Father's Day Weekend

We went to Vegas for Father's Day to visit with my dad.  I got up at 330 Saturday morning to load the car and then we took off around 430.  Why do you leave so early, you may ask?  Because everyone in the LA/ Orange County area heads out the 91 on Friday night.  Seriously, it's looks like one of those disaster movies where everyone is trapped on the freeway as they see the giant tidal wave coming toward them.  Overly dramatic, I know, but that's what the 91 on Friday afternoon reminds me of.  Maybe I watch too much SciFi.....
Connor had a blast in his new swimming pool.  He kept saying it was cold, which it totally wasn't, but he kept getting in the water anyway.  Can I just say that I love how much he loves water?!  I'm looking forward to a lot of time spent at the pool this summer.  Can't beat free entertainment!  I need to invest in a new swimsuit and vats of sunscreen.  I want to go to the beach this weekend but don't know if I'll be up for dragging all the stuff out and hauling it around.  I'm on call so that'll probably be a big no!

Internet Dating

I've been trying internet dating.  It seemed like a good fit for a single mom with little time to devote to finding the next Mr. Right.  I've been on a few dates but haven't me anybody I really felt a connection to.  Don't get me wrong, they were nice guys but there really wasn't a spark.  One of them, I thought could maybe turn into something but he just disappeared.  Which brings me to my issue with all of this.  What's up with the just disappearing thing?  Seriously, we're both adults, if it's not working out, just say so.  I think the thing that really bugs me about it, is it's so cowardly and childish.  I'm not looking for conflict but I do believe in being honest and I think at this stage in the game, everyone should be able to do that.  I'm irritated enough that I want to forget the whole thing but it can be kind of fun at times. At least I'll get to try out some new restaurants and hear some interesting stories.....

I'm still alive...

I know, I know.  I said I was going to stay on top of this and have been a dismal failure, however, it's a new day people!  As most of you know, there have been a lot of changes in the Kellyverse!  Ray and I have separated, Connor and I have moved into our own apartment,  and both kitties, sadly, passed away.

Sounds sad right?  Not so much ( except for the dead kitties).  I know I should be more upset about the demise of my marriage but a strange calm has come over me where it's concerned.  I think it's the best decision for all involved, Connor being the most important part of the puzzle.  That being said, it is sad that the family I envisioned isn't going to happen.    On a positive note, doing everything by yourself is A LOT less irritating than doing everything by yourself while being watched and critiqued by another able bodied, yet obviously delusional, adult :)

That didn't sound too bitter did it???

In other news, Connor is a climber, yeah me!  I spent last night rearranging his room in an attempt to keep him off the changing table.  Apparently, a 2.5 yr old is not worried about breaking his neck as evidenced by the very sweet "No, Mommy" I got from him when I pointed this possibility out.  Why would he want to be on top of the changing table, you ask?  The tv remote was on a shelf above it.  The kid is obsessed with remotes!  I tried giving him an old one but he just looked at me like I had 3 heads and asked for the real one again.  I'm hoping to keep him alive until he understands cause and effect but I'm starting to have doubts that it'll be possible.......

Connor's Triumphant Return

Connor came home on Saturday.  I was so glad to see him!  He was all smiley and couldn't wait to give the kitties kisses.  Mom and Dad said that they had a good time with him and that he had been very well behaved and generally happy all week.  I really enjoyed my time alone and managed to get some, but not all of my goals achieved.  The hubby and I did have a date night and the playroom was totally cleaned out.  I managed to catch up over lunch with Suzy on the patio at Tommy Bahama's and once again confirmed why I remain in sunny Southern California.  I have been a much happier and well adjusted momma so far this week and Connor seems better off for the time we spent apart.  He came home answering simple yes or no questions, is practically walking, and seems altogether a much more content toddler.  It probably helps that that darn tooth has finally made an appearance but I'm sure that a week of 24/7 attention didn't hurt!

What to do, what to do?

We are going to Vegas to visit Nana and Grandpa for President's Day.  I love to go see them but dread the drive on a Friday afternoon.  Connor will be staying with them next week because my work schedule is crazy and, honestly, I need a break.  Mommy is stressed and exhausted.  I thank god that I have parents who are willing and able to help out with the little monkey.  He's so high energy!  So while I'll miss him terribly, I'm going to take this opportunity to get some projects done that have become impossible with a toddler in the house.

Here is a list of projects that need attending too:

1.  Clean out playroom- it really is a playroom, not a storage shed for all the crap that wouldn't fit in the garage

2.  Make a diaper cake for Coco's baby shower- I'm really looking forward to this, hopefully, I can pull it off.

3. Go on a date with the hubby- we REALLLY need it

4.  Get some ACR testing done at work- so I can figure out how in the hell that phantom can be scanned helically and come out correctly- this may be easier said than done

5.  Start back to the gym- If I don't throw my back out on the playroom project

6. Get some rest- this should be at the top of my list but all you other Mommas out there know how that goes

I'll be happy if even 3 out of the 6 get accomplished. Maybe I should also add not to beat myself up if I don't finish my list.  I'm thinking a bubble bath and a glass of wine will go a long way toward that!

A Year of Motherhood

I haven't written anything in a loooooong time. That's because I've been in my first year of motherhood and, honestly, have been a little overwhelmed at times. Over the course of the last year I have learned several very important lessons. The first of which is not to take myself too seriously. It's hard to be too serious when you're covered in puke. The second is not to sweat the small stuff. Is it really important that the house is spotless if it takes time away from that cute, drool covered imp smiling at you from the playpen? And the third is to say no. I really hate not being able to do everything for everybody. I've discovered that being a mother has made me less able, or more likely, less willing to devote my time to anything but my family. I have found that wine really does make the screaming less irritating. That a baby's laugh is the best sound in the world and that I'm truly addicted to clean baby smell.

This year has been full of ups and downs but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. My son has made my life so much brighter than I ever could have imagined. Do I get exhausted? Yes. Do I need a break sometimes? Most Definitely. Would I do it again? Not if I had a choice. But I treasure every day and every minute that I get to spend with that wonderful creature.

Connor's 1st Swim Class

We went to our 1st swim class last night. Connor was the youngest baby there but he did great! He only cried a little when they had him floating on his side with his ear in the water. I was really impressed with how well he was floating and how willing he was to work with the instructor. This class is a Parent and Me class so I have to get in the water with him. I'm not too thrilled about wearing a bathing suit right now but oh well. Based on last night, I think we'll be doing these classes until he's big enough to do individual classes. I took the picture once we got home. I wish I had someone to go with me to take pictures of him in the pool. My dad wants to come down in the middle of the week so he can see him so I'll get some pictures then.