Oh...I get it now...

Okay, in my last entry, I vented a bit on Aristana's behavior. At Mike's softball game on Wednesday, our friend Jason was talking about his daughter, and her struggle with getting her molars in. Aristana has fourteen teeth in, including all of her molars. I think we just put teething on the back burner, since the molars came in. I checked out her mouth yesterday, after she was just being miserable, and found 3 new ones popping up. Now I feel bad for all my self-pity. This morning, she woke up, and cried for fifteen minutes, scraping at her tongue, and making gestures toward her mouth. She wouldn't eat breakfast at all. Thankfully I had a little of her soy milk left, which she drank. We went grocery shopping, and she seemed to be doing better, thanks to the Tylenol. When we got home, we packed a picnic and headed out to Green Isle Park, for lunch, and to watch all of the kids playing on the playground equipment. She ate some cheese and strawberries, so I'm glad she seems to be feeling a little better. She really is such a great kid!



On the weight loss subject... I want to thank you all for the wonderful support you have been sending my way. I'm learning that food addiction is a problem for a lot of us. Thanks for sharing your struggles and successes! It's just great to hear from you all!

Time is flying...and so is my patience

Wow, every few days I come across this realization of how fast the last year and a half has gone. It seems that only yesterday it was just Mike and I...then I get a glimpse of our little terror running around and acting like she rules the world. Where did our little blob, who only spit up on herself and smiled while passing gas, go? Gone...completely gone. I love Aristana more than I ever knew was possible...however, she's jumping into her terrible twos, and taking advantage of every minute of it.

I remember, before I had a child, sitting at a restaurant, or shopping at a store, and rolling my eyes at a parent who wouldn't get their child to stop screaming. I thought to myself many times, "When I have a child, I'll never let him/her...(fill in the blank, because there are so many endings)" I am quickly learning that I had no clue. Many parents don't choose to teach their children that screaming is okay, and throwing a tantrum is the latest craze. No, as I pull out my hair, I realize that I should have been much more understanding. I'm learning that no matter how we're parenting Aristana, that she will scream if she wants to, and she will throw things, and cry, and hit if she chooses. We, of course, have to make sure that she understands that it's not okay...but for now, no preemptive course of action will change the outcome.

Okay, now for other life things...

We had a wonderful weekend! It is always so nice to get some quality time in as a family, while still accomplishing some things.

First of all, last week, Aristana used the "big people potty" for the first time. I can't say that an encore will happen any time soon, but it was very exciting, nonetheless.

This past Saturday, we all went to Grandma and Grandpa Hinz's farm. Mike helped with chores for awhile, and Aristana loved being there. She helped Mike with chores too, but her main job was to talk to the cows and cats. She did a great job. We also helped pick some stones. Technically, Aristana and I played in the corn field while Mike helped pick stones. She sure plays the farmer girl role very well. Not to mention, it makes for some really cute photo ops.

We went to Celebrate De Pere this weekend as well, to listen to the "Groove Hogs." They really are great! Aristana danced, and chased bubbles around for awhile. She also got to have her first popsicle. The weather was warm, and she was too. She was adorable trying to eat it... not to mention, stained. Her clothes, her skin, her stroller all showing proof of her snack.

Overall, it was a wonderful weekend!

I learned that I was much more a farm girl when I was dating Mike. My brain has decided that I am not meant to hang out on a farm anymore...now that I'm not trying to impress him anymore. I seem to get grossed out a lot quicker than I used to. Aristana, on the other hand, loved everything.

Going Home - Missing my family...

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRADY! It was great to hang out with you in Orlando! I'm so proud to have you for my brother!

...Atlanta Airport
I am on my way home from Orlando/Jacksonville, where I’ve been for five days. It was a great (and successful) trip, but man, do I ever miss Mike and Aristana. I just broke down, because I heard her scream with excitement, when she heard my voice over the phone. Wow, that really is powerful!

I don’t think I truly understood our connection…considering how I’ve been acting on this trip. Jacksonville was just fine…two days of business stuff, that kept my mind off things. I was also only away for a couple days by that point.

On day three, I drove to Orlando. That was exciting, since I always love going to Orlando. I met Brady for dinner at the ESPN Zone, at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. After watching Big Brown with the Preakness, and the Brewers lose to the Red Sox, we headed to Jellyrolls, my all time favorite place! Again, not a sad day…spending time with Brady was so great.

However, day four proved to be a little more difficult. In the morning, I went to Wal-Mart, to grab a few items. I broke down a few times, seeing things that she’s look cute wearing, or food items she likes to eat. After Wal-Mart, I went to the outlet mall, where I talked to Mike on the phone, and broke down again.

From there, I went to Disney’s Marketplace at Downtown Disney to cry some more, while spending all my money on Aristana, at the World of Disney store. I got her a Mickey Mouse pillow, two Mickey plates and a tiny Mickey doll dressed in a baseball uniform. I also got her one of those charm bracelets. I've wanted to start one for her, and this one came with a charm of a crystal Mickey head.

Later in the day, I went to the Magic Kingdom, where Jonathan got me in for free. I looked at all the families, and all the little kids (even the crying ones) with such envy.

It was great to see Jonathan again. However, I feel sorry for the guy, since even though I wasn’t in tears, I did spend the majority of the time, talking about Mike & Aristana.

I know I need to thank God over and over and over again, for the absolutely awesome husband and daughter I have! THANK YOU GOD!

My flight boards in about an hour, so I’m going to finish eating, and head on to my gate.
I’ll talk again soon…

*** Okay, now I’m at my gate, waiting to board… I am stuffed. Stupidly, I ate too much for lunch. Oh, and I got a cookie for on the plane. Real smart… I’ve done very well these past few days, so hopefully I’ll be okay. This new lifestyle isn't any easier than the old one.

I can’t wait to see Mike & Aristana!