Montessori Madness

Today we went to look at the Montessori school. Even though it’s an older school, we really liked it. When we went into one of the classrooms, Dom went straight for the toys. He started picking up different fruit, saying “Mommy, tomato, cucumber, orange.” Then he went over to a shapes puzzle and picked out the circle and octagon. Mrs. De Frenza was very impressed by how advanced he is and said that even though they don’t accept kids until 2 ½ (which would be January for Dom) that she would make an acceptation and let Dom attend right away. Wow, what a compliment that is!

Dom hung out in the classroom with the teacher and other kids while Rob and I did the tour and spoke to Mrs. De Frenza about the school. They offer activities (for an additional cost) that I think Dom would totally love, like music, soccer, gymnastics and computer lab. He would also get a report card twice a year that lets us know his progress. How cute is that?

Rob and I need to make a decision on which school we prefer and then decide when we think Dom is ready to go. I’m excited for him and just hope that changing schools won’t be too hard on him. I know he loves Nonnie and will be sad to leave her and his friends.

Pain In The Back

My lower back has been killing me for a couple of months now. I don’t know why or what’s causing it, but I wish it would stop. I have also been very tired and gained some unexpected weight. I know what you’re thinking, and no, I’m not pregnant. I took two tests to be sure because all the symptoms sounds and feel like it. I have a doctor’s appointment next week to get checked out. Hopefully they can figure out what’s wrong with me.

Random Things About Me

I found this floating around my email from a few years ago. It was fun to look back and see where my head was at 3 years ago.

Random things about me. Dec 2008
1. Music soothes my soul. Jason Mraz changed my life. There are a lot of songs that can make me cry within the 25 seconds. I love going to concerts. I have the hardest time remembering lyrics. I just started using an iPod last year. (I know that's six random things listed under one but they are all music related so its totally allowed.) (oh, and i will probably do it again, so get over it)

2. I firmly believe I have the best family in the whole world. There is just no comparison. I have the most incredible and loving parents, and the best siblings ever. We all love each other and have the best time hanging out. If you don't like my family, there's a very good chance you and I are just not going to get along. They are my life and I would do anything for them and I'm terrified at the thought of not living within 10 minutes of them.

3. I’m not a phone person. I’d much rather email, text or write

4. I’m not a big fan of change. The words kicking and screaming come to mind

5. I heart reality TV. I know it’s bad, but I don’t care. It makes me happy.

6. I’m ready to be a mom, even though I have no clue what I’m doing. I have been around kids my whole life, I practically helped raise my little brother. I know babies! But for some reason, I think it’s different when it’s your own kid. I have the best Mom in the whole world, so if i can even be the tiniest bit like her, I’ll be good shape.

7. When I love, I give all that I have, even when it’s not reciprocated.

8. I’m a people pleaser. I don’t want anyone to be upset so i try and juggle it all to make everyone happy. But it’s exhausting and sometimes I forget about me in the process.

9. I have always just been me. I make no excuses or apologies for who I am. Yes, I have piercings, I have tattoos, I drink and smoke (not since I’ve been pregnant of course) I’m opinionated and different and I like that about me. If you don’t, go kick rocks.

10. I love my brothers and sister so much and they are my hero’s in so many ways. Dimitri would live and die for his family and he has the best laugh ever. Lexi is just as beautiful inside as she is outside. I look at her and think “she did everything right.” Marcus is one in a million. He has a heart of gold, a sense of humor that is untouchable and I’m lucky enough to call him one of my best friends.

11. I miss my grandparents more then I let on. I surround myself with photos of them and hope they are proud of me.

12. These past 3 months have been the toughest of my life. I’ve had some difficult times in my 33 years, but nothing has pushed me to the edge like this. I think I’m stronger for it but it’s too soon to tell.

13. I’m an eternal optimist for other people but have a hard time being that for myself.

14. Ever since my car accident in 1993 (it was a doozy) I have a VERY hard time driving when other people are in the car with me. I freeze up and start to panic. I also suddenly have no idea where I’m going or how to get there.

