FRENCH COUNTRY ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDEN TRADITIONAL IRISH FARMHOUSE

That pretty much sums up my home decorating style.

I cannot decide on one style. It's too hard. I love it all.

Actually, I don't like modern or Victorian or retro.

I'm struggling with the toile thing.

I love, love, love it. I just have trouble placing it in my home for some reason. I either have too small a splash to make a difference or I go way overboard. I need to find that perfect middle ground. I guess I'll just have to keep reading my favorite decorating blogs! :-)

I did order new curtains for the bedroom and living room. I have to adjust the tieback and then I will post photos.

We planted a new rosemary outfront. Unfortunately, the beautiful agave we had grown for years bit the dust this year. There are some kind of bugs that attack them and this year, they took it down. The rosemary will look beautiful though. And the backyard is coming along nicely. We still have a ton of work to do before I even post photos of that though.

Today is my last day to relax and then it's back to work tomorrow. I had a wonderful break, getting to bond with my sweet grandson, Andrew. I miss him already. We spent hours on the couch, him snuggled up under my chin on my chest. I loved the way he curled up like a lima bean when you picked him up. The he would arch his back and streeeetccchhh like only a baby does. He smelled so lovely - that new baby smell - and I cannot believe how smooth his skin is. I can't wait to see my baby Roo again!

Happy Easter!

Three Words...

Use 3 words (No more, no less) to answer each question.

Where is your cell phone?
~ I don't know...

Your hair?
~ curled it today...

Where is your father?
~ buried in Chester

Your favorite thing to do?
~ snuggle with Sparky

Your dream last night?
~ Actually don't remember!

Your favorite drink?
~ Starbucks Iced Tea

Your dream car?
~ Apple Red Mustang

The room you are in?
~ The Toile Bedroom

Your fears?
~ Sparky gone forever

What you're not good at?
~ cooking delicious meals

Muffins?
~ you like muffins?

One of your wish list items?
~ retire with Sparky


Where did you grow up?
~ Chester, Pa. (Ghetto)

The last thing you did?
~ Opened the mail

What are you wearing?
~ toile jammies, top

Your computer?
~ macbook laptop white

Your life?
~ I'm so blessed

Your mood?
~ content and happy

Missing?
~ my grandson, Andrew!!!!!

What are you thinking about right now?
~ holding baby Andrew

Your car?
~ Silver Ion Saturn

Your work?
~ Writing Teacher, Elementary

Your summer?
~ 6 blissful weeks

Your favorite color(s)?
~ green, silver, black

When is the last time you laughed?
~ Sparky's last joke

Last time you cried?
~ leaving baby Andrew

School?
~ only to teach!

Too much partying on St. Patrick's Day?

Oh, It's You Again....

Grandpa came to visit Baby Roo this weekend....



Andrew looks so peaceful with him! He really loves his grandpa and falls asleep easily in his arms.



But then grandpa had to leave... and it was back to mum mum...




Does he look.... gasp.... bored?!?!?!?!

2 posts in one day and no Andrew photos????

I was just reading DOOCE.com and she had a picture of Dreyer's Ice Cream Tagalongs - Girl Scout Style.

I blinked. I said outloud...

"If they have this in thin mint, I am screwed"

So I google it.

Yep. Thin Mint is available but only Jan. - April. I HAVE MISSED 2.5 PRECIOUS MONTHS!!!! I'm gonna have to get busy to make up for it cause I only have 6 weeks left to get this ice cream!

So I go to the Dreyer's website where you can put in your zip code to "locate the ice cream in your area" but I came up with a big fat NO for Tucson. SURELY, Phoenix will have it! I entered the zip code.

Nope. Nada. Zippo.

They are only releasing to to certain markets. And of course it makes sense that they would not release a special ice cream flavor in JANUARY - APRIL in the DESERT where it's ALWAYS hot enough to actually EAT ICE CREAM!!!! DUH!!!!!

Dreyer's, you big tease!!!!!!!!

