Mid April

 Today, Aaron and I went to a movie (Dungeons and Dragons) in the theatre. I think it was probably 2019, or possibly 2018 that I last was in a movie theatre. I don't really like seeing movies in the theatre. I don't need the "experience" of the big screen. But it was fun to go out on a day date. We got Shake Shack for the first time for lunch. It was fine, but I've heard people rave about it for so long. And it was normal fast food. We took the kids to Home Depot and bought this season's plants (tomatoes, cucumber, spaghetti squash, green beans and spicy peppers). Bron chose a lavender plant. I napped Aaron got everything planted. He went off to play Magic, kids and I hung out at home. 

Last weekend was Easter. The kids ended up doing 3 separate egg hunts (at home, at Mil's church, and one their aunt set up with the cousins), so they had a good time. Dinner was ok. MiL always says she's getting a Honey Baked Ham, but she always buys a honey baked ham (not from the actual ham store), and it isn't the same. Ham aside, it was a good holiday.

The kids had this week off for Spring break. I tried to take them to the beach on Monday (it was a really nice day), but 17 was at a stand still. It took us over 20 minutes to go a mile. So we turned around and went home. They were disappointed, but recovered fairly quickly.

On Wednesday, Aaron took the day off and we went to the aquarium. Bron wore shoes that we're about 3 sizes too big. So we had to stop in a souvenir store and get her a pair of sandals. The kids had fun, I got a little overwhelmed, it was a bit busier than I'd expected. Too peopley. We we're going to go to the beach after (to make up for Monday) but it was windy and cold. Bert has been weird about wind lately. Anytime it's a little breezy, he comments about how windy it is, and gets nervous. Bron was upset about missing the beach, again. So I offered to take her to 5 Below (her favourite store) and that made everything better.

Thursday the kids and I went to Sprouts, Walmart and Dunkin. I like taking them on errands with me. I'm not sure why, because I always buy more then I would, and they some times complain. I guess I just like them. 🥰

I've been doing a lot of yardwork. Still weeding. But I also started pruning the over-grown bushes this week. Both kids (surprisingly) really like helping with that. I have little hand shears and large clippers. Bron uses the little ones, Bert says he's a lumberjack, and cuts up the bigger branches into smaller pieces. The pruning is about done, but I need to get the ladder and the electric clippers to do the very top.

Prior to Spring break, both kids had good weeks at school. Bron has accumulated 6 days of no issues at school. 

At the end of March, we got our family pictures done. They turned out great 

A nice day

I got up at 5:30, and drove to the track.  I did a minuscule amount of running, and walked most of the time.  I love being able to see the sun rise.  I came home around 7, and I could hear Bertram waking up.  I got him up and took off his diaper and put on his undies.  A minute later he ran up to me and said "I wet, I need to potty".  His undies were a little damp, and he ran off to his little potty.  He really had to go!

Then he said he wanted a toy out of his closet.  It was a big garbage truck that he got for his first birthday (I think).  It's a German toy, and it's pretty well made.  After I showed him how to use it, and gave him some little pom-poms to put in and dump out, he played with it for two hours straight!  I did yoga, and got all our stuff together for the beach.  He cried for a minute when I said he needed to get ready, but calmed down quickly.

We headed off to Santa Cruz, well, Aptos, actually.  The drive there was uneventful.  Bertie read a book most of the way there.  When we got to Rio del Mar, we both went to the bathroom (he was dry when we arrived).  Then went back to the car to get all the necessary beach crap (towels, sand toys, snacks, and a blanket).  That was a difficult trip, the stuff was heavy, and Bertram was walking so slow.  But we got set up, and he went to play in the little stream that goes to the ocean.  He did a lot of digging, splashing, finding different rocks, and sticks.  We stayed for 3 hours, and stopped to add more sunblock and have a snack about halfway through.  It was a beautiful day.  Warm, and comfortable, with a nice breeze.

