The Doctors Wife

Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This

Today was a little challenging. Hannah is pretty into her routine, and while occasional variances are fine, several days in a row of having an altered routine can make going back to "normal" a little, um difficult. I knew that today would be hit or miss, so I planned on staying home, only getting out to run a few "car errands" (bank, post office, dry-cleaners, etc). However, we never left the house, and I got very little done around the house. It's so funny how you can have your day all planned out and your toddler can alter your plan entirely! Hannah could care less if I get anything marked off my to-do list, and honestly it is days like today that help me have the perspective that in the grand scheme of things it really doesn't matter.We had a rough morning, but the afternoon was much better. We had lots of cuddles, hugs and tears, and Hannah spent the greater part of the morning without pants (I have no idea where this one came from- she was just not having anything to do with getting dressed today. It took me forever to get her into a shirt, and I gave up on the pants, figuring that sooner or later I would get them on her- and I did, just in time for her nap. Because there was no way I was putting that child down for a nap with just a diaper- that is asking for trouble) Tomorrow we will try again to run errands, and hopefully we will make it out of the house. Mike will be off on Wednesday and Thursday (hooray!) so if our routine is a miss, I don't think it really matters- it will be next week before things are back to "normal" for more than a couple of days in a row.  Hoping you are all either enjoying down time or having a better time of easing back into the swing of things!

Merry and Bright

We had a wonderful Christmas- full of fun, food and family! Hannah loved the gifts that Santa left, and had a blast opening presents and playing with her cousin! It was our first Christmas to host both of our families and I think it was a success- it was nice to get to spend Christmas with our families and I appreciate them making the trip to come and stay- (Mike was on call all week, and we could not have left town). 

We spent the next couple of days putting away new things, putting away the Christmas decorations, cleaning up and trying to get things back to "normal" (whatever that is!) I also spent some time sorting through all of the unisex hand me downs, and have begun to organize all of the baby clothes. I am making a list of anything that we need for the nursery and we will hopefully get things together in the next couple of weeks. I found that during the entire celebration, my thoughts kept drifting to the fact that this time next year, our little guy will be here!! I am so excited I can hardly wait!

Hoping your Christmas was merry and bright!

Hannah LOVES her car that Santa brought- too bad it didn't come with an elf to push it around!

Oliver spent the morning guarding his stash (my brother's two standard poodles were up for the festivities) and he meant business, which is funny because our two furry visitors never even came anywhere near his loot.

When Words Fail Me

I was planning to write a thoughtful post but find that my hormone steeped brain cannot find adequate words to describe the greatest gift that the world has ever received. So please go and read this, and then go read this, and finally this. May your heart be filled with God's abundant love and peace this Christmas.

The Not Perfect Christmas

There will not be a perfect Christmas at my house this year. Several cards made it out with the wrong address the first time around, and will be arriving late. I'm sure I will forget things from the grocery store, and some of the holiday favorites may not be quite as good as when my mom makes them. I'm sure my house won't be as clean and tidy as it could, and I'm sure we will have a toddler melt down or two. Nope, there will be no perfect Christmas at my house.

It is easy to get caught up in wanting things perfect- we all want to have a wonderful, magical Christmas, and there is most certainly nothing wrong with that. The problem is when we get so caught up in all of the details that we forget what we are celebrating. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of a Saviour for everyone. Not having perfect centerpieces, or the best lights on the block, or the cleanest house, or the best variety of Christmas cookies. So take a deep breath, set down your to-do list, and remember that while things may not be perfect, perfection isn't what Christmas is about.  

And this is the end of that

I am tired people. I am still not completely recovered from being sick, and I am eight months pregnant, so you do the math on how I am feeling. And oh my gracious I am tired of dealing with all of this bloggy drama. I don't like the level that I have already been sucked into, I don't like the snappy side of me that this has brought out. Negativity is seeping into my home through my lap-top and I just don't have any place for it. 