15. I can kind of be a tiny bit of a control freak. It’s very subtle, but it comes out sometimes. Usually when it involves planning something, like a party. but that’s only because I KNOW how to throw a good party:)

16. I have my parents stuck at certain ages. My Dad will always be 45 and my Mom will always be 36. I think it’s because I am terrified of anything happening to them and the thought of them not being in my life is too much too handle

17. I have a terrible fear of home invasion. It used to paralyze me and keep me up at night, but since Rob and I have been together, it’s more of an afterthought. But I want to learn how to shoot a gun, just in case.

18. I was born in London and moved here in 1985. I miss my family there more than they know. I still have an English accent when I’m around my family but it goes away when I’m around my friends. I’m still a British citizen and have a British passport.

19. I once had a gun pointed to my head by a total stranger. My only thought running through my head over and over was is it going to hurt when I die? It was when I was in high school, on prom night at the 7-11 in Newport Beach. Thankfully no one was hurt. My date, Raymond, got out the car (unarmed,) got in the guy’s face and scared him off. Lanie’s date pissed his pants and hid under the steering wheel column lol. But in Lanie’s defense, she only went to prom with him so I could go with my date. She totally took one for the team, because that’s what a good best friend she is.

20. I can be tough as nails, but am easily hurt too.

21. Rob makes me really happy and the madness we have been through has been worth it. I can’t wait to see him in action as a Dad, I know he’ll be great.

22. I love water. I drink tons of it every day, but it must be cold. I make a really good glass of it. It’s been called “gina water” and I get requests for it all the time. True story.

23. Lanie is my oldest and dearest friend. We have been friends for over 20 years and I wouldn’t have made it this far without her. She’s the definition of a true friend and good person. If you know her, your life is better for it.

24. I have had 3 cars my whole life, never a new one. My current one (Nissan Altima)I have had for 8 years. It’s got 98,000 miles on it and is hanging on for dear life, but I love my silver bullet.

25. I love to eat out. Ever since I was a little kid, there is something about the experience of eating at a restaurant that just makes me happy. But I have a weird thing with most places where I always order the same thing off the menu at each particular restaurant. I have been going to Red Robin since high school and never ordered anything but the chicken teriyaki sandwich. Same thing at Rubys-I have always ordered the cheeseburger with low fat American. And Islands-the toucan sandwich. Is that weird?

Pre School Prep

We had a nice weekend without too much rushing around. On Saturday we got up and went to the gym and then headed off to take a tour of Page Private School in Costa Mesa. Dom is ready for preschool (sob!) so we want to make sure we’re as well informed of our different choices as possible. Generally preschool begins at 3-31/2 but Dom is ready. He already knows his abc’s and can count to 10. He knows some shapes and is learning colors. He speaks in full sentences. And seeing him in a classroom setting made it clear to us that he is ready to learn and be in an environment that is more geared towards that.

We really liked the school and even though It’s pricey, it’s in the running as a possibility. We are also going to look at Harbor Mesa Montessori, which is where Alexia and Marcus attended many years ago. Mrs De Frenza is still the principal and remembers my Mom and the kids. I am really interested in the Montessori Method of teaching because it focuses on individual learning curve as opposed to the whole classroom. So if Dom is learning quickly and ahead of the other kids, he’ll move on instead of waiting for the next school year.

I can’t believe we’re already looking at preschools for Dom. Man, time flies!

Starbucks Run

As we pulled up to daycare this morning, we saw Neesi leaving. I said to Dom, “oh look, is she going to the store for chicken nuggets and grapes?” He said “no Mommy, Neesi go get a frachachino!”

My Night Off

Dom put up a bit of a fight last night when I put him to bed, but this time he only cried for about 10 minutes. He slept from 7:30pm-6:30p, which is a vast improvement from the last two nights.

Tonight is my dinner night with Lanie so Rob will be putting him to bed. I look forward to my once a week dinner out. Not that I don’t love and cherish every second I have with Dom, because I really do. But it’s nice to sometimes not have to worry about making dinner, getting Dom bathed and into bed.

