Say Hello To My Little Friend

I am not one to advocate an addiction. There is a reason a negative stigma is attached to those who cling to alcohol, cocaine, and sex for survival. Watching addicts on the streets beg their way to their next hit is depressing. However, there is one little addiction that I myself possess. With the arrival of Ella Brooks and the drastic change in our income, this addiction has been controlled relatively well. (One thing about addiction is it is often costly).

Leave it to Amazon.com to reintroduce me to my little demon. Instinctively, I click on any links to any small appliance sale. A hope rises to the surface of my being and takes hold of my generally sane mind, "Maybe today will be the day!" One week ago, my day arrived. I discovered what I have been seeking for nearly two years- a reasonably priced, well reviewed espresso maker.

Hello, my darling.



Come to mama!


Happy Mother's Day to me. Isn't she pretty, sitting there, calling my name?





Come on over! I'll gladly make you a cup of happiness- hot or iced!

I Heart My Yard

We are finally having the spring I have been anticipating. The past few years have wreaked havoc on my fragile spring flowers, freezing the buds and damaging the plants. I haven't had peonies or hydrangeas since 2006. I take a stroll around my miniscule yard and bask in the glory of all things blooming! I hope you enjoy the pics as much as I enjoyed taking them!
And I had to sneak this one into the mix!

Teething and the Like

I love being a mama. I love it more than anything else I have ever done. Ever. Although my new occupation keeps me happy and very busy, moments arise that leave me wondering if I really am equipped to do this. For instance, the time when I decided to let her "cry it out" during her nap. She stopped crying eventually, but I went to retrieve her only to find her covered, covered, in poop. Yeah, great job mom.

Today began like any other day: 3 AM feeding, diaper change and return to bed, 7 AM feeding, diaper change, snuggle time and return to bed. Nothing abnormal so far. Then around 8:30, a whimper emerged that grew into an amazing scream. I entered the nursery expecting a blowout only to find a baby with huge tears streaming down her face. No blowout, no blood, no explanation. I picked her up in the hopes that maybe she was just startled. Nothing soothed the little one. I took her to my bed and laid down with her hoping a little comforting might help. The screaming continued. Finally, it clicked in my tired mama brain. Teething. What can one do about teething? Any suggestions? Anyone?

Why does growing up have to hurt so much?

This Is Funny, No Really, It Is

My wonderful husband is addicted to a daily blog found on USA Today's website (it's called Pop Candy). We have discovered a variety of good music, movies and websites through this site. We have also been exposed to some serious flops. Not everything she recommends is worthwhile. However, yesterday we were introduced to a hilarious website all about passive aggressive interactions. I hope you enjoy. You won't be disappointed. http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com/

A Day in the Life

Prior to having a baby, I led a very busy life. Each day began around 5:45 am and did not end until around 11:30 pm. As a teacher, I spent most of my day standing in front of a large group of teenagers who may or may not be all that interested in what I had to say. If I wasn't teaching, I was researching, grading or preparing for upcoming classes. After a 30 minute drive home I helped my husband cook dinner or I cleaned a room. Then it was back to grading or researching. I wore great clothes and I enjoyed my Starbucks latte every morning. And I loved it.

Life is very different now. My day starts at 4 am with an early morning feeding. Fortunately, I have the option of returning to bed. I rise around 8 am for yet another feeding. Ella Brooks and I play together. Her current favorite game is super baby, where she gets to giggling so hard that I usually end up with her drool all over my face. We read books together, mostly Olivia, Where the Wild Things Are and Guess How Much I Love You. These are very different from the readings I used to do- far fewer details and surprising turns.

I do not own anything cute anymore, its just not worth it. My hair is generally in pigtails and I do not bother to change out of the shirt that is covered in a drool-spit up combo. I am beginning to forget the details of the history I once knew, making me far less competitive at Jeopardy. If I get to have a latte it is kind of a big deal. It's funny what I get excited about these days. A spontaneous trip to Target, or a walk around the block are significant events in my day. And I love it.

This has been the best and most incredible change in my life. These days are hard, but they are sweet. Smelling like spit up isn't so bad!

Life is Beautiful

As spring finally settles into our area I am becoming a daydreamer. I think about starting a garden, creating a new sewing project, and baking a coconut cake. (I am becoming quite domestic these days!) But one thought that continually settles into my mind is the absolute beauty of life. The tenderness of the tulips growing in my front yard and the nesting sparrow and her four eggs on my front porch give me pause to reflect on this tender season. New life is everywhere and it is exciting.

In the midst of this sweet season I am reminded to give thanks to the One who is in control of it all. It seems to me that this would make a perfect season for Thanksgiving. November has it's perks, but spring is glorious! I do not mean to be so sentimental, but I just love springtime. It makes me so very happy. It is a joy to be alive. It is a blessing to have all five senses intact to fully experience the reemergence of green. Thank you, Lord, for Your goodness and mercy!

Five Months and Counting

As of April 14th, we have hit the five month mark. I am absolutely amazed by the little one. Ella Brooks is quite the character. She giggles at everyone and she has this precious grin that is virtually impossible to capture on camera. One of my favorite times of day is getting her out of bed in the morning. I hear her singing on the monitor, which is my cue to get her. When I open the door she immediately stops singing and turns her head my direction. She waits for me to rise up over the edge of her crib with a HUGE open mouth grin. There is nothing like that greeting. She is such a precious little person.

I absolutely love being at home to watch this little girl grow up even on the rough days of diaper blow outs.