This blog is an outlet for me. It is generally a lighthearted account of my day to day life. I typically do not write about controversial topics, because in this season of young motherhood, I do not want to invite the criticism and controversy that goes along with it. I do not have the energy- my energy is needed elsewhere. Heaven knows that having a "mommy blog" is controversial enough. I know that as this is a public blog, criticism is going to come my way. Personally I do not understand being so disgusted with someone and their thoughts, opinions, and accounts that you keep on reading. And not only reading, but commenting in a rather rude and tactless way. I do not believe that everyone should agree, like, or even care about what I'm up to, however if you feel so inclined to let me know how you feel, I simply ask that you do it in a respectful way. Again, heaven knows what a critical and ugly place the world is, and while yes this is a public place, I do not understand why some readers seem so bent on trying to bring me down. Not to be all Pollyanna, but I had a Sunday school teacher in those very tricky middle school years- you know what I'm talking about, those years of unbelievable cattiness and cruelty, who always reiterated the point, "Your candle will not burn any brighter by blowing others out". And I always considered this to be pretty wise advice. While I am certainly not perfect, and have my moments when I should listen more closely to this advice, I try not to tear others down- there is enough of that in the world without me adding to it.

In high school in an English class, in an effort to improve our editorial skills, (or perhaps get out of grading papers) I had a teacher who did not actually grade any of the essays we wrote. Each essay was read, and graded by two peers, and the grades were averaged for your final essay grade. One paper I received was a very low score, I was a little surprised, as I had put quite a bit of effort into the paper. Upon reading the comments that the peer had written, very few had to do with the essay, or my writing abilities. In red ink, he had written "You are too happy" and given me a 48. Yes, I am generally a happy person and I choose to find the positive. (most of the time) However at that point in high school, my parents were hundreds of miles away. My mother had a very serious brain tumor and was away for surgery. (I have written about this previously, but am not going to take the time to find/ link it) It was an incredibly scary and lonely time for me, but I tried not to let life's circumstances take control of me. I dealt with it the best that I knew how, relied on lots of support from extended family and friends, and the sheer grace of God to get through it. So I know that life is not always rosy. I am very aware of this- but I choose to try to find the good, even when it seems like there is none. My life has not always been easy, right now I would not necessarily describe it as easy, but I am luckier than many and blessed most certainly beyond what I deserve, so I try (not always successful) not to grumble too much.

We live in a very judgmental world. If you stay home you will be criticized, if you work, you will be criticized, if you are happy in your marriage, unhappy in your marriage, overweight, underweight, short, tall, love to cook, or hate to cook, whatever the case may be, you will find people who are waiting to criticize you, very often in any aspect you can conceive. I try not to judge others, and I certainly try not to bring any body down because they believe differently than me. God does not lead us all down the same path, or call us all to do the same thing. He gifts us all differently and it is up to us to hear his calling for us and follow his word. Now this is not to say that I do not have opinions- oh I most certainly do, but generally speaking, unless I am asked, I don't often impose them on others.

I am also pretty aware of my own shortcomings, flaws, and vulnerabilities, I really don't need extra voices who only get a small slice of my life pointing out and identifying what they feel are my shortcomings, again if I am so egregious in my behavior that you feel compelled to let me know- that is fine- do it respectfully, and leave my family out of it. I have never deleted comments- even the negative ones, because that feels a little edit-y to me.  But I am also tired of defending myself, and again this is MY blog, and as far as I know, no one is being forced to read it. So because I have a lot going on right now, and you know there is something in the next couple of days known as Christmas, I am closing comments on all of my posts. If you have something to say to me, please email me. I have several auto posts coming up since again, it is Christmas, and I have a Saviour to celebrate. So please, let us move on, because none of this nonsense is appropriate, any time of year but especially Christmas. I wish you all love, joy and happiness and hope you all come to know the abundant grace of God's love this Christmas. 

Merry Christmas!

Joy

If you don't have something nice to say...

I know that here in the land of blog that not everyone is going to like what you have to say. I stumble across blogs read them, think ehhh, and then move on. I think we all come across blogs that we don't care for- and that is perfectly fine. We are not going to like what everyone has to say, agree with everyone's lifestyle, etc. etc. etc. What I do not understand is if you come across my little old blog, you don't like it, not only do you take the time to read multiple posts, but you take the time to leave rude comments on said multiple posts. Also you type in my URL instead of your own, very classy. Perhaps I am just the blog that you love to hate?

