Four Boys and Me!

Organizin'

2010-01-18T14:18:00.001-05:00

I'm a slob. A mess. I run around like a chicken with my head cut off, and would likely leave the baby at home if he weren't quite so loud (ok, that part is an exaggeration). But seriously. I start planning dinner around 5:30, Daniel works hard and then come home and helps clean. Our laundry piles. Food rots in the fridge 'cause I hate to cook. I'm a mess. I'm a good mom. I'm an awful housewife.

I've been trying lately. And I am going to make an effort to pua daily to do list on here and then check it off. We'll see how that goes. I need accountability people!

So. Monday January 18, 2010.
~~Make bed (yes, that's on my to do list. Because I don't do it).~~
~~Empty Dishwasher~~
~~Put ALL laundry away~~
~~CLean up toys~~
~~Put decorations back on shelves (post-Christmas)~~
~~Exercise somehow~~
~~Play outside with jack~~
Do project/craft/activity with Jack
~~Cook Dinner~~
~~Make Grocery List~~
~~Make weekly dinner plan~~
~~Put out food for tomorrow~~
Grocery shop
Dust
Declutter 15 minutes (trying to do Flylady..again)
Lay out clothes for me and J for tomorrow
~~Check bank account~~
Budget with Daniel
~~Email Priscilla~~
Letter to Markale

EDITED 1/21/10 OK, so this wasn't perfect, but I did pretty darn good that day. I just need to keep doing it:-)

The Year in Review 2009 edition

2009-12-31T17:31:00.001-05:00

This year was a HELL of a lot better than 2007. And while it didn't have the highs (Jack!) of 2008, it didn't have the lows either.

We had two great vacations (St. Augustine Beach and Mountains 2008-2009) and 1 OK one (Mountains 2009). Bought our super-duper adorable house. Had so much fun with our little boy and made a lot of great new friends because of him. We grew up a lot and became a family. We received more help and gifts and love than we could have ever asked for from our extended families. Jack had three new 2nd cousins born in 2009. We (think!) we found a church home. We had fun with friends at Halloween and Daniel and Jack dressed up in ADORABLE costumes. We built a fence. We boated (not enough!). "We" got a new boat. Jack and I are still nursing. Daniel had a great time at Spring Fling 2009. No one in my family has been seriously ill, and I am still blessed enough to have 4 living grandparents. We've had good luck with tenants.

On the other hand, we lost Magoo a few days ago. We had to give Lorelei away (I still regret that decision, and still can't think of an alternative). My sister lost her super-sweet Mollydog. It's been a bad animal year.

It hasn't been a perfect year, but it's been good. We've loved each other. And we'll do so in 2010.

Now I am looking forward to a quiet evening alone with Daniel and an early night for Jack:-) And I REALLY WANT TO WATCH THE BALL DROP, SO LET'S PRAY HE DOESN'T WAKE UP UNTIL AT LEAST 12:03!

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Daniel's Stocking

2009-12-30T21:28:00.001-05:00

When my mom and dad were married, she made a special Christmas stocking for him. It was a pair of Santa Pants, made from felt, and had Tyrie written on the leg. They were adorable and I loved them when I was little.

When I was 10, my parents divorced. Mom kept the Santa pants. She dated some guy I didn't know about that first year, stuck a new piece of felt on, called it a pocket, and wrote his name.

The next year she started dating a man she'd eventually become engaged to (but they didn't ever marry). She added a new patch on top of the old, and wrote his name.

They broke up the year Daniel and I started dating (1998 if you care). So, that year, we added a new patch, wrote Daniel, and they've been his ever since. He LOVES his stocking.

Well, my sister thinks that when she gets married the pants should pass to her husband. Daniel says that they are his until I leave him or kill him(:P) Kelley says it's not fair for her to be left out of the tradition.

Regardless, it's a fun story and they are really cute pants. I'll try to find a picture. Or take one when I get home, as they're hanging on my fireplace. (Unless my sister stole them. She has been there alone with them for 4 days. Oops.)

Christmas Round-Up Part 1 (the crazy!)

2009-12-30T21:15:00.001-05:00

There were tears. There were toys. There was a skateboard for the Monkey. There was a daddy who broke it. There was drinking. Lots.

Christmas began on the 22nd in my little world. That's when Daniel, Jack and I went to my dad's house for Christmas dinner. My little sister, Kelley, was supposed to be there. But, snow in Amsterdam caused her to miss her flight, and she ended up stranded with our cousin kat for a few extra days (she made it home on the 23rd). Anyway, that Christmas was lovely. We got generous and practical gifts (wood to fill in the dock, a landscape plan, an Amazon gift card, a beautiful necklace, some tools), had a wonderful dinner (Rosemary Shrimp) and took lots of goofy pictures in lots of silly hats. The monkey had fun opening his presents and then went to bed calmly and happily.

On the 23rd we headed to the annual Christmas Trivia party at sMIL's best friend's house. Unfortunately, Jack fell asleep in the car on the way there. Sneaking him in failed, so he was up for the duration. Or until we were 1/2way into the game and he started having an utter breakdown. Oops. He was super-cute playing with his cousins, though, and we had a nice night.

The 24th, Christmas Eve, began with a whimper. Kelley had finally flown in the night before and due to a misunderstanding was mad at me. She was at my mom's house and they were supposed to come over and bake cookies. They didn't. Well, finally they did. Around 2. Along with my aunt. and 4 dogs. And it all failed. There were tears and fights and unpleasantness.

So, at 4, Daniel and the baby and I left to go to my in-laws to open presents, then church, then back to in-laws for dinner, then home to put baby to bed, then back to inlaws for more presents. Get all that? Yeah, we didn't either. Jack and his cousins opened presents early, as they'd be asleep with visions of sugarplums by the time everyone else opened presents at midnight. Or that was the plan. We didn't account for my child's sleep refusals or the drunken screaming mess I'd walk into when we went home to put him to bed. Let's start over.

My mom and aunt, sister, her boyfriend, and my mother's childhood friend/ex were all coming to my house for Christmas eve dinner. I wasn't going to be there.

We went to in-laws, the kids opened gifts, played, and then we went to church. GIANT CHURCH FAIL. HUGE. DISASTROUS. Jack wanted to run the aisles. Since that couldn't happen, he screamed. We spent the entire time in the Narthex. We left after communion. Headed back to my in-laws for dinner (where we got to see Jack's ADORABLE 2nd cousin, Alison) and where my child showed himself to be utterly incapable of sitting still for longer than 5.5 seconds. I know there was judging going on. At this point we were well past baby bedtime, so we took him home.

Home. Oh, the peacefulness of home on Christmas eve. Christmas lights in the windows, soft George Winston music playing.

Oh, right. Back to my life. We got home and dinner hadn't started (9pmish) and everyone was fairly wasted. Jack went to bed and my sister picked a fight with my husband over his Christmas stocking (which is a funny story deserving of a post all its own). Screaming, crying, threatening. Car keys found. Eventually, Jack woke up, the inlaws started calling looking for us to open presents, Jack didn't go back to sleep, so we all piled BACK into the car.

And opened gifts. Which were generous, and lovely, and we had a very nice time.

Then back in the car, back home, and we went to bed. (the drunks were still drinking, btw. no tears, though).

I'm tired just remembering and I think I need a nap. I'll finish this later. Or never. Who knows with me.

2009-12-24T14:55:00.001-05:00

It's Christmas Eve. My sister who has been in Amsterdam for 4 months is here. My mother, my aunt, sister's boyfriend. Daniel's working. I'm...tired. Of all of it. They're bossy and moody and opinionated. They're annoying as hell.

We (daniel, jack and I) have a long night ahead, and a long day tomorrow, and I don't want to deal with these people. I want my house with my family.

Not happening. Merry Christmas & Bah Humbug.

(I'll get a better attitude I promise).

Fall Photos

2009-12-11T15:38:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know I had pictures taken of Jack in October, but those were HALLOWEEN themed. And when Jess offered some mini-sessions at a great cost, this photo addict couldn't say no.

And a sampling:

Jack was busy (shocking I know), but the pics are wonderful. Thanks, Jess!

November 2009

2009-12-11T15:21:00.002-05:00

Since I am awful, awful AWFUL about blogging, I'm doing November all-in-one.

So, first was the Sibling Rivalry Car Show (Toyotas and Scions). Daniel has to go, so we dressed Jack in his cute MR2 outfit and off we went.

First, Jack had to help Daddy work on the car

And drive the car

OK, daddy, you can sit here, but I'M driving!

Then...NAKED BABY! This kid won't keep a diaper on for 7 seconds anymore.

We got a package?!

Cool!

What's in it???

It makes a good chair!

Really

And with clothes on, playing with the neighborhood kids:

(a six year old, a pair of 4 year olds, a pair of 2 year olds, and an 18 month old and Jack. We have fun!)

I love my Moe!

Hmmmm....

Attacking poor Little N at Doing Dishes pottery studio. We made cute stuff though!

In St. Augustine for the Lighting of the Town

Canon rides!

Present Rides!

Dancing with mommy

I found a leaf!

Family portrait;)

From November 2009 Favorites

And the tree was lit and we went home and went to bed.

Then, Thanksgiving. Which means food, family, and...hunting. Daddy killed a big buck (ask him, he'll tell you!)

Daddy, Jack, and Grandpa

Deer rides!

And then off to see Grammy Duck in Lake Wales

Feet in the lake

Cousin buster...covered in sand.

Sand is HARD to run on!

REading

And then, off to the Christmas tree lot (same place as the pumpkin patch) with friends!

MOM, I want to go through here!

Pretty ornament!

Friends (taking a photo of 4 14 month olds is HARD!)

Jack in a wreath

We mean it. Really!

And then we went home to give Daddy BIG kisses before he left for a week.

2009-12-11T15:00:00.002-05:00

So, forgive the awful header. I will fix it when I get pro photos done by Karen tomorrow. And now, i'll blog:-)

Jack Swimming, Part 2

2009-12-04T14:22:00.001-05:00

Here's a montage made by his instructor of him swimming and floating. The black suit he's in is a footie pajama, NOT a wetsuit!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Swim Test

2009-11-15T21:50:00.002-05:00

I think sometimes I don't blog because...I don't blog.

