Fill in the Blank Friday

Look at me! I'm posting before 6 p.m.!

I'm joining Lauren @ the little things we do, for Fill in the Blank Friday. Join in!

1.  The last thing I do before going to sleep is  hmm...I usually watch t.v. before bed, so turn the t.v. off and roll over. If I remember, I say a quick prayer.

2.  When I can't sleep I   do what I am doing now! (I woke up at 5 and can't fall back to sleep.) I am snacking on junk food, catching up on old stuff in the DVR, and random inter-webbing.

3.  The first thing I do when I wake up is     pee, change a diaper, make a bottle, and grab a drink for myself. In that order. When I wake up from a nap, I always crave something sweet for some reason...

4.  When I'm tired I   either get in a "zone" or become a complete monster. Since Gemma was born I have adjusted to less sleep, so it takes a lot to get super sleep deprived .

5.  My dream bedroom would be    some sort of huge, fluffy, cocoon-y bed... that is the only part that matters to me!

6.  If I could wake up anywhere tomorrow morning it would be     surprise me! Any place beautiful, exciting, and  unusual but not 100 + degrees or in North America, please.    .

7.  The longest sleep I've ever had was    I don't remember specifically, but freshman year of college was definitely the year of the nap...and the hangover...so I pretty sure it was sometime then... 

8.  I sleep on my    uhhmmm, it depends. However I feel comfortable that night. Versatility, baby! .

9.  When I sleep, I like to wear        comfy shorts and t-shirts .

10.  My bedtime is usually      12-ish...give or take an hour or so    .

Super Model

Gemma made her modeling debut this week.

She traded her beauty for the outfits that she wore in the shoot.

I think she's a natural.

Maybe if medical school doesn't work out, she'll have a backup plan.

*These pictures were all taken by R. Gonzalez Photography*

Me Me Me Monday

So, some of you may remember a while back...I had a "segment" that lasted all of 2 seconds where I set goals for myself and then checked back in the next week and made new goals.

I am hoping this will be a little like that...besides the whole failing miserably part.

Last time, I would set 3 or so goals, and go for them. This time, I am going to only make one general guideline that I will try to adhere to...

Me Me Me Monday is going to be about...ME.

Not Gemma  She Who Will Not Be Named on Me Me Me Monday.

After my "episode" last week, I am taking the advice that I need to take more time to focus on myself. I can be better. Honest.

I think the first thing I want to focus on is my weight. Shallow, yes, but it is something that I have total control over. I can control what goes into my mouth, and I already have the gym membership, I just need to use it. I am hoping that by gaining control in this aspect of my life, I will begin to regain confidence in my ability to gain control elsewhere as well.

Right now, I weigh 144.8 pounds. I weighed 130-135 when I got pregnant and weighed 128 at my 6 week check up. I have gained 16 pounds after having a baby.

WTH?!?!

My goal is to reach 125 pounds in 12.5 weeks. All through high school and the first year or so of college I hovered around 118-120, so I am sure that this is a healthy weight for my body.

If I try, I can do this.

Chunky Kacie can't wait to meet Skinny Kacie 10/21/10.

It's on!

Update

I wanted to drop in and thank you all for the amazing words of encouragement on my last post. I felt awful for admitting how awful I felt, and learning that some of what I was/am feeling is normal was/is really inspirational.

Our vacation-ish has been going a little better. We have gone on day trips to Ocean City, Maryland and Philly. Gemma didn't actually touch sand or the ocean but she did get a picture with the Liberty Bell. Today was spent mostly around the house, and was probably the best day for her yet. Tomorrow we are headed to a barbecue cook-off, but it is close by, and I am hoping for another good day since there won't be a long drive.

I am sleepy, but I just wanted to say thanks, from the bottom of my heart.

Thanks Y'all!

Holy Crap

Have you seen those weight loss commercials? The ones where some fit looking person talks about the day they saw a picture of themselves and couldn't believe their eyes? 

Today was one of those days for me. 

Literally and figuratively.

Gems has been having a hard time adjusting to our vacation-ish life. Long car rides, abnormal sleep schedules, and new surrounding are apparently not her thing. She's fussed and cried her way through significant chunks of time the past few days, and, as awful as this sounds, I have missed the couple of hour break each day that working part time affords me.

Again, this is going to sound awful, but I am looking at my life like how in the heck did I get here? Even scarier, there is a small part of me that is nagging how in the heck can I get out of this?

