Poltergeist Much

Ok, here's the situation....

I got into a car accident in October. My dear Penny was totaled resulting in me needing to buy a new car.
Because I am a procreating goddess, I needed to buy something that would hold THREE carseats for kids who are NOT TRIPLETS!!


Thus, I bought a minivan. *shudder*


I got a pretty good deal. I was pretty satisfied at first. But then...
The poltergeist appeared!! Yes, a poltergeist! Da hell??? Town & Countries have those super convenient automatic sliding doors so when your carrying THREE KIDS for THREE CARSEATS & all the necessary baby accoutrement you can press a button and, voila, the door opens.

So, our doors worked a little too well!!! The passenger side door would open and close whenever it felt like it.... and it could go on for a really really really long time. I've taken it to the dealer multiple times to get it fixed. And each time they "fixed" it, it would act up again. Ummmm, do you know how UNsafe it is to have a door that will just open whenever it wants to... or close for that matter. It has closed on me before while strapping the boys in. Ummmm, da hell??

So, I filed a complaint with the transportation safety board, I've been in touch with the manufacturer... I even spoke with the regional manager of the dealersip where we bought it. All parties have said they'll replace my van but it may take a couple of months. Not only do I have my safety to consider, but I have 2 little boys I have to think about and in just a few weeks we'll have a newborn!!! I don't understand how this isn't a priority to people. Would they rather we have some sort of tragedy and then catch a lawsuit!! UGGGHHHH!!!

One night while it was at the dealer getting "fixed" a cop stayed out there and watched it in action for over 20 minutes. He then called me to tell me what he saw and asked if I knew that it did this. Ummm, yeah - that's why it's there! Anyway, I got his police report as added proof that something needs to be done. Now.

I'd like the poltergeist out of my van... it's scaring the children... and their mother!
Watch with caution..

Aftershocks

Soooo, thankfully the car accident wasn't too bad and I was able to walk away from it relatively unscathed. Thanks be to God that LG was/is okay too!!!! Thank you Lordy that the boys weren't in the car with me!!

All that said, I guess it was a bit worse than I initially thought. :-/ I have to go to physical therapy twice a week for the forseeable future because of some debilitating back pain! Like, I can't do anything without pain. I can't sit, stand, lay down, walk, bend over, thrust (yes, I'm quite the avid thruster), etc without pain. It's pretty bad. BUT, it could always be worse, so I'm not complaining.

The pain is in my lower back on the left side. Right above the ever-expanding derriere! It's like right on the edge.... which makes my massages quite interesting. I lost any modicum of modesty many moons ago, so I just lay there and get pampered. Well, I did. Until I realized those seemingly heavenly massages would become a nightmare afterwards. How can that beeeee????? Thus, I had to stop getting them. I was in more pain after the therapy session than before. *tears*


Anyway, that's what I've been up to recently. Struggling with pain and trying to get ready for Little Girl to arrive. She'll be here before we know it!!



I'll have to remember to tell you about the poltergeist another time.... *gas face*

Sleep

Where out thou oh fair-weathered friend????

It is no secret that sleep and I are BFF's! Seriously, when asked what my 3 favorite pasttimes are I always say, 1) trying new restaurants, 2) watching a movie, and 3) SLEEPING!

I even bet that if there was a sleeping competition, I could give some narcaleptics a good run for their money!! At least that was true pre kiddies. Even after the boys were born, I could still hang with the best sleepers out there.. I just didn't have much opportunity to show off my "skillzz!" Nowadays, I'm lucky if I get more than 5 hours each night. Ummmm, yes, I said 5 hours!!! I've been averaging closer to 3-4 hours and I gotta say - it's killing me!!! UGGHHH!

This has not been an easy pregnancy but we're getting through it. Sometimes I joke that "Little Girl (or LG)" doesn't really care for me just yet. I mean, it did take me a few months to even acknowledge her forthcoming presence. I'm fully on board now, and truly excited to add some estrogen to the house - but uhhh, I think she still holds a bit of a grudge.

So, she's making me pay for it in the most painful way possible - taking away one of my greatest joys. Dreamland. Mr. Sandman's paradise. Stupor-burg. Sleep de Ville. Whatever cute name you want to give, please just send it my way. Man, I miss my sleep.

