Time for Changes

This blog has been long ignored, as I've only posted sporadically over the last few years. I wonder if it's because I was trying to think of posts related to my son. And the older he has gotten, the more I've been able to focus on myself and I think the point of my posts should shift to that. I'm still a mom of one and, at 44, I am definitely DONE. But my life isn't all about my son and my blog shouldn't be either. I used to blog when I was single and dating and then planning my wedding and  I made the blog private some years ago when I switched to this one (and my former Wordpress one). I thought my entries flowed better and perhaps I just had more time to write--because I certainly don't now...  So Mom of One--and Done will be going through an evolution. I think there will be a mix of posts with how my now KINDERGARTNER is doing and how I am coping with my life. I don't know if anyone will actually read my blog but I guess it's more like a diary in some ways and I am not posting for readership.

Now to give some long overdue updates.

My husband had shoulder surgery in June and has been having physical therapy to rehab it since then. He will likely stop this month. He's improved but I don't think it will be 100% better. I guess as long as he isn't in pain any longer we are all happy.

Little Man is no longer so little. He "graduated" from Pre-K and started Kindergarten in September. He is a younger Kindergartner with an August birthday but he seems to be doing well. At least I hope so. I haven't been receiving any notes saying there have been behavioral issues like last year.

This Summer we joined a local water park and pool and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Little Man still had ear tubes, so we didn't manage swim lessons. But they have come out and as soon as Soccer ends (through our town... he likes it but isn't focused enough to do well) we'll set up swim lessons.

Me... I've eaten far too much the last six plus months and I've put on at least 10 lb. Possibly more. I refuse to weigh myself until the waistbands of my pants are looser. But today was day one of my new plan: EAT LESS, MOVE MORE, LOSE WEIGHT and as soon as I can figure out a way to go to meetings again, I'll rejoin Weight Watchers. The issue I have is that the times of the meetings aren't conducive to my lifestyle.  There were several Saturday meetings that could have worked, but I don't feel a rapport with the leader. But it always worked for me, so I'll have to suck it up again and get myself back on track. I feel awful about myself.  I hate how I look in pictures. I just want to feel slim again. And as I head to the halfway point of my 40s, I feel it even more.

My family... my mom has deteriorated so much that I hardly recognize her. She is miserable. She has no quality of life. I hate that I pray for her suffering to end, but I do daily. And I know so many people who have lost their parents and would do anything to have them back in their lives and here I am wishing my mom would die so she wouldn't be suffering. She cannot talk. She cannot walk. She doesn't read. She doesn't eat by mouth (permanent feeding tube). My son is uncomfortable around her, I think. And I hardly have the time to spend with her. I get home from work, cook, spend time with my son and husband. Take care of my senior dog. And when I go into my parents' suite, she is generally out of it and ready for bed. I feel for my dad who is her primary caregiver, but I'm unable to help him as he truly needs. Then there is my brother...  I cannot really say much there but I don't know how he'll manage in life once my dad is gone because I will not live with him or care for him. It's a shame how things have turned out.

My husband's family...  they are really good to me. But there are times when I feel very isolated. I don't feel a part of them and am often uncomfortable when around them in a group. I don't feel the same way when we visit my in-laws or my husband's siblings separately. Individually I am more confident and feel more comfortable. But in groups... I just feel awkward. It's not them, it's me. And I think being around them makes me feel sad that my extended family, with the exception of my aunts and uncles, aren't in my life.

I do need to make some other changes. I'll write more about that later. But changes are coming. I need to make them happen.

Dove® Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMoisture™

Last year I got an invite to try Influenster. I have to admit that I'm still not 100% sure if I'm doing what I'm supposed to be with this service but I'm trying. Basically they will send you free products to try in exchange for social media exposure and reviews. I don't get paid anything--I just get the product.

Last month I got to try a new deoderant: Dove® Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMoisture™. It's actually pretty good. I know, faint praise, but it's the truth. I'm not really sure how to rave about a deorderant but I'll do my best.

I've been using this for over a month now and my underarms feel really smooth. It's like the skin is softer than it was. And it keeps me dry and the scent is very pleasant. I'm not usually one who works out, so I'm not TOO active. But it's good to know it will work if I decide to switch things up.

So that's my short and sweet review of Dove® Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMoisture™. It's a good product and when my sample runs out, I'll definitely buy it again. Hopefully I'll find coupons.

Happy Birthday to Me

Yesterday was my birthday. Having a birthday on a Monday isn't the same as having on on a weekend, though. You get up. You go to work. Not much celebrating. But then having a birthday in your 40s isn't quite the same as when you are a child.  And birthdays wreak havoc on diets, because usually people want to take you out for lunch or dinner.