I’m so appreciative that Rob is a really good Daddy and loves to have the special one on one time with his boy. Dom loves it too. Everybody wins.

Getting There

Rob put Dom down at 7pm with little fuss and he slept through the night (yay) but woke up at 5:30am (boo.)

No Sleep For The Wicked

We had a very rough night last night. Dom just didn’t want to go to sleep. The first hour was him crying/yelling/screaming. He would do this thing where he was coughing so hard he would start choking, sounding like he was throwing up. I don’t know if that was his intent or not, but it worked. I hearing him so upset, totally broke my heart. It also got me totally freaked out so I told him he could read his book but had to stay in bed.

About half an hour later, I heard him singing. When I looked at the video monitor, saw him holding his bunny and dancing him around his crib with Scout, and then…a little bare butt. Yes, you read that correctly. Then I heard him say “uh oh Mommy, I go pee pee!” Yes, he took off his diaper and then peed in his bed. I have heard of kids doing that and wondered when my time would come. Well, wonder no more. I changed his sheets, gave him a new blanket and got him into some clean jammies.

At this point it was 9pm and Rob and I just kind of threw our hands up. We brought him in with us (which I think was because we both missed him so much) where he proceeded to crack us up by showing us his dance moves while singing “I’m a dancing machine, I’m a dancing machine.” He jumped, bounced, wriggled and flew all over the bed making funny noises. It was honestly like he had sat and ate a bag of pure sugar, he was that hyper. I think it was because he missed us too and wanted to catch up on the time we missed out on. He’d tell me to cry and when I did he’d put his little hand under my chin and say “what’s the matter Mommy?” “I’m sad” I replied. He put his sweet face close to mine and said “I give you a hug?” and then proceeded to wrap his arms around me. It was just the most precious thing. Then he said “cry again Mommy” and when I did he held up his hand and said “No Mommy, stop it. It’s Daddy’s turn!” He then turned to Rob and repeated the whole thing to him, hug and all. We couldn’t help but laugh.

Come 11pm, the laughing had turned into frustration. We just wanted to sleep but he was still on a roll. At this point in Dom’s life, we are sort of trapped. He is big enough to climb out of his crib if he wants to but he knows that he’s not supposed to. When he’s in there screaming and crying because he doesn’t want to go to bed, I worry that he’ll try to climb out and fall. So I have no choice but to let him come into our room. This hardly ever happens, and yes, I know, I need to come to terms with the fact that he’s a breath away from being in a big boy bed. I just can’t..not yet…

Finally, about 12:30am he settled down, asked me to sing him “hush a baby” and snuggled up next to me. We slept liked babies…until he woke up at 4:00am and decided it was time to get up for the day. There was no talking him back into sleeping, so I reluctantly got up and went into the living room with him. Even though he didn’t need to, Rob joined us for moral support. What a good guy huh? We all sat on the couch and watch Shrek while dozing on and off. Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for work. Let’s just say it was a rough day at the office.
It seems when Dom spends more than one night away from home, it takes him a while to get back into his routine. Luckily it doesn’t happen very often, usually once a year.

Vegas Baby!

And just like that, it’s over. I had so much fun hanging out and not having anywhere in particular to be. The first day we went and had lunch at our hotel, the Golden Nugget. We hit up the buffet and started in on the free mimosas. It's safe to say that from point on I was feeling good. We all were:)

Lanie and I got to hang at the pool both days and we even went down the huge waterslide. I have to say, i might be getting too old for that. It was fun but more claustriphobic than anything. I was glad come out the othere end in one piece. Wow, yea, I'm old! We did some gambling and i won on the blackjack table. $255 baby! Woo! That paid for my flight and hotel soI was very happy:)

It was also nice to have some time with Rob where we could be together as grown ups and as a couple instead of Mommy and Daddy. I really think it's important to be able to reconnect on that level every once in a while, sort of like re charging the batteries.

