Birthday Love

I've been trying to distract my toddler with activities to help her deal with the big "D".  Today, is my hubby's 38th birthday and to celebrate I had my daughter practice making "Happy Birthday" video messages to send him.  We spent a good 20 minutes laughing at her silly messages and watching them together.  She loved the process of picking out the best one to email him.  Afterwards, I let her creativity go wild with arts and crafts.  The project, put together a "master piece" for her daddy's birthday.  Since we couldn't send the actual picture we killed another 20 minutes taking the best picture to show off her creation and emailed it to him.  The day ended perfectly with hubby giving us a call.  All I had to say was "It's daddy on the phone!"

Happy 38th birthday my love!  We miss you!

Sticking to my Guns

I will stick to the rules I laid out.  I won't give in just because it takes more time or to stop the whining.  I will remember that what I teach my daughter today forms who she will be tomorrow. 

These are the things I keep telling myself when I'm feeling tired or frustrated.  I've been working on teaching my toddler to put away her toys after she's done playing with them.  That also means cleaning up messes that she makes.  I have to say that some days this is easier to say then to do.  Sometimes I just want to pick them up myself instead of wasting the added 20 minutes or leaving them there for another day.
 

My reason, I'm too dang tired.  I'm going on 31 weeks pregnant with my second child and I'm also running this house solo for now.  The only thing that keeps me going is that I don't want my kid to turn into a horror like some other examples I see.  I love my child enough to know that the rules and boundaries I place today benefit her in the future.  It also helps knowing that I will have help in a few weeks when my family comes.
 

This is my parenting style and I just needed to remind myself why I'm doing this.  What about you?  What are you having trouble with?  What lessons are you currently trying to enforce in your household?

"I Miss my Daddy"

My husband is on the big "D".  So I've been the mommy and the daddy for the past six months.  All military families deal with this, it might not be the lifestyle we choose but it's a lifestyle we learn to deal with.  My almost 4 y/o has been doing pretty good so far.  We have been able to hear her daddy's voice every once in a while and she understood that her daddy was working on his ship.  The past week has been extremely difficult for both of us.  She's been telling me every night before we close our eyes for the day "I miss my daddy.  I want daddy to go home."  The past three nights she's been crying herself to sleep telling me "I want my daddy. I don't like his ship anymore. I want daddy to go home."

 At anytime before he was selected for chief I had the open of calling his department so he could talk to her for a few minutes.  No, I'm not one of those wives that call all the time or even on a frequent basis.  However, I was fortunate enough to have a hubby work in a field that has access to phone, if I really need to get a hold him.  It helped keep most of the meltdowns at bay and I credit that to how long she's been okay with the big "D".

Now that he's busy with chief training we haven't really had many conversations with him due to his schedule.  I think that combined with the length of time he's been gone has taken its toil on my toddler.  I could see signs that she needed her dad even before this past week.  She would cling to my brother in law, our baby sitter's husband and the other day she hugged the delivery guys leg.  (That freaked me out!)

Last night she was finally able to hear his voice.  She took over the phone and told him all about her day, all her little owies and how much she missed him.  It didn't take much just the sound of his voice.  I don't doubt it was hard for him to hear her whisper "I miss you daddy. I love you daddy. Can you come home and play with me?"  I was certainly tearing up hearing their conversation.  Now we're just counting down the days.  Are you a military wife?  How do you deal with long separations?

Toddler with a 'Tude

Any mom to a toddler can tell you that everyday can be a challenge dealing with their ever changing emotions from happy to screaming bloody murder at some real or imagined slight.  This toddler mom feels like mommy of the year some days and most other days feels like nothing works.  What I want to know is if this new personality I'm dealing with has to do with following a bad example or just part of the growing pains.

She's been giving me sass lately and ignoring me when I tell her to do something.  I'm talking about standing there with her hands on her hips, rolling her eyes up in her head and giving me a flippant remark.  Yesterday, she tried talking back to me and complained the entire time she was in time out.  Even though she knew the more she talked back the longer her time out would be.  She ended up falling asleep on the couch and finally giving mommy a hour break.

