House-sitting & Day 113. 252 Days Left

My parent’s decided to revoke our father’s day dinner invite and spend the weekend with Dr. Doyle, DMD (Aunt Mon-ka). My thought- ahhh, a quiet weekend at home; there are plenty of to do’s around here.

Should have waited until my parent’s were out of the house before having that thought…

Phone call from my dad…

Dad: "Hey hun. Your mom and I are heading out this weekend to see Monica.”

Me: “um, ok”

Dad: “Listen. Why don’t you and Justin bring the kids and have dinner here Friday and Saturday nights, I have steaks out for Justie and fresh fish for you, You guys can grill, the kids play in the yard, plus we are taking the German Sheppard’s so you can bring the dogs and they also have the yard. So plan on spending the next two nights, would you babe? Your brother will cut the grass so you don’t have to worry about Petunia with the bees (yes, the pug is allergic to bees. In fact the first time stung almost killed her).”

Translation: Please come over and baby-sit man-sit house-sit for the weekend.

Me: “um, ok”

So with that I pack for a weekend, less than an hour away. Load up enough shit necessities for two toddlers, three dogs and a couple changes of clothes for the hubby and me. With toddlers, light packing does NOT exist. No matter the circumstance.

Get to the house, unload everyone and everything, say hi to Uncle Brian who huffed “you my babysitters”, made dinner, cleaned the kitchen and went to bed. Kids finally fell asleep around 11pm.

Saturday the kids enjoyed the late morning and afternoon in the yard. They played in their sandbox, in the pool and Addison even helped Uncle Brian with the yard work.

(see how helpful- she is putting the leaves “away”)

This morning Addison made the hubby blueberry pancakes; dumping almost the entire bag of frozen blueberries into the batter. They were blue.

(notice the blue face. she just about ate as many blueberries as she dumped in)

(Addison's "bestest blue blueberry pancakes")

(the hubby & Jackson enjoying Addison's "bestest blue blueberry pancakes")

Later, we decided to take the kids to Target to pick out a slip-n-slide. Toy Story for obvious reasons. How very exciting and so much fun! We spent another afternoon playing in the yard. Really can’t complain because we had a great weekend after all. My parents do so much for us that house sitting for a few days was the least we could do for them. The kids really did have a wonderful weekend.

Hope all of you amazing dads out there had a wonderful Father’s Day.
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Day113
One amazing daddy

Lately & Day 98. 267 Days Left

Lately, I have been spending more time baking, coloring and doing arts & crafts with Addison and more time playing cars and building towers with Jackson.

(picture of Jackson & mommy courtesy of Addison)

Lately, I have been saying yes to an extra movie before naptime.

(watching Toy Story 3)


Lately, Afternoons have been spent giving extra cuddles and kisses.

Lately, I have allowed Addison that extra cup of chocolate milk.


Lately, bathtime has been longer allowing more time for splashing and laughter.

Lately, I have been saying yes to extra chapters at bedtime. Dinosaur vs. Bedtime, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and I Love You, Goodnight have been filling our evenings.
And even though they have been going to bed a little late, I am enjoying the giggles and they are just happy to be up late.

Lately, I have been focused on happiness... There are so many more smiles than I ever noticed before.

What have you been focused on lately?
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Day 98
Space shuttle

These moments & Day 96. 269 Days Left.

She walks into the kitchen while I am cleaning up from breakfast. She begins telling me how she still needs Buzz Lightyear for her Toy Story Friends, and I, being distracted as usual, gave some distant mumbles of understanding.

She stops talking. I just assumed she went back into her room.

She walks up next to me; “Mommy you look like you need a hug.”

I stop the dishes, look down at her; “I do?”

She smiles; “Yes, mommy. You don’t feel good so I think you need a hug.”

I pick her up and she wraps her little arms around my neck. “Mommy, I love you.”

“Thank you Addison. I love you too.”

