My daughter is crazy. A tiny, little lunatic. Some of the things she does make me either laugh hysterically, or stare at her with a genuine puzzled look of concern.
And now it's time for...
Addy's Hobby of the Week!
Step #1: Look at hand.
Step #2: Shove hand in mouth so far that gag reflex is triggered.
Step #3: Once gag reflex is triggered, pull hand out of mouth.
Step #4: Laugh like a maniac.
Step #5: Repeat
Saturday, November 23, 2013
It's been a long time...
The last couple months have flown by...maybe I'll make it my New Year's resolution to keep this blog more up-to-date.
Sooo, quick confession: I am not as good at being a stay-at-home mom as I thought I would be. After two months of it, I was starting to go a little crazy. Don't get me wrong, I love my kid...more than anything...but 24/7 was just getting to me a little bit.
I think that going from full time work and daycare to full time mommy-daughter time was a bit rough on both of us. Just as I was used to being around other adults all day (and participating in actual two-sided conversations), Addy was used to being around other kids all day (and having different toys and activities to keep her busy and stimulated). So, we decided to do something for each of our best interests. We put her in daycare two days a week.
Since Ad has started her part time daycare...there has been a huge difference. We are both less whiny, and I think it's fair to say that we are both much happier. While she's gone, I have been cleaning and cooking up a storm. I have actually started making things that are on my Pinterest food boards. I can run to the grocery store, and if there's no parking when I get back, it's not a big deal. I can handle a few blocks with the bags of groceries as long as I don't have to juggle Addy along with them. I've been able to spend daycare time doing all the chores that were making my days with her less fun. Now our time together is more quality time. It's been really nice.
Many people have seemed surprised when they hear that we've made this change. Wait...you don't work, yet your daughter goes to daycare?! A couple people have even commented on how much it must cost...especially if they know how tight we are with money. Here's the deal. I think we have become almost-experts on weighing the pros and cons that every possible financial decision could bring. When we sat down to figure out how much the daycare would cost, and realized it's basically the same as what most people "need" to pay in cable TV and smartphone costs, it was a no-brainer. My sanity is worth the cost.
Sooo, quick confession: I am not as good at being a stay-at-home mom as I thought I would be. After two months of it, I was starting to go a little crazy. Don't get me wrong, I love my kid...more than anything...but 24/7 was just getting to me a little bit.
I think that going from full time work and daycare to full time mommy-daughter time was a bit rough on both of us. Just as I was used to being around other adults all day (and participating in actual two-sided conversations), Addy was used to being around other kids all day (and having different toys and activities to keep her busy and stimulated). So, we decided to do something for each of our best interests. We put her in daycare two days a week.
Since Ad has started her part time daycare...there has been a huge difference. We are both less whiny, and I think it's fair to say that we are both much happier. While she's gone, I have been cleaning and cooking up a storm. I have actually started making things that are on my Pinterest food boards. I can run to the grocery store, and if there's no parking when I get back, it's not a big deal. I can handle a few blocks with the bags of groceries as long as I don't have to juggle Addy along with them. I've been able to spend daycare time doing all the chores that were making my days with her less fun. Now our time together is more quality time. It's been really nice.
Many people have seemed surprised when they hear that we've made this change. Wait...you don't work, yet your daughter goes to daycare?! A couple people have even commented on how much it must cost...especially if they know how tight we are with money. Here's the deal. I think we have become almost-experts on weighing the pros and cons that every possible financial decision could bring. When we sat down to figure out how much the daycare would cost, and realized it's basically the same as what most people "need" to pay in cable TV and smartphone costs, it was a no-brainer. My sanity is worth the cost.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Yum.
Addy is kind of a savage beast. The tiniest, cutest, savage beast you can imagine...but still.
She eats an insane amount of food. The other day, AFTER a full meal, I gave her an ear of corn. I just wanted to see if she'd nibble on it or play with it. Not only did she eat all the corn, and suck all the juice out of the cob, but she bawled for 5 minutes straight when I took it away...presumably because she thought she could also eat the cob and thus I was stealing the rest of her meal.
If she sees a tomato as big as her head sitting on the counter, she will demand that it be placed in front of her. She will then slowly, yet forcefully, devour the entire thing. The result is quite grotesque...even considering her cuteness. Cucumbers, peppers, anything...produce beware.
Example:
After eating lunch, Addy spots a tomato (huge) on the counter.
Before...
...and after. She actually ate about 2/3 of it.
Note the bib. You can't tell from the picture just how completely soaked with tomato guts it is.
...and she's ready for another victim.
She eats an insane amount of food. The other day, AFTER a full meal, I gave her an ear of corn. I just wanted to see if she'd nibble on it or play with it. Not only did she eat all the corn, and suck all the juice out of the cob, but she bawled for 5 minutes straight when I took it away...presumably because she thought she could also eat the cob and thus I was stealing the rest of her meal.
