To infinity and beyond

Buzz Light Year stole the show this Christmas and I think our lives are forever changed. Welcome to the world of marketing madness. Why did we do this to ourselves? Er I mean Santa...This thing lights up, has 6 different phrases, lacks a volume control and is everything I hate about toys...plastic, plastic, plastic. Daddy cut himself trying to release him from all the twist ties and other mechanisms they use to keep them in their packaging. But he loves it and it is a lovely thing to hear him shouting, "to infinity and beyond!" When he says it he runs it all together and it sounds more like finny an beyon. Opening presents took forever because he needed to open and play with everything rather than come back to them later. Bieber even had to go take his first nap of the day in the middle of it. I think we all had candy for breakfast too since we all had some in our stockings. And since we did presents twice in one day, he kept asking for more presents today. He doesn't understand that the presents remaining under the tree aren't for him.

All I want for Christmas is my first tooth!

Monday, the much anticipated first tooth broke through just in time for Christmas. In general he has handled it pretty well. He's been a little more vocal at night, but none of the crying and only sleeping when held that lil C went through with his first tooth. I do think the second one is also on the way. Thought I could see it yesterday, but on closer inspection saw that it wasn't through yet. This weekend marks the beginning of B's 7th month. I spent this morning reflecting on our time in the hospital and wondering what that was like for C to come and see mommy and his new brother in the hospital. The summer was definitely a time of adjusting but right now things seem good. With B reaching for everything and soon to be crawling I do think we are going to be experiencing some melt downs as C is asked to share his toys more and more. Already we
are seeing glimpses of this when B reaches for a toy that C has out, even if he isn't currently playing with it, it becomes an issue of "mine."

Tuesday sent the boys to daycare so I could finish the shopping and ended up discovering a few more stores of note in Holland. Canterbury Cottage and kids is an upscale decor store that also sells high end baby gifts. Was tempted to buy a few things for the ladies at work expecting babies, but resisted and moved on. Stopped into 2 resale clothing stores and at Peek a Boutique scored a look a like extra blankie for C, although I was looking for stuff for B. They had some cute handmade baby hats but at this point, B does not need any more monkey hats though he does look so cute in them! Also checked out Bumblebeas which is a huge resale store for kids and moms. It was really quite overwhelming and since I was just browsing I wasn't that into it. But I may have discovered a way to make some cash off of the maternity clothes taking up space in the basement.

Welcome to Christmas Break!

We made it! Break is here and we are lovin' it. This week we had B's 6 month check up. My little one weighs in at a surprising 20.2 lbs. I was thinking they were going to tell me 17 or 18 lbs, but no, she kept going right past those numbers on the scale and ended up resetting it once it became clear he was over the 20 lb mark. He's 27 3/4 '' long and his head has grown too, but lags behind in the percentiles from his height and weight. Due to the cold we've all been fighting B's goopy eye ended up needing some antibiotic ointment. We've been using it for a few days and it seems to be helping. He's also working on his fist tooth and is developing some diaper rash which leads me to believe that it won't be long before it emerges. Have I mentioned he really is the sweetest baby? He smiled and laughed throughout the entire visit- until the dreaded shots- he got 4- but even then his outburst of crying was short lived. Big brother was very helpful telling him, "It's ok, it's ok."

We're all sick

Each and every one of us has boogers and a cough. You may be aware that C does not like having his hands dirty, boots dirty or boogers. I think it is a sensory thing with him. So having boogers all the time is pretty traumatic for him. Poor B sounds like a barking dog when he coughs and his eye keeps getting all goopy b/c of the congestion in his head. So penguin and frog are in place to humidify the boys room, daddy is drinking his theraflu and poor mom gets stuck drinking decaf tea with honey since I can't take any medicine due to nursing. Never did get our snow day but could really use it now.

Come on lake effect snow storm mama needs a day off!

The forecast is calling for a lake effect snow event. Technically it has already started, thank you for waiting until the middle of the night. While I am too busy at work as it is, would love another day home with boys, or some time to go Christmas shopping.
Yesterday was the annual gathering of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and 2nd cousins for Christmas. Not many in attendance this year and it wrapped up pretty quickly, or at least is seemed to me. B was happy, but so sleepy that by the end of the party had fallen asleep in my arms. Alas, he only slept in the car for about 30 more minutes. He was super happy the whole way home, laughing and giggling at everything lil C would do or say, who was slap happy himself because he did not have a nap. It all started with some innocent sneezes by C, which Bieber thought were the most hilarious thing he had ever seen. From then on anytime daddy or C would fake sneeze it would send B into fits of giggles. It was pretty much the first time we have ever really heard him laugh. He still mostly half gasps, half laughs, but this was serious fits of laughing. Made for a pretty fun trip home.

