Vacation Recap

Our mini-vacation was fabulous. Ryan and I went on a short cruise from Miami to Coco Cay and Nassau. Here's the recap (we aren't good at taking pictures, hated asking people, and plain ol' forgot so these were about all we have to share).

Thursday night: Grandma and Grandpa Sladky arrived with Rosie to begin their weekend of fun.

Friday morning I did laundry, finished packing, and got G & G all up to speed on Miller. Then we headed to the port around 12:30.

It was a quick entry to the boat. We feel like pro's having been on 3 cruises. Since we never purchase the pictures, Ryan made a silly face in our picture. We tried to take a picture of it but got busted so it didn't turn out very well. We were also asked if we were brother and sister. I guess two blue eyed, fair skinned beauties like ourselves stood out amongst the sea of ethnicity that didn't include Minnesotan.

We were pretty low key the first day. We didn't do too much touring the boat since we had cruised on it before. We knew where stuff was and what we liked to do so we stashed our carry-on and headed to the pool deck for a drink. Then we scoped out a spot in our favorite lounge and read a magazine.

We did dining "whenever" which was super nice. It was early to bed the first night as we were exhausted from a long week of work. Then we were up early on Saturday to head to Coco Cay for some sea kayaking.

We fought the first way to the second island-dual kayaks, not a good way to relax. After we paddled to the second island; we took a break and then got over our angst. We paddled back to the island in synch and had no harsh words. I wouldn't say we were well oiled but we had it figured out. We each had one drink, walked around a bit and then headed back to the boat for lunch and to clean up. We spent the rest of the day reading and rotating from lounge to lounge to stay warm and follow the sun. It was too hot and humid to be outside and we already did a morning of it in the ocean.

Saturday was formal night. We dressed up and I actually bought a picture of us. I need to find a frame and cut the 8 x 10 down since about 4+ inches of it are all boob. We didn't get a good picture of me so you will have to savor Ryan looking dapper in his tie. We listened to the WORST guitar lounge singer ever. He was painful and quite a disappointment. We did stay out until after midnight that night.

Sunday we slept in until 10am. A first in over a year and probably the last for quite some time. We headed over to Nassau and did a few blocks of tourism. We weren't in the mood to do much sight seeing and we were too cheap to pay to go to Atlantis. I didn't find any bargains at the straw market either. We ate an overpriced lunch as Sr. Frogs and then headed back for more reading and relaxing. Here's me in an island get-up.

Leaving Nassau...
The last evening we ate another good dinner and then headed out for a casual evening. We saw the 70's show in the Chorus Line Theatre and then headed to bed. See, we look relaxed don't we?

My dad picked us up this morning and then we headed home. I cleaned the house, Ryan did laundry, we made a trip to Big Al's for saltwater and then to Target for a few items. Now we are home and I am ready for another vacation. I don't want to go to work tomorrow but I have to pay for our trip somehow.

On Vacation

After a week from hell I am officially on vacation. Grandma and Grandpa are here. Packing is underway. I am outta the cyber world (well, minus one last drama filled morning tomorrow to wrap up the shitty week).

Working Machine and a Phobia

I am in a panic to get things done for work so I can relax on our vacation. We had a re-org a week ago so normal crazy has now been compounded with additional meetings and overbookings. Not to mention some last minute items my former boss snuck in today that I just finished up.

I like being busy, I like where I think we are headed, and I am up to some new challenges but for crying out loud, there are only so many hours within the day!

Side question: Ryan and I have been bickering over the fish tank. I clean it, feed the fish, etc. but have one small phobia; I don't like to stick my hands all the way down in the tank to grab onto the rocks. It creeps me out knowing all the little things are living in it. I have always hated seaweed in the lake and the thought of creepy crawlies getting on me. I try very hard to not think about this when we go to the beach. Because of this phobia, we have a mounting battle over who's doing what with it.

Anyone else see this as a problem (me not wanting to touch the stuff) or Ryan thinking I need to grow up and touch it?

