tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24439895660043083292024-03-13T15:52:03.473-05:003 Dogs and a BabyLife with my four babies: Monkey, Doc, Cheeks, and Xavi. Three crazy dogs and one infant.Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-79421386669990080092013-07-16T17:10:00.001-05:002013-07-16T17:10:16.566-05:00I Am SuccessfulRecently, I was asked what it means to be successful. Of course, I naturally thought that being successful meant that you had a lot of money, nice cars, a nice house, etc. But, after I thought about it, I realized that success may have a little to do with money but not everything. I have not succeeded in everything that I want in life but I am successful in many things. People take too many things for granted so I am determined to make sure that I take nothing for granted in my life.<div>
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I have succeeded in coming this far in school while being a mother. I know I will get my degree and even go on to further my education.</div>
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Even though my job sucks and is nothing more than just an hourly minimum wage job, I am successful at it.</div>
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I have been successful at being a mother and showing my son the things I value in life and would like him to value as well.</div>
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We're certainly not rich, we have no savings because, well, we are bad with money, and things just keep coming up! We don't have an amazing, new car but it drives and it's safe. We don't have our own home but we do have a really decent apartment. We don't get to take great vacations to beautiful beaches but we do get to spend a family day at the lake. </div>
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We both get to see our son every day and spend time as a family. We get to have food on the table every day, even if it has to be takeout because we are too tired to cook. </div>
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We are happy...so I'd say that's pretty successful in itself.</div>
Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-85614032698522506472013-07-06T23:06:00.001-05:002013-07-06T23:06:40.719-05:00Swagbucks. No, It's Not a Gimmick!I rarely ever write reviews of products (or anything). I barely even write here, for that matter! I just don't have the time, or the energy, nor do I really care about writing product reviews. The biggest pet peeve I have about most bloggers is that they write almost no actual posts by themselves. They usually write about something that was given to them for free or that they were paid to write. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a sponsored post..it's just wrong when you write nothing BUT sponsored posts. I'd really like to hear your thoughts based on your actual opinions, not favoring some company just because you like it.
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Anyway, after going on a tangent, I'd like to introduce you to Swagbucks. If you have no idea what it is, it's a website where you do tasks, take surveys, watch videos, etc., all to earn "swag bucks". When you earn a certain amount of swag bucks, you can use them to buy products from their store such as Ipads, jewelry, clothing, and gift cards. You can also just trade in the bucks for Paypal dollars, which is what I do. I've been a member since February and have cashed in about $300 dollars worth of swag bucks. Now, that may not seem like it's a lot of money since it only comes out to be about $50 a month but, considering that I had to do almost nothing for it, I'm pretty happy with it. I just run the videos while I'm doing other things on the computer, run the app on my cellphone while driving (it just runs on it's on! I don't have to even look at my phone!), and take surveys once or twice a day to make the daily goal.<br />
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The best part about it (to me) is that I started Swagbucks solely for spending money. I was tired of hearing Anthony complain that I spend too much money on baby carriers, so I decided that I would use Swagbucks to make money in order to buy more carriers. This way, he can't complain that I'm using "hard-earned money" to "waste" on carriers! <br />
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Basically, you should give it a try! It's easy! <a href="http://swagbucks.com/refer/mciaccia" target="_blank">Sign up here!</a><br />
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Oh, and I was NOT paid for this post. Although, if you use my link (above), I will earn some swag bucks from your search wins! Full disclosure here =)Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-90007139087696354782013-07-06T22:34:00.000-05:002013-07-06T22:34:14.425-05:00We Went to the Bristol Renaissance Faire!<div style="text-align: center;">
Today was opening day for the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Wisconsin. My uncle invited us to go along with him, claiming that opening weekend is the best time to go, so we decided to go on a whim (this morning!). Anthony had to work so I took Leo by myself, which scared me a little. I'm pretty used to being alone with him but not for a whole day away from home. It wasn't so bad, haha!</div>
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Leo tried beignets for the first time. He thought they were alright but much preferred the powdered sugar. He licked all of it off of my beignet and then continued to dip his fingers in the sugar to eat it. It even came to the point where he was licking it off the table. Addicted much?</div>
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He also went on his first "amusement park" ride today. He seemed like he would be okay and I thought he would enjoy it with his friends. </div>
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Everything still seems okay!</div>
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Then, everything changed! They had to stop the ride to get him off. Maybe next year little man! It's too bad we already bought tickets to Knotsberry Farm for our LA trip at the end of the month. I don't think he's going to enjoy any rides. Hopefully riding with Mommy or Daddy will make it better!</div>
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Luckily I brought the stroller! We babywear <strike>most</strike> all of the time, so much that this stroller had dust and cobwebs on it when I pulled it out this morning! We haven't used it since last summer, when we bought it insisting that we would jog with it (hahaha to that). Anthony insisted that I wouldn't need it and that I could just wear Leo but I figured I'd bring it *just* in case. He didn't want to be worn because he was just too hot! The stroller allowed him to get a good hours nap.</div>
