Under The Influence/ Book Review

I know it's pretty pathetic but I just finished the book After The Leaves Fall by Nicole Baart. I am SO proud of myself for finishing another looooong book that I so wanted to quit after the first 150 pages. Well needless to say I was in for a surprise when I finished the book and realized...there was no ending! Until you read the sequel anyway! It went a little like this...

I was sitting our living room with about 20 pages left of this 300+ page book. I kept wondering how the author was going to sum this story in such little time. I got butterflies and excitement at the thought I was almost finished and hadn't quit! I read the last page and shouted out, "WHAT?! NO! IT CAN'T BE!" Mario and Dalen sat staring at me as I slammed the book shut and I began to cry hysterically. Oh Lord, I thought. Here comes another hormonal attack I just can't seem to control.

By this time Mario was staring at me in disbelief. He asked, "Over a book?"
"It's a sequel! No one told me it was a sequel! Now, I have to endure another book to have really finished the story!" As they continued to stare in disbelief and embarrassment that I was actually related to them, I whipped out Mario's laptop.

"What are you doing?" Mario asked.
"Reviewing the book online!"
"Oh my gosh! You must be kidding me! Let it go!"

Of course I didn't let it go. I found the book review site the author it was on. I was smart and didn't review the book until I cooled down but I didn't feel as bad when I found scads of other people who shared the same feelings I did. Here are my thoughts on the book (hormonal free).

VEEEERRRRYYY slow beginning.
Typical outcome with the situation with the characters.
A lot of background information that wasn't necessary.
After about the 1st 150 pages the characters became more interesting and storyline more intriuging.

Keep in mind....this is the 1st book this woman has ever written. I think I will give her the benefit of the doubt and read the sequel.

Model Me

Recently I had a client come in the office for assistance. She asked her live-in roommate to tag along. I noticed this man kept staring at me for some time so I offered a friendly smile as I gathered paperwork up for the client.

I was standing about 5 feet away from this man when he asked, "Is this you??!!" He was pointing to one of our HIV positive magazines. Humbily I smiled and responded, "No, not me." He then said, "Are you sure??!! The cover model looks JUST like you!" "No, it isn't me."

Of course after he left, I raced over to see the cover model I resembled. My boss assured me he must have only been talking about the hair. I'll let you be the judge.

My model look alike

The real me.

Week in Review

Well, Dalen had a great first week of school. Even though he is only going two days a week he can't stop talking about "Betty" (Becky his teacher). Here is the update she sent on his 1st week.

"Dalen is so precious. He is a joy to have in my class. He had a very hard time going to sleep. He cried until he fell asleep, otherwise he had a wonderful week!"

She also has a section on her report that says...Today I was...and she circled the words friendly, happy and cooperative.

I must say cooperative REALLY took me by surprise but made me oh, so proud all the same.

I must say working, parenting and being married is more exhausting than I ever could have imagined. BUT I am hanging in there and grateful for the opportunity and experience with my co-workers and clients.

School Boy

Yesterday, was THE day. The BIG day. The day I dropped my little, big boy off to an unfamiliar place, with kids we had never met and to a teacher I don't even know. I must admit, it was a very scary experience. Over the years, schools have become one of the dangerous places a child can be at times. Therefore, I have asked God to remind me to pray for safety everytime I drop him off.

I didn't quite know how he would react. He seemed a little shy but very confident. He didn't cry when we left and played quietly by himself while we stood and watched for a moment. Mario got to pick him up and said the teacher reported he did great. Although later he reported that he was put in time out for hitting, biting and sleeping. We knew once he said sleeping he wasn't telling the truth. When will this little lying stage end?! haha

We are looking foward to a great and successful program with Mrs. "Betty". I can tell...he will make every Tuesday and Thursday interesting for her.

Playing in class.

His little backpack! So sweet!

So, who thinks he was a little excited??

Under The Influence...

Under The Influence...

of pregnancy hormones, that is.

Today is a BIG day. Our little family will load up and go to Dalen's open house at his new school. He will have his first day of "class" on Tuesday. Not too long ago we got a packet from the school telling us what to expect, who his teacher is, a copy of the school calendar, AND a supply list! It totaled at 14 items. To be honest, I felt like this was a lot! Especially after registration costs and our monthly payment BUT of course I made a run to Wal-Mart last night and got everything so he would be prepared.



