Lesson #116 - Quiet Time Is...Quiet

I can't even describe what it is like to not have The Babe at home. Don't get me wrong - I love her with all my being...but having some quiet time is...so...quiet!! I have been able to clean the house up a bit, look for jobs without having to feed anyone but myself and just relax. Writing blog posts has gotten away from me a bit - but with these few alone days, I can definitely catch up!!

The Babe is coming home in a few days. My parents would keep her longer, but they are going out of town for their 38th wedding anniversary - can you believe it?!?! I mean, a year feels like 10 already...but I can't even begin to imagine what 38 will feel like when we finally get there!!

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to readjust to having The Babe back at home...but what I DO know is that I will never take advantage of quiet time again!! It really gives me a chance to wind down - enjoy hubs - clean the casa - catch up on laundry...you know, all those fun tasks that get put off during the week!!

At least I know she is having fun though:

{Wordless Wednesday - 19 Weeks}

The Wee One at 19 weeks!!

Baby Love!!!

Lesson #115 - Date Night Is Necessary

I can't tell you how long it has been since The Man and I have been on a date...and that just won't fly with me!!

Planning a date night with The Babe around is more work than I'd like to share. I mean, we don't have an extensive list of people who will babysit for free...because money is kinda tight around these parts for right now. Having The Babe with us on date night is definitely a no-go!! I called my parents and they were more than willing to enjoy some time with their granddaughter for a few days. Item #1 - Babysitter...check!!

The next item on the list is our casa...it is a bit of a mess these days. The Babe's toys are everywhere and on Saturday I am having some of my old furniture delivered - the current tenants have their own amenities they want to use instead. A dirty home just doesn't scream romantic - no?? Thankfully I am from the event world and know quite a few people...and some even owe me favors. I was able to get one night at a hotel close to our casa...not the Ritz - but it is nice!! Item #2 - Romantic atmosphere...check!!

I can't wait, friends...just a few more days until The Babe is with grandparents...and The Man and I can finally enjoy a date night!! He doesn't know about the hotel room yet - hopefully he likes it!!

{Monday Minute - What-If Edition}

The co-host from 7/26 was Kmama.  Again, sorry for being so behind...baby brain is getting to me!

- Who is your "what-if" person? (What-if person being what if I married this person or am now in a relationship with "this" person)
I only have one what-if person...his name is John. I went to college with him and we frequently partied together - both being involved in Greek life on campus. We never really got the chance to act on anything in college since we were both in relationships, but we always had feelings for each other. After graduating, I stayed in the area and he moved to NYC to become a daytime soap star. I got married and he ended up splitting with his long-time girlfriend. I've seen him a few times since then - and we've played the what-if game...but marriage isn't his thing, really and I wanted a family. He is now living in California to act and I'm happy for him!!

- What is your nickname?
Alas, I'm not cool enough for a nickname :( It makes me a little sad...but only a little!

- If you could choose how you died, how would you like to die?
I've always said I wanted to be shot in the back by an angry husband...not my angry husband...the angry husband of some hot trophy wife. If I have to explain it...well, then it just isn't worth it. Enjoy that visual ;)

- If you could have named yourself, which name would you have picked?
I really like my name, so I don't think I would have changed it. I am having fun naming the kiddos, though...because you have to have fun with something as an adult!!

- Who were you named after or for what reason did your parents choose your name?
I was named after both of my grandmothers. My first name is after my father's mother - and my middle name is after my mother's mother. Sometimes I wish they would have gotten a little more creative...but I am making up for it with my kids' names!!

Lesson #114 - Doctors Should Be Politicians

The Babe had an appointment with her specialist today and for once we were early! Usually we are either on time or a little bit late because, well, getting out of the house with a baby and a husband can be a little stressful!! Any-who...our appointment was scheduled for 11:20a - and we got there at 11:00a...WAY earlier than we're used to!!

So, we signed in and sat in the waiting room. The Babe crawled around and played with the other kids for a little while...11:20a came and went. We finally got into our exam room by 11:25a and a nurse came in to get her vitals. Thankfully she has gained a whole pound and is now a whopping 15 lbs, 14 oz...HORRAY!!!

