Feel Good Friday

It's going to be a rockin' Friday, you know how I know?

I scored five hours of sleep last night for the first time in nearly a year, and three of those were consecutive ones. Woot! In addition, I had the luxury of showering for precisely three minutes all on my own, with hot water and everything and I didn't even step on a Ninja Turtle. Sure there was some whining at the glass door and a projectile vomit exactly after those three minutes, but I tell you, they were still uh-mazing. Finally, these flowers arrived for no reason at all (ok, there may have been a bit of a spousal tiff) from the hubs thanking me for the "important" things I do (now you know what the word exchange was about).

Today we're dressed without milk stains with even a dab of makeup (the morning is still young) and heading out to lunch with the girls and to show off Squeak to the colleagues.  We're doing some purging of the home, spending time with fun neighbors and hitting three birthday parties this weekend. We're also filling our social calendar with some lunch dates, pool lounging and hopefully hitting the exercise circuit after doc sign up next week. I venture to say (and knock on wood) that we may slowly be getting the hang of things of our new normal. Even if it is crazy town.

Oh-and a thoughtful friend made us dinner for this evening. Not just dinner, but ribs, mac-n-cheese and dessert. Yum.

May you enjoy your "normal" this weekend with the people and things you love most. TGIF!

PS: Given the short hiatus required mid-post, I lied about the milk stains...

A Month of You

Likes: walks in the park, being snuggled against Mom 24/7, wild bouncing, filling diapers like it's a contest, workin' that charming half-smile, practicing colic in the evenings, snacking, rivaling the crazy Uncle in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," revving your motorcycle engine with one foot, sharing the love with big brother, kickin' it with arms wide open, the bear rattle, visits from family and friends, laying on his right side, bicycle exercises, white noise, shopping for hours, the Baby Bjorn, tush pats, the great outdoors, silly sounds, reading books, propping on adult shoulders and more.

Dislikes: car rides and the seat required to do so, swaddled arms (a man's gotta move!), drinking from a fire hose, consuming all those colic and gas meds, hep B shots, baths, pacifiers (takes some convincing), wind in his face, nail trims, visiting the salon, taking big brother to daycare in the morning (would prefer to sleep in - ahm, so would Mom) and more.

Tricks: snorting like an elephant when disgruntled, attempting a rollover and smile, burrito kicks in the swaddle, fart contests, squeaky cries and chats and more.

Squeak: this has been everything we've dreamed of and more - thank you for four weeks of mystery, magic and ok, some misery. We love you and can't wait to see what's next!

Coming to a Mailbox Near You

His announcements are complete - check! The back dons a cute shot of the boys and a romantic saying, but you know how well me and "code"get along for me to actually share that with you. Love us some Shutterfly - got this all done in five minutes at a great cost!

Stationery Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Reasons to Celebrate

1. When taking that trip down grocery lane, you always remember a little chocolate something just for me.

2. You've got moves like...MJ. Particularly after a few adult beverages. He always was my first love you know.

3. For hours you'll toss a ball, throw pillows and play with action figurines (even if at times they are fairies), delighting your son and growing his character and imagination by tenfold.

4. The bed covers? Mine.

5. You're a super smarty pants in more ways than one. I trust you with my finances and to help me become a better person, as well as give me a good laugh when I need it most.

6. Dreams and improvement are important to you and you never stop letting them flow through your soul. May they all come true in your lifetime.

7. It sounds cliche, but you know me better than I know myself. This saves us lots of time and understanding. Phew.

8. Loyalty could be your middle name: to this family, your job, your character and beer.

9. ASPCA commercials make you cry. 

10. You love my mother. Oh, and the rest of the fam - but you know mothers are the hardest.

11. "Sorry" and "love" are not words you shy from in your day to day.

12. Photos that print from your camera are simply remarkable. Your cooking ranks up there too. Talent.

13. Stuff means nothing to you at all - it's like you don't even need or desire any of it. 

14. Time for me and with the girls is something you understand and support.

15. I believe in nearly any type of fight (minus the verbal ones consistently and wisely won by wives), you'd win. Our protector. I don't even know why we have a large dog.

