Week 30

Week 29

Week 28

Week 27

Little Miss

I saw a video that I can't find anymore where women were asked what they would change if given the opportunity.  They all picked a physical trait or something about themselves.  Then, they asked a group of young girls.  They all wanted to add something like a super power but didn't change anything about themselves.  So, I asked Little Miss what she would change if she could change one thing.  Her response was "why would I want to change anything?" 

That's our girl.

Week 26

Week 25

Good Kid

The past week has been a rough one on Little Miss.  She's been busy and staying up late.  She's been a real trooper, handling it all better than I have.  It has started to show a little last night and this morning, but she's kept herself mostly in check.  

So, this morning, I told Little Miss that she has been a good girl this week.  She said, "It's because I'm 7."

Well, I hope this is indicative of how the 7th year will go!  

Milestone

Well, a milestone for me anyway.

Baby was in the jumper loving life until he wasn't.  I walked by and, done with playing, he turned to me and lifted his arms to be picked up.  So, of course, I did.

Open letters to hairdressers

Hairdressers:

Hey, thanks for making my hair pretty.  Really.  Thanks for assuming I spend time on it and making it all pretty and creating an appearance that will vanish forever once I leave your front doors.  Thank you for spending the time to wash and condition my hair thoroughly.  You've already spent more time on my hair than I have since the last time I cam here (which is longer than the 4-6 weeks you recommended).  Thanks for pretending you don't know that I just wear it in a ponytail everyday between visits.  

Now that that's out of the way...  I have a few grievances.

1.  I'm going to shampoo my hair daily.  Sorry.  It's thin.  I touch it a lot.  I have kids who chew it, play with it, put God only knows what in it.  It's getting washed every day.  This is to prevent small things living in it, small things sticking to it, and to fake a general sense of hygiene to those around me.

2.  Stop selling me stuff and telling me that everything I ever use is horrible for me.  I don't use product.  I don't dye my hair (yet).  I don't always blow dry my hair.  It's in relatively good shape.  I'm going to continue to use whatever shampoo I want.  It changes often from drugstore, Pantene, some coconut oil organic gunk, whatever.  I don't understand that no matter what I respond that I use, it's ALL BAD.  I'm not buying the miracle serum you're trying to sell me.  Give up.

3.  I love that you try to make me look better.  I do.  So, stop trying to point out all my insecurities first.  My hair is thin.  My hairline is high.  My face is round.  You sure you still want bangs?  I know all these things and yes, I want bangs because my hairline is high.  It cuts down on the forehead real estate.  I'm sure, with these great limitations, you can still manage to make me look halfway decent.  

Look, I am one of the lowest maintenance clients ever.  I just want my hair shorter.  I don't care if you layer it, razor cut it, or do whatever it is you do.  I'll rarely complain if I don't like it.  I just don't need a lecture.

kthxbye

Week 24

Week 23

Another One Bites the Dust

The tooth fairy made another visit!  As with me, Little Miss waited until the new tooth evicted the old tooth so there's hardly a gap.  It happened at school, and her friend helped her take care of the tons of blood (that's how vivid the recap was when she got home).  The school gave her the cutest little tooth container to hold her tooth until she got home.

Cranky Rolling

Baby was super cranky last night - overtired basically.  He's been a bear to feed lately.  So, we kept him up to fill his tummy before he took his long evening rest.  This is what happens if you keep a member of our household from napping.  That said, it shows what an expert he is at rolling over... and over... and over.  He'll roll from one end of the room to the other if you let him (I usually correct him as soon as he rolls off the blanket).  He also rolls all over in the crib.  He's everywhere and loves to be moving!  The sound works on the Vine app, but I don't think it works on the blog.  Be thankful.  *g*

Books Read in September 2014

1. It’s In His Kiss by Jill Shalvis (NOTE: This is part of Lucky Harbor series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. One Night Rodeo by Lorelai James (NOTE: This is part of the Blacktop Cowboys series. The order of which can be found here.)
3. Festive in Death by J.D. Robb (NOTE: This is part of the In Death series. The order of which can be found here.)
4. Heroes are my Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
5. Paper Towns by John Green

Less books than August, but I did ok. They were all good books, too. I don’t think Paper Towns was my favorite of John Green’s books so far, and I’m curious how it will do as a movie, but I liked it. This current month is pretty sad in terms of reading, but I have time. Sometimes, I read the most in the second half of the month. We’ll see. I’ve jumped full into romance novels lately so that speeds things up.

Weekend Updates - Three for the Price of One!

Quickly catching up on weekend updates.  The weekend after the baptism was a low-key, quiet one.  That Friday, we were discharged from the hospital.  We stayed close to home.  Little Miss went camping with my parents at Hershey Park.  She had such a great time, she only called home to talk to us once. 

