4 Months Already

Just a quick stat update. Rylee had her 4 month check up and subsequent buffet of shots...always pleasant.

She is 14.65 lbs and 25 1/2" long -- 75 and 90th percentiles respectively. She laughed on Sunday -- sweet laugh. Apparently this morning she rolled over twice for Chad.

She is a healthy girl but is dealing with a nasty case of eczema. The doctor has asked me to give up dairy for a while to see if that helps. Grand week to try to give up dairy -- banner Thanksgiving! But if it helps my poor little itchy girl I am willing to try. Do you know that even chicken nuggets have dairy in them??? Ugh.

The other blow we received yesterday is apparently she is too long for her infant carrier. I argued with Dr. Berger about this for a few minutes until she showed me on the carrier where it said it is good until the child is 26." We were kind of hoping that we could make it until February when Z will be 4 yrs old and 40 lbs which is enough to go into a booster seat. Rylee would then move into Z's seats. It would be ridiculous to purchase 2 new seats for just a few months. Course it is safer to keep Z in a five point harness and his seats hold up to 80 lbs. It is just his feet don't fit behind the front seat very well anymore. Oh well. Maybe she won't grow 1/2" in three months -- what do you think?

I've Been Tagged

I have seen these "TAG" things on blogs before. I enjoy reading them but have never experienced it personally. Really never gave any thought to doing it. However I was "tagged" by Michelle (Ok...So... author), then nudged on by Britta (Vice Chancellor of Sunshine) and I am much too lazy to come up with my own entry this week (Annual Thanksgiving Party prep is wearing me down!) So I am going to participate - if it doesn't intrigue you, so be it - skip this entry.

10 Years Ago I...
1. LIVED in Arlington, Texas and was planning the first ATP...just didn't know it was the beginning of the tradition. We were just inviting friends over to drink!
2. DROVE a long way to my job in Dallas in my 1991 Mazda Protege. It was affectionately known as Leprosy-mobile because it's white paint started to patchwork peel like it was diseased. I bought that car for $5,000 in 1992 and drove it until 2003. It was ugly but it was good to me.
3. WORKED at Parker College of Chiropractic in the Post-Graduate / PSPS seminars department. My friend Barrie got me the job but then moved to New Jersey -- no correlation between her move and my working there...at least I don't think so. The work environment shifted and became awkward and negative (again no correlation between Barrie's departure and the hell that took over Parker) but I can't dog it too much since it got me into the trade show business and I have had two jobs since then and LOVED both of them.
4. TOOK A ROAD TRIP to Lubbock to help my friend Marge pack up her stuff and move in with Leigh Anne and Drew in Bedford. I eventually shared an apartment with Marge - for nearly 2 1/2 years.
5. DISCOVERED that I was totally in love with Chad Martin. Can't believe it has been ten years but then again I feel like he has been my best friend my whole life.

5 Things on Today's To Do List
1. Clean the house for the ATP
2. Shop for food for the ATP
3. Cook food for the ATP
4. Set up the house for the ATP
5. Pick up Marge from the airport for the ATP

I am a little frightened that the ATP is consuming my world. I have two wonderful children that may like some affection and attention not to mention some meals from their mother.

5 Snacks I Enjoy
It may be easier to list 5 snacks I don't enjoy because I eat most everything so picking just 5 -- what is that about??!
1. Chips and Queso
2. Carrots and Spinach Dip
3. Salami Rolls
4. Crackers and Allouette
5. Fruit

Funny this is the appetizer list for this weekend. Very strange.

5 Places I Have Lived
1. Lubbock, TX
2. Columbia, MO
3. Broken Arrow, OK
4. Toms River, NJ
5. Baubenhausen, Germany

5 Jobs I Have Had
1. Operations Supervisor - Worlds of Fun
2. Residential Life Director - Texas Tech
3. Hotel Operator - Hilton Grapevine
4. Strategic Account Manager - Exhibitgroup/Giltspur
5. Operations Manager - Hanley Wood Exhibitions

I find it kind of funny that I went from Operations Supervisor to Operations Manager -- not amusing to anyone but me I am sure.

I will consider this entry additional documentation for my children and not a way to get out of doing a blog this week.

Words no parent ever wants to hear 1

(I am sure this will become a series)

This evening as we were finishing up supper, I was holding Rylee, MK was finishing her meal, and Zachary was squirming to get up. Finally, after squeezing a “May I please be excused” out of him, we let Z get up from the table to wash up. MK and I started our daily catch-up small talk when we hear the phrase that makes my blood run cold:

“Mommy and Daddy! The poddy is making a tewibble mess!”

MK and I look at each other horrified. I toss Rylee across the table and bolt for the bathroom. Sure enough, the toilet is overflowing and proceeding to fill the bathroom with a good ½ inch of water and micro bits of poo. Uck.
Z looked up at me with that innocent but vaguely smirking face. Dumbfounded, I somehow I managed to get the water off and the toilet plunged.
Was it too much toilet paper? Structural poo? We’ll never know. Z is not quite old enough to be malevolent, but I still couldn’t help being irritated. This is not how I wanted to spend my evening. Luckily it was bathtime, so MK wisked Z and Ry off to our bathroom while I mopped up the mess in theirs.
It wasn’t as bad as we thought, and all was soon good as er- used.
Upon her return, Mary Kate quips, “You always end up with the crappy jobs.”