The nurse says the doctor will "be right in" and usually she is - about 5 minutes later...except for this time!! As The Man and I are sitting in the room - with The Babe, of course - I come across a notice taped to the wall regarding a new appointment policy. In order to save you from the boring parts, let me just say that it said something to the effect of - if you miss your appointment without giving notice, then you owe us a $50 missed appointment fee.

I love how these people seem to think that their time is more important than a patient's time. Okay, so they DID go to medical school and all, but give me a break!! The reason I schedule my appointment when I do is because I have other things going on...like The Man having to leave for work or The Babe needing to take her nap!! If I am late, I accept my punishment...but we were 20 minutes EARLY for crying out loud!! I should get paid $50 from the people who pushed my appointment back thanks to their being inconsiderate!! I truly believe many more people would be on time if they knew being late would cost $50 to someone else.

Don't worry, though...we made the most of our time!! Pictured below is The Babe as Wonder Woman...complete with a cape, head-dress and a sword of truth instead of a lasso of truth...lassos are hard to fabricate out of that table paper:

{Wordless Wednesday - BIRTHDAY PARTY!}

I know you all have been holding your breath for these pictures...well, the wait is over!!! The Babe's first bday party was a HUGE success...

There was plenty of food to go around (which is always a concern of mine):

My very first cake endeavor came out smashing (all things considered):

The Babe looked FAB in her ladybug costume:

AND one of her favorite gifts was the police car my parents got her:

Yeah...I'd say it was a great party!!!

Lesson #113 - Think Outside The Book

My parents bought this book as one of The Babe's birthday gifts...and I really love it!! Not because the cover has glitter or because the spider doesn't look scary - even though both are great book qualities...no, this book really does teach a lesson.

Now, hopefully we all know the story of our spider friend who was in peril. Try as he may, the poor spider just couldn't climb up the water spout to get to his home. Why, you ask?? Well, my friends, as the story goes - there was a rain shower of sorts which made it difficult for the spider to climb on the inside of the spout.

If you're like me then you've heard the rhyme MANY more times than you'd like to count...but this book adds a lesson on the end. The next rain shower that comes around doesn't bother the spider at all...because he has now figured out that he can walk on the OUTSIDE of the spout instead of trying to go through the inside - GENIUS!!!

So, the next time a rain storm has you slipping on your bum...just think outside the box!!

{Monday Minute - Stiletto Style}

Michelle from http://www.mommylovesstilettos.com/ was the host from July 19th - I know, I know...WAY behind on my part...but things have been a WEE bit nuts - that and I screwed up all my posting dates and set them for a month ahead instead of the current month :( Oh well!!

- What's your real name?
Janessa :) I like my name!!

- Have you ever fabricated a story or anything on your blog? 
Nope...all of my stories come from real life experiences...exciting, huh??

- When in the car do you listen to the radio/CDs/iPod/etc?
I listen to the radio mostly...gotta love a good country station!!

- Describe the 'sexiest' item of clothing that you own
The sexiest piece that I own is a baby blue color - I got it when I was in Italy. The top and boy cut shorts are made entirely of lace and are actually quite comfy. The top goes from neck to waist and doesn't have sleeves. It is a little difficult getting on and off...so I usually keep it on :) Add a pair of baby blue or white thigh highs and outfit is complete!!

- Would you be willing to breastfeed your friend's three year old child?
Yeah, no!! Desperate or not, I don't think I could do it...I didn't even breastfeed The Babe - nevermind someone else's kid!!

Lesson #112 - Part-Time Work Is Better Than Nothing

So, I am (hopefully) going to begin some part-time work soon...and it came about in a weird way.

I am a huge fan of the professional networking site "LinkedIn" - it is a great way to connect with employers and co-workers of family and friends...and who knows what could happen?!?!

The other day I was trolling around looking at the profiles of friends and past wedding vendors I have worked with before...and I came across the wife of one of the DJ's I LOVE working with. She actually owns her own business which offers on-demand admin services - mostly to small business owners. Anything that someone could possibly need (think legal, folks) then that is what her business offers. I noticed that she was looking for a new employee so I sent off a message. A few hours later we had breakfast scheduled for the following morning - SWEET!!!

