Trying to Live the American Dream

Difficult+Challenging+Smart+Adorable+Loving=ALI She knows how to push my buttons.  She is persistent to always get what she wants--when she doesn't get what she wants, she screams back at me and throws stuff--tough shit for her cause she isn't going to get what she wants--I hate being the bad guy and almost cave so many times but hold my ground--it is hard.  She picks up on things very quickly and watches me like a hawk sometimes.  She has the cutest smile ever and loves to cuddle when she is in the mood.  It amazes me how different each individual toddler is. She has a unique personality--a little of me and a little of her dad. How does someone so little have such a defined personality? Craziness. Over 17 months, Ali has learned more things than I have in the last 5 years--I swear. I don't have any other word to use besides amazement. I am just amazed at how infants grow and develop into toddlers than little people so quickly. Tomorrow she is going to be ...

This weekend is our annual trip to Sixteen Mile Lake in beautiful Munising, MI. It is my favorite weekend of the year. Once the weekend is done I already can't wait until next year. Only downfall is the black flys...last year they weren't bad so hoping this year will be a black fly free weekend as well!  We go with family and friends of my parents. I am so glad that Adam and I are included in the group because we both are always so excited for a weekend to sit around and enjoy the outdoors. This year however, I don't think I will be doing much relaxation. With Ali walking and exploring everything, we are going to have our hands full. Everyone that goes which is usually 7 couples plus their kids brings their camper and parks in the yard at Packer and Lisa's house on the lake. The house is awesome with a great view overlooking the lake. They even have a sauna which I guess is a normal thing for homeowners in the U.P. I have never been in it because I get lightheaded but...

The other day I had to go to the doctor because my ear was plugged. No big deal, just needed to be drained and such....which by the way is extremely uncomfortable (almost painful) and disgusting! Well my PCP (Primary Care Physician) is always crazy busy because she is also a Pediatrician so I can never get in to see her. She is amazing. The best doctor I have ever seen hence why I picked her to be Ali's pediatrician as well. She makes you feel comfortable and listens to you. Doesn't rush anything and gives great advice. She is seriously an awesome doctor and very hard to see... Which is why.... I always see the nurse practitioner. The nurse I saw the other day was not the one I normally see because I guess she is out for some time. It was my first time meeting her and I did not like her at all. The minute she walked in the room I got that feeling like she was judging me as if I was this horrible person who did something wrong....like stuck stuff in my ears to make it plugg...

I workout three times a week in the morning before work. I usually get to the Y around 7am. At this time there is a Senior Swim Class. The ladies in this class are very ummm interesting....so  I feel the need to share some stories.  One day I followed this tiny old lady into the locker room and she says, "Norma, put some clothes on! You are offending me!" (I am pretty sure she was being sarcastic). It was hilarious because these ladies feel that it is alright to just stand there completely nude and lotion themselves while talking to each other. AWKWARD! The other day I was doing my makeup after showering and the same tiny old lady...she sure is boisterous...walked up to another lady probably in her early 40's and started chatting with her about politics...mind you....the old lady is completely nude hanging on to her swimsuit. I have to look in the mirror to do my makeup and all I see is the naked old lady chatting with this other lady who is clearly uncomfortable sayi...

I have been watching Private Practice on Netflix. I love the show but it amazes me how every single episode has something completely abnormal happen. All the cases in LA just happen to come to Oceanside Wellness. Is there really that many families with issues (I don't know another word to use)?! Even though it isn't realistic for a practice to have so many strange cases, the show does put life into perspective. Don't take anything for granted. I tear up almost every episode. And I watch it at work on Fridays....bad idea!  I love my family and friends and I just hope that everyone has happy and healthy lives. 

It has been a while but I now have the page bookmarked and will write more often! First off, Ali just keeps growing and growing and getting smarter by the day. I think she finally said her first word the other day: "ball" except it was more like "bah" but still awesome! Funny thing is that she used to be terrified of any balls, tennis balls, basketballs, etc and just a couple weeks ago she didn't care if they were in her range of sight and now is playing with them. She LOVES being outside. It is very tricky getting her in the car to leave in the morning and back in the house when getting home. She wants to play outside! You put her coat and shoes on and she is ready to play! You just say "want to go outside?!" and her face lights up like "hell yeah!" I have taken on working out again. I love it! I work out three mornings a week and might just up it to four mornings. I love how I feel after working out and at night. I have so much more ene...

Well...my baby girl turned 1 this month. Time flies way too fast. I here it all the time and it is like nobody can believe it. I think that there should be a designated day of every month to have no work or chores. One that day you spend time with your family doing all sorts of fun things, bonding and relaxing.  My grandpa Filipiak passed away December 16th. He was preceded in death by my grandma who passed away in 2004. It is so sad to see my dad have to go through everything from planning the funeral to cleaning out the apartment to getting the final will all situated to getting rid of everything....it is crazy and I see the toll it has taken on my dad. I hope that my parents know I am always here for them and that I want them to be a huge part in my children's lives. I was only really close with my grandma Filipiak and when she passed away it really hit me that you need to spend the time you have with people, wisely.  I could ramble on and on about family and love a...