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I did see quite a few babywearer's though, which is great! I hardly ever see any but I saw at least 10 today so that makes me happy!</div>
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He woke up feeling nice and refreshed!</div>
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We saw some camels! We didn't ride one because Leo was still too small.</div>
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And saw the "Aerial Fairy". There are always a lot of men watching her shows!</div>
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Leo felt the need to take a selfie.</div>
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Leo definitely enjoyed spending time with the girls. It was great to have them around to run after him everywhere.</div>
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And he finally had his first pony ride! Of course, I had to take multiple pictures. He was a little scared at first but had fun once I started to say, "Horses go ba-boom-ba-boom-ba-boom", which he would then repeat. He also learned that horses say "Neigh!" so we repeated that during the whole ride. Hopefully he will love horses as much as I do!</div>
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We're planning on going again later this summer with Anthony. I'm curious to see how Leo will react since he'll probably remember having gone! I'm hoping we get to sit down to watch some shows and listen to music next time!</div>
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<center><a href="http://katherinescorner.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Thursday Favorite Things" src="http://i47.tinypic.com/b4ub61.jpg" border="0" /></a><center></center></center>Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-84239948373844414502013-06-08T15:57:00.000-05:002013-06-08T15:57:01.966-05:00Cheeks is no longer with us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, he's not dead =). My dad recently moved though and his dog, Kiko, was having a really hard time adjusting. Kiko and Cheeks get along really well so my dad had Cheeks "visit" for awhile. Well, it's apparent that Cheeks no longer wants to come home and is more than happy to live with my dad. I suppose he got tired of a crazy toddler jumping on him and riding him like a pony. Even though he's not really gone, he's still missed around here!! Leo still tends to jump on him when he sees him at my dads about 2-3 times a week (so Cheeks hasn't totally escaped!). Doc and Xavi seem to really miss him, their fearless leader has left and these two don't have enough leadership material to step up to the plate!Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-62471646943831456862012-12-21T14:28:00.003-06:002012-12-21T14:28:53.555-06:00I hate the HolidaysI can't be the only one, right?
To me, it's just a giant pain in the butt. We have to go out and buy a tree, I have to decorate it, then I have to clean up the house for guests, and clean up after the tree, and then, when it's all over, I have to clean again. I hate cleaning, with a passion, so the Holidays just means I get to do something I hate for my entire winter break. I thought my winter break was supposed to be a relaxing time off from school. I'm always wrong! And you'd think that Anthony would be willing to help me, right? Wrong! He's always "too tired" after coming home from work. Don't you think I'm tired after running around after a toddler who's learning how to run, climb on the oven, desk, etc, as well as color on EVERYTHING with pens he finds who knows where, and cooking and cleaning? Plus, I am the only one who actually walks the dogs, while carrying the toddler on my back. Plus, he's bragged before about how all he does at work some days is watch netflix on his computer. Seriously? SERIOUSLY? And you want to tell me you're so exhausted when you come home that you can't even take out the garbage?!?!
Not only do I have to clean but I have to go out and buy gifts for people with money that I don't actually have. I never know what to buy people! Of course, there are things that I know people would really like but they're always way out of my price range. Luckily, my sister and I agreed that we would just put a small cap on gifts for each other this year. We decided a ten dollar limit would be just fine for something small and cute. However, I went over the limit with her a little because I found something for $15 that is perfect for her. I can't even buy the gifts for Leo that I would like (a year long pass to the children's museum) so I think I'm going to end up selling some of my baby carriers to fund it.
And to top off my Christmas Hell, we have to do Christmas at our apartment. Nevermind that my parents have a huge house with a full kitchen and a nice dining table that sits at least 8-10 people, and even more if you add all of the extenders to it. We have a pretty large apartment, but not large enough to comfortably fit 8 people plus Leo's highchair. Our table sat 5 people at Thanksgiving, and that was it. Leo couldn't even sit at the table, his chair was a little off to the side next to me. Oh, and since we're hosting, we're cooking...which means we have to buy all of the food. How is this fair?!?!
I just cannot wait until January, when things will be back to normal and I can breathe and take a nap or something fun like that.Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-57235546772387074482012-12-12T14:41:00.001-06:002012-12-12T14:41:28.649-06:00Enter the giveaway at Paxbaby!Paxbaby has reached 10,000 fans and is celebrating by giving away 10 awesome items! You can enter here!
<a id="rc-9562e20" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9562e20/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-25763322194256337342012-12-10T23:26:00.003-06:002012-12-10T23:26:33.381-06:00This year has gone by so fastObviously, I haven't posted since Leo started walking, which was back in the summer. This semester has been living hell. My classes have been AWFUL and require a lot of work. I'm still working, and working doubles a lot of days. And I still have to be a mommy, first and foremost. I haven't had time for anything else (my house is a freaking mess!)
Luckily, this week is finals week. I look forward to being able to spending more time with my baby boy (who is no longer a baby =(!). Hopefully I'll remember to post more often!!
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4367835/?claim=bwqpea9pemg">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-76101419535127364532012-09-11T20:58:00.000-05:002012-09-11T20:58:28.649-05:00Walking!!!!Leo is walking! It's been coming for the past month or so, so I've been preparing for it..but I didn't expect it to just happen practically overnight! He went from just cruising and holding on to Mommy and Daddy and walking to just walking around the house, holding his blocks like it's nothing.
