Let's Go to the Movies...

Last weekend we took Brynn and Colton to their first movie at the movie theater.  This is something we have been wanting to do for a really long time.  We have been waiting for the kids to be old enough, us to have some free time and for the right movie to come along.  We still weren't entirely sure that Colton was old enough to actually sit through a movie but when we saw that Disney was releasing their newest movie, Brave we decided to give it the old college try. We just booked our second trip to Disney and we are fairly sure there will be a ton of Brave stuff in Disney so we decided that the kids really needed to see this one. There was definineltly some risk involved since both Dan and I really wanted to see the movie (being that it costs $500 for a family of four).  We even came up with a plan as to who would take Colton out if he freaked out and where we would meet. 

So after re-finacing our home so we could attend and buying a giant tub of over-priced popcorn (we had to...it's their first movie!)....off we went.  This picture pretty much sums up Colton's first look at the movie screen...

He was terrified.  To be fair there were showing previews for movie's like Spiderman with giant spiders crawling over the screen.  He quickly scrambled into Daddy's lap and stayed there.  Brynn on the other hand was quite pleased. She couldn't wait for the movie to start and was chowing down on the popcorn...

Colton did end up relaxing a bit (though never enough to get out of Daddy's lap).  He sat there quietly throughout the entire movie with eyes glued to the screen.  Every now and then he would look up at Dan and ask questions in a very loud voice, like "What happened Daddy?", or "Why is she sad?".  At the end of the movie he did declare, "I wike (like) it!".

Brynn on the other hand started out great but was actually terrified by the movie.  She ended up shaking in my lap for the entire second half.  I should mention that Brynn (much like her Mama) is pretty much a chicken when it comes to scary stuff.  Believe me...I'm not judging her. I mean, I had nightmares after watching Harry Potter.  I had done my best to prepare her for the movie knowing it would have some scary parts in it. We read the book, bought a couple of the toys and even had a discussion about how even though it seemed a little scary, it was all just pretend.  Yea...that didn't work so well.  Fighting bears, a mama that turns into a bear, little whispy ghost-type things...all pretty scary to my girl.  At the end of the movie we asked her what she thought and she said, "I didn't know it would be so scary!". 

Lol..all in all I'm going to count it as a successful first movie.

Happy Anniversay

Dear Danny,

Eight years ago today, we (FINALLY) tied the knot.  I can remember the day with vivid clarity.  I remember how completely calm I was.  I remember the way your face looked as I walked down the aisle,  I remember the love that I felt radiating from all of our family and friends who surrounded us,  and I remember the moments we had to ourselves just after the ceremony.  What an amazing day it was and what an amazing journey it has been. 

In the SIXTEEN years that we have been together we have truly grown up together.  We have conquered Miss Delaware, become high school graduates, become college graduates, survived law school, become professionals, built a house, suffered some huge losses, survived a lot of football seasons, brought two beautiful children into the world and made a really amazing life together.  I feel so very blessed to have shared so much of our life's journey together.

Life has not always been perfect and there are times that you make me so mad that I could literally breathe fire but at the end of the day you are and always have been my best friend. 

Happy Anniversary Daniel!  I'm looking forward to the next part of our journey...whatever that may be;)  Forever!

Aimee

BaBy Q

I'm BAAACCCCCCCCCKKKK!  Lol...I did SO much blogging over Miss Delaware Week  that I ended up needing a blog break last week.  So, as you know Miss Delaware is over for another year so it's time to get back to talking endlessly about my kids:)

I had a GREAT weekend.  It was jam packed with all of the things and people that I love most.  It was so great that I'm going to take several blog entries to talk about it.  So many things that were just special and I don't want to forget...I'm feeling so blessed!

