The Mommy Job

Finley had a cookie today. I think she liked it ;)

As some of you may know, I've had a lot of different jobs over the years. I mean A LOT! I've always loved to work even though I may complain about it. I always had a job when I was in high school even though I didn't have too. I got my first job when I was 13 working at a church daycare in Montgomery. My most recent job was as the medical director's assistant at a community mental health center. It would take me a while to sit down and list all the jobs I've had in between. They've ranged from restaurants to retail to public relations, sales and marketing. BUT, being a mommy has been by far the hardest job I have ever had and the hardest job I can ever imagine having because it doesn't start at 8am and end at 5pm. It is 24/7. There are no sick days, vacations, lunch breaks or holidays. There is no leaving early because your boss is out of town and no coming in late because your boss is in a meeting;) There is no paycheck, health benefits, retirement, bonuses for working hard or overtime for putting in extra hours. There are no thank yous and no pats on the back. It is truly a thankless job (especially if your child can't talk) Your looks suffer, your style suffers and your interests and friends fall to the wayside because you simply don't have the time and/or energy for it all. As I sit here and type this, it's 5:30pm and I haven't had a shower since yesterday morning, I'm wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt and I have no make-up or jewelry on. My brown roots are showing and the paint is almost completely chipped off my toenails. Joey and I haven't been on an actual date since...I don't know. I don't even know what we used to talk about after work or at dinner before Finley arrived. What did we do on the weekends? I couldn't tell you. My shoulders are aching from carrying Finley around because she cries if I put her down and I'm so tired I feel like I could lay down and sleep for 3 days. Sound familiar?? Honestly though, I'm the happiest I have ever been! All this to say, writing this brings a smile to my face because you have to laugh about it. It's so...I don't know...ironic? This has been the greatest 6 months of my life and I wouldn't trade it or change it for anything. Honestly, I wouldn't! This is simply an observation and revelation about the past year and the changes it has brought. Good changes though!!!

We are headed to Birmingham tomorrow for Halloween! I'm so excited!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!

A Funny Story

Disclaimer: I don't think suicide is something to joke about. I think it is something to be taken very seriously. The following story was kinda funny though because it did not end in tragedy.

Today Finley has been...ummm...difficult. It's raining (surprise, surprise) so we ran a couple errands this morning, but have been confined to the house most of the day. As I explained in the previous post, Finley HATES to be stuck at home. I texted Joey earlier today asking if he could come home early because I needed a break. I had a few things to do that I cannot get done during the day because of my permanent sidekick ;) He texted back that no he couldn't come home early. I texted back to him that I was going to jump off the roof. Of course, I was joking, but I accidentally texted that message to my friend Courtney who immediately texted back asking if I was okay. I thought oh no!! she really thinks something is wrong. So I tried to call her, but got no answer. Then Joey called the house and I had to practically hang up on him because then Courtney started calling my cell phone and I had to answer to tell her I was fine. We talked for a few minutes and I explained that I sent it to Joey jokingly because I had had a long day. She has 2 boys so she totally understood and we got off the phone. I had to laugh afterwards at my 10 seconds of insanity worrying that my friends thought I was suicidal. Anyways, Joey is coming home soon to relieve me so I have to get dressed so we can do a handoff at the door. Yes, it's been that bad. I'm telling you, it is a nightmare when Finley has to stay home all day. I have tried bouncy seats, jumparoos, exersaucers, sitting in the floor with her and playing, carrying her around with me in a baby carrier, you name it, I've probably tried it. Taking her outside for a walk or going somewhere is my only relief. I thought when she learned to crawl it would help because she would be a little more independent, but that is not the case. Okay, enough complaining for now :)

The never-ending to do list...