I'm not sure that I am ready for diapers, and schedules, and being held hostage for a baby to be able to eat/sleep/play in a way that is safe/sound/secure. Chasing around a child drives me wild, and goodness gracious can't I get a friggin' second to breathe?!?! Is that so much to ask for?!?!

Apparently as a single mom, it is too much to ask for.

I miss my life. I miss friends. I miss fun. I miss music. I miss boys. I miss clothes. I miss sleep. I miss jokes. I miss road trips. I miss parties. I miss school. I miss me. I miss my life. 

I miss the life I should be living. Maybe, that is what I miss most of all. 

Actually, I know that is what I miss most of all.

I should be living in an apartment with friends. Buying a car. Establishing a career. Going to happy hour.

This is not my life! Who am I? Whose life is this?

I took a picture today...me, my sister, and Gemma.

My hair was a mess. No makeup. Ill fitting clothes. Jeans at least 2 sizes bigger than before. My skin is a wreck. My confidence is non-existent.

I totally get the infomercials now.

That person is gross. I that person. I am gross. 

And alone.

And frustrated.

And so over my new life.

And I am the only one to blame...

Vacation Days 1 and 2 and a Giveaway Winner!

Greetings from the Eastern Shore of Maryland also known as "why in the heck would anyone go on vacation here?" 

Okay, really it's not that bad. This year, our usual beach house was a no-go, so instead, we are staying at my dad's boss' weekend home for the week. It's a super nice house, and all but for now it still just feels like we are staying in someone else's super nice house instead of on vacation if that makes any sense. Maybe tomorrow's day trip to the beach will feel more vacation-y. 

Here is a quick rundown of what has gone on so far on what from here on out will be referred to as the vaction-ish

The drive up...

It was only a 3 hour drive. For most of it, Gems slept. We got to the house around 9 a.m. or so, claimed rooms, took showers, went out for really bad Chinese food, and then went grocery shopping. Since we had gotten up at 5:30 a.m. this was exhausting...

Obviously, not a good long term sleep solution. I tried folding Gems pack and play up before we left Sunday morning and it WOULD NOT BUDGE. Luckily target came through and I found this for less than $13, once we got to Maryland.

I love Target. Not to be cliche or anything.

Then we went out to dinner at a time that is wayyy too late to take a 10 month old out for that. She made some faces like this:

But really, there was a whole lot of crying involved. 

Lesson learned.

Today, we went outlet shopping. I got Gemma the PERFECT outfit for her birthday party AND I got myself a pair of $13 jeans from the Gap outlet. If that's not a win-win, I don't know what is!

Afterwards, we stopped by a visitor center and I took a picture of Gemma on a bench...

And then another as she dumped her toes in a fountain...

Lots of shopping and splashing and we worked up an appetite. Here are pictures of Gemma at the restaurant for lunch:

Oh geez, she is fussing now. I better go but before I do I want to announce Chantel as the winner of my giveaway with entry number 42. I will be emailing you tonight. Congrats!

On Vacation...Again

Remember last time I took a vacation?

This is going to be kind of like that, but the opposite.

Instead of being home but not blogging, I plan on being away but blogging...maybe even extra.

This vacay is sort of last minute, last ditch effort to do SOMETHING since our usual, yearly family vacation fell through.  From what I can gather, one day will be spent at a near-ish beach (a 2 hour drive) and the rest will be spent...hanging out?

Can you tell I have no clue what is going on?

I am planning on spending my time uploading months worth of pictures and backing them up, hanging out with Gems, and attempting to try out my DSLR camera that I got forever ago and still haven't really taken off of automatic.

So it is a vacation...sort of.

So I'm excited...sort of.

Here's to a tan!

Empowering or Innapropriate

This is a toddler shirt.

They also sell it in onesies, and maybe older kids sizes.

And of course, this is available too:

So whaddya think?

Showing pride in single parenting?

Or just airing dirty laundry?

Birthday Party Update...and Help Me Choose...and Vote for Levi!

I am this close to having a PDF of Gemma's invitation. It was finished today, but unfortunately the date was wrong. Hopefully I will have the corrected version in the morning and then I will be able to them printed and in the mail soon. I will also try to take a picture of a printed invite to share with y'all here!

(f.y.i. I have written about 10 different sentences, and then deleted, just to get this far. Even within this parenthesis. What's up with that?)

I am going back and forth on my menu, so I thought that I would ask that you all help me choose. I am anticipating anywhere from 30-60 guests, so that could vary wildly, depending upon how many of my friends are tied up at the end of August.

