If Daddy Needs a Cape, Mommy Needs Parental Rights Revoked

Thats it. I am officially the worst mom ever. I feel like I need my parental rights taken away. So, I explained in my last post about MC's cough and slight fever... well, right before we went to bed she started coughing and gagging and then coughed up a huge amount of mucus. It was super scary. Her temp was still ok so I just tried to calm down. I let her sleep with me so I could keep an eye on her in case she started coughing - which she did. About 1 am this morning she started coughing so I went to hold her up and she was on FIRE. I mean this baby was so hot. Of course I rushed her over to the changing table and took her temp which was 101.6! As I have mentioned NUMEROUS times, I am an compulsive worrier. Imagine how I handled this situation... thats right, I started bawling. I ran in to wake up mom and told her I needed to take MC to the emergency room. She (always the voice of reaosn) told me to calm down and that I used to have temps of 104 when I had my chronic ear infections as a baby. She said "we just need to give her some tylenol and the fever will go down". I went to "get the tylenol" and called the doctor. Yup. 1am I had the doctor paged. Her response was just like my mother's - give her tylenol and just keep an eye on her.

Well after ZERO sleep I got up with her about 9am to give her a bottle. I laid her in the pack and play and turned on her nice little light up, musical, aquarium toy thingy. I went to the kitchen and then heard SLAM and a baby crying. OH MY GOSH!!! I raced in and there is the aquarium toy laying beside MC's head and she is screaming. At this point, I seriously wanted to die. I picked her up and after a few seconds she stopped crying, but still! I have no idea where the thing hit her since it was only lying beside her when I came in. I felt around and there are no bumps, but of course I am still quite concerned.

Well I tried giving her her bottle and she only drank a little and didn't want anymore. Great. She probably has a concussion and can't even eat! Right then Adam calls so of course I start crying and telling him the whole story. He said I was crazy and accidents happen and she won't break. Not quite reassuring enough. I still feel horrible. I feel responsible for her getting sick and I feel HORRIBLE that I let that toy fall on her head. I mean, what if something is seriously wrong??!!! I will be so glad when Adam gets home so I can have a partner in all this... and most importantly, someone to reassure me when I have my spaz sessions; cause right now I win the world's worst mommy award!

Bad News, Good News

Bad news - Adam may be home later than we had originally thought. Good news - he made it back from his mission safely and he WILL be home eventually.

Bad news - MC woke up at 2 am coughing and later in the day developed a fever. Good news - its just a little cold (This one has double good news) - we got quite a show as we waited at the doctor's office. Sorry, I have to share this story.

So while I am in the waiting room with MC waiting on her RSV test results, I hear small footsteps running past our door and a little boy screaming "get me outta here!!!" I then hear big footsteps running past the door. I couldn't help but chuckle. Now, I hate it when kids have to get shots as much as the next mom, but this kid was HILARIOUS. He could've won an emmy right there. Let me describe the conversations to the best of my ability...
Boy - (after running screaming down the hall) MOM!!! Get them away from me!!!!
Mom- Ok, were're done! You don't have to get the shot!
Boy - You're lying!!!!! (Now crying and screaming) I'm not going in there!
Nurses - honey you need the shot, its going to make you feel better!
Boy - (screaming and crying HYSTERICALLY) I don't want the stupid shot!!!!!! I am not getting that stupid shot!!!!!
Nurse - Honey come in here you have to get the shot to feel better
Boy - You are not giving me that shot!!! I don't want the stupid shot!!!!!!!!Get away from me!!! I am going to hurt you!!!!!
Nurse - um, no you're not mister (quietly to the other nurse - "We need some people to hold him down)
Boy - (Now completely hyperventilating) Wait, wait!!!! I am trying to say something! Let me say something first!!!! Let me say something!!!!
Let me add that during this whole show the boy, mom, and staff have gone from room to hallway at least a hundred times as said named boy runs...
Boy - (still shrilly screaming) Mom!!! Tell them I need to say something!!!!!
Nurse - what
Boy - Just....let...me....calm...down...first (the dots being deep breaths taken in between the sobs)
The other nurses must've come in at this point because the boy then screamed "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Just let me calm down first!!!!!!!!!" He then proceeds to run down the hall yet again.
Mom- Get back here!!
Boy - NOOOOO I hate them!!! Tell them I hate them!!! I am getting outta here!!!!
The doctor then walks by and he tells her he hates her.

