Move Over Oprah

For years I have been an Oprah fan. I even have my DVR set to record the show each day as I'm normally at work when it airs. I've been getting a little bored with Oprah lately...I can't take much more of Dr. Oz, talking about Oprah's thyroid problem or getting another round of her "Best Life" preaching. I know...eat right, exercise and look for balance in life....I get it. The DVR is stacked up with about 30 episodes that I really just need to delete because I've lost interest and Scott has threatened to take away my DVR rights because I'm using up all his precious DVR memory.

Who will replace her? I'm thinking Ellen. Have you watched the Ellen show....it is hilarious!!! Ms. Mayhem introduced me to the show. I'll probably never catch it again once I return to work, but if you're ever home at 9 a.m. during the week you should tune in. Pure entertainment and not once has Ellen told me about her thyroid.

Reality Bites

Lately my thoughts have been consumed by the transition of me going back to work and Evy going to daycare. Eventually, I will get over the emotional side of the transition but today I was hit by reality when I remembered I have a spouse who travels during the week. Hmmm...how's this going to work. Scott found out today that he will be gone all week the first full week that I am back at work. I am exhausted already just thinking about what a nightmare that week is going to be. Full time work, full time mommy, CEO of the household.

*Editor's Note: I realize there are many people in this world who have it a lot worse than I do. I am grateful that I have a husband, a job and a daughter. My sob stories are just that...my stories. After all, that's what a blog is all about.

Trauma

Ok, so I realize there are all kinds of traumatic firsts that you go through as a parent. Please excuse my whining as I work my way through them. Today was a big one: daycare. Evy will start daycare in two weeks. So, today we went to the center to get a lesson on how we navigate the baby farm. What supplies do we bring, what's the code to get in the locked door, how do we set up the direct deposit of one arm and one leg per month? As I was in the infant room (16 infants and 4 adults) I felt myself scanning the room and watching what all the children were doing. Some were being entertained just fine with bouncy seats and boppies. Others were face down on the carpet crying or standing in their cribs. What did they all have in common? No parent to provide full attention and love for 9 hours per day. Oh, stab me in the heart!!! I held back the tears until we got into the car. Yes, you heard me right....I cried! As most of you know I am not an overly emotional person so you can tell this was a big deal. Deep breath.

So Darn Cute!

There's not really anything else to say.

The Ignorance of my Youth

As I reflect on 2008 B.C. (before child) I laugh at the ignorance of my youth. I frequently used phrases such as "I'm Tired," "I'm Stressed," and "I'm so Busy" in the B.C. years. But then, as Emeril Lagasse says "BAM!" I became the parent of a young child. Oh yes, I remember being "tired"... sleeping until 10 a.m. on the weekends and then fitting in an afternoon nap was exhausting. It was so "stressful" getting myself ready for work and then trying to decide if we should meet friends for dinner at 6 or 7. And I was quite "busy" preparing dinner for two and watching an episode of The Hills. To all of you parents of young children; I apologize for muttering these phrases to you. Please forgive my ignorance.

*Editors Note: I stand behind all the times I used the phrases during my 3 years of working full time and going to grad school. That was horrible!

Just Chillin'

When Evy has a bad day I like to look at pictures like this one to remind myself that she can be sweet. We're having a rough day today. Evy has no interest in taking naps during the day. Since 7:30 a.m. she has slept for 1 hour (it's 5:30 p.m. now). We've been through 3 cycles of attempting to get her to nap, followed by excessive crying, followed by more rocking, followed by excessive crying. Just to clarify Evy is the one crying, although after a few more hours of this I might just join her!

Happy New Year!

This toast is to my parents who have logged many hours watching Evy so that Scott and I can maintain some sort of social life. Thank you!!!

Hope you all have a fabulous 2009.