The first weekend in October, Little Miss and I ran some errands.  We had to buy a birthday gift for a friend of hers and a baby shower gift.  Then, we went to her friend’s birthday at a nearby park.  She had so much fun, she wouldn’t stop playing to eat.  On Sunday, she had a playdate with a friend and didn’t want me along.  So, she was gone all day long.  They all went into the city to the Air & Space Museum, had a picnic, and did all sorts of fun things.  In the meantime, I tidied and did no fun things.

Last weekend was our 15^th anniversary.  We went out to dinner and had a very pleasant evening and then came home with Baby and rented a movie.  Little Miss had a sleepover with the In-Laws where she got her birthday presents early (a little shopping spree).  She got a mix of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toys and Frozen dress up clothes.  On Sunday, it was a lazy quiet day.  I would have preferred a little lazier, but I got talked into bringing Little Miss out with her bike.  So, I wore the Baby while Little Miss rode her bike.  We were out for a couple of hours.  She made friends at one point.  Then, we went home, and she made her birthday party invitations.  She really wanted to make them this year so I just made them on printer paper and she cut around the printed section and glued onto orange and black construction paper and added a sticker or two.  It wasn’t a big deal, but she had fun.  It was cheaper than buying invitations, and I have a billion sheets of construction paper left for future crafts.  This is partially because I misordered, but we’ll use it.

October is probably going to be our busiest month all year.  During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, I go out of my way not to overplan so things aren’t so busy, but October is crazy.  Plus, it’s a month that culminates in bags and bags of candy.  Nutso.

More Pictures!

I compiled the photos from the christening and made a photo book. 

You can see a sample of the photos my sister took here.

Week 21

Week 21 has been a rough one. After a really nice weekend, Baby had his surgery.

On Tuesday, we went to the hospital to begin his cleanse. I stayed the week in the hospital with him while Husband kept Little Miss on her schedule as much as possible. The cleanse was rough on everybody. He just pooped on everything. At midnight, food was cut off. 

The surgery was postponed about 2 hours so he was one hungry and cranky baby. He went into surgery at around 11:30. We got to be with him right up until he went into the OR. The surgery was supposed to take between 2-5 hours, but we got notification that he was in recovery around the 3 hour mark or so. We got to be with him in post-op where a nurse held him until we got there. He quieted down once I got to hold him. In post-op, he got a little treat for being such a good boy. Back in the room, we saw his little bottom which looked great. All the stitches are on the inside so you can't tell much from the outside. He got some heavy drugs, but he was a trooper, not needing the drugs as often as he could have them.  The night of his surgery, he was slept with the help of morphine, but he liked to be held as much as the last two nights. He wasn't a fan of the hospital crib so I relaxed my co-sleeping views. 

 The next morning, he got the catheter out and got to start some food. He was a bit disgruntled that he couldn't eat as much as he wanted, but he seemed thrilled to get real food. He immediately started peeing which was good. The new bottom didn't get to work until the middle of the night, but the nurse and I applauded for him. 

 With everything in working order, we were told we could go home on Friday, but it took forever for the surgeon to get out of surgery and discharge us which was frustrating, but we understood. Regardless, it's been great being home. We were worried Baby wouldn't like sleeping by himself in his crib, but he slept 8 hours last night. He's increased his food level by a lot. He doesn't like napping by himself, but he is right now so it may just be a process. He doesn't seem to be bothered much by the bottom. We've given him some Tylenol every so often, but I don't know if he even needs it. Better to stay ahead of the pain though. So, we're almost done. He will have a surgeon visit in a couple of weeks as well as follow up with the pediatrician, but I suspect he'll knock those visits out of the ballpark. It's been nice having our little guy home again. 

 There will be some maintenance with the new bottom, but hopefully no lasting side effects. We won't know for sure for a couple of years, but he's done such a great job with everything so far, surpassing all the goals the doctors have given him, I have no doubt he'll rock the next stages, too. 

 Otherwise, he's still rolling back to belly and occasionally belly to back. He is now up to 36 ounces a day versus 24. He loves "jumping" and has enjoyed time in his swing today. No complaints. He's pretty much acting like he didn't just spend 4 days in the hospital.

My Favorite (Recent) Picture

Baby loves the swing.  He always did like it, but we put it away for a time for more floor space.  It takes up a lot of room, but nothing was settling him down the other night unless we were holding him or walking him around.  Husband took to walking him around our small apartment in his stroller before bringing out the swing.  The swing saved the day!

I'm in a Swing

Baby loves the swing. He could live in there if you let him.

 

Movies Watched in August 2014

1. Guardians of the Galaxy
2. About Time
3. This is the End
4. American Hustle

Improving. I loved Guardians of the Galaxy. Husband was disgruntled because About Time wasn't funny yet was billed a comedy. I liked it quite a bit though. We both liked American Hustle. It was a good date night - rental and popcorn is the best.

Movies Watched in July 2014

1. Sex Tape

I got to see this one in the theater with friends. Meh, but I had a good afternoon out at least.

