Tuesday, June 23, 2009

something other than dressing change

UPDATE: As soon as I finished posting this, Jonah woke up to eat. No big deal, you say? He had a blow out poop that covered the tops of both legs and peed through his blue vibratey chair. So... I had to redo the bandaging on both of his legs and then put him in the swing (which he's loving less) to do clean-up duty. There was a whole small load of laundry because of the beast of poop this was. And the kicker? I was here all by self. So, yeah, as soon as I post about free time and NOT having to do dressing change, the bottom falls out. That sounds about right. :)
****************************************************************

So Jonah and I are just sitting around the house today. He's asleep in his blue vibratey chair, and I'm ... well, you know what I'm always doing when I post.

And guess what? Dressing change is done for the day. My mom's out of school now, so yesterday, she suggested we try it on our own. And we did. And it went GREAT. So, we tried it again today. And it went well again. Woo-hoo! So if I can find enough people who are willing brave enough to take on a more substantial role in Jonah's dressing change, I may start trying to do it around 10 or 10:30 every day to get it over with. Then, I could have the whole afternoon to do chores etc around here, or Jonah and I could go out without having to rush back to set up. OR we could go out to dinner or make normal time plans with friends. I LOVE that it's over and done with. Last night Matt and I were able to go to Walmart (I know, I know), and to get chocolate milkshakes at Sonic. (I LOVE me some Sonic chocolate milkshake. No, Cookout is not better - I don't care what anybody says... they have a funny aftertaste.)

Anyway, freedom to go and do is so nice. And I feel so much less stressed.

And now, back to Walmart. Ok, so besides just being overcrowded and kind of dirty feeling (I'm such a snob. I know how that sounds), I hate, hate, hate that the carts are all broken. That's my biggest thing about Walmart. Armed with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, I could totally overlook everything else. But man, we went through three carts yesterday (cleaning each one as we went, daggoneit) before we finally just went with the third and gave up. And it was the WORST one. Jonah was bumping and shaking all the way through the store so badly, I was sure he wouldn't be able to fall asleep (although he did). But the cart was so loud and shaky, it was almost embarrassing. And I don't embarrass easily. (Except last night at Walmart when I was trying to get a box of Fudge Rounds off the top shelf, and it was really high up. And this fit jock looking guy was standing behind me, so I turned and asked if he could help me. He said, "You want the big box?" And I said, "Um, yeah. Of course. Is there any other kind?" And he just looked at me and got the box down. That was a little embarrassing.) But anyway, I could tolerate Walmart if it weren't for the stupid cart situation. SO. ANNOYING. You know how they make those reusable shopping bags? I want someone to make a fold up reusable cart you can take with you. That way, I'll always know I'm going to get a cart that works and won't wake the slumbering beast Jonah, and I'll know that the only germs on that cart are mine. And, well, I have some pretty great germs, if I do say so myself.

Just finished a Chick-fil-A lunch and wondering what to do with my afternoon, you know since I don't have to set up for dressing change and all. Did I mention I don't have to set up for dressing change?

Speaking of Chick-fil-A, July 10th is dress up like a cow and get free chicken day. So in the spirit of things, I have the plan to dress Jonah up like a cow: white bandages, smack on a white diaper, tape on some black spots. VOILA! Cow. Too bad we'll be at the beach. I'll have to scout out the closest Chick-fil-A. True, it's exploiting my own flesh and blood for free food, but it is, after all, Chick-fil-A. And although you guys would never support Jonah exploitation, if aforementioned cow escapades do occur, I'll be sure to take pictures. Not that you guys would ever support that.

Ok, well, off to do something OTHER than set up for dressing change. Oh wow. So many choices. Laundry. Dishes. Diaper stripping. Sweet tea making. Watching Roseanne. The possibilities are endless.

49 comments:

Sandy said...

Choices, choices . . . I'm sure it really does feel good!

Still Praying,
Sandy Moore

Laura A said...

Hi Patrice-

That's so great that dressing change seems to be working earlier in the day! I'd offer to help, but I think we'd lose a little time getting me from TX to NC. :)

Anyway, I'm SO with you on Walmart. Hate to be a snob, but even the new ones have this "dirty" feeling about them. And I ALWAYS get a cart with a wobbly wheel! But the upside is that the greeters are armed with smiley-face stickers and that makes my youngest two happy.

