Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go

Today is my final day on maternity leave. Technically not really, because I would have this day off normally but I still like to think of it that way. I am starting to get anxious. I hope Jake is okay with not getting all the attention at my moms. I hope Jax sleeps for her. The kid hardly sleeps during the day. I hope he takes a good nap for her in the afternoon. I know it will take some time but I just hope it goes well. 

I feel like I have forgotten everything at work. I didn't forget with Jake but this time, I don't even remember how to turn on my computer. I am sure after I get through my hundreds of emails, things will start coming back to me. I hope they do. On the way plus side, Josie comes back the same day as me! I am very fortunate for that! Someone else to go through all this with! It will be really hard to first day to just get into the swing of things. I have a feeling I am going to be extremely exhausted when I get home. I hope I'm not. 

Let's hope I can sleep tonight. I am completely exhausted already but sometimes I get overly excited and then I can't sleep. I might have to take some Tylenol PM, but maybe only take 1. That stuff makes me so groggy the day after. 

It has been a great 10 weeks off and I am so blessed to have been able to take this time. Jax is a fantastic and perfect addition to our family and we love him more and more each day. 

Too bad for the dogs, they have had a plush life the last 10 weeks. Tomorrow, they will meet their fate of not being so free! Sorry kids!

o.b.s.e.s.s.e.d.

I bought this song on iTunes, I think in December. I heard it on VH1 on morning. Yes, I listen to VH1 Jump Start in the morning. Anyways, I heard Christina Perri's "Jar of Hearts" and fell in love instantly. The song now stalks me and I don't mind. I have all this new music and I keep listening to this song and the new Britney. Uh, I need to go back to work! LoL.

Yikes

I have been doing awesome on the "not spending a ton of money while sitting at home front." In 8 weeks, other then Christmas gifts, I have stayed pretty reined in. Until this weekend and yesterday. I'm sorry Michael. Music is my downfall. A few of my favorite bands released new albums and other artists music was on sale, and before I knew it, I think I had downloaded about 100 songs. Review time.

Mumford & Sons: I finally broke down and bought this. I love their bluegrass vibe and the lead singer has that "different" voice that makes him stand out. I love "The Cave" and "Little Lion Man". My only disappointment with the CD, is I'm not the biggest fan of people dropping the F-bomb randomly in good music that doesn't really fit. Enter "Little Lion Man", but I have to get past it because the music is honestly good.

Bruno Mars: I have had "Grenade" stuck in my head for weeks. I finally broke down my guilty pleasure wall and bought a few of his tunes. I will admit, I enjoy them.

Sia: I love love love "My Love" and "Cloud", so I broke down and bought some more of her tunes. I enjoy her different style voice and it's great music to relax and sit back with a glass of wine to.

The Decemberists: I had heard their song randomly on a TV ad, and pulled out my Shazaam application on my phone to find out who sang the catchy tune. I love their indie/folk rock sound. It also reminds me of southern gospel at times but with a twist! I could listen to "Down By The Water" over and over again! Good purchase in my eyes.

The Script: If you you know me, you know my mad love for Ireland. I fell in love with these boys last year and was so pleased to see their new release in my iTunes a few weeks ago! I finally can continue my obsession with men with accents! The albums is also fantastic.

Other purchases: I have Pink's "Fun House" album but completely forgot about all the songs from the past. I quickly threw in "Get The Party Started", "Trouble", "Stupid Girls" and so on. I think I downloaded about 9 songs of hers. I also LOVE her song F***ing Perfect". It makes me cry like a baby. Horrible, but it's so good. The title is not in the song so that is a plus for me!  I also bought the new album from Cold War Kids. I have Iron & Wine in my "out basket" and I am just minutes away from clicking download. I also really want to pre-order Hillsong United for Febuary. Now I just have to wait for the new Adele and Britney albums. I will be set. This is not good. I need to not be at home looking through music. It's my down fall!