Books Read in July 2014

1. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell 
2. Cowboy Take Me Away by Lorelai James  (NOTE: This is part of her Rough Rider series.  The order of which can be found here.)
3. Then Came You by Jill Shalvis (NOTE: This is part of the Animal Magnetism series. The related books can be found here.)
4. Straddling the Line by Jaci Burton (NOTE: This is part of the Play by Play series. The order in which to read the books can be found here.)

Decent month full of quick reads.  I'm enjoying my romance run.  All of the books were solid with great stories and characters.

Weekend Update - Baptism

Picture alert!

Last weekend, Baby was christened.  It was a beautiful day.  He was really good.  Little Miss was super helpful while we set up the room and got ready to host a little gathering and get to the church on time.  There were many children to be baptized, but it went smoothly.  I was surprised there were no criers.  It turned out that's because we were the crying baby.  He settled down right afterwards though and kept smiling at the priest throughout.  I think it was just the awkward angle. Plus, he's the type of baby to always love being upright and moving.

Below are half of the cousins on Husband's side of the family.  The love is strong between the two.  They were fantastic in church and played very nicely with one another all day.

 Sister was very ill when Little Miss was baptized so this is the first picture (in a church) of Little Miss and her godparents.  So, it is both kids with all of the godparents. 

 Below is Husband's family all together.

 Below is my family excluding the Nephew.

There are tons of pictures and every combination of family member grouping you can think of.  I'll frame some of them eventually.

Afterwards, we had everyone to the community room and some of our good friends who could make the event.  We made food up ahead of time so everyone helped out to assemble and lay out everything.  It was a nice relaxing day.  I definitely deserved the nap later in the evening.

On Sunday, I went out with friends to a winery.  It was another beautiful day.  We sat outside, snacked and enjoyed some wine.  There's no better way to spend a Sunday.

Week 20

I'm behind a week, but I hope to catch up this week.  Baby is rolling over onto his stomach like a pro.  He can occasionally roll back onto his back.  He's been sleeping and eating regularly, no changes.  He's a good, smiley boy.  He's starting to play with things.  He has a few toys that he'll grab and cuddle or chew.  

I think he may be teething.  He's always been fairly drooly, but he's added the chewing.  He always soothes by sucking his thumb, but now he's gnawing feverishly.  Funny how he is preparing to grow some teeth while Little Miss is busy losing hers!

Books Read in August 2014

1. Bound by Lorelai James (NOTE: This is part of The Mastered series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. Unwound by Lorelai James (NOTE: This is part of The Mastered series. The order of which can be found here.)
3. Saddled and Spurred by Lorelai James (NOTE: This is part of the Blacktop Cowboys series. The order of which can be found here.)
4. Will Grayson Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green (NOTE: This is not really part of a series, but a sequel or related book about a secondary character is coming out soon.)
5. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
6. Frog Music by Emma Donoghue
7. Wrangled and Tangled by Lorelai James (NOTE: This is part of the Blacktop Cowboys series. The order of which can be found here.)

Solid month filled with the mediocre and the fantastic, the fast reads and the very slow. I also began utilizing my library. The deadlines kill me, but I like the variety.

Movies Watched in June 2014

1. Admission

Still a pathetic time for movies. I watched this one on HBO Go. Meh.

Books Read in June 2014

1. When We Met by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is part of the Fools Gold series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. Trying to Score by Toni Aleo (NOTE: This is part of her Assassins series. The order of which can be found here in the Books tab.)
3. Before We Kiss bySusan Mallery (NOTE: This is part of the Fools Gold series. The order of which can be found here.)
4. Until We Touch bySusan Mallery (NOTE: This is part of the Fools Gold series. The order of which can be found here.)

I was looking for some romance and had all of these in my giant pile of books to read. I rarely glom onto an author, but it was nice to spend a solid chunk of time in Fools Gold with Susan Mallery's characters. Decent reading month, enjoyable.

The Fine Print

The other day, I had this conversation with Little Miss:

Little Miss:  You're the best mama I have.

Me:  I'm the only mama you have.

Little Miss:  My point still stands.

Seriously, who talks like that?  I do like that she mostly still calls me "mama" though.  

Weekend Update - See You in September

The first weekend in September doesn't deserve a separate post.  We really did very little.  I tidied up the apartment a little.  We napped a little.  We took walks.  On Sunday, Husband's friend and his wife came over to watch some football.  It was a quiet weekend.

Last weekend, it was kind of the same type of deal.  It was quiet and low key.  I caught up on some television and put a billion loads of laundry away.  On Sunday, I met a friend for brunch, and we walked around.  The weather was beautiful.  I picked up a pretty dress on sale and managed to walk out of Target with nothing.  So, big milestone for me, too.

Milestone

Baby sleeps in a sleep sack.  He also has an open swaddle now that he can roll over so his arms are free, but we alternate depending on the laundry rotation.  It's been tricky for him to roll over in the sack, but he can.  He loves rolling onto his tummy.  But today, he rolled onto his back in the sleep sack.  If he can do it in the sleep sack, it'll be a piece of cake with clothes on!  He looked so proud of himself if not a little surprised.  We lavished praise on him accordingly.

