June 29-Summer begins!

Thank goodness! Camp is all over, my classroom is all cleaned out and I am ready for "Summer" to begin! I spent my new found freedom cleaning the house and  spending the afternoon watching "The Pregnancy Pact". Kind of lame, but it was too rainy to be tanning!

As a celebration I took Tony and Reagan to dinner. It is never as relaxing as it use to be when it was  two and not three. I honestly would rather spend dinner at home. However, I  think that it is good for Reagan to learn some good "resturant' manners. Again at $60, we might want to "practice" at Panera.

Reagan thought her straw was so cool!

This whole "Molly leaking" thing is really starting to bother me. I took her urine in, but they won't get the results back till later. Meanwhile, we just have to let her leak I guess. Thank goodness my parents have a carpet cleaner that we can borrow. My internet research says that it could be a few things and one of them is surgery...yikes! I do not want to travel down that little road again! GRRRR!!! Hopefully we can get the results tomorrow and figure it out!

On that same note, Molly had her first little "accident" in her cage today. I told Tony that in order to crate train her properly, that she needed to be able to barely turn around. But NO...he felt bad for her and made the crate bigger.  I mentioned to him "that it kind of defeats the purpose of putting her in her cage", but he didn't really want to hear that and he grumbled around finding cleaner. Hmmm...if we just always listened to me...maybe things would be smoother. (Maybe?)

Tomorrow is my "BIG" night out! Tony's sisters Bachlorette Party is tomorrow and we are going to the City. I am super excited for a night out with adults and I haven't been into the City since...well...my Bachlorette Party! I hope that I am able to handle it, because not only will I eneviotly get up early tomorrow, but I also have to work at JCP 9-3, and then I do have to wake up and be with my two babies in the morning. Maybe I can plan for a 1:1 ratio of drink to water becasue who needs, or wants a hangover?

June 28- 100 degrees already?

During the middle of winter, I can't wait for summer time! But when today reached 100 degrees, I could not believe how uncomfortable it was! I thought that the thunderstorm with HAIL would make it better, but it actually made it more sticky! God help those people that live in the Rainforests!

Reagan and I took our "middle" of the summer trip to the library to get our reading log stamped, get some books, and play. It was nice taking her there when she could actually walk around. She is definalty her Daddy's daughter because she wouldn't interact with any of the kids, she just stared at them! Now that camp is over, we will definatly have to make it a weekly trip..

She was pretty impressed that this was 3D.

She loved the "Fishy's"!

Since today is Thursday, we went to visit Great Grandma. Of course, Grandma found the simplest things to amuse Reagan. Tony and I spend big bucks on toys for her, and all Grandma does is give her a spoon and a pan lid and Reagan thinks it is awesome! Hmmm...

Reagan and Grandma making some "music".

I think that I have my Thursday routine down now. I feel a little bit guilty, but I give Molly a bone while I give Reagan and bath and get her into bed. Maybe after awhile, Molly will realize that it is quite time and just lay there, without a bribe!

I called the vet and they said that I can bring in a urine sample for Molly to get it tested to find out about the leaking. I wanted to ask how the hell I was suppose to do that, but I didn't want them to think I was dumb. But really... "How the hell am I suppose to do that?"  I looked online and they said to try to collect it with a frisbee. So I have been following Molly around the yard, saying "potty, potty, potty", with a frisbee in my hand, it must be a sight to see.  It should be interesting when I finally do figure it out!

Yes, my "leaking" puppy decided to jump on the couch.We will have to do some serious cleaning when this is figured out!

June 27

All of my complaining about sleeping got me about 33 more minutes of sleep this morning! It was glorious! Again, Reagan had her breakfest on our morning walk. I think that she thinks it's awesome to eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch in her stroller.

Today we went and visited Tony's Grandma at her new Nursing Home. We went and had dinner there, for something different to do. Reagan thought that she was a movie star when we walked in because all of the old ladies thought that she was just the cutest little thing. (Even though her bow didn't exactly match her outfit!) I really like her Nursing Home. If I was in there, I would be flirting with all of the old men, playing Bingo, taking the little trips, working on puzzles, doing crafts, getting my hair did and every other activity that they plan. Grandma does not feel the same. She really just spends a lot of time in her room. Kuckily goes down for breakfest, lunch and dinner, otherwise she would never leave. It's kind of sad, but I think that she is in the best place for her.

Dalton, Reagan and Kaylee

Our poor Molly needs to go to the vet. She is doing pretty good with the potty training, but it seems that she is leaking sometimes for no reason. I was doing some cyber medical research and some people say that it could be as simple as a weak bladder to as bad as a liver infection. So...Tony's supportive advice for me was to "call the damn doctor". So, I am going to stop self diagnosising and call. Of course I pray that everything is ok. Just in case, I learned my lesson for the first time, and did sign up for Pet Insurance!

Molly keeping an eye on the sprinkler.

June 26-Dog Run

I really can't stand people that complain that they are tired. I mean, if you are so tired go to bed earlier, wake up later, take a nap, have a latte, don't you know that they make sugarfree Redbull?
Don't complain to me, cause I honestly think less of you now because you are saying that you are "so tired".  However, I must say that it is 9pm and I am ready for bed!

It all began this morning at 5:09am. Reagan did a little half whiney/half sleepy cry from her crib, that woke Molly. I layed their on my back, in perfectly still motion, barely breathing; so that Molly might go back to sleep for just a few more minutes. I managed that for...welll..not long, then Molly really started whining. I think that she could sense that I was awake and wanting to take her outside. Normally, this is Tony's wake up call, but he was at work (lucky bastard). Not wanting to actually awake Reagan from her half sleeping/half whining, I let Molly out of her cage and we creepily tiptoed into the hallway(where we have the creakiest hallway in the state of Illinois). After about seven really loud, creeky steps, we managed to make our way outside without waking up the 14 month old! I stayed outside with Molly for about 15 minutes, while Reagan half whined and half slept (according to the baby monitor). Finally, it was 5:45 and Reagan was having a little conversation with herself, so I guess it was wake up time.

