For Christmas Rod was going to let me download a sims2 expansion to the computer but when I saw the prices off the website that he went to I told him that he could just buy the expansions cheaper off Amazon.com and that I wasn't going to do it. That meant Rod felt bad and he went to Walmart to buy me presents while I took Aria to the mall to see Santa.

She was perfectly fine the whole time at the mall. She was chasing after other kids wanting to play with them. She was grinning at people. She let the elf girl hold her. Then Santa came and it was all over. Santa was nice to her. He offered her a candy cane, but Aria just cried and cried and cried! She still even cried when I saw on Santa's lap with her. Then after we left she was completely just fine again. I like the pics anyway. She's funny and it is good ammunition for when she is older. I'd like to get a pic of her with Santa every year because so far she's been able to have one every year.

Rod was late picking us up because he ran into Chris who was getting a camera for Misty. Misty now has a way better camera than mine and it is way cheaper than mine was! That so totally sucks! Well, for me not for her. She has this awesome 10 mp camera now.

We opened our presents yesterday. Rod got me a storage box for my scrapbooking stuff, which is good because I have been stuffing them in the coffee table thus far. I also got a scrapbooking kit and the first season of My Little Pony! It is the first year that Rod has actually been paying attention to what I have been doing as opposed to what he thinks I should have.

I got Rod stuff he said he wanted but also a MechaGodzilla which he thought was cool because it was a surprise and there was no way he would have guessed it. Aria got a push dump truck and some tub toys as well as a couple of shirts. She is not an unhappy girl.

I made bread pudding to take to Christmas this year. I am super sad that my sis couldn't come down. Stupid weather and stupid cars! Everyone was totally offering money for Vik to get her car fixed and even though I kept saying she doesn't want to owe anyone money, people were still wanting to just hand out money. I suspect that Heather will be totally picked on for not picking up Vik. It is just the type of thing that our family does. Just spend the whole day doing guilt trips like, "And Vik could have been here too if it wasn't for HEATHER!" and "We could have all seen the baby if Heather had only done her job." I will probably even join in.

Today has been a pretty good day. It was freezing rain last night and as I was taking out the trash this morning I crunched the snow which broke off like nice, neat peanut brittle type pieces.

Rod will have to take me to work tomorrow since my car is still at Walmart. That is, unless I steal the truck and telll him tough noogies. ;)

Rod made chili for the Christmas potluck for his crew. He used beans that he bought that were dated 2005. Well, he didn't discover it until after he had Aria and I try it. As you can see, we are still alive so they were good. They tasted all right anyway. No one is surprised that we got beans that were 3 years old from Walmart. We have plenty of chili left, but Rod let someone go home with my crock pot!

Aria and I have been playing Boo! All day. I hide around the corner and jump out at her when she comes near. Then she giggles and runs away and then comes back. It is the bestest game! Now she has my empty hot chocolate mug and after she drank what was left of the chocolate she is now banging it on the floor. Good thing it is sturdy.

Aria has learned how to lift up the toilet seat. Not good.

Aria got a cool Care Bears blanket from Heidi for Christmas. It is really warm. I know because I used it. ;). Now I have a stinky girl who needs changed and then has to go to bed. If you haven't already, check out Aria's fun in the snow in the December album. She had a good time until her hand fell in it. Then it wasn't as much fun anymore.

I had to take Muffin to the vet yesterday because after a few days of hiding he came out and refused to eat. I took him there was quickly as I could, with the baby in tow.

The vet couldn't find anything immediately wrong with him and so he kept Muffin overnight for blood tests and to give him fluids and try to get him to eat. This morning the vet called with the prognosis.

Muffin has diabetes. He is jaundiced because his liver isn't too good and the blood tests showed that not only is his liver not good, but his electrocytes are all outta whack too. The vet explained that it can not only affect his muscle coordination but his heart as well.

