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The Valles Home is Vacant

2 Aug

We were booked up all through July but now it’s just us again and I’m trying to adapt.  It went something like this –

  • Our friends Chris and Julie arrived first
  • Andrew’s mom (“Lola”) came next
  • Andrew’s sister (Aunt “Ree”) and our niece Baby Ella came to take Lola home with them (we are good sharers)
  • just us for a few days (I read Harry Potter!)
  • Andrew’s mom came back with his dad (Papa Dave)
  • Papa Nick and Grandma Kris made the trip down here

A lot of the visits overlapped each other too – Lola first came down while Chris and Julie were here and that worked out great – we played board games and she watched the kids for us while Chris, Julie and us hit Atlanta for a fun night out.  My dad’s visit also overlapped Lola’s and Papa Dave’s but that turned out to be just fine too – we all went to the zoo and had a great time.  It’s just a blessing that we have a house that can accommodate everyone.  It would not have been possible at our Savannah house that’s for sure!

I’m just so thankful for all of the visitors we had – they brought so much love, laughter and comfort to us and it’s so hard to say goodbye and adjust to not having anyone here.  Nia will wake up and ask where people are.  Nate was picking up new words (he actually says Mommy now!) while everyone was here and I saw how they all helped his little brain get a boost.  (With me he only walks around talking like a caveman.)  We were so spoiled and the only reason that I’m not all down-in-the-dumps is because I know I’ll be seeing some of them and more (my mom and Ginger, Lee and Cami) in a month on the beach!  My dad and Kris just left us yesterday and Nia already asked, “When’s Honey (my mom) coming?”  Not soon enough!

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I’m Back from Harry Potter Land…well, sort of

26 Jul

I’m finished.  I started reading the book Sunday night (as you know) and I’m finished.  Don’t worry, I didn’t neglect the children and Andrew too much during these last 4 days.  I really only hurt myself – staying up until almost dawn trying to read as much as I could.

It was incredible.  (Don’t worry – I’m not going to give anything away.)  I got goosebumps.  I cried.  I laughed.  I did exactly what I’ve done for every book.  It just amazes me how it captivates me.  I’m still all emotional today thinking about how it’s all over.  No more books to read.  No new adventures.  Now, I only have to wait on the movies and reread the books.

Speaking of movies, Andrew is taking me to see the newest movie tonight and I am so excited but it’s going to be strange to watch the movie knowing what I know now.  I will get over it though.  Anything to make the story last longer.

(By the way, Andrew never did watch movies 2 through 4 but he says he doesn’t want me to miss out on seeing this new movie in the theater.  Isn’t he a trooper?)

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You won’t hear from me for awhile…

23 Jul

It's just so bittersweet...

I didn’t think it would get here until Monday or Tuesday because I didn’t pay for shipping but amazon.com didn’t let me down!  The last “Harry Potter” book arrived on Saturday and I just got my hands on it today because I was in Savannah when it arrived.  (Although Ginger awesomely let me hold hers.  So Ginger – have you started yours yet?)

I almost don’t want to start mine because then it will all be over. I know I will reread each book before each movie that comes out but it’s just not the same. I might sound really silly to some of you – I wish I could explain to you why I love this story so much – it’s just so incredible and wonderful and I just really appreciate the imagination behind it all. Andrew doesn’t get it – he just doesn’t like it and we’ve actually had arguments over it because I’m saddened (and dumbfounded) that he doesn’t give it the respect I feel it deserves. I do have to give him credit though – he did buy me the cupcakes you see in the pictures. I thought that was very nice of him (since he basically loses his wife while Harry’s around). We all enjoyed the treats.

Nate Celebrates Harry's Final Year

Nia Enjoys a Potter Treat

I thought of it as a way of saying “Sorry family, I’m going to be a little distracted over these next few days. Please accept these cupcakes as a token of mommy’s guilt for neglecting you.”

That said – Harry, here I come.

Here's to Harry!

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Changes

10 Jul

Our Winder friends are moving.  We’ve grown really close to Monica, Steven, Sofi and Will over these past 8 months and it really hasn’t fully hit me yet. Steven was offered a great job near the Georgia/Florida line and will be moving there in 3 weeks.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for them and I am genuinely happy for them but the selfish side of me is super sad. I just can’t imagine living in this city without them.  They’re the reason I joined the Y, went to story hour at the library and basically survived during the weekdays since we’ve been here.  It’s been really hard to try to explain it to Nia too.  She still has pictures of her Savannah friends on display in her room – she still asks me when she’s going to get to see them.  How am I supposed to tell her that she’s losing another buddy?

What’s even more sad about the whole thing is I don’t know if we’ll stay close after they move.  I’d like to hope we’ll still talk on the phone and try to see each other – but I don’t know…

Some friends you can pick right up where you left off even after you haven’t talked/seen each other in months or even years.  Some friends you think of during the stupidest of moments or the most serious of moments and you know they would totally understand what you’re going through right then.  The two of you are so close that you never have to worry about what you say – you know that no matter what they are going to love you and be there for you.  You just know you are supposed to be friends.