Teething Drama

Poor Miller has the 4th molar poking through. He had the beginnings of all 4 several weeks ago but they all decided to take their own sweet time in arriving. It seems like each week we have a new tooth and a new ache. Tonight the poor little guy went down good but a half hour later he was up and hysterical. He had tylenol before bed, some teething stuff during the hour long scream fest, and then a little tequila (we were out of whisky) on the gum. Next was his toothbrush and some ice chips. I just hope he gets this one in and then we have a few weeks/months free of teething. I also hope this drama ends before we leave for our cruise. I don't want Grandma and Grandpa to have to worry about him.

On a side note, this week is going to be rough and there is tons to do before we leave for vacation. I got some stuff done tonight. Tomorrow is going to be a LONG day. Wish me luck. I want to go on vacation as caught up (well, as much as possible).

Mr. Pee/Pea Body

Two quick ones on Mr. Pee/Pea Body, aka Miller. Yesterday when we got home from swimming lessons and the park, we decided to let Miller "air dry" his bottom before we put his diaper on. He was naked for less than 2 minutes in his room. He went, stood over his books and looked like he was peeing but I didn't see anything. Needless to say, I didn't check. Fast forward to bedtime when I was picking up his room. I found he had peed on his books. Yucky! That's how he became Mr. Pee Body.

At dinner, I had made clam chowder and peas for supper. Miller loves peas and was shoving as many in his mouth as his little hands could manage. I like peas but could never eat that many in one sitting. That's the lame story behind Pea Body number 2.

Somehow this post was much more interesting in my head.

Miller and Me

Today Miller had swim lessons, then a trip to the park (he can go down the slides by himself!), and a trip to DQ! He ate his vanilla ice cream and had some chilly lips but no brain freeze. The ice cream refueled him so it was time for more games at home.

This evening Ryan left for some fun with the boys so Miller and I had some good play time. He's too little to play with you but he will play along side you. We were playing with Monster trucks. We also read a few books. Played with other toys. Then it started to storm so he actually came up to me and sat on my lap. He was quite cuddly tonight. This was after a day of non-stop extremes. Extremely happy, extremely unhappy. He has been fighting the same cold Ryan has and also has a molar that's half in. That doesn't make for a happy camper.

I wish Ryan could see him with me because when Ryan is present, I don't exist. Ryan's the favorite parent at this stage in the game and he's very attached.

Since he just went down; I am going to grab a glass of wine and attempt to finish a magazine and book. I would like to work tonight but it's the weekend and I already did some this afternoon. That's what tomorrow is for, right?

Finally

Well, I didn't get my stuff done last night. I went to bed later than normal and was up at 3:45 with a crying baby. Ryan got up to help but we couldn't calm Miller down. He must have had one heck of a nightmare. At the time, I kept thinking to myself "Thank god it's Saturday and I can go back to bed or take a nap today." Then at 4:20 I realized it wasn't Saturday and I needed more sleep. Ryan had him sorta calmed down so I went back to bed but never back to sleep. At 5am I switched with Ryan. I probably got 10 minutes of actual drifting off to sleep type sleep in that hour before we had to be up for the day.

It's tough being a baby. He didn't want anything to drink, eat, play with, read, sit, lay, be held, etc. Then his normal waking time he was up and running around the house.

It's worse for Ryan because he's sick and I have been fighting off whatever he has. Miller probably has it too. I hope I can leave work early today. I am pooped.

Must...Keep...Going...

Only one more day after today and then it's the weekend! The best part is the following week, I have a full day conference in Miami (should be interesting, not sure what I signed up for is what it is really about), then I have Friday through Monday off, and then the week after that, it's Labor Day weekend. Having 3 four day weeks in a row has me quite excited.

I am procrastinating reading the remaining 15 resumes in my bag or the 35 page document I keep lugging around. Must get it done tonight!

It's Only Wednesday!?!

I work hard. I play hard. Lately it's only work hard.

Monday and Tuesday: 8-6:45 in the office and 7:30-10pm at home.

Wednesday: 8-6:30 in the office and guess what-NADA at home.

I just couldn't muster it up tonight and I know I won't sleep well. I have 15 resumes to review, a 34 page document, another BRD with comments to return, and numerous items that are too boring to list. For every "accomplished" check mark I seem to add another three to do's.

This week has been plagued with budgets, presentations and our re-org (which yes, I am now on boss #7 in the same position). I hope this one sticks and get's the picture. Luckily, I am optimistic on this change.

