Perfect Little Family

My life has been flipped upside down for a third time.

That's right. We had another kiddo. M joined the family in quite the rush in early March, and we couldn't be more pleased (or tired). She's a beauty. Her older sister, H, and older brother, G, are loving every minute of sibling-hood (yes, I know that is not a word).

With that perfect-family sounding paragraph, let's take a moment to get real. M is awesome. That is not joke. She sleeps, she eats, she poops. She is just a few weeks old and is slowly becoming more alert. She's tracking us with her eyes, she turns toward sounds. Her newborn clothes are getting close to being too small--hard to believe!

The big man on campus, G, is loving his newest sister. It is so fun to see him interact with her and love her. He loves the middle kid, too, but it is great to watch him as a big guy. When H was born, he didn't have a huge interest in her. He was intrigued by her sounds, but didn't want to "play" with her much. With M, he is so excited to "read" her stories, to talk to her, to love on her. He's a sweet, sweet boy to his sisters.

And the baby-no-more? She's enjoying her role as middle child, though she is a bit more precocious than your average middle child. H wants to run the show, be in control, and be little Miss Mom to M. I love, love, love it. H wants to shower the newest addition with hugs and kisses, and sometimes forgets what "gentle" means. But what three year old doesn't forget that!?

My adorable little family has grown from four to five (six according to G because we always include the puppy). In the course of the last month, I've loved on a newborn, a newly three-year-old, and a newly five-year-old. FIVE! I have a five-year-old and it is SO hard to believe.

It's Summer!

We have been a busy bunch this summer, with endless projects and kid activities. To be honest, I'm bummed that it is already mid-July. But I look back over the last month and a half and am overwhelmed with how much we have accomplished.

The biggest accomplishment, you ask?

Our camper is livable! It's not 100% done (the fridge still doesn't work, but that's another story), but we can use it. It can be towed, it keeps is warm and (mostly) dry. Big huge props to the hubs - he worked night and day on that camper. We still have a couple of projects to go, but it was nice to have some time to enjoy the Airstream, instead of just work, work, work.

Kid has grown, grown, grown. He and I butt heads quite a bit. His stubbornness shines through many times a day. He's spirited, as they say. I know that it will one day be a strength of his, but right now, it is so, so difficult to parent. He tries my patience day in and day out. But, oh, how it pays off. His endless questions are a glimpse into his thirst for knowledge - how does that work?, what does this do?, do just caterpillars become butterflies or do bees, too? He's a bright boy. He's a happy boy. It's hard to believe that he is already three. And in the next breath, it's hard to believe that he is only three.

In just the last week, his bike riding skills have blossomed. His love for SCUBA diving (really, he's snorkeling) has grown. His interest in letters is just beginning to sprout - trying to write the first letter of his name and recognizing other letters.

Little Miss is dang near one and a half. Whoa, has that flown by. She's finally starting to use the sign language we've been teaching her since 9 months. Initially, she refused to use any and all signs. She knew exactly what they meant, but preferred to point and whine instead. Finally, though, she will sign "more" and "please." We're still working on "thank you" and a few others as well. She is also starting to use more and more words. She's said the typical first words for quite some time -- mama, daddy, ball, hi, bye-bye -- and is now beginning to use "pleee" for please, and "da-doo" for thank you. She has also mastered "bubble," which is important for any child in summertime.

She runs, she dances, she loves going down the slide. She's a daredevil, just like her brother. I doubt she will have any problems keeping up with him!

{This was posted on the go - I apologize for the lack of photos!}

Same Old Story

There's not much to say, but there is so much to say.

It seems as though, every so often, I am drawn back to this blog of mine. But then, things pick back up and I am absent for a few months. Not surprisingly, this "schedule" of mine goes along with my school calendar. And, in case you didn't realize it, I am always drawn back to the blog when I'm on break.

It's spring break now ... my husband and I have enjoyed calling out "SPRING BREAK!" whenever we're stressed or adulting really hard. It just serves to remind us how much our lives have changed since we enjoyed spring break in college.

Daaang, we're just lucky we still get spring break.