Breakfast went great and she was super excited to have me on board. Even though I will be working as a contractor, money is money...I haven't had any meetings or appointments - yet - but I am hoping something will come up soon. I do have a few things scheduled for the (near) future...wish me luck!!!

{Wordless Wednesday - Birthday Cake}

My mom was gracious enough to give me all of the cake pans she has ever used to make my birthday cakes. She is the kind of lady that looks at something in a store and says, "I can make that - and better!" Ever since I was growing up, I have heard those words...so it only seemed appropriate that I make The Babe's birthday cake...I mean, the money issues are hard enough to deal with - nevermind having to buy a cake from a professional also!

As I looked through the cake pans, I decided that a ladybug themed birthday would be fabulous! I would make the cake - as best I could - with the help of every single one of my mother's pastry bags, tips, instruction manuals and idea books.

This is what the cake is SUPPOSED to look like:

{Stay tuned to see if the finished product came out like the picture!!}

In addition, I asked my mom to make The Babe a little birthday costume for her to wear.Yes, folks, The Babe will turn into The Ladybabe for her birthday...can't wait to post pictures next week!!!

Lesson #111 - Birthdays Are A Lot Of Work

PHEW!!!

Work for The Babe's First Birthday began this past Saturday. From dusting and vacuuming to going to the store and prepping food - there is a LOT to get done! I'm not even really in the thick of things and I am overwhelmed with the to-do items on my lists. I say lists because I've made one list for each day - so I have SOME sense of accomplishment!

I really hope that all this work doesn't go unnoticed...because that would be brutal. I have been able to cross of my Sunday and Monday items - but have to go back to a few from Saturday. I think I have adult ADD because I have to jump from one task to another or else I get super bored...then nothing really gets done!

In any case, off to do some more cleaning...I can't for food shopping day on Friday!!! I LOVE GOING TO COSTCO!!!


**I can't even BEGIN to tell you all how PISSED I am at Blogger/Google/etc...not only have I not been able to schedule new posts, but all of my past posts decided that they didn't want to go up at their scheduled time! So, now I am left with a huge list of posts that need to be posted - and read by you fine folks :) In addition, Blogger decided to delete - yes, you heard correctly, DELETE - all the my favs whom I was following!!! It might take me a while...but I will find you all again...I promise!!!**

{Monday Minute - Mission Monkey Edition}

**I can't even BEGIN to tell you all how PISSED I am at Blogger/Google/etc...not only have I not been able to schedule new posts, but all of my past posts decided that they didn't want to go up at their scheduled time! So, now I am left with a huge list of posts that need to be posted - and read by you fine folks :) In addition, Blogger decided to delete - yes, you heard correctly, DELETE - all the my favs whom I was following!!! It might take me a while...but I will find you all again...I promise!!!**





Jen from http://www.adailyscoopofchaos.com/ was the host from 7/12...she won hosting rights as a winner during the Mission Monkey raffle. So, here we go!!!

- Can you burp the ABC's?
As much as I have tried to force out a burp...it usually ends in a vurp...so I stopped trying. Alas, this is NOT one of my hidden talents :( *sads

- So lets just say you have a 9+ hour drive ahead of you would you consider wearing Depends so you didn't have to stop multiple times?
As much as I love driving,  I think I'm going to have to say no...I enjoy stopping at random truck stops to get gas and a bottle of water or something. Sometimes I get lucky and there are girl scouts selling cookies...smart girls, I tell you, smart girls!!

- Would you rather...run your tongue down five feet of a NYC street or press your tongue into a strangers nostril?
Hmm...well...I have been to NYC...I have also seen some hideous nostrils!! If I had to pick one, though, I would definitely rather press my tongue into a stranger's nostril. My logic pretty much goes like this - we all pretty much breathe the same air so the inside of our nostrils are about the same...but a NYC street sees more action than a lot of hookers I've seen on Law & Order...it just seems like the safer choice.

- If you had an envelope that contained the date you would die would you open it?
I don't think anyone can really say what they would do in this situation. I'd like to think that I would just leave the envelope alone and live each day to the fullest. I know that is an ideal scenario and I would probably open it...I am horrible with patience and waiting!!

- Which one song describes your sex life best?
Pour Some Sugar On Meeeeeeeeeeeee ;-) (at least my pre-preggo sex life...HA!)

