Football Life

I have not been able to help out my wife much in her blogging duties as of late, so I am trying to do a little right now. We are in full swing football mode and it is crazy. I am posting this at 10:40 PM after making recruiting calls for the last hour plus (calls in Arizona and Cali because they are an hour behind us so it wasn't too late for them.) In the office by 7:00 AM and making recruiting calls until nearly 11:00, this is the life! There is some down time here and there, but not much.

I was hoping year 2 would be more smooth than year 1, but it did not turn out that way. There have been many forms of adversity in the 1st month, some I have dealt with before and many new challenges. Managing a hundred 18-22 year olds and a young staff is not an easy job, especially if you care about it and want to do it well. As I learn how to improve at my job I try to remind myself to follow all of the advice I give my players. I talk about  integrity, discipline, accountability, and mental toughness as our core values- I must remind myself constantly to live those values as well. Although there have been challenges, I believe we have a team where the vast majority are really good kids and a good staff as well. I try to remind myself that I am blessed to have the opportunity to have a positive impact on all of these people.

Of course what makes everything that much more crazy and intense is that Mimi is so very busy as well.  Not only with work, taking classes, and teaching Zumba classes at the University, but also taking care of Caden with every spare moment she has. She works very hard pretty much all day. I know it is hard on her because I cannot help as much as I would like. I try to race home right after practice to spend a little time with Caden as she leaves for Zumba. I miss Caden a lot right now. I feel so bad about not seeing him very much. Sometimes I worry he will forget who I am. A very good thing is that he goes to day care at WNMU so I make sure to get down and spend some time with him almost everyday. I am lucky to have such a supportive wife and I will continue to strive to find extra time to spend with Caden and Mimi.

It is a crazy life, but most people's lives are crazy in one way or another. I believe Mimi and I work hard and that it will pay off in the end for our family. I am grateful to have her as my wife and to have an adorable little son. I am also very lucky to have a job I care about enough to put my heart and soul into. I look forward to a great season, year, and future.

World's Best Lasagna

During football season I try to make meals that will last a few days; casseroles, soups, etc.  You know, something that will is easy to heat up if Adam comes home later than expected.  So, I found the 'World's Best Lasagna' on the internet.

It required a lot of prep, but I figured that since Caden hadn't taken an afternoon nap at school that day he would just nap while i finished the recipe.  Well, he totally proved me wrong and was a total maniac. Here's how to make bomb lasagna:

Marinate meat for an 1 1/2 hour-done.  Pick baby up from school and get sleep baby out of car seat and put him in lamb swing-done-cue manic crying and screaming...oooK.

Nurse baby back to sleep and place in crib-eyes closed, ahhh.  Boil noodles for 8-10 minutes, at the same time mix the ricotta cheese, parsley and eggs together.  Done-cue blood curdling screaming from the crib.  Now moms,  try to let him cry it out for a few minutes b/c this baby is obviously over tired.  Pump the remaining milk out of boobies and check emails (this strap works wonders).  Oh shit, the lasagna noodles are done, take off band, dump noodles out of boiling pot totally topless.  (That step is essential when making this recipe).  Hope to God your nipples don't singe off.  Run to nursery, as baby still isn't sleeping.

Holy crap this lasagna is bomb!

Pick up sweating baby, undress him while you sit there topless sweating yourself.  Sit for 10 minutes and rock.  OK, now that your baby obviously isn't going to sleep-stimulate.  Put in jumparoo...cry, place on belly...cry, read to baby...cry, make noises that sound like a cow dying...WAY cry, put in bumboo....possibly working.  Oh and don't forget about your noodles that you need to lay flat.

So, now you have a sous chef, that you have to hold while you put the rest of the lasagna together.  Swaddle the baby against you using the Sleepy Wrap and finish assembling the recipe.  Ahhhh....finally, it's working.  Now, that your overtired baby has fallen asleep on you place baby in crib and bake lasagna for 25min at 375 degrees.  Cue baby crying...comfort baby while your lasagna burns in the oven.