First up on the agenda for the weekend was my cousin, Denise's BaBy Q (baby shower).  This is Denise's 3rd baby so we kept it really simple and small this time with just the family but it was so much fun.  I LOVE hanging out with my family.  We had a great barbecue, watched the kids run around, showered baby Forey with a few gifts and even managed to fit in a bonfire.  I think it may have been the most relaxing baby shower I have ever been to and I can't wait for Baby Forey to arrive:)

All 5 of the Foreys

Triple trouble...helping themselves to the unattended cake!

The original triple trouble:)

There She Is...

Miss Delaware 2012 is...Alyssa Murray!  It is with a great deal of pride and open arms that I welcome Alyssa into the Miss Delaware family.  At breakfast on Sunday morning Alyssa was very excited, humbled and a little dazed to find herself wearing the crown.  She is eager to begin her year and we are all so excited to see what she will do with it.  Welcome to the family little sis:)  Let's get started on that talent piece...lol!

Saturday was an unbelievable night.  Each and everyone of the contestants brought their A-game.  Even upon the top 5 being announced, I never made a prediction for the winner.  I just couldn't!  It really could have gone any way.

I am so proud of each and every one of the contestants. What a classy, smart, beautiful, funny and just nice group of young women. I have seen each and every one of the contestants grow in just a week's time.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for each of them.  I sincerely hope to get the opportunity to work with all of them again.  Over the past couple of days I have been privilege to witness the  love and friendship between the class of 2012.  The e-mails and facebook messages flowing through this group is unheard of and even if they take nothing else from this experience, I know they will take 17 new friends from it.  To be honest...there really isn't anything better than that.

A special shout out to Heather McKinney, Marcie Smith, Stephanie Bailey and Steffi Holmes  who are graduating (I hate the phrase "aging out")  from the MDSO this year.  What a joy it has been to get to know you over the years.   Thank you so much for allowing me to be a small part of your journey.  There is no doubt that amazing things are in store for each of you.  I love you!

Steffi with her little sister

Marcey at talent rehearsal

Heather and Brynn

Stephanie at talent rehearsal

I also want to add a fond congratulations to Maria Cahill for her year of service. What an exceptional representative you have been.  Thank you for loving every single moment of your time as Miss Delaware and taking such good care of the Miss Delaware title.  You cannot not even begin to understand the lives you have touched.  I meant every single word I said at your luncheon. The crown has never been brighter than it is today!

I also want to thank every single volunteer, board member, Miss Delaware and parent.  You change lives!  None of this would be possible without you.  Kenney Workman:  I love you!  Thanks for allowing me to stand by your side during pageant week!  I think we make a great team:-).  Gino, John and Kevin (THE tech crew): THANK YOU! You are each the best at what you do.  Thanks for taking such good care of our girls!  And Finally, much love to my family.  I couldn't do it without you:)

I love both of these men more than words can say!

I hope I don't forget any, but here is a partial (at least) list of the awards:

Miss Delaware 2012:  Alyssa Murray
1 RU:  Renee Bull
2 RU:  Erin Magnin
3 RU:  Rebecca Jackson
4 RU:  Steffi Holmes

Semi Finalists:
Mikaila Ryan
Heather McKinney
Chelsea Betts
Alix Gardner
Amanda Debus
Becky Albini

Preliminary Talent Winners:  Erin Magnin and Rebecca Jackson
Preliminary Swimsuit Winners:  Steffi Holmes and Renee Bull
Preliminary Evening Gown:  Amanda Debus and Alyssa Murray

Miss Congeniality:  Renee Bull
Judges Award of Distinction:  Jessica Schepps
Non-Finalist Talent:  Stephanie Bailey
Rookie of the Year:  Rebecca Jackson
Alison White Performing Arts Award:  Rebecca Jackson
Carol McClary Excellence in Education Award:  Cassidy Seabolt

CMN Miracle Maker Award:  Renee Bull

Miss America Community Service: Alyssa Murray
Miss America Academic Award:  Rebecca Jackson
Miss Delaware Community Service:  Chelsea Betts

Spirit Award Winners:  Ashley Morley, Heather McKinney, Mikaila Ryan, Renee Bull and Alix Gardner

Bittersweet

Saturday…I have a love/hate relationship with this day. 

