On My Mind

Every time I log onto Facebook (which is more times than I'm willing to admit) I'm asked "what's on my mind". I usually write something short and funny because really, no one cares what's on my mind. They don't care that I am craving a Diet Coke or that I don't know what to make for supper or that I have a huge pile of laundry to do. All those things are on my mind (although I've made a big dent in the laundry today, just in time for m y family to create more). But there are other, more interesting things on my mind too and I can't keep all these great thoughts to myself any longer. So here goes...

• One of my very best friends is about to have a baby. I've been saying that for awhile, but this time I'm confident baby will be here soon....she's being induced at 6:30 tomorrow morning. I'm so excited for her and her husband. It's baby number three for them and I've been lucky enough to see the first two just hours after their births. I'm hoping to do the same tomorrow. I really didn't think she'd make it through the weekend, but this is a stubborn baby. I've been trying not to be a pest, not calling her and limiting my texts to just one per day to check on her. I have to believe if she needs me she will call, and if she goes into labor she will text. It's reminded me how miserable those last few days of pregnancy really are. I didn't want to talk to anyone, see anyone, go anywhere, or do anything. I didn't want to answer questions like "you're still here?" or "no baby yet?". Duh. I didn't answer the phone for the last few weeks of all four of my pregnancies. I was, quite frankly, a bitch. I'm pretty sure my friend feels the same way right now, so I'm doing my best to leave her alone. I'm really not sure if I'm more excited to hold her baby or to see my long lost friend again! I miss her!
• I am caked out. We've had seven cakes since April 15th, and still have two left to go. We always have cake for breakfast on our birthdays, then another cake (or cupcakes) for daycare/school, another for the friend party, and another for the family party. I'm psyching myself up to make cupcakes for Jake's birthday on Thursday and his friend party on Friday. The thing is, I don't really like cake. Yet I eat it. Strange. Maybe I'm sick enough of it that I won't give in this week. I'm so thankful the next birthday in our house is Morgan's, and that's not until November.
• I will be the first to admit that Lizzy is a handful. I like to say "she has a lot of personality". The kid is hilarious and keeps us on our toes. Still, I truly believe she is a good kid. And I can deal with her attitude, her temper tantrums, and her meltdowns. I think kids need to go through those things to learn that it is not acceptable behavior. What I can't handle is unsolicited parenting advice. Today we were leaving a store and Lizzy decided she didn't want to get in the van. Jake got in and I was putting Morgan in her seat when an older lady asked Lizzy, in a joking way, if she could take her home. Lizzy said "no" so the lady said she'd take the baby instead. Even though I already had Morgan half way buckled, I took her out so the lady could see her. The stranger put her arms out like she wanted to hold her. I drew the line there, and Lizzy got possessive. She came running to the van and would not look at the lady or answer her questions. I was starting to get a little creeped out too. The lady would not stop. She told me how she had done daycare for years and never had problems like I was having with Lizzy (um, ok...she was actually being pretty good at that point). She even told Lizzy to "knock it off" when she was fussing and told me kids talk to adults the way they are talked to. I'm pretty sure that was a slam to my parenting skills. I just kept smiling and quickly buckled everyone in. The lady patted me on the shoulder and wished me luck. Even Jake picked up on the fact that she thought Lizzy was a brat and I was a bad mom. While it was super annoying, it was also a good reminder not to stick my nose in other people's business. Despite what that crazy lady thinks, I do have a lot of parenting experience and I think I'm a pretty good mom. But, not everyone wants my advice. It's important I keep my mouth shut and let others raise their children the way they want. I will only offer my advice when asked. I kind of hope I see that crazy lady again. I have a few things to say to her, now that the shock has worn off!
• Until last week I had never been to a chirpractor in my life. But when I couldn't even get Morgan out of her crib last weekend, I decided it was time. I've been there five times since, but my back and neck felt better after just the first visit. I am now a believer. And while it may break me, it is money well spent. I don't have time to have a sore back... I have too many things I want to do with my kids!
• Brad and I had the rare opportunity to go out with friends over the weekend. Jake stayed at a buddy's house and Lexi and her friend Tess babysat the little girls so we could go out for a drink with Tess' parents and another couple from the neighborhood. I had forgotten how much I love hanging out with my husband, and with other adults. Brad's in his busy construction season and his long hours started last week so we haven't seen much of each other, especially without the kids. I even had two beers! And yes, I was tired the next day, but it was a good tired. I'm already looking forward to our next night out. It's pretty nice having a built in babysitter!
• Lexi informed me there are only 18 more days of school (not counting weekends). That is the best news I heard all day. Partly because then Lexi, my built in babysitter, will be around more. But I'm also excited for this school year to end because it's been a really tough year for Jake. He and his teacher do not "click" and I'm starting to think she just doesn't like him. Of course, I just get Jake's side of the story, but it kind of sounds like she's out to get him. At this point, there's nothing we can do and we've told Jake to just be on his best behavior and get through the year. I've also told him it's an important lesson. There are always going to be people in our lives that we don't "click" with. It's important to learn how to tolerate them and get along. Unfortunately, it's not a lesson I wanted my son to learn in third grade!
• Finally, sleep is also on my mind. There are more things too, but at the moment, sleep sounds pretty good. So, on that note... good night!