tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4749431295936434322024-03-13T14:43:52.572-04:00Controlled ChaosMarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-2381567919774727902013-08-29T21:11:00.005-04:002013-08-29T21:32:22.329-04:00you don't have to wish for the flu <div style="text-align: center;">
listen,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i get it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you have what feels like 432 kids.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's 2:42 am. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and you are quietly scrubbing throw up out of the carpet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you are maniacally </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
praying </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
over</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
over</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and over </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
again </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"please don't let one of the sleeping kids wake.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please don't let one of the sleeping kids wake.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please don't let one of the sleeping kids wake"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and if one does wake up, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
please don't let them be projectile vomiting."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you are trying your best to silence those prayers thinking,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"what do i have to do </span><span style="font-size: large;">to get the flu?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
why can't i call in?<br />
what do i need to do to have a reason to stay in bed?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and not cook breakfast.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or answer questions every 42 seconds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and not eat at all and lose six pounds in one day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
since when is the flu so horrible?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i'll tell you when.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when you break your ankle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i left the gym mid june,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stella was on my hip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
colton was holding my hand,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and chloe was flitting about the parking lot like she owned the place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i think.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who really knew where chloe was.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we were so close to my car.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i took a step forward</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and i realized i had no where to go because i was holding stella,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and colton was standing where my foot needed to go.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i went forward knowing it wasn't going to be pretty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
however, i would like to take this time,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
knowing that my kids will read this,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to state, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i one hundred percent took one for the team.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for you guys.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i didn't want to drop stella, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i didn't want to fall on colton, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and who knows where chloe was.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i went down and immediately felt the pain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but i gave myself a pep talk, like i do every day of my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
usually it has something to do with making it to nap time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sometimes i am cheering myself down the sidelines to actually get breakfast on the table.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this day it was:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can do this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after all you have been through with these crazy children,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can do this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pick up your leg, hop in the car, and drive home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but i soon realized i would not be able to do that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i could not move my leg.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for real.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
colton was crying from {inevitably} being pinned between the car and me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
stella was crying from {inevitably} being dropped.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and who knows where chloe was.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was chaos.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
per usual.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i screamed repeatedly for my sweet friend, krista, who was parked what felt like a mile from me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she eventually came running and saved the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i used her phone and called my mom begging for her to be at my house when i got home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she was.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and as she was hugging me, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unloading my kids,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while simultaneously applying ice to my ankle and asking me what i wanted for dinner at 12:49 pm,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it started to click.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the flu? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
have i really secretly been begging for the flu?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we iced it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my dad took me to the dr.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we iced it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we went to get my boot.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we iced it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i took ibuprofen,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we iced it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and when i got home, my mom sent me to bed????</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is this real life?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my bed?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i haven't been sent to my bed since i pushed a baby out of my body?! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and that was almost two years ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so when my mom entered my room with a pain pill, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a chilled glass of pinot grigio, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and parmesan and leek risotto?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it finally hit me......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">who the hell wishes for the flu when all you need to do is break your ankle?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as i sipped my wine, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
spooning delicious, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cheesy, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leeky </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
risotto in my mouth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was ofish.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i was not breaking up any fights.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i was not dishing out in the green bowl when "<span style="font-size: large;">obviously"</span> i was "<em>supposed"</em> to be dishing out in the pink bowl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i wasn't trying to come up with a magical story about the green bowl because both girls want the only pink bowl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i wasn't spooning their cold, regurgitated leftovers hurriedly into my mouth with a toddler spork.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i wasn't cleaning the kitchen, while at the same time trying to get them in the bath.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and we all know,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that bath puts me </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
step</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
closer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bedtime.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i was eating hot food and drinking cold wine in my bed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it was glorious.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as i rested my elevated ankle, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in all of my full reality tv glory, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i started to feel bad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because i know you all have wished for the flu, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or some other virus to put you out for a day or four.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so on my third uninterrupted episode of guiliana and bill, and second glass of wine, i decided i owed you all the truth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
channel your inner nancy kerrigan and hire a tonya.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you're welcome.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-27658591995740236602013-07-13T21:21:00.004-04:002013-09-10T21:00:07.810-04:00don't worry, be happyi have been flirting with the idea of blogging again.<br />
and,<br />
about three people have told me that they have missed me.<br />
<br />
but let's be honest. <br />
<br />
i am easy, <br />
<br />
so <br />
three people = two hundred and twenty six people in my book.<br />
<br />
so, i made a deal with myself, <br />
<br />
i said <br />
<br />
"if you posted on july 11, 2013 last year, you will blog again immediately."<br />
<br />
i checked.<br />
i did.<br />
<br />
and it was a <a href="http://marissastratton.blogspot.com/2012/07/grams.html" target="_blank"> <span style="font-size: large;">special one</span></a><br />
<br />
i'm kind of psychic so i take these type of deals with myself quite seriously.<br />
so, when i logged into pandora and searched for a grandma wood worthy station and <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">"don't worry, be happy"</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
came on as the first song, i knew i must proceed.<br />
"don't worry, be happy" was grandma wood's jam.<br />
along with "kokomo."<br />
clearly she loved the cocktail soundtrack, but honestly, who could blame her?<br />
<br />
so, obviously my grandma is yelling at me from heaven to blog again, which is fine and all, <br />
<br />
but i really do not know how to catch y'all up after a years hiatus??<br />
<br />
things are crazier than ever.<br />
i'm on instagram @marissastratton.<br />
that should catch you up.<br />
<br />
do that, and holler back.<br />
<br />
stella started talking. <br />
and hasn't stopped.<br />
so it is no holds barred<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">three</span> <br />
against<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">one.</span><br />
<br />
if you're a betting man?<br />
those aren't great odds, my friends..<br />
<br />
i am not at all joking when i tell you that they meet to screw with me.<br />
<br />
e-va-ray-dam-day.<br />
<br />
i really just don't understand how am i still in charge of these people?<br />
who are expected to be alive all day,<br />
and all night,<br />
<br />
honestly?<br />
<br />
it's quite silly.<br />
<br />
because on most days?<br />
<br />
i really can't even guarantee that i will be breathing by the time matty gets home from work.<br />
<br />
whomever is in charge of me clearly does not know how to delegate.<br />
these fools are in charge of me. <br />
<br />
i typically succumb to the madness around 4:45 pm.<br />
<br />
i am usually cooking dinner.<br />
<br />
and let me tell you, 4:45 breakdowns are awesome.<br />
<br />
cooking with six arms<br />
and six legs <br />
flailing about over boiling pots of water<br />
<br />
in a teeny kitchen is<strong> awesome</strong>.<br />
<br />
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<br />
here they are, one year later.<br />
<br />
i know.<br />
<br />
they are still so cute. <br />
and so big <br />
<br />
and so cute.<br />
<br />
dude.<br />
these kids are nuts,<br />
<br />
but i'm nuts.<br />
<br />
that may be why the kids are nuts.<br />
<br />
and my husband is nuts.<br />
it's definitely why the kids are nuts, no?<br />
<br />
don't answer.<br />
i know the answer, it just doesn't help me get through the day.<br />
<br />
and ps,<br />
i have a broken ankle.<br />
<br />
stay with me.<br />
it's been a while, but it won't be a while.<br />
<br />
i have so much more to tell you.<br />
and i will.<br />
<br />
i love you all. <br />
<br />
and it's a true story when i say that i've missed you greatly, <br />
<br />
i just didn't realize how much until my grandma started yelling at me from heaven.<br />
<br />
****p to the s. <br />
i realize i didn't post this on june 11th, but that's when i wrote it.****<br />
<br />
my psychic theory holds true.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-15040254405260723032012-12-15T14:20:00.000-05:002012-12-15T15:28:19.642-05:00how i feellike every other parent yesterday, all i wanted to do was get my hands on my babies.<br />
they were sleeping when i heard 28 people had been shot in an elementary school in connecticut. <br />
20 of those people were children between the ages of 5 and 10.<br />
i fell on my couch and started sobbing.<br />
it is gut wrenching to think that 27 parents will never again hug their child from such a senseless and incomprehensible act.<br />
<br />
i ache for brothers and sisters who got out of the car mad at their sibling.<br />
<br />
but mostly, my mind kept going to the parents who were having a bad day.<br />
those parents whose children were getting yelled at for running around the house, instead of eating breakfast.<br />
the parents who wrestled to get their children in their car seats.<br />
the parents who couldn't get to school fast enough.<br />
because they had so much to do.<br />
because they were over the fighting.<br />
<br />
the parents who dropped their babies off, relished in the silence and promised a do over once the kids got home from school.<br />
i thought long and hard and tried to convince myself that wouldn't be me.<br />
but i wasn't able to convince myself.<br />
