Alone at last, but for how long?

The Lad has been moved out.

Not far, but into his own room... sort of.  In any event, he's out of our room, which means 1) DH and I can get ready for bed with the lights on, and 2) it's less likely we'll wake him up in the morning.

This is a wonderful thing.

Sunday cleaning/family dinner

I decided to host a family dinner tonight, and of course the house is still a mess.  I wish I were more of a domestic goddess, but that's just not how it's meant to be, I guess.

Cleared the house of everyone but DH and the Lad, and started scrubbing.  DH did a dump run, and the recyclables are all sorted and ready for drop-off for tomorrow.  Living room is vacuumed, and somewhat organized.  Kitchen floor is washed, dishes mostly done, and now I'm just relaxing with a cup of coffee... I should have just enough time to finish it before I start making dinner.

Ugh...

Been up since 5:30am... the Lad awaken...

...not functioning on all cylenders yet, need coffee.  But... must... find... energy...

I was going to make a nice family breakfast this morning; you know, eggs, fried potatoes, coffee, fresh fruit.

But now... it just feels too early.  Oh, what to do?

I would love to climb back into bed with DH, but it's my day to rise early (his was yesterday).

So... here... I... am...

In brighter news, I threw together a new blog for a friend of mine, who's regular blog is private due to 'ex-wife' issues.  She got a bit tired of missing out on the linkys and memes, so we quickly colaborated, and voila!  3rd Times The Charm!

Blog design, anyone?

Fact of the matter is, things are tight around this household.  Add an upcoming baby to the mix, and things get all that much tighter.

I'd like to do what I can to generate a few bucks.  I'll work for donation.  Seriously.  The exception being the use of other artists graphics - cost and useage varies depending on the individual terms of service.

Any interest?  Please visit Devylish Blog Design for a rough idea of what I can do, and if there's anything I can do for you, just let me know.

More toilet adventures

This is going to be totally TMI for most.  It involves the toilet.  It involves poo.  And for those who have delicate sensibilities, I'll hide the bulk of this post.

So, as many of you moms know, being pregnant can have the challenges of constipation.  And this is a challenge I know oh-so-well. [for the rest of this post, hit control + 'A']  WARNING: NOT FOR THE SENSITIVE VIEWER!

5am.  The Lad awakens.  I get up, change him, give him a bottle.  He settles.  But... I have to go.

So, I settle myself on the porcelain throne, and hope that the tight feeling in my gut that I've had for about 36 hours resolves itself.  A little bit of effort, and suddenly my bowels are startlingly empty.

Gross, yes, but true.

So empty, that I then have a gut-ache, and there is a monster poo in the toilet bowl.

So large and so hard, that it challenges DH's fantastic toilet repair.  To the point, in fact, that it resurfaces 14 hours later, and the plunger has to come out again.

But, with a little persistent plunging, it vanishes down the sewer, and suddenly the sluggish toilet flushes with an enthusiasm that hasn't been seen in weeks!  Seriously.  This is wonderful.  With any luck, there will be no more toilet issues!

And that is my poo story.  I hoped you enjoyed.

[we now return to regular broadcasting]

A fantastic investment for all couples with children



Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net


 I don't know about you, but I dread the mornings where the day starts bright and sunny... before 6am.  Yes, the joys of the long days of summer - love them, but wish they didn't start so early!  Especially when you have little ones who awake at first light. 

Sure, black out curtains are a sure-fire fix, but they are also costly, and if you're a renter, you may not wish to make the investment if you're not looking at long-term tenancy.

Dream Essentials Snooz Silky Soft Eye Mask - Black

The answer is as simple as a sleep mask - something that until a few weeks ago, I had scoffed.  But now, I am a believer.  Because when the Lad wakes up before 6am (seriously!), DH and I will take turns getting up and taking care of him, leaving the other to go back to sleep.  However, sleep does not always return swiftly, especially when the days are exceedingly bright.  But, with a sleep mask, it's 'lights out' - both figuratively and literally, leaving the lucky one able to catch more sleep before attempting to take on the day.

And the super-simple sleep mask pictured to the left?  Currently on sale from amazon.com for $1.98.  Much, much cheaper than the black-out curtains that would cause the unlucky early-riser to trip and stumble as they gather up the baby and head out of the bedroom at 6am...

Yesterday's aspirations...

I got a portion of the house cleaned yesterday.  Heck (1), it was Saturday, and I have the right to relax somewhat.

photo by niningmilo

Basically, the mountain of laundry that was threatening to taking over the bedroom was folded and put away, giving an amazing amount of floor space.  The collection of diaper boxes that I've been saving for the  next time we move was put into storage.  And I think I know where I can find a hammer so I can hang new photos of the family on the walls, so it doesn't look like we're only visiting (I hadn't committed to stay here yet, but it looks like we may be here for a while).

Image: Louisa Stokes / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The living room is still strewn with toys, and I'm ok with that.  The sink has dishes in it, but I'll deal with that shortly, after I get chicken stew going in the crock pot for dinner tonight (2).  And I won't be walking anywhere soon, as I'm so darn sore through my hips and pelvis from all the exercise I have been getting (3).  Not to mention, being awakened in the middle of the night by a very amorous DH (4).

The sun is shining.  The crows are cawing.  And though it hasn't gotten overly hot outside yet, I suspect I should water my tomatoes and squash... they aren't ready yet, but when they are, they will be delicious.  That is, if I can stop them from being destroyed by pests (5).

On the very bright side, the toilet is working again!  Yay DH. you are my hero!

1) I'm so proud of myself for controlling my cursing!
2) We ate a fantastic homegrown chicken last night, and the leftovers will feed the family again tonight.
3) Being 6 months pregnant only 16 months after giving birth really stinks at times.
4) Like I'm going to turn down that kind of fun!
5) Aphids are my current mortal enemy.  I could really do without them.