Mommy & Me Shopping Gone HORRIBLY Wrong

     Imagine your child pulling over a whole rack of clothes and tearing every piece of clothing item she can reach off the display table. That's what my child did today at Carter's. But, before all of that even happened she threw one of the worst tantrums minutes after walking into the store. 

(Taken about twenty minutes after the shopping experience.)

     We were all but five minutes into our shopping trip. Remi and I strolled into Carter's. I was checking out the tops and pants on the $5 dollar table. Remi seemed to be sitting comfortably in her stroller, sucking her thumb, relaxed -- maybe about to take a nap? Wishful thinking, mom. She spotted some article of clothing she felt compelled to reach out for and grab. I took it off the rack and let her hold it thinking it would keep her occupied while I hurried to pick out a Thanksgiving outfit for her. But, that didn't work. She threw the outfit she was holding on the ground, started flailing her arms, kicking her legs, and yelling because she wanted to get out of the stroller. I took her out of the stroller but she didn't want to be held. She wanted to run around the store. (Trust me, that would be a disaster.) I decided to take her outside of the store to calm her down - maybe she needed some fresh air. That didn't work either. So, I proceeded to carry her, kicking and screaming, back to the car. After a few minutes, she calmed down. I don't know why but I decided to go back into the store in hopes of getting her an outfit for the holiday. She didn't throw any tantrums this time but she did throw every hoodie on a display table on the floor. And, she managed to get a good grip on an outfit hanging up resulting in the whole rack toppling over. Still, we shopped on (after I cleaned everything up, of course). We made it to the register and finally back out to our car and home.

    This girl definitely makes life interesting. But, while being a parent can be difficult at times, I wouldn't trade a single moment with my daughter for anything in the world. Tantrums come and go. God help us all when they come...

  

Toddlers and Christmas Trees

     I decided to pull out and decorate our Christmas tree on Sunday. I figured it would give us time to enjoy it as well as give us an opportunity to teach Remi about the holiday. Remi was quite amazed by it all - pointing at the tree saying, "Ooooouuu." She especially loved the ball ornaments. She would point and yell out, "ball!" However, the "fun" really began when she started pulling the balls off the tree. At one point, she pulled so hard I had to catch the tree before it toppled over. I tried explaining to her that it's all for decoration and not a toy. But, do you think that stopped her? Not exactly, which is why I decided to only decorated the top half of the tree. (I did hang a couple ornaments towards the bottom but only ones we don't care much about.) If you look at the picture below closely, you can see where the candy cane garland stops - out of Remi's reach. The tree came pre-lit so there wasn't much we could do about the lights. Thankfully, Remi hasn't tried pulling on the bulbs or wires yet. Although, I think I might need to stick a couple sand bags under the tree skirt to avoid any other possible "timber" situations...

Why I Voted This Election

     The reason I voted this election is simple yet complex. Simply put, I voted to set an example for my daughter. The complex part? I also voted to get out of my own way. You see, over the last several years I have adopted a bitter attitude toward our government. I have complained that the system sets us working class folks up to fail. I won't go into all of the reasons why because it doesn't really matter. What matters is that Remi knows she can and will make a difference, and voting is just one way to do that. That's why I voted today and took her along with me. This little girl inspires and motivates me more than I ever could have imagined. (And, trust me, I have always been a very determined young woman. I have always wanted to make a difference and still strive to do so.) 

     On a side note, Remi enjoyed her first trip to the polls. She especially enjoyed opening the curtain while Mommy voted, poking her head out and making others laugh. Our little entertainer.

