The New Pad

Is coming along nicely :)

Hey... its no Taj Mahal... but its home, and B and I are lovin' it!!!

Here is the best part... the view!!!

The fireplace... which B has found he loves to eat... yummy!

Mr Man's new (Giants themed) room! WOOT!

My bedroom

Dining

Living

And Kitchen... fabulous job on the cabinets L!

There are some things that I still haven't gotten used to like:

A) climbing 8,003 stairs to get to my apartment, all while carrying a diaper bag, a filled purse and a 23lb small man - but hey, look on the bright side - in 2 months my ass is gonna be smokin'! Feel the burn baby, feel the burn!!!

B) I have yet to figure out how to carry 2 loads of garbage and said man and diaper bag and purse DOWN the stairs - that one still has to be figured out? Suggestions?

C) I am loving cleaning this place. Um... hello vacuuming 5 min. Walking all of 3 minutes to the washer and dryer and dishes for one (sometimes throw a bottle in there) can I get a hell yeah!

D) I just got TV last night, and to be honest, it was kind of nice not having the option to hear the depressing news. I have no DVR (gasp!) and no cable to speak of. I have bunny ears (the newest model) but still. Humble pie for one. Thanks!

Overall, B and I are adjusting well. It has been a struggle, and I have fiigured out I royally SUCK at being alone, but over time I am sure things will be alright! The first few months are always an adjustment period. I am just trying to look on the bright side of every situation, including this one.

Ciao Darlings!

Moving Day...

So... yesterday was the big day.

I moved out of my house into a new little place. It is a huge adjustment, and I am not sure how I feel about it yet.

Things are moving along, and althought I know both Hubs (wow, I guess I need to change that name) and I have made the right decision, these are still uncertain times.

I appreciate all your kinds words and support. And would ask you continue to keep us in your prayers.

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Mom, I wouldn't know what to do without you. You are my backbone through this process! You make me laugh when I am crying, and you pick me up when I have crumbled to the floor. You are so much more than a mom! You are the greatest friend a girl could have! And I love you!!!

L, damn girl, you have done so much I just cannot thank you enough! Coffee makers, free glasses (and hershey kisses), making kitchen cabinets looking fabulous, and always an ear to hear my woes :) I love ya! And it means the world to me to have you as a friend!!!

And T, you have given me so much advice, and done so much stuff I don't even know where to begin to thank you! So... thank you! Just thank you!!

This blog is my outlet...

So therefore... you blog readers... are my friends. With that said, I feel like I have been leading a double life and I feel it is time to share a little of my true life with you.

Over the past months, Hubs and I have decided, it is best for B, and ourselves that we not remain married.

Hubs and I are very good friends, but we are not very good married people. We feel that B deserves to grow up with two people that love each other and can show him what a true marriage should be.

This has been an extremely hard decision to come to and it has been a long, winding journey, that we are both still going through.

It is also the reason, my blog posts have been few and far between.

As far as B is concerned, we are both his parents, and we still love him with every ounce of our beings, so we are going to do our very best to be the best parents we can be. He is our main priority and we hope he knows just how much his Mommy and Daddy love him.

I would ask that you pray for B, myself, and Hubs through this VERY difficult time. It has been so hard on everyone, I can only hope it gets better soon.

Love,

Your little Italian!

My First Post From Work...

It's lunch time people... get your head out of the gutter :)

Today, has been awesome. Extremely productive. Super energetic. And kind of relaxing.

I love what I am doing, so it makes the day fly by.

Right now, I am eating soup at my desk, and most of the office is out to lunch. I can't say this is a bad thing, as most of the time - as a stay at home mom - you are shoving food in your mouth while trying to feed the munchkin.

Although, I miss Mr Man like nothing I have ever felt before, I feel relieved I have a job in this economony and that I get some me time.

The only thing I am worried about is the fact that on the 17th of this month Mr Man will be 11 moths. DID YOU HEAR THAT... one month away from his very first birthday. Aaahhhhh! Ok... slightly freaking out now!

Not to mention, my grandmother and all my awesome family comes in town on the 17th of March (for my Nanny's 85th birthday) so I will have zero time to plan this bash.

OMG I don't know what to do. Must. Get. That. Together.

Ok... moving on. Back to work folks.

Have a good one!

My first day of work

Could not have gone better!!!

