A BIG sigh of relief!

So, I did it. I went back to work on Monday.

I've mentioned in my blog before that I have had some misgivings about going back to the working world. I love my job... I just hate that I have to leave my kids to do it! I was ready to quit, but couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to hang onto my job a little while longer 'just in case'.

I had thought about showing up and begging my boss to work out some kind of part time arrangement, but wasn't sure that my first day back was the best time to be asking favors. Especially when there are no part time employees in the entire office. But, turns out I didn't need to! Near the end of the day, Jack pulled me aside and asked if I would be interested in working fewer hours. I almost peed my pants with excitement! In my office the first few months of the year are the slowest time, but he explained that this year was forecasted to be especially slow. Needing to help out his P&L, he thought having me work fewer hours would be a mutually beneficial solution. But it gets better - I am still a full time employee! Should I need more hours, all I have to do is say so and I'll get my regular schedule back. And my vacation time and profit sharing wont be jeopardized. Hallelujah!

Jack wants to make sure I stay in the loop, so he'd prefer me not to take a week off at a time. Instead, he suggested I take one day off the first week and the second week I take two days off.

Did I mention my regular schedule is only three days a week? Three long days, but three nonetheless! Yay! So, the way things are shaping up, I'll work Saturday and Sunday this week, and next week it will only be Monday! My schedule should continue like that through March.

Today we may be celebrating a New Year, but me? I think it feels more like Thanksgiving! Thank goodness for answered prayers!

Mental Music

Have you ever woken up with a song stuck in your head? It's sometimes happened to me, but lately it's been an every day occurrence and I don't know why.

I wake up about 2-3 times each night, and every time a different song is playing in my head. Sometimes its a pleasant, uplifting song and sometimes its just annoying. It's hard to fall back asleep with a chorus running through your head over and over again. I also began to wonder why my brain picked the songs it did.

Everyday is different, no song has ever repeated. Here's an example of a normal night:

2 am - I wake up to feed Alli and am humming Christmas music. Okay, I am excited for Christmas and I probably heard the song any number of times throughout the day. It's pleasant and I can see some connection...

4 am - Now I am singing along to a primary song. Is it just a cute, comforting song? Or a reminder to focus more attention to the spiritual side of my life?

6:30 am - Do you remember Hansens MMMBop song? Apparently I do. Thank goodness that was the last song - try and fall asleep with that running through your head! WHAT AM I DREAMING ABOUT? LOL!

Rambling and Venting - please excuse

I go back to work one week from today. I'm not excited.

Even though I've been dreading leaving my girls, I have been slowly preparing myself and them. I've been giving Allison breastmilk and formula bottles once or twice a day, and she's been taking them without problem. But, I'm thinking I haven't done enough.

After dinner, I ran up to the store to pick up a few groceries and a few treats for stockings. I was gone less than an hour, when my cell phone rang. I could barely hear Cris asking me to come home over the screaming baby in the background. With the loud cry I was afraid she was hurt or sick, but he said she was just hungry and refused the bottle. "Ha!", I thought. I had planned on going home and sitting with him on the couch, reminding him of proper bottle feeding technique. (He's fed her some with the bottle, but I'm usually there, so I thought maybe he was doing something odd. He was more involved with feeding McKenzie, but it's been three years. Maybe he forgot?) But, when I got there, he was doing everything right. He looked so frustrated. He said he'd tried feeding, burping, walking, swaddling, singing, swinging, everything he could think of, and all she did was scream. And scream she did! Her face was bright red, and tears were running down her pudgy little cheeks.

She never cries, so this bloody murder scream had me worried. Maybe the little cold she got from McKenzie had caused an ear infection? I decided to give it a few more minutes, and then I would call the doctor. I sat down in my big comfy chair and cuddled her close. She quickly relaxed and calmed right down. She stared up at me with big, teary eyes that accused me of abandoning her.

I felt so bad. She didn't want a bottle. She didn't want to nurse. She just wanted her mommy. What a compliment... but what an ouch! What do I do with that? Since I already don't want to go back, I was ready to call up work and tell them I was through. But the sensible part of me started to nag and remind me why I'm going back at all. Right now, we need the security net. Cris works at the Metal-Allergic lab for the Kennecott Copper Mine. Rio Tinto, which owns Kennecott, announced that low copper prices have forced them to lay of thousands of employees around the world. Right now, we don't know where the layoffs will be. Kennecott recently renegotiated a $150,000 decrease in monthly costs from a few suppliers, so they are hoping they will be spared from laying anyone in Utah off at all. And the lab where Cris works (affectionately called the MetLab - yes, I tease him about working in a meth lab, you can laugh too) has been asked to double their test samples each day, and create new shifts. His job should be okay. But what if it's not?

