M.I.A

Yes, I am aware that I have been horrible about posting. I have so much I want to write about and document, but I never seem to find the time. Where are the days going?
With that said, I'm getting my grove back. Stay tuned.

Another First

I would like to start out by saying Dave and I try our best to watch our potty mouths around Marlee. There are definitely a few bad words that are not used; in front of M, that is. However, every once in a while, you will hear a few choice not-so-bad words. Especially the S word...

Yesterday (July 25th), as we were driving home...
Dave says, "holy sh*t".
Marlee responds, in the sweetest, most matter-of-fact voice, "holy sh*t, holy sh*t, holy sh*t".

We get home and Marlee did something to which Dave responds...
"little" and he stops himself.
Marlee then says "sh*t".

So, moral of the story...I guess it's time to stop calling my daughter and the dogs a little sh*t.

Yesterday

we had a yard sale.
The profit was going into my treadmill fund.
A treadmill that I have been coveting for months.
Never did I think my junk (err stuff) would add up to over $700.00.
Very exhausting but so worth it.
That's all.

Sign?

We leave for San Diego soon, very soon. I have been so excited as this is our first family vacation since Marlee was born. It's also the first vacation Dave and I have had in years.

I have envisioned long walks on the beach, a trip to Sea World, shopping, strolling through Balboa Park, etc. Walking, lots of walking.

Only problem(s)
-I think I sprained my ankle today. It is swollen and sore.
-Has anyone else been following the swine flu outbreak? It seems to have originated in Mexico, which neighbors San Diego. Great.

Do you think it's a sign?

San Diego or bust!

Time to Change

Tonight I come home from girls night out, dinner and a movie with my Mom and Sissies, to all the clocks in the house already an hour ahead for the time change tomorrow. Who does this? Other than my husband, of course. Am I the only one who goes off old time for weeks? Sheesh.
I am not happy about losing an hour of my precious Sunday. Furthermore, if this bloody time change disrupts my daughters great one nap groove that we have finally achieved, I will be one very unhappy Mama.

One more thing...
Am I also the only one who, after my husband has done the dishes and cleaned the kitchen, reorganizes the dishes in the dishwasher because they have to be neatly loaded in the correct area of the dishwasher.
Okay, so I also re-wipe down the counters. Is re-wipe even a word?
Don't worry, I give him a big thank you for helping and I wait until he goes to sleep to redo his already done. I wouldn't want him to think I didn't appreciate all his help, now would I?

Okay, so maybe that was three more things.

Well, according to my clocks, it is after 1:00am and I am going to bed.

Near and Dear

So, it's happening as I knew it would. Georgia is trying to put forth legislation limiting fertility treatments. The hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. You can read both of the bills here and here. Here is a recap of the bills:

Senate Bill 169 would restrict doctors' ability to perform IVF in accordance with best medical standards.

No more than 2 or 3 eggs could ever be fertilized in a cycle; if a woman produced more eggs, they still could not be used.

Only 2 embryos could ever be transferred to the uterus, unless the woman is age 40 or over (then a max of 3).

No extra embryos could be cryopreserved. If they are created, they have to be transferred.

No financial relief, such as insurance coverage, is proposed to help with the added financial burden of using less effective treatment. Patients will still have to pay out of pocket for less effective treatment.

Bans all financial compensation for donor gametes, such as egg donor, sperm donor, or embryo donation, which would reduce the pool of available donors in Georgia.

Senate Bill 204/HB388 is an embryo adoption bill. It would subject embryo donation to all the same provisions as required by law for adoption of a child. This would subject infertility patients needing an embryo donation to go through the judicial proceedings, home visits, and other procedures required for an adoption. We do not believe that such treatment is appropriate or needed for embryo donation.


If any of you have missed all the hoopla surrounding OctoMom, where have you been? However, because of her, people are up in arms, and now the government is getting involved.

As many of you know, this is very near and dear to my heart, and I am seeing red over the ignorance and public perception that ART (assisted resroductive technology) and IVF (in-vitro fertilization) has.

So, because this is my blog, I am going to share my feelings. Feel free to move right along.

My struggle with infertility...

I am one of the many many faces of infertility. We all have a story, a struggle, that is unique and ours alone.