And he explained that Muffin would have to have insulin twice a day and that really the insulin was not that expensive for a month's worth. Only about $40. The hard part and the decision had to be made based upon this:

Muffin still wasn't eating, and Muffin, with the liver damage he was sustaining would have to be forcefed three times a day for two weeks in order to get his appetite back and his liver working again. Otherwise he'd have to have a feeding tube put in his stomach that we would have to feed him food down.

Or we could take him to Bettendorf to the 24 hour vet care and spend hundreds of dollars for them to take care of him, money we don't have right now.

Or the vet could keep him as well and check on him every once in awhile and try to force feed him. Again, I know how much that will cost. It costs $80 a night to keep the kitties at the vet. Multiply that by 14 days and it is money we just don't have.

With all those options the vet also let us know that a kitty with the seriousness that Muffin is in, lots of times even with the best care they just plain don't make it. He let me know several times how serious it was and that Muffin would probably not make it thru....

Update.

It's done. Muffin has been put down. The doc said that even with all of the money spent and all the care that Muffin had a 95% chance of not making it. He said it really was the best decision cuz Muffin was just plain miserable and he'd be miserable throughout the whole treatment. I am really going to miss that cat. He was such a good fat ass.

Let's take a moment to reflect upon Muffin.

Muffin was a big, furry fat ass that seemed pretty grumpy most of the time. He was so fat that he couldn't even clean himself and Brammy had to do it most of the time. He left fur just everywhere and coughed up gigantic hairballs like you wouldn't believe. Muffin also liked to talk to the girl kitties outside the window and collect girlfriends from outside.

Every once in awhile, Muffin would hide underneath Aria's crib and we'd only know he was there after we opened the door when she woke up from her nap. Muffin enjoyed eating. He would eat Brammy's food, Milphey's food, the dog's food and then eat his own. He seemed to never stop eating.

Muffin growled when he wasn't happy and turned around to bite you sometimes too. He was happiest when he was laying on you on top of a blanket. We had Muffin for years and although he wasn't the cuddliest or friendliest cat, we sure are gonna miss him.

RIP Muffintop, 2008.

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/39563/1286348586039277050S425x425Q85.jpg

Muffintop will be cremated.

Well, my baby girl is 28 1/2 inches and 22 lbs. That is the 25 percentile for height and the 75 percentile for weight. At first the doc thought her weight looked to be right on target and then it ended up she weighed more than he thought that she did. Therefore she's still my little shorty and my little chunker though she isn't in the 90% for weight anymore. Probably because she's walking around now.

She got three shots today and it was my turn to hold her down. She was not happy about being held down and was crying before she ever got the shots. After the shots she got over it pretty quickly and slept all the way home. Then she napped until around 4pm and now she is sitting in the bathroom going, "AAAAAA AAAAHH Ahhhhhh!" and babbling like the silly little girl that she is.

The doc didn't give us any advice except to have her take a vitamin. He was happy with the milk that she was drinking, her food habits, and everything. Therefore we must be doing good! It's nice when the pediatricians don't have anything to add. She has to have her second flu shot in 4 weeks and she also has to have a lead and hemoglobin test. Evidentally they require it at my peds because not only do we all own old houses built before 1970, but there was that lead paint on toys from China all last year so they test babies for lead.

I vacuumed the red room and now it is all completely ready for guests! I even have extra blankets all washed. The cats sure do have a lot of hair, especially that yellow fat one! I had to wash one blanket four times to get his hair off of it. Damn, cat, just damn.

I am at a loss over what to have for dinner tonight. I think I will just go with hamburgers. That seems good enough.

I figured out a way to not be so pissed off on Saturday when I worked. I listened to the people who say that it is all in how you perceive things and therefore I decided to alter my reality. I am pretty sure that is not exactly what they meant, but it worked for me.