I love that tonight at least one girl’s life will be forever changed.  I am so excited for someone to take on the title of Miss Delaware and begin the journey of a lifetime.  The growth and change that a Miss Delaware gains in one year is unparalleled.  I am excited for that person to take on new challenges, gain new experiences and continue the legacy of Miss Delaware.  Miss Delaware 2012, whomever she may be, just has no idea what lies in store for her…and believe me…it will, be amazing!

I hate that there will also be hearts broken tonight.  In the days, weeks and sometimes years that I have spent with these young women, I have fallen in love with them.  I care about that as people and sisters and know how hard they have all worked.  Every single one of them is deserving of being in the top 11 and it breaks my heart that they all can’t be there.  I hope they all realize that just being here, just taking a chance and putting their hearts into it, means that they are a success.  This process is about the journey and whether they realize it or not yet…each and every person has and will continue to grow and learn from this experience.   Only one person will win Miss Delaware tonight but I am sure that there is more than one future Miss Delaware on that stage.

A huge thank you to all of the contestant’s parents.  Thanks so much for sharing your daughters with us.  We have loved getting to know each and every one of them.  What special young ladies you have raised.  You must be simply bursting with pride.

It is also going to be very bittersweet to say farewell to Miss Delaware 2011, Maria Cahill.  What an amazing woman!  I could not be prouder of the way she represented Delaware this year.  She is loved by all who meet her.  Maria has loved the job of being Miss Delaware. She appreciated from the very beginning that the job was less about glamour and more about touching lives.  If you have ever seen Maria in action you have likely seen her sitting in the floor with a child giving her whole self and making that child feel so special.  She has done that thousands and thousands of times this year.  She has made the most of each moment of her year and has made a huge mark on the heart of Delaware.  I wish I had the words to express how special Maria really is but the words just escape.  Thank you, thank you, thank you Maria for being who you are. Gracious, humble, talented, beautiful…you truly have it all.  I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you!!!

I wish each and every one of the contestants the best of luck tonight.  Leave it all on the stage and make it the hardest decision our judges have had to make.  No matter what happens…you have a fan in me!!!

Pageant Week: Friday

Friday kicked off with a facial party by Artistry.  The contestants were really excited about this.  It was just what they needed at this point.  A morning of pampering and girl time seemed to help them blow off some stress.  The contestants were also thrilled to score some free products.  A huge thanks to Artistry for pampering our girls.

Following the Artistry party there was an opportunity for one more talent rehearsal and then we all went to yet another lunch at the Festival Buffet and then back to the ballroom for rehearsal.  After a quick run through of the show with Susan Powell the most glorious thing of all happened...DOWN TIME!!!  We had 3 of the most glorious hours to do whatever we wanted.  Most girls used the time to do absolutely nothing:)  Most of us took a much needed nap.  Did I mention how wonderful this was?!  This much down time during pageant week (especially on a competition day) is pretty much unheard of and is a testament to how hard these ladies have worked prior to pageant week.

Nap/down time lead us right into dinner at the Festival Buffet and then into showtime.  It was another great show!  I can't help but feel like a proud big sister.  If you were here, I'm sure you will agree that the competition was fierce.  Everyone brought their A-game.  Can you imagine having to a pick a winner in any of the phases of competition this year?!  It occurs to me that the judges must be feeling some pressure?!

Congratulations to last night's preliminary winners.  The CMN Miracle Maker Award went to Renee Bull. The Miss America Community Service Award went to Alyssa Murray.  Preliminary Evening Gown was awarded to Alyssa Murray.  Preliminary Swimsuit went to Renee Bull and Preliminary Talent went to Erin Magnin.  You should all be VERY proud.

