Moon Dreams & Day Beams

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others can not keep it from themselves – JM Barrie

print via annechovie

Brian has been wanting a new bike for years. Actually, since we made the impromptu FOURTY mile bike trip from Mount Vernon to D.C. on our cross country-pre-marriage-days.  He was on a refurbished beach cruiser hocked from somewhat of a dumpster dive and I was on a 100.00 dollar Wal-mart special. Both are all fine and good until you really need a bike like we did that day.

We need better cycles. I guess it would be okay if I won a new Madsen bike. I am totally digging it.  I mean, really. Wouldn’t be so bad. Click here to enter to win. They are giving away two bikes and you could win one!

Thanks for the heads up: A Room Somewhere. If I win I promise to take you on a swirl in my new Madsen Gig. Suuuuh Weeet.

I apologize. No Happy Friday post. I am behind the ball today. It is not that I am not happy, it’s that I am awful tired. Whew. *wipe brow* AWFUL tired.  I developed a case of mastitis so I have spent the day resting, drinking lots of water, and eating. I have been doing a lot of the latter. I have been eating lots of Jenny’s Paula Deen Gooy Bars. Oh my goodness, like the whole box. Yes, I am serious. I have solely taken out almost the whole container. I have also been eating lots of Melissa’s homemade (HOMEMADE) Cinnamon rolls and pimento cheese on HOMEMADE bread. Darn it. How will Weight Watchers EVER work?

Heather invited Beatrice over for the day as she picked her up at 8a. It’s been awesome. I miss her. Yes, I definitely pine for little B but it is heavenly to rest. I researched mastitis as Dr. Sears says, “if you have mastitis, you need to look at your lifestyle.” Oh, Dr. Sears. How right you are! I know. I know that I need more rest and that I need to focus on baby more – not bottle feed and not skip pumping sessions. But dude, that is so freakin’ hard. Dr. Sear’s perhaps you should have a conference with my project-absorbed husband and my energetic two year old. Tell them. Please tell them that I NEED REST.

I have a busy weekend as I am looking after Sanford and Callie – who are like my favorite dogs ever – for Wendy. I am really excited about that. Plus, Uncle Granville, Aunt Peg and Grandmother are coming into town.

Rest. What rest? We Hulsey-nites do not rest.

Alright. Alllllriggggght. I won’t leave you hanging.

Here is a spooky little picture. I can’t decide if I am all for the wall sticker stuff yet. I like it but the vast choices seem overwhelming. Any-who, check out this Rob Ryan piece form Domestic. I guess, other people aren’t like me. But, when I saw this I became a little spooked. You?

The whole “ladder kiss” just doesn’t do it for me. I mean, with the thunder and lightening clouds. Maybe it is her son. Right. Sure. I get it. But, still. It’s just a little spooky.

Happy Friday, ya’ll!

I’d love to be where this girl is right now. From the May Anthropologie catalog. Speaking  of the May Anthropologie catalog, it provides an effortless opportunity to escape. Maybe I am just tired, desperately delirious, and wishing to ascend my coop (for just a moment, of course), but this issue really delivers a tastey portion of a stream-of-conciousness style get-a-way.

Check out this other picture of the Moon Garden Votives ($4-$12).

What do you think? Isn’t it dreamy? …this is the part where a handsome guy
appears with an engagement ring – or your girl friends sneak over to share a bottle of wine…right?

thanks for the inspiration a room somewhere and effortless antropologie

A super mommy friend gave me one of these Wombfruit Baby Wrap by Rachel.  That is Rachel and one of her wraps in the photo.  I was so surprised and so excited.  Now, I just have to determine how to use it. I have tried but it does not feel very comfortable. Perhaps, it is Whitaker’s monitor or his small size that make it shaky. I am determined, though. I mean, a lot of people wear them so they must have mastered the technique. I can do it. Yes, I can. I do admit that he absolutely loves being in it. He falls asleep instantly. More, the doctors at Memorial recommended kangaroo care which includes baby wearing.

I will keep you posted in my puzzlement and mastery of this apparatus.