Molly chasing her rock at 5:30am.

Since Tony worked nights, he was home when I got home from Camp. (Oh goodie...) I had intended to get some laundry and cleaning done before I went to pick up Reagan, but I never feel as productive when Tony is home. (He's distracting, becasue he always wants to do fun things and that sounds better then doing housework). Today was not an exception, so instead of cleaning or doing laundry, we took Molly to the St. Charles Dog Run. ( I think Tony forgot that he just took her their yesterday...he's a little off with the whole working at night thing). It was a great day for taking her, not too hot and not too cold. We were a little disappointed that there was not any dogs there, but I guess some people have to work at 2pm on  a Tuesday...losers! Molly had followed a dog that was playing in the water the day before, but we weren't sure if she would go in alone. We found a little spot by the water and she went right up and took a little drink (we highly discouraged this; didn't she know that there are dead bodies in there?). Unlike Ellie, Molly went right in and started swimming. We threw in some sticks and she was having a grand time retrieving them. Of course, we made sure to keep the leash on her, in case she went too far. And I know you are wondering who got to wash the dead bodies off of Molly when we got home...yep...me! Tony really wanted to, but he had to go to the dentist; how convienent!

Molly drinking up the river????

On a personal note, I think that I have decided that I want to set a new goal of writing a book. No, it will not be about this blog, but perhaps a children book of some sort. Of course, I won't be doing it for  the money ( unless someone wants to give me millions, that wouldn't bother me that much).  I think that I actually want to do it so that when people ask me why I am not working for my National Board certification that I can say "I'm really busy and TIRED, from writing my book". 

 

Reagan and Grandma Baba

June 24-The Longest Day EVER!

If we were to classify today, it would fall under "Long as Hell"! It was not a bad day, or unusual in any way, but when it begins at 5:30am, it tends to run long. I woke with two little squeeks and being the "WONDERFUL" wife that I am, I let my peaceful husband sleep ( he only slept till 6:30, but that was an hour longer than me).

The morning began with a quiet walk, we went to breakfest (where every old person in Elgin was dining at the moment) , went to Walmart, Reagan took a nap and we went to the park; all before 11:30 am. (Let me tell you Walmart is actually a very pleasent place at 8:15 am!)

                               A Mamma Duck with her babies, I think I saw five... See it could be worse!

                                           She loved exploring the park, too bad it was pretty hot!

Luckily the afternoon went much faster. I got to leave the house for about 45 minutes so that was nice! We also got to visit with my sister and Mom for a bit, where Molly was an angel and slept and Reagan was hamming it up! We will miss my sister, but we will see her next when we go to Colorado for my Aunt's wedding. My sister is pretty crazy cause she is most likely going to fly 1-2 different places tonight before she actually gets home. (The joys of flying stand-by.)

Tony had to work this evening so I took Molly and Reagan for our evening walk alone, while Tony took a nap. We were walking a long and an couple comes up ahead. I pull Molly in closer and ask Reagan to stop "helping" by pulling on the leash. Reagan gives a little whine and Molly begins tugging on the least (quite a sight from outsiders perspectives). The couple give me a little smile and hello, but I am sure that they are thinking that I am a crazy woman that has no control of the situation!

Molly on our walk, deciding that she would take a seat and have a pine cone! WTF?

I usually get so ticked off that Tony always gets the remote and gets to watch WHATEVER he wants, so when he is not home, I am thrilled to have the remote, T.V. and the DVR to myself. However, I am not one of those "Bachlor/Bachlorette, Survivor, American Idol, Jersey Shore, Kardacian." type of girls. When I have the remote, there is 4-5 shows that I will watch and this is one of those nights. During the regular seasons it is Greys, Private Practice or Sister Wives ( I know that last one is kind of strange, but I LOVE it!) Any other time of the year it is Roseanne. Roseanne is my comfort show and I will watch it over, and over, and over; I have probably seen every show at least 10 times! However, I will only watch until a certain season and then the shows started to get really dumb and then I just wait till the DVR starts up again with the earlier seasons. However, I am thirlled that "The Hub" is now showing "ALF", this is probably strange that a 30 year old Mom DVR's "Alf" and "Roseann" each and every weekknight , but it is like eating Mac and Cheese...comforable.

June 23

Reagan actually slept till 6:30am, amazing. since she went to bed at 6pm! OMG, I was relieved that she didn't wake up in the middle of the night! I was also excited for a little break today, and by break, I mean going to work at JCP! It was actually a pretty busy day but it went fast. It was nice to spend time with adults.

Tony spent his day garage saleing with his sister for a bit and bought Reagan a little truck thing to ride around and a lawn chair for the backyard. I specifically remember him telling me that we were not going to be buying her any more toys this summer, but I guess when you find a good sale you have to go for it.

Tony's Dad, Judi, Dalton and Kaylee came over for dinner to meet Molly. It was nice to sit outside and talk with people besides each other. ;-) Molly was a pretty good girl except that she ripped Dalton's shirt, so now we will have to get Dalton a nicer birthday present this year! Of course, a large portion of our evening conversation was spent talking, and searching, for our "future" Lake house. I am really hoping that we can go through with this, because this will be such a wonderful investment.