One more week

I have one more week until I return back to work. Now I feel like I have a ton to do. I really don't. Most of it I think consits of shopping. I need new shoes and pants. None of my pants fit me from before Jax. Good thing but yet, I hate shopping. Yes, I'm a girl that hates shopping. Sorry folks! I just need to get on it before it's too late. I better do that this week. Unless I just wear my yoga pants and Iowa t-shirts everyday! I could do that! It would be amazing.

I am a little nervous about going back to work on the Jake/Jax front. I just hope everything works out smoothly. Ugh, I have been stressing about it. Jake is an excellent helper on the weekends and at night, I just hope he is during the day! I am sure it will be adjustment for all. 

I have a few things now that I need/want to get done before the weekend. I hope I have time to do them! I knew this last week things would pop up!

Things I will miss...

Being able to work out in the morning, usually between 8-9.

Watching Regis and Kelly. I love them.
Not fixing my hair!

Ryan Lavery on All My Children (only watch on occasion!)

Grey's hour on Wifetime.
Not doing my makeup.

Watching Friends if I remember it's on

Being able to wear t-shirts and yoga pants all day.

Blasting my music.

Doing my weekend chores during the week to free up my weekends.

Movie days with friends.

Play dates.

My men movie time. Basically watching all my Gerard, Hugh, Dempsey, and Twilight flicks so Michael can't get mad at watching them again.

Nap time. Will definitely miss nap time.

Our course I will miss Jax the most. He is honestly a good guy. He has his moments but what baby doesn't. I am so thankful for the time I had home with him. I have one more week to live it all up!

11 days

This time home has flown by. It's mind blowing. I cannot believe it's been 9 weeks since I have left work and almost 7 weeks since Jax has entered our family. The time, I really don't know where it's gone. I will not lie, I'm bored out of my mind. Jax is pretty laid back and when he's upset, it doesn't last long. That gives me about 9 hours to do whatever while Michael is gone. Sadly, there isn't much to do. The weather is cold, the house is 99.7% clean, I can't really pack anything unless Michael is here, and you can only clean the bathrooms and the kitchen so much. I need more adult interaction. I really do. My friends are fantastic but most of them work during the day and the ones that are at home, well, you can't spend everyday with them. Besides my electric bill going up, so are my texts. In December alone, I sent over 3600 texts. I received even more but that is a different story. Thank you Verizon for unlimited text messaging plan! Also, a side note, thank you for back dating for my brother in law! That was $180 of text messaging in two months! I have knitted scarves, blankets, hot pads, dish clothes, and other things. I have read 2 books series and I am about to start another book. I have caught up on any TV I have missed since I was going to bed at 8 come Fall. I've watched a few of my favorite DVD's and listened to a lot of music. I went through all 10374 songs in my iPod and went all OCD on them. I have even spent time coloring in Jake's coloring books. Obviously, I need my job to intervene. There are quite a few things I am not looking forward to in going back, but at this point, I need something to do. I also need to get back into my routine. Everyone else is in theirs and I need to get on mine! It's been a blessing being off for this long but I am so ready to go back. I am sure after the first week, I will be ready to be at home again. I wish I could do one week on and then one week off. I doubt that will ever happen.

One a side note, I am trying to think of something creative to do for Michael for our anniversary this year. It's our five year and I want to do something different. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! =)

SNL

The past few episodes of SNL have been fantastic. Jim Carrey's skits had me rolling on the floor laughing. I love when he hosts. Gweneth Paltrow was the host last night and she rocked my socks off! I loved hearing her sing and her sketches were out of this world. I especially loved the "Forget You" sketch. Mainly because I heart that song. The "Forget You" version which is why I found it hilarious. I have been enjoying my late night dates with SNL!

