Author Archives: thissideoftherainbow

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About thissideoftherainbow

First and foremost, I'm a mom & I love it more than anything else on this planet. I'm a talker. I'd like to think that keeping this blog will help me to reduce my chatter, but who am I kidding?

Time Without Baby

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It has been 48 hours since I’ve held, kissed, snuggled or just looked at my baby girl.

I left Kansas on Tuesday to attend a social media conference in Las Vegas.

I know hat you’re thinking. Rough life, right? I’m not complaining about the conference. I’m really enjoying myself. I just wish I could have packed Charlotte in my carry on.

I’m doing better than I thought I would. I haven’t cried yet, and I haven’t bored my co-worker to death with stories and pictures of Charli.

BUT there was a toddler in the flight from Dallas to Las Vegas, an the poor boy just wanted to be home. He started crying a couple times and my heart just ached. It made me want to go straight home and never leave Charlotte again.

So for the last 48 hours I’ve been baby free, and while I’m having fun, I’m punting the hours until when I get to go home.

It’s still another 36 hours until I can hold, kiss, snuggle or just look at my baby. And you bet your ass, I’m going to wake her up to do it.

One Last Reason to Smile

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On Friday, my aunt sent an update to our family group on Facebook that my grandpa’s most recent stay in the hospital had taken a turn for the worse.

I immediately decided that I should visit. I didn’t know if HOS would want to be in that situation – hospitals, sick grandpa, etc. I can see how that would be uncomfortable for someone new to our clan. The big question was whether or not to take Charlotte.

My sister called and we planned a trip for Sunday, but after talking things over with HOS, I decided that Charli would be a welcome distraction for my grandma. And HOS wanted to come along. So, I told my sister we decided to go up yesterday – Saturday.

The trip is about five hours without stops. During the drive, I thought about my memories of my grandpa and all the things I wanted to share with Charlotte. I thought about what I would write in this post after the visit.

We arrived at the hospital shortly after 4:30 in the afternoon. We talked to some of the family who was there visiting, but leaving for Mass. And then we went in to see grandpa.

He seemed so uncomfortable, and reminded me so much of my mom when she lay dying in her home hospice bed. The room even smelled the same. I felt somewhat claustrophobic, but I wanted to be there. I wanted him to see me and Charlotte.

Grandpa woke up. He talked to us and recognized all the visitors. He teased Charlotte, growling and smiling at her. She tossed her toy at him and he picked it up and shook it at her.

I couldn’t have asked for a better visit.

The nurses came in and asked us to leave so they could move him and change his bandages.

It wasn’t five minutes later that an alarm went off, and a nurse asked my grandma the hardest question I could ever imagine – Do you want us to so CPR?

We all stood in shock, and the. Broke down in tears.

My precious, loving grandma had never looked so frail and so broken. After 59 happy years of marriage, she had to honor her husband’s wishes. She had to let him go, completely and utterly unprepared to do so.

The next week will be filled with tears for the loss of a loved one and smiles for the wonderful memories. We will be strong and weak, hopeful and sad.

Above all else, we will still be a family created by an amazing man and his loving wife.

HOS made a comment that he was so happy that we and Charli were there to make his last moments happy. He just wished she would remember. She’s too young, but she’ll always know that she was one of the last things to make him smile before he went to join his daughters – my mom and my aunt – in Heaven.

Good Eats: Energy Balls

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Keeping true to my 30 x 30 resolutions, I tested one of my Pinterest recipes last weekend.

Unfortunately, the pin was created by someone who doesn’t understand how blogs work. If you like a blog with a recipe and link the pin, it must be linked to the actual post, not just the blog URL.

I spent forever (five minutes) scrolling through a blog about flowers? before deciding to wing it.

The actual pin is for “Energy Bites,” but I found myself referring to them as “Energy Balls,” and it stuck.

I recommend this recipe as a treat or a quick breakfast.

Energy Balls

20130122-213540.jpg

Ingredients
1 cup dry oatmeal
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla

Recipe
1. Mix the peanut butter and honey together. Add the oats, vanilla and chocolate chips. Mix until well-blended.

2. Using a small cookie scoop, form balls from the mix and drop onto wax paper. Let sit for 15 – 30 minutes.

3. Enjoy!

I recommend storing in the fridge to keep a more solid consistency.

