Disappointment

This is something I've been feeling for a while. I wrote this all out a few weeks ago. It was sort of the reason I started this blog, but I hadn't gotten around to posting it. So, if you're reading this, please take a minute to give your feedback. Am I being silly? Do I have a right to be upset? Please...I welcome your honest comments, even if they are harsh.

I'm disappointed and hurt right now. My church supported me in prayer and encouragement through a hard pregnancy. I felt loved and cared for. I was happy to receive a beautiful flower arrangement in the hospital room after Snuggle Bug was born. It was even better when the Pastors' wife came to see me. I really love the Pastor and his wife -- their entire family mean alot to me. When she came to see me, she asked what we needed -- maybe a stroller or something. I told her that I was all set on the big stuff and right now I just really needed diapers and that kind of thing. She mentioned a gift card and I thought that was a great idea. She told me she'd be getting it soon. A few weeks went by before I was finally able to bring Snuggle Bug to church, since he was preemie and all. I was so excited to see my church family and introduce my new son to them. The reception was luke-warm at best. The calls and emails became fewer and fewer and I got discouraged. The Pastor's wife mentioned the gift card to my mother again, saying she'd be getting it for me. At some point, my dad mentioned it to the Pastor as well, and he said he'd take care of it. And, nothing for nothing, but the church had a big to-do for the last mother who gave birth. They had a baby shower with gifts, both from individuals and from the church as a whole. And yes, I know Snuggle Bug was my third baby, but her new son was her 4th baby!! I guess I'd been hoping all through my pregnancy that they would do something, but they didn't.

But, I digress. This new ministry was started called the Celebration of Life Ministry. It sounded really great. They have a women's fellowship after a new baby is born. I was really excited about it -- then I saw how the specified on the invitation *No Gifts*. Wow -- that was kind of harsh. But, I got beyond it and set out to have fun. The night came and went. It was fun, but not at all what I expected. There was a 10 minute focus on me. They asked what I needed as far as prayer and encouragement. I opened up to the ladies that I was battling depression and anxiety. I heard a chorus of "Oh, if there's anything we can do..." and "We'll call you and email you to check on you..." And then, enter the Pastor's wife. Again, she went on and on about how she had been sooooo busy and hadn't had a chance to get the giftcard. But, now she had the church credit-card in hand and she'd be going to get it right away -- maybe even that same night! Let me interject here by saying that its not about the physical or financial part of the gift card. Its not the tangible thing. Its the thought...the care...the concern and love behind it that means something to me.

So, the celebration was when Snuggle Bug was 9 1/2 weeks old. He's 18 1/2 weeks old now and there has been no more mention at all of the gift card. Beyond that, there's been no phone calls or emails or encouragement at all. There's been plenty of depression and anxiety and lonliness, but none of my church family has been there for me. Wait, I can't say none. There's been plenty from the *church people* I talk to outside of church...amusingly enough, none of them were at my *celebration*. I don't hold it against them, though...I almost didn't go.

Now the next baby has been born into the church. This time, her mommy is a mommy for the first time. Her mommy is a great person who I have connected with quite a bit. The invites for their *Celebration* were in the bulletin 2 weeks ago. Noted on it was "There is a donation box at the back of the church to bless (this mommy) and her new baby." I think its great that they are doing this for her, but I can't help but have the "What about me??" feelings. What I've heard thus far is that they are doing donations for first time moms, but not for moms with other kids at home. Seems a bit odd to me, but whatever. And, my giftcard is beyond that realm, as it was offered before this whole *celebration* thing was started.

I guess I have come to the conclusion that, sadly, this church -- guess I can't call it *my* church anymore -- is no different from any other. There are cliques, there is unfairness, there are favorites, and there is a lack of follow through. You know there's a problem when church leaders and long-time members are leaving for the above reasons. Its such a shame that its ending this way. And its a personal hurt to me...I've lost a *home* and a *family*. Nothing hurts more than losing family.

The Perfect Gift

So, as you may have read, Daddy Bug is heading to *new place* soon to start preparing it for us to move in. I've been thinking about that alot and getting more and more depressed about it. I'm gonna miss him like crazy, but I think more about the little bugs and about him. At least me and little bugs have each other, but Daddy is alone up there. I know it really bothers him to not see us. We've done this before, but we had to put it to a halt and have Daddy come back home due to a family emergency. This is our second try.