#We Voted #Election2016

Traveling with a Toddler: The Puke Story

     Both Brian and I were feeling a bit queasy after landing in Chicago from San Diego. It may have had something to do with the fact that we partied with a friend of his from high school our last night in San Diego and only got three to four hours of sleep. But, Remi on the other hand did no partying that night. Still, as it turned out, she was feeling quite queasy herself after the three and a half hour flight. As I sat her down on a chair in the terminal, she spit up a little bit. No big deal. It was the color orange like one of the pouches we fed her on the plane. I picked her up off the chair to wipe it up and as I put her down - bam! She profusely spewed all over the carpet and me -- it was down the front of my shirt, dripping down my chest and stomach inside my shirt, and all down one of my pant legs. Also, the puke was no longer the color orange; it was green. Seriously, it was like a scene out of the Exorcist. It just kept coming and coming and then came some more. I never saw her throw up like that before. Immediately, Brian and I jumped into action. He cleaned up the carpet in the terminal while I started changing Remi into a new outfit. (Teamwork, folks. That's what it's all about. And, I feel very fortunate to have a husband who is always so involved, right by my side.) As for me, I didn't bring myself a change of clothes so I was pretty much screwed. I did the best I could to wipe the puke off.
    The crazy thing is -- I wasn't even worried about being covered in throw up. I was shocked when it happened but the only thing on my mind at the time was keeping Remi calm and making sure she was okay. Not once did I worry about what others around us might be thinking. In fact, as it turned out -- people were very supportive. One couple jumped up to try to help us. A few others gave me words of encouragement once we got everything cleaned up. Thankfully, the throw up wasn't the smelly kind. And, thankfully, Remi was back to herself a few minutes later running around the terminal, smiling, and laughing.

#ChicagoOhareAirport #PukedOn #TravelingWithAToddler

Where Are Your Boobies?

     A couple months ago, Remi started pulling my shirt out at the collar and peeking inside. She would point and say, "ball." She clearly was interested in the "balls" attached to my chest. (I always want to be honest with my child. I believe in that. I want to answer her questions truthfully.) So, without another thought in my mind I told Remi, "Those are mommy's boobies." Then, I pointed out her boobies and explained she has them too. Of course, we have taught her about many parts of the body this way: eyes, ears, nose, belly, belly button, etc. But, the boobies are funny. And, here's why...

     I guess now we just have to teach her not to flash her boobies (Clearly I egged her on here). Our happy, little entertainer.

Nine Years Have Passed

     Today is the anniversary of my Dad's death. 10.25.07. A day my family and I will never forget. Since his death, I have always said that when I have kids I want them to know all about their Pop Pop. I want to make sure they know that he was a special man. I said - I would show my children lots of pictures and share memories with them from my childhood. Remi is still too young to understand, but she sure does seem to recognize Pop Pop Morlock.

     While visiting his grave, Remi waved hello to him and danced around. (Actually she danced on the grave stone. I know, I know. Some of you will tell me it's disrespectful to let her do that but I know in my heart my Dad was smiling down on her and probably even busting a dance move himself. He loved to dance... Electric Slide anyone?)

     We love you and miss you, Dad/Pop Pop.

10.25.16

No Headbands or Bows or... ANYTHING!

     Remi just doesn't like wearing anything on her head. Period. And, anyone who tells me I should put a bow in her hair after they mistakenly call her a boy -- Well... (I should probably stop right here and refrain from what I am about to say.) What I will say is -- SHE DOES NOT WANT TO WEAR A BOW... OR A HEADBAND... OR A CLIP!! I put a headband on her and two minutes later she pulls it off. Same thing with putting a clip in her hair. It's a game really. She pulls the clip out, brings it over to me, laughs about it, and wants me to put it back in. Two minutes later, she's running back over to me, clip in hand, wanting me to put it back in again... and again... and again. (You get the picture.)  And, you know what? If Remi doesn't want to wear that crap (sure, it's cute crap) than she doesn't have to. She's a beautiful GIRL with or without it! SHE doesn't need a big pink bow to signal to people SHE is a GIRL.


     Just moments before the headband came off...

     And, there it goes...

     I love this little girl, that smile, and her bowless head. 

Kisses for Pop Pop (Truly Amazing)

     I don't talk about it much but if you know me or follow my posts on Facebook, you know I lost my dad in a very sudden and tragic way nearly nine years ago.  I won't go into detail about what happened here (if you would like to know - please ask me).  I will tell you - my dad LOVED children.  He was such a kind, caring, loving man.  Truly one of a kind. (I wish I told him that while he was alive.)  Anyway, the thought of Remi never having the opportunity to physically meet and get to know this amazing man is something I continue to bury deep inside me.  It just hurts too much to think about.

     For nearly nine years now, a framed picture of my dad has sat on one of the end tables in the living room of my mom's house along with a letter about him featured in the Courier Post.  Every now and then, Brian (my husband) and I have pointed out the photo to Remi and told her "that's Pop Pop Morlock."  Brian and I have also joked at times that maybe my dad visits Remi.  That's because, we often hear Remi through the monitor babbling and talking in her room.  It really sounds like she's having a conversation with someone.  Then, today -- something amazing happened.