Also a special shout out to Heather McKinney who won last night's Miss Spirit Award.  Heather has been with the MDSO for 7 years.  She is the epitome of what the Miss America program is all about.  We have truly been privileged to watch her grow into the woman that she is. 

Pageant Week: Thursday

Sorry, I’m a little late on the blog.  My need for sleep won out over the need to get the blog done last night.

COMPETITION DAY!!!!  I am pleased to report that all three of our girls who have been sick are feeling much better and were actually able to sneak in a good deal of rest today. 

The contestants spent the morning completing the first phase of competition…private interview.  They reported that the judges were great and that they seemed to really care a lot about getting to know about them as people and not so much about whether or not they were on top of the latest current events.  Everyone that I was able to speak to felt really good about their interview…shew!  I posted some of the interview pics on the Miss Delaware Facebook page.  I’m sorry I didn’t get them all.  I was in a tech rehearsal in the morning and missed the first handful of ladies.

There was also a last minute talent rehearsal to work out any last minute kinks.  Some of the contestants took advantage of the opportunity while others took advantage of the opportunity to rest.

Miss America 1984 Susan Powell who is our pageant emcee arrived at 2:00 for rehearsal.  The contestants had the opportunity to spend a little time with her chatting which always helps to make them more comfortable on stage.  Susan is just amazing.  We are always thrilled to have her here with us. 

Our featured entertainers also arrived.  I am SO thrilled with all of our entertainers this year.  They have really creative and exciting solos to share with us. 

Following rehearsal it was SHOW TIME!  I am SO excited with how the show went.  In my unbiased (hehe) opinion I think this is the best show we have ever done!!!  The production numbers were on, the entertainers were amazing.  Maria brought the house down with her Irish dance routine.  She danced with some of her students and I literally could have watched them all night.  Competition was FIERCE!!!  I usually make a prediction for the preliminary awards.  I honestly couldn’t last night.  The awards could have gone a lot of different ways. 

A huge congratulations to those who won awards last night.  The Miss Delaware Community Service Awards went to:  2^nd RU:  Stephanie Bailey, 1^st RU: Marcie Smith, Winner:  Chelsea Betts.  Preliminary Evening Gown went to Amanda Debus, Preliminary Swimsuit to Steffi Holmes and Preliminary Talent to Rebecca Jackson.

I am so proud of all of the contestants.  Everyone was happy with the first nights show and looking forward to day 2 of competition.

Congratulations to Wednesday and Thursday’s Miss Spirit.  Wednesday’s was Mikaila Ryan and Thursday’s was Ashley Morley.  Both girls are just as sweet as can be and so deserving of this award.

There was one more special moment at the end of the evening when the Miss Delaware Board presented Maria with a scrapbook of memories from her year.  It is no secret that the board just adores this Miss Delaware so it was one of those moments that everyone was fighting back tears.  SO bittersweet!

Miss Delaware Week: Wednesday

Wow…today’s blog is a little overwhelming!  It’s one of those days that actually feels like it was ten days long.  I’m pretty sure this is going to be a long blog but off we go…

At 7:30 this morning we all met in the lobby to go to breakfast at the festival buffet.  The contestants were dragging a bit.  The excitement and lack of sleep is starting to be felt by all.  We have a few contestants who are not feeling well.  A huge thanks to Dr. Laura Moylan for offering her services to our contestants and helping to get them back to their best.  She had a jam packed schedule and still fit our ladies in immediately.   With some medicine and a lot of prayer we hope they will feel much better soon.

After breakfast, the contestants had their first on-stage talent rehearsal in costume.  It was a lot of fun seeing what everyone was wearing and the talent…wow!   I have picked four talent winners…too bad there is actually only two awards.  I took lots of pics but unfortunately you have to wait because I want everything to be a surprise.  I will post them Friday or Saturday on Facebook.  It took us the entire morning to go through everyone’s talent a couple of times and to figure out the technical stuff.  By the way:  We have the best tech crew in the world!  A special shout out to Gino, John and Kevin.  You are all amazing!!

