Because Everyone Shops with Poop on Their Shirt...Right?

Friday was supposed to be a fun day. Key word there is "supposed".

We woke up and decided that we would finish up some last minute shopping, give in to Isabella's pleading for a visit with Santa, mail some packages, and finish up with dinner at our favorite restaurant.

Once we arrived for our shopping Leo decided that it would be the best thing to just carry Brynlie rather than lug around our double stroller. I happily agreed to this and off we went.

As we arrive at our destination Leo informed me that he smelled something--and that it wasn't a good smell. He did the butt sniff test on Brynlie and the look on his face said it all.

We had a pooper.

He was walking ahead and yelled back at the girls and me that he would just take her into the family bathroom. I stayed with Isabella and Madelyn so we did some walking around. Isabella begged for a guitar. Madelyn was running around. Isabella licked some shop windows. Madelyn did some screaming.

It was great.

I was wondering where the hell Leo and Brynlie were and what the hell happened to the two of them when out walked Leo.

He was drenched with sweat. Brynlie is wrapped in a blanket. He looks, well, unhappy.

I looked at him wondering what in the...?!


He must have read my mind. He then told me that Brynlie had the most massive poop that he had ever seen.

Said massive poop was all over her back. Her shirt. Her pants.

There were no spare clothes in my massive bag. Not even a onesie.

When he reached into my bag to get out the wipes? We had two measly wipes.

Two.

There was no air circulation in the family bathroom. He said it reeked of shit from the diaper and that he couldn't breathe.

As he's pouring sweat off of his body he looks down to see what he had feared.

Shit all over his shirt.

We learned a few valuable lessons during this. One, we always double check the wipes container. Two, keep an extra outfit in said bag at all times--and make sure someone *ahem, me* has not removed outfits to wash them.

Final lesson? Make sure that Leo wears an undershirt that isn't so see through that his nipples are showing.

The Date.

Saturday night Leo and I decided to do something we had not done in a long time (get your minds out of the gutter, people).

We planned a date.

Not your typical date, though.

This was an at home date. After sleepy girls were tucked into bed.

Lucky for us our girls go to bed early. Extra early on days that are spent outdoors. Extra extra early on days spent outdoors sans naps.

It's a win-win situation on these days. A rarity, but a win-win.

Leo went and picked us up some Mexican takeout...and I'm not talking about Taco Bell. He got us the good stuff. The real stuff.

He arrived home with our date food and a bottle of Skinnygirl Margaritas and we were set.

It was perfect. It was a date.

And it was just us.

We have now decided we will have our dates more often...

Even if they are "just at home".

Hi? A Catch Up of a Deployment and a Baby...

Wow. Has it really been since January since I've thought about writing? How could I go so long without even managing a peep to my favorite readers? I guess it can be safe to say that life? Happened. I got caught up in my pregnancy, raising my girls, and caring for my home all while the husband was away in Afghanistan.


The seven months he was gone was one of the hardest things that I've ever had to do in my life. I won't lie. It? Sucked at times. Just the amount of exhaustion and worrying and sometimes thinking that his seven months would never end was enough to make my curl up and make me feel sorry for myself. I'm usually not the type to wallow in self pity. But it was hard. Super hard.


The good news? He's home! He came home at the very end of March. It has been amazing having my best friend back at home where he belongs...and the girls have been great at getting readjusted with their Daddy. I truly am blessed to have such a wonderful husband.


We also were blessed with the birth of our baby girl, Brynlie Nicole, on May 21st @ 1:19 am. She is the sweetest baby ever. She nurses like a champ, takes a bottle like a champ AND puts up with her sisters' shenanigans--what a little trooper!


Her birth story is a short one: went to my regular OB appointment on May 20th to find out my blood pressure was really high. I had been having a headache, but didn't think much of it--I assumed it was from being so tired. I got sent up to L&D for some monitoring and after an hour or so the OB doc came in and told me that my bp was still too high for him to feel comfortable. I was over 39 weeks at this point and he suggested that we come back at 4:00 pm to be admitted, get the foley balloon and then be induced Saturday morning bright and early.


I immediately said yes! Leo and I went out to lunch and then went home to start getting things in the car and get any last minute things completed. His mom had been staying with us to stay with the girls so that was a huge relief that I didn't need to scramble and find someone to watch Isabella and Madelyn.


Get to the hospital, get the foley and right away I start noticing pretty strong contractions. I didn't think a lot of it because for weeks I had been having contractions that were pretty intense. A couple of hours later the foley fell out. The nurses were all giddy and told us that they had a feeling this would happen (basically it means I was dialating and at that point just having the foley in jump started my labor). I was pretty hungry so Leo went to get me something to eat before it was too late.