EPILOGUE: The next morning, Z would flush the toilet and watch it go down. Flush the toilet and watch it go down. Flush the toilet and watch it go down... After every time, he would yell, " Daddy! It works a-gain!"

Showing My Blue Color

I guess it is time that I came out of the closet. Some of you already know, some suspect, but I think most of you are going to be shocked:

I am a conservative liberal.

What does this mean? I voted for Barack Obama and am so thrilled he won. I don’t agree with all his points but more often than not we see eye to eye on things.

Some may question why this is a big deal however the ten of you that actually read this blog are probably already aware of why that is a big deal. I count on our friendship remaining in tact after this admission but know that it could be changed.

(OBAMA SPEAKING IN DENVER photo by Jamey Leonard - thanks bro!)

I have never been one to discuss politics for several reasons. I don’t always feel educated on all of the topics enough to debate someone. Passions run so high where politics are concerned that generally speaking you are not going to convert someone to your way of thinking so why even get in a discussion where you end up getting mad and frustrated. I am also a Catholic in Texas which means I am surrounded by people who overall do not view politics with the same eye as me. It boils down to I am a chicken and avoid wearing an indication of blue on my sleeve.

I really get angry though at some of the statements I hear. How now people are praying for our country because of the election results – why weren’t they praying all along??? Or how Obama will be known as “the Abortion President.” Really? That is what his legacy is going to be? YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!! I recognize it is my own fault that I sit in silence seething at the remarks made about Democrats or how the country is now dead because Obama will be president. (There is a guy in the metroplex that actually hung a black flag {symbol of death} over an upside down American flag {symbol of distress} in protest of the election.) I do not have the confidence to out myself in this environment.

Up to the election, I received tons of emails (didn’t we all!) on how Obama is evil or for the sake of my children I have to vote for McCain. These emails came from my friends. On Facebook, I had friends say how proud they are that their kids voted for McCain in the school election or use their status update for McCain publicity. Please understand that I fully support their right to pick the candidate that works for them. If McCain is the candidate that is aligned closest to their beliefs, then I do expect them to support, campaign for, and vote for McCain. However, I did not feel I had the same option.

On Tuesday, November 4 at about 8:30 west coast time, I was sitting with my boss and another person for dinner when Chad texted me “McCain conceded.” My boss did not believe me and had me call Chad to verify. I was so excited but dare not say a word. My boss is a vocal Republican so I cheered in my head and let them discuss this turn of events.

I really do feel this is a risky move to make my political thoughts public. I have a friend I have known for years that a while back sent me an email to boycott a toy company. I want to say that it was American Girl (don’t quote me on it!) that supported a shelter or after school club or some organization for at risk girls to help them create a future. Although not the primary function of the group, the reason I was to boycott it was because they provide a safe environment for girls that are lesbians and they also provide counseling for those who had an abortion. The email called for me to boycott the company and to pass along to all in my address book. I wrote back to my friend and said that I could not pass the email along for I thought the organization’s goals sounded like good ones. She responded with something that amounted to “then you are not who I thought you were.”

My family even wasn’t sure where I stood. My mother-in-law was shocked to find out that I was happy to have Obama as president. My brother (a VERY outed liberal) said he wasn’t really sure what side of the fence I was on for the election. It was at that time I decided to write this entry.

I want my children to have confidence in their beliefs and stand by their decisions even if they are in the minority. I did my research for the election. I compared the candidates and their stances. I find that Obama and the more liberal positions represent my views best. Why am I so afraid to say that? Am I a bad Catholic or bad Christian? Am I getting booted out of Texas?? The repercussion will be my friends will now look at me differently because “I am not who they thought I was.” It is hard to swallow that people may lose respect for me based on my liberal views. As a people pleaser and someone who cherishes my relationship with God, I really struggle with this. I guess I could be blowing this out of proportion but I know some of my Catholic and/or Texas friends will shake their heads in disappointment. I should take a step back here though. I should also consider giving credit to my friends that may just shrug their shoulders and say “whatever – let’s agree to disagree.” I just feel like that won’t happen as much as I want it to.

So now I stand before you ten people that read this blog and anyone else that stumbles upon it feeling very vulnerable to criticism and judgment. I will be stronger for it. I am so proud to be one of those that help put Obama in the oval office. I want Zachary and Rylee to know that I am part of that history – not just the first African American but the one that will bring freshness and energy to the position. I will try to wear more blue.

I appreciate the support some of you gave me for branching out on this blog to more than just kiddo stories. Maybe next time I’ll pick a topic less controversial like the war in Iraq or religion! HA!

It's ALLLLL about MK

So this MartinRandomness blog is supposed to be about my children. Chad and I created it as an electronic baby book initially to capture stuff like Zachary is "X" inches tall or Rylee rolled over today. Then it occurred to us that we can document short stories that made us laugh or say "oh how sweet." In this venture into blogland, I became interested in others blogs. I follow five of them very closely. All five with different styles and focus.

