bailey with someone else and having to go to work full time. We can't really afford for me not to though. We just have to accept the fact that she is in good hands and they love her where ever she goes. We have selected a very good in-home daycare provider for her. Not to mention she is CHEAP! Only $190/week for an infant. That's ridiculously cheap. It goes down as she gets older so we're good to go for now. Gladys is awesome though, she has a lot of experience both with her own 3 kids and working in various daycare centers. Now she runs one out of her home and loves it.

Meanwhile, Bailey is growing like a weed. She's talking in her little baby language and making facial expressions along with it. She's trying to roll over but not very successful right now. She knows how to manipulate her way around us. Isn't that normal for little girls? Anyway.... talk about having her daddy wrapped around her little finger. This one has him figured out from day one.

Random conversation with Reese

Reese comes home everyday filthy from school. He wears a school uniform that consists of a white shirt and blue pants....

Me: "What happened to your shirt, baby? Did you roll around in dirt today?"

Reese: "Mom, I roll in dirt everyday, that's what I do"

Alrighty then...... Never under estimate the power of Clorox.

Back to reality

Let's see....

Chris has been home for a few days and I have been sick as a dog. I caught what this entire family went through the week before... a sinus cold. I'm almost over it though. Thank god.

Now that the Renegades season 2006 is over. Chris and I have contemplated the fact that I should march next year. At first it was inspired by the fact that they might go to Hawaii in 07. But in reality, I really miss being a part of the Renegades. I miss my friends and being there on weekends not worrying about real life issues for that extended period of time.

Does that make me a selfish person?

My kids will need me and Chris. But I need to do something for myself too. I love these kids with all of my heart and soul... nothing will ever change that. I think doing Renegades in 07 will be good for me... good for Chris and me. One more year together in the corps as a married couple this time. I love doing guard and nothing will change that.

Here's to one more year.

In the mean time....

Monday 9/11 I go back to work and Bailey is going into daycare. I really hope this lady works out for us and she can stay with her for a good long time. I hate having to switch daycares and having baby adapt to someone new all the time.

Reese is taking the school bus in the morning now. He is ecstatic about it. I walked him to the bus stop this morning for the first time ever. He said to me in a whisper voice 'you can go mom, I'm ok' .... When did he become such a grown up little kid?? I stood there with him until he got on the bus and it rolled away around the corner. Bailey and I came back into the house and in the back of my mind I was 1% thinking that I might not get off the bus at the right school. I don't know why, I should just have more confident in him than that. I didn't want to get that phone call from the school saying "Hi, this is Anderson School, just calling to see why Reese is absent today" when I walked him to the bus stop. It's every mother's nightmare I think.

There was no phone call from the school and he was there when I picked him up. He was so excited about being able to take the bus. Such a big boy! I can't believe he's so grown now. My baby is so grown!! Good thing we have another baby to 'baby'. ha ha.

Day 3 - 7:38pm

Today I went over to Chris's mom's to hang out with her and sort of take my mind off the Renegades and Chris for a few hours. I did talk to him on the phone before I left. They are sitting around waiting for the show to start. It's raining and very windy in NY right now. They got a few hours of rehearsal in today, but not enough to make a difference.

They performed at 8:58pm NY time and are sitting in 7th place right now. It's exactly what they had predicted earlier in the year. At least the made finals ... for all the drama they went through this year.

I tell you though. I can't sit around at home another year waiting for phone calls and scores and pictures anymore. I know my kids need me, but there are other reasons for 'me' that I have considered. I really want to march next year. Maybe... HUGE maybe... just maybe. We'll see.

Not to mention that I MISS CHRIS! Jesus Canoli.... I can't believe that I am this attached to the man. It feels like I'm missing a limb when he's gone. I need him... I am losing sleep because he's not in bed with me when I turn over to cuddle. Although the last couple nights I allowed Reese to sleep in the bed with me. It's just not the same when you have a wiggly kid sticking his feet and elbows in your rib cage rather then a cuddly husband who cuddles you back.

Bailey is still a little congested but not as bad as yesterday. She did sleep good last night, woke up only once and went right back to sleep with a little 4oz bottle. I know.... 4oz is normal for a 6 month old. No.. this girl is a porker. Her 'normal' bottle is now 6oz at max. I kid you not. My mother in law mentioned today that she looks like she's got a little bruise on her leg... Oh no, wait a minute, that's a dimple from her chunks. Her arms are starting to have rolls. Be afraid, be very afraid. My mother told me that I was a fat kid growing up until about 1st grade so I really have nothing to worry about.

