It was good day for all of us, we went later in the day, not a lot of people were there, and the zoo had the misters going in full force. I also got to see the pregnant elephant that is one of their bragging rites, and felt a certain kinship.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
6th picture tag...thanks to Kelli.
It was good day for all of us, we went later in the day, not a lot of people were there, and the zoo had the misters going in full force. I also got to see the pregnant elephant that is one of their bragging rites, and felt a certain kinship.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Varying Degrees of Humiliation
So, this week and my humiliations. Well, where to start. How about Tuesday? Seeing as how Jeff had Monday off, I didn't really do much but take the kids to school, sleep, and watch some Reno 911s. There's a certain safety in that routine that I just can't complain about. However, Tuesday is when it went terribly wrong. I again got the kids to school, then had to rush to Orem, as I had my official first weekly appointment. But I was a little early, so I went to my favorite place-Target-to just kill about forty-five minutes. Mmmkay, you know when you're walking into a store, and someone is right behind you? You really only have two choices. Either stop to the side of the doors, and let them go in, because obviously they are in more of a hurry then you are. Or, you can quickly set the pace, and get in, and veer to the carts section. This is helpful because if they need a cart, they can go to one of the five rows of waiting ones, and be on their way. Or, if they're just there for a quick something, they'll simply bypass the carts, and you have again avoided ruining their quick in and out experience. I know this through years of practice. I do all of our grocery shopping--with the occasional exception of when Jeff will do it, and return with some ice cream and cookies that supposedly will last a family of four for the entire week. But that's beside the point.
So as I was approaching the doors into Target, I saw the "I'm in a real hurry" guy behind me, and I opted for the hurry-in-and-get-to-the-carts choice. However, my faith in the electronic opening doors was in vain. The doors at Target open inward, inviting all to come inside, out of the cold, and check out their amazing clearance selections in every department. I hurried towards those doors, and watched as they began to open for me. The man behind was still very much in a hurry, so slowing wasn't an option. However, just as I was going through the doors, they decided to stop....and me, being a lot larger than I realize sometimes, effectively got stuck...inside the doors. So I am struggling in between two doors that won't budge. My belly is about through, and my hips can't follow. I kind of panicked, and struggled at bit, only to notice that I really couldn't move at all, and it was effectively tightening the doors around me. "Hurry Guy" waited for me for like, two seconds, and rolled his eyes while huffing, effectively letting me know that I was in more than one way a huge inconvenience, and opted for the manual doors. Embarrassed, I quit struggling, forced myself not to start bawling, and took a deep breath. Apparently, the lack of motion allowed the doors to open from squeezing my unborn child, and I was able to get through. From there I went to the restroom to hide for about five minutes, assuring myself that whomever had the boring job of watching the security tapes of people coming in and out, got an eyeful, and at least they'll have something worthy to talk about at break time.
After assuring myself that the people that had witnessed the entire event had maybe made their way to the produce section or something, I went out, got myself a cart and did some unnecessary shopping--something that always makes me feel better.
At my appointment I didn't have to be checked. YAY! I hate that part, I really do. Not that it's fun for the doctors, by any means...but it's painful and humiliating, and leads you to think about the more painful and humiliating things to come...and it's just an overall downer. My doctor gave me some Prilosec to help me deal with heartburn that had me puking up stomach acid, and I was then on my way out. (Side note: Prilosec for heartburn is FABULOUS. My sisters had tried to convince me, and I don't get it often, except for when I'm pregnant. But if you need any relief in that area, go for it).
I made the short trek to the front desk to schedule my next exam, and then waited behind a young guy that was being scheduled for some heart tests because he has a murmur--not very big on the privacy practice at my doctor's office, apparently. Anyway, I notice that he looked at my stomach...something that happens regularly. But instead of looking away, he just kind of stared for longer than comfortable. I looked down after wondering what was there, to see the bottom of my bare belly hanging out of my shirt. Apparently after the doctor had measured me, I didn't do a good enough job of pulling my maternity pants up and my shirt down, effectively leaving like four inches of tummy hanging out for the world to see. Remember the Friends episodes where Rachel is pregnant, and she's so fashionable and cute that she can wear belly shirts and tank tops and such? I'm the opposite of that. My belly looks like a beer gut that you have to lift up to button the tops of your pants...and really, what it feels like, too. I just hope I didn't add any extra stress to that kid's heart problems. But that's what he gets for looking.
