tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77536282024-03-12T20:10:33.543-07:00I Woke Up For This...the joys and pitfalls of motherhood.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.comBlogger265125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-68780228529311244202007-06-09T17:53:00.001-07:002007-06-09T17:53:54.058-07:00bummerI didn't get the job.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-22756215022462300142007-05-25T19:36:00.000-07:002007-05-25T19:39:04.547-07:00fingers crossedI applied for the supervisor position in my department today. I'll probably have an interview next week. God, I want this so bad.<br /><br />My fear is the hours. I am very stuck in what hours I can work right now. The supervisors have to be flexible and able to work any of the shifts (which range from 6am to 8pm). Honestly, this is the only thing holding me back.<br /><br />I know I'm qualified for the job and would be great at it. We'll see.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-11579415461976135522007-05-20T08:49:00.000-07:002007-05-20T08:57:16.795-07:00She'll always be my babyTwo years ago today, my little family was completed by the arrival of Emily Lynne Austin. Weighing a whopping 6lbs 13oz, she was a joy that had and has brightened my life<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/chrissytina78/17425079_fa003a6486.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />That little bitty thing up there has grown into a robust toddler. Emmie now tops the scales at 32lbs and that's thirty-two pounds of screaming, laughing little girl.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/chrissytina78/506004675_8872d864b9.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Happy Birthday Cheeto! We love you.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-21873105761303473732007-05-16T19:56:00.000-07:002007-05-16T20:03:29.518-07:00The long and winding roadI've been talking with Scott twice a week. I am simply amazed at the changes he has made. I don't know if I've shared this with you, but he's serving what is called a diversionary program. Basically, a sentence before a sentence here in Idaho. It's a chance for first time offenders to redeem themselves. They really push personal counseling and spiritual growth. And I have got to tell you, I think it's working.<br /><br />Our last conversation was basically Scott rehashing what we've already been through. But, the difference this time? He actually faced his part in our troubles. While I know I haven't been perfect, he's been far from and has never wanted to admit that. It was always someones fault, not his own. Now he realizes (I hope) that he was to blame for the mistakes he made. And he realizes that they were mistakes. To narrow it down here; he's healing.<br /><br />I know the road to our healing of our marriage is going to be long. But, I can see now that the road we're on is leading to a good place. And for that I am grateful.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-41868448339269506492007-04-21T21:12:00.000-07:002007-04-21T21:23:49.414-07:00Idaho, how do I love thee?I was on the phone with a friend back in California the other day (hey, she has friends!) and she asked me if I still enjoy living in Idaho. Yes and no, that was my answer.<br /><br />Why yes? Well, the weather is nice. I always enjoy having four different seasons. In California, all I got was kinda hot, hot, and really hot. This past year I've really enjoyed experiencing what spring fever is all about. The days are slowly getting warmer and I'm itching for sunshine. My girls are practically climbing the walls wanting to go outside and run.<br /><br />I also like the pace of life here. No one seems to be in that big of a hurry. Grocery clerks actually talk to you and you enjoy talking with them. I like my neighbors, they watch out for me. My upstairs neighbor made me dessert the other night, just because. Never did I have that in CA. Hell, my neighbor there didn't even speak English, so all we ever did was smile uncomfortably at each other and nod.<br /><br />Now, why don't I like it? Well, for one the cost of living seems to be rising, but the wages aren't. I make "pretty good money for this area" as I'm told by Those Who Know Things. But, even with Scott gone, I am barely squeaking by. Oh, I'm doing okay, not starving or getting final notices or anything. I just wish I didn't have to stretch that dollar so tight. At least I have the comfort in hoping that when Scott gets out, he'll rejoin the workforce and then our plans can get back on track. It's really made me appreciate the truly single moms that do this year in and out. I think knowing this is (hopefully) temporary is what doesn't keep me up at nights.