Owner: Mamabear and cubs. . . URL:http://mamabearandcubs.blogspot.com Join Date: Sat, 02 Feb 2008 20:07:55 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: A SAHM, a keyboard and a whole lotta hormones.
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Free Time Feels Weird 2008-03-06 21:29:44 I've gotten used to tracking all three girls at once. Note: I didn't say I was good at it, I'm just used to it. I'm used to not having a complete conversation with another adult when the girls are around. I'm used to potty breaks every 12 minutes.Recently, there have been a few times that I've been only with Anna, and Sarah and Ellen are doing something with John. But today was reallllllly weird. Hugs and kisses to Sarah and Ellen as they happily attended preschool (Yes, it was a hit for Ellen!). And there I was with Anna. I needed to get to the store for some things, so we headed for town.Anna kept me occupied with a diaper change and some milk munchin' for a little while, but then she just hung out in her wrap checkin' out the scene at Target. But I found myself totally off. I Read more:Feels
, Weird
Come home Daddy! 2008-03-06 09:56:33 Before John left he told the girls, "Don't grow up while I'm gone."They aren't listening. Ellen turned three the day after he left. We celebrated before his departure. But now that she's three she is eligible for preschool. And the class just happened to have a child move out, so there is an opening. Today will be Ellen's first day of preschool! I have the video camera charged, but sometimes she gets a little upset around the camera. So, we'll see. I know she's excited, but she doesn't always like to admit when she's happy. This could be a huge boost for Ellen. She has really been struggling to find her niche and groove. Sarah is bouncing off the walls. After three days of her being a crankcase, which is TOTALLY not her style, she has her first loose tooth. Wow! And I thought Read more:Daddy
I guess I'm a "no fun" mom 2008-03-05 22:32:06 There we are at the get together for Papa Ray. Tons of people, mostly old fogies, but a few kids other than mine. Family rules pertain no matter where we are or who we are with. No exceptions. The rules aren't mean. They are respectful and fair if you ask me. So, there are these two kids playing realllly rough. Pushing, screaming, not sharing. You name it, they were doing it. Ellen came up to me and says, "Mommy, the boy in the red shirt with the blue pants and brown hair is being mean and NOT playing nice." Hmmm she sounded like she was giving a description to the cops. It was cute, but I was ticked. I saw what the boy was doing. And it's not the boy that ticked me off. It was the adult watching him. I don't think it was his mom, maybe Grandma? Anyway, I said to her, "Gosh
Maybe I'm Weird 2008-03-05 11:06:50 I feel like I have so far to go in life. I got an email from Grandma Sue (Papa Ray's wife). She said this in part of her message, "I believe his body was exhausted and it was his time to let go and be at peace. Love you all. Sue"And I understand that. I think he was tired, too. But I feel totally selfish with my feelings. I'm sad that I don't get to see him again. I'm sad that I won't get one of his warm hugs as a greeting today when we go visit. I'm sad that there won't be a poker night with him cheating, someone calling him on it, and his denial/cover up. I'm going to think of him every time I eat apple or peach pie. And every time I see an Italian flag. Sue seems to be doing well. I'm happy for that. I know since his stroke a few years ago life was very challenging for them Read more:Maybe
, Weird
Full Moon 2008-03-04 22:58:02 I've been stumped on posting anything. It's been a weird week. The girls are out of sync. I think/hope John's absence is the culprit, and that after his return things will go back to normal. Sarah had two time outs at school (something that NEVER happens). Ellen has been sleeping for three hours, and she doesn't take naps.I've come back to edit this post three times. I can't seem to settle on what I'd like to write. Is there a full moon? Everything just seems off this week.
No title comes to mind 2008-03-02 22:57:26 Not two minutes after I wrote the last post my phone rang.Papa Ray is gone.And tonight I'm thinking of his wife. They were best friends. After over almost 50 years together they were both still so much in love. I can't imagine my life without John, and I know tonight is so difficult for her.And the thing that gets me is that I know some people will say things like, "It's for the best.. he's better off.. etc." You know what? I don't think it matters if someone is 4 or 104. Any life is precious. Each person matters. Maybe it's easier to accept if the person is old, and has lived a long full life. But it's still sad. It's still hard to say goodbye.But I'm going to finish on a happy memory. Papa Ray was the first customer at Sarah and Ellen's first lemonade stand.