I always thought as a stay at home mom I would have plenty of time to take care of the baby, household chores and errands with lots of free time left over, but for whatever reason my to do list is never ending. It seems like every time I complete a task I add a new one. I really don't know how working moms do it so my hat is off to you :) I usually break my list down into weeks. For instance, this week I HAVE to get all the laundry done so we can pack for Birmingham, finish all 3 of our Halloween costumes, get some storage boxes for various things, get my hair did and get my nails done. I got a lot of my list done yesterday. I got Christmas shopping done for my niece, my nephew and my sister. I returned a few things and I got all my holiday gift wrapping supplies. I think my problem is that I want everything done NOW. Even though I have weeks to frame Finley's Baptism invitation, make my casserole for the Junior League Christmas Jubilee and finish my Christmas shopping, I have the urge to get it all done in one day and so I continually set myself up for failure. I think I will try really hard from now on to take things as they come and do only what I have to do in a particular week. We'll see how that goes.
I also had lunch with my old co-workers yesterday and that was fun as always. I miss seeing them on a daily basis as they have become my best friends down here. Finley was so good as she always is when we are out. That child HATES to stay at home. I think she gets bored even though I have tried everything to entertain her. She is happiest when we are out and about or outside walking. Unfortunately we live in the rainiest city in America. Today it's raining so all outdoor activities have been suspended. She's napping now and I'm already thinking of what I can do with her when she gets up. These are the days when I really miss being near friends. So many of my friends have babies now and I would love to be able to call them up and say "Come over for a play date!" One day...

The picture above is just for fun! Clicking on it makes it bigger. I think that Finley is a good mix of us both. When she smiles I think she looks like Joey, but when she has a straight face I think she looks like me ;)

Dear Waistline, I really miss you. I'm sorry for what I put you through. Please come back soon. Sincerely, Elizabeth

Tomorrow I'm not eating anything. I'm going to find a jogging stroller and I'm meeting Joey after work to play tennis. That's all I have to say...

Christmas shopping update...

So after my tirade about how I was dreading Christmas shopping I decided to have a better attitude and do a little shopping each week and get it done by December 1st so I can enjoy the season. Today I kicked butt!! I got my dad, my step-dad, my father-in-law and my brother-in-law DONE!! Yea for me! I always do the guys first because they are the easiest. My mom is always the last one I buy for ;) I also got Finley some books, an outfit and pajamas for Christmas. I love books! I have always loved to read and I hope Finley will too. I could spend hours in the children's books section. There are so many good children's books. I had a hard time deciding, but I got her The Mitten. I remember that book from when I was young. I love going through and seeing the books I used to read. I also got her 3 Berenstein Bears books, a box set of Dora the Explorer board books, a Wonder Pets book and a Baby Einstein Touch and Feel book. I'm going to hit up the Robert Moore Christmas Village next week for her keepsake ornament. I may try to do my sister and step-mom tomorrow because I already know what to get them. I'm on a roll! Thank goodness Finley is a good shopper. As long as she's in her stroller and has something to look at or we're moving, she's perfectly happy! Here is her swag so far. I may take Lauren's suggestion for a Pottery Barn hybrid chair, but I might wait until her birthday. I know it will be here before we know it!

Calling all Mommies!!! I need some advice!!!

I need some ideas on what to get Finley for her first Christmas. I don't want to go overboard since she will only be 9 months old, but I want her to have a few gifts to open. My mom is getting her a wagon which is really the only thing I wanted for her. The only thing I can come up with is a keepsake "1st Christmas" ornament. She has so many clothes and toys and just doesn't need anything like that. What did you get (or what are you planning to get) your child for their first Christmas???

Babababababababababa

Finley has started babbling this last week or so. She gets this concerned look on her face and says, "Babababababababa." I think she's trying to tell me something. The funniest thing is when we're out somewhere and she will just say "baaaaaaa" really loud and everyone will turn to look at her. I seriously can't believe how loud she is! I can't wait to hear what her little voice will sound like when she's really talking.

For Sale By Owner

Also, we put our house on the market! Yea! Almost 7 months ago we added a 7lb. 4 oz. baby to our family and our house that was the perfect size was suddenly way to small. There are several houses in our neighborhood that are for sale and they are selling, but only after many months and many price reductions. Luckily, we don't HAVE to sell it. We shall see!

The Great Outdoors!

It finally got cold in Mobile this past weekend. I had to go get Finley a few warm clothes. I'm thankful it finally got cool here. Now I can take her on a walk every day. Here she is watching Mommy and Daddy work in the yard Sunday morning. She is absolutely , positively, completely content to sit outside in her stroller for as long as we'll let her. It's her happy place!

Anyone in need of baby girl clothes?