<br /><br />I'm not unhappy with the decision of moving here almost 2 years ago. I've adjusted to living here and that's all I can do, right?Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-83828541172639959672007-04-13T21:42:00.000-07:002007-04-13T21:47:40.146-07:00checking inMy heart has unhardened. I have finally reached a point where I can no longer be angry with Scott. To do so would turn me into something bitter. And I don't want to go there.<br /><br />My nights are lonely. I miss him the most while watching "our shows." But, it's not too bad. I do get to sleep in the middle of the bed. And I don't have to share the remote. There's a silver lining to every cloud.<br /><br />I've started another <a href="http://imonmyweigh.blogspot.com">blog</a>. So, I'll probably be writing there more than here. Which actually, even if I wrote only once a month over there, it'd still be more than what I've done here.<br /><br />I just figured out that I can blog from work. For some reason the old computer I was sitting at wouldn't let me pull up dashboard. So, the possibilities just became clear. Now, I have something to occupy my time when I'm supposed to be working.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-4880124735736315322007-03-22T20:00:00.000-07:002007-03-22T21:20:16.242-07:00bad bloggerWell hello!<br /><br />I've seem to have forgotten all about you. Thanks Leah for asking like what, a month ago how I was doing? As you can see I'm right on top of answering that.<br /><br />Things are well. S and I are talking every night. He's in jail, waiting for transport to take him to his diversionary program. It's a program geared towards alcoholic criminals, which is what S is now. A criminal. Hmmm, sounds pretty bad, right?<br /><br />Anyway. We are talking and that's good. I'm not 100% sure where our marriage is headed, but that's okay for right now. He's where he needs to be and I'm learning how strong I am every day.<br /><br />The girls are great. We've settled into a nice routine. I have awesome babysitters, so that helps a lot. Lexie is s stubborn almost 3 year old (she'll be 3 on Saturday, gasp!). Refuses to potty train, so I leave her alone on that. I figure she knows what to do, and she'll do it when she's ready. Emmie is a spit-fire. Full blown attack of the Terrible Twos. I want to hug her one minute and strangle her the next. Toddlers are such fun.<br /><br />So there's your update. I'll try to get back on more often, we'll see. I don't want to make promises.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1166069595590827092006-12-13T20:09:00.000-08:002006-12-13T20:13:15.613-08:00WhoaSo, I guess your life falling apart really makes you kick ass at the work place. Or is that just me? I'm seriously rocking the job scene right now and am loving it. My supervisor told me today that she appreciated that I could leave my life crap at the door. Hmmm, this is a first for me. I'm usually blubbering and sniffing to anyone near by. Yay me.<br /><br />Things still going well. Though I have realized that if I don't do the dishes, they aren't magically done when I get home. Damn. Same with the laundry and the bathing of the kids and all the stuff you take for granted when there are two adults in the house. So, while I type away here on the good ole' internet, my house looks like a toy, dish, and clothes bomb went off in it. <br /><br />But, I'm clean, the kids are clean and that should say a lot.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1165380175794152552006-12-05T20:19:00.000-08:002006-12-05T20:42:55.846-08:00AlmostTalked to S tonight, he's sorry and so am I. It's strange how empowering standing upfor myself and the kids feels. I feel almost elated, like a huge rock has been lifted from my load. I told him he needs to fix himself, for himself not me, and then maybe we can work on us. <br /><br />Honestly, I don't know if I even want to do that anymore. I also was afraid to be alone again. But, now that I'm here, it's not so bad. I try not to think too far downthe road though, otherwise I freak myself out. <br /><br />I miss him, but not what he has become. Looking back, I can almost pinpoint when the trouble started. I was pregnant with Lexie. He started smoking pot and spending our money almost faster than he made it. When Lexie was about 4 months old, he got better. Then, bam I'm pregnant with Emmie and shit hits the fan again. There were bouts of the old S here and there, but the spiral had begun and just kept building momentum. <br /><br />I lied to a lot of people back then. A lot of people and even myself. Everything was "fine" all the time. I didn't want anyone knowing, not even my