Option A:

The Shell Shack Taco Bar... Pretty much a typical taco bar. I am thinking carne asada, grilled chicken, black beans, and then various tortillas/salsas/other toppings. I was also thinking about doing some sort of a Mexican inspired cupcake to carry on with the theme...dulce de leche, or something like that. Pros, I looove Mexican food, and it can easily be veggie friendly.

Option B:

Sandwich Sushi....Various sandwiches rolled into sushi rolls, and maybe have some cut into sea shell or mermaid, or number one shapes. Pasta salad with shell pasta. A couple other side dish/appetizer things. This idea could really go anywhere...I am having hard time narrowing down the menu going this route, but I do think it would be easy and light. Pros, most people like sandwiches, and we can have a variety of different things.

Option C:

All finger foods. Because the party is in between meal times, I am wondering if I could get away with just doing an appetizer table and a dessert table. My biggest concern would be that sometimes little bites are time consuming to make. Pros, finger foods are great for parties, and it might be most appropriate for the time of day.

Option D:

Something else entirely...any suggestions?

Oh, and after your done planning this menu for me could you do me another favor? Could you visit my blog friend Beth, and help her out? She is hosting a giveaway and also trying to get votes for a photo contest that her ADORABLE son Levi is in. If you want to enter her giveaway, it is here, and if you just want to place a vote for Levi, you can do that here.

Actually, I just got an idea! If you vote for Levi and/or enter Beth's giveaway, leave a comment on my giveaway for each that you do, for extra entries.

Well, my poor backspace is exhausted already tonight, so I guess this is all for now... Bye y'all!

Filing

I've mentioned before that I work at a nursing home, right?

Well, this job is not a dream job by any means (another post for another day) however, I am thankful for it because it really came around when I needed it.

Anywho, the job itself is pretty simple. I act as a receptionist, put together the facility newsletter, and help out as needed. Lately, as needed has pretty much been a whole lotta filing. That whole lotta filling has got me thinking. A whole lotta.

You wouldn't think that filing would be a particulary thoughtful task, and you really wouldn't think that it was an emotional task, and truth be told, the task itself is not. Organize your papers (I do this first because it makes it MUCH easier,) hole punch the papers, find the right binder, find the right section of that binder, stick your papers in, repeat. Actually maybe it is the reptetition that gets me. I get bored and I tend to get distracted and other bits of these jumbo files (think 3" binders) start jumping out at me, and I get to thinking... (Good gracious, you can tell I have been back in the country for a while!)

It is an emotional thing to see the lives of these people contained within the pages of a 3" binder. A picture, a social history, a medical work up. This is 70-80-90 years (plus in some cases) summed up in a few hundred sheets of paper. As massive as they are, they still don't seem massive enough.

And because I am only human, and humans are narcissistic, I start thinking about these charts in regards to how they relate to my own life.

I find comfort in the fact that almost everyone was married at some point in their lives.
I wonder if Gemma will be the one to put me someplace like this one day.
I consider where my last home will be, will I have money saved, what will I look like...

What will my life have been?

And of course, some of what my life will have been is what it is now. Single mom. Receptionist. Living at home.

Ugh.

That is a scary thought. I don't want this to be what ends up in my binder. I just don't.

I want a husband. More children. A profession I am (was?)  passionate about.

Dang, at least I want my own house.

I can't stay in this...this...I don't even know what this is, forever.

I need to take a next step. But what? Where? How? Which direction?

*sigh*

...the things I think about when I'm filing...

Confession # 4

I've developed another (slight) addiction.

Giveaways.

Yes, giveaways. I managed to stay away from giveaway blogs until very recently, and then one day...I got bored.

And I entered.

And then...hey, look over here...there's another.

So, I entered that one too.

And then I was over it, because one can only say type,   "I really love the owl shaped case with the orange beads," so many times before it gets old.

Well, to my surprise, I won. Something small but I won.

And then it was on.

Since then, I have won 4 other blog giveaways, in a matter of a month or so.

Woo Hoo. Free stuff. Free stuff that is doubly good, because I am usually on the clock when I am entering, although, I wouldn't really reccommed that strategy.

Anyway, since I am such a winner lately, I thought I would give you my top 3 tips for entering blog giveaways. Then, maybe you will win someting like the Popcorn, Indiana Popcorn that I won from Familylicious Reviews.