It's bittersweet.
My little man is growing up and getting big! Yet, my sweet little baby boy is no longer a baby and is officially a toddler. Noooo!!Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-72521575935861344882012-09-03T15:26:00.000-05:002012-09-03T15:38:06.721-05:00Harp Diapers Review & Giveaway!!!As promised, I am finally posting another giveaway for diapers. This time, it's from someone I actually know and trust and have come to know as a friend. Not only that but the diaper is actually functional!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_XD_XguMs4/UEPAsFFN-VI/AAAAAAAAAM8/XEqEmDGMev4/s1600/Harp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_XD_XguMs4/UEPAsFFN-VI/AAAAAAAAAM8/XEqEmDGMev4/s320/Harp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Deborah is the lovely mama behind Harp diapers, which is named after her adorable baby girl. She's been sewing her own diapers since she found out she was pregnant. After she and I both had an extremely bad experience with another WAHM, she decided to open up her own online store to sell her cute, functional, and fully customizable diapers. Instead of pocketing the money she makes from her sales, all of the money goes into a savings account for her daughter. Since she is a single mom with no support from the father, she plans for her daughter to have every opportunity available to her without any financial set-backs. So when you order a diaper from her, know that you are helping to allow a beautiful baby girl to have money for college!</div>
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With her awesome prints, I was itching to buy a diaper from her for months but, luckily, I held out until she ordered my absolute favorite Snoopy print ever and I just could not resist any longer! My first diaper was a hybrid fitted diaper, which has a fleece core making it virtually leak-proof for a couple of hours. I was a little skeptical since I had never used a fitted before, I honestly thought they were pretty pointless since they aren't waterproof. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmNCRX72t0s/UEPF5xO0riI/AAAAAAAAANc/Wa32D62i9kY/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmNCRX72t0s/UEPF5xO0riI/AAAAAAAAANc/Wa32D62i9kY/s320/IMG_0427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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She not only makes custom and pre-made diapers but also creates a ton of other things. She is one creative person (I'm extremely jealous of her skills!). She makes cloth wipes, blankets, hats and scarves, bibs, jewelry, mama cloth, and more. Basically, if you name it, she can sew it. I'm completely serious about ANYTHING you name, she can make. Someone custom order diapers...for their dog. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GAga9NeaWiI/UEPHuUCpPTI/AAAAAAAAANk/XYY-qdfX6vM/s1600/pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GAga9NeaWiI/UEPHuUCpPTI/AAAAAAAAANk/XYY-qdfX6vM/s1600/pillows.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at these custom throw pillow covers! Once I actually buy throw pillows, they will be a must-have for me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WuwssyToX1o/UEPIb0ExxUI/AAAAAAAAANs/vln_fgOgXtA/s1600/dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WuwssyToX1o/UEPIb0ExxUI/AAAAAAAAANs/vln_fgOgXtA/s320/dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here are the doggie diapers!</td></tr>
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I have this 100% wool sweater that was accidentally put in the dryer. It no longer fits me and would only fit a 12 year old so I'm contemplating asking her to turn them into longies or soakers for Leo. Since I couldn't sew anything if my life depended on it, I'm glad I know someone who could do it and wouldn't charge an arm and a leg for it!<br />
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Finally, what you've all been waiting for, the giveaway prize!! Deb is offering one person the chance to win the twin to this adorable Charlie Brown AI2 diaper! There are only two of this exact diaper in existence. I own one and you'll (hopefully) be the lucky one to own the other!! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCg9ZITDwgQ/UEPJ30b6qmI/AAAAAAAAAN0/-ELIkKATqlg/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xCg9ZITDwgQ/UEPJ30b6qmI/AAAAAAAAAN0/-ELIkKATqlg/s320/IMG_0425.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is very hard to get a good action shot with a baby who likes to constantly be on the move!</td></tr>
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The fit on her diapers is great! There are four rise snaps and Leo is on the second to the top (on all of his other diapers, he is on the last row), which means he still has plenty of room to grow on the rise. The elastic on the legs is super stretchy and gently so never leave red marks, which makes me happy since I know he's comfortable in the diaper. And, since the diaper is lined in super soft minky fabric, I know his little butt is nice and dry (and it doesn't stain, yay!). I'm pretty sure Leo thinks this particular insert is a stuffed animal; he enjoys hugging it and rubbing it on his cheek. Also, I love that she matches the top material of the insert with the inner material of the diaper; this means I can never mismatch inserts. She also did this with my fitted diaper, which had an adorable and soft microsuede inner with stars and moons. I need to order some extra inserts so I can actually use this as an AI2, or I can just line it with bamboo inserts. However, this is his favorite diaper to poop in so I haven't been able to actually use it as an AI2 anyway!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4zzQSQ2bGo/UEPMQa0EAGI/AAAAAAAAAOE/Zt3yR9I-xt4/s1600/IMG_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4zzQSQ2bGo/UEPMQa0EAGI/AAAAAAAAAOE/Zt3yR9I-xt4/s320/IMG_0422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfmwB3M89DQ/UEPNCGnBjBI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/Ls2YpC6MBwY/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfmwB3M89DQ/UEPNCGnBjBI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/Ls2YpC6MBwY/s320/IMG_0424.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, no gaps and it leaves no red marks!!</td></tr>
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In a very short time, these diapers have become my favorite diapers. I'll be ordering more when I have more money and, hopefully, whenever I have another baby, I'll be able to order some cute newborn diapers from her.<br />
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</div>Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-32713331075088451282012-08-14T23:34:00.001-05:002012-08-14T23:34:41.957-05:00Having a hard timeI haven't posted in awhile. Things have been tough here in our little household. I think Anthony and I may be splitting for good. I love him, I really do, and he claims that he loves me but only sometimes.
