Dom-isms

Dom says so many things that crack me up and make me smile. He still calls Rob “babe” half the time, which never gets old. Here are some other gems:

Oh my gosh!- he says this one in a funny little accent, usually like this: “oh my gosh Mommy, I have jello on my hand!”

It’s not funny- he learned this one from Rob. Dom was misbehaving and laughing so Rob told him “it’s not funny Dominic.” He picked it up and now like to say it if I think he’s being cute so I laugh, but he’s actually trying to be defiant. I get the “it’s not funny Mommy!”

Stop it- ok, he learned this one from me. When he does something he’s not supposed to, like pour water out of the bath when he’s sitting in it, I tell him “Stop it Dom.” So now if he doesn’t like something Rob or I are doing, he busts right out with it. If he’s watching tv and I turn it off because it’s bed time, he’ll say “no Mommy, stop it!”

Five more minutes- I guess all kids learn this one at some point; I just didn’t think it would be so soon. This one obviously came from me telling Dom he has five more minutes before something, usually bedtime. Now he’ll use it all the time. “Come on Dom, time to go to school.” “Five more minutes Mommy.” Or “Dominic, say bye to Yia Yia and Bapou, it’s time to go home.” He’ll hold up his little hand and wave it around saying “five more minutes please Mommy!”

In a minute- This is a fairly new one that is sometimes used instead of “five more minutes.” Typically I’ll ask something, like to pick up his toys, and he’ll say “in a minute.” That one is probably my fault too. When your kid asks you a thousand questions in the span of 30 seconds, “in a minute” becomes a regular player in daily vocabulary.

I guess so- this is maybe my favorite. It doesn’t make an appearance very often, but when it does, it makes my whole day. Used in a sentence: I ask Dom “hey baby, do you want some orange juice with breakfast?” and he replies, in the sweetest, tiny, squeaky voice “I guess thso.” Ughhh, I just die every single time. First of all, that little voice is so delicious I just want to eat it for dessert. And second of all, does he even know what it means when he says that? Regardless, I love it.

Happy Birthday To Me

Well, I’m officially kind of old. Sunday was my 36th birthday and I have mixed feelings about that number. For the most paty, I still feel young. I haven’t hit a point where I’m depressed about my age, or feel like I’m getting up there in years. I still enjoy most of the things I did when I was in my twenties and early thirties. But then think about the fact that 40 is only 4 years away. 40?! How is that possible? When I’m 40, Dominic will be 5. That makes me feel VERY old. I guess that’s what happens when you wait and have your first (and only) kid at 34. Oh, did I mention that when Dom graduates high school, I’ll be a lovely ripe old age of 51? Ok, I need to stop, I’m getting depressed.

Rob had to be in Phoenix on Saturday to get the last of things from his house before it closed escrow. Instead of going out for by birthday that night, I ended up having a girls night at Lanie’s house. Tina and Rayline also came over and we had dinner, played cards (gin rummy) and had some drinks. It was mellow but fun and a nice change from the usual fanfare. Dom spent the night with my Mom and Dad, which he was so excited about. “Mommy, I watch animals on TV with Bapou.” When I picked him up on Sunday, he got very upset when it was time to go home. He clutched onto his Yia Yia and said “nooooo Mommy, I want Yia Yia!!!” Poor baby. He always has so much fun and it’s always so hard to leave.

Rob came home Sunday afternoon and took us to “The Spaghetti Factory” for dinner. Dom was apparently very hungry because while we were waiting for our food, he was captain cranky pants. Everything was “no” and “stop it” which didn’t make for a very relaxing dinner. But when his food came, he gobbled it up fast! Cranky when he’s hungry…wherever does he get that from? (*cough* Gina *cough* all you)

Mom and Dad got me a gift card for Vogue Salon towards getting my haircut and colored (it’s been over a year people!) and also a food processor! I’m so excited to try it out. Mom said I’ll wonder how I lived without it. Rob got me cooling stands (for when I make cookies,) a cookbook stand, stainless steel mixing bowls and new headphones for my iPod! All stuff that was on my wish list, so I’m stoked. Marcus got me two really cool books, one about AC/DC and one written by Duff from Guns n Roses about his life. I love autobiographies!

So I’m 36 years old now. I share my life with my boyfriend our beautiful son, who I love and adore with all my heart. We have a pretty wonderful life together and I feel very lucky to say that I am truly happy.