After rehearsal it was time for lunch at where?  The Festival Buffet of course!  That’s right…eat, rehearse, eat rehearse!  So you can probably guess what came next…more rehearsal.  We spent the afternoon running through the entire production and cleaning up all of the little details.

Following dinner at the buffet, the contestants went back to the ballroom to meet with the judges.  The judges introduced themselves and told the contestants a fun fact about themselves and then the contestants did the same.  This is just a very casual thing.  It’s not judged and there is not (aka:  shouldn’t be) any pressure.  The intent is for the contestants to be able to put a face to a name and get a little more comfortable before heading into their private interview tomorrow morning.  To be honest…the contestants were actually a little nervous but they looked fabulous and did a great job.

Dress rehearsal was AMAZING!  Ahhhh…I can’t wait for you to see it!  The swimsuit competition is…TO DIE FOR!  Seriously, I have never seen a stronger year in swimsuits.  We may have the first ever 18-way tie.  I am so proud of these ladies.  Their hard work and dedication has paid off in a big way.  The growth I have seen in them in the past few months is exactly what this program is about.  I love you girls…so proud to call you sisters!

Following rehearsal we had a little bit of fun with a blue jean fashion show.  Each contestant decorated a pair of jeans to reflect their personality and style.  The contestants then worked the run way in their creations…FIERCE! 

Please send lots of prayers to the contestants!  We have three very sick girls and they all head into their personal interviews tomorrow morning! Wishing each and everyone of them all the best!

It’s showtime!!!!

Miss Delaware Week: Day Two

Today was another jam packed day.  The contestants started with the first buffet meal of the week at the Dover Downs Festival Buffet.  After filling their bellies with everything from cereal to shrimp, it was time to go to the ballroom for production rehearsal.  They spent a few hours with Kenney (Producer/Director) learning the introductions, swimsuit and evening gown portions of the competition.

There was little time to spare because the contestants were then shuttled to a quick lunch at Texas Roadhouse in Camden and then to Legislative Hall in Dover.  Sometimes being from such a small state is really awesome and this is one of those times. The contestants were presented to both the House and Senate and given a brief opportunity to introduce themselves.  I would guess that no other stage pageant gets this opportunity.  Maria Cahill, Miss Delaware 2011, then presented her portrait to be proudly displayed at Legislative Hall for the rest of the week.  (Side note: Maria's portrait is GORGEOUS!!!  I can't wait for everyone to see it.)  We were very pleased that even our Governor was able to spend the time with the contestants.  The contestants reported that he was super friendly and that they enjoyed chit chatting about several things including how he met his wife.

Following the Legislative Hall Visit, several things happened.  First, three lucky ladies, Stephanie Bailey, Marcie Smith, and Chelsea Betts who had previously been selected as finalists had to go into their private interview.  These interviews focus on their platform work.  I have no idea who the big winner is but rumor has it that all three ladies did a wonderful job and made it a very difficult decision for the judges.  Second, Morgan Burris, Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen, arrived.  She will a featured performer in this year's production.  As someone who has had the privilege to hear her sing...you are in for a HUGE treat!  She is amazing and just as sweet as can be.  I can't wait to spend more time with her over the next few days. 

Finally, it was time for Little Sister Rehearsal...

Little Sister rehearsal is always a highlight of the week.  It's a wonderful opportunity for the contestants to spend some time doing what the new Miss Delaware will spend a LOT of time doing...mentoring young children.  I'm not sure whether the contestants or little sisters had a better time?!  We ate pizza, rehearsed for production, worked the runway, had a photo shoot and just had a blast.  I can't wait for you to see the Little Sister Production number...just too cute.   I could not have been prouder of our contestants!  I wish everyone could have seen how amazing they were with the Little Sisters!  A special thank you to Maria Cahill-Miss DE, Morgan Burris-Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen 2012 and Tori Brown-O'Brien-Miss Delaware's Outstanding teen 2011 for all of their help tonight.