A lot has changed since I was here last.

My baby girl is ONE! I cannot believe it. She is a hoot and a half. I'm 100% positive that her first word was "uh oh" and she first said it when she threw her "pato" (lovey) behind her. She likes to throw things, though she doesn't throw well (or, she throws really well because she adds a little backspin and can play "catch" with herself). She is interested in anything and everything her brother does, and she is not afraid to tell us her opinion.

She is, most definitely, a keeper.

My big guy is almost THREE! That's even harder to believe. I have a three year old person. And man, he is a great guy. Sure, he tests our patience (all the time). He currently says he loves bad guys, but is quick to remind me that bad guys never "winned." And whenever we're playing super heroes, he is Batman because Batman helps all the people. One minute, he is "yer-yer-ing" us (think lightsaber sound). The next minute, he is belting out: "It's a jolly holiday with Mary!" using a toy putter as a cane and attempting to dance like Dick Van Dyke.

Seriously, though. My kid is awesome.

We are currently potty training the big guy. He's a stubborn little dude, though, and often tells us that he would rather poop his pants. (thanks, bud.)

I'm planning a joint birthday party for the kids in the next few weeks and am toying around with the idea of 2 separate themes. I know that birthday parties don't have to have themes ... but I like having a little flair on the invite. Kid told me that he wants to have a spaghetti themed birthday party. I think that is perfect.

Well, hopefully the motivation I'm feeling to write will stick around for awhile....

Happy Easter!

Christmas Traditions

Ever since I became a mom I have been thinking about Christmas traditions. Everyone grows up with the traditions of their own families. Then marriage happens and traditions tend to bend and meld a little bit.

I had plenty of traditions growing up.

The season started with a visit to what is now Macy's 8th Floor Santa Land. As a kid, it was Dayton's 8th Floor Auditorium, and it was fantastic. Every year there was a new theme, Cinderella being my favorite. Dayton's became Marshall Fields, became Macy's and now, it is the 8th Floor Santa Land. The 8th Floor auditorium at Macy's in Minneapolis is converted into Santa's workshop. You can see the elves waking up for breakfast, feeding the reindeer. Some elves are the teachers at flight school, teaching reindeer to fly using hot air balloons. After getting through the entire story, there was a place to take a picture with Santa, and then the bakery. Oh, the bakery was so delicious.

Another favorite tradition we had was packing some treats and driving around looking at the Christmas lights. There are more than a few houses around my area that go all out with the Christmas lights. It's such a treat!

My husband also had traditions growing up. Now, we get to make memories with our own children and build traditions. Kid is old enough now, to get excited about Christmas and the Christmas season. He has been wearing Christmas jammies since Black Friday.

I'm excited to start traditions with my little man (and lady, too). Again, Kid is old enough to "get it."

I am holding on to the Macy's 8th Floor Santa Land tradition. Our plan is go early on Black Friday. So many people are busy shopping that the lines are nearly non-existent.

Cookie decorating. This year, we met at my parents house to decorate sugar cookies and have some lunch. It was so fun to get all of the cousins together. Kid has a cousin that is a few weeks younger-oh, goodness, watching those two "decorate" cookies was quite the sight.

Cookie making: this tradition comes from my husband's family. Each year, they all get together for a baking day. We make lefse, sugar cookies, spritz cookies, chocolate dipped pretzels, among many, many others. Kid (and the little chica) will probably enjoy snacking on all of those sweets on baking day!

Tree decorating/movie night. I love decorating the tree. We typically make appetizers and watch a Disney movie while decorating. Unfortunately, Disney movies are still a little too scary for the little ones, so we had to watch the Curious George Christmas movie this year. Eventually, we will watch the Disney movies again, but for now the toddler-friendly movies it is. But, oh. the joy on my sweet boy's face when we brought out our tree (yep, a fake one!). The next day, he asked if we could pack the tree in his backpack for daycare.

Oh, my heart.

What holiday traditions do you have in your family?

Pregnancy Update :: 37 Weeks!

