3 Fellas and a Lady3 Fellas and a Lady3 Fellas and a Lady3 Fellas and a Lady3 Fellas and a Lady

Friday, August 6, 2010

I MOVED!!!!!

I will no longer be posting on this blog.  Please come and visit/follow me at Bare Feet and Blue Jeans .

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

My post for Wordless Wednesday can be found on my blog Bare Feet and Blue Jeans .  Check it out!

Friday, July 30, 2010

WE'RE MOVING!!!

I decided to make a blog change.  Within the next week I will no longer be posting on this blog.  I set up a new one with a name that I like a lot better.

 Bare Feet and Blue Jeans  will be our new site!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Miscellaney Monday

Miscellany Monday @ lowercase letters




1.  I need to become a better cook!
Hubby asked if the lasagna we had for dinner was homemade.  I was tempted to lie and say yes.  It was from a bag.  I really need to try some new recipes.  We eat the same stuff over and over and over.

2.  Oh the joy of two boys!
Trying to put my 6 month old to sleep with a 2year old running around is nearly impossible. 

3.  I'm Jealous!
My boys have such pretty hair and eyelashes.  Even my DH (Dear Husband) has nice long eyelashes.  I"m jealous!  What are they ever going to do with pretty hair and long lashes.  It's not fair, lol.

4.  Keepin' up with the Joneses
I want a bigger house.  Our house is nice and in a decent location but I want more space.  Or do I need less stuff!?!

5.  I love Christmas! 
I'm am sooooo looking forward to Christmas with 2 little ones.  I'm already planning!

6.  I need to find a new doctor.
My current primary care physician is always pushing diet shakes and supplements.  I don't want to deal with pushy sales people during an exam

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Sunday Prayer and Meditation

Matthew 6:25-33


25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

An Inconvenient Truth....about motherhood




One of the many inconveniences experienced by mothers is the public restroom changing table.  I have seen some changing stations in the most ridiculous places.

One restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida had the changing table behind the door of the entrance to the bathroom.  Which means you can expect to get smacked in the back with a heavy wooden door anytime some comes in.

Another place has the changing table directly opposite the stalls.  The space between the open changing station and the bathroom stalls is so narrow that no one can get in or out of the stalls if a baby is being changed.

Then of course there are the ones that are old and or damaged.  I'm afraid to put my kids on some of them but changing them on the nasty floors is certainly not a better option.

I wonder what the ones in the men's rooms look like?  I wonder if they even have them in men's rooms.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Follow me!




I'm new to this world of blogging but I decided to jump on in with both feet.  I'm participating in this blog hop sponsored by The Adventures of Goober Grape and Monkey Man  and   Life of a Sippy Cup Mom, and  Mannland5 .

I also found another blog, Toddler Awesome , that I really like and decided to participate with them also!

Discipline or start drinking?





I need to either start learning about discipline or start drinking!  It's as if a switch was flipped as soon as Aaron turned two.  If he's told not to do something he'll go right ahead and do it anyway.  With a little grin on his face, he'll keep on doing what I told him not to do.  I started reading Love and Logic Magic but had to return it to the library so I won't comment on that yet.  I did however finish the book called Supernanny: How to Get the Best from Your Children by Jo Frost.

I liked this book because it was a straight forward easy read.  Unlike some parenting books it doesn't weigh you down with psycho-babble and mind-numbing statistics.  In case you don't know,  Jo frost is the nanny from the hit show Supernanny on ABC.   She's a nanny from England and has about 15 years experience with children from newborn to age fourteen.  She's not a psychologist or a parent, heck, neither am I.  Jo Frost does have what I don't and that's experience.  She writes what she practices and what she has seen work.  I enjoy watching her show and thought I'd enjoy the book.  I was right.

Basically the book presents 10 rules.  These rules are 1. Praise and Rewards, 2. Consistency (I need this big time!), 3. Routine, 4. Boundaries, 5. Discipline, 6. Warnings, 7. Explanations, 8. Restraint (Must work on this too), 9. Responsibility and 10. Relaxation.   These ten rules are then applied to various situations that parents face such as eating, sleeping, potty training and getting dressed.

I really like that the book highlights consistency.  I really have a problem with this.  I have caught myself several times saying no and then giving in.  It's also important for DH and I to be on the same page so as to present a unified front. In the chapter on eating (what parent of  a toddler doesn't have issues with eating?) it says to stick to the same rules and follow them through.  You're not supposed to change your mind in the face of a tantrum or melt-down.  I have a hard time with this.  I don't want to be a push-over but sometimes I don't want to deal with the crying of a tantrum either.  Also, she instructs not go give a child who hasn't eaten his meal a snack.  Well, duh, that makes sense right?  I must admit I have done this. 