                                                              Reagan and Uncle Dalton

Today was a frustrating day to live in my neighborhood. Let's just say that I am fearful to have my daughter play outside, or to take her for a walk around the block. This prompted me to call the police to ask them what they were doing about it and what we should be watching out for. My Mom brought up a good point being that since Tony or I, have not seen a police presence, we should assume that  whomever is in danger is not living there anymore! Then, of course, our crazy neighbor, had to weed whack his lawn, sweep his grass area, blow his driveway, and play basketball with his kids, all at the time that we were having guests over. (He has hardly done any these things all summer and he does this each time we have guests over.)  My problem is that I want so badly to understand why he acts like this. I feel bad for them sometimes, because in the 5 years that we have lived here, they have never once had ANYONE over to their house. I feel that the Dad is trying to get attention or something and this is why he is ALWAYS outside doing something when we have people over. This is something that  I wish that I didn't care about, "Come on Tanya, is this really your biggest complaint"! The truth is that I REALLY like the neighborhood that I live in (it is beautiful, and mostly all of the people that live her are hard working, blue collar people that just want to do what is best for their families) and I don't think that it is unsafe.  However, I am a little frustrated right now. I defiantly think that I need to stop shopping so much and start saving our money, so we can start making an "exit" plan. I just hope that I don't look back one day and wish that we stayed at this house.

July 22-Bordom has set in...

My goodness, we need to get a life! It's 9pm on a FRIDAY and we (meaning Tony) are watching "World's Deadliest". When did I die?

Next month is definatly going to be busy with taking a class, getting ready for Steph's Wedding and planning for Colorado, but I am going to admit that I am getting fearful of "bordom". What the hell am I going to do with a baby and a puppy for 7+ hours a day?  I think I am going to have to start planning some playdates or something that doesn't cost a lot of money (or if it does, I will be willing to pay it)! 

So far I have one more load of laundry before I am completely caught up (a feat that has not occured since Christmas break). Reagan was at the baby sister till 3:30, so I came home, walked Molly, put in a load, pulled the blinds off of the bathtub and washed them (super gross), then I decided to go to the store to make dessert (all acts of bordom)! I made a creation of my own; Strawberry Chocolate Ice Cream Pie (yeah it was amazing and perfect for summer, but NOT exactly healthy).

After Tony picked up Reagan, we were playing outside and I started to feel a little bad for her. She is so pitiful talking to herself. Maybe she needs a little sister or brother (or another dog...) No babies now but maybe we will try again after Casey's Wedding. In the meanwhile, I can always sign her up for Gymboree and she always has Mackenzie, Brandon and Logan at her babysitter's house.

Reagan work up at 5:30am this morning, which was unusual for her. After dinner, we wanted to go to the park, but she was whining and crabby so I layed her down for a bit. I woke her up a half hour later and she was SUPER crabby. So like the wonderful parents that we are; we gave her some Strawberry Chocolate Ice Cream Pie, her bottle and put her back down to bed. Maybe we can go to the park another day! My hope is that she is not sick, cause she is usually not so crabby like this!

 

 Crankypants mooching off of Daddy

I asked Tony today, if he loved Molly the same as he loved Ellie and he said " I hated Ellie at this stage too!" I agreed, it is still so new and different. I even felt that way about Reagan in the beginning. Some people told me that "Once you look into your babies eyes, it is instant love". I personally think that is a bunch of crap. When she was born, I was scared out of my frecking mind and I was not in the mood to "LOVE" this thing that caused me such fear! However, now it is much better and she has definatly "earned" our love. I don't want to compare my dog to my child, but I know that Molly will gain that love too!

June 21

I was not a huge fan of Thursdays before, but now, Thursdays and I are NOT friends! First of all, I am now tutoring on Thursday afternoons, which I know is self inflected and it would be worth it if I could spend the money like a rockstar, but I have to put it into the "Lake House" fund (whatever that is). Then on Thursdays is our "visit to Great Grandma" days. Long ago, it use to be just me, then me and Ellie, then just me (and a little belly), then Reagan and I, and now it is Reagan, Me and Molly! If Reagan is not doing something naughty, then Molly is! Today it was Molly eating blackberries and Reagan eating sand.  My Grandma must think that I am crazy, but it is always harder at someone elses house! Luckily today,we had a special guest! My sister Casey, all the way from Redwood City, CA.

                                                     Naughty dog, digging a hole!
                                

Visiting Great Grandma

Casey is in town visiting for a wedding(again) and we are always happy to see her. She is always so busy when she is here, but she always makes it a point to come and visit her favorite (and only) niece. I really miss Casey when she is not here, however, I know that she is enjoying her youth (yeah, she is only 4 years younger then me) in CA. I am so happy that her fience, Joel can be with his family there and that Casey can explore the "grass is greener on the other side" (or not. I am learning that the climate there is not that great). I know that Casey and Joel are very happy, and even though they might want to come back here to have children, I still wonder if they would be truely content here? Would he miss his family too much? Would they be able to find good jobs? Where would they want to live?) I think I miss my sister most when I talk to my friends that have their sisters walking distance from them. They sometimes complain about their sisters (like sisters always do). but I think that it must be wonderful to have your best friend living so close.  Reagan, Tony, Molly and I are very lucky to have my brother, his sisters, stepbrother, Mom's and Dad's so close to us. This closeness really eases the pain of my "missing" sister. Time will have to tell, and whatever they decide, we always have Skype!

This is her "I'm not suppose to have a woodchip in my hand, but I don't care" face (yeah, she got it taken away!)

One piece of exciting news was the fact that Reagan is no longer in her little baby bath tub (tear). I finally got a plug for the bathtub and she enjoyed all of the extra room. I think that it will be time to buy some "Mr. Bubble" to make bathtime that much more exciting.

Molly trying to get in on Reagan's Bath.

 

June 20

This morning was filled with a little frustration. Not only do I have no air conditioning in my classroom for summer camp but I also am having parent issues! Yes...parent issues in Summer Camp! It will be fine though, we did a little PR and now everything is OK! Only 7 more days, then I can complain that I don't have anything to do...well maybe?