I really hated to laugh at this kid, but it was one of the funniest series of events I have ever heard. In my years of student teaching and actually teaching, I have never heard a kid quite so hysterical and dramatic. I pray MC never does this to me...

Daddy Needs a Cape

If you don't already know, my husband is my hero - in so many more ways than just serving overseas. MC decided she wanted to let daddy know he was her hero too so we sent him this picture...
My best friend Kristen gave me this bib at my baby shower. It brought me to tears then and it still does! Thank God Adam made it back safely from his mission. Its only a matter of time before he's back in my arms!!!

Stinky Day

I'm sure all of you reading this have had one of those days that just sucks. I am in the midst of one. First of all, I get a text from Adam saying that they have asked him to go on a mission. He said yes. Let me explain all this - see, when Adam went over I was expecting all kinds of crazy fighting stuff. Well, he then told me that they had an opening in the office doing desk work. Um, what do you think my reaction was? Exactly. I said "honey, you are taking that desk job. Its not even up for discussion." Well this is not Adam's idea of a good time. He is so strong and active and adventurous, and gets completely stir crazy sitting still. I said "honey I would rather you die from boredom than a freaking car bomb or gun" Of course I won the argument and he took the desk job. Now, this morning, he calls me and tells me they need him for a misson. I WAS NOT happy. I am scared out of my mind actually. We are only days from him leaving to come home to me. He has managed to stay safe this whole time he has been gone. Of course I am imagining the worst. I hate that in my last post I talked about how strong I felt and now I am completely coming apart. I know luck has nothing to do with it and its in God's hands, but I still feel as though we are testing his luck with him going when we are so close to the end of all this. Anyway, I could REALLY use some prayers and support. Please pray for his safety and for my strength.

As if that wasnt enough for one day, I later find out MC has bumped her head. She was propped up on her back with the boppy pillow under hear head and shoulders and was laying on her mat on the carpet. Well, apparently my cousin wanted to be closer to her so she pulled her feet or something to scoot her closer. I am assuming her head then slid from the boppy to the floor. She never let out a whimper or anything but it has completely freaked me out. Its only a matter of inches I suppose, but of course I worry. She has been acting fine - smiling, cooing, etc. and like I said, she never cried - I mean, if it hurt she would've cried, right?

I think I am just being overly sensitive today due to lack of sleep... she hasnt been the best sleeper these past few days so I'm pretty tired. Anyway, any reassuring comments about Adam or MC's head bump would be greatly appreciated!!!

On the Road Again...

I am a nomad. I actually counted how many times I have moved since I started college and the number was staggering. Go, on, guess. Three? Try again. Five? Keep going. Seven? Higher. Ten? Almost there! Twelve. I have moved twelve times since I started college. I am tired.

The sad part of this whole thing? I AM NOT DONE! I am about to pack everything up (yet again) and move to my in-laws house in Madison Mississippi. I will be there with Maggie Claire for about 2 or 3 weeks until Adam makes it back home. I am already overwhelmed.

I thought it was bad moving all MY stuff... then, I got married and had to move his stuff AND my stuff. Now, I get the joy of moving his stuff, my stuff, and now MC's stuff. Whew. I can't even begin to explain how much crap a child has for those of you who don't have children. I mean, its insane. First of all, this child has more clothes than I do. Secondly, she has enough toys to fill a small town. Then you factor in the all important swing, rocker recliner, tub, high chairs, changing table, pack and plays, etc., it turns into a HUGE amount of crap. I'm sorry to refer to my beautiful baby girl's belongings as "crap" but when you have moved as much as I have, everything you own suddenly turns into "crap". If it's not a bed, couch, or computer, it becomes surprisingly insignificant and you wonder why you have it. Hence, the "crap" status. Now, don't get me wrong, once you get settled, all of these items return to being crucial for survival. Example - shoes. I must have at least 50 pairs of shoes. When I am moving and packing they are crap; when I get settled, there is no happiness without them and I must have more. Its an odd transformation.