One thing that I didn't like so much about the book is the technique of using the "naught step".  It's basically just putting a child in time out.  I have no problem with time outs especially  at this stage but I don't like the wording.  I don't want to use the word "naughty" for fear that Aaron might think I'm calling him naughty.  I want to make it clear that his behavior is unacceptable not him the person.  I just won't use the word naughty.

I would recommend this book to friends/family if they are like me and new to parenting and discipline.  If their child is already headed to the big house,  this book is probably not in-depth enough for them.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Thankful on a Thursday

McGlothin Family Nest




I got this idea from a blog that I follow called   The McGlothin Family Nest.  It's a cute blog about an equally cute family. 

Anyway, I have soooooooo much to be thankful for everyday.  Here's just a few.

1. My Husband - He is so very, very, very helpful!

2.  My Children - Adorable, healthy, funny, and bright.

3.  Our home - We have one

4.  My family - crazy but always there when I need them

5.  M.O.P.S  (Mother's of PreSchooler's) - This is a Christian based organization designed for moms of young children.  We meet at Celebration Church for prayer, devotions, and fellowship.

6.  I'm thankful,  that even though I got fined at the library,  I had the money to pay the fine.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

SCREWED!!!!!

I had planned on only posting once today but I'm irritated.  I met up with some mommy friends at the library for story and craft time.  During the craft time I noticed that the crayons had seen better days and the glue sticks were empty.  As I left,  I asked one of the employees about donating some supplies.  With many stores having back-to-school sales on supplies I figured it would be a nice yet inexpensive gesture. 

I went to the other desk to check out books for Aaron.  The lady told me that I had a fine of $14.95.  Huh?!  What?!  Fourteen dollars and ninety-five cents!  Apparently, one of the books I returned last week was damaged.  Well, it wasn't damaged by me!  I remember the book having some stains on some of the pages.  She couldn't do anything and told me that I could go to the Regency Branch to complain and discuss getting it overturned.  I paid the money.  What was my defense?

I was standing in line with 2 kids, a stack of books and and a line of people behind me.  I was in no mood or position to make a big fuss.  That's just not my nature anyway.  It's my nature to be more of a doormat.  Oh, well....

Wordless Wednesday


Monday, July 19, 2010

Notice Anything?!?!?!?!?!?

The new look was created by Jocelyn at Blogs by Jocelyn

I wanted my blog to look awesome and eye-catching.  After realizing that I wasn't going to make it happen, I decided to let someone who knew what they were doing handle it.  The process was easy and I am more than pleased with the result.

THANK YOU Jocelyn!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Sunday Prayer and Meditation




"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31

Friday, July 16, 2010

Five Question Friday

I follow several blogs but have never participated in a blog hop.  I decided to try this out.







1. Do you collect anything?
Plastic bags, gift bags and I guess scrapbook supplies counts.

2. Name 3 celebrities that you find good looking.
Oh, I love this question!  Mark Wahlberg, Antonio Banderas, and Christopher Meloni

3. Do you have any scars? If so, what's the story behind it (them?)?
I have two little scars on my forehead.  I have no idea how they got there but I used to tell people that they were a result of emergency brain surgery.

4. What is a food that you like to eat, but others might think it's gross or weird?
Macaroni and cheese with hot sauce. Yummmmm!

5. Have you ever seen a tornado in real life?
No, thank God.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

What am I going to do?

When Aaron stops taking a nap!?!

I don't even want to think about it!  I really look forward to the 2 hour toddler-free time each day.  Sometimes saying, "It's almost 1:00pm!", is what gets me through the day!

I typically, use the 2 hour break to pay bills, prep dinner, facebook, read, blog or keep up with other blogs.  When Ethan was a newborn, I would sleep as well.  It was wonderful to be able to sleep when they slept.  Now that Ethan is almost 6 months old he's awake a lot more.  I'm no longer guaranteed that their naps will coincide.  In fact, the past couple weeks, Ethan would wake up as Aaron was going to sleep.

After talking to other mom's of two-year-olds, I know I'm quite blessed to have a toddler that's still napping. Especially a toddler that naps for two hours and still sleeps through the night!   It's typical for tots to drop naps between ages two and three.  I pray we make it to at least two and a half years old.  Please God, Pleeeeeaaaaase!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Christmas In July

Rumble And Learn Driver



I LOVE Christmas!  Love it, love it, love it!  The shopping, the music, the decorations, family and friends.  It's wonderful.  Oh, and let's not forget the food.