No, really. I go so long, and have such a backlog of things I "need to post about" that I don't until I have the time/energy/inclination to catch up. So...screw it.

Today, finally, after what feels like most of his life (and was, in fact, about a fifth of it) we had day 1 of Jack's swim test. Swimming has been...interesting. We had a rough start with the screaming and the hating and the sick. Then it got better. Then the instructor was sick. Then Jack was sick.

And, so, the last 2 weeks have been intense. And good. Jack is doing really well now. It took some effort (basically, he knew he wasn't going to be allowed to drown, so he'd just hang under water until the teacher would get him. A very few extra second pause convinced him to come on up.) He pops right up no matter how you put him in and floats on his back. Today he was tested in a real (disposable) diaper and a pair of thick, fleecey footy jammies. He did great. Really. She dropped in so his feet touched the bottom of the pool and he was up and floating in seconds.

Tomorrow he goes in with shoes and jeans and a sweater and a cloth diaper. Oh my! But I have faith in my boy. I do.

I know some people have issues with ISR classes. I get it. I mean, I don't let my child cry. I wear him, I hold him, I play with him, I sleep with him. And I put him in swim classes where he's cried 10 minutes a day, most days, for weeks. But I have 3 thoughts on it: 1) I live on the water, spend time on the water, and spend time in pools. I also have a very adventurous, climby son. While I don't think sleep is worth his tears, his life is. 2) I've been with him every minute. Ten feet or less away, telling him what a good job he's doing. What a big boy he is. He knows I'm there. He may not like what he's being asked to do, but he knows I'm there. 3) He still LOVES the water.

My mom did these classes with me, and I've loved the water my entire life. They're safe. They're tested. They're only in 10 minutes at a time, one on one with an instructor (Jack's is a nurse). And I know that if against all odds my baby sneaks out of the house and over the fence while my back is turned, he can float himself to at least give me a chance to find him. As my father-in-law says about what he did when my (very adventurous, very climby) husband went missing as a child "you always start at the water, as it has the most risks, and work your way up". ISR is just giving me a few minutes to get there.

$1000 Emergency fund

2009-11-11T07:47:00.004-05:00

The 1st Dave Ramsey step is to create an emergency fund. A small one. We sort-of, kind of have a decent one, but it's VERY tied up and we don't really want to go into it...ever:-) So this is supposed to be easily accessible money.

Well, we did that. Then our water pump (the one I spend $200 fixing in September. We replaced it yesterday) broke. And this thought went through my head:
"Our emergency fund is so pretty, I don't want to go into it to fix the pump. We should use a credit card."

Seriously. I said that to myself. How freaking backwards is THAT kind of thinking???

LOL. I think I need the FPU class.

Money

2009-11-11T07:37:00.003-05:00

I'm a Southern girl, so I'm not sure I should mention money in my (semi) public blog. But...oh, well.

Anyway, between 2 houses, a never-ending list of things that break, a baby, 2 dogs and a horse, and my out of control spending...we're having a few minor financial issues. Nothing major, but we need to get things under control before major happens.

I need to stop spending.

And it would be really nice if I could make some money.

Here are the issues with that (not in order of importance): 1) though I have several degrees, they're kind of worthless unless I want to practice law. I don't. 2) I firmly believe that what is best for me and for Jack is that I'm home with him. I know some parents have to work outside the house. I know others LOVE to work outside the house. I envy that second group! But, I have wanted to stay at home with my kids since I was one. And while I'm sometimes whiny, I love it. I love almost every minute of it. And I think I'm pretty good at it.

So, I have tried to have my little design business. And while the customers I've had have been more than satisfied, there haven't been a lot of them. I'm not completely giving up on that (anyone want a christmas card, photo book or family tree????), but I certainly can't count on it.

I applied for a job. The perfect job. The part-time nanny of a 14 month old boy and the parents are fine with the nanny bringing her own child(ren). I have NO IDEA if they'll even contact me, much less hire me, but that would be so much fun and I'd make a little extra money without having to be away from Jack. We'll see. At least I tried.

I've been wanting to go back to school. I know, finally, 100% what I want to do with my life. I want to be a counselor. I've known for 9 years I wanted to do something with Psychology, but I just to think I wanted to be more research oriented. After all of the craziness in my family the last few years, I know I want to help people who are going through emotional issues. I just don't know when! I want to have more children. I want to be a full-time mom while they're young. I'd love to counsel 3/4time once they're in school, but how do I do the education part now. And WHY did I go to law school, when I KNEW I wanted a degree in Psychology. I could have worked for 3-4 years already and not be in this position. Oh, well. Looking back does no good.

Anyway...that's where I am. Oh! And Daniel and I are attending Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes. They're kind of helping.

Halloween

2009-11-01T15:01:00.003-05:00

Halloween was extraordinarily busy this year. The Florida/Georgia game (aka the World's Largest Cocktail Party) was on Halloween and as a rabid Gator fan, we must watch. We also must sell parking in my grandfather's law firm parking lot (about .75 mile from the stadium). We make about $500 in 2 hours. We just can't pass it up.

But, first, PICTURES! Because, well, I'm addicted. So we got all ready and headed to my friend J's house for her halloween luncheon/Halloween pictures with Sara.

After a few minor costume mishaps (Daniel's had to be glued back together, and Jack's made him cry), we had pictures taken.

Then, J's luncheon, which was a ton of fun. Lots of kids in lots of cute costumes and lots of yummy food of which Jack ate lots.

And then to downtown Jacksonville to sell parking. It seemed slow, which apparently was because we raised our prices overly high (I thought we charged more last year than we did). We eventually sold out though (and THEN figured out our prices were too high), and headed to my stepmom's house to watch the game - we needed some down time!

The gators won, as we will, and we got BACK in the car to come home, and go to our cute little neighborhood's cute little Halloween party. With cute food. And drinks. With alcohol. Followed by trick or treating. Which Jack totally didn't understand, but he did LOVE following his friends around.

Before I get to the photos...I have to mention the costumes.

Daniel really REALLY wanted to team up with Jack and go as "Jack Daniels". I tend to prefer cute/pretty costumes (I do know I have a son, thanks) and so after much discussion we compromised on:

Daniel was "Jack in a bottle" and Jack was "Daniel's Jack in a box".

Our friend and neighbor "drinking" Jack Daniel's

Jack riding in the little jeep. He loves loves LOVES that thing and followed the big kids (2-6 year olds) until he got a ride.

Mommy and Jack

And, then, the night was over, and the costumes hung up for next time.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T15:13:00.000-04:00

We've had a lot of fun with the Halloween build up.
From Halloween pics with Karen:

to a day at the pumpkin patch with Daddy:

(I don't think he liked it too much)

And another patch with friends:

Pretty much all I ever see of Jack:

Jack and Savannah

What's in there?

It's Jack!

A quick swing by the Whole Foods Halloween festivities and Petting Zoo:

And off to dinner with friends.

Today should be pretty darn busy as well!

We love shoes!

2009-10-28T09:42:00.002-04:00

Ok, we don't. In fact, I hate shoes and wear them as little as possible. I'm a flipflop girl year round.

But Jack? Jack LOVES his shoes. He just picked one up and brought it to me. I said thank you and put it on my desk. He did his NO I WANT IT grunt/babble (one day, I swear, he will talk) so I handed it to him. He took it and stared at me and started to yell. I asked if he wanted me to put it on him, he put his arms up, I put the shoe on. So now he's running around perfectly happy in a diaper and 1 shoe.

Poor, sad, sick baby

2009-10-24T13:06:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted in AGES!

Ok, last weekend we took Jack to watch the Gator Game @ Mellow Mushroom and he had a great time playing with other kids. Then he went to bed early and woke up at 3 with a 103.2 fever. I gave him Ibuprofen, it went down, he woke up feeling fine/acting normal, and we decided to go to the Fall Festival. He had fun, had a good (if a little sleepy) attitude. After his nap, he woke up with a fever again.

And it went on and on and on. I called the doctor, they said to bring him in if the fever lasted more than 5 days or if he seemed to feel terrible.

He'd be OK in the morning (acting normalish), then have a fever in the afternoon and middle of the night. And he wouldn't eat. He'd nurse a little, but did not eat a single bite of real food all week.

Finally, Thursday I took him in, they gave him a flu test (negative), said he has bronchitis and an ear infection. They gave us a nebulizer for breathing treatments & an antibiotic prescription to use at our discretion (basically, they gave it to us b/c it was late in the week and they didn't want me to need it over the weekend and not be able to get it).

He HATES the breathing treatments. He screams. And screams. And screams some more.

Thursday night he woke up coughing a TON, but didn't have a fever all night. tFriday morning he had a 101 fever. And he hasn't had one since!!! I started the antibiotic, just in case. I'm just tired of him being sick, and I'mtired of him feeling terribly.

Today, he's acting normal, eating well, playing, no fever. I'm SOOO Happy. He's lost a ton of weight. His clothes that he'd basically outgrown fit again. It's kind of sad, but I know he'll gain it back now that he's feeling better. He still coughs and has a runny nose, and we have to continue the drugs and nebulizer for 5 more days, but he's definitely on the upswing.

Poor, sad baby boy.

Storytelling Saturday

2009-10-18T09:27:00.003-04:00

OK, so at Mamarazzi Chronicles she has a storytelling Saturday.
You open your pictures file, blindly choose a folder, blindly choose a photo. Then tell the story of it.

Sounds fun, and I want to blog. I know I'm a bloggy failure, but I don't wanna be!!!! (whiny Kimberly)

So, here we go:

Awful, blurry picture, isn't it? It's a close up ofJack's face concentrating on the wagon that he and Moe were sharing on a walk one night. The previous picture is MUCH cuter:

Jack's 1st Birthday Day

2009-09-28T22:20:00.010-04:00

One day soon I'll get pics from my Dad and from friends and post about Jack's birthday party. For now, I'll talk about his Birthday.

We had a great day! It's been a LOOOOONG time since we had Mommy/Daddy/Jack time to relax and have fun and be a family.

This morning Daniel went to work and Jack and I went to swimming lessons, but then Daniel got off at 1ish, and spent the rest of the day with us.

First, we went to the Loop in Avondale. It's on the water and SO cool. We ate outside and broke the rules by throwing food for the geese and fish and turtles. Jack loved the birds and french fries. He didn't really like his chicken fingers.

