Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Crazy life

I know it's been a week since I posted last but here I am! Things have been crazy with the holidays starting.  I have some great pictures & other news that I'll be posting as soon as possible.  In the meantime, I'm trying not to let exhaustion take over... not when I'm just starting to get a slight handle on juggling two kids, the house, etc.  Stay tuned & more will come soon!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Early October…






These past few weekends we have really enjoyed some nice family outings. One annual craft fair we always try to go to, was on a very hot day where I surprisingly only found a few items of interest. The next day we went to a craft fair hosted by a local school which had many more items of interest. I found the most adorable hair pieces for girls & some colored glass stones to hang on our family room window there. Our baby girl & cat will both enjoy eyeing the colored glass.






After the craft fair, my son thoroughly enjoyed unlimited rides with Grandpa & his Daddy on the outdoor ‘slide’. It’s a sled you sit on & ride down from the top of a ski slope. It’s a unique idea that is a lot of fun for all ages.



Last week my son got a glucose test done at the doctor’s which was a long process. He had to fast from 8:30 pm the previous evening until after the test was completed at 1 pm. They had to take blood from him five separate times (from the same area on his body) after he drank the juice & let me tell you, he never cried once! Everyone, including myself was amazed. He’s always been great at getting shots but dang! When he & I got the flu shot earlier that week, he had no problem. Anyhow, we were thrilled when we got the results back later that day that his sugar levels were fine & he was not diabetic. That would have been so difficult on him being a child.








That evening we had dinner with my in-laws at this great family restaurant that has fantastic perch. Then we spent some time at my sister-in-law’s new house. It’s very nice!







Our girl showing her aunt her lovely smile!





Birthdays, Parades & Painting




The next evening we went to the mall where we had dinner with my folks for an impromptu birthday ‘dinner’. Our son had a blast tackling the climbing tower (now that he’s old enough to do so) & was great at helping other kids out in there.




Last weekend we helped my folks move some heavy items & then went out to dinner & officially celebrated my mother’s birthday. Of course it was homecoming weekend for the local schools, so the restaurant was very busy. My mom, hubby & I each finally found a nice dish to make at the buffet (which has always been a challenge in the past).





The next day we went to a local parade where we found a great spot & our son got ¼ bag of candy from the people in the parade. The local military academy even did a drill routine in front of us. Each time someone threw candy at our son (which was every other person), he was in awe. At the end of the parade, he said “I got lots of candy!”

Then it was off to the festival which always follows the parade. It’s a nice size so you can enjoy yourself, take your time & not spend a bundle. After we grabbed some lunch there, our son immediately took to some of the rides & then played at the park with some other kids. Next it was nap time so he napped in the car while I fed our daughter & my hubby worked.






We then had a nice dinner with my in-laws. It was nice being able to get a few moments to myself just to enjoy my food.








When I took out the washable paints & covered the table while my son loved painting on paper & a few gourds. He did not even want to stop for dinner but all good things must come to an end.

Firehouse field trip








Our son & neighbor's daughter had a lot of fun on the preschool's recent field trip to the firehouse. Don't they all look cute?

Feeling hungry?


Medications, Immunizations & Breast Cancer

For your information, more infant medicines have been recalled so in you have children under two, check your cabinets & be sure to remove these medications.

Speaking of medications, I found this handy tool online which gives you an idea what immunizations your child will need when. Note that I said “an idea” so please check with your doctor.

Since we’re talking about our health, please click here to support breast cancer research & prevention.

Children Costumes, Diaper Bag Contents, Breastfeeding Tips & Blogs

Now with the Halloween coming up, here are ten easy DIY (do-it-yourself) costumes for kids! Even some last-minute Halloween costumes that don't require any sewing. That's whta I go for.

If you’re expecting your first child, here’s a list of diaper bag essentials.

Now for those who are breastfeeding, I found some online tips for nursing your child in public as well as an article talking about your diet while breastfeeding.

Also for those looking for blogs to browse, here’s one I found called Slacker Mom.