I'm feeling at a loss here on how to proceed.  The new baby is coming and the short time I currently have to spend with her will mostly be taken up with the new baby.  I don't want her behavior to get to the point of no return.  Yet, what I'm doing to correct it only seems like a temporary band aid.  I just wish I knew if this acting out is a normal process for 3 almost 4 year olds.  Is it due to following another child's bad behavior or even acting out from the upcoming baby?  If only children came with manuals most of my hair would still be black and not grey.  What do you think readers?  Have you gone through this with your child?  Did you link it to something specific like baby #2 or a bad example?  What worked for you at home?

The Darwin Elevator - Book Review & Shameless Plug

Okay, this post doesn't have anything to do with family, children or being a military spouse.

I'm going outside my normal topics to share something amazing.  For the past few years my brother in law (who used to be just a computer guy) up and decided to write a novel.  To my knowledge, he's never undertaken anything to this scale.  He just wanted to start writing, as a hobby.  Who does that?  I get picking up gardening, knitting or even computer gaming as a hobby but you don't really hear people deciding to write novels.  I've always know Jason to be very talented but thought like all other hobbies it would just be that, a hobby.

Fast forward six years and he's not only completed his first novel but he was signed on with Dey Ray Publishing to continue the trilogy and completed THREE novels.  The plan was to release each novel a month apart in July, August and September.  Ten days ago the first book, The Darwin Elevator in Jason Hough's series Dire Earth Cycle was released and it hasn't stopped growing in popularity.  It's been a whirlwind for my sister's family from guest appearances to rave reviews by best sellers like Kevin Hearne and is now making his own appearance on the New York Time's Best Sellers List.  How amazing is that for a first time writer to make the best sellers list?

I've read The Darwin Elevator myself and I didn't put it down for a day and a half until I finished it.  It had everything I came to love in books.  It has the villain you can't help but hate from his greed to how he treats everyone else in the way.  There is are a few kick ass women characters that even seasoned military men are wary to deal with.  The main character in the book Skyler Luiken looses everything home, money, friends and still finds a way to go on.  You also see the transformation in Dr. Tania Sharma when she realizes her reality has turned upside down and struggles to find the inner strength to continue. Here's the official description.

In the mid-23rd century, Darwin, Australia, stands as the last human city on Earth. The world has succumbed to an alien plague, with most of the population transformed into mindless, savage creatures. The planet’s refugees flock to Darwin, where a space elevator—created by the architects of this apocalypse, the Builders—emits a plague-suppressing aura.

Skyler Luiken has a rare immunity to the plague. Backed by an international crew of fellow “immunes,” he leads missions into the dangerous wasteland beyond the aura’s edge to find the resources Darwin needs to stave off collapse. But when the Elevator starts to malfunction, Skyler is tapped—along with the brilliant scientist, Dr. Tania Sharma—to solve the mystery of the failing alien technology and save the ragged remnants of humanity.

But don't just take my word for it, check out all the reviews on amazon.  Read the reviews from the professionals like Kevin Hearne. Bottom line, check it out for yourself and spread the word.  I'm so happy for my brother in law for his accomplishment and I can't help but spread the word!

Chief Select

I've been a navy wife for the past eight years but I never dived head first into the lifestyle.  I never became involved in military wives groups or committees.  We also never lived within a purely military neighborhood to make and grow friendships with other military families.  This was never a conscious choice on our part but just how things happened to turn out.

I'm extremely proud of my husband  and his accomplishments at work but I've always viewed it as his career just like my own career.  We are supportive of each other and understand the time needed devote to building our careers.  For example, we went into our marriage knowing that his career would take him away from the family for months at a time while my career required time to accomplish.  

This past month we were pleased to learn that my husband was going to be promoted to chief.  Besides an increase in responsibility, pay and training period I didn't realize there was also a different culture attached.  I've already been invited to join in on the chief's wives luncheon and received an email from his sponsor.  I was pleased to be included and a little apprehensive on what to expect.  I didn't think the transition to chief would be that much of a change.

 Although, it looks like there is much more involved that what I initially expected.  The only example I have to go on is from that show "Army Wives".  I know that is a poor, poor unrealistic example to go with but as a said before our family has never been deeply involved in the navy/military lifestyle.  I am hoping this will be a positive change and include future friends for my husband and I as well as our children.  Are there any other chief wives out there?  What was your experience transitioning?  Are you involved in the military lifestyle?  What benefits or complications have you come across as a navy wife?

Celebration!

