You Want To Hear God Laugh?

Tell Him your plans.  I had organizational plans in the works - my sister was helping me straighten out my brain.  That went out the window...at least for now.

For the most part, everything is good.  The one exception:

I've been frantically working to get my Virtual Assistant business up and running, but that was waylaid by some financial issues.  The economy has taken its toll on me, that's for sure.  Long story short - my brother used my credit and his income to buy a house.  I should have listened to the folks that warned me about it, but I didn't and am paying the price.  The house is in foreclosure.  I'm petrified that this will affect the house I live in now, so I am working with a real estate attorney.  Please send all your good thoughts my way.

Now for the GOOD:

My little man was 4 months old on the 20th.  He now weighs 16 pounds and is 26 1/2" long.  I am so grateful that he is happy, healthy, and thriving. 

I turned 41 on the 22nd.  Happy Birthday to me!  We didn't do anything spectacular, but it was lovely nonetheless.  My fiance made Beef Milanese, I made a yummy salad and we enjoyed a low-key evening at home.  What a man!

We are adopting my fiance's newborn grandson.  His daughter isn't in a position to raise him, so we are going to.  Joseph Peter was born on 10/26/08 and he's been with us since.  What a sweet angel...and Bobby is enthralled by him!  It is really cute - he stares at him, babbles a bit and then wants to touch.  We have to be careful with that, though.  Bobby is so much bigger!

Part of me is scared - can I raise two infants 4 months apart without losing my last remaining marble?  I hope I do a good job - these boys need me and I won't let them down.  I just keep thinking - What would my mother do?

The other part of me is elated - these 2 boys will be the best of friends - they'll fight, but they will most definitely look out for each other.

It is hectic, crazy, sleep-deprived and overwhelming at times, but oh so worth it.

I finally have everything that I want or need. 

xoxo

Happy Birthday!

I can't believe it...my little man was 3 months old yesterday!   Where has the time gone?

My body still bears the signs of pregnancy - some stretch marks on my belly, sore joints, fingers are still a bit swollen - but all of that is slowly dissipating.  I'm working on the extra weight - it is coming off steadily.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that I will deal with all of this gladly because of my son.  My body produced this amazing child who is now 25 inches and 13 1/2 pounds.

Yes, the boy hates Tummy Time like I hate exercise.  But both must be done! :)  He can hold his head up while lying on his tummy...and he even scoots around in a circle.  He is fun to watch as he focuses on objects...the sheer determination in those eyes as he grabs for toys keeps me mesmerized.   He "talks" to me throughout the day with his cooing and smiling...and he laughs out loud when I make goofy faces.  I have so much fun with him!!

We sing silly songs and dance around the living room.  We take walks around the neighborhood in his spiffy stroller/carseat combo.  I hold him close and kiss his head when he cries and tell him how much he is loved.

This little man has stolen my heart.

Happy Birthday, Bobby.  Mama loves you.

xoxo

HELLO?

Where have 18 days gone?  It has been that long since my last entry...and since I have sat my rather large caboose down to write...anything.

I've been reading some of my favorite blogs and they all seem to do it!!  In fact, Carmen over at Mom to the Screaming Masses updates her blog almost every day and SHE HAS SIX CHILDREN.  SIX!!!!  I have one and I'm totally discombobulated.

Good Lord.

I did make a decision today and I think it is a good one - set aside at least 30 minutes to update my blog and start getting serious about writing.

Seriously.  I've been yammering about writing for a very long time...it is time I do something about it.

Stay tuned.

xoxo

Control Freak

Some days I feel like the biggest failure. Who do I think I am, trying to start a business?  Start writing?  Raise a child?  Yesterday was like that.   Nothing was working the way I wanted it to.  My baby was fussy again, I couldn't think of a THING to write about and I'm STILL trying to finish my business website.  Well, at least get something up and running. My house is a wild mess and I can't seem to get a handle on the paperwork that needs to be filed.

I woke up and checked on my son this morning.  He was sleeping soundly in his bassinette - the face of a cherub.  Right then I realized that this boy is an individual...one of a kind.  It is my job to guide him, but it would be wrong to control him.  He is going to be fussy on some days and happy on others.  I'm going to love him no matter how he behaves.

My writing should be something I enjoy, not a chore.  If I can't feel good about it, then I need to stop doing it. 

My business will take some time to build, so I need to work methodically and get things done one step at a time.

The only things I can control are the effort I put into raising my son, building my business and writing, and the way in which I respond to the things that happen during any given day. 

Ok, Julie...repeat this until it sinks in:

This is a new day and I'm going to enjoy it as it unfolds.

You can't control people or how they behave.

Smile and relax.  Life is good.

Just look in the bassinette and see that lovely creation. 

Life is just gorgeous.