I hope you all enjoy this recipe.

Teach your baby to read...the normal way

Ever since Caden was an infant (seems like yesterday) we've been reading to him.  Now, I know you think reading to an infant is a waste of time b/c they are probably sleeping anyway-you are wrong-well maybe...

learning noises

Reading to your baby creates stimulation and teaches them all different types of things.  Babies can learn how to communicate with people, they can learn their colors, numbers and even all different types of pooping styles (link to Everybody Poops book or for those really messed up people -link to actual poops).  Reading helps increase vocabulary and increases Caden's knowledge about the outside world.  Babies are a blank slate and whatever you teach them is what makes them the person they become. 

Now, I know people are all hopped up on Teach Your Baby to read program, WE (yes Adam takes time to read to Caden quite a bit-and it's not his play book) like reading to Caden the old fashioned way-on my lap with a physical book-not an electronic pad or weird flash cards.  He really likes looking at all the illustrations and turning the pages.  Mostly, the pages go into his mouth, but it's cute all the same.

Right now, Caden has been absorbing things like a sponge, he knows what books we read for bedtime and he's turning into such a smart baby!  Caden, at a young age of course will be this little Asian boy who will be reciting football plays and stats like he was trained in the North Korean Military-not really, but funny to think about.

Daddy & Caden at bedtime

4 Hour getaway

So, last night Adam and I finally had a night alone out on the amazing town of Silver City.  Adam had a hectic day and had about a million things on his mind so I thought a movie would be a nice way to escape reality.  I've found that the most relaxing thing I can give Adam for a break from work is to just sit there in silence or listen to him when he just needs to vent.

Since we're old and lame, we went to an early movie at the movie theater (aka warehouse) in town.    After that we went to dinner at the Buckhorn and enjoyed a nice long dinner with some regular conversation...well mostly football.  It's like the elephant in the room, you can't avoid it and it consumes our life.  Adam has been staying positive about the season, although I can tell he's totally stressed out.

On the up side though, during our dinner, we did run into the new school's president and his wife.  Dr. Shepard is a go-getter and a forward thinking, similar to Adam.  He was excited to tell Adam about all the new things he wants to do for the stadium, including adding cooling fans and seat cushions.  It's a great step towards the future of the program.  Kind of jokingly he told Adam, if he makes these improvements, he better be here for a while and not leave b/c he wants him around for the long haul.  I think that boost of confidence was just what Adam needed after his stressful work week.

We went home after our diaper free 4 hours and came home to a crying baby.  Adam was more than eager to get in there to hold and feed Caden.  I sat up and talked to his mom and then it was back to our little reality...Adam watching film and me hanging out with my substitute husband Bravo TV.

Help needed!

Help needed!

This is an awesome link to just what Adam and I were discussing the other day. The punter actually hurt himself the other day, b/c of a divot in the football field. Adam was actually told that it was his job to maintain the football field. That makes perfect sense-UM WHAT? So, on top of coaching 100 players, leading his staff and attending to all the other randomness that goes along with the job, he also needs to be his own lawn service. You know what? I think I do remember Adam telling me that it was part of his job description-HA!

Now come on WNMU, I really doubt that the basketball courts, tennis courts, golf course, etc are being maintained by all the head coaches and if they are-Bravo, that really is impressive.

Let's all make it work for the students and have them be proud of a program and school that they can someday call their Alma mater.

It will take a lot of hard work, but it is worth the effort...that's what she said.

Creepy or Cool?

So, now that I'm a mom, I've been more aware of the surroundings I take Caden in.  Recently, my friend Angie told me about this new app for your phone that searches the area you are in for sex offenders.  What it basically does is uses the phone GPS and maps out where you are and where the sex offenders are in that 15 mile radius.  It provides their name, address, picture and crime.  It kind of creeps me out how many sex offenders live in Silver City.  Our town is not small by any means and they are all over the place.  Basically, my phone looks like a pepperoni pizza when I look at all the red dots indicating an offender.