I'm almost ready to take the leap of faith and trust that things will work out. SO not like me! And Cris will jump on board with me, if I feel strongly enough. But, it's not his first choice. He's worried. It would be a huge burden on his shoulders, and I can't feel good about knowingly placing it there. So, I'm back to the chain gang. In less than a week. Gulp!

There are a few lights at the end of the tunnel though. Work has been incredibly slow. After the Christmas rush, I understand there are talks of allowing people to schedule a full a weeks worth of voluntary time off as long as the lull lasts. I'm hoping that goes through. The people who want to work full time can keep doing just that, and I can retain my job "just in case" and work a whole lot less than my normal 12 days a month - and still be a full time employee! Plus, it will be nice to beef up the savings account with the money I do get from working. That would be another tension easier for my hubby.

I'm also hoping that copper prices start to rise, or at least stabilize some. Maybe by February Kennecott will have solid future plans, and Cris will feel safer in his job and in the economy. And maybe then he'll feel it's more work than its worth to leave the girls, and we'll all be happy transforming me into a homemaker. BAH! Who would have thought!?

My Own Personal Rudolph

Someone is having a major klutiness streak. I think I pick McKenzie up from a tumble, trip or fall at least 4 times a day. Growth spurt? Or is she taking after me a little too much?

This one happened at my parents house a few days ago. She was walking near the back door, and somehow ended up tumbling head over heels down the entire flight of stairs to the basement. Luckily it's just a bit of rug burn on the tip of her nose. Cris keeps teasing her, telling her that on Christmas Eve she better sleep with the covers over her face or Santa may mistake her for Rudolph and ask her to pull his sleigh!

The Best Part Of Making Fudge Is:

The changes a new baby brings...

A new baby brings all sorts of changes.

One example: laundry. I am constantly surprised at how many extra loads one so little can generate. Even though the itty bitty outfits are only this big I'm pretty sure some sort of baby magic causes them to reproduce and multiply in the laundry hamper, creating avalanche risks. Yes, even if every bit of laundry had been washed, dried and put away the day before, by morning a new mountainous stack threatens to topple and bury me should I speak too loudly.

Also, having a baby girl creates a new sub-category when washing clothes. In addition to separating darks, lights and levi's, I wash full loads of pinks and lavenders. It makes for an interesting rainbow of colors in my dryers lint trap. Simple pleasures, people, simple pleasures.

And of course, we are all aware how babies change bodies. Theres the usual array of stretched skin, saggy skin and my favorite: extra skin. But the ailment that is plaguing me now is hairloss. I'm worse than a long haired lap dog on a hot day! Warning: DO NOT WEAR DARK COLORS WITHIN 10 FEET OF ME!

Yes, I know that I am not losing extra hair... just shedding the extra that my body saved up during pregnancy, but this is getting ridiculous! It's been over 2 months! I'm tired of removing life sized wookie impersonators from the drain in the tub.

Today, when my vacuum wasn't working as well as it usually does, I turned it over and found what looked like a small animal trapped on the roller. I spent a good 15 minutes cutting and pulling and freeing about 10 pounds of Stacy hair from the Dyson, and touched up the floors only to find the beater bar clogged again. Ugh.

But, on the bright side, losing 5 pounds of hair a day only aids in my post baby weight loss, right? That, and maybe I can make some extra cash selling those wookies. Anyone interested? Makes a great last minute Christmas gift!

Bowling

After our party with Alex, Grandma Terri's side of the family got together, too. We met at the bowling Alley in Tooele and had our Christmas party in one of their party rooms. Afterwards, everyone bowled. It was nice to see everybody, and it was also relaxing having the party a little bit before everyones schedules were packed up like they get later in the month. This was the second year Terri planned the party, and it think it turned out well (even if I couldn't knock down a pin to save my life!)!

McKenzie with Cris' uncle Rick. He's always been especially sweet to our family, and treats our girls extra special.

For a good part of the game, McKenzie passed the time between her turns letting the fan style her hair. She thought it was pretty funny. What a nut!

With daddy's guidance, she did pretty well. I think I saw at least one strike and one spare! Although, it was nothing compared to my hubby, the professional, who took bowling in college at least 4 times.

"I will NOT smile!"

McKenzie and Ricks son, Collin, had fun dancing! I don't know where they came up with it, but it was darn cute! She kept calling him her 'brother' and kissed him goodbye when it was time to go. Precious!