Optimism

Little Miss left the house with Husband the other day and told him this:

"It's going to be good day today.  I just don't know if it's going to be awesome or just great."

Week 19

Our happy boy is still pretty happy.  He loves being on his tummy.  His personality is coming out more and more.  

He loves it when we take his clothes off.  His biggest giggles come from taking his clothes off or bathing him.  

His 4 month well baby visit is this week.  It'll be interesting to see how he's grown.  He certainly feels bigger, but I think he has leveled off a little.  A couple of weeks ago, he seemed to have grown overnight.

In order to keep our new school schedule, we have to wake him up to feed him in the morning and to give him his last bottle.  On the weekend, we let him sleep, and he'll have his first meal around 8am.  Having another sleeper is nice.  We worried.  He will fight to stay awake, but he's content by himself usually, just hanging out in the crib.  He has transitioned to sharing a room with Little Miss well.  I think it's easier for him to sleep there than hearing us snooze our alarms forever in the morning, too.  No new tricks this week though, just waiting for him to roll from his belly to his back and then we will be off and running (figuratively).

Weekend Update - Labor Day

We had a glorious low-key weekend.  I worked from home on Friday.  

On Saturday, Husband went to a friend's house to watch sports.  Meanwhile, Baby and I took a little nap after our morning routine.  Then, we took a walk.  He slept most of the evening while I watched tv.  Husband came home after we were both in bed.

On Sunday, Little Miss came home after being away for what seemed like forever.  It was great to have her home.  We had a nice family dinner together.

On Monday, we got up and got going.  Little Miss and I needed to do some last-minute school shopping.  So, we went to Target for a backpack, lunch bag and a few other essentials - like Kit Kats.  We had a girls' lunch and then went to buy some back to school shoes.  Little Miss had to have these cowboy boots.  She wore them out of the store, and she absolutely loves them.

And now we have a First Grader!  More on that after I load the pictures...

Week 18

This was a big week!  We finally saw Baby roll over onto his tummy.  He hates tummy time so it's a frustrating time for everyone until he can roll back over to his back.  I also had to break down and get a bumper for the crib.  He has started sleeping in the crib now that he's sleeping consistently through the night.

He is still congested from his cold, but he has no fever and is still eating and doing everything else he's supposed to do.  He's been experimenting with not napping as often with mixed results.  He still needs to sleep, but it's a matter of giving into sleep.

He is such a cuddle big except when it is nap time whereas Little Miss didn't like to snuggle, but she would nap with me.

Roll Over, Beethoven (and Baby)

The baby has allegedly rolled over before while no one was looking.  Tonight, though, he did it for us!  Because, at this point, rolling over is slow.  I was able to take pictures at each step of the way.  He actually prefers being on his side, but he was pretty proud of himself for rolling onto his stomach.  It won't be long now before our lives change again with his increased mobility.

Weekend Update - A Whole Lot of Nothing

Last weekend, there was a lot of nothing.  I don't remember Friday, but I'm sure it involved dinner, food and bed.

On Saturday, Husband woke up with Baby and then went to be in an informal golf tournament.  So, Baby and I hung out.  He wanted nothing to do with a nap which was unfortunate.  So, we watched a bit of Doctor Who together.  After lunch, we went to the mall where I bought him a few outfits and some for next year - big sale and one-day coupon.  We picked up Little Miss after her long vacation with my family, hit the grocery store and headed home.  Husband met us as soon as we got home.  We had dinner, did laundry and I watched a lot of tv - premiere of Doctor Who and The Outlander.  I got full control of the television which was exciting.

On Sunday, we packed up Little Miss to go on vacation for a week with the in-laws.  Then, we did a lot more of nothing.  We took a morning nap which was glorious.  I surfed the internet.  Then, because I forgot something at the store, I had to leave and run errands.  I did defrost dinner so that was done at least, just had to throw it into the crock-pot.  We made the chicken teriyaki that I made while pregnant over some jasmine rice, snow peas and some potstickers from Trader Joe's. It was all super easy considering almost all of it came from the freezer. It may not be the most healthy, but it wasn't bad and really easy.  Sunday night, we watched the MTV video awards.  Our household has been way to into pop music lately.  It's ridiculously scary, but it's been a fun time.  There's been a lot of dancing.

Honestly Isn't Always the Best Policy

Little Miss was on vacation for 10 days with my family in Maine.  About halfway through the week, Husband was talking to her and asked if she missed him.  She said no.  Based on our reactions, she felt bad and took it back.

When she got home, I told her I missed her.  She said she missed me, too.  Then, just to make sure my ego didn't get too big, she said, "But I missed Daddy more."

Okay, then.

Week 17

Baby is just the sweetest little boy.  He smiles all the time.  He really is only upset when he is hungry.

