Pajama Day

So, yesterday was pajama day at daycare. This was kind of cool for us because pajama days are usually on Fridays, a day where my kids don't attend..... so they get left out. The 'lil Dubya was pretty excited to where his pajamas to school and it was cute to see all the kids in their jammies -- and the teachers too.

Obviously my little brain has too much time on its hands because on my ride to work my mind began to wander and I began to wonder.... what would it be like to wear my pajamas to work?

Well, okay -- it would be a disaster.

Right now, as I approach 7 months pregnant -- my pjs consist of an over sized bar tee-shirt left over from my college days and a pair of the Big Dubya's pajama bottoms (love the drawstring!).

But then of course I couldn't just stop there -- I started to wonder about my co-workers..... Mr. Conservative would probably have a coordinated Ralph Lauren ensembles -- perfectly coordinated and pressed. Ms. wannabe CFO would probably have some sort of Laura Ashely number. Miss "I wear things inappropriate for work" would probably show up in something a la Fredrick's of Hollywood two sizes too small...... and Mr Studly all the women love me ..... oh dear God, don't go there.... don't go there....

Let's hope pajama day never catches on at work

Happy Friday folks!

What do you think of my fancy new banner?

I have the greatest (and most talented) hubby evah!

I can't belive I'm going to admit it, but....

I actually watched an episode of the Supernanny -- and GASP, I actually enjoyed it.

Earlier in the week I'd seen a teaser for an episode about Wilson Philips singer (and daughter of Beachboy Brian Wilson) Wendy Wilson. For some reason, I am somewhat reassured about my parenting skills (or lack of) when I see people who have seemingly endless resources struggling with the same things we struggle with -- so I set the DVR to record.

So, the other night I couldn't sleep -- so, I turned it on and was shocked to see these people have the same problems as we mere mortals. They have a 3 year old, a 4 year old and 6 week old twins. They were battling things that I will likely face when #3 arrives -- a 3 year old who was regressing..... pacifier, potty training, etc.

Supernanny doesn't have a magic wand, and she doesn't attempt to turn the kids into zombies -- she just wants them to learn how to behave, while still being a child.

I'll admit it, I used to make fun of the show -- but I may watch again.

I wish Dunkin Donuts would do this

I like Dunkin Donuts a lot -- I know you "true" coffee people are probably shuddering at the thought, but...... Starbucks can be delicious, but other than their super fancy (and sometimes frozen) concoctions, their coffee always tastes burned to me.

But, at least it always tastes burned..... consistency is the key, I know what I'm going to get when I walk into a Starbucks.

Dunkin Donuts?...... well, it's a roll of the dice every time I walk into the place. They ought to follow the Starbucks model and do some training. I was initially so excited to see that Dunkin Donuts is doing 99¢ lattes today.... and then reality set in and I realized that there is a better than good chance that it'll taste like a 49¢ latte and I'll be sorry I bothered.

Household tasks I HATE

Look, I never claimed to be a good housekeeper..... I swear, I never did.

I hate cleaning the house -- but, it's a necessary evil and I'm always happier in a clean house -- so, there you have it -- and in fairness, I'm pretty lucky -- the Big Guy does his fair share.... and many of those jobs are the jobs I hate the most (floors, putting out the garbage....).

But, really -- is there a job worse than putting away the laundry?

I don't mind washing it -- I don't even mind folding it...... but I hate, hate, hate putting it away -- the only thing that I hate more is matching up the socks -- I even go to great lengths to buy all the same kind of socks so that I can minimize the matching up frustration. But, what's worse than matching up adult socks..... those teeny tiny 'lil kid socks.

There's only one thing I hate more than than matching up the socks.... unpacking after a vacation.... probably because it entails putting clothes away..... this could be a theme for me.

What house work do you hate?

Decisions, decisions

Well, folks.... here we are..... once again pretty pregnant and once again we have no baby names.... well, no acceptable baby names.

It should be easy, right? Well.... no -- not for me.... it's hard....