And the further along I get in the pregnancy, the worse it gets! Ahhhh, that can't be. I'm only 26 weeks along.... does that mean I'll only be getting a mere 30 minutes by my 35th week??? Say it ain't so.

Along with the insomnia, I am also suffering from terrible migraines. There are days when I just want to gouge out my eyeballs to internally massage my brain. Yes, it's that bad!
Then, on top of that I still have some back/neck pain from the accident last month

I'm broken. Far more fragile then I once thought.
So, with all these aches and pains, my OB AND my PCP have prescribed me some "very effective" LEGAL drugs to ease my suffering. And they're supposed to be super safe with baby in tow. I've taken them together, I've taken them separately, I've taken the maximum dosage, I've taken the minimum dosage.... uhhh, yeah, the whole thing is hit or miss. One day 2 weeks ago I actually slept for 11 hours!!!! Yes, 11 hours! You'd need both hands and a toe to count that high! That was so a one time thing, but wooo hooo for drugs! (this blog is soooo not a PSA so keep your expectations low please).


Anyway..

a whole lot of nothing has been said. I guess that's how blogs come out when one is soooo sleep deprived. It's amazing I can still function. And you know what's funny - I'm pretty sure I'll get more sleep AFTER LG makes her debut. I bet she'll be a GREAT sleeper and I'll be back to at least 7-8 hours each night. Plus... hubby is gonna have night detail every now and then so I can sleep. (I can dream can't I!)


Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming....

Eeeeeekk Much

Hmmmmmmmm...

So far being 30 sucks.
Between ridiculous pregnancy pains, migraines, insomnia, the inability to sleep in my own bed, super irritability - I can now add car crash survivor to the list. Now, don't get me wrong, the survivor aspect is THRILLING (to say the least). I was able to walk away from the accident with minor physical trauma, but man oh man did Penny take a hit! The immediate reaction from the police and the tow truck guys was TOTALED! EEEKK!

I am just soooooo thankful that I was alone in the car.... all the damage was done to the back of the truck and I can't imagine what I'd do if either of the boys got hurt. I hate to even think about it.

So, being that I'm 5 1/2 months pregnant, I then had to spend my Saturday in the hospital hooked up to fetal monitors and blood pressure machines and the like. Babygirl is strong and she'll be okay, but man, what a scare!

Since then, I just feel like I've been suffering. I hate to complain, but that's all I really got right now. Since just Saturday, my migraines have intensified, my anxiety levels are through the roof, I have neck and back pain, my insomnia is ridiculous (haven't slept since Friday night)... and so on and so on and so on.

Excuse my language, but I just feel shitty. No other way to put it. I had an OB appointment today and my doc gave me an Rx for my migraines, an appointment for another U/S, names for counselors to talk to, and a STRONG suggestion to follow up with my primary care. Lots to do... all the while still at work, taking care of home, taking care of the boys, muddling through this insurance process, oh yeah, and trying to spend a little time on me somewhere in the mix.


For those of you who know a word of prayer... please keep PinkLady in yours. Very much appreciated. February just seems soooooo far away and I'm hoping I make it there in one piece AND with my head on straight... :-/


So, let me just let out one last shriek before I get back to my life and remember just how BLESSED I am. I haven't forgotten, but I still have to vent every once in a while..

here goes...
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKK!!!

Poor Penny! She was a good girl..

Dirty Thirty

Me & Ty at my bday eve dinner

It has arrived. I am no longer in my twenties. Very mixed emotions about this.... especially since it was only a special day to me. Perhaps I should have made my virtual countdown into a real countdown so my family and friends would remember that this day is actually kinda important. I mean, you only turn 30 once... oh well No use in crying over spilled milk. It would have been nice to at least have a birthday cake though.... :-\

