Let’s Give Dad a Hand

As Father’s Day approaches, we should take time to say a big “Thank You” to the dads in our lives.  Unfortunately, our media doesn’t often portray dads as they should.  Let me tell you a little about my dad.

One of my earliest memories was touching my dad’s hand through an oxygen tent when I was in the hospital with double pneumonia.  I also loved to stand in my dad’s hand as he held his arm out.  I would stretch out my arms and shout “Ta-Daa!” as if I was the final act of a show.  I also remember long summer road trips with my dad’s arm on the seat back, tapping his fingers for me as I tried to stop him.  I don’t ever remember walking by his recliner but what he would raise his hand for me to touch as I walked by.  Those same hands held mine as I walked down the aisle nearly 22 years ago.  I held my dad’s hand for the last time as I cried in his hospital room.  I’ll never forget that day.

I encourage you to tell the dads in your lives how much you love and appreciate them.  Let’s give them a hand.

Mother's Day

Shortly after letting my dog outside this morning, he began barking feverishly. I went outside to catch a glimpse of what I thought was an armadillo. Keep in mind, I live within the city limits and I had spotted a dead armadillo a few weeks ago in the road and thought this must be a relative. The dog calmed down and I went back into the house. Within 5 minutes, he was barking louder than before. When I went outside, I saw something I had never seen before. Walking along the top of our fence was a rather large possum. I ran into the house to retrieve my camera and my oldest daughter. As I watch it walk along the fence, I thought it looked a little mangy. When I got closer, I got a huge surprise.

This was no ordinary possum, perhaps the kind you’ve seen hissing at you from a tree in your yard or the less fortunate type that didn’t quite make it across the street. She had six babies hanging from her back. She stopped to look at me as I got close enough to make a short video. She walked to the edge of the fence and disappeared as the squirrels above chattered. I realized I have a lot in common with this momma possum.
I too feel like I’m always taking my kids somewhere, though I chauffeur them in a mini-van rather than on my back. While not one of the prouder moments of my life, I have paused long enough to give people nasty looks when I thought they would harm my children. Most importantly, as long as there is breath in my body, I would walk the highest height and wrap my arms around my girls to protect them.

I hope you had the best Mother’s Day possible. I hope the people you adore most surrounded you and brought you joy this weekend.

Yea for the IRS--did I really just say that?

Seldom does the IRS do something that makes people happy.  Really, most people cringe at the thought of the infamous agency.  Recently however, they did something that should have pregnant women and nursing moms rejoicing.  I am referring to IRS Announcement 2011-14.

This change to the IRS code allows health insurance policyholders to use their flexible spending account funds to pay for breast pumps and supplies.  In addition, breast pumps and supplies also fall into the category of medical expenses that can be deducted if a taxpayer’s medical expenses exceed the 7.5% of their adjusted gross income. 

Check with your CPA or tax professional to see how this can benefit you. 

Precious

As I drove down Rogers Avenue today, I noticed how carefully most people were driving.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we drove this carefully every day? 

A customer just left the store after purchasing a replacement car seat for her infant baby.  Her family was in an accident this morning on the icy roads.  Thankfully, they were not hurt even though their truck rolled down an embankment. 

It reminds me just how precious life truly is.  No one is given the promise of tomorrow.  Live today as if it were your last.

Heavy Lifting

We received an order of furniture at the store today.  Most of our cribs weigh between 85-130 pounds.  One of the cribs received today was the 130 lb crib and an armoire.  Armoires are a little tricky to unload and by that I mean very tricky.  It weighed approximately 240 lbs.  As we were lowering it from the truck, I said, “I don’t have it.”  I couldn’t get my grip.  Fortunately, the driver lowering the box compensated until I could gain control of my side of the box. 

How many times when we are under pressure do we think I don’t have it?  Relying on others to help us through tough times doesn’t make us weaker.  It makes us stronger.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

How may I help you?

It's about time.

I've thought about creating a blog for a while now, but I thought "when would I have the time?"  It seems my life is about time.  It seems life is hustling around me, hundreds of miles an hour.  It seems my children should still be toddling around my feet, dressed in Alice in Wonderland dress up clothes and keeping close tabs on their Binky's and Miss Kitty beanie baby.  When I was younger, I thought time wouldn't pass quickly enough.  My parents spoke of time flying by and I would think "how can they say that?  Time drags by!"  It wasn't until I had children that I understood exactly what they meant.

I know that time will soon fly by for my customers.  Nine months of anticipation, sometimes apprehension, will give way to time quickly evaporating.  A customer was in the store today and mentioned that a child of a registry mom was now 5 years old.  How is that possible?  It seems like just a few months ago his mom was here registering for him!

If I could give advice to our new moms (advice that I don't always follow!) it would be to take time to enjoy your children while they are young.  When you're sitting up late because he or she won't sleep, stop for a moment and remember what is feels like to hold your small baby in your arms.  You'll never have that exact moment again.

Thank you for sharing this time in your lives with us and we consider ourselves truly blessed to be a part of your lives.