Family Planning

I am going to start this post out all light and fluffy by showing you some adorable pictures of Connor in the bath last night. I love that bath time is such a fun time in our house.

Now that you have seen all the adorableness, if you aren't in the mood for something heavy, and possibly controversial, just stop reading here.




Are you sure you are ready to join me?




Okay, here we go.


I read an article the other day about an anti-abortion ad that has started a lot of drama. I don't really care about the ad and all that drama. What bothered me while reading the article was how the pro-choice activist quoted in the article kept referring to abortion as "family planning". That has stuck with me and bothered me all week long.

Now let me tell you a little something. I have never walked a day in the shoes of someone that had to even consider an abortion, so I don't know what it is like. But I will tell you one thing, if anyone I know ever gets an abortion, whether I agree with it or not, I will walk with them through all the crap that they will have to deal with in the aftermath and for the rest of their life. Personally, I think that is how Jesus would want it. He wouldn't want me to kick someone when they are down. He would want me to walk beside them.

But back to "family planning". I may or may not believe that abortion is acceptable in certain situations. Either way, it sickens me to think of people aborting over "family planning" issues. There are all sorts of other "family planning" (i.e. preventative) methods out there to make sure pregnancy doesn't happen. And those options are all lot less painful for everyone involved.

So, no matter how I look at it, referring to abortion at "family planning" just doesn't sit well with me. It kind of makes me sick to my stomach.

My Hair

**Sorry for being absent these past few days. Sickness has struck our household and it hasn't been fun. If this tells you anything, I slept for 13 hours last night!

I got my hair cut the same day Connor got his done. After all the trauma done to Connor, my mom took him home so I could get my hair cut in peace. You may or may not know this, but I don't like getting my hair cut. I hate the weird chit chat, though that was solved by having a friend cut my hair. And I am always worried about my hair turning out horrible. This is what I ended up with:

After trying numerous times, I have come to the conclusion that all the self portraits I take of myself look like drivers license photos. But, at least my smile doesn't look forced in this picture, like it did in some of the reject photos.

But back to my hair. I really like the shortness of the back of my hair, but I am not loving the front. I feel like it makes me look like I have a mushroom head or something. I think next time I will keep my hair short in the back, but have the bangs be longer. Of course, the other problem may be that my hair seems uber curly after moving back home. I don't know if it the weather, the water or the fact that I had to change hair products, but something has definitely changed.

And because I actually got dressed in a cute outfit (i.e. not jeans) today, I thought I would celebrate by sharing a crappy iphone picture with you.

Necklace: Gift for Christmas

Cardigan: Made Well

Dress: Anthropologie

Leggings (which you can't even see): Hollister

Boots: Camper

Connor Drama

The aftermath...at least his ears aren't blocked by hair anymore

Connor got his hair cut today...for the fourth time. But, something was different today.

The way he reacted, you would think he was physically able to feel

every
single
hair
being
cut

The kid was drama. Every time the comb touch his head, he would start to scream. Serious screams, in the middle of a fancy salon. Talk about embarrassing. Then we would calm him down and give him a distraction. And every time, I somehow thought the distraction would work. But it never did. In the end, I had to pin him down hold him like a baby (tightly, so he couldn't move) so his hair could finish being cut. The hairdresser (who is an old friend) said she was sure it was the worst hair cut she has ever given. But, I would say, under the circumstances, she did great. Connor on the other hand...that boy is drama!

Dodged a Bullet

Yesterday Ian and I went and looked at this adorable house (pictured above). Before we even went to look at it, we were rather convinced we wanted it. We thought we wanted it partially because of its price (they were practically giving it away) and partially because of its charm.

But then, the pressure cooker started. We looked at the house at 2:30pm and had to put in an offer by 4pm if we wanted it. You see, there were already a few offers on the house and they were sitting down at 5pm to choose an offer. Did I mention the house had only been on the market for a day? Remember though, they were practically giving it away and it had charm.