Meanwhile.... Reese is 6 years old and weighs in at 43lbs. First of all, he's never going to get out of his booster seat or be able to sit in the front seat of the car... until he's in like Jr. High. The law (for now) is 6 years old AND 60lbs. AND 4 foot 9 inches tall. I hear that it's going to change to 8 years old AND 80lbs. and height the same. WTF is that?? I know adults who will need a booster seat!

Day 2 - 9:45am

Last night Bailey woke up every couple hours because she couldn't breathe. I am exhausted. Trying to get a nap in whenever she sleeps... and it never lasts very long.

Can't wait til Monday comes!

Day 1 - 7:30pm

Nothing like being home with a sick baby and no hubby.... :-(

Chris called from Rochester about an hour ago to let me know he's in the hotel room and it's really nice there. The equipment truck has yet to arrive. Yikes!!

Day 1

Last night Chris left for Rochester NY. The site of this year's DCA world championship.

I hate being here when he's gone. I hate not being in constant communication with him through out the day. But I am willing to bet that he misses us much more than I hate being without him.

Last night when we dropped him off at the airport, he held Bailey all the way to the security check in line. Where we had to part. It's like I'm missing a limb when he's not around. The good news is that this will be the last time he's going to be gone for more than 4 days. I am looking forward to going to SFO Monday night to pick him up.

Today as I sit here at home thinking about him, he calls from Niagara Falls. I can hear all the wind and the water and people in the background. I'm so jealous... it's such a romantic place to be... and I'm not there.

why do we do this to our kids

This is Bailey while she's pushing a pooper out.... she'll appreciate me someday. :-)

I think it's hilarious that she works so hard pushing out her poop and then she naps for an hour afterwords. Such a hard life!!

Tooth fairy revisited

MOM!! I lost my tooth!!

To my friend Lisa

On Friday my friend Lisa's sweet momma passed away.

I just want to send her my sentiments and condolences. We love her dearly and there's nothing worst than losing a parent. Especially if you're an only child.

She is up in heaven with my dad looking down at us right now letting us know that they are ok. They're with us all the time.... Bailey tells me.

Hang in there sweetie. Just know that we love you and we're here for you.

Food Poisoning.... boogers..... and Pilates

Since the last post I've lost 3lbs.

Because I've been working on excercizing regularly. Every other day I try to do some pilates here at home. I think I'm gaining more muscles than losing the fat. Not really doing any of the cardio. Not at all actually. Which is why I'm contemplating on joining a gym. But it's so expensive and if I don't have someone to motivate me or someone to workout with, I just simply won't go.

I've been going to Ariel Dance Studio to get my workout in when there's time. Last week was a Modern dance class with Rhonda, Amy, and Ashley. It felt really good to be moving again. The other night I went to a Pilates class. My abs are killing me!! I really want to keep going to both the classes and I'm sure it will help me with my weight.

Renegades weekend off
Last weekend we experienced what pleasure it is to have Chris home hanging out with us the whole weekend. Unfortunately, I was hit with food poisoning Saturday morning and it lasted almost the entire day! Bad chicken from the night before. Good thing the boys didn't have any of it. I forgot what it felt like to be 'violently ill'. I'd never wish that stomachache on anyone!

I can't wait until the Renegades season is over.... I just want my husband back home on the weekends again. I miss him... I miss his company.... I miss doing things as a family. His little girl needs him.

3 more weeks until the end of the dispare. I hope they do well in Rochester this year. I really wish that I could be there with them. Technically... I can go. Financially, not so much. Reese will start school next week and I'm pretty sure I can set something up with my mother in law to make sure that he gets to school every day.

Oh well. I wish the Renegades the best of luck...and my husband a good trip to the east coast.

And this post wouldn't be complete without a Random Conversation with Reese
I looked in my rear view mirror to see a strangely quiet little boy picking his nose digging for gold.
Me: Reese, don't pick your nose
Reese: Why not, I have to get the boogers out
Me: Then blow your nose with a tissue
Reese: I don't have any tissue
Me: Then wait til we get home
Reese: Too late, I ate the boogers!

The value of service

This week Chris and I are on a mission to find a daycare provider for our daughter. I will have to return to work the second week of September. I figured we should start looking now so that we don't rush and settle with someone just because we found her first. (I say her because daycare providers are usually women).

I looked online for the 4C's. Nothing came up. I have always used them to find in home care providers in the area. Anyone who's registered with the county is listed on the 4C's listing. They must have current child care license, cpr trained, know the rules and speak english. Anyway... their website isn't there so I will look it up and call them another day. I have always had good luck finding someone through them for Reese in the past.