I started a list of things that I wanted to get for the boys in February.  Whenever I go to the store I browse through the toy section and look at all the trucks, cars, little people, books, and games.  Well, I went to Babies R Us to get a video monitor.  I was browsing through the toys section.  Babies R Us and Toys R Us are side by side and you can walk from one store into the other without going outside.  Anyway,  the Fisher-Price infant toys were buy one get one free.  So Ethan has two presents.  I hope I can resist the urge to open them before Chrismas!



Storybook Rhymes

Monday, July 12, 2010

Grrrrrr! Two year olds!!!





I'm going to lose it!  I think (and sometimes say) this every day!  Aaron is wearing me out!  He's so contrary all the time.  I guess this is the terrible twos.  I thought I'd get lucky and the phase would skip over us.  Nope!

I make waffles, he wants toast. I put his sandals on him; he wants to wear sneakers. I put him in the stroller; he wants to walk. I let him walk; he wants back in the stroller...uuuugggghhhhh!  He used to love taking a bath but the past few nights he's began and ended the bath in tears. When you try to take him out of the bath he whines, "Still washing".  But he's not washing anything.  During meals he says he's finished and then gets mad when you move his chair back so he can get down.  He'll whine, "Still eating".  But he's not eating anything.

I think maybe he's getting his second set of molars and that might be the cause of some of the crankiness.  I haven't checked yet, 'cause that will probably cause another meltdown.  I have to take Ethan to the pediatrician when he turns six months.  I'll ask the pediatrician about Aaron during that appointment.  She'll probably tell me what I already know but, it can't hurt.

I have a parenting book that I'm reading called Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood by Jim Fay and Charles Fay.  I'll review it when I'm finished.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Sunday Prayer and Meditation






And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope
Romans 5 : 3-4

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Thursday Thirteen

Questions to ask a Babysitter:

1.   How long have you been babysitting?
2.   Do you have any experience babysitting for infants?
3.   How many children have you cared for at one time?
4.   What do you like about babysitting and being around children
5.   Have you taken a First-aid and CPR course?  If so, are you certified?
6.   Will you always be available on the days I'm scheduled to be in class?
7.   Are you interested in being called for other babysitting times?
8.   Do you have references?  Can I call your references?
9.   How much do you normally charge for someone with two children?
10. Do you Mind coming by and letting my acclimate you to the children and the job?
11. Do you prefer payment in cash or check?
12. Are you a non-smoker?
13. Do you have any questions for me?

Daycare Search - Babysitter

Since I didn't get accepted into the Radiography program, I don't need full-time childcare.  I will need someone to watch both little fellas at my house.  This scares me!
1.  I don't want to hire some psycho who's going to abuse my kids.
2.  I don't want someone, in my father-in-laws words, "Casing the joint".  LOL!

I hate the idea of having to interview someone.  People are always on their best behavior during an interview.  No one's going to beat or neglect your kids right in front of you.  Most aren't going to whip out the booze or crack pipe along with their list of references.

I joined care.com after hearing about it from some other moms.  I have numerous possibilities, over 50 to be exact.  The service just to view the prospects is free but to contact them you have to pay up.  I was lucky enough to find a coupon code for 25% off!  Thanks RetailMeNot.com !

I have a list of questions prepared.  My plan is to email each person to clarify what I need and to make sure that it matches what they're looking for.  I need someone who can commit to August through December; the fall college semester.  The person needs to be mature, patient, outgoing and know CPR/basic first aid.  I don't know about the pay rate.  What I do know is that we aren't made out of money.  There was one applicant that wanted $35.00 per hour!  Ummm......not going to happen watching my kids!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Gaaahhhhh!

I'm tired!  It's been a long day!  I mean long!

My day started at 1:30am.  Thanks to Aaron!  He woke up crying.  I went in to his room and adjusted his pillows, put his blanket back on the bed.  I sat on the edge of his bed and patted his back.  By the time I got back in my bed it was 2am.

At 3:15am  Ethan was up and ready to eat.  I changed and fed him thinking he'd go back to sleep.  Nope!  He thought it was playtime.  For the next 45 minutes Ethan gurgled, cooed, kicked and wiggled. 