Shrek Obsessed

Dom is super obsessed with the Shrek movies right now. He can’t get enough of it. He wants to watch it every single day and usually cries when we turn it off for bath time or to go to school. It’s the first time he’s really gotten into a movie before, and I think it’s pretty cute. His favorite parts are the ones with music in them. He’ll dance around, grab his gabba guitar and rock out. Rob got him (of course) all the characters in soft, plush form and sometimes he makes them talk and dance along with the movie. We're pretty stoked because the movies are hilarious and I’ve only seen the first one. So now we get to catch up and enjoy then with Dom.

Broadway Yard Sale 2011

Every year, we have a summer tradition. The Broadway Yard Sale. We get together with Lanie and her family and have a multi-family yard sale at her Mom’s house. This photo was taken on the way over there at 6:30am and I have to tell you that Dom was really excited about it all. And can we talk for a second about how long his legs look?

We first started it in 2009 and Dom was only about 4 weeks old. Can you believe? There we were, selling our stuff at 7 in the morning while holding little Cubbers in one hand and handing over change with the other.

We’ve done it every year since and it’s one of my favorite traditions. Not only do we (ok, lets be honest..I..Rob has hard time parting with stuff) get to sell some of stuff and make a little moolah, but we get to spend the day with loved ones and get rid of stuff we no longer need. The best part is seeing how Dom has changed over the years.

This year especially was great because he was in heaven. He was running around the front yard, checking out all the items for sale. He helped Tina unload her boxes and made several laps to make sure he said hi to everyone. He had the best time and was just so excited to be there. That in turn made me very happy too. I got rid of a bunch of old clothes, shoes and purses and made $100. Everybody wins!

Barney Up Close and Personal

Dom is feeling much better, yay! Today we took Dom to his first concert. Barney! Rob bought tickets for us and of course, they were the best seats in the house. Front row center with VIP access to meet Barney before the show. Dom got to say hi, give him a hug and we got our photo taken with him on stage.

I’ll be honest; I was kind of dreading this afternoon because I am not a big fan of the Dino. But you know what? It wasn’t that bad. They sang a lot of songs that Dom knew, like “the wheels on the bus” and “itsy bitsy spider.” The best part was watching Dominic’s reaction. Half the time he sat in his seat, completely mesmerized by what was going on. As soon as the music and dancing stopped, he’d say “more Mommy!” Then the next song would begin and he’d back in his seat, looking on in awe. After the intermission, he seemed to really get into it. Standing up and dancing along with the other kids. He even got up on the big screen at one point!

He did really well for it being a long day. I picked him up from daycare at 1pm (after he only had a 40 min nap) and we got to Long Beach by 2pm for the meet and greet with Barney. The show started at 3pm and went to 4:30pm. By the time we got home it was close to 5:30pm and he was wiped out. We kept him awake in the care by singing songs and dancing, and thankfully it worked.

When it was time for bed, I laid him down in his crib with bunny and his new friend Baby Bop. I didn’t hear a peep from him until the morning. The first words out of his mouth? “Mommy, can I see Barney again? Please?” I think it’s safe to say he had a great time. Rob is so awesome to make that happen. What an great memory for all three of us.

Cough Cough Sniffle

Dom has had a small cough since last week and it’s progressively been getting worse so today I took him to the doctor to get checked out. Poor guy has the runniest of all noses and it’s driving him nuts. He’s been on and off with feeling warm, never having a full on fever, but not definitely more flush than usual.

As we pushed open the door to the waiting room, Dom ran over to the book wall to do some light reading. As I signed us in, the office staff all stand up to peek out and tell Dom hello. They love him, what can I say? Not missing a beat, Dom runs over to them and says “hiii guys!” Haa haaa haaa, it made me laugh out loud. Where does he get this stuff?

We waited in the doctor’s office and as soon as she walked in, Dom said to her “Doctor, my nose hurts. I need medicine for my nose!” Kill me now. Does it get any better than that? He promptly laid down so she could check him out. Turns out he has a sinus infection that is causing the cough and a lovely case of post nasal drip. The post nasal drip, in turn, is causing the phlemy breathing and also started working on an ear infection. Luckily we caught it before it got worse.