When we left, around 1:45, we went to Marianne's in Aptos for ice cream lunch.  I put Bertie up to the counter, and asked him what flavour he wanted.  (99% of the time, he chooses mint).  He said "white".  The ice cream guy said "ok, let me bring you some samples".  He brought 4: Vanilla, Coconut, Banana, and I can't remember the last one.  He chose Banana, I got Heaven (peanut butter base, with brownies).  He ate almost all of it.  We went to the bathroom there, and got ready to hit the road.

I wanted a drink before we got back on the highway.  I thought if I drove down the main drag (Soquel Ave), I would see a drive through.  We drove 7 miles, from Aptos to Santa Cruz, and didn't see a single drive thru.  I found one when we were back in Santa Cruz, but it was on the wrong side of a divided road.  So we stopped at Macca's, the one without a drive thru.  The line was super long, and of course, Bertie needed to crawl around on the floor...

We got on to Hwy 17.  I was driving pretty slowly, I was hoping he'd fall asleep.  We hit the summit and started down the other side.  (The harder part of the drive, there are a lot of sharp turns).  We came around one of the blind curves, and there was a car, stopped.  The car was stopped, the driver was standing next to it (on the highway!) and he didn't have his hazard lights on.  (I should mention this all happened in a matter of seconds).  I couldn't slam on the brakes, because there was a car right behind me.  So I eased on to them hard.  I stopped in time, and then kept my eyes on the rear view mirror.  I willed the car behind me to stop.  And miraculously, he did.  And the car behind him swerved around without issue.   When it was safe, I went around.  The car I didn't hit, looked fine, I have no clue why he was stopped.  There was another car in front of him, which also looked fine, but maybe hit the guardrail.  Neither looked immobile, so I'm not sure why they didn't move to an area with a shoulder.  I was shaking.  (I somehow managed not to swear).  Once I'd calmed down a little, I said a prayer of thanks.  That could have been terrible.  (I checked Google Traffic about an hour after that, the accident was still there, so I assume someone probably hit the first car).

The rest of the drive was fine, thankfully.  We ran to the grocery on the way home.  Then Bertie went to see his grandparents, and I started dinner and showered.  I got a little sunburn on the back of arms and shoulders.  I can never make rice correctly, it's either burnt or soggy.  I made cilantro lime chicken and rice.  It was still good, even with mushy rice.

It was a good day.

And now, some complaining...

Bertie is definitely in the terrible twos, or maybe a two-nager.  He is always saying no, or when it's time to be done: one more, or one more time.  (Why am I trying to have another again?)

Today he wanted to draw with markers, then paint stamps (dot markers?  I'm not sure what they're called) then real paint.  I like him doing these things, so that was all fine.  When he paints he get super washable crayola paints, a palette and a cheapie brush.  Lately he wants a cup of water, but doesn't understand the water is for washing the brush, and then just keeps adding paint to the water.  Anyway, he was painting, then spilled the water cup.  No big deal, I had him continue on, but no.  He needed the water cup.  I said no, then the threw the palette across the floor.  He got a timeout, and I got to clean the floor.

He refused to nap today.   I tried 4 different times to put him down.  No dice.  Which means I didn't get anything done.

I have either a sinus infection or some terrible allergies.  My face/head hurts.

After his non-nap, we went to buy groceries.  There are always cookies there, so I got him a cookie.  Then he wanted another snack.  I had a squeezy pack in my purse, so I gave him that.  Then he wanted another snack.  The store sells individual squeezy yogurts.  He seemed excited, and chose a flavour.  I opened it, then he said no.  So I closed it, and let him hold it.  He was upset about me closing it, and threw it on the ground.  And the package split open.  Then he wanted it again, and, stupidly, I obliged.  He, then, of course, spilled it everywhere.  (Fortunately, the grocery clerk was nice, and didn't charge us).  Also, he bit into an unripe avocado, skin and all (and then was upset when it didn't taste good).  I'n not sure if that will ripen properly.