I did celebrate some though! Ty took me out on Saturday night for a wonderful dinner on the water. We dined, he drank, we talked - and actually discussed things other than the kids... it was a really nice night. We got home a little before 11 and he said he wanted to give me my gift at midnight. Uhhh, as I like to say - good luck with that! I was asleep like 5 seconds after he said that! lol

my bday dinner!! soooo yummy!!!
*fat girl grin*

Anyway, I woke up on my actual bday and Sweetie Pie Ty gave me an envelope. Wanna know what was inside?? 2 tickets to see Maxwell!!!!! I ADORE Maxwell!!! I saw him in concert like 8 or 9 years ago and could NOT wait to see him again. At that concert, an up and coming Alicia Keys opened for him. This time, Chrisette Michele and Robin Thicke are the openers. I've seen Chrisette before and she puts on a really good show, but I have never seen Robin - and I am sooo looking forward to seeing him. He's so talented... I wonder what he's like on stage. Should be a good time! YAY ME!

You know a blog post wouldn't be complete without a cute kiddie anecdote! So, after church the boys and I went to IHOP for a quick lunch before going to our next church service. I was craving pancakes and I would NOT be denied! Not on my birthday!! LOL So we're there and the boys are just speaking to EVERYONE!! They're friendly kids, but they were in overdrive! At one point, Jordie tells one of the waiters (not our waiter), "It's my mommy's birthday!" It was so cute... he was so proud! LOL Fast forward to the end of our meal.... and who comes over?? Like 5 waiters singing happy birthday to me! It was so nice (since no one in my real life sang to me) and really quite pitiful all at once. I can only imagine the discussion they had before they came out...
guy 1: "hey guys, it's this preggo chick's bday today. let's sing to her!"
guy 2: "dude, why??"
guy 1: "b/c she's preggo and it's her bday and she's out there alone with 2 toddlers! i bet this would make her day!!"
guy 2: "how sad is that??!?! ok, let's do it!"

After they sang, this really old guy came up asking if he could give Jordie a dollar for his bday and another dollar to his brother. I told him that was very nice of him, but it's actually my bday and Jordie told the waiters. Old guy was all smiles! He was so proud of Jordie for speaking up... you'da thought he was his grandfather or something!! LOL Needless to say, I made 2 bucks at lunch!! haha

So, even though that's all to report on my 30th birthday, it was still a nice day. My uncle was installed as pastor at a church in Delaware so I got to witness some of that and also see some family that came in for that occasion. You know the boys were too excited to see MomB and Dadu! I'm glad we were able to attend (even though we left early.... toddlers working off no naps around dinnertime - yeah, it was time to go).

AND, today is my grandparents' 62nd wedding anniversary!!! Yep, you read that correctly - 62 years of wedded bliss!!! And I say bliss with the greatest amount of writer's privilege EVER! lol

All in all, it's been a nice weekend - but what I'm really excited for is next weekend!!! Maxwell, I'm coming for you - big belly and all!!! lol



So, if you're reading this and think I'm not grateful for my nice bday dinner and concert tickets.. you are mistaken. I'm very grateful, but still a bit hurt that no one thought me turning 30 was a big deal. I mean, can I get a song?? a cake?? something?? And yes, my parents and in-laws gave me cards and little tokens to acknowledge my bday - but if y'all can't tell by now - I am about the TIME and TOGETHERNESS wayyyyy more than the gifts! I'll take the $$ in the cards though! LOL

Ok, vent over. I'm 30 & I'm dealing...

To Kill a Mockingbird Much

No, this isn't a post about a book. I thought I mentioned I don't read. Let's all just be happy that I knew it was a title of a book...

One sentence in and I'm already in left field.
back to the subject....

So, I don't even know if it's a mockingbird at all, but I believe my resident bird expert (aka Mommy) and Wikipedia and trust that it is indeed a mockingbird.

So, most people typically enjoy waking up to the sing-songy chirping of the little birdies outside their windows.
That does sound nice, doesn't it.
Well, how unfortunate for us that we instead get brutally awakened by the maniacal squawking of these rabid birds. And how sad for our dear Gerrie Berry who endures the constant torture of these birds swopping down on him, and dare I say it, mocking his feline-hood.

I just can't take it anymore. I don't know how Gerrie stands it. He loves to go outside, but the moment he steps paw outside that door they're on his tail - literally!! They show him no mercy. It's like a game to them. I wish I had video of it. I just don't understand why he doesn't fight back, ya know, show 'em who's boss. He is a cat after all!!!

