Eminger’s blog

I didn't like any of the QotD so following the lead of others, here's a list for you as I try to get back into the habit of blogging.

Top 10 warnings I give a baby-sitter:

1. The baby really only cries when someone jumps and lands on him.  The kids are not allowed to climb near him.

2. The kids like to jump. Jumping off tables is not allowed.

3. The kids like to climb. All toys are useful climbing objects.

4. The kids can scale baby gates.  If you hear a thud, don't assume it's the cat; go check it out.

5. Don't watch any gymnastics/ice-skating/diving on television...it just encourages jumping and flipping.

6. If the 2-year old flips off the chair/couch/footrest too many times, he may likely throw up.

7. The 3-year old can open child resistant medicine bottles.  Keep them out of reach.

8. The kids will eat the dog food.  It's not recommended, but it won't kill them.

9. The 2-year old likes water...from anywhere...keep the bathroom door shut or you may find him drinking out of the toilet. 

10. The kids have learned cooperation/teamwork.  What one can't do on his/her own they can very likely do together with their scheming little minds.

Does anyone sense a trend here?

What's your favorite scent?

Bleach. It reminds me of chlorine in swimming pools and therefore swimming.  I suppose I could have said chlorine, but at the point I'm smelling chlorine, I'm probably already in the water.

Also topping the list are:

freshly bathed baby (preferably with J&J's baby shampoo)

ocean

gasoline

beef grilling

Show us your favorite coffee mug.

What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

Play in the rain.  It's best if mud is involved, but swimming is fun, too.  In a nice drenching downpour, dancing suffices.  Also, teaching the kids it's fun to play in the rain is key!

1. I woke up dreaming of eating 12" square waffles in a quality restaurant (not IHOP or the like). 

2. I have wanted a cheese sandwich for three days now and have yet to eat one.

3. I have one more week of full-time status at work.

4. I will be playing a single mom for two weeks starting Sunday.  Does anyone want a puppy?

5. 20+ peppers (habanero, jalapeno, red chili, Thai chili, banana) in a normal size crock-pot makes some very spicy chili.

6. In 3 1/2 weeks back at work, I've managed to avoid the Cherry Coke and rootbeer (we have free fountain soda).

7. In the 3 1/2 weeks I've been back at work, I haven't gone running a single time.

Show us an insturment you know how to play.

I have now returned to work following maternity leave.  For those who did not hear, our last au pair left us once the baby was born.  We were not sure what we were going to do for child care, but were pretty convinced we didn't want another au pair.  Back in January when we lost one, our thought was we'd get one more and then make plans for me to stay at home with the kids.  I worked out the budget and figured we'd be okay.  We'd be a little better if I could pick up a few hours working retail or something, but we'd be fine.  Then after 12 weeks of being at home, I was convinced I'd want a part-time job to help maintain my sanity.  I kept tossing around options for possible employment.  All the while, in the back of my head I wondered if I'd be able to go part-time at my current job.

It just so happens that around April of this year, my department embarked upon a huge project with impossible timelines. Having done this before and understanding the current state of our systems, I estimated minimum of 1-year to complete the project. We were given 4 1/2 months.  Then my boss moved out of the city and started working remotely.  I again wondered if I could work part-time.  I returned to work to find us severely behind schedule.  So when I proposed the idea to my boss that I could work part-time or none at all, it was essentially impossible for her to deny me part-time work.

As of the end of this month, I plan to work 3 nights per week so I'll get to stay home with my children!  I am excited beyond belief!  I never thought I'd be so thrilled with this job!

Any last minute summer plans for the weekend?

We have two birthday celebrations this week and then we're headed for the lake next weekend.

Show us your latest purchase.

I love the Olympics!  I don't think that statement covers the magnitude of appreciation I have for the Olympics.   I like sports in general, but for a little over two weeks, I get to watch the less popular sports anytime I want. I have set the DVR to record all showings of the Olympics so I don't miss anything!   I'm sure most people probably think track and field is about as exciting as fishing, but I love it.  One thing I've learned, though, is I need to monitor what I watch around the kids.  Gymnastics is good...the kids run around the family room throwing their hands in the air and doing somersaults.  Platform diving is not so good.  They watched that and Luke immediately climbed up on the fireplace hearth and dove off of it.  I quickly switched to men's volleyball to save myself a trip to the emergency room tonight!