He loved his straw. Man, that kid loves straws.

Then he took a ride on Daddy's shoulders back to the car and we went into Avondale to shop for toys at the Green Alligator. We got him a few new fun toys, and let him play for a few minutes. Then after a quick stop at Willie's (Oh my GOODNESS GRACIOUS I want the Santa Gator Jonjon that they have there. I can't spend $80 on one of his (3) Christmas outfits. Can't do it. Someone stop me.)

And off to the zoo. It was around 3:30 when we got there, so it was a quick trip, but fun! We saw the Monkeys, the giraffes, the lions (who, of course ,Jack called Moe), some birdies (including Grandmommies favorite, the Mingo), brushed the goats at the petting zoo, and played in the splash park (where he moved too much to get a decent picture of his face). We had to work hard to keep Jack from moving in with the animals.

THEN, we came home and went for a walk around the neighborhood with the dogs and Jack's new Step II Push Around Buggy. He loved it. Loved it. Loved the steering wheel, and the horn, and feeling like a big boy. He had a blast.

And finally, we went to dinner at Kan-Ki with my mom. He was a wonderful boy, enthralled with the cooking and loved his chicken.

We had a wonderful, busy, fun, peaceful day and it was a wonderful way to spend his 1st birthday.

364 Days.

2009-09-27T19:18:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow my baby will be 1. It really means so little, he'll be 12 months old instead of 11 months. He'll still be a baby. He's been a toddler.

But it's a milestone, and a big one. It means something. He's growing up. Too fast, too slow. Mainly fast. There is so much to look forward to, but so much that I miss and won't get back.

We're still nursing. Still cosleeping. Still, occasionally, babywearing. We stroller more now, though, because he loves to get down and push it around. He wants to walk. He thinks he's a big boy. He's changing every day. I look at pictures, and he's a kid. A little kid, but a kid. There's baby there, don't get me wrong. There's a lot of boy there too.

I miss the itty bitty baby in my arms. I look forward to the boy who will run through the icky swamp woods behind my house. Who will ride his bike in the street. Who will play fetch with the dogs.

Jack's 364 days old today. We celebrated with friends and with family. He swam and slid and ate a supercute surf board cake. We sang happy birthday and may the good lord bless you.

Tomorrow, Daniel's taking a 1/2 day from work and we're going to the zoo. Maybe the beach. We're going to take some family time and enjoy each other. Enjoy our family, our little boy. Watch his birthday slide show and remember the last year. Talk about all of the fun to come.

One year ago tomorrow, our 1st family photo. Today as our family and friends wished him a happy birthday.

2009-09-22T17:43:00.002-04:00

So, I have had a number of people throughout my life tell me that I was a really sweet, happy child until my sister was born. I was 4 when Kelley came and we moved. And I became evil. And remained that way for most of the next 17 years.

So, now, I have had a couple of people tell me they are worried that Jack will become evil when we have another baby (which is eventually going to happen). Should I worry about that? I mean, of course I worry about that. I just don't know if the worry is rational. And I don't know how to encourage Jack to remain a sweet, happy boy once he's not the ONLY little person in our world.

Because I needed other things to stress over in my crazy little head.

World's Worst Parents

2009-09-20T22:30:00.002-04:00

Well, maybe not quite, but I don't think I should be allowing this to happen:

2009-09-20T22:27:00.000-04:00

We went to watch the Gators beat the pants off the Volunteers on Saturday at a local sports bar. Poor Daniel stayed home and worked on our fence, but Jack and I met up with Grammy Duck, Yaya and some of their friends at a local sports bar.

Jack wasn't too sure he liked the place at first.

Then he saw the waitress.

Oh, Ok, mommy. I'll eat and act happy.

This is pretty darn fun, after all!

Cute baby gator!

(and his ridiculously adorable t-shirt came from lilcubby.etsy.com)

Helping Mommy

2009-09-20T22:14:00.001-04:00

My mom bought me a bunch of new plants as a VERY belated birthday present. Since we haven't managed to actually plant them yet, Jack and I have to water them. He enjoys it. A lot.

I'm a blog failure

2009-09-20T21:12:00.002-04:00

I don't know what my problem is. I think about blogging several times a day. I want to blog. I want to write the minutiae of my time with Jack. Our days. Our nights. Our sleep issues. His swimming lessons. His 11 month photos. Teething. The new AC system we need. The birthday party we're (I'm) planning. The fence we (Daniel) built. Jack's 1st word (Moe). My stresses, my worries, my crazy mommy concerns. The Gators. The crush Jack had on the waitress at the sports bar when we watched the Gator game on Saturday. My grandfather who thinks I should get a job and that I'm being lazy by staying home. The fight with my sister and the epiphany I had as a result. Church. The many, many blessings in my life.

I want to blog. I want to remember. I want to vent. I want to show off cute pictures of the cutest almost one year old on the planet. I want to reminisce.

I want to blog. Why don't I?

Jack's almost 1

2009-09-10T14:56:00.001-04:00

It makes me sad. And happy. And all kinds of things.

Mainly it makes me stressed. Because that means that his birthday party is in 17 days, and oh boy do I have a lot to do!

Seriously.

Yikes!

Jack 11 Month Pictures

2009-09-08T22:21:00.002-04:00

Oh, I am SOOOO glad that when he turns one I can quit this monthly stuff. I mean, I'm sure I'll still do a zillion pics (I have plans for Halloween, house, and Christmas), but at least I won't feel pressure to do it on any given day/week. At least until I have baby2 (one day in the future which is not up for discussion until Jack sleeps at least part of the night alone), who I am determined will not be photo-deprived. Uh huh. Sure.

Anyway, here are Jack's last monthly pictures!!!!! Next up, 1 year photos!

Gators!

2009-09-05T22:27:00.002-04:00

I hope it's OK to break the no-tv rule for the Gators. (ok, and readeez). It's just too darn hard to keep him from watching TV when I want to watch it. I can do w/o shows. I can't do w/o the Gators. He's so flipping cute, though.

We went to Hurricane's, b/c I've been wanting wings, beer adn football for months now. Jack was in a GREAT mood, was looking at everything (not really at the TVs much), smiling at people, playing in my water glass. He was just so happy. He pigged OUT on chicken (Hurricane's has grilled chicken strips on their kids menu) and celery. He was just so much fun. I'm trying to teach him the Gator chomp, but since he barely waves or claps...I don't have much hope:)

I wish I'd had a camera. He just cracks me up. He's such a happy little guy. He's such a little person now.

In honor of the 1st Gator game (and Savannah's Gator themed party coming up), I ordered him this. I've been wanting it since last fall! He'll be SO cute.

And, the Gators won. At least I think they did. We didn't even quite make it to half time with the boy (he wasn't getting cranky, but it was 9:00 and, well, he's not in bed yet), but when we left it was 35-3, so I'm pretty confident.

Yay, Gators!

Count my blessings Sunday

2009-08-30T20:26:00.002-04:00

Thank you to good friends for last minute babysitting.
And for others for helping us build a fence.
And for her awesome husband who has built us MOST of a nice, tall fence.
And for her sweet baby boy who may have said some words today.
For church, for reminding me of God and lifting my spirit.
For her mom, for taking her to church and helping w/ the laundry.
For sweet puppy dogs who don't get enough attention.
And neighbors who aren't making us replace their mailbox after Daniel ran it over.

Bah, Moom, Nuh

2009-08-30T20:24:00.002-04:00

Did he talk? I don't know. Today, at three specific times, I thought maybe he did. But when is it clear?

This morning, he woke up, started pulling up my shirt and saying Nuh, Nuh. Was he saying nurse?

This afternoon, my wonderful friend Lindsay watched him while Daniel and I went to a Crown Ministries orientation (more on that one day), and she said he carried a ball to her and said Bah a couple of times.

And at home, tonight, he pulled on my pants and said Mahm, Mahm, until I picked him up.

But, he babbles. So was it coincidence?

Who knows.

Jack is 11 Months Today

2009-08-28T21:09:00.003-04:00

He is most of a year old. It seems incredible, amazing. I look at this toddler and picture the tiny little baby he was so recently. It's crazy. He's beautiful, sweet, happy. He has been since he was born. He loves the dogs. Every day he loves to play with them more. He loves the water. (Any advice on how to both provide the dogs w/ water AND keep him out of it?) He loves to play w/ the car steering wheel. He still loves the guitar. He has days where he loves to eat, and days he has no interest. He pretty consistently will eat chicken or hotdogs, but fruits, veggies, and other meats are more difficult. He still nurses every 3 hours during the day, and every...2-6 hours during the night. He has 8 teeth and a molar on it's way. His hair still has blond days, red days, brown days. His eyes have pretty much settled at hazel. They look blueish from a distance, but up close they are somewhere between green and brown. He will take something he knows he shouldn't and then look over his shoulder at me with a big smile as he heads the other way. He walks everywhere. He doesn't run yet, but doesn't crawl at all anymore. He climbs onto or up anything. He won't take a sippy cup. He loves to watch other children and is SO good when he's around them. He's needy. He wants attention, but will play alone for 20 minutes or so, depending on his mood. He loves Readeez and Auntie Kelley on Skype. He has just started to point, but I think he also uses it as a wave. When he sees someone he's excited about, he either points at them, or puts both arms straight out in front of him and heads towards them. When he eats something or feels something he likes, he throws his head back, grins, and breathes deeply. We had the worst sleep of his life this month (getting that 8th tooth was hard) and haven't managed to put him back in a crib since. He babbles constantly, but doesn't saying any words yet. At least not that adults understand. He'll say Mom, I'll say Jack, he''ll say Mom, I'll say Jack, but I don't think he gets it. He'll copy my sounds now. He plays peekaboo, he loves balls. We're planning his birthday party. He had his dtap and Prevnar vaccines together, and did fine.

He's a lot of work. He makes lots of messes. He opens drawers and pulls everything in them out. He pulls clothes off hangers and out of laundry baskets. He takes his diaper off (OK, fine, they are BumGenius with bad velcro, but still!).

He's the best thing that's ever happened to me. He's my purpose in life. He's a wonderful gift.

He's almost 1 year old, but he's still my baby boy.