And with that she is off to her room telling the rest of her “friends” Buzz will be here soon…
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Day 96
These moments

The story of us & Day 84. 281 Days Left.

April 16th, 2005 we were married.

Today we celebrate six years. I am still amazed how quickly those years have past. I guess six years of marriage is nothing when you dated seven beforehand.

How we met: The stalker

13 years ago I had no idea the man I was meeting would be my future husband and give me two amazingly beautiful children.

It was a few days after my high school graduation; I just broke up with my boyfriend and the place I was working closed for business. I was heartbroken and unemployed. A friend of mine wanted to introduce me to someone he worked with. I agreed and we headed to this guys house. I met Kim (my husband’s best friend and our best man) and no attraction (sorry Kim). We talked and really hit it off as friends. About an hour later Kim’s roommate walks through the door. BAM… that was it. I was smitten.

Justin and I talked a couple of hours. We connected. He drove me home (my friend was passed out on the couch- nice friend) … I remember thinking: this really sucks,I am never going to see this guy again.

A month or so later the same friend called to see if I had found a job. He mentioned the restaurant he was working at was hiring a hostess. He also mentioned Justin worked there. I told him to sign me up. I called, went in for an interview, was hired and started working two days later.
The third day of work Justin checks in at the front desk. He looks at me and says “you work here? Since when?” … this is the moment I would forever be referred to as his stalker.

I would hitch a ride to work or ask my mom to take me. I had a plan; thankfully it never backfired. I would come up with elaborate reason why I did not have my car and Justin always offered to drive me home. On the nights I did not trick him into driving me home, we would hang out in the parking lot talking for hours. Months later he finally asked me out. I went in for the first kiss… sorry hubs but I got tired of waiting around. After that kiss he turns to me and asks if I went to work at Burt & Jacks because I knew he was working there… I just looked at him with a slight smirk of accomplishment. The stalker.

Seven years later we were married.

Our Wedding day: Everything that could go wrong did. Almost…

~My veil fell off while walking down the isle (twice) and a family friend
stopped the ceremony to reattach it because “a bride needs her wedding veil”.

~The priest almost dropped the aspergillum while blessing our wedding rings.

~After our vows... The priest "for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Justin (insert wrong last name here)"... even after the name correction he mispronounced it again.

~My sister could not find her reading.

~While at the cocktail hour a friend stepped on my bustle, I went to walk away and one side of my dress ripped.

~My “up do” hair hairstyle became a "down do"; just a mess.

~The strap of my dress broke.

~We (including friends & family) drank our open bar dry- by the end of the reception we (some of us) were doing rum shots (I think I just threw up in my mouth a little)... needless to say some where falling down the stairs drunk- seriously falling. down. drunk.

But at the end of the day- I (the stalker) was married to the only man I could ever dream of loving and evenrything that wrong didn't matter.

Celebrating: After six years and two kids

Since the hubby is working we will be celebrating next weekend by taking the kiddos to a park for an Easter egg hunt. Fun. Romantic. Remember it has been six years and two kids later… Although, the traditional anniversary gift for year six is candy. Perhaps I should run out and get us come chocolate and a bottle of wine (or two) for when the kiddos are in bed. bow chicka wow wow…

What I love: he will still reach over and hold my hand, I catch glimpses of him looking at my butt (although, after two kids, can't really miss it), he leaves the last piece of chocolate for me, he will wake up in the middle of the night after working all day and having to be up at 5am just to grab the kids, he lets me sleep in on the weekends, I feel him lightly kiss me goodbye each morning and every night before bed
he says "I love you".

So I will leave you with this: love is not an emotion, but it’s an action. It’s a choice to place that person before yourself. The Bible says this about it: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres”(1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

While we may not always live up to that, it’s what I strive for in my marriage. Our relationship is not perfect, it takes hard work and some bruises along the way, but we made a commitment never to give up on each other and though hardships are inevitable we will see it through by the grace of God.
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Day 84
Pictures of us

Our Honeymoon April 18, 2005

To my Children & Day 44. 321 Days Left.

