Random Avenue

Hi blog, remember me?

2011-03-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hello blog...it's me. I am sorry I have put you on the back burner lately. I have just been one busy gal. Lizzy was teething for a while and was only okay if you held her. That was exhausting, she is doing much better now. In fact she slept through the night last night. I mean, truly through. the. night. It was fabulous. Too bad I do not know how to stop worrying constantly enough to really enjoy it. I am hoping for the same kind of night tonight, only this time with less worrying. Also, if I am being totally honest...my heart really hasn't been into updating lately. I think, it's because I lack the discipline at times to follow through on things I start. I am really going to try and work on that, and make myself get back into updating. I know I will be happy I did.

With my serious lack of time to update, I am throwing the challenge days out the window. I am probably the only one who thought it was interesting anyway. I am going to start adding in some photos to my post. I recently purchased a Nikon D60 from a photog friend of mine. I got a really awesome deal. I have always been interested in photography. Since highschool. I just have never really had the extra money to invest in the equipment. I was scared that if I did, that it would wind up just collecting dust after a certain amount of hype over it wore off. I can honestly say, that since I have had the camera, I just want to photograph anything. I have no idea if I am "good" but I do know that it relaxes me. This could be the first hobby I have ever had that relaxes me. I am a perfectionist, and suffer from OCD (not diagnosed but spend and afternoon with me, and you'll know.) I obsess of ever detail...I feel like pictures much like art goes with the saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." What I may like, and find interesting...you may not. That's what makes art so fabulous. The interpretation, and ability to create whatever you want.

(my new camera)

I went and took a lot of pictures today while we took a walk on the greenway. I took over a hundred on the walk alone, and I enjoyed it immensely.Here a few shots from our walk, and a bonus of the flowers my hubby got me. (click on the images to see them in full size.)

One of the gorgeous flowers in the bouquet my hubby got me.

A flower(weed) and a tiny ant along the way

He was pretty far off, but I loved how he popped against the dull colors.

Moo cows, I was again far away but liked the back lighting on him.

Loved listening to the sound of the rushing water along the way. It was a gorgeous day.

Tonight, I sat down and started reading a book on how to use my camera, and get the results I am looking for. I have much to learn, and hope to really improve on my skills. I secretly have this dream of becoming a great photographer. Basically, taking pictures for a living. Who knows, I could do it. For now though, I am just going to continue to learn, and have fun with it.

I will leave you with a sweet picture of my little princess playing last night. Have a great week guys!

Challenge Day 3

2011-03-05T20:42:00.000-08:00

Here is the third day of the challenge...simply a photo of the cast from my favorite TV show.

I own every single episode on DVD, have seen them all, and can pretty much quote them line for line. I just never get tired of Seinfeld.

Rainy day blues...

2011-03-05T20:36:00.000-08:00

I usually love rainy days. I haven't exactly hated this one...but I am going slightly stir crazy this evening. My hubby is at work, the baby is sleeping, I am without a car at the moment (it's having a tire replaced), there is nothing on tv, and the dogs are running around playing like wild animals. I need something to do! I figured it would entertain you with a little blog update.

My ~~little~~ chunky monkey princess had her 3 month photo shoot the other day. They were supposed to be outside in the warm sunshine, but it was windy and crappy out. So we played around inside instead. Don't worry we'll be getting some outdoor pics next week. I cannot believe that I have already been a mom for 3 months. Time really is flying by. Here she is now...

She is just sucha precious little chunker. When she smiles are me it just makes my day. Everyday she is more and more expressive and I am just soaking it all up. I know one day I am going to look back and miss this. *le sigh* She is starting to sit up more, and more with support. We bought her a jumperoo. She is starting to catch on a little bit, they really do not get into them until around 4 months. Cannot wait till she bounces around, and squills at all of the fun stuff it has on it.

I am going to cut this one short, and follow it with the day three of the challenge. The rain is starting to beat against my bedroom windows from the wind...that is my cue to curl up under the covers and watch Pretty Woman until I fall asleep.

Good night!

What a Wonderful Day!