Read more:comes
What a day... 2008-03-02 19:40:45 John is safe and sound basking in the glory of Mt. Fuji. After 21 hours of traveling he finally arrived at his hotel. Ellen woke up throughout the night calling out for him. I just climbed in bed with her. I miss him, too. His voice sounded tired when he called. And he just sounded so far away. Too far away. Then I got a call today that one of our previous neighbors, whom the girls call Papa Ray, had a massive heart attack today. He's had heart problems for many years, so this isn't a huge shock. He had a major stroke a few years ago, too. Sigh. Just hoping he can pull through. He is an awesome man. He makes THE BEST APPLE PIE ON EARTH. He is smart and funny and, well, he's just a good person in general. He's in the hospital, and I'm just hoping for the best. He's a prett
Well, that sucked 2008-03-01 11:38:55 John left this morning for Japan. Sarah was excited. Ellen was in denial. Anna was busy spitting up, and I cried. I'm going to miss him so much. And I hate when he has to fly, which has been less often lately, but an 11 hour flight, ugh. I'll have to really distract myself today to avoid worrying. I know he'll be okay, but I'm never settled until I know his flights are back on the ground.Sigh.....
The Ol' Ball & Chain 2008-02-29 22:22:54 I remember last month Sarah asked me, "How long have you loved Daddy?"First of all, I LOVE the fact that she didn't ask how long we were married. Not that I really have anything against marriage. I just believe more in MY relationship with John than I do a piece of paper from the State of Oregon saying I have a relationship. And we really haven't been married all that long, just six years. (Yes, Sarah is legit ~ I got pregnant with her two weeks after the wedding. Go ahead and calculate it if you want.)Okay, so I had to count back to "that moment" when I began stalking John. Yes, I stalked him. Stalking is totally underrated. ;)17 years. HA! If that didn't make me feel old! I was 17 when I met him.And then I started thinking about the years. I remember back when we first moved t Read more:Chain
Where has the time gone? 2008-02-29 17:48:48 Now that we are starting to get more into a groove with everyday life I've been trying to work more on BabyLossandHealing.com. My goal has been to update it with more information and find some ways to improve the site.A friend had a fantastic idea to create a memorial blog. A place where families can go and post a specific memorial to the baby they lost. Awesome. So, today I started tinkering with it, and I have to say that whenever I really dig in and work on BabyLossandHealing.com it makes me feel like I'm really doing something right in the world. And it makes me feel like there is some reason for the deep horrendous pain of losing Max.And tonight as I was sitting here working on it I have been digging through my blog to find posts that pertained specifically to losing Max. And it
Slurrrrp 2008-02-26 17:26:18 How did the oyster cross the road? He didn't. Oysters live in the ocean.Okay, okay. Now we know why I don't have a career in comedy. Here's some serious information from BeOysterAware.com about eating Gulf oysters:The consumption of raw oysters by healthy individuals will not result in severe Vibrio vulnificus infection(1).Serious illness and death can result when at-risk individuals consume raw oysters. The health conditions that place individuals in the at-risk consumer category include(1):• Liver Disease (from hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholism, or cancer)• Iron overload disease (hemochromatosis)• Diabetes• Cancer (including lymphoma, leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease)• Stomach Disorders• Or any illness or medical condition that weakens the body’s immune system*If you are in
Yikes! 2008-02-26 05:05:57 A friend told me this weekend that a friend of hers weaned her wee baby of four months from nighttime feeding. I did a double take. At four months? She just stopped feeding her babe at night? Indeed that was the case. WOW! It blew my mind. Personally I would feel major guilt issues of not providing enough nourishment for such a young lil' one.And, yet, the part of the conversation that really got me was when I asked why. My friend said the mother's reason was, "Well, we gotta get some sleep at SOME point." UGHHHH. Yes, sleep deprivation can take its toll. Yes, babies are a LOT of work. But, oh I don't know what words to say! It just made me feel sick in the pit of my stomach to think of a lil' baby crying from hunger and the parents putting their wants ahead of their child's ne
The Connection 2008-02-25 20:34:11 About a year ago a friend introduced me to the world of babywearing. At the time John and I were still trying to conceive our little Anna. At first I looked at babywearing as a great tool. A way to make life easier while shopping. Ellen was (and still is) small enough to have in a carrier, so I figured whether I got pregnant or not babywearing was still a great option.Well, fortunately I did get pregnant, and Anna is here to snuggle. I loved holding and snuggling with Sarah and Ellen when they were itty bittys, and even now I still smother them to the point of, "Moooooommmm stop it."But with Anna something is different. I don't know if it's the babywearing or the fact that after losing a baby I'm even more grateful to have her? Maybe it's recent reminders of how quickly those we lov
Slug Monday 2008-02-25 13:07:39 I used to dread Monday
s when I was working because the weekends were my relaxing time. Now it's the opposite. I love Mondays. It's the one day of the week that we usually don't have any plans or need to go anywhere. No school for Sarah. No major house renovating (because John is at work). Every Monday the girls and I have a contest to see who can stay in their PJs the longest. Lately Anna has been winning.Ahhh nothing like just stayin' home and being a slug. Maybe I'll get working on my napkins...gotta get the dust off that sewing machine. Maybe I'll just do puzzles and read books with the girls.