With the pressure cooker going, Ian saw all the positives to the house and I saw all the negatives. Maybe that is why we work so well together. I didn't really have any negatives for living in the house today, but it wasn't a house that could grow with us. Sure, it was a good investment. But I don't really want to be back to square one (looking for a house again) in a year or two.

In the end, we decided making a huge decision, like buying a house, shouldn't be decided in an hour, so we turned it down and let it go to someone who is fine with making huge decisions like that quickly. And you know what, a day later I am still totally happy with our decision. I know God has the right house out there for us and we will know it when we see it. And neither one of us will have any hesitations.

Growing Up

Do you remember back in the day (yeah, I am not sure if I am old enough to use this phrase) when it was uncool to be home? Every second of my day was spent doing something – school, work, hanging out with friends, coffee, needless trips to the store…you get my point. Being at home was just so uncool. And I am sure I am not the only person out there who was like this. Even when Ian and I first got married, we were always going. Sure we both worked full time. But when the weekend came around, our social calendars were jam packed with things. Somewhere along the line, that all began to change.

Call it growing up, or perhaps blame it on the baby, but I have changed. Most of the time, it looks way more appealing to spend the evening at home then go somewhere. I mean, come on, why should I needlessly waste gas money driving around for no reason only to pay for an overpriced meal or be tempted into buying something I really don’t need. Wow! I have grown up. Do I even remember who I am? Or really, who I was. Sure I still stay up to all hours of the night. But, I no longer spend all those hours on the phone with my friends and boyfriend. And now with more important things to save for (like houses and vacations) needlessly spending money doesn’t seem so cool. And leaving the house, sometimes that seems like more effort than it is worth…especially if I don’t even know where I want to go or what I want to do.

So here I am, accepting the fact that I no longer am as cool as I once was (or at least thought I was). My 16 year old self would be so disappointed in me. Of course, at 16, I don’t ever remember thinking about what my life would be like when I am older. But that makes sense because I don’t spend all these hours at home thinking of what my life will be like when I am 50. I just enjoy chilling in my sweat pants and taking Connor on walks. Then in the evenings, chilling at home with my man. I am so cool.

Valentines Day

I wish I could take credit for these adorable heart shaped brownies, but I can't. My mother-in-law made them for us. I wish I was that creative...I know, these aren't something hard to do. But, I don't even think like that. Making adorable and delicious heart shaped brownies for valentines day would never even cross my mind. Of course, now that the thought is there, maybe I will remember for next year. I didn't make the adorable heart brownies, but they were still delish.

Ian and I celebrate valentines day in such a small way, I may as well not even call it celebrating. Oh well. We like it like that...no wasteful spending on chocolates that aren't that good and we shouldn't be eating or buying overpriced flowers that are going to die in a few days. We know we love each other and that is really all that matters.

For Connor's second valentines day, he got to partake in his first brownie. Well, half of a brownie. He was quick to grab it from me.

But then, was really curious about what I gave him. He didn't stick it in his mouth until it was fully inspected.

Here he is checking out that white stuff on top...the powdered sugar. 

But in the end, he really liked the brownie. 

After he was done, Connor just kept pointing at the brownie plate. And me, being the mom that I am, kept telling him I was sorry, but that is all he gets.

15 Months

Weight: 23lbs, 4oz

Height: 31.25 inches

Accomplishments:

Waves and says "hi/bye"

Gives high five

Grabs his head when asked where his head is

Claps when he has done something (so freaking cute)

Can go up and down the stairs

13 teeth, including 3 molars

Connor has done a lot of growing up since his birthday. He is a pretty active kid. He has learned to think outside the box and use smaller things such as stools to climb onto larger things. The kid is dangerous! Speaking of danger, he gets bumps and bruises all the freaking time. Unfortunately he still gets him on his face and then I have to constantly deal with people asking "what happened" while secretly hoping they don't think I beat him or am a bad mother. 

Connor is curious about everything. When we play outside, everything is interesting. It is so fun just to watch him splash in water and get enjoyment out of the simplest of things. His new favorite is "driving" cars. He loves sitting in the drivers seat and playing with the steering wheel and all the button. This usually results in me turning on my car and having the windshield wipers going, the blinker going and the high beams on! I was looking at all the little hand prints all over the windows in my car today and it made my heart happy. I have waited for this time in my life and I am so happy to be here. But, back to Connor. 