I'm riding on a high today that I just HAVE to share.  I found out today at my OBGYN appointment that I passed the one hour glucose test!  I'm so unbelievably happy that I past the first time around and didn't have to go through the second part of the test.  With my first pregnancy I failed the 1 hour and 3 hour glucose test and was diagnosed with gestation diabetes.

It was a huge wake up call and a major change in life style.  Looking back the care I had with my last OBGYN was amazing.  They took this very seriously and paired me up with specialists to educate me and monitor my progress.  After attending a conference on gestational diabetes I was set up with an educator that tracked my progress.  My task was to track all my intake and pre-meal blood sugars into a log to be reviewed by the educator weekly.  She would then respond with improvements I should make to my meals or activity to improve my blood sugar the following week.

I was also followed by a neonatologist that reviewed the blood sugar/food intake log I sent to the educator and ordered frequent ultrasounds to track my baby's growth.  Even though it was scary and stressful I felt confident that my Dr. was doing everything for the health of my little girl.  So, I couldn't be happier tI don't have to worry about that for this pregnancy.  I still remember all the great education I received and adhere to the diabetic diet more liberally than before.  I'll still be careful not to eat too many over processed foods, sweets and carbohydrates.  Although, starting THAT tomorrow since I celebrated with a meal from Jack N the Box tonight.  ;)  Did you have any concerns during your pregnancy that gave you a wake a call?

Thankful

In my profession I see all kinds of family dynamics.  Today I saw one that made me appreciate what I have even more considering how close I am to delivery.  After I delivered my first child I was beyond exhausted.  The sleep deprivation those first few weeks made me wonder how I survived.  As a first time mom I thanked my lucky stars that I only had one newborn to care for.  I felt lost and overwhelmed even with the help of my hubby and my mom.

I came across a new mom today that was feeling the same multiplied by two.  The hard thing to see was that her support system was there, JUST to sleep.  They slept through the crying, the screaming and even slept through people talking in the room.  This poor mom didn't sleep more than 1 hour at a time in three days.

Today, I feel so thankful for the family I was born into and the one I've created with my husband.  Has there been a defining moment that made you stop and gives thanks? 

Wordless Wednesday

Future doctor or nurse, with a-tude.

Cleaning House

While I'm VERY pregnant I'm the first to admit that I can't do everything by myself.  Sure the household book keeping and paying bills are easy peasy.  I can even make sure my child gets attention, fed and overall will still be here and breathing when my hubby gets back from the big "D".

What I can't always keep up with is house cleaning.  It's all the toys that migrate to different parts of the house hours after they are put away. It's the never ending piles of dishes and laundry that threaten to fall over.  It's all the nooks and crannies that have to be cleaned.  And let's not mention the dust bunnies that are starting to move all on their own.

So I've decided to splurge on a professional cleaning service twice a month.  Frankly because I can't do it all myself and this house needs the help.  The funny thing about it is I can't help but clean up before they clean up.  I'm talking about getting everything off the counters and floors before they even arrive.  I think it's so they do a deeper cleaning then pushing things aside or I just can't help myself.  At least that's what I'm trying to figure out as I lay here exhausted.  That is what I'm paying the service for, right?  Does anyone else out there do the same or am I just wasting my time?

Sushi Splurge

Our next stop today was lunch.  What better way to spoil ourselves than sushi? I've been craving sushi for a couple of days now and my little spot is N'joy sushi in the Mill Creek Shopping Center.  We've been going there for the past two years and they already knows us pretty well.  They've seen my daughter grow up and know how we like our food. 

My daughter always eats well when we go there and I wasn't disappointed this time either.  She stuffed herself on the child's portion of teriyaki chicken and started feeling the effects of food coma before I got her into the car.  This was the easiest nap time in the past two weeks. She was out like a light before I even pulled out of the parking lot. Thank you N'joy!

Girl's Day

This day off is turning into a nice relaxing day.  After people watching at Starbucks the two ladies of the house are getting our nails done.  My girlie girl picked out her own nail color, sat still during the process and continues to sit still while they dry.

This is sure one benefit of having a little girl.  I can still get a pedicure and share that experience with her.  I happy she enjoys it enough to stay still until they dry and make the money worth it.  Do you have any special place you share with your little girl or little boy?

Toddler Antics

Today it's the start of my weekend!  You see, my crazy schedule isn't a typical 9-5, Monday to Friday job.  I have the pleasure of working weekends and holidays.  Fortunately, for the rest of the population healthcare is never closed.  It is a 24 hour profession.  