2011-02-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

Today was excellent. It was gorgeous, and warm. If you read this and you are somewhere snowy...this is one reason the south is FAB-u-lous. Yes, we are aware that it's ridicuously hot in the summer. We like it that way, the humidity is what keeps our skin looking dewy and young longer than yours.

The Princess is getting her own little personality. A little more of it shows up everyday. She is just the most fun right now, and I know it's only going to get better. She is sleeping through the night, 5-6 hours straight. I do not have to actually get out of bed for the day until almost nine most mornings. It is amazing.

We took her for a long walk today, and kept her outside while we worked in the flower bed. It really wore her out. She was ready for bed at 7:00, and asleep by 8. Hence why I have time for a real post today. I wonder what she is thinking all of the time. I mean, the world is all new to her. She even has discovered her hands. I have never been around a baby when this happens. It's so neat to sit and watch her. She holds them together constantly. You can literally see her realizing that they are attached to her, and she can control them. So amazing. This is the stuff that makes me so thankful that I get to stay home and watch her all day long. I never have to miss a thing. I am so so fortunate, and blessed beyond words.

She is smiling at everything now. I just cannot wait for her to laugh. I think that is the one thing I am looking forward to more than anything. I know I will abuse it, and make her laugh at everything once she starts. She has started to enjoy peek-a-boo. It is insane how fast they grow. She literally did nothing last week when we tried peek-a-boo, but now she loves it. Ah...this is what I was looking forward too. This is what everyone says is so wonderful. People just fail to tell you what a zombie you will be for three months waiting for it. Worth every sleepless minute though. Listen to me, I am turning into one of those obnoxious parents who blog about how wonderful their child is. Mine really is the best though. haha

I am adding a new ending to my blogs. I love music, and I have always loved to share my favorites with people I know. So, at the end of each blog I will post a song I am loving. It may be old, or new...it will depend on my mood that day. I hope you enjoy. Feel free to comment if you read my blog. I would love to know there is someone reading my post. If not, I really enjoy it for myself. Have a lovely night!

TTFN...

Artist: Spoon

Song: I turn my camera on

Day 2

2011-02-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

Day two of the challenge is...a picture of you and someone you used to be close with.

I am going to interpret this my own way. I picked a picture of myself, and someone I am very close to. We live far apart now.

It's my BFF Malpal. I was much skinner, single, and blonde back then. I only wish I was skinner again haha! It's funny how things change, and you go in a direction you never thought of. Like the saying goes, "If you wanna make God laugh, tell him your plans."

Malpal and Me (:

See you guys for challenge day three. Enjoy your weekend!

Ciao!

Hello World, I'm back...Challenge Day #1

2011-02-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the downtime. My Momma Cita was in town visiting me, and baby Lizzy. I took the week off from most of my online activities including my blog. Have no fear though-I'm back! In case you forgot I am taking on "The Challenge" Day 1: A picture of myself and 15 facts. Here we go...

15 Random Things About Myself:

I am terrified of snakes.
If I make fun of you, it means I like you.
I have had my hair every color, except black.
I think I have a terrible sense of style.
I read multiple books at a time.
I think scary movies are always lame and not scary.
I married the bartender.
I can never make up my mind.
I am currently doing p90x
I cannot get enough diet coke.
I am a closet kareoke whore.
I have OCD when it comes to cleaning.
I think it's a miracle my husband puts up with me.
I love being a mom.
I do not love shoes like other woman, I prefer flip flops, or barefeet over heels.

First Wordless Wedneday and a challenge...

2011-02-09T13:39:00.000-08:00

If you are not aware of the blogging phenomenon that is, Wordless Wednesday then let me welcome you. There are no clear cut rules to this type of post but the general idea is to post a picture that conveys a thought, feeling, etc without words. You can bet most of mine will be something I found amusing.

Almost every blog I read though has a picture with words, or at least a caption mentioned below it. Given that talking is what I do best, you can bet that there will be words involved in my Wordless Wednesday posts. I will try to keep them to a minimum. With that being said, this post is much longer than they typically will be. Below is my picture for this Wednesday, it explains itself.

