So, Greg and I went to his coworker's party last night. It was a good time although we didn't know anyone other than Greg's coworker and his wife. But I have to say, sometimes we enjoy those types of situations - it forces us to get out of our comfort zone and make conversation with people we don't know. We brought Landon and he did pretty well. Having him there is great for two reasons - 1) Whenever we felt awkward not talking to anyone, we could concentrate on Landon and 2) He is a great conversation starter. However, one very brief conversation was even more awkward BECAUSE of Landon. So, as everyone knows, Landon has a big noggin. My boss even calls him Charlie Brown, and I have to say, I quite agree with that nickname - he has a big bald head with a couple curliques on top. Anyway, some man entered into a conversation that Greg and I were having with his coworker and I will try to recreate it....
Greg's Coworker: "He's a big boy! Look at that noggin!"
Greg and I: (random statements of agreement and smiles)
Random Man at Party: "I am sure it wasn't fun pushing that head out!"
Crickets chirping.
I felt like the room went silent.
What do you say to that? I mean, with my friends, I could come up with some witty remark. But to him? I mean, we hadn't even been introduced! Now, I don't get offended easily, and I wasn't offended this time - I was just speechless. I had no idea how to counter. Funny thing is that I had a C-section, but did I really want to go into labor details with a random stranger? So the best I could come up with was an exaggerated eye roll and a comment like "You don't even know!" or something to that effect. And then I figured that the conversation about my girl parts needed to end and we went into another room for more small talk with strangers.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Loving It
This morning may be the most perfect morning I have had in months..... if you don't count weekend mornings which are always so much better than weekday mornings.
I am still basking in the afterglow of the most perfect St. Patty's Day meal given to me by my husband, given to him by his awesome workplace. Best corned beef I have ever had. Soda bread. Boiled potatoes. Carrots. Cabbage (which I usually don't eat, but I figured if it is going to give me extra luck this year, bring it on). And the most yummy chocolate mousse which I know is not Irish, but it is chocolate mousse which means it is OK to eat for dessert on any holiday.
Landon slept THROUGH the night people. As most of you know, he hasn't slept through the night since he was 3 months old. He was quite the sleeper as a newborn and we thought we had this sleeping thing IN THE BAG. Then came 4 month sleep regression (yes, it is an actual phenomenon - google it), and our nights haven't been the same since. But we put him down at 8:15 and Greg woke me up, not Landon. WOOHOO! Landon finally woke up at 6:45. I fed him and put him back down in the crib for his last morning stint and he is asleep again - probably won't be up until 10am. That is one of my favorite things about my boy - he sleeps in!
Came out to the "home office" (read: dining room) and began my workday. Sometimes Landon sleeps better next to me in our bed for the last couple of hours of his sleep in the morning, but he crashed in the crib and so I am WORKING.
I get a call. From a group in Chicago. I had called them yesterday (cold call) to see if they need any help planning their reunion. It looks like A (I think I should refer to people not in my family by first initials to protect the innocent, doncha think?) called them back in August and hadn't heard back from them, so when I was leaving a voicemail for them yesterday I was thinking that this was SO a long shot because they probably already have their reunion planned by now. She (the prospect) called me back (that in itself is a rarity) and said that yes, she needs help because she hasn't started planning and feels guilty about it. Excuse me, WHAT? Did I just hear you correctly? She said she would sign up today and just to e-mail her the information. Umm, OK. Seriously? For those of you who don't know, I work on commission. Exclusive commission. So when this kind of thing happens, it is like I just won the lottery a bit. Worked for 15 minutes on this group and made about 3 days' worth of pay. NICE.
So then I go to log onto our server to send her information, and I can't get on. ABout 4 times a week our server crashes and my boss has to reboot. Which wouldn't be the end of the world except that it typically happens on nights and weekends when nobody is working except me, and I have to use my nights and weekends very wisely because sometimes that is the bulk of my workweek, especially when Landon has been very needy.
So, that was a minor setback. But I realized that it was only about 45 minutes until office hours when I know the server will be rebooted. Which means...... I GET TO SURF ON THE COMPUTER FOR 45 MINUTES WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY THAT I AM NOT WORKING. I have caught up on the blogs I follow, had a dose of salacious celebrity gossip (Sandra and Jesse breaking up???), made some coffee which I almost never do because it takes up 4 minutes of precious before-Landon-wakes-up worktime, and now have written this post. True decadence.
Then, I get ANOTHER call. From another long shot prospect who is also going to be able to Chair the reunion committee and can sign up to begin, hopefully today. WHA? Am I actually getting these calls? Am I still asleep and dreaming? This one little morning is getting even for the crappy sales months of January and February.
