Hendersons' Happenings

Random Tomfoolery

2008-12-08T22:09:00.002-05:00

Ehhh.. I feel like writing a little something this evening. It will be very sporadic because I have had a faint nauseating headache for about 2 1/2 months. Blasted allergy season. My choices with severe allergies are limited and trust me they are bad - I had the test and found out I was allergic to everything but bee poo. So, I started the allergy shots where they give you a little dose of your allergen then increase it more and more so you can build up an immunity. WHO DA HELL THOUGHT THIS UP!!! so now instead of walking in the office and getting a shot and walking back out. I walk in and then I damn near have to be carried out in a wheelchair and my eyes and limbs have swollen up and I can't wrap my hands around the steering wheel. And they expect me to see them in another day for another shot....GO TOHELL..NO

Soo.. it thus remains that I am on medication, trial medication, homeopathy, bee poo, whatever, until I can get some type of relief.

Ok Where was I.... "The Kid" the kid continues to be funny. He told me the other day in wal-mart that he was frustrated. I think the words was brustrated -- but I got it...I asked him why? He said because I am tired. Hey "kid" I do understand and hi-five to you for using in the right context!!! LOL

Other News....Ambien in my joy.THAT IS ALL.

oh and sis had her baby...that will be a whole other post...;0

Finally ....The World needs more Grey Matter..

2008-09-25T21:07:00.004-05:00

Grey's Anatomy is back!!!!!!!!! WoooooHaaaaaaa!

Thats all I have to say about that......LOL

Undoubtedly THE BEST COMMERCIAL evaaaaa...

2008-09-24T21:35:00.003-05:00

We had our first day of school and as usual we were more nervous than "The Kid". He took it like a champ. But I swear if this does not completely capture the essence of Henderson and his peeps....I don't know what does.

Keep it Funky ;)

Overnight Celebrity

2008-08-03T16:27:00.000-05:00

Ok…so who doesn’t love to splurge a little—when does shopping not make you feel good. So, if I needed an excuse to shop (I don’t) I have one. H-Man is starting pre-k this semester…WOW! (insert tear) and he is going to a wonderful school. It has an international baccualaureate curriculum for the primary program and if you have to leave Montessori…this is the only “acceptable” replacement ;) LOL

I don’t know if you heard but the new trend..and I was doing this before it was a trend is to let your “kid” show off your personality…so there are rocker tees for sale, of course you have the skinny jeans skateboarder look, and then there is my fav’ “the Prep”. I am sure no surprise there…I have been dressing Henderson as a “Carlton” for a long time. I even have a girlfriend who called him Fauntleroy….heliarious!

So, I have this bright idea to buy a zillion Ralph Lauren “polo” shirts and that would be his constant throughout the year. Well, I can certainly “flex” like a celebrity…but for the most part, I love a deal!! So, I copped a few at consignment sales here and there..not too much money. But I haven’t hit Polo Pay Dirt yet! So, one of my best girlfriends invited me to Macys this weekend and said they were having a killer sale. I know this because last week I got a Liz Claiborne pants suit at 65% off. I asked her is it anything like last week, she says even better…..plus you can use my employee discount!!! O.k.

Think. Strategize. Action.

I go to the sale and they have tons of R.L. shirts and they are buy 1 get 1 50% off…plus 20% off with employee discount as well as another 15% off, with some other something
( I was getting dizzy)

Here is my loot….

Fauntleroy is in the building….. LOL

Oh the reason for the title, Sis and I left Macy’s feeling like a celebs and went to get sushi at one our fav restaurants…Goldfish.

As we are deciding on dessert…Chili from TLC walks in and we are like…hey check her out! She was carrying one of her darling purse creations and looking tres’ chic might I add.

Anyway, just thought I would give you all a taste of a typical *cough* celebrity *cough* afternoon.

Toodles…. LOL

Crazy in Love....

2008-07-10T20:49:00.002-05:00

Henderson and I were sitting here watching one of my fav channels...VH1 Soul. Beyonces' Crazy in Love comes on...and Henderson stops dead in his tracks and does not budge from the TV screen. So he watches very intently, I really don't pay alot of attention to it - until he starts to speak:

H: "That is my Girl"
Me: "Really"
H: "Yea..that one right there."
H: "She's coming over tonight."
Me: "R U sure about that Hendy."
H: "Yea..She Coming."
Me: "If you say so.."
H: "I am going to call her Orange"
So, I look up, and notice Beyonce has an orange dress on in the video.
Me" "You like her Henderson."
H: "Hold on, mom, she's here..and she is going to go with me to Mrs. D tomorrow (daycare for summer).
H: " Mom can you take her shoes off for her --- so she can stay."

The boys imagination is seriously cause for concern - LOL

***Sigh****
I promise you I am still here entertaining Orange and Henderson -- they have eaten hamburgers and chocolate milk. Now I have to give her a popsicle too!!

She hit the Floor....Next thing you know....

2008-05-22T18:56:00.005-05:00

A snippet from Hendersons' favorite song. And YES I totally blame myself. I shamelessly expose him to all things pseudo-Hip Hop every morning. How else am I supposed to be up and alert and ready to take over the world one PowerPoint at a time. So, this morning we are cruising down the road ( I am late, and theres no traffic) So, I'm semi-calm. LOL I am chatting with my sister and I hear Henderson singing in the background. Well, nothing was on the radio and he wasn't singing "I'm a little teapot" or "Grand ol' Flag" (another post for another day) But there was this kinda cadence sound....like he was RHYMING WORDS!! So, I listen for a while longer and I realize...ummm the kid is trying to rap. Mind you he was rapping about his socks and shoes..but there was real RHYMING...So, I ask him..."Henderson what are you doing?" He said I am singing my song...I call my sis to let her him in the background --she immediately cracks up

Then she starts in on his "E True Hollywood Story" "Famed Rapper, H-Dawg...EXPOSED"

In best..E-True Hollywood voice...

The rapper best known as H-Dawg and most famous for his raps..."My mike is still nice" and "I can't live without my ipod" is being questioned about his street credibility. Sources show that H-Dawg actually attended a Montessori school as a wee-budding rhymer and was a straight A student in grade school. Some find it hard to believe that he got his hard edge at his grandparents lake-house and others argue that the most street credibility he may have is from the philantrophy group "Adopt a Road" for street beautification.

.......whew!!! funee stuff!! ;P

ALPHA female...

2008-03-30T11:51:00.002-05:00

Ok - Remember when I told you a few posts ago to stay tuned, after my job interview. Well we are completely on another channel--and I GOT A NEW JOB!!!!! It's a doozie too...so much potential, so much creativity, my brain cells are in shock because I actually get to flex them again.

I will report to my new diggs in about week and a half. I have an opportunity to build a program from the ground up. And someone actually used the word AUTONOMY with me and this program the other day. I thought ....does he know what that word means to me It has a spiritual significance...It has been a dream of mine to have complete control over developing and creating something. A fantasy if you will, because opportunities like that don't come along everyday. I GET TO WRITE MY OWN JOB DESCRIPTION PEOPLE.... pinch me I am falling in love with a "career" all over again.....

Power Player, in the suburban school district... Mrs. R

TV Tidbit - Lipstick Jungle

2008-02-03T21:02:00.000-05:00

The ohhh sooo fabu Candace Bushnell has done. it. again. As I sit, and highly anticipate the Sex N the City Movie, I have been watcing re-runs of the "Sex" on TBS. As if Tivo needed another reason for me to try and marry it -- it has now given me the gift of a free preview of Lipstick Jungle. YESSSS I have just finished watching and ....it is gooey gooey good!!!! Of course, I see myself in at least 2 of the characters already....and oh what a great ride we have in store for us.

Thanks Candace....

Ok...No....For Real!

2008-01-18T23:14:00.001-05:00

OK....

I wrote a blog entry about friends....and what happens to the friend after a tragedy. I had one friend in particular that
I was concerned about, and apparently the reality is ...unbeknownst to me...we were probably never really friends. Shocked are you Me too! LOL
But that's the Way the cookie crumbles. I did not know it until I was told that "yea Good friends.. No...Probably not friends.” Oh I was there for broken hearts, first apartments, lights-on, lights off, can you loan me this, engagements, sex n the city premieres, house purchases, condo purchases, booty calls, job frustrations, marriages, babies being born, sex n the city finale, promotions, no promotions, new cars, and everything else that life has to offer...But maybe I was just doing that.... but not really because I wanted to... confused yet... Me too...No...For Real!

Wow!! These Kids are like Sponges.....

2008-01-11T22:42:00.000-05:00

"VENTI HOT CHOCOLATE W/AN EXTRA WHIP SPLASH......STRAIGHT UP"!

Cashmere Mafia v/s Terry Cloth Playgroup

2008-01-06T23:19:00.000-05:00

Love, Love, LOVE that friggin show. Obviously, it is fulfilling a little of the jones for Sex n The City but It may just hit the spot for me. You know, I have often (no really) wondered what my life would be like if I made the big leap to ol' New York, New York. I make the joke with my sis all the time that in my other life I am a boutique buyer/owner and stylist to the stars in New Yawk City!!! Attending parties, and premieres and owning a lovely piece of property on Madison Avenue (smirk) and shopping for clients and creating the latest looks. Don't you love that??? But, can you have it all? The reason I started this blog is because of my pure sugary sweetness...Henderson. Can you have that life and your sugary sweetness? I mean I am a power player in my own "suburbian school district" right and I love the thrill of the next move; but it is very taxing. Balancing your profressional life with your personal life and trying to be a home-run hitter on both teams. IT'S EXHAUSTING!!! But what would I do without the chase. My mother, the original Wonder Woman, did it all. She was the mom that made thumb drop cookies, green bean casserole, and attended field trips and still made an incredible impact in her career that changed many peoples lives. And did it with style, grace and a great collection of Ellen Tracy suits! (LOL)

Sample some Sugary Goodness......

Oh and I interviewed for a new job today (no lie) More to come....

Friends....How many of us have them? LOL

2008-01-04T20:48:00.001-05:00

This of course is the hardest time of my life; I can't imagine that it gets much worse than this. So, what do you "expect" people to do....What are the expectations of your family, your friends, your co-workers? Traumatic life experiences help you to see all sides of people you interact with. Its' one thing to have someone say "Call me if you need anything." Its' another thing to have that person show up...and DO. My grief counselor asked me what could Jonathan do for me? Did I know? I don't have a map for the things I want him to do; I just want him to DO IT!! When you see me dragging, rent a movie, say something funny, put a hot dog in your ear. I don't know----but as someone who cares about me --JUST DO IT! I know that Jonathan does the best he can and often times he is at a lost for what to do. I can be sitting as normal as possible and then coiled into a ball of drudgery in 5 seconds flat. So, I actually sympathize with the fella....But I get warm and fuzzy to know that he does what he can and the best that he knows how.

So, do you expect something different from your friends. I've got a few categories of friends. Those that consistently call, if not every day, no more than 2 days go by without a "check-up." This warms my soul and it helps to know that during your day, you think about me and maybe if I am struggling your phone call can put off the inevitable break down just a few more minutes. The Friend that just comes over...I was in the neighborhood (when you know they were not) and thought I would stop by- just to see you, to look in your eyes --then they hit you with, LETS GO SHOPPING! Gotta love that friend. Then there is the "friend" that does NOTHING. What is that? Who is that? Why is that? better yet, Is that o.k.? Do you still consider them a "friend?" Besides wondering, what the hell? Do you still keep this person on the christmas card list, when you haven't heard from them in over a month, not a phone call, no email, not even a Buzz on IM. I know that death is hard for all involved, and peoples reactions are different...but DAMN!!! Can I get a friend ettiquette book and try to figure this whole thing out...better yet....I don't have time, the next break down is on the way.