I'm finding much more focus as the days continue to pass. I have graduated from bed rest and, although I'm supposed to "limit" my activities, it's nice to feel a little more like myself. My doctor has not yet released me back to work. I am getting quite a few things done around the house as my parents and in-laws have continued to take Kid during the day.

Baby and I are technically full term, at 37 weeks and 3 days. It feels like such an accomplishment! As you may (or may not) know, Kid was born at 33 and 6, my water broke at 33 and 5.

This little miss continues to grow each day, and is moving quite a bit. I'm so thankful for every single movement. It's a little reassurance that she is still there and hanging out. Well. She's not just hanging out. She's doing quite a lot of work right now! And this mama is so much more prepared than with the first one.

Our hospital bag is already in the car!

The car seat bases are installed in both vehicles!

The bassinet is ready to go!

The nursery....uh. Well, I haven't done anything to it yet. Little Miss and Kid will be sharing a room (which I am very nervous for!), and there just hasn't been the right time to update the room. I have the gallon of paint. I have some decor. I just haven't gotten there yet. It will come, I know. And some day, it will be finished. Maybe by her first birthday!

Either way, I'm inching closer and closer to 40 weeks pregnant and am as happy as can be (okay, I'm lying. I'm a little bit impatient). Kid will be a big brother before I know it and Sister will be here warming our hearts.

And I can't wait!

Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015!

Goodness, 2014 flew by! It's hard to believe that 2015 begins tomorrow!

Highlights from 2014:

Kid turned one! It's hard to believe that he will be two in just a couple of months. He has grown so much over the course of the year. I can't believe his little sister will be joining us so soon!

Big Fat Positive! Click here and here to read all about our newest addition. And to see the cute pregnancy announcement! Naturally, we are beyond thrilled to have our little miss join the family, and finding out about the pregnancy while on a family vacation was the best.

Looking ahead to 2015:

We are most excited about our daughter. She's set to arrive in April (just a few days after Kid's birthday). I do have a history of preterm delivery, though, so it could be earlier. Kid was six weeks early, and if this one follows suit she will be here in no time! We are sending up all of the positive thoughts and prayers for a full-term baby though. If you have any extra positive vibes, send 'em up for us, too!

We are also looking forward to a trip to New Mexico. I have never been, but my husband lived there for a few years as a youngster. We both have some family there that we hope to visit (and hopefully an old coworker, if they're still there). Silly enough, we may have 2 New Mexico trips this summer. The first would be in June, to Santa Fe, for my cousin's wedding. The second would be in August with my husband's family to ABQ (Jane, I'm not even going to try to spell it!).

And of course, the ever-popular New Year's Resolutions.

First things first, let's talk about life.

1. To stay on top of laundry. Oh, man. If I had the money to hire out my laundry, I would. My goal is to keep our laundry piles (both clean and dirty!) to a minimum!

2. To be thankful. I need to remember to be thankful for all that we have. I strive to be thankful often, but I can always improve.

And, now, the blog.

1. To network. This blog has been around for awhile, but I still feel a little lost. I'd like to work on my network and networking skills to improve the life of this blog.

2. To keep up with social media. It's all so fast! I'd like to do a better job of interacting with others via social media, while keeping a balance between blog and life.

I'm keeping myself to two resolutions in each category because I am awful at resolutions (sadly). I'm thinking that 4 is a good number to start with.

Here's to 2015!

Gender Reveal

If you follow me on Instagram, I'm sure you're thinking: Hey! She already told us!

If you don't follow me on Instagram, you should.

I have already announced the sex of our sweet peanut, even made it Facebook official. Because Facebook, of course, makes it real and true.

I had scoured Pinterest (follow me there, too!) for gender reveal ideas. I didn't want to do a full on party because my pregnant sister-in-law had done that just a few weeks earlier. I also didn't want to spend a ton of money because I'd rather spend my money on cute baby clothes and stuff. Plus, Christmas. It's close and it's an expensive time of year!

1. I Can Teach My Child | 2. The Devoted Wife | 3. Our Homegrown Spud

My first decision was color. I knew that I didn't want to do the pink and blue theme. For one, I really don't like pale pink. For two, sister-in-law did that. And for three, who hasn't done pink and blue for a gender reveal?!