Pay it Forward 2008-02-23 09:11:44 Simple concept. Okay, so the big thing yesterday??I bought tickets for a wrap raffle. Not just any wrap. THE wrap I've been drooling over for months. THE wrap that I have wanted for Sarah to have for her children (if/when yadda yadda). THE wrap that isn't available in stores/online at the time. THE wrap that costs and arm and a leg.THE WRAP. A Didymos Silk Millefiori. Mmmmmm scrumptious, beautiful.I lost the raffle. Boo hoo. I was bummed, but kinda figured I wouldn't win. So, I went about my day.Then a few hours later I received a message from the raffle winner saying she would send me the wrap. That she had read how I wanted the wrap as a legacy wrap for Sarah, and that she already had one. Needless to say I was absolutely floored. It literally took me about an hour to get Read more:Forward
WRITER'S BLOCK IS OVER! 2008-02-22 16:15:59 We're having a busy day today, and I really don't have time to sit here pecking away at the keyboard, but something wonderful has happened. Someone has been more generous than I would ever expect. And it's someone I don't even know!I cannot believe it. I'm beside myself. I'm touched. It brought tears to my eyes and a big lump in my throat.I'll post details as soon as I get a chance. In the meantime I will be up on cloud nine. WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!
I got nothin' 2008-02-22 08:35:47 Sorry, y'all. Drawin' a blank today. Where's the coffee?
Welcome Back Cotter 2008-02-21 00:36:07 He left for work early Monday morning. Just got back tonight. I think I actually woke up last night missing his snore? The girls flipped when he walked through the door. The cat has been giving him the squawks. I got all teary when I got my hug. I'm such a sap. I'm glad he's home. He smells kinda funny and doesn't move very quick in the mornings. But I'd rather have him here than not.I'm not looking forward to his Japan trip. Ellen and I will have to brace for that one. Sarah will be excited just saying he's in Japan, and proceed to describe where Japan is, how to get there and the history of Japanese culture.
Read more:Welcome
, Welcome Back
Earning my Chocolate 2008-02-20 22:02:45 Okay, I've never been much of a shopper. Even before the girls were born. But shopping with children is no fun plus much more work than being at home.It started after dropping Sarah off at school. Anna fussed the entire way to the store (20 minutes). She needed a dry diaper and food asap. I decide to take care of the details in the car because public bathrooms gross me out (especially changing tables) and I'd have somewhere to sit with Ellen contained while Anna ate. Less than 20 seconds after Anna latched on Ellen says, "I need to go potty." Of course you do. Okay, off to the loo. Standing in line nursing Anna, Ellen is dancing and repeating, "Mommmmmmy I gotta gooooo." None of the three people in front of us offered their spot in line. RUDE if you ask me. Come on, the sweet Read more:Chocolate
, Earning
Top Ten Minus Five 2008-02-20 01:33:49 So, I'm in a mood. Let's see....top five things (other than people) my life would not be complete without:(Yes, only five because I'm tired and can't think of 10 without getting all sappy.)5. Alannah Miles,Black Velvet and Eurythmics, Sweet Dreams Best songs ever. John has teased me about these two songs since the day I met him. I stand my ground. They are possibly the two best songs ever written.4. Atlas Shrugged & The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand I never did finish reading The Fountainhead. I love it so much I never wanted it to end.3. Ben & Jerry's Pistachio Pistachio2. Sunrise & coffee1. Mac OS X
Read more:Minus
, Top Ten
Double Take 2008-02-19 14:52:49 Look who's driving.
