The End Is Here

And no, I’m not talking about ‘LOST’ here (although, I am a huge ‘LOST’ fan and could write many pages about my profound & overwhelming sadness on seeing it all come to it’s final conclusion tonight).  The end I AM referring to is my daughter’s last week of school.  My sweet, little peanut is about to finish her first year of preschool and boy did it go by fast.  So incredibly fast!  

We have loved watching her grow into this amazing, independent, smart “big girl” over the last 9 months.  We have loved her wonderful teachers, who have tirelessly given their caring devotion & nurturing support to these tiny tots.  And we have loved her fabulous school – an extraordinary community of educators that is based on simplistic values and fostering the joy of learning.

So now we have the summer, and what I hope from the bottom of my heart will be a fantastic & memorable 3 months, laying ahead of us.  Come September, we continue on at the same school.  Then, it’s kindergarten.  Then we head to first grade, and before we know it she’ll be asking for the keys to the car, right?  Phew, I can’t even wrap my brain around that.  I have a feeling I’ll be repeating the following sentence quite a bit to my little princess: “please, please, please don’t grow up too fast!”.

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Mothering Outside The Box

I’ve often said that I’m not your typical stay-at-home mama  and have no problem what so ever admitting to this (I proudly display this statement on my blog’s brief  ‘about me’ bio).  In fact, I recently discovered another ‘non-mommy mommies’ type (as she calls herself) blogger, and love her new shits and giggles feature that kinda embraces what I’m trying to say here.  So be sure to check out Ericka over at Alabastercow.com – trust me, you won’t regret it!

Since my daughter was born and I first gingerly dangled my toe into the murky waters of motherhood, I have always felt a bit out of  sync when compared to other moms (and isn’t that what we do best, continually compare ourselves to those around us?).  Of course, my bout with postpartum the first 6 months (or more) certainly did not help matters – especially as I struggled to find that connection with my baby that most new mothers glowingly gush about.  I’ve often thought of myself as not really fitting into that standard motherhood mold, which seems to require most if not all of the following actions: cooking for the entire family 7 days a week, meticulously cleaning every nook & cranny of the house on a WEEKLY basis (this includes baseboards, windows, blinds, etc.), laundering something/anything on a DAILY basis, sewing & mending as needed, and basically satisfying everyone’s needs at all times so that no one shall be left unfulfilled……and all of this is done with a giant smile, apron on, oven mitts in hand!

Phew, that’s one hell of a job description!  Not that I don’t do any of that, just maybe not as often or with as much enthusiasm.  So, in celebration of those of us who are more the anti-Betty Crocker kind, I thought I’d compile my personal list of  5 random yet awesome qualities that make me who I am  - a real mom, not afraid to admit my faults and sit back, eat some chocolate, and revel in my imperfections (ok, so I don’t often sit around and celebrate my inadequacies, but you get my point).

1. I LOVE takeout (or carry-out, take-away, what have you) and have about 20+ menus in my collection that get used quite frequently.
2. I tend to curse like a sailor, although never around my daughter if I can help it, and find it slightly cleansing to get out a good “mother******.
3. Sometimes I’ll drive a little slower on the way to pick up the peanut at school, just so I can listen to Howard Stern for a few more minutes.
4. I love my little girl with every fiber of my being, this cannot be stated enough, but praise the Nap Gods for my daily dose of  ME TIME over the last 4 years (knock on wood, knock on wood, knock on wood)!
5. A good glass of wine (or a Margarita if need be) at the end of the day solves all problems.

So there you have it!  Now come on, aren’t you just itching to share some of your beautiful realness???