We had to go to one other store.  There he grabbed onto a gallon of water, by the strap.  He wouldn't let go, so I tried to unwrap his fingers.  But when I succeeded, he lost his balance and hit his eye on the cart.  (Mother of the Year).  Then he started crying.  So I carried him for a minute.  When I went to put him back (because he was reaching for everything, again), he threw a fit.  I had to wrestle to get him back in the cart, and buckle him in. (At which he was screaming "too tight", because that's what he says when he is unhappy).  And everyone stared, and I was "that mom"

My bridesmaid skirt came in today! I was so excited, because I thought it was really cute, and I could wear it again, unlike other bridesmaid dresses.  And if I'm pregnant I can still wear it with no issue.  Following the description I was a Medium, but following the size chart (which they said to do) I was a Large.  I opened the bag, and said "well, this looks huge.".  I tried it on, and said "this feels huge"  And it's very long (supposed to hit at the knee, but falls to my mid calf.  Then I looked in the mirror.  Oh Lord.  It was even worse than I imagined.  Like wearing a large tulle garbage bag.  I filled out the return paperwork tonight (since you have a mere 10 days to return it. (Thanks Obama. (Lol)).  Now I'm not sure what to do.  Do I order the medium and hope it doesn't look like garbage?  Do I order a dress, and hope I don't get prego, or huge and that it actually fits?  Also, this company is 15 miles from my house, and they have no show room.  Grr.

An average day

This is what an average day looks like:

7ish - Bertie wakes up.  I let him hang out for a few minutes, unless he's screaming.
7:15ish - We get up, if he's wet through I change him, otherwise I wait a few minutes, because he's grumpy when he wakes up.  (I wonder where he gets that from...?)  I get his milk and we sit in the recliner and watch the news for a few minutes.  He likes the traffic report, and the weather.  And the commercials.  Then we usually will read a few books before demanding "gargoons" (cartoons).
8ish - I turn Thomas the Train on Netflix.  He half watches, and half plays with his toys.  I do my yoga (or whatever exercise).
8:45ish - We sit at the table and eat breakfast.
9:15ish - I put away the dishes and clean the house a little.  Bertram will usually colour or play with chalk for a bit, then play with his trains or cars more.  After a while he usually says "sit here" (the recliner) "mommy read book".
10ish - We head out and do whatever we're going to do for the day, usually errands: groceries, etc.  Sometimes we go to the mall and walk around (especially if the weather is bad).
Noon: We are back home.  Sometimes he has lunch before nap, sometimes not.  Typically he'll have a small snack, and more milk.  We sit in the recliner and read a few more books.  I sing him his nap time song:

It's time for a nap, it's time for a nap.

You will feel so much better after a nap.

After a nap, after a nap

We will have more fun after a nap.

Sometimes the last line changes, if we have something specific planned.  (We will go see grandma, after a nap).

He will sleep 1.5-3 hours.  I clean up, do dinner prep, laundry, sit around, and enjoy the quiet.

2:15ish - Bertie wakes up.  We have a little more milk, or water.  Read a few books. Then maybe a snack, or he'll just play.

4ish - He will usually request that we go to Grandma and Grandpa's house (two doors down).  Which means he wants to go play, and for me to leave him there.  He often will stay there until Aaron gets home at 5:30.  So I clean up again, and get dinner ready.

5:30 - Aaron comes home, we have dinner.

6:00 - Sometimes baby gets a bath, depending on how gross he got at dinner.

6:20ish - We walk the dogs.  Bertie usually goes back to grandma and grandpa's, but sometimes he comes too.

7:15ish - We start getting ready for bed.  Jammies, milk, more books, brush teeth, have fluoride (or vitamins).  We sing a few songs, then say prayers.  Then we go around a say good night to each of the animals (Juli, Zelda, Fiona and Priya), then good night to mommy and daddy.  Then we sing the bedtime song as we go to bed.

7:40ish - (to the tune of "let's go out to the lobby")

Let's all go to bed

Let's all go to bed

Let's all go to bed, 

and get ourselves some rest.

Now it's time for bed, 

Now it's time for bed, 

Now it's time for bed, 

time to go to sleep.

We tuck him in with his favourite bears (Charlie and Blue), and pull up his two blankets (only because it's winter, not because it has to be two).  He'll usually say "tuck in. night-night".  