The Owner, the office manager (his wife), and the VP, all took me out for lunch and we chatted about golf and the batchelor. It was awesome.

The hours are AMAZING - especially for the work I am in. The people are really nice and everyone was very helpful.

Not to mention, I get to really start tomorrow and jump on the phones. WOOT!

I think this is going to be an amazing experience, and I am so excited I got this opportunity.

Tomorrow's the Day!!

My very first day of work, since Mr Man entered the world :)

I am excited and nervous and hopeful things are going to go well!

I am sure when I get there, I won't know what to do and where to sit and so on, not to mention all the first day jitters, but after tomorrow, I am sure it will be smoothe sailing!

I am so excited to start my career again.

Working in an office, smelling coffee throughout the day, people talking on the phone, commuting, all the things most people hate, I am looking forward to. It has been a long time and my mind and soul are ready for this journey.

Woo hoo!

I'll blog tomorrow evening to let you know how it goes :D

We're In the Money!!

WOOT!

Well, not really... but I did GET THE JOB!

Score!

I start next Wednesday and we already registered Mr Man for daycare. It was so cute today, when he went into the classroom (while we were registering) he freaked out at first, then just went right to the teacher and gave her a big smile.

As soon as we walked out the door (and peeked back in) he was happily playing on the ground with the other babies, waving bye bye.

He starts Monday and we are going to do 2 half days and on Wednesday he is going to be full on.

I am really excited about this new position. I think there will be challenges, as in anything, but I think it will be good for B to get out there and meet new people and for Mommy to have some "mommy time!"

I need a replacement...

What's the warranty on this thing?

Well, at least that's what my parents should've asked when I was born.

Today, I am sitting at home, in my bed, dosed on large amounts of IBProfen, trying to ice my back. It seems leaning over and pulling a 22lb human onto your lap may not be that great of an idea :)

Yesterday, while trying to maneuver Mr Man, I pulled my back. And since I already have a mild case of scoliosis, it really did a number on me.

I went to the chiropractor, only for him to tell me I am royally screwed and I should stay in bed. Boo!

So, my awesome aunt in-law is over, taking care of Mr Man, while I rest in my bed.

Darn, I just need an upgrade? Why hasn't Dr Rey put together some sort of upgrade package? He'd be a bazillionaire! Maybe I should email him... any ideas on his email address?

A Poem...

Since Valentines Day is right around the corner, I thought I would share with you my favorite poem.

The Invitation

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon...I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life's betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade itor fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true.
I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.

If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,"Yes."It doesn't interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.

I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.

I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

I've Fallen off the face of the Earth!

I know, I am a bad blogger... boo!

See, Hubs was out of town this week and B had a snotty nose, and the both of us were getting no sleep.

I was SURE it was teething, because he had all the symptoms. Until... this morning, when I woke up with this crap!

We both have stuffy noses and we are headed to the doctor this afternoon.

Not to mention, we have friends coming in town, so the house needs to be cleaned. We have a party Sat night, AND its superbowl Sunday! Geeesh!

Of all the times to get sick, right?

Anyhoo, I juts wanted to say, I am alive, and hacking up a lung, can't breathe out of my nose and dying well. I am just a tad busy!

Ciao darlings, hopefully next week will be better!!

9 Month Check Up!

Well, Mr Man is a very healthy baby boy! He is quite advanced in the mobile department and is right on track with everything else. Mommy and Daddy are doing a good job.

Right now his weight is 20 lbs. He is in the 75% of height (he had a growth spurt) and he is only in the 12% of head circumfrence.

He is trying to cut 3 teeth right now, the 2 front and one right inscisor.

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One the Mocha front... we are currently in 4th place. Boooo! Apparently, people like dogs who wear hangers or hoodies?

If you haven't voted, please head on over there and vote! Thanks!

http://kdfw.4wmt.com/packages/templates/anonymous/vote.aspx?pageid=aee642ea-25f0-4b7e-b924-013fea20331a

A perfect way to spend a Wednesday evening!

A pedicure and dinner with the girls!

Our beautiful toes!

I had such a great time last night with my girls. My friend L had the amazing idea to all meet for a pedicure and end with a mexican dinner. Score!

Thanks ladies for a brilliant evening!

Mommy Mode

My best techy friend sent me these awesome websites.

