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!