Dear Mom,
The first week of motherhood was unbearable. It wasn't at all what I had anticipated it to be like. I was sleep deprived, sore as hell, and flooded with emotions not of indescribable love, but feelings of inadequacy.
I can't thank you enough for being there to help me that first week. And the second week. And half of the third. Or coming to my rescue after my first week alone with her. You were more than just an extra set of hands. More than a cleaning lady or cook. You were the person I vented to, the shoulder I sobbed on, the expert I ran to. You still are. I couldn't have made it through these last five months without you, or the many, many more years to come.
I never thought I could love this way. My heart grows every day for this little girl. I finally understand what it is like to really love someone unconditionally. It made me think of our relationship, and what a little shit I've been.
I'm sorry for all the rotten things that I've said and done over the years, for all the times I never apologized, and for all the times I broke your heart.
I wish that it didn't take me so long to realize what an amazing Mother you are. I guess I just needed to become one myself to truly understand what it was like.
So on my first Mother's Day, I wanted wish you a Happy Mother's Day. I wouldn't be the Mother I am had it not been for you.
All my love,
Erica
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Coming Soon To A House Near You
The hubs and I were invited to a Halloween party the other weekend. I was all ready to go as a Sumo Wrestler, but Chad, as usual, waited until the last minute possible to figure his costume out.
We were out running errands, and had planned to go to the Halloween store to find something for him since the party was that night. So we are in the car, both totally stumped for ideas. And then it rode by us.
Me: Is that a Jehovah's Witness?
Chad: Yeah.
Me: OMG! That's IT!
Chad: What?
Me: Your costume! It would totally work. And we don't have to buy anything but a short sleeve white shirt. You have black dress pants, black tie, sneakers, a bike helmet, and a backpack.
Chad: That's hilarious!
So we went off to Wally World, a.k.a. Wal-Mart, to get the white shirt. It was almost the Jehovah's Witness costume debacle of 2012 when he went to get dressed later on that evening though. Even though the shirt said "short sleeve" all over it, it was a long sleeve white dress shirt. Being that he already had a long sleeved dress shirt, he wore that with the sleeves folded up, and we returned the not-so-short sleeve-shirt to Wally World the next day.
But even with the sleeves being rolled up, people knew what he was. He often got asked if his bike was tied up outside. It was a total hit!
Sometimes the best ideas come riding by you when you least expect them.
We were out running errands, and had planned to go to the Halloween store to find something for him since the party was that night. So we are in the car, both totally stumped for ideas. And then it rode by us.
Me: Is that a Jehovah's Witness?
Chad: Yeah.
Me: OMG! That's IT!
Chad: What?
Me: Your costume! It would totally work. And we don't have to buy anything but a short sleeve white shirt. You have black dress pants, black tie, sneakers, a bike helmet, and a backpack.
Chad: That's hilarious!
So we went off to Wally World, a.k.a. Wal-Mart, to get the white shirt. It was almost the Jehovah's Witness costume debacle of 2012 when he went to get dressed later on that evening though. Even though the shirt said "short sleeve" all over it, it was a long sleeve white dress shirt. Being that he already had a long sleeved dress shirt, he wore that with the sleeves folded up, and we returned the not-so-short sleeve-shirt to Wally World the next day.
But even with the sleeves being rolled up, people knew what he was. He often got asked if his bike was tied up outside. It was a total hit!
Sometimes the best ideas come riding by you when you least expect them.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Wanna Wrestle?
As if trying to find the perfect Halloween costume isn't hard enough, imagine trying to find one when you are pregnant.
Last year I had a creative stroke of genius when I decided what my costume would be. If ya'll don't remember, I was a blow up doll. It was a total hit too.
This year was a tad more difficult trying to find something that I could incorporate my ever growing bump with. I scoured the interwebs for ideas. Mostly I came up with some lame-o ideas that mostly included painting your bump. Eh, it's been done before. My original thought was to do a trailer park trash lady with a big beer gut, but my bump was becoming more round and less flabberiffic so I didn't think it would look right. Some other ideas I came across that were cute were the baby skeleton on the shirt, and the bun in the oven costume. Cute, but not Erica. And then I saw it.
I could totally do this. I already had the unitard from my blow up doll costume, so all I would have to do is the underoos, nipples and hair. I was sold. I had Chad pull down the unitard and tried it on. Thank you Joseph Shrivers for creating Spandex! It still fit!