I think 2 games with 7 players each made for a long evening for McKenzie. BUT, she was great for the first little while. I think Cris and I better take her back for a shorter game, and she'd LOVE it! That is, if we can pry her away from the crocodile game in the arcade!

Early Christmas

Cris' brother, Alex, is going to Michigan for the holidays to be with his girlfriend and her family. We're going to miss him! Since he'll be away for the Christmas hubup, we decided to have a little party with him on Sunday. Here are a few snapshots:

Grandpa Randy and the girls

McKenzie and Alex openiing a present. I think this gift was one that Alex gave her (a fisher price princess castle!) but it's hard to tell since McKenzie helped open pretty much every present in the room that day.

Alli getting some kisses from her papa

Travel safe, Al! We'll miss ya!

Morning Update

Bad mommy strikes again.

Yes, I fed my baby single grain rice cereal today, and she's only 2 and a half months old. Even though that picture looks deceiving, she really did love it. She's been interested in food for a while now. She smacks her lips and tries to get to my food when she's sitting on my lap at dinner time. A few weeks ago, my mom and I were having some apple pie and Allison was so interested in the smell, my mom let her taste a bit of the filling and she went nuts over it. She cried for more when she was done. Since then, she wants a taste anytime she smells food. So, I followed her lead and we broke the 4-month rule for foods last night. But, you know what? I don't regret it. She did great - didn't gag or choke, and had a really easy time swallowing the food - hardly any of it was pushed out of her mouth like most kids do when they learn to eat. She kept smacking her lips for more, and if I didn't get it to her fast enough, she'd try to eat her fist. After we were done, she danced in the chair of her swing, almost like she was celebrating. It may be time to break out the high chair!



McKenzie woke up last night leaking buckets of snot. Whats up with this kid lately? She goes a year without being sick, and in the last few months we've had the flu, an ear infection, strep throat and 2 or 3 colds! Not exactly the environment I wanted a newborn in, but what can you do? I broke out the humidifier, the Vicks, and the decongestant, but she still woke up often because she couldn't breathe. Poor thing.

Today she is doing better, but still snotty. (Why are kids always sickest at night?) She hadn't eaten much of dinner last night, and still refused food this morning. I tried everything from eggs, bacon, sausage, cereal, fruit to juices and she always said "no fanks" in her little nasally sick tone. But, a few minutes ago, she came up to me and asked for pizza. She even threw in the "Please, oh please?" So, I popped some pizza rolls in the oven and you should have seen the celebration! Of course, she only had two or three bites, but still I was her hero.

Don't worry, the feeling of joy only lasted until I had to wipe her nose. Then I was returned to my evil villain ranking. Oh the drama at the Dew house. :)

Angel... or Class Clown?

McKenzie had her preschool performance yesterday. I had a banquet to go to that morning so I couldn't make it :(, but luckily Cris recorded it for me. Both sets of grandparents and aunt Ashli went to watch her, too. She's such a lucky girl to have so many loving family members around to love and support her! Thanks, guys!

For being such a busy, energetic girl, I was surprised she sat so still waiting for it to start. She sang along a little, jingled the jingle bells just right, and seemed to do pretty darn good! I was impressed!

I did have to laugh at her class clown antics, though! During breaks in the singing, she would flip her head and knock her halo off onto the ground. The two little girls next to her were so sweet! They picked it up for her and placed it back on her head just so. McKenzie saw her opportunity and kept it up, with a mischievous little twinkle in her eye. The sweet girls next to her never were aware of the game, they just nicely helped her out and placed the halo back up for more abuse. So funny! We have it on video, but I'm having a hard time editing it down to a short clip. (I hate quicktime format! And I think my computer program, Roxio, agrees! Ugh!)


Anyway, she did well and I am proud of my little munchkin! I love ya, Z!

Every Day Annoyances

Hmmm... another post about being annoyed. Seems to be a common theme lately. Maybe I'm still coming down from the pregnancy hormones. Or maybe there are just a lot of crazy people and I'm no good at avoiding them. Who knows?

Either way, here are some things that have made me want to scream "WHY?!" over the last few days.