After my frustrating morning, I came home to my sweet puppy! We went for a little walk, played outside (for only a few minutes, it's still so hot!), then started to plan for dinner. This whole camp thing was suppose to allow me enough time to work in the mornings and then be a good little wife and have dinner on the table each night. Well today was the first night that has happened. I ran to Wal-Mart for about a half hour, which I must say was blissful, because I was by myself! It's too bad that I didn't have more money to buy stuff for me! My one splurge was a nice 12 pack of Coronas for my hubby (...OK and me). He wasn't a big fan of the Summer Shanty.
                                            

Molly had her second doctors appointment today in Elgin. I honestly don't know why we didn't just take her to our vet in the first place. Everyone is so nice there!. That trip all the way to Naperville  Vet was just a check up and we could have just driven 5 minutes. Anyways, they gave her the check up and the shot. When she got poked, I was expecting a whimpering cry  like Reagan does each time. Molly sat there like a trooper and took her shots like a good girl! ( Maybe Reagan will need to come with us on the next shot visit to get some bravery advice.) The doctor understood that we would be taking her to the Naperville vet to have her spaying done. I really with that I could do it at our vet, but they charge $300 and the Naperville one doesn't charge anything. (I feel really bad about that, but that is a lot of money when we can get it for free.)

After dinner, we sat outside, while Molly quietly chewed on a stick and my very happy daughter, decided to walk around  for about an hour. Now when I say walk around, I mean that she did not stop moving for the whole hour; get the ball, bring the ball back, pick up a stick, give it to Molly, go by the slide, spend 5 minutes going up and down the inside step of the slide, going to the patio chair, standing on the chair, getting yelled at to sit down on the chair, doing it again, getting yelled at again, fake cry! I know that they say that if you want to lose some weight to simply follow them around, but that is ridiculous, it is pointless walking in circles. By 7:05, it was jammy time and into bed for her!

After Tony put her to bed, he comes and asks me if he can go and get a Red Box movie. I point out to him the fact that the last time we got Red Box he left it in the backseat of his car, and now we own that movie, (which by the way, is still in the back of his car)! I told him that he can go as long as he brings me Ice Cream. He explained that he didn't have enough money, which I pointed out the fact that he has enough money for RED BOX (yeah..it's never just a dollar)! He brought me Bananas back for the vanilla ice cream that we have in the freezer, not quite the same, but thoughtful anyways.

I decided to change my running route today and go an visit my Dad at the Baseball fields. Now, if you don't know my Dad he is the Master of the Universe at Elgin National. He is usually coaching, mowing the lawn, watering the lawn or up on some sort of ladder fixing something. My Mom says that she would rather have him spend all of his time there instead of at the Bars. However, I continue to hope that people don't think it's creepy that he doesn't have any kids or grand kids that play there? Anyways,  When I got there, I found him watering down the fields and was met with "I'm busy right now". (Apparently, this was the first day of the Hamm's Tournament, which usually consists of  7-10 days of utter chaos.)  I said "Just came to say 'HI'" "Oh, OK, I'll be up in the announcers booth in a minute." He must have forgotten that I just came to say "Hi", but I went up there anyways and made sure to rub it in to my sister that I was up there, because I sent her a video of him announcing. (Usually Casey comes home to help with the Hamms tournament, but unfortunately she ditched us to live in CA. She will actually be home this weekend for a wedding, but I don't think that she will be helping with the tournament.)

This weekend is going to be pretty easy going, we will probably try to his up another park or two. We defiantly need to have some friends over soon. I am starting to get a little sick of talking to children, puppies and husbands!

June 19

Is it really only June 19, it feels like the end of July! After I got home from work (which was not fun without AC), Tony and I went to lunch together, which was nice, because we never get time "alone". (Reagan was at the babysitter.) We then drove by the location for the new dog park that is going to be put up close to our house. We are very excited about it, because it will give us another opportunity to wear our new baby out! I guess it is going to be up in the Fall, which will be prefect for Molly cause she will be a little older. ( Thanks Elgin, I actually don't mind paying the $50 a year either!)

After dinner, we took a drive to Festival Park. We thought it would be less crowded because it was after dinner time, but it was CRAZY busy!! We should have expected it because it's freaking hot out there. They have a huge water fountain and a playground that you don't have to pay for! I don't mean to be rude, but Elgin's "Finest" was there. Molly hated it because of all of the people. She was a little schizoid and wanted to run all the way back to the car and Tony was not happy because she kept  pulling. Maybe we will go there in the Fall when the fountain is closed.

It seems that Tony and I are on the hunt for a new park each time that we want to get out. The best part is that Molly and Reagan can both enjoy it, and it doesn't cost us anything. We will have to check out the Parks and Rec Catalog for more park locations.

                                     Reagan (in her shades) Molly and me at Festival Park.

June 18

Today was not full of babies, it was full of  camp and then JCP! My lucky husband got Molly all day and then had Reagan and Molly all night.

I definatly realized something today! I have it pretty good! My friend brought her 7 week old niece in to visit the Salon. She is so super cute, but just like any baby, a little fussy. I was thinking, yeah...I could not do a 14 month old and a newborn! So...my thoughts for today are that I am pretty lucky! Molly is a really sweet dog and Reagan is a really sweet baby! I am lucky!

July 17-Father's Day

Happy Father's Day! To show love to my husband, I got up with Molly and fed her (very kind of me!). Then Reagan got up about 5 minutes later. I got them both together and we went for a nice long walk! By the time we got back, Tony was already awake and had started on the Chicago Tribune and coffee. (He did go to bed at 8:50 afterall.) I made French Toast and Bacon (yuck). While we were talking at breakfest, Reagan decided to have a little temper tantrum and BIT ME!! I yelled at her and she started to cry (so I guess she feels bad??) If I was at school, I would probably call her parents...umm...I am her parent! CRAP, what do I do? She is only 14 months? Time out...yeah right! Bite her back...yeah, nope! I guess the yelling will have to do for the moment! Hopefully this little stinker doesn't do it again, or else I will have to call MY parents!