This seems like it was a jam packed day right?  Well...it still wasn't over!  Following the little sister rehearsal the contestants had to tackle production rehearsal with me where they learned the finale and worked on both the opening and production numbers. 

Thanks to the hard work of the contestants, we actually finished up pretty early (9:30) so there was still some time for a little friendly competition.  Tonight we had the annual shoe scavenger hunt.  Board Members hide the contestants shoes all over the ballroom and then the contestants have to race around and find their shoes.  The first team to find all their shoes wins.  Once again, I have no idea who won but can tell you that between last night and tonight both Mu and Delta have one win.

Congratulations to Renee Bull who is Tuesday's Miss Spirit!  If you spend just a few minutes with Renee you will know why she was selected.  She is full of energy, funny and very positive.  Well done Renee...well deserved!

Shew!  The girls were finally able to head to bed at around 10:30.  Talent Rehearsal tomorrow morning...can't wait!!!

Miss Delaware Week: Monday

If you were here at midnight looking for the latest Miss Delaware update...I apologize.  We had a late rehearsal and then I spent some time with Kenney Workman, MDSO president/Producer/Director.  I adore that man and it's been awhile since we had the opportunity to catch up:)

So...Day one of pageant week is officially under our hats.  It was a very successful day. The contestants checked in their wardrobe at our host hotel, Dover Downs Hotel and Casino early this morning.  After check in, all of the contestants hopped into cars and were chauffeured to Wild Quail Country Club for the Annual Miss Delaware Golf Tournament/Dinner/Auction.  It was a long/hot day for our ladies but they reported that the weather was beautiful and they had a great time.

At 8:00 pm the contestants were finally driven back to Dover Downs.  You might think that they were headed to bed at this pointbut that couldn't be further from the truth.  At 8:00 the ladies were finally able to take all of their belongings to their actual rooms (prior to this all of their belongings were housed in the ballroom). There was no time to unpack because they were expected to be at production rehearsal at 9:00.  At 9:00 when we all so desperately wanted to count some sheep, we headed into our first production rehearsal of the week.  I must say that I was completely impressed. All of the girls were still high energy and ready to work.  We reviewed and finished the opening number and reviewed the big production number as well.  I know I have said it before but...I LOVE this group. The production numbers are anything but basic and every single one of them came into pageant week prepared.  What a dream come true for their choreographer:)  Our demanding Choreographer (me) called it quits at 10:30 and I should mention that I, ahem...she, did not get a single complaint all evening about anyone being tired.

After rehearsal, we had time for a quick team building game.  I wish I could tell you which team  won but for the life of me I cannot remember.  Maybe I will remember after getting some sleep?

NOT the winning group.  Lol...they declared that they just CHOSE to stay locked up together:)

Each night the MDSO presents one lucky girl with the "Miss Spirit Award".  The idea is that you never know who is watching and/or what they are watching for.  Today our Miss Spirit was picked by a group of golfers who were impressed with this contestant's personality and work ethic...not to mention her long drive. Congratulations to Monday's Miss Spirit, Alix Gardner.  Alix is proudly rocking the Miss Spirit Sash and won an iTune gift card.

At 11;00 PM  the contestants were finally able to return to their room  to unpack, make phone calls, bond with their roommates and get some all important sleep.

BTW:  I have already changed my pick for the crown this year...again!. I promise this group is going to keep us guessing until the very last minute.  I love it!!!   I'll talk to you tomorrow night:)

Guess What Time it is...

