Yes, you read that right… my son is terrorizing me - for fun.

He calls me downstairs and when I can’t find him he jumps out from whatever place he is hiding and rushes me from behind while screaming at the same time. I don’t care if it is a 5 year old scream - it’s screaming which of course makes me scream which makes him scream which makes me scream.

He’ll do it at the most unexplainable times. When he is playing playdoh in his room he’ll ask for help and then stand behind the door and scream loudly when I walk in the room.

When I am making dinner he will sneak up behind me and grab my waist and scream at the same time - he freaked me out so much with that one that I just about dropped a pan of hot oil on him when I had the pan in my hand and turned around too quickly. (That was the only time I actually got mad about it)

He even asked me if I was going to brush my teeth and then snuck into the bathroom hiding behind the shower curtain and jumped out screaming so that I just about swallowed my toothbrush.

Sure, it’s all fun and games till someone gets hurt!

He thinks it is by far the funniest thing he has ever seen when I scream because he screams. He giggles uncontrollably and then asks to do it again. He finally gets the fact that if he scares me after he has already told me that I won’t actually be scared. So now he hides and does it.

What do you think - am I raising a Freddy Kruger or what??

I’ve been kicking an idea around for a little while and just recently it has seen a surge of promise. I have decided that I am going to write a book about open adoption - and not just any open adoption, my open adoption with my son. I broached Corey’s adoptive mother Terry about it, and she actually was quite interested in it and brought a whole new take on it. I think she is going to write her view on it as well. So, its kind of like a journal of our experiences written on both my part and her part so that we can intersect them in the book. I’m so loving this idea!

I even think Corey is going to have a say in the book as well - maybe he’ll write his own part to it as well! I’m very excited about this. When I told her she mentioned that she has a friend who is a publisher and although they are not interested in what we have - I don’t know what she publishes, not books though I’m gathering or different kinds of books maybe - she emailed back to say that she was willing to help and that she thinks it is an “absorbing” read. I agree!

I was so excited about this I whipped off some of the first day I was pregnant and I think it’s going to be really great! It’s not often I get excited about anything, but I think this book is original in the way that I have searched and there are a lot of books from the adoption standpoint and a few from the birthmother standpoint but not any from both. We have such a unique adoption and although many more people are going towards completely open adoption it is still unusual that there is this much openness.

Ok, so what do you all think? Do you think this stands a chance?

First and foremost - I don’t think that I ever mentioned that I have mini panic attacks when I am overwhelmed with people. Like if I’m in a house with my friends on a playdate and there are 6 adults and 11 children, it doesn’t matter how big the house is, if all the kids and adults are in one area like the kitchen and everyone is screaming my eyes will start to “bounce” a little and I have a hard time focusing on anything. I’ll start to feel really hot and get the feeling that I can’t breathe and have to go outside.

I wouldn’t say that I’m claustrophobic because I have no issues going into an elevator or any confined spaces. But yet when my son just hugged me right now, he was hugging so tight that I literally freaked out because I asked him to let go and he wouldn’t. I just panicked and felt like everything was moving or something. It is the weirdest feeling!

I wish I knew what it was but I really don’t. My friend Amy has something very similar - we noticed it a long time ago when we were sitting in a half round booth at lunch. The kids would go from one side to another and “squish” us at either end - she totally got that panicked look and pushed the kids away. I realized that we have the total same thing, because I panic when people are too close to me too - but I’m not sure if there was is a name for it.

I just call it the “I can’t be too close to anyone, don’t like commotion” phobia. If anyone actually knows the proper name for it, I’d love to hear it!

Another thing you don’t know about me - I steal bath soaps from hotels but never use them. I don’t why I do this. I have a drawer that is literally stuffed with them. Oatmeal soaps, hand soaps, face soaps, etc. I have some that are probably 10 years old from hotels. I can’t help it - I know I don’t need any more - I NEVER USE THEM! But yet, I can’t stop from taking them and putting them into my bathroom drawer. I keep thinking that one day I’ll run out of soap and need them, but I have never run out of soap in my life. I must have over 200 of them. LOL - When I’m dead I can just see the headstone reading - Here lies EC, she didn’t have much but she had lots o’ soap.