One of the things that I like about the blogging world is that it allows so many to find support and encouragement. However, what I do not understand is those who go and leave rude, hateful comments. If you don't like what I have to say, move on. Don't read MY blog. If you have an opinion that you feel you need to express to me, at least have the courtesy to express your opinion in a respectful manner. 

And for the record, dear reader, I certainly do not think that I am better than anyone else because I am a doctors wife. I simply felt that a stranger reaching their hand in MY PURSE, no matter how well intentioned is crossing the line. If you don't like it, I'm not going to lose any sleep tonight.

And yes, I took pictures of my shoes. My little girl had been playing with them, and I thought it was a quick way to sum up a very busy weekend. Again, it was meant to be a FUN post. 

And yes I wear makeup, and no I don't think that anyone particularly cares that I wear make up. I'm sorry that you think I live in la la land and have no idea what life is really like. Perhaps you, "wife of a physician" should get off of your critical high horse and keep your rude thoughts to yourself. If you don't like what I have to say, move on and quit reading.

And good gracious, you have more to say about how insecure I am and how my husband is not a real doctor, etc. etc. etc. While you think that I should "get a life", I think you should take your own advice and quit spreading your hateful, rude thoughts.  As my mother would  say, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

All Nighter

Oh ya'll, last night was not good. Not at all. There has been a stomach bug going around, and last night it took me down, oh it took me down hard. Mike called in today, so he could watch Hannah and keep an eye on me. I was fully expecting to go to the hospital for fluids, because oh the dehydration. (I lost 10 pounds in about 12 hours) but my ob decided that since I was (as of this morning) keeping down fluids that I would be ok. So today I have been in bed trying to chug fluid, and catch a nap here and there. And I have to say, that I am the luckiest woman in the world- Mike is absolutely the sweetest man and I appreciate how much he takes care of me. Ok, enough computer time, back to the gatorade. Hoping you are all well and enjoying the holidays!

Vanity, Thy Name is Joy

We visited my parents over the weekend- my mom hosted a baby shower for friends/family in our hometown. (city?) It was really fun and very relaxing. It was also my last trip until after the baby is born. Hannah had a very good time playing at her Grammy and PaPa's and was entertained beyond words at their cat, Benny. Sunday night we rolled back into town and were met with very cold weather, and then sleet. Yesterday all of the major (and minor) school districts in the area closed, but I had a doctors appointment and Mike and I decided that as long as I gave myself plenty of time and was (duh) very careful it would be fine to go as scheduled- the appointment wasn't until 11:30, giving the salt and sand crews plenty of time to get the streets into decent shape.

Hannah and I were going through our usual morning routine, and after turning a video on for her, I ducked into our room to get ready. As I got to the point where I put on makeup, I could not find my makeup bag, it was not in its usual spot, nor anywhere it could have logically been placed. I remembered that I had taken it to my parents (you know, in case I cried and got all racoony, because I may or may not be a little weepy these days). I slipped on my shoes and went into the freezing garage to check my car. No luck. And then it begins to sink in. My makeup is hours away at my parents house. My. makeup. is. hours. away. I called my mom, and she confirmed my suspicion.  Now if you have been reading for awhile, you know my policy about looking nice when you go to the doctor, so going without makeup was simply not an option. (yes, I am one of those women, the vain kind who cannot even think about leaving their house without makeup) So I called Mike and complained as I began to pull out my train-case of samples, and a box that has makeup that I am not currently wearing, but am not ready to toss. The foundation, powder, etc. was a little darker than my actual skin, but not altogether awful looking. I added a little moisturizer to the foundation to lighten it up, and it worked pretty well. I had plenty of options as far as eye-shadow, blush, and lipstick were concerned, but the tiny worthless sponges and "brushes" that they give you to apply them with? I am not kidding when I say, that if I tried to use those worthless things, it is highly likely that I would have left my house looking like a little girl who had been playing in her mother's makeup. And my. brushes. were. hours. away. I have a back up set, they have never been opened, I got an awesome deal on them and have been saving them for the day when my current set needs replacing. But a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do and I opened them up. All in all I think I looked alright when I left. The three things that I missed the most are the things that help me look like I am sleeping way more than I actually am- this, this, (the Aussie Perk Me Up) and my beloved Dior Show mascara. There are just no replacements for these little miracle workers, but all in all I feel that I certainly at the very least, looked presentable.