I found out he was cheating on me, again, only he doesn't consider it cheating. This is what he does: he opens a new email account, emails some girls on Craigslist (I don't really know if they live here or not), and then he chats with them acting like he's going to start a relationship with them. For example, one girl he was chatting with said, "I can't wait to start a family with you." to which he replied, "Me either, baby." He already has a family, with me and Leo. I don't understand why he does it. He says it's just boredom but he won't let me read the rest of the chats. I got into his email account and he changed his password right away. It just makes me think he's hiding something. He claims that if I don't believe him and don't trust him, there's no reason for us to be together.
So, I'm heartbroken. Not only that, he just claims that he only loves me sometimes. He says some days he wants to be with me and, others, he doesn't want to be with me and dreads coming home. I get that I can be a nag and a downright bitch sometimes...but I thought the person you loved was supposed to go through that with you.
I have no idea what to do. I am so depressed. He doesn't seem to understand why any of this hurts my feelings. He has no idea why I just can't trust him, despite everything he's done. He will not let me see those emails or chats, even though I've told him that's all I want from him. Everyone is telling me to just leave him but I don't even want to do that, even though I probably should. I never wanted to raise a child alone. I always wanted him to have a loving family and I feel like I'm a failure for not providing it to him. That's what hurts the most, that I have failed to give the absolute best possible thing for my son. I can't even afford to live on my own so I don't know what I'm going to do.
Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-72131498818721152412012-08-02T22:58:00.001-05:002012-08-02T22:58:55.558-05:00Happy Birthday Baby Boy!This post is a day late. Yesterday (August 1st) was Leo's birthday. I just didn't have time or energy to write it.
I can't believe my little man is already a year old. The time really flew by. I remember his first few days like they were just yesterday. It's amazing how much he has grown! I'd update with pictures but I'm just too lazy right now, maybe I'll come back and add pictures later.
Anyway, Leo is walking now. Well, kinda. He's taken a few steps here and there and walked about 3 feet today before falling down. It's the cutest thing I have ever seen, and the scariest. I know how fast he can move crawling so I can't imagine how fast he'll be once he starts actually walking...I'm so exhausted as it is!
His grandparents (Anthony parents) are coming in tomorrow morning at 5am and Leo's birthday party is Saturday. Wish me luck with all of that!!Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-34535743048956046432012-07-21T17:40:00.001-05:002012-07-21T17:40:37.721-05:00Life is Exhausting!When school ended, I was so excited because I thought that I would finally get to catch up on sleep, relax a little, and spend lots of time with Leo. I admit, I have gotten to spend a lot of time with Leo, but I cannot say that I've gotten to sleep or relax much. Instead of relaxing at home most days, Leo and I have been meeting up with other mommies and babies and trying to have fun! I figure we won't be able to have any play dates once school starts back up so I may as well take advantage of it now.
On top of that, Leo has stopped taking multiple naps throughout the day. He's now transitioning to one, maybe two, decent naps throughout the day. The two-three hour nap in the afternoon is nice because I can actually clean in that time frame, but, at the same time, I can't get my own nap in.
I've also been planning for Leo's first birthday. I thought it would be easy planning a first birthday but, no, it's so hard. Figuring out where to have it was the worst, we thought we'd have it at the Park District but it turns out you have to reserve those things months in advance. Who plans a party 6 months in advance?! Had I known planning things was going to be so difficult, I would have starting planning as soon as school let out. The worst part of it all is that I sent out invitations over a month in advance, and wrote down both my phone number and Anthony's phone number (we don't have a house phone) asking them to RSVP by the 14th. Most people didn't RSVP and the ones who did decided to call my parents, not me. It's annoying having to track people down and call them to make sure they are coming to a party. So, here's a tip for anybody reading, just call someone to RSVP, even if you don't plan on going!! I think I have everything pretty much settled now, I've bought all the party supplies, ordered the cake, and decided on the "menu"...now I just have to buy food, so I'm crossing my fingers that the stuff we need will be on sale next week.
And I FINALLY uploaded all of the pics from one of my cameras. Looking through all those pictures, deciding which ones were worth keeping, is also exhausting. Since it took me so long to finally upload them, I now need to search through the ones I kept and sort them into folders since I want to divide them up by months. Unfortunately, I didn't think to do that when I uploaded them...it would have made this whole thing much simpler. Once I get some more recent pictures of Leo uploaded, I will post some on here. He's grown so much!