It's just too bad (for us all) when he stays out all night and the moment he creeps out from under some car to stretch his little legs, those birds are back on him. It can be 5 in the morning, and they are just as loud as they can be calling all their friends over to torture the poor little kitty. And lucky for us, we all get to wake up and hear it. And to my neighbors, sorry we didn't bring him in last night.. oops!

Does anyone know how to get rid of these fearless, audacious, WRETCHED creatures.... who I swear must be on steroids or something. They suffer from 'roid rage on a daily basis. Or, better yet, how can we get Gerrie to stand up to them. I've told him that if he just gives them one good paw to the beak, they'll leave him alone. Then, we're all winners....

BordersLine

Can we all please channel our inner Madonna for a moment....
sing with me..

"Borderline, borderline
feels like I'm going to lose my mind
cuz you keep on pushing my love
over the borderline, borderline"

Now, I have to imagine that Madonna was singing to a gentleman caller in this song (which I like to sheepishly brrraaagggg to all I encounter that my dear friend's father wrote this song!!! how cool is that!), however, I am singing to two little ones not yet out of diapers (or pull-ups, whichever suits your fancy).

The boys and I had another full and quite eventful weekend!!! Really, just Saturday. Saturday was a doozy! So much so, that my little insomniac (according to Jordie, he is NEVER sleepy) went to bed at 6pm FOR THE NIGHT!!! no dinner, no bath, no pj's, nada!

That gives you an idea as to how much I dragged them all about town in an effort to give Ty some quiet time to complete his final paper for school. Whhheeewwww, I'm tired just re-telling it all.

Oh yeah, let me just preface by saying that I for some reason thought it was a grrrreeeat idea to go out with 2 tantrum prone toddlers sans stroller! Alone! Yikes... I wish someone would've warned me!

Let's start at 12:30, when the boys and I left the house. First stop, Babies R Us. I was there to pick up 2 giant bibs so the boys mightpossiblyjustmaybe come home from daycare without their lunch and everyone else's lunches all over their clothes! and play dough. and paint. and snot.
Once I got in the store, I made a mental note to forever remember - NEVER go to BRU on a Saturday afternoon. There were so many prego ladies there creating registries, so many others there shopping off the registries. It was a madhouse!
Anyway, we make it out of there relatively unscathed and we head off to our next stop.

So, I took the boys to the mall. Typically, I would've brought the stoller, but since we were just going for lunch (& they don't allow strollers in the restaurant), I left it in the car. We make 2 quick stops to look for a jacket for Jordan. no luck, so we keep moving.
We get to Friendly's and there is a wait! Uggghhhh. I was shocked at how well the boys were behaving while waiting for a table. They weren't angels, but I was pleased with their efforts.
We sit down. Drinks come. Food comes. The boys eat. The boys drink. The boys fight. Jordan falls out under the table. Aaron kicks off his shoes AND his socks. Mommy sweats.

Lunch over. We all leave in tears.

Off to Old Navy to find this elusive spring jacket. By the time we arrive (no more than 10 minutes later), the truck reaks of something fooooouuuuuuuull! I open the back door and begin changing diapers. in the parking lot. fun times.
We get in the store and all is good. I buy my summer staples (Old Navy flip flops... can't beat 2 for $5). Then I locate Jordan's jacket! The ONLY jacket there and it's a 3T! Jackpot! As we walk to the checkout, we walk by the kids section. I don't know who thought it was a good idea, but having a whole section of puzzles and blocks and balls is sooo not a good look. Jordan was gone (in every sense of the word) after he saw this area designated just for the likes of him. It took me (literally) 15 minutes to get him out of there (w/o losing Aaron) and I had to bribe him with the purchase of a ball. He suckered me and he knew it. My flip flops were $2.50 each, the jacket was $4.99, but that dangblasted ball - $5.50!!! I mean, I get that that's not a lot of money, but still!! Woooo Sahhhh

Time to go. The boys were getting tired and it is now 4:30.
Jordan told me he wanted to go to the bookstore. I had told him earlier in the day that if we had time we'd go to the bookstore. Against my better judgment... we went.