16. Like a man that's lived many years, you know yourself so well and follow your path, never swaying with a lack of confidence or drive. So admirable.

17. We're never lacking impersonations around here that make us laugh just when we need it most.

18. Romance is not forgotten even after 12 years.

19. You're competent in fixing lots of stuff - where did you learn all that anyway?

20. Raps are one of a kind coming out of your mouth - I think JayZ should be aware.

21. Scrambled eggs from your pan are better than any other - as well as your roasted pork. Yum.

22. Regardless of where you've been, you're striving to be the best you can be now, in each moment.

23. Pounds gained, tears shed, priorities wack, crazy ensued - you accept me for who I am at face value. You do this for others too in the most genuine, open and gracious way.

24. You take great care of yourself so you can take care of others, hitting the gym daily and working your mind with growth and strategy.

25. Though spirituality isn't so much in an organized form for you, you believe in the power of kindness, goodness and good old fashioned acceptance and hard work to make it in this world.

26. When ordering at the local food joint, you know to leave pickles off of Little Dude's and go bare bones with my burrito order. Attentive and thoughtful.

27. You put up with me. Period. And this crazy family of four we've created.

28. You're good for a laugh and people adore you for it, one of the many sides of Mike.

29. Despite we can never find keys, shoes, blankets or anything useful in this house, you're never on me about it, because you too know and accept the priorities of playing and raising our children - we'll clean in our next life.

30. Need a trivia answer or sports fact? You're on it - how do you fit all that in your brain?

31. You'll do the hokey pokey at Kindermusik with no holes barred. And carry that neon diaper bag.

32. Selfless - an adjective designed just for you, for the time you sacrifice, the love you give and the character that is yours.

33. Loved - what you are on this special day and always.

Happy 33rd birthday, dear husband. There are thousands of reasons to celebrate you day in and day out, and we plan to do so for a lifetime. Thank you for all you are and do - we are better because of you.

What The Long WEEK Hafta END?

Memorial weekend...

Salon time, girly giggles, helpful hands, boys with brews, nephew bonding and a gut loving meal, all with a family one could only wish for. So grateful, so thankful, so happy. May your long weekend have been filled with life and love!

Monday Momfessions - May 27 Week

1. I've never seen my mother laugh as hard as she did when Squeak woke up screaming, I'm topless in Macy's (to assure you, in a dressing room) and suddenly it was like the fire sprinklers were going off, but this time delivering milk to put out the fire of hunger. I think she was rolling on the floor and her face was crimson. Maybe she really did think it was a drill...

2. A binkie saved my life (potentially a few others) this week. More to come. Seriously - like a bullet proof vest those things are. (PS: I'm apparently talking like Yoda b/c currently Little Dude is obsessed and secretly I think Squeak looks a tad like him).

3. . Weight Watchers becomes my new regimine again tomorrow, so tonight, we dine...apparently on a mexican meal fit for a linebacker. I may have also consumed what seemed like a nine-course meal at Rye last evening as well. DE-lectable. True, true you can eat whatever you want on WW, but not in the portions this lady of substance is used to - gah.

4. Not to bring up "the girls" AGAIN, but as previously mentioned I spend a ridiculous amount of time with them "hanging out," so I'm here to tell you from one nursing mama to another, it's hardly worth it to drink. I mean seriously, don't we have a close enough relationship with our pump? No need to get more intimate. And counting down the hours and having to ride the bitter train when your snoring husband won't wake for the ONE feeding he's responsible for in the month doesn't make for good times. I say go for a whole box of chocolates or something to cope as a temporary vice...then head back to the margaritas. Note: the glass of champagne and three beers I've consumed in the past two weeks were quite tasty though...

5. On a related note: Dear LOFT lady, Nordy designer, DVF or SOMEONE -  please, please design a decent nursing bra under $50. I will buy 10. Please. And thanks.