If she sees a tomato as big as her head sitting on the counter, she will demand that it be placed in front of her. She will then slowly, yet forcefully, devour the entire thing. The result is quite grotesque...even considering her cuteness. Cucumbers, peppers, anything...produce beware.
Example:
After eating lunch, Addy spots a tomato (huge) on the counter.
Before...
...and after. She actually ate about 2/3 of it.
Note the bib. You can't tell from the picture just how completely soaked with tomato guts it is.
...and she's ready for another victim.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Overdue.
I know, I know...I'm REALLY late with an update.
It's fun to write fun little notes once in a while...but when you have a blog, people say things like:
- you haven't posted in a while.
- when are you going to post next?
- why did you start something like this if you're so bad at it? Ok, that one was just me.
Ahem.
Here we go.
We've all been incredibly busy since we moved in. The school has been pretty awesome about facilitating events for us newbies (Allegheny hired 26 new faculty this year - insane!). We've met a lot of people, and still have one more party to look forward to this week.
Our neighbors are cool. On one side is a three unit house, they are all around our age and work at the school. On the other side is a house with one family that has a couple dogs. The presence of dogs in the neighborhood has proved very, very exciting to Addy.
TIM
Starting his third week of classes. Everything's going really well so far. That is all he can think of to say.
DREA
I'm taking one class at the college, just for fun. Tap! Unfortunately, I can't just do the fun parts and I am actually going to be writing a couple papers and taking quizzes and tests...sick. I hate school. The local theater is having Les Mis auditions at the end of September, so I'm also thinking about trying out for that. We'll see if I chicken out. Other than that, it's just been fun hanging out with the Adster.
ADDY
Days start around 7am lately. After playing all morning and her first nap around 9, she goes for a walk with mom around the college. They visit the playground, the alligator statue at the campus center, the fish in the biology building, and stop and talk to almost every flower and large plant they pass. After lunch and afternoon nap, Addy and Mom either go to the grocery store or play upstairs in the loft. Sometimes, if she's really lucky, Addy will either get to watch 15-20 minutes of Toy Story, or some fun Sesame Street clips on YouTube.
We leave you with our current favorite: Bruno Mars on Sesame Street
It's fun to write fun little notes once in a while...but when you have a blog, people say things like:
- you haven't posted in a while.
- when are you going to post next?
- why did you start something like this if you're so bad at it? Ok, that one was just me.
Ahem.
Here we go.
We've all been incredibly busy since we moved in. The school has been pretty awesome about facilitating events for us newbies (Allegheny hired 26 new faculty this year - insane!). We've met a lot of people, and still have one more party to look forward to this week.
Our neighbors are cool. On one side is a three unit house, they are all around our age and work at the school. On the other side is a house with one family that has a couple dogs. The presence of dogs in the neighborhood has proved very, very exciting to Addy.
TIM
Starting his third week of classes. Everything's going really well so far. That is all he can think of to say.
DREA
I'm taking one class at the college, just for fun. Tap! Unfortunately, I can't just do the fun parts and I am actually going to be writing a couple papers and taking quizzes and tests...sick. I hate school. The local theater is having Les Mis auditions at the end of September, so I'm also thinking about trying out for that. We'll see if I chicken out. Other than that, it's just been fun hanging out with the Adster.
ADDY
Days start around 7am lately. After playing all morning and her first nap around 9, she goes for a walk with mom around the college. They visit the playground, the alligator statue at the campus center, the fish in the biology building, and stop and talk to almost every flower and large plant they pass. After lunch and afternoon nap, Addy and Mom either go to the grocery store or play upstairs in the loft. Sometimes, if she's really lucky, Addy will either get to watch 15-20 minutes of Toy Story, or some fun Sesame Street clips on YouTube.
We leave you with our current favorite: Bruno Mars on Sesame Street
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Transition
As of June 8th, 2013, you can call me Susie-Homemaker.
I'm terrified and excited simultaneously. Ok, maybe not terrified. Nervous. Definitely nervous.
I have worked since I was fourteen. Technically, only during the summers until I turned sixteen, but I say it still counts. Work, work, work.
The truth is, I'm great at working. I like it. I like hustling around, getting things done...and if I get to boss people around in the meantime, that's just a bonus.
Of course, being a stay-at-home mom is also work. I know that I'll still be busy, just in a different way.
We'll see what happens. I'll still have one little someone to boss around, so that will probably help.
I'm terrified and excited simultaneously. Ok, maybe not terrified. Nervous. Definitely nervous.
I have worked since I was fourteen. Technically, only during the summers until I turned sixteen, but I say it still counts. Work, work, work.
The truth is, I'm great at working. I like it. I like hustling around, getting things done...and if I get to boss people around in the meantime, that's just a bonus.