For now, I don't know if I still consider them a friend, For now, I can't DEAL with their issues...For now, I don't know if I can call them - FRIEND.

Rico.......Suave!!!!!

2007-11-18T21:49:00.000-05:00

*Sigh* I have so much to write and no energy to write it all. I go through moments of disbelief, anger, numbness, sadness that is so deep and hurtful it is hard to breathe. My bestfriend, mom, my confident, my soul--not here. I don't know how I am going to make it through these holidays; I do know that Gods' Grace has to play a major role - or I won't get out of bed. If you believe in prayer-please say a prayer for my family. The devastation of it all is still to acute for our small family to even talk about. As I type this, I feel that my mind is shutting down, which allows me to type these words. I miss you mom.

On another note...Henderson has an imaginary friend - his name is "Rico" and I guess the fact that he has an imaginary friend is not all that surprising, he is always caring for a little dog (thats not there) or feeding an invisible baby, or even talking to imagined peeps on the phone. But why must his name be "Rico" Where did that come from, does Diego have a long lost cousin named "Rico" that just appeared on an episode that I haven't seen. Did "Rico" run through Jacks' tree house (Jack's Big Music Show). Is "Rico" helping curious George get into MORE trouble.
Where in the hell did the name "Rico" even come from- this kid really amazes me!

If I told you all most of things that Henderson says--you really wouldn't believe me (LOL)

i.e. As we are eating natural cheetos *without all the coloring*
Henderson: "Mom. Is there cheddar on here"
Me: "I don't know, kinda perplexed now myself, I think so."
Henderson: " I don't think cheddar is on here"
Me: "Hey, Maybe your right, Wait, how do you know what cheddar is?"
Henderson: " Aww mom, you are soooo funny!!!! Walks away very smugly!!.....I think the Montessori school may be coming back to bite me!!!!

RAINBOW!!

2007-09-14T19:03:00.000-05:00

RIDING IN CAR.....

Henderson - "Mama Where's G-ma?"
Me - "G-ma?", ** Long Sigh** "She's not here"
Henderson - "Is she at the doctor?"
Me- *Longer Sigh* "No, she's in Heaven."
Henderson - "Up there, in the clouds." Pointing through the sunroof
Me- "Yea, In the clouds."
Henderson - "Mama, G-ma is a rainbow?"
Me- "Yea, Wow, your right G-ma IS a rainbow.

Barbara H. Henderson "Queen-B", Courageous and Heroic Fight against NASTY, NASTY CANCER.....Became a rainbow on August 10, 2007.

The Full Monti!

2007-07-02T05:39:00.001-05:00

It's been a long while since I posted, Of course there are still pics waiting to be uploaded and stories in the que to be told. But I thought I would commit to this one and put it out there.

So many things have transpired. To begin with Henderson starts Montessori Pre-school August 6th. Oh my god!! I can barely contain myself!! The handbook for the school came a few weeks ago and I read it and re-read all of the policies and procedures and it was GOOD STUFF!!! One thing I found interesting is that they don't want you to dress the kids in any clothes that you wouldn't mind getting dirt, dust or paint on!!! Heck...there goes H's wardrobe! And I was plotting to buy more clothes (very H-Like ensembles) for the first days of school. Patoeey!!! What kind of get-up is this? But I get it, the kids will play and have loads of fun and I am looking forward to it. Heck, I won't be able to afford "ensembles"anyway once the tuition gets rolling. My plan is to pay for school 2 to 3 months in advance. Then I will spend one month recuperating and eating fruit-roll ups for lunch and then hopefully back to normal until tuition is due again.

We have already received two birthday party invitations from other kids at the school, WOWZER!!!! Niceeee parties too!!! We haven't yet attended any but plan to very soon. There is a parent directory that is online so I guess it is customary for EVERYONE to be invited to the party.

Updated to add a pic from our first party

My only sadness about his whole thing is missing Mrs. D ( I will have to compose another post dedicated solely to her and her dedication to Henderson!!! Our last day will actually be July 20th. She starts her vacation that week and so do we! We are going to Orlando for the obligatory Disney visit and the beach!!! and when we return she will have another vacation week and the next week school starts!! :0

Keep your fingers crossed for another baby, and then I can stay with Mrs. D and still send H to montisorri school - while eating a 1/4 of a fruit roll-up....yummmm!!!

Christmas Eve

2006-12-24T19:04:00.000-05:00

1. Pride and Prejudice
2. Peach Daiquiri
3. Fettucine Alfredo (Trader Joes Style)
4. Kid in route to the house from Mother In Laws
5. House Clean
6. Presents wrapped

Ahhhhhh!!! Merry Merry to me!!!!

Bad Momma!!!

2006-10-28T14:21:00.000-05:00

OK - I haven't posted in while...but I do have a bunch of posts in the "cue" that are waiting for developed pics, conculsions, etc.. I will post those soon. It seems like so much is going on -- well really there is a lot going on. Henderson has just blown me away with how much of a big boy he is. He was headed out the door on his way to Mrs. D (Daycare) and he turned to say "See ya baby" (yes, his father has taught him that) and he headed down the steps by himself! *sniff* I have to update everything from his 2 year Birthday weekend to the visit to the pumpkin patch.

Stay Tuned!!

A series of Unfortunate events.....

2006-08-06T09:29:00.000-05:00

Saturday Morning, I wake up and MUST HAVE COFFEE... I take my morning sojourn to the kitchen and place my kettle from the countertop to the stove to warm it up. I proceed to fix up my favorite coffee mug. Hey, it's the weekend, that means I get the oversized mug today (ahhh comfort). I add the perfect amount of coffee crystals, then just the right amount of sugar and the perfect dash of french vanilla creamer. Oh, I am giddy with the prospects of sitting in front of "Blues Clues" and having a warm, cozy, dose of caffeinated perfection!!

The hum of the tea kettle finally sounds and I scurry to pour the last step (warmed water) in a perfect cup of coffee......Pour---"Is that RED?"...Pour some more---"WHY IS THE WATER IN MY KETTLE RED?". Not a startling blood red or anything, but a classic RED. A very familiar RED.....hmmm

I open the lid to my tea kettle .....and behold a RED label with the words Crayola written on it, floating happily in the water and melted red crayon coated the entire inside of the kettle.

*sigh*

Damn that kid and his climbing skills!!!!!!

Count em Up!!!!

2006-07-28T20:06:00.000-05:00

H has now taken a liken to counting - it is really fun to hear. The numbers go a little something like this:
1......2....6....6.....6....6...6...6...9...10!!!!!

Wooo Hooo.... it's a start!

LOL

Henderson Highlights

2006-07-14T16:42:00.000-05:00

Wow,

I remember reading in one of my many toddler books that the next few months would prove to be the busiest developmental month we have had yet. And hot diggity-dog, it has...... Here are a few Henderson Highlights:
1. Henderson can say the sounds of a lot more animals i.e dog, elephant, cat, duck, pig
2. He constantly says Mamamamamamamamamamamama - I really think that is one solid word now!!
3. He can identify broken objects i.e crayon, ice cream cone, anything that does not retain its original shape and act accordingly -complete with a pout and concerned look. He informs me that it is broken by exclaiming (in his best oscar the grouch voice) "Brokkkkeeeeeeeee Mamaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
4. Can properly identify a Hot dog
5. Can tell us when he has pooped.
6. Can say a few sentences
7. Can ask for juice by saying Juice Mamaaaaaaaaa
8. Will ask to watch Sesame Street by singing La La Laaa La (Elmo song)
9. Can put on and take off shoes and socks and tries often succcesfully to take his shirt off
10. Can reach on top of the cabinet and pull off everything that is up there. ie. salt, plates, and peanut butter
11. He can say London's name (his cuz) and tell him No No London!
12. He can count to two.. yes.. I know...but its a start.
13. He can sing E-I -E-I O from the Old McDonald song

Ain't life grand....

To Monti or not to Monti....

2006-06-20T17:14:00.000-05:00

Alright, the search for the perfect pre-preschool is on....So I have been looking high and low for H's new spot. I have been touring and visiting different sites and doing wayyyy to much research! ( Does that surprise you?) LOL

So, reading up on all of the approaches and how they work with different children has been interesting to say the least. I never thought I would want anything but structure upon structure upon more structure for my children in education. Hey, that's the "old" school of thought. Children need to go to school to be educated and sit down and be quiet!! LOL

Heck, that is how I ran my 8th grade science class --
Have a seat, take out your pencil, do your work, study for the test....and pass the class.

I am still a believer in this to a degree, but I think that approach works best much later in a kids education. One thing I saw in my classroom was the lack of passion for learning. And, they were middlescholers, so who knows what they have a passion for??

Watching H, I see how intrigued he is with his environment, he will spend a great amount of time concentrating on an activity until he is satisfied with the outcome! I want to nurture this in him and I want him to continue to love investigation, knowledge and discovery.

We had a pre-interview and tour of a Montessori school and I.Love.It. They were still very nurturing, which makes me feel good, because H will be coming from an environment where he has been one of 2 babies for the majority of his stay.

During the tour, the directress showed us the facility and explained some of the montessori materials to us. I could see that Jonathan was a little concerned about the "flower arranging". But after the teacher expounded on the Tae Kwon Do and mathematics - he started to feel a little more comfortable. LOL

The other side of this is I am a little saddned that I am on this Journey by myself. By that I mean, there aren't a whole lot of African-American parents out there who "do" the Montessori thing. I am interested to know how this non-traditional way of schooling "fits" into our culture.....I did find a school that is more diverse than the majority of those here in Atlanta, but I kind of feel like a loner on this venture. I was also able to talk to a school counselor friend of mine, who sent both of her children to a fantastic Montessori school, and they went through the sixth grade in Montessori and did very well. They are now both attending a Hoity-Toity highschool.

I only have a few girlfriends who have babies and I have talked with most of them about Montessori and they really aren't into it!!! So, I figured I would go out on a limb and look for like-minded parents with the same outlook as me on the montessori thing...so I developed a Yahoo group on the topic!! LOL

alt="Click here to join MochaMontessori">
Click to join MochaMontessori

Mom....the boob!!

2006-06-12T21:08:00.000-05:00

I haven't written anything for a while --mostly because I have been in Summer School hell for the last couple of weeks, and it is all I can do to pee and eat dinner every night, before passing out!!! I am in the middle of a huge job decision. Not as huge as should I leave or should I stay. But is my current position fulfilling enough?, is it sucking my soul out through my nostrils? Is it stressing me out to the point of being unhealthy? I gotta answer these questions and soon!!!

But on to bigger and brighter things....Hubby, The "H" man and I were sitting in the living room, our usual spot of chaos, and H was demanding all eyes on him, as usual!!! We have been singing the "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" song and he performs it on a diime. He walked up to DH and pointed to his Head and said "Head", pointed to his eyes and said "eyes" and proceeded with identifying his ears, mouth and nose. So we clapped wildly!!! and he walked over to me to demonstrate his new skills. He pointed to my head and said "head", my eyes and said "eyes", nose and said "nose", then he pointed to my cleavage - LOL (I had on a tank top)SHUDDER......and said "Mama" -- we were both stunned and to some degree I was excited that he identified the boobies with just mom...but on the other hand...I was deduced to ....A BOOB!!!!

I guess the breastfeeding is still fresh on his mind!!!!!

H to the H-izzy!!!

2006-05-31T07:14:00.000-05:00

Who let the Dawgs owt!!!