So while I was messing around online, I thought I'd check out the daycare 'center' type places and see what they provide and costs. Every place is different. My mom works for the military daycare center in Alameda. They are 'income-based'. You pay them what you can afford and they know how much you make because you must be in the military to have your kids there. I think that's a brilliant idea. But to us civilians, things aren't that easy.

I checked out 2 places today that are 'daycare center'(s).

They are very official about everything. Which they should be. But why does it have to cost an arm and a leg? And your first born???

I mean, seriously, it's ridiculous! I might as well not go back to work. Chris and I calculated out the budget and stretch every penny out and we STILL can not afford to have Bailey go to one of these centers. And both our salaries combined total up to over $100k. No lie. We'd eat rice and beans and not have spending money... ever!

One place cost $1325/mo. The other was $1430.

All I gotta say is.... WTF man?

Random conversation with Reese

This conversation took place yesterday when he was done with doing #2.

Reese: Mom, I just had a lot of poo-poos. The last one was big, it hurt my butthole.
me: Oh yeah?
Reese: My butthole is red, wanna see it? Maybe you can kiss it make it better.
me: I believe you, I don't want to kiss it.
Reese: How is it going to feel better?
me: I don't know, but I'm not going to kiss your butthole.
Reese: Alright, mom. But I'm going to tell my friend you won't kiss me anymore.
me: riiiiiiiiiiiight.

I can't wait til Bailey starts talking.

Near Death Experience...

Well sort of...

Today I decided to take the kids up to TI to visit the Renegades and watch their final run-through of the camp. The drive up was great, with the exception of the wait at the toll plaza... where Bailey decided she wanted to wake up and cry non-stop the entire time we were at the stop and go parking lot awaiting to pay the toll. Once we got on the foot of the bridge though, we're nice and calm. Go figure.

On the way back with Chris in the car was a different story. It was like there's a full moon out tonight and all the wackos are out.

We got on the bridge east bound heading home on 80. As we approach the bottom of the bridge and the lanes get wider I noticed in my rear view mirror this car weaving in and out of traffic. Granted, traffic wasn't heavy at all but we were all increasing in speed since we're on solid ground now. I'm in the second lane from the right, there was no one next to me so I started to scoot over to the far right so that I'm away from this guy.

As he got closer to my rear end, I noticed that one of his right tires is leaning at a 45 degree angle and the car is leaning to the right as he approaches my car. He weaved just far enough that he didn't touch us but close enough to scare me. I didn't really know how to react initially, never been in that situation really. A second later a CHP followed.

The CHP was chasing this car with the jacked up wheel!

The funny part is that he's not going that fast. Probably just 10 MPH over our speed, which was only about 55 since I slowed down to get away from him and he scared me. Most people on the road had the same reaction.

From this moment on, it was surreal. I thought I was on one of those police chase videos I see on TV. The guy momentarily lost control of his car and skidded across 4 lanes of traffic forcing 3 cars to step on their brakes. Most of us further away saw it coming and slowed down to be far behind. It was like slow motion.

The Lexus SUV in the far left lane was the unfortunate vehicle in this incident. They didn't see it coming at all. The driver stepped on her breaks and fishtailed out of control into the center divider. The truck rolled 2-3 times crashing into the sign and finally landed on its 4 wheels in the median.

The car that caused this accident then lost its jacked up tire, but the driver managed to get it facing the right way and kept on driving. The CHP is still chasing this guy 2 lanes away at the same speed.

His lost tire rolled across 5 lanes into our exit... then at the shoulder it turned around and rolled back onto the freeway. I slowed down and let it pass.

My heart is beating 100 miles an hour at this point. I don't want to look back but I wanted to. Those poor people in the SUV! There were people pulled over to help them out. That and this happened only a few feet from the toll plaza on the other side.

Later as we drove half way home I realized that at the moment that accident happened, I wasn't looking where I was going at all. If anyone or anything was in front of me, I think I would have hit it. It's a really good thing Chris was in the car with me because he really helped calm me down because he's such a mellow soul. Eventhough I know he was also scared to death too.

And then around San Leandro traffic slowed down to 30 mph when we saw why cars were weaving out of the far left lane. There were 4 dining room chairs scattered about on the freeway. About a half mile later, a tiny pick up truck with the rest of the furniture is backing up on the shoulder. He must really want his furniture. First off, he caused a major traffic jam. Secondly, backing up or driving on the shoulder is illegal, I think. Third, how the hell is he going to get his chairs back? They are in the far left lane!

Oy!

Must have been a full moon I say.