Lastly, because Tuesday had so many prime examples and this post will be too long if I admit them all, was me going to a meeting for the parents of Kindergartners at Cole's school. First off, I was kind of pissed that it was supposed to last for an entire hour and a half. I mean, it was a "mandatory" seminar for all parents to help our kids learn how to read. And Jeff or I read with Cole every night. He reads to us his little school books, or we read stories he wants to hear, so I thought we were on the right track. Also, I really didn't have a clue as to what we'd be expected to do in that long of time. But I found out that it would be as humiliating as possible. We all got little activity booklets that we need to do with our kindergartners daily for "obvious success" which was just fine. What wasn't fine, however, was that we were then expected to pair up with other parents there, (now the pairing up thing? Seriously one of the best parts of NOT being in school anymore. I hated it then, and not surprisingly, I still hate it now), and go through EVERY activity in the book. The first lesson for us was "praising" your kindergartner's accomplishments. So I had to listen to my partner read, and inject in a very excited voice, "good job!" or "That's Right!" or "Wow, you're such a great reader!" While she read me: John and his blue car sat on the side walk.
Sometimes I think I'm really funny...and when I'm in an uncomfortable situation, I try to loosen things up. So my partner and I started to giggle about how ridiculous we felt about the whole thing...when a little old lady came over and explained that she taught kids everyday that can't read, and that they aren't praised in a correct way, and that it's so sad to her that parents don't take this sort of thing seriously. Uuuuh. After that, I knew it was possible to feel even dumber during this activity.
From there, I decided to take the whole ordeal seriously, and try to be better, and went through most of the book without incident. Until we got to the rhyming part...where we were supposed to introduce "phonetical agents" into our reading regimes. My partner was supposed to say a line from a poem, and I was supposed to fill in the blank because according to phonetic balance, I could just "hear" what would be coming. So my partner goes: Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of ______ " And I said "water." She praised me appropriately, and then said: "Jack fell down and broke his______" to which I answered, "neck?" Just cause I'm a tard, okay? I thought it would be funny....and something that Cole would say. We kind of laughed, and that little old lady came over again and asked me if I'd ever read nursery rhymes with my child, and I replied yes, and she said that she hopes I took it more seriously than I did here, because phonetic balance is so important, and she hopes that I try to ensure as much understanding as I can to my child. Embarrassed yet again, I went off to my partner about how I'm glad that lady wasn't Cole's teacher, and what's she doing teaching? She's ancient and smells weird, and all the kids are probably afraid of her because she looks like a gremlin. My partner politely smiled and gave me a pity laugh, and then informed me that that old lady was HER son's teacher.
And that was my Tuesday. This is why I much prefer to be lazy and take naps and watch TV than go out in public, wear regular clothing, and interact with people. Hopefully after I'm pregnant, most of this will go away. I'll still stick my foot in my mouth, because I always do that. But the embarrassing uncontrollable body parts? I'm SO ready to be done with those.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The final countdown
I've got everything I need. I've been lucky enough to have people look out for me and make sure that we are ready for this kid that we weren't planning on. However, it's still scary. Baby number three, and it's still scary. Not wake-me-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night-knowing-I-can-never-go-back scary like having Riley was, but until Sydney is in my arms with all ten fingers and toes and healthy, I'll just be worried and stressed. Anyway, I'm torn all day long, each day between wanting this baby OUT, to hoping she stays as long as possible, and is getting all the extras she needs to be ready. I know, boring for the average reader, but certainly makes for serious, and continuous, hormone fluctuations.
Also, the guilt is already getting to me. Until I actually became a mother, I had no idea what guilt was. And, hello, I'm Mormon. Everything is about guilt. I didn't give up my caffeine addiction throughout my pregnancy. I tried, but I couldn't. So I hope I didn't completely ruin my unborn child's nervous system. If I did, I'm going to feel REALLY bad, and Jeff's going to be really upset with me. I console myself a little by my addiction not being crack, however, if anything is wrong at all...I'll just KNOW it's because of all the Diet Mountain Dews.