After years of infertility, three IVF's, over 35 follicles extracted and fertilized, a total of twelve embryos transferred and spending over $50,000.00, I was childless. All that was left was an emotional, bloated, angry, sad soul. Dave and I are not alone in our struggle. There is another side of infertility that does not include multiples or even one child, for that matter.

The above bill would mean that all three of my IVF transfers would not be allowed today. It would mean that if I was lucky enough to have extra follicles, they would have to be destroyed, not fertilized and frozen for a future cycle. It would mean that there would be no financial compensation for embryo donation or sperm donation. And most importantly, it would still mean that insurance companies would not have to cover infertility treatments. Even though what the bill is proposing would drive the cost of infertility treatments up even more.
Then there is also the embryo adoption bill, which basically treats an embryo donation as an adoption.

And I fear this is just the beginning.

I think this article might be on to something. These bills do not protect the health of women, but more about establishing legal rights for embryos. The bill would ban embryo-destructive stem cell research. So, basically, I wouldn't have the final say with what happens to my embryos? This all coming from the Georgia senator who believes in less government, more personal responsibility, and greater individual freedoms. Um...okay.

When did it become acceptable for the government to regulate my health and personal life?
My body, my choice.

Let there be SNOW

It snowed today...in Las Vegas. I could not wait to get Marlee up from her nap and take her outside to experience snow for the first time.
Needless to say, she loved it.
My little snow bunny...








Even Mollie got in on some of the action.

Seeing Red

Yes, I am upset. I just got done writing a 17 month post for Marlee that took me days to finish. I went to post and wa-la, something horrible happened and it's all messed up...ugh.
Stay tuned. Time to start over.
And before you suggest I write it in a word document and save it, I do. However, my computer restarted the other night and I can't recover it.
I think it's high time for a new computer....doubtful.

And btw-it's SNOWING. I live in the desert and it's SNOWING. Stay tuned for some pictures of Marlee experiencing snow for the first time.

Yes We Can!

The American people have spoken...loud and clear. What a proud and defining day in our nation's history.

Vote

Marlee's first time voting!

Just a reminder to get out there and vote! Vote vote vote...
As much as I love politics, I am so ready for this election to be over. It has been a long time coming and today I will be on the edge of my seat...waiting to see which direction this country will be going. Will we be taking one step up or two steps back, as Springstein would say.

On and On

Disclaimer: This is a somewhat political post.

Since this is ultimately a blog for Marlee, I find it fitting to acknowledge the trouble our country is in. Every morning as I feed Marlee and watch the news, I am horrified by what is going on in this country. From the housing market crisis, to all the bad loans that were lent by the banks, to the stock market crashing, to our government stepping in and bailing out banks, to the $700 billion bail out package that is in the works, to the never-ending war in Iraq, to the cost of food, to our dependence on foreign oil, to gas prices hovering at $4 a gallon, to shipping jobs overseas, to unemployment being on the rise, to our dollar being worth less and less, to our national debt, to social security running dry, to our ever-lacking education system, and on, and on, and on...
To hear economists talk, we are just three steps from a depression. Sometimes I feel as though this country is not moving forward, but rather backward.

In other news, is anyone else excited to watch the one and only VP debate tonight? I'm hoping to get a few good laughs out of it!

Let's just hope our next president can do a better job than our current president has done.

One Year

One year ago today I started my blog. Happy one year anniversary me!!!

My Hero

Anyone following the Olympics as I have been? Dara Torres is my hero.
I told Dave in a past life I was an Olympian swimmer just like her. Heck, I'll just settle for her smokin' hot body...

It's Been Awhile

Yes, I know, it's been awhile. There has been so much going on in my life and the days just seem to get away from me. I am finally done with the summer semester and can start focusing on so many other things I have on my never ending to do list.

Stay tuned for a post about..who else? Yes, Marlee Kay. She is growing and changing right before my eyes!

Finals

I'm in the home stretch. One more week..I can do this!

So, I almost convinced myself to take the summer off. Almost. I had big plans for this summer, none of which included school. I want to enjoy my backyard and pool with M, organize my closets, scrapbook, bake more, start sewing, work out, take a family trip, etc. I caved and decided to take just one class. Don't fret, it's going to be a difficult class and it's of course most of the summer.