10 Month Photos by Karen Heiring

2009-08-26T21:25:00.000-04:00

And more wonderful photos (many of which are unedited), but the incredibly talented Karen Heiring!

The password is love.

http://karenheiring.smugmug.com/photos/swfpopup.mg?AlbumID=9418588&AlbumKey=tjF4o

2009-08-16T08:20:00.001-04:00

So, after 2 weeks of misery and no sleep, Jack's 8th tooth (his bottom left lateral incisor), FINALLY CAME IN on Thursday the 13th! And so, for 3 nights, he's slept progressively better.

Last night, he woke up at 1:30, 4:30 and 6:30. I swear, this is a really really good thing.

Uncle RJ

2009-08-15T23:20:00.002-04:00

Last night we went to dinner at my dad's because my (step) brother RJ was in town. He's an almost-Junior at UNC-Chapel Hill, but has spent the summer interning at Walter Reed and will be studying in Costa Rica in the fall. He's home for 5 days to visit in between all that.

RJs a brilliant kid. Organized, smart -- I kind of hate him.

He hadn't seen Jack since New Years, and well, Jack's grown. They played. A lot! Which was cute. And it exhausted Jack. Which was good!

But odd.

RJ would play with him for a while then, twice, he tripped him. And laughed. Obviously it didn't hurt Jack or I would be furious. Jack caught himself with his hands and looked around confused (but it's not like he doesn't stumble 47 times a day). After the 2nd time, my dad told RJ to stop, and explained that we don't trip babies. Even on the carpet. Isn't it a little odd that we had to explain that to a 21 year old?

Anyway, I think he's learned that, well, we don't trip babies (hopefully he knows this also applies to children and the elderly...and really most of society), so the next visit should be safe.

It's been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week

2009-08-08T18:26:00.003-04:00

Nothing major's happened, but Jack's teething and cranky, Daniel's working hard, none of us are sleeping, everyone's off. And I've had people I love angry at me. Several different people.

Some of it's my fault. I'm cranky, and perhaps too quick to anger.

Some of it has nothing to do with me and I'm bearing the brunt of frustration that should be directed at other people.

Some of it is just a ridiculous misunderstanding that has spun out of control. But that one's major. Someone important is really mad at me and Daniel. Really mad.

I get awkward when people are upset with me. I don't get passed it well. I want to be loved. I want to be liked.

Even when the other parties are over it, I'll still be awkward. Not angry (I can't hang on to anger for more than about 9.5 minutes), but awkward. And I dread that just as much as I hate the current situation.

And I don't know how to fix it. In fact, I've been clearly and directly told to stay away and not to try.

So I won't.

But we had a good day today, my boys and me. We did fun stuff. I took cute pictures of Jack and Daniel playing. We rode the ferry.

Yet all day long I've had a lump in my throat and tears just behind my eyes. I know it will be better eventually. But it'll be awhile. And meanwhile, I'm sad. And I don't know how to stop feeling that way.

9 Month Watermelon Photos

2009-08-01T08:06:00.002-04:00

Ok, I went a little bonkers this month. Shannon Curry does a free 15 minute themed session most months. We wen for the watermelon pics, 'cause, well, how fun!

I love how they turned out, but hate trying to decide which to buy.

You can see them here. Password is hellmuth.

9 Month Beach Photos

2009-08-01T07:50:00.004-04:00

By the always wonderful Karen Heiring

While we were at the beach last week, Karen came down to do Jack's 9 month pictures. She also did a session for my cousin, Kennedy's family as a gift for Miss Karley's 1st birthday!

Here are a few pictures from both sessions:

And you can see the rest of our session at:
Session

Password = love

(Most of those pictures are unedited proofs, just FYI)

Readeez: Cute kid Videos

2009-08-01T07:43:00.003-04:00

As a rule, Jack gets NO screen tine. No videos. But thse (particularly the Wordeez) seem less like TV?Video and more like...oh, I don't know. But we like them. Not that he gets many, but one or two in the morning seems Ok. And he's probably too young for them, but we still like them.

Jack's Favorite So far:

My favorite so far:

www.readeez.com

I want this:

2009-08-01T07:09:00.001-04:00

I am forever leaving my sling or wrap at home, and I have NO stroller control. This would be awesome:

Enhance family living! And see eye-to-eye while you’re out and about with baby. With all the organizational elements you expect in a well-made diaper bag – plus innovative features to simplify your outings – the Sidekick is a must-have for families on the go.
FEATURES:
Separate compartment for diapers and wipes
Changing pad
Baby-friendly fabric that easily wipes clean
Exclusive, custom-designed patterns
Double side pockets, roomy enough for bottles or sippy cups
Cell phone pocket
Key clip
Plenty of easily accessed pockets for your essentials
Insulated bottle/snack pouch
Wipes case
Wear it three ways: over the shoulder, across the shoulder or
on the waist
Designed for use by babies with good head control, weighing
up to 35 pounds
Dimensions: 12" high x 15" wide x 4" deep

Wednesday Wonderings

2009-07-29T08:12:00.002-04:00

Why did my 10 month old just figure out how to take his diaper (full, poopy) off?

Why does he always (ALWAYS!) get sick w/in 24 hours of a shot appointment -- meaning it's too late to cancel but I'm not going to give him shots?

How does my house get SO messy SO quickly?

Will my horses be OK at the farm?

How do I manage to spend quite so much money and have quite so little to show for it?

10 months old

2009-07-28T08:18:00.003-04:00

That means in 2 months, he'll be a year old. Where'd time go? Where'd my baby go?

He can climb into the bathtub on his own. He climbs onto any table he can find.

He loves to get into the dog crate.

He LOVES his puppies and giggles as they play. He shares his toys with them and loves to be licked by them.

He is a bit of a drama king - he can make the poutiest faces, but he's so smiley most of the time.

He's grown a lot this month. I'm interested to see what he weighs tomorrow. He's been nursing like crazy and eating more.

He's still more interested in playing with food than eating it, but more and more is getting in. And the diapers are getting stinkier and stinkier. He's not dropping nursings yet though.

He LOVES to get to stand in our laps in the car so he can play with the steering wheel. He thinks it's SO MUCH FUN!

He loves the boat, the pool, the beach. He's my child. And Daniel's.

He's started to look more like a Boyer. For months he was a little Daniel clone, now he's looking more like me or my dad. It's bittersweet. He's beautiful, but I love the Hellmuth tradition of identical men.

He's walking a lot now. He can't turn yet, and sometimes he veers off course and can't get back on (clearly, he takes after me), but he can go across our bedroom, across the den. He is choosing to walk more and more.

Straws are his current passion. And styrofoam.

He is sleeping really poorly right now. It's teething. Or something. I hope. We did get a 4 hour stretch last night. Then 3.5 after that.

He can open cabinets and drawers and fireplace doors. I'm thinking babyproofing may be easier than constantly staring at him.

His eyes are some odd combination of blue and green and brown and silver. They change based on the day or outfit. I hope they stay like this, they're pretty!

His hair changes from blond to red to brown based on the day as well. That makes even less sense.

He claps. Not on command, but when he's happy. And he points at things that fly (birds, helicopters, kites). Nothing else.

He is growing out of 12 month clothes. He's growing out of Carter's 18 month clothes.

He's tough. He rarely cries when he falls. Which is frequent. He's learning to walk, after all.

He's jabbering a lot, but not saying anything. Except, possibly, Jack. He definitely says it, and he knows his name when I say it, but I don't know that he knows he's saying it.

He hugs me when he's tired now. I love it!

He LOVES his daddy and is such a happy boy when Daddy's around. He also goes to sleep much better for Daddy than me.

He loves music. I have to remember to keep it on.

We're moving to Gymboree Level 3 today. I can't believe it!

He loves other kids, and the church nursery and the Y kidzone. He loves it when our friends with three kids come over.

I adore him and am so blessed to have him. He's wonderful!

10 on Tuesday

2009-07-28T08:04:00.002-04:00

1. I'm being a blog failure again. I can give excuses like: we've been at the beach for a week; I have had no internet at my house for 2 months; I have a 10 month old. Truth is, I'm just a blog failure.

2. BUT! I do have internet at my house now. Not the AT&T U-verse service that everyone in my neighborhood has. Nope, our house can't have that. But, at least, DSL.

3. And, I have a 10 month old. Back when Jack was born (10 months ago today), 10 month olds looked so big. TWO month olds looked so big. But he's still my baby boy.

4. Even if he does think that he's a big boy and only babies have to sleep or nap. No amount of explaining that mommy and daddy also sleeping will convince him. He KNOWS he doesn't need too. (Or maybe it's teeth, but this boy has so much attitude I'm thinking it's a conscious decision to torture mommy).

5. We went to the beach for a week. Yes, I know, I mentioned that. We had a great time! I love my house and my life, but we all needed some time away (Don't tell my step-grandfather-in-law!). We stayed at my grandparents condo in Crescent beach for a week, while my cousins from the other side of my family stayed at a Condo about 1/2 a mile away. Between them, they have a 7 year old, 5 year old, twin almost 4 year olds, and a just-turned-1-year old. Jack had SO MUCH FUN playing with them! And I tried so hard to keep him from getting sun, but that boy must have my skin. He still got a bit of a tan. And blonde. He's just pretty:)

6. While we were gone, my stepmom, Lori, came over to work on our house. She painted our deck (which had been red) blue and white to match the house. She painted our mantel white. She made and hung a valance in the kitchen. She cleaned and prettied for us. She's awesome! She also called last night to say she has finished reupholstering our couch. That she gave us. Seriously, I love this woman. I know I'm her current project (she always has some), but I'm good with that!

7. Jack woke up with a runny nose and a cough. He's supposed to have a shot appointment tomorrow. Do you think that he knows that and PLANS to get a cold every time he's supposed to have shots? I mean, this is RIDICULOUS!

8. I've been working on some new design ideas - photobooks are expensive and I don't have the marketing (skills, time, energy) to push them. So I'm trying to fill up an etsy story (kimberjeb.etsy.com) with some other stuff. The newest additions are photo letters, posters, and car show signs. It would really be nice to sell something:)

9. I'm happy. Ok, yesterday, cranky was making me miserable, but in general, day to day, I'm happy. I love my life, my boys, my house. I love taking care of Jack. I love watching him learn new things and the excitement on his face when he succeeds at something. I love playing with him. I love Gymboree and Storytime and playdates. I love his cute little diapers. I love nursing him. I love knowing that he's happy and healthy and that I'm contributing to that. I love watching Daniel come home from work and kiss on Jack (or Mac or Moe). I love my family. I love my life. I am so blessed.

