A Sorry State of Affairs

Life is messy when you determine you need to clean your junk drawer before you can effectively clean the bar which has become the alternative location for the items normally found in the junk drawer. The last day of school is next Thursday and I want to have things in order around this house before then. I've been using the fact that I have a nursing infant as an excuse for letting things deteriorate around here, but no more. If I have time to go to the gym, or blog, or read, then I obviously have time to put a little cleanliness and order back in my life. I'm going to start in one area of the house and go from there. When the junk drawer is clean I will move on to the bar. When the bar is clean I will move on to the arts and crafts corner. Eventually I can get the whole place clean, or so I hope. I can be so organized and together in some areas of my life and it is time I become that way for my family. I don't want Husband to come home to a messy house and a frazzled wife, even if I have to fake the non-frazzled part. He works hard for us and it is about time I returned the effort. If I wasn't so chicken I would take pictures and show you just how bad things have become. But I still have an ounce of pride left and I'm clinging to it for dear life.

I'm going to get my house ready so it can look as good as my blog is going to look. Jo-Lynne is working on a new design for me and I can't wait to see it. She does some good work, y'all.

Three Months and Two Days

Oh, in the same hour that I posted about having nothing to post about, I decided to quit being lazy and do something. Butterfly woke up and ate, so she was in a happy place and I decided to snap a few pictures. Here are her feet, which are my absolute most favorite thing. I want to eat them.

She is a bundle of sweetness and love. At least most of the time. She nurses and goes to sleep right away at night, thank goodness. She was only waking up once a night but lately it has been at least twice a night. I'm hopeful that it is a growth spurt and that she will go back to better sleeping habits soon. She nurses every two hours on the dot most days, which is a little overwhelming at times. Right now I'm in a place where I have to encourage myself every day to keep nursing, but I know this time will pass and it will get easier. Enough about me. More about her. She is a very smiley baby a lot of the time. She sticks her tongue out, which I tried to capture on camera, but it is hard to see. She loves to sit in her Bumbo (attended of course, and never on a raised surface) and look around. This is a baby who knows there is a lot going on around her and wants to be in on some of it. But, she also likes to get away from it all. We have to remind her loving older siblings to give her some space sometimes. She coos and is almost laughing and I love it. We're so glad she's here.

A Big Bag

Of nothing. I've got one. Since it has been a week since I posted, I feel I should have something to say. But I don't. Oh, there are things I want to write about. I just haven't pulled it all together. For example, Butterfly is officially three months old as of Tuesday and I want to post a picture and talk about how sweet she is. And I need to emphasize the sweetness in order to overlook the not-so-sweetness of late. I could talk about taking a week off from exercise to recover from illness and how hard it is to get motivated again. But I won't. I am trying to think about what I want my new design to look like. And I definitely need to come up with some kind of plan to address the housecleaning issues around here. So maybe I will. And I will definitely resume regular posting, like it or not.

With a Side of Crazy

Turns out I have a sinus infection and ears full of fluid and on the verge of infection. The doctor seemed very surprised that I was not taking anything over the counter to try to ease some of the discomfort. Since I'm breastfeeding, I was trying to avoid taking anything. However, she did give me an antibiotic that is stronger than the last one. Normally I try to just fight through these things, but with five kids to take care of I need to be well soon. The nurse also told me to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. I didn't laugh out loud when she said that, but I wanted to. Lots of rest--someone tell the baby please.

Where does the craziness come in? Today is Field Day for Princess. She has asked repeatedly if I would be coming. I didn't promise anything, but I'm going to go. With the other four kids. Outside. At a school with lots of other kids. I think the drugs may be having an affect on my mental health. Still, Princess deserves some of my time too. Distracted as I may be.

Seriously.

This is getting ridiculous. I'm sick again. I'm feeling much the same as I did two weeks ago when I was given antibiotics to treat an ear infection. It is looking like they didn't work so well. Monster is coughing now too. Why are we getting sick this time of year? And how I am supposed to give Monster sufficient breathing treatments, nurse a baby every two hours, and try to get some rest in myself? Butterfly must also be going through a growth spurt because she is waking more frequently at night. Thank God she nurses and goes right back to sleep. Still, the nursing every two hours during the day is on the verge of making me crazy, and the only thing keeping me sane most days is knowing that I will get a break at night. But now that is not happening. We might have to introduce the bottle again.

Sorry for complaining. I'm such a downer. We're supposed to go out of town for the weekend. I'll probably do my standard disappearing act for a few days. Promise to come back more cheerful.