As we all prepare for the Holidays and take the time to reflect on what we are Thankful for, I would like to share what it is, in life, I wish for my children…

I wish for my children to always forgive and forget- especially when it comes to one another. That they never let anything in life separate their bond as siblings because, one day, each other will be all they have.

I wish they understand that every decision I have made has always and will always be in their best interest; even if they don’t get it immediately. I wish they know I support them in every decision they make and will be here for the consequences of those decisions, good or bad.

I wish that they grow to be self-confident, independent, and empowered adults who lead a balanced life. A life, full of happiness; a life, they want to live.

I wish that they continue to grow and learn more about themselves and those around them.

I wish to encourage and plant the seeds of discipline, that they may learn diligence and commitment to whatever path, in life, they choose.

I wish that my children never lose their voice and fight hard for what they believe.

I wish for my children to find that someone in this world that they are crazy in love with and who loves them back.

I wish that they truly respect me as a person but most of all as their mother and know I love them unconditionally.

I wish for my children to always have a faith in whatever religion they feel called to. I wish for them to have an ongoing relationship with God. I wish for them to give more than they will ever take from this world.

I wish my children to Live everyday to the fullest and Love like there is no tomorrow and understand the Laughter will come naturally.


Happy Thanksgiving…
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Day 44
The Paper Towel Castle

Addison’s Story & Day 42. 323 Days Left.

She was due December 6th 2007. She had other plans.

First let me begin with pre-pregnancy. A year prior to conceiving Addison, I had to have emergency surgery. This was only a year after the hubby and I were married. I had an ovarian cyst which ruptured. The rupture caused a liter of blood to float around my tummy and chest, causing me to lose consciousness. Everything happened so quickly. I was prepped for surgery and signing a consent for a partial or full hysterectomy.

After my surgery, I remember briefly waking up and seeing my mom and hubby. I looked over and said to my mom “sorry, no grandbabies” and drifted back to sleep.

I spoke with the Dr. who performed the surgery. She did not have to remove either ovary but she suggested after recovery to begin “trying” to conceive because “the road to conception may be very long and difficult due to the damage from the cyst.”

10 months were spent trying. 10 months I drove the hubby crazy with pills, charts, ovulation kits and thermometers. 10 months of phone calls to my girlfriends “I really thought this month was it.” while they tell me to “just relax, it will happen.” And every “just relax” phone call left me wanting to stab a box of puppies. 10 months of peeing on sticks and nothing.

Month 11. While at work I was peeing every 15 minutes. Finally, the 98th time I just knew. On my way home from work I bought another pregnancy test and a 32oz bottle of water. I ran into our tiny apartment and peed on the stick. Before I even put the test down it showed a +. Ok, well that was too fast. Stick #2 +. I ran back up to Walgreen’s and bought a different brand double pack test. Both positive. I remembered seeing the digital tests; so to be certain, before mentioning to the hubby, I ran back up and spent the $30 on the digital tests. It flashed POSITIVE. YES! This is it!

I paced the house trying to figure out the best and most creative way to tell the hubby. I was too excited… I called him at work.

My first trimester was pure hell. My day, every day, consisted of throwing up after every meal, feeling nauseous when I wasn't eating and losing 15 pounds. My OB prescribed something to help with the nausea but as soon as I got home I threw the prescription out. I was not putting any drugs in my body while growing this precious little bundle that I worked so hard to conceive. The first trimester also brought the worst migraines and cramps I've ever experienced. The ones that last all day, all night, and won't let you sleep. After a number of ultrasounds, they determined the baby was growing fine. Nothing was wrong. It was a disaster and I was so glad when it was over. Especially, since hearing and reading the first trimester is the worst. I was looking forward to the second.