After getting dressed and saying “thank you Doctor!” we headed off to the appointment desk to see Miss Linda. Dom knows he gets a sticker after his appointment so he couldn’t wait to grab one. Usually there are slim pickings…a no name monkey holding a firecracker and maybe a Thomas the Tank Engine. But today was Doms day..they had Yo Gabba! WHAT? No way, how was that gem not scooped up already by some sticky fingered kid? Right next to that sat Dora, Mickey Mouse, Diego and Sponge Bob. Dom’s eyes lit up as he yelled out the name of each character while reaching over and plucking them up one by one. I had to remind him that he only gets one sticker, and he has to share with the rest with the other kids.

Of course this did not go over well with him. Furrowed brows made their way to the main stage, but quickly disappeared when Miss Linda told him he could pick two. You see, my son is kind of a star over there. All the doctors and nurses love him. He’s been going there since birth, so they have seen him grow up. They asked him, “How old are you Dom?” He replied “I’m twoooooo! I had party. Pinata, bang bang with toyyyssss!” He had everyone’s attention and he was eating it up. He broke out into song “happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to Domiiiiii!” The grand finale was him smooshing his lips together and blowing out his “candles.”

No one can believe he just turned two because he speaks so well and no one can believe he’s actually able to tell them about his party. I stood there beaming, feeling so lucky that this is MY kid.

Heart Breaker

Lock up your daughters, McCool is going to be breaking hearts!

40 questions

1. What’s your middle name? don’t have one
2. How big is your bed? California king
3. What are you listening to right now? Britney!
4. What are the last 4 digits in your cellphone number? 5887
5. What was the last thing you ate? In n out (I know, don't judge me)
6. Last person you hugged? Dominic:)
7. How is the weather right now? Hot, Hot, Hot
8. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? My Dad
9. What is the first thing you notice in the opposite sex? Hmm..style I guess
10. Favorite type of food? French fries
11. Do you want children? Got one, he’s the best
12. Do you drink? Sure do, about once a month if that
13. Ever get so drunk you don’t remember the entire night? Ugh, yes. Once. My 35th birthday
14. Hair color? brown
15. Eye colour? Brown but wear blue colored contacts, sometimes green
16. Do you wear contacts/glasses? Yes and yes
17. Favorite holiday? My birthday! Oh wait, that’s not a holiday?
18. Favorite season? summer
19. Have you ever cried over a girl/boy? Of course, many times as a kid and an adult
20. Last movie you watched? Hall pass, last night with Rob. Hilarious (I asked Rob what he would do if I gave him a hall pass. His answer? Starve. Paahaahaaa!!!! Best. Answer. Ever.)
21. What books are you reading? Steven Adler autobiography
22. Piercings? Ears and nose
23. Favorite movie? Ooh tough one. Love Actually, Sweetest thing, About a Boy
24. Favorite college football team? Not a fan
25. What were you doing before filling this out? Folding laundry
26. Any pets? Sophie, English Bulldog and Cuddles, kitty
27. Dogs or cats? both
28. Favorite flower? Peonies
29. Have you ever loved someone? Um, really? Do I have a pulse? Is the Pope Catholic? Yes, of course
30. Who would you like to see right now? My Grandparents
31. Have you ever fired a gun? No, but want to learn
32. Do you like to travel by plane? Yes, beats driving by a landslide.
33. Right-handed or Left-handed? right
34. If you could go to any place right now where would you go? New York
35. Are you missing someone? My Grandparents:( And all my family in London!
36. Do you have a tattoo? Yep, 6 of them. Ready for another one
37. Do you still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings? Well, Dom does (Shrek) so I guess so
38. Are you hiding something from someone? Nope. I am who I am. Love it or leave it.
39. Are you 18? No, and I’m quite happy about that
40. What do before you go to bed? Watch tv, play with my ipad, kiss Rob goodnight

2 Year Check Up

Dom had his 2 year checkup today and he’s doing great, of course. Rob got off work a little early to meet us over there. He’s such an awesome Dad. He has always made a point of being at all Dom’s well checks. I try to schedule the last appointment of the day, and Rob always makes it there. He has such a strong commitment to being the best Dad he can be, and that not effects only Dom in a positive way, but me too. It’s a good feeling to have us both there and I think it’s good for Dom to see that too. It sends a subtle but strong message about doing things as a family and that we are both there for him.

While we hung out in the waiting room, Dom browsed some books and played in the boat. He looks so grown up in this photo, his little kneeall propped up. Such a handsome kid!