The 'lil man's first name is one we both liked.... his middle name is for my father & grandfather -- the 'lil lady..... well, we both liked the name, but -- if we are being honest, the Big Duyba named her and her middle name is for his maternal grandmother (which went over really, really well with Nana Dubya).

When I bring up the topic, the Big Dubya just glazes over.... says he's given me all the names he can come up with..... then I revisit my list -- there is no overlap we are back to square one.

Why is this so hard?

Belated....

Six years ago today, my new husband and I left for our honeymoon........ it was
my first full day as the Mrs Big Dubya.........

Happy anniversary big guy

Happy Birthday Dear Friend!

I wish I could say we were going to throw down a few to celebrate..... but, that's going to have to wait anohter 106 days.......

In the meantime, Happy Birthday Friend!

Dear Red Sox

Dear Red Sox,

How is it possible that you can pay Manny $17 million this year, but can't afford a decent online ticketing system, huh? ......

Last night, I was beyond delighted to get an email saying:

Dear Mrs Big Dubya,

Great News! You've been selected in our second chance drawing for the opportunity to purchase tickets for one of the following games to be played at Fenway Park in 2008: Opening Day (4/8 versus the Detroit Tigers) or one of the nine contests versus the New York Yankees (4/11, 4/12, 4/13, 7/25, 7/26, 7/27, 9/26, 9/27, 9/28).

C'mon guys -- you can imagine my delight..... for those of you keeping track, I had tickets to a game v/s the Yankees last year -- but at the last minute opted to let Mr Big Dubya take 39 on the double-date we'd planned with the Buffalos because I had sick babes and needed to put their needs above my own.

Anyway I was thrilled for a second chance and so as instructed (by the very strict email I might add) I logged in at 12:00 and here I am at 2:07..... still in the virtual waiting room.

back to my letter

I understand the need to find a fair mechanism for selling/distributing tickets and the opportunity to buy them -- but...... when tickets can run up to $90 a piece.... the people who can afford to buy them are people who have jobs and can't necessarily sit in front of their computer for 2+ hours on a Wednesday praying that they can get out of this "virtual waiting room" that teases you with a "refresh" every 30 seconds.

And, didn't your mother teach you any manners..... if you are going to have us over.... give us some snacks or something!

Sincerley,

Mrs Big Dubya

Update: 2:58 still waiting

Update: 3:09 success.... thank Gawd!

da-nile

Like most New Englanders, I spent the early part of this week in denial..... how on earth did the Patriots lose the Superbowl?

But, they did.

People who are usually very rational have been behaving like they just lost their best friend.

Well, I'm done with all that

Yes, it was a disappointing loss -- but, how greedy can we all be? I mean seriously, are we really feeling sorry for Tom Brady? Oh, poor little millionaire...... supermodel girlfriend, beautiful baby with supermodel ex-girlfriend, more money than he could ever spend, more records and titles than any other NFL player and oh yeah, he's only got three superbowl rings at the ripe old age of 30.

If anything, maybe it's nice for our kids to see that even Tom Brady can't always win.

Don't get me wrong -- I wish the Patriots had won, but...... there's always next year.

On the bright side -- pitchers & catchers report in 6 days -- Go Red Sox!

Daily Dilemas

Each day, I find myself faced with yet one of life's little dilemmas.....

If a co-worker (someone at your level) gets fired for "inappropriate use of computer" (translation: porn at work) and he had a better office than you...... how long do you wait before you ask to move in?

Granted, I'm not sure I want to be in that office....... some icky stuff probably went on in there, but.... it's got a much better view than mine.... not to mention better furniture..... I can probably get past the ick with some 409

Thoughts?

Why does this make headlines?

I mean seriously, do we need MSNBC to tell us that double-dipping is gross?

Tiny lobes

Yesterday I found myself at the mall.... picking up a birthday gift for the Big Dubya's nephew (and godson) -- his birthday isn't until next week, but we decided to get him something Suberbowl-related, so of course it had to get in the mail ASAP in order to make it to him in time for Sunday.