If you are a mom, these are great additions to your favorite sites!

http://www.handmedowns.com/ - this website is like Craigslist for baby gear. It has stuff you can buy, sell or donate. It is so awesome. Just look around and you will be amazed. It is like a consignment store right in the comfort of your living room. Score!!

http://www.keepaboo.com/ - this one is too cute for words. It is a place where you can jot down everything your child says, does and experiences. It is a website for the mom, but also for the child. You can mark their growth, their first tooth, or even a cute expression. Not to mention, when they get a little older, you can take all the pages and print them into a book. How adorable is that??? I totally love this one!

Thanks E for sending me such adorable ideas.

The ABC's

A - Age: twenty-seven.. EEK! That is getting a little too close to 30 for my taste.

B - Band listening to right now: um... that would be a negative. I am watching MLB though... Go Phillies :) Did you see that home run the pitcher hit last night... suuuweet.

C - Career future: Housewife - most of the time, Recruiter - passionate about, but takes too much time at the moment, Singer - my most favorite dream!

D - Dad's name: Ken

E - Easiest person to talk to: I guess my Mom? Nah... my dad!

F - Favorite type of shoe: Stillettos baby!

G – Grapes or Grapefruit: Grapefruit hands down, but it is true that it can mess with your antibiotics - should you be taking one. By the way, if you take an antibiotic it also makes your birth control NULL and void! Take note ladies.

H – Hometown: Near DC, VA. The most awesome people, beautiful weather, and oh yeah... it just happens to be the nations capital.

I – Instrumental talent: Yeah, that would be another negative. I did try to learn to play the guitar when I was pregnant, but trying to strap a guitar across your chest with a protruding belly is a sight in itself.

J – Juice of choice: Grapefruit - but only the real stuff. None of that Ruby Red crap with all that added sugar. I like straight, bitter juice, and NEVER any pulp... ugh! That is my special drink though, since I am diabetic it sends my sugar to all time highs.

K – Koala Bear or Panda Bear: Koala, but I heard they were mean. They still look cute though.

L - Longest car ride ever: I don't even remember how long that damn trip was, but TX to NY with my best friend. We did it in 3 days and it was awesome. Until we got held captive by my 80 year old grandmother once we got to NY. Gotta love her!

M – Middle name: I no longer have one. I hated it from birth, so when I got married, I dropped it and exchanged it for my Maiden Name ;-)

N - Number of jobs you've had: OK.. this could take a while. I started off selling awesome baby products, then I moved to selling candles and then I waited tables. After I did that, I found my real passion... recruiting. I love finding people better jobs. It is a lot of hard work and a lot of hours, but it is so awesome.

O- OCD traits: Um... I think the only thing is the bed has to be made before I can go to sleep and a clean house before I can sit my booty down. I don't know if that is OCD but that is all I got?

P - Phobia[s]: Heights, kind of. If I have to, I'll get up there, but basically I am not afraid of anything. Oooh, actually, I take that back. I am TERRIFIED of haunted houses. When I was a brownie (oh yes you read that correctly - like 8) we were taken to a haunted house and some monster guy grabbed me (thinking it was so freaking funny) and that was it. I have been terrified ever since. I tried to go in High School with my then BF, but I ended up having to sit in the kids room and color. Yes, I know, tragic!

Q - Quote: My favorite quote lately... "I didn't slap you... I just high fived your face" :D A more serious quote is from the book I am reading, The Shack. It said, "I suppose since relationships cause us the most hurt, it should also teach us the most about healing."

S - Song you sang last: Sleep, Baby, Sleep, to my little one, right before bed.

T - Time you wake up: 5 AM and 6 AM - or whenever Mr Man decides he's awake.

U - Unknown fact about me: I can make my tongue into a 3 leaf clover? Yes, it is weird, but I think that is the only thing?

V - Vegetable you hate: I am going to go with Peas here, because I hate when people put disgusting peas in a dish, just to make it look pretty. People, they are green, find something else. They taste like ass. Blugh!

W - Worst habit: Hot ITALIAN temper. OH boy! Hang on to your shorts boys and girls because when Momma gets mad, people are Gonna know :)

X - X-rays you've had: lets just put the whole body. When I was in the ICU and the hospital for that long time, they scanned, like everything. They couldn't figure out what was wrong. Plus, I get migraines, so they are always scanning my brain. Not to mention my horrible stomach, they have made me drink so much crap while they scanned, and most recently the awesome thyroid.