The hardest part was trying to figure out how to make the sumo thong. I wanted it to be as authentic as possible so I called my Mom to help me with the logistics. We had planned to make one while she was up for the baby shower but with my sister's surprise visit, it became a non-priority. I started to worry how I was going to manage to make this thing by myself without it looking like a total mess. Then I had a lightbulb moment.
With Sisqo's Thong Song ringing in my head I ran to my nicker drawer, and fished out a pair of black thongs. Again, thank you Joseph Shrivers, because my thong still fit.
My costume was almost done. I ran off to the craft store and picked up some felt fabric for a whopping $0.37 to make my nipples. I debated on going to the Halloween store to pick up a Sumo wig but then remembered how itchy the blonde wig I wore last year was. My solution? I didn't wash my hair for three days. Or maybe it was four. Gross, I know. Either way, my lovely hair oils helped to slick up my hair to a very high pony tail thing without using a ton of gel and hairspray that would ultimately make my sumo hair into a sumo helmet.
Now, it was the moment of truth. Would my costume be as big of a hit as it was last year?
That would be a yes. And, apparently it was better. Now, I'm worried how I am going to even come close to something as creative next year.
Last year I had a creative stroke of genius when I decided what my costume would be. If ya'll don't remember, I was a blow up doll. It was a total hit too.
This year was a tad more difficult trying to find something that I could incorporate my ever growing bump with. I scoured the interwebs for ideas. Mostly I came up with some lame-o ideas that mostly included painting your bump. Eh, it's been done before. My original thought was to do a trailer park trash lady with a big beer gut, but my bump was becoming more round and less flabberiffic so I didn't think it would look right. Some other ideas I came across that were cute were the baby skeleton on the shirt, and the bun in the oven costume. Cute, but not Erica. And then I saw it.
I could totally do this. I already had the unitard from my blow up doll costume, so all I would have to do is the underoos, nipples and hair. I was sold. I had Chad pull down the unitard and tried it on. Thank you Joseph Shrivers for creating Spandex! It still fit!
The hardest part was trying to figure out how to make the sumo thong. I wanted it to be as authentic as possible so I called my Mom to help me with the logistics. We had planned to make one while she was up for the baby shower but with my sister's surprise visit, it became a non-priority. I started to worry how I was going to manage to make this thing by myself without it looking like a total mess. Then I had a lightbulb moment.
With Sisqo's Thong Song ringing in my head I ran to my nicker drawer, and fished out a pair of black thongs. Again, thank you Joseph Shrivers, because my thong still fit.
My costume was almost done. I ran off to the craft store and picked up some felt fabric for a whopping $0.37 to make my nipples. I debated on going to the Halloween store to pick up a Sumo wig but then remembered how itchy the blonde wig I wore last year was. My solution? I didn't wash my hair for three days. Or maybe it was four. Gross, I know. Either way, my lovely hair oils helped to slick up my hair to a very high pony tail thing without using a ton of gel and hairspray that would ultimately make my sumo hair into a sumo helmet.
Now, it was the moment of truth. Would my costume be as big of a hit as it was last year?
That would be a yes. And, apparently it was better. Now, I'm worried how I am going to even come close to something as creative next year.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Changing the Changing Table
Remember that Vintage Dresser my Mom won at the auction? Well, we've decided to use it in Baby B's room. This has created a slight decorating challenge for me. I was able to find a crib that pretty much matches the style and color of the dresser. Although Babi Italia sells a dresser that can double as a changing table it would be too much furniture for Baby B's room. The problem now was finding a changing table that kind of looks like it goes with everything else, and not paying an arm and a leg for it.
Last month while perusing Craigslist I came across a changing table that might fit the bill. The style was very similar, and the price was just right at $25 for the whole shebang (it retails for $129). Even though the color wasn't right, I pulled the trigger and bought it. Worst case senario I could re-sell it on Craigslist or put it out for sale at one of our quarterly garage sales.
She's been sitting in our garage while I've been debating what to do with it. I pondered sanding and staining it, painting it green, white, grey or oil rubbed bronze. My first choice was to stain it but I've never stained anything before, and it seemed like way too much work. I'm all about easy peasy these days. My next choice was to paint it green.
I actually found a spray paint color that matched the fabric pattern we are using for the crib bedskirt, and rocking chair pad. That was until I found a pink minky changing pad cover that I lurrrrrved. So I nixed the green, and white paint idea.
