…Yeah. That just about sums up my day.
So, yeah. I’m still in a funk.
Don’t you LOVE it, Gorgeouses? Isn’t that why you come here. Or, should I shut it already and just give the people WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT!:

There. Happy now? Worth your time stopping by?
Anyway, I’m still feeling a little postpartum-y. Today, I cried. CRIED. At the idea of going on vacation. See, I decided I want to go somewhere sunny with palm trees and ocean SO BADLY. And, know what? I want to go by myself.
All by myself.
I want to go to some remote (safe) sunny spot all by myself. I want to sit on the beach, stare at the ocean, for, like, 4 straight days. I want to fill my nose with SEA freaking BREEZE and just veg. No responsibilities. No noise (except waves and the sweet chirping of island birds). And, all the NON-VIRGIN NON-CALORIE piña coladas I can drink WITHOUT GETTING SICK. Oh, and Clive Owen (in FULL ELIZABETHAN GARB) fanning me with palm leaves.

Love…. And, yes yes I know I posted this pic already THIS WEEK (no less). But, I’m hurting. And, he, like, makes it better.
So, it’s a bit of a fantasy (duh). And, it makes me cry to think that it will never ever happen. Unless…, well, how much do you think I’d have to pay Clive to fan me? And, do you think it’d be extra for the Elizabethan garb?
As I was saying…. At the very least, I NEED a vacation. Would LOVE to go to some remote island. Where it’s sunny. And, there’s ocean.
Since I’ll be nursing for a year, this can’t happen till the Fall, at least. But, I think I’m serious about it. I think I need it. I think it’ll make me happy. Life’s short. I need a REAL break. And a tan. I could really use a tan. And a haircut (must book appointment tomorrow…).
In the meantime, I put way too much pressure on myself, and I’m convinced that THIS is exactly what’s getting to me. I put pressure on myself to be the perfect mom, perfect wife — I mean, amid all the chaos that is MY LIFE, I made THIS today? Like, excuse me?:

I really need to take a food photography class because my food always looks like vomit in pictures. Kind of like my nose…. Anyway, that’s cornflake-crusted chicken and rice with vegetables. I stood there with SORE FEET and VAJEEJEJEJEEEEJEEE baking SIX CHICKEN BREASTS.
And, yesterday, IN PRIME FUNKDOME, I made a quiche (AND the monkey loved it — of course, not realizing there was an ENTIRE package of spinach in it, mwhahahaha!):

Yes, I know. The composition of this photo is brillers. The over-buttered bread (of Josh-O), the lone knife on the plate — fancay! The burnt bit. Total brills. YUM!
….and, I’m putting way too much pressure on myself to get into shape again. Whole. Body. Aches.
So, I’m taking it easy.
I’m not going to the gym tomorrow.
No.
I’m going for a leisurely walk to work the bod AND ease the soul.
With him:

Can you believe HOW BIG??? Oh and HE ROLLED ONTO HIS TUMMY TODAY! Yay Rascal!
Then, we’ll pick up the monkey from preschool, and we’ll go somewhere FUN for all. Maybe I’ll even buy myself something…. And, maybe I’ll buy the monkey a little tea set and play tea party with her because it’s so dang freaking adorable.
Yeah. Tomorrow’s going to be a good day.
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As promised….
The monkey’s been breastfeeLING the rascal!!!!! She’s got one thumb in her mouth and the other HAND DOWN HIS SHIRT. OY!:

Oy, CHIN!
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Monkey to Josh-O: No. I’m NOT shaving today……..


































