Sunday, January 2, 2011

SuperIma Sunday Check-in

Hello SuperImas! It's that time of week again, where we check in to report on what we've adjusted in the past week to bring a little bit more sanity to our lives, and what our plan is for the coming week.  I really believe that without a plan to accomplish something, it will never happen.  So, this is my self-imposed accountability.

 How was your week and your (hopefully) long weekend?

I've been feeling rather spoiled the past couple of weeks, because David's had two three-day weekends in a row, meaning I've been able to have real adult conversations all day long for an extra day each week.  I'm going to be really sad to see that go.

Last week I told you about some health concerns I've been having.  To recap, I thought I had the stomach flu three times in three weeks.  By the third time, I was getting a little suspicious.  What's going on can be summed up by: persistent nausea, which is angered by eggs, coffee, and anything remotely fatty. Oh, and upper stomach pain.  And now right shoulder pain.  My own Ima said that sounded like gall bladder issues, so I thought, What the Hell?  and started following a "gall-bladder diet" - basically, no fat, except for a teaspoon at a time.  And guess what?  I feel loads better, still slightly nauseous at all times, but nothing debilitating.  Except for this morning when I snagged a tortilla chip without thinking and wanted to die for an hour afterwards.

Still, I'd like to be able to eat with confidence again, so I'm seeing the doc tomorrow at 8.  Keep your fingers crossed for me that there is actually something he can diagnose and I don't walk out of there with the doctor all, "Keep your psychosomatic ridculousness to yourself you crazy old bat" and me all, "My stomach really does hurt, and also I'm only 28 years old, jerkface!"

I'm posting quite late in the day because I got up, dawdled for an hour or so, did my cardio, got Ashi a haircut, took the boys grocery shopping, chopped veggies for two weeks worth of meals (minestrone, cholent, and lentil soup), made Nesi some baby food (yes I know she's too big for purees but she likes them and she's my tiny sweet baby so I'm going to give in on this one thing for now) cleaned up the kitchen, and organized the pantry.  And, I guess, here we are at 4:00.

So I sat down to write this post and I decided to check in on this lady whose blog I've been following for years and years.  She is seriously hilarious, as in she often makes me laugh so hard I cry, which is actually kind of hard to do.  And she doesn't even know I exist, but since she's from Ohio we're basically best friends, because that's how Ohioans roll.  Anyway, she was pregnant with twin girls, was experiencing some preeclampsia, and delivered them a few days ago.  And so so SO sadly, she lost one of them.  Like I said, I don't even know this family, but my heart is so broken for them.  I read her post and seriously hugged all three of my babies for a solid 20 minutes after.

About 30 times this past week, Asher's pulled all the cushions off all the sofas and made a "bird's nest" with them in the middle of the living room floor.  And each and every time he's called out, "Ima bird?  Do you want to come sit in my bird's nest with me?"  And usually I'm cleaning, or I'm typing, or I'm replying to emails.  So I say, "In just a second, Ashi bird."  But most times, I don't ever make it over there.  But on Friday I climbed into the nest of pillows and cuddled up with him and Rami, and they were so, so happy.  And we all fell asleep there, in the middle of the living room, at 11:00 AM.  It was pretty much the sweetest thing ever, and it made me feel sad that I don't say "okay" more often.  I really want my kids to remember the times I snuggled up with them in their pillow forts more than I want them to remember that the kitchen floor was always clean.  Hanging out with them like that was really good for my soul, not just because it gave me the warm fuzzies but because it gave me the real chance to appreciate my babies and this time in their lives.

 So this week my SuperIma resolution is to let the housework go in one small way every day and spend that time hugging my kids.  (Notice I didn't say "let my me-time go, because that wouldn't be good at ALL.)  Not only for me, but for all the Imas out there who have babies that they will never get to hug and play with on the floor when they're toddlers, and who would think I'm nuts for turning down even one bird's nest request.

You don't know me and I don't know you, Jenn, but my Ima's heart is crying for you.  I'm so, so sorry.

How about the rest of you out there, SuperImas?  What are you letting slide a bit to make some time to take care of yourself this week?  And what crazy me-things are you going to do?

7 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well, I hope they figure out what's wrong soon. I followed your link to the blogger that lost one her twins, my hearts just breaks for her. I too am raising a surviving twin and know what a bittersweet journey her family is on.

    I haven't been doing so well on getting my walks in the last two weeks. Between my oldest daughter being on Winter Break, and the weather finally turning here in Colorado it just hasn't been working. I need to find something other than a walk outside that I can do on a regular basis, because I really feel the difference in my moods when I don't walk. I'm not sure what to do instead, it needs to be budget friendly and not require babysitting for my 2 1/2 year old. My a DVD or the like, although that's just not as motivating for me as being outside.