This week, he started really enjoying it when you take his clothes off or wipe his mouth.  This happens a lot because the boy drools like it's his job.  He may be teething, but I think it has to do with his congestion.  He's still a little congested and has a hacking cough.  It doesn't seem to bother him though!

He has no interest in the pacifier.  He much prefers his fist or fingers.  He's been eating like a champ even through his cold.  The little guy is growing out his nickname of being a little guy.  He turns 4 months later this week.  Time really flies!

Roll Over!

Baby rolled over!  He's rolled over for Little Miss and Mother-in-Law, but Little Miss is the only one has seen it.  He likes to do it when no one is looking.  So, I'm on Baby watch.  Every day, I put him down and just say, "roll over!"  He hasn't obeyed yet.  I know it wasn't until Little Miss was four months old that I got to take a picture and video of it, but when she did it, she ROLLED repeatedly over and over again.  The first time she rolled over was at night.  She freaked herself out because she couldn't get back onto her back.  Then, she didn't do it again for awhile until she could roll both ways and back and forth.  We'll see how Baby does.  I've been putting toys all around him to see if that will motivate him.  Cameras are at the ready!

More Sibling Comparisons

This photo is more apples to apples or, rather, giraffe to giraffe.  Little Miss is about 4 months whereas Baby is 3 months, but they are close in age.

Week 16

Baby is 16 weeks old.  He had a little cold so his surgery was postponed until next month.  The cold doesn't seem to bother him.  He's only eating marginally less than usual.  He's still awake and alert a good portion of the day.

Baby is very vocal.  He loves "talking".  He's still very happy unless he's hungry.  He thinks the funniest thing is spitting up on you.  He's scooting around.  If you out him on the playmat or in the crib, he scoots around on his back like a minute hand around the clock.  

Baby loves to grab his toys and will occasionally pick some of the smaller, lighter ones up.  He doesn't prefer to chew on things but prefers his fingers, fist or thumb.  He loves playing with his feet.  He loves sitting up or watching tv if it's on.  

Baby loves movement of any kind though.  He loves being in a moving car or in the stroller.  I haven't put him in the Baby Bjorn lately, but perhaps this weekend.  I have a coupon to Macy's and have my eye on a few things.  

Weekend Update - Absolutely Nothing

Little Miss left last Thursday to be with my family for a week and a half.  She went with my parents and Sister and Nephew to Maine where they all will meet up with my grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins.  It sounds like she's having a great time.  

In the meantime, on Saturday, Husband played golf.  Baby and I walked to the library.  I have three books that are due in rapid succession.  I read one with a small fine and had to return it.  I'm in the middle of the second and will have to work really hard to finish the third in time for its due date.  After the library, I took myself out to lunch while Baby napped.  I had some tacos and a margarita.  It was delightful.  Then, Baby and I sat in the park while I read for a little while.  Then, he decided he was a bit hungry as well so we walked home.  Then, we took a nap together until Husband came home and cooked dinner.  The evening was quiet.

On Sunday, Baby woke up very early and then it was just feeding and playing with him.  I did take a nap in the afternoon.  Then, Husband cooked a yummy dinner and then we watched a movie.  

Weekend Update - Fun Fun Fun

Two weekends ago, it was a very enjoyable weekend.  It had been stressful and busy at work so it was nice to have fun and unwind during the weekend.

On Saturday, I took the kids to hang out at my parents' house.  Sister, Nephew, Mom, the kids and I had lunch and then went to the pool.  We stayed for dinner.  It was fun, and Little Miss had a lot of fun with Nephew.  They had been asking to play together for awhile.  

On Sunday, the kids stayed home with Husband while I met a friend for lunch and a movie.  It was a really nice weekend, always fun to catch up with friends and family.

Week 15

Baby has a bit of a cold.  He's congested which is resulting in some stomach pyrotechnics.  He's been so smiley and giggly though.  His appetite isn't as strong, and he's been restless while he sleeps.  

He has started playing with my childhood toy, the Fisher Price apple.  I give it to him while I shower, and I can hear it chime from the other room.  He also loves hanging toys from his mobile to his playmat.  

Hopefully, his cold will break soon.  No fever, but his little cough is so sad.

I Have to Return My Mug

Baby has been doing his part all weekend - so super smiley and happy.  He's been better at hanging out by himself and being independent.  He's been talkative and playing with his mobile and reaching for all his toys.  Then, I go to click him into his little vibrating chair so I can shower, and I snap his little arm chub.  Then, because of the buckle, I had to further snag him in order to release the buckle.  I felt so bad.  He quieted down right away and I put him in the much safer crib.  I gave him the hard plastic apple from my childhood, and he loved it so I like to think he forgave me.  I put the apple nowhere near him and he managed to scoot to it and pull it closer to him.  He did this a couple of times this morning.  Maybe I'll try tummy time with it and see if it inspires him to work out his little baby guns or maybe it'll push him to that last bit of rolling over.  I have high standards for my kids.