What they said today.... 2008-02-18 20:20:29 Sarah~Mommy, I just measured myself with my fingers and I'm 14 feet tall!Ellen, I can't come right now! I'm going poop. And potty. ..pause.. And gas.Charlie bit me. Mommy, look! We're making grass angels!!Ellen~Is it my birthday today? (She's asked me this every day since Sarah's birthday in early January.)Mommy, I'm going to be a trophier when I grow up. I will be the one that hands out trophys!!Mommy, I'm going to be a firefighter and a craner (aka crane operator) and a cowgirl when I grow up.Mommy, when will Daddy be home? (repeat 18 times)Sarah, I have a great idea! How about we play follow the leader? I'm the leader.Anna~Got Milk? (repeat 18 times)
Happy Birthday, Mom 2008-02-18 11:41:22 Today my mom turns 60. So, as my daughterly duty I called to express my happy birthday wishes. I didn't expect to get emotional about it. I mean, I just spent six weeks living with her, and although we get along we definitely have different modes of communication.Anyway, she joked saying, "Now I'm old!" "No, you're not, Mom. You've got another 25 in ya..." But then my mind started thinking...only 25, and who's to say really how long we all get to stick around on this ol' rock. I told my mom I loved her. I usually do when I'm getting off the phone with her, but this time I think she could hear the tears in my voice. She knew I really meant it and felt it. And although we may conflict in our conversations, I know that she is always there for me when I need her. I know I can call h Read more:Birthday
, Happy
, Happy Birthday
Hey! Easy on the Fluffy! 2008-02-16 23:10:00 Okay, so I scoured the Internet this week and spent our hard earned pennies (i.e. our tax return) on a couple wraps. Okay three, but I sold some of the carriers I already had. So, I'm still in control of this newfound addiction. Sort of...our bank account is helping keep my addiction in check. Anyway, I want to invest in one wrap for each of the girls that we will save for when/if they have kiddos. Sometimes when I get going on something it's hard for me to stop until the task is complete. 80% is not my thing. All or nothing is more my style. Anyway, long story short I "settled" for the Stone Millefiori Didymos for Sarah. I say settled because what I reallllllly want is the Silk Millefiori, but fat chance that will happen. And I found the Stone Mille at a good price.Today it arri Read more:Fluffy
Life is happening. Sweet Pickles taste good. 2008-03-12 05:32:31 I've been at a loss for years trying to think of what to do for employment once our girls are in school. Ideally my job would give me flexible hours, be fun and be something I actually have a tiny bit of interest in.Nothing has really sparked my interest and fit into those criteria...until now. I'm finding that wherever I go, if I have one of the girls in a wrap or carrier I get asked by at least one person, "Where did you get that??" I excitedly explain my new found love for baby wearing, all the benefits and where I found my stash.Okay, I'm just going to cut to the chase. After a LOT of thought, quite a bit of Googling and a few phone calls I am now the OWNER, yes that's right! Owner of my own business, SweetPickles
.Sweet Pickles will be a company focused on providing the highest Read more:taste
Spread the love ~ It's a Babywearing Day! 2008-03-09 18:14:55 First things first. John is home! Wahoo! The girls and I got up this morning at 5am, which felt like 4am because of Daylight Savings, hopped in the car and went to the airport to surprise Daddy! He never expected it, was totally surprised, and I cried. I'm really turning into a sap in my older days. I seem to cry at everything!Okay, so here's the part I love. He had a co-worker with him at training. The co-worker brought his wife, a native Japanese, and their three year old son. GET THIS. John was so grateful for all their help during the trip he wanted to get them something nice as a gift. HIS idea was to get a wrap or Mei Tai! He said he felt so sorry for them having to carry their son everywhere, and he told them all about my obsession...er I mean, well, yes, I guess it is a Read more:Spread
Rite of Passage 2008-03-13 22:25:51 Sarah lost her first tooth. She has been giddy all week. And today I think she managed to mess with it enough to get it extra wiggly. By the time she was brushing her teeth for bed it didn't stand a chance.The tooth fairy is on her way! We didn't want to end up in a money pit, so we told the girls that when someone loses a tooth they (and their siblings) get a new toothbrush under their pillow. And I'm so proud of myself. I didn't cry. Although secretly I'm so glad I was there the moment it happened. I would have been kind of bummed if it had fallen out while she was at school.My little baby. Growing up WAY too fast. I remember the day that tooth came in!
Wowie Kazowie 2008-03-16 18:23:36 Okay, it's been a crazy week. Ellen and Anna have been sick. Sarah is bouncing off the walls out of excitement about her tooth. Oh, and I STARTED MY OWN BUSINESS!?!?! I'm totally excited, a little freaked out, but mostly in disbelief that I'm doing this.But it feels SO right. I've been in touch with vendors, and I'm having great response. I'm getting ready to make my first set of orders, and get the store up and running. Hopefully within a few weeks I'll have a nice inventory, the web site will be very presentable and the baby wearing love can spread!Yikes! Wahoo!
Top Three 2008-03-18 01:28:26 I've never actually counted, but I'm pretty sure in any given day the girls collectively ask approximately 834,275 questions. I could be quoted to saying I've run out of answers. Not that any of my answers are ever right. But on some days I don't have any, period.Today, these three questions made the top of the list in my memory bank:Sarah: "What if life worked like this? We get old then we become babies." (insert 10 minute conversation about how that would not really be as cool as it sounds because we'd end up completely unable to really do much other than be irresistibly cute, which isn't that bad, but I want to know how to read and run and jump and play.Ellen: "Mommy? Why do our....Mommy...what do our.....Mommy? My eyes go up and down fast." It's called blinking, Ellen. Read more:Three
, Top Three
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