I worked this past weekend so today is my Saturday.  I wanted to get out of the house with my little girl so we're starting our day people watching at Starbucks.  She's been picking her own outfits and today is PINK.  She's head to toe pink and even choose a pink treat for her special treat. Overhead, we're listening to music from the 60's and she just starting dancing in the middle of the room to the music much to the delight of the rest of the patrons.  My cute, silly, outgoing girl even got a round of applause afterwards.

What a great start to our morning!  How it's yours going?

Large and in Charge

Okay, I'm starting to get a complex!  In the past week over eight people have commented on how BIG I am.  Really?  It wouldn't be so bad if it was one or two but almost everyone that brought up my pregnancy talked about the size of my belly.   I've heard comments like "Are you sure you're not having twins?"  "Maybe one baby is hiding behind the other one." "You're STILL working?  Aren't you like due any day now?" "Wow, you still have a few months and you're already THAT big?"  Thank you, no really thank you for all those lovely comments. (Yes, I'm being sarcastic.)

What is it about being pregnant gives random people the license to touch you, give you unsolicited advice and even comment (unflattering I might add) about your size.  Now I haven't gained much weight, I'm going into my 7th month and I've only gained 13 pounds.  By all the books that's healthy weight gain.  Also I've only gained baby, it's all in my belly.  I'm also carrying this baby like a beach ball, it's all out in front.  My first pregnancy I carried my daughter wider around my hips. Sigh.

Now, I'm not sure if it's just the comments about my size that's getting to me or that it's unsolicited advice from people I don't know.  During your pregnancy what kinds of comments did you hear?  What was the weirdest thing you heard?  The best? The most unflattering?  How many people invaded your space just to cop a feel?

Aches and Pains

I've heard from plenty of moms with multiple children that each pregnancy is harder on your body.  All the aches and pains come a bit earlier because your joints and muscles are already loose from your first pregnancy.  Simply, they were right.

Maybe, it wouldn't have been so bad if I had children at a younger age or I was in better shape.  Yep, I'm sure both would make the difference.  Unfortunately, I don't fall in either of those categories.  I'm turning 37 this December and I'm twenty pounds heavier than I was before I became pregnant with my first child.  Trust me when I say that I'm not proud to admit either of those facts.  I could go on and on reminiscing "When I was younger..." or "When I was your age..."  My only consolation is the Asian in me helps me look younger then I really am.  I still get guesses that I'm in my 20's.  Those don't come as often anymore but when they do I'm smiling from ear to ear for the rest of the day.

This pregnancy I've just been so achy in my lower back and pelvis. I just started my 27th week and I don't remember being this uncomfortable.  I don't recall being as much in pain until I was past 30 weeks the first time around.  This time I'm just counting down the days until this child pops out.  I'm at the point where rolling over in bed is a comedy act.  When I stand up after sitting for a long time I need to do a little shimmy to move my pelvis around.  Falling asleep and staying asleep is about as obtainable as winning the lottery.  Walking around short distances leaves me gasping for a deep breath.  What happened to the nostalgia I remembered from my last pregnancy.  I even uttered the words "I loved being pregnant!"  Now I keep thinking "What was I thinking?!?!"  I'm happy and excited about having number two but I'm just not enjoying this pregnancy as my first one.  Did you feel the same? 

Thinking Back

I was just thinking back to my time as a stay at home mom.  A few months after I had my daughter I made the huge decision to stop working and spend quality time with her while she was still young.  I had plenty of time to bring her to the zoo, museum, play groups, you name it.  I also had the leisure time to start this blog.  I found the act of putting my thoughts down helped me relive those special moments I had watching my first born grow up.  I love going back to read through my thoughts at her first word, her first step and even the frustration I felt when she was scared to poop.

I found that I miss writing this blog.  It didn't matter how many followers I had or if someone read my blog in the first place.  What I liked was being able to sort through my feelings and share my experiences as a new mom.  These days I don't have anywhere close to the free time I did as a stay at home mom.  I'm lucky if I even have a few moments to myself.  I've gone back to work, I'm in my third trimester with my second child, and acting like a single parent while my husband is away.

I think I'm going to try to spare a few moments when I really need it to use this blog as my outlet as I once did.  Wish me luck, I've been feeling like there are so many things stacked on my to do list that I'm about to loose my balance.