Tip #1: Only enter giveaways for stuff that you like and that you think you can be used by you or by someone you know. And no, selling it on Craigslist does not count as a using, and you do not know KimK456 on Ebay either. I think this rule is important for two reasons. The first, is that you don't want to waste your time entering for things you don't care about. Save your time, energy, and typing fingers for something that excites you. There are no shortage of giveaways out there, so focus on ones that really interest you. The second reason, I think it is just good karma. Why take something you don't even like when there is somebody out there who would love (or at least like) to win it? When random luck is involved, you need all the karma you can get!

Tip #2: Create a new Twitter account and use that for giveaway entry purposes. There are often many opportunities for extra entries through following or Twitter and sending out Tweets, but you may not want to flood your personal account (or those your personal friends) with all of the giveaway mumbo jumbo. I just started doing this recently, and it is adding up to lots of extra entries!

Tip #3: Consider the number of entries. This goes back to the idea of making the most out of your time. If there are 1,100 entries for a $5 product, it may not be worth your time to even bother entering but if there are 1,100 entries for something super awesome, it may be worth it to be enter even with less than awesome chances of winning. On a more positive note, low entry giveaways, which for me are giveaways with less than 100 or 200 entries depending on the item, give you much better odds of winning, which is great! Plus, when you enter these giveaways you are supporting some lesser known bloggers, so again, GOOD KARMA! One great blog I have found, with listings of low-entry giveaways, is Ten Talents, where Stephanie hosts daily Low Entry Lowdown!

Or, you could just enter my very own low-entry giveaway. Your chances are good there too.

Knock On Wood

Notice Anything New Around Here?

I've got a brand new button!

Courtesy of http://www.bigmamacass.com/

Feel free to grab it and stuff!

Getting to Know ME!

1. What is YOUR definition of sexy?


I think sexy is just a confidence, passion, and desirabilty all rolled into one. 

2. Would you rather clean up puke or change a poopy diaper?

Poop wins, but only because it was contained. If my options were clean up puke or a blow-out diaper, I would so choose puke. (motherhood!)

3. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

I am an extrovert, I think. I thrive off of other peoples energy, attention, and social interaction. However, I can still be shy sometimes, but that usually only lasts like 2 minutes and only in super awkward situations...

4. If you had to give up one of your 5 senses for a year..which one would you give up?

Umm, gosh. Smell? But can you have taste without smell? I go with smell but only if you can still have taste.
5. Cake or Pie?

Pie. I like some cake but there is a lot of bad cake in the world. There is a lot less (in my opinion) bad pie.
6. If you could play any character on TV (old or current) who would you play?

Michelle Tanner. We are practically the same age (the Olsen twins are 13 days older than I am) so the timing would have been right. They didn't have to act, just be a cute kid and that is easy enough. Plus it made them super rich.

I think this question is asking more about the personality or something of a character though, so, umm...uhhh...gosh, I guess I will just stick with Michelle Tanner.
7. My favorite website is.....?

This isn't a favorite website, but just one that came to mind. If you click on the link beware...there is lots of cursing!

8. The highlight of my day is....?

Nap Time!!! Just kidding. Lunch is good too =)


P.S. If you haven't done it yet, enter my giveaway!

Let the Randomness Begin!

I promised randomness...so here goes!

Today was an okay day. I ate a cookie for breakfast, and then went to the gym. Luckily, Gemma didn't cry while she was at the gym daycare, which is a stark contrast to every other time we go to the gym.

As if I need another excuse not to work out. Pfft.

That was pretty much the peak of excitement for us. Other than that, my day was laundry and the back to back to back episodes Grey's Anatomy. And another cookie, because, hello, if I didn't eat it right that second it would haunt me until it did. Plus, after it was gone I could start eating healthy.

Do you like my logic?

Yesterday, I accidentally stepped on Gem's hand  and somehow broke her skin. I suck. And, I am fat enough to rip baby skin, so really...enough with the cookies.

Bah.

Now...I am at work, staring out the window and being nervous about the rain clouds I see approaching. As if I am not already a spazzy enough driver, we (my father and I) were in a small accident last Friday, and it totally shook me. We were t-boned out of no where, from some lady doing some crazy something or other. I wish I was good at explaining traffic stuff. Either way, like I said, I am already a spazzy driver so this has made me extra spazzy, and  I am driving a rental right now which is different and then the stupid rain clouds.

Grr.

I am working this weekend, so I am being uncharacteristically passive aggressive and goofing around on the Internet, as opposed to actually working. I am searching for a birthday shirt for Gemma and trying to decide between a mermaid shirt that is something like this:

A cute name/number Etsy shirt like this:

Or maybe just going an entirely different route and getting her a dress or something.