Exercise
My sister and I started a new work out today: Bikini Body Mommy 6 week mini-challenge.  Six days a week, 20-30 minutes at a time, consisting of upper body, lower body and cardio. Today was day one, and I wanted to get off on the right foot.  So I got up at 5:45 so I could jog (once it's cold I can go during the day, but it's kind of nice to get up and get it done).  I jog/walked for 30ish minutes, then came home and did the upper body work out.  As I was about to get in the shower Bertie woke up (a little after 7).  And after he'd had milk, he walked over to the door and said "go!"  I figured since it was going to be super hot again today, we may as well go.  And we were out of milk, so I figured we could walk to the store after the park.  I loaded up the stroller and we headed out.  The whole way there, Bertram said "slide, slide".  We played for a while, walked to Grocery Outlet, and then walked home.  I hit 10,000 steps just before 9 am.
I'm going to aim to jog 3-4 days a week.

Nursing
We are officially done with nursing.  I felt bad, because I cut it off.  And the first couple days when Bertie was upset, he would cry "boobie, boobie" and pull on my shirt.  But now he's ok.  I have mixed feelings.  I'm glad to be done, but at the same time I miss it.

Adderall
Now that nursing is done, Adderall is back!  My shrink actually wanted me back on it sooner, but knew that nursing was important to me.  I really forgot how wonderful Adderall is, and I can see why people abuse it.  But I really feel more focused, and more importantly, awake!  I'm hoping that the combination of exercise, completing breastfeeding, and adding Adderall will help me lose some weight, because I'm tired of being chunky.

Heat
It has been so hot lately!  It was 97 today!  And it's been hot for most of the previous week.  I'm really looking forward to fall.  Sweaters, crisp air, maybe some rain?

Baby
We were trying for baby #2.  My sister is getting married next year.  Originally it was in Oct, or Nov, so I figured we could try through October, then stop if not pregnant, and start again in Spring.  (I either need to be in early to mid pregnancy, or with a new baby.  I can't travel while hugely pregnant).  But the wedding got moved up to June.  So I went back on the pill, and we'll start up again late January.  (So I have a little over 4 months to lose weight!)

Bits about today
Today was pretty good.  My MiL watched Bertie so I could shower after our walk. He took a really early nap (and was asleep before 10:30).  After he napped we met dad at Olive Garden for lunch.  I tried to have him nap again after lunch, but he didn't.  I got a letter with no return address.  In it was a $60 gift certificate to a nail salon nearby.  I have no idea who sent it, but it was a great surprise!  We had dinner with Aaron's folks.  I got the house tidied up, swept, did (and put away) laundry, dishes, etc.  So we're in good shape for tomorrow.  I have a dentist appointment at 10:40, for a cleaning.

Dreams

Two nights ago, I dreamed of the farm.  It was the last day there, the last morning there.  The sun hadn't yet risen, and the house was mostly empty.  There was an empty china hutch in the dining room, and one chair in the kitchen (Nanny was sitting there).  And there was a small candy rack (like in a grocery store), with three boxes of candy (like Hot Tamales, and Mike and Ikes); one for me and one for each of my sisters.  And there was some money taped to each box.  A gift from my departed grandpa.

Last night I dreamed of the farm.  Nanny had hired a lawn-mowing airplane.  And it would come really close to the house (scarily close).

Wednesday I over slept.  Bertie woke up a lot that night.  And I hit the snooze too many times, and woke up at 6.  I usually leave at 6, so I did a lot of running around.  But Bertie took a good nap, so I got to nap too.

And last night Bertram slept all night!  It's been months since that happen.  He slept 8p-8a!  Woo hoo!  He was just a wonderful happy boy today.  Like the kind of perfect mommy day.  He played, we ran errands, I got stuff done, and made dinner.  And we had a nice day.

I found out my dad is going to have another angiogram on Wednesday.  I'm very nervous.  They'll be going through the groin this time, and taking a round-about way to get to the blockage.

Thoughts on parenting and life this week

I was thinking about parenting a little bit.  And it seems like parenting (at least for me, with a little guy) is all about extremes.  Like huge highs and lows.  More joy than you ever thought you could feel.  More frustrated that you thought.  More bored than you thought you would be with a newborn.  More love than you knew you had capacity for.  And more empathy.  (I swore I wouldn't cry when Bertie got his shots, and I think I've cried almost every time).  Anyway, blah, blah, blah.  Rachel waxes philosophical.