Just in Time & Mail Fraud

See how this police officer rescued woman before a train smashed into her car! Also be aware of the mail fraud scams.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Someone asks a good question...

By pure chance, I came across this news that somehow nobody has really reported. How is it possible that with all the gruesome news reported these days that so few media stations have covered this horrible tale? Some bloggers have raised certain issues. I don't know why but whatever the reason, this is certainly more important than what stars are wearing. Anyhow, here are some additional links about the story.

Baby on white


My hubby's cousin's daughter at four months old. I love this photo! Something to remember for our little girl.

A cool gift idea!

Check out this cool & affordable digital photo key chain! They even have a special going on here. Here that honey? Hint hint, nudge nudge!!! (LOL) As with everything of course, there are different types out there such as this one.

A determined mother

It's amazing how perseverence can make such a difference, like this woman did.

Monday, October 15, 2007

How do you make Wicked?

If you haven't seen it, the musical Wicked is absolutely amazing!!! Here is a documentary about making it.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Tape over what???

Can you believe someone in a daycare taped a pacifier over a four month-old baby's mouth with packing tape???

Parenting links

Baby Center is a great resource for parents on things such as family finances, baby costs, father-child bonding, new parents sleep advice & other sleep tips. But then, there are some that question if they can afford a baby.

The site also covers new trends such as mommy tattoos (which I've honestly thought of getting - picture number 6 & 13 are cool ideas), ear piercing, photo tips from other moms to capture the memory of your child.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

You're only as old as you feel!


Today is my mother's (who is also my friend) birthday! She's always told me that you're only as old as you feel. I've always believed it & am proud of the person she is. My mother has taught me so much & help make me who I am. I am so lucky to have her & could never take her for granted. She is my mom & my friend; one who gives everything she has for those she loves.

Real websites

Have you ever checked out a website address talked about during a tv show? I've started to do that from time to time & discovered that they're actual websites! On Ghost Whisper it mentions a bloody mary website. On Scrubs it talked advertises Todd's website on his t-shirt. Which websites have you found because of tv shows?

Not sleeping well

My daughter is continuing not to sleep well because of nasal congestion & therefore has needed more comfort & cuddling in addition to sleeping in our arms vertically. Therefore naptime isn't very productive for me.

Wall paintings & infant cold medicines

Ever wonder if there was a 11,000 year old wall painting?

FDA has changed it's thoughts about infant cold medicines & therefore many have been recalled.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Movement has begun!



A few days ago our daughter was laying on her back & rolled over onto her side. She's also responding more to me with smiles. I love that!

Seven sins

Everyone has heard of the seven deadly sins, right? They are lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, & pride.

But did you know the seven holy virtues? They are chastity, abstinence, temperance, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility.

Monday, October 08, 2007

The Perfect Moment

Today at the doctor's office I had to spoil the perfect moment. Both kids were sound asleep in the stroller & I had to wake up my daughter for her doctor appointment. At just over a month old, she has gained over just a pound & now weighs 9 lbs & 13 oz. She still has some nasal congestion which makes it difficult for her to nurse.


We spent the weekend having fun with our kids. It's hard to believe how long it takes to go anywhere when you have two kids (especially when one of them is a newborn on a irregular eating schedule). On the other hand, I find it amazing seeing the difference in our son from year to year. I can only imagine how much they will both change every year. Life is truly amazing & an ever-changing surprise. Every moment in my life has made me who I am & for that I am thankful, proud & blessed.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

That's hot!

Last night we were taking my daughter's temperature because her skin felt clammy. My hubby was reading the temperature & it kept going higher & higher which really alarmed us. As my husband read "105 degrees... 106 degrees...", I reached for the phone to immediately call the doctor. At that moment our daughter started to poop for the first time in days! After she was cleaned up, we tried taking her temperature a second time only to have her poop again. We took her temperature one last time (which was normal this time - guess poop is just very hot!) & she pooped again. As we put the fourth clean diaper on her, she started to pee. (LOL) My husband thought he saw her smile then & told her "Very funny daughter! Ha ha ha." Finally the fifth diaper stayed on & remained dry.