The doctor told us Dom is very advanced in his vocabulary for his age. We always thought so, but we’re his parents. Don’t all parents feel that their kid is especially smart and brilliant? The best part was that he didn’t need any shots. Yay! I was kind of dreading that part because he’s older now, and much more aware of what’s going on. But luckily, the Doc said he doesn’t need another well check for a whole year. Whoop!

7 guys you don’t want to marry

Here’s another article I read that I found pretty interesting. Unfortunately, I have dated a few of these men, each who had multiple traits outlined below.

The Guy Who Broke Your Heart and Never Really Apologized
Just because he sees love and marriage in your future doesn't mean he's sorry for hurting you that one time (or two or three times). Though everyone screws up, being able to admit when you're wrong — and being with someone who can do the same — is crucial to a happy marriage. For my fellow "Friends" lovers: Ross and Rachel may have wound up together, but you can be sure the "We were on a break!" conversation still haunts them.

The Cheater
I don't necessarily believe in "Once a cheater, always a cheater," but I have a hard time believing you'll be happy if you marry a repeat offender — especially if you were the cheated-on. Admit it: A small part of you would never be able to trust him. What kind of marriage is that?

The Me-First Man
A big part of love and marriage is being able to put yourself second sometimes. Guys who are too occupied with themselves to do the occasional (and preferably, frequent!) nice thing for you don't make solid partners.

The Con Artist
You may have swooned when he swindled his evil boss and made some quick cash. No matter how much the jerky superior deserved it, your guy just showed he can't be trusted. Even if he'd never do the same to you, con-men are shady characters, and you never know when you might wind up in hot water for his actions.

The Addicted-to-Work Worker
Being ambitious is admirable. Working 60-hour weeks every week? Maybe when he's just starting out and it's the only option to get ahead (my lawyer friends come to mind). If he loves his job more than he loves being with you (as in, he anticipates working crazy hours for the rest of his life, whether or not you like it), you won't be the happiest wife on the block. It's not much fun having a partner if he's never ever around.… and His Opposite..

Mr. Lazy Days
Maybe you can't wait to be the sole breadwinner and have a house-husband. But said husband has to contribute in some way to making your home a happy one, whether he cooks, cleans, or cares for any kids you may have together. You'll grow frustrated with a guy who does nothing more than sit on the couch.

The Can't-Handle-Tough-Times Guy
I hate to be the one to tell you this, but love and marriage aren't always easy — there's a reason you have to promise to stay together for better or worse. A man who shuts down when the going gets tough won't be there when you need him most. Trust me: You don't want a husband you can't count on

Hug It Out

This is the best feeling ever. Having my baby boy wrap his arms around me and squeezing. His hugs are so sweet and always make my day. He’s such a love bug, I hope he’ll always want to hug and kiss his parents

Don’t you dig his hat? Megs parents got that for his and he loves it. He wears the thing every day to school. I think the feels like Diego, so that’s a plus haha.

He’s being doing the funniest thing lately. A while back you’ll recall that I asked him to go get Daddy and tell him breakfast was ready. He yelled down the hallway “BABE! Brefas ready!” I almost died from laughter! Well, now he calls Rob babe all the time. “Hey Mommy, where’s Babe?” Babe at work?” It’s so hilarious to hear him call his Daddy babe. Such a funny kid.

10 Truths I Wish I’d Known Sooner

Saw this in my Real Simple Magazine, pretty interesting and pretty right on.

10 truths I wish I’d known sooner by Amy Bloom

1. Events reveal people’s characters; they don’t determine them. Not everyone with divorced parents has terrible relationships. If two people are hit by a bus and crippled for life, one will become a bitter shut-in; the other, the kind of warm, outgoing person (cheerful despite everything) whom everyone loves to be with. It’s not about the bus, and a dreadful childhood is no excuse. You have the chance to be the person you wish to be, until you die.

2. Lying, by omission or commission, is a bad idea. I cannot shake my dependency on the white lie, because I was brought up to be nice. And I’ve never figured out the nice way to say, “I’d rather stick a fork in my eye than come to your house for dinner.” But the meaningful lie, the kind that involves being untruthful or deceitful about important stuff to those you love, is like poison. Telling the truth hurts, but it doesn’t kill. Lying kills love.