2006-05-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

I couldn't resist this title...LOL But I have been reading a certain book to H (we switch up, every week or so) that shows pics of Neighborhood animals and a few facts about them. Oddly enough they don't delve into the sounds the animal make - so I added my own spice to each picture. Except the field mouse, because I haven't a clue what sound they make or if they even make a sound. Anywho! The norms are all there ..dog, duck, frog etc.. And each time I would make the sound H would just look at me and politely smile, as if to say--she really is a nut job, but I will humor her.

Today - we were watching TV and a dog ran down the steps on this show and I said to H, "there is a doggie" - H responds "Woof-Woof"

I lept out of my chair and cheered wildly!!!!! I couldn't believe he said it. I asked again and he repeated again...so of course I had to make the round of calls to my sis, mom and dad so they could hear "the sound" too!!!!

I was so proud of the wee-one, I asked him to do it about 12 more times - LOL

Obsession #2 ......My New Thing....

2006-05-07T17:53:00.000-05:00

So here it is...unveiling my newest thing - It is a new artist, that is really filling a void for me right now....while my beloved Maxwell decides to revel in his new found freedom from the recording studio, it's been like 4 years since I had something new from him and I am jonesing!!!!.....I saw the video for this artist on Vh1 Soul and I was captivated by the look and feel of the video (so retro) and the sound of the song..it was soo.....Otis Redding!! NIICCEEE!!!

His name is Ricky Fante

The video that caught my attention....thus started the obsession can be found here Here

( video takes a sec. to load...but well worth it)

You can thank me for the "hotness" later!! LOL

Obsession #1 -- My New Thing

2006-05-04T06:40:00.000-05:00

My friends know that when I find something I like....I dive allll the way into it. I become obsessed with "the new thing" until I find my next "new thing." So, because I know some of my infatuations can be a little damaging (see bank statement) - I thought I would put them out in the universe as they drift to and fro.... and I thought it might be fun to look back on these and see what I was "into" at the time.

O.K. My "newest thing" --If you are a Yard Sale connoisseur such as myself, you will really appreciate this new online find...First it was eBay, then CraigsList , now it couldn't get any better than random......FREE........STUFF.

Check it out freecycle - Find your tribe and join the group, most of them seem to be yahoo groups and peruse the stuff. All of it is abso-free, it is just stuff that people need to give away.

Just in time for Spring Cleaning!!! I have soo much to put on the list. As I refused to allow my eyelids to close last night - I cursed the heavens at things I had missed out on already!!!!

Who knew that you may have wanted 38 pieces of Thailand China, you probably didn't know, at least not until you saw that it was FREE... LOL All you have to do is make arrangements to pick it up!!!!

Ahh..........You can thank me with cash donations later!!!! LOL

Wishin' and Hopin' and Pukin' and Poopin'....

2006-05-02T21:21:00.000-05:00

Not quite what Ani DiFranco had in mind...but it totally sums up the ending to my weekend. I was ready...ready, to channel hop between the Sopranos and Desperate housewives and then the battle would begin between Big Love and Grey's Anatomy. I had been doing my thumb exercises all week and I was ready to enjoy both shows simultaneously!! (Yes, I am that good).
Where is the TiVo you ask?? (Whole other story)

So H is really being a snot and won't get in the bath, won't put his diaper on, won't sit still for his P.J.s and I was soo angry at him. --then the unthinkable happened...he was laying on his back, while I was wrestling him down for a diaper and he literally tossed his cookies in the air!!! If I hadn't seen it, I would not have believed it. Needless to say, I was horrified and threw him in the shower. Blueberries and Milk...not a good look!!!

I get him cleaned up, calmed down, and finally attempt to put him to bed - he goes down without too much of a fuss and I catch Grey's Anatomy...to exhausted to channel surf, I finally fall off to sleep. Dh runs in around 3 a.m. and asks me what to do about H's diarrhea....CRAPPPPPPP!!! I didn't know he had diarrhea. So I get up and help with the change and we get H calm and try to figure out what the hay is goin on. He finally falls asleep on Dh's chest on the sofa and I make my way back to our bedroom--then this very strange feeling starts to wave over me and I need to lean on the bathroom wall. I feel my stomach churning and I manage to get the word H.E.L.P out and before Dh can make it in .....I am pukin all over the wall and inches away from the toilet...This is a huge undertaking, because I am not the puking type- by that I mean I can count on 1 FINGER - HAHA how many times I have ever thrown up and it was while carrying another human being in my belly!!! I don't do upchucks!! So, I am completely at a lost and totally freaked out!!! Then the poopin starts ---I finally fell asleep around 6 a.m. after I managed to email my boss and let her know - I would not be able to make it in today.

All day on Monday- I swore I was going to die....at one point I thought it would actually be easier than to continue to feel the way I was feeling!! Dh bought me some gatorade (orange) I will tell you why this matters later...and by mid afternoon I could feel the dehydration setting in!!!

I started to sip the gatorade slowly, but would have to go the bathroom minutes later-- At this point I am shocked I have anything left to exit my body!!! Well believe it or not the orange gatorade wanted out too!!! And there it went....orange UN-solid poo...down the toilet. For a second I was truly amazed!!! LOL and I even wondered hey, what If I had drank the blue kind...But after the 9th or 10th flush, it's sooo- not amusing anymore.

H and I battled this for 2 days straight and I am just feeling like I am back to normal. Whew!! I will swear to give away every shoe in my closet, not to have to live through that ever again!!

Well...yea every shoe!

Decisions, Decisions,....and Handbags

2006-04-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've spent the morning torturing myself by perusing handbags and shoes that I can't afford!! I really could save those as my screen saver and look at them all day long!!! Sniff!

But I am at peace with one decision that Dh and I have recently made. I have been in anguish for the last couple of weeks, trying to decide if I was going to place H in the exclusive HOITY TOITY ACADEMY. Apparently, they are the creme de la creme of preschools and everybody's child there is BRILLIANT!!!!

SO, my girlfriend who is also an educator- swears by this school and it is extremely hard to "get" your child in without a credit check! LOL I had so many people "vouching" for me that H practically had one foot in the door. Then I YANKED it out!!! The more I started thinking about MY SON, the more I felt like he wasn't ready.

We have just gotten over all of his food issues, and we are doing pretty good in that department, if things are out of whack, he still may not eat and it takes him at least 1 hour to finish. Also, as many of you know - mommy is now getting at least 8 hours of sleep and I want to keep it that way. I don't know if sending H to this school will unravel all of that, but I don't think my mental state could even take that chance. Not to mention, that even if I wanted to take H to "H-T-Academy" I couldn't feel comfortable doing so - Why, you ask?? They are sooo full of themselves that you don't have an opportunity to tour the facility, talk with the teachers or even ask the myriad of questions that new mothers ask!!! They feel like if you want your child to be there...then shut up about it and pay the entrance fee! The program should speak for itself!

I understand that once my child finishes this program he will be able to crack the DaVinci Code.- LOL But what about the small things? What happens if he gets scared? What do you do if he doesn't want to take a nap with the other children? What happens if he doesn't finish his meal by the time lunch is over? What if he doesn't like the food that is given that day?
I just wanted to feel comfortable with the day-to-day things that I know are challenges with MY CHILD!!

Well, this may be a blessing in disguise because H-T Academy was not the montessori approach, and I really like the philosophy of montessori and I think H would thrive in and environment that is not SOOO structured!! (I may live to regret that statement)

Who knows... For right now, we are satisfied that H doesn't put crayons up his nose anymore...the rest we will worry about later!

Thanks Easter Bunny!!!

2006-04-22T07:27:00.000-05:00

Easter was an eventful holiday and it amazes me how H has changed so much from last year. I have to admit that I think I enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunt far more than H did. Just to watch him run from egg to egg was a hoot!!! It was a great time. Once he figured out that there were jellybeans to be had from the plastic eggs he could not take his eyes off of all the goodies he had collected. I eventually had to hide the basket because he continued to point to them, and what can of mother would I be to deny her child more jellybeans!!!!

Video Hosting - Upload Video - Photo Sharing

Mission Impossible

2006-04-21T05:57:00.000-05:00

**This post is in no way to help support the new Mission Impossible III movie** Poot on Tom Vitamin-poppin- Cruise.** LOL

I am on a mission to "at least" keep the kitchen clean - this week. LOL So, I have been picking up and putting up and sweeping and everything nightly!!!!! It does help my psyche to walk into at least ONE clean room in the house. After cooking dinner last night I begin to clear everything away and I even sprayed the oven and cabinets down to have that nice lemony scent!!! After putting my finishing touches on the floor, I proceed to give H a bath, read book, blow bubbles etc... Jonathan comes to help put his P.J. s on while I get a 1/2 minute to look at television. I hear the "boys" in the kitchen, and I walk- in to make H's cup before bed. To my dismay there are cheerios all over the floor!!!!!! and Henderson is eating them...(thank god the floor was clean) But my mommy impulse lead me to yell - STOP eating cheerios off the floor immediately.

Me - Ummmm, Where did all these Cheerios come from?"

Bigger Boy - Laughter, " Well, what happened was......"

Me- Nooo, for REAL, "Why are there cheerios on the floor"

Bigger Boy- "H wanted some and when I opened the box he took some out and they fell all over the floor"

Me = ***Big dramatic Sigh*** why did'nt you clean them up?

Bigger Boy - Well, you are the one that stopped him from eating them off the floor!!!!!!

"Sitting on the dock of the bay"

2006-04-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

The ending to our spring break was wonderful, we had a good time at the C-BACS's cove(Sea Back) LOL (The lake house)...this name was given to the house by my mom and it is the intitals of our first names. I know we couldn't be more original than that, but that's the best we could do. LOL

Henderson had a great, time he tried to fish and had the stance of a true fisherman but ended up throwing the pole in the water more than once...so enough of that!!! He also had his first delicacy.....earthworms!! Yep, like my girlfriend Alison said, A Part of Me Died when I looked over and saw the bark from the bait bowl and earthworm leavings!!! GEEESHHH

He did go for a ride on the boat and was the captain on the way back from the Marina. Fun Times!! PaPa and G-ma had a ball with him- we even heard him say his name TWICE!!! It was so cute! Of course, we can't get him to repeat it--but it was the cutest thing!!!

It was great to be surrounded by family....no stress of the job, no stress regarding deadlines, and NO INTERNET!! So I was forced not to check up on things with my job! Whew!

Can't wait to go back we are overdue for another trip already!!!!

Spring has Sprung!!!

2006-04-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

We are headed out to the Lake today!! Ahhh clear blue skies, semi-clean lake water (LOL), good folks and good fun!! Mom and Dad are having a ho-down of sorts at their lake home in Oconee, so this is a fine time for the grandparents to show off the grandkids. So, Sis and I are taking the bambinos and hitting the road. I had to get Henderson some "Lake Clothes" (hahaha) and buy him some flip-flops and sunglasses (Pics will be provided later). A trip to Old Navy was in order!!! - this is where I found that adorable t-shirt!!!!!

As I was waltzing through Old Navy yesterday evening, I realized that Spring Break is very strategically placed - First of all, it gives you an opportunity to adjust to the time change!!! Secondly, it also gives you the chance to look like a complete nut for a couple of days while you figure out what the hell you are supposed to be wearing. When I left work on last friday (before Spring Break) I had on a sweater cami, blazer, slacks and I think boots!!! Then yesterday I had on flip-flops and a tee!!!! What the heck!! How am I supposed to face going to work on Monday - what am I supposed to wear? First order of business - SHOES - need mules! need mules! This is the time of year that is PERFECT for mules!! It's not quite time to let the toes peek out, so you can show a lil' heel, but definitely to warm for boots, or loafers with trouser socks!!! My toes are screaming to be set free - right after a much needed pedicure!!