i knew there was a chance. <br />
and that is an extremely tough pill to swallow.<br />
<br />
i know there is probably more than one parent that will be trying to fill that silence for the rest of their life.<br />
my body aches for you.<br />
<br />
the thought of people arriving to sandy hook elementary, waiting to wrap their body around a child that will never walk out those doors is unimaginable.<br />
it makes me physically ill.<br />
<br />
i pray for every one of those parents.<br />
i pray through tears. through a grief i cannot begin to understand.<br />
i pray they feel my love. i pray they feel your love.<br />
i pray they feel my hugs. <br />
<br />
i pray they remember every single thing about their children.<br />
i hope they forever remember the smell of their skin.<br />
<br />
i hope they can forever hear their laugh. <br />
the big laugh. <br />
the laugh that forces a child to toss their head back and make their mouths fly wide open. <br />
<br />
i hope they remember the special way their babies said certain words.<br />
<br />
i pray they will forever be able to close their eyes and see how every single hair fell on their child's face.<br />
<br />
matt came home early.<br />
we talked about how our twins could have been in in the same class. <br />
we would have lost both of them.<br />
<br />
i think they knew we needed them.<br />
we scooped them up and squeezed them so tight.<br />
i traced every outline of their tiny little bodies.<br />
i touched every part of their face thousands of times.<br />
i explained to them how i love them so much it hurts.<br />
i drank them in with long, slow drawn out sips.<br />
i watched every move.<br />
<br />
i couldn't answer their questions without crying.<br />
i paid attention to the way they said every single word.<br />
i listened to their different intonations and committed them to memory.<br />
<br />
i put them to bed with a heavy heart and a broken spirit.<br />
<br />
i woke up at 1 and couldn't sleep.<br />
i was aching for one of my babies to wake up.<br />
to give me a reason to go hold them.<br />
<br />
stella cried and my heart lurched. she knew i needed her.<br />
as her limp flour sack of a body molded perfectly in to mine, we rocked.<br />
we rocked to music for what felt like hours.<br />
i know she felt my chest convulsing, i know she could feel my tears, but she didn't make a sound.<br />
she laid there and let me love her.<br />
heart to heart and cheek to cheek.<br />
<br />
even though we will never know why, i take comfort knowing this country is crying together.<br />
in times like these we are a family.<br />
differing opinions fall by the wayside and we are united.<br />
<br />
all we can do is keep breathing.<br />
keep putting one foot in front of the other.<br />
<br />
keep practicing peace on earth, good will to men.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-46751722087014778992012-11-22T23:45:00.003-05:002012-11-22T23:45:52.010-05:002 morethankful that this<br />
<br />
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<br />
became this<br />
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-25783348504881103162012-10-12T16:46:00.000-04:002012-10-12T16:57:53.834-04:00the bad , the ugly , and finally......the good.ya know,<br />
being a parent is so hard.<br />
<br />
<br />
instead of getting thanked for your hard work, <br />
you get screamed at. <br />
because someone wants milk.<br />
and you aren't getting it fast enough. because you are cleaning up pee. on a random surface.<br />
instead of getting a bonus?<br />
you get hit. and thrown up on.<br />
<br />
and the worst part?<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">you don't get a redo.</span><br />
<br />
you can't make a phone call to your boss to fix your wrong doings when your bosses are two and under.<br />
you are raising human sponges. <br />
that watch your every move. <br />
and they soak it up.<br />
<br />
you can't have a quick meeting the next morning with three toddlers and explain to them that you reacted poorly because you are just done. <br />
that their screaming all day makes you want to pull your mother loving hair out. <br />
and you flipped out because surely you thought on the 1,347th time, you thought they would realize that you were serious about <span style="font-size: large;">not</span> reaching up on the freaking counter.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">your actions are their example.</span><br />
<br />
the way you react to situations is their model.<br />
that is intense, people.<br />
<br />
it is tough going to bed and replaying the day.<br />
slamming your fist on the counter out of frustration? probably not your finest moment.<br />
or cringing remembering the deer in the headlights look your children gave you when you screamed at them like a maniacal psychopath.<br />
<br />
i have had way too many of these moments in the past two and a half years.<br />
there has been a lot of cringing.<br />
i wish i could redo <span style="font-size: large;">a lot</span>.<br />
<br />
i can't.<br />
and that is a lot to think about.<br />
for the past two and a half years i have not been the parent that i imagined i would be.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
time was lost.<br />
i needed to just make it to breakfast.<br />
then to lunch.<br />
and then in a few short hours, nap would be here.<br />
then please lord let me make it to dinner. will i even make dinner?<br />
bath time<br />
and thank you, bed time, for coming through in the clutch and saving the day.<br />
<br />
i am here to tell you, that is no way to live, my friends. <br />
but that's where i was.<br />
just trying to survive.<br />
lost <br />
and just trying to make it through the day.<br />
<br />
the good news is, there has been a lightening around here.<br />
those days are far and few between.<br />
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<br />
<br />
i am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.<br />
the fog is lifting.<br />
<br />
i am no longer surviving.<br />
<br />
i am <span style="font-size: large;">living</span>. <br />
with my <span style="font-size: large;">children</span>.<br />
<br />
and it feels so good.<br />
we are laughing and hugging a lot.<br />
<br />
so i haven't been around here much because i am making up for lost time.<br />
<br />
i may not ever make up for the past couple of years.<br />
but it feels really good trying.<br />
<br />
it is amazing experiencing days that i am used to reading about wondering when things would calm down enough around here.<br />
so we could all just be happy.<br />
<br />
we are all growing up around here. especially me.<br />
<br />
slowly <br />
but surely.<br />
<br />
and we are having so much fun while doing it.<br />
<br />
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<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-84209888450244605642012-10-01T20:26:00.000-04:002012-10-01T20:28:02.120-04:00ballerina girl. you are so love.ly.<br />
lionel richie anyone?<br />
<br />
it has been a hot minute, huh?<br />
<br />
i'll explain more later.<br />
really there is no explanation needed other than i've been real busy.<br />
that's it.<br />
so i guess i won't explain more later.<br />
<br />
and as much as i want this post to be heartfelt and deep and meaningful,<br />
it's not.<br />
because i'm too tired and the little girl in the photos is so stinkin' cute that i want to share her with you guys right this very second.<br />
<br />
it may not be normal to cry at your child first "dance cwass", but i never claimed to be normal.<br />
and i was chill enough to walk away when the tears were really obvious.<br />
<br />
<br />
but i was just so ridiculously proud of her.<br />
dancin' out on that floor like she owned the joint.<br />
i think she was the best in the class. wink wink.<br />
<br />
she glues herself to my knee when she is uncomfortable and talks to me with her eyes.<br />
so i knew doing something by herself would be good for her.<br />
and she pranced out there and did it.<br />
she didn't need me. she didn't need her brother. she just need her "spwinkle weotawd."<br />
<br />
<br />
i love this little girl madly.<br />
she's my partner in crime.<br />
<br />
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<br />
and if buying your little baby girl her first pair of tap and ballet shoes doesn't shatter your heart?<br />
well, then i don't know what to tell you.<br />
<br />
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Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-70297663211940567082012-08-10T17:03:00.001-04:002012-08-10T20:32:38.494-04:00stella's birth story part oneyou were due august 1st, 2011.<br />
i knew that was not going to happen.<br />
i had to kick the twins out and despite everyone telling me the next one always comes earlier,<br />
i knew you were comfy.<br />
and i was ok with that.<br />
<br />
i wasn't ok on august 8th when they told me i was still barely 1 cm dilated.<br />
the same exact place i had been a week prior.<br />
<br />
i was straight up anxious on august 11th. You were ten days late.<br />
that night, i went to get a manicure. <br />
for the <span style="font-size: large;">second</span> time.<br />
<br />
i also got a manicure on august 1st just in case.<br />
what a waste of money. <br />
although, <br />
i got to spend precious time with nicole.<br />
nicole, one of my sweet friends from high school, also does my nails when i need more than just a manicure.<br />
she did them right before your brother and sister were born, too.<br />
she took me in at the last minute because she knew it was pre-baby ritual.<br />
it was 6:00 p.m.<br />
we chatted away. <br />
she joked about putting me in labor.<br />
we talked long and laughed hard.<br />
i remember watching my belly bounce <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and wondering if it would be one of the last times.</span><br />
<br />
i got home around 9:00.<br />
a nearly three hour manicure is good for the soul. especially from someone you love.<br />
your twins had been asleep for hours <br />
and daddy was asleep, too.<br />
<br />
i laid down around 10:00 and not long after that, i remember feeling a tightening in my belly.<br />
i was so excited. <br />
you were ten days late and i knew they wouldn't let me go much longer without an induction <br />
i so wanted to go into labor spontaneously. <br />
so <span style="font-size: large;">terribly</span> bad.<br />
i knew God had a plan.<br />
and i knew you would come. <br />
on your own.<br />
i waited for a while before i woke daddy up but i knew this was it.<br />
<br />
around 11:30 p.m. i woke him up and told him we were having a baby.<br />
i was so excited i was laughing.<br />
<br />
you see, i kicked him out of our room a long time ago.<br />
he was sleeping in your room.<br />
you made me not sleep.<br />
a lot.<br />
<br />
i called the doctor's office to let them know i was in labor.<br />
except the doctor slept through the answering service's call.<br />
three times.<br />
when she called, she said i sounded too calm and not in enough pain to be in labor.<br />
um. ok.<br />
she also told me this was common in a first time labor.<br />
i politely reminded her that i had given birth to twins a year prior.<br />
and that she delivered them.<br />
i think she was still asleep.<br />
<br />
nonnie jumped out of bed and flew over.<br />
<br />
around two a.m., daddy and i packed up and headed to the hospital.<br />
neither of us had bags packed.<br />
my stomach was in knots realizing i would not get to say goodbye to the twins, but i was over the moon excited to say hello to you.<br />
it is so scary when people tell you that your heart will to divide into another equal piece, but you don't understand how that can happen.<br />
it is so beautiful when you realize, after it happens, that it has.<br />
seamlessly.<br />
<br />
on our way, daddy kept asking me how i felt.<br />
i told him i was good.<br />
i said we should stop to eat because i knew once i got there that food was off limits.<br />
but i was explaining to him that even though i knew i should eat, i just wasn't hungry.<br />
before i could finish that sentence, he said "oh no!"<br />
"what! what is wrong" i said through contractions.<br />
and he said "we should go back home and drop my truck off at my parents for louis in the morning."<br />
"huh? why?" i asked.<br />
he stated that it would be easier for louis to pick up his truck at gran and papa's since he would be working for daddy while we were with you.<br />
<br />
ummmmmmmmm. hi. <br />
i'm about to push a baby out of my vagina, but whatever makes things easier for louis is obviously what we need to do.<br />
<br />
i told daddy "do you realize what you are saying right now? you want me to follow you in my car, to drop off your truck, while i'm in labor, so things are easier for louis?"<br />
<br />
he started laughing when he realized how insane he sounded.<br />
<br />
he admitted that he, too, did not really think i was in labor because i was calm. <br />
and laughing, <br />
i think he was looking for some oscar worthy labor performance.<br />
but i felt great. and i was excited. and happy.<br />
<br />
until i started second guessing myself.<br />
would we be sent home?<br />
was this not it?<br />
<br />
we checked in and marveled that we had been in this exact same place a year and a half with no babies.<br />
and here we were a year and a half later, hours away from meeting our third.<br />
a little girl.<br />
<br />
we sat.<br />
and waited.<br />
until we were called.<br />
we moseyed through the hallways.<br />
i vowed to take everything i felt in.<br />
every smell.<br />
every color.<br />
every nurse.<br />
every name.<br />
to record it in the "i will never, ever forget this" portion of my brain.<br />
i know how fast it goes.<br />
i wanted pictures of everything.<br />
<br />
i sat down in a cold plastic chair.<br />
i was wearing sweat pants and a turquoise tank top.<br />
a man took my blood pressure.<br />
he led me to a triage room where i laid down and laughed with daddy.<br />
<br />
i will cherish these times with your father forever. <br />
i get emotional when i go back there mentally.<br />
in the hospital, crawling of the edge of our seats, dying to meet our babies.<br />
we were so in sync. him taking care of me, me taking care of you.<br />
all we wanted to talk about was you. <br />
would you look like chloe? <br />
because you were a girl?<br />
you would have to have blonde hair, right? <span style="font-size: large;">right?</span><br />
in between giggly and dreamy conversations where we felt like we were dancing in the clouds, we watched tv.<br />
he had it on espn and a nurse marveled at his audacity to have it on a sports channel while his wife was having contractions every three minutes..<br />
<br />
a few minutes later, it was three a.m. and the nurse came in and said today was going to be your birthday.<br />
i couldn't wait.<br />
and i was so excited to be right.<br />
i wished that we would have taken daddy's truck back.<br />
it would have made for a better story.<br />
<br />
i couldn't wait to see you.<br />
to hold you.<br />
to see your teeny tiny purple little finger nails<br />
i couldn't wait for the earth to stop when they put you in my arms for the first time.<br />
<br />
we called nonnie, who was home with the twins, to let her know she was in for the long haul.<br />