Kristen January 16th, 2008 at 12:18 am
K, photo of Rascal with his mouth wide open? Cutest ever!
Your alone vacation dream? Shared by moi. for years.
I think my dh should at least take me somewhere, very soon, before… well, you know…
You totally deserve a vacation, at the very least some kid breaks. And some fun. With and without the family.
And yes, please, take it easy on yourself!
OH, tea set, Chapters has the cutest silver-plated tea sets for 25 bucks! (I picked up a bunch for bday party gifts when I had a 30% off coupon.) And they are almost identical to the one my dh bought my Girly at a little boutique for $125!
Oh, food photo classes… I was thinking about those yesterday as I browsed this terrific blog where the woman gives step by step recipe instructions with the most beautiful photos ever. Just gorgeous.
Take care of yourself Haley!
Lindsey January 16th, 2008 at 12:54 am
Hey, we have the same ‘alone’ vacation fantasy… except Brad Pitt is fanning me and my piña coladas are full fat. (They’d taste better). Your post made me laugh (again), you really are super Mom… and what a dinner! I have the same issues, I stay home all day so I have to make something from scratch or I’m not a good wife/Mom/Miracle worker. Take it easy or you may implode. The rascal is Yuge… how much does he weigh? Soooo cute. My Tadpole has Sophie the Giraffe as well… and the same socks. Too bad we’re not neighbours!! Today will be a better day I’m sure!! Keep smiling!
shay January 16th, 2008 at 1:28 am
Okay so your baby…cutest thing ev-ah!
And pleeeeeeeezzzzzze don’t be so hard on yourself! You just had a baby for crying out loud. (I’m exactly the same so trust me I get it. I’m much better at giving than taking advice!)
I’d love to take a vacation alone WITH MY HUBBY!!! Can you imagine? A really conversation WITH MY HUBBY??!! It’s like a fantasy! And no virgin drinks ;-)
I love that picture of Clive! He is so totally yummy!
Renee January 16th, 2008 at 1:34 am
I haven’t been away for over 2 years now and that was for work…bummer! But tonight I was out with my friends and that was so much fun…no kiddos, well until about 9pm then my friend’s daughter showed up. And even still we talked about the things little boys do (oh you are in for such a treat!)
Can you get Josh to take Rascal & Monkey for an hour or even 30 minutes to give you a bit of time? That helped me lots.
Good luck!
Renee January 16th, 2008 at 1:35 am
Oh and Rascal looks sooo cute in the fist picture…love those cheeks!
Adele January 16th, 2008 at 7:44 am
It must be a mom fantasy. I think I’ve had that thought more than I can count. Although, I’d like to bring my friends, so that I have someone to talk to. I have started a “trip” fund, and I’m making mine reality- and soon.
Steph January 16th, 2008 at 7:45 am
How about a spa day to tide you over until you can be away from the rascal? Oh and not that I’m encouraging you to keep cooking everyday and be all uber super mom and all but if you like quiche try:
http://www.kraftcanada.com/EN/Recipes/RecipeTemplate?recipe_id=84627
mamatulip January 16th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Okay, first of all, I’d expect food like that at a restaurant. You ROCK the kitchen. Seriously.
Second of all, I cannot get over how much the Rascal looks like you!
Third of all, go easy on yourself. You have a lot going on…it’s okay to miss the gym one day. Or two.
ali January 16th, 2008 at 8:19 am
sent you an email, will doesn’t want to breasfeed ben, he wants me to breastfeed him! i told him no, he was too big, but he has been known to climb up and lick my boob while i’m feeding his brother! good times!
Rebecca January 16th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Oh, the blues. There’s nothing quite having two very small children and being stuck inside. Nothing.
Your food looks delicious – and here’s a secret: any food photos on my blog WERE TAKEN BY MY HUSBAND. Who has taken photography classes. So don’t feel bad.
Sarah January 16th, 2008 at 8:36 am
I like the day you have planned today Haley! That’t the spirit girl!
Oh .. and .. do you have a botanical garden’s in T.O.? At least it could FEEL tropical for a while .. we have one here in Montreal, and it’s a good way to brush away the crappy January blues!
BTW .. you are AWESOME, I think I cooked alot of crap when I was on maternity leave .. and look at all the beautiful food you are cooking!! Josh-O .. take thy good wife on vacation .. start planning for the fall, now! :)
ali January 16th, 2008 at 9:21 am
{hugs}. like Beck, said, many of us remember those days. and they suck like hell. but, the bright side is that they get better. really, they do. i promise.
can you leave the two kids with josh and go out with me? just the two of us? i’ll come down to you – even just to go sit and starbucks without kids? maybe?
oy. the red cheeks. mush!
LAVENDULA January 16th, 2008 at 9:21 am
aww rascals so cute.and miaoww minden….monkey breastfeeling rascal ha hilarious….your food looks good ….and i hear you on the vacation.alone.ocean breeze.sunny.ALONE. OH YEAH….i could use a vacation too.
LAVENDULA January 16th, 2008 at 9:24 am
how could i forget clive in elizabethan garb….and no he wouldn’t charge you extra for the elizabethan garb…
kgirl January 16th, 2008 at 9:40 am
I guess adorable children are pretty good remedies for a post-partum funk if clive owen is not available. enjoy your walk. i do the same thing tues/thurs mornings.