     As I was carrying Remi outside to the car, we passed by my dad's picture on the end table.  Remi pointed right at it and said "Pop Pop."  I couldn't believe it. Brian was right there.  I looked at him in disbelief.  I asked him, "Did she just say Pop Pop?"  He confirmed she did.  Later on, I was holding Remi as I explained to my mom what happened.  As I was talking, Remi started repeating, "Pop Pop, Pop Pop."  So, I walked her closer to the photo.  The moment she saw it, she pointed at it and said, "Pop Pop, Pop Pop."  She proceeded to lean in towards the picture like she wanted to give it a kiss.  So, I picked up the photo and brought it even closer to her. She leaned right in and kissed it.  Wow.

     I wish you were here, dad, and I think your granddaughter does too.

10.25.07

Pumkins are NOT Balls

     We avoided a couple potentially tantrum-inducing moments during our first family trip to the pumpkin patch but, overall, we had a blast! Remi really seemed to enjoy the hayride (although she was a little upset mommy and daddy wouldn't let her stand and try to walk about the bed of the tractor while it was moving). Once we made it to the patch, she enjoyed exploring on her own (with mommy and daddy not far behind). "Thomas the Tractor" driver was a bit strict. He made sure everyone knew NOT to pick the pumpkins up by their stem because the stem can break. Remi, on the other hand, thought the pumpkins were balls. She would run up to one while pointing at it saying "ball, ball!" Brian and I are just glad "Tractor Tom" didn't see her pick up a smaller pumpkin and throw it ("ball, ball!").
   
     On a side note, we came home with a 25 lb pumpkin!

#FirstHayride #SpringdaleFarms

#PumpkinPicking2016

#SpringdaleFarms

The "Diaper Dilemma"

     While out for a walk during lunch on this beautiful Thursday, I get a text from the hubby...

      The photo:

   
     The conversation:

#LittleNakedProtester

When Did That Happen? (Another Puke Stain)

     It's freezing in our building today. Luckily, I opened one of my cabinets and found a sweater I left there. After wearing it for an hour or two, I noticed a large, slightly yellow stain on my left shoulder and down my sleeve. Yup, it's throw up. And, it's definitely a very old stain. Put it this way - I can't remember the last time I wore this sweater, probably when it was still chilly out last Spring. It also means, when I wore this sweater into work - I walked around the whole day without realizing I had throw up on me (because, had I known, I would have taken it home and washed it).

A Little Lady Gaga on this Monday Night...

     How do we tire our child out? With a dance session of course... (Check out Remi's head movement in the first video! LOL)

He's a SHE...

     There's nothing that irks me more than when someone makes a comment to me about my SON. Do you see her pink outfit? Do you see the headband she is wearing? In the beginning, this never bothered me. But, it really gets to me now for some reason (Maybe it's because she has more hair?) especially when Remi is decked out in pink or wearing a dress!

     Remi must have been called a "he" at least three or four times at the Phillies game yesterday. This, despite her Phillies headband (I admit she pulled it off a couple times), floral printed long-sleeve onesie under her jersey, black and maroon sneakers and pink socks. I'm not losing sleep over this or anything. But, here's my opinion: If you can take a minute to stop and admire a baby (and, I truly love when people stop to admire Remi) then you should take a second to really look at what that baby is wearing before you speak. If you're still unsure, just avoid saying "he" or "she."

     On a side note, we had a blast at the game. We sat in the Phillies club box. Wait, I should say -- we had seats in the club box but never actually sat down. Remi kept us on our toes the whole game running around and meeting new people. (And you wonder why it's so easy for me to get my 10, 000 steps in per day.)

#FanAppreciationDay2016

#DaddyandRemi #Phillies2016

#McFaddens

#FanAppreciationDay2016 #PhilliePhanatic

#FanAppreciationDay2016

Better Late Than...

     Today, Remi had her one-year wellness check. Yes, I know -- it's more than a month past her first birthday. But, of course, mom (that's me) didn't add the original appointment to her phone calendar thinking she would remember. Guess what? I forgot. About two hours after the appointment, I remembered. Too late. Thankfully, the pediatrician's office was understanding and didn't charge us a fee (Hey, it probably happens to lots of moms, right? Thought so).