we weren't coming home without our baby girl.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-22341758112076645952012-08-05T20:59:00.003-04:002012-08-05T22:15:31.334-04:00and just like that.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">one</span> week, she is <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">one</span>.</div>
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there are so. so. so. so many pictures in this post but i just couldn't stop.</div>
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i want to remember you just like this.</div>
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forever.</div>
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<br /></div>
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you now eat with a spoon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKaacEiEb8Np4RKxawh4UOxKMXfh_ez1nNzB5Y9xZ5jsygPyyOXHyrJNiTDf6uyPpBpVUmSwDBKXVK_KYy6w8NwyuMvJcJ33CfzybwAM_qYUV_1c9lgtL0quh-H3mEkV18aaunT4YCbU_/s1600/IMG_7601-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKaacEiEb8Np4RKxawh4UOxKMXfh_ez1nNzB5Y9xZ5jsygPyyOXHyrJNiTDf6uyPpBpVUmSwDBKXVK_KYy6w8NwyuMvJcJ33CfzybwAM_qYUV_1c9lgtL0quh-H3mEkV18aaunT4YCbU_/s640/IMG_7601-3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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actually, that is a lie. </div>
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kind of.</div>
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you're about 50/50.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTj57MBTo8W4L1y8y-38BR9d9UJCkSCjGT0Kuaj1X1c0XJ6VfEYO8Dxds5J-JvFgX_wE7KMxbk308QJXDB5tsvIiMAEjZAieXyXlEcqf8_xusRlaww3Iox7-Z4TPAvnw6VvaBV6mcefYk/s1600/IMG_7606-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTj57MBTo8W4L1y8y-38BR9d9UJCkSCjGT0Kuaj1X1c0XJ6VfEYO8Dxds5J-JvFgX_wE7KMxbk308QJXDB5tsvIiMAEjZAieXyXlEcqf8_xusRlaww3Iox7-Z4TPAvnw6VvaBV6mcefYk/s640/IMG_7606-4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
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a lot of the time?</div>
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you just like to play with one.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy-kHuxEifvb-lNpW8R1dCA3ep5T5ag9NCdNospCMaDpMDynwjF_HTHX8pvZVafFYZFz5sr4VPDOijQq_xrncWX7_1cSRxC7mMrz3h-oVNMuTsdt_S9lw_qDqMcnPH3lQ6nc8yUEiAVbZ/s1600/IMG_7612-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy-kHuxEifvb-lNpW8R1dCA3ep5T5ag9NCdNospCMaDpMDynwjF_HTHX8pvZVafFYZFz5sr4VPDOijQq_xrncWX7_1cSRxC7mMrz3h-oVNMuTsdt_S9lw_qDqMcnPH3lQ6nc8yUEiAVbZ/s640/IMG_7612-5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
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tonight i asked you to be a monkey and you said "ewwww eww, eww ewww eww."</div>
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in a very high pitch. exactly like a monkey. </div>
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for real.</div>
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daddy heard it too.</div>
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we now think you're so much smarter than the twins were at this age.<br />
we have no idea what the twins could do at this age.<br />
it just seems like you're too young to be that smart.<br />
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiYuKjhppngvPN2tjnaJ80fXn3UfDDrghgFfTwBOcu114-AoEZAprfCqMjWUA30ZmAcQ3GFgujy8qKf9qW4wT2V7XQ5Y4ma7wrTKJxvAJEyBX9Jdg-Uw1uSA-g8jUa1COa9BcIPiSprdY/s1600/IMG_7614-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiYuKjhppngvPN2tjnaJ80fXn3UfDDrghgFfTwBOcu114-AoEZAprfCqMjWUA30ZmAcQ3GFgujy8qKf9qW4wT2V7XQ5Y4ma7wrTKJxvAJEyBX9Jdg-Uw1uSA-g8jUa1COa9BcIPiSprdY/s640/IMG_7614-6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
you're favorite word is "no."</div>
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shocker, right?</div>
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between your twins and me, you probably hear it 6,436 times a day.</div>
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you say it just like chloe.</div>
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this terrifies me.</div>
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i can't handle two of her. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">i'm serious.</span></div>
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you have given me the greatest gift.</div>
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sleep.</div>
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finally.</div>
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for the past week and a half, you have slept from 7:30 - 8.</div>
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thank you.</div>
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thank you.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPfGCENs4nMlovStOIaUdo78M6SsWhDTsLz9ZtPm81B7trFtwVSmT5O-oDhB1ojAiRZ5mxZl_6w7JRX0_A8ww2k7-rXNe348c-pT22mD6vuqZyHp9FdxSBDF5z8ZfnM8pOH3sy8esDZzz/s1600/IMG_7617-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPfGCENs4nMlovStOIaUdo78M6SsWhDTsLz9ZtPm81B7trFtwVSmT5O-oDhB1ojAiRZ5mxZl_6w7JRX0_A8ww2k7-rXNe348c-pT22mD6vuqZyHp9FdxSBDF5z8ZfnM8pOH3sy8esDZzz/s640/IMG_7617-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
you are the toughest cookie i know.</div>
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you get beat the <span style="font-size: large;">up</span> on the reg. and you <span style="font-size: large;">handle</span> it.</div>
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it's impressive.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ_GVQE3BiEUDmBlDbp86r6f_EWfKhRuSftoeyeDTQH5y03QkfyUXJBK2_VT7i9cvQuu3ExNkvx6BLg9aYGEyxoM5IPcrBEdF2Xw79nchvCYYp3Hs1G5rjdy-ohgkSqBb-mcaCBiHV2Jt/s1600/IMG_7620-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ_GVQE3BiEUDmBlDbp86r6f_EWfKhRuSftoeyeDTQH5y03QkfyUXJBK2_VT7i9cvQuu3ExNkvx6BLg9aYGEyxoM5IPcrBEdF2Xw79nchvCYYp3Hs1G5rjdy-ohgkSqBb-mcaCBiHV2Jt/s640/IMG_7620-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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you are most definitely a mamma's girl.</div>
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me likey.</div>
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let's keep it that way.</div>
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<br />
<div align="center">
food is a big deal to you.</div>
<div align="center">
that makes me happy.</div>
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i want you to appreciate it.</div>
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savor it.</div>
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and you do.</div>
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just like c&c.</div>
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as of now, affording to feed all of you for the next 18 years seems far more daunting than college.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVWR7Hz_f3XHV2p6ozO_C1Ye4Y4xAeuEyf86tsr4lOcE4L8Lk_4LyqP8Td47xBGvajITAstbTic0nKTyXIBzk0GUd-bnAJzKA8UuwbdeGguDyO_U2jaFyvpw6_5qRSKGwFReNSo3KO1V9/s1600/IMG_7629-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVWR7Hz_f3XHV2p6ozO_C1Ye4Y4xAeuEyf86tsr4lOcE4L8Lk_4LyqP8Td47xBGvajITAstbTic0nKTyXIBzk0GUd-bnAJzKA8UuwbdeGguDyO_U2jaFyvpw6_5qRSKGwFReNSo3KO1V9/s640/IMG_7629-11.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center">
your brother and sister are ridiculously in love with you.</div>
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they run in to your room every morning and say </div>
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"good morning, baby."</div>
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my heart shatters into a million pieces every time.</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i hope it stays that way forever.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
your aunts and uncle are my best friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
i want that for all of you, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSvUpqIWVkA3Zl5nz8KjGDCN1mAxh9zqwdhkEXs24Jzd-2iEsfctwpMgOMi7wcadx4WUnvIPCAQksy-uZGeR9TaUO2PCdZGtPqojyLzonshyphenhyphengDueLGtHtogOhFOByMSxxgsQGSAIBaQo3/s1600/IMG_7632-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSvUpqIWVkA3Zl5nz8KjGDCN1mAxh9zqwdhkEXs24Jzd-2iEsfctwpMgOMi7wcadx4WUnvIPCAQksy-uZGeR9TaUO2PCdZGtPqojyLzonshyphenhyphengDueLGtHtogOhFOByMSxxgsQGSAIBaQo3/s640/IMG_7632-13.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
in one week you will be one.</div>
<div align="center">
one year ago, at this very moment, i was watching my belly move.</div>
<div align="center">
i was wondering if it would be the last time, every time.</div>
<div align="center">
i was imagining you in one year.</div>
<div align="center">
what would you be like?</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwizWCyXymZ4h-cJas3j8FTC_SFYDcI3tk-DnIB4gFGiPCqCZjlvxvt-QajoUIRk98NUSPRUu1ASNiofQD78PTz2DaUlhDSxbh9T7watcLGI3qUZFoU-7AtwdKKdTczgt3_kvpmCwgNqa7/s1600/IMG_7634-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwizWCyXymZ4h-cJas3j8FTC_SFYDcI3tk-DnIB4gFGiPCqCZjlvxvt-QajoUIRk98NUSPRUu1ASNiofQD78PTz2DaUlhDSxbh9T7watcLGI3qUZFoU-7AtwdKKdTczgt3_kvpmCwgNqa7/s640/IMG_7634-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
little did i know you would be one of "them" so soon.</div>
<div align="center">
that's right, you took off your diaper tonight.</div>
<div align="center">
thank goodness you walked right to the trash can to throw it away.</div>
<div align="center">
right when i thought i was in big trouble, you turned it around.</div>
<div align="center">
let's keep it that way, k?</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMv53wxZXx_ND8VGjBWWWabSwKa92ZsflnarJLfOzUt3jwjLcjcWPvjJn8JTMQ-U8gW9r-1LiDT-fCNa44vKxn5fV3miY_iGjgfjyGgzpfZvH2AtYgkJjC-0pdWSjk9gRqn3F30ehsTIKF/s1600/IMG_7639-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMv53wxZXx_ND8VGjBWWWabSwKa92ZsflnarJLfOzUt3jwjLcjcWPvjJn8JTMQ-U8gW9r-1LiDT-fCNa44vKxn5fV3miY_iGjgfjyGgzpfZvH2AtYgkJjC-0pdWSjk9gRqn3F30ehsTIKF/s640/IMG_7639-15.jpg" width="404" /></a></div>
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-82353372410292727112012-07-25T23:07:00.000-04:002012-07-25T23:18:54.990-04:00when the ish hit the wallsso yesterday i went to get the kids from nap.<br />
i got four inches from their room and i knew it. i smelled it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">you guys.......</span><br />
poop everywhere from colton.<br />
and the worst part?<br />
they peed through their diapers that morning.<br />
so i took the sheets off.<br />
and they were still in the washing machine for nap time.<br />
why would i have remembered to switch them before nap?<br />
<br />
so nap meant no sheets.<br />
and no sheets meant poop all over the mattress.<br />
i obviously started crying.<br />
<br />
because when your children are white and look brown you cry.<br />
not because you don't want brown children. it's because when you have white children that are all of a sudden brown, it means they are covered in poop.<br />
<br />
after cleaning colton's disaster, thirty minutes later, chloe did the same thing.<br />
i did a lot of research and i knew i had to put them in a cold shower.<br />
warm bath is positive reinforcement.<br />
my kids laughed in a cold shower.<br />
this took my anger to the next level.<br />
<br />
while i was giving colton a "shower"<br />
chloe smeared a bottle of toothpaste all over her body.<br />
<br />
while i was cleaning chloe, colton emptied a bottle of body wash all over the floor and played in it like a slip and slide.<br />
<br />
while i was cleaning the body wash, and letting the mattresses dry, i walked in to this.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
unbelievable.<br />
<br />
after this,<br />
we had a long talk.<br />
probably too long for two year olds.<br />
but we connected.<br />
they felt me.<br />
we agreed that poop was disgusting.<br />
the first thing colton said when he woke up was "i no touch my poo poo"<br />
bravo, buddy, bravo.<br />
<br />
<br />
until today.<br />
same stuff. different day.<br />
<br />
the twins laughed in their cold shower taking me fromm a ten, to a fourteen.<br />
<br />
i burst into tears and called my mom.<br />
she came to the rescue.<br />
she helped me clean.<br />
and she left.<br />
<br />
after i got my mind right, i started to cook diner counting down the minutes until bed time.<br />
and during dinner chloe came out crying. with bubbles coming out of her mouth.<br />
apparently i left the lysol with bleach wipes too handy and she decided she needed a drink.<br />
you and me both, sister. you and me both.<br />
luckily peggy, at poison control was a lot more friendly than <a href="http://marissastratton.blogspot.com/2010/10/poison-control-this-is-judy.html" target="_blank">judy.</a><br />
she assured me that choe would be fine. <br />
she said to give her something to eat because there was alcohol in the container.<br />
i debated doing so because i thought alcohol would ensure a good nights sleep.<br />
against my better judgment, i fed the child.<br />
i actually fed all of the children.<br />
<br />
and snuck away to call matt to inform him of the debacle of the day we were having up in hurr.<br />
<br />
that's when i heard a bowl shatter.<br />
which meant someone threw their food.<br />
<br />
so obviously i cussed matt out <br />
because i can't cuss my children out.<br />
i informed him i would be leaving.<br />
permanently.<br />
<br />
luckily he got in the nick of time and i did what any girl on a carb free diet would do.<br />
i put the kids to bed and poured a glass of wine and ordered pizza.<br />
<br />
and then i proceeded to google "why the hell are my two year old twins smearing poop all over the place someone help me before i lose my ever loving mind like right now please."<br />
<br />
and then i got annoyed because people were referring to their children as 35 months old.<br />
ummm isn't that pretty much three?<br />
<br />
and then some crazy person said it's completely normal. until four.<br />
let me tell you something.......if this happens one more time i won't be around until my kids are four.<br />
<br />
one woman said the most important thing is to stay calm. and remind the child in a very sweet voice that poo poo is yucky! it stays in diapers! <br />
she obviously doesn't have twins and is more than welcome to come and try that over here.<br />
<br />
some people said this is a sign that they're ready to potty train. <br />
done and done.<br />
well, kind of, they wear diapers for nighttime and nap time.<br />
guess why?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">because they smeared poop all over the place when they wore undies to bed!</span></div>
<br />
so hear we sit. my stomach hurting from pizza and my house still smelling like poop.<br />
<br />