As I walked around ON, I am even more depressed regarding the state of my clothes. Post-baby figure does not necessarily warrant the breezy skirts and sweater-sets that are currently hanging in the closet. and I had pieced together a decent looking wardrobe to "get-through" winter. I figured out what needed to be bought to cover the "trouble" spots. Now I am back to square one!! Oh the agony of it all!!!!! I've got devise a new plan, sketch out the proper shapes, angles and shadowing techniques in which I can now don a new spring wardrobe!! LOL

I don't even know where to begin!! *sigh*

Woot!...there it is!

2006-04-05T06:27:00.000-05:00

One of my new favorite finds is WOOT! If you would shop for bargains at 12:01 a.m. like me...then this is the site for you. Every day at midnight the product changes and is only listed for one day. Some nights I can't go to sleep until I see what the product is. God Forbid they list Whoseawatchamajiggy for the low price of 29.99 and I MISS IT!!! Pissh...Ta! NEVER! I will not allow that to happen..not on my watch!!!

This is my latest buy- LOL -- Ahhh iPod Bliss and WOOT had it for $69.99 and $5.00 to ship!!!!!!!!

I know....the first step is admitting you have a problem

Yeaaaaaaa Babbayyyyyyy

2006-04-04T18:28:00.000-05:00

I walk outside this afternoon to watch Henderson and Hubby ride in his red jeep wrangler up and down the driveway and Hubby confesses that he opened some mail by mistake that had my name on it!!! I thought O.K. - SOOO ....... and then I start thinking, crappy -- why did he preface the convo. with that?? So he said well actually it's a FedEx package! I thought aww damnn - I am caught!!----- But I haven't been ebay'in in a long while; so unless this is some wayward delivery from about a month ago when I was putting auto-bids on purses, tapestries, books and such... LOL -- No biggie!

So he hands me the envelope and I open it cautiously and it is a 12 months subscription to TiVo!!! TiVo Peeoooppleee!! OMG! I am soo excited about this I can hardly wait. The box isn't here yet - but it is on its way!!!! I can join the land of the living and tv-watching again. I can talk about American Idol at the Water Cooler, I can finally make judgements on America's Next Top Model, and after my one Sunday afternoon marathon of Footballers Wives..I am completely addicted (Do ya hear me Blokes???) Then there is the prospect of watching - Ohh there are too many to name....Real Houswives of Orange County, 8th and Ocean not to mention the Sunday night battle between Desperate Housewives and Sopranos and then Gray's Anatomy and Big Love!!!!! Ohh the possiblities.

Happy Birf'day to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks everyone (wink at some of my fav. people)

King of the Lillypad

2006-04-04T16:24:00.001-05:00

Henderson and I are recovering from our first swim lesson today and I can't wait until we go back!!!! I found this PERFECT!! DID YA HEAR ME? PERFECT!!! Swim Class/Instructor. I was leery about taking H to the traditional YMCA for many reasons. First, I could not find one with suitable hours- I mean Working Moms want their kids to participate in stuff too!!! LOL So, 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday is not going to work for me. Second, The ratio of babies seemed a bit much for me - it was like six to one instructor. Now I know my kid - he is FEARLESS -- and mom is FEARFUL that he will dive into the pool without as much as a floatee attached to him. YIKERS!! So in my quest for extra-curricular activities for kids of parents who work, I hap'd upon Swimmerman. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!

It is an at home business, the owner has built on a covered pool that is heated and has all of the amenities you could ever want! H and I got ready to go in (yes I donned a bathing suit -acckkkk) But I was soo excited I didn't even notice the cellulite - LOL! So H went straight to the instructor and left me on the steps of the pool - OMG! It was hilarious. He really took to the water and she had these great movable islands that he could go back and forth on. So he just went back and forth on each of the islands getting used to the water and then he did it!!! He put his head under water- he came up a little shocked but she showed him how to blow his nose out and HE DID!! Just like a pro!!! We floated him back and forth between the two of us for the next 30 minutes, she showed me how to hold him in the water and what to do when he got to me! H was such a lil' swimmer that he started going under the water and popping back up as a game!!! She sang a cute little froggy song and he would go under and come back up to the tune of the song--I was FLABBERGASTED!!

I really was in awe of Henderson and his natural swimming abilities, I just know he is going to be a sportsman!! He has excelled physcially for a long time and I continue to look at him and be amazed.

He even got a crown for his acheivements today!!!! The instructor seems to think that by the next lesson, Henderson will be swimming under the water. I can't wait. We have 4 more one hour lessons and I will update after each visit.

It's Hard out here for a.....Toddler

2006-03-31T15:46:00.000-05:00

I Had to pay homage to "Hustle and Flow" in the Title, I just saw the movie and who knew a Pimp Story could be so touching?-LOL
Henderson will be 19 months old tomorrow and boy oh boy! I don't even know where to begin. I will start out with his well-baby appointment today. He has gained a good amount of weight...he now weighs, 23.6 lbs and is 31.4" height. His head circumference is still small, but we are not sweating it. I will have to make his next appointment before he turns 2 and every appointment after that will be yearly. OMG!!! What the heck! I never realized how dependent I was on the well baby visits. It just helps to have someone tell me that I am "doing things right" What ever will I do without my reassuring checkpoints from Dr. C

Henderson has been getting into all kinds of things, he loves to pull you out of your restful sitting position to take you to the kitchen and demand the likes of peanut butter, apple chips, and string cheese. He is eating a lot better and loves to feed himself pudding, rice and applesauce. His fav meal right now is Chicken nuggets and corn. YUMM YUMM!!! If he can reach it on the countertops it will belong to him!!!! I have got to get a pic of him standing on his tippy toes to reach a cup on the kitchen counter!! It will make you misty - LOL

On the sleep homefront, I am getting a full nights sleep everynight - H is pretty much going to bed and not waking up but sometimes he will get up around 2 am or 3 am because he wants to hang out with his dad. So they retreat to the sofa for "middle-of-the-night-guy-bonding". I can't make DH stop retrieving him from the crib..and I know he secretly loves it so - as long as I get my 8 hours I don't care if they are playing poker in the middle of the night.

The BBE will have his first introductory swim lesson on Tuesday and I am soo excited about this. I will update on how it went. I told the doc. about it and she said that both of her sons and the other doctors there had sent their children to the same instructor. Score one for mom!!!

A sad day here in Atlanta....

2006-01-31T22:04:00.000-05:00

I hope that I can one day explain to Henderson the value of the generations that have gone before him. I hope that I can convey to him what it means to have an ideal and to fight for that ideal with everything you have- your soul, your mind, your body, and your spirit. To dedicate your LIFE to a casue and stand your ground NO MATTER WHAT!!! I only hope that one day he will understand as my parents have helped me understand --what this natioin could have been if it weren't for people who took a stand against injustice, racism and fought for basic human rights. I want to honor Coretta Scott King for taking this stand with with such grace, diginity, and pride; by making sure that generations to come understand what it means to be a Civil Rights Legend!

Next stop Sleepland or the Mental Institution

2006-01-27T06:52:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh!!!!!! That is the sound of well-rested mother of a toddler who did not sleep THROUGH THE NIGHT until 2 weeks ago. I have been so paranoid about mentioning it, for fear of jinixing the new sleep pattern. No we didn't pay a sleep specialist 400.00 (which was for me the next step), No we didn't walk around with ear plugs in pretending that the whines and cries did not exist at 10/12/2/4/6, No we didn't just sit him outside and close our eyes and hope he was still there in the morning. (Ran across my mind though)

I am not sure what we did or if WE had anything to do with it. I asked for advice, read books, filled out forms - and I am cannot pinpoint exactly what worked. I like to think that it was the consistency of the routine that we had established since Henderson was about 4 months old. But who in the heck knows, H finally decided that it was o.k. to miss mommy and daddy for a while and get some rest....he would see us in the morning. :)

On the flipside I really think I have developed OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) because of H's sleep routine. I WILL NOT DEVIATE from anything that we have in place right now. I sit around the house like a person with Tourettes syndrome asking every 10 mins...WHAT TIME IS IT???? We have to feed him now.....WHAT TIME IS IT?.......He has to have his play time--for Godsakes Jonathan ----play with him!!!!NOW!!!............WHAT TIME IS IT?.........OHMYGOD, it's almost 10 after 8:00 and we haven't started running the bath water--hurry Man hurry---NO, ONLY USE THE LAVENDAR LULLABY BATH WASH.........WHAT TIME IS IT???.....GET HIM OUT OF THE TUB ...STAT!!!!......It's time to put pajamas on him---NO NOT THOSE PANTS!!!!!--ARE YOU MAD...they make him uncomfortable--are you TRYING to make me crazy!!!!..........WHAT TIME IS IT?? ........BOOK....READ.....NOW...GO!!!!.......WHAT TIME IS IT???......IF YOU DON'T PUT DOWN THE PLAYSTATION REMOTE RIGHT NOW AND KISS HIM AND HIS TEDDY GOOD NIGHT---I WILL THROW IT OUT OF THE WINDOW NEVER TO MAKE A TOUCHDOWN AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...........WHAT TIME IS IT????............He must go in to the crib RIGHT NOW.......But you have to turn on the classical music before you put him in the crib----and after he has kissed all of his lovies and told them good night.....YOU CAN SIT IN THE CHAIR but you can't rock him......NO DON'T USE THE RED SIPPY CUP----USE THE BLUE ONE!!!!....WHAT TIME IS IT????.....LAY HIM AT A 45 degree angle--but perpendicular to the book case.....WHAT TIME IS IT???....He must have the velour blue blanket scrunched up next to his head so he can feel it ..otherwise NONE OF THIS WILL WORK!!!!!.....Retreat back the bedroom and watch from the baby monitor until he is in SLEEPLAND........

SuperPowers Restored

2006-01-14T20:30:00.000-05:00

I finally got "The Call." Dr. C, my pedi, called to give me the results of the CAT scan. Apparently, H's skull is normal for his age range!!!! Which we all figured! And I am really resenting going through the stress of all of this. But I do know it was better to err on the side of caution- blah, blah, blah. Dr. C mentioned that they did see that H's sinus cavities were blocked - *sigh* I guess it HAD to be something. He has had a nagging left ear thing going on too - that he should have had irrigated last week) but we just didn't make the trip to have it done. I figured he had been through enough for a little while. So she would like for us to see the ENT to have everything taken care of.

The one baffling part of all of this is she mentioned that we should come in for one more weight and head check and if she is still not "satisfied" we will need to see an neurologist!

Given that Henderson has never exhibited any signs of a neurological disorder- this request seems quite asinine to me. I think we will go for a second opinion before proceeding with the next phase.

WonderMom, SuperBoy and sidekick Daredevil Dad

2006-01-09T20:06:00.000-05:00

Today Henderson had a CAT scan to check for fused sutures in his skull. *sigh* This has been a harrowing experience just thinking that he may have to endure some type of surgery on his skull.

He was such a brave lil fella today, Our CAT scan was done at Scottish Rite Childrens Hospital, one of the best childrens medical facility, and everybody was so professional and caring. This was a tremendous help because I was sooo very nervous. They attempted to put H in the CAT Scan Machine in hopes that he would sit still for the test. They tried.....They failed.