6. I officially feel on the postpartum downhill slide aesthetics wise: frumpy, fat and nothing fits with two weeks still to go on sign off for anything more vigorous than walking. Swimsuit season? Ha! Try tarp season...

7. I'm completely intrigued by chiropractics and the moms who do it and particularly those that have their newborns and kiddos adjusted - it sounds life changing but also scary town. But a cure for colic and these headaches? I'll take it! Message me your experiences!

8. For the past four weeks plus, we've had one to three visitors daily. This week marks the end of the uber flow of meals and drive bys (though we still welcome a few amazing friends) and I have to admit, I'm a bit terrified. I was already the furthest thing from a domestic diva and spot on with a social butterfly. THIS transition should be interesting. Look for my email requesting plans, likely to restaurants and happy hours, to arrive by midnight in your inbox.

9. I sobbed with understanding when Christina from the show "Parenthood" sat forlorn and defeated in her beautiful red dress as she leaked breast milk at a social function. Can we say #milkmommaproblems?

10. I secretly want a push present that fits on my right hand and contains diamonds and sapphires. At half my salary currently and daycare costs on a more than 50% increase? This doesn't seem like a good idea at all. Potential grounds for divorce even. But I tell you, the desire is still there.

11. Perhaps one of the greatest dates I've been on was with my three-year old son this evening. Handsome, adorable, charming, charismatic, a good eater, great conversationalist and compliant. He didn't pay, but I stills say he's a great candidate for Match.com.

12. This is terrible. Terrible I tell you, but I'll share it anyone: the hubs finally hit rock bottom this week on this whole managing two kids thing. I left him alone with just Squeak for 90 mins and received two picture messages and a text. There may have been a lot of crying, perhaps from both of them. Regardless, he now seems to have a newfound respect for my current role and I received some flowers. Note to self: run more 90-minute errands. Try leaving both kids next time and perhaps the push present will be yours.

13. It makes me slightly nervous that all parties that babysit for us now require two people to get through an evening. Guess we better get to booking early and leaving better tips. Or at least ice in the freezer. Or something for them to snack on. Gah we're terrible people.

14. What's the true story on leaving your baby in a bassinet in your room for X amount of time? How long did you choose to do so and why? I'm not ready to tell you why I'm asking. That would just be selfish...

What's on your mind this week, Mama?

Fairies, Ferns and Fun

"Oh my goodness, look at these - he will absolutely adore them!" I gasp excitedly to the hubs, practically clawing my way past the three elderly women engaging in the same shopping excitement I was on a beautiful Mother's Day at the local gardening store. Snagging Little Dude from nearby, disgruntled he was being asked to leave the puddles of the waterfalls and ropes of the swing sets, he was quickly compensated as he picked out accessories and teeny tiny plants for a fairy garden:

Grateful of his innocence and appreciation of things such as Tinkerbell and her crew (he watches the movie three times per week and we adore it before some boy his age rips away the magical dream with some type of words like "those are for girls,") we were delighted to have him set up his own magical fairy garden, complete with a small chair, bridge and foilage with the anticipation Tink and her friends would visit overnight. 

Each day he wanders up to see if the fairies have moved things around of left flowers nearby, sharing elaborate, imaginative stories that melt our hearts and give us that same feeling one gets from visiting Disney for the first time. Small, no green thumb required, manageable and unique, the fairy garden is a fun and engaging way to bond with your kiddo in the short window of no cell phones, video games or hoards of friends that teaches them to let their mind wander while all the while managing a home...a fairy home...with love, sun and water. 

Simple or elaborate, it's the perfect way to get kiddos started on helping in the yard and taking time to stop from all the discpline, playing, sports and napping to just stop and smell the roses. Or shall I say, frolic with fairies, ferns and fun?

Happy planting!

Mug Shots

Thank you, Bella Baby Photography, for capturing all our little newborn dreams come true. We don't know how you worked your magic in less than eight minutes or convinced us to pose in our gowns and robes, but it was totally worth it to have these memories for a lifetime in these quiet moments. Because there is nothing better than a mug shot...

besides the mug itself.