Anyway, I am super excited about a change of scenery and WAY excited about my sweet Adam coming back. I almost can't even fathom the fact that I will have my husband and daughter under the same roof with me in a few short weeks. I have to admit that when Adam left, I didn't know if I would ever be able to make it. I feel like I have grown so much in the time he's been gone. Yes, it was super difficult at times, but I have come out of the whole thing a much stronger person. If you had told me before I met Adam that I would get married, get pregnant, have my husband deployed, and move back in with my parents all in the same year, I would've told you to shoot me right then. I mean, thats a lot to deal with. However, I put on my big girl panties, took it a day at a time, and now here I am at the end of this long journey. I almost feel like if I can handle all the stresses of being pregnant and raising a child pretty much alone while my husband is around the world in a war zone, there isn't a whole lot I can't do. I appologize if I sound conceited when I say that, its just that I have never viewed myself as a strong, independant woman and for the first time in my life I am feeling like maybe I spent too much time underestimating myself. Now, with that being said, I can't take all the credit. I have to give it to God. Without a lot of prayer and guidance, I couldn't have made it. Its so true that God never gives you more than you can handle. You might be on the edge of breaking, but He, somehow, will always give you the strength to go on if you let him in. I love the quote by Mother Teresa on an ornament a past student gave me - " I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that he didn't trust me so much" That's how I felt numerous times throughout this past year, but in the end, I'm glad he trusted me. While the situation seemed horrible, God had a plan. Whether it was for me to grow and develop a newfound strength, or for Adam and I to build an even stronger relationship, it was all worth it!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend and (if you celebrate) a great start to the Lenten season! Its bye-bye sweets for me so keep me in your prayers!!! haha.

Paranormal Paranoia and Fierce MC

Anyone seen Paranormal Activity? Let me just say this - scary. I have a very long, tumultuous history with scary movies. When I was younger, my nanny used to let me watch scary movies (hey, what are grandparents for?) So I developed a scary movie complex early on. They terrified me. Even as a teenager I couldn't handle them. Now, I am not referring to the scary serial killer movies. Those I can deal with. Give me blood and guts all day long. No, its the supernatural stuff that freaks me out. With all that said, my relationship with horror flicks changed when I met Adam. Maybe its because I was sleeping next to a Ranger (aka badass), but they oddly didnt bother me anymore. Not particularly sure why... I mean, yes, my husband is tough, but what could he even do if some crazy ghost decides to pay me a visit? You can't exactly choke hold something thats not really there. I digress... anyway, after we got together I was all about some scary movies. Couldn't find one that would scare me enough. I was on a quest for a true scary movie. Never found one. Well, until now.

This movie is downright freakish. Once again, maybe its the fact that I no longer have my own personal Rambo in the bed next to me, but, whatever the reason, I am scared. Its bad people. I haven't slept in two days. I keep waiting to feel some unknown being breathing on me, or my door to eerily close by itself, or to be yanked out of my bed and dragged down the hall. I want to get it out of my head, but unfortunately Maggie Claire isnt exactly fierce enough to scare anything away...

This is my sleeping angel. No, she is not cheering, she is in fact sleeping. My little darling sleeps each night with her arms and hands straight up and out or up beside her head...

Either way, the arms have to be up. Its quite hilarious. While I have completely gone off on a tangent from my prior ghost discussion, I have to continue on and share more cuteness that is Maggie Claire. She has also developed an obsession with her "head blankies". Yes, I coined that term. I don't really know what else to call them. She has three little blankets that have animal heads sewn on them - a hipp, a lamb, and an elephant. Here is my sweetie clutching her elephant.

...And her "lamb-y"...

Now, while I do think she likes the concept of an animal head sewn onto a small blanket (haha) it is probably just the softness of them she enjoys. Case in point - when she doesn't have a lovey, she will pull her regular blanket up to her face and hold on to it...
Well, MC may not be able to scare away ghosts, but she's pretty cute so I think I'll keep her around anyway ;)

Techno Turmoil

Ok. I have to share with the world my complete disdain for all things technological. Perhaps this stems from my inability to operate anything technological - but that is beside the point. Everything is just made to be so difficult. I am convinced that all things requiring electricity or batteries were constructed by men. "Why?" you ask? Two simple reasons: 1 - All the gadgets give men something to do (fixing it, installing it, hooking it up, etc.) 2 - It allows men a way to feel completely superior to women. Let's face it, most women are in my boat. We don't do well with all the complicated electronic stuff. Knowing this, men completely revel in the fact that they can do something we can't.