However, after that I have listed a challenge. I am posting it so that you can see what the next few weeks post will consist of. A friend of mine is doing this challenge via facebook...I thought it would be much more fun to do it on my blog. Feel free to steal the idea and take on the challenge yourself.

And now on to the 30 day Challenge...Day 1 starts tomorrow.

Day 1) A picture of yourself with 15 facts
Day 2) A picture of you and someone you use to be close with
Day 3) A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 4) A picture of your favorite night
Day 5) A picture of your favorite memory
Day 6) A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
Day 7) A picture of your most treasured item
Day 8) A picture that makes you laugh
Day 9) A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10) A picture of the person you do the most crazy things with
Day 11) A picture of something you hate
Day 12) A picture of something you love
Day 13) A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14) A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 15) A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 16) A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 17) A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 18) A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 19) A picture of you when you were little
Day 20) A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21) A picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22) A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23) A picture of your favorite book
Day 24) A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25) A picture of your favorite day
Day 26) A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27) A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28) A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29) A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30) A picture of someone you miss

Happy Humpday!

These are a few of my Favorite Things...

2011-02-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

I am not what you would call a fan of Oprah, but I cannot deny my love for her Favorite Things episode every year. I would punch someone in the face to score a seat in her audience on that day. Here is my take on a few of my favorite things now that I am a stay at home momma.

1. My holy grail of gadgets...my iPad. I just do not know what I would do without this fabulous new technosavy gadget. It lets me facebook stalk, read up on blogs, and twitter with one hand while taking care of my sweet daughter in the other.

2. The Gap favorite long sleeve tee is my go to. I even sleep in them sometimes because they are so comfy and warm. I wear a gray one with some red heels, and I am out the door. Definitely a staple worth the money.

3. I loooove these. They are great to keep on hand. Perfect alone, but I pair mine with Salsa in place of tortilla chips. Great snack, that isn't too bad on the body.

4. Being stuck inside during the winter can make you a little crazy. Especially when the only person you are with cannot talk yet. Netflix saves the day. It works around my schedule, I watch movies, and TV series.

Also a great idea for a date night in on a budget.

5. This is one thing I thought I would never say. I looooove skinny jeans/jeggings. I am telling you majority of people can wear them if they find the right wash, and fit. I thought I would look ~~short~~ shorter and fat in them. They make me my very petite frame look leggy. I pair them with ballet flats, flip flops (weather permitting), or heels and you are ready to go. Can be dressed up or down-so I keep multiple pairs on hand. If you haven't tried some on...at least try them. I was pleasantly surprised.

Makeover Monday

2011-02-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

I have spent countless hours trying to figure out a catchier title for my blog. I also have been lacking the time to do some real HTML editing. I finally figured it out, and found some time and here are the results. New name, new look, same fabulous me. Welcome to the the new Random Avenue. I hope you love the look of the blog, and some of my custom graphics. I plan on contining with new and fun finds. Subscribe and keep up with all of the changes, and more frequent blog posts! Let me know what you think (: Have a lovely day

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Wednesday Update

2011-02-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I have accomplished two out of my three goals I mentioned last week. Things around here are going so much easier. The princess is sleeping almost all the way through the night. I put her to bed around eleven and she isn't waking up to eat again until around four. This is wonderful!! She goes right back to bed after that. This morning I got to stay in bed till 8A.M.! I feel like a new woman. I am kicking ass right and left. I have managed to start having more of daily routine. I can totally handle this. I even get makeup on and my hair done daily. It's amazing what just getting dressed does for your attitude.

Last week I mentioned that I was going on my first couponing adventure. I am happy to report it was a HUGE success for my first attempt. I have not built up my coupon army yet. I didn't have as many of them as I could have to save the maximum amount, but I saved $83.15. I will not deny that saving money like that is very satisfying. I get these urges to shop and I find that this is giving me my shopping fix, and I am saving money as a bonus. This past weekend I went through the Sunday paper and cut out around 100 coupons. So I am building them up. I am going to go again this week. I cannot wait to report what kind of savings I manage this week. I recommend creating a binder for your coupons that is organized into sections. I find that the clear inserts for baseball card collecting work the best. I am quite obsessive with my organizing so I may go overboard. However, I do recommend creating some kind of system that works for you to keep everything organized and in order.