On a happy note, Anthony got a new job! Yay! Hopefully he will actually like this job since he was miserable at his last one. Luckily, he has a set 9-5 schedule during the week. The only unfortunate thing is that he has to work on Saturdays for a little while, who knows how long. However, since we don't have an actual sitter and my mom lives too far to come up an extra day, I had to quit working on Saturdays. My salary on Saturdays isn't enough to justify paying a sitter. It's pretty depressing actually, to realize that a teenage babysitter probably makes more per hour than I do.
Again, I'll attempt to write here more often...but that may be an empty promise. I always say I'm going to write after Leo goes to bed, but then I usually pass out on the couch. Plus, I've been trying to stay off the computer as much as possible to spend time with Anthony when he's home.Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-45114107590261092422012-06-22T21:06:00.000-05:002012-06-22T21:06:03.003-05:00I've been MIAI thought once school was over that I'd have more time to post. On the contrary, I have absolutely no free time. I'm either working or babysitting Leo; now that he's crawling and very close to walking, I have to keep a constant eye on him! Leo and I have been able to go on quite a few adventures; we've been to the zoo, strawberry picking, many parks, and the beach a few times. It's nice to be able to get outside and do things now that it's finally warm (extremely hot) here in Chicago.
So what's happened in the past month and a half?
Leo has two teeth! I think he's currently teething again because he's been running a fever for the past two days and we're going on night two of a sleepless night.
He's starting to stand on his own for a few minutes at a time so I'm sure the first wobbly step isn't far away.
He claps now whenever you say, "Yay Leo!"
So maybe he hasn't had THAT many achievements but I'm still very proud of him and everything he's done. I'll try and write more here, especially since I think I'll be doing a cloth diaper giveaway...if I can find a sponsor. I'm crossing my fingers!
On another note, I despise the new blogger setup. And, I think it's time to change my layout, I'm a little bored with the one I have.Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-34700897159507996912012-03-31T15:53:00.000-05:002012-03-31T15:53:38.269-05:00Yeah...We've Changed.I don't know if it's just Americans or if all people like to think that they've bettered themselves based on past experiences. I don't mean personal experiences, I mean people as a whole. I remember being young and learning about the Nazis and concentration camps, I didn't think Americans would ever do anything like that. In fact, I believe most Americans think that Americans have always been rational people who would never treat people the way Hitler did. I think most people forget that America, too, had internment camps for Japanese-Americans. They must forget (or possibly not even know) about the Trail of Tears. America has had it's share of awful things it's done to people. <br />
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Now, people have come a long way; slavery no longer exists, religious persecution is null and void (at least in America), gay marriage is allowed in some states, but I wouldn't say that humans have changed all that much. Most views are still the same.<br />
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What made me think of this was the release of The Hunger Games. Now I've never read the book so I cannot take a stand either way on this, I am completely neutral. Supposedly, there are a lot of people who are more or less pissed at the fact that they cast two black actors as characters in the movie...actors which some people said were portrayed as white in the book. Honestly, who cares? It's just a movie..it's just a book..why does it matter what color their skin is if they play the character well? It really bothers me that people are out there on Facebook and Twitter calling the girl a n*****. Really? It comes down to this?<br />
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Despite the fact that slavery has been abolished and the Civil Rights movement was successful, racism is still rampant. I cannot lie when I say that whenever I hear about a murder in Chicago, I tend to think of a black man. I know, it's awful, I'm not racist in the least bit but it's just what tends to come to mind thanks to media, movies, tv shows, etc. Isn't it time that we start to change these attitudes? I really don't want my son growing up thinking that Blacks are all criminals; that Asians are math whizzes; or that Hispanics breed like rabbits. It is my main goal to make sure that not only does he grow up healthy and physically strong but to also be humble and accepting.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ajvx2KV91wA/T3dusVDAvCI/AAAAAAAAAKI/60_PW7p1hkM/s1600/398848_10150624881576611_501001610_9636183_2015959378_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ajvx2KV91wA/T3dusVDAvCI/AAAAAAAAAKI/60_PW7p1hkM/s320/398848_10150624881576611_501001610_9636183_2015959378_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-48780100065496715672012-03-26T22:06:00.000-05:002012-03-26T22:06:36.306-05:00Friendly Debates with the Danielles: Kids in the delivery room <a border="0" href="http://wedonthaveitall.com/" target="_blank"><img height="150" src="http://i763.photobucket.com/albums/xx280/mbishop62604/DebateButton1.jpg" width="150" /> </a><br />
I never really ever write about anything in particular..usually just whatever pops up in my mind. I recently came across a post from another blogger about Friendly Debates with the Danielles. If you read my blog, you should know by know that I'm a super opinionated person so it'll be fun to post my opinion and read other's opinions on certain topics.<br />
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<b>Kids in the delivery room? Yes or no?</b><br />
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Since I've never had kids before, this is a topic I've never really thought of. When I was younger, I used to think it was disgusting. Then again, I thought birth in general was disgusting. However, know that I have a child, I'm all for it <i>depending on the age of the child.</i> I think it is a great learning experience for young children and I really think that young children would be both proud and excited to be in the delivery room to welcome their younger brother or sister. However, I really do not believe that a 15 year old boy would want to be in the delivery room with his mother. For one, I've been 15, they believe birth is gross. Two, no teenager wants to see his or her mother's genitals. <br />