St. Patrick' Day

Although I am not home, my home is decorated for the holiday. By the time I get home, my Easter stuff will not make it out all the way! I don't like when holidays back up to each other so closely as I enjoy decorating for each one.

Baby Roo got his "cut" today. I am just not used to all the boy stuff! He has been sleeping most of the day and a little antsy, poor guy. After 4 nights of no to very little sleep, I finally crashed again today. I took a 3 hour nap! Tonight, Mr. Sweet Pea is on baby duty. And I have to tell you I completely understand why women should be in their 20's to have babies!!! :-) I am feeling my age this week!

Hats

Pooh Bear Hat






Pope Hat
















East Coast Represent

My Hero...

Sparky arrived on a white stead with his cape flowing behind him.

Actually he came in his silver Saturn and a polo shirt but I swear that man makes my heart leap every time I see him. What a man. He unloaded the car, handed me a beautiful pink hyacinth, a potted Shamrock, some fresh daffodils for me and some for Sweet Pea, and a huge bag of trail mix. He knows I won't eat properly when I am busy taking care of the family. God. I.Love.Him!

Little L is also a hero. She came in and started cleaning, getting water for everyone, emptying a load of laundry, and a million other things. Sparky made us all back away from our constant cooing over the baby whle he rocked his grandson in his arms for over an hour. I had nothing to do for the first time in a week. So I focused on my darling Sweet Pea. She did NOT have to spend the night in the hospital - they released her at about 10 pm. We got her home to bed and set up for pumping although we cannot feed it to the baby until 24 hours after the surgery. She is in some pain and is tired but doing well. I hold Andrew up to her when he feeds or is awake so he can look at his mommy's beautiful face. She misses holding him but it won't be long!

This afternoon, I crashed. I was up with the baby, as was Sparky, since we really want Sweet Pea to get all the rest she can. For some reason, I needed a nap today. I don't nap at all - ever - during the day. But I think just knowing I have help now just let me release and get some much needed extra rest. THANK YOU, Sparky and Little L!

We hit the grocery store this afternoon, the pharmacy and Arby's. Sweet Pea is enjoying a Percocet nap, and we are getting ready to chow down on some pizza from NYPD.

It's going to be very hard to watch Sparky leave tomorrow. Little L is here to help me and I appreciate that so much. Sparky, however, eases my mind and spirit just with his presence. But I am where I need to be - where I want to be. Nothing gives me greater joy than to care for my family and the added bonus is the bond that Baby Roo and I are forming.

Enough mushy!

Bring on some Andrew photos! Here he is with his mommy a few days ago...

SWEET PEA THE COPY CAT...

Sweet Pea and I had what began as a lovely evening last night. We ate dinner ( homemade cheeseburgers and leftover salad) and stayed up enjoying baby Andrew. We both crashed around 1 am. I was biting my nails all night. I am not a nail biter. I didn't even realize I was doing it. Had Sparky been here, he would have asked me what was worrying me, as he is very in tune with me.

Somewhere around 3 am I heard Sweet Pea softly crying. I sat up in bed and she was headed to my guest room with the baby. She could barely speak or breath.

Pain - upper left quadrant, radiating to the front. Classic gallbladder pain.

We had two choices. (Don was at work) We could get the baby in the car and I could drop her off at the E.R. or we could call an ambulance. Not one for the drama of it all, she opted for the car ride. We bundled Andrew up and proceeded to drive to the ER.

I came back home and fed and changed the baby and waited for word from the hospital. She was promptly admitted and an ultrasound was done to confirm our diagnosis. Later, an MRI revealed, thankfully, no blockage.

As I type this, she is in surgery, having her gallbadder removed. She will spend the night in the hospital and most likely come home after breakfast in the am.

Sparky and Little L are on their way, Mr. Sweet Pea left to see her post - op. The ironic things? Her brother in law works at the hospital as well as Mr. Sweet Pea so they can spend the night checking up on her. I have next week off and can easily remain here to care for her and Andrew, as well as Mr. Sweet Pea. The timing could not have been better, if we have to go through all of this.