If you are interested in this accessory check out Rachel’s wraps on her blog. She’s a good doula, natural mother, and cloth diaper-er, too!

One of my Statesboro Mama friends makes these brilliant, colorful, custom plaques that are great presents.  Isn’t she crafty? They are super cute and ONLY 8 DOLLARS.

I think they make the cutest end-of-the-year teacher gifts.  Don’t you? If you really, really like them place your order with her today!

*you may have to email her: smblocker@hotmail.com as i can not get the links to work : (

Nice work, Baby Beatrice Picasso.

In the case you are wondering: it is red finger nail polish, those are wood floors, I was nursing Whitaker while the art-session shook down.

And yes, I remained calm.

It sure is fun living with a toddler.

Happy Friday, Ya’ll!

I really love this back porch, on Sarah Jessica Parker’s Hamptons house. I am adding this porch to my dream house. Love it!

Via Decorology. See more of the house here.

from a room somewhere

I assumed the moments of maternal bliss that I felt a few weeks ago would carry me through these sleepless nights, showerless days, and all the other trials that come when a baby is added to a family.

Ironically that bliss was fleeting.  It was much less permanent than I anticipated. Where did it go? The truth is that momentary beatitude has not stopped the occasions that I doubt myself, the times when I have a feeling like I can do nothing right, or fitful dreams of a 9 – 5.

The transition into a two-child mother-load has been a more difficult than I expected.

Why didn’t anyone tell me how hard it would be? Why didn’t anyone tell me that I would worry over whether I am bonding enough with my second as with my first. Or, tell met about the fear that I am the only woman on earth who doesn’t have the gene to properly care for two children at once. And, what about how my body image nose dives when the milk sprayers are on; and the exhaustion that makes you want to assasinate your husband, your mother, your dog. And, most of all, why didn’t anyone share the struggle that comes with the transition – the struggle to balance who you were with whom you’ve become a mother of two small children.

No one told me because I wouldn’t listen if they did. I know myself. More, I know that after my hormones level out and the new family dynamics are established I will become comfortable, happy, and satisfied with who I have become. I will be more confident with the switch from an only-child to two, from three of us to four. I will be joyful and lovey again.

Right?

I love…vodka & orange juice, chips & salsa with cheese, cold coca-cola, and television that excels at being really awful.

And, you. What do you love?

Remember how I told you that Danielle surprised us by dropping in on Sunday? Well, she gave us a sneak peek. You should take a look-see over here at her blog. It’s enough to bring tears to a mother’s eyes. I can’t wait to see all the shots. About the tears…I did actually cry while Danielle was here. It was the first time that Beatrice has held Whitaker. B was very excited as she couldn’t contain her feelings. She would pat his little arm and give him kisses. Once she leaned over, kissed him and said “I love you” – that is when a few little tears rolled down my face. Brian caught me.I blame the overflow of emotion on my hormones; but, it was so tender sweet. I hope you skip over there. Let me know what you think. I may be biased but I think Danielle Hobbs Photography is the next big thing in natural light photographs. It was fabulous to see Danielle and her boys. I think that last time Brian and I saw her we were at a wedding in Sarasota, which was years ago. I am so thankful for her visit and proud of her work.

My bed is full of sweets tonight.

Happy belated Mother’s Day. I hope yours was divine. Mine was terrific. Ironically, I had a huge, postpartum melt down  just the day before. Saturday was full of tears and hormones and silly-ness but when my sister and her family dropped in Sunday afternoon for an impromptu visit to Bulloch County things began to pick up.  We had lunch at my house with the whole Griner crew including Mom. It was nice.

Danielle also surprised us (re my earlier post we had to cancel because we were in the hospital).  She came by on her way back from her hubby’s MBA graduation from Auburn. I am totally impressed with her energy and enthusiasm, and of course her photography skills. The woman is less than two months from her due date. She still came by Statesboro on her way to Savannah from Auburn. Did I mention she had Carter and Reed with her (her two boys)? Wow. She is truly a woman. And, did I mention she is on vacation as she is in Savannah visiting her parents. She is really from Columbia. Totally impressive.