Hard Work

Parenting can be a rough gig. We were reminded of that, and of how helpless our children really are, yesterday. Mass was held outside yesterday. Afterwards, we were visiting and the kids were playing in the field. All of a sudden I look up and see Buddy standing on a pile of dirt and screaming. The dreaded fireant attack. By the time Husband got to him his white socks looked black, they were so covered. Buddy has a good 40+ bites on his body. It was so sad. Of course, like all children he just stood there while the ants swarmed. So frozen in fear he did not know what to do. We had to remove the socks and shoes and do a very thorough check of the clothing. He recovered in time to request dinner at Applebee's though, so all is well. Still, it was quite scary. And it makes me think. Will he eventually learn to avoid the danger, or to get out when he encounters it? And what about the hidden things or the situations that don't seem dangerous? It's up to us to guide him. Big responsibility.



Thanks for the words of concern and encouragement on my last post. It was really meant to just be a joke. I thought of it while on the treadmill, actually. Don't worry about me though. I'm not cutting calories because I know I have to nourish Butterfly and myself. And I'm not killing myself on the treadmill either. The weight loss contest is over such a long time that there will be a point where I stop losing weight. I'm already in a healthy range, and am not losing more than two pounds a week (I actually gained last week). But thanks for being concerned for me. As for my relationship with the treadmill, it seems to be warming up again. :)

The Honeymoon is Over

At the beginning of our time together, being together was a top priority. I rearranged my schedule. I neglected friends. I would wait with eager anticipation for our next meeting. I would reflect happily on our last encounter. Things moved more quickly than I could have hoped for and it seemed we would always be in this state of bliss. But time has caused the glow to fade. The newness has worn off. I find myself making excuses to delay coming together. I don't mind when a day or two goes by with no contact. When we do manage to get together, it is from a sense of obligation, duty, and a little guilt. The joy is gone. All that is left is an unwillingness to break a commitment already made.

Pray for us. The treadmill and I are in a rough patch.

Phoning It In

I'm back from my trip and all is well. I'm too tired to be coherent, so consider yourself warned before you read any further. Butterfly did great on the plane going to Ohio and coming home. She only cried for a few minutes total, and she was all cute and smily otherwise, so the crying didn't seem so bad. We were both on antibiotics for ear infections, but the suffering was minimal. While in Ohio she was a little on the fussy side, unfortunately. But, my sister and parents and brother were all more than willing to take turns holding her and spoiling her. Brother's graduation was great. So exciting to see young men one step closer to becoming priests. We ate out a lot and I gained a pound, even though I spent an hour on the treadmill at the hotel. Oh well, such is life.

We took the kids to a Rangers game Monday night. It was Mean Green night, so we got the tickets for three dollars! Since they were cheap we were okay with leaving after the 5th inning. The kids were tired and it was a slow game. A fun family outing though, and much easier than I expected. We'll definitely do it again.

Here are some random things no one asked about but I thought I would share.

I love gospel choirs. I have no rhythm and can barely carry a tune. I feel like good gospel choirs make their love for Jesus so evident in their praise. I really wish I could be in one, but I lack the requisite skills (like singing).

I use the same treadmill at the gym every time, if possible. It is on the end of the row. I think I feel like fewer people are watching me, which is silly. No one is watching me, they don't care what I'm doing.

I'm glad nursing is going well with Butterfly, but I really wish she would take a bottle now and then. Husband was given tickets for an upcoming baseball game and I wish we could leave Butterfly at home, but she is just not all that interested in a bottle. I could use a break though. Oh well, this time will pass quickly enough.

Monster is funny. When we tell him to do something and he says no, we ask why. He says 'because.' We say "because why?" and he replies "because I said so!" Silly boy.

I'm assuming normal brain function will return soon. Or not, because tomorrow I'm spending the day at the zoo with a bunch of kindergarteners.

About Nicole

I'm Nicole. The idea of an about page is a good one, but it is hard to talk about yourself in my experience. I live in North Texas, just 160 miles away from where I grew up. I love living in Texas, although the stereotypes drive me crazy. I'm a mom to six (!) kids and wife to one awesome man. I read, shop (though not as much since procreating has played such a prominent role in my life), cook, and just live life. I'm Roman Catholic, and I share that because it is as much a part of my identity as my gender. I love sports; I even have my own subscription to Sports Illustrated. My husband likes that.

Travis is a loan officer and an avid sports fan as well. We both love the Mean Green and all of our DFW sports teams. He is a ninja.

Taylor is my oldest child, 10 years old. All girl and definitely living the role of the oldest child.

Madeleine is 9 and she is a firecracker. She looks like me, but takes after her Daddy in personality.

Caleb is 8 years old and is such a sweetie. He is really coming into his own, after being kind of overwhelmed by his sisters. He loves to beat box and dance, which surely comes from Travis!

Timmy is 6! He is all boy, throwing things, running everywhere, and melting my heart with his big brown eyes.