Anyhow, Supermommy is still at her Green Christmas Giveaways. Go on over to her blog for a chance to help someone you love keep you and your bugs close. :0)

Where have I been??

That is SUCH a good question! It seems that almost everyone in this house is sick. Wild Bug threw a fit today and didn't want to be left at school. I think its all because he has a bit of a cold. Snuggle Bug hasn't slept well for the last 2 nights and is SUPER fussy...definitely congested and just feeling -- well, gross. Thanks to Snuggle, I'm feeling like crud. Princess Bug is holding her own, although even she has a touch of something. And I'm looking at the cousin sleeping on the couch after being sick all morning. No school for her!

Anyhow, there is a point to this blog. With Snuggle feeling under the weather, all he wants is to be held and rocked and fed. How is a Momma Bug to get anything done with a Snuggle that wants her 24/7? Do you know? Do you? Take a guess.....YEAH! That's it! Babywearing!! So, if you want to be able to get stuff done with a under-the-weather little bug, click here to enter to win your very own Sleep Wrap! Super Mommy is so great! She's giving away TONS of crunchy goodness for this Christmas Season. I even won something from her! Woohoo! Go leave Super Mommy some love and you just might win!

A Green Christmas??

That's right! Forget the White Christmas and head over to Super Mommy's Blog for a ton of Crunchy Christmas giveaways! Jingle all the way!

Black Friday Sale at Hugamonkey!

Black Friday Sale

This Friday (11/28/2008) HugaMonkey is hopping on the Black Friday bandwagon and having a killer sale - 20% off on all baby slings!

This includes an additional 20% off clearance rack baby slings!

You still get free shipping!

You will need to use coupon code happyfriday during checkout to get the deal!

Share the coupon code as much as you like!

Happy Holidays - HugaMonkey

Sale At FrogMama.com

Check out FrogMama.com for some excellent deals on Baby Carriers. Read on for more details!

Up to 20% off Brand new Beco butterfly II, Angelpack, Himmel and
more!!! These will be amazing deals so plan ahead to shop next
weekend- Starting Friday, the day after,Thanksgiving.

These won't work until Friday 11/28 and will end Sunday 11/30 at the end of the day.

Use them in the members box on the bottom of the homepage BEFORE you place your order and the price will reflect the discount when you checkout.

Use code "turkey" to get 10% off anything, any brand, even clearance items

Use code "gravy" for 20% off Any Beco, Angelpack, or Himmel

Happy thanksgiving and Happy shopping- Tell a friend!!!

www.frogmama.com

Want to win an Ergo??

Win a Free Organic Embroidered Ergo Baby Carrier Hands Free System from Along for the Ride

Click on that link to enter! Babywearing Rocks!

Check this out!!

So, all you mommas and daddys...check out my friend's blog and get a chance to win some great things! http://bubblesandbowsboutique.blogspot.com/2008/11/lets-start-it-off-with-giveaway.html#links Enjoy!

Are you serious?!?

I have to vent a bit. I figure it best to do it here and not to the party in question. So, I'm selling some items between ebay and craigslist. I have multiples of each thing, so I'm not being shady or anything. Anyhow, this guy has been stringing me along about buying a jacket from me *for his friend*. This is a Licensed sports team winter jacket. It retails for about $95. Its brand new, tags attached, perfect condition. He offered me $30 plus shipping. I said yes. That's dirt cheap for what it is. All of the sudden, he changed his offer to $15 for the jacket plus $15 for shipping. Ummm...NO! Are you kidding me? I have these flying off on ebay for $35!! And furthermore, he hasn't given me his postal code to get an exact quote, so how the HELL does he know $15 will cover shipping?!?! I said no way! I said the best I can do is $25 for the jacket plus actual shipping...that may be $15 or it may be more. Seriously, though, this guy has been stringing me along for like a week! Here's a big GET OVER YOURSELF! I'd rather keep the damn thing!

Some people, huh?

Wild Bug Started school!

Wild Bug went to school today! His first day of his second round of preschool was a hit! Last year, we had some issues...he wasn't ready and we had a problem with his teacher. I decided not to push it this year -- plenty of kids don't have preschool and turn out fine, right? Well, starting a few weeks ago, he wanted to go. he kept asking over and over. So, I made the call, got him in and started today. He did soooo well! I'm so proud. I stayed with him (their requirement) but he didn't even seem to notice me there after a little while.