Ultimately, I decided upon some gender neutral-ish colors. Teal/turquoise and yellow. Teal for boy, yellow for girl. And everything turned out beautifully. Truth be told, I didn't go "all out" with decorations, or anything for that matter. We used our regular plates and silverware, I didn't make or buy specialty treats (remember...Christmas is close!). I decided that our money would be spent on an Old Wives' Tales poster and the supplies for revealing the sex of the baby.

Photo/Poster from A Cloth Life

Our 20 week ultrasound was planned for a Sunday, so we also decided to have our party the same day, when our beloved (but horribly horrible) Vikings played, and lost (really, no surprise there).

I'm not here to give a recap of the party. I'm here to show you how we revealed the gender, and to show off my super awesome Old Wives' Tales poster.

Here is what I came up with:

I made my gender reveal poster on PicMonkey and had it printed at Costco (super cheap, and super fast!). If you don't use PicMonkey, you should. I'm giving y'all quite a few tips today -- following me on Instagram and Pinterest (you may as well follow me on Twitter, too), and to use PicMonkey. Trust me. These are all very wise decisions.

I used this tutorial from Our Homegrown Spud for the gender reveal scratch off cards. When I was first looking at scratch off tutorials, I found plenty. But with some practice, I had learned that they weren't that great -- the scratching took too long, and took off some of the image underneath as well. I started to think I'd have to do more experimenting, but then! I happened across Our Homegrown Spud and millions of minutes were saved. Make it a sticker! If you ever have any need (or want) for a custom scratch-off, please, please use her tutorial. The contact paper is magical.

Well, if you haven't figured it out by now, we're having a girl and she's set to arrive in April!

First Year Photos

My big, big boy is turning one. In just over a week.

It is so hard to believe.

The time really does fly by.

The party planning has taken place, and now it is time to think about the photography. That's right. Kid is going to have a first birthday photo shoot with his mama.

Sorry, kid, we won't be paying for some fancy-schancy photographer. Mama's gonna do it.

I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I have made a board on pinterest, dedicate to the pictures I will be taking with Kid. My only job now is to start looking for the props.

Besides sales at Joann, Michael's, and the Hobby Lobby, do any of you have thoughts on where I can find some cheap props for the photos?

photo credits:

first birthday cheer

mirrors & cake*

balloons in the crib

the ultrasound**

happy birthday to me!

*Help! I could not find the source for this picture. I found it on Pinterest, but the pin doesn't go anywhere. If you know the source, please let me know so I can update and give proper credit!

**This picture is actually of a boy holding the ultrasound picture of his little brother. My thought is to have Kid hold his own ultrasound picture. Then, when he turns 2, we will take a picture of him holding this picture form his first birthday. Doesn't that sound fun!

Fiesta Food

I'm still digging the Fiesta Décor from my last fiesta post. I am now getting my ideas narrowed down and set in stone for the menu.

Ahh, I love Mexican food. I am so excited. And, on the plus side, the meat for the tacos/burritos can be done in the crock pot. SCORE! Seriously, the crock pot makes life so much easier.

the sources of all inspiration:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Doesn't all that up there look delicious!? Don't you want to come to Kid's fiesta?

Just Real Quick

I'm checking in from the phone today, with hopes to sit down and actually write a little later.

Kid was up early today, and has just recently become mobile. He's still rockin' the army crawl, but this mama realizes that it is time to baby proof.

Maybe we were supposed to do that when he was born, but you could put him down, turn around, and he'd still be where you put him.

Now, you out him down and he's made it across the room in give seconds.

We've had a gate at the top of our stairs for a couple of years (put it in when we got the pup). But now it's time to plug the unused outlets. Make it near impossible to open drawers and cabinets, anchor some furniture to the walls, and turn down the ol' water heater. 

But here's my question: at what age can you un-baby proof? Cuz some of the baby proofing stuff makes it hard for adults to gain access.

Ooh. Maybe I should baby proof my chocolate so the hubs can't get at it!