Keeping Kids Off The Couch

"Mommy, why do I never have two of the same socks at school?" Little Dude asked, his familiar brow furrow a bit deeper with legitimate concern. "Other friends have socks that match."

Crap. He's on to me. And how did I get a kid that cared that his socks matched? Oh that's right, there is some of his father in there. Regardless, the fact I caused him any type of embarrassment caught me turning shamefully red and embarking on this maternity leave project:

A box full of socks that rocks...ok, I just can't compete with Dr. Suess and his fox business. Needless to say, we now have only size three cotton footwear, mostly matched, available for a quick grab and go for the boy on the run.

Yes it took me three years to do it - Lord knows how long Squeak will have to wait, though given this habit of mine I'm determined the second one will only wear footies to avoid this conundrum. To be fair, we have a legitimate sock monster:

And then there is of course the other one we've yet to spot.

Sock drawer organized: check. Keeping kids off the couch one task at a time. Because therapy is getting expensive you know...

Monday Momfessions - May 13 Week

Squeak saying "Hi there, ladies!"

1. Gardening with an over 10-pounder strapped front and center Bjorn-style is harder than it looks. My apologies in advance to the neighbors for the catawompous placement of the geraniums. Also, did it make you nervous when I stood on a chair and placed the hanging plants? Yah - in hindsight not the best move.

2. When running errands and returning home, I feel a bit guilty leaving Squeak in the car seat (inside with me observing of course). Then I finally accomplish one small thing I've been meaning to do for four weeks and it subsides a bit. Ok, a lot.

3. I secretly wanted a massage and nap on Mother's Day. Don't get me wrong - it was near perfect and largely appreciated, but these two things did.not.happen. Somehow, Daddy got to take a nap?! PS: he's still complaining of his pulled glute muscle (Corporate Challenge football practice) - someone please send me some more images of empathetic faces because I'm all out.

4. I'm drinking a half soda and hitting Starbucks for Passion Iced Teas nearly daily. This is a) not healthy for the feeder b) not in the budget. Shhhh. Must.stop. But, sometimes Mommy needs a fix...and it's not one that requires illegal paraphernalia (though you'd think so in my efforts to stash the Starbucks cups before hubs gets home).

5. The amazing flow of visitors in and out of our home daily is the only thing keeping our home quasi-clean and requiring I shower daily. Thank you, dear friends, for keeping me on the up and up.

6. Today marks day four of my most anxiety-ridden task: taking both kids to daycare (well, Little Dude to pre-school, but you know this isn't the 60s where you could leave the other one in the car sans car seat and all). Surprisingly, our dry runs are going ok - you know, if arriving with no makeup, yoga pants and just out of bed can count as the dress rehearsal. Yah - not even close. Still anxious.

7. Though much more hormonally balanced than with Little Dude, I've had three minor meltdowns in the past week: 1) Stashing away the newborn clothes FOREVER (so foreboding) as Squeak has already outgrown them, causing me to question my mortality...ok, just get a little sad this is our last baby. 2) In the thick of the night, thinking through how much Little Dude's relationship and mine have changed and wonder what it means for our forever bond 3) Those damn Mother's Day commercials, including the red-headed kid where she brushes his hair back through his childhood to the Hallmark handprint cards. Don't ask. And yes, I've recovered - remember the Starbucks runs?

8. I'm not making Squeak do much tummy time - it still breaks my heart. I know it's good for them and all, but how can one not conjure up images of a little baby bird trying to make it in this big world? Of a new horse finding it's legs? A duck learning to swim? Ok, I don't know what I'm talking about anymore, but I don't like crying babies and it makes him angry, therefore there is limited tummy time.

9. I still don't understand how so much poop can flow through one child. As soon as one gets on, another is required. How...HOW?!

10. I have not earned my badges in taking two children to one birthday party and am incredibly grateful only Little Dude and I did the one on Saturday. How do you people do it?!

So, what's new in your mommydom in the past week?