On a side note...As the animal lover that I am, I condemn horse racing. If you watched the Kentucky Derby this weekend you will know why..heartbreaking. After poor Barbaro a couple of years ago and now Eight Belles. If these horse's owners, trainers, or riders truly loved their animals they would not subject them to racing. All for a silly race.

More randomness..
Last night Dave and I made pork ribs, potato salad, and fresh corn on the cob for dinner. I also made the best apple crisp for dessert. When I get time I will post the potato salad and apple crisp recipe. Although, as usual, I didn't follow a recipe for the potato salad, so it's a little of this and that. You can blame my Mom and Grandma for this. The ribs recipe is also oh so delicious, but it's a Brad recipe, so you'll just have to bother him for it! I don't want him to sue me. =)

I know, very random post. Well, I'm off to start finals.

Mom Tip of the Day

We had a visit from a police officer today. Can anyone guess why?
Early this morning Marlee was playing with the cordless telephone. The funny thing is every time Dave sees me give Marlee the phone he says you better make sure she doesn't call 911. Of course, my response to this is something like come on Babe, seriously what are the chances. Well, quite high as it happened today...
She is playing with the phone and after a couple of minutes it rings. The caller ID shows an unknown caller and, as usual, I don't answer it. After about a minute I decide to hit redial because I just have this feeling (probably Dave channeling me and thinking to myself who makes calls this early in the morning). Sure enough, the last number called was 9111. I go check the machine and hear this, This is the metropolitan police department. We received a 911 call from this number. If someone is there, please pick up. I am freaking out at this point. I call Dave and he tells me to call them back. But I don't want to. I feel so stupid. They will send someone out if you don't call.
So, I have to tie up the emergency line so I can let the dispatcher know it was an accident and I am an idiot. This is what I do and let me tell you, the dispatcher was so nice and understanding. I just explained that my 9 month old daughter decided to call 911.
About 30 seconds later I hear bang, bang, bang. Uh oh. You can only guess who was at the door, yes a uniformed police officer. I'm in my pajamas when I answer the door and kindly explain to the gentleman that the call was accidental and apologize over and over again for wasting his and the dispatcher's time. He was so nice and said that these things happen.
Let's just say I feel like a major moron. Like Dave said, at least we now know that if something were to ever happen our emergency units and quick and efficient. It took no more than 5 minutes before I heard the bang bang bang at the door.
Moral of the story, it does happen. No more phone for Marlee.
Stay tuned for Marlee's 9 month post. Yep, she's 9 months today! I can't believe it either.

Sad Day Squared

So, yesterday was another sad, sad day. My beloved Brett Favre, quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, retired after 17 seasons. He was my MVP and one of the main reasons I love to watch football. What now?

On a more serious side note, Mollie seems to be doing better. She hasn't had anymore "episodes" since I picked her up from Dr. Vet Monday afternoon..thank goodness because it scares the hell out of me and so sad to watch. The blood work came back fine and the doc told me he leans towards something neurological but does not feel it is necessary to put her on meds or get a neurological analysis. He told me to keep a close eye on her and let him know if she has anymore episodes.
One more thing and then I will get off this topic. I just want to tell my sissie, Stacey, thank you for making me feel better. You always raise a good point when it comes to my pity parties with my Bubba's...I was given dogs with problems because I take good care of them and go to any and all lengths to keep them healthy and here with me for as long as I can. Most people don't. Thanks sissie.

Okay, so what now? I know, let's talk politics. Anyone watch yesterday's primary coverage? Pretty exciting, right? Senator Clinton took three of the four primaries yesterday, including Ohio and Texas, which are huge. Before yesterday Obama had great momentum, winning numerous states and if Clinton didn't do good yesterday she was basically out. So I say yipee for Hillary! I know many people don't like her and when I ask why there is really no reason, at least politically. She just turns people off. To each their own, however I happen to like her, and Obama for that matter, and I am really torn between the two for different reasons. I can't understand Clinton's extreme dislike because if people took the time to research her and what she stands for, she is definitely for the people. If Obama wins, fine. Fair is fair, but sometimes it seems to not always be fair. Maybe our country hasn't come far enough. It saddens because I hear time and time again, it's not because she is a woman. Well, then what is it? And if it's not her, then who?
A couple of weeks ago I was watching Bill Maher and a feminist was on talking about how she feels there is more sexism than racism in this country. My response to this at the time was no, certainly not. However, after watching the debates and coverage of the primaries and hearing the comments that are made about Hillary, I might have to agree with her. I know many will disagree with this and I realize there is still racism in this country. Maybe I feel this way because I am white and female..I don't know. I rambling now.
Off my soapbox now.