Lord help me. help me please.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-54644787845141059462012-07-22T20:51:00.003-04:002012-07-22T21:04:27.381-04:00Reason #6,369<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">it is so great to be a twin.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: x-large;">you are born with a best friend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">you </span><span style="font-size: large;">always </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">h</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ave someone to</span></span> dance in the rain with.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiNA-reU4QmLEZ8wVc1gGDUTUYkFE-bApbZ1FAIQ_xtq_CgveIOshyphenhyphenzebHNrQ3rHkQas0ZlrzE1C_5C5vKe-Vm0bC6MB7r9FbYGf9I-DLHWLWSPrAZmkjUus16xYCsSHgXnDN1QS2RiO2/s1600/IMG_7419-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiNA-reU4QmLEZ8wVc1gGDUTUYkFE-bApbZ1FAIQ_xtq_CgveIOshyphenhyphenzebHNrQ3rHkQas0ZlrzE1C_5C5vKe-Vm0bC6MB7r9FbYGf9I-DLHWLWSPrAZmkjUus16xYCsSHgXnDN1QS2RiO2/s640/IMG_7419-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and if your mom is tres cool like ours is? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you get to dance in the rain past bedtime.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">hollar!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MgjdiMybzVEKYOnTT58DGSgykLVAK_Me_FLjDJc82zuigIbnmxcfHC7ezPB_xsHCFlOE6or0bdx1HGmABfbHV0ZeylUC4TW13H4gcSzkAgoFnP0pX9qVPvK87cZqJvmpjot1d4QdDPTo/s1600/IMG_7420-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MgjdiMybzVEKYOnTT58DGSgykLVAK_Me_FLjDJc82zuigIbnmxcfHC7ezPB_xsHCFlOE6or0bdx1HGmABfbHV0ZeylUC4TW13H4gcSzkAgoFnP0pX9qVPvK87cZqJvmpjot1d4QdDPTo/s640/IMG_7420-3.jpg" width="586" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and when you fall down?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNP_0vPW6-OZY6ECHCXhwu3PyW3mUBHv1J1zpookpVVZVuWmJFqu-bUGtFLqvAXbuxX5hBYjpeYfsG0YjdB-TESRdllh-17xzkw_G67lv9gIccRu_0sAiXyOqdvPeKcw8Kffdaip_QFA4/s1600/IMG_7422-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGNP_0vPW6-OZY6ECHCXhwu3PyW3mUBHv1J1zpookpVVZVuWmJFqu-bUGtFLqvAXbuxX5hBYjpeYfsG0YjdB-TESRdllh-17xzkw_G67lv9gIccRu_0sAiXyOqdvPeKcw8Kffdaip_QFA4/s640/IMG_7422-4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
someone is always there to pick you up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSD7yn5KdIbTrqY4PMCUyYCoNQtCnLZMN7AdyAXnaebZpkM_L38GG10a_t5PhDLpCGoiQJH7QGCBDUOeWIEqEu-K-8Tyl6Nj4WTm-hqz4sQJuOg6jmKHq_Ubms7orLpo7feUC4aJ0VnPRl/s640/IMG_7423-5.jpg" width="426" /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
always.</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q5DJJgq1MURO7WTQoOBIMBm2KnMXaDCdQc3Y6n1H7T83gHqhoyPfc-A7wpLLvOQV3HGgEXgKY9qsnhh4Z65T-xrwIPOyVJfqfAW1kxu-g3vVgl7lGZIxag-kuKS5GUEJfnqPK-ZppCkS/s1600/IMG_7424-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q5DJJgq1MURO7WTQoOBIMBm2KnMXaDCdQc3Y6n1H7T83gHqhoyPfc-A7wpLLvOQV3HGgEXgKY9qsnhh4Z65T-xrwIPOyVJfqfAW1kxu-g3vVgl7lGZIxag-kuKS5GUEJfnqPK-ZppCkS/s640/IMG_7424-6.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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that makes it so much easier to get up and dance again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYClS_E6XO3MtJbUGSFFTYbPHvSfYNWLmG267LzvZUdJJpC7pcN0lta-lncdX3PRaJQpyBuT5iosSkQzDMDjdBopaiKA015qYoaneq3WcktKJKR_X7ZdOkEdnKLejDix4SH-UVz7tWxCj/s1600/IMG_7425-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYClS_E6XO3MtJbUGSFFTYbPHvSfYNWLmG267LzvZUdJJpC7pcN0lta-lncdX3PRaJQpyBuT5iosSkQzDMDjdBopaiKA015qYoaneq3WcktKJKR_X7ZdOkEdnKLejDix4SH-UVz7tWxCj/s640/IMG_7425-7.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
you are my best friend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bwrb7XEC2rCPW_fPJzff5Bx0JIeW2580knoJcICnL22Cpg1suHsHJb_41nioPmP_mNLCZCJiLMUq_dZCmvqGuqx4uv6jEElTZTBKI0eV_K9OxTmF1SZky07mFQ0ghPDLT_6xU5zglE8v/s1600/IMG_7426-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bwrb7XEC2rCPW_fPJzff5Bx0JIeW2580knoJcICnL22Cpg1suHsHJb_41nioPmP_mNLCZCJiLMUq_dZCmvqGuqx4uv6jEElTZTBKI0eV_K9OxTmF1SZky07mFQ0ghPDLT_6xU5zglE8v/s640/IMG_7426-8.jpg" width="630" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and i promise to love you forever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and live with you forever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
even when we are married.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and have kids.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWVZYnxM1fFFtrUYJkSFUklMvMWj3aqB06Bn5_EJfDOvNMdh7PAYQY4g9hb25beYZp4mm7au4fpxO-mNAAPveibbgbmi0ujQ4z0cl3lC8Rbl-6iSrZddDhF14RDsGrmn2oRRlikInglvC/s1600/IMG_7429-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWVZYnxM1fFFtrUYJkSFUklMvMWj3aqB06Bn5_EJfDOvNMdh7PAYQY4g9hb25beYZp4mm7au4fpxO-mNAAPveibbgbmi0ujQ4z0cl3lC8Rbl-6iSrZddDhF14RDsGrmn2oRRlikInglvC/s640/IMG_7429-9.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
oh wait. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
seriously?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that's our mom talking.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
chill mom, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
you're freakin' nuts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-58480429621372853972012-07-11T23:33:00.000-04:002013-07-11T22:17:54.043-04:00gramsthat's what i called you. <br />
or sweet and low. <br />
you loved both.<br />
i will never forget your giggle.<br />
<br />
2 days ago it was your birthday.<br />
<br />
lora said that if she wasn't pregnant with your <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">sixth</span><br />
great grandchild,<br />
she would have had a <br />
smirnoff.<br />
on the rocks.<br />
with a twist.<br />
for <span style="font-size: large;">you</span>.<br />
<br />
don't worry,<br />
i've got lora covered.<br />
<br />
i realize i've never written for you like i should have.<br />
trust me.<br />
i've sat in front of this very screen 1.6 million times.<br />
and every single time i have felt i haven't been able to do you justice.<br />
i hope you know, <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">my gift has been my silence.</span><br />
i hope you understand that.<br />
<br />
how do you put this face to words?<br />
<br />
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<br />
i haven't been able to.<br />
i still can't.<br />
<br />
i will always remember you this happy.<br />
that's why it is so hard to write.<br />
<br />
you have made me a better wife.<br />
<br />
you make me a better cook.<br />
every time i call mom for one of your recipes i want it to be exact. <br />
i want it to be <span style="font-size: large;">just like yours.</span><br />
why didn't you give her prefect measurements?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">just</span> like yours.<br />
<br />
you make me want to dance.<br />
to have fun.<br />
<br />
to just live life.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the rest is just details.</span><br />
and who wants to deal with those?<br />
<br />
you make me want me to love my children,<br />
more than anything in this world.<br />
that's what you did for my mommy.<br />
<br />
i hope to do that.<br />
<br />
i hope to give them the christmas you gave her. <br />
thanksgiving.<br />
every holiday .<br />
i want to do that for them.<br />
<br />
you were an amazing wife. you were an even better mother. <br />
and you were an even more phenomenal grandmother.<br />
i want to take my kids to the <span style="font-size: large;">"bogey inn"</span> in dublin.<br />
we'll play bocee ball.<br />
and we'll go to the <span style="font-size: large;">"popcorn factory".</span><br />
and we'll learn how to make popcorn. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">from the owner.</span><br />
and i'll tell them that they can pick out three flavors.<br />
and i'll buy them fourty two.<br />
just like you did.<br />
and i want them to play golf.<br />
for you.<br />
and for grandpa.<br />
<br />
i want to be you when i grow up.<br />
<br />
thank you for always wanting to be the life of the party.<br />
i now know where i get it. <br />
and i'm ok with it.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
thank you for always inspiring me to dress to the nines.<br />
right now?<br />
i'm shooting for the threes.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but</span><br />
i promise, i will make it to the sevens-ishhhhh.<br />
<br />
thank you for letting me try on all of your jewelry.<br />
i realize now that i was trying on <strong>a lot </strong>of carats. and lots of colored plastic.<br />
thank you for letting me try it on like there was no difference.<br />
i promise to do the same to my babies.<br />
and their babies.<br />
<br />
thank you for taking me on <span style="font-size: large;">thee</span> most ridiculous shopping sprees to the Limited Too and Gap.<br />
i got whatever i wanted. i still remember the smell of those stores.<br />
you made me feel like a princess. <br />
<br />
you have no idea what i have taken from you.<br />
what i will make live on.<br />
i want you to be proud.<br />
<br />
i wish you were here to see it. <br />
i wish you were here for me to tell you all of the reasons i love you again.<br />
but i will.<br />
in <span style="font-size: large;">heaven.</span><br />
<br />
i love you grams.<br />
happy birthday. <br />
you are my special little firecracker. <br />
i waited for you on the fourth of july. <br />
it was so very good to see you.<br />
<br />
xoxo sweet and low, i love you.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-71005319019117929842012-07-05T22:02:00.002-04:002012-07-05T22:02:25.149-04:00piggieshi.<br />
my name is stella.<br />
<br />
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<br />
my mommy and daddy can't get enough of my piggies.<br />
<br />
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<br />
so much so that my mommy has done an entire blog on them.<br />
<br />
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<br />
so here are too many pictures of my piggies.<br />
<br />
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<br />
i'm sorry for that.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-64409452417588532892012-06-27T16:34:00.002-04:002012-06-27T20:38:33.840-04:00because i'm nicer than your friends<br />
so, <span style="font-size: large;">team stratton</span> embarked on our first ever family vacation.<br />
i've taken the twins to my dad's beach condo which is just a couple hours away a few times.<br />
we went when stella was two months old.<br />
each time i said i would never do it again.<br />
traveling with three, one and a half and under sucked.<br />
and then i got brave and took all three to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's house for my nephew's birthday last month.<br />
it should have taken three hours.<br />
it took five and a half.<br />
<br />
it was a disaster.<br />
but i paid close attention because in a few short weeks i knew we would be driving eleven hours to tennessee.<br />
<br />
i am a routine nazi so i kept them in their undies.<br />
big mistake.<br />
they learned quickly if they said the word poo poo that i would fly off the interstate and they would get to get out of their car seat.<br />
they're liars.<br />
big fat liars.<br />
so this game continued for <br />
oh<br />
i don't know<br />
two and a half extra hours worth of driving.<br />
i wasn't giving in.<br />
so dumb.<br />
we left during nap time.<br />
they didn't sleep.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">so</span><br />
for tennessee we resolved to leave at 11:00 p.m.<br />
the kids would go down at normal bed time.<br />
business as usual.<br />
matt would sleep from 5:30 - 10:30 and drive.<br />
i would wake him up,<br />
we would transfer them. <br />
they would sleep all night.<br />
and so would i.<br />
nahhh so much.<br />
<br />
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<br />
see the cute snack bags?<br />
i slaved over having every detail planned out for when they <span style="font-size: large;">woke up the next morning.</span><br />
<br />
but,<br />
they didn't sleep.<br />
the <span style="font-size: x-large;">whole</span> way.<br />
actually, stella was nice enough to give in at 5:00 a.m.<br />
for an hour.<br />
who are these people?<br />
<br />
<br />
and the twins didn't nap the next day.<br />
they were up for almost twenty four hours.<br />
i wanted to confront them letting them know that i was fully aware that they had a drug problem <br />
but, matt told me i was crazy.<br />
he insisted that they were too young.<br />
but really? what does he know?<br />
<br />
<br />
but, we made it!<br />
alive.<br />
and really, would i expect anything less than an insane trip?<br />
nope.<br />
we're the stratton's.<br />
and things are never normal.<br />
<br />
anyshways.<br />
<br />
because i'm nicer than all of your friends i am going to tell you the <span style="font-size: large;">real</span> secrets to make traveling with kids easier.<br />
<br />
+ car seats<br />
now,<br />
upon entering my cousins car with my sister and another cousin, i was taken aback by look of her car seats.<br />
i questioned her as to why they were so reclined.<br />
all three of them looked at me as if i had said something along the lines of <br />
"i'm supposed to diaper my newborn?"<br />
huh?<br />
my car seats weren't reclined.<br />
they were shocked.<br />
and then it all came together.<br />
no <span style="font-size: large;">wonder </span><span style="font-size: small;">they didn't sleep.</span><br />
their bobbly little heads couldn't get comfy!<br />
how was i supposed to know?<br />
so, on the trip home? car seats were reclined and they slept for a whole hour! <br />
and hour out of eleven!<br />
i still think they are doing drugs, fyi.<br />
<br />
+snacks<br />
when you think you have enough, double it, then triple it. then you should be good.<br />
put them in individual bags so you can chuck them at them from the front seat to shut them up quickly.<br />
you don't want to wake the baby that doesn't do drugs. <br />
the one that is sleeping like a normal person.<br />
multiple varieties of snack options are a must.<br />
sweet.<br />
savory.<br />
ones that take a long time to eat.<br />
think clean snacks so you are not hurriedly giving them a white trash, wipe bath three minutes prior to meeting family members that they have never met.<br />
oh, and also know that it is good to pack healthy stuff too if your children are used to eating that way.<br />
i went the unhealthy route in hopes of maximizing the happiness potential.<br />
not smart.<br />
note that if your children aren't used to eating like that, it may result in throwing up.<br />
this happened to 2/3 of our children.<br />
<br />
+wipes<br />
have one wipe container per kid.<br />
make sure they are within reach at all times.<br />
<br />
+travel bags<br />
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my mom made <span style="font-size: large;">thee</span> <span style="font-size: large;">cutest </span><span style="font-size: small;">travel bags packed full with things to keep them distracted.</span><br />
i got them a mickey pad with some invisible marker. three minutes in and they were done.<br />
we still had ten hours and fifty seven minutes to go.<br />
thank god my mom gave us these bags. they were our saving grace.<br />
they had stickers, a dry erase board, drawing pads and snacks.<br />
waste all of your money in the dollar bins at target to keep them busy.<br />
<br />
+give up control<br />
i'm not good at this.<br />
but,<br />
it's imperative.<br />
relinquish all parenting rights to your children.<br />
don't have a time table.<br />
stop when you need to stop.<br />
let them color on themselves if it keeps them from screaming.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but, </span><span style="font-size: small;">make sure the markers aren't permanent. i am a road trip rookie. my markers were permanent.</span><br />
this makes the white trash wipe bath a lot harder than it needs to be.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
let them drink juice! through a twizzler!<br />
pacis all day, every day for <span style="font-size: large;">everyone!</span><br />
let them watch as much t.v. as they want.<br />
fruit snacks are your new best friend.<br />
whatever they want.<br />