I have exercised all three days this week!  Baby steps, but I am going to get fit.  Aaron and I were talking about baby #2.  We thought we could start now, but I want us both to be in better shape (me, especially).  I don't want to have to lose 40+ lbs next time.  So the goal is to be back in the 140s by Feb 2016.  (I'm currently in the 180s, so I have a way to go). Hopefully Bertie will wean before too long, then I can get on Adderall again.

I made really good burgers for dinner tonight.  I had ground pork, and ground beef chorizo that I needed to use.  I mixed them together, and it was really good.  A little spicy, but Bertie ate 1/3 of a burger.  I also chose an awesome watermelon!  Huge, and only $4.

Bertie is a lot of fun lately, but super challenging.  He's into everything!  Dog food, dog water, pantry cabinet, pots and pans, and the fridge when he can get in it.  He loves unrolling toilet paper, tearing tissues and newspapers.  He love water.  I'm going to find out about free swim and mommy baby swim lessons at the local city pool.  Also, some of the splash pads (at city parks) are still open, in spite of the drought. So I need look around and see which local ones are open.  I'm trying to fine some fun and different things for him to do.  We went to the park today, after my walk/jog.  He still loves the swings, and now he loves the slide.

I've been watching True Detective.  I think I have 1 or 2 episodes left.

Today

Today was Tuesday, so I didn't have to work.

I had planned to sleep in, which I guess, technically, I did; since I slept later than 5.  But I would have liked to sleep til 9, but the dog woke me, which woke Bertie.  So we woke up around 8, but didn't get going til 8:30.  We got up, I had cereal, Bertie had pancakes and cherrios.  He had major bedhead this morning. We played a little, but he went down for an early nap.

I started cleaning, and folded laundry.  But Baby B only slept for about 45 minutes.  I was almost done cleaning when we awoke.  I cuddled him for a couple minutes, and then took him down the street to see his grandma so I could finish.  I, then, finished the counters and swept the kitchen and living room.  While sweeping the living room, I found some ants, then I had to spray.  I got dressed and got Bertie.  Then he and I had lunch.  He had strawberries and cheese.  I had a salad and some cottage cheese.

I got Bertie dressed and he and I went for a bike ride.  He loves his new bike seat.  We rode to Kirk Park, he played in the swings, because that's his favourite.  He was getting tired, so we rode back home.  I started the tub, while getting him undressed, then getting myself undressed. It had been a while since I'd bathed with him.  He loves bath time. Nursed a lot in the tub.  Then I put him back to bed again.  It was about 2pm.

I did a little more laundry, and mostly just relaxed.  I watched some daytime tv.  We were scheduled to meet Aaron's mom, dad and aunt at the Cheesecake Factory at 5:30.  I was planning on going there early, so Bertie and I could walk.  But he actually took a really good nap: 2.25 hours!  And he would have slept longer, but I had to wake him. because...

Last Wednesday Aaron's car wouldn't start at work.  I picked him up, and his car was towed to our mechanic.  We borrowed my dad's spare car (dad said keep it indefinitely (aka until he needs in again)) and told the mechanic that he didn't have to hurry, so he didn't (which was fine).  I think his car was done yesterday, but we weren't able to get over there.  Aaron called me and asked if I could go pay for the car.  So...

Bertie work up at 4:15ish (after I prodded him a little, since it was getting late).  We headed to the mechanic, which took a few minutes.  Then we had to go across town, and I decided to take the freeway (which could have been a bad idea, but since I had baby with me we took the carpool lane.

We got to the restaurant around 5:20.  We got a table.  Aaron met us there.  Then the others came.  We had nice a time.  Bertie ate a lot (as usual). Our server was awesome, and brought Bertie his own appetizer plate with small pieces of bread and sliced banana.    We also ordered Bertie his own food.  Sometimes we share with him, but Aaron got a burger, and I got french dip, so it's hard to share that with a baby.  He had grilled chicken and mashed potatoes.  Aaron and I got a piece of cheesecake to go (smores, my choice), because his mom made a pie.  (We'll eat our cake tomorrow).