Poor Ryan and Miller have had a rough couple days with more teething and no mommy to absorb some of the drama. Miller did stay up long enough to meet me outside tonight, be happy for 5 minutes, get smacked into an end-table (corner to the chest) and then toss me a hissy fit before bed. Lucky me. At least I saw him tonight.

I can't tell anyone how much I am looking forward to our mini-vacation. Both Ryan and I need some alone time without Miller and without work. Next week, 4 days, the following week, 4 days, and the week after, 4 days. I might get used to that schedule all to well.

To all those happy people out there, stay clear. This week is a bear and I am a bitch.

Monster Trucks

Miller received a lot of Monster Trucks for his birthday. Ryan decided we should take him to see the real thing this weekend. So, I hurried to get the house cleaned up and we were off to see the big trucks.

Due to unfortunate Florida weather (you know, tropical depression, rain all day long) they didn't have any outside where we could take pictures next to them. These are a few pics from yesterday. Miller was a good kid. He ate snacks when nothing was happening, watched in awe, ran around during the intermissions, and then crashed on the way home.

We topped the evening off by going out for dinner (excellent-Village Tavern in Pembroke Pines) and then a movie (District 9). The movie wasn't anywhere as good as I thought it would be. It was slow going and it didn't help that we had to sit in the third row from the screen. Mark and Meagan watched the boy and said he was good for them. Thanks you guys!

Missing Scooter

Annie and Jazzy asked me to post this message:

Scooter, we miss you! Mom doesn't play with us or harass us like you do. She plays tough love but I think she misses you curling up next to her on the couch. She doesn't let us do that so you must be really special. Can't wait for our next slumber party.

PS: how's that new hairless toy? Is it noisy? Give it some time, we kinda like ours now that he is bigger and can move and throw toys.

Norah Pics

I went to visit Norah this evening after work. Talk about a precious little girl. She is adorable and already has some personality (I know that's not true but I am projecting meaning behind her squirms, looks, gas, and mouth movements but it's fun to think she's already top of her class). I am so proud of Jess and Jerry. They will be awesome parents and have handled pregnancy and the birth so well.

I can't believe Miller was this size a little over a year ago. Although you become quite nimble with your own kid; I was on pins and needles to pick her up (no Amy and Kevin, no where near as nervous as I was to hold Kyle that first time).

Here are a couple picks of Miss Norah. There will be plenty more to come in the future :)

So peaceful.

Argh! The flash is so bright!

Miller Pics

Looking for the perfect toy-is it in there?

I have learned how to pose for a picture. See I am reading this book. Cheese.

Annie wants to read my book and get on the couch. Ha ha!

I am tired. I think I will rest here for a bit.

Happy Anniversary Ryan!

Happy Anniversary Ryan!

I can't believe it's been 8 years. I love you!

Congrats to Jess and Jerry!

Jess and Jerry welcomed baby Norah last evening. Here are her stats:

Born: 8:47pm ET
Height: 20 inches
Weight: 7lbs 10oz

She's an inch shorter than Miller was at birth time. I can't wait to meet her after work tonight.

Oh, and Mom and Dad are doing well. I am sure they are tired after the long labor but probably too excited to know it.

Party Animal

Miller was a good kid yesterday. He did better at swimming lessons and took a nice long nap yesterday afternoon. We went out for dinner and he acted like a big boy. After that we went to a friend's house for some adult time but Miller decided he was too cool to go to sleep. We caved after over an hour (seemed like it, but maybe it was only half an hour) and let him hang out with the adults. The kid ran crazy until 10pm when he finally crashed in the car on the way home.

With the extra late bedtime, we assumed he would sleep in. He technically slept in until 7 but we were hoping for more. He was a snuggle bunny this morning. He read books with me, sat on my lap, sat next to me on the couch, and continued to fight sleep. After we played ball and a few other things, he ate his second breakfast and is now down for a nap. I am hoping he stays down long enough for me to shower. (although I would like a nap-maybe on his afternoon one I will sneak a short one in)

Depending on the weather, we may go to the park, Monkey Joes, or to the Polich's for some pool time. We just need to be home in time for the Scooter drop off. Norah has been taking her sweet old time so Jess goes to the hospital tonight to start the induction process. Miller will be happy to have Scooter around to pick on. He's more his size than Annie.