Mommy Wars

I have never really been into the "Mommy Wars." Even reading about how we should avoid them, and all support each other doesn't excite me.

Supporting each other seems as though it should be common sense, right?

Lately, though, I've had the feeling that I'm just not quite good enough.

I don't know why I'm putting this out into the blog world, but it has been on my mind quite a bit over the last week or so. Writing it down is a form of letting it go. Getting it off my chest. Getting over it.

It isn't that I'm reading articles and blogs and feeling like I don't compare to these women that are amazing mothers. Because, most of the time, I feel like a pretty awesome mom. And I feel as though comparing myself to others is just plain stupid.

But I'm human, and it happens. There's a whole list of things that have me wondering if I'm doing this right. If I really am an awesome mom.

Am I home with Kid enough? I work outside of the home. He gets dropped off at daycare at 7am, and picked up at 4pm. That's a long time! Am I taking too much time for myself by having him at daycare so long? But during the school year, there is no way around it. I have to be at work by 7:30 (the hubs even earlier) and cannot leave until 3:30. Am I horrible for being away from him?

Am I too attached and unwilling to let go when I am at home with him? I don't like getting babysitters often, because I feel like I don't have enough time with my own child. Is that selfish of me? Am I horrible for wanting to be with Kid all the time?

Did I nurse for too long? I still nurse Kid. Only overnight (my supply dropped, and it dropped fast). He still is waking up once a night to get some boob time. Is it selfish of me to still nurse him overnight? Is he going to walk up to me as a 2 year old and ask for some boob? And then will I feel really awkward and embarrassed? Will he?

Did I nurse long enough?*

Do I read to him enough?

Do we sing enough songs?

Am I teaching him everything I should be?

Am I a good mom?

But you know what is awesome?

After re-reading this post, I realize that those thoughts and questions are kinda lame.

Of course I am a fabulous mother. Kid is happy and healthy (okay, we're dealing with another ear infection...). He's smiling, growing, laughing, gaining weight, crawling (kind of), and an all around wonderful and happy kid.

And that is all that matters.

*I do not want to start any debate about breast or formula feeding. All families do what is best for their child and their family. And I support each family's decision.

Admitting Defeat

Well, the time is here to admit defeat to the NaBloPoMo for January of 2014.

I did not post every day. I could not post every day. And, I won't be continuing with the challenge.

It is a really hard challenge!

I've come to realize that I can't put that much pressure on myself (funny that pressure was the theme of this month!).

I may try again with the NaBloPoMo during a summer month, when I'm not hustling my behind to school every day. Except today, when the wind chills are expected to reach 40 below zero. School has been canceled for the safety of our students. This isn't something that happens frequently. I work in the same district from which I graduated. During my life as one of their students, I can count the number of times on one had that schools were closed due to the weather. This year? With these crazy temps...we're on day four of cancellations. It is crazy!

Right now, I'm off to deal with 10 month old temper tantrums. Are those really a thing?!

Nine Months

The little man is nine months old.

I can barely believe that nine months ago, the little boy came into the world. I kind of remember it like it was yesterday. But I kind of don't, at the same time.

Perfect time for the birth story, right. I know many people won't want to read this. And for that, I apologize. I want to use this space as a place to share recipes, crafts, and the like with y'all. But, I also want to use this space as a place to remember important this about my family. I'd say a birth story is one of those important things.

The hubs and I had just completed a day of spring break--his last day, my first. I had been coming up with a list of things to get done over the course of the week. Nesting type things: clean the house, set up the crib, paint the bookshelf for the boy's room, make a few meals for the freezer. We had just come off  of a weekend of Easter gatherings, and I wasn't feeling the greatest. Even though I was tired, there were a few things I wanted to complete around the house. I sent the hubs to bed, and started prepping a meal for the freezer. I still had 6 weeks to go until my due date, so I wasn't too concerned with getting everything done. I had written a hefty to-do list for spring break, though.

