All in All...It's a Pretty Sweet Gig :)

Some random thoughts I've had lately about being a mommy...along with some pics!

• I am NOT a morning person...never have been, BUT for some reason I thought having a child would change that. I mean, you have to get up with them (quite frequently throughout the first year) no matter what time it is, so I thought maybe I'd get used to it and it would become easy. NOPE! 15 months later and I would still prefer to sleep until noon if I could...and I will hit my snooze button about 5 times before I actually get out of bed...if Avery hasn't woken me up already :)

• Daddy's will never do things the EXACT same way you do it. Bath time is different, bed time is different...heck, even the way they change a diaper is different! But, it's ok...at least they are participating, and getting the job done.

• I can handle "gross" stuff way better than I ever thought I could. BUT I will never be ok with cleaning up chewed up, soggy, mushy food! YUK!!!

• Toddlers will try to mimic everything you do, so...yes, when you pretend to hit yourself in the head with the remote control, don't be surprised when your child picks up the remote control and actually hits herself in the head with it.

• There is nothing better than a nighttime routine, and an early bedtime. Avery knows exactly when bedtime is and has become such a good sleeper. And I love the fact that by 8pm the rest of the night is mine to catch up on TV shows, clean up a little, take a bath, read, or do whatever I want to that night...including making it an early bedtime for myself as well :)

• Your social life will change...and there's nothing you can do about it. You'll talk to some friends a lot less, and others not at all. You'll see your friends a lot less too, and as much as you'd like to just hang out and "get away" sometimes, that's not really that easy anymore. BUT it does make those nights when you do go out, and those times when you do see old friends that much more fun!

• I've never been a fan of a sloppy kisser, but wet and sloppy kisses from Avery are the best!

Life is different, there's no doubt about it...but it's great. Avery can makes me laugh, make my heart melt, and make me want to pull my hair out all within a 5 minute span...but I wouldn't change being her mommy for anything. Best job ever...but I do need to speak to whoever is in charge about getting a little pay raise :)

Hello? Are you still there?

Sorry a rediculous amount of time has passed since my last post :/ I've thought about blogging numerous times over the past few weeks, but I just haven't had the energy to sit down and actually do it. I've still been keeping up with my favorite bloggers and I've definitely missed writing...but, mama's been tired...period!

Avery and I have pretty much transitioned into our new (guess its really not new anymore) schedules of me working 4 days a week, and her playing with Nana most of those days. At first, Avery knew I was leaving once I handed her over to Nana and she was not happy about it. Now, she happily goes to Nana and me leaving doesn't cause a huge fuss anymore. AND the best part is that she's still super excited to see me when I get back...every single time!

I'm still really enjoying being back in the working world...who would have thought? But, Brad on the other hand, is having a hard time with his job and schedule right now :( For the past 4 weeks he has been working all closing shifts...not fun for any of us in the Gamel household...and it's wearing on him. He had been told that once their new manager arrived that the schedule would calm down and go back to normal, but that new manager is set to arrive Monday, and his schedule for this upcoming week is no different. He is NOT a happy camper. Apparently it's because his GM is now going on vacation this upcoming week. Grrr...if things don't get back to normal on Brads end soon, I'm afraid he's going to lose his mind! Poor hubby has been working so much, with no overtime pay or any kind of benefit...it's hard to stay positive when you feel like you're being taken advantage of and not appreciated. HOPEFULLY, ::fingers crossed:: once his GM returns from vacation his schedule will improve...if not, I can almost guarantee you that he'll be in the market for a new "career".

Good news is that he is off today!!! So, we have a busy day planned. We're taking Avery to Catch Air (its this totally awesomely fun indoor play area for kids, and we took Avery there the other day and she had a blast!) here in a couple of hours, then Brad and I have tickets to go see THE HUNGER GAMES at 3:45...in IMAX :), then after the movie we're headed to my brothers housewarming party. I am SO SO SO very excited about the movie...and Brads being a good sport...he knows nothing about the series or storyline. But, I think he'll enjoy it...its nowhere near as "girly" as Twilight, which I think is what he's thinking it's going to be like. So needless to say, I think it's going to be a fun day with my hubby and our little girl (minus her at the movie...she'll be playing with her grambino during that time). I hope everyone else has a great Saturday too, and "may the odds be ever in your favor"...dork, yea I know!

P.S. Happy 30th (wink wink) Birthday to my MOM!!! We're celebrating with the family tomorrow, since her and my dad are going out to get wild and crazy with her sister and brother-in-law tonight :)

P.S. part 2...next time (which won't be as long) i'll post some new pics!