Now, what will I do with myself when I have all this free time? Well, I suppose it isn't *that* much free time -- only 8:30-12:30 each day, but still some time! My first thing on the punch list is cleaning Princess and Wild's room. Oh.My.Lord, its a MESS! That will be the project for tomorrow. I've decided that their room is for sleeping and that's it. All toys will now be in the toy room. The TV and VCR (yes, we still have a VCR) shall be gone!! All they will have left are their beds, the radio (classical music to sleep by) their night light and some books. Does that seem fair?

I'm also looking forward to getting to attend my weekly appointments with only Snuggle. It'll be nice to be able to speak freely with fewer distractions without having to beg the MIL (mother-in-law) to watch Wild -- I think she may have caught on to his wildness...plus, she now has a job for the first time in like 15 years! LoL I hope I can be an at home mom for that long...a work at home mom would be OK...I just wanna be able to dedicate to my children, kwim?

I'm also planning on investing some time in (ready for this one??) ME....GASP! Did I really just write that? I mean, I can't be fully egocentric since I'll still have Snuggle with me, but its alot more about me than it is with all 3 Bugs. I'm thinking I may spend more time at Starbucks -- free WiFi and a great friend works there. The coffee is a bit pricey, but maybe I can start stashing a few dollars each week into a jar for my personal use.

Well, my lunch is calling me. I'll catch y'all on the flip side!

My New Passion: Babywearing

I mentioned in my intro post that I'm a BabyWearing Momma Bug. I love wearing Snuggle Bug. Its the best. If you have your own little bug, and you haven't tried wearing him or her, you really should. If you want more info, check out http://www.thebabybwearer.com cause its an AMAZING source! Anyhow, read on to hear about my latest BabyWearing fun!

I was at walmart the other day. I was wearing Snuggle Bug in my APLX PS (AngelPack LX Production Sample). He was just chilling out and smiling like crazy. He really loves that thing!! Anyhow, We were browsing the baby section -- yes, I can browse at walmart with my 4 month old and 4 year old now cause NOW Wild Bug can ride in the cart and I still have room for my purchases!! Woohoo! Anyhow, browsing the baby section and I hear a sweet lil baby cry. Now, me being the ever curious (read: nosey) person I am, I followed the noise to find a mom trying to push the cart t(hat had a bottom filled with a bucket seat and random purchases strewn on the very bottom of the cart) and juggle a crying baby.

I asked, of course, how old the baby was. She replied that he was 8 weeks and I commented on how cute he was.She turned around to thank me, and saw it -- my APLX. she said, "Wow, that's cute! What is it?" I said "Oh, its an angelpack." She said "I have a sling, but I just can't get the hang of it and its uncomfortable." I asked the brand and she said its by Wendy Belissimo (a Target version of an infantino sling rider or the like). I asked if it was padded along the sides and she said yes.

I explained to her how the padding made it hard to adjust all the way. I told her briefly about my Maya RS and how I could adjust it as much as I wanted and it was great. THEN I told her about thebabywearer.com and told her to go there and look around. She really seemed like she was interested in going to TBW and looking around. I wish I had thought to give her my screen name there or my email or something. But, oh well. She really had her hands full. I hope she actually goes and finds some help!

A Few Pet Peeves

Something I posted a while ago another place.

There are so many things in this world that annoy me...let me list a few(okay, maybe more than a few :P ):

1. Annoying/Whiney people. This is includes people that constantly whine about how bad they have it; people that piss and moan that you never make plans with them, then when you make plans with them, they TOTALLY blow you off!!!!; People that think the world revolves around them and we should all bow down and kiss their butts; and people who think their *poop* smells like Roses (guess what...it smells like CRAP!!!).

2. Bad Drivers (MassHoles included). Okay...where did some of these people get their licenses? I mean, seriously...if you are pulling out of a side street, wait till its clear. DO NOT, by any means, cut me off just to go 10 miles UNDER the speed limit. If you do this, you will be subjected to my horn blasting for at least 3 minutes straight, as well as me driving way too close to you. Yes, I know 2 wrongs don't make a right, but SMARTEN UP and LEARN how to DRIVE. Also, if you are an older person, I do have respect for you. You have lived longer than me, and you have been through alot. BUT, if you CAN'T see the road without hunching over your steering wheel, or if 30 mph feels fast, go turn in your license...NOW! I'm sure there are plenty of people who would enjoy spending time with you to take you to the store, doctor's appt., etc... Oh, and 1 more...those of you who insist on driving in the left lane on the highway, yet choose to do the speed limit (or under) and then get mad when people pass you on the right...GET OVER YOURSELVES! Yes, it is illegal to pass on the right, BUT it is ALSO illegal to travel in the left lane. The LEFT lane is the PASSING lane. The LEFT lane is not the Oh-wow-this-lane-is-nice-and-clear-so-I-wanna-drive-in-it-all-day lane. Oh, by the way: I, too, am a MassHole...in the "brake-job, horn pounding, don't piss me off" sense.