Julie January 16th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Okay, good, my guilt is gone. I also fantasize about going on a vacation by myself. I can only imagine a night of sleeping through. No constant breastfeeding, no stuffy nosed babies waking all night long because they can’t breathe, no husband wondering why you don’t feel sexy at the end of the day!! I’m exaggerating totally, but it would be heaven!
The Rascal is so cute and he looks like he’s getting big. That whole breastfeeling thing makes me laugh! Did she ever want to go back to it when you started with the Rascal? I wondered that since it had only been 5 months since I stopped with the first and started with the second. I was happy though, he never showed any interest.
Good luck with your days. We have a pretty hard job and it can really be exhausting some days. Just remember all of us out there who are probably experiencing the same stuff! Blogging is a great way to you and all of us through it!
Nadine January 16th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I wouldn’t mind a vacation like that at all! But like you, it is not likely to happen.
You super mom! Cooking and everything. I hope you have a fun tea party with the little monkey!
Dayn January 16th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I think all your posts (all of them) are refreshing as a mom. You write about what really goes on, no matter whether it’s simple or really deep. I think we’ve all been there so we don’t feel alone reading your blogs. After all isn’t that why we all stop our days for a little cheaty look see. Haley, my bf and I are thinking of renting a motel room ( not ikky) and sleeping, going out for dinner, some manicures, then more SLEEPING!! Together her and I have 5 kids under 2. WOWZERS EH!!! Anyways, hope your day is blessed today!!!
Redneck Mommy January 16th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
You must quit with the super mom thing, darlin. You’ll go mad.
And until you can go on that lovely tropical vacation, complete with Mr. Owen, may I suggest a mani/pedi or a swishy new hair cut? Something just for you to lift your spirits? Something other than exercise???
workout mommy January 16th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
just know you are not alone!
and seriously, your dinners look amazing to me. mine all come out of a box! :)
jasmine January 16th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
I think the spa day is a fab idea! It’ll make you feel like a million bucks and tie you over for about oh, one day till you can go on that dream vacay! Really Haley-O, you MUST take some time to your complete self a little bit and give yourself a darn break. You’re doing a fabulous job keeping house and home and kids and hubby and all of us happy. Even if you took it down a notch or even two you’re still the bomb and it’ll all be good!
You’re family is only as happy as the mom who’s running it. Take care of you and the rest will fall into place. I wish I could come over. I’d scoop up you kids and after I devoured them in snuggles, took them out and spent a fortune on them while you had your spa day… I’d have to give them back. But that would give you the break you need and me the kiddy fix I do.
Kara January 16th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Haha. I can’t tell if the Rascal is crying or sreaming, but I’m sure you’re enjoying it either way. And hey, at least you can cook at all. I can barely peel the lid of my snack-packs.
Nikki January 16th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I must say your vacation sounds heavenly :)
I love the outfit the lil rascal has on, man he is just so adorable, I could eat him up!
Lacey January 16th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
*Hugs*
Tug January 16th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Order pizza, and start planning your vaca. It’s never too early to start planning, and gives your something tangible to look forward to!
((hugs))
multi-tasking mommy January 16th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Ok, I could eat up your little rascal!
I’m missin’ the photos of the monkey though :)
You are doing such a great job with losing weight. Time, my dear, time! Be patient with yourself.
Jenn January 16th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
I just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you and although you know this things will get better. I being reminded of how I too will feel in a couple of months with the post partum blues.
I’m rooting for you!
Jenn
Teena in Toronto January 16th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I did a presentation about ten years ago and one of the attendees asked me when I was due. Um, it’s a beer and pizza belly, thank you. Both of us were very embarrassed. Oh well!
I love the shot of Minden!
And the Rascal is getting so big!
The Cheaty Monkey January 17th, 2008 at 1:00 am
[...] AMAZED that my fantasy of going away by myself for a few days isn’t unusual or, like, a sign that I’m in a total state of CRISIS. [...]
Fran January 20th, 2008 at 8:48 am
May I recommend the Sivananda Yoga retreat on Paradise Island…Nassau…BAHAMAS BABY!! And, all alone……F:)
Binoculars October 11th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Hello! I like the design of your blog (and content too btw) and I would like to know what theme are you using? Is it your own design or free theme? thanks in advance, regards Pete
Binoculars October 11th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Hey, this is a bit irrelevant, but I noticed your blog page loaded lightning fast compared to mine. So I was wondering are you using dedicated hosting or shared hosting? thanks.