10. I swear I will post pictures soon! I mean it!!!

Jack 8 Months/4th of July Pics by Karen Heiring

2009-07-07T08:47:00.002-04:00

Jun 7, 2009

Not a Facebook Status

2009-07-07T08:26:00.001-04:00

"Kimberly just started her period again after 19 months without one. Sadface."

Count My Blessings Sunday

2009-07-05T16:40:00.001-04:00

1) My country. I have some issues with a lot of things. There's just too much government to make my little libertarian heart happy. But it's a beautiful country, a great country, and still, in many ways, a free country. I'm proud to have been born here.

2) My cute blue house and my husband who works hard at getting it together. He painted before church today. And after church. And it's going to be beautiful!

3) My sweet baby boy. He's still a baby, darnit! I don't care if he is almost walking.

4) Great friends and great family.

5) Fireworks! Love them.

walkin'

2009-07-02T21:56:00.002-04:00

Or, at least, stepping.

Jack took his first steps tonight. I've been working with him since his 9 month birthday on Sunday (I didn't want to encourage walking before 9 months, and I'm stubborn). Basically, just having him stand and then asking him to come to me 1.5 feet away:) He tends to lean forward until he can grab my arm and then walk to me holding on.

Well, tonight Daniel and I decided to grill out and Jack and I were on the deck while Daniel got something from the kitchen. So I asked Jack to come to me - and he did. He took 2 steps, grabbed me and laughed. I couldn't believe it! And neither could Daniel when he realized he missed it!

He did up to 5 steps at a time 4 separate times tonight, then decided he was sleepy (and went to bed super-easily without screaming tonight!).

My baby boy is growing up so fast, I just can't believe it. Part of me is proud of him. Part of me is sad that my cute crawly baby will be gone soon.

Barack Obama on Father's Day

2009-06-30T12:19:00.002-04:00

I support our President and I try not to denigrate him (criticize him, sure, but not with some of the ridiculous commentary so many people make). I don't, however, support 90% of his policies. At all.

I do think he's a good man, and he seems to be a good dad.

I'm at my in-laws house (Jack broke my computer, long story) and my Father-in-law printed President Obama's Father's Day speech. It's impressive, insightful and interesting (as are so many of his speeches).

But one part really hit me:
And it’s not enough to just be physically present. Too often, especially during tough economic times like these, we are emotionally absent: distracted, consumed by what’s happening in our own lives, worried about keeping our jobs and paying our bills, unsure if we’ll be able to give our kids the same opportunities we had.

Our children can tell. They know when we’re not fully there. And that disengagement sends a clear message—whether we mean it or not—about where among our priorities they fall.

So we need to step out of our own heads and tune in. We need to turn off the television and start talking with our kids, and listening to them, and understanding what’s going on in their lives.

I need to remember this. Daily.

9 months Old

2009-06-28T08:01:00.002-04:00

Jack's 9 months old today. That means he's been out as long as he was in. Wow!

Some days are so slow, but sheesh! the months are fast.

He's the sweetest of babies - since the day he was born, he has only had maybe 1.2 a dozen crying episodes that couldn'tbe fixed immediately with cuddling, feeding or diapering. For the most part that's all he cries about.

He's developed a smidge of separation anxiety, but no stranger anxiety.

He LOVES his puppies and laughs when they lick him.

He pulls up on absolutely anything he can reach, and cruises like crazy.

He can climb the stairs with no problem and goes to them anytime he can. He's way too dangerous going down...he wants to go down standing.

He still loves paper and cords, but has settled down enough that we can read again. For a while I couldn't read to him 'cause he'd just eat every book.

He LOVES the guitar, and will stop and listen if he hears anyone playing it. When my mom plays (she's taking lessons), he goes from wherever he is to her immediately and starts strumming/drumming on it.

He lights up when his daddy gets home. No matter what kind of afternoon it's been, he is a happy boy when he sees daddy.

He's a bit of a bruiser and a toy thief with other babies. I'm hoping he outgrows this. I'm terrified he'll be like I was.

He has 7 teeth, with 1 more about to come through.

His hair is getting lighter every time we go outside. Right now it's somewhere around strawberry blond. No idea where the reddishness came from.

His eyes are...hazel? They look brown to me up close, but green to a lot of people. From a distance there is still a tinge of blue. I don't get it. They're huge and they're pretty, regardless.

He loves to swim. Loves it. Will stay in the water as long as I will. He loves the ocean, the pool, anything. He kicks his little legs and tries so hard to go on his own.

Lately, he's been biting us with BIG smiles on his face. I think I've figured out that we all (Daniel, my mom, and me) often "nibble" on his toes or whatever and just blow on him to make him laugh. He doesn't understand that he's hurting us when he does it. So no more of that!

He never would eat purees - it was a screaming fight every time, so we went to finger foods. He -- plays with it. He'll kind of gnaw, massage, drop, suck on whatever we give him. Not a whole lot of actual swallowing yet. But he's still nursing every 3-4 hours, so, it's fine. Eventually he'll get it. I've talked to a few moms whose babies weren't interested in food until 9-10 months, and my mom didn't even try to give me solids until a year.

He's sleeping well at night. 1, maybe 2, wakeups to nurse for a while in a 10-11 hour night. That's good for me. Going down has been difficult, but it's easing up I hope. We're working on a routine, maybe that'll help.

He's not particularly vocal/pointy/etc. I've utterly failed with working on signs with him, and I am not really a pointer. He puts his arms up for "up" and hegrunts and kicks for down. He babbles a lot of mamamamamamamamama and bdubdubdubdubdubdubdu and gegegegegegegege and occasional combined syllable babbling. He occasionally goes Maaa but I don't know if it's random, if it's mom, or if it' Mac or Moe. :)

Jack is smiley, happy, busy, adventurous, stubborn, smart, sweet. Basically, he's me + Daniel wrapped up in one cute little ball of trouble! I love him.

Not a Facebook Status

2009-06-27T21:07:00.001-04:00

"Kimberly wonders why the only time her breasts ever leak anymore is when she's wearing her purple ruffley tank top as a jammy top. Put on that shirt, I'm guaranteed to have a giant wet spot."

Ten on Tuesday after forever!

2009-06-23T22:44:00.006-04:00

Since I haven't blogged in ages...

1) Jack has started doing this super cute thing where while he sucks his thumb with his right hand, he twirls the hair behind his left ear with his left hand. It's so cute and funny.

2) He can totally stand unsupported - he just doesn't believe it. When he's holding two toys he forgets to hang on to whatever (me, furniture,dog) and stands until he realizes that he doesn't know how. Then he sits. He's kind of like the roadrunner runnin' off a cliff and not falling 'til he realizes that he's in the air.

3) Our bookshelves are finished and BEEEE_YOU-TEE-FULL! And will provide me with tons and tons of storage. Pics to come, I promise.

4) Speaking of pics - my child has had more professional photographs taken than any child ever (except, perhaps, children of professional photographers). But he's just so cute. And Karen is so wonderful!

5) I've recently started to be able to imagine having another baby. Not that I want one now. But, it does take nine months. And not that I want to make one now. But, well, I can imagine it being SOMEDAY. Soonish.

6) My sister had to make a "visual argument" for a class. I video'd her argument - it's adorable. You should check it out. Here ya go.

7) We went to the Alligator Farm on my birthday/father's day. It was a lot of fun. But my husband let Jack pet a snake:( Freaked me out. Jack loved it.

Jack, Daniel, the creepy snake, and the Alligator Farm lady.

8) Jack and I were invited to the beach today for Mr. B's first birthday. Four mommies, 4 baby boys and a whole heck of a lot of sand. And fun. My kid is just like me, he can't go to the beach w/o being covered in sand. And, since we'd just returned from the beach and I don't have everything reorganized or washed yet, I didn't have a lot of our stuff with us. Oops. So Jack had to steal Baby C's toys and blanket and try to steal B's fruit loops. It was fun. I do fear that my sweet boy's going to get a reputation!

9) Have I mentioned that Jack loves loves LOVES the water? LOves it. A ridiculous amount. When he knows we're getting to it, he starts kickin' those little legs. It's adorable. And he'll stay in until he's made it well past prune and into...raisin? He also will take off towards the ocean as soon as he noticed it. Adorable, I tell you!

Last is my little sister and my boy pulling off her suit. But look at that lip he has going on. Cracks me up!

10) So, I had a birthday. It made me old. But I've decided that I am going to start going backwards now. So...instead of turning 28, I turned 26. Yep. That's just how it is. 'Cause I said so.

Baptism Cards

2009-06-01T11:28:00.000-04:00

Jack was baptized last weekend (more on that and pics to come later). After I showed his invitation on thenest, someone asked me to design a card for their child's upcoming baptism. They wanted something very similar to Jack's, with a few small changes.

Here's Jack's:

And Cole's:

And the Thank you card I ordered for Jack (I'm not wild about the printing on the bifold card, I'm going to have to check out some new printers if I'm going to start selling them):

Contact me if you'd like to order any sort of a card or announcement!

Baptism

2009-05-31T20:19:00.006-04:00

Jack was baptized last weekend (more on that and pics to come later). After I showed his invitation on thenest, someone asked me to design a card for their child's upcoming baptism. They wanted something very similar to Jack's, with a few small changes.

Here's Jack's:

And Cole's:

And the Thank you card I ordered for Jack (I'm not wild about the printing on the card, I'm going to have to check out some new printers if I'm going to start selling them):

Jack 7 MOnths/Baptism Pics

2009-05-19T08:48:00.000-04:00

By Karen Heiring (A lot of these haven't been touched up or color corrected. Karen give them to me as is at my request).

Oh, Good Lord.

2009-05-09T16:14:00.005-04:00

And I mean that. As a prayer.

I haven't touched on a lot of dieting on this blog - it's mainly been about Jack to date. But, well, I need to deal with this too, so here we go.

I have been yoyo dieting for years. Except the Yoyo is never the scale - that just gets higher and higher. It's just my head. I have dieted my way from 148 pounds (yes, at 5'9 I thought I was fat) to now.