Now, I do know a few of them, not personally.  They are the people I see at the store everyday, getting groceries, going to McDonalds, washing their car, etc.  And I have to say, I really don't mind them when I'm alone, but I get super freaked out when I'm with Caden.  It just freaks me out in general.  You know that feeling that you get when you go into SUPER MOM mode and brace everything around you.  That is what it's like.

I recommend getting an app like this for everyone who wants to be aware of their surroundings and know who they are living around.  Now, don't go out and start lighting hay bales and carrying pitch forks at these people, just be aware of what is out there! 

Standing!

CKC can now stand with just holding his arm out to balance. He is such a strong boy!  Those baby steroids are really paying off!

Caden is an alcoholic

Ok, well not really, but this morning on the Today Show they had a survey of Mom's who medicate their children to get them to sleep.  Now, I'm not a big fan of Ann Curry (b/c she is a lame reporter), but this really sealed the deal.  The ladies on the show were talking about how some Mom's give their kids a little bit of alcohol to get them to bed or to help with teething.  Ann Curry asked..."so some mom's give their babies, what, like a sip of wine?"  Seriously Ann?!  I mean does Ann Curry live in a world where there are babies in little red velvet robes, smoking little baby pipes and sipping on cognac?

Well, the conversation also brought up other secrets that Mom's have.  They said that they actually thought that women most likely lied on a lot of the survey and pretended to be better moms than what they really are.  Now, these questions don't make them bad moms, it's just the truth.

Here's a few:

• 85 percent use their kids to get out of social obligations.  I'm TOTALLY guilty of doing this!
• Nearly one in three uses work as an excuse to avoid taking care of the kids. hmm I work from home so that one doesn't work
• 44 percent of moms would rather be 15 pounds thinner than add 15 points to their child’s IQ.Caden is a genius so I may take those 15lbs
• One in four fears their partner is a better parent than they are.  Guilty-Adam's always the fun one
• One in ten wishes their child was the opposite sex – and of those moms, 60 percent have boys. NO WAY

It's hard being a Mom.  You just want the best for your baby and family, but it is a FULL time, non-stop job.  Seriously, there is no rest and you can never go back to your simple married life when you could just pick up everything and play.

Now, with that being said, there is no other life I'd rather live.  Caden has taught me how to laugh harder, love harder and be an overall better person.  He's the light of my life and our little 2some is now a cozy 3.  I never knew what unconditional love was until I had CKC and could appreciate how much work goes into raising a child.  Parents are truly awesome people (expect those wackadoos who suck at life aka pageant moms)  So, cheers to all the Mommies out there and save the wine and drink up yourself!  I love you Mom & Dad (Jill & Jon too!)

In case u can't see the pic posted below

...CKC just chilling reading a book

Baby Thursday!!!

Today is CKC's 5 month birthday!  I can't believe that 5 months has gone by so quickly!  In the little time he has been on earth, this little guy has flown to Iowa, Las Vegas (where he played black jack), San Diego and Phoenix!  He has quite the traveling experience under his belt.  I've got to admit he's really good at it too.  He always packs so conservatively (unlike his mom).  Caden has mastered tummy time, standing, holding his bottle, grabbing things, pulling my hair and the stock exchange.

Today he thought he would start his morning with a nice book and a good BM.  Happy Birthday Caden!  I love you!

Hello Ladies

No, Mom, I'm fine, i'm just catching up on some reading

Football has started! WOOHOO, BOOHOO

So, football has officially started.  Adam's gone from 7am-11pm at night.  All his players have reported to camp and practice is underway.  There are around 100 guys that make up Adam's team.  I'm super excited for this season to start as the staff has really recruited hard these past few days.  Last season they went 4-7, if they just win 1 more game this year it will be their winning-est season in the last 20 years.  I know they will be able to do it.

It's been warm here so practices have been hot but not too bad.  He has had 2 guys quit so far-they didn't even make it to the first practice...babies.  But, other than that the other guys have been working really hard.  I'm tempted to go out there and take a bunch of photos and really embarrass Adam, Mom style.  I think maybe this weekend that will be my goal to update everyone.