By the time he arrived back my contractions were really picking up. I picked at my food and then asked the nurse if there was something that I could take that would help me sleep. I was still in denial that I was in labor. She gave me an Ambien and I still thought I would be able to sleep. Ha! She came back and hooked me up to the monitors to see my contractions and she checked me to discover I was 6 cm dialated! Yeah!!


She asked me what I wanted for pain management and I told her nothing...Madelyn was natural (not on purpose...) and Isabella's epidural failed, so I told her I really wanted to try this naturally.


 Everything was going great until I told them I had to push. Transition was really hard on me. I had coped really well up until that point. They checked me and I couldn't push because Brynlie was turned the wrong way and they really wanted her head to turn around before pushing. After what seemed like forever she turned! Show time...


After a few successful pushes I had to stop so they could untangle the cord that was wrapped around her neck two times. That was untangled and a couple of pushes later she was on my chest. It was love at first sight when I laid my eyes on her. No matter if it's your first or your tenth baby, there is nothing like holding that tiny bundle in your arms for the first time.


They immediately took her from me, though. She wasn't breathing. They had to resuscitate her twice and they sucked a ton of fluid from her. What had happened was she took a huge gulp during the birth process. I repeatedly asked if she was okay which they assured me she was fine. I was so scared...those few minutes seemed like eternity, but the staff was so calm and never let on how serious it was/could have been which I thank them for that.


So that, in a nutshell, was the birth of Brynlie Nicole. She did endure some bruising on her face from being in the wrong position for so long, but that disappeared within a day. She is perfect in every way. I love her snuggles, her baby smell, the sound of her just being so happy and I can tell that she knows she is so loved by us all.

Brynlie Nicole

7 lbs 4 oz

18 1/2" long

Born into our lives May 21, 2011 @ 1:19 a.m.

And My Tears Poured Out...He is Gone

Today has been the day at the top of my dread list for the past few weeks. Not only is it one of the worst days in our nation's history, but Leo left today. The irony of him leaving for a country that had a huge impact on why our military is doing what they're doing has been numbing to me. I just want to yell at the guilty that because of their hatred towards us, my husband is gone away from his family until next spring.

This morning my tears have been on overdrive...making our bed and smoothing down our covers and thinking of how long it will be until my husband will be lying next to me made me bawl.

Pulling out of our driveway and admiring all of the hard work that he did this week to our yard and tree made me lose it.

Driving to the airport  brought on a new flood of tears and caused more mascara to pour down my cheeks.

And the goodbyes. Oh, how the goodbyes sucked. The hurt in my heart, the emptiness that was left by my side where my husband should be...it's killing me inside.

For the next six months my blog will be chronicling our days, our lives, our happenings for my best friend...I hope that by seeing the girls and reading my words it will help us all get through these next few months.

And if I'm sappy, crying, making no sense? I apologize in advance--but hopefully each day that goes by will make me a little happier knowing that I have one less day without my honey. 

The One With Emotions and Christmas Decor

I'm not quite sure when it actually hit me that Leo is actually going away.

But sometime between bedtime and wake up time it hit me like a ton of bricks.

I've been a little mopey when the girls are asleep.

Sad while eating dinner.

And just having a pity party.

I am going to miss him. So, so, so much. Six months is a long time.

He'll miss Isabella's 3rd Birthday. Halloween. Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Years.

And every single day in between.

I love him with all of my heart. He's my best friend. He teases me. He sometimes can even make me pout.

I feel better after writing this all out.

Not a lot...but a little.

But can I tell you something?

I'm totally redecorating our bedroom and kitchen while he's gone. And Christmas?

Well, it's going to look like the Target aisles in here I'll have it so decorated.

I cannot wait to show Leo the pictures, ha!

Thanks for listening.

Suckiest Gift Giver. Ever.

I have a confession. I suck at buying my husband gifts. Seriously--I am not joking!

For the past few years I essentially get him the same things give or take. I give him the obligatory grill book, grill supplies, video games {even though I loathe them...go figure}, polo shirts, t-shirts, electronics and so on. It's depressing to see him open his gifts...that and the fact that it's a snooze fest. I need some excitement in both of our lives here, people.

As a disclaimer to my suckiness I must say that this can be traced back to him. Every holiday and birthday I ask him the same question. Hey, babe? What are you just dying to have? 