Jim Carrey:

Gweneth Paltrow favorites:

Ingenious

I may work for an insurance company, but let's face it, our commercials are not the greatest nor are they up to par. I will say that I absolutely love "Mayhem" man from Allstate. Each commercial is more and more fantastic. The Christmas tree sketch had me laughing hard core every time I saw it. They have some clever sassy pants working in their advertising department. I look forward to each new commercial that graces my presence.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Deer

Teenage Girl

GPS

Decision, decision

Being an adult stinks at times. This is one of those times. We are completely bursting out of our house. If we only had one more bedroom, this wouldn't be an issue. This townhouse has been our first home that Michael and I purchased together. It was the first time we came together and moved in together. We had a ton of firsts here. The first time we set off the smoke detectors from burning dinner, the first time the toilet overflowed and flooded the upstairs bathroom (ok, well water spilled out all over the floor, no permanent damage), we brought our first born home here, added two dogs and a cat, Jake took his first steps here, it has hosted many upon many of parties with friends and family, we brought another child home, it has sheltered us for 5 years (almost!) Yet, we have out grown it. We need a backyard for the boys to run around in and the dogs to wear out their energy as well. We have an idea where we would like to move, and I'm scared to say it, but school district wise, it's probably the best choice. I never thought about ever living in Norwalk, ever. Yet, when you are thinking about your children, it's what is best for them. Which comes to my point, selling our house. I have been secretly stressing about this for weeks. Over the past few months we have packed up a lot of our "extras" that we don't use all that often. China, toys that Jake's out grown, clothing, just things we don't use that much. We have repainted almost every room, and yet, we have to do touch ups already thanks to having a 3 year old. We are just trying to figure out how to sell. Do we hire a realtor or sell on our own. I feel like if we hire a realtor, we have to pay 6-7% of commission on a house that doesn't cost that much. I really don't want to pay $5k+ to have someone sell a house that isn't that pricey. Selling on our own is a big commitment. Yet, I think we could do it. We have done so many updates that none of the others around us have, and I'm not sure a Realtor could really get everything across. I have no idea. My only thing about selling this house ourselves is the legal part. All the documents you have to have, I just don't wan to mess it up. I know we have the dedication to sell it ourselves, I just don't know if we have the energy! It's a big commitment. Being able to always have your home ready for people to come look at it. Not to mention the dogs. Every time someone wants to come look, I will probably have to leave with the kids. One bonus, we do live by a school park so maybe we can just go there. Decisions, decisions. Can't someone make it for us? Why can't some random person just walk by and say: "I like your house, can I buy it from you?" That would be in a perfect world, which we do not live in! I just hope we can sell it by the end of the summer. We would like to have it put up in March so that means I have a lot of work to do before then! Oh to be an adult. I remember when all we wanted as kids was to be older and be able to do whatever we wanted. Can I go back to being a kid?! HA!

Umm, thanks Mom?

**I was given permission to tell this story from my friend. I promised not to use her name! 

A single friend of mine, let us call her "M", received a birthday card in the mail yesterday from her Momma. Now, M has been single since she was about 24. She ended a 2 year relationship that she just out grew and wanted to get to know herself. She has since graduated from Grad School, traveled to some pretty amazing places, has a fantastic job, owns her own home, and bucket full of friends. She has dated here and there but hasn't found the right one yet. Apparently her Mom thought she needed to step in. Last night I stopped by on my way home from errands and she just had to share her Moms card with me. Yesterday when she got home from work, she had a Hallmark card in the mail. When you care enough to send the very best, you know it will be a positive turn for the day. She opened the card and read a lovely note from her Mom. Inside the card was a small envelope with a piece of paper. In her Moms note she said "I saw this and thought immediately of you. I hope 2011 brings you the right one. You still have to wait 3 weeks to figure out how to get him in your life, but I hope this will help guide you there." She opened the envelope and it was a photo of a DVD that her Mom pre-ordered for her on Amazon. Here is what the photo was:

At first, I thought it was a joke. Her Mom was dead serious. My first reaction was, I busted out laughing. She did too. We laughed for about 10 minutes and then planned an evening for February to watch and learn. I am just curious to see what this teaches M. She still is not sure how to take this present. I think her Mom is wanting grandchildren. M said she would just adopt instead of this humiliation and that at least her Mom hadn't sent her a cat! It was her 30th birthday to top it off!