Therefore, what I did, was I pretended that Jack wasn't there. It wasn't hard because he is never around anyway. He doesn't do anything besides throw out a box of turkeys once every hour or so or stand with his hands in his pockets when he isn't talking to his friends. So, I pretended he wasn't there and that it was just Lois and I. Therefore I wasn't thinking about how pissed off I usually am that he never carries his weight and doesn't help out.

When I did see him, I totally pretended that he doesn't work in meat and that he works in frozen instead. Therefore I could pretend for just a moment that he was in frozen all the time because he was supposed to be. By pretending and altering my own reality I could go through the day without wanting to stab him in the face with the big knives we keep in meat or to throw him in the trash compactor. Then, since I pretended he wasn't there I wouldn't notice when he left early like he does every single day.

See, it is mind over matter.

Rod is going to a gastrointestinal specialist about his frequent bouts of diarrhea and constipation. It freaked him out because he hates doctors. The doc asked him all sorts of things and the tone that I was getting is that Rod really isn't doing too bad. He doesn't seem to be worried that anything is seriously wrong. He ordered some blood work and xrays to see what is up and that's got Rod freaked cuz he really hates bloodwork and stuff. Everyone keeps telling him it isn't bad. Hell, I got lots of blood taken out of me while I was pregnant, but he's freaking out. That's okay cuz I will go with him like he goes with me to the dentist.

Aria is stripping! She, like her daddy, hates long sleeved shirts and when you put them on her she pulls her arms out of the sleeves. She then runs around the house with her shirt bunched at her neck. She is a very silly girl. She was so well behaved in the waiting room at the doc's. I am very proud that I am producing a non annoying little girl in public places.

I have been hungry so I have been on a cooking spree again. I made chex mix and puppy chow. At least when Vick and Todd come I will have plenty of stuff to eat for them.

I have been cleaning up my red room for visitors. I moved the futon so that it can be accessed on both sides as a bed and there is enough room for a bassinet. I am also throwing boxes into storage and getting rid of stuff that I haven't touched in years. The hardest thing is the ponies. I have so many ponies and they are everywhere. I think I'll stop at the salvation army and look for more shelves for them so I can put them up.

So busy and now Aria has awakened so more later!

I remember way back in the day where my mother in law was reading the books and told me that it was something I would probably be interested in. After hearing about it, though, I decided that it was indeed not something that I was interested in. I know, i love vampires, I love romance, I love all that crap but for some reason the Twilight series just did not grab me. Maybe one reason is because I hate everything that becomes intensely popular when it comes to books. Things like Harry Potter. I read one page of that and I shook my head that adults read it.

So the Twilight movie is everywhere and it isn't even out yet. It's on this stupid webpage every day. It's on bumper stickers. It's just plain everywhere! You know what? I'm not gonna watch it. You know why? Cuz I don't give a fuck about Twilight. Now give me a Carpathian movie and I'd be all about that!

On boards and on myspace blogs I am hearing all sorts of backlash, but it is about the same as the backlash you hear about your parenting choices. There's always someone who looks down on your because of what you represent and what you do. So I have just embraced that I must be everything that is wrong with this world.

I endorse same sex marriage. That's right. I want those gay people to get married! I want them to have the same legal rights as everyone else. They should also have the right to get divorced afterwards too. I have absolutely no problem at all with homosexuals, and I don't believe it is a lifestyle or a choice.

I am pro choice. If you want an abortion you should be able to have one. I fully support that. If you do not want the baby then you should not have to have it. I even endorse it as a form of birth control if that is what your little heart desires. The last thing we need in the world is more unwanted children.

I would gladly pay taxes for a healthcare system. I'm paying for stupid things, so why not something that is actually worthwhile that would help others. Besides, I may need to use that healthcare system myself sometime. I'm all for that!

I have always been against the Iraq War and I always will be. I want everyone home and I always have. Now, you may say that because I don't want the war, the terrorists win, but it makes no sense to me to fight violence with violence. I am against every war because it is war. Stop the fighting!