When we came home, we went for our nightly dog walk.  Bertie got to bed around 8.  I watched Hell's Kitchen, and Aaron went to pick up his car.  And here I am!

A near perfect day

Today has been pretty close to perfect; with the exception that I've hardly seen Aaron.

Bertie and I got up at 9am.  We hung out with Aaron for about 45 minutes.  Aaron left for work, and Bertie went back to sleep.  I got some chores done.  When Bertie woke up we did some grocery shopping.  I got lunch at Jack in the Box on the way home.  (Usually, by the time I'm hungry, Bertie will be endlessly fussy, so I eat when I get the chance). I ate in the car in the parking lot, since I figured he'd wake up once we got in the house.  But, once we got home I set his carseat on the floor, and he stayed asleep for 2.5 hours!  So I got more chores done.  When Bertie woke up we were going to go for our walk, but the jogging stroller (which I was ready to tryout) had a flat tire.  I got the bike pump out, but it wouldn't inflate.  I took the wheel apart, and the inner tube was split.  I loaded baby into the car, and we went to the local bike shop.  They got me fixed up.  Baby and I went for a walk; we didn't jog much, I was pretty tired.  I ate dinner, then left Bertie with Aaron's folks so I could walk the dogs and shower.  After that I fed Bertie, he fell asleep before 8:30, so I put him to bed.

Things I did today:
changed and laundered all the linens
washed all clothes except diapers (I did those yesterday) and folded everything
Swept
Cleaned the sink
gave the baby a bath
Cleaned Bertie's closet
Found new homes for some of Aaron's things (places around the house, since a lot was still in Bertram's room)
Bought groceries
Bought new underwear for Aaron
Took out all the garbage and recycling
Exercised
Scooped the cat boxes

It was a good day.  I only wish Aaron were around, and Bertie were awake a little more.  He was very sleepy today.  He must be growing.

What I did today.

• Got up "early" (as opposed to sleeping in) at 7, to go to the flea market.  I think it was about 40 degrees when we got there.
• We wandered around for about 90 minutes.  It was emptier than usual, due to the cold weather, and that it'd rained last night.  I found a couple books for Mojo, but that was all we got.
• On the way home we got gas, and donuts.  
• We laid down for a few minutes when we got home.  Actually Aaron laid down for a few minutes, I ended up napping for 2.5 hours.  He left to go to a memorial while I was asleep.
• When I got up, I found that Fiona had made a line of poop from the kitchen into the living room.  I cleaned that up, and decided that it was about time to deep clean the kitchen.
• They finished taking out the tree while all that was going on.  The giant camphor tree is no more.  The stump got all the way ground, hopefully we'll have a driveway again soon.
• In the kitchen, I put everything away, did all the dishes, scrubbed the counters, and stove top.  I took the recycling and garbage out, and shredded all our papers.  I swept the floor. Then I got a bucket and Lysol and proceeded to scrub the floor on my hands and knees (I did the baseboards too).  Aaron came home while I was scrubbing, so he helped too.  I also ran the laundry while doing all the cleaning.
• After that we worked on Aaron's quilt.  We'll he did most of it, I assisted when necessary.  The top was sewn together.   He added the patches he wanted (it's a scouting quilt).  Then we pin basted it on the (newly cleaned) kitchen floor.  We went back and forth on whether to tie the quilt, or stitch in the ditch.  Tying is a lot easier, but doesn't look as nice.  Stitch in the ditch is a lot more difficult, but looks a lot nicer.  We ended up using the stitch in the ditch.  We needed to go to ask grandma for some advice on how to minimize pulls on the back of the quilt.  There were a few small mishaps, but it looks really great!  All that's left is the binding, and it's all done.
• While we were doing that, Julius peed in the dog bed, which was about 5 feet away from us.  I guess Aaron had gotten a little behind in cleaning the boxes, but man, that cat is a jerk.  
• I've walked 15,100 steps today.  :-D
• We watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  Now we're watching Star Trek Into Darkness.
• I wanted to change the bed linens, and put the laundry away, but I think those things will have to wait til tomorrow.