I had a Sonic chocolate shake last night, too - and yes, they are the BEST.

Hope you have a wonderful dressing-change-free evening. Be sure to post pics of Jonah in his cow costume! EET MOR CHIKN!

Love,
Laura

Anonymous said...

Patrice, sounds like you and Jonah are really developing a routine that will allow both of you to do something besides dressing changes. Let me know if you need extra hands on Mondays or Thursdays and I will be there.
I do go to the Wal-Mart across the road from Pinedale, but the part I hate most is getting in (parking) and checking out. There always seems to be a crowd.
Sandy

Anonymous said...

Hi, I love my Walmart! It's less than a year old and it hasn't got the old, dirty carts yet :-). I have been in some dirty walmarts in my day. So anyway, I see you make sweet tea? What's your recipe? I live in the far north and we don't find sweet tea much around here, and I love sweet tea. If there is a special, homemade version...mmm that sounds really good. If you could share, my email pdeevalerio@hotmail.com.
Thanks a bunch and cannot wait to see the cow photos. He'll be adorable.
Paula

Katie said...

Um, if I read the bag correctly, EVERYONE who dresses like a cow gets free food. You will be in on that, right? Must. Have. Picture. Oh, and to add to the goodness of your I will share with you JUST how much of a loser I am (no comments thankyouverymuch... when Nathan and I saw that they were doing that, I actually put it in the calendar in my phone so we wouldn't forget. *hangs head in embarrassment*

Precious 3 said...

I gave in and went to Walmart yesterday, because I needed to look at birthday cakes (cheaper than Winn Dixie or Publix). I was looking through some school supplies on clearance, and a whole pile of folders fell out the backside of the shelf, one by one. One lady laughed, but another was kind and helped me pick them up. And I avoided getting a cart for your same reasons, and was determined not to buy anything there. Instead I piled my arms full of the school supplies, and just made do. We have a brand new Target, and I love their carts! But their super duper powered hand dryer remindes me of those wind fans that make your face distort.

My sister dressed her baby in a white onsie and pants last year, and put black spots on her. Too cute! She wasn't even old enough to eat yet, but she didn't mind sharing with her mamma! Hmmm...I may have to see what I can come up with for my 3 kids. Hope you enjoy your afternoon!

Katie said...

*adds "day" and a ")"*. You can figure out where they go. And really... keep the loser comments to yourself.

Stephanie said...

What a wonderful blessing to have the whole evening with Matt when he returns from work...without dressing changes! Surely you can get enough volunteers so that you have help every day, earlier in the day. I wish I could help, but it's a little far to drive from Knoxville, plus my husband, kids, boss, etc. might frown on it ever so slightly. Hugs!

Anonymous said...

i can't wait to see pictures of the jonah "cow". maybe you can do a trial run and take some pics. i understand your frustration about walmart! my husband went to work on the road and every walmart he (and i) visited were awful, dirty, and unstocked. i have to say that i live in bentonville, ar (home of walmart) and they are nothing like any other walmart outside the oh say 45 mile radius of the home office. our carts are new (somewhat) and clean, we are always well stocked, door greaters are nice and actually great you, and the stores are very clean. i'm sad that there is not a better standard for all walmarts. but i after traveling i now have a better understanding of why walmarts are not liked in other areas. we are still praying for you and your family, and i'll keep my eye out for a solution to the portable cart thing.
julie

erin said...

wow! that is awesome that you have more time to enjoy the little things! so excited that dressing changes are going so well. answered prayers for sure...love all the pics of the big blue eyed beauty! I know what you are sayin' about the carts at wal~mart..happens to me all the time too. but you can't beat the prices right!?! i guess it is a trade! love and blessings~erin

Suzy said...

You are hilarious! Makes my day.

Kristy said...

Okay...what you REALLY have to do is dress Jonah up like a cow, make him a little Chick-fil-a sign (or as my oldest used to say "Chick-A-lay") and submit it to www.showusthecow.com. Jonah could win a $1,000 savings bond along with some other cool stuff. (You just know he would get a ton of votes!!)

melanie said...

WOO-HOO! Count me in as brave and willing to take on a more substantial role! I like adventure...especially before noon! YAY! Jonah, here I come.
"Au-Me"

Lynnette said...

Your post was so random. And so funny! I loved it!

the-mommy-person said...

