Monday, March 28, 2011

OCD, Yeah You Know Me

A few weeks ago I actually thought that my OCD tendencies were under control after I allowed Mackenzie to put her grimy little paws all over my sliding glass door.
It doesn't even phase me anymore when she slobbers on every major appliance in our house, leaving streaks of saliva in her wake.
The fact that I don't lunge for the Windex with mach speed is a small miracle.
But I don't think I've actually lost my crazy, I think I've just rearranged it for the time being. 

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Cash or Credit?

Everyone tells you that having a baby weighs down your wallet but -- rest assured -- you won't notice the change for awhile. 
This is definitely true. 
Initially a baby is relatively inexpensive, especially if you're nursing and don't have to pay for formula.  Aside from diapers and wipes and a hodgepodge of useless crap that various baby books INSIST that you buy, a newborn typically won't break your budget. 
Then one day... WHAM, BAM... You have a real human being who's growing, and this baby gets pretty expensive pretty fast. 
You're suddenly spending more without even realizing where your money is going. 
Diapers get pricier the bigger they get. 
You can't seem to keep the pantry stocked with enough jars of Vegetable Turkey Dinner to feed an army. 
The introduction of table food results in some gag-inducing diaper changes which result in an excessive use of baby wipes.  

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Baby Wait

Becoming a parent requires a lot of patience... of which I have none. 
I couldn't wait to be done with my pregnancy... (Mostly because I couldn't wait to have a beer and a hot dog)
I couldn't wait for the nursery to be done... (Mostly because I'm OCD and need order in my life or else I'll self combust)
I couldn't wait for Mackenzie to do something more than sleep and eat... to develop her own personality, for her to recognize me as her mommy, for the day that she bumped her head and turned to ME for comfort and consolation.  
Well, that ship has come and gone and now I'm wondering what the hell I was thinking!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Duh, Winning ~ A Mommy Is Made Part Deux

Back in August I wrote this post detailing the various ways in which a woman will know that she's made it through new mommy hazing. 
Well, that was seven months ago... what on Earth did I know seven months ago!?!?!
Here is a more -- ahem -- mature look at what it takes to become a "made" mommy... 



Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The Ow Factor

I'm pretty much a sight for sore eyes these days, what with the under-eye circles, the limp hair, and the stained sweats.
But every now and again Doug and I are able to venture out for a night of baby-free fun and as tired as we may be we somehow manage to look and feel like our lives haven't been turned upside down.
Naturally, I cherish these date nights because they're an opportunity to enjoy some quality time with my husband.  But I have to admit that there's more to it... being able to put on some makeup and wear my hair down without Mackenzie slobbering all over my face or pulling my hair is absolutely liberating.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Let There Be Germs

Ever wonder how we survived decades before $600 strollers, Baby Einstein, and Itzbeens?
How we ever grew up without BPA-free plastic, organic vegetables, and car seats that were installed by law enforcement personnel?
As my parents recently mused, there's something for everything these days and in some ways things have become more complicated when it comes to caring for a baby.