Anyhow, just figured I’d let you all in on how my brain works :-)

Nope, it’s not my birthday… today my son turns 5 years old :-) I know, I know, 5 may not be that old, but for me it feels like forever and and not long enough rolled into one day. 5 feels like a good age… not a baby anymore, not quite a spoiled 8 year old who can tell you that you’re wrong on almost everything you talk about. 5 is good! How he has changed though! Here is how he started:

And here he is about a month ago:

Quite a change huh?

As you know, it’s been a little tough around here financially but I still wanted to do something special. We couldn’t do a party, although we are having a playdate on Wednesday with his friends and I am picking up some hats and party stuff to make it a “sort” of party, but I did decide to bake him a cake. I know that sounds traditional but I usually buy a cake because we have a large party for him. Now, keep in mind that I am not a baker - not by any means! This is how it came out :-)

Hey, I tried…lol. And the fact is, he is 5 - he won’t have an issue with it :-) So, even though my son can’t read yet, I want to take this time to wish my big boy a very happy birthday!!

It’s summer time and you know what that means! Sunburns, dehydration, bugs, and the rest of the stuff that can completely ruin your summer as well as for your kids. This summer you can stay safe with the help of these tips from MommyDocs! These women are just like you and me (well except that they are doctors, lol).

They care about the safety of their children and have put together a wonderful website that not only gives you the summer safety tips to keep your kids safe, but they have many articles on their blog about tic checks, car seat installation and pretty much everything you need to know. Why don’t you check them out at MommyDocs but before you do, have a look at their list of top 5 summer strategies for keeping your kids happy and healthy this summer!

• Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Look for products that provide “broad spectrum” coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child–daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future. In addition, don’t forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.

• Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child. For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellant. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.

• Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria. To keep the pool free from unwanted “swimmers,” after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it’s a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.

• High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink! Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.

• Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather. But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine. If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away

Before I start the answers I have a favor to ask… a very important favor… one that will make me VERY happy :) You will notice that below this post I did a post about the Beaches Resort in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. If you haven’t read it, it is down there:

Anyhow, one of the perks about writing this review for Mom Central is that 1 person will win a free trip to Beaches. Yes - a free trip to an all-inclusive, family friendly, on the beach, beautiful, gorgeous, fun place like Negril Jamaica. Granted you have to pay for airfare - but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it ;) Anyhow - there were only 40 people chosen to be part of that particular blog tour which means I have a 1 in 40 chance of winning… Great odds if you ask me!!

Here comes my favor - you guys KNOW how much I need this trip, how much I deserve, and how I feel strongly that I have earned it, LOL. So, if you are a praying person then please say a few for me… in fact say a whole lot for me! If you see a penny, pick it up and think of me… knock on wood, cross your fingers, throw salt over your shoulder, find a four-leaf clover and send it to me, or tell me where I can find a robin flying over my house… ANYTHING - but please, I beg of you, keep me in your thoughts when you are asking for good fortune :-) You have no idea how much I need this… the drawing is July 11th so only about 2 weeks till I find out if I’m the big winner!

Now onto Question and Answer time!

Amy-Blu asked - You seem like the type to own fun slippers.. So spill it, what ya got for foot warmers? I am betting on spongebob.

Amy, good question! Actually not even my son has spongebob slippers :) I have these nifty little slippers that I wear constantly in the winter -

In case you are unfamiliar with football, that is of course the New England Patriots symbol which I wear proudly on my feet!

Jose asked - You are a car, what brand are you? What make you’d really like to be and why?Ah Jose, totally a question you would ask :-) I would actually be exactly the type of car I drive - A Subaru. A Subaru is decent looking but nothing special, but extremely reliable, loyal, and doesn’t need much maintenance. A subaru can keep going long into its life and shows no wear and tear even after many years. Yep - I’m a Subaru!