I assume you could use a no-bake cookie approach to this recipe and melt the honey and peanut butter on the stove before mixing in the oats, vanilla and chocolate chips.

But why add a step when it tastes so good like this?

Try out the recipe and let me know what you think. What would you add to this recipe?

Highs and Lows

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I need to start writing more frequently. Little things happen throughout the week that make me laugh or make me cry. I stop and write a mental blog about the moment. … Only to forget the perfect words before I have the chance to write them down.

However, to make up for lost time, I’ll recap my week.

Early this week, I had a moment of clarity. I realized that I only spend two and a half hours with Charlotte every week day. It nearly broke my heart. I knew that working remotely would require more time away from Charli, but it had never been so clear. I’m still struggling with the my recent revelation.

20130120-173107.jpgOn Thursday, self-esteem reared its ugly head. I, uh, “wiggled” into my jeans, fresh from the dryer. As all women know, jeans out of the dryer always require a little loosening up. As I did a quick lunge to the left, my pants split wide open. … Needless to say the score of self-confidence has been evened.

Self-esteem 1 Angie 1

Finally, HOS and I enjoyed an evening as adults on Friday. He had a fancy-pants work event in Wichita. One I his friend’s from the area babysat while we got dressed up and went to the party.

It was a good week with its highs and lows, and it’s ending on a good note! A lazy day around the house and a lovely Skype date with dad and Sue aka papa and nana. We’ll be so happy to see them in-person in a few months!

I’m ready for another fun-filled week. And I pledge to write more frequently to prevent everyone from missing out on what are – undoubtedly – truly amazing blogs!

Charli’s First Illness

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First my cat, and now my daughter. …

Charlotte started coughing last Sunday. She had little bags under her bright, blue eyes. Her nose was pink. And her cough rattled in her chest. So, in typical “new parent” style, we called the doctor on Wednesday after her cough worsened.

We were told to wait until she was sick for five days before scheduling an appointment.

If I’m anything, I’m emotional. Watching my baby go from a smiley, talkative infant to a sad, somber babe that whimpered when she didn’t feel good was heartbreaking.

Friday morning, our babysitter told us that the other baby girl went to the ER Thursday night for a fever of 104. She was diagnosed with RSV.

My “new mom” mind went crazy with thoughts of terrifying diseases, but, as it turns out, RSV is extremely common and nothing to stress about. It can result in more medical issues if not treated, so HOS called the doctor again.

After an hour wait at the doctor’s office, we learned that our sweet baby girl has a double ear infection and bronchialitis – baby bronchitis.

Yup, bronchitis. First Bear and now Charli.

Forcing Charlotte to take medicine is almost as bad as medicating Bear, too.

HOS and I have survived Charlotte’s first illness, and I managed to avoid shedding any tears.

The cough and dripping nose are still persisting, but my smiley baby is back.

And kudos to Ms. Charlotte. While she was feeling pretty crummy she had to put up with her daddy dancing it up in the doctor’s office. What can I say? She has talent.

Mohammad A-Charli

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There are some moments in parenting that are too funny not to share, see earlier post about Charlotte puking in my mouth.

Tonight, HOS was the victim of little Charli’s wrath.

Let me set the scene…

Frequently while nursing, Charlotte would punch me, slap me or cover my mouth with her hand if I spoke. She is definitely the boss in this house.

HOS has been lucky enough to observe her discipline me, but has never suffered at her hand. … Until today!

HOS was nuzzling on Charli and asking her if she wanted Wild Wings. Then, in his best daddy voice, he told her she’s have to pay for her own dinner.

Charlotte responded by balling up her right fist and punching him square in the jaw.

Charli doesn’t pay for her own dinner!

I about died! My little girl cold cocked her daddy at 5 months old. My own little Mohammed A-Charli.

At least, HOS has no more doubts about who’s the boss of this house!

New Year’s Resolution

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With a new comes lots of new promises that we make ourselves: weight loss, fitness and life improvement. We usually focus on life’s exterior.

I’m no different. My 30 x 30 goals include self-confidence boosters. But I’ve decided my New Year’s resolution should be about something more than just me.

In 2013, I resolve to be a better girlfriend. I resolve to take time out of my busy schedule to spend more time with HOS. I resolve to work on my communication, so we can continue to build a healthier and stronger relationship.