I am hoping that the rest of the morning will play out like this: server will be rebooted here shortly, I will send the information to my prospects, they will send contracts back and become clients, at 9a I have my conference call with A (in Chicago) and R (in Phoenix) the two other Salespeople/Planners at our company and we will motivate each other and share our successes, Landon will wake up at 10am right as our call is ending and I will feed him while watching the View. Ahhhhhh. But even if this last paragraph doesn't happen as I hope, it has still be a truly WONDERFUL morning.
HAPPY THURSDAY!
I am still basking in the afterglow of the most perfect St. Patty's Day meal given to me by my husband, given to him by his awesome workplace. Best corned beef I have ever had. Soda bread. Boiled potatoes. Carrots. Cabbage (which I usually don't eat, but I figured if it is going to give me extra luck this year, bring it on). And the most yummy chocolate mousse which I know is not Irish, but it is chocolate mousse which means it is OK to eat for dessert on any holiday.
Landon slept THROUGH the night people. As most of you know, he hasn't slept through the night since he was 3 months old. He was quite the sleeper as a newborn and we thought we had this sleeping thing IN THE BAG. Then came 4 month sleep regression (yes, it is an actual phenomenon - google it), and our nights haven't been the same since. But we put him down at 8:15 and Greg woke me up, not Landon. WOOHOO! Landon finally woke up at 6:45. I fed him and put him back down in the crib for his last morning stint and he is asleep again - probably won't be up until 10am. That is one of my favorite things about my boy - he sleeps in!
Came out to the "home office" (read: dining room) and began my workday. Sometimes Landon sleeps better next to me in our bed for the last couple of hours of his sleep in the morning, but he crashed in the crib and so I am WORKING.
I get a call. From a group in Chicago. I had called them yesterday (cold call) to see if they need any help planning their reunion. It looks like A (I think I should refer to people not in my family by first initials to protect the innocent, doncha think?) called them back in August and hadn't heard back from them, so when I was leaving a voicemail for them yesterday I was thinking that this was SO a long shot because they probably already have their reunion planned by now. She (the prospect) called me back (that in itself is a rarity) and said that yes, she needs help because she hasn't started planning and feels guilty about it. Excuse me, WHAT? Did I just hear you correctly? She said she would sign up today and just to e-mail her the information. Umm, OK. Seriously? For those of you who don't know, I work on commission. Exclusive commission. So when this kind of thing happens, it is like I just won the lottery a bit. Worked for 15 minutes on this group and made about 3 days' worth of pay. NICE.
So then I go to log onto our server to send her information, and I can't get on. ABout 4 times a week our server crashes and my boss has to reboot. Which wouldn't be the end of the world except that it typically happens on nights and weekends when nobody is working except me, and I have to use my nights and weekends very wisely because sometimes that is the bulk of my workweek, especially when Landon has been very needy.
So, that was a minor setback. But I realized that it was only about 45 minutes until office hours when I know the server will be rebooted. Which means...... I GET TO SURF ON THE COMPUTER FOR 45 MINUTES WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY THAT I AM NOT WORKING. I have caught up on the blogs I follow, had a dose of salacious celebrity gossip (Sandra and Jesse breaking up???), made some coffee which I almost never do because it takes up 4 minutes of precious before-Landon-wakes-up worktime, and now have written this post. True decadence.
Then, I get ANOTHER call. From another long shot prospect who is also going to be able to Chair the reunion committee and can sign up to begin, hopefully today. WHA? Am I actually getting these calls? Am I still asleep and dreaming? This one little morning is getting even for the crappy sales months of January and February.
I am hoping that the rest of the morning will play out like this: server will be rebooted here shortly, I will send the information to my prospects, they will send contracts back and become clients, at 9a I have my conference call with A (in Chicago) and R (in Phoenix) the two other Salespeople/Planners at our company and we will motivate each other and share our successes, Landon will wake up at 10am right as our call is ending and I will feed him while watching the View. Ahhhhhh. But even if this last paragraph doesn't happen as I hope, it has still be a truly WONDERFUL morning.
HAPPY THURSDAY!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Best Thing About Not Being Pregnant on St. Patrick's Day.....
Hello my old friend. I am so sorry I passed you over a year ago, but I am glad we have renewed our friendship. 