{Happy Birthday To The Babe}

**I can't even BEGIN to tell you all how PISSED I am at Blogger/Google/etc...not only have I not been able to schedule new posts, but all of my past posts decided that they didn't want to go up at their scheduled time! So, now I am left with a huge list of posts that need to be posted - and read by you fine folks :) In addition, Blogger decided to delete - yes, you heard correctly, DELETE - all the my favs whom I was following!!! It might take me a while...but I will find you all again...I promise!!!**

It is so hard to imagine that a year ago today I was minutes away from meeting The Babe for the first time!! I know I speak for The Man as well when I say that having her in our lives has been our biggest success to date. She is the reason we wake up in the morning and we are better people because of her. I find myself smiling more, having an extra bounce in my step and regaining some of the patience I lost during my college years. So...today is for her...the once wee babe...

...who is turning into our beautiful, bubbly little toddler...

Lesson #110 - Jobs Are Overrated

**I can't even BEGIN to tell you all how PISSED I am at Blogger/Google/etc...not only have I not been able to schedule new posts, but all of my past posts decided that they didn't want to go up at their scheduled time! So, now I am left with a huge list of posts that need to be posted - and read by you fine folks :) In addition, Blogger decided to delete - yes, you heard correctly, DELETE - all the my favs whom I was following!!! It might take me a while...but I will find you all again...I promise!!!**

Well, I don't know about the rest of you in bloggy-land, but I really think jobs are overrated. I mean, the only reason we work - lets be honest here - is to make money. We need money too pay bills - like a mortgage/rent, power, gas, water, groceries - and we need those things to survive. There are those out there who live homeless - some chose to be that way - but, really, we couldn't be homeless with children. After all of that, it seems to me that money is the root of all evil...I don't like what having money does to me and I don't like the stress it causes when I don't have any!! Is there EVER a happy medium?!?!

The job search is still on-going, but trying to get a job is difficult while pregnant. I know that employers SAY they are "equal opportunity" and that they follow regulations and guidelines...but that isn't the case all the time. I can sit here and say that it isn't fair...and poor me, have pity on my situation...but that isn't going to get me anywhere.

So, as I sit here and try to figure out what I am going to do with my career - I am thankful for the rare chance I have to be at home with The Babe...she is growing up so fast and she amazes me every. single. day. Her smile lights up my world and every time I get stressed, I just have to look in her eyes. She doesn't know that mommy isn't making money anymore and, frankly, I don't think she would care even if she understood what was going on...she just knows that once I start chasing her - she'd better run away...and FAST...cause I'm going to tickle her feet if I get my hands on her :)

To those of you who have jobs and are getting a steady salary - be thankful that you are able to pay your bills on time, go shopping when you want and can afford a few little extras in life. For those of you who are "between" jobs, make sure you are able to see the silver lining in the situation. Take pleasure in teh things that you weren't able to do while you were working your fingers to the bone. Between your resume writing, job searching and sucking up to recruiters...take the time to read a good book, relax under the sun or listen to your children laughing...you may not get another chance quite like this one ever again.

{Wordless Wednesday - Bubble Edition}

**I can't even BEGIN to tell you all how PISSED I am at Blogger/Google/etc...not only have I not been able to schedule new posts, but all of my past posts decided that they didn't want to go up at their scheduled time! So, now I am left with a huge list of posts that need to be posted - and read by you fine folks :) In addition, Blogger decided to delete - yes, you heard correctly, DELETE - all the my favs whom I was following!!! It might take me a while...but I will find you all again...I promise!!!**

...and now...a blast from your past...FUN WITH BUBBLES!!!

{Monday Minute - Triple B Style}

**I can't even BEGIN to tell you all how PISSED I am at Blogger/Google/etc...not only have I not been able to schedule new posts, but all of my past posts decided that they didn't want to go up at their scheduled time! So, now I am left with a huge list of posts that need to be posted - and read by you fine folks :) In addition, Blogger decided to delete - yes, you heard correctly, DELETE - all the my favs whom I was following!!! It might take me a while...but I will find you all again...I promise!!!**




In any case, co-hosting Monday Minute from 7/5 was Jana from http://boobiesbabiesblog.blogspot.com/...she is GREAT...follow her NOW!!