I entered Wal-Mart a.k.a. Hell. From the moment I stepped through the doors I felt sweat beads on my forehead. After looking to my right and left, I realized there were no buggies. You can ONLY IMAGINE how crowded this place was. Every student on Earth decided to load up for the school year at the exact time I decided to do. I told myself..."It's ok. You can manage to carry 14 items in your two arms just fine." Of course I was hoping and praying I would pass an empty buggy during my trip.



After gathering some of the items on the list, my arms became heavy. After cutting through the electronics on my way to the Play-doh, I scored an empty buggy! WAHOO! After getting Play-doh and jumbo classic colored crayons, I headed to find a small backpack and the rest is history.



I found a perfect black backpack for Dalen. As soon as I took it off the rack it happened...tears, sobbing, a rush of hormonal embarrassment. Luckily I wasn't too far from the bike section (where NO ONE was...I'm assuming no parent can afford a bike at this time due to supply lists!). I hid back there as every thought ridiculous to a mother's mind flooded over me. "I am starting him too young! I shouldn't be working full-time! Someone ELSE is going to be teaching him things I should teach him! A backpack?? Oh my gosh! My child has a backpack!"

Then I caught a glimpse of the backpack brand...Jeep. "He will be driving before I know it!" These meltdowns are ridiculous! But who can stop them?? It's like a rushing waterfall that can't be shut off! The thoughts & worries just keep rushing over me! Then I happened to realize my hands were covered in a black mucky mess...DANG IT! I didn't wear waterproof! Of course, I got it together and came out of hiding after my sobbing spell under the bikes.

Grand Opening-Grand Time

On Monday night the four of us packed up to go party at my friend's grand opening for her new wedding and event planning business. You can check it out on the web at www.swankandsavvy.com

It was a blast! There were so many familiar faces and it was a great time to hang out and share some great laughs with awesome friends. Of course, what would a party be without a DJ?? Dalen danced himself topless...or until I felt so bad for him sweating to death and I peeled his shirt off his sweaty body. Enjoy some of the action shots I got!

Watching carefully-there was a crowd doing the Cha Cha Slide
Dalen begged to wear his new cowboy hat from MyMel.

How low can you go?

Me and my great friend Kristen Campbell!

Look at how red his cheeks are!

One of Dalen's favorite friends and 1st babysitter- Auntie Age

Dalen getting down with a dance partner!

Blog-O-Mercial

So I conquered a few hours of shopping on tax free day with the help of my Mom. I must say things got pretty interesting without a stroller. I know, I know-what kind of dumbo forgets a toddler's stroller to go shopping! Leave it to me!

My mom purchased Dalen quite a few outfits for school-Thank God for Grandma! While shopping at Belk my mom got me the outfit above. No one think I am super into myself for posting this pic either-trust me THIS is not the case. I have sore nipples, more stretch marks, a buldging butt (what's new) and a swollen belly ALREADY-as you can agree that is not the case.

This dress is super is special....why? because it's also a skirt! Look right above my belly to the top of my chest-you will see its stretchy, black material that can be adjustable for your waste or as a strapless dress. She also purchased a cardigan for me. I wore it Sunday to our a.m. service as a dress and today I am sporting it as a skirt.

It's SO comfy either way! Especially on my belly! It stretches a lot and the elastic is super soft. Go on out and purchase one! If your hubby pitches a royal one-just say I MADE you.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho It's Off To The Doc We Go!

What a busy day yesterday was! I was up by 7 a.m., at the doctor's office by 8:30, at work by 9, on my way to transport a client by 9:10, on Shallowford Road by 10:15, back at work by 12, lunch at 1, client update at 2, catching up on paperwork by 3:30, home by 5:15, on my way back to work by 5:20 (my boss locked herself out of her office), at Logan's by 5:35, off to celebrate Swank & Savvy's grand opening by 6:30, and off to our FINAL destination by 8-HOME! No wonder this pregnancy is going so fast!

Dalen has been coming to the doctor with us and loves seeing his brother/sister on the little ultrasound screen. At this point we are trying anything to help him warm up to the idea that another Hood will soon be here. As you can see above he has permanently ripped off some our blinds so he can watch us when we leave.

Here he is patiently waiting for the doc to call our name.

After a little wait we got to see our beautiful baby. Everything is perfectly well with him/her. My due date is still right on target for 02/10/10. My only disappointment was they won't let you record the sound of the heartbeat or the ultrasound on your phone until 20 weeks. Oh well, at least everything is growing well. Another wonderful that began with seeing Baby Hood Within.