While I am talking about this I want to mention Groupon.com. If you have not checked out this website you simply must. It gives you an awesome deal of the day and todays was a great one from Thirty-one in my area. I bought a $15 coupon that's worth $30. They have everything there from local restaurants, boutiques, and even some online deals too. Not everyone's city is listed but if you live in a major area they usually have a groupon site for you.

N,ow for my second accomplishment. I am pretty sure that I have found the car I want. I am looking at a Mazda CX-7. It's a crossover SUV from Mazda. I am getting an awesome amount on my Volvo as a trade-in. In fact, I will be breaking even on what I owe which is awesome. The CX-7 has all of the amenities that I am not wanting to give up. A Bose sound system, leather, heated seats, moon roof...basically, all of the unnecessary things I do not want to give up that I love in my Volvo. I will wind up saving around $200 a month. That is just fantastic! I just feel so much better saving money, instead of wasting it on a car that spends 85% of it's time not being driven. This car is obviously much bigger. It will fit the princess all of her stuff, and even another child in the future. WAY IN THE FUTURE. Okay, not that far off but I would really like to not be pregnant again for at least a year. I am happy having my body back, and my wine-Thank you very much!

I plan on doing another post this weekend if time allows. Right now I have to tend to the princess, and get myself some dinner! Have a Happy Hump Day!

Changes, and the Trifecta.

2011-01-27T21:41:00.000-08:00

If you know me then you know I am a HUGE Sienfeld fan. I have every episode on DVD and can quote them all. One of my favorite episodes is about the Trifecta. Well I had my own trifecta tonight...It consisted of a hot bubble bath, a glass of wine, and an US Weekly all at once. Making it a much needed break from the day.

Today was a tough one. It's the end of the week, and the poor princess had terrible gas pain. She just could not get comfortable, and nothing I did helped at all. It broke my heart to see her so upset. At one point I was even crying along with her, asking her to please stop screaming. I hate feeling helpless. That is the worst part. That, and plus a very restless night of sleep beforehand equals one emotionally fragile momma.

I am feeling a little more relaxed now, and the princess is sleeping. The hubby is home so I have a minute to write. I have been thinking, and getting ready to make a few changes around here. Some I am excited about, some I just need to do because it makes more sense.

Something new I am taking on is couponing. Not crazy hoarder couponing, but you really can save a ton of money and even get some stuff for free if you pay attention and do some research before you grocery shop. One of my favorite helpful sites is Southernsavers.com I highly recommend this site if you live in the southeast and would like to start couponing. It really does most of the work for you. It has been a little frustrating trying to get organized and match everything up. I am going grocery shopping tomorrow and I will let you know how my first endeavor turns out. If I get really handy at it, I will pass along some tips of my own that I may pick up along the way.

The next change on my list is putting some colors on the walls of our new home. I cannot stand every room being the same neutral color. I am really looking forward to this one. I love color, it really can change a whole room for a small amount of money in my opinion. I also love painting. I find it to be oddly relaxing. I am also not afraid of bold colors. I am going to try and stay in a pretty neutral zone though. We plan on buying new living room furniture in the next year, and I do not want to be limited by what color the walls turn out being. I will also keep you posted on this. I plan on doing some before and after photos for that entry. Right now I am thinking a soft yellow, and a complementary burnt orange in the kitchen area. We will have to see though.

The last thing...I am not thrilled about. I have really been doing a lot of thinking and assessing of our finances. Since I am officially a stay at home mom now, I thought it would be wise to cut cost wherever possible. We need to save as much as we can for the princesses' future, and of course if something unforeseen happened. After much debate I have decided to give up my baby. Nooo, not the princess. My lovable, adorable, Volvo. *sigh* We can afford it, but what we are paying a month for a car I hardly drive anymore is just ridiculous. It made sense when I drove to work every single day, but now I get out maybe twice a week. The other downside of the car is that the car seat only fits the proper way if I move the passenger seat way up. It really isn't a very comfortable ride for the three of us. The S-40 is not carseat friendly with a passenger in the car. It is a small sacrifice to make though. I get to stay home with my baby which is something a lot of moms do not have the opportunity to do. For this I am thankful. We are going to start car shopping tomorrow for something slightly roomier, and a little more affordable monthly. I will keep you updated on this as well.