     So, here we are more than a month later. And, all is well. Remi is 24 lbs. and 31" tall - she grew quite a bit. It's crazy how quickly children grow. The doctor confirmed that her bottom molars are indeed pushing through. I had a feeling, especially since she hasn't quite been herself the past couple weeks. Remi sure is a champ, though. She handled the vaccinations better than one could imagine. There were tears but not for long. She even gave the doctor a hug on the way out despite him sticking three needles in her leg. Brian and I were impressed.

     Remi especially enjoyed her time in the waiting room chasing around an older boy and following him into this playhouse...

#Sept2016 #OneYearWellnessVisit #hahahahaha

Toddler for Hire

     At this age, it may be the only time our daughter thinks cleaning is fun...

Midlife Crisis?

     I am thirty years old. I think it's a little early for a midlife crises; yet, I feel like I am experiencing it. Or, maybe I just don't know how to describe what I am feeling at the moment. I find myself getting lost in my thoughts these days wondering - what am I doing with my life? Am I on the right path? I certainly have accomplished a lot in my thirty years and, of course, there is so much more I want to accomplish in years to come. As crazy as it might sound - and trust me I know I am young and, God willing, have plenty of healthy years left to make my mark on the world - I can't help but feel like I'm running out of time.

     I want to be the best wife, mom, and professional that I can be. I also want to set a good example for Remi and, hopefully, inspire and motivate her to always accomplish her goals. In the meantime, she is already an incredible little girl with a desire to learn and be independent. She impresses me every day. She also makes me smile and laugh every day (see video below).

#Breakfast

#Eggs #Waffle

Naked Baby

     When you're at work and your husband texts you, "This is what I'm dealing with right now," because suddenly our daughter doesn't want her diaper changed anymore. She fights us -- flailing her arms, throwing her head back, kicking her feet. My husband wrote, "She won't let me put her diaper on, so I told her she can be nature girl if she wants." My response? That's all fine and well, hun, until she pees on the floor!

     Never a dull moment in the Miller family...

#NakedBaby #BabyButt #LoveHerSoMuch

Two Flats, One Week...

   I am having really bad luck with my car this week. Remember Monday I told you my car started signaling to all of these problems while going over the Betsy Ross Bridge? Well, it turned out one of my rims was cracked and most likely caused a flat tire. Anyway, a sealant was put on it as a temporary fix.

     Now, let's talk about what happened yesterday while driving home from work (not even two full days after buying a new tire and having the sealant put on the rim)-- I get a flat going over the bridge AGAIN. Seriously, how does that happen? Two flats in one week! I was and still am beyond upset! What a waste of money! I drive through three construction zones on my way to and from work. Transportation crews really need to fix these roads. Hardworking people are suffering because of it. And, on top of that -- it's cutting into my quality Remi time. If only we could go to work, come home, and relax with our families - no stress. Instead, we are forced to dodge pothole after pothole on the roads (and, don't even get me started on traffic). It's a wonder why every mom in the U.S. isn't taking some form of anti-anxiety medication. Boy, could I use it right now.

#TwoFlats #OneWeek

Enjoy the Cuteness...

     When I first went back to work, I was convinced things would get easier. Eventually, I wouldn't feel so sad leaving my daughter for work each morning. I would develop a routine and all would be well. Unfortunately, things haven't become any easier. A year later, I still find it hard leaving Remi to go to work. I cherish my weekends with her and my husband, and then feel sad when Sunday night rolls around. Now, don't get me wrong. I love having a career. And, I love my job. I work with a great team that is collaborative, hardworking and (best of all) understanding. I work from home one day a week right now and will eventually start working from home two days a week. I am so thankful to be where I am in life. It's just that -- some days -- I find it so hard being away from my little girl. That's why, when I'm having an emotional moment where I am missing Remi, I shut my office door and take a few minutes to look at pictures and videos. Sometimes, I even take a walk around the building after and stop to chat with some women colleagues who I know have little ones at home. It reminds me I am not alone in this.

     This morning, I am experiencing one of these emotional moments.

     So, enjoy the cuteness and (like me) try to take a minute to focus on all the positive in your life...