We arrive at Borders and I reason with myself that since I had just changed BOTH boys at Old Navy that I wouldn't weigh myself down with the diaper bag. Ummm, come again? I decided to do what??

Anyway, this lovely gentleman worker held the door for us as we entered (into Hell). Jordan is not pleased with the bookstore b/c he doesn't see any books for him. He cries. A lot. Again, against my better judgment we keep on walking to the kids section. He sees books for him and all is well with the world. We start to pick out our reading material when all of a sudden... grunt grunt. CRIKEY!!!
The boys and I head off for our first experience using the potty in a public restroom!! My worst nightmare has come true!

By the time we got in there, Jordan had already pooped in his pull-up. TMI? Just wait, there's more. He says "more are coming."
There's this little trash can in the stall, so I have him stand on it while I hold him over the toilet. He continues to poop. It's kinda loose... never a good sign. All the while, Aaron is pulling as much toilet paper off the ring as he possibly can. Speed counts. I yell. He stops. He stands in the corner of the stall completely still! He's never been so still. Ha! Just wait, Aaron.

Jordan is still pooping. Then, I see this stream of YOU KNOW WHAT heading in the direction of Aaron. I throw Aaron out of the way and watch urine land on the pile of toilet paper Aaron "prepared" on the floor. Thanks Aaron. I then turn Jordan around to finish in the toilet (all the while hoping he has no more poop that needs to come out).

Finally, he's finished. That's when I realize I DON'T HAVE THE DIAPER BAG!!! Shoot me now. I wet some paper towel and wipe Jordan with that. I clean off his leg and his jeans from where the poop got him when I pulled the dirty pull-up down. Really, will someone just shoot me now?? Like magic, another pull-up appears. I always keep a spare pull-up & diaper in my handbag. Wheewwww. Did you know that unlike diapers, you have to take off shoes, and pants to put on a fresh pull-up? Did you know how un-fun that is in a smelly public bathroom? Don't try it, just take my word for it.

We finally make it out of the bathroom and it is time to go. Before I can execute my escape plan, Aaron runs over to some Random man and asks him to read a book. Did I mention the man is already reading a book to his own child??? Uhhh, Aaron, it's time to go. We grab our books and head for the checkout line. The longest line in history.

I am holding each child's hand, but because of all the activity (errrr, mayhem) my hands are laden with perspiration. Aaron escapes my grasp first. I catch him, give him a good talking to and we get back in line. I lost my place in line and no one was gracious enough to honor my spot. Mmmmm hmmmm, duly noted. We make a little headway, and Aaron takes off again. I am hot on his heels when I hear Jordan right behind me with something in his hands. He then dropped said items (pencils. many many pencils) all over the floor... and I'm lucky enough to get to pick them up.
uhhh, fellow customers, thanks so much for offering to help me, but I'd prefer it if you just STARE!!

We again lose our place in line and must start over. Lucky for us, the line moves quickly. We get to the counter. The girl rings me up and I tell her (I really did tell her) that as soon as I let go of the boys to get my wallet, one of them is going to take off. Guess what happened next? Aaron took off! Really, he might be Olympic-bound. I told you speed counts. I gave the girl the money, left my bag on the counter, told Jordie to not move a muscle "or else" and took off to find Aaron. He was gone. He's tiny and the bookcases are so tall that it would take a miracle to find him. I knew I only had seconds to get him because I still had Jordan up front ALONE. I'm yelling for him, then I hear his laugh as he's running around the kids' section. I grab him and tell him in no uncertain terms that this is NOT FUNNY! He immediately begins to cry. He's very sensitive. By the time I get back to the checkout, the sales girl is holding my change and I just tell her to throw it in the bag.

We leave. Again, in tears.
What was supposed to be a 20 minute stop in Borders turned into well over an hour.

By the time we got home, Jordan was knocked out. As it turns out... for the night.
Aaron soon followed. Thank God.

Many lessons were learned on this fateful day out...
But I was also happy to learn that even though I was tested... we all made it home safely. and probably not permanently scarred.