Soak Up the Sun

What's the benefit of living in the desert in February, you ask? Beautiful weather..

Marlee on the patio in her exersaucer

The past couple of days have been completely gorgeous and we have definitely been taking advantage of this. Marlee and Mama have been hanging out on the patio, going for walks to the park with the Bubba's, and completely enjoying this beautiful, sunny weather. It has been in the mid 70's..perfect.

Even the Bubba's have been enjoying the weather.

Lazy Cooper soaking up the sun

Mollie in her usual spot, top of the waterfall, scoping out the neighborhood and finding something or someone to bark at.

Anyone jealous? I can't wait until summer when Marlee gets to go for her first swim.

On a side note..once we have gotten through the cold winter months and it's springtime with high's in the 70 to 80's, it seems so hot outside. Then after the scorcing summers we have here in the desert, and it cools off to 70 or 80 degrees, it feels so cold outside..ironic, isn't it?

It's sOOper Tuesday

As a child, you are always told you can do and be what you want to be. However, there is no doubt that, still today, racism and sexism exists in this country. That is why this election is so important. No matter who gets the Democratic nominee, history will be made. This country is finally moving forward. I look at Marlee and think, she can be whatever she wants to be and it is such a wonderful feeling. Any parent knows that once you have a child, everything changes. Once I had Marlee, my life changed. Every thought, belief, and view I have relates back to Marlee and how this will have a direct affect on her and her future. How will the choices I make and we make as a society today shape and influence Marlee's life? These are my thoughts when I think about who the next President of the United States should be.

Okay, enough of the mush. Today is Super Tuesday...history is in the making. So, in honor of today I found this presidential survey:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/projects/ongoing/select_a_candidate/poll.php?race_id=13

Answer the questions TRUTHFULLY and you will see which candidate best matches your view on important issues. Dave and I both did the survey and I will spare you with the details of our outcome, but let's just say Dave was quite surprised, or maybe he wasn't!

Note: if you have trouble following the link, just go to http://minnesota.publicradio.org/ and click on the presidential survey listed under Super Tuesday-MPR'S Select A Candidate.

Wasted

A couple of years ago I made a decision to never make a New Year's Resolution. This is not to say that I don't make resolutions, I just don't feel that a person should wait until the beginning of each year to live a certain way or do a certain thing (much easier said than done, I know).
With that said, I did make quite a few "resolutions" a couple of weeks ago. I will not bore you with what these resolutions are (except for one-the reason behind this post) as I want to live each day with these thoughts and promises to myself and not just talk (or write) about them.
So, the one resolution I will share with you is to be less wasteful. When I think of how wasteful I am on a daily basis it nauseates me.
One area that I am wasteful in is the kitchen. My Grandma Bea would be so disappointed as she can make a dinner out of anything, and I mean anything. It's so hard to not waste food when there is only two adults living in my house and you can't even get just FOUR hot dog or hamburger buns, but I am trying. I have started making one dinner, taking the leftovers, and "reinventing" the leftovers for another night. Here is what I do with a beef roast:

Night 1-Beef Roast
Place a beef roast, onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic in a crock pot. Add seasonings, either beef stock or water, and cook accordingly.
Note: if you put slits in the roast and place pieces of whole garlic in the slits it gives the roast great flavor.
Oh so yummy. This dinner so reminds me of Sunday's growing up. We had roast every Sunday after church..yummy. Thanks Mom!

Night 2-Hash (recipe courtesy of Marlee's Grandma Viola):
In a pan, saute one chopped onion in olive oil
Take leftover roast, carrots, and potatoes and cut them into bite size pieces.
Add to pan and heat through
So good..thanks Grandma Viola for this recipe. It's now a family favorite.

I can't wait for dinner tonight. Hope you enjoy. I'll be sharing more recipe reinventions in the future.

Oh-and yes, if you feel my recipes are too vague that would be my Mom coming out in me..a little of this and a little of that.