And then there are the parenting choices. Oh no!

I don't cloth diaper. Yep, I am filling our landfills with disposables because I am too lazy and don't want that much laundry.

I gave my baby formula. Yes, I know, it is poison being pumped into my little girl and now she will be a sickly, stupid child. Though so far she seems all right. I was formula fed, but that explains me, right?

My kid has watched TV and she is under 2 years old. She's probably watched much less TV than you, because I still don't have cable or local, but she's seen the Wiggles and Baby Einstien as well as Supernatural and Mythbusters.

I am raising my kid not to believe in Santa Claus. Yes, I am taking away her innocence and joy by not lying to her and saying a fat man who watches over her every year is going to give her presents only to turn around and tell her he isn't real after all and that we've been lying to her the whole time. I am such a Scrooge.

I am not raising her with Christian values because I am not Christian. Gasp! In life as an adult I have always discovered that has been my biggest failing. Enough that people have tried to save me and have preached to me how horrible I am because I am not saved. Oh, and that I'm going to hell. You know, all the things that make me want to be Christian even less.

So I guess that I am everything that is wrong with this world!

Aria's first birthday was a lot of fun. The only one who didn't come down was Brian, because he was sick. Aria sure had a good time. Heidi and I went to Grandpa's first to frost the cake, set up, and finish cooking. Grandpa showed Ari the cat, which she loved and she decided playing with magnets and opening cabinet doors was fun too.

Then it was present opening time, which Aria also loved because she got lots of cool stuff like developmental toys, books, bath toys, and clothes. After opening presents was the food and Aria digging into her first birthday cake. You'll see from the pictures how funny that was. She got a good bath in the sink then.

She didn't get her last nap, but she was really good for being so tired. There were so many people around and so much fun stuff that there would be no way she would sleep. All in all it was a good day.

Today when I went into Aria's room to get her up from her nap I noticed that she wasn't wearing a shirt. I know I had a shirt on her and I know Rod didn't take it off her. It then dawned on me that Aria had to have taken it off herself. There, in the crib, was her shirt, inside out, with the sleeves bunched up. Little stinker is already undressing herself.

I made turkey rolls with cream cheese and tomato. Last time I made them I cut my thumb. IT went right through the nail and my finger, causing pain and agony for days and my nail all kinds of problems. Well, I did the exact same thing today! Same thumb in the same place even! That is it, I am never making those rolls again. My nail is still gone from last time so it only hit skin this time. Whew!

Aria has a piece of turkey and cream cheese in her hair. I am taking a pic right now. Guess who is getting a bath in about a minute?

Last night Aria had climbed into the recliner. I was playing with her and she got too excited. The arms of the recliner open, and she leaned on one and then did a flip over the arm of the chair onto the ground. It was pretty impressive to watch. She landed on her back and she wasn't hurt. It just scared the crap out of her, poor little stinker.

What did you do for fun lastnight?
I played the Sims 2. It was awesome. I redid everyone's hair with my custom content hair and then I started fixing houses that I didn't like the layout. I got Dustin Broke and Angela Pleasant to marry and now they have a little girl. They live in a beach house. When they were in the university they both cheated on each other with the mascot. Then Dustin would get into fights with the mascot. I love my sims.

How was your morning?
It was a usual morning. I woke up close to 8am and now I am on the computer as I wait for my baby to wake up. She is sleeping in later and later now. For the past few days she's been sleeping in til 9am. Then I am going to give her a bottle and we are going to eat oatmeal together.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years Aria will be ten years old and I will be 39. I will be complaining about how old I am and I will probably be fat. Hopefully Rod will have a better job then and we will have siding on our house. Hopefully one of our neighbors will be dead.

How is your day going so far today?
Not too bad.

What is your plans for the day?
Today is grocery day with Mom. We will get groceries, look at toys, and then today I plan on putting cabinet locks on all of the cabinet doors because Ari has started opening them.