Bath Time Humor

One of the things I look forward to with Miller is bathtime. No matter how bad of a mood he is in, he seems to like bathtime. Thursday nights are extra interesting because I pick him up from bowling (he lifted a 9lb ball last week off the ground!), we chat in the car, and then he has a bath.

A few weeks ago, we bought him some new bath toys since the old ones were not as "fun" anymore. "Sail and sea, Sail and sea, I'm on the deck of a little boat, Splish Splash I'm going out to sea, the open deck is the place for me." Repeat a hundred times over.

He loves to grab the pitcher (for some reason, that spelling doesn't look right) and either put toys in it or take them out. Tonight he decided he was thirsty and drinking from it would be the most fun. Besides the nasty warm, soapy water he seemed to like; I found it odd that he could lift that sucker up and drink from it. Weirdo.

Miller also likes to brush his teeth while in the bathtub. Dipping the brush in the water and then chewing or brushing is best. Again, what a weirdo.

Well, that's about all I have to report. Nothing too earth shattering or crazy but an update none the less.

Retail Therapy on Steroids=New Car!

Quick tidbit and photo: Miller and Grandpa Jeff chillin' while Grandpa made supper on Sunday. He's only white trash baby because he drooled and spilled water all over his shirt.

Ok, after how many years of whining that I "wanted" a new car and being practical kept "waiting" for the right time...yep, today was the day. I bit the bullet, took a personal day, and went shopping. My car was getting to the age and mileage where things start to go wrong and I knew a major repair was looming around the corner. So, I did what any redblooded American would do; I bought a new car.

I did shop around and test drive more than my fair share of cars. I ended up having a pleasant experience at the Volvo dealer today. I got a 2010 XC60 crossover. It has a ton of options my car didn't have and rides like a dream (aka broom per Ryan's comment). I would post the details but that's going to bore you to death. Instead, here are a couple shots in the setting sun of it in the driveway.

I know Ryan sent them some type of email that basically said we will buy a car if you aren't assholes. The salesman was good, knowledgable, funny, and low pressure. They hustled and bustled but at the end of the day, after writing too many checks, they were cutting it close to leave in time to pick Miller up. The salesman went to help wash the car but in the end, I am going back Saturday for a fuel top off and a rewash/detail job.

Frustration

My last post was sunshine and rainbows. This one isn't going to be quite so positive but it does have some upsides.

Saturday was a great day. Grandpa Jeff came to visit. We had swimming lessons (didn't go so great but Miller did well despite the tears) and park time. I ran to two dealerships and looked at a couple cars.

Sunday was the exact opposite. Miller was not feeling well; more giant molars cropping up. With teething comes a snotty, tired, crabby baby. He didn't nap at all yesterday. His only adventure was to Target because we were too early for Monkey Joes and everytime we thought about going, he looked like he was about to crash.

During one period where we thought he would nap, Ryan and I ran to the Caddie Dealer to test drive a SRX, get a price point, and an estimate on trade in for my car. I was very explicit to the salesman this is what I was here to do and that we had limited time based on crabby baby at home. 2 hours later, I stormed out while telling him he was a waste of my time.

1) Why is it so difficult to sit in a fricken car and drive it around the parking lot (I would have been satisfied with that)?
2) Why should I buy a car from someone who doesn't know their own product?
3) Why did you tell me you would get an estimate on my car, drag it out for over an hour, and then tell me once I decided on a car you would tell me what you would give me for it? Ballpark it buddy. "I ain't playin' your game!"
4) After I stormed out and you called half an hour later with the same pricing we assumed you would give based on the internet with some half-assed answer to my questions, did you really think I was going to come back in and talk through those numbers in more detail?

My lesson learned was that I still hate buying cars but I ruled out two larger SUVs I thought I really wanted, I found out that on the smaller SUV or crossover vehicles I do not want 7 passenger seating, I still want a back-end SUV like entry point rather than a trunk, and that I have expensive taste (I already knew that). I may consider a car if the next round of searching and trying doesn't work out.

To all you car salesmen/women out there...you rate worse than the telemarketers that called at 9:30pm and 9:50pm last night. NOT A FAN! (Sorry Erik, I exclude you because you are family and didn't pull this crap on Ryan with his truck. Makes me re-consider my Ford options to avoid the hassle of buying locally).