Salons and Sons

"Really, this may be the only time he 'electively' attends a salon visit with me," I giggle with my stylist as a small gaggle of girls croons over Squeak, a beautiful thing to have when you're attempting to get a 'do and the dude won't stop fussing. "This may be the closest we come to Mommy/Son mani/pedi time," I concluded as we watched inches of hair fall from around my cheekbones, pondering if I should leave tips for all the awesome women taking turns bending their knees and singing lullabyes while I got a neck massage in the sink nearby. Recall: it takes a village. And really, what man doesn't like three or more beauitful women crooning at him and thinking he's the world?

One hour later, a new lipstick shade already in place (remember a pop of color makes everything better/refreshed/looks like you actually did something with yourself) and the new reverse bob (shaved on back bottom then cut back to front - crazy!), we concluded our visit, modeling the "swing," picking up some products and heading on our way. Oh - and of course we had to stop for a milk snack in what was shockingly a new location for me...the spray tan room. I gotta admit I've pumped and nursed in a lot of places, but that was a new one. Hopefully I won't hit the Tabloids like the tan mom situation thingy...

Salon and son near post delivery: highly recommend it. After all, every woman deserves to feel a bit human again, even if it does end in a spray booth with no spray at the end.

Happy primping!

Appreciating the Teachers

domesticallyspeaking.com

Tomorrow marks another teacher appreciation day, a chance to really make an effort outside of your weekly praises of those who are helping to grow and shape your kiddos into the marvelous beings they are today. This year, our Misses will receive this Pinterest project (praying there aren't like 10 already on the counter when I walk in tomorrow) along with Target gift cards and a plate of goodies for the rest of the crew:

cooks.com

Shout out to my bffs, most of who teach in our local KC schools with patience, wisdom, creativity and wonder. May each student who wanders into this profession have the kind of grace, patience, dignity and care that you do and I pray my children have teachers just like you in the future. Thank you for taking on one of the hardest careers a gal could and making the most of it to impact good little citizens of the world. We love and appreciate you!

Don't forget to appreciate your teachers and nurses this week!

Monday Momfessions - May 6 Week

1. Stuff just got real. We're talking real, real. This two kids business...is real. Enough said. Magical. Cool. Amazing. But holy cow: real.

2. Currently our lives circulate around breasts more than I'd care for, including frequent showings, endless explanations of nipples to a 3 yo, Pamela Anderson look alikes which may be cool except they hurt so damn bad (and they are temporary without surgical intervention later in life), Lanolin, udder cream, nursing bras, nursing pads, nursing cover ups and so much more. I swear these two need their own entourage for how much attention they currently require. Let me know if you want their autographs.

3. Milk confession #2: I've become so lazy with the second that I opt for a warm shower and the bathroom sink vs. that cursed pump. So.guilty.

4. You know that Hallmark card that's part of the Mom line that says: "Don't worry: you're not the first person who saw pee on the sheets and just threw a towel over it and went back to bed." Yah. That happened.

5. I'm overwhelmed with love and joy at the "band of mothers," friends and family that make the village of survival for those first two weeks of bringing a child home. The power of women surpasses every expectation and I'm incredibly grateful for those that line my circle and their amazing hearts.

6. It's official: I no longer understand cute boy outfits. The collars? Cover their face and noses. The socks? Don't stay on. Crap that has to go over their head? Angers them. Onesies it is. Adios adorable GAP wear that doesn't meet this criteria. I'm sure like his older brother, he'll resort to Nike and Adidas by two anyway. Only non-negotiable times: picture day and tea time with the ladies.

7. In the past week, I've secretly used the TV as a babysitter for two hours so I could sit on the couch with both boys. Yikes.

8. We attempted our first outing on Sunday complete with an outfit, light makeup, hair and even my wedding ring (yay, it fit - despite my shoes still don't). Result: not worth it. Let's get back to the ponytail and yoga pants and revisit feminine beauty in a week or two, shall we?