More to come on all of these changes, but for now I think I am going to call it a night. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Date Night

2011-01-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

Once again time has gotten away from me, it has been over a week since my last entry...I apologize. I am going to sneak this one in, this one is going to be short.

The other night the hubs and I had our first real night out since the princess arrived two months ago. We had dinner at Bonefish Grill-one of my absolute favorite places to eat. They have the best muscles I have ever had. I topped it off with two fabulous Martinis. Then we headed over to the Monaco theater and saw the movie Black Swan. This movie is amazing. It is edgy, and dark. I found myself jumping and holding my breath a few times. There are A LOT of sexual undertones throughout the movie so if that bothers you I would not recommend it. If you love a thought provoking movie... the kind that you're thinking about for days, then this is the movie for you. We stayed out waaay past our bedtime. Coming in the door around midnight, and not even crawling into my comfy bed until 2 am. That makes for a tough 6 am wake up call...but we needed a night out so it was worth it.

Besides trying to update my blog more often, I have a new goal for myself. I love drawing, pastels, and painting in watercolor. I am pretty decent at it. I have a ton of art supplies that just collect dust around here. I am going to MAKE time to draw more often. Even if it is something simple, just to doodle. I just think I shouldn't waste my talent, the money I have spent on the supplies, and I need a hobby while I am at home now. This is what I was working on this morning:

and here is the latest pic of the princess...

That's all I have for now because at the moment I am only able to type with one hand. The princess screamed until I picked her up. She is just not a fan of my blog as it takes away from her being the center of the universe. I am going to be in so much trouble when she becomes mobile and able to talk-lol.

*Sorry if you catch typos I did this in a hurry while holding a baby.

Random Monday morning thoughts...

2011-01-17T06:58:00.000-08:00

Is it bad that it is 8:15 A.M. and I am ready to grab my second diet coke of the day? I am aware that I have a slight addiction, but I have accepted it and embraced it. I am a little irritated right now because they are building a house across the street. I have to listen to the construction equipment starting at 7AM. Our neighborhood is almost complete, I wish they would just hurry up and fill up these last few lots. I get so happy when I see a new SOLD sign but I always dread the construction.

After my dramatic, pity party post last night my sweet hubs took off of work early to come home. He came in poured me a couple glasses of White Zin, we talked, and I went to sleep while he stayed up with the princess. So I am not feeling like a new woman this morning, but I am getting pretty close.

Before the hubs got home last night I watched the Golden Globes. I had looked forward to it, but it really fell short this year. I do not know what the deal was but the crowd seemed so irritated and bored. Robert DeNiro (check out the clip from popeater, just click on his name) accepted an award at one point and came across like a huge ass. Everyone looked irritated while he was making his speech. It was very odd, they were even mentioning it on the Today show this morning. Speaking of irritating celebs, I would like to officially announce that I cannot stand Justin Bieber. Even his name bothers me.

(See aren't you irriated now?)

I am so thankful that the princess is not a tween right now. I would pull my hair out if she had posters (Do kids even know the joys of posters from a magazine like Tiger Beat, or Bop anymore?) on her wall of him. Something about his waaaaay too excited, happy stance on everything irritates me. The 'Beiber hair' gives me the urge to take scissors and cut it up while he's sleeping. Okay, maybe that is a tad too far, but I think I've made my point.

I will also confess that while I cannot stand Justin, I love Glee. I refused to give in to the hype and watch it for the longest time. Then I started watching a few episodes on Hulu. Well, that was all it took, I am hooked. I honestly want the CDs from the show. I love the way they take all kinds of songs and perform them. I just find myself smiling when I watch it. So now you know that I am a complete *Gleetard. (*A term to describe idiots that are obsessed with the show 'Glee'. As defined by urban dictionary.)