Too Big For His Britches

Next month Dalen will be 2. It's unbelievable but what gets me most is that Dalen is starting to act so grown up! There was once a time where as long as he had his mom he was ok. Tonight I learned different.

Mario went off to a football game with friends and I planned a little date out with Dalen. I was pretty excited to spend some one on one time with him. About 5 minutes after sitting down at the restaurant, Dalen let out a huge sigh and said, "When's people comin'??" "Uh, it's just me & you bubby," I responded. He then began to look around as if bored and crossed his arms letting out really loud sighs.

Our food came & he began to try to cut his chicken with his own fork. He refused for me to break up his food or cut it. He also refused to sit in a highchair. He sat in a big boy chair and did really well. The whole night was pretty sad! Yes, I guess there is a time for everything-I think it's his time to become more independent. SAD!

The Mystery of the Cupcake...SOLVED

Last night was a really different night for us. Usually I come home from work, eat, play with Dalen and go to bed. BUT we were invited over to The Hart's House for Chris's birthday party and since we love him so much...we couldn't resist attending. I put aside my tiredness and packed Dalen up for a few hours of partying and swimming.

We were 2nd to arrive (I wanted to get Dalen in the pool before the sun went down) and swam for a while. Dalen is quite the jumper! He loves making big splashes. It wasn't long before we saw some smoke rising from the grill and the smell of burgers and hot dogs was great! The first batch of burgers were trashed (don't ask) and we patiently waited for more meat. As we all sat and ate a storm came rolling in. Literally....we watched the clouds turn colors and move our way! YIKES!

The power went out but we didn't care-we partied on. After a while many of us found ourselves inside socializing. But there was one small problem...Dalen was missing! My heart panicked for a moment. The pool was clear of Dalen which was my main worry. He wasn't on the porch, in the kitchen, playing the piano or digging into chips! WHERE WAS HE!? The hunt for a toddler is hard enough but it seemed nearly impossible with the power out!

At last I found him in the family room, crouched down in the corner, with his face COMPLETELY buried in a cupcake!!!! He had been told ALL night he wasn't allowed to have one and so was everyone else. What little weasle gave him one???!!! I took my chocolate faced toddler into the kitchen demanding someone tell me who did this! I accused one guy who was totally innocent and then it became obvious....the one with the biggest laugh-Clark Campbell. He is STILL denying it even today! When we got in the car I came up with a novel idea-just ask Dalen. He can tell me! So I did and today his answer remains the same. Take a look for yourself.

PS-My favorite part is when he says I am sure!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/video/video.php?v=544576797236

See Ya Icky Trimester!

Well ladies and gents I am proud to announce this is my last week in the 1st trimester! WAHOO! Although, I have only been nauseous and thrown up a handful of times I am excited to enter into the 2nd trimester-where you go from looking fat to looking pregnant, you learn the sex of your baby, pick nursery themes, settle on a name and your rate of miscarrying decreases significantly.

I am just so amazed each week when I read what is going on in there. I think this week has by far been my favorite. Let me tell you a little amazing details about my baby.

• He/she now has completely formed fingers and that's not all! The baby even has it's own set of fingerprints! Now, I can officially say-there is no other baby in the womb or world just like my mine.
• The baby's head makes up 1/3 of his/her body size but the rest of the body is beginning to catch up.
• The baby is about 2.5-3 inches long and probably weighs an ounce.
• The baby's skin is still thin enough to see through to the internal organs.

I go to the docotor this week on Thursday. Of course, we are praying daily for good reports and another beautiful ultrasound. I can't wait to see this little baby again!

Silly Boy

Last night while sitting on the couch, sweet Dalen came up to me whining. "Mommy, mommy my tummy hurt!" I was totally suprised he said this b-c he has never told us when he's sick or when something hurts. I immediately leaned forward and he began squinting as if he were in really bad pain. I just began rubbing his belly really concerned and I asked, "What's making it hurt, Dalen?" He then began to smile and shouted, "The baby, Mommy!"

That little rascal! I was TOTALLY convinced he was in REAL pain and was getting sick. Well A+ on the acting skills! This little stunt made me question have I been whiney this pregnancy?! I don't think I have...maybe I should ask Mario. I would probably get a totally different answer.

PS-yes, that is a Christmas shirt in July. I just can't part with these pajamas yet. I love them on him!