Poor Sweet Pea is physically and mentally spent - drained - exhausted. She is a strong woman though and can really lay some good guilt trips on Andrew when he asks for things as a teenager. :-)

Keep some love for her - she needs all that she can get right now!

Here is a photo of Andrew that reminds me of Sweet Pea as a baby. This photo makes even me lactate.





I think we will go for a walk just before dusk when the sun is setting and there is a cool breeze. The fresh air will do us both some good.

P.S. The reason for the title of this post is because I had severe gallbladder problems during my pregnancy with Little L and had it taken out a few months after she was born. Sweet Pea has me beat there, as she is going in ten days post-partum.

Our First Walk...

Still in Phoenix....

Perfect strangers know about my recent Grandma-hood...

































I miss this chick...
























I miss this guy.... (this is the longest we've ever been apart in 29 years of marriage)











But I am loving every minute of this...











and this...

Andrew's First Week

Dear World,

Hi, I am new here. Today is my one week birthday. It's been quite a ride already. In one week I have gone from a studio apartment to a spacious home in the burbs. I had nurses and doctors poking and prodding me and hello? why hasn't anyone invented a tape that doesn't rip your hair out of your arm when they take off your IV? I'll look into that when I am older.



Life is good. I pretty much eat, sleep, eat some more and sleep some more. I've been awake a little bit more the past few days. Mum Mum gets right in my face and smiles, coos, and talks to me. She thinks I see this:






























But I can't break her heart and tell her I see this:













So I just stare back at her and let her look into my beautiful blue eyes. My favorite thing to do with Mum Mum is spend the morning on her chest, snuggled up like a lima bean under her chin. We spent 5 hours there on Saturday! I am trying to wean her so we only did 4 hours like that on Sunday and 3 on Monday. Today, I gave her about 4 hours. I can't wean her just yet case she needs me to snuggle her while she is here visiting.














Apparently I have been sent to live with witches cause they are constantly boiling things in their big black kettle. I don't know what is up with that but whatever.



Yesterday we went on a field trip. I had a sponge bath the night before (didn't like it, of course) so I had a feeling something was up because they seem to like the way I smell already. My mom swears I smell like vanilla and Mum Mum is constantly kissing my head so I must already smell pretty sweet but anyway - we were going to the Doctor.

















I got into my car seat and into the back of the car with Mommy. Apparently I live in the desert. But it's a dry heat. *rolls eyes. We got to the Dr. and he pronounced me practically perfect in every way, just like Mum Mum said I was! Only I think she says I am particularly perfect in every way.






On the way home, Daddy drove through Starbucks. It's some big building where the serve drinks in CUPS. (???) It didn't look like anything I would want so they just got some iced teas for Mommy and Mum Mum.

I heard Mum Mum was making cupcakes for my birthday tonight. I've already had her roast beef and it was pretty good so I'll see about the cupcakes.

One night this week, Mommy and Mum Mum wanted to go to the store and get some food. I stayed with daddy for an hour. I thought now would be a good time to test this guy out. I waited until about 10 minutes after they were gone and started in. Now you have to understand - when I am with Mommy and Mum Mum I don't cry hardly at all. I fussed during the sponge bath, I may fuss a little when I have slept too long and I am realllllly hungry, but truly I am a very sweet natured, quiet little guy. However, Daddy hasn't been alone with me yet. I needed to initiate him. So I started crying. Just wanted to see what he would do. He tries to give me a binky. Nope. He changes my diaper. Yeah ,ok so now what? I'm still crying. FINALLY, after 45 minutes he calls Mommy to ask what to do. Mommy tells him to give me a bottle of her milk. Duh. He feeds me a little and I fall right back to sleep. It took him 45 minutes to figure out I wanted some Mommy juice!!! Newbie.










I do have to tell you - I never thought I would say this but I do empathize with Britney Spears now. I mean, I can't move a freakin' muscle without some camera going off inches from my face! I'll just be sitting perfectly still and there they go, every little breath I take. And if my eyes are open or I suck on my finger? Oh boy...... I can't wait for the batteries to die on their cameras!!!