Jeff and I have been watching seasons of Reno 911 each night, and this has actually helped me turn my attention to other things--in a "it could always be worse" way. (BTW, very funny show...but not for the easily offended). It kind of makes me think about how the Buffalo, WY police department would be...if it were more culturally diverse. I have a severe love for trashy people; they make me feel right at home. So while watching these episodes, I've felt more calm and serene...and occasionally grossed out. It's a lot like South Park to me, in that it's so wrong, that they get it right.
Anyway, I know I go off on how terrible pregnancy is, and how much I hate it. And all the negatives that go along with getting continually fatter and grosser and slower and more tired, but I'm finally at the stage where I can say, "It's really worth it". Yes, I still have severe heartburn and yes, I still wish I could sleep without peeing twelve times a night, and yes, I seriously dream about being able to breathe without feeling like I'm going to vomit at the same time. BUT, I wouldn't change having kids for anything. Family life suits me perfectly. I can't imagine life without my babies, and I can't wait for Sydney--even though I'm scared to death. I mean, she can't be any worse than what I already have to put up with, right? I'm holding to that thought.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
What Cole said.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
My "Low Key" baby shower.
First off, I need to thank my Mother-in-law, Maida for the outfits she surprised me with, and the Christmas stocking she made for Sydney. I was way excited to see this amongst my baby gifts...this is a tradition she's started for all her kids, kids that have married her kids, and their kids. Does it keep her busy? She's only got fifteen spouses for her fifteen children and then their kabillion kids and so on....so you do the math. However, she does it each and every time, and always makes them unique. Jeff and I and Riley and Cole each have one, and now it really feels that Sydney will be prepared for this family and this Christmas. (A side note: two days before Jeff and I got married, I got into a car accident and my lovely little escort was totaled. I had Christmas gifts in it, and a lot were so smooshed and trashed, that they were unsaveable...not to mention I was in shock, so I overlooked a lot. The stocking that Maida had made for me was among those items, and I didn't remember it until everything had been tossed. I was completely heartbroken and embarrassed that I was so careless with something that had taken so much time and thought. So a few months later, she made me a new one. It was just as beautiful and perfect. If it would have been me, I would have grudgingly threw something together for my son's "flighty girlfriend that didn't really deserve him, anyway" just to be nice. And let me say that she never said that or has never made me feel that way, however, when Cole gets married, I think that's the kind of mother-in-law I'll be. I'm just being honest. But as usual, she put thought and love in every stitch.
So my sister-in-law Amy offered to throw me a baby shower. I was excited about it, because I've seen how much detail and effort she puts into her parties. However, after thinking more on it, I really thought that maybe it would be too much work for everyone, and regretfully declined her offer. I knew she was throwing my other sister-in-law that's due at the same time, Kass, a shower as well. I decided that this is my THIRD kid, and this should be old hat for me. I told Amy that I knew she'd do a great job, but we should concentrate on Kass, and though I was super flattered, I'm sure that Amy was in no way needing more things to fit into her busy schedule (she's always doing stuff; crafts, callings, her jobs, and watching her own nieces and nephews, etc. Just the thought of her life wears me out)..and for once, I let go of one of my most favorite things in the world-
Anyway, a little while later, I found out that my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law actually got together and decided that I needed a shower, regardless of the many selfless speeches I fed to everyone. (How do they know me so well)? I guess it was supposed to be a surprise, but I found out like nosy people often do, and I was told it would be a small dinner with a few people. Gifts and dinner? I was SO there.
It turned out to be a LOT of people. Many of which I don't often see, and it was really humbling to me to see all these people come out to support me and Sydney. I'm not even sure if humbling is the right word, but for the sake of not embarrassing myself with really mushy stuff, it's the one I'll use. Let's just say I was emotionally moved, if you will. I was also flattered by all the undeserved attention. And it was totally great to get a free dinner at my favorite, Bajio Grill.
Anyway, looking back, I should have taken pictures. But seeing how there were tons of different conversations going on, and I have a really hard time taking pictures while people aren't posing, I didn't take any. Also, I was REALLY enjoying my ensalada fresca. It was beautiful. (Thanks Maida! and thanks to Kass for inviting everyone.) This little cover-up was from Shauna. Sooo adorable. She said that I could even use it if I had a boy...to which I replied, "THIS IS MY LAST ONE! I'M SERIOUS THIS TIME!" But in any case, Sydney's going to wear it like, everyday this winter.