"keep pushing me, keep pushing me
keep pushing my love
come on baby, come on darling
borderline"

Busy Busy

The devil is sooo busy!! He has been working overtime in my life this week! Please keep PinkLady's family in prayer because this rain cloud that took up residence over our house must now vacate. I'm ready for some sunshine!

This has been a really crappy week.... any way you look at it! I've been getting hit from all sides and I just need a little break. May I have a break please?

So, Ty and I have seen better days.
I'll just leave it at that.
Please pray for us.

So, the boys have acted a damn fool EVERY night this week! I know they are adjusting to this new schedule and all, but the tantrums have got to stop! How do you scream, cry, kick, hit, fall out, throw things, AND laugh for 3 hours straight.... no breaks??? Kids are amazing. It's just crazy that they act so funky at home but their teachers always comment how sweet and polite and quiet they are during the day! Ummmm, what?? My kids?? Yeah, they're polite, but quiet??? That's almost laughable.

Oh yeah, and every morning Jordie politely tells me that he does not want to go back to school. Yesterday he said, "Mommy, I went to school 3 days - I don't want to go 2 more days." First, that is soooo cute, but really.... he is too much! LOL

Enough about the boys. They are having growing pains... as am I, apparently.
Please pray for us.

Now, for the ugliest news I've had to share on this here blog! Ugggggghhhh, I cringe just thinking about it!

So, some super brazen chick walks into the bank (a branch I've never been to, btw) and requests to make a withdrawal for A LARGE SUM OF $$! I won't say how much, but it was a lot!! The teller takes her withdrawal slip (already completed with account information AND signature) and requests to see valid ID to complete the transaction. This heffa presents the teller with a driver's license and proceeds to count her money as she walks out the bank!

Now, this wouldn't be breaking news if she didn't SIGN MY NAME and use MY DRIVER'S LICENSE to take money out of MY ACCOUNT!!!! da hell???

domino effect.

Since this has happened all of my automatic payments have fallen through. I started an investigation to catch the perpetrator, so the bank froze my account to avoid any further fraudulent activity. The bank also wouldn't give me a provisional credit, so I am just sitting here with NO MONEY (she left me with $41 in my account). They did allow me to take my last $41 until the investigation is complete. *eyeroll* Uhh, yeah, switching banks.... like yesterday!

I am still in shock! I had to file 2 police reports, sign affadavits, call every creditor I can think of, etc etc. This is just unreal.

Now, after reading all this - you can't tell me the devil isn't busy!! Grrrrrrr
He is a liar and a thief, but thank God he is no match for my Savior!!!
Please keep us all in prayer!

Christmas Pictures '08 Edition

I'm ready for Christmas.
I just thought I'd throw that out there even though I have a lot of catching up to do from this past season. Fall just FLEW BY! Ah well... on to the next.

Anyway..
Soooooo, we decided to take family pictures to send out with our Christmas cards.. We did it in 2006 and 2007 - because it was the boy's first Christmases... there was really no need to do it again this year. I'm just sayin.

2006 was the easiest because there was just one baby and he was too little to really try our patience.... and plus, expectations were so low.

2007 was AWFUL!! We went around dinnertime, which then leads to sleepy time.... and for Mom, that makes sweaty time!!! The boys were so cranky and disagreeable.. If I remember correctly, the photographer got a total of 6 or 7 shots TOTAL before we just quit - after TWO HOURS!! That was one of the worst experiences with the boys to date!

Why I thought this year would be any different is just something that makes you go hmmmm.
We went earlier in the day to avoid the dinner/sleepy crankiness... the boys are a year older and they love to have their pictures taken...

NONE OF THIS MATTERED!!!!
I repeat - NONE OF THIS MATTERED!!!

Aaron SCREAMED and HOLLERED the ENTIRE TIME!!! You would've thought someone was really torturing him! And when he cries, Jordan cries.. without fail. I think the photographer barely got 10 shots TOTAL for us to choose from.

And so, yes, that lead to Mom sweating! lol makeup dripping, curls falling, head pounding...
It was an experience (to say the least).

Ty and I took pics of just the 2 of us for a change - those came out pretty well..

Anyway... we're not taking anymore pictures for a good long while!! Period.
If I can remember, I'll post the pics we chose once they are ready. (maybe)