Jonathan and I opted to go with a mild sedation that was done through an IV in H's hand. I held him so they could prepare the IV-and I swear it took them ding-dang 50 years to get it done. I felt so bad for H because he just wanted it to be over and so did I.
The medicine was added to the IV and H was knocked out in less than 4 seconds. It was actually the scariest thing I think I have ever seen. I don't know why I thought he would just sip some nasty liquid stuff and then ease into a light sleep. Instead he totally conked out and started twitching a little in the machine. YIKERS!!!

So now we play the waiting game........I am sure we wait
wait
wait
wait

and then wait some more for the results.

I just want to say that I have so much admiration for the little guy..he handled everything beautifully and I am soo very proud of him.
Hubby was a pillar of strenght also. Being strong, when I thought I couldn't. I have one INCREDIBLE family.

So, as soon as I find out any information I will update. We are just remaining positive that everything will be fine.

The second time around - Holiday Style

2005-12-27T20:06:00.000-05:00

Lil Jeep for Christmas
Originally uploaded by aleigha.

Wow!! What a marked difference between this christmas and last christmas for H!! It was soooo much fun. He helped put up the christmas tree by hanging an ornament and ohhing and ahhing at the lights. Oh what joy!! On christmas eve my family did our traditional family dinner at Evergreen Restaurant at Stone Mountain. H did a wonderful job eating and ate just about everything we put in front of him: blueberries, chicken florentine, wild rice, and his favorite choclate cake!!!!

Chrismtas morning I hosted a breakfast for the "fam" to come over and exchange gifts and watch the kids get their presents. So mom,dad, sis and bro-n-law and their new baby (London), sis- n-law, and mother-n-law. I tried something different this chrismtas, thanks to my friend Nancy - I made a frittata!!!!
We also had patak bacon, southern biscuits, and creamy grits!!!!!!
Mother-in-law bought H alot of clothes and mom and dad got him a cool trampoline. He can hold onto the bar and jump up and down. I got him a doodle pad (etch a sketch) and leap frog magnets that talk for the fridge, puzzles, touch and feel books and a shape sorter. My secret santa from my wonderful friends in the September Mommies group sent Henderson an adjustable basketball goal that he can use up until he is FIVE YEARS OLD!!! -- Way to go!! He loves it and has used the one at the Little Gym before so he knew exactly how to dunk the ball :)

Then we presented him with his big gift. His Lil' Jeep Wrangler - of course he does not know how to push the pedal to go yet, but he really enjoys sitting in it and climbing in and out.

H attended a couple of holiday parties and showed off his dance moves. The child is a natural dancer - I dare to say he got that from his mother. (wink)

I am already excited for next christmas - I know that he will get so much joy out of being around family and opening gifts even more!!!!

All photos are cataloged on flickr!! Check them out!!!

Random Ramblings heard on the homefront

2005-12-23T19:45:00.000-05:00

1. "Henderson take the meatball off your head and eat it!!"
2. " Oh God!! he has the broom again"
3. "Please, Please, Please Don't poop in the tub again....this is not a game."
4. "Pants don't go on your head"
5. " Let's go find Da Da"

Hodge Podge

2005-11-26T10:48:00.000-05:00

In honor of the season this will be a cornucopia of BBE events...

It's been a long - long time since I've posted and I am going to blame the lack of sleep---ugghhhhh. .. We thought we had beat it....BBE was sleeping somewhere between 3 and 4 hours and in the Rosser household that was considered a HUGE blessing. Now we are back to every 2 hours and possibly hiring a sleep specialist. I am trying to justify to hubby that the sleep specialist is worth it...but he just seems to think that Henderson will grow out of it. I just wonder if I will have a nervous breakdown before then. I am holding things together with a toothpick and some thread!!!!!!!!

On other fronts...H is wonderful, he is soo much fun to be around. He now rides his rocking motorcycle like a true daredevil. He puts his feet on the handle bars, he spins around to face the back of the bike and is even attempting to stand on it. My gosh do I have a future Kinevil on my hands. (I swoon just thinking about it.) He is definitely fearless.
He is attempting to eat with a spoon and fork- if only mom could give up the control issue at the dinner table; It is ashame that I would sacrifice my kids culinary development in exchange for a clean floor!!!! LOL

It is so amazing to watch him sometime...It is truly more exciting then watching an epi of Desperate housewives (well...kinda) LOL but he does so many wonderful things from day to day; It is hard to keep up.

We have the appearance of a molar on the left side and a canine on the right...My guess is this is what attributed to the high fever and 50-11 poopy diapers we have been dealing with. GESSHHHH!!!! Teething is the anti-Christ!!!!!!!

Thanksgiving was wonderful....H is truly a performer. Every year our entire family stands in a circle and we say what we are thankful for.....H who had not uttered a word all morning decides that this is the time to shine!!!!! So during...yes, only during, everyone's speech does he scream and guffaw at the top of his lungs. It was cute the the first couple of times...but there were approx. eighteen people in the circle and he thought that everyone needed a little "flava" to their speech. *sigh*

Oh and last but not least H had his first "real" haircut last week. This is still a sore topic for me...I was not ready to send his sweet little curls into oblivion *sniff* but the "wonderful husband of mine" decided that now is as good a time as any and had his head pretty much shaved. I could not feel my legs when I saw him. Of course he is scrumptious with any coif-do but I had NO preparation for the event that left my child in a dire need for lots and lots of hats. "wonderful husband" didn't even tell me he was doing it!!! Needles too say after many tears and a day and half of silent treatment; I got over it and I am trying to move on with my life. LOL

I've been tagged -Thanks Alli

2005-09-28T20:11:00.000-05:00

Ok - Here are my responses to the meme -- "Big Ups" to Alli from my September Mommies group for sending it my way.

10 Years Ago

Hmmm 10 years ago would be 1995-right??? LOL.......I was finishing up my last year at Oakwood College, majoring in Biology-and hella stressed out!!!!!!! I was completing the process to take the MCAT and literally had one brain cell left and I believe it was hanging on its last dendrite. I had an apartment off campus and I was thoroughly enjoying the single life!!!! I was planning to pledge a sorority that year and trying to graduate. The biology labs were kickin' my behind; and I had a major crush on my research partner. Maybe it was the formaldehyde, or possibly the caged rats or just to much dern time in the lab. But I just knew we would be together forever...after I got rid of his girlfriend. LOL

My best girlfriends were Denise Caleb and "Rice Krispy Diva" and we had a ball together and did some wild and crazy things that year. This was honestly the best year of my college experience.

Our nightly menu consisted of Rice Krispy treats and daiquiris - boy those were the good ol'days

5 Years ago

Never took the MCAT - no Med. School - and a hiring freeze for the government kept me out of CDC so the field of Education it is. This would be my 4th year teaching 8th grade Science and I was fast approaching burnout!!!!

I lived in a awesome 2 bedroom apt. with my best girlfriend (Rice Krispy Diva) and we were honestly having the time of our life. I had been dating Jonathan (now DH) for about a year...but I was sooo not ready for commitment because the nightlife in Atlanta was really HOT and my way of coping with my starchy 9-5 was to PARTY, PARTY, PARTY!!!

OOOOO What funnn we had. Some secrets will go to the grave - WINK

1 Year Ago
I am a big ball of emotions: Because my baby boy has been hanging out with me for approximately 27 days!! My mom is coming by every day to see him and take care of me. I am antsy to get out of the house and we have yet to take our first trip out yet. I proclaim that I will master breastfeeding and I am so tired I don't even know that my body will soon crash from exhaustion.

Yesterday

Got my car serviced -- toyed with buying an SUV (hurried off of the car lot), went shopping at Stein Mart b/c we had a free day from work- thanks to Govenor Perdue and the anticipated gas shortage from the hurricane. Sorry about the hurricane...Not sorry about the free day. Hung out with the "fam" and had a great day.

5 Songs I Know All the Words To:
1. Adore by Prince
2. Real Love -Mary J. Blige
3. Break You Off - The Roots
4. The entire Lion King soundtrak- if you have not seen the play --GO NOW!!!
5. Any and Everything by Maxwell

5 Snacks
1. Smartfood White cheese popcorn
2. Grapes
3. Bubble gum - I am a chain chewer
4. banana nut muffins
5.Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha

5 Things I'd Do With 100 Million Dollars
1. Give My family chunks of it
2. Invest it to grow andmultiplyy- possibly invest in Real Estate properties
3. Fund Research about rare blood cancers
4. hire help of all kind - snicker
5. Shop till' I drop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 Favorite Toys
1. iPod
2. Powerbook
3. My Car
4. does the checkbook count??
5. Ok- need more toys

Current Reads
1. Working Mothermagazinee
2. O - Oprah
3. What to Expect during the toddler years - HELP PLEASE SOMEBODY!!!

5 People I'll Tag to Do this Meme
1.RK Diva
2.Ceimone
3. I am sure the whole Sept Mommy group has been tagged already
4. need to make more friends with blogs-LOL
5.

A Labor of Love

2005-09-01T05:42:00.000-05:00

Today my munchkin turns 1 year old!!! I have so many mixed feelings - Hubby and I discussed this journey alot last night. We reminisced over preemie outfits - (H was only 6 pounds and skinny when he was born), the trials and triumphs of breastfreeding, the first time he rolled over (thanksgiving day) and you would have thought the Atlanta Falcons won the superbowl - we were soo damn excited. We remembered the $9.00 a bottle formula (a yi yi), literally NOT SLEEPING FOR ALMOST A YEAR - do you hear me people - A YEAR! Thankfully, H has gotten down to only waking once instead of every 2 hours - and besides the fact that I should be a sleep specialist myself (hince all the mags, books and research) we did not do the Cry It Out method. Not that I have anything against CIO - Henderson Z. just wasn't buying it!!!

Each of us twitched a little when we joked about how we couldn't put him in a car seat and GO ANYWHERE without him screaming his head off i.e grocery store, daycare, the EDGE of reason, grandmas house - every destination was horror (my nerves are still recovering). We don't have to worry about boppies, mobiles, SIDS or exersaucers - but have graduated to gymsets, toddler beds, and childproofing.

It is rare that I go the bragging route- but what the heck it's the boy's birthday!!!!

My son, is sooo smart - he is a true explorer, he will examine something for long periods of time until he is satisfied with understanding it. He is also very innovative - how else do you explain an 11 month old stacking sofa pillows on the floor so that he can climb them up to the couch then jump off of the couch onto the pillows!!!!!!!!!!
His strong will won't allow mommy to pick him up or hold his hand in the mall - he wants to walk in between mommy and daddy with no assistance!!!!! *sniff
His determination is unwavering when he is trying to accomplish something - GET OUTTA THE WAY!!!! he will not stop until he is successful!!!

Yes, today is the day of birth that took me over 6 months to write about- refresh here -- oddly enough I still feel the tingles around my C-section scar, maybe they are just more prevalent TODAY -- or could it be the tingling that I feel throughout my soul when I think of glorious gift god gave me.

Happy Birthday Henderson Zachary Rosser!!!!

Razzle Dazzle em'

2005-08-08T19:00:00.000-05:00

You know you love someone when you will perform Broadway show tunes to make them laugh. Henderson was sitting in his high chair this afternoon and we were trying some new foods. Veggie pasta (spiral pasta made from carrots, beets, and green beans) was the entree of the evening and Henderson was eating it really well...which in turn makes mommy very happy. Happy enough to make him laugh by "performing" yes ....performing -----Razzle Dazzle em' from Chicago!!!!! LOL

Love that movie!! ..and I really do know all of the words. *snicker*

"And all that Jazz".......

A "Sprout" to my "Bean"

2005-08-06T11:44:00.000-05:00

momandbaby
Originally uploaded by aleigha.

My Sister Ceimone gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named London Charles Strickland. She was a such an inspiration in the birthing room...delivering "dern-near" naturally and bringing her perfect bundle into the world to extend our growing family.