Tony gave me a little break and took Reagan to Cabela's to get his Dad a present. Molly and I had yard time/read a book but Molly decided to start digging a new hole, so book time was shortened into "time out" time.

When they got back we took a walk in Lords Park around the pond, where the "Natural Labrador" took over Molly, because she was dying to jump into the murky, algae filled pond! We decided that we needed to find a friend with a pool or a lake to channel this inner swimmer and maybe even wear her out!

Later on, we headed to Grandpa Greg and Grandma Judi's house. We had a nice time and of course, yummy food! Reagan did not get a very good nap, so she was pretty cranky and not being a sweet angel for her soon-to-be child bearing Aunts and Uncles! She was incresing the age gap for cousins with every whine!

We took another walk when we got home and spent the whole walk talking about us, and his family, buying a Lakehouse! He spent a good hour and a half on the computer trying to find lakes that allowed motors and had good fishing. It would be a great idea and I am all about it! I just love lakes, boating and swimming, but I just hope that we actually go through with it! I don't want to get disappointed. I work hard and it would be nice to have a place to go to get away.

Grandma(aka Baba) came over to give Tony a little Father's Day gift. Tony and I both agree that we need to have more visitors to the house, because they say that Doberman's can get very protective of their homes. When Baba came in, she was greated with nips and jumps, we will definatly have to have more visitors! My Mom felt that my deprived husband needed Chocolate cake, 2 lotto scratch offs, and $20 to McDonalds for Father's Day! ( I am not a fan of Tony eating Chocolate Cake or McDonalds, but my Mom thinks that I deprive him of all of these things...really...I think he is doing just fine, remember the BACON!)

Molly was helping us convince Reagan that bows can be pretty!

Overall, I feel that we are adjusting very well to the new member of our family. Ceaser Milan always said that a dog that gets lots of walks in, is a well behaved dog. Tony even admitted that he has lost 5lbs since we got her. (Me...I think I gained 3 because of the stress eating!)  I feel that the hole in our house is becoming complete again. I am not feeling as stressed about being at home alone anymore, I am not as on edge about my crazy neighbor, and I think that we are begining to enjoy and adjust to this new lifestyle!

June 16

When we were 21 and 22, we were both in college. We would spend our Saturdays at U of I waking up around 12, eating a hangover breakfast, watching a few stupid movies, taking a little nap, have a unhealthy dinner and then started drinking again around 9 (It's no wonder we were about 25lbs overweight). I would always hate leaving on Sunday nights to go back to ISU. I ALWAYS felt like crying when I had to go back, and Tony could always tell too. I always hoped to be able to always be with Tony and have our life together. Well...here we are...my Dream! (Yes, it is 8:51 and Tony is already falling asleep on the couch...dreamy!)

When reading these blog posts, I  feel that I am complaining a lot! Honestly, I am very happy! This is what I always dreamed of when I had to take my 50 minute drive back to ISU on Sundays;a house in Elgin, a dog and a family. Yes, this particular situation is difficult at the moment, it is what we knew we were going to have. My husband, my baby, our puppy, bills to pay, work to go to; these are all thing that many people have lost, can't have or no longer have. So each night, I do thank God for these things in my life (even though they are sometimes hard).

OK, enough of the melodramatic...Today was an exciting day! Reagan got her first haircut! Of course, Tony and her came into the salon. She really did not need a lot cut off, but it was starting to get a bit scraggly and we needed it pretty for Steph's wedding in a few weeks. It was so nice to have my friend Bonnie cut it for her and also have friends around for the big event! (Of course, Tony hates coming into the Salon because of all of the woman).

When we got home, we went for a little family walk before dinner and then ordered Pizza from Georgios for Father's Day. (Reagan really liked the pizza...she is from Chicago after all.) We then went to the park in Hoffman Estates. We were driving up and I told Tony "This is Soopie's pond!" In High School, we use to go behind our friend Soopie's house where he had a big pond pretty deep into the forest and we would hang out and "sometimes" shoot fireworks and really not get into too much trouble (No really, trouble started in College). It was kind of strange being at the "hidden" pond in the forest, it use to be like a little secret getaway, but now was full of suburban families feeding the fish and Disc Golf players. (I think this little trip to the park, made us both feel very old "When we were growing up...".)

Tomorrow is Father's Day. All I got Tony was some clothes from JCP. He really needed some; he is the type of guy that honestly has some of his same clothes since high school. He was kind of disappointed that there was no surprise (for Mother's Day, he got me Reagan's pictures taken and got it framed, very sweet). However, I am going to wake up with Molly and Reagan, take them both for a walk, and then make him bacon (honestly, that is a surprise, I NEVER make bacon.)

June 15

It is FINALLY Friday! I was impressed with how fast the week went but DAMN today was long! I nudged Tony around 6:04 (which is pretty late around our house lately), and he says to me "I thought you were going to take her out?" "Yeah..no" I say! So after a few more nudges and a really long "HONEY!" he finally got up! It really ticks me off when he walks right past Mollys cage so that HE can use the bathroom first! WTF? RUDE! Anyways, after about 5 minutes of the creakest floors in Elgin, Reagan gets up! I have to get her all packed up for Grandmas today because our babysitter was sick.

After half a day with Summer Camp kids, that most likely DO NOT want to be doing Math in a very hot classroom during summer break; I head home to be with the "little monsters". After lunch, we go outside to play in Reagan's water table, which always requres a lot of dumping of water all over her clothes! Meanwhile, Molly starts digging a very cool, refreshing hole in the Bird Bath landing, I go to correct her but then turn around to see that Reagan is splashing in Molly's water bowl! If the neighbors could see me, they were probably laughing. After the third time of correcting Reagan it was time for her nap! Molly and I enjoyed a good solid hour of reading and laying in the shade! Like I said, one "monster" is definatly easier than two!