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Pretty In Pink

Yeah, yeah….I know.  It’s once again been a while since I’ve written a post on my little bloggety blog.  I have no excuse, except that life has kept us busy…yada, yada, yada.  With pre-school nearing an end soon (OMG, still can’t believe how fast it went!), there has been lots to do as everything starts to wrap up over the next few weeks.  Plus, the peanut’s been going through a continuous whining/crying/temper tantrum throwing phase that unfortunately shows no signs of slowing down.  Add to that the puppy & all of his lovely teenage-like antics, and we’ve been simply exhausted.  I swear, between the kid and the dog, it sometimes feels like all we do around here is yell!  Oh, and let’s not forget the most important thing of all – ‘LOST’!  I am completely obsessed with this show and could easily spend hours perusing blogs & websites dedicated to it, reading up on popular theories and predictions of what it all means.  Truly, after 6 years of faithful devotion to this amazing hour-long drama, I am so sad that it is all coming to a permanent end soon and am not sure what I’ll do with myself afterward, lol .  And before you call me a complete loser, I have quite a few friends who feel exactly the same.  So there!

Anywho, hopefully I’ll be energized enough soon to once again fill these pages with fabulous & witty content!    For now, I leave you with a few more pics of the peanut.

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Dancing Queen

A while back I mentioned that the peanut was taking dance classes (see HERE), which consist of both ballet & tap.  It’s been about 8 months now, and we’re slowly gearing up for the big finale that will showcase all these weeks of learning & practice – the RECITAL!  It’s been a long time coming (the date is set for mid-June), and a few weeks ago the little ones got to try on their costumes for the first time.  I had seen pictures of years past and was really expecting some sort of shiny, sparkly number.  Instead, the outfit is more about ruffles, lace and satin.  Wearing it, Ella looks like a munchkin-sized green & purple flower……almost a bit reminiscent of those adorable Anne Geddes portraits from years ago.  Honestly, I wasn’t very fond of the whole ensemble at first.  But, as I continue to look at the pictures, the dress is definitely growing on me.   And I have to admit, she does look awfully cute, no?

Costume aside, I’m still unsure of how she’ll do on the big day.  Back in December, her pre-school class performed a mini concert for parents & loved ones.  When she first entered the room alongside her classmates, she seemed genuinely excited & happy.  But as she slowly gazed around and saw the small crowd assembled in front of her, her demeanor changed literally in an instant.  From then on, our peanut stood up there with a sour puss on her face & refused to participate, much less actually sing any of the songs.  I honestly think it was all a little overwhelming and she simply got a bit of stage fright.  This is all to say, that she very well could get up on that stage in June and once again be frozen with fear.  Or, she just might surprise us and dance her little heart out.  Either way, we’ll be enthusiastically cheering on our little ballerina all the way and promptly congratulating her with flowers, hugs & kisses!



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Rules of Etiquette in Toddler Land

So, the peanut’s 4th birthday is rapidly approaching and for the first time I am a little befuddled in planning her party.  In the past, it was a very simple process of inviting family (which really only consists of sis-in-law & kids and both sets of grandparents) and a few friends for a small gathering at our house.  Some food, a cake, decorations, and cute favors…..bam, done!    However, now we’re in pre-school and  all of a sudden 2 girls & 8 boys have been added to my daughter’s ever expanding social circle.  And so the question arises – do I plan a birthday extravaganza  that includes ALL her new little friends, or is it ok to invite just the two girls that she’s close with in her class (in addition to a couple of new friends outside of school)??  Either way, anything more than our small affair of years past will definitely require planning something at an indoor party place, since we live in a town-house and space is limited.  And that’s totally fine, it’s just a matter of who to invite…..figuring out the right (and expected) course of action to take while ensuring no one is left disgruntled.   I will say that she’s only been in school for 4 months, and I know there have been a few kids with birthdays already & no invitations that I’m aware of.  Also, Ella knew the 2 little girls prior to them all being in pre-school together.  Maybe I’m over-thinking this whole thing – they’re 3 years old for Christ’s sake!……then again, maybe not.  It’s a conundrum.

Hmph…..to offend or not to offend, that is the question!