List of TV hotties

Being on maternity leave and not really being able to do much such as drive, work out, and all that for the first 3-4 weeks, you find yourself watching a lot of TV. I tend to knit or even read if the TV is on but I find myself catching marathons of NCIS and Criminal Minds on A&E and USA. Mostly I see these shows when I have to wake up in the middle of the night but I do catch a few during the day. I must say, for having over 250+ TV channels, there is literally nothing on TV during the day. It's horrible. I cannot lower myself to watch Maury, Jerry Springer, or even The View. I have been resorting back to my TV on DVD collections. We don't have too much but we do have about 4-5 shows with completed seasons and about 4-5 more that we have bits and pieces of. After this weekend I will be able to bust out the treadmill and drive and I can't be more excited. Reminds me that I need to update my iTunes and my new iPod Nano. Schweet! Back to my point. Since I have been watching all these shows, I have found men that intrigue me. Figures right? Thus, I thought I would post about my top picks of men that I completely adore and love that come through my TV and keep me company and entertained during the week and during late night feedings.

Anthony DiNozzo played by Michael Weatherly

His character graces my presence on NCIS. I haven't watched the new episodes at all but I have caught quite a few re-runs on USA the past month while being awake with Jax. Not only is he pretty nice to look at, but his humor is right up my alley. He is always sticking his foot in his mouth, something I have come accustomed to. He is completely sarcastic and is some what a know it all when it comes to certain topics. He is always spewing off movie trivia and facts and every once and a while he will show his sensitive side. Now during 2am feedings, I have something to look forward too! Plus I can't help but laugh at the name DiNozzo.

Dr Spencer Reid played by Michael Gray Gubler (Gubler? Really?)

Okay, so he is not the most attractive man in the world, but his brains, are way attractive. The fact this man knows everything, and I mean everything, completely makes me swoon. I love Criminal Minds. It has to be a guilty pleasure of mine for a while. If it is on, I will watch it religiously. Yes, you would think I would pick Morgan, the deliciously gorgeous piece of dark chocolate, and he is fantastic eye candy, but Reid, he has the brains. Also the fact that Jane Lynch plays his schizophrenic mother gives him more points. The poor man seem to either be getting shot, kidnapped, given drugs unwillingly, being trapped in burning churches, but he always fights through and is normally the one that solves the case. He always is playing chess or beating someone at cards. His vests and cardigan sweaters complete his adorable look. I would love to have him on my side if some psycho serial killer came after me! Hopefully that will never happen!

Clark Kent played by Tom Welling
This stems from high school. Tom Welling entered my life when Smallville debuted 10 years ago. Yes, 10 years ago. I believe I was still in high school and the first time he flashed that smile, I was a goner. I lived for the moments that he was working in the barn or chopping up wood. Amazing. Another reason I think I stayed a fan was Michael. This is one of things we would watch and talk about quite a bit. Looking back on it now, it's funny that this brought us even closer. His acting, yes, not the best. His looks get him through. Luckily for me Lana Lane disappeared quite a few seasons ago so I now can survive watching an episode now. She drove me insane. My heart breaks because this is the last season of the show but he will live on in our DVD collection. The only movies I believe I own with him in it is "Cheaper by the Dozen 1 and 2"....I cannot believe I admitted that. Oh well. I will be sad to see Smallville leave, but my less geeky side can come out. End of this chapter!