Week 14

Week 14 was fast.  More of the same.  He's getting quite the sense of humor.  He likes to laugh and chatter with his mobile animals.  He likes his seat quite a bit though he doesn't love the vibrating function as much as his sister.  He's getting much better with the tummy time.

He is still a snuggle bug, but he gets swaddled with his arms out now.  He self-soothes by sucking his thumb.  I tried to discourage, but it's not working.  He likes to be snuggled, but he can hang out by himself on his playmat or in his chair if necessary.  

When the tv is on, he is mesmerized which is dangerous, but I admit it is helpful when I need to shower.  Also, this week, he slept through his first televised football game.

Weekend Update - Fun in the Sun

Last weekend, we did nothing on Friday despite my best efforts.  I was just beat.  Plus, I knew we had a busy weekend ahead of us.  On Saturday, Little Miss and I woke up early and went to Target for some birthday presents.  Then, we went to her friend's birthday for some fun facepainting and general 6-year-old chaos.  Super hot and super crazy.  Lots of sugar.  Afterwards, I promised her we could go to the toy story to use a gift card.  She carefully made her choices, and we walked out with Operation, a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD, a Winx club doll and something else that I keep forgetting.  She is very good at making decisions when faced with "you can get all of this or one of this" or "you can get this but then we need to put some items back".  I just have to stop her from buying things she already has.

On Sunday, we went to the water park for another birthday party.  Little Miss had fun with her friends, but she mostly loved the water slide.  I was shocked.  She doesn't swim, but she loves the speed and water.  As soon as we got there, the big bucket dumped all over her and the water feature.  Once she got over the shock, she was all over.  I didn't bring her flotation device hoping the peer pressure would encourage her to swim more.  It mostly worked.  

So, the weekend was a lot of fun but exhausting.  I fell asleep watching our Sunday night show as a matter of fact, but it was worth it because Little Miss had a smile on her face the entire weekend.

Baby stayed home with Husband, and I believe they had a lovely time as well, just not as much fun as a water park.  

Wait, what?

Husband asked Little Miss what she missed most about school.  We thought she missed her friends though she just saw a bunch of them during the last week.  Nope.  She told him she mostly missed math class.  Don't get us wrong, we completely encourage her (well, we don't discourage her anyway) to do well and encourage her to work hard and love schoolwork, but WHAT?  It's summer vacation.  I don't recall doing any work growing up during the summer.  I did the summer reading program at the library, but I didn't give one thought to school work and definitely not to math class.  I hope all this work is leading her to something great.

Caught Unprepared

I have some pictures on my camera that I need to load to post last week's Weekend Update.  In the meantime, here's a short story...

Little Miss and I were watching a mind-numbing show on The Disney Channel last night when she sat up and asked, "How did I get in your tummy when I was a baby?"

It suddenly became bedtime.

This Face

Week 13

Poor Baby.  This morning, Husband informed me that he had a slight fever.  This didn't stop him from giving me a lot of smiles on Saturday when I made him pose for the photos below.  It does explain why he loves sleeping while being held up, has been spitting up more than usual, and is extra cuddly.  He slept almost all day yesterday, and there's been general fussiness unless he's being cuddled.  He's still been smiley, just not as content when awake unless he's being snuggled.

He has a love/hate relationship with Tummy Time now.  He loves having his head up, but he gets frustrated. If the TV is on, he gets easily distracted which we'll have to watch.  Little Miss can ignore the TV or only really likes to watch it briefly.  She prefers talking or reading or playing board games.

Baby is just so smiley.  I love it especially because he has such a goofy, little smile.  He can't wear caps though rocks the little bucket hat.  I keep trying the vibrating chair, and he is not a fan.  Maybe later when he can play with the toys attached, but it does not relax him.  He'd rather be on the floor under the playmat.  One day, last week, I let him nap on the floor.  I've always held the opinion that I don't care where my kids nap as long as they are sleeping.  Little Miss once slept on the hardwood floor under my parents' kitchen table.

3 Months

Not to compare children (again... or still), but we keep seeing similarities between the two children.  Some see it.  Some do not.  So, every so often, I put the photos side-by-side.  I think you can the kids are siblings at the very least.  Baby is a little goofier.  Little Miss was very solemn as a child.  She smiled, but it was fleeting, and she was rarely SUPER HAPPY.  She was very content.  Baby is content as well, but he gives a lot of smiles when he's happy.  I tried to find photos of them at around the same age and in the same angle. 

I Should Have a Mug

Little Miss is Daddy's Little Girl, but everyday, I hang in there to see if I can get a shred of that affection.  Then, just when I'm about to give up and concentrate on the boy child, she tells me I'm the best and that I'm a good mom.  Seriously, this happened in two separate occasions just this morning.

