Veiled Beauty

You may recognize this statue from "Pride and Prejudice" (the newer version with Keira Knightley). It is called Veiled Vestal by Raffaele Monti. And it is the most beautiful marble bust I have ever seen. I bet it's even more breathtaking in person. Just thought I'd share the beauty.

Vote!!!

Ok. I'm completely pilfering this from Nicole, but I thought that it was really profound. Let me be clear first...I am not, nor have I ever been, tied down to one political party. I believe that we should go with the best individual for the job. Having said that, I thought that this quote was as true today as it was then.

"In this 20th century, every great step forward has come during Democratic administrations. Every movement backward has come under Republican auspices, and it is the people who have paid dearly...Too much is now at stake--here and throughout the world--to take the wrong path now. There is one way to stop the forces of reaction. Get every vote out on election day, and make it count. You can't afford to waste your votes this year. I'm not asking you just to vote for me. Vote for YOURSELVES!... Vote for the standard of living that you have won under a Democratic administration! Get out there on election day, and vote for your future!"-- Harry Truman, 1948

Tha'll Do...

Nothing much new. Just taking things one day at a time. Two days this week, I was so exhausted by midday that I was telling H that I believe we are done having kiddos. I love my kids to pieces, but you really do forget just how much energy they require; mental, physical, and emotional. I even managed to fall asleep laying in Little Man's carseat the other night. Yeah, I need more sleep. So, I'm trying to get to bed much earlier and trying to not wear myself out. It's odd how quickly your mood and energy can change. Yesterday, I got Little Man to sleep in a good nap and was just pumped to get out of the house for a bit. So, I made my way to the grocery store...I know, such an exciting life. Anyway, by the time I was checking out at the register, I was exhausted again. And the other day, I was nodding off at 5 p.m. and then raring to go by 8 p.m. Odd.

The LonDolls dinner was great. We met up at a bakery and had sandwiches. It was wonderful to sit and visit with the girls, sitting and chatting with no rush to be elsewhere. We really missed Whit though since she couldn't travel down. No fun. But the girls are all doing well, living life. I really appreciated H for watching the kids and tending to Little Man while I was out. I think I need to make it a priority to get out every once in a while and relax and visit with my girls. I wish that Jen, my love in Maine, lived closer. I could see us packing up all the kids and taking off for a whole weekend each month. I love and miss her to pieces.

I can understand why so many women slip into postpartum depression. New moms are tired, they're stressed, they are lucky to get a shower everyday, and when we look in the mirror, it's easy to focus on the lingering weight and sagginess. I understand. And that's why it's so important to take your focus off these things and place them where they should be...your beautiful little one, making time for friends, and spoiling yourself with more rest and less "must do's". It's really hard to do all this when you are so used to putting everyone else first, but it's so important. I have checked out a couple of library books that I never finished. Who knows if I'll actually get to read them, but at least they are ready for me to steal away for a moment and soak up some reading. I also dug out some material that I bought for a couple of baby blankets. Not sure if they'll be completed anytime soon, but they are sitting there, tempting me if I have a moment. It's so important to give yourself an outlet. Jen does so with her beautiful crafts, and is currently focusing her creativity on her house. I have some crafts and good books....and an occasional nap.

Sure, life is stressful right now. Things aren't going perfect. But we're healthy, we're happy, and we're still smiling. That's enough.

I did something stupid.

After Little Man's doctor appointment today, I made my way to the mall. I rarely go to the mall unless I have a reason. Today, I was going to Motherhood Maternity to buy some super comfy nursing bras for my niece who lives an hour from the nearest location of this store. Anyway, while checking out, the cashier asked if I'd like to donate a dollar to the March of Dimes and receive a little ring on a bracelet that said "Be Healthy, Be Happy". So, I said, "Sure, why not?"

I was not fond of the string bracelet that was holding the ring and removed it. Since the ring looked a bit small, I first placed it on my pinky. Too big. Then I put it on my ring finger. It only went to my knuckle. After a few tries on other fingers, I decided to try the ring finger again and I was able to work it over my knuckle. I realized immediately that that was a mistake. A stupid, stupid mistake. In case you don't know, I have huge knuckles. Not elephant man huge, but huge. Every minute that the ring was on my finger, it seemed to get tighter and tighter. I tried to lick my finger and slide it off. Nope. I tried to coat it in soap and water. Uh-uh. H tried to help by pouring oil on it and pulling and twisting. No and OWWW.

After trying this a few times and winding up with a lot of pain, a purple finger and an indention, I knew it was time to find a professional. I called a nearby jeweler and explained my situation. He told me to come on over and he could try to cut it off. After a short drive with an aching, red finger, the jeweler snapped the ring in two with some cutters and I came out pretty unscathed, except a nick from the ring breaking. I thanked him profusely and he smiled that smile that you only get when you've just been freed from the consequences of doing something STUPID. I promised him I would never work a ring over my knuckle again. Not unless I want it there for eternity, and a purple finger.

In other news...
Little Man had his 2 month appointment today. He now weighs 12 lbs. 1 oz. and is 21 inches long. It's no wonder he no longer fits in his small outfits and is outgrowing his size 2 diapers. This kid is packing it on. Everything looks healthy and great. He even did a great job being calm and patient while we waited for the doctor. And all that was only rewarded with a bunch of vaccinations; one oral and three injections. I hate it when they have to do stuff like shots, PKUs, and his circumcision...oy vey, don't get me started on that. I will not be disappointed if I never see another one of those in my life. He let out some heartbreaking sobs and, later, was sore and screaming. After some tylenol and a nap, he was much better. I hate that we have to do it again in two months.

My aunt is getting married tomorrow. She has been a widow for almost 12 years. Her husband, my uncle, was a great man. So, it probably is expected that it would take that long to find someone else that would make her happy again. I hear he's a great guy and I hope they are very happy. I'm terribly sad that we can't be there for her special day. That's one of the bummers of living so far away. Her sons will be there and I haven't seen them in years. I would love to sit and chat with everyone and be there with my family.

Tomorrow is a busy day. I will be attending a baby shower for my sis-in-law's sister, H and the kids are going on a hike with his brother, and I am meeting the LonDolls for dinner. A few wonderful hours to catch up with my girls and take a little break from mommyhood. Don't get me wrong, I love it. But it's nice to have a little time to relax with friends without getting spit up on, changing diapers, or walking around in a bouncy way to soothe a fussy baby. Unfortunately, I don't think Whit will make it. But I'm still hoping for a great dinner.

Well, that's all for now. Please send good thoughts and prayers this way. Times are tough for most, and we're hanging in there too. Love ya.

Good Genes, I Guess.

Nothing new or terribly witty to post. Just the usual. I'm getting decent sleep. Little Man wakes up every 3-4 hours, gets changed, eats, and passes back out. He is becoming more intentionally responsive. So, when he smiles, he's actually smiling at me and not just because he probably passed gas or something. He is also seeing things that are farther away and his movements of his arms and legs are more controlled. During the day, he'll stay awake and alert for an hour or more and then he'll eat and pass out for naps. Pretty manageable. *crosses fingers* He is also growing very fast.I actually got quite a bit more done today than most days. I cleaned the living room, did some laundry, sorted some clothes, and paid some bills. I still need to do the program flier for church tomorrow, get the kids in the bath, and make something for dinner. *sigh*

Bree was finally able to come over and meet Little Man. She squeezed him and hugged him and snuggled him and, basically, loved all over him. It's hard not to. He's so squishy and soft. I can't wait to do the same to her kiddos when she has babies. They'll be gorgeous. I mean, look at them. It would be impossible for these two to make a baby that is not darling.

Tee hee.