Britta and Shelly's blogs are of the West Texas variety. Meaning they make me want to crack open a beer and catch up on their family. You feel their personalities through their writing - you sense how warm Britta is and what a firecracker Shelly is. You understand the scope of love they have for their sons. They are both so consistent about posting pictures and providing family updates. I check in with them almost daily for a quick hit of their charm and fun.

Stephanie and Michelle are my random bloggers. I assure you this is a compliment. They tend to write what is on their mind at the time - sometimes politics, sometimes the art of concrete mixing, sometimes the idiots at Sam's club or even Eddie Izzard. Sure their family is mentioned but it is not necessarily the focus. You get to know them by their opinions and observations of friends, family, and mankind. They articulate themselves in a way that is captivating and leaves you wanting more when the entry is finished. These are sassy witty women who keep it interesting.

And then there is Stuart. His blog is actually the inspiration for ours. He is keeping a record for his boys for the "Buck Rogers Future." I must tread lightly here for I feel I lean towards stalker when it comes to this blog. Stuart presents a very honest and open picture of not just his boys but of himself. It is so revealing and so personal you feel like you know the Tinsley Family. I feel like I was actually there for whatever event Stuart is describing. I laughed so hard (like milk out the nose laughing) at his entry called Hope Springs Eternal (I dare you to read it and not do the same!!) and I openly cried (snot, tears, and all) and had my heart break as I read about the death of his mother and the waves of aftershocks he continues to feel. His writing draws me in completely.

Now you are intrigued as to why I am providing this blog review. Other than taking a moment to let these wonderful amazing bloggers know how much I admire their writing, appreciate their sharing, and asking them to keep blogging the good stuff - these five unique individuals - actually six when you count my husband - have me thinking. Should this MartinRandomness blog contain more MK stories? (Chad too!) Should the entries branch out to topics on my brain? If I am (sorry - if we are) creating this blog for Zachary and Rylee's Buck Rogers future (credit Stuart Tinsley) will they want to see me too?

My memories of my mom and dad are parental ones - cheering at soccer games, making me do chores, that type of stuff. I have no clue what was important to them or worried them or amused them other than my brother and me. They weren't humans -- they were parents. I do have to say now that I am older and can appreciate them as people with thoughts and emotions outside of kids, I do wonder what it was like for them when they were my age.

So assuming in the future Z & Rylee are interested in the Chad and MK of 2008, the next question becomes am I willing to be that vulnerable? Can I allow myself to be truly honest like Stuart and my other blogging gurus? Will I expose my insecurities, flaws, and issues along side my passions and my loves? I would have to destroy any illusion my kids may have of me as June Cleaver. OK maybe that is a tad dramatic but that is me -- do I really want them to know that I am a drama queen?? What about the weird stuff I think about? Or my bizarre trains of thought?

My final quandary (love that word) is that unlike my favorite bloggers I do not have the same skill in storytelling. I ramble. It's ok to agree. I know it. Chad agrees too. I go on and on and on etc. If you look at the five blogs I admire you will notice they are concise and not lengthy without getting to the point. I mean how long has it taken you to get through this entry?

Additionally, unlike my blogging cohorts or my husband, I am not really a great writer. You get a sense about them from their writing while mine does not provide the reader with an picture of me that has depth or dimension.

So by posting this entry I guess I have my answers:

1. I will assume the kids will be interested in peeking at their parents and how
they were in 2008
2. I just won't reveal all of my wonky ways and kooky thoughts
3. Let's just hope practice makes perfect and I'll eventually keep blog entries
under 300 words.

I guess this means be on the look out for more Deep Thoughts by MK and Chad. Besides, if I change my mind I can always hit delete!!

3 month old diaper toss

Coming to an Olympic venue near you!

We’ve all been there: in a hurry, trying to get out the door somewhere, when your precious darling excretes the foulest substance known to man all over the diaper and through the sides. How could something so foul come from such cuteness?
Anyway, during one of the frantic cleanup sessions (clock ticking), I carefully folded the toxic bundle and set it to the side in order to catch the last ‘finishing’ wipes. That is when my bundle of joy did one of her thrusting kicks. This, in itself, is not bad. But the precious little foot had a precious little sock on it that caught the Velcro tab on the diaper. On the return kick, the diaper went with it- CONTAINMENT BREACH! (did I mention tick tock tick tock?) So old diaper kisses the new diaper, clean bottom is re-soiled, OUTFIT #2 is toast, and daddy gets to change shirts. Tick tock OH WHATEVER.
This is finished up with the smile to end all smiles. Yes little one, you are worth it!

Healthy food is for someone else

As we pulled into the Walgreen’s parking lot, we pass a health food store.
Zachary asks, “What’s THAT store?”
“It’s a health food store” I reply.
“What’s that got in there?”
“Well, they have all sorts of natural foods that are healthy and good for you.”
Z states, “So it probly doesn’t taste very good then.”
I just about lost it. God bless fast food culture!