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Even though I am all for it, I don't think I would ever want Leo in the room with me for the actual birth. I would be fine having him around in the delivery room up until the point where I'm pushing. When I had Leo, it was an intimate moment for Anthony and I. Granted we had to have our midwife in the room almost the entire time, it was nice for it to just be Anthony and I and have it be a calm, relaxing experience...at least, in the beginning. My labor was tough so it ended up not being a calming experience after all.<br />
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I will say that it would be completely different if there were complications with the birth. Obviously, kids may get in the way and it may not be the best thing to have them around for that!<br />
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<b><i>Are you for or against kids in the delivery room? Have you had children present for your own childbirth?</i></b><br />
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Possible topics: organic food for babies, Is sterilizing baby items really necessary? The development of allergies depends on how the child is raised.Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-12256941582370049752012-03-26T18:55:00.000-05:002012-03-26T18:55:32.761-05:00Baby #2I don't get why it's natural for people to constantly ask, "so when are you having baby #2?" Every time I meet someone they ask if I'm breastfeeding, if he's sleeping through the night, and then when we're trying for another. It's annoying, especially from my family, they know we don't have the time or money for a second kid right now.<div><br />
</div><div>Anthony and I have discussed it many times. At first, we decided we'd wait around 5 years before trying for number two. We figured I'd be done with college by then and I'd have a pretty stable job, we'd possibly own our own home. That would be the ideal situation. After a few months went by, and some arguments made by family and friends, we decided maybe we'd wait three years before trying for baby #2 (by trying, I mean stopping to not-try..I will never actually try for a baby). </div><div><br />
</div><div>Today, out of nowhere, Anthony comes up to me and says, "You know, I can see why people want to have another baby." He said he had a dream that we were getting an ultrasound done and that we were having a baby girl. He didn't really come out and say it but I think he wants to have another baby soon. Maybe too soon for me! I definitely want another baby, I have dreams of it too but I definitely don't want two right now. Maybe after Leo is at least a year old...</div>Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-71517948703261039452012-03-26T18:47:00.000-05:002012-03-26T18:47:20.551-05:00True LoveThere is a girl I work with who's life is pretty similar to mine. She's just a little older than me; she just recently turned 24 and I'll be 23 this summer. She cloth diapers. Her baby is only two months younger than Leo. And her and her boyfriend are not married, like Anthony and I. So we have a lot in common...we like working together because it's so nice to talk to someone who is in the same situation you're in.<br />
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Anyway, we were working together early Sunday morning. In the midst of our opening duties she turns and asks me, "So do you love Anthony?" Of course, my instantaneous reaction was, "Yes, of course." I do love Anthony, more than anything. She paused and looked at me and said, "No, I mean, like the same as before you had a kid?"<br />
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It got me thinking. As I said, I do love Anthony, more than anything. We have our beautiful baby and we're happy together (for the most part..what couple doesn't have fights?)..but it is different now after having a child. I love him but the fairytale of the relationship isn't there anymore. We're planning on getting married but I don't get to dream about a surprise proposal or a dream wedding. <br />
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I wouldn't trade my life for anything, I'm happy. But it is different now.<br />
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Does anyone else feel the same way or understand where I'm coming from?Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-1931433099481376502012-03-23T17:24:00.000-05:002012-03-23T17:24:44.168-05:00The ExWhen I was 19, I stupidly dated this guy who was 25 and in the Navy. He seemed like a good guy, had his own place (which any guy who is 25 should), had his own car, had a job, etc. He seemed like he was on track. I probably shouldn't have been dating a guy who was 6 years my senior but I wanted someone mature and it didn't seem like any guys my age were mature (they weren't). <br />
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Since he was in the Navy, he lived near the Navy base here in Waukegan. I live in Chicago...so it was over an hours drive to get to his place. This was obviously before I had a baby, or even had three dogs, so I used to pack up my one dog, Cheeks, and I'd spend the weekend at his place. We dated for about 7-8 months and adopted a dog together (my pit, Doc...actually named by said ex!). I realize now that we were moving way too fast but this is all in hindsight. Anyway, since I was only allowed to have one dog at my apartment, Doc stayed with him. Since I stayed at his place so often, I had a ton of clothes there, shampoo, and even my Wii. He also started to hint that he wanted me to move in and wanted to have a baby. I did NOT want a baby, I was only 19, still a student...still wanting to live my life, so I said no.<br />
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After the 7-8 months we had been dating, things started to change. He would make excuses for me not to come out for the weekend, ignore my calls, forget to call me back, etc. He said some girl from work was staying with him while she got back on her feet but I had never had a chance to meet this girl so I was suspicious. After about a month of this crap, I finally decided to make a trip up to his apartment to just take back my dog and all my stuff since we were obviously breaking up. He had given me a set of keys to his place about 2 months prior to this. When I got there, he wasn't home because he was out of town (visiting his other girlfriends family!). To make a long story short, I found out he was cheating on me and got really angry and texted him. He called the cops and had me arrested for breaking and entering, claiming that I had stolen the keys to his apartment and let myself in even though we had been broken up for months. <br />