I knew before we moved that there are many more immunizations given in the states than in Scotland. What I didn't realize is when I finally took Connor to the doctor (which I did last week...talk about dragging my feet given that we have now been here more than two months) he would be due seven shots. Yep, you read that correctly, seven shots! Poor guy. Good thing he takes shots like a champ. So far he has had three and I need to take him back for four more. As for the reflux, the doctor basically said I have two options (besides just keeping him on the meds forever). 1. put him to sleep and put a scope down his throat or 2. take him off his meds and see what happens. I decided for option two. Connor has been off his meds for a week today. He has done good, like he normally does on his meds. Just throws up a bit in his mouth here and there, but swallows it. That is, until today. Today he has spit up three times already. It breaks my heart, as I don't want him to have to deal with this, but it is a fact of life. And just out of curiosity, are there any other moms out there that have had to deal with this? If so, what ended up happening?

And to end on a high note, some adorable pictures of Connor to melt your heart. The weather has been so nice lately, we have got to spend a lot of time outside in the sun. 

Two Firsts

Two firsts..that sounds like an oxymoron, but it isn't. Today was a big day for Connor.

First, he enjoyed his first In-N-Out food (not experience, but this was the first time I actually let him consume anything). We got him a plain grilled cheese. He didn't want to grab it at first. Then, Ian and I each took a bite of it and he instantly wanted it. Go figure! And he was very serious about his grilled cheese. We couldn't take it away from him for any reason. He finished the whole thing by himself!

Connor's second first (so confusing, I know) happened after lunch when we headed to the park. An ice cream truck came pulling up and we knew it was time to introduce Connor to the wonder of the ice cream truck. I tried pointing out the pictures of the various popsicles on the side of the truck to him, but he was more interested in touching one of the windows. So, I chose a popsicle for him and we headed off to the park.

Turns out, Connor wasn't so into the popsicle I picked out for him...he took about three licks. But, he was certainly into Ian's It's-It! He wouldn't leave his daddy alone and was climbing all over him for a bite. He got a couple.

So, all in all, it was a very exciting day for Connor. One I am sure he will remember forever!

Broken Dreams

I went and looked at houses with a realtor on Wednesday. It was fun and exciting to think that Ian and I will soonish be in a place of our own again, complete with a front and back yard! I have to admit though, I always feel a little bit weird walking into every home with judgment in my eyes. I have to pick every place apart to make sure it is perfect for us. And I did see some good possibilities, but it will still be a bit before we buy.

Going into short sale homes and foreclosures just breaks my heart a little. These homes were/are peoples dreams. People's broken dreams. And unfortunately, Modesto currently is having a heyday with people's broken dreams. 1 in 5 homes here is vacant. We have the second highest foreclosure rate in the country. And it is sad to me. Sure, empty car lots, stores and homes looks tacky, but it also makes me sad. It makes me sad to think of the day that person opened their business or bought their home. They were filled with such hope and dreams. And now that ended. I noticed right after Christmas a business owned by a high school friend's family (and recently run by him) shut down. This saddened me. I know it had to be hard on them.

Dreams are a great thing to have. And I think it is important for us to follow our dreams (unless of course, they are just too freaky). But with the recent economy, so many dreams have been broken. And even though they aren't my broken dreams, it still saddens and pains me a little.

All this reminds me a bit of the feelings I felt about the empty, abandoned, broken church buildings scattered around Britain. It just saddens me a little.

Wordless Wednesday

Because who can resist a baby in the bath?

Washing his hair...so precious

**I posted this with 44 minutes to spare. Take that Wednesday!

To My Scottish Friends

And really, all of you stuck somewhere in the dead of a real winter...

I may no longer be surrounded by castles, beautiful old houses, beautiful scenery, walking paths and great friends.