deal with the repercussions later.<br />
although, i will tell you, re-training vacation kids back into normal kids sucks.<br />
i am currently explaining to the twins every 40 seconds why doughnuts, french fries and candy is a thing of the past.<br />
<br />
**but, you're not home yet! so don't think about that.<br />
stay in the now. <br />
and the now is getting to wherever you are going while maintaining the greatest level of sanity.<br />
<br />
+pacis<br />
bring 4 pacis, per kid, per hour.<br />
for example, we were traveling for eleven hours, so each kid needed 44 pacis total.<br />
that, times three equals a total of 132 pacis.<br />
we were short. big mistake.<br />
<br />
+starbucks<br />
plan ahead.<br />
find every drive through starbucks prior to leaving.<br />
stop at every one that is within 2 miles of an exit.<br />
alternate between a doppio espresso and a venti red eye.<br />
<br />
+staying calm<br />
make a promise for one parent to be sane at all times.<br />
never lose your minds together.<br />
this is non-negotiable ya'll.<br />
it must happen.<br />
if two parents lose their minds at the same time, all children do as well.<br />
and that situation can be unrepairable.<br />
<br />
+car choice<br />
get a mini-van.<br />
i know<br />
i just threw up in my mouth realizing that i said that out loud.<br />
we have the twins in the back and stella in the middle.<br />
we have the other seat folded down.<br />
that is where i sat.<br />
i am ready to admit the mini-van is right for our family.<br />
i'm not happy about it but, know that traveling with three small babes is so much better with a mini.<br />
<br />
+grocery bags<br />
bring 736.<br />
use them as trash bags.<br />
i needed 736 more.<br />
lesson learned.<br />
<br />
+diapers<br />
put them on.<br />
you will save an extraordinary amount of valuable time.<br />
we didn't have to re-potty train. at all. and they have only been potty trained for three months.<br />
<br />
+eating<br />
when in doubt, feed them.<br />
baby included.<br />
and bring formula and a bottle. even if you nurse exclusively.<br />
it's too hard to pull over to nurse. and we all know a bottle or a boob typically quiets a babe.<br />
i can scratch nursing a baby strapped in a car seat going 80 mph down the interstate off my bucket list.<br />
that takes a ridiculous amount of talent, agility and flexibility my friends.<br />
t.m.i? <br />
i apologize, but i'm truthin' it around here.<br />
i'm here to make your lives easier, not paint pretty pictures.<br />
<br />
+expectations<br />
don't have any.<br />
that's all. <br />
just don't have any.<br />
<br />
follow all of these rules and you are on your way to stress free travel, my friends.<br />
<br />
you're welcome.<br />
but really,<br />
the car seat recline is a necessity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-66984383249016515732012-06-18T15:30:00.001-04:002012-06-18T22:08:06.526-04:0010 months. shut up. why are you doing this to me?sweet baby <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">stella</span>,<br />
<br />
who are you right now?<br />
you started walking a couple of weeks ago.<br />
you make crazy noises.<br />
and you say uh oh. <br />
in the correct context.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
why are you doing this to me?<br />
<br />
i feel your baby-ness slipping through my fingers.<br />
i'm cupping it with all of my might.<br />
my fingers are so tight.<br />
and i wish my hands were bigger.<br />
so i could hold more.<br />
and buy more time.<br />
but, your baby-ness is like water. <br />
<br />
and it's slipping through the holes where my knuckles meet.<br />
and it's sliding down my wrists.<br />
so i'm hugging my arms close to my heart.<br />
trying to hold more.<br />
<br />
<br />
it's so painful.<br />
and so beautiful at the same time.<br />
you are growing right before my eyes.<br />
<br />
i can close my eyes and literally replay conversations in my head while i was in labor with you.<br />
it seems so real that sometimes i have to shake my head when i see your 10 month self walking up to me.<br />
how did we get here?<br />
<br />
you are like solid gold <br />
covered in sugar <br />
with sprinkles on top to this family.<br />
<br />
you do so much for me by just being here with your sweet self.<br />
you make me stop.<br />
you make me slow down.<br />
you force me to have more patience with your lulu siblings.<br />
they are a doppio espresso. <br />
each. <br />
you? are a cup of hot tea. <br />
luckily, i love both.<br />
you make me a better mommy.<br />
<br />
i go to bed every night and ask myself <br />
"did i do ok today?" <br />
"i didn't give enough"<br />
"can they <span style="font-size: large;">feel</span> my love?"<br />
"why did i lose my temper so quickly?"<br />
"tomorrow. i won't."<br />
<br />
i get teary some nights wanting a re-do.<br />
the three of you will never know how much i love you.<br />
it's hard to keep that perspective throughout our crazy days.<br />
i hope one day you get that.<br />
<br />
but, <br />
you help me do a better job.<br />
you do.<br />
all by yourself.<br />
<br />
you see, it's so hard having all three of you. so young. at the same time.<br />
but that's not your fault.<br />
and i try to remind myself of that.<br />
and when i can't? i look to you.<br />
<br />
your smile legitimately stops me dead in my tracks.<br />
every single time.<br />
it's so big.<br />
and so <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">ridiculously</span> contagious.<br />
<br />
it is impossible for me not to pause,<br />
thank you for being here,<br />
and let the absurd amount of love i have for all three of you take over my heart again.<br />
<br />
you know exactly when to bust it out.<br />
on days that i'm crying,<br />
because it's tough. <br />
i feel my cheeks tightening. <br />
and the corners of my mouth turning up. <br />
and the next thing i know? i'm smiling back. <br />
right at your precious little face.<br />
with tears pouring down my stressed out cheeks.<br />
<br />
i know i loose my patience.<br />
i try to apologize when i do.<br />
and i ask if you forgive me.<br />
your brother and sister say that they do. and they hug me after. i hope you do, too.<br />
and i hope that we have that type of love forever.<br />
<br />
everything i do.<br />
every day.<br />
is out of love for all of you.<br />
but sometimes i get stuck.<br />
and i'm just going through the motions.<br />
just trying to get through the day.<br />
<br />
and i want to thank you for bringing me back to the good side when i'm stuck.<br />
<br />
the side that makes me put <em>things</em> <span style="font-size: large;">down</span> <br />
and pick my babies <span style="font-size: large;">up</span>.<br />
<br />
that side? is a much better place to be.<br />
<br />
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<br />
you truly are my special angel baby.<br />
i was so scared to have you. and it amazes me how something so small made me such a better person.<br />
<br />
love you sweet baby girl.<br />
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-29492634607944009012012-05-31T15:06:00.000-04:002012-05-31T15:10:00.740-04:00who are you people?the other morning, around 9:30, i was already done for the day.<br />
<br />
so i fished the four day old sippy cup of milk out of stella's mouth, <br />
handed the twins popsicles for breakfast<br />
and we all hit the back porch so i could relax <br />
without my floors getting stick-<span style="font-size: large;">ier</span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span><br />
sticky would insinuate that they weren't sticky already.<br />
if there is one thing my husband can't stand? it's sticky floors.<br />
and there was no way i was going to waste a good mop job at 9:30.<br />
<br />
i am seeing way too much good parenting going on around these days.<br />
it is not only depressing but mind boggling as well.<br />
<br />
listen.<br />
listen!<br />
<br />
who are you people with these summer bucket lists for your adorable children?<br />
<br />
what am i missing?<br />
i don't understand.<br />
<br />
how do you have time<br />
or more importantly,<br />
energy for such things?<br />
<br />
hommeade play dough? <br />
why don't your kids eat it? <br />
or throw it? <br />
or feed it to the baby? <br />
or is that why it's hommeade? <br />
so they can eat it?<br />
<br />
sensory boxes?<br />
don't they just get dumped?<br />
<br />
paint chip scavanger hunts?<br />
huh?<br />
<br />
what am i missing?<br />
<br />
any spare time or extra energy i have around here is typically spent wiping.<br />
a body<br />
a surface<br />
sweat off my brow.<br />
<br /><br />
and don't these activities taking longer to make than they do to execute?<br />
my children have the attention span of a two year old. because they are two!<br />
<br />
and it's not just one or two of you.<br />
i am seeing it a lot.<br />
<br />
help me understand.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">or</span> <br />
are you guys just smart?<br />
and pinning things that you really have no intention of doing?<br />
<br />
honestly?<br />
most of my children's activities have to somehow benefit me.<br />
for example, we clean up to the clean up song and throw in a dance party.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">fun</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">fun</span>ctional. <br />
for all parties.<br />
<br />
they frolic about in the pool, i work on my tan.<br />
win-win.<br />
<br />
get with the program, people. help yourselves, too.<br />
<br />
seriously,<br />
you guys can continue with all of this nonsense.<br />
but, <br />
if your kids <br />
become friends with my kids <br />
you better have them keep their mouths shut.<br />
<br />
what my kids don't know won't hurt them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-60205953871135727632012-05-25T14:29:00.000-04:002012-05-25T14:46:56.715-04:00bahama mamas intro<br />
here's the deal.<br />
<br />
i went on the trip of a lifetime.<br />
it was the most wonderful gift a girl could have ever asked for.<br />
i don't want to forget one single second.<br />
a for real - a girls trip is good for your soul, my friends.<br />
<br />
it's taken too long for me to blog about it.<br />
but.<br />
putting it on paper marks a sense of finality.<br />
mama doesn't want finality.<br />
<br />
i can still smell the salty air. just a little bit. if i close my eyes.<br />
my skin is no longer tight from getting a little too much sun.<br />
my hair is back to a flat ponytail mess instead of a salty beachy mess.<br />
i prefer the salty beachy mess.<br />
<br />
the pain in my abs has finally subsided. <br />
we laughed ridiculously for four days straight.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">ridiculously, guys.</span><br />
<br />
my thighs have finally stopped twitching from dancing the nights away.<br />
and my sea legs have officially returned to land legs.<br />
<br />
waaahhhhhhhh.<br />
<br />
i want sea legs.<br />
<br />
i went on a girls trip to the bahamas in case<em> </em><br />
<em>somehow </em><br />
you didn't know.<br />
if you know me irl (in real life) you know. <br />
i didn't talk about anything else until the minute i left.<br />
and i haven't stopped.<br />
<br />
talking about it, that is.<br />
my husband has politely asked me to stop.<br />
and,<br />
my husband has <span style="font-size: large;">not</span> politely asked me to stop.<br />
i have had to make my own coffee.<br />
on the boat?<br />
we had boys make our coffee.<br />
they were <span style="font-size: large;">the best</span> boys.<br />
they wanted to be called men.<br />
but, boys sounds sexier to us girls. <br />
and,<br />
since it was our trip? <br />
they remained boys.<br />
but, before i introduce our boys,<br />
i'm going to give you the short version of the <span style="font-size: large;">who</span> and the <span style="font-size: large;">how</span>.<br />
<br />
lora, my sister, married <span style="font-size: large;">nick</span>, one of my bff's from high school.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">matty</span>, my husband, was in that circle.<br />
he has been friends with nick since jr. high and he lived with nicky in college.<br />
i have permanantly added y's to their names.<br />
<br />
and<br />
his sister, ashlea and i cheered allstars and high school together.<br />
our families are friends. <br />
his parents.<br />
our parents.<br />
step-parents.<br />
aunts<br />
uncles<br />
children.<br />
the list.....it goes on.<br />
it's a tangled web we weave i tell you.<br />
<br />
now, it gets deeper. and crazier. so make sure your paying attention.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/home" target="_blank">amy,</a> <br />
who you all know from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/home" target="_blank">buggie and jellybean,</a> <br />
is nick and ashlea's cousin. <br />
and she is my friend. and my cousin-in-law. and her sister is elizabeth,<br />
we just say we're cousins, okaaaay? so amy and elizabeth are my cousins. got it?<br />
<br />
it actually gets more complicated.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2</span> sisters married <span style="font-size: large;">2</span> brothers. chris+kathleen and frank+maryellen.<br />
but we couldn't get the bahamian's to understand it so i guess i don't expect you to, either.<br />
<br />
moving on.<br />
<br />
we were planning on a grils trip to frank+maryellen's beach condo.<br />
i was thrilled.<br />
a few days later,<br />
i got a text from amy saying the condo was out.<br />
i cried.<br />
and being the naughty trickster she is, she waited an hour until she texted me again.<br />
saying that maryellen wanted to go to the bahamas instead.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">the bahamas</span>.<br />
<br />
seven girls <br />
hopped on their plane<br />
<br />
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<br />
and then we hopped on their boat.<br />
<br />
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<br />
which took us to their other boat - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Fa-La-Me/115685871788031" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">the fa-la-me.</span></a><br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">i.know.</span> <br />
i felt the same way. <br />
trust me.<br />
<br />
we spent the next four days on that boat.<br />
93% of it i can't blog about.<br />
but,<br />
the 7% i can blog about?<br />
i will.<br />
<br />
now for our boys.<br />
we love them.<br />
<br />
this is captainrob. he was our main man.<br />
and he can drive that monster of a boat. and back it up. <br />
<br />
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<br />
this is jon.<br />
<br />
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<br />
and this is taylor.<br />
<br />
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maryellen and her boys.</div>
<div>
</div>
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they kept the bubbly on ice, the coolers full and our glasses topped off.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">they.were.amazing.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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unfortunately it was not all fun and games on the boat.</div>
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there were team meetings held multiple times throughout the day where we would meet and discuss the days plans or whatever else maryellen deemed appropriate.</div>