- Who of all your blog friends would you like to meet and/or who have you met?
Currently I am trying to schedule a play-date with one blogger friend in particular...I'm sure pictures will be posted once we get together - stay tuned!!

- What kind of vehicle(s) do you drive?
I drive a FABULOUS dark blue Mitsubishi Endeavor...I love my car!!

- What kind of cell phone do you have?
I am the proud owner of a violet colored CrackBerry - I mean BlackBerry...it is addictive and I love every second of it!!

- What's the most annoying thing you wish bloggers would stop doing?
I really dislike that random wordthatisntreallyaword verification thingy...yeah, it stinks that people hijack your comments section sometimes, but those are easy to delete...just sayin' :-)

and finally...

- What's the one thing that you still have on your bucket list to do before the year is out?
I'm sure there will be plenty of things still on my bucket list by the time this year comes to a close...one of the things I hope is NOT on my list is having baby Kumquat...this kid better be on time - or better yet, I'll get induced early :) We shall see!!!

{HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!}

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!!

Lesson #109 - Salt Water Is Beneficial

As we enter into the 4th of July weekend, I thought salt water would be the perfect blog post topic! I mean, most people are heading to the beach and where there is a beach - chances are there is body of water composed salt water.

Who needs a pool to swim in when there is an OCEAN (or other body of salt water) around?!?! I mean, poos are pretty crowded this time of year - because most people are on vacation. Who wants to get stuck dealing with other peoples' kids - certainly not this lady!!

In addition to only really having to chase your own children around - there are some benefits of swimming in salt water. For one - there is no chlorine in the ocean...and that is great for those of us who open our eyes under the water, have sensitive skin or can't stand the inner workings of ours noses being burned by the stench!!

So, instead of going online to purchase a salt water generator for the in-ground pool we're (never) going ot put in the backyard...I figured we could just go to the river and do some swimming. Below are just a few shots of The Babe and one of her bestest friends - 4x4 (that's his nickname)!

We swam from the boat to the beach - and the kids played in the sand

4x4 loved running in and out of the water

Us mommies enjoyed relaxing with the little ones in the water

They loved swimming together in the river

After a very long afternoon of swimming - and not having a nap since 9am - everyone needed some watermelon!! The Babe thoroughly enjoyed her watermelony goodness!! She'd never gotten to hold the whole slice before - and she loved it!!

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND - FROM ALL OF US AT LESSONS LEARNED!!!

Lesson #108 - Driving To Work Is Stressful

If we all could, just for a moment, forget the fact that I am still jobless...in the non-SAHM sense...and focus on the fact that I did - before recently - have to drive to work. Now, the area that I live in is crazy when it comes to traffic. My thought is that our Department of Transportation just SUCKS when it comes to future planning. They are only concerned with the here and now and refuse to realize that what seems like a great traffic fix today - will be null and void in a matter of months!! The reason for this is because it take them 2-6 years to complete the damn road/traffic pattern upgrades to begin with!! SO FRUSTRATING!!!

While we're all bitching about traffic, road range and the like in our own worlds - because those of us in the states have life SO bad - someone just HAD to go and do a worldwide traffic study. Soooooo, since I know everyone is SUPER interested to know who as it worse than they do...we're off...

- Beijing - Um...yes...rickshas create a great deal of traffic...people pulling fatties can only move so quickly!!

- Mexico City - Hmmm...epicenter for the government...damn liberals!!
- Johannesburg - South Africa...they have cars there??
- Moscow - It snows too much in Russia to drive...or so they make us think!
- New Delhi - Again...can they even afford to have cars in India??
- Sao Paulo - Yeah...surely all Brazilians are too drunk - or hungover - to be driving.
- Milan - I thought Italians took public transit...there can't be THAT much traffic!!
- Buenos Aires - Argentinians are all on the beach taking in some sun...there is no traffic there!
- Madrid - I can only imagine how crowded the roads get with the running of the bulls going on - YIKES!
- London - People are too busy drinking tea to be driving...right??

Only one city in the US - New York - was part of this study...I think we were under-represented. What do YOU think?!?!