Later on Tony's Mom wanted to make Doug, Tony and I dinner for our Anniversary and for Doug's Birthday. Bella, Christina and Doug's 2 year old lab, came over for a visit too. Bella was a little freaked at first, but then they started playing and really getting into it! It was great to see Molly getting some of her energy out!

After everyone left, my friend Rebecca text me, because she has a new puppy too and she was asking about the nipping! I told her that it is horrible here too! I told her that my hands were all covered in scratches (she even got Tony really bad today, which I  could tell concerned his Mom). I did look it up yesterday to find some solutions for the nipping. They say to YELP real loud and then walk away. Just like 2nd graders, you have to be consistant to get results. It is not easy!

Tomorrorow is one of my favorite days, JCP. I know that sounds weird, but it is my one time to get away from this little life for awhile. Tomorrow, I will probably take Reagan for awhile to pick up Tony's Fathers Day gift. I am still not sure what to get him! We will see?

June 14

After Molly started her wimpering at 5:30, Tony's first words were "I think that we need to switch jobs" (Meaning that I will have to take out Molly and walk her, while Tony takes Reagan)  I couldn't help but laugh! My thought was "I don't think so!!!!" I have had 14 months of getting up, feeding, changing and then playing with Reagan in the mornings, all while my "wonderful" husband sleep in bed till the last possible minute. He is fabulous, but yeah...I don't think that we will be switching anytime soon!  Besides, Molly will not be in this stage forever!

Today I had camp and I realized that I must be in love with my little family situation, becasue I created a math story problem having to do with Molly and Reagan and their toys!  Later on I had  my first tutoring session. It was nice to get a few extra dollars in the account! I will be using that to buy my husband a Father's Day gift (Maybe he can get a new sweatshirt for those morning walks) Haha!

Tonight I dreaded having to be alone with the two little monsters, but it was not too bad. We went to visit Reagan's Great Grandma and it was good for Molly to explore a new yard! Molly just loves Great Grandma. ( For some reason, all dogs do!)  Grandma made a little sandbox for Reagan. She loved it so much! She had sand in her hair, up her nose, in her mouth and into her pants! When we finally got home to take a bath, sand completely fell onto the floor of the bathroom!

After Reagan went down, Molly and I had our "quiet" time and sat outside while I read. I REALLY wanted a glass of wine or a beer, but for some reason drinking while being responsible for two little unpredicable, monsters never seems like a good idea! So, I did not feel that guilty that I had a Banana Spit while Molly finished her bone!

Tomorrow, Molly will have her first playdate with her cousin Bella. Tony and I are both very hopeful that it will wear Molly out!! However, I am fearful that Aunt Christina and Uncle Doug will see that having a baby and a dog are not very easy, and will refrain them from having a little cousin for Reagan! We will do our best to be positive and reinforce the fact that Bella is about 2 years older than Molly.

June 13

Ahh...another 5:30 morning. I should not complain, because it is a dream compared to waking up with a newborn all night. However, when I had that, the baby actually slept ALL day! Tony did get up with Molly and of course, Reagan got up about 30 minutes later hearing all of the clatter.

I had my 3rd day of camp this week and I thought that working half days would be wonderful, but I think that it is a little more work then I thought. (I guess that no job is easy!)

When I got home we had lunch and took a little family walk with "killer" protecting us in the front! We realized that she will turn her ears back and it looks like she is trying to be aerodynamic. A few little kids came up and she was good about letting them pet her. I don't think that Reagan likes this Molly attention. (Its especially bad at the pet store.)

Tony had a meeting at 2:30, and I was SOOO lucky to have Reagan and Molly take a nap! I actually watched one full hour of ALF! When Tony got home, I didn't mention a word about it to him! (I deserve a break too!)

After dinner, we took ANOTHER walk! ( I swear the neighbors are going to think that we have no jobs!) After Cranky Pants Reagan got her dinner and had a bath, I had my nice enjoyable run (It really is a nice stress reliever). Right now Molly is asleep, (she had a busy day with not a lot of cage time) and Tony is watching the long awaited documentary on the "Dream Team".

The week has gone by faster than last week and I am very thankful for that. Tomorrow, I have agreed to tutor one of my students after camp, which is a little more work then I am wanting to do right now, but it migth be worth the money! It will work out fine because Tony doesn't go to work till 2, so Molly will have less cage time. I am a little nervous about having to put Reagan to sleep and still having to keep an eye on the cronic chewer/non-diaper wearer tomorrow night. We managed last week and I am sure that it will be fine tomorrow too!

June 12

Last night, I did not sleep too well! Molly was snoring and dreaming/moving around a lot in her cage and I assumed it to mean that she had to go outside. We took at 2:30, and 3:30 stroll outside to check on the yard.  So after that,  I spent a good hour listening to her and Tony snore, until I realized that they were both actually asleep. Of course, Tony had to be at work at 7pm today, so 5:30 came REALLY soon!

I had lunch with my friends from school and they wanted to meet at 12:30. I ran home after work, got Molly to go potty outside and then gave her a quick stroll around the block, to just put her back into her cage (Gosh, I do not miss that) I felt so guilty leaving her AGAIN! I was home by 2:30 though!

Tony came home around 3:30 with Reagan. It was nice to have just Molly to look after while I cleaned the house for an hour. Later Tony and I went to dinner for our 2 year Anniversary, it was fabulous to have a quiet dinner with wine, fondue and adult conversation! On our drive home, I asked Tony what he thought about us gettting pregnant only a few months after we got married, (now that he can look back at the situation), he said that he didn't mind that, but he did admit that this puppy thing is more then he thought it would be and that it would have been better to wait till Reagan was like 5 or 6 ( he definatly forgot the "fun" parts")  I reminded him that he told me just two days ago that  he said "it was better to do it now, then when we had 3 kids". (Jeeze, he was suppose to be my voice of reason.) We know it will be fine...just like it was with Reagan.

