a little late

Happy late Valentines day. It was a busy day. Brad worked, I worked. Giving out sugar cookies. A fun and yummy dinner with Brad's family because lots of birthdays this week. Some quite time for me and Brad when Roman surprised us by going to bed early. Nothing too special, just a good day to remind me of what and who I love and why.

There is the obvious.
Brad. I may be a little bit biased, but I think I got the greatest husband in the world. He is so good to me. He is my best friend. He brings so much joy into my life. Can't imagine life without him.
Roman. Melts my heart when I see him smile. Couldn't ask for a better little baby boy. So fun to see him grow and see more of his personality come out. He is a handful, but I love him.
Family. It is so nice to be so close to family. There is good and bad about moving back to Raymond, but being so close to our families makes it all worth it.

Then there is the fun stuff.
I love Valentines day and Christmas because everything is red. I love red. I always have and probably always will. Favorite red things: my kitchen aid mixer and measuring cups and spoons, my spring form cheesecake pan, my dish clothes, my pottery barn retro telephone, my soft micro fleece bathrobe, my favorite bra, my kitchen and bathroom walls, Roman's highchair, Roman's infant car seat, Roman's red crib sheets, my red tin stars, my puffy vest, my snowboard coat... just to name a few. There is something about the color red, it is strong, it is bold, it makes a statement.

And to finish off, there is the quirky stuff.
Laundry is my favorite household chore. I like to save it up so there is lots to separate into all different colors. Then I like to dump it all in the living room and fold it while I watch tv. I love the smell of clean laundry. Today was laundry day. How can you tell... big shirt, tight too small onsie, and long underware for pants.

it's been a long day

My day started at 6:00 - or do I count 3:30 when I got up to give Roman his soother.... Anyway, 6:00 when Roman woke up. Because he has been sick and teething on and off we have gotten into the habit of bringing him into bed with us when he wakes up between 6 and 7. So he is in bed with us at 6:00 and the alarm is set for 6:30, always annoying when that happens. I gave up and just got in the shower. Then I had to get myself ready and all Roman's stuff and then Roman when I woke him and Brad up at 7:30. Took Roman to my parent's house and headed off to work. Yep, to work. Today was my first day back to work after my maternity leave. If you can call it work - hospital orientation. Boring, but I was getting paid to sit there and be bored! But the start of work nonetheless. I go again tomorrow. I am working casual and will try to work a shift or two a week.
Roman did great. In fact, my mom said he really didn't even notice I wasn't there. A good thing I guess, the better he does the easier it will be to go to work. I must admit I was a little sad that he didn't seem to miss me. I missed him. I guess it will get easier as time goes on. I miss my old job and I am a little nervous to start at a whole new hospital after not working for a year, but at the same time I am really excited to be back. I liked the adult conversation and talk of stuff other than babies. I liked having to be somewhere at a certain time and to have things structured when I was there. I liked feeling that I had a purpose and I was going to accomplish something definite and measurable before the shift was done. It's not that I don't enjoy motherhood and it isn't purposeful, it's just a different feeling. Hard to explain.
I guess Oprah had a show awhile ago on stay at home moms vs. working moms. Wish I could have seen it, I'm sure it was interesting to hear from both sides. Different things for different people I guess. For me I like to have something that is my own, separate from my work as a wife and mother. It is a good outlet, a good way to be challenged and to learn. I feel that working a little bit is good for me and will therefore be good for my family. If I am burnt out at home work will be good and if I am burnt out at work home will be good. I am sure I'll change my views as Roman grows and I have more kids. And after working for awhile and having some bad shifts I will probably want to stop working! But for today I am glad to be a working mom.

check this out

Held Roman for his bottle this afternoon and turned on the tv while he was drinking. Caught a bit of Oprah and she had this lady on who invented Spanx. Check it out here. I can't decide if it is worth it - how comfortable they would be with the g's and if I really want to add another layer. But there are certain clothes that it would be nice to have these with - hide what I like to call the baby fat love handles. Anyway, everyone on Oprah was raving about them and I thought it was worth it to check them out. Just passing it along.

In other news, hockey is over. My mom and I have been playing in a womens pick up league here in Raymond once a week. Sooooo much fun and such a great workout. Way better than going to the gym. I'm sad it's over but looking forward to next November when we start up again. Anyone want to join in?