Kicked Out

Last night I took my son to see a renowned storyteller. She was fabulous. Beautiful dreadlocks, bright smile and very animated.

We got escorted out by the security guard.

As soon as we entered the children's section of the library my 2 year old saw a stuffed dinosaur and wanted to make sure that I saw it too. His excitement sent the librarian's eyebrows to the ceiling and got us pegged as trouble-makers right away by security. I made the very bad decision to join the crowd anyway. He listened for a good five minutes and then became more interested in playing with a friend.

We moved to another section of the library after realizing that listening to the artist was a lost cause. My son has two volumes. Loud and louder. Three times the security guard came over. Twice to tell us to be quiet and once to tell him to put his shoes back on. Finally, I said, "OK, sorry, we're leaving." The man who was only doing his job walked us out. As we were going down the stairs at a turtle pace my little hooligan turns around to say, "Mommy, is dat policeman coming wid us?"

Autopilot

It's amazing how a mother's body functions on little sleep, isn't it? You just do it...Nike thought they came up with the top selling slogan but it's actually the original Mommy Motto.

Here are some things I've learned about myself lately:

I can change a diaper in the dark. I can nap for 10 minute intervals. I can listen to my husband vent about work while playing my 2 year old's "What's That" game and hold a paci in Baby's mouth all at the same time. I can dance to the Wiggles while rocking Baby to sleep. I can go 2 days without taking a shower (thank God for hats). I can eat mac-n-cheese and raisins. I can feed Baby while playing Super Man with Big Brother. I can tell people "no." I can talk on the phone only when driving...damn the new cell phone law.

I can do just about anything. It may embody spit up and play dough...but I can probably do it!

She's Here!

At 11:25AM on Thursday, June 19th the tiny dancer arrived. She is soft and sweet and I'm falling in love all over again.

Big Brother likes to hold her, says "stinky" when I change her, and looks for her when she's not around.

Daddy is already spun tight around that mini-pinky.

We sure are lucky!!

Got a minute?

I love getting these via email.

What time did you get up today? 7ish
Diamonds or pearls? Both, please.
Latest movie in a movie theater? 21
Favorite TV series? Grey's Anatomy, What Not to Wear
What did you have for breakfast? coffee and french toast
What’s your middle name? Lamb
Favorite food? Italian or Mexican
Which food don't you like? BBQ (shhh, it's a sin here in Eastern NC!)
What's your favorite CD at the moment? Grace Potter or Alicia Keys
What car do you drive? Subaru Outback
Favorite sandwich? Roast Beef sub all the way
What are your favorite clothes? comfy jeans, long sleeved t-shirts
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? back to Hawaii
Favorite clothing brand? Ann Taylor Loft, GAP, Old Navy, Banana Republic
Where would you like to retire? NC beaches
Favorite time of day? When hubby gets home from work
Where were you born? Lumberton, NC
Which is your favorite sport to watch? tennis
Coke or Pepsi? Dt. Coke
Soccer or hockey? soccer
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Morning...annoyingly so
Pedicure or manicure? Pedicure, espcecially since I haven't been able to touch my toes in weeks!
Any exciting news to share? I'm being induced in less than two days!!
What did you want to become as a child? A daycare owner and hair stylist
Best childhood memory? beach trips
Ever been to Africa? No
Ever rolled anybody in toilet paper? Yes, and egged, too. I'm sorry.
Have you ever been in a car accident? Nothing serious
Favorite day of the week? Saturday
Favorite flower? daisies
Hot dog or Chinese food? Chinese, can't do hotdogs
Do you own a bike? No, but would like an Earth Cruiser
Who was you latest e-mail from? Oprah.com
Where would you like to shop more if you could afford to? NYC
Bed time? 9:30 - 10:00ish
Latest person to share dinner with? Hubby and son
What are you up to now? Finishing a short story for my son. My hubby decided he wanted to help so I'm taking a break while he colors some of the illustrations
Favorite color? yellow
How many tattoos? none, yet

Mourning of the Thong

In the nesting phase of my second pregnancy I have cleaned out most closets and this morning...my delicates drawer. In my 20s I would have called it lingerie. Today it's just my underwear and according to my 2 year old they are "big boy unders."

Crammed in the back of the bottom drawer were numerous pairs of thongs. Pretty, some lacy, some cutesy, little things that I wore years ago. Why was I hanging on to them? To remind me of what my butt used to look like? To remind me of my honeymoon and the several years that followed...before a child entered our lives and The Wiggles invaded our bedroom? To make me come to terms that no matter how fast I try to lose this baby weight that I will never again be comfortable in what should be called perma-wedgie wear?

Whatever the reason I was hording these floss like pieces of cloth I mourned their absence. After putting them in the trash I reflected on what I used to be...or at least, looked like. For several years they were all I wore...as underwear, not really all that I wore. With jeans, work suits, and even summer dresses thongs were the foundation of my clothing. How had I gone from matching lingerie to big momma underwear?

Feeling a little sorry for myself and contently riding the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy hormones I was sitting on my bed with my son allowing him to watch too much TV. In this daze I was remembering confidently getting dressed for parties and dinner out with my new hubby when my little boy snapped me back to the present. He put his chubby little hand on my mammoth belly, snuggled up close and said, "I kiss baby sister." He then leaned down for the sweetest peck I've ever witnessed.

Suddenly, the mourning ceased. I now have closure. Thongs, may you rest in peace.

Magnets

Are you a magnet? Do you attract or repel?

Apparently I attract objects flying from moving vehicles. Twice the hood of my car has been damaged by things from other automobiles. One was a hunk of metal from an 18 wheeler and the other was a mini-log from a rickety trailer pulled behind a shiny SUV. Luckily no one was hurt either time.

My brother used to attract bug bites. During the summer he would be covered in mosquito bites from playing hide and seek at dusk or horsefly bites from a day at the pool. Me, not one red swell. I used to brag that it was because I was a faster runner and swimmer but really worried if he was sweet and I was sour.

My mom was a positive magnet for teenagers. I always, always had friends over in high school and college. Sometimes they would be there sitting in our kitchen talking with Mom when I got home from tennis practice or a weekend at my father's. This continued past my teen years...she was involved, I think, because she knew how hard those years can be.

Share your positive and negative charges with others...I bet some interesting conversations will emerge:)

Love

Do you ever wake up with so much love in your heart it's hard to start the day? Very rare are these moments for me but it's bringing me to write this morning.

I'm about to have a baby girl. I have a beautiful husband and a healthy 2year old boy. I love my home, my bed, my yard, and even my kitchen. Although I'm not very fond of my double chins right now I am thankful, so very thankful, that I am able to carry the angel inside.

I love my family and friends. I love the town in which I live and I love the tiny church that we attend. I love to eat and watch tv (at the same time). I love tennis, the beach, boat riding, petting cats and dogs, listening to the rain. I love watching my son grow and listening to his point of view. I love new shoes and clothes that fit. I love little notes from my husband. I love music videos in the morning and radio without commercials. I love original art and local accents. I love finger nail polish and lipstick. I love to laugh, especially the giggles. I love America and Mother Earth. I love great conversations. I love when my son plays the piano or harmonica (sounds only a mother could love).

I love, love, love, to love.