And I'm willing to bet you can guess his answer. Oh, babe, I don't need anything! I have my girls what more could I have?

I kid you not. That is his response. Every. Single. Time. I mean, I guess if I didn't want to get him a gift that answer would be awesome--seriously. But I'm not looking for that answer. I want an answer filled with excitement and twinkling eyes complete with that daydreamy expression of what it would feel like to get that gift! Okay, maybe I am the one who gives a mile long list of possible gift ideas complete with the twinkling eyes and daydreamy expression plastered onto my face...

Ahem. Back to the problem at fault here.

What do you get the man in your life that has everything? He honestly has everything that he wants. He has video games and movies galore. Not much of a reader. Still has an unused iTunes gift card that was from "Santa". Has more clothes than me {I wish that was a joke...}. Has an awesome grill, grill tools, grill books. Has landscaping books. Clay poker chip set. Poker table top. Cigars. Humidor. The man has it all.

Maybe I'll just give him a picture of me....*wink-wink*

No, but seriously. What do you buy the one you love the most?? Am I the only one that has this problem? Or do you have this problem, too? Give me your best ideas--the best gift that you ever got your man. If it's something that's amazing but tons of money skip it--that will not do me any good in this case, haha!

ps-totally kidding about the picture...

He Tried...And Filled the House Up W/Smoke

I have to say that my husband is usually a great cook. He can make some yummy barbecue, a breakfast to die for....oh--and some yummy enchiladas.

But...

He is no Pioneer Woman. I'm serious.

It all started when he has been practically in tears begging to try out the Chicken Fried Steak recipe. Like every single day.

With me being in a cinnamon roll induced coma--please don't ask me what my diet has consisted of for two days...okay, fine: cinnamon rolls, Diet Coke, a few bites of mashed potatoes and some Mexican food. Ugh. I'm going on a water diet tomorrow--I have refused to make it. But he kept begging and begging--so I told him what any sensible woman would do.

I told him if he wanted it that bad to make it himself.

I knew it was a bad sign when I walked in the kitchen and he was turning the meat over in the pan and they were pretty burnt. Moments later I heard windows slamming open, the back door opening and fans getting turned on.

This was all followed by smoke filling my entire house. Oh my Lord. It couldn't get much worse...until I sat down to eat and tried to cut it open. Um. It was raw. Red. Bloody.

I told him that it wasn't cooked and man, did he get defensive! He was all oh, please, babe. You eat steak redder than this.

Uh, this isn't steak...and my plate is filling up with red yucky juice....after seeing he was upset I told him it was okay--we all know how many things I've screwed up trying to cook!

He asked what I was going to eat--he would cook me something, run to get me something else. I told him not to worry about it--and did what any sensible woman in my shoes would have done.

I picked up my can of Diet Coke and grabbed just one more cinnamon roll....

Take Note Gentlemen.

What is about to follow is a conversation that all men should want to avoid. Take note.

Woman a mere couple of months after having a baby: I need to go shopping. I have NOTHING that I can wear.

Clueless man: What do you mean you have nothing to wear? What about all of those clothes hanging up in your closet?

Woman: *crickets chirping* Are you serious right now. 

Man: *trying to think of what is the right answer. Too bad for him there isn't one* Um. Yes? You have a ton of clothes that are hanging up. Oh! What about the clothes that are folded in the bin?

Woman: *Glaring icicles*  Those "clothes" don't fit me anymore. I can't pull my jeans over my hips. My shirt won't close over my mom boobs.

Man: Ooohhh...now that's sexy. *smiling all cute with a charming smile--which didn't work on me*

Moral of the story? If the woman in your life says she has nothing to wear? Just tell her to go ahead and go shopping. And shirts that don't close over mom boobs?

Ew. Not sexy.

Edited to add: Leo just read this. His attempt at coming out the good guy? He said that I got a new  car. Um, if I have nothing cute to wear? That won't cut it, honey....

*This happened after both births. I now have clothes that fit {after shedding many postpartum tears...}

Dove Men + Care {A Winey Mommy Review}

Leo always has the hardest times picking out body soaps that he likes. He usually just ends up using whatever I have in the shower--and usually? Those are girlie scents {my poor husband!}. I've tried different brands for him--but usually they're too strong and aimed at a younger crowd. Being a man in his 30's he knows what he wants but at the same time he can't seem to find the right product.

Then enters the new Dove line made especially for men--Dove Men + Care. The Dove Men + Care is especially made for men who are comfortable with themselves, but not yet in their own skin.