1. When I hadn't heard anything about the status of an online Christmas order, I wrote an email asking the company how it was coming. I got an email back saying "I'm not sure if we have any more of (what you ordered). We are closed on Mondays." So, after a few days of not hearing anything else, I write again. This time their email said, "I have already responded to your inquiry once. We are still waiting to hear if you want the (item) once it comes in from backorder." GRR!
2. Pulling up to the drive thru window and instead of them asking for my order, they ask how I am doing. I say fine. They tell me their name. Then recite the specials. And before I can order they are asking me if I want to try their number three in addition to my order. I don't want a 10 minute narration! Just give me some chicken nuggets already!
3. Finding out my toddler has a preschool presentation a week before the dress rehearsal. On a day I already have plans I can't change, so I wont get to see her sing. Oh, and she needs a costume!
4. Sending my preschooler to class dressed in her angel costume (thanks for sewing it, mom!)for dress rehearsal day, only to pick her up covered in frosting. WHO SCHEDULES GINGERBREAD DECORATING DAY THE SAME DAY YOU REQUIRE KIDS TO BE IN THEIR COSTUMES? Their white satin angels costume? She's three! Of course there's going to be an accident!

I'm pretty sure I was going mention something else, but venting has relaxed me so much that I can't remember it now. But, should you run into me at the grocery store and I seem a little off kilter, these are examples as to why! :)

Update: I'm glad you guys are catching the humor in my posts! I'm afraid people will read them and think I am an ornery old hag! Really, they make me giggle as I write them, and I hope you enjoy them too! Thanks for reading!

Christmas Lights

I love Christmas lights. I love walking through temple square or downtown Salt Lake while snow flakes stick to my hair and the twinkling reflects in peoples eyes. I love the feeling they give me - warm, excited and filled with Christmas Spirit.

Almost every house in my neighborhood decks out their yard in beautiful Christmas displays. I love it! I love the homey feeling I get turning into the area. I usually keep the blinds open in the evening, so I can peek out enjoy the sight.

I also love videos of Christmas displays like this one.

But, as I have learned, having one of those shows in your neighborhood, is not fun.

Sure, it was cool the first day or two. Then, when the house was quiet, I started to get annoyed when I could hear the same song being played over and over again. (Mind you, this house isn't right next to me, its about 4 houses away from the entrance of my cul-de-sac!) I think some of the neighbors must have talked to them, because, the volume has gone down some. But, the flashing lights! I think I'm going to get a seizure!

Yes, I know that I'm whining about something trivial. Something other people really enjoy. Something someone obviously put A LOT of work into. But, dang it! Christmas lights will never be the same!

An Ode To Thumbs

Yesterday I woke up with sharp pains in my left thumb. It was annoying, but manageable. I was surprised because I wasn't sure why it would hurt - I can't remember falling, participating in any extreme sports (ha ha), or anything else that would injure it. I trudged on with slight whining.

This morning when I woke up it REALLY hurt! It began to swell, and I wasn't able to move it. Couldn't touch it. And sitting still even bothered it. I think I may have even asked Cris not to look at it! LOL!

Turns out it's broken. My first ever broken bone! It's just a hairline fracture, so it's pretty mild. But, my tendon is the main problem. I'm to keep it immobilized, anit-inflamed, rested and elevated for 10 days. My question is how? I never noticed how much I use my thumbs! This stinks! Changing a diaper is quite tricky - and you should see me hen peck this post! I have the feeling I'll be using some creativity to get things done this week - like putting the lid on a sippy cup, or opening my prescriptions - those were fun tasks! :)

So, has anyone else had any "mystery injuries"? Or embarrassing ones? Leave a comment or post about it, because I'm curious. And could use the entertainment. I'll be here wondering if I've taken up sleep walking. Maybe? I did have a big nasty bruise on my knee last week I have no recollection of. But for me, that is pretty normal. Klutziness and easy bruising don't mix. And apparently, neither do chicken bones! Ha ha!

** More funnies! Just before I clicked "publish post" Allison began to fuss. I manged to pick her up... and she spit up all over and inside my splint! What the heck? She never spits up! It's going to be an interesting 10 days! :)

2 Month Check Up

Today, Alli is 2 months old. (Can you believe it?!)

We went in for her well-child visit, and things looked great. She is now at 9 lbs 14 oz, which placed her in the 50th percentile. The doctor seemed quite happy, because she was in the 15th percentile at our last appointment. As for height, she remains in the 2oth percentile - but we're not too concerned about that, considering her genes. (I'm 5'4" and Cris is 5'6" so I don't think either of our girls really stand a chance of being basketball stars)

The doctor reviewed her cardiology reports and seemed quite pleased. He said he'll monitor her for the Noonan and Alagille Syndromes the cardiologist mentioned, but he seems even less concerned than our cardiologist (who wasn't concerned enough to send her for genetic testing). He also said that her murmur seemed quieter today, and he suspects that if things continue to go this well the cardiologist will space out her visits even further. So all in all, I'm happy. Yay!