I am soo excited about the possiblities for "Bean" Henderson and "Sprout" London to enjoy each other and grow up as close as brothers.

Ceimone and I had a fairy-tale childhood...complete with unforgettable vacations, summer camp, and creating our own worlds with barbies and adoption dolls. Spending our time close to my mother and father who are to this day....our best friends.

We can't wait to share experiences and firsts with our children and I am just glad I have my best friend along for this kooky ride called motherhood.

Love ya cei!!!!

Can we dig it?

2005-07-29T05:53:00.000-05:00

As you don your Bob The Builder pajamas and lay in my lap with your legs now dangling past my knees- I remember when I would cuddle you and rub your tiny feet. I would nurse you for your comfort and mine...now you comfort yourself. You don't want mom to hold the bottle --you want to hold it.

As I think back over the events of our day together..I finally got a chance to play hookie from work and we had a glorious day. As we rode around town you talked on your cellphone (holding it up to you ear); and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the city. For lunch today YOU fed yourself sweet potato fries and attempted to color the kids menu at our favorite diner. On the return trip home you sat in your car seat so stately and reserved and "asked" for your bottle and proceeded to drink it and doze off. Woo Hoo

As we waited for "da-da" to come home,we sang and played and had a good time. Eating Ramen noodles for dinner- of course mom couldn't feed you. Because the more independent you are...the happier you are.

I love you so much--my Independent big boy...in Bob the Builder pajamas.

Quiet Storm

2005-06-21T21:32:00.000-05:00

The other day I was in the kitchen feeding the little munchkin - feeling over worked as usual and hubby had this to say:

"I guess If I were a baby, I would want you to be my mom too."

I started to probe him further about this statement because I was so overwhelmed that he said it. Hubby is a man of little words - so I didn't push the issue.

I literally started to get a little choked up!! *sniff*

----------

Those words really recharged me....and boy did I need it. :)

Boy time Flies.....

2005-06-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

My munchkin turned 9 months yesterday. I remember the during his first couple of weeks people kept saying "You better enjoy it now...time will fly by so fast" At the time, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of exhaustion, pain, anxiety and constant worrying about what to do with this tiny human being. It didn't seem like I would ever have any reprieve from colic,breastfeeding and constipation. But now I can breathe a little easier and it actually did get better and WHERE DID THE TIME GO??? LOL

Some of his latest tricks include taking steps and falling, speed crawling, crawling around and pushing anything that will slide around on the floor at the same time, handing objects to me or his dad i.e. mushy cheerios, toys, pieces of magazines, and the remote control. Dh takes full advantage of that skill. Poor child is being "pmped" to retrieve the remote already.
He is contantly smiling and laughing at his own private jokes - because he just breaks out into this laugh and I can't see anything funny??? But it makes me laugh. Nothing is off limits anymore, kitchen, stairs, bathroom - NOTHING!!!

It brings joy to my heart to have him "choose me"- he will crawl up to my legs and hold his arms open wide for me to pick him up and spend some time - but in one fail swoop he wants out of my arms and the freedom to roam. Even though I hadn't quite gotten my fix....he decided that's enough mama - I'll be back.

So I sit patiently and wait for him to want me again.

Ode to the SAHM (Stay at Home Mom)

2005-05-30T10:30:00.000-05:00

As a Working Mom - I sometimes get miffed if I don't get my coffee before 10:00 a.m. I think how am I going to make it through the day - the day is already completely messed up. Then I think about all the things I have to get done

One of my buddy moms from my september mommies group recently recalled her "morning fiasco" and I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. So maybe the morning commute and coffee by 10: 00 a.m. ain't so bad after all.

Morning Fiasco by Harmony L.

So far this morning had been going pretty well. I got to have a nice bath, put on some make-up and then the phone rings....its my SIL(Sister in Law). Bradley was playing in his Itellitainer and heard the phone, which he always thinks is for him, lol, so he started to fuss a little and I went over to try to calm him. I look down and WHAT!!! Bradley please say that is not poop on your foot, we just cleaned the carpets yesterday!:(

Yup, it sure is..... poop.

So I carry him into the bathroom and lay him down on the bath mat, now that he crawls there is no keeping him down. He tried to take off and got poo all over the floor :( I am trying to keep him under control, not fall in the mess he made and trying to clean it up all at the same time.

Our boy loves to pull up on the bathroom cupboard and shake and slam it since he can't get it open with the saftely latch on it. The door does open a little though....apparently just enough to get his finger jammed in the hinged side. He is screaming and leaning on the door making it so much worse. My poor sweet baby is hurt and of course I am going to pick him up and snuggle him, covered in baby poop and all.

Finally he is okay and calms down. Now I have "you know what" all over my clothes and arms :(

So much for that hot bath I had earlier. I ran a bath for my boy, stand him up in front of the tub to clean up what I can with baby wipes. Easiest to throw them in the toilet and before you know it, quick as a flash, Bradley has turned at the waist and thrown himself at the bowl. Thats right, now Mommy's Boy is splashing around with both hands in the toilet, chasing after the dirty wipes I had been throwing in!!!
OH NO!!!!

Its not even noon yet!

You have to be kidding me!

I think I need a nap!!!

Let me see ya....1-2 Step

2005-05-22T22:13:00.000-05:00

My little wonder boy continues to dazzle and amaze me. Tonight when he should have been sleeping; around 9:45 he is totally bored with the gazillion toys that surround him on the floor so he settles for the measuring cup as his new focus.

He has been an a crawler from about the age of 5 months and the speed at which he crawls right now he is neck and neck with me walking down the hall - LOL

But tonight was the night that I dreamed about, that all mommies talk about, the moment that is described in all baby mags and books. Tonight the Baby Boy Extraordinaire took his first steps!!!!!! hip hip hooray! He was cruising the furniture as usual and was cruising past my knee to the other side of the sofa. Still holding the measuring cup in his hand he turns around to walk the other way and releases the couch and takes about 4 wobbly steps -- Hubby and I were fortunatley both in the room and we were speechles - literally speechless. After his steps he plops to the ground and places the measuring cup in his mouth, like tonight is just another night.

As I put him to sleep tonight, I am content with myself as a mommy today!!! Possibly all the self doubt that I have had the last few months could slowly be seeping away because of this solitary moment.

I love that little munchkin more than the air I breathe! *sigh*

Henderson on the dock

2005-05-22T22:12:00.000-05:00

Henderson on the dock
Originally uploaded by aleigha.

My little fisherman!! He had a great time at the lake- hanging out with the "fam". I really need to get him into some swimming classes, possibly this summer we can focus on a class when work slows down. I want him to be comfortable around the water--cause there is alot of it.

He is sooo active now- he pulls up on everything and just lets go!!! He can balance for about 3 seconds on his feet and then he just prepares for the fall right on his bottom. He cruises the furniture pretty good and I just bought him a push toy with wheels that will allow him to walk behind it. Up until now he has been using a huggies wipe box to push around the great room and he stands on his tippy toes and walks around the room. It is the funniest thing you ever want to see.

GoldMember

2005-05-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

(This actually happened when Henderson was about 5 months old- but I had to blog it for sentimental reasons)
I was sooooo not ready for this and those of you with boys already
should've have warned me!!! I bought Henderson the Safety 1st tub ring-- because
he was trying to hurl (lol) himself outta the tub. So we were taking
a bath last night and he found his belly button ... I thought harmless
enough --he is twiddling his belly button. He continued to move down his
stomach to his, shall we say ...member. And begins to explore it.
Needless to say I am aghast!!!! And not really sure what to do or
say-- So I just stare...while he continues the exploration of his
"member" He then begins to PULL IT -- yes you heard me right ...he
pulls it to the left then to the right, he twirls it around between
his thumb and pointer finger. At this point I am FROZEN because I
think to myself -- Does that hurt? Should he be doing this? How do I
stop it?
Still shocked I just yank him outta the tub and I put pajamas
on him as quickly as I could. I am not sure why I was freaked...I just thought that stuff like this comes later ...... I tellhubby and he's like REALLY with
excitement and glee on his face - go Fig (MEN)

Tonight we venture to the tub again and I pray that he doesn't notice
it --- I even put extra bubbles in the tub..I pulled a book off the
shelf and we read in the tub---but the boy was determined. He
searched and searched and then SATISFACTION!!!!

I am now relinquishing bath time to hubby!!!!
LOL
Stick a fork in me....cause I am DONE

Da Girlz

2005-05-22T22:10:00.000-05:00

girlsnightout
Originally uploaded by aleigha.

Watchout Hotlanta - Da Girlz are out and about. We went to one of Atlanta's landmark restaurants called the Imperial Fez that served authentic moroccan food. You have to eat with your hands, no shoes allowed, and sit on the floor with these oversized pillows. It is great!! you feel like your under a huge tent and they have bellydancers and sword dancers for entertainment.
Food was interesting but after a while I got used to it. The only thing I'm not sure I would do again would be the meat funnel cake. I absolutely love funnel cakes from carnivals or six flags - a flaky pastry with powedered sugar. This entree had the wonderful flaky pastry but cornish hen was stuffed inside and powdered sugar adorned the top!!! Whoa - my tastebuds were on a wild ride!!! Everything was enjoyable and fun time was had by all.

GGGGG-G-unit!!!! LOL

First Mum's Day

2005-05-22T21:37:00.000-05:00

Going through old posts and I never posted this mothers day one!!!hmmmmm

____________________

I must say that this mother's day brought on a whole new perspective for me....Oh My God ...I am someone's mother--like take out to brunch, get her some flowers, get her a card, MOTHER. I was a little in shock and even a little uneasy. I don't think that I have this "motherhood" thing down pat to be honored with my own day! The whole motherhood thing still freaks me out. I am still reading "motherhood" books, still researching "motherhood" topics on the internet--AM I READY FOR MY OWN DAY?

I remember when I was a teenager my mom would say to me "You know--they don't have a class for mommies, you guys didn't come with a manual." "I am doing the best that I can" - How profound is that to me now??? Deeper than Deep- Cause I get it-- I really get it now. She was totally justified in saying what she said and even though I view her as Super mom. She was in graduate school my entire childhood- but I don't remember us eating out that often. We always had a home cooked meal - McDonalds was a treat not a staple. The house remained reasonably clean - , she always had time to spend with us and talk about our day- and she worked a full time job. On some levels she was a married-single mom because my dad was a high school basketball and track coach and he always had practice or a game. She even made time for family worship once a week!! We always made it to church, no such thing as I am too tired.. I don't even remember her being tired. HOW DID SHE DO IT ALL?? She kept us involved in activities and would be at every game, every performance, every event. She kept up with our grades and kept in touch with our teachers. You couldn't get anything by her; not even a forged permission slip for a field trip -LOL

When I think of mother's day --I think that my mom defy's all reason and she definitely deserves her OWN day!! I must say that I have alot to learn and I am still trying to figure this whole thing out. I still can't believe they don't give you at least a pamphlet on how to be a mom!
--------
My mother's day morning went like this.....
Husband comes in to bedroom at an ungodly hour and tells me to wake up - I say I don't wanna, leave me alone, he says I HAVE TO GET UP. I struggle really hard - I mean REALLLY HARD. I look up and try to get my focus and he is holding my "vintage- looking" wine tray from pier 1 in his hands and apparently it has breakfeast on it. I thought to myself why is he using that tray -- it's for decoration only!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But to spare his feelings, I don't go berzerk. He serves up some sausage, eggs, and pancakes. Now, my husband cannot boil water ---so I am more than shocked!!! In fact, I am little nervous...I sample the eggs, not bad. I bite a piece of sausage, OK. I try to eat a corner of a pancake but can't quite get my fork through it and he replys....NEED A KNIFE??? LOL

So after the sausage and egg breakfast - I get my first Mother's Day card from Hubby - it is really sweet. Henderson is the room now on the bed - making his presence known- and I get my mother's day card from him with a tiny scribble signaure on the bottom of the card. I say to Henderson --"Thanks for letting me be your mom"

I hope I get this thing right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tis' The Season

2005-04-26T21:39:00.000-05:00

I have found THE miracle drug...SEASONALE. It is a new form of birth control pills that allow you to have only four periods a year. For someone, such as myself, who would be rendered cripple and deformed once a month ...this is FABU news. I started taking it about a month ago and I am giddy about the possibilities. *wink*

Don't get me wrong I wouldn't trade my lil' bambino for a truckload of Manolo Blahniks (now that's love). But I am not quite ready for another one.