I somewhat settled on Oil Rubbed Bronze. I say somewhat because right before I started painting, I asked Chad "Oooh, what about grey?" He said he liked the ORB, so I got to painting.
While I was waiting for the paint to dry, I ended up actually painting (not spraying) the top shelf of the table. It was N to the asty gross.
I let everything dry a full day and a half before putting it all back together. I also opted not to put back the 2nd shelf so that the diaper pail could fit on the bottom shelf. I'm saving the shelf just in case I change my mind, but so far, I think we likey.
And now for the Frugalista Cost Breakdown:
Changing Table & Pad = $25.00
ORB Spray Paint: $12.30
Gloves & Mask: $6.43
White Paint: Free (had on hand)
---------------------------------------
Total Cost: $43.73
I can't wait to get her into Baby B's room, and see how she looks with everything set up.
Last month while perusing Craigslist I came across a changing table that might fit the bill. The style was very similar, and the price was just right at $25 for the whole shebang (it retails for $129). Even though the color wasn't right, I pulled the trigger and bought it. Worst case senario I could re-sell it on Craigslist or put it out for sale at one of our quarterly garage sales.
She's been sitting in our garage while I've been debating what to do with it. I pondered sanding and staining it, painting it green, white, grey or oil rubbed bronze. My first choice was to stain it but I've never stained anything before, and it seemed like way too much work. I'm all about easy peasy these days. My next choice was to paint it green.
I actually found a spray paint color that matched the fabric pattern we are using for the crib bedskirt, and rocking chair pad. That was until I found a pink minky changing pad cover that I lurrrrrved. So I nixed the green, and white paint idea.
I somewhat settled on Oil Rubbed Bronze. I say somewhat because right before I started painting, I asked Chad "Oooh, what about grey?" He said he liked the ORB, so I got to painting.
While I was waiting for the paint to dry, I ended up actually painting (not spraying) the top shelf of the table. It was N to the asty gross.
I let everything dry a full day and a half before putting it all back together. I also opted not to put back the 2nd shelf so that the diaper pail could fit on the bottom shelf. I'm saving the shelf just in case I change my mind, but so far, I think we likey.
And now for the Frugalista Cost Breakdown:
Changing Table & Pad = $25.00
ORB Spray Paint: $12.30
Gloves & Mask: $6.43
White Paint: Free (had on hand)
---------------------------------------
Total Cost: $43.73
I can't wait to get her into Baby B's room, and see how she looks with everything set up.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
2nd Tri Round Up
My 2nd trimester (weeks 13 to 27) were mostly just as easy as the first. I wouldn't say I'm the luckiest person ever because I'm already getting new symptoms so knowing my luck, I'm going to hit the freaking jackpot of a craptastic 3rd trimester.
The Pros
I never threw up or felt nauseated by anything. I also didn't crave any weird foods. Although I slightly gave up my love for sandwiches toward the end of this trimester. That could also be due to the fact that I ate them like everyday, and sometimes twice a day.
I felt the baby kick! It was pretty dang cool. Although at first I thought I was going to poop my pants. Same kind of feeling, except there is no emergency code brown.
I had some emotional moments but nothing really to write home about. I think I might of been flustered over these same things had I not been pregnant.
I had weird dreams, but no bad dreams, and nothing that was totally out of the norm for me.
The Cons
I hated most meats, other than deli meat. I could eat it but it wasn't yummy at all. Not even the best of the best filet intrigued me. I basically lived off of cereal, sandwiches, fruits, and veggies.
Acne, acne, acne. It's like I was reliving my adolescence, and it sucked just as bad as it did the first time around.
My hormones might be in overdrive, hence the acne, but I have NOT been able to revel in this "your hair is so thick and luscious" business. Even my hair stylist said the same thing. So basically, my face matches my stringy hair. See? Adolescence.
My back and my hips hurt. Like I gave up working out because I'm afraid of hurting myself even more. I think my cottage cheese legs are making a come back.
It's a Crapshoot
I'm round and getting rounder. This is good, but bad when I step on the scale. I just cannot be happy to see that number going up and up, and up every week regardless if it's because of the baby. I'm only 4'11 and weighed 104 lbs when I first found out I was pregnant. As of week 27, I was up 22 pounds.
And now for the long awaited Bump Pics!