I've been hoarding her Christmas gift cards.  She didn't need any toys, and we haven't really had time to go shopping.  So, I told her, if she's good, we would go to pick out a toy for her at the store when we went to buy her friends' birthday presents tomorrow.  She has two birthday parties this weekend.  She gave me such a strong and long hug and declared me the "best mom ever".  It was super nice.  I savored it at the risk of being late to work.  It was worth it.  Also, she doesn't know how much the gift card is for so I can pull this one a couple of times with the same gift card if I'm lucky.

Then, we were in the bathroom, and I let her wear some light make up today.  I told her she didn't need make up.  She responded that she knew, but she wanted to wear it just to be like me.  I had no response for that one, but I told her it wasn't for everyday wear, just a sometimes treat.  She said she knew and that I was a good mom for letting her wear a little make up.  There is probably some debate about that last part, but I'll take it.  It's only a little shadow, blush and lip gloss which is only marginally noticeable and only if you squint in the right light.  

I don't know how special the title of Best Mom is if I'm the only mom she has, but I'll take it nonetheless.

The One with the Large Ego

Little Miss went to my parents' house Monday night and stayed until Wednesday evening.  Everyone had a great time.  She was very happy to be reunited with her brother and vice versa.  I can't say he missed her, but he was definitely happier when she was near him.  She, and my mom and dad to be fair, got big smiles.

Before bed, Little Miss asked Husband if Baby cried the entire time she was gone.  He said no.  She responds, "Well, I guess he had you guys, but I know he missed me a lot."

Okay, then.

Weekend Update - Why Does July Want to Leave Us So Quickly?

I mean, seriously.  July is 3/4 over already.  That is ridiculous.

Last Friday, I got my hair trimmed.  It's generous to say I got it cut.  It looks the same though.  I picked up the kids, and we just kind of had a good night.  We got a donut and just had a relaxing evening.  

On Saturday, we had our morning dance of responsibilities.  Then, I met friends for lunch and a movie.  Lunch was delicious, and it was good to catch up.  It had been months since the three of us got together though I'd seen both separately since then.  I took a quick power nap when I got home and stayed up late doing nothing.

On Sunday, I had grand plans and ended up just doing nothing.  I napped a lot.  That was it.  I got to nap with the baby which was very satisfying.  I had lunch and dinner with Little Miss while the baby slept.  She's turning into quite a young lady so it was nice to have some conversation time.  I love those moments where she just lets me in or we ask questions and discuss things.  I love that she has opinions or is shaping and forming her own opinions now.

Little Miss and I have been reading Matilda together.  I've never read it, but I'm a big fan of Roald Dahl.  The dialogue is a bit rough around the edges, but it's one of the first longer books in which she's shown interest so I don't want to discourage that.  We read it together, sometimes I read and sometimes we take turns.  We discuss what happened in the previous chapter, what happened in the chapter we are currently reading and what we think is going to happen.  Little Miss is actually interpreting the cover and wonders why the cover shows particular art.  I don't know.  We'll find out together.  It's been a lot of fun though the reading is slow-going.  

We'll Do Lunch

Little Miss was so helpful last weekend.  We had a lazy weekend where we barely got dressed, and she watched a lot of television/YouTube, but she ate well and did everything I asked when it was asked of her.  At lunch, I sat with her.  She just looked me straight in the eye and said, "So, what's new?"  

I can't say we talked about anything in depth, but it was just so nice to talk.  Like real people.  It didn't involve nagging or chastising or asking for something.  It was just chatter, just the two of us with no interruptions or distractions.  It was really nice, and I look forward to more moments - or at least appreciating the moments more often.

Siblings

Sister-in-Law (and Brother-in-Law and Nephews) gave Little Miss and Baby little matching gifts.  Baby has the gingham overalls, and Little Miss has a gingham headband with her initials embroidered on it.  I wanted to take pictures before Baby outgrew the outfit so that's what we did yesterday.  Little Miss gets a little jealous of all the photo sessions, too.  So, she was waiting for pictures taken of her and of her by herself.  Baby preferred pictures by himself versus pictures with his big sister.  We're raising attention hogs.  

Week 12

We've been working on Tummy Time.  He's been good.  Sometimes, he can spend a lot of time down there, and sometimes, he gets impatient.

Baby has been so snuggly lately.  He can sleep without being held, but he enjoys being amused.  He loves his mobile in his crib.  I wish that thing could go longer than 45 seconds.  Most of all, he loves his sister.  Lately, he loves to be sitting up.  He likes seeing what is going on around him.  He's been really into the television, but he loves to just look a person in the face and chat.

He's gotten very drooly.  This is mostly due to the fact that he's going to be a thumb-sucker.  Right now, it's the whole fist, but he also prefers his thumb and index finger of his right hand.  I know this because Husband clipped his nails and, accidentally, clipped his finger along with it.  Baby carried on, and I put a bandage on it to stop the bleeding.  Once the bleeding stopped, Husband took the Band-Aid off because he was afraid the baby was going to eat it and choke.

He actually loves to have his picture taken.  He stares at the camera every time.  He prefers to smile at a person over the camera though.