I just cleaned out Finley's closet and have a bunch of baby girl clothes that I need to get rid of. I have onesies, pants, cotton dresses, tons of socks and a few outfits. I also have burp cloths that have only been used once or twice. If you or anyone you know needs them just let me know! They are sizes 0-3 and 3-6 months.

Puppy update

Joey took the puppies to work today and they are a big hit!!! Hopefully, one of his employees or customers will take them home.

Christmas shopping...Ugh!

Today a woman at Kids Kottage reminded me that Christmas was just around the corner. Instead of getting excited to eat good food, visit family and celebrate the birth of our Savior, I found myself moaning to her that I hadn't even started my Christmas shopping. Seriously, I would love to have a Christmas this year with no gifts. I won't buy any and I won't receive any. It's just too much pressure. Who do I need to buy for, what do I get them, how much money should I spend, do we even have that much extra money, trying to think up things I need when people ask me what I want, wrapping presents, loading them in the car, distributing them, mailing them to family I won't see...I have to stop now, I'm feeling overwhelmed. I hope I didn't ruin anyone's Christmas spirit, but I just want to eat, see family, send out Christmas cards, drive around and look at Christmas lights, watch Christmas movies and listen to Christmas music. Is that too much to ask???

Eventful Day...

Finley and I had a pretty eventful day today. We left the house around 12pm to run some errands. I had to exchange something at Ann Taylor and I resisted the urge to go in Gymboree which is right next door, then we went to Calagaz so I could print some of Finley's 6 month pictures to frame. We went to the mall while we waited on them to be printed, mailed something for Joey, went to Gap then went back to pick up the pictures. I have to add that Finley was unusually cooperative despite the fact that she was in her carseat...the dreaded, hated, despicable carseat! We stopped by Wal-mart, our home away from home, to pick up a few things for dinner and then we headed home. As I was getting on I-10 from I-65, traffic came to a complete halt right on the interstate. And there we sat for what seemed like forever. Finley's mealtime eventually came around and we were still sitting. So I put the car in park and moved her carseat to the front seat and fed her, changed her and took her out so she could stretch. All the while, we are still sitting and I am wishing bad things on the people who caused whatever it was that was keeping us there. Finally after a good 45 minutes, we started to move. I panicked for a minute because here I am parked on the interstate with Finley out of her carseat and the carseat in the front seat. I held her and inched forward as close to the car ahead of me as I could since we were only moving a couple feet at a time, then I put her in her carseat, walked around to her side and put her back in the backseat and ran around my car to get in the drivers side. Luckily the people behind me were patient. I was waiting for one of them to honk at me and I was prepared to give them my look of death. I never saw what caused the standstill...there was nothing? A cop had 3 lanes blocked, but I didn't see anything else. Anyway, Finley had had enough so she screamed the whole way home. Once we got home I took her for a walk which is her absolute favorite thing to do. I'm so glad it finally got cool enough to do without us breaking a major sweat. We were walking by some houses under construction when I see two little puppy heads pop up out of some tall grass. I said, "Puppies!" and they came running. It was the cutest thing! I called Joey who was almost home and he put them in the truck and took them home. He ran out to get some puppy food and we made them a little bed on the back patio. He's taking them to work tomorrow morning and if no one adopts them, he's taking them to the Arfanage. I have a feeling they won't make it there. Joey works with several dog lovers. Finley loved the puppies. She watched them through the back window and smiled and laughed at them. One day we will get her a dog, but not anytime soon. Anyways, that was our eventful day! Tomorrow will be even more exciting! I plan on getting some pants hemmed, getting Finley's Christmas pictures outfit monogrammed and going to Paint that Pottery with Andrea and the Mobile AOII alum group. I feel like such a mom because I really do like doing all the things I just mentioned and it is a far cry from what was fun for me just a year or two ago. Oh well, I'm loving it and that's all that matters ;)

She's on the move...

Finley is crawling!!! She's a little wobbly, but there is definitely movement ;)

HALLOWEEN

I'm very excited because Joey and I were invited to a Halloween costume party! In Birmingham of course! We had planned on going up anyway so Finley could trick or treat with her cousins. Here is our costume idea..I think its great! I just have to figure out how I will make a moonman award. I was thinking aluminum foil. Ideas are welcome!

Finley's room is very spooky!!!