Lily is 4 years old. She is an unexpected blessing and we can't imagine life without her, now that she is here. Even if we do look fondly on the days of quiet and peace we had once in our lives. ;)

Benjamin is our baby boy, born May 5, 2010.  He is all happiness and joy and a sweet ending note for our family (for now, maybe for good).

That's our cast of characters. Stay and read our story.

Floating

Once again, a title with more than one application. As in, there are many thoughts floating around my head, and some of those are related to an interpretation of floating. Confused?

Husband and I are on the way to financial discipline and order. We have committed to living a certain way and we are making it work. We have also worked on getting our physical life in order, or our health anyway. We are both exercising regularly. Yea! We are paying attention to what we eat. Yea! So there is still one area that I am not doing so well in. That would be my spiritual life. I feel as if I am floating along, praying when the mood strikes or when something happens (to us or someone else) that spurs me to prayer. But there is no order, no routine, no consistency otherwise. I'm not doing a thing to deepen my relationship with God. And I can see the negative effects all over my life. Now I just need to get past acknowledging the problem and actually doing something about it.

All the other thoughts floating around relate to packing for my trip this weekend. And getting well, as I am on the beginning end of an ear infection apparently. And while it may be understandable when a baby cries because her ears hurt, I'm thinking I can't get away with that. Bummer. Lots to do before I go. I'll be back Tuesday.

Wordless Wednesday--Start'em Young

For other Wordless Wednesday participants, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Such a Follower

I am lame and unable to do anything on my own. So, I joined Twitter. Why I think anyone would care to know what I'm thinking/doing throughout the day is beyond me. Perhaps I'm delusional. Perhaps a bit vain. Or just bored and wanting to try something new. So you can find me at www.twitter.com/asmanyasgiven. So, if you use Twitter let me know.

I'm getting a new blog design! My free one never came through. So next week I'm going to pony up the dough and sign up as a client of dcrmom's design business, DCR Design. I can't wait! Also, I will be consulting her on how to use my cool new look on Twitter too.

Some Days

There are days where the weather just matches your mood or your plans for the day just perfectly. The best days I suppose would be the sunny, pleasant days when there are fun outdoor family activities planned. At least some people would like those. Today is cloudy and overcast and drizzly and I am so glad. Butterfly spend the weekend being sick and not sleeping well. So, this day matches how I'm feeling perfectly. We did have to go to the doctor (ear infection and upper respriatory infection) and the store for meds, but now we are home. We'll pick up Princess from school and I won't hesitate to let the kids watch videos and be lazy, because that is all I feel like doing. I do have to go to the gym tonight though. It is weigh-in day and I need to get a workout in. I have no doubt that it will be hard to get done today, but I will find a way. So for today anyway, I'm not singing "rain, rain go away" and I'm thankful for it.

24 Hours of Bliss

In about an hour, Husband and the four big kids are heading off to camp with the in-laws! I will get 24 hours at home with just Butterfly. I'm so excited I can't stand it. Like most moms, my time at home alone is rare to nonexistent. If I find myself kid free, you can bet I am not at home. So what will I do with such a gift? Well, I actually will leave the house a bit. I'm going to take advantage of having just Butterfly and do some shopping for myself. I'm heading to Ohio next week to attend my little brother's graduation (he hates when I call him 'little') and I'm still not sure what I'm going to wear. You see, he is graduating at a seminary and it will be a bit more formal than what I am used to. I just need a shirt with sleeves or a sweater so I'm not too bare. Anyway, I mainly plan to eat when I want (around Butterfly's needs of course) and sleep some. In fact, tomorrow might be the best morning ever because I can lay in bed with Butterfly all morning if I want to. Yea! I think Husband is hoping for some cleaning and I imagine I will work some in, as the state of our house is on the brink of chaos. But my main priority is to do whatever I feel like doing.

Blogs I Read

Here are the blogs I read, most of the time, in no specific order. Okay, in the order they are in my bookmarks. I rarely read them all every day. I do have five kids you know.

Musings of a Housewife

Rocks in My Dryer

SFO Mom

The Mother Load

Life in a Nutshell

Hello, Self

Raising Saints

Raising Angels

Boo Mama

No Longer at the Kids' Table

Testosterhome

Beautiful Day

Hayk

Mean Green Blog

Waltzing Matilda

Adventures in Imperfection

Little Men

One Juice Box at a Time

Swistle

Vita Familiae

My Three Sons

Danielle Bean

Wheelbarrow Manor

duckjarwiseko

T With Honey

Musings of TX Sahm

Many Little Blessings

Big Mama

Familia Del Valle

The Miss Elaine-ous Life

Adventures in Babywearing

Desperately Seeking Sanity

Just Call Me Mommy

Pink Explosion

Blessed Among Men

Toddled Dredge

I Should be Folding Laundry