online friends on the mommy boards. It was like I would have to admit I was a loser for staying with him if they knew. Even when I finally opened up to the online girls (my pseudo-friends, LOL) I kept so much back, afraid of the judging. Or maybe I was afraid they would tell me something I needed to hear, but didn't want to face. My real life friends could see more, but never enough to fully understand how bad it had gotten. I told them even less because it's easier to open up to a computer screen. It was like once the lies started, I couldn't stop them and everything was so "fine" that I had built a nice wall of fine around me. <br /><br />S left me broke. Funny how just two days of binge drinking can drain on account. Luckily, I have a separate account, and it even had a few hundred in it. Imagine that. Just enough to get my power paid and put food on the table until payday. It's like I knew this was coming. Which I guess I did.<br /><br />I feel weird not tiptoeing around, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Because, hey! It did. And it wasn't as painful or devastating as I thought it would be when that shoe clattered to the ground. Must have been one of those fuzzy slippers you see on sale at the local WalMart. Those are pretty tacky and I think they only go with Muumuus, but I digress...ahem, where was I?<br /><br />Oh yeah. So, I've been "single" for 48 hours now, and I feel fine. <br /><br />Almost.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1165196030566547032006-12-03T17:29:00.000-08:002006-12-03T17:33:50.586-08:00I'm not dead, but feeling that way just the sameMy marriage is over. <br /><br />Those are four words I never thought I'd be saying. The other five are I don't love you anymore. Strange that I've said them both repeatedly in the past 24 hours. Strange too is how I do still love him, but can't, and won't, love his behavior or personality. <br /><br />He's drinking again. And for once, I'm sticking to my guns and going through with what I told him I would last time he drank. He's shocked, I'm sad. Being a grown up sucks. <br /><br />The kids are fine and it will probably take them a few days to understand that daddy may not be coming back. For good this time.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1154796852763103152006-08-05T09:46:00.000-07:002006-08-05T09:54:13.630-07:00babies<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/chrissytina78/EmandLex042.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a><br /><br />they aren't really babies anymore, sniff sniff. When did they grow up so fast? When did they get so big? <br /><br />I'm having a bout of baby fever. We had a pregnancy "scare" here last week (I was 6 days late, but started right after taking the test....argh), and since then I have been thinking about babies. Scary. <br /><br />S is all for it. He so badly wants a boy, but doesn't care either way; he just wants another baby. Me? Well, in theory another sounds great. Then I get to thinking about how much work is involved, and how tired I still am. The girls are sleeping great, but I'm not. I still get up twice a night. I want some "normal" sleep to happen first before throwing another infant in the mix.<br /><br />Besides, the girls are becoming best friends. I don't know what having another kid would do to that. I know they would all get along. But, do I want to change the dynamics like that?<br /><br />So many questions.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1154471554789566702006-08-01T15:28:00.000-07:002006-08-01T15:32:34.816-07:00friedmy brain, it's dead.<br /><br />Really.<br /><br />This work training is killing me. What with all the learning, and the typing, and the searching for codes I don't even know the meaning of. <br /><br />And if anyone tells me I need a cover page on my TPS report I am so setting fire to the building.*<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />*Office Space....best.movie.ever.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1153714374596635212006-07-23T21:02:00.000-07:002006-07-23T21:12:54.716-07:00ConfessionTomorrow I start my new job, and can I tell you how excited I am? Because I am; very much so. <br /><br />I've been a stay at home mother (SAHM) and housewife for three long years. And here comes the confession....I fucking hate it. I love my husband and I love my kids, but all day, every day? No, not so much. <br /><br />Living here in hick town I've noticed a cult-like mentality regarding staying home with the kids. Every woman I meet does it. I have yet to meet a working mom and I'm feeling a little like a fish out of water. Hell, at my job interview the manager seemed surprised to have me there once she