Around 10:15, I decided to head to bed. I began my usual bed time routine of washing my face and brushing my teeth. As soon as I laid my head on my pillow, I felt wet. I shot straight out of bed and pranced to the bathroom, not want to leak on our carpeting. I sat on the toilet and continued to "pee."

Not wanting to scare my husband, I called into the bedroom, "Babe, I think I wet the bed" (knowing full well that my water had broken).

He called back, "No, I think your water broke," as I was thinking: well, duh.

Naturally (for me, anyway) I began to cry. I was shocked, surprised, and scared. The hubs got out of bed and called his sister (a family practice doctor) to tell her what happened. I called my mom. And my sister.

Once off the phone, I began to throw together a hospital bag (which was on my to-do list for the week). My hospital bag consisted of: a clean pair of underwear for my husband, sweatpants for us both, a clean t-shirt for us both, tooth brushes, our camera, a book, our cell phones, and our iPad. I also grabbed a bath towel.

The hubs was already warming the car.

I waddled out of the house and put the bag in the car. I put the bath towel on the front seat and got in. I called my mom again. Still no answer. No answer from my dad, either.

We were in our hospital room, and hooked up to monitors, by 11:15. Tests were run, and it was confirmed that my water broke.

I finally got in touch with my mom.

The contractions weren't so bad to start. But, of course, they got worse as time went on. I wanted to labor a little bit in the tub. A nice warm bath sounded delightful.

That didn't happen. I threw up along the way, used the bathroom, and got back into bed. The nurse came in and mentioned that it was time to decide on epidural or not. I went for it, and got the epidural. I was then stuck in bed for the remainder of the time.

I pushed for 40 minutes.

Kid was born at 5:23 in the morning, weighing in at 5 pounds and 13 ounces. He was 19.25 inches long.

And his 9 month stats? I couldn't get his well baby exam until the 10th, so I will be sure to update then (with photos!). Complete with pictures, too!

Family Traditions

One of my favorite things about family are the traditions. Each person in a new relationship brings his or her own family traditions to the table. When a new family is created, these traditions meld together, but remain unique and constant at the same time.

My husband and I created a new family unit on our wedding day in 2011. We added to our family when we brought Finn home. Again, we added to our family when we created the most precious little life.

The hubs and I are responsible for this little man, and for instilling in him a love for family. Hubby and I both adore our families, and are excited to create an amazing little family of our own. I have many fond memories of the special traditions created by my parents for my siblings and I.

Swimming at Grammy and Boppa's.s

Skating at the park.

One "mental health day" per school year to have a one-on-one activity with the parents (I usually chose to go skiing).

Saturday morning and/or Sunday morning cartoons all cozied up together, eating donuts while Mom and Dad read the paper.

Thanksgiving in Colorado.

The list could go on and on and on.

Now, the hubs and I are creating those traditions for Kid. One of those family traditions, that we started this year, will be to go cross country skiing the day after Christmas Day. This year, it was a whole-family affair (dog included).

our first nature boy

the next nature boy

skijoring (Finn is pulling me!)

I've linked up here:

Handmade Teether Toy

Baby toys can be incredibly inexpensive, or ridiculously expensive. I have a little munchkin that likes to chew on everything (which could have something to do with the 4 teeth he's working on right now). I like to keep toys around so he always has something to play with chomp on. I, of course, ran to my local Target store to find some inexpensive toys/teethers. I noticed one specific teether that I thought Kid would enjoy, but was irritated by the price.

Five bucks for a little stuffed ring? I could spend five bucks to buy six baby washcloths and make three teether toys for that price!

And that is what I opted to do. I found a package of cute colored baby washcloths, which are super soft and set to work.

I've only finished one of the three toys. The other two are in various stages of complete. They'll be finished shortly, but I wanted to get this post up and running.

Depending on the size of the teether, each toy will take 1 to 2 washcloths. I went with two for each, because I wanted to vary the pattern and color on each toy. They toys will also need some craft stuffing, which is super cheap at any craft store.

First, the washcloths should be washed. More than likely, they'll end up in someone's mouth. There may be some nasty chemicals on the washcloths due to manufacturing and/or shipping.