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lots of team meetings. and attendance was manditory.</div>
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once the morning meeting was over we would suit up and head out.</div>
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<br /></div>
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but.....</div>
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today was just the intro post.</div>
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so</div>
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i will be back for the day one post.</div>
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<br /></div>
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until then? i'll be dreaming of the fa-la-me.</div>
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<br /></div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-23610176361727667182012-05-22T14:31:00.001-04:002012-05-25T10:20:01.987-04:00marissa stratton - making the minivan chicif you drive a minivan i have probably felt bad for you.<br />
<br />
it's ok, though. you can laugh at me now because drive one too.<br />
<br />
i had an suv. with a third row. it wasn't cutting it. <br />
i needed more room. <br />
i still have to strap in three babies.<br />
and i needed something that wouldn't require a full on gymnastics routine to gets these kids all in their place.<br />
<br />
and so the minivan convos began.<br />
i kicked my feet, screaming the whole time matt told me it had to be done.<br />
really, what other options did i have?<br />
<br />
<br />
how can you be chic driving a minivan?<br />
the answer is, you can't.<br />
but with cons come pros my friends.<br />
<br />
i told matt<em> maybe </em>i would consider driving one.<br />
if it could be black on black.<br />
<br />
so, the search began and before i knew it, my bruised ego and i were the not so proud owner of a minivan.<br />
<br />
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<br />
i now sit here and pretend i am driving <span style="font-size: large;">not</span> a minivan.<br />
<br />
and the other morning those pesky children were interrupting me christian grey reverie.<br />
so i got to thinking.......<br />
<br />
i put stella down.<br />
grabbed my kindle and coffee.<br />
oh yeah, <br />
and the left over two kids.<br />
and hopped in my condo on wheels.<br />
<br />
i strapped them in.<br />
<br />
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<br />
turned this bad boy on<br />
<br />
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<br />
and then this bad boy on<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
sipped on this <br />
<br />
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<br />
and got my grey on.<br />
i got to read three pages in peace.<br />
that is three more pages than i would have gotten to read inside.<br />
after a mild interuption from one of those kids repeatedly asking me to look at the fish on tv, i was back to business.<br />
<br />
after such a successful twenty minutes of a very mild chaos,and an amazing nap from stella <br />
(because we were out of the house) <br />
my mind got to working in overdrive.<br />
<br />
realistically, the possibilites are endless.<br />
i have catnapped.<br />
in the target parking lot.<br />
<br />
ok, catnap may be a stretch but i layed down and closed my eyes for a few minutes.<br />
<br />
and we have had picnics in the car, too.<br />
chick fil a. in the car!<br />
kitchen stayed clean at home and chick fil a in the car.<br />
<br />
i think i have officially come around.<br />
i have named her lola.<br />
one of my favorite features?<br />
<br />
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<br />
a plug.<br />
i think it is inteded to charge games and such but come on,<br />
we all know the real reason there is a plug.<br />
it's to blow dry and flat iron my hair.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">in my car.</span><br />
i can't hear the screaming over the blow dryer. i just burry my head in my kindle and pretend i'm at the salon.<br />
<br />
with my kids in restraints.<br />
and these reatraints are legal. in fact, they are encouraged!<br />
this allows me to do a proper blow out and flat iron sesh.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">uninterupted.</span><br />
those people at chrysler are genius!<br />
<br />
that greasy ponytail is a thing of the past.<br />
<br />
i may drive a minivan but from now on, this mama's going to be looking fly.<br />
i may even have make up on next time you see me.<br />
<br />
you see,<br />
with picnics in the car my house will be cleaner, <br />
my hair will be done, <br />
and i will look more rested with these newfound catnaps every now and then.<br />
i just need to remember to throw a pillow in 'er.<br />
<br />
so don't feel sorry for me. i just think of lola as my spa on wheels.<br />
<br />
who said you can't be chic and drive a minivan?<br />
<br />
oh, yeah, that was me. <br />
but <br />
obviously<br />
i have changed my mind.<br />
<br />
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-65065831691154030672012-05-18T10:14:00.003-04:002012-05-18T10:40:04.882-04:00here comes the sun, and i say, it's alrightya know, <br />
sometimes you've got to just stop. <br />
and slow down.<br />
and step back.<br />
and look in the mirror.<br />
<br />
and i've done that.<br />
<br />
i truly appreciate everyone who reached out to me after my last post.<br />
i think it seemed more intense than intended. <br />
or it didn't.<br />
or it wasn't.<br />
i'm still not sure.<br />
<br />
writing this blog is so much more to me than you know.<br />
it's cathartic. <br />
it's cleansing.<br />
it makes me see me outside of my head.<br />
<br />
i very rarely reread what i've written before i hit publish.<br />
sometimes that's good.<br />
sometimes it's bad.<br />
i tend to just go with it.<br />
it's how i felt at that second.<br />
and if that isn't freezing time, i don't know what is.<br />
<br />
after re-reading <a href="http://marissastratton.blogspot.com/2012/05/hello-is-there-anybody-out-there.html" target="_blank">this one,</a> i realized i spent so much time complaining about me, that i left out my greatest stress.<br />
<br />
this boy.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
he loves his daddy more than anything in the world. <br />
more than trains. <br />
and more than cupcakes.<br />
maybe not cupcakes.<br />
but it's close.<br />
he misses his daddy more than all of us.<br />
he has the heart of an angel.<br />
and he wears it on his sleeve.<br />
<br />
he got that from not me. not me at all.<br />
<br />
ok probably from me.<br />
so i get it.<br />
<br />
and he has been having meltdowns at a catastrophic level.<br />
so i stopped.<br />
and stood back.<br />
and instead of reacting to him acting out <br />
and whining <br />
and destroying <br />
and not listening <br />
and crying.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">so</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">much </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">crying.</span><br />
<br />
i thought about it.<br />
and talked to him.<br />
i asked why he was sad.<br />
<br />
he said "daddy hold juuu."<br />
one look at this teeny tiny quivering chin and i started crying.<br />
<br />
i called matt and matt said "i know. i've noticed that, too. i told him i was taking him on a date."<br />
say what? why does no one tell me anything around hurrr?<br />
and a daddy sate there was.<br />
<br />
they went to their first baseball game.<br />
the morning of, colton said "daddy day!"<br />
<br />
my heart melted.<br />
<br />
the only bad thing about it is that i wasn't there to document every adorable second. <br />
i told matt he better not come home unless he took a few pictures.<br />
and he obliged.<br />
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<br />
they did boy things like eat hot dogs and french fries. and chew tobacco and spit.<br />
<br />
how cute.<br />
daddy let him pick out a baseball.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
he slept with it.<br />
for a few days.<br />
<br />
it worked.<br />
<br />
he just needed some one on one time with his daddy.<br />
<br />
i love both of my angel boys.<br />
<br />
and the good news is that daddy is not working sundays for the next few weeks.<br />
so that, in addition to some weekly one on one and we should be back to <span style="font-size: large;">sunshine </span><span style="font-size: small;">around here.</span><br />
and that? makes me so very happy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-84795231951762872552012-05-01T16:14:00.001-04:002012-05-01T16:56:34.983-04:00hello. is there anybody out there?listen.<br />
when i'm gone for too long it means one of two things.<br />
things are really good.<br />
or,<br />
things are really bad.<br />
<br />
things are really bad.<br />
but that's not your fault now, is it.<br />
<br />
here's the 411.<br />
my husband bought his old business partner's new company.<br />
he went from working six days a week, to seven.<br />
it's dark when he leaves <br />
and it's dark when he gets home.<br />
it's going to be that way for a while.<br />
how long is a while?<br />
more than a few months.<br />
that's all i know.<br />
<br />
that makes my life harder.<br />
and it makes for bad blogging.<br />
<br />
although i'm told my candor can be charming at times, <br />
right now? <br />
it's not.<br />
<br />
i'm exhausted.<br />
i'm impatient.<br />
i'm sick of giving myself pep talks every five minutes.<br />
pep talks that prevent me from banging my head against the wall.<br />
<br />
i'm feeling unappreciat<span style="font-size: large;">ed</span>.<br />
and unapprecia<span style="font-size: large;">tive</span>.<br />
i'm emotional.<br />
i'm being selfish.<br />
i know it. and i'm having a hard time checking myself.<br />
<br />
<br />
situations i am typically able to laugh off? i just can't.<br />
and when i can't find humor in my chaos, you can't either.<br />
<br />
i don't know how my husband works the way he does and doesn't complain.<br />
ever.<br />
he never complains.<br />
<br />
i do.<br />
a lot.<br />
pity parties, party of one typically help.<br />
along with baths, wine and trashy magazines.<br />
<br />
but i'm too tired.<br />
i'm hungry.<br />
i'm dirty.<br />
i'm sticky. all day. <br />
i'm not taking care of myself.<br />
when the kids get in bed? <br />
typically i am too tired to shower.<br />
that's gross.<br />
my hair is a hot greasy mess that remains in a ponytail.<br />
even though i'm fresh out of the salon with good color.<br />
what a waste.<br />
<br />
i wore jean shorts that were too small because i have no clean clothes <br />
and i sucked in throughout the whole grocery store until my stomach hurt trying to make it not so obvious.<br />
my children screaming was obvious enough for one trip.<br />
<br />
my house looks like it has been robbed.<br />
it hasn't.<br />
<br />
i have six hands<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">de</span>stroying <br />
everything my two hands are constantly trying to<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">re</span>store.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">whining</span> <br />
and <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">crying</span> <br />
all the while.<br />
constantly.<br />
all day long.<br />
every day long.<br />
<br />
i'm being pushed to my limits<br />
and i am trying to keep smiling.<br />
but, it's getting hard.<br />
<br />
i dragged the kids to barnes and noble today and forgot the stroller. rookie mistake, i know.<br />
i convinced myself that this is what good mothers do. <br />
suck it up. dry your tears. clip your greasy bangs to your greasy ponytail and let's go.<br />
20% was to be a good mother. 80% so i could make my second trip to pick up 50 shades.<br />
they were sold out last time.<br />
i have officially hopped on that crazy bandwagon. but more on that later.<br />
<br />
meanwhile, i was wrangling stella, and the twins were destroying the kids section.<br />
a mother twins strolled up.<br />
with a baby in an infant carrier.<br />
we were mirror images of chaos.<br />
until she told me that the infant was a twin.<br />
the other twin was at home.<br />
holy hell.<br />
her twins were two and a half. her other twins were six months.<br />
this shook me out of my funk for 43 seconds.<br />
for 43 seconds i was thankful i only had three, two and under, to mange.<br />
instead of four. how do you do that?<br />
that's it. 43 seconds.<br />
how rude is that?<br />
i didn't care.<br />
im so consumed with me that i had a hard time being sympathetic to her.<br />
<br />
sometimes when i just start writing it helps me get back into the groove.<br />
i'm hoping that happens here.<br />
but chances are likely that i will be spending all 3 minutes of free time with my man, christian.<br />
<br />
so that's where i am. and that's where i will be.<br />
and i'm sorry if you have missed me. i miss you, too.<br />
hopefully we will be reacquainted again soon.<br />
<br />
and finally, jessica simpson named her baby girl maxwell drew. thoughts?<br />
<br />
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-58406784980412376352012-04-08T21:34:00.001-04:002012-04-08T23:33:28.846-04:00little patricki've sat down to write thisblog at least 16 times.<br />
i don't know how to write. or what to write.<br />
<br />
i've said it here before.<br />
the very second you find out you are pregnant with twins, <br />
you are immediately inducted into one of the most loving sororities you've ever known.<br />
other twin moms wrap you up in their ever-loving arms.<br />
you can't understand it at first.<br />
actually, it's kind of weird.<br />
how does this person who doesn't know me that well care so much about my pregnancy?<br />
or my twin my babies?<br />
<br />
and then you have those babies.<br />
and you <span style="font-size: large;">get it</span>.<br />
you're <span style="font-size: large;">one</span> of <span style="font-size: large;">them</span>.<br />
you know they understand how hard a twin pregnancy is.<br />
or, at times, how hard a mama worked while she was pregnant to keep those babies in her belly.<br />
for as long as possible.<br />
<br />
i realize<br />
i may<br />
at times<br />
appear ungrateful.<br />
partly because i know you all love a good story.<br />
partly because some days i am.<br />
<br />
our friends, neighbors, and former classmate, pat and april emrich lost a baby. <br />
his name was patrick. litle patrick. he was a twin. <br />
to savannah.<br />
that makes her a twin mom.<br />
so my heart burns a little more for her.<br />
<br />
april is one of those moms who worked <span style="font-size: large;">hard</span> to keep her babies safely in her belly.<br />
she went into labor at 21 weeks.<br />
she was on 100% bed rest for ten weeks.<br />
<br />
ten weeks.<br />
<br />
for ten weeks she stayed in bed. <br />
for her <span style="font-size: large;">babies</span>.<br />
you can't fathom that, can you? <br />
neither can i.<br />
she worked so hard to keep those babies safe. and healthy.<br />
her muscles had atrophied so badly during that time that she couldn't walk.<br />
<br />
on november 6, 2008, patrick and savannah were born. <br />
they were nine weeks early.<br />
on november 30th, 2008, sadly, little patrick's fight to survive ended.<br />