Vegas was awesome but I could have definitly used one more day. I had so much fun, but was happy to come home and see Dom. I had really missed him!

Darker Shade of Pale

I went through with the Mystic Tan yesterday, and it wasn’t so bad. I was nervous it would be splotchy and orange but today I just look like a golden brown version of myself. Yay!

We leave for Vegas in the morning and I’m SO EXCITED! I packed for both Rob and I last night and now I just need to pack Dom’s case. He’s so pumped to stay with Yia Yia and Bapou. We’re so lucky to have them not only offer to take Dom, but really want to and look forward to it. He loves them so much and can’t wait to “watch animals” with Bapou and take a bath in Yia Yia’s disco tub. I’m going to miss my little monkey, but I’m also really looking forward to some grown up time. Woooo!

Dom-isms

As Dom and I were pulling up to his daycare this morning, Neesi was pulling out of the driveway. Dom asked me where she was going and I told him “I don’t know baby, where do you think she might be going?” Without hesitation he said “Neesi go to store to get me grapes and chicken nuggets!” paahahaa, I love my kid!

Vegas Prep

It’s officially VEGAS WEEK! I’m so excited for Saturday, it can’t come soon enough. I made my list of stuff I need to do and am going down each item, checking them off as I go. Mani/pedi? Check. Eyebrow wax? Check. South Coast Plaza to get a replacement for my foundation? Check.

I’ve used Clinique Super Fit foundation in “golden beige” for the past 8 years and found out today that they discontinued it! I hate when that happens. Lucky for me, they have a replacement that’s even better. It’s called..wait for it… “Even Better foundation.” Pretty original huh? The best part is it was freeeee. I had two Macy’s gift cards that have been in my wallet for a very long time(over 4 years) and were just collecting dust. I never go to Macy’s so they just hadn’t been used. But I made a point of going today so I could use them. I also got a refill on my “TOO FACED” bronzer, a new primer from Stila and another kabuki brush from MAC ($48!) because my other one went missing about 3 weeks ago (Cuddles? Sophie? Dom?) Retail price for everything was about $125. I paid zero dollars and zero cents. Thank you, thank you very much.
Tomorrow I’m supposed to do the mystic tan thing, but I’m still not totally sold on it. Friday I have to drop Sophie off at the place where we are boarding her and then jam over to my hair appointment with Irene at Vogue Salon to fix my highlights. The best part of that is I get a fresh new blow out right before Vegas.

What am I missing….hmm….oh yea, I have to PACK! Arrgh! At least my luggage is cute. I saw the raddest suitcase at Ross for $50. It’s leopard print pink accents. Totally me. I showed a photo of it to Rob and he said he’s treat me to it. How awesome is that? He’s so good to me and I’m very lucky to have such a loving and generous boyfriend:)

Life Advice

I saw this online the other day and I liked every point, even though number 26 is a tough one. Great Life Advice.

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E’s - Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Play more games.
6. Read more books than you did in 2010.
7. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
8. Sleep for 7 hours.
9. Take a 10-30 minutes’ walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
10. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
11. Don’t have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
12. Don’t overdo. Keep your limits.
13. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
14. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.
15. Dream more while you are awake.
16. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
17. Forget issues of the past. Don’t remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
18. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don’t hate others.
19. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
20. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
21. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
22. Smile and laugh more.
23. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
24. Call your family often.
25. Each day give something good to others.
26. Forgive everyone for everything.
27. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
28. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
31. Do the right thing!
32. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
33. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
35. The best is yet to come.
36. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

MNF

Monday night football at our house tonight, Broncos vs. Raiders. Rob made steaks us, Josh and Steve..oh yea, we’re not messing around over here! I made cornbread and a cheesy zucchini bake. Broncos got their asses handed to them. Sorry Steve!

So Close to Sin City

Vegas! Vegas! Vegas! I can't believe it's next week! it seems like i was just thinking "I can't believe it's 2 months away" and now here it is....did I mention that I'm excited?

