Happy F***ing New Year

Okay, okay...I know I should have a better attitude.  See below for resolutions...  But one comment yesterday just sent me into a state of being super mad.  And super hurt.

I had a great day yesterday.  I took a day off...completely.  My office was closed for the holiday, but I decided to send Neva to daycare so that I could have a much needed, and in my opinion much deserved, day off.  I laid on the couch and drank my coffee, watched some crappy TV, drank wine at lunch and did some shopping.  All in all, it was a great day. 

I wanted to get some exercise, so decided to walk to Rebecca's to pick Neva up for the day.  I was walking with a friend and saw an old co-worker across the street.  We waved and said hello...no biggie.  I saw her again after picking up Neva and this is where things went south.  She came over and put her hand on my stomach and said, "It looks like it, so I just have to ask.  Are you pregnant again?"  I mustered up all the strength I add to not cry and laugh it off, explaining that I'm just carrying a little extra weight, I guess.  She laughed and told me it must just be my coat, which is not puffy or padded or anything.  She carried on, while my mind was spinning.  Do I look pregnant?  Is this what people think of me?  How are these few extra pounds that I'm carrying making me look like I may be pregnant?  Her final response being, "I knew you wouldn't get mad, so I thought I'd ask you."  Who doesn't get mad about a comment like that? 

Why is this a comment that's okay to say to people?  I really don't think this is a comment that should be said aloud, unless you are actually watching a woman give birth.  It's hurtful and stupid and can completely kill a woman's self confidence.

Such a crappy ending to such a great day.  I hope the rest of 2012 is better than the first day.

Christmas

Ah, Christmas. 

This year was tons of fun!  It's been so fun to watch Neva get into this holiday season.  She loves to point out all the lights we see.  She was a little hesitant of Santa after a Homer Santa interaction, but now loves to say "ho ho ho" or "oh oh oh" every time she sees a Santa.  She enjoyed her presents and had to play with or try on every single gift she opened.  Hilarious!

I, on the other hand, had a little bit more difficult of a time getting in to the holiday spirit.  Don't get me wrong, I was beyond elated to have 2 days (in a row!) at home with my little family, but I sure do miss all the family get-togethers back in Kansas.  I've been able to talk to my families during their get-togethers and have done some skype-ing as well, but it's just not the same.  And I miss Kansas most during this time of the year, every year.

And now we're back at work and I find myself in the post-holiday funk.  I would love to figure out a way out of it, but...will probably just pout for a few more days.  Everyone who gets to spend holidays with their extended families complains about the stress of being around so many people...but it sure can feel lonely to be at home, just the 3 of you.  You know?  A super fun-filled day can often be followed with an empty feeling at the end of the day.

But...at the same token, I'm truly blessed.  Being able to spend the holidays with Eric and Neva is amazing.  Much better than the Ski Co days when Eric was at work and I was often home alone!  And Neva?  She's a trip!  The 3 of us, sure had some fun over the past few days together!  They make my heart happy, even when I'm feeling a little sad.

And now the new year is quickly approaching....I don't know why time is moving at warp speed!  I have a few resolutions that I'm going to be working on this year and figured I might as well write them down here, so that I have to be somewhat accountable for them.

1.  Build confidence - I'm not exactly sure how to do this, but I'd like to give it a whirl.  Figure it has something to do with eating right and exercising, but also about being nice to yourself.  Not being so hard on yourself.  So, these are the things I'm going to be working on.

2.  Save some dough - I'm not very good at this, but this is something I need to work on.  That little girl??  She's not cheap.  And I imagine she'll only get to be more expensive so we need to start saving for things like cars, college, weddings, grandbabies, etc. 

3.  Be content - Again, something I need practice at.  During this time of year, it's especially difficult to not find myself being envious of what other's have or wanting more.  What I really want, is to be happy with what life has given me. 

That's my list...at least for now.  Happy end of the year everyone...wishing you all the best in 2012!!

Boobies!

Neva's new word this week....BOOBIES!  She knows that she has them, but not anyone else...and I'd like to keep it that way!  I'm sure this isn't the most appropriate thing for a 15 month old to be saying, but it sure makes me giggle!  I know, I know, we need to start watching what we say around her.  But I just can't help it! 

She's picking up all kinds of new things recently...she loves to lie on her belly and color.

She will shake hands when she meets new people and we say, "Nice to meet you". 

She LOVES to hug our pets.  Specifically Bella and will take her to the ground, but she also likes to hug Risa.  Otis on the other hand, I'm not sure that she knows that he lives at our house.  And since this is for Neva...I thought I'd put up some pics of our beloved pets, so that she'll always remember them!