Today I did feel that "things are getting better", more of a routine and I do think that the fact that she is going for walks is helping us!

Right now, Molly has her "crazy eye" and is a bundle of energy! (Thanksfully, we have a large supply of dog toys to keep her calm! Tomorrow, Tony is off and we might plan a little trip to the park to get our two babies some fresh air.
                                                   Molly "resting" while Reagan eats dinner.

June 10

We slept till 7am today! YIPPEE!!! It was amazing. I thought I was still dreaming! I know to some that seems really early, but not when you have our little situation!

Since we began at 7am, we got a good start to our morning before Tony had to go to work at 10:30. I was pretty impressed that by 7:45, he did manage to get Molly around the block once again! After that we played tag team and he took Molly to read the newspaper in the front yard, while I took Reagan to work on some laundry in the basement (I know crappy deal for me, but at least I got to glance at the Today show while Reagan read a book and played by herself).

By 9:30, we had already taken a little family trip around 2 blocks! I know that this seems silly, but if Molly wasn't going to be walking, we were going to have a hard time gettting that puppy energy out of her!

After Tony left, Reagan took a nap and Molly and I had puppy play time (aka scratch and nip at Mommy's arm and legs, and land in "time out"). Then Reagan and I took at trip to Lords Park Pool. She loved the water and was even pretty adventurous climing on the very wet and splashy stairs. It was pretty hot out, so we headed home after about a half hour (I forgot that it takes a half hour to get ready, a half hour at the pool and then a half hour to get out, washed and normal again)

We were lucky to have dinner with the Meyers tonight and we brought Molly for a bit. She got pretty adventurous when she decided to jump off of the 2 foot balcony with her leash on (pretty scary) and then after she was "saved" she jumped off of the 3 1/2 foot balcony...silly dog!

Tomorrow will be my first day of Camp and then 1-9 at JCP. Thankfully Bret has the day off and he is going to come and hang out with Molly for awhile. The weather is calling for a rainy day, so we will see how Molly reacts to that...it might get a little cramped in this  house without having the luxury of our outdoor area!

I had to grab something out of the car in the garage and this is what I came back to

Reagan ready for the pool! She looks a little divaish!

June 9

It didn't take too long! After I posted yesterday, I broke down. As some might say "This shit got real".  My perfect little puppy was sleeping in her cage sound asleep, but for some reason I COULD not! My stomach was in knots and I went to sleep on the couch. I then started Googling "Babies and Puppies"..Whoops! That made it worse! All these wonderful people of the internet world posting about how having a baby and a puppy was a BIG mistake! However there was some that said that it can be good... I craweld back into bed and Tony says "Are you ok?" and the tears start falling! He reassured me that everything would be ok and that we are not the first to do this and we will just take it one day at a time! Whew...I am glad that I cried, I felt so much better!

So we woke up at 6am and Tony had a meeting at 6:30, so I had to get Reagan and Molly up and ready! Good thing that I had 2 hours, cause it pretty much took that long. I was thankful for the 20 minute drive to work, it definatly decompressed me! I never thought that being at JCP with 20 woman would calm me so much. I love the people that I work with, they are so supportive!

I came home and asked how Tony's day was and he was smart enough to invite Grandma over for awhile to break up the day.  Reagan and I stopped by a garage sale to get her new playset and meanwhile Tony managed to get Molly around the whole block without too much tugging. We then went for a little ride to PetSmart to get some very yummy liver treats for Molly (they are the most smelly and I guess the puppies love them) and find out about Puppy classes (they were so great there when we had Ellie)! I definatly think that we need to be using the treats for encouragement more! She is starting to not be as thrilled about only our loving attention.

I know that this is going to be a long journey and Tony is definatly correct in saying "one day at a time". I know that I will look back at this experience and "laugh", but just like when we had Reagan, it scares the crap out of me!

That is all for today, let's hope that there is no more Mommy break downs! Tomorrow, Reagan(minus Molly) and I are planning a trip to the Pool, while Tony works for a few hours. Then Monday, hopefully we can get into a routine!

June 8

Of course! It's Tony's turn to wake up with Molly and the little stinker sleeps till 6am!! Jeeze! We will see what happens tomorrow. After we had breakfest, I attemped to take Reagan AND Molly to the park! She refused to walk AGAIN!!! So she got another stroller ride. We definatly need to work on this.

This afternoon, Molly got a little nap in her cage, while Casey, Mom and I went and got Casey's wedding dress. We came back and took her for a little trip to her Great Grandmas house so she could play with "the Sisters" Cindy and Sandy. It was funny, because even though they are tiny dogs, they still showed Molly who was the boss.

We then went to pick up Reagan and then it was the three of us again. "The Dreaded Babies", when they are seperate they are fabulous, together a terror. I had Reagan playing in her water table, while Molly was chewing on some sticks. Normal Moms would probably sit and read a book, but not "Super MOM", she was back and forth between the two; ready at any minute to perform CPR, remove a rock or praise a bowel movement...on both of them! (What in the hell do woman do with twins do?) So...my next job was to do the unthinkable...make DINNER!

So, after what felt like five hours, Tony came home to a kitchen full of baby/dog toys, and dinner on the table! Simple to others and a miracle to me! (Thank the good lord for musical toys and compressed dog bones; this simple meal was possible)

So I told my brother that we would try to go to his softball game tonight, but after some executive decisions made on my part, I decided to leave Tony with Reagan and I would bring Molly with my Mom . Of course, she was the SWEETEST dog alive! Sitting and watching people walk by, letting kids pet and tug at her. My Mom called her a little sweetheart...hmmm...Grandmas always see the wonder of it all!