At 4:00am, Aaron was up again crying and carrying on.  So I put Ethan in the bassinet and went to Aaron's room.  I readjusted his pillow and blankets.  I turned the fan on.  I told him, "It's nite-nite.  Go to sleep".  He rustled about for a little while as I laid on the floor next to his bed. 

4:30am,  in my room Ethan is still fidgeting around.  I picked him up and laid him on the bed next to me.  He drifted off to sleep cradled in my arm.  I placed him back in his bassinet so I could try to sleep.  I fell into a deep sleep and didn't hear my husband come home. 

I was awakened at 7:30am by Ethan.  I once again fed and changed him.  I was hoping that Aaron would sleep in since he was awake last night.  Nope!  Aaron was awake, whining and grumpy at 7:50am.  I gave him as sippy cup of milk and sat him at the table.  He whined and cried, "Eat, eat.  Breakfast." while I cooked his food.  I gave him waffles and sausage.  He ate one bite!!!

As usual I had to chase Aaron around to get his diaper changed and put clothes on him.  He calmed down some and played with his ball popper.  He began asking for bear cookies (aka Teddy Grahams).  Well, no you can't have a snack if you haven't eaten breakfast.  So a crying fit ensued.  He got over it and watched some TV.  He wanted to watch something that wasn't on and became grumpy about it.

We had to leave for my doctor appointment.  I put his sandals on him.  He started taking them off and wanted to put his sneakers on.  Oh, good grief.  Fine!  Fortunately, I was able to get him in the car with little problem.  It was a rough morning and the day wasn't even half over.  I'll spare you the details of all of the other fits and meltdowns that we had the rest of the day.

REJECTED!!!

Dear Radiography Program Applicant:

I regret to inform you that you were not selected for the 2010 ABC State College at XYZ campus Radiography Program.  The large number of qualified applicants for the program made the selection process extremely competitive....blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda.

This is part of the rejection letter that I received from the Radiography program that I applied to.  There are four programs offered in Jacksonville.  I missed the deadline for two of them because of Ethan's birth, the recovery from a c-section and having a 19.5 month old toddler to chase after.  I didn't apply to a third because I didn't meet all of the qualifications.  The fourth sent me a rejection letter.  Needless to say I was disappointed.

All four of the programs are limited access and only accept a few (10-20) students each year.  It's competitive to say the least.  I meet all of the prerequisites for two of the programs.  I took, and did very well, in Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Medical Terminology and the other general education requirements.  Two of the programs require an essay.  I've written the essay but I need to do some editing.  I also have to submit three reference letters.  The crazy thing is that my old job went out of business so getting references from those supervisors/managers may be an issue.

I'm going to spend the next several months doing what I can to increase my chances.  Hopefully, I'll get 4 acceptance letters!  Wouldn't that be something!  I registered for a Chemistry class.  I hate math and I am average when it comes to science.  I've been told that the campus has very good tutors.  I certainly hope so 'cause I'm definitely going to need it!

Since I'm not going to school full-time this year I won't need daycare for the fellas.  I'm not going to look at my trips to the daycare centers as a waste of time.  I'll need full-time care eventually so it was good practice.  I am in the process of finding a babysitter to watch the boys for the couple hours that I'm at school.  I'll also need someone to watch them when I have to study or meet with a tutor.  Interviewing an individual babysitter is a whole new adventure.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Fourth of July

We had a pretty nice July 4th weekend.  Friday was business as usual.  Saturday my sister and brother-in-law came over and we watched the UFC fight between Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin.  Brock Lesnar won.  Booooooo! On Sunday we drove to my sister's house  had lunch and went to the beach. 

Poor Aaron was so tired.  We planned on timing the drive so that he could take a nap on the way to Aunt Melissa's house.  It was working great until Ethan woke up hungry.  He was getting more and more fussy so we decided to pull over and feed him.  Aaron woke up and couldn't get back to sleep.  After lunch, Aaron fell asleep on Mark's lap but then it was time to head to the beach.  We tried to not wake Aaron but that didn't happen.  So he was very cranky the whole way there.  I mentioned to my husband that I didn't think the beach was going to be much fun.  He agreed but we went anyway.  I didn't want to be a spoil sport and end the day for everyone.
Once we got there it wasn't too bad.  At this particular beach we were able to drive on the beach which is great when lugging stuff for two kids.  Aaron played in the sand and spent a little time in the water.  Aaron decided to throw sand at me and Aunt Melissa.  Not good!  Uncle Scott tried body boarding and skim boarding.  I spent most of the time on the blanket with Ethan.  Mark and Aaron dug in the sand and played in the waves.  Aaron laid down for a little but didn't fall asleep until the ride home.