9. I had to be readmitted to the hospital over the weekend (I'm fine) and all I could think about with all the attention on my feet due to blood pressure was that I should've updated my pedi. That and how much I wanted to steal that comfortable hospital bed and the shaved ice machine. And maybe one of the friendly nurses. Perhaps my priorities are a bit out of whack here.

10. Little Dude constantly attends school and goes through his day with mismatched socks. Being slightly OCD, this stresses him out. My treat to him this week is to go through and get that ones that currently fit him and get them organized. But then - how the hell do you keep up with these shenanigans with that sock monster (oh and the dog) messing with the system? Truly,  I don't get it. Plus, mismatched socks provide some flair. I mean hey, little girls have a whole line of socks dedicated to this art. Business idea?!

I assure you this list is much longer as we transition to a family of four here on the west side, but some things even I can't put into print. So what are you guilty of Mama?

About That Baby Book...

"Um, yah - that's so not happening," I said to my girlfriend as she displayed her lovely, perfectly poignant captured memories in the form of a scrapbook in front of me. I marveled at the pages, delighting in her creativity and ability to capture all the magical moments with her kids and thought to myself:

H to the no - as fantastic as that would be, let's get real here. In fact, Little Dude's book lay undone from pregnancy to his first year, the only things well documented are some photos chronologically placed in book. Plus a darling tin a girlfriend made month by month that contains scraps of paper highlighting firsts, a treat I love to pull out on his birthdays.

So for Squeaks, here is the plan:

Carter's First Year Calendar with major milestones and events etched in with my favorite Sharpie

A file box with organized folders month by month that can be filled with little treasures, pics and memories

And of course we still have this:

A no pressure, tiny five line space to complete the most vivid memory of the day with your child

And I'm not going back - that means no trying to get crafty and gah forbid get on Pinterest and see what those other savvy Moms are doing to document all the kid awesomeness. The blog and Shutterfly will also remain full I'm almost certain, so with that...

Wa la...our version of a baby book. I can't wait to revisit them in the future!

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

"Oh my goodness - how precious!" I said as Big L tore open his gift and his brother's, revealing two muscle-adorned shirts illustrating Jayhawk pride. Prancing around the room, Big L claimed he was now a KU football player and off he went, teasing his Dad with his favorite antics of "you love K-state!" Clearly the gift was a hit.

The first of many, this genius present was given to the kiddos from their "Aunt Kate" as a way to show their school pride (read: also brainwash them into attending KU - a shared goal with his father) and give back to the college itself with the Jayhawk Generations Membership. Affordable and adorable, the gift truly keeps on giving with small packages of growth charts, dining wear, piggy banks, a plush Jay, hats and more arrive at your doorstep over the course of the year, delighting the recipient with it's unexpected timing and of course, the commitment to the crimson and blue.

Just the other day, Big Jay arrived in the mail. Since then, he's made a good bed fellow for Big L, who flaunts him with pride, and even offered to share him with Little L when the tears begin to fall.  

The Jayhawk Generations Membership: the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks P family!

Surviving the "C"

5 a.m. on "go" day!

"Dude-I don't know anything about C-sections, and I don't think 10 hours before I'm scheduled to deliver, now in this way, is the time to go poppin' in videos or anything," I said to my girlfriend as we marveled at the anticipation the new few hours and a whopping expected 9.5 pound baby held for me. And so I went in with no expectations given the plan had changed 12 hours in advance, a bit of anxiety and fretting the recovery. And you know what? The C-section itself was kind of...fun?! With two extremely kind anesthesiologists (the dudes went and grabbed warm blankets even on their pay grade), one sassy OB and a lot of laughter and exclamations at the arrival of our incredible hulk, I wouldn't have done it any other way (given of course there were several clinical reasons to do so).

But then there's that whole recovery thing afterward...the winding journey of "I want to comfort my 3 yo during this transition and also clean sweep the whole house but can't drive or take the stairs and I have to rely on others for everything and don't you know I'm a woman" situation. A few folks have asked for tips on getting through, and now that we're a week in, here's what I'd recommend:

1. Manage your pain: stay ahead of the pain meds, or rather, right on time. Though every recovery is different, I found doing this made it pretty seamless by popping every four hours and getting on with the rest of the day as planned.