3. Cologne-aholics Cologne smells VERY nice. It can be extremely appealing and very attractive, BUT it is NOT an alternative for a shower. AND, one application does not consist of 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 of a whole bottle. It certainly is not the ENTIRE bottle. All you need is a few sprays or drops. I promise. More cologne does not equal more sex appeal. More cologne = nausea and vomiting. Ladies, this applies to you and perfume as well. Oh, and while I'm at it: Fragrance Sales People at Big Department Stores: spraying so much cologne and/or perfume at me that it makes me cry, gag, or want to punch you -- not a good sales pitch. Wait till I ask to smell some! (Why did Filene's have to change to Macy's??)

4. Religous Zealots. Yes, I am a Christian, and yes, I respect other religions. BUT, do not try to go up against me about what God's Word says when you are reading from some silly magazine (No, the watchtower is NOT a bible.) and I am reading from The Bible. Learn that words can have just a smidge more than their literal meanings. Also, those of you that choose to take certain passages from The Bible out of context, and twist it to be *your* truth...you, too, should GET OVER YOURSELVES. Yes, you are allowed to have your beliefs, but NO, you ARE NOT allowed to push said beliefs on me, or tell others that we are *blinding* people *to the truth*. YOUR truth is NOT always THE TRUTH.

Well, thats the end of my rant for now. If I offended you, well, I can't really say sorry. This is how I feel. So, if I offended you feel free to comment this and let me know how you feel. I'm always up for a good debate. :D

Introducing....me! (Cont...)

Sorry about that interruption. So, you know about me and my family...well, me, my hubby and my kids. We're in a sort of odd living situation right now. We live with my parents and my cousin. Daddy Bug is working out of the area right now, and is gone for up to 10 days at a time. After Christmas, he'll be moving out of state. We'll be staying here and spending weekends and school vacations in the *new place* throughout the school year. Once Princess Bug and Wild Bug are out of school, we'll all be relocating to *new place* with Daddy Bug. You know what? I CAN'T WAIT!! There is so much tension and frustration here -- we just need to be on our own. Cousin Bug will remain living here, but, I'm willing to bet, will be visiting *new place* quite a bit.

So, my purpose for this blog...I guess its to vent more than anything. I love to write. I don't write as much as I should. I guess its sort of therapeutic to me. I've been told that reading my writing is rather amusing, so I hope I can get some people laughing every so often. Please, comment away! Even if you don't agree with something, I'm always up for a good debate. Don't be surprised to see alot of my posts cut into two. With me being Snuggle Bug's primary (read: ONLY) caretaker, I gotta take a few minutes when I can and things may get cut short.

Anonymity is pretty important for me right now. I want to be able to freely discuss things and get things out that may be harsh for some of my IRL (in real life) friends and family to read. If you know who I am, please don't leave any comments using my real name, kid's real names, etc...There's a reason I'm not disclosing that info. Chances are I won't be sharing any pictures of my children or anything. First to keep anonymity and second cause Daddy Bug is not a fan of our little bugs' pics being all over the internet.

Anyhow, that's us in a nutshell! I hope you enjoy reading my musings!

Introducing....me!

Hey There! I'm new to this Blogging thing, so bare with me, ok? I'm 26 and I am a baby-wearing, semi-co-sleeping, breast-feeding Momma to 3 little Cuddle Bugs...well, 2 aren't quite little anymore! Cuddle Bug #1, we'll call her Princess Bug. She's 7 1/2 going on 16. She's sweet and helpful, but a girly-girl to the max. Cuddle Bug # 2, we'll call him Wild Bug. He's full of spit and vinegar and he's a ball of 4-year-old-pent-up-energy. Cuddle Bug #3 is the newest addition to the family. We'll call him Snuggle Bug. He's a mere 4 months, but he has an opinion and he's LOUD! He's a sweet baby boy. We can't forget the husband/daddy....Daddy Bug? LoL And I guess that makes me Momma Bug. Unfortunately, the rest of this intro will have to wait...Snuggle Bug needs me.