Anyway, I've been showing all my stuff throughout this post, but I also need to give credit to the ladies that gave it to Sydney. There are a lot of names, and references as to how who is related to me, so it may be confusing, but I'm trying to break it down into the easiest form. Also, I just need to show you all my stuff. Cause it's awesome. I used my rocking chair in Sydney's room as a felt board to display all the gifties. Genius? I like to think so. Even though I didn't get this at the shower, this is my crib. I have to show it because it's beautiful. My Mommy, Larraine, bought it for Sydney, and this is where tons of Sydney life will be going down. (Hopefully).
So as you can see, in no way was this baby shower, low-key. I got so much great stuff that it makes me wish I could just throw a party for myself, and let everyone bring me gifts, instead of the baby. However, I did that last year on my birthday, so I guess I can't really ask for more. Thanks to all of you that came, and that visited, it was really great to see you. I'm so lucky to be a part of the Anderson family, regardless of how much I complain. And I complain about the quirks of the Andersons quite regularly....which really helps me forget about all my very consciously hidden quirks and the fact that I'm nutso. Anyway, I really loved all the attention, the support, the conversation, and food. Everything's adorable, and I'm so excited for Sydney to be able to enjoy it all!
Halloween Low-Down.
Our Halloween was supposed to be very low-key this year. However, I think it's just supposed to be hectic, no matter what. We started early, as I had to fix Riley's hair and make-up. From there, she was taken care of and at school, and then we got Cole ready. After both kids were at school, I took a much-needed nap. Jeff got to pick them up at 3:15, after they'd attended their annual school Halloween party and had been feasting on sugar for the previous two hours. I woke up an hour or so after they got home, and while I showered and got ready, they carved the pumpkin...and it was a project that none of them could agree on, so Jeff took the initiative and made it look like an angry sphincter.
We set out a bowl of candy on our porch and headed off to my dad's place, our first stop of the night. The kids trick or treated there, and then Jeff took them to a couple of homes in the neighborhood--one of which had the audacity to hand out apples. Riley took hers graciously, while Cole, when he saw what the booty was, loudly proclaimed, "NO THANKS", and walked away. As a parent, it was a little on the embarrassing side, however, the general rule is that you just don't hand out any food item anymore that isn't pre-packaged, no matter what. I'm sure there were only pure intentions of health, but still....you just can't take that chance now days. Sorry, but true. Also, it's freaking Halloween...apples? That guy's lucky his house wasn't egged.
From there, we went to my sister Muff and brother in law Chris's house. (Cole got a power nap in along the way). They were already entertaining company, Brandi and her son, Lukas. Cole loves little kids. He thinks it's completely great when they listen to what he says, and they enjoy being with him. Yet a
We then visited Bob and Maida. And it was really nice. The kids went through their candy at their kitchen table and Jeff and I got to chat with them.
Our final stop was Kory and Amy's. As soon as we got inside, Riley mentioned that she wanted to play Rockband, and Jeff seconded it. So they were kind enough to re-arrange their living room and set everything up for us. The amazing thing is that we ended up staying there for over two hours, and so I'm hoping that they weren't shocked at our lack of late night tact.
A quick stop at McDonald's....and we were on our way home. Anyway, for those of you that wanted to know, that was our Halloween. We hope you had a good one, as well.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
two tags.
8 things tag
Okay, so I've been tagged by two different people--Kass and Brandi. But, because I'm double awesome, I'm going to do both tags in one. My answers will be red. Jeff was tagged as well by Keri, AND, for those of you that are in love with my husband (meaning: loves to hear Jeff's opinions and what not, and blah, blah, blah...something that I'm totally NOT bitter about), his answers will be in blue. So that's how it's all gonna go down. Also, somehow, I didn't get a picture of Shauna's family, or the younger Stevenson kids. So when someone posts them, I'll need to steal them...meaning, someone PLEASE post them. Also, I was going to post my photo of Maida, but Jeff told me she'd get really mad....so I chickened out.