3. Sex always give you an answer, although not necessarily the one you want. It’s possible to have very good sex, a few times, with a person who shouldn’t be in your life at all. Have fun, and hide your wallet and your BlackBerry. On the other hand, it’s unlikely that a grown man, however nice, will become much, much better in bed than he was the first five times you slept with him. And if you sleep with a man who is unkind to you, there will be more of that; long after the sex is humdrum, the cruelty will be vivid.

4. Most talents are transferable. If you can raise toddlers and teenagers with relative calm, you can be a CEO. If you’re a good driver, you can probably steer a cab, fly a plane, captain a boat. My years as a waitress―serving food to demanding people in a high-stress environment without losing my temper―served me equally well as a mother, a wife, and a short-order cook for my family. And if you have the teaching gene, you can teach anything. (I mean it. All you have to do is be one lesson ahead of your students. Sole meunière, Latin and Greek, algebra―you can teach it!)

5. Fashion fades; style is eternal. Not only do you not have to wear torn jeans, a barely-there tank top, and a fedora, but you probably shouldn’t. The point of fashion is to indulge briefly in something fun. The point of style is to have one―whether that’s a sheath and spike heels or slouchy jeans and your husband’s T-shirt―and it should last you a lifetime. All you have to do is think you deserve to look and feel your best and spend some time figuring out how to do it. Don’t know? Find a woman whose style you admire and ask for a little advice.

6. You can’t fake love. Staying in a love relationship when love is not what you feel isn’t likely to end well. If you know that what you crave is security/disposable income/child care and not the person next to you in bed, do the right thing. It’s true that one can learn to love someone over time and often through difficult circumstances. But unless the two of you agree to wait until you’re old and all the storms have passed, in the hope that love will kick in, it’s better to bail sooner rather than later.

7. Mean doesn’t go away. Some people get better looking with age; some don’t. Some people soften; some toughen up. Mean streaks tend not to disappear. A person who demeans and belittles you and speaks of you with contempt to others is probably going to be that way for years. The first time it happens, take note. The second time, take your coat and go.

8. No one’s perfect. I knew that I wasn’t perfect; I just didn’t realize that this also applied to the people I fell in love with. The object of your affection will always turn out to have huge and varied faults. The smart thing is not to look for someone flawless (which is why Elizabeth Taylor married eight times), but to look for someone whose mix of strengths and liabilities appeals to you (which is why she married Richard Burton twice).

9. Ask for help. It’s possible you’ll get turned down. It’s even more likely that you’ll feel vulnerable and exposed. Do it anyway, especially if you are the helpful sort yourself. Those of us who like to offer assistance and hate to take any are depriving other people of the opportunity to be generous and kind; we are also blinding ourselves to the reality of mutual dependence. You wouldn’t wear pink hot pants and pretend they were flattering. Don’t pretend you don’t need help.

10. Keep your eye on the prize and your hand on the plow. It’s easy to lose sight of what you want, especially if you haven’t gotten it. I know it’s less work to put the wish away, to pretend that the wish itself has disappeared. But it’s important to know what your prize is, because that is part of who you are. Whether it’s financial stability, two children, a collection of poetry, or a happy marriage, take Winston Churchill’s advice and never give in. Never give in. Never give in.

You've Got Mail

When I picked up Dominic from daycare yesterday, the mailman was across the street. “What’s that Mommy?” “It’s the mailman honey, he’s delivering mail.” He processed this information and then yelled “Hiiiii mailman!” while waving frantically. On the drive home we always pass the park and the ducks. Armed with his brand new knowledge he says to me “Mommy, where the ducks mailman?” I tell him “I don’t know baby. What is the mailman going to bring the ducks?” He then tells me “mailman bring duck presents.” “oh yea, what kind of presents?” After giving it some thought, he says, very matter-of-factly, “duck food!” Well of course. What else would he bring them? Yes folks, my two year old is a smarty pants.

Terrible Two's

I have always heard about “the terrible two’s” but didn’t think my sweet Dominic would ever be close to terrible. And thankfully, he’s not. But I have to say, he has been testing my patience a lot these past couple of months, especially the past week or so. He doesn’t listen when I tell him to pick up his toys. He runs away (shrieking with laughter) when I try and grab him for bath time. The worst is when we’re playing outside and the starts walking down the sidewalk. I tell him to stop and come back to our yard and he keeps going. Then I tell him again, “Dominic Marcus McCool, get your butt back over here right now.” He looks over his shoulder, smirks and keeps on walking. I keep waiting for him to turn around and am kind of biding time because I know once I walk towards him, he’ll run. Finally he’s 4 hourses down and I have no choice put to run after him. Of course, as soon as I take two steps, he takes off running too. Now I’m not only trying to get to him before he runs around the corner, but I’m trying to grab him so he doesn’t trip and fall. His head is bigger than his body and sometimes he get’s a little top heavy. When I finally get him he gets annoyed and says “stop it Mommy” and will sometimes even give a little hit. Yes! My precious boy raised his hand to me!