So now when people say: "Oh he is so advanced." "He is moving so fast, You know what that means don't you?" "He is getting out of the way for another one." Now I can respond "Not unless it has a star fighter and a lightsaber, another one ain't gettin' through."

Yummm Bubbalicious

2005-04-26T20:56:00.000-05:00

slysmile
Originally uploaded by aleigha.

Unfortunately, we are battling an ear infection- Henderson had a doctors visit yesterday afternoon after a night of crying for 2 1/2 hours straight. I was a looney-tooney all day...but I guess I made it through on mommy-adrenaline. The doctor prescribed Amoxicilin.....and my first thoughts were--Oh my Lord, I am going to have a hellified 10 days on my hands trying to get Henderson to take this medicine.

We have been here before, he had an ear infection at around 4 months of age -I remember because this was when I stopped breastfeeding and of course I blamed myself for the fact that he had an ear infection. (whole other issue) Hubby and I were virgins at giving medicine to a 4 month old - Heck how hard could it be??? I begin to get loads of unsolicited advice (go figure) on how to get him to take the medication. Some say just hold em' down and squirt in his mouth, others swore that putting it in a little water or formula would do the trick. I figured we would try them both.

But of course given the fact that I have a "Baby Boy Extraordinaire" none of the above worked. If you tried to hold him down more than likely you would get sucker-punched in the eye because he would swing like "Smokin Joe Frasier" before he would let you squirt the medicine in his mouth. And when it came to the bottle --he just flat out refused to open his mouth and NOTHING was getting in there!!

So now you see my anxiety about giving him the appropriate doses he would need to start to feel better. After sending hubby to the pharmacy to pick it up we both gathered around Henderson and tried to come up with a plan - "What if we try to trick him and put it in his food? " Nah, that probably will work the first couple of times, but not the whole 10 days. "What if I put some on my finger and try to sneak some in that way"---Heck No!! That's not going to work --plus it could take 3 days just to get 1ml into his mouth and we have to give him 5ml."

As we toyed with different aapproaches to get just 1 tablespoon of Amoxicilin into a 7 month olds mouth -- I could hear the theme from "Mission Impossible" playing in the background. I filled up the syringe and I watched Henderson-- who is oblivious to the fact that we are about to ambush him with this horrible pink, pseudo-bubblegum flavored concoction.

As he happily plays on the floor, he pulls up on my knee to investigate the new gadget that mommy has in her hands---and of course with his own way of exploration he tries to put the syringe in his mouth. When he clamps down on it I squirt a little of the potion in. Hubby clams up with fear--I begin to bob and weave and we wait for his reaction. He is startled at first and then begins to smack his lips... He goes off to play with the Tickle Me Elmo then comes back to my knee pulls up again and opens his mouth ....I squirt a lil more in , he savors the flavor and takes off. We do this about 3 more times and all of the medicine is gone. We didn't endure a scene from WWF, he didn't scream to the rafters and no injuries were incurred. DO YOU HEAR ME? ALL THE MEDICINE IS GONE!

Hooray for bubbalicious amoxicilin and we are on the road to wellness.

2005-04-26T13:55:00.000-05:00

Ok I know the comment section is not working...and I have searched all over "Blogger Help" to find out why!! So if you know how to fix the comment section...leave me a comment telling me how to do so. LOL

This reminds me of a principal I once had in high school that announced on the intercom. "Teachers, if you cannot hear this announcement, please send a student to the office." *Cracking up*

Just.........DAMN

2005-04-20T05:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a hellacious day at work meetings all day---I didn't eat lunch until 2:30 and I stayed late at work--finally I just got up and left because I had a headache the size of Texas. I had to get my sis to pick up the BBE because I knew I was running late and she said she would pick him up for me, I couldn't find hubby he lost his cellphone (an irritating story). So I came home got the BBE into his routine and I let Dh put him to sleep. Normally, I do just about everything with him when I get home from work-- feed him, play with him, read a story, get him dressed -- you guys know my routine.

Anwyay, I popped a tylenol PM and went to bed - this morning I wake-up renewed!!!! I start a blog entry then to my dismay I lose it...but I feel like that is not going to stop my beautiful morning. Dh is getting ready for work the BBE is still asleep, so I fig heeyy I should go work out!!!! And yes, I am one of those people with an entire workout room downstairs and complain about how I don't have time to get to the gym. When I say workout room it is complete with treadmill, punching bag (the stand up kind), Ab Cruncher,Strecher something???, PILATES MACHINE (don't know how it works), exercise ball,jumprope, arm workout machine, free weights and weight bench; there is even a couple of tennis rackets hanging on a nail down there.LOL Hubby is really into this stuff -- how he married me I have no clue---but I do like to work out when I finally get going.

So I squeeze into an atheletic bra, pull out some stretchy pants and grap the ipod on my way downstairs. It's a little creepy at first, but I start to warm up to it's familiar surroundings. I hop on and start the treadmill while Justin Timberlake sings Cry me a River (WHAT! I love that song) good beat to get you motivated. I proclaim that I will do 25 minutes on the treadmill and then the Ab Saucer, cruncher , stretchy thingy --Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" chimes in a few minutes later and I am realling "working-it", heart pumping, a tinge of sweat begins to glisten, I am singing (out of breath), eyes closed, arms flailing in the air.......and when I open my eyes to check that I only have 5 minutes to go.. to my surprise hubby and the BBE are staring right at me--and I think WTH, what the freak do you want?????????????????????????? Dh says he just woke up - I thought you may want to see him........NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I DON'T WANT TO SEE HIM -- I want some friggin ME time for a change ----- give me a friggg-nabbit- break!!!!!!!!!!! I Can't believe that you are standing here, I can't beleive that I am having a conversation with you right now, I can't believe that you think it is ok to bring him down here and it's 6:00 in the damn morning. And for anybody who knows me-----it's a stretch for me to even be awake at this hour! GO THE HELL AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So he tries to put him playfully on the treadmill - YES I AM STILL ON IT!! and begins this whole play routine in the workout room with H - NO OTHER TIME WOULD HE HAVE BEEN DOWN THERE WITH THE BABY -- Why now? He normally lets him play in the crib while he gets dressed, then he later gets the baby dressed, then they head out of the door---SO WHY IN HELL are you standing here in front of me.

Then he hands me H's shoes and says could you put these on for him. I need to run upstairs- WTH -- I snatch them out of his hands put the shoes on the bambino and he heads upstairs. There I am SITTING on the weight bench -not lifting weights- but holding the BBE and a shoe in my hand while Dh runs around for about 10 minutes - no more glistening sweat, no more singing, no more Beyonce'..........JUST DAMN!!

Calgon take me away.....

2005-04-18T21:03:00.000-05:00

When you feel like you just can't take it anymore....when you really begin to get fed up with schedules, oatmeal, and Dr. Brown's bottle parts. When you feel that the moment you walk in from work--you are watching the clock to make sure that baby gets sufficient play time, a bath, some cuddling and good book (because you want your kid to be literate). When you really feel like you have had enough.......WATCH SUPERNANNY!!!! and you will feel a heck-uva lot better. LOL

How Henderson came to be.....

2005-04-18T05:48:00.000-05:00

henders1_edited
Originally uploaded by aleigha.

I am going to start this after the two trips to the hospital when we were kindly sent back home - I remember once I just knew I was in Labor - the contractions had started and I was in a heap of pain.....the nurse hooked me up to the monitor and my little ant hill contractions were showing up on the screen--she kindly said to me "ummm sweetie your contractions have to be sky crapers before we will admit you." I thought to myself - Crap it's gotta get more painful than this............got a shot a stadol and was sent home.

I want to make a distinct difference between my pregnancy and my labor- my pregnancy was wonderful, I had the typical glow, didn't have that much weight gain, I went on a cruise, hiked through mayan ruins, went to numerous social events and even went to see his Purple Badness(PRINCE) in the musicology tour!! fun times!!! I didn't even get all the crazy symptoms you hear about during pregnancy like the nose spread, hair thinning, or the dark neck - OH GOD PLEASE..NOT THE DARK NECK

I would be pregnant ten times over but the labor part is where I have to put the brakes on.

My "official labor" started on August 31, 2004 -(I was not due until September 6th) I had already been off of work for about a week because I believe I started back labor earlier that week and it was too much to sit in Atlanta traffic and then work 8 hours and head home in traffic --so I did some work from home a couple of days before things started. The morning of the 31st my hubby got up to head to the job as usual and I was completely exhausted from the hospital run the night before and not sleeping well. The pain was very intense through my back and lower abdomen. I was peeing like there was something wrong with me - I don't know why that stuck out but it did!!! Around noon - I felt like it was unbearable, but I refused to go back to hospital and have them send me home again (that would've been the third time). So I concentrated on counting the times in between each contraction - which as far as I am concerend is a steaming load of bovine crap because it ALL hurts!!!!!!!!!!! There was no gap in pain! :<

So of course, I am home alone and I refuse to go through this by myself so I summoned hubby home to agonize with me -- I made it until early in the evening and I really could not rest. After doping myself up on tylenol PM nothing was working so I did not call the nurse like times before I just procIaimed at the top of my lungs that I cannot take this any longer and something has got to happen. So off we headed to the hospital! Hubby was so nervous that he stopped at a Wendy's which was 5 minutes from the house to go to the bathroom - I was dazed and confused because did you not have to go 5 minutes ago when we were at home - why in hell do you have to go NOW!!! Can you not wait until we get to the hospital which is probably 20 minutes away - I digress....We did not call any of the "fam" because they had already made two - bogus trips before, so we wanted to be sure that this was the Real Deal.

We get to the hospital and you have to go through all the stinking paperwork, which I didn't understand because we were just in here last night I KNOW YOU STILL HAVE THAT SOMEWHERE!!! We give them all the answers to every single question and I got hooked up to the monitors in the "holding room." A nurse would come in periodically to check on me...I am being checked for dilation because apparently they won't admit you unless you are 3 cm dialated. A crazy nurse from hell tells me to that I am not quite at 3 so maybe I should get up and walk -- Well that wasn't happenin' so I told her she needed to come up with another plan because I was not going to get up and walk!!! We played the "waiting game" and finally called the family to let them know that we were here at the Hospital and that we were not going home without a baby!!! The crazy nurse came back and told me that she could not put me in a room quite yet because I still wasn't 3 cm. I thought to myself what is with her and the friggin 3 cms!!! Can't you see that I am writhing in pain - doesn't that count for something??? My family begins to arrive and my best friend Pammy, they all come back to see me - My sis is freaked out and doesn't want to see me in pain - I actually don't see her again for a while???? Pammy comes to see me and she begins to cry - I remember that because I thought it was so touching - and my mom was in "Get my daughter a doctor and make her feel better immediately" mode.