When I got pregnant I weighed 263 pounds. When Jack was born I weighed 268. At my two week post-partum I weighed 245. And today I weigh 262.5. I ate healthfully during my pregnancy. I didn't binge, I didn't feel guilty. I just ate like a normal person. Since then...I've been a basket case. Especially since I decided to join Weight Watchers (again) in January. That really sent me down the piggy path. I've gained 11 pounds since then.

Blah.

I also saw a picture of myself - a candid - from a birthday party. Oh my freaking gosh I am huge. Ginornous. It's awful.

And I don't quite know what to do. The only thing that seems to make me eat right is pregnancy...and that's not really a viable dietary option.

So that's it. I need to fix me, but I just don't quite know how to get my head back where it needs to be.

(Oh - AND I'm still basically exclusively breastfeeding - Jack eats VERY LITTLE in the way of solids - and that whole breastfeeding burns calories thing? Not so much workin' over here)

Wow!

2009-05-06T16:15:00.002-04:00

I'm a failure at this regular posting thing. Sheesh. So much has happened in the last few weeks, so I'll do a quick synopsis and come back with pics when we get back in town.

1) How situation went to crazy and back again, and now we're just on hold. We may close next week. We may never close. We'll see.

2) We're almost ALMOST out of (non-mortgage) debt. It would be nice if those things would happen in reverse order, but, such is life.

3) Jack's the cutest kid in the world. Yes, the world. I'm not biased at all.

4) We went to little As 1st birthday party. It was fun to hang out and Jack likes to play with (and eat) other babies. I'm not so sure he plays well w/ others.

5) Working on Baptism invitations. I don't know if I'll do them or if my mother-in-law (she's having the party) will just print some. We'll see.

6) Jack's going everywhere, moving like crazy. He scares me.

7) He had his 1st swim lesson last night. It was a lot of fun and I LOVE the instructor. My boy loves the water.

8) We're heading to the beach for a couple of days. It'll be nice to have a few days with just Daniel and Jack. And the beach.

9) I miss mac and moe. A lOT! I can't wait until we have a house and they can come home.

10 on Tuesday

2009-04-21T08:39:00.003-04:00

1) I want to blog more, but I tend to forget and then go in GIANT chunks where I miss little things. So I'm going to try to do a lot of these little daily deals and see if that helps.

2) For the 1st 3.5 months of Jack's life, he went to bed at about 9:30, slept until 3:30, woke at 6:30, woke at 8. For each of the wakings, he was up for about 10 minutes to nurse, then back to sleep. At about 3.5 months, I started listening to all of the people telling me he needed a plan, or a routine, or a schedule. I quit listening to HIM, and started listening to everyone else. So, I started putting him to bed at about 7. Which often leads to all out bedtime war, and ALWAYS leads to wakings every hour or 2. I'm exhausted, Daniel's exhausted, Jack starts trying to take a nap every afternoon at around 5:00, and I fight to keep him up until 7.

Well, screw it. In the last few weeks, he's gone to bed at 9:00 or so a couple of times. Each time, he was up after 6 or 7 hours, slept 3 hours, up again for a few minutes, then back down. I like that much better. So...I'm going to try it. He can have his 5:00 nap, and we'll put him to bed at 9. It may end some of Daniel's and my grown up time, but may also end our exhaustion and crankiness. Plus, Daniel will probably be home before the nap is over. I might be crazy, but I think this is worth a try.

3. I think I need to start vacuuming every night. Jack keeps finding teensy little pieces of paper and swallowing/choking on them. They aren't big enough to CHOKE him, but he starts coughing unpleasantly.

4. Jack's not so much into this food thing. He's just not. He didn't like sweet potatoes at all, and he lets 1/2 of his nightly rice cereal (because we want him to SLEEP), slide right on out of his mouth. We'll keep trying, but I'm finding it less fun, and more a pain in the neck.

5. He started cruising yesterday, he'd done a few little steps, but yesterday he went the whole length of the coffee table. So NOT ready for this.

6. 4 more days until we hear about the house. Or less. Pray for us - this would be SUCH a great home for our family!!!!!!!

7. I can't make videos post. Any advice?

8. Finished this album recently - it was for a destination/cruise wedding and honeymoon. These pages are all out of order b/c cry-boy isn't letting me organize them, but you'll get an idea.

9. There have been way too many words and too few images in this post, so...

Itty bitty baby picture.
and...

10.

Not a Facebook Status III

2009-04-19T22:15:00.002-04:00

"Kimberly would be convinced she was pregnant if she hadn't taken lots of negative pregnancy tests over a few weeks. I'm not, but man, my body is acting odd. (I do NOT want to be pregnant now, btw!)"

Count my blessing Sunday

2009-04-19T22:08:00.002-04:00

I need to start remembering the good, so here goes:
1) My husband. My sweet husband who isn't perfect, but tries hard. And loves us and takes great care of us. And so WANTS me to be happy.
2) My beautiful, healthy son. My sweet baby boy. I adore him.
3) In laws who are letting us live with them until we figure out what the heck we're doing next.
4) Family - knowing we always have someone to help us, talk to us, hang out with us. I love being part of a large, extended family.
5) Karen Heiring - a wonderful friend and awesome photographer. Through her portraits I will have so many great memories of my boy!
6) God. Who I know watches out for me and blesses me, even though I don't deserve it or him.
7) Sherwin-Williams. My husband has a secure job in a tough time, and I'm grateful.
8) The water. I love it. I live for it, in it. And I am SOOO glad my son loves it as much.
9) Dogs. and their unending, undying love for us. I miss my boys while they live with Kelley until we have a house. And I miss my Molly-mutt niece who had to be put down due to cancer a few weeks ago.
10) Health. I don't take care of myself the way I should, yet I'm healthy and happy and very very blessed:)

Just wonderin'

2009-04-19T22:06:00.002-04:00

how it is that every night, no matter what time Jack goes to bed, no matter how long afterwards I decide to go up for a bath, EVERY NIGHT he wakes up when I go upstairs. Or, at least, 80% of the time.

And not really upstairs. When I head to the kitchen to get a cup of water for the night. I could have gotten water 4 other times since he went to sleep. It's the time that I think, OK, water then bath, I hear him start to cry as I get into the kitchen. Seriously. I think my kid is psychic. Or I just have ridiculously bad timing.

:)

Just a quit cell pic of Jack sleeping with his daddy by the River.

5 Month Pro Photos

2009-04-13T09:28:00.002-04:00

The awesome outdoor ones are by Karen Heiring Photography and the studios are from Target. What can I say...I had a coupon:)

For more, click:

Jack 5 Months Target

Daddy/Baby time

2009-04-13T09:26:00.001-04:00

Drivin'

2009-04-13T09:25:00.000-04:00

Springing the Blues

2009-04-13T09:24:00.000-04:00

How Jack Crawls

2009-04-13T09:20:00.002-04:00

OK, those were supposed to be video. Try again later.

Early Standing...

2009-04-13T09:17:00.001-04:00

Jack @ Restaurants

2009-04-13T09:06:00.001-04:00

Chruch Playground Opening

2009-04-13T09:05:00.001-04:00

His 1st Month

2009-04-13T09:04:00.001-04:00

I found these pictures on my mom's camera, and they totally took me back. To that month. To that couch. To my crazy was of swaddling him to me so that we both felt secure while we slept.

We lived on that couch.

It seems like such a blur. I fed him, made faces at him, then watched TV while he nursed (45+ minutes) or slept. At night I'd sleep b/w nursing sessions, but besides that, we basically didn't move. We left the house a few times, or we'd venture to the hammock. But we basically spent every moment on that couch.

It sounds crazy, boring, awful. But, looking back, it was amazing. I spent so much time just getting to know my boy. Holding him. Being his everything. Learning him.

It's one of the most important times of my life, one I know I'll never get again with him or with future babies, and yet, it's just a blur. Like labor:)

Every night before Daniel went to bed he'd make sure I had the ottoman pushed up close (just in case Jack rolled or I rolled) and water for me, LOTS of diapers and wipes, my cell phone (so I could call him if I needed him) and the remote control. As much as I love to read, I couldn't do that yet. My brain wasn't reading-functional.

Why weren't we with Daniel? Why wasn't Jack in a crib? Well, I needed my boy with me. I needed to touch him. And Daniel needed sleep so he could go to work (my decision) and wasn't comfortable sleeping with the baby anyway.

I miss my newborn and my month on the couch. And I can't wait to see the little boy he's going to be!

Not a Facebook Status II

2009-03-24T14:40:00.002-04:00

"Kimberly wants to know why every diaper I put Jack in - cloth AIO, cloth pocket, disposable size 2, disposable size 3 leaks this week. This is getting out of control."

My little inch worm

2009-03-24T14:25:00.002-04:00

Jack can go from his tummy into a sit with little to no effort now. So, instead of army crawling...he inch worms.

He sits, reaches as far as he can, gets on his hands and knees, then lays on his tummy, again reaching as far as he can, then sits again, and repeat. He can move fairly quickly this way. I'll try to get a video of it...it's pretty funny!

Not a Facebook Status

2009-03-24T14:19:00.000-04:00

There are just some things I can't broadcast for the world to see. OK, fine, this blog is broadcasting to the world - but in a seemingly more private setting than facebook. And yet, regularly, when I see the facebook "What's on your mind" status box, I want to say something that the Southern Lady in me just can't say in public.

Something like...

"Kimberly can't believe how relieved she is too see a poopy diaper. The things motherhood does to you..."

A few pics of 2 of my boys

2009-03-18T22:33:00.001-04:00

Gymboree

2009-03-18T22:26:00.004-04:00

On Tuesdays, Jack and I go to Gymboree & then to lunch with some other moms and babies. He seems to enjoy it, and, well, I love to get out of the house! Plus, it gives me ideas of things to do with him at home. He'll be moving up to Level 2 in 2 weeks and is starting Gymboree Music on Monday. Yay!!!

For now though, here's a glimpse of Gymboree:

Baby Yoga

2009-03-18T22:19:00.002-04:00

Jack finally finished Itsy Bitsy Yoga. We started back in November when he was 5 weeks old, but only attended 2 sessions due to...life:) So we did this session and enjoyed it so much! It's so worth the drive to St. Augustine. I am hoping to get to be a drop in for a few more classes, but the description is Newborn to nearly crawling...and, well, he's very close to nearly crawling.