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Baby Steps

 
Yesterday we spent a majority of the day browsing through one showroom after another, looking for a new bedroom set for our little peanut.  You see, time is rapidly moving forward (despite my most valiant attempts to slow it down), and Ella’s toddler bed is no longer sufficient, just like her crib was no longer sufficient 1 1/2 years ago.  With every little step, every tiny change, my baby girl is moving ever closer to that dreaded “I” word – INDEPENDENCE!

I know, I know…we’re just talking about freekin’ furniture here.  BUT, it’s what the much anticipated ‘Big Girl Bed” represents as a whole – that time is flying by at the speed of sound, just like everyone says.  That our firstborn will be a teenager before we know it (and I’ll look fondly back at the days where I was able to call myself a 30-something), just like everyone says.  That a day will come where my little snuggle bunny, who calls me her best friend and is attached to my hip through sheer devotion & adoration, will push as hard as she can to get away from her overbearing parents….just like everyone says! 




Don’t get me wrong,  I’m completely psyched about re-decorating her room with cute girly-girl accoutrements…..after all, I’m still the shopping frugalista my husband has come to reluctantly accept love!  I guess I’m just trying to remember to hang on to all the wonderful moments now, while I still can…no matter how stressed/tired/overwhelmed I may feel on any given day.   Because wow, it all really does pass in the blink of an eye! 





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Bull In A China Shop

Why is it that every, single freekin’ time I’m out running errands with the peanut it feels like we are one big, bumbling mess of a disaster just thrashing our way through the aisles, taking out whatever may come our way??!!  I mean, SERIOUSLY!  For example, whether it be a trip to the store, the mall, or Old Navy, it usually goes something like this:

Me (at grocery store) : Honey, please stop touching everything we pass.

Me: Please stop squirming and sit down!

Me: Can you please hold on to your pretzel for one second without dropping it in the cart??

Me: Sit down!

Me: For the love of God, stop touching that!

The Peanut: Mama, I have to go potty!

Now, while this is going on and my patience wears thinner to the point of non-existence, I’ve got my own problems to contend with, mainly the fact that I’m a huge KLUTZ.  Seriously, it’s a constant array of key dropping, coupon dropping, receipt dropping, sunglasses dropping, and tripping over my own two feet….. really, the list goes on & on.  Unfortunately, it already looks like my off-spring has inherited this wonderful trait (which has lovingly been passed down from my mother’s side of the family), as not a day goes by without her literally falling over  from a STANDING position & wahhh, we have yet another bo0-boo!  So, as my child begins to vault out of the grocery cart during check-out, I’m usually fumbling for the bonus card, can’t find my bank card and muttering under my breath about the ridiculousness that is the cost of groceries these days as I realize that I yet again left the reusable bags in the car!  And my fly was open.  And I forgot the milk, one of the main reasons we went to the store in the first place.

OOFAH!  No wonder I rely so much on caffeine, chocolate and the occasional alcoholic beverage.



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Fun In Pumpkin Land

Last weekend we continued our yearly tradition of heading over to a local dairy farm for some pumpkin picking excitement!   It’s a great little set-up, with hay rides that take you out to the pumpkin patch & back, and some baby animals out for the kids to see & pet.  Various seasonal harvest products, like Indian Corn bunches, gourds, squash, mini pumpkins, honey and other food items produced on the farm, are also for sale.






BUT, the most anticipated part of the day is always a visit to the Creamery, where some of the best home-made ice cream this Mama has ever tasted is served up!  To add some cuteness to this yummy treat, each delightfully rich flavor is named after one of the farm’s Holstein cows.  As my daughter would say, “deeeelicous”!



*Besides all the fun, it’s also a great way to support the local economy,  since many area dairy farms are struggling with record-low milk prices while the costs associated with producing that very milk are continuing to rise.



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Random Randomness

My brain is a bit scrambled today…so to honor my current state of mind, here are some stray thoughts for the day.

