Mommy Confession: Why I Can’t Go To Bed Early January 16, 2009

Except for when I was in high school and early college, I have always been an “early to bed, early to rise” kind of gal. I loved mornings. I loved going to bed early, getting up before everyone else, and having some time to get ready for the day. Then I had my second baby.

Now, you can’t get me to bed before midnight under any circumstances (ok, I actually fell asleep before midnight on New Years Eve this year. Blame the wine).

Why my sudden change in internal clock?

After a long, hard day of taking care of two kids under two, I need a few hours at the end of the day when I can do whatever I want (usually running or taking a bubble bath) without two tiny people crying, tugging at me, spitting up, throwing things, or, in the case of my almost-two-year-old, purposely hurting himself for attention.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore my boys. I stare at them while they’re sleeping and am (usually) exciting to get them out of bed in the mornings. But I think every mom has felt her stomach drop when she hears her child waking up way too early from nap time. Today, for example, I had a mere 15 minutes with both boys down for their naps. As soon as I got my 4-month-old to bed, my toddler was waking up.

So here it is, 9:30pm…I’m sick, tired, and really in need of some rest. I am, however, fresh out of the tub, sitting in front of the computer, trying to decide what I want to do with these precious moments to myself. Because I know in a mere 9.5 hours I will once again become the sole provider for 50 pounds worth of very demanding little people.

So, sleep? Nah. You can probably catch me on Facebook instead…

Funny Things I Never Expected About The Second Year February 28, 2008

I had big plans for having the “perfect” child and, for at least the first year, I did really well in following those goals. Only healthy food, no TV, alphabet drills…my son had the perfect beginning.

He’s now 13 months old, however, and, especially now that I’m expecting another baby, oh how times have changed! Here’s a few interesting things that I never expected of myself:

1. Happy Meals are glorious. James had his first last week – Chicken McNuggets and Apple Dippers! He loved them. And so did I.

2. I’m learning Spanish from Dora the Explorer. This has, to an extent, replaced “alphabet drills.”

3. I have to hide in the pantry to eat Girl Scout cookies. I’ve created a tiny, little Cookie Monster who will beg mercilessly until I give him a cookie. So I hide. I see no shame in that.

4. Particularly when he’s sick, I am not above appeasing my child with cookies and TV. Cookies and TV make me feel better when I’m sick, and it seems to work the same for a 1-year-old.

5. And on a sentimental note, I never thought that the tiny creature who wanted to be held all the time just a few short months ago would suddenly be entirely too independent for snuggle time with mommy. I have to fight the urge to sneak into his room at night to quietly pick him up and cuddle him. At least I’ll get myself a new little cuddle monster in 6 1/2 more months…

All this being said, I haven’t completely abandoned all my “good mommy” goals. James still eats relatively healthy – veggies, starch, and protein at every meal; fruits or whole grains for most snacks. We still read together every day. I have, however, relaxed. A lot. And I never expected that I would!

Healthy Toys Website December 6, 2007

Go to www.healthytoys.org for information on independent testing of toys.

You can search by brand or type of toy to see if your child’s toy has elevated levels of lead, chlorine, arsenic, and other chemicals.

My New Vacuum November 26, 2007

I’ve had the same old vacuum since I got married 5 1/2 years ago and, after looking at online reviews for my sister who was planning on buying a new vacuum over the weekend, I decided it was time for me to buy a new one!

My old vacuum was fine for a married couple living in a tiny apartment, but now that we have a cat, a dog, a baby, and a good sized house, I need a few more bells and whistles. After some online searching, I decided to buy the Eureka Capture Bagless Upright.

I found it on sale at Wal Mart, brought it home, put it together, and went to town! I vacuum every day but Sunday, so I, of course, had vacuumed with my old cleaner this morning. I was disgusted at what the Capture picked up off my carpet! Ok, and a little excited that my new vacuum is so much more powerful. It also has a handy attachment for stairs and furniture with a separate rotating brush – a must-have if you have pets!

Here’s my new vacuum…

Why Aren’t All Clothes Wrinkle-Free? October 5, 2007

As if I didn’t hate, hate, hate ironing enough already, my iron decided to lash out at me today. I burned my hand. Certainly not the worst burn I’ve ever had, but it’s a tad uncomfortable.

It’s been almost 40 years since we landed a man on the moon, and we still don’t have completely wrinkle-free wardrobes? Come on, NASA…do something useful!

I’d rather clean 10 toilets than iron for an hour, yet I do it each and every week. Usually with a smile. Until I burn my hand.

My New Blog! October 2, 2007

I’ve had my political blog for two years, and I still love ranting about politics. Considering, however, that the vast majority of my life is made up of being a wife, mother, and homemaker, I thought it would be nice to have another blog where I can write about those topics.

So, without further ado…

welcome to homemakerjama.com!