learned I had kids. What is up with that? <br /><br />In these past three years I've learned a lot about myself. I hate housework, I hate kids TV, and I hate being the sole person-in-charge of my kids daily activities. I love playing with the girls, but stretching that into 12 hour days is killing me. I'm lazy by nature and would love nothing more to lounge around all day reading a trashy novel. But, that doesn't go over very well when you have two monkeys trying to climb out the living room windows. It's crazy. <br /><br />I love my kids, don't get that wrong. There isn't anything I would NOT do for them. I love teaching them new things and watching their faces when they see something for the first time. I have loved being the one to witness their first words, their first steps, cutting that first tooth. But, mommy needs a break. Preferably a paid break where I sit in an airconditioned room for 8 hours talking with real live grown ups.<br /><br />Tomorrow I embark on that break. I'm nervous, excited and wondering if I should feel guilty about not feeling sad that I'll be leaving my darling little ones with their auntie.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1153345030440060702006-07-19T14:28:00.000-07:002006-07-19T14:37:10.673-07:00BlabberingsWell, PotW doesn't seem to be getting off to the jumping start I thought it would. Why, I thought the bloggers would be arriving in droves. Ha, I think I need something a little more substantial than three readers to be considered as the blogging giant I seem to think I am. At least my self-esteem is in a healthy place.<br /><br />Speaking of healthy, this diet sucks ass. Big time. Where is my soda? My crackers? My chocolate??? I'm really starting to resent S for basically doing what I asked him to. You know motivate me and shit. But, damn. Why does he have to snatch the cookies out of my hand in the grocery store? Can't I just bring them home and snuggle with the package. You know, late at night as I die from hunger.<br /><br />In other news, we have a turtle living with us. His name is Rigby, which was short for Eleanor Rigby until my sister found out her girl turtle has a penis. I'm not quite sure why he's living here and not at her house, but I've learned to just nod and smile and go along with whatever my crazy family says. Lord knows they've done it enough for me.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1153097133954220752006-07-16T17:38:00.000-07:002006-07-16T17:45:56.646-07:00Picture of the WeekI'm going to try out some new weekly installs here. So, Sunday will be "Picture of the Week" Pretty self explanatory, but if you are completely lost, I don't know what to tell you.<br /><br />So....drumroll please! Tada, here is the first installment of "PotW"<br /><br /><strong>Tree-Hugging (okay, she's actually kissing the tree) Hippee</strong><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/chrissytina78/EmandLex023.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1152822604772793182006-07-13T13:22:00.000-07:002006-07-13T13:30:04.836-07:00A poop in the hand is worth two in the pottySitting about on a lazy afternoon, my offspring and I were actually enjoying this 90 degree weather no one told me Idaho had. The kiddie pool was filled, the sprinklers were doing their thing, I was happy as a lark, lounging in a newly purchased lawnchair, thank you Mr. WalMart.<br /><br />Sure, you kids can have your diapers off, I thought. It's hot, and I am far too lazy to go get those swim diapers. Plus, did you see how much they cost? No way am I about to waste them here, in the privacy of our own back yard. Despite believing it when I was five, money does not grow on trees. <br /><br />Suddenly, Emmie is filled with excitement. She's toddling over to me, huge grin affixed to her face, clutching her newly-found treasure. "MAMA," she cries, holding it out for me. I reach out, open my hand to her and wait patiently for her to share the wonder. <br /><br />Squish. What the...? What in the hell is that?!?!? Oh. My. God. It's poop. My kid just handed me poop? And it smells like...blueberries? What the hell? Oh yeah, she ate a bunch for breakfast. <br /><br />Thanks Emmie. Thanks a lot.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1152650056835965662006-07-11T13:24:00.000-07:002006-07-11T13:34:17.133-07:00So many changes, yet I'm still the sameI've decided to break back into the blogging world. I hope there are a few of you still out there...hello? <br /><br />Hello?<br /><br />Ahem, anyway. Things have definitely changed around here. Some good, some bad, some still undecided. I start a real-life job in two weeks. I had to come back here for that. Now, everyone will get to read about my co-workers and how much I hate my boss. Should be fun.