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I was released that night as no formal charges were taken. He called me two weeks later begging for me to go back with him, of course, I said no but he would continue to text me periodically and call every now and then to see how I was doing. Come to find out that his other girlfriend is pregnant. Looking back, there is no way she got pregnant after this guy and I officially stopped dating. The whole "arrest" happened in February, she had to have gotten pregnant in December. We never talked after that!<br />
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Fast forward about 6 months, I got a ticket for an improper turn on red. I went to the courthouse to pay my ticket and I'm arrested, fingerprints taken, photos taken, and my bond is set to $500 bucks! The arresting officer only said that the warrant was from Waukegan but couldn't tell me what the arrest was for. Luckily my parents were with me and posted bail and I headed to a court date in Waukegan thinking it was for a ticket I had gotten over a year prior. <br />
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At my trial, I am called up to the bench (all prepared to show my evidence that my ticket was paid, etc) and the Judge says, "You're being charged with breaking and entering and destruction of private property." WTF?!?! This was from that same ex who had called the cops on me with his BS story. After 7 court dates later, I got it taken off my record but I still had to pay a $200 restitution fee and, of course, had to pay my attorney for all 7 of those dates. I believe it cost me a total of two grand (Yes, TWO GRAND for that idiot) to get it all cleared up! <br />
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Obviously, I moved on with my life. I haven't talked to him since the day I found out his other girlfriend was pregnant (which was long before I got "arrested" at the courthouse). I've forgotten about him, aside from the fact that I hate his guts and I may just have to punch him in the face if I ever see him. But what do I see when I check my email this morning? He's following me on Twitter!!Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-43283169616237138012012-03-21T01:06:00.000-05:002012-03-21T01:06:55.300-05:00A Giveaway TipIn the history of my little blog here, I've only done two giveaways. By now, I was hoping to have done more but I'm not really sure of how to get my foot in the door (If you have tips, please share!!! =) ) Despite that, I have entered in a TON of giveaways and I've been lucky enough to win quite a few items. Usually, once I send my address in, I get my items within the week. I even got Fuzzibunz diapers the next day..I don't know how that was possible!!<br />
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However, there are still some items that I won and never received. For example, there are two items in particular, a bottle and a dog leash, that I've been waiting for for over three months!! I emailed both blog owners a couple of times in the time period and both said they'd fix it but, still, no items. It doesn't really bother me that much since I don't really need the items so much anymore. The bottle was a 4 ounce bottle and Leo pretty much eats nothing less than 6 ounces at a time and the dog leash seemed like it may have been too small/weak for using on my beastly animals...but I could have given them both as gifts to friends. What really bothers me about it is that the retailer/company agreed to do a giveaway and the item should be sent out. If you don't want to giveaway an item, then why agree to do a giveaway in the first place? I'm not really sure whether or not the blog is to blame (I don't think it is but who knows) or if it's the company's fault!<br />
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Another issue is that the item should be as described. If I enter a giveaway for one brand of diaper, I don't want to receive a different brand. If it's a custom item, I should be able to actually customize it. I've personally had experience with a giveaway where the item was not made to order and then the retailer claimed that the winner should pay return shipping since "she received the item for free anyway." I don't view that as proper business practices and I don't think it sheds good light on you as a person.Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-28978676564274017852012-03-14T12:41:00.000-05:002012-03-14T12:41:53.149-05:00Right vs. Wrong Ways of ParentingI recently went to a local store here in Chicago. I won't mention the store because it's not really that big of an issue as to what store it was. Anyway, this store sells baby carriers, cloth diapers, nursing wear, etc; it's the ultimate store for a mama who would generally consider herself a "green, natural parenting" type of mama, i.e. me, for the most part. I was talking to one of the sales clerks and she mentioned something about co-sleeping, when I mentioned that I do not co-sleep, she gave me this, "Oh....well...". You know, with that annoying tone that says the person is judging you. I. Hate. That. Tone. It is for people who think they're better than everyone else but they're really not. <br />
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In almost every way, I am a natural parenting mom. I babywear, I use cloth diapers, I am all for natural remedies and I do what I can when it comes to natural fibers and natural toys, etc. I just don't co-sleep. If I were to do it, neither Leo nor I would get any sleep what-so-ever. He refuses to fall asleep next to us and if I even try to get into bed after he's fallen asleep, he wakes up and cries. It's ridiculous. He likes his crib, he falls asleep almost instantaneously, everyone gets sleep...everyone is happy!<br />