Decisions, Decisions.

I am also over thinking birthday crap, because my dad threw a wrench in my color scheme plan (light blue, light pink, dark pink) by going and buying all of the napkins, plates, and silverware that I need for the party in this color:

Which, is fine, and it will still work, but it is not light blue so I am re-thinking. Also, I wanted to do silverware and stuff in all of my colors, but he bought a lot of each item and all in blue, so I am not sure if I should buy more of the same in my two shades of pink and risk having a ton of extra plates and stuff or if I should use all blue and incorporate my pinks some other way. It was definitely a good thing he did, and I am so happy to have one less expense...I am just being myself and wayyy over thinking it.

What do you think? About the shirts and the plates?

Ohhh...and if you haven't done so yet, enter my giveaway...please?

Here is the link.

Later Gator!

Mental-ness

When I first started this blog, I came here and I rambled.

Then, I started reading other blogs...better blogs...and I realized that they had cool things, like pictures and, well, a point to what they are writing about. So, I decided, I will have a point too. I will write a better blog.

At first it was great. When I learned how to blog, I really enjoyed my posts more. I liked that they were similar to posts that I would like to read.

And then, the mental-ness happened. What is the mental-ness you ask? The mental-ness is a really ditzy way to describe overthinking, that I saw (heard?) on Cheerleader Nation the other day. Funny, right?

And who-zzle, the mentalness came and I began over thinking every single blog post. I felt ashamed whenever I had a post with no pictures. I felt embarassed when I didn't have an over-all message. I felt silly when I addressed you, my reader directly-totally a faux pas.

I've mentioned this before, but the mental-ness has hung around...for a while now, and in order to be myself, and to reclaim my voice here, I am going to have to overcome this.

I'm going have to just do the damn thing.

For myself.

Again.

(obviously, the bloggy vacay wasn't want I really needed)

Who knew blogging could lead to random identity crises.

So, be prepared for some randomness. And a continued lack of pictures (that I won't feel sorry about any more.) And maybe some light cursing, because even though I don't curse very often, sometimes it's just needed.

Damn it.

The mental-ness I mean...

Gemma's Last First Holiday

I have so much to about Gemma's last first holiday weekend.

There was a car crash (we're fine, my car is not.)

There was a big party with lots of fireworks (Gemma loved them, I did not.)

We spent time with the fam (some drove me crazy, some did not.)

Unfortunately, with all the hub bub, compounded by a baby who is out of control, all over the place, and work, where I have actually had to work lately (imagine that!)...this is all I've got.

Tomorrow hopefully. Or the next day.

I'm off to get my rental car (finally!)

So, until we meet again, tell me how cute my baby is, and enter my giveaway =)

Getting to Know ME and...A Giveaway!

Happy 4th of July everyone =) 


Another Sunday, Another Getting to Know You at the MannLand5...Followed by a giveaway!

1. What do you look forward to the most on the 4th of July?
We have a huge family get together every 4th, with lots of food and lots of fireworks...I don't love the fireworks, but the rest is so much fun.


2. Are you a hugger?
With family and good friends I am. I won't initiate hugs with people I don't know, but they don't make me feel uncomfortable either.


3. What is your favorite BBQ'd food?
Scallops, yum!


4. Do you like to watch parades?
Yesss! 

5. Who has stinkier farts..boys or girls?
Ewww!

6. Vampires or Werewolves?
Neither!

7. Do you read your horoscope?
Maybe like, 2 times a year.

8. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
I don't have a usual favorite. I like trying different types of Ben and Jerry's!


Sorry, my answers are a little short today.  I am excited for my VERY FIRST EVER giveaway! 

Isn't it cute?

This 16" x 19" comfort blanket was made by the awesome Kimberly at SheltonMade. 

Wouldn't this be perfect for the baby girl in your life? =)

For your mandatory entry, head on over to the SheltonMade  Etsy shop, and tell me about another item that you love!

For additional entries:

• Follow me here on And Baby Makes Two-3 Extra Entries
• Follow Kimberly on SheltonMade blog-3 Extra Entries
• Comment on a post on And Baby Makes 2-1 Extra Entry
• Comment on a post on the SheltonMade blog-1 Extra Entry
• Give me your best birthday party planning tip-1 Extra Entry

Just make sure to leave your email address in your first comment, unless it is visible in your profile. Also, Kimberly said that she is willing to ship anywhere that the mailbox will let her! This giveaway will end 7/18!

Good Luck!