Bieber's 6 Month Birthday

Today Bieber officially turned 6 months old. He celebrated by blowing out 3 separate outfits today! He awoke early about 6:15 for the first blow out, then on 2 other occasions when putting him down for his naps I discovered he had been a busy and stinky boy. He also got to stay home with daddy and watch some of the state game,while C and I went downtown to the Kerstmarkt which is modeled after a European open air Christmas market. It was cooold! So we shopped quickly for C's presents for grandparents, Auntie Liz, daddy and baby B. We also picked up some apple cider and some veggies for turkey noodle soup tomorrow. C impressed all the vendors by being sure to say thank you and even got a free felted snowman magnet from one of the nice ladies at a woolen accessories stand. It was fun and I think it is the start of a new family tradition. It was also the first successful time that C wore mittens. We were never able to keep them on him in the past, but even he could tell it was really cold and he needed his "socks" on his hands.
Back at the ranch I made sure to take some measurements and pics of Bieber. If my measurements are accurate his head is 42.5 cm and his length is 26 1/4 " Didn't get on the scale with him so I'm not sure on the weight, but his thighs and cheeks have filled out nicely so I am guessing that he might be around 17-18 lbs by now.
We've been busy, painting the kitchen yellow and shopping for new accessories. We also hosted Grandma and Grandpa for a lovely thanksgiving feast and play time. It was probably not the best time to paint the kitchen, but alas there just aren't that many days we can send the kids to daycare when we are both home. We also helped C rearrange the furniture in his room and ditch the remaining baby items that were lurking about. Bye bye changing pad, unused bumpers and quilts, diapers and training pants. It is hard to handle sometimes how quickly it all goes by. I am excited for him to learn so many new things, but just want to hang on to my little guy.
Our newest cousin arrived yesterday, still waiting to hear the details on that! All in all, an excellent Thanksgiving break!

Su Casa and Sweet Potatoes

Bieber started rice cereal Monday (after Halloween) and loved it so a few days later we started sweet potatoes, and a few days later pears. Tonight we had apples for the first time. He is a maniac for the stuff. He just keeps opening his mouth for more and cries very loudly when I walk away to multi-task and make dinner for everyone else and when the food is all gone. I started a few weeks earlier with him than C and his reaction has been much different. He's totally into it. At least he was when I started writing this post. He hates peas and is backing off on the rice cereal, but seems to like everything else we have tried. Soon we will try the oatmeal cereal instead as I recall C-note liked that much better than the rice. So needless to say, pooping or not pooping is no longer a problem.
Last weekend we had Su Casa our favorite Mexican restaurant. We kept talking about tostadas and tacos and su casssssa really over exaggerating the s sounds in the words. Pretty quickly Lil C was totally into it and racing around the house talking about su casa and tacos. This week he and daddy have been playing the I'm a taco game and you have to eat me.
B is still battling a stuffy nose but other than running the humidifier there's not much else we can do. All of us have had our flu shots. C didn't even cry when he got his. He was so brave. I was actually glad I went for the shot rather than the nasal mist one b/c I think he would have had a rougher time with that. He learned the word proud after that dr. visit b/c I kept telling him that daddy would be so proud of him, Miss Carol would be so proud of him when we went to pick up B for not crying at all. He also talks about going to the dr now and getting a shot. He has been really into pretend play lately. This weekend he and daddy were pretending to go to cousin Sawyer's house and had designated different areas in the basement for our house and Sawyer's house. He also has told daddy that his ball is crying and needs a bottle. He does the cutest little thing with his mouth when he pretends to eat something and when he pretends to hand you something it's like he's casting a spell or something with his fingers. You can tell he hangs out with all chicks at daycare and I really hope she picks up some new boys soon. I feel like he is missing out on a same gender play mate and with winter coming, the odds of making a new friend in the hood are pretty slim.

All work and no play...