Last weekend, we played Peekaboo.  He liked having his face covered with the blanket, but he startled every time the peekaboo part came up.  It was funny, to me at least, to see all the emotions cross his teeny face.

Alert Baby

And Now This...

This has been a week.  Monday was just busy.  Tuesday, I locked my entire backpack (with book, umbrella during a storm, breastmilk - at least on ice, car keys, house keys) in the car.  Husband actually went to wait for the locksmith to free my belongings for which I'm forever grateful.  You know, if forever was the rest of this week.  Last night, Husband went golfing, and Little Miss was showing me her stubborn side which resulted in a tantrum by both of us.  So, it's been a long week.  

The one person who is not affected by any of this is Baby.  Yesterday, from the minute he woke up to the evening when he fell asleep, he was just a giant smile.  I got a few here and there.  He gave me some during tummy time, but Little Miss gets the biggest smiles and the beginning of full giggles. Any time there is a picture of him smiling and looking off to the side, it's usually because she's next to him.

Come on, though, look at that face!  

Week 11

Baby is doing well.  In this case, not much has changed since last week (as is the trouble with weekly posts).  He's in the 75th percentile in height which, let's face it, is as good as a kid of mine is going to get.  He weighs 12 pounds.  He received a bunch of vaccinations and did not care for that at all.  The doctor did say that it was time for Tummy Time so we've been doing that at home.  He doesn't seem to like it, but he doesn't seem to hate it.  He tolerates the tummy time with a pained expression, but he doesn't fuss.

He's still an amazing little baby.  We've been so lucky to get babies with pretty even temperments.  He eats and sleeps well.  He's still eating 4 ounces a time between 5-6 times a day.  He still loves to be swaddled or held.  He has been smiling more and more and is much more alert.  He loves looking around and moving around.  He's been caught watching tv lately.  He holds his head up very well right before his neck gives out.
I think I bit off more than I can chew with the weekly photos, but I'll see how long I can keep going.  This week, I took the photos in practically the dark late on Sunday night.  Next week, I'll try to do them during the day (perhaps in his new "tuxedo").

Weekend Update - Someone Turned 4!

On Friday, I worked from home because Baby had a doctor's appointment.  I'll put that in a separate post, but all went well.  He's growing well, and we're all just preparing for his surgery next month. 

On Saturday, we went to Nephew's 4th birthday party!  I can't believe he's 4 already.  Time flies.  It was a Toy Story birthday, and the kids had a lot of fun.  After the party, we stayed to go into the pool.  We then had dinner and overstayed our welcome.  The kids did well in part to the full moon and the sugar rush.  We all fell promptly when we got home.  Everyone in the house slept until 10:30 on Sunday. 

On Sunday, we took the day slowly (as it happens when you sleep the morning away).  Then, I took the kids to get portraits done with Nephew.  My parents wanted portraits of the kids.  Nephew wore a full suit.  Little Miss got a new dress, and the baby had a little "suit" onesie.  Totally adorable.  After the portraits were done, we went to Outback for dinner and came home. 

Weekend Update - The Fourth of July

We had a lazy Fourth of July.  We had a nice, little family lunch and then head to Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law's pool.  We stayed for dinner and ventured to the roof to watch fireworks.  We met up with a friend who lives in the same building, too. 

On Saturday, we all slept late.  Husband went to play golf and, despite best intentions, the kids and I did absolutely nothing.  We were so exhausted after doing nothing, I took a nap once Husband came home.

On Sunday, I met a friend for brunch and pedicures while Husband made pancakes with Little Miss.  I came home and had a quiet evening after that.  It was a glorious long weekend that went too quickly.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Yesterday, things were just not going our way.  Husband got increasingly more and more aggravated.  Things were thrown, doors were slammed.  We got into the car while he finished packing the trunk.  I turned to Little Miss to see if she was ok with his display of temper.  She seemed unaffected and then said, "Don't worry, Mommy.  He's not mad at us.  He's only mad at you."

Well, great then.

Weekend Update - Goodbye, June

I went back to work the last full week of June.  It was bittersweet.  I missed the Baby, but Husband stayed home with him, and I know he likes his time with the kids by himself.  I liked getting back into the swing of things and interacting with adults.  This does not mean that I did not appreciate the weekend when it came though.

On Saturday, Husband stayed home with Baby while I brought Little Miss to a birthday party at the ice skating rink.  There was pizza, cake, and what seemed like hours of ice skating.  Little Miss missed skating, and she did a great job.  We all kind of crashed when we got home.  I took a lovely nap with Baby.  I think we both missed our maternity leave naps.

On Sunday, Husband went golfing while I took the kids to my parents' pool and met up with

Sister and Nephew.  My mom met us at the pool and then we went back to the house to see my dad.  Husband met us at the house as well as Sister's boyfriend.  We made some dinner and celebrated Father's Day and Dad's birthday.  It was simple meatball sandwiches and salads, but it was a pretty good day and a great weekend.