The Pros
I never threw up or felt nauseated by anything. I also didn't crave any weird foods. Although I slightly gave up my love for sandwiches toward the end of this trimester. That could also be due to the fact that I ate them like everyday, and sometimes twice a day.
I felt the baby kick! It was pretty dang cool. Although at first I thought I was going to poop my pants. Same kind of feeling, except there is no emergency code brown.
I had some emotional moments but nothing really to write home about. I think I might of been flustered over these same things had I not been pregnant.
I had weird dreams, but no bad dreams, and nothing that was totally out of the norm for me.
The Cons
I hated most meats, other than deli meat. I could eat it but it wasn't yummy at all. Not even the best of the best filet intrigued me. I basically lived off of cereal, sandwiches, fruits, and veggies.
Acne, acne, acne. It's like I was reliving my adolescence, and it sucked just as bad as it did the first time around.
My hormones might be in overdrive, hence the acne, but I have NOT been able to revel in this "your hair is so thick and luscious" business. Even my hair stylist said the same thing. So basically, my face matches my stringy hair. See? Adolescence.
My back and my hips hurt. Like I gave up working out because I'm afraid of hurting myself even more. I think my cottage cheese legs are making a come back.
It's a Crapshoot
I'm round and getting rounder. This is good, but bad when I step on the scale. I just cannot be happy to see that number going up and up, and up every week regardless if it's because of the baby. I'm only 4'11 and weighed 104 lbs when I first found out I was pregnant. As of week 27, I was up 22 pounds.
And now for the long awaited Bump Pics!
Monday, October 15, 2012
A Little Pumpkin Shower
My good friend Robin threw me the most awesomest baby shower the other weekend for our little pumpkin. It was inspired by Pinterest, but with a twist of Erica. Would you expect anything less? The answer is no.
Her house was decorated in a fall/ pumpkin theme. It works out great since she can keep the decorations up for the rest of the season. The food spread was pretty dang amazing too. It was just like Thanksgiving, minus the turkey. We had Heavenly Ham, green bean casserole, my Mom's scalloped potatoes, my Mother-In-Law's sweet potato casserole, pumpkin pudding, a Pinterest Melon Baby creation, and my favorite cupcakes of all time ... Anna Cakes! Anna made cupcakes for my bridal shower, did our wedding cake, and our anniversary cake. Can you tell I love her cakes?
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| Anna Cakes CUPCAKES! |
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| The Melon Baby made by my Aunts, Mom, and Sister |
I was totally shocked. She walks in and I'm just staring at her. Seriously I was staring at her for what of must felt like an eternity to everyone, including her. I think my Mom might of said something like "hello, it's your sister!" It took me a minute to process what I was seeing. This is how the run down went in my brain .... Oh look, it's my sister. Why is she wearing sunglasses inside? What a weirdo. "I wear my sunglasses at night, so I can, so I can watch you weave then breath your story lines". Oooh, her hair is brown. I like it this color. What a cute outfit she has on. Wait?! She said she was going to Seattle this weekend. What a liar. What. A Liar. Holy crap. It's my sister! She's in Florida! She is here! She is standing in front of me!"
I don't care too much for the traditional baby shower games so this is where the twist comes in. Thank you interwebs for the idea, and to my besties Marisa for sending the link to me.
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| A Spin on Pin the Tail on the Donkey |
Robin and I also put together a onesie decorating table, complete with fabric quarters, iron on transfer paper, and fabric pens. The little booger is going to be wearing some dang cute onesies courtesy of all my guests.
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| Onesie Decorating |
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| My friend Simone is pimping my kid out. |
It was such a fun baby shower, if I don't say so myself. Thanks to everyone who made it out to help celebrate with me.
Friday, October 5, 2012
The Old Rocker Got A Facelift
This old rocker has some history too. It was originally a wedding gift, and was used to rock my sister, moved across country, TWICE, with my Aunt, and rocked many cousins to sleep. Apparently it even had teeth marks from one of them on it. This lady was old, well loved, and I was sold on it.
The color wasn't exactly the right shade that I wanted it, but my Mom offered to pay for it to get refinished. I actually thought about DIYing it, but after my floor debacle I decided to hire a pro.
Three weeks, and $175 later the old lady came home. She is a beauty.
Special thanks to Caroline at Doc's Furniture Hospital for doing such an amazing job!
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