When I met Mike at the doctors office, he kindly asked if I wanted to call my parents and see if they would meet him halfway. I became highly alarmed and asked if I indeed needed him to do this, and he quickly assured me that I looked fine, but he just figured that I would want my makeup back. (Isn't he a sweetheart?) I told him that I thought I would be fine until next week (my parents are coming up for Christmas) and since we are in the middle of an ice storm I will likely not leave the house for the next few days, and we have no parties left before Christmas (because otherwise I would be singing a completely different tune) so I figured I could manage, but it was a very sweet offer. Later that afternoon I had called my mom to let her know how the appointment had gone (everything looks good) and she asked if I wanted her to mail my makeup? I told her the same thing I had told Mike, but thought it was very funny that everyone thought I would freak out and not be able to make it until next week without my makeup. Funny, but a little sad too. But mostly funny. So if I know you in real life and run into you during the next week, and you think to yourself that I look like I have been playing in makeup, you will know why. : )

Christmas Tour of Homes 2008

 Boo Mama is hosting a Christmas Tour of Homes- this is your chance to go check out other people's decorations and be nosy! This year we decorated a little lighter than usual- having a toddler who runs around and wants to touch everything will make you think twice about completely decking the halls. But here are some pics of my very favorite decorations (they are the ones that are displayed!) Enjoy!!

Here is our tree- you will note the very lovely, super classy, very Christmasy gate. It has done a wonderful job keeping inquiring hands off of the ornaments and out of the gifts!

Last year I wrote about a little tradition for me and Mike- each year we add a heart ornament to our tree. Here is this year's addition.

Here is a shot of our mantle- the picture doesn't do it justice (I don't think!) The stockings are put away so Hannah doesn't pull them down (and consequently the rather heavy stocking holders on top of her head- because there's nothing more festive than a trip to the ER for stitches!)

A close up of some of the detail

Snowflake ornaments from the dining room chandelier, it still seems a little bare to me- I think next year I will have to add a little more!

My favorite Nativity (I have several) that Mike surprised me with last year.

So those are my very favorite decorations- I hope you enjoyed! Now head over to Boo Mama's and check out all of the fabulous participants and their oh so very lovely decorations!

A Random Post...

Afternoons with my sweet little girl have been a little hit or miss lately. She has had a few days where she completely skipped her nap, thus being quite cranky and dramatic for the latter part of the afternoon straight through to bedtime. I am happy to say that she has napped the past few days- I have been putting her down earlier than her usual time and this seems to have fixed the problem. (fingers crossed) This morning we went through our usual routine, ran a few errands and then headed home for lunch. After lunch we played for a few minutes and then it was time for her nap. I was rather relieved when she went down without a fuss and took a nice nap, allowing me to get some things done around the house. When she woke up we colored together at the table, I printed some cards for her to color and send to the grandparents. (I used printables from here, but if you do a google search, you will get a lot of results)

After coloring, we opened up her new Little People Nativity Set and spent a good portion of the afternoon playing with it. (that is, after I got the thing out of its very secure packaging, I have never seen so many wires on a toy) If you are looking for ways to incorporate the true meaning of Christmas into your holidays- I recommend this toy. As we played, I talked about each of the little characters, and after she was ready to move on to something else, I tried to read one of her Christmas books about the first Christmas, but ended up getting weepy. (which may or may not have anything to do with my being pregnant) So I think that this year it will be up to Daddy to read the books that have meaning, and I will be left with the cutesy stories. Ahhh pregnancy hormones, only a few more weeks to go!