So what exactly does this mean? This means that now Dove has a product that is formulated especially for men and their skin needs--no more using my skin products {way to go, babe!}. It also provides the cleansing and refreshing that men want for their skin combined with Dove moisturizers to provide total skin comfort--another bonus for Leo who rarely puts on lotion. It's clinically proven to fight skin dryness with no irritation or dryness & is dermatologist recommended.

After receiving our two samples--the Clean Comfort Body & Face wash  and the Extra Fresh Body & Face bar--I noticed right away the great "man" smell. I love how Leo smells when he wears a little cologne or right after he shaves! Both of the products smelled so manly and good...I loved it! Leo got home and went running last nite after work. He told me he would try out the products and tell me how he liked them.

I have to admit I was nervous...I knew I loved how they smelled, but would Leo? Remember, he always has a hard time picking out a body wash that he likes. He gets out of the shower, gets dressed and comes out to the living room. I asked him how he liked them--his reply was that he really liked them--a lot. He tried both out for the review and said he loved them both. His favorite was the body wash {he can take that to work for when he goes to the gym on workout days} but that is why he favored the liquid soap. I asked him if he would want me to start buying Dove's Men + Care line--he told me yes! I'm so excited that there is a brand and product out there for Leo now. No more floral or fruity scented soaps for him, haha!

Right now you--my readers can submit YOUR man's unsung moments {whether it's a story, photo or video} and when a backyard makeover for that special man in your life--perfect timing, too! With spring approaching I know that Leo would be thrilled with this! To enter your man's unsung moment click here!

And for those of you who didn't catch it, here's the Superbowl commercial--hilarious!



I received the products mentioned above in order to write an honest review. No other compensation was given.

Right Now.

Right now it's 11 pm. Leo just got home a little bit ago.

He's been at work since who knows what time.

I keep thinking he isn't going to go...I'm a dreamer, I don't always like to believe in the truth {which can sometimes be a horrible trait...believe me when I tell you this...}.

I've been so busy with the girls. And the house. And Leo's family is here.

So it's nice. Busy. Full house.

But I'm really afraid for when he leaves. Then they leave.

My house is going to be so quiet.

Silent.

With the exception of tantrums, screaming, crying, etc.

And hopefully a sprinkling of laughter, happiness, singing.

I have a lot planned for the girls and I. Parks. Bouncey place. Picnics. Sleepover in Mommy's room. Crafts.

I also have a ton of giveaways that will be written and posted. That will take up a lot of time.

I guess I'm just going back in my memory to when Leo was deployed to Iraq. I lost so much weight. I was so lonely. So sad. So depressed. I'm so thankful I have Bella and Maddie now. They will be my reason to get up each and every day.

To laugh.

To love.

To be happy.

Right now.

Mind racing a million ways.

Heart is aching.

Plans are being made.

Happiness will continue.

I will be a better Mommy just knowing I have support from so many amazing family friends...

xoxo

Baby Giggles and Mommy Trips

Please ignore the fact that I tripped around the 45 second mark. And because I am never wrong, I blame it on Leo's big feet...

Who am I kidding? I am so clumsy!

Enjoy the cuteness!

Moments Like This...

Leo, you are truly an amazing Daddy.

Thank you for being you.

Love you.

Randoms...That's What I Got....

*I'm so excited for Halloween! I LOVE watching scary movies, trick or treating w/the girls and handing out yummy candy. Seriously fun--and Isabella has been saying "tricktreat" all. day. long! I love it!

*Speaking of Halloween, she was going to wear the tutu that she wore on her birthday as part of her Halloween costume. Um, yeah...she is now refusing to wear it. I panicked. Freaked out. There are no costumes left! Thankfully my mom came to my rescue. She mailed {2} of the cutest costumes ever--and I've decided that Bella will be Minnie Mouse. Awww!

*For Isabella's birthday and Madelyn's birth this sweetheart mailed the girls each these cute gifts.  Isn't she amazing?!  She is SO talented and I'm hoping to meet her one of these days--we live a few hours away from one another.  How exciting!


*Is it sad that we still have to run our air conditioner?  Because I'm so bummed out.  I am really ready for cooler days and cooler nites.


*My new blog name 'The Winey Mommy' is based on the fact that I *heart* wine. Not that I'm a whiney mommy, hehe!  Although you will find me whining occassionally....


*Do any of you get random emails from PR companies writing a long email and expecting you to write about their product?  Without a review available?  Because I've been flooded with them lately--and I'm sorry, but I'm not going to write something if I know nothing about the product.  I would hate to be told about a product and go buy one and really not like it at all.  Am I right on this one?