I have started my lists. This is something that I like to do before a trip or big event. It helps me stay organized, plus it gives me real pleasure. I don't know why, maybe it's the Virgo in me? I like to make lists of what I need to buy before the trip. What I need to pack. What I need to get done before we leave. Then I like crossing the items off, one by one. I know, I know...but it gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Tuesday is the gym, Wednesday is mani/pedi, Thursday is tan (more on that later,) Friday is get my highlights fixed and drop Sophie off at the boarding place. Oh, and pack. Then Saturday morning is off to V-Town! Our flight is at 8:45am (nice and early) so we will arrive first thing and still have the whole day! Woooo!

Ok, the tanning thing. I know it's weird and not like me, but here's why I'm going. I got a groupon last year good for 3 mystic tans for $15. Lexi's wedding was coming up so I thought, hey, why not get a golden glow and look fab in the photos. Well, I ended up not doing it and I realized the other day that this groupon expires next month. So what the hell, I might as well get a little color before I go to sin city, right?

Heat Wave

We're still going through a heat wave here. Yesterday was by far the worst. It was 97 degrees during the day and 83 degrees in our house at 7pm. We couldn’t get Dom’s room to cool down because the air outside was so HOT and HUMID! It was nasty and wasn’t making my cold feel any better.

Finally Rob put a fan at Cub's bedroom door, pointing towards his crib and I took of his jammies so he could sleep in his diaper. He actually fell asleep without any problem. But he woke up at midnight, I think he was scared by the loud whooshing noise the fan was making. I brought him into our bed where he insisted that he wanted to watch Shrek. I had to explain to him that its was still night night time and we could watch it in the morning.

After about 30 mins he finally started to settle down and was ready to sleep. He shifted around, trying to find the most comfy position. Lucky for me, that ended up being snuggled up to me. Then he whispered "Mommy, hush baby please." Did my kid just request a song? This isn't Woostock my friend. "Mommy, sing hush baby please." Well, he did say please. I started sing "hush a my baby, on the tree top. When the wind blo..." Interputing me he said "Mommy, my shirt." I don't think Mariah Carey has this many demands, but I was happy to do it.

So nestled up in my arms, I sang my baby to sleep while fanning the back of his shirt. Every now and then i would nod off back to sleep int he middle of the song and he's wake me up to keep going. Finally, he fell asleep and I did too.

It’s just as hot today too, which doesn’t make me happy. Hopefully this heat wave is close to being over.

Labor Day BBQ

Yesterday was Labor Day and we had a BBQ over at our house. It was so hot and humid, but we had a fun day with some friends and family. Dom was beyond excited to hang out with his cousins Alyssa, Boo,Jake and Ray Ray. We broke out the kiddie pool and they had blast playing in the water and splashing around. I made pasta salad, coleslaw and cupcakes (all came out good) and Rob manned the grill.

The craziest thing was that we realized Dom is old enough to play inside while we’re outside. He hung out in the living room with the kids for part of the day and watched Shrek (surprise) and Toy Story while we were outside with our guests. It was kind of a trip to not have to be right on top of him, making sure he’s ok and safe. A trip but also a relief. He’s getting more independent by the day. This makes me happy but also kind of sad. My baby is growing up right before my eyes. Hopefully it won't happen too quickly.

Dream On

I have a natural tendency to have romanticise certain things. I think this leads to unrealistic expectations that in turn can set me up to fail.

I like to think that everything will always work out in the end. I prefer to have a positive attitude about something, even if the chances of it being bad are pretty good. Some call that being naive. I call it having faith.

There are people out there that think if you are a dreamer, you have no sense of what's real in this world. I disagree. I believe if you have the guts to dream, to consider the "what if's..." you are opening up the world in front of you to endless opportunities.

I like being a dreamer, even if it does sometimes let me down. I will take that in exchange for all the hundreds of blissful moments it has given me over the years.

Compliments Will Get You Everywhere

Dom and I were sitting on the couch watching Shrek when he looked at me and said “Mommy’s pretty!” I felt my heart melt right there on the spot.

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.