Bella...showing us just how important she is by sleeping in our bed

Risa all snuggled up on a Boppy

The one, the only...Otis

A new baby started at her daycare and she likes to 'help' with her.  She'll bring her toys that she can't reach, go to her when she cries...quite the little mama hen we have on her hands.  She likes to do the same things at home, with her baby dolls.  She feeds them and helps them go "night night".   It is so amazing to watch her take care of babies.  Really...already?  Where does she come up with this stuff???

Thanksgiving

First of all, I'm a big slacker.  So much for my weekly blog update...guess life just gets in the way. 

Second, it being Thanksgiving and all, I thought I would take a moment to talk about the things that I am thankful for.

1.  Neva.  You are the most amazing addition to our family.  You make us giggle on a daily basis.  I want to spend all of my free time with you, as well as every other minute of my day.  You make us realize what life is truly about and the meaning of unconditional love.  You have only been with us for one short year, but I could not imagine our life without you in it.

2.  Eric.  You are the BEST husband a girl could ever wish for.  You take care of so much stuff around the house, which I never give you enough credit for.  We are a great team.  I am thankful for you everyday, but especially this time of year.  Being away from family during the holidays is hard, but having you to share these days with makes it a little easier.  I am so grateful to have you to share this journey with.  And so thankful that we made such a kick ass kid.

3.  Family.  I love all of my family dearly.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful support system, even if we live nearly 1000 miles apart.  I can call any of them and they will be there in an instant.  I can call them with anything and they are always there to listen and support me...no matter how crazy I may sound.

4.  Work.  Now don't get me wrong, I don't love my job everyday.  But I am grateful that I, at least, have a job.  And the best part, is that I have amazing co-workers.  They'll let me cry or complain or act like a complete idiot.  For that, I am thankful.  I also enjoy that I have a job that allows me to be part of a team that improves lives for others.  It's nice to have a job that makes you feel good...and where you get to see super cute kids all the time. 

Thanks to all of YOU for being a part of my life. 

Babysitter

I'm a bit embarrassed about how long it's been since I've written anything.  What can I say?  Life has been CRAZY lately.  Excuses, excuses....

We did meet a huge milestone this weekend.  We left Neva with a sitter for THE VERY FIRST TIME!  Well, other than the 4 days each week she's at daycare...this was the first time we've gone out and left her home with a babysitter.  Luckily, we have found an extremely responsible 17 year old gal to watch our precious one.  And, I must admit, it went splendidly!  I was extremely anxious for about the first hour we were out, but my anxiety lowered and we were able to have a nice evening out.  Several beers didn't hurt, either.  And Neva loved her!  She was telling us 'bye-bye' before we were even ready to leave!  Guess you can't ask for much more than that!  And...we came home to a clean house!  Dishes done and put away, toys picked up, baby sleeping soundly...  All in all, it was a good night!  We'll have to do it again!

Photos

Lately, I've been feeling like I'm just rambling about things on here.  So I thought I would change it up today and post some pictures!  Just a few that are on my phone...but photos none-the-less.

Sporting a cute outfit from Mo-Mo, carrying both drinks...and WALKING!

Eating a little breakfast!

Again...the eating.  But check those big brown eyes!

Trying to buckle herself into her chair!

Snoozin' away on the way home from Kansas!

Chatterbox!

Much to everyone's surprise, I'm sure, this little lady is quite the chatterbox!  I say it's surprising because Eric and I are both so quiet and soft-spoken!  Ha!! 

She has quite the vocabulary going and says the following:
Bella (our cat and a friend at daycare)
Dog
Mama
Dada
Uh oh
Wow (this is relatively new and quite funny!)
Eyes

She also really likes to make animal sounds and can do all of these:
Monkey
Elephant
Pig
Lion
Bunny (she wiggles her nose and breathes loudly at the same time...hilarious!)

She is trying to learn to whistle and thinks it is beyond funny when Eric and I do it!  She is also a pro at giving kisses and will pucker up and lean in for a kiss.  She is also into giving hugs, which just slays me!  She is quite the affectionate little lady!

We were able to go back to Kansas for my cousin's wedding over the weekend and learned that she is also quite the party animal!  She loved the lights from the DJ booth and the loud music!  Once the music started, she could not sit still.  She was dragging anyone she could get ahold of all over the dance floor.  And when people would sing along to the music, she would chime in as well.  Too funny, this one, too funny!

I love you, Neva!