My resolution is big, and it will be difficult at times – especially with my beautiful baby filling my free time – but it’s the best way to keep building my relationship and to keep Charli in a happy, healthy home.

So here’s to a new year filled with even more happiness and love than 2012!

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Behavioral Issues

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Can we just talk about Bear for a minute?

I realize that I sound like a crazy cat lady every time I write about her, but I can’t help it. It’s in my blood. My mom collected strays. My mom’s mom collects barnyard strays… I adopted one of said barnyard strays. It’s a cycle filled with felines.

Bear – my little bundle of pain – has developed emotional issues. Ok, that’s a lie. She has always been my emo, inbred kitten. If I had new roommates, she would “mark her territory,” aka pee on things.

There were a few occasions when she actually had a kitty UTI. She is going through this disaster right now. We think.

Cats should not get UTIs.

Why?

Because she spends 5 hours cleaning herself, 18 hours sleeping and 1 hour awkwardly staring at me. That should not result in somehow developing a UTI.

Regarldess, we’ve spent more than $500 during the last 3 months on her vet bills for this recurring issue. Finally, on Saturday, the vet told us to buy special overpriced urinary health, wet cat food.

Let me be clear – Bear hasn’t eaten wet cat food since she was a kitten. Five years ago.

I got her home from the vet and she was still slightly sedated, just enough so that when she walked forward her back legs would trail off to one side. And when she sat, she just stared at the floor like it’s spinning.

I put out the overpriced wet cat food and she went to town. That nasty cat food made the whole house smell like a warm non-descrip meat substance not unlike spam.

My bet was on HOS, but Bear was the one who lost her dinner.

All over the hallway.

*sigh*

HOS reminded me that she was my cat, so he would NOT be cleaning that up. Probably for the best. I didn’t need to ultimately clean up his vomit along with hers.

After cleaning up the spam-esque disaster spew, I spoke with the animal clinic that actually does have dry food. Nice. Thanks.

In the end, Bear has her dry urinary health food. I have to force feed her medicine that smells like liver. And Shane didn’t have to clean up the mess.

All for my beloved cat that may or may not be experiencing behavioral issues.

She peed on a power strip to the computer because I had been working remotely that day… At this point, behavior is the least of her problems.

Charli’s First Christmas!

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A little over a week ago, HOS and I had a quick Charlotte photo shoot for our Christmas cards. I wanted to do something cute with just Charli, so I wrapped an empty box and placed her inside with a bow on her her.

I’d like to say that my nice point-an-shoot digital camera took photos that put HOS’ iPhone 5 to shame. Alas, this was not the case. *sigh* Regardless of whose technology was better, we captured some great pictures of Charlotte. Here are a few of my favorite outtakes to celebrate Charlotte’s first Christmas!

I may be biased… But I’m pretty sure Ms. Charli is the cutest darn baby on this planet!

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Good Eats: Garlic Bread Pizza

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I may be lacking in the hobby department lately, but there is one thing that I’m never far from – good eats!

I love me some food. And I’m anything but picky, so it’s easy for me to find new recipes to enjoy. Pinterest has just taken my love of food to a new level.

One of the first recipes I pinned was for a pizza dip from Closet Cooking. My friends and I had a dip party last year, and the pizza dip was a hit. But what can be even better than pizza dip?

Pizza!

I took the recipe from Closet Kitchen – sans peppers and olives – and put it on garlic bread instead of in a pie pan. I made this version of a garlic bread pizza again tonight and thought it would be a good recipe to share.

If you like cream cheese, you’ll love this recipe!

Garlic Bread Pizza

Ingredientsgarlic bread pizza ingredients
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1 – 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
8 oz pizza sauce
1 small package pepperonis
1 loaf frozen garlic bread

Recipe
1. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella in a bowl. Smother mixture on the open faces of the garlic bread.

2. Spread the pizza sauce on top of the mixture. I’m not huge on red sauces, so I don’t use the full 8 oz.

3. Place the pepperonis on top of the sauce. Add as few or as many as you’d like.

4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top of the pepperonis. I like lots of cheese, so I used 1 cup, but you can use as much or as little as you would like.

5. Follow the directions on the garlic bread package. I used Pepperidge Farms garlic bread and baked the pizza at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Baking time will depend on whether you like softer or crispier bread.

6. My favorite step… Enjoy!

garlic bread pizza