6 month check-up

We went for Finley's 6 month check-up on Monday. Daddy went with us. He's such a good hubby! The doctor took longer than he usually does to get in the room so she got a little restless. He came in and said everything looked good and told us we could start a few table foods, juice and 2nd foods so that was exciting! She got 3 shots;( She does really good though. She cries for just a few seconds and then she's fine. She DOES NOT like the rotovirus stuff and does worse with that than the shots. I always heard than seeing your baby get shots was awful and that I would cry, but it doesn't bother me too bad. Does that make me a bad mom? I just try not to think about it and its over in a few seconds. I know it hurts her and its sad, but I guess its just over so fast that I don't have time to get emotional. Anyway, all is well with Miss Priss. She weighs 16lbs. 10 oz. and is 25 1/2 inches long which puts her in the 50th percentile for both. I really hope she splits the difference between Joey and I. He's 6'3" and I'm 5'2". Joey an I always joke that out daughter will be really tall like he is and our son will be really short like me ;) We go back at 9 months.

Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

On Sunday, we went to the Pumpkin Patch at Old Baker Farm. I put feelers out on Facebook about which one to go to and Old Baker Farm was the standout. It was so much fun! Fortunately, the weather cooperated. We went with my brother and sister in law and their 2 children, Anna Grace and Drew. They LOVE Finley and she loves them too. I like it when they are around because they keep her entertained. First on the list was to get a picture made of the kids for my mother-in-law. We took some of our own and then we were roped into the $10 picture in front of a Halloween/Fall scene. It turned out really good actually. Then we went through the petting zoo. Finley liked looking at the animals and she smiled at them. She even petted a little goat. Next, we went on the hayride out to the pumpkin patch. Again, she loved it. Finley is definitely my little nature girl. She loves to be outside. Too bad we live in Mobile where it is still almost 90 degrees even this time of year. I would give anything for it to be cool so I could sit her on a blanket outside to play. We did not get a pumpkin because we figured it was too much to carry so I went to Wal-Mart and got a couple when we got back in town. After the hayride we ate lunch there. We had burgers and sweet corn on the cob and it was oh so good!! Just before we left, we were looking at this old house on the property and this old man came up behind us and started telling us how he was born in that house in 1902. He had another younger man with him who told us that he was born in the house and lived there by himself until last year. I'm assuming it was the owner of the farm. Anyway, it was pretty cool to hear his story. Then sadly, we headed back to Mobile. She did pretty good on the ride home. The poor child is drug all over the state! One day...

Greg and Angie's wedding

We drove up to Anniston this past weekend for my cousin Greg's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and a GREAT reception!! It also doubled as a date night for me and the hubby.Even though I loved and still love everything about my wedding, it makes me think how I would do things if I had it to do over. I do not intend on doing anything over unless Joey and I renew our vows one day;) I think a Christmas wedding would be fun! Anyway, I got to see family and friends I haven't seen in a while so it was a a wonderful night. Of course, we missed Finley, but nights out a definitely a must have every once in a while.

Oops I did it again!

This one is not for Finley, but I made another tutu. This one is for my niece Anna Grace's Halloween costume. She is going to be a fairy. I think it turned out really cute! Finley's Halloween tutu has been finished for some time. I'm waiting to get her black onesie so I can start working on it. I've become somewhat crafty since I became a Mom. I suppose its a product of being at home and having time and not working and needing to be thrifty :)

Quickie...

I told myself I was going to update this every day, but that has not been happening. If I let myself get too far behind I will just quit all together. Here's a quickie update. We are in Birmingham AGAIN!! I'm going to start telling people I stay in Mobile, but live in Bham. We had a pretty good drive up. This morning I met my sister in law and her kids up at Hobby Lobby to pick out Anna Grace's fairy tutu colors. Luckily we talked her out of neon pink and green and settled on light purples and greens. I am getting ready now to go to my cousin's wedding in Anniston. I'm so excited! It's going to be so fun and Joey and I have not had a night out alone in a LONG time. I love my little bug more than anything, but I miss my husband ;( We got Finley's CD of her 6 month pics and could not be happier with them. We will be using Johanna again! Finley is going to hang out with Grammie and Papa tonight so I know she'll be in good hands and have lots of fun. Tomorrow we are going to Old Baker Farm to the pumpkin patch and I cannot wait. I really hope the weather cooperates. Then tomorrow afternoon its back home to Mobile. Booo! Just kidding ;) We'll be back up for Halloween and then no more trips until Thanksgiving. Whew! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday (I'm stealing this)

Photography Fun!