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Alone Time
So, it is Monday night and this is my night flying solo with Landon while Greg gets his musician groove on with some high school buddies. Now that Landon actually has a bedtime (8:30p) and Greg doesn't get home until 10:30p, I have 2 hours of quiet. Sometimes I read, sometimes I check off things on my to do list, sometimes I work, sometimes I watch crap television which is what I am doing right now. Yes, I am watching the Bachelor wedding. Greg watches the Discovery Channel when he turns the TV on, and I watch a reality TV wedding. Opposites attract.... I guess the only thing remotely not embarrassing about this is that I am only half watching while writing this. Oh but don't even doubt that the grasshopper cookies are coming out as soon as I wrap this up so I can sit in rapt attention, watching the reality drivel. It is raining on them (Jason and Molly, don't tell me you didn't know their names) and I can't help but think back on our wedding day. I was so stressed about the weather, and we made it through the ceremony and most of the cocktail hour before it started raining, and the reception was indoors anyway. Got some great pictures, though. I have posted a couple - look at those bride-stressing clouds!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
6 Months!
In the past 6 months, here are just some of the things that I have learned:
- That pureed carrots spark in the microwave
- That when you are blue, sometimes the best person to have around is your mother
- That nurses in the postpartum/recovery wing of the hospital are some of the most calming, reassuring and nurturing people on the planet
- That sometimes the best form of "me" time is reading a book in the car in my driveway after coming home from running errands while Landon sleeps blissfully in his carseat
- That it is possible to spend less than $50 on a baby in the first 6 months of his life if you have generous friends and family that provide hand me downs and if you ask for diapers for every present-giving holiday
- That crying and fussiness can be reassuring after 3 days' worth of sickness-induced lethargy
- That sometimes the best companion in the world is a little creature asleep on your lap
- That schedules and routines can be oddly comforting
- That my husband is one of the best human beings I have ever known
- That a shower can be the most relaxing 30 minutes of the day (yes, 30 minutes, I stretch out my showers these days!)
- That when things seem too easy, just wait a couple of weeks, something will change
- That funny faces and silly songs can be the funniest thing in the world to a baby
- That a green Soothie pacifier is worth its weight in gold
- That motherhood is demanding, relentless and intense
- That motherhood has been the best thing to happen to me in my life.
I love you, Landon. Thank you for being who you are and making my last 6 months a crazy, joyful ride!
- That pureed carrots spark in the microwave
- That when you are blue, sometimes the best person to have around is your mother
- That nurses in the postpartum/recovery wing of the hospital are some of the most calming, reassuring and nurturing people on the planet
- That sometimes the best form of "me" time is reading a book in the car in my driveway after coming home from running errands while Landon sleeps blissfully in his carseat
- That it is possible to spend less than $50 on a baby in the first 6 months of his life if you have generous friends and family that provide hand me downs and if you ask for diapers for every present-giving holiday
- That crying and fussiness can be reassuring after 3 days' worth of sickness-induced lethargy
- That sometimes the best companion in the world is a little creature asleep on your lap
- That schedules and routines can be oddly comforting
- That my husband is one of the best human beings I have ever known
- That a shower can be the most relaxing 30 minutes of the day (yes, 30 minutes, I stretch out my showers these days!)
- That when things seem too easy, just wait a couple of weeks, something will change
- That funny faces and silly songs can be the funniest thing in the world to a baby
- That a green Soothie pacifier is worth its weight in gold
- That motherhood is demanding, relentless and intense
- That motherhood has been the best thing to happen to me in my life.
I love you, Landon. Thank you for being who you are and making my last 6 months a crazy, joyful ride!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Rules and How to Break 'Em
I have a feeling this kind of thing will happen more and more......
Sitting at the dinner table last week with Greg, eating leisurely, I looked over at Landon in his high chair watching us and commented on how nice it is that we now have four hands between the two of us to eat with. We haven't had that in almost 6 months. Landon started fussing (I should just never make comments like that, it seems to rock Landon's boat), and I made THE STATEMENT. "Landon just needs to understand that he is going to sit in his high chair until we are finished with dinner, and if he wants to fuss, fine, but he is going to stay put." I said this very decisively and felt proud of myself for laying down the law, for setting some tableside rules. At just that instant, Landon, with tears flowing by this point, reaches for me for the first time. With both arms. Little red face grubby with remnants of rice cereal and carrots, tears streaming down cheeks, with arms a reachin'.
I threw out my rule, barely 30 seconds old, to pick up my child. Yes, I am a softie. Yes, he is definitely learning how to manipulate me. But he REACHED. And I CAVED.
Sitting at the dinner table last week with Greg, eating leisurely, I looked over at Landon in his high chair watching us and commented on how nice it is that we now have four hands between the two of us to eat with. We haven't had that in almost 6 months. Landon started fussing (I should just never make comments like that, it seems to rock Landon's boat), and I made THE STATEMENT. "Landon just needs to understand that he is going to sit in his high chair until we are finished with dinner, and if he wants to fuss, fine, but he is going to stay put." I said this very decisively and felt proud of myself for laying down the law, for setting some tableside rules. At just that instant, Landon, with tears flowing by this point, reaches for me for the first time. With both arms. Little red face grubby with remnants of rice cereal and carrots, tears streaming down cheeks, with arms a reachin'.
I threw out my rule, barely 30 seconds old, to pick up my child. Yes, I am a softie. Yes, he is definitely learning how to manipulate me. But he REACHED. And I CAVED.
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