1. Yo Gabba Gabba – I mean seriously, what the hell is this show supposed to be about?  It has got to be the most bizarre, pointless children’s programming I have ever seen. 

2. Although I’m not completely challenged when it comes to all things related to housekeeping, I’m certainly no domestic diva (as my husband will attest) and have a tough time finding the inspiration to scrub a toilet.  I simply HATE cleaning, and find my daily/weekly  chores as a dutiful housewife (just threw up a little bit in my mouth while typing that part) to be less than joyous.  But, I do them….it comes with the part where I play the stay-at-home mama, right?  So what if I sometimes have to wash a load of laundry twice because I forgot about it when it was done and after sitting for 24 hours it had a bit of wet dog smell to it!

3. Peanut butter & chocolate, together, in various concoctions of deliciousness…..need I say more??

4. Modern Family = hilariousness……….Cougar Town,  not so much!

5. Last year I discovered that Clarks now makes baby & toddler shoes (or at least they are newly available in the US) and that they are absolutely adorable!  We just bought 2 pairs there for the peanut, including these Gore-tex sneakers…..I mean, how cute are they????



That’s all…..for now!



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My Name Is Mama And I’m A Shopaholic!

So, I love to shop…it’s no secret.  I come from a long line of shoppers (well, just my mom, but she taught me all I know!).  I always seem to be in dire need of basically an entire new wardrobe each season (really, it’s true).   If I had unlimited funds for clothing & shoes, I think I could honestly go shopping almost every single day of the week…no problem. Sadly though, ‘unlimited’ is definitely not the word my husband let’s me I am able to associate with my couture finances.  The hubby has recently put me on restriction when it comes to these matters and advised I use some [much] restraint.  His burdened groan was clearly audible as I notified him last week that I wouldn’t mind a new pair of Uggs for my upcoming birthday, and did I mention my very serious NEED for a new pair of  brown boots to wear with a pair of Seven jeans that I know would fit me oh-so perfectly?!

Naturally, the peanut and I went to the mall today.  I was looking for a long sleeved tee to wear under my Phillies t-shirt  for tomorrow's game, since I didn’t have one at home that was suitable.  I ended up finding a great deal at H&M, where they were offering a buy 1 get one 50% off deal.  Yes, I now have 2 shirts (one of which is not a tee)…..but did I mention the great deal  being offered and at these prices, could I really pass this up?!   

But what I really wanted to point out is my child’s constant need to touch every single thing she sees while  strolling through various stores.  As I usually do, I repeatedly grumble ‘don’t touch that….please don’t touch that……for the love of GOD, don’t touch that!’  Clearly though,  toddler etiquette dictates this means to go ahead and do it even MORE.  And so today, as we were passing an unclothed mannequin in Macy’s, she instinctively reached out to touch it, inevitably aiming right for the plastic man’s, ah, crown jewels.  I giggled loudly and quickly pushed her along, hoping  nobody noticed.  Obviously  she didn’t direct her curious little hands there on purpose…..it’s just moments like this that continuously make me feel like I’m living out the ‘Dumb & Dumber’ movie.

Aaaahhhh….I could really use some good retail therapy!  *Sigh*

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Papa’s Girl

To congratulate her on a fabulous first day of school, Papa (that’s what my daughter calls him – it’s the German word for ‘daddy’….not to be confused with the ever popular Popop!) brought home 3 sunflowers for his little peanut yesterday.  I thought it was such a sweet gesture and really loved that  it made her feel just so special!   Of course, after the initial rush of sheer delight,  Miss E  quickly started demanding that ‘we have to go plant them outside…RIGHT NOW, PLEEEAASEE, so they can grow and we can have honey’ (yeah, not sure how or why she made that connection)….and I was all, whoa nelly…hold your horses….mama barely has enough energy at this moment to put them in a vase, never mind going outside to attempt the act of gardening (those who know me will tell you this is not something I am very good at, hence it doesn’t happen EVER)!





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She’s Not A Baby Anymore!