It was a long but fun day.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July!

God Bless America!


Thursday, July 1, 2010

Yummy!



We decided to start Ethan on infant cereal.  I wanted to wait until he was five months old like I did with Aaron but his digestive system had other plans.  When he was about 4.5 months old he had diarrhea (cha cha cha) and the pediatrician suggested that I give him some rice cereal to slow him down.  I didn't like the idea but hey he needed something.  He didn't really take to it at all.  The poopy problem cleared up and I put the rice cereal away.

After he turned five months, I brought out the oatmeal cereal.  I mixed it with some formula and more of it ended up on his bib that in his stomach.  That's to be expected though.  Each day I give him a few spoonfuls.  It's very runny and he seems to be getting some of it in his little body.  He spends most of the time laughing and sucking his fingers. He's adorable!  I plan to wait 'til he's six months old to introduce sweet potatoes.  Can't wait to see how that goes!

One things for sure, I'm not nearly as stressed out about starting solids with Ethan as I was with Aaron.  I studied books, magazines and websites about introducing solids to infants.  I wanted to make sure I did it exactly right.  I didn't want to make any mistakes.  After I started Aaron on solids I worried about whether or not he was eating too much or too little.  Should he be eating one meal or two?  In hindsight it was ridiculous!

There's a big bone of contention amongst moms these days when it comes to solid foods.  There's the camp that thinks giving your baby any type of solids before six months is a kin to child abuse and then there's us normal folk, LOL.  I'm only slightly kidding.  I remember some heated exchanges on The Bump between moms that started solids at four months and those that wait 'til six months.  It's amazing what women can use to club each other over the heads with.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

Transitions

Right now, as I type, Aa is sleeping in his big boy bed!  Yippee! 

I'm excited and pleased.  His room is basically set up.  The walls are painted, the black-out shade is up, the valance is up and his name is on the wall. I can't take pics of the finished product until later.  I didn't think he'd sleep in there today.  I was fully prepared to put him to sleep in the crib as usual.  He asked to sleep in the big bed so I let him.  I told him that he was taking a nap and the nap could be in the bed or in the crib.  He pointed to the big boy bed that he was laying on and said, "This one". 

I got his pillow and blanket from the crib.  I began reading stories to him and he rolled about and fidgeted for a bit.  I asked him again where he wanted to sleep.  I reminded him two more times that he could sleep in the crib or the bed but he had to go to sleep.  I turned his music on and sat next to the bed for a minute or so.  He seemed distracted by my presence so I left. 

After, I left Ee work up from his nap.  I was praying that Ee didn't wake Aa up.  Aa was kicking his legs against the wall.  I just knew it wasn't going to work and Aa would have to go to sleep in his crib.  I changed Ee and rocked him back to sleep.  I checked on Aa and he was fast asleep!  Yes!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Pill Popper!

I recently had my prescription for Zoloft increased from 50mg to 100mg.  I don't like being on meds.  I don't like the stigma attached to depression and anti-depressants.  I think, sometimes, doctors are too quick to whip out the little pad and pen.  But I'm no Tom Cruise!  At this time in my life I think Zoloft is a necessity.  I'd be an irresponsible fool not to take the medication as directed.

I first experienced depression during adolescence.  I went to a counselor; a lousy counselor.  She didn't seem interested in what I had to say and was dismissive of my concerns.  I decided that I didn't need to go back because it wasn't helping anyway. 

After, my father was murdered, when I was in college, I again went to counseling. She was a wonderful therapist at Penn State.  I really enjoyed talking to her and gaining insight about myself, my family and my place in society.  I also participated in group therapy while at Penn State.  It wasn't so much therapy as it was a support group made up of black women who were struggling with a variety of issues.  I enjoyed that group and often wonder how the other members are doing.  I wish I could find individual and group therapy like that again!

It wasn't until I was in my late 20's that I first took antidepressants.  I was experiencing mood swings greater than just the run of the mill PMS.  I was also experiencing insomnia, crying spells, and hopelessness. I was under a lot of financial pressure and didn't see a light at the end of the tunnel. My primary care physician, who was a doctor of internal medicine, suggested that I take Celexa.  I didn't want to, at first.  I thought it was a sign of weakness; a sign of failure.  I discussed and researched it further and decided that I needed to do something.  So I started with a low dose.  I also found a counselor.