So I was lucky enough to work a 1/2 day today so I could get to the dentist. Unlucky to learn that I have a crack in my tooth where a cavity was filled 18 months ago that will need to be taken care of. My dentist is so nice he is going to move forward with the procedure even though my dental insurance won't pay him to work on the same tooth less than 2 years apart. Can you believe that? Like what if you really have a major issue? You just have to wait until your 2 years are up or pay out of pocket if your dentist doesn't kick ass and hook you up anyway. Next stopped by the eye doctor to pick up my new prescripto sunglasses which looked dynamite, but it was raining and 30 with the wind chill so didn't get to rock the new glamorous glasses. By this time it was long past my afternoon pump session so I drove over to the next store on my list and took care of biz in the car. A few minutes later the errands continued with stops at Carters, Target and Home Depot. Sadly it was time to get the boys so mom didn't get to the post office or to the dry cleaners. Though the cleaners is open 7-7 M-Sat I find it so difficult to get back and pick up my stuff. There just isn't enough time in a day. But in a few weeks I'll get to do it again since the tooth needs some work. Better planning might mean I can come home and take a nice long nap!

Rollin'

Bieber is officially rolling. He can go from front to back and back to front and is totally kickin' some butt at tummy time. Still often ends with a spit up, but at least he is enjoying himself now. He loves to watch his big brother and I won't be too surprised if he is an early crawler. He seems to want to get up and go already when Lil C leaves to room. He isn't growing quite as fast as C, but I am enjoying that he is still my little baby. All too soon, he'll be walking and then running.

Recently took care of the annual pumpkin patch trip down to Cranes. Each of us picked out a pumpkin and we got some small gourds for the porch railing too. Every day when we get home C hops out of the car- and after I put his shoes back on- he races to the front to check on the pumpkins and look for packages.

The latest game in the car is lets see what we can throw at mommy. So first I get a hat, then shoes, then socks and sometimes even his cup. We have done everything we can to discourage the behavior. It's not like I can put him in time out in a moving car. Some days its fine and others he doesn't stop until he has nothing left. Not sure how to entertain a toddler in the car. We talk, sing, etc, but eventually he just decides he needs to throw things.

More milk than meat and you can poop any day now

My freezer has more breast milk than food in it and no I am not kidding. So I guess it is time to cut back on pumping. 5 times a day since we went back to work and daycare has yielded a plethora where once there were only a few bags. I was just so nervous that I wouldn't have enough since I didn't have a whole lot stored up when I returned to work. Whoever said breastfeeding is cheaper than formula may have meant staying home and nursing your child is cheaper than buying a pump, milk storage bags, wipes for the parts, microwave sterilizer bags, etc. Though a recent recall on formula had all of my breastfeeding pals and I saying Hallelujah that we didn't have to bat an eye about that. The upside, it may be time to go back to my regular size work pants. The up-a-size ones are getting loose on the waist and I noticed that I was constantly pulling them up today. Woot, woot.

Bieber has not pooped in a week, yes seriously it has been seven full days. The ped says no worries breastfed babies can do this, but needless to say it causes me great concern. So we may be trying some prune juice this weekend. He farts like a man, a very stinky man and it makes us all laugh because you just wouldn't think that something so bad could come from such a little cutie.

Diaper Snob Part Deux: Ask and ye shall receive

So, one of my favorite sites diapers.com has their own line of diapers now which of course I want to try, but don't want to be out the money if I don't like them. Until Bieber is out of swaddlers I don't really want him in anything else since I love them so much. Anyway, I emailed asking for a sample and after a few go rounds with customer service was able to get a package free including shipping. I read the reviews which were mixed to say the least, but helpful b/c they indicated that their sizing information may not be quite right and I decided to go with a smaller than normal size. They fit great and seem to be doing the job during the day. Since he sleeps through the night, I am still using a huggies or pampers since I don't want to risk him waking up with a big mess. Overall I am totally satisfied. IMHO they are in between a huggies little mover and a swaddler. Not quite as lofty as a swaddler, but not as papery as a snug and dry. Oh the little things about being a mom. Anyway, as luck would have it grandma sent 2 cases of pampers and I just ordered one from diapers.com so we are covered for a long while. Love it when grandma showers us with presents!