However

I am wearing a short sleeved shirt in February!  Today it is a balmy 63 degrees (17 Celsius) and sunny out. Such the hard life! 

Try not to be jealous of me and I will try not to be jealous of you!

Will Power

It appears Connor has developed a will overnight. And if my plans clash with his, things don't go so well.

About a week ago was the first major throw down. We were shopping. Connor was done with his stroller. After much screaming, I let him out. Then he wanted to run places he could not go. I stopped him. He got angry. So, I set him back down on the floor. He sat down, then proceeded to throw his head back...back into the cement floor. Which obviously caused even more tears. So, I scooped him up (more held him in a football hold under my arm) and pushed his stroller out of the store...feeling like every single person in the store was staring at me. And low and behold, as soon as we got to the car, he was fine. Smiling and laughing as if nothing ever happened. I was still humiliated.

Ever since then, the clashes seem to be non-stop. When other people are with us and able to play with him, it is less likely to happen. But, when we are home alone, they seem to be happening more and more frequently.

Now don't get me wrong, I want my son to develop independence. I want him to have a mind of his own. However, I also want him to not freak out at me whenever I say no. Hey, at least I know he knows what "no" means! I can tell this battle of the wills (his vs. mine) is going to be quite the challenging time in parenthood. But I know, we will make it to the other end with smiles on our faces.

Plus, it is pretty hard to stay mad at this for long...

The Not So Wordless, Wordless Wednesday

Because my guys are so stinking adorable...

And a story about the husband's adorableness...

On Friday night, Ian and I met my brother and his friends at a bar to watch some bluegrass music...yes, the two of us stuck out like sore thumbs. At one point a girl comes up and whispers into my ear:

Girl: Is that your husband? (pointing at Ian)
Me: Yes
Girl: He's very cute. He's handsome. 
Me: Uhhhh....thanks

A second later...

Me: Ian, you see that girl over there? (pointing at said girl)
Ian: Yeah
Me: Stay away from her!

About 30 minutes later...Girl walks back up to me.

Girl: What's your last name?
Me: Grimbleby
Girl: What?
Me: Grimbleby
Girl: No way! I love that last name. I want that to be my last name.
Me: Uhhh...



**On a side note, I don't get why I still refer to women my age as girls. It just sounds weird to call them/us women though.

Me

Does anyone else out there find it extremely hard to write or talk about themselves? It is like looking at a picture of yourself. You only see what is wrong, and none of the good stuff!

I decided to make a proper "about me" section for my blog. Yes this is a plug, so go check it out. When trying to come up with terribly interesting things about myself, all I kept doing was criticizing myself. Then I kept thinking I was highlighting things about myself that really weren't that important. But, I think I did a decent job explaining who I am to all of you out there. And if you don't think I did, let me know. But, there are a couple things I threw out there about myself that I thought I would expand on.

I am shy when I meet new people. People don't always seem to believe this, but it is true. Because I am a loud person, it is easy to cover up. But, I don't like unnecessary attention. Meeting new people terrifies me. I am always afraid people won't like me. I am also afraid I will say something inappropriate and offend them. Seriously. The likelihood of that happening is rather high. I am sarcastic and don't have a great filter. That sometimes causes problems and leads to the next thing about myself I am going to expand on...

I am sarcastic. My brother didn't talk to me for over a month one time over a sarcastic comment I made to him. This also shows how stubborn we both are. Neither one of us thought we were wrong. We finally started talking again when I called him and asked him if he was "over it yet". I am so tenderhearted!

I am a stickler about running on time. We all have people in our lives who inevitably always run late. It doesn't matter what day of the week it is, what time it is, what is going on...they are always running late. And this bugs me. It is like they are telling me "my time is worth WAY MORE than yours, so I am just going to make you wait a while for me." This is such a deal breaker for me. The husband and I once stopped hanging out with a couple because they were always late (extrememly late) and it bugged us both. No joke. Don't be habitually late if you want to stay in my life!

So there you have it. Way more information about me than you ever wanted to know! And to think I started off by saying its hard to talk about mysef...I certainly got plenty out for it being so hard!