I finally get a room - and a new nurse and I thank good because I am still mad at the crazy nurse because she is being very terse with me and my patience was already worn thin. I guess a shift change happen and a west indian nurse comes in and she immediately starts punching buttons on the monitor next to me - she tries to make me comfortable and she calls my doc. The nurse midwife comes in from my docs office (which is across the street) and says that Dr. B is going on vacation and she will deliver me - OH MY GOD...I AM SURE THAT SHE IS A NICE PERSON , SHE HAS BEEN VERY SWEET TO ME SO FAR --BUT WHERE THE HELL IS DR. B!!!!!!!!!! of course I get very anxious and that seems to make the pain worse. I am given a pitocin drip because I am dilated only at 3cm and they want to get things moving. Watching too much of a TLC's a baby story - I knew exactly what Pitocin was and I just knew that it wouldn't be long. The midwife said we should have the baby by 8 a.m. But a few minutes later the pain becomes blinding --your limbs don't even exist anymore--you just feel like pain is the only element in the world - damn oxygen, damn carbon dioxide, pain is what is sustaining your body right now. I felt like It had completely taken over me!!!! The west Indian nurse is right beside me still punching buttons!!! I want to ask her what she sees but she seems to be engrossed in the screen and I can't remember how to move my mouth and speak because the pain seems to be controlling my vocal cords as well. The nurse asks if I would like an epidural and I just nod!!

The anesthesiologist comes in and tells me to lean forward, blah blah, and my mom comes in so that I can lean on her - I don't know what the epidural felt like but I do know that within about 20 mins I felt the blood begin to rush back into my veins - now I remember what my body is supposed to feel like - now I can breathe and even talk. But, I feel as if I have fur in my mouth - I get some ice chips and begin to suck on those periodically. My nurse tells me that the baby's heart rate seems to be dropping a little and she wants to put me on oxygen--fine I think to myself - bring it on. I feel like I can handle anything right now. The nurse exclaims -" O.K. we should have this baby by 10 am." They even begin to break down the gear to get ready for the delivery. But then something weird begins to happen and my body begins to shake - at first it was slight tremor, then it begins to shake a little harder - I feel it but I can't do anything about it... The nurse tells me to relax and breathe in the oxygen - but what the hell is with this shaking!!!! Apparently I am having some sort of reaction to the epidural. I can't get myself under control!!!!! My mom comes in and she is trying to hold my hand but nothing seems to work. Everyone begins to come in and you feel like they are looking at you like a coma patient as if to say - Oh it's so sad!! Poor girl. And I really didn't have the strength to say anything to them so.... I felt like a coma patient!!!!

The West Indian nurse is still plugging away at the buttons and urges me to keep my oxygen mask on that keeps falling off my face ( HELLO I AM SHAKING LIKE A LEAF OVER HERE!) Then to my surprise my Doctor arrives - Dr. B - I thought to myself doesn't he have to go on vacation??? He checks me and says that I am only 4 cm dialated - ARE YOU SURE?? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME......By this time it's around 12:00 p.m., and he says that he is going to hang around to deliver me - that makes me feel so much better!!!! (mentally)

Then familiar pains begin to resurface and I am feeling very weird!!!! I let the nurse know and she says I may need another epidural - OMG!! this is crazy - I don't really want one - until the pain begins to crash into my body like a tidal wave. I let her know it's ok to give the second epidural. I get that done ( yes I am still shaking) so it takes EXTRA effort on everyones part to keep me still for the needle. Dr. B comes in around 2:00 and says that I am only 5 cm dilated and we may have to start thinking about C-section. I am like WTF - why, I don't want a C-section!! He says if I have not dilated past 5 cm by 3:00 p.m. he is going forward with a c-section. So In the midst of my intense tremors I try to tell my body to get ready to have this baby...Dilate, Dilate, Dilate. In the meantime all of my family: Dad, sis, mother n law, sis n law, hubby, mom, and Pammy file in and give me these really worried looks. My mom is crying and so is my dad - Wait MY DAD HAS TEARS IN HIS EYES!!! hmm, I think to myself they must really all be moved from this entire experience!!!! At 2:15 p.m. on the dot a gurney is wheeled in with a bunch of nurses and they are preparing to move me for a C-section -- I remember it was 2:15, because I looked at the clock and thought wait a minute it's not 3:00 p.m. yet!! What's going on - I begin to cry uncontrollably and I can't figure out what is going on!! The nurse tells me that only 1 person can go in with me for the c-section...I can't even make a decision because I am distraught and I feel like don't know what is going on. I am wheeled away to this room and my mom joins me she said that hubby thought it best that she be with me. She is rubbing my hair and praying with me and I think to myself this ain't nothing like "A baby's story." The doctor begins the surgery and I feel the tugging - it doesn't hurt but I feel that something is uncomfortable. I am still semi-shaking and my head is killing me. It seems that we are there for hours and I keep asking if everything is OK and Dr. B reassures me! My mom is looking into my eyes and it dawns on me that something is wrong!! The whole ordeal I just experienced is because something did not go as planned. Dr. B stays on from vacation, the nurse and her constant watch on the monitor, the rushed C-section. Now I am in a panic but my head is hurting so bad and I am so exhausted from the shaking I can't even get my thoughts together. I never hear a cry and I ask again is everything Ok - the doc reassures me again and my with my eyes I try to beg my mom to tell me what is going on. She just continues to rub my hair and try to keep me calm. Finally at 3:04 the doctor gives Henderson to my mom and she cries, and cries, and cries and says "oh Aleigha...look what you have given us!!!" I cry to and I look at how much he looks like me -- it's a little mini-me - LOL

After much recuperation I find out that Henderson's cord was wrapped around his neck and they didn't want to tell me for obvious reasons. Whew!! I am exhausted just writing that. This is why it has taking me so long to write my birthing story. But it had such a HAPPY ENDING!!!

Baby Boy Extraordinaire

2005-04-11T20:18:00.000-05:00

In the signature line of my g-mail account I always sign my messages Aleigha and Henderson (Baby Boy Extraordinaire). My crew and I are infamous for acronyms. I meet my girlfriend Pammy from time to time on Instant Messenger and one evenings he asked me "How is the BBE doing?", because I have been struck down with mommy brain it took me a second to figure out who she was inquiring about and then I realized- Baby Boy Extraordinaire. So I am proud to say (thanks to Pammy) that Henderson has his own acronnym the B.B.E.!!!!!!

Hendini

2005-04-11T19:58:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day back from our Spring Break and Henderson's first day back to the sitter. He has been a very "sprited" baby with me all week. He is sooo active, he learned how to clap our hands this week, he waved bye bye, he got the start of our first tooth, and he even tasted the mushy inside of a french fry this week. As you can see he experienced alot of firsts this week. But he also had his first leap off of the side of the couch, his first semi-temper tantrum in the highchair (refusing to eat his pears), and his first bout with, seperation anxiety this week. I knew that Mrs. D (the sitter) would have her hands full this week with him. I called her this morning after Jonathan dropped him off and to my horror found out that my "Darling Husband" had left the exersaucer at home and the only thing she could sit "H" in was his bouncy seat. Mrs. D reassured me that he would be fine today and she realized she had some "work" to do with him.

I went to pick him up at his usual time and Mrs. D said she had something to tell me-- I felt like I was being called into the principals office. She began to reassure me that it wasn't all bad but earlier that day she was going to the kitchen to fix "H" a bottle and she left him in his bouncy seat facing the other baby, Kendall, who was in her exersaucer. When she returned after about 7 minutes she found "H" standing up and holding on to Kendalls exersaucer, she claimed he seemed to be having a conversation with her and Kendall was happily paying full attention to him. After she placed him back in his bouncy seat she waited to see just how he managed to get out of that seat. Well needless to say the escape still remains a because he never revealed his secret and Mrs. D is is positive that he planned the escape and would only execute it when she was not in the room!!!

Baby Shower

2005-04-10T21:18:00.000-05:00

Today I took Henderson to a baby shower... I had anxiety about the shower all week because they made it a kid-friendly shower so that we could finally meet some of the other babies. I was worried how he would do on an outing because he has been acting loopy from teething all week. Alot of us have not seen each other in years!! So it was fun to finally see the kids face to face as opposed to pictures. Henderson was of course in rare form - he is squirming and trying to pull the gifts off of the gift table (this was the only chair remaining in the room). I knew I was gonna have to move soon.

The mother to be had all of these questions for me...and the truth is I really didn't want to answer anything about labor because my experience was... I hate to even say it...but it was horrible. I loved my doctor he was wonderful, the nurses were exquisite -well all except one, but she left soon after I got there. I can't blame any one person or thing it was just a horrible experience. I have yet to write about it because the only fond memory I have of the entire process is seeing Hendersons' face in the delivery room and my mom saying "Oh Aleigha Look what you have done, Look what you have given us" - everything before and after that was pure-d-hell.

And the mother-to-be seemed so etherreal looking and excited about the prospect of birth and she was firing questions at me and I was dodging them like they were atomic missiles. Everything from breastfeeding to epidurals, to post-pardom to c-sections. I didn't have the heart to tell her that it's all buck-wild out of control. Anyway, I will save the "birthing experience" for the the birthing experience post.

Henderson did pretty good at the shower everyone raved about how much hair he had, how ACTIVE he is and how strong he is. Each person that held him I had to give them the disclaimer that he would proabably wriggle outta of their arms and to be careful because he's a squirmer. It was nice to get out and socialize with other adults but I didn't get a chance to watch her open the gifts because it was close to Hendersons bedtime and I didn't want him to turn the place out.

How Henderson Happened

2005-04-10T09:13:00.000-05:00

"Hi Mom I'm Pregnant," " Wait Who's pregnant?""

Jonathan and I decided that once I finished graduate school we would "work" on having a baby...he was totally excited about it and if he had his druthers this baby would have been here before now. So our task begins---and I am the type of person if we say we are going to do something, I research it, google it, come up with a plan and then we begin. So after researching it, googling it, and creating a plan - I had my fertile days charted on a calendar and pronounced.."Let the Games Begin" I have my suspicions on when we actually conceived but I can't quite put my finger on it. In the meantime Jonathan and I took a trip to New Orleans at the beginning of November with our good friends and "travel couple" Cliff and Alicia -- we had a ball and Alicia and I fired up the dance floor on bourbon street -- Who knew this would be my last hoorah!!

I found out that I was preggo (the name my crew would affectionately call me for the next 9 months) Early december - I was acutally in the shower and I JUST KNEW!! No Kidding - I knew that I was pregnant at that very moment. I didn't tell my husband because he was three sheets to the wind and I had no solid proof. By 6:00 a.m. the next morning, I urged Jonathan to run to Publix and grab a pregnancy test. He said your not pregnant GO BACK TO SLEEP. I thought to myself is this the same man that 5 months ago announced to our friends and family that we were going to "work" on a baby at my Graduation party. I poked him and jumped on top of his head...Get the Frik up and go get a pregnancy test--he laughed and snorted and turned over. I was furious, so I get outta bed throw on my coat and tennis shoes- yes still in my Pj's and drive off to Publix--I grab a test and run back home and head straight to the bathroom. In a half-of-a-milli-second a blue line was revealed - I gasp for air because this is the real deal!!! I take the second test and in a nano-half-of-a-milli-second the blue line appeared again. OK breathe again.....I tell hubby and he gets this glazed look in his eyes!! Wow
Let's start making the calls Me: "Good Morning, Hi Mom, I'm Pregnant " Mom: "Wait Who's Pregnant?" We have a good laugh about that later on....