This much luggage can only mean one thing...IT''S MISS DELAWARE WEEK (FYI:  that luggage is for 3 of us)!  As I type the contestants are checking into Dover Downs, our host hotel.  That means for the next week I will be turning my blog over to Miss Delaware.  Each night I will give you the insiders scoop on the ins and outs of what is going on.  The Blog will probably be updated close to midnight each night as rehearsals do run late.  I will also be updating the Miss Delaware facebook page as frequently as possible.  I imagine I will be able to be a little faster on that:-) Don't you just love technology?!

Congratulations to the class of 2012!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow...what a whirl-wind of a weekend.  We were swamped from start to finish but it was great! 

On Saturday we were actually invited to four birthday parties and a graduation party and Dan did his first triathlon.  Dan tackled the tri first while I stayed home and wrapped presents, did the grocery shopping, did some cooking and started to pack for Miss DE.  It took us a while to accept it but we realized that we just couldn't do everything.  So Dan and Brynn went to MD for Abby's party (Niece) and Colton and I had the much shorter trip to Felton for Aiden's (nephew) party.  Colton and I had a great time and Brynn reported that she and Daddy also had a blast.  Happy birthday to both Aiden and Abby!!!  I can't believe  you are 5!!!  We love you so much!

Sunday was also a huge day because it was Brynn and I's ballet recital.  I don't know what was wrong with me but I was an emotional basket case.  It has been a really great year at dance and I just LOVE my dancers.  I was so unbelievably proud of Brynn and all of my girls.  It's so awe inspiring to see how much they have grown over the past year.  Kids are really amazing!  My dance parents spoiled me with gifts and the sweetest notes, cards, and compliments.  I felt so loved and I hope they all know that I mean it when I say I love their girls.

Brynn was such a pro on stage!  This age is so funny because they don't even realize at this point that they should be nervous.  It was a packed house...hundreds of people...and she didn't even bat an eye.  I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to be her first dance teacher. She did a great job on stage and was so happy to have all six of her grandparents there to cheer for her.  I love you baby girl and I just couldn't be any prouder!

Colton was also there to cheer for his big sister.  He loved the hip hop number!  He thought Brynn did a good job but said "Music too loud...it's scary".


Brynn with her idol, Tori.




Second Ballet Recital<3



Feeling Cheated

Disclaimer:  I have not had a full night's sleep in a week (super sick kid but I will get to that later).  I am sleep deprived, working full time, getting ready for recital this Sunday, doing last minute preparations for Miss Delaware which is next week, dealing with some drama, attempting to finish gifts for 7 teachers and do the typical Mama and take care of the house stuff.  Oh...and my husband started a new job last week and is trying to finish up stuff for his old job as well...awesome!  This may be a rambling, chaotic post.  If you are offended by boobies, bitching, hearing about my sick children or disjointed/disgruntled thoughts...turn back now. If you are kind of curious what psycho/sleep deprived Aimee is like..read on:)

Let me start this post with saying that I exclusively breast fed each of my children for a full year.  Do I think I deserve a trophy for this?   Hell yeah!  Do I think mom's that do not breastfeed should be denied the trophy...NO!  Not that anyone really asked but I think each mom should feel free to make the choice on her on without judgment from others (aka:  mind yo business).  Personally, I think all moms that survive the first year and maintain sanity (a small amount satisfies this requirement) deserve a trophy.  Boobie feeding or not...motherhood is tough stuff (yeah, yeah, yeah...it's great, wonderful and fantastic and TOUGH!).  Anyway I breast fed for an entire year because:

                Among the benefits demonstrated by research:
                     -Breastfeeding helps a woman to lose weight after birth.
                     -Many studies show that breastfeeding strengthens the immune system.
                     -Respiratory illness is far more common among formula-fed children.
                     -Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the likelihood of ear infections, and to prevent recurrent
                      ear infections. Ear infections are a major reason that infants take multiple courses of antibiotics.
                     -Another apparent benefit from breastfeeding may be protection from allergies.  A review of 132
                      studies on allergy and breastfeeding concluded that breastfeeding appears to help protect
                      children from developing allergies, and that the effect seems to be particularly strong among
                      children whose parents have allergies.                    
                    -Studies also indicate that cognitive development is increased among children whose mothers     
                      choose to breastfeed.