Glad to see lots of bright spot in your days! And the black spots on Jonah will be too adorable, you have to do it. :)

Cristi said...

Cmon "Rosanne" - You need to get out more. LOL Just kidding. Oh yea, and I am still laughing that someone asked you for a "recipe" for sweet tea???????????????????

Anonymous said...

You sound soooo up-beat! Earlier in the day dressing changes must agree with you! If I lived closer, I definitely would help you. Pictures of Jonah in your last post were precious. His big blue eyes are beautiful!

Gail
Annapolis, MD

Always A New Day said...

Your posts seriously make my day. SERIOUSLY. I love your sense of humor, love of Target and Chick Fil A, and dislike of Wal-Mart.

Thank you for your honesty and sense of humor. We pray nightly for little Jonah. He is lucky to have a mama like you!!

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

I was going to suggest that we try to dress up all the kids as cows that Friday at the beach and go take pictures at CFA. Wouldn't that be hilarious?

A womb for rent said...

I just came across your blog....WOW! I am so sorry!!! My heart is hear for you!!! With all my love and prayers, Jen

Jennifer W. said...

Glad things are going so well during the day! I feel your pain about Walmart too-hate it, but it really is cheaper than Target, so off we go! (the buggies are awful!)
We were in Chick-Fil-A the other day and I thought of you and Jonah! I would LOVE to see baby cow Jonah!! Too sweet-and the bandages will make a killer costume!
Jen

melanie said...

FYI: Cousin Jake was actually the "official" Chick Fil A cow, suit and all, for a charity event at one of their restaurants in Garner. Can you say celebrity relative...woop-woop!

Tara said...

ahh I HATE wal mart too! I was just talking about it on my facebook yesterday. I guess I am a snob along with ya!!

Ray said...

Sadly, I'll be out of the country for free chicken day too! My sis would totally make a nice cow though...

Debbie said...

I have an adult cow suit, complete with the udder...lol.
Glad you are able to have a more normal life.

Lauren said...

I ly understand your Wal-Mart cart issue. I took my twin daughters to Wal-Mart yesterday and just decided to put both of them in their car seats in the cart and I think I grabbed the noisiest cart. I wasn't about to switch though because I already had things in the cart, not to mention my two babies. I felt like everyone kept looking at me with sneers because the cart was so loud and annoying.

Anonymous said...

Patrice,

You know Friday night is the night at the beach that we do not have definite dinner plans. Chick-fil-a might be an option with 13 littles "cows" in tow. Katherine, bring your camera!! And, it is Bill's birthday...sounds like a good place for a party!!

Patsy

Anonymous said...

Woohoo! Way to go! "Free" afternoon for CHORES! What a lady! Loved your post. Love even more that you have less stress and more flexibility!
Jennifer in Southeast, NC

Julia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Julia said...

A tip for diaper stripping..
Have you turned your hot water heater up? It sucks because it makes ALL the other faucets in your house also super freakin' hot (somehow I always forget this when I'm washing dishes, my hands, etc--although I never forget when washing my baby:)). Before we(my husband)turned up the hot water heater we had problems with our diapers losing their absorbency. Since we've done that I haven't had to strip them in probably 4 months. You've probably already done this but if not it might help when you do have to strip them.

sorry long comment..i like to blah blah blah.

Good luck with the diapers. Non absorbent diapers suck.

Praying for your family and your sweet boy.

Julia

The Alger Family said...

Your posts are always so entertaining. Thanks for the updates:)

Anonymous said...

OK, next time your big evening with your husband involves Walmart, just put Jonah's seat in his stroller. One of you pushes that, and the other deals with the crappy cart!!!

Stephanie said...

Yay for the new schedule...glad you have some free time and can do things alittle different tonight. If I were closer I'd offer to come help you out but I'd have to drive a couple of hours to help now :) Of course if you really needed if I'd do it! Hope you have a good night!!!

oh yeah and I really wanna see those pics of jonah dressed up as a cow :)

Marie said...

I'm going to pretend you didn't say you cheated on Target with Walmart and move on.

Are you able to get home help, a nurse or someone to come and assist with Jonah's dressing changes? Sounds like it would help a lot.

Jenny (in K'ville!) said...