#MessyHairDontCare

#Kisses #SundayLovin'

Lights of Death

     Well, the weekend with my hubby and our baby girl is over (it goes by way too quickly) and I'm kicking off a new week the only way I know how- with a little excitement (not the good kind). As I'm heading over the bridge on my way to work, I'm wondering why the ride feels extra bumpy especially considering the road is newly paved. Then, my thoughts are disrupted as my car starts signaling that my tire pressures too low, check the left brake light, and "service now!" (with the exclamation point and all). So, I pull off the interstate into a Philadelphia neighborhood to check the tires and figure out what to do. It's still dark and now I'm sitting in my car in a parking lot in a not-so-good area of Philly. I really can't make this stuff up. Anyway, I made it home. Now, we're waiting for the rain to stop or slow down so the hubby can handle the situation.

In Her Shoes

     Tonight, my mom and I took Remi shoe shopping for the first time. Since Remi officially started walking a few weeks ago, that's all she wants to do these days. So, we figured it was time to take her to buy a good pair of sneakers. Grandmom (my mom) offered to buy her first pair. For some reason, I always thought Air Jordans were so adorable on toddlers. We found a pair in Remi's size and tried them on. Remi loved them so much she didn't want to take them off. She ran all over the store in her black and maroon Jordans. But, shame on mommy for trying to keep her safe.

     After purchasing the shoes, I picked Remi up to carry her through the parking lot to our car. Well, she didn't like that. She wanted to walk. So, she threw a tantrum (every mother's worst nightmare): screaming, crying, fighting to free herself from my arms. Thankfully, a nice woman who was getting into her car took a moment to wave at Remi while I was calming her down. Remi looked at her, waved and smiled. It took her attention off her new kicks and all was good again.

     Of course, I could have done without the tantrum. But, hey, I always try to see the positive in things. The way I see this situation is - we made a good purchase! That girl loves her new shoes so much that she wanted to keep walking in them. And, I love the excitement she has about them.

Just Another Manic Thursday

      I just arrived at work about twenty minutes ago. Every morning after dropping my bags off in my office, I warm up my coffee in our kitchenette. This morning, as I'm reaching up to place my Wawa cup in the microwave I hit the bottom of the cup on the microwave plate and spilled some coffee. So, I clean that up. Then, I get back to my office and am about to sit down when I realize I can't find my lunch. It appears I left it in my car.

     Excuse me while I go get that...

     Random thought:
     If you see me lugging around several bags at once either ask if I need help or mind your p's and q's. Don't stare (please). I'm a mother on a tight schedule.

     

   

Crumby Hair

     While straightening my hair at 6:00 a.m., I discovered a huge knot in the back of my head. As I'm trying to get it out, I realize it was caused by a piece of dried up Sesame Street "Cookie of the Day" cookie. Guess Remi put it there last night.

A few other things on my mind this morning:
     I miss Remi and her little cookie fingers.
     I am very excited for the season premiere of American Horror Story tonight.
     How do people in the Philadelphia area still not know about the
     War of the Roses segment on the radio?
     My November work trip to San Diego is officially booked and
     Brian (hubby) and Remi are coming with me!

Too Busy Being Radical

     Check out my outfit today. Here I am wearing my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles gym shirt and black leggings. Why would I ever wear this to work, you ask? Well, I didn't. But, after spilling HOT coffee all over myself on my way into work I couldn't walk around with a huge stain on my dress and reeking of java. Thankfully, I work with an understanding, nonjudgmental group!

#TooBusyBeingRadical #MomProbz

To Whomever I Might Have Flashed, My Bad...

     I took a half-day at work. On my way to pick Remi up from the babysitter, I stopped at Wawa to grab lunch. While quickly stuffing my face in my car in the parking lot, I look down and realize my top is undone. How long has it been like that? Who knows.

A Working Mom's Fashion Statement

   While stopped at a red light on my way to work this morning, I realize there is something in my hair. Turns out, it's egg yolk! And, it's not only tangled in my hair but all down my dress and on my sweater. (Back story - I ate an egg for breakfast. How egg yolk got in my hair and leaked all over my dress and sweater without me noticing? No clue.) Finally, I pull into my work parking lot only to realize I forgot my umbrella (it's raining out). But, hey, I spot one of Remi's baby blankets in the backseat. I proceed to walk a block and a half to my building sporting dried egg yolk and wearing Remi's bunny blanket over my head.

     I should also mention- I discovered the egg yolk all over me while swatting away a freakin' spider making his/her descent from the ceiling of my car to the steering wheel. (Yes, all of this while stopped at a red light.)

Happy Thursday!