That counselor was also lousy.  I remember her chuckling as I read a letter to my late father.  Nice...real nice.  I also remember her saying that marriage was easy.   Oh, really?  Where did the 50% divorce rate come from.  Anyway, that's another topic for another day.

Currently, I'm taking the Zoloft but not going to counseling.  It's hard for me to want to look for a therapist since there are some lousy ones out there.  I don't feel like searching, contacting the insurance company, scheduling appointments, and finding someone to watch the boys.  Some of it could also be the depression.  Depression makes me lose interest in everything.  It jumbles my thoughts around so much that I spend so much time thinking and worrying that I don't have the energy to put those thoughts into action.

For now blogging will be my therapy.  That and some chocolate!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

I'm in a Funk

 I'm tired even though I've been sleeping better.  I'm easily agitated and it's not PMS.  I have little interest in anything.  I have a couple good books that I want to read but I can't get into them.  I have pictures that need to be organized and backed up; haven't done it.  I haven't updated Aaron's baby book and I've barely started Ethan's baby book.  I have exercise DVDs and a YMCA membership and I have zero motivation or energy to get moving.  I need to request Ethan's birth certificate but I haven't completed the form.  Basically, I have a list a mile long of things that I want and need to do.  I'm not checking things off the list.  I'm not getting things done.  I say this to myself over and over through out the day.  "I'm not getting things done!" or "I'm not getting anything done"! 

I think some of this has to do with fatigue.  Ethan sleeps through the night sporadically.  I am dealing with mild insomnia.  Since it takes me awhile to wind down and fall asleep there are times when I only get 1-2 hours of sleep before Ethan is awake and needing to be fed.  After feeding and changing Ethan, it can take awhile for me to fall back to sleep.  Interrupted sleep isn't restful sleep and before ya know it, it's time to get up for the day and start all over again. 

Another issue that I'm dealing with is post-partum depression (PPD).  I had PPD after Aaron was born and I'm struggling with it again this time around.  I really need to kick this thing.  I'm tired of being tired.  I want to be able to focus and concentrate.  I want to give my best to my husband, children and to myself.  I have goals that I want to reach.  I feel like I'm treading water.  And I'm not very good at treading water!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Momma's Got a Brand New Bag


I finally decided to buy a new diaper bag.  I originally had a navy blue Eddie Bauer diaper bag that I bought while pregnant with Aaron.  After having Aaron I quickly realized that the Eddie Bauer bag was not functional.  It had a lot of pockets but they were long and narrow.  I spent way too much time searching for things.  I found a Skip Hop Dash messenger-style diaper bag on clearance at Babies R Us.  It's a nice bag if you're carrying things for one child.  I had no problem fitting Aaron's diapers, wipes, bibs and bottles along with my wallet, keys and cell phone.  Then along came Ethan!
I tried to work with the Eddie Bauer bag because it is big.  However, I spent way too much time looking for stuff.  It was hard to keep my stuff organized along with carrying diapers, wipes, bibs, etc for two kids.  I tried to make the Skip Hop Dash work but everything wouldn't fit.  The bag had many pockets but they weren't roomy enough and if you put something into the front pocket,  it would bulge into the bag and take up space from other pockets.

So I found the Skip Hop Studio Tote.  So far, I am loving this bag!  I chose the pewter dot print,  but the bag can also be purchased in black, chocolate, champagne, and slate.  It looks like a purse but is much bigger (without being cumbersome) in person.  The Skip Hop Studio Tote also has adjustable stroller straps so it can be attached to the stroller. Currently I am carrying:
5 diapers for Ethan
2 diapers for Aaron
1-2 bottles for Ethan
1 sippy cup for Aaron
bib and burp cloth
wipes container
pacifier with clip
hand sanitizer
wallet
keys
cell phone
2 pens and paper
BRU sales flyer
coupon organizer
camera
And it's not full!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day!!!

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Buddington Kelland

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father! ~Lydia M. Child, Philothea: A Romance, 1836


A father carries pictures where his money used to be. ~Author Unknown
 
It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't. ~Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams
 
 

A wise son maketh a glad father~Proverbs 10:1

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.~Henry Ward Beecher

He likes it! He really really likes it!


We showed Aaron his new big boy room.  It was a hit!  He likes to climb on and off the bed.  He also climbs up on the headboard and says, "climbing, climbing"!  He lays down on the bed with his giant stuffed dog and pretends to sleep. 