Of course, being a stay-at-home mom is also work. I know that I'll still be busy, just in a different way.
We'll see what happens. I'll still have one little someone to boss around, so that will probably help.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
Away We Go
Tim has received and accepted an offer from Allegheny College! We leave in early August to start a new chapter of our lives in Meadville, PA. He is so excited to graduate from 27th grade, and to have the chance to do what he loves full time. I could not be more proud of him.
With this great news comes a twist of sadness...
With this great news comes a twist of sadness...
I have called many places "home" over the years, but Lansing might just be the hardest one to say goodbye to. Here are some reasons why:
1. People
We have met some of the best people during our stay in Lansing. People I hope to never, ever lose contact with. You all know who you are, and I love you. Not an "I love you, maaaan" love you...really, truly, care about you with my whole heart, love you. I cannot express how much your friendships have meant to me during this chapter in our lives. You have welcomed us, in spite of my crazy (maybe even because of it?), and made this time truly awesome. Ok, enough of that. I'm an ugly crier.
2. MSU
The busy and diverse community that comes with living by a LARGE college campus will be sorely missed. I love East Lansing, and I loved the three years we spent living there. I'm sure Allegheny resides in a great town as well, but something tells me that the general atmosphere will have a little less hustle to it.
3. ICS
I've had the good fortune to work at this marketing firm for close to 5 years now. I have grown so much here, both in taking on a leadership role and my business savvy in general. Many thanks to the company leaders for entrusting me with responsibilities that allowed me to rise to the challenge time and time again. I have made some great friends here, and have appreciated this place more than I can say.
More details to come.
...
In other news, Addy is now 7 months old and has 8 teeth. She yells alot, likes sweet potatoes and bananas, and was just voted 'Cutest Baby of All Time'...by me.
1. People
We have met some of the best people during our stay in Lansing. People I hope to never, ever lose contact with. You all know who you are, and I love you. Not an "I love you, maaaan" love you...really, truly, care about you with my whole heart, love you. I cannot express how much your friendships have meant to me during this chapter in our lives. You have welcomed us, in spite of my crazy (maybe even because of it?), and made this time truly awesome. Ok, enough of that. I'm an ugly crier.
2. MSU
The busy and diverse community that comes with living by a LARGE college campus will be sorely missed. I love East Lansing, and I loved the three years we spent living there. I'm sure Allegheny resides in a great town as well, but something tells me that the general atmosphere will have a little less hustle to it.
3. ICS
I've had the good fortune to work at this marketing firm for close to 5 years now. I have grown so much here, both in taking on a leadership role and my business savvy in general. Many thanks to the company leaders for entrusting me with responsibilities that allowed me to rise to the challenge time and time again. I have made some great friends here, and have appreciated this place more than I can say.
More details to come.
...
In other news, Addy is now 7 months old and has 8 teeth. She yells alot, likes sweet potatoes and bananas, and was just voted 'Cutest Baby of All Time'...by me.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Time flies when you're having fun.
The past couple months have been a whirlwind. We made it through our first holiday season with baby in tow. It was exhausting, and it was fun. It tooks Ads a week to recover. 2013 will undoubtedly bring a new set of challenges and triumphs for us to speed through.
Addy and I have a resolution, which is to eat less sugar. Notice my crafty, vague phrasing. Less sugar than whom? Seriously though, we're going to make a conscious effort. If you are familiar with the loving relationship I have with candy, you can surely agree that it's a necessary step...if for no other reason than Addy NOT having a junkfood complex like her mother.
Tim recently returned from California, where he had a whopping 10 job interviews in just two days at the Econ job market conference. He's feeling good about how they went...so now, we wait. Wait for 2nd interviews, flyouts, job offers. We'll go where the wind takes us, but we are really hoping it doesn't blow us too far. Grand Rapids has a nice ring to it (come on, GVSU!).
Addy is now 4 months and 4 days old. She has 2 teeth, can roll over from her stomach to her back, and enjoys speaking in her self-created language (composed primarily of the word "gggguh", which means Mom).
Addy and I have a resolution, which is to eat less sugar. Notice my crafty, vague phrasing. Less sugar than whom? Seriously though, we're going to make a conscious effort. If you are familiar with the loving relationship I have with candy, you can surely agree that it's a necessary step...if for no other reason than Addy NOT having a junkfood complex like her mother.
Tim recently returned from California, where he had a whopping 10 job interviews in just two days at the Econ job market conference. He's feeling good about how they went...so now, we wait. Wait for 2nd interviews, flyouts, job offers. We'll go where the wind takes us, but we are really hoping it doesn't blow us too far. Grand Rapids has a nice ring to it (come on, GVSU!).
Addy is now 4 months and 4 days old. She has 2 teeth, can roll over from her stomach to her back, and enjoys speaking in her self-created language (composed primarily of the word "gggguh", which means Mom).
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