We finished up the evening visiting all the mama’s of Hulsey-ville where we had dinner with all of my in-laws. Yes, Whitaker and I went. I feel really guilty but we left Hulsey Headquarter’s here in town to head to the country.

 The day was great. Happy belated Mother’s Day!

“DAD, DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM,” I always wanted ask Dad.

Tonight I will watch HBO: The Alzheimer’s Project. I am anxious to see this documentary series, which begins with The Memory Loss Tapes episode. I want to know more about this disease. I want to know more about what my Dad’s life was really like. I want to know what the caregivers life was like.

**My sister took this photo the weekend that we cared for him while he was at the nursing home rehabilitating his arm. I admit this is NOT what he looked like most of his life. Seriously, this is quite a dis-justice.  He was much more youthful and handsome. This really does not do him any favors; but, when I think of the height of the disease that we lived with this is the stage of his life that I conger.

Beatrice loves to dress up. We have accumulated a small amassment of girly, costume-y togs. Sometimes I turn around and there she is dressed as a bee. Or, a fairy. Or, a ballerina. Today she is Cinderella.

It is so much fun being a girl; and, so much fun being a mom to a girl. I love moments like these.

originally uploaded by Yvette Inufio via beach bungalow8

I don’t know where you are going  this weekend; or, where you have been this week. Maybe you are going to something fun like this. I wish we were.  Anyway, I hope you have a super Mother’s Day and a great weekend. Peace out, Christy.

Today I love…my counter. The site of it is invigorating and refreshing while it is littered with colorful treats from our friends.  As we entered our house dog-tired and frazzled from our most recent EGRMC stay, we were greeted with a sunny display of generosity from our friends. Isn’t it lively? And, remember the fresh flowers I dreamt of. Well, it was one thing I could scratch off of my list. How is that for a friend ? Amazing. Truly Amazing.

Thanks, ya’ll.

Ruby Red Slippers

Originally uploaded by Audrey Remmert

There is no place like home especially after a few days in the hospital. We are home…and, Whitaker is with us. The good news is that he is on a 24 hour apnea monitor, which means Brian and I can rest more peacefully than we have been. Even more good news is that the monitor will prevent W from ever getting to the blue-body-non-breathing state that we have experienced twice. An alarm will alert us before we even get to that point. Wait. There is still a little more positive news. The doctor concluded that this will most likely end at 44 weeks gestation, which means it is not permanent or even long lived. She thinks it is reflux related.  The light at the end of the tunnel is becoming more evident.

Thanks for all of the well wishes, love and support. It feels wonderful to be back home with all of my little peeps!

xoxo, Christy

Christy

P.S. I am super pumped that we may have a surprise from an old friend tomorrow. If it works out that we are home and it isn’t too much stress for Whitaker one of my old sorority sister’s will be coming by to catch up and to take some photos. I am not going to hold my breathe after our week of events; however, if it works out then there is nothing better to do with my evening than to catch up with Danielle to see how much we have changed since our days in Athens!

Image f rom absolutely beautiful things – Flickr

My Sister and My Dad.

I looked at this today. It makes me sad.

beatrice has gotten so big. i took a few pictures of her before she headed to mommys morning out at the church last week. for some odd reason, i didn’t notice her growth until my first sight of her post delivering whitaker. like a caterpillar the dawn before piercing he cocoon, she metamorphed into a child. i could have sworn she was just a baby. she has become a little lady, a little girl.

and, so mischeavious.

and, so loving and caring and nurturing.

oh beatrice, you are growing up on mama and papa.

If a girl could dream, then I would dream of black, knobby tires, state of the art suspension and the bold, sparkling personality of this jogging stoller.  It is for moms and dads that love the Great-Out-There. Bumpy sidewalks and beach sand are a breeze for this number. I would love to have this for Beatrice and Whitaker and Brian and I.  

There is hope.  BOB has a contest to win a stroller each month. I will have to see what the contest is for May.  With a lot of luck maybe I can score one on ebay or craigslist. 

None of these situations will probably happen; but, a Mama can dream. Right?

There are plenty of other jogging stollers that I like; however, if I could pick anyone I think this would be one of my first choice. It is my dream stroller!