We tried to get him to take a nap in there but it was a no-go.  I left the room and peeked in at him.  He was singing to himself and hanging half off the bed.  Then he saw me and came running out.  I chased him down and brought him back to bed.  I stayed with him for a little while before trying to leave again.  Two minutes after I shut the door he was baning on it calling, "Mommy, Mommy, Mommeeeeeee"!  We haven't installed the blinds yet so it was really bright.  I decided it would be best to just let him in the room to play and read, but continue taking naps and bedtime in his crib until the blinds are installed.

Friday, June 18, 2010

We have progress!

The Big Boy Room is almost finished.  I still need to:  install blinds, hang valance, put Aaron's name on the wall, and hang two decorative pegs.  I'm still thinking about artwork.

Mark did all of the painting.  I did some touch up.


Thursday, June 17, 2010

Books I Want to Read - Thursday 13



If I had the time!

1.   The Book Thief  (Markus Zusak)
2.   The Shack (WP Young)
3.   Choke (Chuck Palahniuk)
4.   The Time Traveler's Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
5.   Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist... (Steven D Levitt)
6.   The Five Love Languages (Gary Chapman)
7.   Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus (John Gray)
8.   Boys Should be Boys: 7 Secrets to Rasing Healthy Sons (Meg Meeker)
9.   A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
10. Financial Peace Revisited (Dave Ramsey)
11. Shutter Island (Dennis Lehane)
12. Push (Sapphire)
13. Love and Logic Magic (Jim Fay)




Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Monday, June 14, 2010

Updates

Since I've started this blog I've posted about a couple different subject matters.  I'm not finished with any of them by any means.  When you have children, nothing is really finished. I've been slowly but surely plugging away at different tasks during nap times, in the morning before they wake up and and night after they go to bed.

Daycare Search - I've only visited the three daycare centers that I mention in earlier posts.  I have three more on my list that  I plan to visit.  Hopefully, I'll visit them this week.  Trying to schedule appointments around nap times and my husband's schedule can be tedious.

Money - I've been doing well keeping track of our spending.  I've also listened to disks 1 and 2 of the Dave Ramsey book on CD that I borrowed from my aunt.  One more disk to go.  I need to make time to read the book Financial Peace also by Dave Ramsey.

The Big Boy Room - The room still has stuff piled in the closet & two piles of stuff in the room.  My husband started painting and it looks really good.  He has to paint the gray stripe and put the closet doors back up.  The furniture needs to be assembled and we have to hang the valance.  The mattress and sheets have been purchased. I found some artwork on Etsy that will be perfect for the room.

Dieting - is not going according to plan.  I don't know if I have too much on my plate (no pun intended) and I just can't focus on another task.  I'm also ridiculously hungry and wonder if I've got some type of hormonal imbalance.  I definitely need to drink more water and exercise but I just don't have the commitment or interest.  Maybe it's too soon after childbirth.  I'm going to try again starting today.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Sunday Prayer and Meditation

"22. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23. to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24.  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  25. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.  26. In your anger do not sin:  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27. and do not give the devil a foothold."

Ephesians 4:22-27 (NIV)

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Thoughts Floating in my head (Thursday Thirteen)

I feel overwhelmed.  There's always so much that needs to be done. The housework never ceases, bills always need to be paid, and meals need to be prepared.  Then of course there are all the things that I want to do.  I love to read, scrapbook, listen to music, watch tv, and make various crafts but when do I have time.  I make lists and more lists and I rarely get to the bottom of the list.  A few of the things floating around in my mind at any given second are listed as today's Thursday Thirteen.

1.   The Big Boy Room.  It needs painted and decorated.
2.   Aaron's ability to adjust to the big boy room
3.   School.  I applied and I'm waiting to find out if I've been accepted.
4.   Our expenses.  We need to work on a budget.
5.  I'm trying to decide if I should buy a new diaper bag
6.   I want a giant beach bag.  I haven't seen one in any local store.
7.   Several podcasts to listen to
8.   Several books to read - there are so many
9.   Family coming to visit and trying to coordinate activities
10. The need to lose weight.  I can't control my sweet tooth.
11. I need to paint the letters or Ethan's room
12. Changes to our home/yard. 
13. Baby books need to be updated and photos need to be organized

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Photos from Aaron's Birthday



We decided it would be nice to take a trip to the Jacksonville Zoo. These are a couple of the pictures.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Show Me the Money!!!

We need a budget.  No ifs, ands, or buts about it.  We need a budget!