you can read more of their story <a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=2897390&ct=4&w=5219894&u=Lil_Patrick&bt=11" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
did you read it?<br />
i know.<br />
you'll never be able to imagine their pain.<br />
<br />
so here's how i feel,<br />
they are my neighbors.<br />
i want to go to their house multiple times a day and wrap my arms around them and praise them for their strength. and their dedication to each other. and their family. and the march of dimes.<br />
<br />
since it would be so awkward for me to randomly pop in and hug pat and april every day, <br />
i am soliciting help from all of you.<br />
so it will be like a bunch of mini hugs.<br />
less awkward for them, i'm sure.<br />
<br />
i heard april say a couple of weeks ago "i just don't want another family to ever feel this pain."<br />
<br />
after hearing a mother say something so selfless after all the pain she has endured?<br />
it put me into 5th gear. <br />
i want her to exceed her goal.<br />
by a lot.<br />
<br />
april is walking in the <br />
<a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=2897390&ct=4&w=5219894&u=Lil_Patrick&bt=11" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">March of Dimes: March for Babies</span></a><br />
those huge letters are a link to her page.<br />
donate to it.<br />
<br />
please.<br />
please go get your wallet right now.<br />
i know it's in the car. or in the kitchen.<br />
and i know it's annoying to walk out there and get it. <br />
but, do it now.<br />
you'll forget later.<br />
and it will be harder to go get it at 3:00 am when you can't sleep and you're thinking about sweet little patrick.<br />
trust me.<br />
<br />
you will be changing lives by doing so.<br />
every single little dollar helps.<br />
<br />
help April and Patrick fulfill their dream of raising money so one day every baby will be born healthy.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and after you donate to the </span><a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=2897390&ct=4&w=5219894&u=Lil_Patrick&bt=11" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">March
for Babies</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in honor of little Patrick, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">come out for the </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2nd annual dodge ball tournament</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to benefit the </span><a href="http://www.marchofdimes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">March of Dimes</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> . little Patrick, and the Emrich family.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">on april 16th.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the tourney starts at 7:00 and check
in is at 6:00 pm.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">yeah, i said it. dodge ball. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">dodge ball! how fun is that? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">invite all of your "favorite”
coworkers and friends to airheads trampoline arena and<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and hit them with balls!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">on trampolines!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">for a good cause!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">i know, it doesn't get any better.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">how amazing will you feel the next
day at work?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the cost is $100.00 per team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">there are five members on each team
so it is basically $20.00 per player.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">i have my team, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">so no.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">i can't be on yours.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">if we win? which i think we will, everyone will win.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">because </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">my husband's company, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.lawnlizards.net/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">lawn lizards landscaping,</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">will match a $100 entry fee to in
honor of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Little Patrick and Savannah.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">so, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">let's recap:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">go here to donate to April's </span><a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=2897390&ct=4&w=5219894&u=Lil_Patrick&bt=11" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">March
for Babies</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> page.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">message/email me to register a team
for little patrick's </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2nd annual </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">dodgeball</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> tournament.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">or,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">go here:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">team captains can register and pay
online at:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/Dodgeball"><span style="color: blue;">www.MarchForBabies.org/Dodgeball</span></a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">or:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">just donate to april's </span><a href="http://www.marchofdimes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">march of dimes: march for babies</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in honor of little patrick. and
savannah! and the emrich’s!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">mkay?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-65488101570179734312012-04-03T16:06:00.001-04:002012-04-03T18:34:27.395-04:00parenting advicei spent so much time looking for the <span style="font-size: large;">perfect</span> parenting books while i was pregnant with the twins.<br />
<br />
i envisioned dreamy, gauzy days of picnicking on fluffy clouds. in this vision, the twins were around one and a half years old. we were on a blanket. during the golden hour. the sun was creamily sinking into the trees. we were drinking and eating out of those cute ikea tea sets. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">they're glass</span>. <br />
shows how removed from reality i was, right?<br />
<br />
so, i'm going to give you some parenting advice. it's real advice. because if your vision is anything like mine was? let me help you, no one and a half year old is gracefully drinking from a glass tea cup. and if they are? it has already been broken in the time it took me to type this sentence.<br />
<br />
and if your tot is poised enough not to break it? <br />
skip this. it's not for you. you've done a far better job than me. <br />
<br />
the following advice will allow for the best of both worlds....<br />
maintaining your sanity,<br />
properly disciplining your child,<br />
and<br />
more importantly,<br />
looking good in front of judgy mothers.<br />
judgy mothers are like sharks.<br />
they band together. <br />
and they prey on you.<br />
their looks will, and can, penetrate your skin.<br />
penetrate your <span style="font-size: large;">skin</span>, i tell you!<br />
<br />
here goes.<br />
<br />
+ pacifiers.<br />
use them. force them. in desperate times use a boob. know that the boob will work 98% of the time. this will be your ace in the hole. try your best no to abuse it.<br />
<br />
+diapers.<br />
only change them when they are touching the child's ankle. this saves money and you can avert judgment by stating you do so to be green. it's really important these days to be green. say it like you mean it. with authority. make them believe that.<br />
<br />
+meltdowns.<br />
the following will aid in, but, not guarantee the stop of a full blown meltdown.<br />
dance parties: when they cry louder, dance faster and turn the music louder. <br />
baths: baths must have bubbles.<br />
going outside: i opt for locking them outside while i stay inside. only sometimes, though.<br />
target: fyi - target fixes everything, usually.<br />
<br />
+alcohol.<br />
if you don't drink, start. if you do? increase your intake.<br />
<br />
+crap.<br />
don't buy a bunch of crap. <br />
you need a <br />
crib<br />
pacifiers <br />
diapers <br />
a car seat<br />
and clothes. and save the cute clothes for at least 6 moths and older. <br />
sperrys are the only exception to this rule. because there is nothing cuter than a kid in sperrys.<br />
that's all you need. <br />
period.<br />
<br />
+consistency.<br />
consistency is key. always follow through. all the good books tell you that but, they don't tell you how to do it while maintaining your sanity. <br />
here goes: make sure if you threaten time out you are actually willing to get off the couch to put the kid in time out. there is nothing worse than throwing out a premature time out threat and then realizing no money in the world is going to get you up and off the couch for the follow through. realizing you <span style="font-size: large;">must</span> get up if you want to be a good parent will make you angrier than the original offense.<br />
<br />
+food.<br />
i too said i wouldn't feed my child in exchange for good behavior. i lied to myself. you will feed your child even ifit's only for thirty seconds of quiet bliss. <br />
admit this <br />
and accept it. <br />
it will make it easier on your ego when you decide to cross over to the dark side. <br />
now, be smart about what you feed them. <br />
opt for things that take a long time to eat. <br />
always ask yourself what will take the longest, and go with that.<br />
<br />
+candy.<br />
the twins did not have sugar until their first birthday. <br />
since then, sugar has become an additional food group in our home. <br />
sugar is only used in <span style="font-size: large;">extremely</span> desperate times, oh, and also when i am trying to pimp chloe's sweet dance moves out on a crowd. <br />
sugar is the new boob. although I have in desperate times thought about going back to the boob.<br />
that said, if you have followed this blog for more than, oh, i don't know, a day, you know i am desperate daily. so, when you're in publix, and your kids start chanting <br />
"candy! candy! candy!" <br />
make sure you loudly say something like <br />
" babies, mommy gives you candy when you go pee pee on the potty." <br />
please note,<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">this is not a lie.</span> <br />
if you would have said <br />
"mommy <span style="font-size: large;">only</span> gives you candy when you go pee pee on the potty", <br />
that would be a lie. <br />
you will see judging faces relax into sympathetic smiles while thoughts of <br />
"oh, i used candy to potty train my kids, too" dance through their heads.<br />
smile back. confidently.<br />
<br />
+parenting in general.<br />
always make sure you parent your children, don't let them parent you, unless your tired. then do what ever you need to do to stay afloat.<br />
<br />
+eating.<br />
let your kids eat off the floor. after they are done, put them on the floor to clean up. their mouths are like little vacuums, put them to work. they're like free roombas!<br />
now, this can get tricky when you have guests. i have two solutions for this.<br />
1. you can go all out and say it's good for them to get a little dirt, it builds their immune system. only go this route if you believe it. they will see through your lies.<br />
2. just instruct the child to stop eating off the floor and state firmly that it is dirty. <br />
please note, this will only work while they can't talk. they will eventually call you out. i know, the nerve of them.<br />
luckily, i opt for option 1 because i believe it so i haven't had to come up with a new solution now that they are talking.<br />
implementing option 1 can be tricky while in public. chloe has been found on more than one occasion eating food off the floor. <br />
one time was at the country club. thank goodness one time she was with my mom. her problem, not mine<br />
the second time, at a restaurant, i just swooped her up and said "no chloe! that is so dirty!" practice a horrified look and scurry away quickly.<br />
now, note that the majority of meals will be served at home so you will have time to prepare a response in public if need be.<br />
<br />
+fighting.<br />
you will be able to tell when a fight is abrewin'. if you are ready to tackle your inner disciplinarian, go for it! good job! if you're not, right before physical contact is made walk out of the room. when a child comes screaming and crying, comfort the hurt child and ask what happened. disciplining after contact is easier than getting in the middle of a fight. plus, you could catch a bow! and who wants that?<br />
this also works if you have asked a child not to hit their sibling 3,784 times. sometimes i just can't muster up the energy to ask for the 3,785 time not to hit. or kick. or jump off the couch on to your sister who is quietly laying on the floor. <br />
so, this is also a perfect time to leave the room. again, you must leave the room <span style="font-size: large;">before</span> contact is made if you want to stay in the good parent category.<br />
<br />
+boo boos.<br />
elmo ice packs cure everything. so do band aids. but, be advised that getting a band-aid also involves getting up. i have implemented a "there must be blood for a band-aid" rule.<br />
i am a really good mom and have the bathroom locked. <br />
the twins can get the elmo ice themselves. <br />
see how we're working over here? we're working smarter, not harder.<br />
<br />
+avoiding an escalation in conflict.<br />
when i go psycho so do my kids. it's not possible to stay calm all the time. it's just not. so, when you are almost there, like to the point of no return? just pretend not to see something. but here's the deal, don't make it obvious! for example when i'm about to snap because i have asked colton not to throw a fire engine at the tv 64 times, i discretely put a dish away in a lower cabinet so he knows i don't see him throw it the 65th time. continue to do so until throwing cars at the tv is no longer fun. it will happen, eventually, that is. <br />
<br />
choose your battles people. this parenting gig is no joke. and take comfort in knowing that there is nothing a glass of wine and a bubble bath won't fix.<br />
<br />
good luck. you need it.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-84634375629781451452012-03-26T21:00:00.000-04:002012-03-26T21:00:00.010-04:00life latelyhi guys. <br />
that's the twins new fav. go to.<br />
oh man, you should hear it!<br />
<br />
i've <span style="font-size: large;">missed</span> you!<br />
the twins broke my dc jack on my laptop. i didn't know what a dc jack was up until two weeks ago. <br />
now i know. <br />
and i know replacing it is something that is more expensive than i would like for it to be.<br />
<br />
so, because i love you all so much, i told matt i had a lot of important business to tend to. <br />