So, as I sat on a bench in the middle of the mall -- writing the card, assembling the gift with tissue paper in the gift bag, addressing the box (which I'd just purchased at the post office in the mall)...... I heard an ear-piercing shriek. Good God what just happened to that baby.

She had just had her ears pierced -- she couldn't have been more than 6 months old.

I realize that for some people this is a cultural thing -- but oh my God! I just don't understand the need to pierce a tiny little baby's ears.

Can someone explain it to me please?

How do these guys stay in business?

I was just cleaning out my purse..... it's a sea of receipts, loose change and expired coupons that I forgot to use.... and I came across a receipt from the worst restaurant to ever grace the planet.... Sbarro.

I have no idea how Sbarro stays in business -- I don't know a single person who actually enjoys eating there. Have any of you guys ever gotten something edible from this place?

If I hate it so much, why do I have a receipt?

Ah, smart reader..... that's a good question.

You see, when driving yourself and two babies from the nortwest hills of CT to Atlantic City, New Jersey -- you may find yourself in a situation where you & the kids need a snack and a diaper change (the kids need the diaper, not you). So, you pull over to one of the filthy fine rest stops on the Garden State Parkway and you survey your options.

Okay, I know.... my kids are the only ones in America who refuse to eat chicken nuggets.

So, I figured -- maybe a side of pasta and a slice of pizza -- that's a decent lunch for the three of us to share.

First of all -- $7.59 for a small side of pasta -- are you f'ing insane???? then $3.29 for a slice of "it's been sittin' around for a while" cheese pizza. And then, they tell me that in order to get milk.... I have to go over to Burger King. So, picture me -- 5½ months pregnant with a 1-year old and a 2-year old having to balance a tray of food and make my way to BK to buy milk while trying to keep the 'lil dubya and the 'lil dubyette from running away. In fairness, the 'lil dubya was a champ and helped keep his sister in line..... but still, you'd think that they'd make it a little bit easier. Did I mention the "family" rest room with no diaper changing station????

So, for $14.63 (after a soda and tax) not to mention the $2+ I paid BK for a thimble of milk the kids and I had a lunch that we normally wouldn't feed the neighbor's dog..... we ended up throwing most of it away -- and I HATE wasting food.

Seriously, how do they stay in business calling that food?

The Next Mia Hamm? or maybe David Beckham?

You must admit, the family resemblance is quite remarkable.....

The dirty kids? Yeah, they're mine

So, after I flaked on a doctor appointment Friday morning -- the nice lady at the pediatrician's office (not to be confused with the cranky witch who also works there) squeezed us in for Tuesday afternoon.

I purposely make my doctor appointments in the morning so that the kids will be well behaved (this is relative) and freshly bathed. But, when you totally blow off an appointment and have to be squeezed in.... beggars can't be choosers, so 4:00pm it is.

I left work early, picked the kids up and of course -- the two of them look utterly homeless. The 'lil man is in his "back-up" clothes..... these tend to be clothes that they receive as gifts -- clothes I don't really like -- so, I send them to school with them so that if they need to be changed during the day.... they've got a spare outfit. My rationale is that the outfit doesn't go to waste, but I don't have to see it too often -- it's a win-win.

The 'lil lady has finger paint all over her -- from the pictures she had a great time, but not too much paint landed on the smock.... most managed to skip the smock and go right to her sleeves. She's also got some sort of dried-up mystery goo in her hair..... awesome!

I didn't have time to go home and clean them up -- and the babywipes I keep in the car can only do so much, so -- off to the appointment we go. When we get there I get a better understanding of what she meant by "squeeze us in" -- it's standing room only. There must have been a dozen boys (yeah, all boys) sneezing and hacking all over the place. Most of them looked as homeless as my kids..... I'm guessing they were picked up from school/daycare as well.... made me feel a little bit better, but not much.