I decided I wanted to get Finley's pictures done in her Auburn dress. It just so happened that I was at my step-sister's house this weekend and saw an Auburn football helmet in her playroom. I snatched it up and said, "I'm taking this!" So this morning we ran some errands and then went to Portrait Innovations. They had a really good deal. I got an 8x10 of her in her Baptism dress, a TON of pics in her Auburn dress and 6 free greeting cards for about $27. I chose a plain card and the pic of her in her Auburn gear and had "It's great to be an Auburn tiger" printed on it. They are so cute!! We took Daddy lunch so he could see them and he loved them! The people there were great although when they sit down with you to take your order, they get kinda sneaky so buyer beware. Luckily, I had already gone to the website and knew exactly what I wanted and how much it should cost. I told the lady that I really didn't need $150 worth of pictures of her in an Auburn dress. Last week we had her 6 month pics done and I'm DYING to see them. Hopefully, just a few more days. Johanna Cosby did them. She is in Birmingham and she is awesome!! www.johannacosbyphotography.com

Finley laughing at Zack

"Will it take if she was crying the whole time?" -Joey Dambro after we left Finley's Baptism

This weekend was a blur. I'm glad I have a blog because it helps me remember what we did. We drove up to Bham Thursday afternoon. Finley slept about 2 hours, was awake and happy for about 1 hour, fussed for about 30 minutes and then cried for about 30 minutes. Friday morning we met with Johanna to do Finley's 6 month pics. They are going to be amazing and I CANNOT WAIT to see them!!! Then we went home, changed, ate, and Finley took a long, much needed nap. When she woke up we went over to see Grammie and Papa (Joey's parents) and Uncle Curt, Aunt Laura, Anna Grace and Drew and Joey's grandparents. Finley was well-entertained for a few hours!! Finley's cousin Anna Grace is so good with her and I can't wait until Finley is old enough to really appreciate having her around. We took a walk and had dinner and just "visited". The next morning, Joey played golf with his dad and Finley, Cici, Aunt Catherine and I went shopping and had lunch at Jim n Nick's. I really miss my fav places to eat because we don't have any of them in Mobile :( We also don't have a Home Goods which should be a crime!! That afternoon we went over to Natalie and Jay's. Daddy and Jackie were in town and of course wanted to get their hands on Finley. (Maybe they wanted to see us too ;) Finley played with Max and Henry and Catherine and I helped Natalie clean out her closet, which sadly is one of my favorites things to do. The girl had clothes from when she was in high school! Now that I think about it, it would have been fun to do a fashion show and take pictures a la 27 Dresses. We went back to my mom's and watched the Auburn game and laughed at Finley while she laughed hysterically at Zack as he ran back and forth in front of her. I will post a video. Sunday was Finley's Baptism. Joey called me Bapzilla. I guess I was a little stressed, but I felt like there was a lot to do and in order for it to get done I had to bark orders at people. Anyway, the Baptism was great. Pastor Tom at Mountain Chapel is so sweet and it was a really special day. We promised to raise Finley in a Christian home and guide her in life according to His word and we will do so. Unfortunately, Finley cried the whole time. I know it doesn't matter, but I hate that her pictures have her crying. I actually said the words I always heard parents say and thought, "Yea, right". I said, "She never does this!" Oh well, so we got done and ran to the car in the rain. So many family came to celebrate with us! We all went back to my mom's for cake and coffee. It was so good to see everyone! I know I keep harping on this, but we are so ready to come back home!!! I'm hoping if enough people think about it and pray about it we can will it into happening. After the last guest left, we packed up and headed back to Mobile. Now, we are recovering. I feel like my to do list is a mile long! Better go get to it!

MDO Update

Mother's Day Out is out. The place that seems to be the most reputable in town doesn't take children under 1 year old in the half day program and the other place I heard was really good has a 10 month waiting list. Looks like I won't have to cross that bridge yet :)

WOW!!!