Boy, it’s been busy around here the last couple of days – birthday party, shopping sprees for school clothes & shoes, Costco trip (one of my absolute favorite things to do), mama feverishly running around looking for a cute backpack (so bummed that Hannah Anderson was all sold out, but found one at Gap Kids)…..whew!   I will say though that at this point my daughter has quite a fabulous wardrobe and I am completely jealous!   And the shoes, THE SHOES….sooo cute.  Ugh, I SO need a new fall/winter wardrobe (in order to spare the hubby a coronary, let’s keep that on the down-low). 
So the little peanut’s first day of school was today and it went great!   She had no problems whatsoever and happily leapt out of the car when the teacher came out to get her.  To my surprise though, I found myself getting a little choked up as were waiting in car line and totally shed a tear or two as I headed out.  It was all good though…I continued the normal morning routine of going to the gym.  It was weird being there by myself, but also strangely liberating at the same time.  This is definitely going to be a learning experience for both of us!





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Twinkletoes

So, my little peanut started dance class today and oh my – how CUTE are those tiny munchkins all hopping around in their ballet flats, tights (which inevitably bunch up around their feet no matter WHAT you do!), and leotards?!  Only bummer was that pretty much right after we got there the teachers asked all the mamas to take a hike since we’d be a distraction to our kiddos.  Makes sense…..except that most of us kinda wanted to watch from the sidelines at least on the first day, since the windows that look into the room from the little waiting area are almost completely blocked out (some of us spent most of the time squinting through little itty bitty openings and developing headaches behind our eye balls).   As a result, I hardly got any pictures since I had expected to take most of them during the actual class…all I was left with were a couple of pre-class poses and those I quickly snapped as we were all being ushered out (while all the kids were still SITTING).  Needless to say, they’re not the best pics.  Oh well, guess that’s the way the cookie crumbles.


 


And just for good measure, check out the glorious rainbow we saw tonight.  The other end was visible too…now if only we could have found that elusive pot of gold!





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Chocolate Makes The World Go Round

Here's my thought for the day:  anyone who tells you that parenting is easy as pie, nothin' to it, is lying out their you-know-what.  As most REAL parents know, life with a toddler can be challenging, to say the least.  Sometimes when you're in the thick of it - you know, let the screaming and whining commence - it's just so hard to figure out the right course of action to take.....do I let this pass or do I make a big deal out of it (and possibly over-react just a tad)?  It's amazing sometimes how quickly a fun, lovely moment can take a turn...1,2,3 and all of a sudden our afternoon at the pool is over and we're headed home, because mommy decided to make a freakin' big deal out of it!  So that was basically my afternoon...I'm thinking there might be a few mama's out there who can relate ;)

On a separate yet totally related note,  I need to point out at this time that I have a HUGE chocolate addiction and wholeheartedly believe from the depths of my soul that a deliciously delightful piece of heavenly chocolate can always make things better (which it did this afternoon)!  But not just any old chocolate confection, oh no......I'm talking European: German/Swiss/Austrian delights.  And since I'm more than happy to share my yummy knowledge , I'll go ahead list some of my favorites for all you chocolate freaks who only know the likes of Hershey's or Snickers (oh, the horror!)  Go ahead.....trust me.....you'll love it!


1. Milka Chocolate - Easily the one nearest & dearest to my heart, I grew up (in Germany) on this delectable and not too sweet Austrian slice of heaven.  It comes in a variety of flavors, although I can usually only find it in a select few.  Not many stores carry it, yet I was simply giddy with joy to find it at both Target and Wegman's.

2. Ritter Sport - This German chocolate is just as delightful and stocked in a wider variety of stores than Milka, including again both Target and Wegman's.  Various flavors are available.



3.Guylian - These Belgian lovelies are known for their sea shell shape and I absolutely adore the wonderful roasted hazelnut praline taste.  You can find them all over now, I've even seen them at Costco.




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