Unfortunately, the second was not any better. I was still dealing with the horrible cramps and vomiting. Was pregnancy really supposed to be this difficult? When I hit four months and thought I was out of the clear, I began telling friends and co-workers. It was a Friday. Saturday night I went to bed a little early because I had horrible cramps. I woke up around 12 midnight and had to go pee. The cramps had gotten worse. After peeing I noticed blood. I grab my What To Expect When Your Expecting and thumbed through the pages. I gave it an hour. The bleeding got worse and we ran to the emergency room. The worst moment of my life was signing in: The cause of your visit? I think I am miscarrying (I write with a shaky hand). List your symptoms: Bleeding and severe abdominal cramps for the past hour & half. I am finally seen by the Dr. and taken back for an ultrasound. The baby has a heartbeat. Thank God. The Dr. came in and explained that the chances of us losing the baby within the next 24 hours is 50%. I was put on bed rest for a week.

We arrive home Sunday morning and the hubby and I spent the day in bed; crying. We both call our employers. I take the week off. He takes a couple of days. By the end of the week, everything was fine. The 50% was in our favor. We were truly blessed. After a follow up with my OB we had an ultrasound scheduled. I was now well into my 4th month and the ultrasound done determined we were having a girl! We were so excited. Exactly what we were hoping for! We walked out of the office and called our parents. “We are having a girl. Addison Jean.” We ran to Carter’s and I bought the most perfect little layette for her.

After that trimester I had all the rest of the symptoms. My back was in pain all the time, I always had to pee, exhaustion set in from not sleeping, was never comfortable and I even got an infection.

It was November 21st, 2007. My 28th Birthday. I was 38 weeks. My sister came over to have lunch with me. After finishing the dishes I had to pee. I stand up and a swoosh of water rushes out. “Mon, I think my water broke.” She says, “Are you sure you didn’t pee? It is two weeks early.” “Yes, call the hubby and I will call my OB.” They tell me to head on over to the hospital, they will check me there. I jump in the shower. Meanwhile my sister is screaming at me to get to the hospital. Fine, Mon. I won’t shave my legs". She did make sure I grabbed five towels to sit on so I didn’t get her car seats wet.

We get to the hospital and they do a test wipe. “It is blue. Your water broke.” Happy Birthday to me. I am not dilated. They give me until 8pm Wednesday night. Nothing. They begin the Pitocin drip and get labor started. I had to sleep with the IV in that was hooked up to a line of fluids and monitors on my tummy. Going to the bathroom (which I had to do every 10 minutes because of the fluids) was a whole process altogether: unhooking the machine, unplugging the monitors and dragging the metal thing holding everything. (First they wanted me to use a bed pan- I refused). I finally got a little sleepy and managed to sleep a couple hours at night. Hubby gave up sleeping on the chair and crawled up on the bed next to me.

Thursday, November 22nd. 2007. Thanksgiving. I had a number of visitors. My parents, my sister and a close girlfriend. My girlfriend and I were chatting when suddenly I turn to her and say “Hey, Jay I am feeling a ton of pressure.” She (a nurse) said “don’t push. I am going to get your nurse.” The nurse came in and finally after 26 hours I was 10 centimeters. My nurse called my OB and within seconds I was ready to begin pushing. My Dr. tells the hubby to grab a leg and my girlfriend to grab the other (so much for her Thanksgiving plans). While pushing my sister came into the room to say goodbye. She had to drive back home. I hear her say, “ok were doing this. I guess I can leave a little later”. She grabs my camera and begins snapping pictures. My mom arrives shortly after and the Dr. says “no one else in the room.” It was a circus. My sister runs into the bathroom to grab a cool damp rag for my head and leaves the door open. The giant mirror captures an incredibly perfect shot of Addison crowing. I scream, “Mon shut that door!”

Finally after 2 hours and 40 minutes of pushing she joins us.

Welcome to the world Addison Jean.
Born Thursday, November 22nd 2007. Thanksgiving Day.
At 4:40pm. Weighing 7 pounds 7 ounces. Measuring 19 inches.