Miss Prissy asked me three questions!
1.What is the best part of being a twin? Hmmm… tough one actually. Honestly I am not in the majority that loves being a twin - much to people’s surprise… but usually they aren’t twins which they always think is so cool. However, I love having someone who does indeed look exactly like me. We are identical so in school we definitely fooled a lot of people and took tests for each other and so forth. That was fun. Now though that we are older, I just like having someone who always knows what I’m thinking even with just a look. We can have a full conversation with only a few words said… we are experts at hiding what we are talking about which can really be great in certain circumstances.

2.How is your life different from what you’d imagined as a child?My life is very different actually. I dreamed that I would be a marine biologist. In high school I knew exactly what college I would go to - College of the Atlantic. It was my dream as long as I could remember and I loved it. I just screwed up my life and went in a different direction. I also never imagined being married - it wasn’t on the forethought of my mind. I was career focused if you could believe it… like I said, some things just change.

3.Do you want to have another child someday?Let’s see… how do I phrase this as to not offend all the parents in the world who can’t have children… hmmm, well there’s no easy way to have that… so I’ll just answer - OH HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL NO! Don’t get me wrong, I love my son, and I know that I could easily have 10 more children, I am just that fertile. Got pregnant twice on the only time I didn’t use a condom. However, I never considered myself to be mom material - I am definately making the best of it now, but I will not screw up another child’s life for any reason :)

Mon asked - whats your greatest lesson you have learned in life? ooh, now that is deep! My greatest lesson in life that I learned is to finish college and don’t think that you can get by in life by just “getting by.” I have a lot of intelligence and I wasted it for apparently no reason whatsoever. I just got lazy and thought it was more fun to just skip the work that I needed to do and fuck around when I shouldn’t have. I wish I could take it all back - high school, college, and then after college. If I had known then what I know now I would have worked my ass off.

Ok, now that I have bared my soul to you guys you can understand a little more about me. That was actually kind of fun! If anyone has any more questions for me, I would be more than happy to answer them :) And don’t forget to say a few prayers for me!!

I promise I will be back later on today to answer your questions that you asked me as part of my ploy to come up with something to write that was positive and uplifting but for now I bring you something that is certainly positive and uplifting!! I kid you not, if you do one thing in your lifetime, you MUST check this out.

It is the WonderFall Celebration at Beaches Resort!

I know you are saying that you know everything about Beaches that you could possibly know, but you really have no idea how incredible these resorts are! They have FOUR of them in total. There are three in Jamaica - Boscobel, Sandy Bay, and Negril - and then one in Turks and Caicos. Currently they are offering a special:

When you stay 5 or 6 nights, you get 1 night free!
When you stay 7 nights or longer you get 2 nights free!

Beaches Resort is an all-inclusive resort which you might expect includes EVERYTHING! And I do mean everything… Dinner, drinks, sun and surf activities such as waterslides, waterparks, hydrobikes, scuba diving, volleyball, tennis, fitness centers, at least 6 restaurants per resort (but some resorts have much more like Turks and Caicos that has 10!), kids camp, bars, and airport transfers just to name a few! That means you can wake up, take advantage of everything the beach has to offer, head to breakfast or lunch, send your kids away for the day while you lounge on the beach, have dinner, listen to some music or enjoy some of the entertainment, have a late night snack, have a few drinks and head to bed without spending a dime! Check out some of the restaurants!

This is the Arizona Restaurant at Turks and Caicos.

If you are a mom you will love the Kids Camp which all Beaches Resorts has. Usually from the hours of 9am to 6pm (10pm for the older kids!) you can leave them with the staff who is certified and experienced not to mention fully trained and let them engage themselves in some of the many activities that are for kids only! This includes snorkeling, treasure hunts, toddler pools, building sandcastles, watching movies, playing games, etc. The list goes on and on. Everyday they offer something new for the kids to enjoy while the parents can have their own private time! Again, this is all included in the price which is absolutely amazing.

As for me, I have literally spent an hour just dreaming of being able to go to one of these wonderful places. Beaches always has such a good reputation and they are constantly updating their resorts to make sure that they have the best of everything available. It really would be a dream come true for me to go to any of these resorts. But you can make this dream a reality! So check out the WonderFall Celebration at Beaches Resort and find out how you can take your family to Beaches Resort for much less than you ever expected.

Make sure you have a drink for me :-)