    I did manage to do a few things for myself though, we went to the mountains for a few days over the break and I actaully bought myself some much needed clothing and my big thing for me, I went skiing, for the first time in 15 years. It was awesome and hopefully we'll get to go again this winter. My 6 year old went for the first time and loved it, definetely not a frugal activity, but it was awesome for our spirits. Only my 2 1/2 year old didn't get to go and she was not pleased, we promised she could go next year.

    Oh, and before I forget, I made your chocolate cookies for Shabbat/New Years Eve and let the girls decorate them after dinner as part of dessert. They were a big hit, I'm not sure what was more fun for them eating or decorating! We had lots of pink-tinted frosting, it's very girly around her.

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  2. I just have to comment that our newly-four-year-old son, Gabriel, has been playing the baby bird/momma bird game since this summer. It is very funny to me that both our oldest boys, close in age, are obsessed with the same game.

    I haven't done much to let go this week, other than letting go of my cleaning and menu-planning. It's worked out okay since my parents have been visiting and are helping a lot. Back to the salt mines next week, though!

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  3. @Momof3, you know what? I was TOTALLY thinking of you while I was reading Jenn's blog, and I have to say I am just so so heartbroken for you, for her, for everyone who has experienced anything like that. I honestly am in awe of you and how you manage to get through the day and mother your two others. (hugs)
    Winter time is so tough! It's true that there really aren't many alternatives for outdoor exercise time in the winter. Our local rec center has open play for the kids, I believe in the middle of a track. Or do you have a community center with child care? Hoping you find something to sub soon.
    Oh, and I'm SO GLAD your girls loved the cookies. My kids are addicted.

    @Stephanie
    That is HILARIOUS about Gabriel. I wonder what that's all about?
    "Back to the salt mines" is how I would describe my feelings towards this week too. :(
    Also I've been meaning to thank you for the playdate suggestion. We had some folks over during break on two separate days to braid challah with the kids and it was actually kind of fun. :)

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  4. birds in the nest...that really IS the sweetest thing. thanks for this post that made me sigh for all the mothers' pain and smile for all the mothers' joy

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  5. I know I tell you all the time, but your posts always inspire something in me. I read Jen's blog, which I don't normally do because I just don't really follow anyone's blog besides yours :) and it brought me to tears. I would have cried for her even if I wasn't a mother, but I hurt more for her because I am.

    I also find myself ignoring Ari (to some degree, because it's a little harder to not respond to a 9 month old) when he's clearly looking for my attention. Also, often because I'm checking emails or trying to clean up the dishes or eat breakfast or something. Most of the time, whatever I'm doing can most definitely wait. Sometimes I catch myself and remind myself that I really, REALLY don't want to miss these moments. Sometimes I don't. Usually, though, after reminders like this I am more attentive (though I sometimes scold myself for needing reminders in the first place).

    What have I let go of this week? LOTS. We are getting ready for a big trip, so I decided to forgo any unnecessary cleaning or to-dos...including grocery shopping. Of course, there are other to-dos that come up in these situations, but mostly I've just been hugging that sweet boy and smothering him with kisses as much as I can. Also, I've been letting him climb up the stairs (with me standing right behind him, of course). Even though it makes me kinda nervous, it makes HIM super happy :) and I'll do just about anything if I know it makes him smile.

    Love love love.

    ps - Ari still eats some purees. Hey, if they eat it, that's all that matters. Besides, is it really all that different than a smoothie? ;)

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  6. Hey Leigh Ann - I recently stumbled on your blog and absolutely love it - keep up the great posts.

    Ironically this week (and month) I'm focusing in the other direction - that of housework, home organizing, keeping things cleaned, cooked and washed. But you know, that's what everyone at our home needs right now. It also helps that I have just one little one at home, so my time is waaaay more free than yours. Also because I finally have quite my full-time job and am taking over the home responsibilities, the house has been a wreck for several months while I figure everything out from scratch. (Seriously - the first two years of marriage while I was working full-time I probably made weeknight dinner a total of 12 times. The other nights we just ate Shabbat leftovers or ice cream.)

    Anyway, keep writing and I really look forward to reading more.

    Rachel

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  7. @Hal Good to hear that someone else gets sidetracked sometimes too. It helps to remember our babies, but we also have to eat breakfast! Tough to find the balance between nurturing them and nuturing ourselves.

    @Rachel Thanks for commenting!!! Glad you're here. I always say that cooking at home is THE hardest thing ever but also THE best thing you can do to get your budget under control. Tough balance. If you need to power ahead with housework right now, then you go ahead and do it! Sometimes getting organized actually helps me feel a lot calmer and more whole. Glad to have you on board!

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