Well, I think that is all for now. I am have high hopes of coloring my hair, and giving myself a mini mani/pedi. The hubs will be home all day, and I need a little time to take care of myself. Perhaps I will get out of these comfy sweat pants...but I don't want to take on too much today. (:

Rediscovering myself...

2011-01-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

I am not really up for something witty tonight. I have had a very challenging 48 hours with about 10 hours of sleep. I am watching my child sleep for the first time by herself in about two days. She has had terrible gas pains and has only been comfortable if we keep her sleeping on our chest. When she crys from this, it is heart breaking. You can tell she is in pain, it makes you feel helpless as a parent. All you want is to fix it, and you can't. While I have a moment, I think I am going to address how I am feeling right now.

Being this exhausted is challenging in every aspect of my life. I personally become very short tempered, and easily overwhelmed with frustration when I am this tired. My sweet husband is just as tired as I am and is the exact same way. Needless to say this is very challenging for us right now as a couple. I have no doubt that this too shall pass, but it is difficult on a marriage having a child. It is the most amazing thing we have ever experience, and it has brought up closer together in so many ways that I never even knew existed...at the same time our level of stress and exhaustion has challenged us daily. We snap at one another over the simplest of things by the end of a long day. We are sleeping in shifts so our quality time is diminished. It is just overwhelming at times and it takes a lot of faith, a lot of patience, communication, and having a good cry from time to time.

So many things have changed since having a daughter. I would not trade any of it though. My life is better because of her. Some things hurt, and some things are confusing. The most hurtful thing is dealing with how your friendships change. Even though you try, and everyone thinks they will not...they inevitably do. I find my friends have less patience and understanding of my situation. Things no longer surround everything about them and so they get their feelings hurt easily.
I feel slightly lost as to who I am now as well. I wear many hats. I am a mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend. Being alone all of the time now, and not having a daily routine has been a challenge. I feel a little lonely. I know that everything is going to transition and work out the way it is supposed to. At the moment though I am a little lost trying to find my place in my new lifestyle. My best friends: my mother, and Mallory do not live here and they are the only ones who understand me, and are there no matter what. Having them far away makes this transition difficult.

With all of these negative comments. It's probably hard to believe me when I say I have never been happier and so blessed. It is odd having so many feelings at once. On a brighter note, this situation has introduced me to new people who are in similar situations. They are more than willing befriend me, and are already understanding of my situation since they can relate. I think maybe that is what I am looking for, someone who can relate. I know that all of this is just part of life, and I am starting a brand new exciting chapter. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for myself and my family. Right now though, I am really having to figure out who I am again, and I am going through some rediscovery. I know that I will figure it all out...and life will work out the way it always does. (: I just wanted to address how I am really feeling at this moment. I am in desperate need of sleep now though, and plan on heading to bed right now. Goodnight.

Dance the night away...right after I take my arthritis medicine...

2011-01-15T23:48:00.000-08:00

I am sorry it has been such a long time between posts. I am going to really make an effort to work on that. As soon as the princess starts sleeping better at night I am sure it will be easier to maintain on a regular basis. For now though...it's about 1:15 A.M. and she is asleep on my chest. I think I can manage this entry with the laptop from the comfort of my couch. Anyway...on to what I wanted to tell you about.

I am so sore today. My shoulders, back, calves, and especially my knees. Why you might be asking yourself? One would assume that I have perhaps taken apart of some sort of grueling physical activity like training for a marathon...no that's not it. Well, then maybe I was in a car accident? Thankfully no, that's not it either. Then why am I so sore? From play video games with my husband last night. No, that's not some new age slang for something inappropriate. Literally, playing video games on our Xbox Kinect. It's an interactive game system that is honestly so much fun.

I bought two new games yesterday for it, and we just had to test them out. The first and my favorite is called, Dance Central. It has all kinds of great dance music, and choreographed dances to them. They range from easy to hard. I had such a blast, and it is a pretty fun workout too. I busted out some pretty awesome moves if I do say so myself. Although I am sure I looked like a goober. My husband and I played this for hours. The second game we played was called, Kinect Sports. It has everything from bowling to soccer. My personal favorite was boxing. When you see my husband you should ask him what it was like to get beat my his wife all night in every sport by the way! haha This too we played for hours.