And I actually requested that I go out to eat last night. I didn't want cake. I wanted a nice meal out and not to have to cook or clean up.  Besides, yesterday was also "No Housework Day" so I figured I should follow that holiday to the letter!

That being said, it was a nice day. My friends on Facebook sent lovely birthday wishes. An old friend called me in the morning.  And my husband and parents gave me birthday gifts (a small shopping spree is in the near future). Plus "Little Man" sent me flowers (pic to come tomorrow).

As you all see, I have NOT blogged regularly in around a year. I'm not sure why. But I decided to start again and this is my new beginning.

This is me and Little Man yesterday morning. He sort of looks like me in this pic, which is rare. I love this kid SO much!!!

Today's Moms Article on Cranial Helmets

Little Man's photo (below) is featured in a Today Moms article: From 'Star Wars' to 'Superman,' baby medical helmets get creative.

I can hardly believe this photo was taken 4 years ago.  Little Man's head looks GREAT now.

I think this photo, taken a few weeks ago, shows off the back of his head well enough to see how it looks now. I'm so glad we decided to go with the DOC Band to reshape his head.

Hmm... what to do, what to do...

So I haven't blogged in months. How do I keep this up? Why do I even blog when I doubt I have many readers. It's a tough spot. But I think I need to get back to this.

I'll blog about our Disney trip this weekend.

I promise.

Lot of Updates

Wow. Last time I posted was after Little Man's 4th birthday.  I've been SO busy and honestly completely forgot about my blog.  So here is the quick rundown of the last 3 months.

September
Little Man started in the Pre-K class at his daycare. There are 3 groups of children and he is in the smallest group. I wasn't thrilled with how the students were split and still have some issues. He had a LOT of behavioral problems just after he turned 4. Defiance. Hitting and spitting at his teacher. Stomping his feet and being naughty. But... we made a sticker chart and reward him when he's had a good day. Now he is mostly well behaved. He has his off days, but I cannot expect perfection.

He also started soccer with the town's league, which has a Pre-K group. I won't say he is athletic, but he has been trying (some other children just cry and won't even go on the soccer field). This coming Saturday is the last game. I probably won't do this again until he's a bit older. But it's been fun.

He chose #4 because he's 4!

October
The month of birthday parties! Many of Little Man's friends have October birthdays. He had a blast at all of them. We went pumpkin picking and he also went with his daycare. We saw a new movie in the theaters--Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. And Little Man was a Minion for Halloween. Surprised? He still quite likes minions and Despicable Me. Here he is!

"Minion Dave" for Halloween 2013

November

Well, I know it's only the 7th today but this month is BIG for my little guy. First he can READ!  Small words so far, but he's reading!!  And we are going to Walt Disney World next week! He is SO excited (heck, I'M excited). We got the Fall Free Dining promotion. And we're testing their new "Magic Bands" and staying on Disney property. I'll share pics and blog about the trip when we're back. Hoping for nice weather, low crowds and a happy 4-year-old.

Until Mid November...

Little Man is FOUR

My son has gone from baby to toddler to BOY.  He is a four-year-old boy! It's crazy how FAST it went. And I know he's still a little boy with a lot to learn... but I can hardly comprehend how my baby is not a baby any more. Though he thankfully still loves to cuddle with Mama and occasionally asks to be rocked to sleep. I love those moments and savor every snuggle.

And Little Man also had his first party with "school friends."  About 7 children from his daycare came to his party--along with our friends' daughter, who is 5 months younger--which was held at a local indoor play space thanks to a purchase from Groupon. It still ended up costing me $400 total (including all food) because I had to pay for additional children at $20 a pop... but my husband and I agreed it was worth it to see the pure joy in our son's face. He was SO happy to be the Birthday Boy. He even got a crown to wear.

I kept wondering about a theme. When I sent out the invites, he was getting into Monster's University so the invites and thank you's were with those images. But when it came to a birthday cake, he decided he wanted a MINION cake.

If you don't know minions, they are from Despicable Me 2 (and the original) and they are super cute little yellow guys who speak gibberish and wear goggles.

He LOVES them!

However, finding a cake at supermarket with the minions was impossible. They didn't have the DecoSet available. But I went to the DecoPac online store and downloaded the information on how to make a minion cake and purchase the set on Amazon. I brought it to my local Shop Rite and they were able to make the cake perfectly!

The cake looked just like this, with "Happy 4th Birthday Little Man" in yellow icing.

It tasted delicious as well!  Mmmm....

This Friday is Little Man's 4 year well visit. He gets 3 shots--boo!--but I promised him ice cream after. I'll report back with stats later. I expect him to be close to 42" and weigh around 40 lb. We'll see if I'm right.

Here's a pic of the family from his birthday.