Let me elaborate on my current anger. Soooo as you might remember, Adam talked me into getting an iphone. I loved my old razor. It called people. I could operate it. However, I got the stupid iphone so I could easliy talk to Adam on yahoo messenger when I was out around town. Now, after Maggie Claire was born and I had the "total baby" application which kept track of EVEYRTHING you can imagine (diaper changes, feedings, growth, etc) I grew somewhat attached. I am now back to hating it.

All I know how to do when it comes to this ridiculous piece of crap is to "sync" with itunes. (I'm not even going to get into the whole ordeal of Adam trying to explain itunes to me.) So anyway - I know when I plug in my phone to my computer, I hit the "sync" button and it puts the stuff on there for me. That's all I want to know. Well, today when I plugged in my phone to add some more songs, it said I needed to update. I said "well computer, you know what you're doing and if you say I need to update, then you just go right ahead." I clicked ok. BIG MISTAKE. It started the whole updating process and when there was about 1 minute left it sends me this message (I am summarizing of course) "There was an error updating because I am a stupid machine. I'm not going to tell you what the error was though. I just can't update your phone." Alrighty then. Now what? So I eject my phone and plug it back in to try again. I open itunes and and see that there is now NOTHING on my phone anymore. No music. No pictures. Nothing. Wonderful. Another nice message from Mr. Computer appears - "This phone is in recovery mode. Please restore your stuff before continuing." Ummmm, ok. Would you like to tell me how to do that? I then see a restore button. Hmmm. I decide to click it. Click the restore button and it starts its thing. Then I receive another message. Oh joy! "I was unable to restore your phone because, in case you forgot, I am a stupid piece of crap." I unplug it. I am now staring at my iphone which only now shows a picture of a USB cable and an arrow pointing to an itunes icon. This is freaking fabulous. They can idiot proof the instructions on the phone (i.e - plug the cord in and go to itunes) however they can't tell me what to do from there. Luckily Adam got online about this time so I just knew he would know what to do. Not exactly. We ended up in a huge fight because I'm stupid and our conversation ended with something along the lines of "honey! I am in Mosul Iraq! What in the world do you expect me to do for you??!!"

I did all I knew to do - I went to the ATT store. I walked in and immediately was greeted by the little man at the desk asking what the problem was. My response - "Um, yes, my iphone is retarded and I don't know how to fix it." He laughed and took my name. I don't see the humor in the situation but whatever. The guy did some stuff to it and said he got it "unfrozen" and proceeded to tell me why it wouldn't update. I couldn't even begin to explain the problem. Anyway, he said that while he fixed it, eveything on my phone is now gone. Perfect. I said "well, does it call people?" He responded yes. I said "ok. Thats all I need - that you". My $200 phone is now able to call people. What a smart phone. No pun intended....

After this whole ordeal I didn't even want to fix anything else, but I can't function without my music. I got home and plugged my phone in to sync it again. It thought for a sec and then said the sync was complete. Woo hoo I thought! That didn't take long. I saw why - nothing was back on my phone. AHHHH! I clicked sync again and yet again it said it was complete and safe to disconnect. Ummmm NOOOO.... I'm sorry Mr. computer but I beg to differ. Its not complete because there is nothing back on my phone! Well, I played around and just clicked the application tab and clicked sync and it put my apps back on. VICTORY! Then I clicked the music tab and clicked sync. It is now putting my music back on. I WIN!!! HAHAHA!!! In your face stupid computer!!!!!

MC's first snow!

So have any of you ever seen Sponge Bob Squarepants? Tell me there is not a striking resemblance to Patrick the starfish... haha

Well, it snowed quite a lot this morning so of course I had to get MC in her snow outfit and take pics for daddy! She looked so stinkin cute it was ridiculous!! What do you think?

I really wish Adam was here to see this and play with us... oh well, he did get to see the pictures on facebook! Not too much longer and he'll be home!!!

Boppy

If you have a baby you know about the boppy. I have to take a moment to share the joy that is the Boppy pillow. I mean, honestly, how many other items are there that serve so many purposes?! I used it when I nursed MC for the first few weeks, I lay her back on it after she eats to help with her acid reflux, my photographer used it to help positon her for pics, and now the newest use? TUMMY TIME! I really appreciate all the suggestions you guys left after I expressed the frustration I was having with tummy time. I tried propping MC up on the boppy today and she lasted a whole lot longer than her usual 1 minute. She seemed to enjoy it for at least 5-10 minutes before she started crying this time. I will definately keep trying it with the Boppy!