Here are some pictures of his last day of class (please ignore my chest):

Need to lower the crib rails

2009-03-18T22:06:00.001-04:00

I never remember what I blog & what I don't blog, so...

Jack can pull himself up at least to a squat. So he's going straight to bed w/ us 'til his Daddy lowers the crib.

My baby boy is growing up so fast!!!

Army Crawl

2009-03-18T22:05:00.003-04:00

He gets frustrated fast and will stick his head in the carpet and scream, but Jack can ooch his little self whereever he wants to go. And he knows to get up on his knees, he just falls down when he tries to lift a leg.

Boys gonna be goin' places soon.

Yikes!

Sittin' Up

2009-03-15T15:40:00.003-04:00

So...as I am sure I've posted, Jack's been sitting up completely well with great balance for about 6 weeks now. '

As I THINK I've posted, the other day I left him on his back, came back in and he was sitting up. Then nothing.

Well, yesterday, Daniel had Jack playing on the floor while I was on the computer. I asked him to please do some tummy time. He said OK. A few minutes later, I turned around and Jack was sitting up. So, I said, Daniel, really, he needs tummy time. He said OK. I turned around, he was sitting up. I said Daniel, PLEASE do timmy time. He looked at Jack and said "Jack, please tell your mommy that I am putting you on your tummy, you just refuse to stay that way".

So I came over to watch and sure enough, he was rolling onto his side and pushing up and sitting.

There goes tummy time.

White paper

2009-03-13T09:02:00.002-04:00

How??? I left Jack on the floor for a few minutes while I checked my email. He was in a safe, clean location, with a toy, still in his sleepsack.

Well, I saw him on his side ooching, but didn't think he'd get anywhere. He went OVER the pile of photographs and about 5 feet away to the one white paper on the floor.

My child is stubborn and fairly mobile. Oops.

And he has a deep and abiding love for white paper. He had no interest in those photoos. No interest in his toy. No interest in the video box. But that white paper. Oh, yeah!

Now I need to go rescue it from his mouth, as it is actually a Mattress Firm Warranty form that I need.

Tooth

2009-03-12T15:42:00.000-04:00

Well, we got a tooth. Or at least a little teensy tinsy bump of a tooth. It's white and shiny and very sharp and very small.

And he's only 5 months old. I know 10 month olds with no teeth. FORMULA FED 10 month olds with no teeth. But my EBF baby...he has a tooth.

At least it explains the crazy sleep patterns of late.

Little Vera

2009-03-09T22:01:00.001-04:00

Jack's legal name is John, for Daniel's paternal grandfather and for my maternal grandfather. Daniel's grandmother's name was Vera.

Well, right this very minute, Daniel's cousin, Kelly, is at the hospital in labor with little Vera.

I'm excited for the new baby in the family and the new namesake to fit right in with my boy:-)

Orgasmic Birth

2009-03-08T22:35:00.002-04:00

I don't get it. I CAN NOT imagine an orgasm during birth. I don't think I'd even want to. The idea just icks me out altogether. I mean, more power to those who do it, but...not me. So Not Me.

But, apparently, parts of my family think that I had one. Or, well, kind of.

My sister recently watched a documentary on orgasmic birth and afterwards she came to me and said "you did that didn't you?". Um...no. Trust me, at no point of labor was I close. I asked what she was talking about - having no idea, and my labor being such a blur that I thought maybe something happened I didn't remember. Yes, that blurred..

Apparently, somewhere in the wee hours of Sunday morning (27+ hours into labor, 6 or so hours @ 8 cm), my doula kicked everyone out of the room so that Daniel and I could have some time alone. I vaguely remember this. I think she mentioned nipple stimulation, but all I wanted was to get back in the shower, so that's what we did.

Well, apparently, while my doula, sister, sister-in-law, mom, mother-in-law and I PRAY NOT my father and father-in-law were in the hallway, my doula told them what I needed was an orgasm to start progressing. And then wouldn't let the nurse into the room. So, they all believe that Daniel and I were in there, um, trying to make that happen.

I told Kelley no. But, well, I'm not quite sure how to broach this with the rest of them. Hey, MIL, just wanted to let you know Daniel and I weren't fooling around during labor? Or just leave it alone?

I loved my doula, she was truly awesome, but...no!

Sleep Experiment

2009-03-08T14:12:00.002-04:00

We've been co-sleeping essentially since Jack was born, and since Thanksgiving we've put him down in his crib when he 1st goes to sleep, and then bringing him to bed with us the 1st time he wakes up to nurse (and he nurses for a LONG time, so he's actually hungry at night - I, unfortunately, do NOT have a child who will comfort nurse. He won't nurse unless he's hungry and pulls off as soon as he's full.). Normally he gets 4-5 hours in his crib.

Well, last night I fed him at 5:30, and then he kind of spontaneously fell asleep at 7:30, so I didn't have time to feed him again.

When I went to bed at 9:45, I could hear him stirring - I figured he would maybe stay down another hour before he was too hungry to sleep.

So...I decided to experiment. I went in and got him out of his crib before he woke up, and stayed in his room to nurse him (he never opened his eyes the whole time). After he nursed for 10 minutes and then stopped, I rocked him for just a few minutes. He never got back to deep, floppy sleep (which is what's normally required to put him back down), but I decided if I stayed up with him too long there was no point in the experiment, as I'd be losing sleep. So, I put him in his crib, he rolled onto his side and stayed asleep. He didn't wake up until 4:30! THat's the longest he's EVER slept in his crib!

I'm not ready to quit co-sleeping. I like the convenience and the snuggles. But on the nights where I know that he's going to wake up within an hour or so of me going to bed, this would be nice if it worked. Otherwise, I either a)stay up waiting for him to go to sleep, in which case, without fail, he sleeps HOURS longer than I expected or b)I go to bed but can't sleep b/c I'm expecting him to awaken at any moment.

Here's the Video for the Paws post!

2009-03-08T10:21:00.000-04:00

Doggies

2009-03-07T22:12:00.002-05:00

There are lots of dogs in Jack's life. He's generally comfortable with HIS puppies, but takes a little bit of time to warm up to others...even if they are his size.

Moe is so protective of Jack. He often comes and lays down next to him.

Playing with one of Grandmommy's puppies.

doing what Jack does best: throwing himself bodily into whatever he decides he HAS TO get his mouth on...in this case, Bella.

Paws

2009-03-07T22:07:00.004-05:00

One of my childhood stories, the ones that I think I remember, but I've really just heard 1000 times, is of Paws. Paws is this yellow head with googly eyes and LONG blue arms. I don't know if I named him Paws or if he came that way. He was a toy at my grandparents house. I hated him. Every time they put him in my crib or playtime, I'd apprently throw him out screaming "No me like Paws!". So, in the twisted fashion that my family does everything, Paws is the toy they saved. Not my favorite toy, the one I hated. At Daniel's and my rehearsal dinner, my grandfather gave Paws to him.

Well...now Paws belongs to Jack. And he seems to like him much better than I did.

My baby boy

2009-03-07T22:01:00.004-05:00

He's getting so big. He's wearing some 12 month clothes now (cutesy bubbles tend to run small, apparently). He sits, he spends a little time on his hands and knees. Every now and then I look at him and see the boy he will be soon.

So I need to enjoy this. I need to appreciate every day, every moment I have with this baby.

He is, in so many ways, the best thing that ever happened to me. I love spending time with him, playing with him, watching him learn.

But, as my mother loves to point out, I'm inherently lazy, and sometimes I blow him off. I don't ignore him, or let him cry, but I...bounce him on my hip while I'm doing something else. Not something important. Just something else. Check facebook for the 97th time. Read a blog. Feel guilty for not "getting enough done". Whatever.

What I need to be doing is enjoying this baby who way to soon be a toddler, and a kid and a teen and an adult. I need to play with him, teach him - to crawl, to walk, to read, to love.

Mobile (barely)

2009-03-02T08:56:00.002-05:00

Jack has figured out how to roll and scooch and cause trouble! This is one determined kid, and I am one mommy who needs to start baby proofing.

There's a cord for a lamp about 7 feet from where i put him for tummy time - twice he's managed to get to it and start chewing (well, at least aim his mouth...I caught him pre-chew).

Ack! I'm scared:)

Valentine's Day Froggy

2009-02-27T22:35:00.000-05:00

My aunt Kelley (Yaya) gave Jack a REALLY cute stuffed frog for Valentine's day. He wasn't too sure of him at first, but now he finds it fascinating. I need to get video b/c it's just the funniest thing, but meanwhile, here are some pictures...

Upside down

2009-02-26T15:52:00.002-05:00

Jack just LOVES to be upside down! I can always make him laugh by dangling him by his hips above my head. He cracks up! Silly child.

I'm trying to attach a video. We'll see.

Such a nice day!

2009-02-25T16:54:00.002-05:00

Jack and I have had such a nice day today. We woke up at 7 and then played for a little while, and then he had a nap while I worked on our tax return. Then he played guitar with my mom and we got ready for Baby Yoga. I was SO not in the mood for it, but we went, it was SO MUCH FUN, then we went to the Farmer's Market where I bought another cute outfit from the Batik lady (it won't fit him until the summer) and then he took a nap in the car while I read. It was just nice. And peaceful. I do love that boy. It's amazing!

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. As soon as Daniel gets home from work we're heading to church. I try to give up something and add something every year. This year, I am giving up drive-thru restaurants. Basically, I eat out too much with Jack, but I don't tend to actually go IN anywhere. So...if I care enough to go in, fine. but if not (94% of the time) NO driving through. AND I'm going to try to do some sort of daily Lenten Bible study. I'm hoping someone at church has a recommendation.

And, for fun, some pictures from LAST week!

A few pics for the last few weeks

2009-02-24T22:57:00.001-05:00

This is SO Jack. He smiles and then covers his mouth with this little shy grin. I love it!