Photo of a creepy single mom i found

So, until football camp ends, it makes me a single mom-or 'football widow' (which i hate that term).  Adam's mom has been here helping out with CKC until camp ends-what a lifesaver!

Go Mustangs!

Please email me any tips or suggestions to help the season go smoothly.  You can also ship me lots of wine :)

Pants optional...

Today Caden and I had to run a few errands at Walmart.  It was such a crazy adventure, almost like going to an exotic zoo.  First we saw the rare toothless, disheveled toothpick eating bum.  He was hard to spot at first because he was dressed in all camouflage and he had a full face tattoo, but as CKC and I got closer to the door his scent was un-mistakable.

Next around the corner three little vultures popped out and were trying to pray on Caden.  They were possibly abandoned as none of them were wearing shoes (one with just a diaper on) and it seemed as if they had spend the night in the store.  They circled around us for half our trip.  I was inclined to feed them but i remember what my mom says, 'don't feed strays or they will stay'.  So, i just kept hoping their parents would find them...10 min later...

Finally, CKC and I got to the car.  I saw a note on my door, so I was positive i had been a victim of a hit and run, but NO, it was a stalker.  Actually...it was just Adam who left me a cute note on my car!  It made my day.

I packed our car up and started to get out of the lot, but not before I heard a large crash and watched a woman push her shopping cart into my car-AWESOME.

Going Green

OK, not in the cool way that is healthy for the environment way...food wise!  Caden started eating real (well, we will call it real) food.  We started out with Organic Peas.  At first he cringed at the taste of them so instead of making him eat something that I even though was horrible, we gave it a rest for the day.

Pea Face

The next day we tried it again.  It was a success.  He ate about 1/2 the jar and didn't throw up in my face.  He actually seemed to quite enjoy wearing his little bib eating like a big boy.  His diaper later that night looked pretty much like the peas he put in his mouth, it was quite disgusting and I had Adam change that diaper.

Hungry baby-FEED HIM!

Our little boy is growing up!  He's standing, eating big boy food and starting to try to crawl.  Before I know it he will be stealing our alcohol and pretending to go to the 'library' at 10pm on a Friday.  But, for now, i'll squeeze him and enjoy his cubbly little legs and keep eating up how much he loves being around me.

 Best place on earth

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

CKC scored 2nd place in the Baby and Mommy photo contest!  The winning photo was taken by my sister in law Carrie Krupke http://www.pitchperfectpicture.blogspot.com/ .  The night began at the WNMU library where the Community Health Council (Headed by our friend Tiffany Knauf-O-line's wife) threw a baby party-Part of national breastfeeding week.  There were a lot of families there and some pretty adorable babies.

Winning!

We went with our other friends Raz and JT (GA).  Two of Adam's football players from Hawaii played and sang a lullaby for all the babies-it was awesome.  When you think 2 big football players, you don't think baby lullaby...

Vaitai Brother's-also awesome football players

CKC hangin with the men

The night ended early for us as we were going to celebrate JT's bday and it was also CKC's bedtime.  All in all it felt like a victory and validation that YES, Caden is the most adorable baby in the world...well that goes without saying...at least in a second place kind of way :)

YAY! We WON!

Friday night out

CKC getting his handsome on for a movie premiere at WNMU tonight mixed with a breast feeding photo contest...dets to come.

Back in business

OK, Well I'm trying to get my life and blog back in order.  I felt like I needed to change it up a bit.  Also, I'm trying to make it more town friendly now that I have all my Silver City followers-whoop whoop!

I'm still trying to do some new stuff, but here is the latest update.

June = crazy month-went to Iowa, got gallbladder taken out, had CKC baptized, went to Vegas, went to San Diego, hosted fundraiser and then finally back home!

After a month of traveling and being away from home it feels so good to relax and get back in our routine!

Caden is bigger than ever and he's getting cuter and cuter each day. 

Football camp starts tomorrow, so Adam will be busy until Thanksgiving!

I promise more pics and updates to come!