Well I gotta go take a nap. Talk to ya later, world.

Love,
Andrew


P.S. I just wanted to say I have the GREATEST Mommy in the world. She stays up late with me, gets up early with me, feeds me, loves me, tells me how beautiful I am, plays with me, and feeds me (did I mention that already?) so I am one lucky boy. Oh, and she is beautiful, too! I think I'm gonna like living here.

Andrew decides to roll over, Day 5

on cloud 9

alarmed although andrew asked baby badge birth blood book born called car com comments completion email enjoying ever family flick flickr girl going heart hospital hours indigo leave love mum night pa photos pm posted precious robe roo showing something spammers sparky story sweet tomorrow until wants wonderful www year

created at TagCrowd.com

Welcome Home Andrew Christopher

Our Precious Andrew

Sweet Andrew continues to be in the hospital. They discharged Sweet Pea tonight but she refuses to leave so she and Don are sleeping in a Ford Bronco or Explorer or something that the in-laws let them borrow for this reason. There are no hotels in the area (seriously, what the???) and she is breastfeeding. So they are calling her every three hours to go back in and feed Andrew.

His white blood cells continue to be too high and we still have no word on the blood culture, although we were supposed to hear this afternoon. Everyone is tense. My baby girl is just a basket case of hormones. I hope she can look back on this one day and have great stories to tell. Every woman needs a good war story about birth, right?

Keep praying. Our precious boy is so wonderful and has the best mommy in the world! I'll make sure he knows that his mommy slept in a car so she wouldn't be far from him!

It breaks my heart. I HATE INSURANCE COMPANIES and I am not too fond of the hospital at this point either!!!!!

I am going there tomorrow so hopefully I can help in some way. Even if to provide a shoulder. I'll leave after I set up for that district thingy. I can't wait to see my Baby Roo again!

I am a grandmom!

My sweet Baby Roo is the most perfect creature ever. He is

just

so

perfect! What a doll.

So we drove back to Tucson today. I have to get some things ready for our school's big Saturday thingy (it's a big event in our district) so I have to get the displays ready but then I am headed back to Phx. on Friday night. As long as I get the set up done on Friday afternoon, I don't really see how I will have a problem getting out of Saturday. I am supposed to be at the awards ceremony because I was nominated for Teacher of the Year but ya know what? WHO CARES?! The thing is, they want you present because they don't tell you if you won until the actual ceremony but hello?!?! I AM MUM MUM Of the Year! So I choose to go back to Phx. I miss Baby Roo already. I had a little cry in the IN - n - Out burger joint about 3/4's of the way through my burger. I am tired and will be in a better mental state once I get through this week!

So Little Roo is having some bloodwork done. His white cells are abnormally high. Sweet Pea ran a fever during labor and delivery and Little Roo had one at birth. He is considered a preemie simply because he was born at 36 weeks. He had some breathing problems at birth so they brought in a specialist at birth. Poor Sweet Pea only got to hold him for about 3 minutes before they took him. He was born at 12:30 pm and she didn't get him back until 6 pm. But he is breastfeeding and that is good! Anyway, a neospecialist came in this am and said that the repeat blood work showed the white cell count high still so he wants to be overly cautious and go for antibiotics. So they took Little Roo to the nursery and placed an IV in him. Sweet Pea is going to breastfeed him in the nursery every 3 hours. Mr. Sweet Pea will not leave her so he is spending the night again with her, sleeping in a chair. Sweet Pea will stay to breastfeed.

Hopefully the blood culture will come back normal and they will get to take him home tomorrow. He looks wonderful! His skin is pretty and pink. He was sneezing a lot but the hospital staff is so wonderful so they are taking good care of Sweet Pea's Drew Bear. (Her nickname for him)

I had dreams about him all night last night and woke up, smiled at Sparky and said...

"I'm in love."

Sigh......