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I don't get why there is this necessity to put a label on what kind of parent you are. I also don't get why people have to call out others saying there is some sort of wrong way to parent. I won't go out of the way and say that there is no wrong way to parent because there are plenty of wrong ways to parent but I wouldn't say that there is only one right way. Just because I don't co-sleep and let my kid cry a little does not mean that I am, in any way, a bad parent. I am an awesome mom and I know it. I know Leo knows he is loved and I know he loves me back, isn't that all that matters? Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-55343628567293262462012-03-11T13:28:00.000-05:002012-03-11T13:28:29.415-05:00I'm back!I haven't written in so long. I've been so busy with school and work that I just haven't had time. Then a family member passed away and spring break came along. Now I finally have a (semi) clean house and the weather is starting to warm up! <br />
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Obviously, I never finished my photo-a-day challenges. Maybe I'll try again sometime...this summer..when I have time! <br />
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More posts to come when I actually have something to write about.Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-35972106150764185292012-02-23T22:23:00.000-06:002012-02-23T22:23:49.693-06:00Time to lose the baby weightI've finally started to work on losing my baby weight. I know, Leo is already 6 months old so it's a little late to be starting but, better than never, right? Anthony and I both decided we're tired of being fat! I mean, neither of us are obese, I guess, but I could definitely stand to lose a few (more than a few) pounds! Plus, it's time for me to buy new jeans. If I buy them now, I have to buy the next size up...if I lose just a couple of pounds, I'll be find in my pre-baby weight jeans. I'd love to lose more but who knows if that will really happen. I am addicted to all things sweet and chocolately AND I work at Panera so you can only imagine how hard it is to resist.<br />
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It's Day Two of our workout regime but I feel awesome. I forgot how good it feels to run for half an hour and feel totally energized. Here's to hoping we can keep this up!!Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-75323719098180374992012-02-17T22:05:00.000-06:002012-02-17T22:05:30.954-06:00The In-Laws Are Here!Leo's Baptism is this weekend. Yay! Okay, to be honest, we're really doing the whole Baptism thing to please the grandparents. Neither Anthony nor I are very religious. While I do plan on teaching Leo that God exists, I'm not going to be the type of parent who forces my child to believe in something he may not necessarily actually believe in. My mother forced us to go to church and I think it only hindered my beliefs.<br />
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Anyway, Anthony's mother, her fiance, and two of his cousins are all staying over in our small, two bedroom apartment. It's hectic! I don't like it. Not because I mind people staying with us but it's just the fact that they are loud and obnoxious at times. If we had a huge house, it wouldn't be so bad. But, right now, Leo has to sleep in our room which means that I can't even pee in my own bathroom..I have to use our guest bathroom. <br />
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At the same time, I feel bad for my Mother-in-Law, who desperately wants Leo to like her but he's in this separation anxiety stage where he literally only wants to be held by me. The second I hand him off to anyone else (except Daddy for short periods of time), he screams.<br />
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Luckily, they are only here for a few days and then things will (kinda) be back to normal!Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-46270718576956359082012-02-14T23:36:00.000-06:002012-02-14T23:36:12.849-06:00I've been laggingWell I've been SUPER lazy with my photo-a-day challenges!!<br />
I haven't taken ANY pictures lately. I've decided that I'll just post a super long picture post tomorrow for all of the pictures from the past week!!! I took a couple of pictures today but I always pull out the camera when it's dark outside. I'm supposed to take a picture of the sky...for day 5 or something!...but I can't take a picture of a dark, yucky sky!!Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443989566004308329.post-74942387757165997822012-02-08T14:02:00.000-06:002012-02-08T14:02:40.935-06:00I don't know who's idea it was..To put an air conditioner vent directly underneath this computer desk. I'm sitting here in the IC (kind of a huge computer/work study lab at school), in a private study room..pumping. Since I don't think many 18-20 year old college students would be okay with seeing this, I sit all alone in a room with my back to the windows so nobody can see me and I do homework on the computer station in the room. Most of the time, it's fine. However, in this room, it sucks. There is an air conditioner vent directly underneath me and I am FREEZING. First off, who's idea was it to put the AC on in February, in Chicago, when our school is literally ON the lake? It's never hot by the school since we always have a "breeze" (Breeze is an understatement, my car door was almost blown off one day!). It is cold...also an understatement. And second, who would put a computer directly over a vent? In case you did have the heat on, it would just cause the computer itself to overheat! <br />
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If you're wondering why our school puts vents on the ground, it's this whole concept that they only heat and/or cool the floors to a height of about 6 ft. Since nobody is walking around in the space at the top of the ceiling, it's pointless to care if it's hot or cool..so pointless to heat or cool it and waste energy. Overall, the building is pretty cool because of that, along with the fact that the blinds are light activated so that they close when the sun would be in your eyes...and the walls are all windows.<br />
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Anyway, I realize that I'm a little behind on my Photo-a-Day challenges! I haven't had time recently, plus it was our anniversary last night so we opted for a movie. We were going to go out for dinner but my mom missed the memo that it was our anniversary and decided to make dinner for us. It was a nice gesture I guess but, still, everyone wants to have a special anniversary!! I'll try and post something tonight after I get off work, we'll see how I feel in terms of exhaustion!Melinda Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18342995540434402444noreply@blogger.com0