2. Walk hourly: as soon as the feeling returns to your legs, wander those halls every hour to 90 minutes, even if the nurses at the station do begin to look bored of you. And bring that baby along - you'll enjoy the coos of how cute he/she is, therefore helping you ignore the biting pain. Do the same when you get home (though limiting stairs can be helpful).

3. Embrace your circle: delegate, let others assist, welcome those meals, pre-schooler distractions, errand running and sock finding missions - all while you put your still swollen cankles up on the ottoman. Generally the most helpful baseman: husbands, Moms, neighbors and best friends. What a blessing to have these amazing players in life!

4. Drink oodles of water: take that much coveted birthing souvenir and fill it up hourly and pour it down as if it was your first glass of Riesling post delivery. And if you're still admitted, enjoy that crushed ice - you can only get those suckers at Sonic these days.

5. Elect for the granny panties: sexy or not (note: NOT), elect for something like the Hanes high waisted briefs at Target that sit near your belly button, avoiding your incision and if I were to be truthful, helping a bit with the pooch like a Spanx without all that spandex.

6. Find a nursing position that works for you early: if you're breastfeeding and are of a certain height or posture, the fabulous Boppy may not be so much so if it's sitting right on your incision. Like the pillow brigade you've managed trying to sleep the past three months, get creative in positioning to feed your little one that still protects your middle. Then you won't have to think about it when you're incoherent during the night feedings as you've got a plan.

7. Keep the maternity clothes hanging: though if you're like me, your first instinct was to go ahead and light up that fire place (after all we're still getting snow in May) and get rid of those suckers, the looser styles and waists will help provide comfort your first weeks at home. Plus when you go to stretch the garment as you shouldn't to nurse at the top, you don't really care because you never.want.to.wear.them.again.

8. Familiarize yourself with your furniture again: it sounds crazy, but that comfy sunken couch, chair and even bed can leave you feeling a bit stuck with no one to rescue you from its desert of yumminess if you're home alone.

9. Send your older child to pre-school/daycare: not only to maintain his/her normalcy and routine, but so you can truly rest, rejuvenate and nap so you can be a better Mom when he/she returns home to your growing family. Also, find ways to include him/her with your limited activity such as extra snuggles, picnics on the family room rug for a special dinner or wild times with figurines on top of the coffee table.

10. Get real: talk with your girlfriends and vent when things get challenging and share the tiniest moments that are making it all worth it while you're at it too.

11. Have some basics ready on the home front: nursing gear, basic baby wear, somewhere for baby to sleep and diapers are a good start. That way you're not having to scramble or describe ad nauseum to those that are helping out on the basic stuff to get through a morning - it's all right there.

12. Don't beat yourself up: avoid mirrors or trying to find any type of clothing that will work for awhile; let the house be disasterous as long as roaches aren't making their way in; don't worry about being the perfect wife or friend, getting back on that diet or solving world hunger. After all, you literally just built and then had a human removed from you. That's enough for awhile, don't you think?

13. Keep your gadgets nearby: frequent texts of others thinking of you or taking a moment to look something up or check Facebook can be a little perk during the day. Plus you can look at how the gorgeous Kim K. is growing larger while you grow smaller.

14. "Sleep" comfortably: when/if you get a chance to sleep in the early weeks, find a comfortable position much like you had to when preggo. Use those pillows and respect the incision, waking and walking slowly as your pain meds will have worn off in the night. Though it's tempting to go right back to belly, right side and flat back positions, the body is still recovering and you'll feel it as it protests times ten now that you have a battle wound to go with it.

14: Take it a day at a time: like pregnancy, some days you find glimpses of your old self and others are just damn tough. Patience. Persistence. And lots of staring at that cute baby (it erases all bad!).

What other tips do you have for getting through the early weeks of this major abdominal surgery?