After we got home, Tony and I sat outside while our little "Angel" chewed on her bone. We should have counted our blessings better at that time, because when we came inside, she not only peed on the floor (did I mention we sat outside for an hour?) but she was Satan in desguise! Running, jumping and of course those cute little puppy teeth are razors with intent! (Did I mention that Reagan was ASLEEP!!!)

Thankfully, she has calmed down a bit and is getting her Daddy belly rub as we speak! I am thankful to get through this day and I hope that our little sweetie pies will sleep through the night. I know that we got our self into this situation and I don't regret it, but I am actually a little excited to go to work tomorrow.

Molly

Well...Summer began yesterday and we have a new puppy! Everything that I wanted right? Well...Maybe? I am creating this blog to document this "experience" that we got ourself into. Maybe it will suck, but oh well... Right now. Reagan is asleep, Tony is at work and I have Molly, our 10 week old puppy nipping at my flip flops!

We decided that we would get a puppy the week that we had to put our "first" baby, Ellie, to sleep in February of 2011. It was the most devistating experienc for us! I have NEVER gone through anything quite like it. I was 6 month pregnent and Tony had gone on a trip to Michigan with some friends. I went out for a family birthday party and Tony came home and said that Ellie would not get up on the couch (super strange). Later that night her back legs would not move at all. We took her to the vet in the middle of the night, where they told us to go to a specialist, we opened up a line of credit for $2,000 over the phone on our way there and prayed that it wouldn't cost more than that. The doctors told us that she had a slipped disk in her back and it would cost about $7000, plus rehab. We had to spit out the words that we could not do it and decided to put her down. We both broke down and I had never seen my husband cry so hard. We had the money in the bank, but with a new baby on the way, we had to do what was best for our family. Worst night of my life...

Reagan was born in April and it was very strange bringing her home with out a dog there! It felt empty! Reagan was a fabulous baby and we were glad that we did not get a dog right away because we needed to get through the "Baby Summer" first! Reagan is a fun loving, comedian! She is so wonderful!

We decided that after school got out would be the best time for us to take the leap of having a puppy and a 1 year old. We had been watching a lot of "Dogs 101" and "Ceaser Milan", trying to figure out the best dog for our little family. Tony had decided that a Rodegian Ridgeback would be a good fit...since they are Lion Hunters after all??? I highly disagreed!!

School got out on Tuesday, so we thought to go on Wednesday to "get the puppy". However, we were considering going to "look" on Sunday at PetSmart, since they have local animal shelters come in on the weekends. Tony works right next to the PetSmart in South Elgin, so he stopped by to see if Reagan and I should take the trip out there to look. He called and said that they did, so we jumped in the car to "look". I pulled up and called Tony to see where he was and he said that he had brought one inside, "because everyone was looking at her and he didn't want anyone to take her". Reagan and I walked in to see a little black and brown puppy sitting right next to Tony, and she gave us both a little "hello" lick.  We brought her into the training room and played with her a bit to see how Reagan and her would interact. They both went upon their business and it seemed to be a good relationship.  The paper said that she was a Lab/Shepard mix...I was not really sold on that. So we asked the Dog Trainer at PetSmart what she thought, and she played with her and pet her and said "Lab definatly, but probably Doberman"... Well, that was not no the list of dog choices. Tony said "She is a really sweet dog, but I don't want us to choose the first dog that we see." I said "Well...do you want to go look at other dogs?". He said "No..."(with the sweetest puppy dog face), so I said. "Ok..., lets go see what the man says" and of course, we got her. I suggusted "Molly" because that was one of our Puppy name choice when we got Ellie.

The first night was ok. I got up with her at 1 and then Tony got up with her at 3pm, but of course, he did not bring her next to the fence for her to jump on so that she can go #2 (weird little habit of hers), so she came in and did her business in front of the closet door of our bedroom. Monday, my brother came over and took her with him for the day since I had to work. Tuesday was my last day of school and I rushed home to be with her (even taking 90 and paying the p$0.75 toll).

Wedneday, she woke us up at 5:30 am and it was a very long day! We were both off and decided to take the whole family to take her to the vet. Wow! That was a circus! We took 59 all the way to Naperville, It was just a check up and they didn't tell us too much, besides that she had a parasite and needed to take pills for a few days. Next time, we will pay the money and drive 5 minutes! That night I needed to release some of the stress, but  I could only take a mile long run... I was exhausted!

Today is Thursday and I said that I would get up with her(I don't know how I got suckered into that...afterall, didn't I breastfeed for 6 months, and I still wake up with Reagan each time she cries. What a great wife I am!) Anyways, Molly woke up at 4:30 this morning, it was fabulous...it is so crisp in the morning! Yesterday, she also decided that she did not like to go for walks anymore! (Not cool!) So, this morning at 5am, I attemped to bribe her around the block. She sat and refused! We got 7 houses down and I thought I would try reverse psychology and start walking away from her, knowing that my sweet puppy would follow me...NO!!! She DARTED the 7 houses all the way home! So...5am, puppy, me(in flip flops) and running down the street...NOT COOL!! (Tony thought it was pretty funny, and that is why I woke his a** up at 5:30, so that I could lay back down.) Well..of course after 20 minutes, Reagan wakes up, as scheduled! Good thing that I bought some new K-cups this week! I was thankful for a little break by going to work for a few hours, while Reagan went to the babysitters and Molly took a little break in her cage.

So here we are! Tony is a work, Reagan is asleep, Molly is now sleeping at my feet and thank goodness "Look Who's Talking" is on. However, I might be asleep in a few and I do think that I need to get Molly up in a bit to take one more potty break before she heads for her cage for bedtime.

I am going to attempt this blog; to perhaps inform, or entertain others.We have a lot of activites planned this summer; Summer School,  Steph's Wedding, a trip to Colorado for my Aunt's Wedding and raising two little "babies".  If anything blogging might help me refresh my writing/editing/spelling skills before I start teaching 4th grade in the Fall. Let me know what you think!