This past weekend Rob was in AZ and I found it pretty overwhelming to be alone dealing with Dom’s new attitude. For some reason, as soon as he gets all sassy pants, so does Sophie. So then I have Dom yelling, Sophie barking, and Mommy about to lose her cool. Getting up at 6am with him and then having a full day of doing the opposite of what I ask him without being able to step out of the situation for five minutes and take a “cool down” breath was tough. He got at least 5 times out over the weekend, and that is the most he’s ever had. He knows they are coming too. He’ll do something naughty and then say “Mommy, time out.” Once he’s done with his time out, he comes over to me and says “sorry Mommy. Hug?” and wraps his tiny little arms around me. I’m sorry, why was I annoyed? I forget. All that I care about right now is my sweet son hugging me.

For some reason, the one day of the month Rob isn’t there, he was on a roll. There were a few times that I got overwhelmed and lost my temper a bit. I raised my voice at him when I should have remained calm. That night, after I put him to bed, I felt bad. I looked at his angelic little face on the video monitor and wondered how I could ever be frustrated at such a wonderful kid.

I am so lucky to have Rob around most of the time because he’s really good about helping me in that way. He’ll take Dom outside to play or take Sophie for a walk. He’ll have him help garden or ride bikes. It gives me a second to pull myself together.

I get it. He’s exploring his boundaries and testing his limits. And to be honest, I want to encourage that. I want him to feel it all out, find his sense of independence. I try not to react when he does something like drop all his raisins on the floor when I told him not to, because he’s obviously looking for a reaction from me. But the not listening to me is a hard one to swallow. I don’t want to raise one of that kid that does whatever they want and pays no mind to their parents. I don’t want my child to be rude or selfish. I want him to be well behaved and respectful and listen to me when I ask him to do something. I guess this behavior comes with the territory of having a toddler, and I’m just thankful he’s not exploding in screaming fits and throwing himself down on the floor in a tantrum.

Vegas Baby

I am so excited to go to Las Vegas in September. I know it’s still 2 months away, but I’m still super excited. We’re going with Lanie and Jeff, Boss and Megs, Taryn and Nahim and Tina and Jorge. It’s been a while since we’ve been and I’m looking forward to relaxing by the pool during the day, taking a nap whenever I feel like it, and of course doing some gambling. We’re staying at “The Golden Nugget” downtown which has the raddest pool slide! It’s a clear tunnel that shoots you through the shark tank! I know! Dom will be staying with my parents so I will be able to totally relax knowing he’s in good hands.

Limitless Love

This photo makes me happy. It speaks volumes and I can see the truth in it. There are no pretend smiles or forced emotion. I see real love looking back at me. Not the fluffy, “new car smell” kind that we all experience in the beginning. Not the fake kind that only shows its face for someone’s camera or in front of people that you think needs to see it. Not the “sort of” kind that keeps you there because it seems like the right thing to do.

It’s the kind that is there even when the door is shut and it’s just us. It’s the kind that’s there when we’re in bed, both on our iPad’s, half listening to the TV in the background. It’s the kind that’s there, even when we don’t always see eye to eye. Even when he upsets me so much I feel like I’m going to explode or hurts my feelings so much that I want to just crumble. (see post from July 7th.) Even when he gets annoyed or frustrated with me. It’s there even though there are many things that we handle differently. It’s the kind of love that says “hey! We have been through some serious shit and I still want to be with you.”

It’s the kind that can still make you weak in the knees when he looks at you a certain way and make you feel like home when you’re snuggled in his nook. The core of who we are is shown in this photo. Wrapped up in our love, pure passion for each other. That’s what it all comes down to and that’s what we will always come back to. My heart has never felt as full as it does with him and I see that in this photo, clear as day.