i said that i needed his computer. <br />
i did that just so i could write to you. <br />
i felt you missing me. <br />
and take comfort in knowing that the feeling is mutual.<br />
<br />
now i will attempt to quickly catch you up.<br />
you know there will be nothing quick about that, don't you?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">currently obsessed with:</span><br />
big kids with real names:<br />
colton and chloe have started calling each other by their actual names.<br />
"ka-oh-ee" and 'koh-tin"<br />
i die a little bit<br />
every<br />
single<br />
time.<br />
"bubba" and "coco" are still lingering but they are fading right along with our "florida winter." <br />
<br />
the girl twin calling for her bubba:<br />
colton always falls asleep first.<br />
as soon as he falls asleep, chloe yells at the top of her lungs....<br />
"bubba, whea aww youuuu?!"<br />
<br />
stella being a piggy:<br />
if you say "stella, where's my piggy?"<br />
she wrinkles her little nose and inhalesexhalesinhalesexhales.<br />
i cried the first time she did it.<br />
true story.<br />
it's that cute.<br />
<br />
two-year-olds:<br />
the twins are cracking me up these days. <br />
thank god they got my sense of humor.<br />
the stuff that comes out of their mouths is redic and i invite all of you to come over and experience it first hand.<br />
no really, i do.i'll run to publix while you're here. just real quick.<br />
<br />
undies:<br />
butt cheeks in big kid undies have officially replaced my obsession with babies in jammies. <br />
there is nothing cuter than my twins in undies.<br />
nothing.<br />
<br />
counting down:<br />
right now we are at 17 days. <br />
in 17 days i will be soaking up the sun in the bahamas. <br />
with girls. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">just girls.</span><br />
deeeeep breath. can't wait.<br />
<br />
watermelon pictures:<br />
what is it that makes kids eating watermelon so adorable? <br />
i don't even like watermelon but my kids do. and i have 4,642 pictures to prove it. <br />
but i can't show you any. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">because my computer is broken!</span><br />
<br />
stella's smile:<br />
i promise you. <br />
no baby smiles as much as stella. <br />
her smile is infectious. and contagious. <br />
she can stop a twin dead in their meltdown tracks by simply smiling. <br />
you can't not smile back. <br />
sweet pea, stella, you are such a blessing.<br />
<br />
chicken wings:<br />
if you know me, you know they are my favorite food. <br />
i keep it classy around here. raw oysters, wings, crab legs and an ice cold stella. that would be my last last meal. <br />
however, things have escalated up in he-ya. <br />
the good news? i have been opting for grilled chicky in hot sauce over a salad. i know! go me!<br />
i have to be in a bathing suit. <br />
in the bahamas. <br />
i can't stop thinking about wings. i have had them twice in the past week and might have them again. <br />
tonight. <br />
whatever.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">learned recently:</span><br />
cleaning poop off a mattress is harder than i thought:<br />
the twins lost sheet privileges months ago. they took their sheets off every nap/night so i decided they were done. <br />
they sleep on bare mattresses. <br />
yeah, i said it, bare mattresses.<br />
not only can they <span style="font-size: large;">not </span>take their sheets off anymore. they also have more street cred while trying to be hood. <br />
they can say things like "yo, i didn't even have sheets growing up." <br />
and they will be telling the truth. <br />
that is until today, when colton took his clothes off and pooped for the 5,742nd time. <br />
i learned taking a sheet off and washing it, is a lot easier than sanitizing and cleaning a mattress. <br />
tonight? they are no longer hood. sheets are back.<br />
<br />
laundry is doable:<br />
i bought 100 hangers at ikea yesterday. laundry is far more manageable when you have enough hangers for your kids clothes.<br />
<br />
genius hanger find:<br />
i learned that those cute little pink and blue hangers for babies are only cute in theory. <br />
they out grow them quickly. <br />
ikea childrens hangers are where it's at. <br />
especially if you have ocd and boy/girl twins. <br />
you see, prior to my genius ikea find, i had to hang all of coco's clothes on pink and all of bubba's clothes on blue. <br />
if i ran out of pink for coco? i set the clothes aside. <br />
her clothes had to be on pink. and his on blue.<br />
now, with the ikea hangers, anything goes. <br />
they're multi-color! multi-color i tell you! <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">now?</span> i just hang away. <br />
<br />
i learned i officially need to win the lottery. <br />
<br />
independence:<br />
i learned that letting the twins buckle themselves in their car seats adds about 7 minutes to every trip we take. one way, that is. 14 minutes round trip<br />
that said, hearing them both exclaim <span style="font-size: large;">"i deee it!"</span> is worth approximately 1,2 million dollars. <br />
the way i see it is, if i can make 1.2 mil for 7 minutes of wasting time? <br />
i end up ahead.<br />
every time i start the car, i have a smile on my face.<br />
<br />
reality:<br />
i've learned i don't care to live in it. i continue to buy the twins clothes that are too small in hopes that it keeps them little. <br />
it doesn't. <br />
i'm not done trying, though.<br />
<br />
i have so much more to tell you people. so i should just stop now. i get my computer back tomorrow so it's back to business.<br />
<br />
xoxoMarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-39522047619915474042012-03-14T14:21:00.001-04:002012-03-14T14:22:36.989-04:00growin' up.The twins are spending this week like every other spring breaker.<br />
Half naked and overindulging.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2b7dLExaHiWJtlIg23KZQZBmaXQJTDn8tyaUXJnEDLioa-BQGGBH0OE5UiebVJbiKPGx9wKFZd49HCg9Gz-tZWU_tTP9e_dyBDPUBdWvMV72lEx6RNRfr_IdlUj4Ht6J7y7jxAsu7SJqh/s1600/IMG_4026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2b7dLExaHiWJtlIg23KZQZBmaXQJTDn8tyaUXJnEDLioa-BQGGBH0OE5UiebVJbiKPGx9wKFZd49HCg9Gz-tZWU_tTP9e_dyBDPUBdWvMV72lEx6RNRfr_IdlUj4Ht6J7y7jxAsu7SJqh/s640/IMG_4026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Wait,<br />
mom and dad, I can assure you that is not how I spent any of my spring breaks.<br />
Ever.<br />
<br />
We are potty training.<br />
And when I say we, I mean me.<br />
I am potty training two kids at the same time.<br />
<br />
We are two days in.<br />
So far, it is the easiest form of teaching/training I have had to do with these two.<br />
Yes, I am as shocked as you are.<br />
And yes, I realize I probably will be eating those words tonight.<br />
<br />
Cross your fingers for me.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-68030621049191892012012-03-13T18:18:00.002-04:002012-03-13T20:03:56.069-04:00mickey pawty, anna minnie pawty, too.if you asked the twins about their birthday they would say:<br />
"i una have a mickey pawty." and the other twin would say "anna minnie pawty, too."<br />
or vice versa.<br />
<br />
in fact, if you ask colton how old he is he says "mickey mouse."<br />
this is what i've heard from those silly twins for the past month.<br />
and boy did we have a mickey party. anna minnie party, too.<br />
<br />
i started a long time ago.<br />
because i wanted to craft. and i have three babies.<br />
or, i <em>had</em> three babies.<br />
up until friday.<br />
now i have twin toddlers and a baby.<br />
<br />
the twins are mildly obsessed with "mickey mouse clubhouse."<br />
and when i say mildly, i mean not mildly.<br />
<br />
so,<br />
we settled on a mickey and minnie <br />
"hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog party."<br />
<br />
i knew i would have to get creative with their invites because surely my husband wouldn't let a bow ride on colton's invite.<br />
<br />
and minnie couldn't get screwed and not get her bow, right?<br />
<br />
so i took a chance.<br />
and crossed my fingers that people would actually flip it over.<br />
<br />
i told my mom what i wanted and she made it happen.<br />
and i ran out of put together invites so i had to slap these together for a pic.<br />
<br />
don't worry, i glued the real ones down and didn't send out these floppy looking ones.<br />
<br />
voila.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJw43Fm5hBbBgxcStb9NM3RqgIhLehiClODn_x3PEQGxCuBjc6p4N6NomkMaCXuUsTSv_b7KoSvTCkpF9NBSaEYSJTuiB-yoRx1jVCO3_qIH_-3EHu21v6HO3hthMqJWmA0QDBK9exqz4/s1600/IMG_4029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJw43Fm5hBbBgxcStb9NM3RqgIhLehiClODn_x3PEQGxCuBjc6p4N6NomkMaCXuUsTSv_b7KoSvTCkpF9NBSaEYSJTuiB-yoRx1jVCO3_qIH_-3EHu21v6HO3hthMqJWmA0QDBK9exqz4/s640/IMG_4029.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydidWb4nHyhIkFCgBy4B2UzgoDfF2GGPIfVsVtQU3n9V-n8XqzeDvVZCUIoYh-CrNpo6Zi34GvyWRj5TgLebtFO5igKxbGP8K4F-UlkUwwhyy1sXjDh_uLXzng2PNvkZ7WJU0Qcczt70M/s1600/IMG_4033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydidWb4nHyhIkFCgBy4B2UzgoDfF2GGPIfVsVtQU3n9V-n8XqzeDvVZCUIoYh-CrNpo6Zi34GvyWRj5TgLebtFO5igKxbGP8K4F-UlkUwwhyy1sXjDh_uLXzng2PNvkZ7WJU0Qcczt70M/s640/IMG_4033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>we obviously had to have a dog maker.<br />
i looked into renting one but after a little craigslist searchin' i am now the proud owner of one.<br />
you're jealous, i know.<br />
<br />
we made it extra classy by adding sauerkraut and chili.<br />
what?<br />
that doesn't make it classy?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgbP1DT_D2ieNiyO1AsoX_2AZnhsSF3YdCsEnJgXDrOzSIyHcWm-e0_4o4_qzxqu0e_Vh6sPqyDZfJ6_OB7e4LswbtqHTtKm8No3nbYkSJL9yrz5_aQJd-4GsvE4w5dJeXGdecHksj1kE/s1600/IMG_3610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgbP1DT_D2ieNiyO1AsoX_2AZnhsSF3YdCsEnJgXDrOzSIyHcWm-e0_4o4_qzxqu0e_Vh6sPqyDZfJ6_OB7e4LswbtqHTtKm8No3nbYkSJL9yrz5_aQJd-4GsvE4w5dJeXGdecHksj1kE/s640/IMG_3610.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
i realized right when every one got there that i hadn't taken pictures so these are out of focus, rushed and not so great.<br />
<br />
sigh.<br />
<br />
i knew i should have done it earlier but, i mean, let's be honest, i had just started flat ironing my hair when people were arriving.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_tfcxm579xNRXTwbrnssN8H3YwwVNSZvVujaZmKZHTU6kYOLamVAdqj-9toHsb1dVFzc4BGU25hl0SIhlPRe54JradAX5UD-zXXhdDQl0y_U8d8SUo0DchIG54b-Tz_IzT80SarTtAd8/s1600/IMG_3580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_tfcxm579xNRXTwbrnssN8H3YwwVNSZvVujaZmKZHTU6kYOLamVAdqj-9toHsb1dVFzc4BGU25hl0SIhlPRe54JradAX5UD-zXXhdDQl0y_U8d8SUo0DchIG54b-Tz_IzT80SarTtAd8/s640/IMG_3580.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
i pinned a paper chain pic on pinterest and decided i would use that for my backdrop.<br />
time consuming?<br />
yes.<br />
pretty?<br />
indeed.<br />
<br />
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our air conditioning broke the day before the party.<br />
yup.<br />
why wouldn't it.<br />
so i was hot and mildly sweaty.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the twins are still talking about their pawty and they miss the "bow how" desperately.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">every day they run outside and say "bow how, bow how."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">poor babes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">next year. next year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">we had a blast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">i'll do a more in depth post about the deets and how i saved a bajillion dollars later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">or i probably won't. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">but, know that i did save a bajillion dollars.</div>Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474943129593643432.post-7446976719554379842012-03-08T14:39:00.003-05:002012-03-08T22:32:16.122-05:00i two, too<span style="font-size: large;">two</span> years ago i was in the doctors office hoping i was at least <span style="font-size: large;">two</span> centimeters dilated. <br />
i wasn't.<br />
<br />
i was thirty eight weeks and <span style="font-size: large;">two</span> days.<br />
i would have <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> wait one more day <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> meet you. and <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> hold you. and <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> feel you. and <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> smell you.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">two</span> babies were in my belly and i was beyond ready <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> meet them.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">two</span> babies <br />
divided my one heart <br />
and those <span style="font-size: large;">two</span> babies stole it <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> have and <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> hold forever.<br />
<br />
i have spent the last <span style="font-size: large;">two</span> years waching the <span style="font-size: large;">two</span> of you in amazement.<br />
<br />
in thirty <span style="font-size: large;">two</span> hours, you will both be <span style="font-size: large;">two</span>.<br />
<br />
you will never, ever know what you have done <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> me.<br />
you bring me such raw and pure joy. you give me purpose. it is such a pleasure <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> love you. <br />
and an honor <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> parent you.<br />
even when you are up <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> no good.<br />
<br />
we currently have the following conversations daily:<br />
colton: "i havin a mickey party." chloe: "anna minnie party, <span style="font-size: large;">too</span>."<br />
one twin: "inna snack." other twin: "inna snack, <span style="font-size: large;">too</span>."<br />
one twin: "i luh you, mommy." one twin: "mommy, i luh you, <span style="font-size: large;">too</span>."<br />
<br />
<br />
the <span style="font-size: large;">two</span> of you have such alluring spirits. you bring people in. you captivate them. and i love <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> watch you work your magic.<br />
<br />
there are <span style="font-size: large;">too</span> many things i love about both of you for me <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> list here.<br />
<br />
just know that i will love you. and i will support you forever. and there is nothing you could do <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> change that.<br />
<br />
<br />
it is mind blowing <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> me how being blessed with life's <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">biggest</span> <br />
miracle can make you feel so <br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">small</span>.<br />
<br />
being your mother is humbling.<br />
it's beautiful<br />
it's challenging.<br />
it's the greatest thing i will ever know.<br />
and i want <span style="font-size: large;">to</span> thank you for letting me be yours.Marissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01705505604722520747noreply@blogger.com9