Once the washcloths are washed, and dried, deciding upon a shape for the teethers comes next. I went with a nonsensical shape to start, then moved on to a tooth, and a ring.

Place the washcloths together with the right sides facing each other. Here's the catch. There is no right or wrong way to do this. The texture of the teether can be either side of the washcloth. The ones I bought had a smooth side and a side that looks like the typical terrycloth of a towel. I wanted to have a toy with multiple textures, so I put the smooth and bumpy sides together and pinned the crap out of it. One would typically trace or draw a design on the fabric with one of those fancy disappearing fabric markers.

Not me.

I just cut. This worked out, because I didn't have a specific shape in mind for the first one. But, a shape can be traced onto a piece of paper, which can then be used as a sewing pattern for the toy.

That's not how I roll.

Once cut, sew the two pieces together. Leave an opening in the sewing, for two reasons:

1. to flip the toy right-side out.
2. to stuff the toy with some craft stuffing.

After stuffing the toy, sew up the opening with a needle and thread. I'm not too picky about the finished look, especially since it's a baby toy, but I didn't want to have any threads hanging out for Kid to potentially chew off of the toy. I followed this tutorial on how to make an invisible seam.

Here's the finished product:

I promise that I will get better with pictures. It's one of my New Year's Resolutions for the ol' blog...

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

I'm kind of a last minute person. A procrastinator, if you will. In my college days, I'd start papers the night before they were due. Projects, too. I could stay up for hours, work on said paper or project, get an hour or two of sleep and be up for class at 8am.

Who am I kidding? I never took a class that started at 8 in the morning!

Let's get to the point.

This year, I did the same thing with Christmas cards. Luckily, I order my cards through Target or Costco. Next day service. I don't have time to wait around for other companies to send me my cards a week later. Not how I work.

This year, Costco was my place of choice. I just needed to have some pictures to use.

Before Kid joined us, the hubs and I would pose for pictures, and would include a snapshot of the pup. This year, though, I no longer have to be in the card (woo hoo!). We had a photo session set up with a professional photographer (okay, the JCPenny studio...through Groupon), but the husband was extremely sick and we had to cancel. With no time to reschedule, I had to take the pictures myself (gasp!).

Have no fear. We have since rescheduled our Groupon photo shoot.

Eight Months

My baby is eight months old today.

No longer is he a baby. He's a big boy. He sits up. He rolls (very rarely). He interacts more and more each day.

No. The little man is no longer the baby I knew just two months ago...even just a month ago. He has grown so much, and in so many ways.

Kid Stats: Eight Months

Weight: We won't head back to the doctor for another month. We weighed you on our home scale, though, and think you're about 20 pounds. On the breastfed baby charts, that equates to about the 70th percentile.

Length:  You are far too squirmy for us to measure accurately. But you are long!

Head: Last time we checked, it was in the 85th percentile. Big head!

Clothing: Just yesterday, I packed away all of your 9 month clothing. And I scored a TON of good deals on 12 month closing during Black Friday sales. Don't worry. I didn't wait at the stores at midnight on Thursday to score these deals (although, now it is 8pm).

Diapers: Still rocking the cloth diapers at home. You're in size 4 when we go with the disposables.

Favorite Food: You have tried so many foods now! I'd say that your favorite is kabocha squash. You did not care for avocado one bit (still offering it once in awhile) or peas.

Favorite Toy: You love anything you can put in your mouth. You love your Taggie puppy and seahorse rattle. You also enjoy toys that you can bang on any hard surface. You also have some "loveys" that you like to bring everywhere. One is a puppy, one is a frog. Besides Mama, Daddy, and Finn, your loveys are your best friends.

New Developments: While you don't always feel the need to do so, you can finally roll from tummy to back. A few weeks ago (maybe a month?) you showed Mama that you could roll, but you just decided to show your skills to Daddy this week. You're sitting! While we still have the Boppy pillow behind you, you're pretty steady. My guess is that your muscles wear out after 15 to 20 minutes, and then you usually fall backward.

You're loving life, little man. Daddy and I continue to love you more and more each day...