8 favorite t.v. shows
1) Buffy Vampire Slayer, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
2) Angel, Dexter
3) Firefly (I'm also waiting for Joss Whedon's Dollhouse. It will be fabulous, like all his stuff is)., It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
4) The Office, Angel
5)Dexter, Firefly
6)It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Futurama
7) Lost, Lost
8)Fringe (I'm really liking it, even though it's new, AND it has Pacey, from Dawson's Creek in it)., Veronica Mars
8 favorite restaurants
1)Bajio Grill, Bajio Grill
2)Red Lobster, Panda Express
3) China Wok, Zubs
4) Del Taco (I'm high class like that)., Papa Murphy's (Not a restaurant, I know, but I like the food).
5) Zubs, Arby's
6) Good Wood, McDonald's
7) Ruby Tuesday, Taco Bell
8)Pizza Factory, home
8 things that happened yesterday
1)Kelli's Halloween Party, Kelli's Halloween Party
2)Hung with my sister Muff and my Brother in law, Chris at said party, Yelled as loud as I could to help Kory win the costume contest.
3)Cole was afraid of Kory's costume, even though it was similar to his, Unwrapped all Cole's contest candy, because his lobster pincers got in the way.
4)Riley felt like a beautiful sprite, Wore Riley's sprite wings when they were bugging her.
5)Ate my first McDonald's Big Mac in five years. (a Craving), Had a migraine, couldn't eat my McDonald's Cheeseburgers. So Rainey ate them.
6)Read two-thirds of Belly Laughs, by Jenny McCarthy (Thanks Kass), Took a bath with the lights off. (For migraine relief).
7) I was afraid Sydney would rip her way out of my Uterus, Watched Rainey's belly squirm around like it would burst open.
8) Watched some episodes of Scrubs, Watched some Scrubs.
8 Things I am looking forward to:
1)Sydney's Birth, Sydney's birth
2) Story's Birth, Movie Tuesday with Brandon
3) My dinner at Bajio Grill this Saturday. (I'm already deciding on what I'll eat), Racquetball on Wednesday
4) Halloween, Seeing my poster at the OURS concert.
5) Thanksgiving with Muff and Chris and DATS with Muff and possibly Kelli....Boom., Winter coming
6) Christmas, Christmas
7) Seeing my mom, my aunt Sharon, and my sister Lora over Christmas, Having more time off in a row than I've ever had in my life, for the Holidays.
8)Having Jeff stay home with me for a while after I have Sydney and over the holidays, Seeing Riley and Cole meet Sydney.
4 jobs that I’ve had:
1. Ice cream parlor/mini golf course money taker. (Good times, eh Moriah? Also the reason for my mini golf aversion), General Contractor sidekick.
2. Future Shop--my first introduction to the Anderson family, and the meeting of Jeff, Music and Movie section of Future Shop.
3. Photo Department person at Fred Meyer--where I learned that people take pictures of EVERYTHING, Baker at Kneaders and Walmart.
4. Shoe seller, where I developed a very unhealthy shoe fetish, Graphic Designer/Illustrator, (where I was meant to be, Thanks to Rainey).
4 Movies I have watched more than once:
1. ELF (even in the summer), Fight Club
2. Beautiful Girls (Does anyone know where I can get it on DVD)?, Hellboy
3. Blades of Glory, Memento
4. Shawn of The Dead, Constantine
4 TV Shows I Watch:
See above answers
4 People who email me regularly:
1. My sister Muff, Brandon
2. Kass, Kolob Third Ward for program announcements
3. My mom, My freelance clients
4. Lately, my sisters Lora and Kelli, Co-worker Steve
4 Favorite Foods:
1. Mexican, Pasta
2. Chinease, Sandwiches
3. Italian, Chocolate
4. Thai, Juice
4 Things I'm looking forward to in the next year:
see above answers
4 Places I want to visit:
1. Ireland, Ireland
2. Maine, New Zealand
3. San Juan Islands, Seattle
4. St. John's (One day Moriah, one day....), Some tropical Island. (one of those good ones).
4 Things I love about my husband/Wife
1. He's my best friend, She's beautiful 24/7 no matter what she's wearing or doing.
2. He's the best father I've ever seen, I can be myself with her because she is my best friend.
3. He's super hot, Despite all her doubts she is an amazing mother.
4. He tries to understand me. And I know that's difficult, She has a light inside her that everyone loves her for (me more than anyone).
I am tagging Sarah and Shauna...and Moriah. However, if any of you refuse to do it, you won't be hurting my feelings. Also, Jeff reminds Kyle that he hasn't responded to his previous tag; Sucka.