You know how the floors in Walmart are bumpy until you get way past the greeter? I think they do that on purpose so you can't tell if your cart is shaky and wobbly or if its because of the floor until you're so far away from the cart that you have to wonder if its worth going back to get a good cart and try again.
I think that I live near you and I'm off this summer, so I'd be happy to help you however I could. My email address is: severly78@yahoo.com

Mom 2 my boys said...

Love this post, so glad you are able to free up your day and ENJOY not having to plan ahead for the dressing changes. (you also made me laught with the visual of asking the jock for the treats. my kind of gal!)

You have me baffled with Chick-fil-a, we dont have them. Sounds like I am missing out on some good eats!

enjoy your "free time" :)

Covey said...

I so exploited my kids last year--dressed them both up--he was 1 and she was 3 months. MY dad went as a butt of a cow and I was the front. We are totally planning on doing it again this year!! Free Chick-Fil-A rocks!

Nora Lee said...

Patrice, yeah that sounds about right! Jonah, just like all babies, is letting you know who is REALLY in charge of your schedule :)

Maybe today with an early dressing change he will give you a break...bless his heart!

Anonymous said...

geoff and i went to walmart the other day to check out their lawn mowers, and we also went through several crappy carts only to finally settle on an even crappier cart. i feel your cart pain, although i don't have the slumbering baby to worry about. still an embarrassing attention grabber.
<3 tracy

Kathryn said...

Hey Patrice...I laughed out loud at your "could you please reach the big box for me" story! too funny picturing your embarrassed face. anyway, when I'm not working again in the morning, I'd be happy to help with dressing change. Starting next week, just let me know when you need me to fill in. So I've now developed a cough...this seems to be a not so bad virus that I'm hoping is moving right along. I miss you!

Kirsten said...

patrice, you are so adorable... i truly enjoy reading every post. keep it up!

Lorraine said...

Oh, Patrice, you make me miss my Southern roots. Sweet Tea, Chik-Fil-A, etc... I miss it! (I'm in the Midwest now and we just got a Chik-Fil-A 2 years ago, but it's an hour away from me!)

Sorry your free time was blasted by poop! Hope today is free of any blow-outs!

emily ebeling said...

great post- I, personally, LOVE your sense of humor! I can just imagine you reaching up for those fudge rounds...great comeback, too- if (and this is a HUGE if..)I were to work at Wal mart, I would have laughed at your remark. Yeah. I'm a dork like that ;)

I'm hopeful that your days get easier and easier with the dressing changes- it's amazing what you can do with spare time!
~Em
just me 'n' my boys

Rom 8:28:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

brightleigh said...

Hey,

The update sounds like you guys are rolling along NORMALLY...yes that is usually how it is...you put into words that you have a handle on things and then the volcano erupts right before your eyes. WARNING--that does not stop in infancy. Don't put your mouth on anything that is going along too well because it will end up biting you in the butt. Good to know you are doing well and I know you are so looking forward to your beach trip. We think of you often and share your story a lot with folks. Praying for you every night, much love,
Leigh

Unknown said...

We used to call the vibratey chair the "Kick-a-poo" chair as the angle or something always seemed to encourage intense BF poop blow outs. Good luck!

Unknown said...

WELCOME to parenthood, thats always been the story of my life, I have discovered, (the hard way ) never brag about extra $$, free time, or the fact that you haven't had the flu in a really long time, b/c it will come crashing down everytime!
"this too will pass" :)
TAKE CARE

Anonymous said...

Jonah just wanted to know if you were paying attention....
You had said to pray for poop!
I am SOOO with you on Walmart carts. My kids are at the age when they want to push. We pushed Target carts just fine today. All the other stores, just fine. Walmart? Three wheels, listing to the left the WHOLE time! ARGGHHH! Jennifer in Southeast, NC (Yes, I commented twice to one post. I feel better NOW)

Anonymous said...

I have not been in a Walmart in almost two and a half years and I have no regrets. I like to support the mom and pop shops. And I think if you're going to a place that you would still have to "tolerate" even if the cart situation didn't exist, why go? C'mon, just go to Target.

And YAY on the dressing change time change. I hope it continues to go well.

Jennifer Beaty (Thompson) said...

I wouldn't be surprised if you've won every blogger award in blog world by now, but anyway, I passed one on to you yesterday!

I wish I wrote like you. What a gift!

Have a great day with your lovely family!
Jen de Bolivia