I've suggested budgeting to Hubby a few times over the years.  He views a budget as a restriction.  It seems as though he thinks that if it's in writing it's a legally binding contract.  I view a budget as a plan of action.  It's used to tell our money where to go.  Unfortunately, I lack follow through.  I've made plans to track spending and I'll quit after a week.  I make plans to save receipts.  The receipts pile up and I lack the organization and commitment to review and categorize them.

Try, try, try again.  I'm trying again to track our spending.  I'm saving receipts for the month of June to get a better idea of where our money goes.  This will shine a big light on waste.  I'm already certain that we eat out too much.  We also need to do a better job of meal planning and grocery shopping.

In addition to just managing our finances better, we also need to make sure we're doing what's appropriate for our futures.  Retirement and saving for college educations is important to me.  I don't want to work until I'm 90.  I also know what it's like to have student loans hanging over my head.

I borrowed a copy of Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey.  I've listened to one CD in the car.  Hopefully, tomorrow I'll be able to listen to CD #2 tomorrow.  I also borrowed the book Financial Peace also by Dave Ramsey.  It's a start.  I'll keep you updated with my progress.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Aaron's Birth Story

I arrived at the hospital at 7am for a scheduled induction.  I was started on pitocin which was gradually increased to cause stronger contractions.  The doctor came in at 9:00 to break my water.  It hurt!  Actually breaking my water didn't hurt but he tried to stretch the cervix and that hurt!

I chose stadol to cope with the contractions after a few hours.  I used two of the breathing techniques that Marie taught us.  The second round of stadol was not as effective as the first.  The first round really took the edge off and I could be lazy with the breathing techniques.  The second round, however, I really had to concentrate on the breathing.  The breathing technique that I used the most was a good tool to use to concentrate but my throat became so sore that I didn't want to breath.  At one point I told Mark that I was having too many contractions and he laughed.  I said don't laugh and he said that I couldn't tell him stuff like that.

Not long after the second dose of stadol, maybe and hour, I chose to get an epidural.  I think I was about 4 centimeters dilated.  The anesthesiologist questioned me about my medical history.  I mentioned that I had been on baby aspirin for a clotting disorder.  She wanted to know what type so I told her a mutation of MTHFR.  She didn't know what that was and I couldn't explain it.  I was given the epidural anyway. 

After the epidural, I got sick.  I threw up enough to fill and emesis basin and a drink pitcher.  It was gross!  I didn't have anything to eat either, just ice hips and water.  I just laid in bed and watched TV and looked at the Electronic Fetal Monitor (EFM).  The EFM that was in my room wasn't working correctly.  Aaron's heart rate was reading in the 60's (not good) so the nurses kept moving the bands.  Then they inserted an intrauterine monitor.  Three different nurses tried to insert a fetal monitor into Aaron's scalp!   So when we was born he had three poke holes in his scalp.

I continued to labor but my cervix wouldn't dilate past 5cm.  I was given antibiotics since my water had been broken for more than 12 hours.  One of the nurses told me that the doctor had been called and would be coming in to do a c-section.  I didn't want a c-section but what are you gonna do?!  I was prepped and then wheeled to the OR.  While I was being taken to the OR , Mark went to get changed into his scrubs.  I was soooo tired  I was dozing off during the pre-op stuff.  While I was in the OR  I kept telling myself to stay awake so I wouldn't miss anything.  I didn't realize that the surgery had even been started.

I asked the anesthesiologist where my husband was and Mark came in a short time later.  I felt a lot of pressure.  Mark said that I said, "Whoa that's a lot of pressure!"  I don't remember that at all.  Then we heard a little cry.  Aaron was shown over the screen and was a cute little mess.  He was taken over to the bassinet to be cleaned.  Mark didn't want to cut the umbilical cord!

Aaron was brought over to me and I got to "hold" him on my chest.  I remember thinking, "Your cute! Where are your eyebrows?"  Then he was taken to the nursery.

Once I was back in my room Aaron was brought to me and placed skin-to-skin on my chest to warm him because his temperature was low.  I was sooo tired!  Aaron got warm and I was able to get some rest.  Even thought it was very late I was encouraged to breastfeed.  I was exhausted.  Probably the most tired I have ever been!  Eventually, the nurses took Aaron to the nursery and we were able to sleep.

Aaron weighed 6 pounds and 3 ounces.  He was 19.25 inches long.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AARON!!!!!

Today is Aaron's second birthday. I can't believe he's a two year old! We're not having a party, just cake and gifts. We bought him a basketball hoop, a water table and SpongeBob Square Pants pajamas. Tomorrow we're going to the zoo!


Here are a couple of pictures from today.