Y - Yummiest food my belly likes: Daddy's cooking. Or My moms stuffed shells, scampi, Eggplant or Chicken cutlets. Mmmmm.... home cooked Italian. Delish!

Z - Zodiac sign: Gemini... can you tell :D

I Marvel

I marvel at the thought of where my life is and where it used to be...

We wake at 5 AM (oh yeah, you read that right - people without kids, LOVE that 7 AM alarm clock :D) we eat at 7:30, we take a nap, we get out of the house, do some dishes, do some laundry, finally hit the sack and yes... wake up and do it all again the next day.

The thing is, I just love it. It is an indescribable love. It is not like I love doing stuff around the house, but it is the fact that this IS my job.

Sometimes, I look around and get a little jealous that I can't re-decorate my house b/c we no longer have 2 incomes, but really, who needs that stuff. I have a roof, a tivo and great friends and family. Pretty much I'm good.

I saw this book the other day that said, Nap Time is the New Happy Hour, and I just burst out laughing. Then I looked at myself in the mirror. Flat shoes, hair a wreck, spit-up on my shoulder, and glasses askew. Then I looked at my little man and Poof! I didn't care.

I look back at myself and I used to be so vain, so "involved" with my image. Now, I could give a rats ass. My priority is clean diapers, a clean house, a happy hubs and good nights rest.

It is just so bizarre how in mere seconds your life can go from "what can I do for myself today" to "how can I help that little person today."

I remember lying in the hospital bed, pale as a ghost, shaking uncontrollably, and only worrying about feeding my little man. It is like God switches a flip in your head and says, YOU no longer count (as much), that little thing you just spent 9 hours (or 2o minutes in my case) popping out, is your new world.

Now I know how mothers get so wrapped up in their children it takes over their lives. I used to think that about people. But, truthfully, maybe they have so much love, so much bursting-at-the-seams-love, that they just want to talk about it with everyone they come in contact with?

Sometimes, I just have to sit back and marvel at where I was and where I am.

Hmmm....

Man, I feel old!

I got an email the other week about my 1o year high school reunion. Are you kidding me? It seems like it was yesterday! Shoot!

Then, I look at my life and realize, yeah... it was a while ago :) I have a husband, a baby, a house, and even a dog :) My parents are no longer called by their names but referred to as Nonna and Poppy. Hubs is no longer babe, but daddy, and I, no longer my love but Mommy.

I remember back in the day when I used to sport a 99 key chain. Oh God how young I was! I just thought I was the cat's meow. Bleach blonde hair, green contacts and the "snowboarders" attire, (I grew up in CO).

Now, I get this email saying "the class of 99 would like your input on if we should have our high school reunion during the summer or during Thanksgiving break." I am not sure I am even going to go. I don't speak to anyone from high school, except one person. Plus I haven't been back since 99 when we left.

Would you go? Or, if you went, did you have fun?

An FTD warning...

So, as I stated on my previous post, hubs bought me this amazing bouquet of melon colored tulips. SO beautiful. However, according to hubs, the day they got there, they showed up in a box (like from UPS) with NO water and another box for the vase. Strange - he thought.

So, he assembled the beautiful flowers and set them for me to see. The problem was they were crooked. I mean some were pointing towards the sky, but most were pointing towards the walls. Now, this arrangement was a $65 bouquet, not a cheapo one from a grocery store or something.

So anyway, by day 2 they had straightened out a tad bit, but by the morning of day 3 they looked like this.

Yeah... awesome! So, if you are in the market for flower buying, beware of FTD. I don't know if it was a fluke or something, but proceed with caution!

Any crazy stories you have of buying something online?

Happy Anniversary

I looked at the clock next to the bed, 4:45 AM, damn - I would have thought I could have slept a little longer! Oh well, I'm up, so lets get this party started! I tiptoe downstairs, with Mochachino clicking his nails behind me.



I enter in the kitchen, only to realize my father is already up and coffee is already brewing. Mmm! What a way to start the best day of my life!



Dad turns to me and says "Hey you! Want some breakfast?"

"Sure, whatcha cookin?'"

"Whatever you want - its your day."