Dom loves JLO

You know that Jennifer Lopez song “on the floor” featuring Pitbull? Of course you do, it’s on one hundred times a day and it’s a really, really good jam. Well, Dom loves that song too and on the way home from daycare yesterday, it was playing on the radio. The chorus goes “La la la la la, la la la la laaa laaa you gotta get on the floor” and I hear Dom singing from the backseat “La la la la la, la la la la laaa laaa, get on the phone!”

I die. Official cause of death: the overwhelming cuteness of my kid.

Busy Day, No Nap

This morning Dom asked me for a Dora band aid because he had a “boobie” on his knee….I couldn’t help but laugh and give him a big hug. No matter what kind of mood I’m in or how tired I am, as soon as I see him I am good to go. 2 is such a fun age. He says the funniest things without even realizing how hilarious he is. Well, actually, he does see it because he’ll tell me “Mommy, I’m funny. Funny Domi.” See, that right there is funny, how he’s talking about himself in third person. Please note it’s only funny because he’s two years old. Adults that do that? Creepy and annoying.

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Rob and I took Dom to Zoomars petting zoo on Sunday and he loved it. He cried when we had to leave and that’s just no fun for anyone. We got carrots and other veggies to feed to the bunnies, guinie pigs, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, donkeys and alpacas. Dom was slightly nervous at first and stayed firmly in Uncle Steve’s arms, but once he saw his cousin Jake cruising around, he was ready. My favorite thing is when he crouches down on the ground and puts his hands together on his lap. He usually does this when he’s looking at something and it just melts my heart every time. His favorite thing was going on the train. “Mommy! Choo Choo Train!!!!” he loved it so much he went twice. He’d probably ride it all day if we let him. I kinda fell in love with the alpacas. They have gorgeous long eye lashes and soft fur but those teeth…wow…pretty jacked up.

Later that day we went to Stellagio to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. I can’t believe he’s 67 years old. That just seems unreal to me. He doesn’t look 67 and he doesn’t act 67. When I think of 67 I picture someone much older and …I don’t know…frail? My Dad is so young at heart and I love it. We had an amazing late lunch that was an traditional English meal. Mom outdid herself, especially with the cauliflower and cheese, glazed carrots and butter nut squash. Oh, and let’s not forget her roasted potatoes. Those are always a big hit and usually end up with people fighting for the last one. Dom put 4 away on his own.

We all chipped in and got Dad a ticket to go see Englebert Humperdink in Las Vegas. Mom got orchestra seats so he was speechless. That’s always a good feeling…especially for the man that has everything! Dom had been singing “happy birthday to Bapouuuu” all day so he was excited to show off his skills. When it came time to leave, he was very upset with me and didn’t want to leave. “Stop it Mommy! I stay Yia Yia and Bapou’s house!” His little hands held up infront of him as if he was directing traffic. “Come on baby, it’s time to go home and take a bath!” “No Mommy, stop it” in his angry voice. Then a sad face and begging/pleading “five more minutes Mommy!” Yes, this is my child. He is asking for five more minutes. I have a child old enough to know that he’s pulling at my heart strings. Wow.

He hadn’t taken a nap that day (no nap mommy!) so of course he fell asleep on the way home, which was about 6:30pm. We skipped the bath and I got him into his jammies. It was story reading time where he always drinks his sippy cup of milk and sits on my lap as I rock us back and forth in his bedroom. But tonight, he wanted an apple. “are you ready for your milk baby?” “Mommy, no milk. Apple please.” Mmmkay, that’s kind of random. So while I read to him about the adventures of Dora the Explorer and the birthday wish adventure (for the thousandths time) he crunched away on an apple while listening very closely for his cues..”what do you need when you can’t find you’re way?” “MAP!!!!”

Finally it was time for bed and although he was now wide away, he didn’t put up much of a fight once he laid down. Usually not taking a nap messes up his schedule and he finds it hard to go to sleep. Luckily though, the days activities had worn him out and there wasn't a peep from his room. I love nights like that!

About Me

I found this old questionnaire on my facebook page so I thought I’d post it up here. It’s from March 2009 so I was preggers with my baby cub. Wow, that seems like a lifetime ago.

1. Do you like blue cheese?
On my steak, yes

2. Have you ever been drunk?
ha ha ha ha ha!
Oh, you’re serious? Um, yes, yes I have.

3. Do you own a gun?
No but i want to learn how to shoot one and then own one. Don’t eff with me.

4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite?
Never had Kool Aid-I’m more of a Crystal Light girl

5. Do you get nervous before doctor’s appointments?
If it involves a blood test, yes.

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
With a little ketchup, mayo and grilled onions...Yummy!