I had to include this last picture because it truly captures MC. She LOVES spitting. It is quite hilarious. I spend most of my day listening to "pttt ptttt" (excuse my lack of ability to properly spell the sound she makes when she spits. It sounds like little poots to be honest, but I'll be darned if I know how to spell that sound.) Anyway, I'm not sure if you can see the bubbles on here but she usually makes them when she does it too ;) She makes a cute little kissy face and just blows spit bubbles all day long. Maybe she'll get out of that habbit soon, but until then, I will just enjoy laughing at it.

Check-Up Cheer and Tummy Time Torture

MC had her two month check up on Tuesday and she's doing great!! Yay! Baby girl weighed in at 10lbs 8oz and was 23 inches long. Also, remember how I switched her to soy without consulting him? Yeah, definately scared about revealing that little secret. However, he was totally fine with it. He said "hey, you just have to try out different things and see what works for your baby." Whew! No lecture about being a horrible mommy! She did have to get shots though and it was slightly torturous to say the least. At least she didn't run any fever or get fussy afterwards! I was bracing myself for a very unpleasant and exhausting night, but sweet MC slept for 7 hours and only woke up because I woke her up to give her her usual 5 am bottle.

Now, while Dr. M said MC is doing great and is exactly where she needs to be, I am concerned. As you might have guessed, I do a lot of research and reading. I try to do everything in my power to make the best life I can for Maggie Claire. This includes helping her reach all of her basic milestones like crawling, walking, talking, etc. With that being said, I want her to develop her neck and arm muscles. How does one do this? Well if you are a mommy, you know you do "tummy time". This is where I have run into somewhat of a dilema. MC HATES being on her stomach. As a devoted mom, I have tried to partake in the all important "tummy time" on several occassions with no success. Within 1 minute of being on her stomach, MC starts crying. Now, my question for all of you - do I continue this "tummy torture" and hope she gets used to it? I mean, is the whole reason she gets upset simply because she is not used to being on her tummy? Does she know that if she cries I will pick her up? I am really torn with the whole situation. I want to do whats best for her, but I don't want her to be miserable. The only way I have been able to even get her to remotely cooperate is to put her on my chest and lean back a little so that she is on her tummy. While I haven't been a faithful follower of this tummy time routine, I do want to say that she IS super strong and is picking up her head super well. I really WOULD be freaking out if she was still a limp little noodle who still had a bobble head that had to be completely supported. Anyway, any input on this matter would be helpful!

I do have a rather frustrating Adam update. Seems his internet hasn't been working for over 3 days now. Thankfully he was able to call me once from work and fill me in on what was going on. (As you might have guessed, when I don't hear from my husband who is in a war zone for 3 days, I get a little concerned...) It totally stinks not being able to talk to him. I don't know how women did it before the internet - only getting a letter from their husbands here and there. That would be tough. I hope things start working again soon because I am going crazy. I always have videos and pictures of MC I want to share with him but I can't do any of that when his stinking internet won't work. I am considering calling the Iraq internet people and giving them a piece of my hormonal mind. Yeah, you think the taliban is tough? Wait til you see a wife and mother who is deprived of her husband's sweet face for a few days...

While it has been difficult (at times even nearly impossible), my wonderful Adam will be home in a month!!! One short month and my family will be together again. I can't even begin to fathom how amazing its going to feel. I really don't think I will ever take our time together for granted again. As I wait patiently for that day, I ask a favor of all of you. With Valentine's day approaching, take a moment to thank God for all the people in your life you love. Offer a big thank you to Him for giving you time with them and don't ever take it for granted. You never know when you might be without them. Revel in all the small moments and store all the good memories. Tell those people how much you love them and that you are blessed to have them as part of your life! Give them a big hug and hold on just a little longer that you normally would. Do this one thing for me and all the other men and women who CAN'T hold that one person who makes our life complete. Tell that person you love them for all of us who CAN'T say "I love you" whenever we want. When you give them a kiss, kiss them again for all of us who can only kiss a webcam. Just be happy and let them know that they are the reason for it :)

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

New Maggie Claire pics

My sweet baby is two months old!!! Whoa!! She has her two month check up today at the doctor and I am slightly freaking out. I have a feeling they will have to hold me down instead of her when they give those shots!


My dog Abby either really likes MC or is totally jealous she gets all the attention and wanted in on it!