Getting to know Tottums

Last week I invited you guys to ask questions in the comments of this post – and you guys didn’t disappoint! Unfortunately, then ‘life’ happened and I put off posting this, and then I was traveling for work, and oh yeah – planning a 2nd birthday party for the Froggy … you get the idea. So, while I’m a little late with this – here it is! The q&a post that I know you’re all dying for …

Sallie asks: What is your biggest regret?

Not pushing myself harder in school. Y’all? I was a total slacker in college. Well, at least for the first couple of years. It was the first time in my life where there was no one making me go to class, do my homework, study for tests … and I am not a good self-motivator if it’s not something I don’t really want to do. I regret wasting my time, and my parent’s money. I definitely should have been one of those kids who took a few years off to mature between high school and college.

Jennifer asks: Describe your drunkest night ever.

Ooooo – that’s a tough one. I mean, my parents are reading more than likely, right? I never really did like getting ‘really drunk’. I get really sleepy, and I hate throwing up … after the first time or two of really bad choices in college, I nipped ‘fall on your face, passing out for 2 days afterwards’ drinking in the bud. That being said … there was definitely a beer-pong tournament or two that got the better of me. And New Years Eve 2000 in Munich, Germany. Oi.

Trish asks: In your personal opinion, What are the Pros and Cons of raising your family in Texas?

Great question! I love Texas. Even though I am one of only a few blue dots in a very red state … and our governor drives me batty, I still love Texas. The people are friendly, the scenery is gorgeous, the cost of living is low – it’s home. Even when we were living in England or Rhode Island growing up, Texas was home. We would travel back to see family during school breaks – and as soon as I saw those Mesquite trees, and Live Oaks, and the hills around San Antonio … I knew I was home. Plus, all of our family is here {built in baby sitters, yo}. Moving somewhere for work wouldn’t be out of the question, but it would definitely be hard to leave.

Emily asks: What has been your best “mom moment” so far? (Other than the moment they were first born) What about your worst “mom moment”?

Best moment? Man, that’s so hard because there are so many amazing little moments. Seeing the Mouse meet the Froggy was a big one though. He was so sweet, and so tender – and just loved him from that first second … it was amazing. Worst moment? When they first told me that the Froggy had a hole in his heart. We learned later it wasn’t anything to be concerned about, but it was really scary at that first announcement.

Trinity asks: What punishment has truly hurt you more than it has hurt one of your boys?

Any time we don’t get to go somewhere because they’re acting up. And oh yes, I will totally do that. You don’t want to behave nicely? We’re not going to the park. You decided not to pick up your toys like you were asked to? Sorry, we don’t get to go to the aquarium. It takes a LOT to make me do it, but I totally will. And it sucks.

Melanie asks: What is your favorite part of being a boymom? How do you handle any urges for another child when you have a friend with a baby girl?

I’m going to be honest here: Boys are eeeeeeeeasy. So. Freaking. Easy. Also? I get to be the only diva in the house. Win/win. I honestly don’t have any ‘little girls’ urges anymore. If for some reason we ended up having a third, I would probably hope for another boy!

Melanie, I know you had more questions – and they’ll be addressed in other posts!

Honi asks: What is the most annoying thing that you see other parents doing? What do you think other parents find annoying about you?

Oh man. I am a big believer in ‘to each their own’ when it comes to parenting, so I try not to judge. My biggest pet peeve though is when parents are completely ignoring their kiddos in public. If your kid is literally climbing the walls in a department store while you dig through the clearance racks … I’m giving you the side eye. If your kid is beating my kid up on the playground and you’re busy playing Words With Friends? I’m probably pissed at you. That being said, I’m that annoying mom that will step in and say something if my kid is getting beat up … so I’m definitely ‘that’ mom.

Thanks for all the questions, y’all! The winner of ‘best question’ and the illustrious $10 Starbucks gift card prize is: Rachel H! For her question:

As a blogger…how do you maintain a transparency for the reader yet still keep your family protected?

This is a GREAT question, Rachel … and one I have been mulling over a LOT lately. Your question gets a whole post devoted to it next week; I’ll be emailing you about your prize!