As I grow up, I’ve come to realize that those good friends are hard to find and if you are lucky enough to find them – you need to do all you can to make sure distance, time or a disagreement don’t keep you apart.  Love ya pals!

 

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When You’re a Wife and a Mom

21 Jun

I was recently thinking about all the funny things that happen to me now that I’m a wife and a mom.  Things that I probably wouldn’t have even considered doing before the kids or the hubby. I may make it sound like I’m complaining, I’m really not.  I treasure every gross, annoying, tiring and space-invading event that happens to me. For example, when you’re a wife and a mom:

  • Your body parts are no longer your own.  Andrew slaps my butt – now Nate slaps my butt. And, even though they are now closed for business, Nate still tries to reach down my shirt from time to time.  I feel so used.
  • Nothing is ever boring.
  • I no longer get grossed out when it comes to snot or boogers – even the really gooey ones.  I’ve watched Andrew blow his nose in the shower by holding one nostril to empty the other one.  I cannot rest until I’ve made sure every last yucky green guy is removed from Nia and Nate’s noses.  I will shove tissue after tissue up there and when that doesn’t work, I admit it, I pick their noses.  (Of course, making sure to let them know THEY are not allowed to pick their own noses.  What a good example I am, huh?)
  • I’m sure you’ve heard this one before but I can no longer go potty in private or in peace.  The kids follow me in most of the time and I’m forced to waddle off the toilet because I have to save the boy from falling over the bath tub or getting into the trash.  Even when the kids aren’t in there with me, the dog comes in and stares at me, breathing his warm, smelly breath in my direction.  It about drives me bonkers and I end up taking my frustration out on him.  I ask him, “Do you freakin’ mind?!?!”  He just keeps breathing on me.  Perv dog.
  • I cook breakfast, lunch and dinner almost every day.  Before married life, I pretty much only cooked some Ramen noodles or a tuna sandwich.  I was pretty much petrified to really cook a meal.  Now, I love it.  Especially when Andrew and the kids say “mmm.”  I never would have thought I would love cooking like this.  There is just something about it that makes me feel like I’m taking care of my family.
  • I’m at home during “talk show” time during the day and I don’t even get to enjoy it. I just feel bad watching tv when I should be reading to the kids or playing with them or taking care of house stuff.  Besides, who really wants to watch Ellen dance anyway?  Well, actually I do. I’ve tried recording the show but it’s just not the same.  There’s just something about watching a talk show in the middle of the day that makes it even better.  I can’t really explain it…I guess that’s why they’re scheduled to air then right?
  • You remember which sock is missing its partner.  It doesn’t matter whose sock it is.  If I see a pink ruffled sock at the bottom of the hamper, I say “there it is!” because I remember I washed a pink ruffled sock last week and couldn’t find its match.
  • It’s really hard to diet when you’re constantly surrounded by delicious food you’re not supposed to eat.  Cheese puffs, fudge-striped cookies, ice cream, frozen chicken nuggets with ranch dressing, french fries…

I could keep going but those are probably the best examples.  I wouldn’t trade in my titles for the all the peace and quiet and sanity in the world.  I feel so blessed and loved every day and it is because I’m a wife and a mom.  Thanks fam!

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Doctor Drama

7 Jun

All I can say is I’m so glad it’s over.  When we were still there after an hour and a half, I began whining right along with Nia.  She would say, “I want to go home.”  I would reply, “Me too.”

I’m just not used to being at a doctor’s office that long.  Our appointment was at 9:30.  We were there at 9:25.  We did not leave the office until 11:35.  I just don’t understand it.  As if being there that long wasn’t bad enough – the two nurses came in at the same time to give both Nia and Nate their shots.  It was a nightmare.

Nate went first.  The nurse told me to lie him on the table and hold his hands.  She then put her body weight on his legs and stabbed his little leggies 3 times with the needle.  Angry doesn’t even begin to describe his reaction.  His screams only made Nia totally freak out and she had been so great up until then.  When he started to cry, she started to cry.  I didn’t even have enough time to calm Nate or Nia down before it was time for her FOUR shots.  I wanted to be sick.

I asked the nurse if I could hold Nia.  She told me Nia would need to lie down too. I told her that if I couldn’t hold Nia then I would take her somewhere else to get the shots.  I couldn’t believe I said that.  I’m really not that insistent or anything – it’s just I couldn’t stand to have my babies hurting or scared.  She was really nice and told me I could hold her but she was just worried if Nia should kick or hit because the needle could break off in her.  I realized that with FOUR shots coming, holding her was probably not going to make it any easier.  (Besides Nia was already jumping off the table when she saw all the shots so I figured I would not be able to hold her flailing limbs through FOUR shots.)

I just feel so bad for Nia.  She was such a sweetie during the visit.  She carried her favorite stuffed animal dog (Joey) and did everything the nurse told her to do and how do we reward her?  Scare the crap out of her by making her witness her brother’s pain, then hold her down on the table and put a needle in both arms and both legs.