Guess sometimes you just have to poop!

Finally... a fort!

This week I finally made my son's fort in his bedroom. After cutting out a door & various windows from the big screen tv box, he kept asking "You like my fort?" The next step is decorating it with my son which we hope to do sometime next week. I'll try to post pictures sometime over the weekend.





One time this week I was changing my daughter's diaper when she tucked one knee up to her tummy & smiled when I couldn't get her pant leg on. The timing was like she almost did it on purpose! (LOL) She seems to smile more often in response & is generally more alert these days.





Meanwhile my son, daughter & myself all have a cold virus that we picked up from somewhere. It makes my daughter need to feed more often (probably because of the sore throat with it). I'm wondering just how long before my hubby gets it last.

Before I was a mom...

Saw this somewhere & thought it was so appropriate! Enjoy!!!

♥Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

♥ I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

♥ I never thought about immunizations.

♥ Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on.

♥ Pooped on.

♥ Chewed on.

♥ Peed on.

♥ I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

♥ I slept all night.

♥ Before I was a Mom I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.

♥ Or give shots.

♥ I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

♥ I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

♥ I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

♥ Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put them down.

♥ I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

♥ I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

♥ I never knew that I could love someone so much.

♥ I never knew I would love being a Mom.

♥ Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

♥ I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

♥ I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

♥ I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

♥ Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

♥ I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

♥ I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Cold season is upon us!

Although we're still having warm days & cool nights, both kids have picked up the cough & runny nose virus that's starting to going around. So now they're both sniffling, sneezing & coughing! My son isn't too cranky despite everything. It hasn't affected our daughter's mood too much either. For that I'm very thankful! Strange thing is neither my hubby or I have felt sick at all... yet. :-0

Monday, October 01, 2007

THAT... can lead to THIS!

My hubby helped my sister -in-law & her husband move this past weekend & everything went well. After they helped us move three times, they deserved our help to say the least. (LOL) Now they are starting the process of getting all settled in. Hopefully they’ll unpack their boxes quicker than we have anytime!
That evening we were eating out & next to us was a table of ten to twelve teenagers attending dinner for homecoming. Suddenly it felt like déjà vu. You see sixteen years ago when my hubby & I started to become friends, I had to convince him to attend homecoming with me as friends. We went with a large group of my friends (much similar to the table we were sitting next to) & had a blast (even if he hid being nervous the entire night).
Seven months later we started dating & look where we are today... married eight years, two kids & are still very much friends crazy about each other. All I know is we wouldn't change a thing regardless of some difficult times we've had because it has made us who we are as well as stronger as a couple. I know he wouldn't change anything either, even though he married into my family with all it's drama. ;-) My hubby says we should have told them, “Better be careful because THAT… can lead to THIS!” (LOL)

My hubby & father-in-law installed our new kitchen sink & garbage disposal yesterday (which took a little longer than planned which then involved some creative solutions) & it looks fantastic. My father-in-law even came over today for some last minute finishes. Now the sink is much deeper, has a expandable spray faucet & matches our other appliances. That of course is the most important factor... not! But hey, it looks nice. The guys did a great job as always!



After dinner with my in-laws last night, we went grocery shopping & found this item shown above particularly interesting. So we brought it home with us. ;-) Even more amazing is that we managed to leave the store without our daughter waking up hungry! In the past month, that's another first we've had.

At bedtime, we were all exhausted. As you can see, our daughter was obviously having sweet dreams while sharing a rare cuddle moment with her daddy.






Clothes shopping & visiting


This past week has just gone by so fast. I'm still not sleeping much but things are going well. Our daughter has some tough moments but is generally happy or sleeping. :-)
I went to the local school clothing sale where I manage to get our kids' entire winter wardrobes for great prices. Although it did add up... as it always does. Still I was extremely glad we didn't have twins when I got the final total. Now it's a matter of organizing.
My hubby's aunt & uncle came to visit & visit with the kids. It was nice spending time together. Our daughter finally opened her eyes about five minutes before they left. LOL