Have you ever made anyone cry?
If I did, it is because they deserve it.

Are you normally a happy person?
When I am at home I am pretty happy most of the time. Though if you asked people at work they would think I'm a pretty miserable person.

What is you favorite day of the week?
Thursday because it is payday. I also like Tuesdays grocery days. Both are days I can get out of the house with someone.

Do you have plans for Saturday night?
Saturday night I will probably just come home from work, play on the net, then go to bed.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
I dunno cuz I would have to visit the places first to see if I would want to live there.

Do sad things easily bother you?
depends on what it is

Describe your childhood?
I had a good time where I played with my toys, ate candy, and watched a lot of TV. It was pretty sweet.

What was your favorite TV show as a kid?
My Little Pony and Friends!


Is it possible to be just friends with the opposite sex?
I have lots of friends at work that are the opposite sex. We bond on things like movies and how awesome Transformers are.

Who knows everything about you?
Rod. Not that anything about me is a big secret.

Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?
Everyone? Oh god no. Second chances often just means they thought they got away with it the first time and can do it again. Morons.

What can't you wait for?
Sunday and Aria's first brithday party! More people are coming than I last thought so I have to make even more food! I didn't know that Brian and Alex were also invited, which makes sense because they see her every week and I wanted to invite the people who see Aria all the time.

Who are you closest to in your family?
My sister.

Are you ready to start the NEW YEAR??
I'm not done with this year yet.

What do you want to do at 12 midnight, New years?
Hopefully I will be asleep by then.

Can you count to ten in more than one language and what language?
Spanish. You learn that from Sesame Street!

Do you think you could live without your cell phone?
I did for over twenty years.

What was the last food you burnt?
Hamburger. I forgot I left them in the grill. They were all hard and gross.

Do you plan on going on Vacation anytime soon? WHERE?
I took my vacation of the year. Now I have to wait until next year.

Does your phone have to be charged everyday?
Maybe every 2 to 3 days.

Is there something more important you could be doing right now?
I could be doing dishes. I also think the baby is up now.

Will this weekend be a good one?
Sunday will because it will be fun!


Are you a forgiving person?
Oh god no. I dont' forgive anyone anything. I just tell them, "Dont' do it again." Then I remember it forever, if I am still talking to them.



Do you tell people if they're looking especially good that day?
Sometimes, if I especially like their hair or something.

Has your child ever embarrased you in public?
Nope!

Do you have a weak stomach?
Oh no! I have an iron stomach!

Do you complain way too much?
I love to complain. I honestly do.


Are you good with remembering dates?
People still tell Rod dates when they should be telling me.

Rod thought it was a remote when he saw it in the toilet, but nope! It was my cell. I had locked it and given it to Aria to play with in the bathroom and I should have wondered where it was when she came out into the kitchen without it. Now it is taken apart to dry to see if it can be salvaged. I'm really glad I have insurance on the thing.

I like the Wiggles. Not just for Aria, but for me. I think the Wiggles are cool. They are not annoying like Barney. The songs are not lame. I have the Wiggles Safari and the songs were stuck in my head at work all day. I'd be throwing meat on the rack and be singing, "Crocodile Hunter, he's Stever Irwin. Crocodile Hunter, action man!" Only when I sing it I always sing for Ari and change the lyrics. "Who's a stinky baby? Is it Ari? Who's a stinky Baby? Ari is!" All of my songs to her involve her being stinky.

I made beef stew in a bread bowl. Doing things like that makes me feel like I am a real cook. I like to try to make restaurant food. The only problem with this is that when I do go to a restaurant I'll be like, "I can make this at home." Well, maybe that would be a good thing. I made blueberry sorbet by throwing frozen blueberries in my food processor with a bit of skim milk. I made it too sugary, but otherwise it is tasty and good. I love my food processor with my whole body including my peepee. (That does not get old.)