1st Boy & Me:)

2009-02-20T20:51:00.002-05:00

1. When is your "engagement" anniversary: June 21, 2005 (my 24th Birthday)

2. When is your "marriage" anniversary: May 6th, 2006

3. How long have you known your spouse: 23 years, technically

4. How long did you date/court before you were engaged: 7 years, 3 months. I was NOT patient.

5. Where did you meet your spouse for the first time? Sunday School at church. We started dating after I started attending youth group when I was 16.

6. What is your spouses full name? Daniel Willis

7. Do you have any children: YES :)

8. How many - boys - girls: sweet baby boy

9. Do you have any house pets: YES...my other 2 boys...Mac and Moe

10. Do you own a house or rent: We own a house, but we have it rent-to-owned while we live in my mom's house and care for it for her. We're hoping to buy another house soon.

11. Do you live in the country or town/city: Town

12. What is one of your favorite activities together: boating

13. Do you have a favorite vacation spot: Jamaica

14. How many siblings (including in-laws) do you have: Lots. My sister, Kelley. Step-brother, RJ. Step-stepsister (RJs 1/2 sister), Quinn and her husband Erik. Daniel's sisters Elizabeth and Caroline. His stepbrothers, James (and wife Christine) and Dusty. Stepsister, Amelia.

15. What church do you attend: Grace

16. Is this the church you were married in: Yes

17. What town is your current address at: Orange Park, FL

18. Do you work or stay at home: SAHM

19. Where did you go on your honeymoon: Negril & Ocho Rios, Jamaica

20. Leave a piece of advice for the other couples: All relationships are hard: romantic, familial, friendship. Just like you may have an off phase with your sisters, you may have one with your spouse. Work through it. It'll get better.

Thirteen on Thursday

2009-02-19T10:35:00.003-05:00

1) He had his shot appointment ysterday. This time was the Prevnar vaccine. The nurse said it would hurt more than Hib. Well, I don't know about the initial injection, but man, he handled it better. He cried for about 5 minutes, then was fine. After the Hib vaccine, he cried for the rest of the day.

2) Jack now weighs 16 lbs, 5.5 oz. He has gained 14 oz in 2 weeks. Big boy!

3) Jack sits REALLY really well. He'll totally hang out and play. But every now and then he topples. I try not to leave him alone, but when he's been sitting for 5 minutes, the dog is trying to eat my breakfast, I may walk 5 feet away. Inevitably, I turn around and he's screaming on his belly. Oops.

4) Speaking of bellies - for the most part, tummy time has become impossible. As soon as I put him on his tummy, he rolls to his back.

5) We're finally over the nasty colds. Yay!

6) I've started going to counseling again, because, well...read my blog. I'm nuts. Counseling with a baby is...interesting. Fortunately, the counselor is awesome and doesn't mind.

7) I just realized he's in the same outfit as last weeks counseling session. Should I change him? Seriously, I think this way! (BTW - I have NO idea what I wore last week).

8) I am simultaneously proud of how big jack's getting and all the cool things he can do now and sad that my baby is growing up. Is that normal? Or should I bring it up in counseling? ;)

9) Jess (www.jesscumbie.com) is coming over tomorrow. Jess is my birthday twin and an awesome photographer. She's bringing her camera...yay!

10) I'm trying to decide b/w Gymboree Music and Kindermusik. We already do normal Gymboree, so Music would be cheaper. Any thoughts?

11) Jack's sleep has gone to hell. Don't know what the deal is. He spoiled me for the 1st 3 months. Now...his new thing is to get up b/w 1 and 4 and want to be awake for 3 hours. I am so NOT a middle of the night person.

12) I realized yesterday how incredibly blessed I am to have such a healthy, happy, beautiful baby. My SIL is a NICU nurse, and as she was talking about one of the very ill babies she cares for, I realized I am just so blessed. I love this boy!

13) Ok, so, my kid is ridiculously long. He is too long for most of his 6-9 month one pieces (rompers, jonjons,etc). Granted, the cloth diapers take up more room than regular diapers, but still! He is currently in a almost-too-short 6-9 month romper and a fits perfectly 0-3 month sweater. And yet, he doesn't LOOK skinny. So odd.

NO SPEND CHALLENGE - FAIL

2009-02-16T09:52:00.002-05:00

So, we got sick. And I had no energy. And all that sounded good to me to eat was junk food. And then came Valentine's Day. And...I can make excuses all day long.

The good news is I have done NO shopping. Zero. Zilch. Even when Amy offered to share shipping at Cotton Babies and I SO want to try a BG AIO w/ Snaps. I didn't do it.

So...I'm giving myself $20 for the rest of the month. Yep, that's almost what I started with, but I want to succeed, so $20. No more. No less.

Just 'Cause He's Cute

2009-02-04T11:57:00.000-05:00

Jack's 1st Horseback Ride

2009-02-04T11:27:00.003-05:00

We moved Lorelei to Jacksonville today. Kelley is here as much as she's in Gainesville and I'm NEVER in Gainesville, so this seemed best.

Jack..."rode" her for a few seconds:) I can't wait 'til he can actually sit on her!

Four Month Checkup

2009-02-04T10:50:00.004-05:00

Jack's 4 month checkup was today, and he was on his cutest behavior! Seriously, the child was showing off for Dr. Ceron. Super smiley, grabby, happy.

He's 15 lbs 8 oz (60%), 26.5 inches (90%) and his head is 50%. My long, skinny boy!

Um...she gave me a list of foods so that I can start them at 6 months, but she just handed me the list. I want to ask her more questions, so I'll just wait 'til after the 6 month appointment (I really have no desire to start solids - breastfeeding is EASY). She was impressed that he's tripoding and sitting on his own for a few seconds at this age. Said everything looked/sounded good.

He was supposed to get his Prevnar shot today, but we skipped it b/c he's getting a cold (He was SO stuffy in the night), so I'm going in for that next week.

I think that's it.

Oh, we had a MAJOR diaper leak today. We got to the doctor and when I got him out of his seat he was soaked. SOAKED. Like he didn't have a diaper soaked. Daniel dressed him, so my 1st thought was that somehow he DIDN'T haeva diaper. But no, it was there. But it was soaked through. The outside of the diaper was wet. And it's my pretty surfery KCKOne. Blah. I thought it was having issues, but then I thought the stripping fixed them, but apparently not. Sad. Good thing I had an extra outfit in my bag...

OH Again! She said that he is really active for a 4 month old, and that his current sleep schedule (4.5ish hours (7:30-12), eat, 3 hours (12-3), eat, 3 hours (3-6),eat 2 hours (6:30-8:30) - all those have ish's attached) at night is pretty much the best I can hope for. That he still needs those nighttime nurses. Which is fine - when he sleeps like that it's no problem. My problem comes when he wakes up every hour, or wakes up wanting to play. Fortunately, that's been rare. (She attributed that to either teething or growth spurting).

'Cause I was bored

2009-02-03T22:17:00.001-05:00

Need different music next time

(Almost) No Spend Challenge, Days 2&3

2009-02-03T20:43:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, we stayed home all day. Jack was in a mood with a capital M and woke up screaming every hour Sunday night. I don't know if that was teething pain, tummy pain (he was a little gassy) or just plain moodiness. Anyway, we were tired and went nowhere. I kept thinking of going places (Chick fil a was calling me) but I stayed away. I also didn't make it to the grocery store. Just no energy. So...when Daniel got home (well, woke up. He got home at 2:00, went to sleep, woke @ 5:30, back to sleep at 7), I went to Little Ceaser's. I've decided that was OK, as I didn't get bread, and just pizza is $5 - groceries for dinner wouldn't have been cheaper.

So, end of Day 2 = $25 left for me, $25 left for Daniel

Today, I actually went to the bank and got my $25 out. It was also Gymboree day. After Gymboree, C and her daughter S, and V & her son M and Jack and I go to lunch. I don't want to miss it, because, well, I'm trying to make friends. I got a Chick Fil A (yes, I'm obsessed) sandwich and small fries and water instead of my normal combo with large Diet lemonade. So I spent $4.50. I also found $6 in my pants pocket. So...do I get to keep it and use it this month? Split it with Daniel and both of us use it? Stick it in the bank? I'm not sure on that one. Anyway, I STILL haven't made it to the grocery store. Mom was here tonight though, and cooked for us, so that worked.

End of Day 3 = $20.50/$26.50 left for me, $25 left for Daniel (I think!)

Tomorrow, Jack has his 4 month appointment and his 2nd shot (not round of shots, actual 2nd shot, we're still on his spread out 2 month shots b/c he was sick). I'm going to talk to Dr. Ceron about whether we should get tomorrow's (Daniel's sick --> getting sick baby). Anyway, after that is lunch with Barbara (my MIL, she'll buy:) and grocery store. I should make a list...

Jack 3 month Picture/Daniel's Birthday suprise

2009-02-02T20:28:00.004-05:00

For Daniel's birthday, I had picture taken of Jack with a surfboard and with MR2 props. For the 1st time, Jack was happy, animated and cute (ok, well, he's always cute, but you know:) Daniel was THRILLED! These also served as Jack's 3 month Photos.

by the wonderful Karen Heiring.

Super Bowl and Rolling Over

2009-02-02T10:34:00.003-05:00

We went to my dad and stepmoms house to watch the Super Bowl. Lori, as always, had lots of food, some specially prepared to account for my pickiness:) None of us particularly cared about the teams, but I decided to root for the Cardinals b/c, well, doesn't Cardinal just sound nicer than Steeler??? Daniel was rooting for the Steelers, so Dad decided to go for the Cardinals as well, so that they could make a $2 bet. (It always makes an activity you don't really care about slightly more interesting if you have some (tiny) investment in them). So, Lori, who really was just for good commercials, decided to support Daniel on the Steelers side.

So, yeah, I lost. But Daniel won $2 to add to his $25 spending this month (see next post). It was an entertaining game, what with all the craziness and switches and ridiculous unnecessary roughness.

But, of course, to me, the fun parts were:
1) Jack was FREAKING adorable in the Jaguars outfit that Lindsay gave us (it used to be Corbans) and hightop Converses. He'd never worn the outfit, and I"m glad he had the chance too. (Pics to come once I get them from Dad).

2) Jack started rolling over from belly to back. A lot. And easily. He totally gets that one. He's been doing back to belly on occasion for a week or so, but he's WAY more into belly to back. So proud:) (Video of his FIRST roll to come when I get it from Dad.)

Okey doke. That's it:)