So on this special day; your 3rd birthday, I say, I would do every second over again because our lives are more perfect now that you are here.
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Day 42
Happy 3rd Birthday Addison Jean.

A Day Late: Day 29. 336 Days Left.

This comes to you a day late.
My excuse: With the preparations, excitement of the day and having family in town, I was too exhausted to post anything.

Yesterday we celebrated Jackson's first birthday. On October 2nd, one year ago, I was blessed with a beautiful baby boy who made our small family complete.

Thank you to all of our family and friends for helping to make Jackson's first birthday so special. We had an amazing day. I am so grateful to have a wonderful husband, willing and able to tolerate all the shit I dish, a beautiful little girl, my number one little guy and awesome family and friends.

With that being said;
Day 29
Happy 1st Birthday Jackson

She Melts My Heart

And she knows it!

Since the Monday incident (for those of you who are new to Surviving Motherhood read The One Without a Title) Addison has discovered there is a much softer side to mommy and what she will tolerate.

For instance: when asking her to do something, any almost three year old does not want to do, I expect the answer NO. Which for Addison has never been out of the norm. However, she has come to realize, in the past week, if she follows the "NO Mommy you do it” (which typically would not stand) with a "No Mommy you do it- pleeeease Mommy-Mommy-Mommy-MaMa-MaMa"; I am now a sucker and I do it. Whatever it may be; which includes picking her up and carrying her with Jackson already propped on my hip.

Even her full forced bratty soon-to-be three years old temper-tantrums, do not seem to bother me all that much. (which, by the way, are far worse than any two year old temper-tantrum. Shit, terrible twos-HA! what the hell do you call the three's?)

Yes, it appears that I have gone soft and Addison is taking full advantage of that.

Where Have My Babies Gone

Jackson is walking. He has actually been walking since 7 ½ months. The past three weeks he has really favored walking and the past two days; well, he just walks. No more crawling.


He is able to do things like get on and off the sofa and Addison's toddler bed, without help. He is able to bend down and pick up his bottle or toy without losing balance and falling. He is able to follow his big sister around and keep up, quiet well.



I can get rid of the baby cloths- no problem. Out with the old in with the new. It is watching them grow and lose all the “baby”; very bitter sweet. This comes as we approach Jackson’s first birthday and shortly after Addison’s third.



They have grown so fast. Jackson much faster; as most second babies do.

My little baby boy is becoming my little guy. And he is looking for the trouble to go along…

My Rock-A-Bye

I sometimes forget that my daughter is only 2 ½.

What I mean by that is… she spends everyday watching me hold her baby brother while feeding him (he is 10 months) and rocking him to sleep every night. She is so independent and such a wonderful helper I sometimes forget she too needs to be held.

She gets countless kisses and hugs during the day, I praise her constantly for her help and the wonderful job she does, we play together, laugh together and she is loved.

On this particular night she asked to be “rock-a-byed like Jackson”… so of course I obliged. I held her for an hour, rocking her and singing her nightly lullabies, while stroking her hair and rubbing her back. I missed this- she is my baby girl and I missed holding her…

I felt her breathing get heavy and knew she was sleeping. I gave her a final kiss goodnight and thanked her for asking mommy to rock-a-bye her.

Yes, she is only 2 ½ and I do need to be reminded of that.

After all, I am 30 and while my husband was working nights I would go to my parents, a couple of times a week, with the kids to spend the night. (At the time we were being harassed by a downstairs neighbor, it was worse when my husband was not home. This is another story)… I would go to my parents to seek the comfort of my mom. My dad knew on these nights he would be sleeping on the sofa for his wife, daughter, granddaughter and grandson would be sleeping in the bed (one of the rooms is a nursery & the other a spare). Yes, I too needed the comfort of my mom- why would I expect anything less of my 2 ½ year old.

So tonight I would like to say thank you to my beautiful baby girl for allowing me the comfort of rocking you to sleep- what a wonderful way to end this night…mommy loves you more than any words could ever express.