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.