In the end, we all survived.  We actually went on to have a really great afternoon at the pool with Monica, Sophie and Will.  Nia kept her shades on the whole time and just chilled in some swimmies and her “two-piece” (as she calls it).  Nate was a maniac and kept fighting me so he could be free and hit the waves.  Our pool time really made us all forget about the hell we went through just hours earlier (but the FOUR bandages on Nia brought it all back!).

But that was just my take on all of it – Nia’s is below:

By the way – I plan on doing a phone poll of other area doctors and see how they operate (as far as typical visit lengths, shot procedures, etc).  I’ve also learned a very valuable lesson from today’s doctor experience – if you have more than one kid and only one parent present – NEVER EVER schedule their shots on the same day!  WHAT WAS I THINKING?

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Thanks for Liking Me

30 May

I am feeling pretty great right now.  I just had a super fun weekend with my good friend Julie and her mom.  Julie’s the kind of friend you don’t need to talk to all the time or see (haven’t been together since we lived it up in Atlanta in 2005) to know you’re friends.

We were practically inseparable while our husbands were at war and I treasure every minute I shared with her during that time. I know we both helped each other through all of the uncertainty and stress and I couldn’t even imagine what it would have been like for me and the Bean without her.

I have so many fun memories because of her (and a really awesome set of pink high heels) and I feel lucky to be able to call her my friend.  I look forward to the next time we can watch t.v., go shopping, drink yummy fraps or play a board game (even though she wins all the time) together. (Julie, this means you need to call me and book your next trip to Resort Valles!  I will leave fancy chocolates on your pillow next time! Miss you!)

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One Lady, So Many Roles

13 May

She’s a Mother – so confident and in charge – able to raise her children through the hardest of times and able to discipline them just by shooting them a look – she’s proud to say her kids are well-mannered, well-behaved and well-kept (well, most of the time anyway) – she’s the one you don’t want to disappoint – endures much grief as her children go through the “you’re not being fair” or “I hate you” stage and still manages to love them with her whole heart

She’s a Momma – stops what she’s doing to respond to her child’s smallest request (“momma, could you put this dress on my Barbie?”) – acts goofy to get a giggle out of them and to hear them say “oh momma – you’re so silly” – lets you spit the food you just chewed and didn’t like into her bare hand – wipes your runny nose with anything she can find and sits up next to you on the couch after you threw up in your bed (that of course, after cleaning up the mess)

She’s a Mom – sacrificing her sleep on the nights you have friends stay over and sometimes joins in on the laughing and movie watching – she cooks up the tastiest food and making sure to whip up enough to feed anyone who shows up at the dinner table – she’s her kid’s biggest cheerleader, always talking about their accomplishments and never judging them for their failures or mistakes – she thinks you’re beautiful even with that perm and pimples

She’s a Mommy – always there to kiss a boo-boo and make it better – always there to cry with you when your heart is broken, suffering with you – shows you unconditional love and what it means to love someone more than you love yourself  (ready to give her life to keep yours safe) – the first one you want to talk to when you are feeling sad – she soothes her children with her embrace or just by humming them a song – makes you remember you will always be her baby

Lovin' Honey

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Old Lady Valles

7 May

It’s hard for me to admit but I am slowly turning into my Grandma.  She was that old lady in your neighborhood who never let kids go into her yard to get their kickball and she called the neighbors living next door the “foreigners” (even though she was from Italy too) because they made her mad once.

Ok, maybe I’m not as bad yet but I’m getting there.  Specifically when it comes to one of neighbor’s punk kids and all of the cars that come and go from the house at all hours with their bass systems blaring and their engines ridiculously loud.  I know I wouldn’t care if we didn’t have kids – but we do and I don’t want them to wake up in the middle of the night because some dudes who thought they were cool had to blare their bass and rev their engines when they drop off or pick up their buddy.

I know I need to relax – I mean I’m sure I did a ton more annoying things than that when I was growing up.  It’s just now that I’m Old Lady Valles – I have to act the part!
 

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My Antonia

11 Apr

She came into the world with her daddy a world away in Iraq.

Mommy Loves You

Now, almost four years later, her daddy is cuddling with her on the couch watching “Mulan” again.

Safe in Daddy's Arms

Our little Nia is only a few weeks away from becoming a four-year-old. Watching her grow up has been a blessing and blast.  Her birth made me feel love like I could never have imagined.  She spoiled me while she was in my belly (I LOVED being pregnant with her), she spoiled me by deciding to leave my belly on her due date (she must have known how much of a planner I am), she spoiled us by sleeping through the night, taking her naps and hardly ever making a fuss (I can totally brag about this now since her babyhood is over – she was such an easy baby! I know this especially after having Nate – I guess it’s what we get huh?!?!),  every day she amazes us with her intelligence and humor and touches our hearts with her super sweet personality.

Silly Nia

I’m not going to say it’s been all happiness and joy – there have been plenty of times when she’s tested our patience and won but really when I think about it those times weren’t as bad as they could have been.  Whether she brought rough times or easy times, she is the most incredible adventure I have ever been a part of and I am so excited to begin the next part of our growing up journey.

So Much Fun

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