I'm not making this stuff up. That is straight from the American Academy of Pediatrics and every other website that claims to know all.  So let's break this down a bit.

1.  Breastfeeding will make you look like a Victoria's Secret Model (I'm paraphrasing...whatever!).  Uhhh...BULLSHIT!  Breastfeeding made me hungry.  I mean what else are you supposed to do when you are re-covering from a c-section, forbidden from exercise, and spending the entire day within reaching distance of the fridge?  You eat!  Yea, yea, yea...I COULD have chosen to eat fruit, veggies, and yogurt.  However, pizza, fries and chips are more my style...and anyway, I breast fed so the magical weight loss should really kick in at anytime.  I'm thinking this may have been a scam! 

2.  Your kids will not get sick as often as other kids.  Uhhh...BULL$&!^!  My kids catch every single thing that goes around and have even created a few illnesses of their own.  I swear Brynn developed a virus this year that single handly took out her entire pre-school.

3.  Your child will not develop asthma.  Uhhh...Colton was diagnosed with asthma at around a year old.  I won't say it this time but you know what I am thinking (it rhymes with BULL SPIT).

4.  Breastfeeding reduces ear infections.  AH  HA HA  HA HAAAAH (said in a maniacal laughing kind way).  Colton and Brynn both have "chronic ear infections".  Brynn had to have tubes put in her ears when she was 3.  Colton had to get them when he was 9 months old.  He had his second surgery a month after the first and we are currently trying to plan the best time for his third.

5.  You won't have to worry about allergies.  Both Colton and I were breastfed.  We both have HORRIBLE allergies.

6.  Your kid will be a genius.  Personally, I would agree that both of my children are geniuses but to be fair I declared that when all they were able to do was drool.

I breastfed each kid for an entire year. That means two entire years of nursing a baby in the most unlikely of places (my car, The Magic Kingdom, in the middle of a bachelorette party, smelly bathrooms, etc).  Two years of being the only person to handle the middle of the night feedings.  It means two years of taking my handy dandy boobie pump everywhere with me and expressing milk in the most unlikely places (the airport bathroom, at work, in my car, at work conferences, etc) so that I could work and still breastfeed.  Please, please, PLEASE someone tell me that I did all of this for more than saggy girls!!!!!  I HAVE BEEN CHEATED...WHERE ARE MY BENEFITS??!!!

You may be wondering why I am off on this crazy/psycho tangent (and probably too afraid to ask at this point).  After 6 nights of middle of the night asthma attacks, I finally decided that this was getting crazy and Colton needed to see the doctor.  Yesterday, as I sat in the pediatrician's office waiting for our doctor for the one millionth time.  I look up and see a beautiful poster of a nursing mother.  The poster goes on to tell of all the wonderful rewards of nursing (see above).  Then my pediatrician comes into the room and tells me that Colton has a nasty bronchial infection coupled with traces of pneumonia. This is all probably the result of allergy season and complications of his asthma.  And by the way...his ears still look pretty bad (after two rounds of antibiotics) so we probably need to start preparing ourselves for another ear surgery. 

In my exhausted/frustrated state, I motion up to the poster and say, "You should take that poster down.  It lies!"  She looked at me sympathetically and said "you aren't the first person to tell me that but at least you never had to pay for formula."  Lol...well, there is that.

Disclaimer 2:  To be honest, even though I feel severely cheated by the breastfeeding gods, I would still do it all over again and if I ever decided to have another child, I would embrace breastfeeding again.  Maybe it would actually work next time?  Please do not e-mail/message/call me and tell me about all the ways that breastfeeding did benefit your child.  I get it!  I am a card carrying member of the boobie bandwagon who just needed a moment to vent.  Thanks for listening:)