We stayed up WAY to late and I have been paying for it all day. As the day has worn on I have gotten sore all over. At first I couldn't figure out why...then it hit me. I am so out of shape and getting old that playing video games, makes me sore. Sitting here my knee is killing me. I do have a bad knee, but really this is just pathetic. I have taken some Aleve. Is that the official sign that you are getting old? When you start having to take medicine for everyday aches and pains and not your occasional headache. I must confess I can already tell the weather by the arthritis in my bad knee. Yes, at the ripe old age of 24 I complain when the weather changes because of my knee. At this rate, I'm going to be a mess when I really do get old. I will probably be held together by duck-tape(It'll fix anything, every southerner knows this.) by then.

I guess I am going to put the princess in her little bed, take some Aleve, and head to my own bed. Maybe I can get a couple hours sleep. There is some good news, I am adapting to running on very little sleep. I can sleep a measly four hours and go all day now. I do not know if I am adapting or just in denial as to how tired I really am. I promise to post more often after tonight. I will make it a priority. Until then...ta-ta.

Welcome to my world...let's start with poop.

2011-01-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

      I have been trying to write my first post for I would say a good 24 hours now. Every time I would sit down and start writing my five week old daughter would protest. So, now after feeding her a bottle she is drunk off of milk, and hopefully passed out long enough for me to introduce myself a little.

      My name is Erica and I am twenty-something stay a home mom, and southern girl born and raised. I am married to a fantastic guy named Brian. I will always refer to him as 'the hubs' from here on out. We have a beautiful daughter named Lizzy (short for Elizabeth). I will refer to her as "the princess" through out the rest of my posts.I am loving this new chapter of my life, but there are a lot of changes that no one told me about. For example:poop.

Yes, I said it...poop. I have always consider myself quite a modest girl in some aspects of my life. I have never been one to discuss such things as what goes on in the bathroom. Why would I? Everyone knows girls do not poop.
I used to laugh when other women would talk about how all modesty flies out the window after you give birth. I knew this just would not happen to me, I am a much classier girl than that. Oh boy was I ever wrong. It really does fly right out the window. I noticed it slipping away in the hospital while I was recovering. There is just something about the combination of being tired, exhausted, and having to let everyone see your hoo-ha multiple times a day that causes you to stop caring.

      After getting the princess home she was doing great, until we had to switch her to formula. This caused all kinds of chaos in her poor little bowels. She was constipated. Poor little thing, we tried everything-giving her water, adding some prune juice to her bottles, I even broke down and started adding Karo syrup to her bottle twice a day. It just wasn't helping. Of course we had switched multiple formulas in addition to the other solutions. Like I said though nothing worked. She would be in pain and we wanted to help her so badly. So, I did what anyone living in 2011 would do-I started googling for solutions.

      In the mean time, every time the princess would poop at all the hubs and I would discuss colors, consistency, you name it. We would be so thrilled when we would open up her diaper to find a little present in there. Seriously? No one tells you that you will be excited to see a poopy diaper. This constipation went on for weeks-we became some what obsessive with discussing her poopy problems. We would even text one another when the hubs was at work about it. Who does that? The answer is simply...new parents.

   After much googling, and looking at message boards filled with suggestions-we found a solution. In fact this one mom described exactly what we were going through. She suggested Gerber Good Start Plus Protect formula. When we saw this, the hubs ran to the store at midnight to get it for her. We were that desperate. Well, let me just tell you she was a new baby within twenty-four hours. It was amazing. It cleared up all of her constipation. Now, as happy as we are that she is regular again-let me tell you the poopy diapers are not such a present anymore. In fact they really test out my gag reflexes. Oh the joys of motherhood...

Meet the princess:

This is the hubs and me when I was pregnant with the princess:

I hope you enjoyed my first story, I would stick around because I am sure that there will be plenty of entertaining experiences coming my way as I take on my first year as a parent.