Jackson Avery played by Jesse Williams
Yes Please! That is my tag line for him. I have been a Grey's Anatomy fan from the beginning. McDreamy always caught my eye, until season 6. Jackson Avery walked onto the set and I about fell out of my seat. The dark haired, blue eyed, piece or artwork strolled onto my TV one day and I was hooked. He is cocky and a pain in the butt. But seriously, look at that face. You know you would tune in every week if he was on any TV show. I know I would and I know I do. His smile melts me and when he stares directly in the camera, yikes. Those eyes hypnotize you. I need to have my heart restarted. Code Blue in Urbandale. He better come and bring the crash cart! =)

Eric Delko played by Adam Rodriguez

I am not a CSI girl by any means. I would usually catch CSI: Miami on rerun on cable or watch it every once and while when it was on Mondays and if I had nothing to do. I believe it got moved to another night and I have no idea when that is. Shows how much of a fan I really am. The other night I was flipping through the channels at 3am while Jax sat there wide awake and found CSI: Miami on some random channel. The start of the show was jaw dropping. It was Mr Eric Delko stepping out of the shower. Umm hello?! I then became wide awake. I believe I didn't go back to sleep that night. His bod is fantastic but his character is just perfect. He's rough but yet sweet and sensitive crime scene investigator. He is always the hero and that smile, wow, it lights up the city! Sadly, I don't see him much because I cannot watch TV 24/7 and I do have a life. I look forward to any late night sessions we have in the middle of the night Mr Delko aka my latino lova! =)

Blaine Anderson played by Darren Criss
I love Glee. There are always good looking boys on this show. Finn, he grows on you, Puck, well, Puck is all I need to say, yummo. When I heard Kurt was going to have a new "love interest" I was super excited to see who would take on that roll. Enter: Blaine. Just look at that smile. Who wouldn't be interested? As a bonus, the boy can sing! I have enjoyed every scene has been in and I look forward to his character development. Yes, this character prefers the same sex, but I still think he is adorable. He could be my Will!

Jim Halpert played by John Krasinski

This man has made my list on many occasions. Not only for his TV role but in movies suck as "License to Wed", "Away We Go" and "It's Complicated." Jim Halpert walked into my life when I sat down to watch the British version of "The Office" when is premiered in 2005. I was hooked. Yes, Michael Scott is awkwardly humorous and who doesn't love a little Dwight in your life? Jim gave one of his trademark looks to the camera and I was done. His practical jokes and sarcastic humor kept me hooked. He is always willing to call out Michael on his crap and the jokes he plays on Dwight, priceless. Mega desk, wrapping up his desk for the holidays, the 30 ft electrical chord, moving his desk to the bathroom, and so on. Even when he moved because Pam broke his heart, he was still sending Dwight faxes with missions. I still cry on the episode after Vegas night when he tells Pam he loves her, kisses her, and she breaks his heart. I hate seeing Jim cry. He cries, I cry. Horrible I know but the man makes you feel what he feels. I guess that is why I love it him. I will be saddened when the show eventually ends, but it is my favorite TV on DVD and it will live on forever for me.

Back to normal!

I want to take a giant sigh of relief. We are back to our regular schedule. Well, an almost regular schedule. I still have a few weeks left at home with Jax. Jake needs to be on his schedule. This back and forth and going here, going there, staying home, then not, it's just not a good thing! The kid lives by his schedule. When he is off, wow, he is off. He's still an amazing child but he loves his routine. Monday through Friday has to be the same or you can tell he is off. Holidays are over and we can now get back to normal! I never realized how exhausted the holidays make you. The past few days I feel like I have been trying to catch up on sleep. Luckily Jax has been a saint during the night hours! He only wakes up once or not at all. We put him down at 10 and he either wakes up around 2:30 or doesn't. I am so grateful for that! I am sure there will be nights where that doesn't happen but I will take what I am currently given! I am in a way looking forward to going back to work. I am just dreading the fact that I know I will be completely exhausted the first week. Getting back in the routine of going to work is going to take some time. I can already see it! I still have about 4 weeks left so I will not talk about it! 

Now that we are back on schedule, I think I can start enjoying my afternoon naps again!! =)