As any overcrowded room can be, the waiting room was very, very warm -- so I took off the kids coats -- and then 4:00 turned into 4:10, 4:20, 4:30...... and suddenly I started to smell it.... oh yeah, somebody was having a diaper episode..... if only it could have been somebody else's kid. Instead, it was the 'lil man -- so, not only did he look dirty -- he stunk too. I tried to pretend I didn't notice, but he takes after the Big Dubya..... he stinks.

Thankfully they called us in around 4:40 and we were able to get our business done and out of there in a hurry.

I kind of feel bad for all the times I've looked at scruffy kids and jumped to conclusions....

Back in time

Does hearing a certain song on the radio bring you back to a particular time in your life?

Does driving a certain road remind you of a trip you once took?

This morning I had to go to the hospital for an ultrasound -- it was the routine 20 week photo session, everything is just fine. And no, I didn't find out what we are having.

I called last week to "pre-register" -- and the woman on the phone began giving me directions to where I needed to go -- as she began telling me to go up the long driveway to the main building.... I got a chill. As she continued -- "pass the information desk, pass the gift shop, down a long hallway -- get on the elevator in front of the cafeteria and go down to the ground floor"

I told her to stop -- I knew where I had to go.

The ultrasound department is right in front of the NICU..... where the 'lil man spent his first month. I haven't been back there since we brought him home 2½ years ago -- but as I drove up the long driveway this morning -- it was like it was yesterday. I remember the first time I walked down that long hallway -- I was still so weak, the Big Dubya was practically carrying me -- I'm not sure my feet were even fully on the ground. He hadn't even tried to talk me out of going -- he knew I wouldn't have listened.

I got on the elevator and there was a man that got on with me -- he had a huge vat of coffee.... he'd been up all night -- I could see it on his face.

I got off and was grateful to be taking a left to go to my ultrasound appointment -- the man went the other way -- he was heading to the NICU. I cried a little and then I prayed for him.

Can I Please Adopt Them

Seriously.... I know I cannot offer the lifestyle that their natural parents can, but I can offer them love and stability and a life lived in private suburbia rather than on the cover of the tabloids.

I'm referring to the children of train-wreck Brittney Spears.

Obviously this girl has some issues and she is clearly ill equipped to care for and raise her children -- but seriously, what kind of future do these poor little babies have if this soap opera is allowed to continue?

Just proves -- money isn't everything

Trying to do too much?

Last weekend, I packed up the two kids and headed off to BJs -- when I got home, I opened the back hatch of my SUV and two gallons of milk fell out bursting and creating a white river in the driveway..... I almost cried.

A few days later, I was trying to eat my lunch at my desk between meetings -- I knocked something into my can of iced-tea and splashed some onto my laptop -- shortly thereafter my laptop ceased working. Most people would immediately call the help desk -- me? no, I got on my Blackberry and emailed Aunt P ..... asked her what to do -- she's wickit smaaaahhhht (that's Boston-speak for really smart) when it comes to computers. She asked if it was sweetened with sugar (what the f*&^%$#?) and what I would do if I were at home -- I told her that I'd probably spray the shit out of it with some compressed air to see if I could dry it -- she said that sounded like sound rationale and that I should try it (I'm starting to rethink the whole smart thing) -- I stopped spraying once the laptop began making a sizzle sound..... and decided to call the help desk. Oh, did I mention that it's the middle of year-end?

I completely forgot to show up for 'lil Dubyette's flu shot booster on Friday -- just didn't show up..... Uhm hullo, I don't do things like that. I called this morning to reschedule and booked a time that sounded good..... then I remembered -- that's when I'm supposed to go for my ultrasound.....

I'm starting to think that I've got too many balls in the air......

Happiness Is.....

Being 19+ weeks pregnant with your third baby in three years (I'm not complaining.... this is a very much wanted miracle), feeling huge and awkward and seeing a first timer who is due just days before you with a belly that's twice the size of yours. Yes, I know.... shallow, immature -- I don't care -- I'm big, but she's freakin HUGE!

I've been reading that today is delurker day -- so, please do :)