Step By Step Nursery: Mobile

Way back when I was newly pregnant, I began searching Pinterest and Houzz for nursery inspiration. Mostly, I was looking for a color scheme or a theme. Something to guide my projects. The hubs and I decided on some colors, a stripe pattern, and the fact that we didn't want an overbearing theme that would take over the entire room.

We I decided upon a diaper storage solution that I knew would be a hit, but I knew we needed a little bit more.

Then, it all came together. I had been having this feeling that I would give birth a day early (wow, was I wrong). I thought for sure that I would give birth on May 14th. The anniversary of my Boppa's death. Because I was sure that Kid would be born then, I wanted to honor Boppa in some way. I wanted to create some sort of connection between Boppa and Kid, mostly because I knew that Kid would be born on the anniversary of Boppa's death.

I had the perfect idea! I mobile of P-38s. My Boppa was a pilot during World War II. He flew P-38s. Isn't he a handsome Boppa?

Kid had to have P-38s in his room. And the mobile was the perfect place.

The mobile is hanging over his diaper pail. I didn't want to put it over his crib or the changing table. It is far to heavy. Each airplane is metal...and they're kind of heavy. I would hate for a plane to fall and hit the baby. So. Over the diaper pail, in the corner of the room. Away from where the baby (or anyone) will hang out.

Seven Months

My little man is seven months old.

I cannot believe how time has flown by.

SEVEN months! I'm just skipping the six month update. Sorry, bud.

At seven months you...

...weigh a lot and are quite long. We don't have exact stats, as you won't be back to the doctor until January (as a nine month old!). Your hair is still pretty non-existent (I think you get that from your mama!). Your legs are as chunky as can be.

...have two teeth. Your bottom chompers cut through a week or two ago. So stinkin' cute. Your sleep/life wasn't thrown too out of whack while those teeth came in. We'll see how the next ones go!

...experienced your first Halloween! We dressed you as Bam Bam Rubble. Daddy and I went as Barney and Betty Rubble. You enjoyed sitting in your stroller while trick-or-treating at Mootzie and Pa's house with Ava and Jacob.

...love to jump! You would probably be content if we left you in your jumper all day.

...are STILL working on sitting up and rolling from your back to your tummy. This is when I need to remind myself that you got here six weeks early. You'll roll over eventually. You'll sit up unsupported, too.

...LOVE sweet potatoes and kabocha squash. Your cousin's grandpa grew the squash and gave us some to puree into food for you. It's probably your favorite. We held off on the solid foods until you were six months old. We started with sweet potato and skipped rice cereal all together. You've loved the squash. Next up: avocado, beans, and peas. We will then be introducing you to some yummy fruits.

...sat in a pumpkin!

You're our pride and joy, little buddy. We love you for always, baby boy.

Monthly Update

Oh my goodness.

It's been forever since I've posted a monthly update (this should have been posted in September). Whoops.

I missed 5 months AND 6 months. What kind of mother am I?!

A fabulous one, duh.

Don't worry. I know posting monthly updates does not reflect at all on my abilities as a mama.

I'm going to update y'all know. Mostly because, in 15 years, it will be fun to have something to show Kid.

Who am I kidding? He'll be 15. He won't care. I'll show him when he's 30. And has his own children.

Kid Stats: Month Five

Weight: No doctor appointment until 6 months. We guess that you're about 15 or 16 pounds. Big guy!

Length:  We'll get your true measurement next month.

Head: Let you know at month six!

Clothing You've moved up to the 6 month clothing, big boy!

Diapers: Size 3 while you're at daycare. Cloth diapers the rest of the time (it is going so well! WAY easier than I thought it would be!).

Favorite Food: it's still breast milk. Your doc said we could start cereal in a month in a half, but I'm not sure that's where I want to start... we may start with a veggie (like an avocado!) first.

Favorite Toy: You've really started to show an interest in your hands. I think you just realized that you control them!

New Developments: You love your puppy and your daddy! You're becoming more and more vocal each day.

Okay, I can't give a true update on the new developments at month five because my brain is so full of what you're doing now. Sorry, buddy.