7. Favorite Christmas movie?
Love Actually-Lexi and I have a tradition of watching it every year, it’s the best!

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
a tall glass of calcium enriched orange juice

9. Can you do push ups?
hmm, I used to be pretty good. Haven’t tried since I got this huge belly

10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?
My Yia-Yia’s cross and ring that I wear every day

11. Favorite hobby?
It was shopping before the economy went to shit...I heart it so much. Now it’s..well, who am I kidding? It’s still shopping, but more window shopping,

12. Do you have A.D.D?
No but I’m with Lexi on the RLS (restless leg syndrome) Man it sucks!

13. What’s your favorite shoe?
flip flops:)

14. Middle name?
Don’t have one!

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
a. how is it humanly possible to be this tired after 7 hours of sleep?
b. is that the baby kicking or is it indigestion c. why is it so cold in here?

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink?
Water, pink lemonade, tea

17. Current worry?
Getting to a place financially where we’re not struggling

18. Current hate?
When I was 14 my Mom told me hate is a strong word

19. Have been married?
yes

20. How did you bring in the New Year?
Sober! That was a first lol. But still had a good time with Rob, Marcus, Megs, Lanie, Mitch, Traci, Troy and a bunch others playing Celebrity at Jill and Marks. This year = Stellagio!

21. Where would you like to go?
Right now? To bed

Ohhhhh you meant as in travel...hmm...New York (I will get there one day) Italy, London to see my family, Cabo San Lucas, Spain

22. Name 3 people who will complete this:
Not sure....Traci, Jill and Laurie? (come on, don’t make a liar out of me)

23. Do you own slippers:
nope

24. What color shirt are you wearing right now?
Pink

25. Do you like sleeping in Satin sheets?
Never have but I’m more of a cotton girl

26. Can you whistle?
ha ha, I say yes but most say no, I can’t. It’s more of a humming noise with some breathiness behind it

27. Favorite color?
Green

28. Would you be a pirate?
you bet your arrrrrrrrrrse I would

29. What songs do you sing in the shower?
Dont sing in the shower, more a constant stream of inner dialogue about the things on my plate. Is that weird.

30. Favorite girls name?
Sophia

31. Favorite boys name?
Nicholas. (dang you Dimitri for taking it.) I also love love love Max (thanks again Dimitri!) Others include Giovanni (come on Lex, it’s a great name) Lucas, Nico, Marcus, Luciano (Lucky), and Oliver.

32. What’s in your pocket now?
nothing

33. Last thing that made you laugh?
Rob, last night. Man he cracks me up:)

34. Best bed sheets as a child?
Hmm, I don’t think I had kid sheets. Just plain ones. How boring!

35. Worst injury you ever had as a child:
cracked my head open before i could walk (still have the scar.) (Thanks Dimitri.) Oh, and got 3rd degree burns on my left hand when I was about 6. (still have that scar too)

36. Do you love where you live?
omg YES! YES! YES!

37. Are you happy with your life?
Yes:) *clapping*

38. Who is your loudest friend?
Lexi, when her and I get together lolol. And my Mom!

39. How many dogs do you have?
two Shar-peis, Lucifer and Cleo

40. Does someone have a crush on you?
I’m going to guess yes :)

41. What is your favorite book?
The Four Agreements

42. What is your favorite candy?
hmm...Cadbury mini eggs

43. Favorite sports team?
Basketball: LA Lakers!
Football: AZ Cardinals!

Silly Putty Recipe

I’m not sure that Dom is quite old enough for silly putty, but I’m dying to try my go at making it. Here are two recipes that I found.

Egg Method
1. Mix a 1/4 cup of flour and 2 eggs.
2. Add about half a cup of Elmer’s glue and mix together with your fingers.
3. After mixing, add a few drops of food coloring and keep mixing it in.
4. Add 3 tablespoons of water, mix, and you’re done!


Liquid Starch Method
1. Mix two parts white glue, one part liquid starch (e.g. Sta-Flor, found in the laundry section).
* If you use Elmer’s school glue instead of regular white, the putty won’t bounce or pick up pictures.

2. Adjust the proportions until it feels like commercial Silly Putty.