"Right" I say, "How bout some eggs and bacon, and an Italian Mimosa (prosseco and juice)"

"You got it!" Dad said with a smile.



Just then I turn around to see my mom blinking tears from her eyes.



"Good morning my love." She says with the biggest of smiles, "Are you ready?"

"Yep! Never been more ready!" I said with an equally big smile.



Just as my first cup of coffee is being poured, the doorbell rings. It's him! I think.



Then, the door opens and it is the man of the hour, the florist! A HUGE box of BEAUTIFUL bouquets enter through the door. Mochachino is so excited he tries to eat them! A beautiful array of orange, red and yellow flowers. The PERFECT colors, like Autumn in NY!

This day - September 4, 2004 - is going to be the best day of my entire life!



Soon, the doorbell rings again, I have an Italian Mimosa in hand, and the hairstylist and the makeup artist have arrived. Soon, my bridesmaids have gotten up, my Mother in Law has arrived to get her hair done and everyone is abuzz with excitement!



After primping and getting beautiful it is time for the dress!







I bring it downstairs and my bridesmaids help me slide it on. Perfect!! Fits like a glove! My skin is tan, my lips are red, and I am ready to go! Soon to be a Mrs!!



As we pile in the limo I look around. My "baby" cousins who are so big it makes me want to cry, my dad, cigar in hand, and my bridesmaids, all looking at me with smiles on their faces.

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We arrive at the church and the photographer's flash bulb starts going full speed. My aunts, my uncles, my cousins and my friends all want a picture with the bride. I look around to try and cherish this moment, but it all seems to be moving so fast. Suddenly, I am dizzy, I gulp water and realize I am about to walk down the aisle.



From a distance I hear the music, a booming organ, and the big church doors opening and closing. People are arriving, and are being seated, it is almost time!!



The next thing I know, the wedding coordinator enters the bridal room. My father and I look at each other, link arms and walk to the doors of the church. She adjusts my bouquet, I squeeze my dad, and she says smile!







As the grande white doors open, I see him, staring like a kid in a candy store. His grin says it all. This IS the happiest day of our lives.



My father and I walk down the aisle (what seems to be at warp speed) and there I am. Holding my fathers arm and my soon-to-be husband's hand. The minister is peering up at us and hubs and I look at each other and smile.

--------------------

After speaches and candle lighting the words are spoken... "I do!"



As I kiss the man of my dreams, I realize, this is where it all begins. This the true test of God, a marriage.







We walk down the aisle hand in hand, relishing the moment. The rest of the night, we dance and kiss and sing with the band. We exchange hugs with all the family that is in town and all the family that is always here. We drink wine and we laugh.

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As I look back on this 4 year anniversary, I realize we have done so much. We have conqured issues, we have worked as a team, and we have created one of the most special things on earth... a baby boy!



For me, this marriage, is about exploring each new day with the man I love. It is drinking coffe in the morning, telling each other about our day, and kissing each other before we go to bed. It is the small thing we should be thankful for, like the endless love we have for each other.



So today, I am here to say thanks to hubs, for always being there for me, for always loving me, and for the endless support you give. Muahh!

Gramatical what?!?

Ok, so as most of you know, I am in love with the hills. Why? Who freaking knows. I feel like I become a little more stupid every time I watch the damn thing. Ok seriously, yesterday, the brilliant quote of Spencer Pratt - "If I could make you my un-sister I would." Really... ok really??? UN-SISTER. Geeze. Frickin brilliant! And remember folks, this yahoo gets paid to be on TV.

And since I am on this gramatical kick, I HAVE to say one thing. People, the word is SAW not SEEN! I don't know if I live in the state of stupid, or if people just became lazy and don't want to use the word SAW anymore. But I swear, every freaking person interviewed on the news, every person on Judge Judy (my fav show!) or just walking around uses this horrible gramatical error.

The other day, this guy was on the news and he was like... "yeah, um so I was walking by and I seen this guy who was standing there, and the next thing I knew he was robbing this lady." I was like DUDE. You freaking SAW the guy, not seen the guy. Ok. Please.

Stepping off my soap box now, kthx!

Anything that erks you?

Revealed!

*Sorry the picture is so close up, I took it myself ;-)

Well folks, here is the hair color and fabuloso glasses. Tell me what you think!