<br /><br />Casa de Austin is still going strong. S is out of work, due to some criminal activity on his part. Seems his boss had a problem with S sitting in jail for six weeks. I don't know why (insert eyeroll here). That's something we are still dealing with. The trial is in October. I get to testify! Don't worry, I'll give you all a lowdown on my thoughts about attorneys and judges, and lying witnesses soon.<br /><br />Lexie and Emmie and toddlers. Agh, I have two toddlers. They are learning to play (and fight) together. It's very cute. Lexie has been going to speech therapy and it's really paying off. Her vocabulary has taken off in this last month and I can now almost understand her 80% of the time. Emmie is a climbing monkey, up and onto everything. It's a real workout watching these two.<br /><br />And me? Well I'm just fine, thanks for asking. Started a diet/exercise plan yesterday and already hate it. But, when I saw the number the scale spit at me, I knew it was time for change.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1144205289977216362006-04-04T19:46:00.000-07:002006-04-04T19:48:10.000-07:00I'll be backI'm taking a hiatus from blogging for a while. Don't worry, I'll be back. Though maybe some of you would be happier if I didn't...kidding. That's just the martyr in me talking. She's cranky.<br /><br />Anyway, some things are going down in my real life and I need to focus on them. I'll fill you all in someday.<br /><br />By the way. Emmie is now officially sleeping through the night. Thank the Lord in the heavens, I never thought that day would come.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1143658802295644752006-03-29T10:54:00.000-08:002006-03-29T11:00:02.313-08:00MaxI just got off the phone with my father. Their 8 year old Welsh Corgi was just diagnosed with lymphoma and will be going to the big dog park in the sky in about 20 minutes. <br /><br />I'm still crying. I loved that dog. I was living with my dad when he and my step-mom brought that yappy, silly puppy home. He was tiny. Fully grown, he most resembled an ottoman. I've been searching my photos looking for one, but of course can't find any. <br /><br />My dad is pretty shook up, I think. He's a big guy, very manly man but I heard the pain in his voice. I can still hear my dad singing, "bang, bang Maxwell's silver hammer" to him while feeding Max scraps of cheese and whatever else. That dog will eat anything. <br /><br />Rest in peace Maxy. You'll be out of pain soon.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1143479960385844472006-03-27T09:18:00.000-08:002006-03-27T09:19:20.810-08:00Happy birthday Bug-a-BooClick <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/48889114130@N01/sets/72057594091201176/">HERE</a> for Lexie's birthday party photos.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1143078192947729982006-03-22T17:25:00.000-08:002006-03-22T17:43:13.026-08:00you've got a friend in meI'm so frustrated right now. I have all these ideas and thoughts floating around in that great expanse formerly known as my brain, yet I can't seem to get any of them down on paper, or in this case onto the computer screen. <br /><br />I started this blog as a way to work on my writing. Not that I'm saying my writing is all that great, I know it pales when compared to <a href="http://dooce.com">others</a>, but I have always enjoyed it as a past-time and as a way to vent my feelings. Now, I feel like a bottle of soda that's been shaken. Either my top is going to fly off and all of my contents will burst forth, making a complete mess, or the fizz will let up and I'll be left flat and tasting pretty gross...wait, I forgot I'm not actually a soda, scratch that last part.<br /><br />It's not that I don't have the time to devote to this pleasure of mine. Time I have, it's the drive I'm lacking. As soon as I sit down at this old computer desk my mind wanders and I start clicking here and googling there, coming up with a million different excuses as to why I'm not writing. A favorite of mine is that people read this site now (hi all 5 of you!!!), but I keep a journal (written with real ink on real paper) and no one reads that, yet I don't write in it either. My last entry there was in November! A lot of this writer's block, if you will, stems from my lack of a life. You can't write if you don't have anything to write about, right?