*I have a hair appointment in two weeks and I've decided that I am going short again--bob short.  I cannot stand my hair long!  And all I do is throw it up in a ponytail.  So boring and lazy of me.  I want hair that I love and can fix and be happy about.


*What are y'all getting your husbands for Christmas?  I have no clue what to get Leo.  Like zero clue.  He loves grilling out, video games, running, a good beer occassionally.  But he has things for these already.  Help!


*A neighbor's dog came over the other day when Leo was installing Madelyn's new carseat.  It sorta-kinda found its way into our laundry room.  And Isabella may or may not have given it a doggie biscuit.  When Leo made it go home Isabella was in tears about the dog.  I told her the doggie went ni-night (thank you, Mom, for the suggestion) and now she always tells me that the doggie is sleeping.  Oh--and she now wants her own dog.  Um, no.  Not now.  Maybe in a few years.  Maybe.

She Got You, Babe

Tonite Isabella wanted to watch one of her favorite Halloween movies ever--It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. She LOVES that show.

I was feeding Madelyn and the movie was in our dvd player in the Jeep. I yelled out to Leo to see if he could go out and get it for her.

No answer.

"Baaabe! Can you hear me?!"

Still no answer.

Isabella looks out to the kitchen and this time she yelled out to her Daddy.

"BAAABE! Halloweeeeen?"

Yes, she calls her Daddy babe.

Seriously cute and seriously the only other girl (well, besides Madelyn who can't talk yet...) who I would ever allow to call my husband babe.

The One With the Mole

We went out to eat at the best little Mexican restaurant tonite.

Isabella was a little, um....out of control--but in a good way, I assure you.

So, we're sitting there, eating.

Laughing.

Munching on chips.

When she starts looking at my neck.

I'm glancing at her sideways--a little on the cautious side mind you--wondering if she was going

to pull my glasses off again and laugh hysterically that Mommy has eyes.

Ahem.

So there we were. And out of nowhere comes one of her favorite words....

"Mole, mommy! Mommy, you have MOLE, Mommy!"

I nearly spit out my $1 margarita (best margaritas ever) and start laughing.

Leo is laughing.

Everyone around us that can hear our comedian start to crack up.

As her grand finale she declares she's 'sleep'--quite possibly due to her not napping?

Jumps on the ground and lays down.

Ewwww.

Leo then told Madelyn and me that they were going out to the car....

Sometimes I can't help but laugh.

She is just SO funny!

A Few Baptism Pics...

Before the baptism began. And yes--I was as tired as I looked! Haha!

Getting baptized...my favorite picture

After the baptism...both girls crying and Isabella had nearly torn my scarf off...haha!

In Need of a Fall Intervention...

Seriously. It's like everywhere I go "FALL" is yelling at me:

"Chelle, buy me!"

"Chelle--you don't need me, but toss me in your cart!"

"Chelle--I know you're trying to lose weight, but eat me!" says the candy corn, caramels for caramel apples, pumpkin spiced lattes....

"Chelle--buymebuymebuyme!"

You don't believe me?

Exhibit A:

Ran to the store tonite...(thank GOD Target isn't open yet! Lord help Leo's wallet me when it does!). You know, Wal-Mart...it's pretty much all we have around here.

Anyway.

I went to get a few necessities.

Two phone calls from Leo wondering where I was, and a cartload of stuff--which I know I didn't go to buy--later...I was home.

With Leo shaking his head at all of the bags.

And Bella and I happy as can be.

All of this fall madness is like a sickness...

Tell me--are you in need of a fall intervention, too?

Or am I the only one with no seasonal self control...

When Husbands Dress the Kids...

I asked Leo to get Isabella dressed on Saturday...which he did (happily I may add).

He walks by me in the living room where I'm reading some blogs...not paying attention to him.

He asks if whatever outfit he had in his hands was okay.

Yeah, sure babes...it's fine.

That is until Isabella got up from her nap.

And I saw the outfit.

Um.

It would have been okay.

If the skirt wasn't a size...

0-3 months!

And she's...oh...almost 23 months!

Hahaha!

At least he tried, right?

Few Baby Shower Pics

{FIVE}....A Beautiful Number

Happy 5th Anniversary my love...

The past {five} years have been:

amazing

breathtaking

a learning experience

love filled

joy filled

I cannot wait to celebrate many, many more with you!

I love you, my husband, my best friend and the father to my little girls.

{picture taken Nov '06 at Leo's brother's wedding}