<br /><br />So, I'm looking for a new hobby. I'm also looking for a few friends. I haven't mentioned it here yet, but since moving to Idaho I've learned what lonely is. I hang out with my sister and mother a lot. The sister is okay, but my mom? She has even mentioned that it's time for me to meet someone my own age. I have met a few other moms with kids, and we've done the phone number exchange, now I'm just waiting. Do I make the first call? Do I wait for them to call me? <br /><br />Why, oh why, does this feel like dating? Seriously, I don't know how many times I've picked up the phone to call one of these woman, only to throw the phone down and back away shaking my head. I have an unnatural fear of rejection and play out many not-so-pretty scenarios in my head. You know, they laugh at me, or don't know who the heck I am, or flat out say I'm not cool enough to hang with them. Now, really the sensible side of me knows these things will probably not happen. But, there's that pessimistic side of me that thinks, Yes! They can and will! You are a loser, Christina, don't bother. Ugh.<br /><br />I'm a pretty cool person, I think. I mean I get dressed in clothes that match, I shower regularly, and I brush my teeth twice a day. So, I should be able to make friends, right? God, I hope so.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1142887154726347262006-03-20T12:35:00.000-08:002006-03-20T12:39:14.740-08:00now that's just sadDo you know what it's like to get so excited to see that Adrien Brody is in The Village that you watch eagerly, breathlessly awaiting his arrival on your small television screen? Only to have all those dreams squashed when you slowly realize that the freak with the long hair, the character you and your husband just spent 5 minutes making fun of, is actually your Hollywood crush.<br /><br />Now that's some good acting right there.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1142833066548508312006-03-19T21:37:00.000-08:002006-03-19T21:37:46.550-08:00sleep damnityou know what I want more than anything? A full night's sleep. Is that too much to ask? <br /><br />Emmie is still waking at night. She's averaging twice nightly and I know she waits until I'm in deep sleep mode. It's like she can tell when I'm finally getting some much needed rest, and for some reason this pisses her off. I am so freaking tired. I don't know what to do. <br /><br />I've tried everything. Cry-it-out, rocking, pacing the halls...everything. All that works is giving into her wants and letting her have a bottle. Which I know she doesn't need, because I can give her like 3 sips and she's out again. <br /><br />I recently tried the trick of just giving her water. You know what she did? She threw the bottle at me. What the heck? I didn't even know she had that kind of muscle control. So, that didn't work either. <br /><br />I'm at the end of my rope. Any suggestions?Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1142733739912246092006-03-18T18:00:00.000-08:002006-03-18T18:02:19.923-08:00some damn good adviceNY Post has some good <a href="http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/65376.htm">parenting advice </a>for our dear Brit*ney SpearsChristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7753628.post-1142464133501696562006-03-15T14:59:00.000-08:002006-03-15T15:09:09.443-08:00stuffwould it be wrong to make a large cage and keep my children in it? <br /><br />Really? <br /><br />Because it sounds really great to me.<br /><br />Lexie is a monkey. There is nothing she can't and won't climb. Poor child has had almost all of her toys taken away. She's lost a stuffed bear for heaven's sake! A stuffed bear that, when in the hands of Lexie, became a stepping stool to get S's cigarettes off the kitchen counter. I just know it's a matter of days until I catch er smoking. She's smart enough to figure it out, I know it.<br /><br />Emmie is now in cruising mode. Actually, it's more like cruising and grabbing things mode. No drink or snack are safe. She's knocked over coffee, soda, cake and tuna n' noodles. You'd think that by the second child S and I would have learned to not eat off of the coffee table, but no. We're as bad as the kids are. <br /><br />We've had to separate the girls and give them each their own room. I thought this day would come much further down the road, like when they were teenagers. But, with all the bedtime problems Lexie has been having, Emmie is now getting her own troubles. So, yesterday I broke my back and taught Lexie some cool words (like shit!) and got Emmie all set up in what used to be the office. I swear, her crib hates me. And the feeling is mutual. I haven't curse that much since I broke a bone. <br />Emmie slept like a rock last night, while Lexie threw her usual 45 minute temper tantrum. Someday I'll get some peace and quiet. <br /><br />I'm now understanding why so many moms are alcoholics now.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227395230755221739noreply@blogger.com3