Things I loved while pregnant and or nursing baby

before I forget...products I have loved

Target nursing tanks

Target/Liz Lange maternity camis- they are long enough to cover bump from beginning to end and I love them even after for modesty under blouses that don't fit quite right since I am still up a size

Mommysox-wish I had these the first time around with C since thats when I had all the swelling, I used them this time during the winter with Bieber and they seemed to prevent the swelling and gave support to my tired legs

Medela support belt- weak abs led to tons of first and second trimester back pain even before the bump was large

Boppy, I own 2, enough said

Medela Pump In Style Breast Pump, I own 2 and let me tell you not having to schlep my pump to work every day is worth every damn penny

Motherwear two piece nursing jammies

Motherhood nursing night gown robe combos- perfect for chilly nights in the nursery

Republic of Tea Decaf Ginger Peach Tea, excellent tea for soothing sick tummy

OldNavy.com for quick and inexpensive wardrobe options when nothing seems to fit and cash is tight

JC Penny (kind of unexpected) for maternity work clothes

SPANX maternity, yes they make them and they are clutch under a skirt or dress to keep all that newly expanded flesh from rubbing together and or jiggling as you chase your 2 year old around town

Sade for some seriously chilled out sounds to birth to Love Deluxe and Lovers Rock on repeat for about 8 hours will do the trick

I'm sure there are more, but these were/are kind of the must haves for me. Kind of have to reflect on it all now, since it won't be happening again- famous last words right?

Back to reality, albeit a new reality

4 down, 183 to go...
Fueled on lots of coffee and caffeinated pop I made it through the first 4 days of the year. Bieber chose this week to be up 3 times a night as opposed to 2. Being up to feed at 4 wreaks havoc on a 5:30 wake up call. Thank you sweet baby Jesus that we only have 4 days to get through next week too. Kids did fine, it's mommy who is/was a wreck.
Weekend plans include finally changing the crib over to a toddler bed for Lil C. We bought a new comforter set and a real pillow. I know he will be excited to help daddy with the tools and changing the bed, but seriously, I wonder how many times he will get out of his bed and come out to see what we are doing. We may need to pretend to go to bed too so he doesn't see us all hanging out and having fun. Suddenly it is all going too fast (again) and I know I won't remember it all.

Boys of summer

Sad, but true, today was the last official day of maternity leave/summer break. Mommy heads back to work on Monday. We made the most of it taking an early trip to the park which resulted in an early lunch and a requested early nap. Who can argue with that? Unfortunately the kids don't nap on the same schedule so right when mommy is relaxed enough to lay down for a few minutes ie. the house is cleaned up a little, Bieber wakes up and wants to talk and play. So we did. Next we all headed outside to the front porch for some pool action. I brought out the pack and play and a few toys for him while Lil Man romped in the yard. He filled and dumped watering cans and pitchers for almost an hour. He even came in without too much fuss once Bieber awoke from his nap. Pizza for dinner and an early bedtime for both leaves mommy time to do laundry and reflect on where those 13 weeks went.

Side note Bieber rolled over yesterday! He went from hating tummy time to totally lifting his head off the ground to rolling over in a week. I don't think it will continue, but who knows, maybe with all the action at daycare he will soon be on the move!

Last Diaper Ever

Can't believe it, but Lil man wore his last night dipe last night. So he is officially a little boy in my mind. My first baby is all grown up. Found a 7 pack of Thomas the Train underoos at Kohls today. He hasn't seen them yet, but I can assure you they will be his favorite. He loves his train set he got for his birthday from Grandma and Poppa so much. Lots to do to get ready for the wedding.

Skid marks and spit up

So apparently skid marks are real and they can happen even if you don't technically poop in your pants. Since our last potty update Lil C is consistently going in the potty both #1 and #2 with minor accidents, however there are times when he has skid marks in his pants but doesn't actually go poop. I don't know if he is choosing not go, not to tell us and then can't go when it is time or what. Needless to say there is a reason that you have a "soak" function on your wash machine and luckily my mom showed me how to use it last time she was here. Also useful for all the spitting up Bieber does on my clothes. I change him and myself at least twice a day sometimes as many as 4 times a day due to spit up. Yum.

Swim Lessons 2010

We wrapped up swimming lessons last Friday. We took them again at the Hamilton Community Pool housed at the middle school the boys will one day attend. They weren't as good as last year with different "teachers" for the first 4 days and no particular structure. Also, the last session has the least amount of kids so there was only one other boy in our class and he got sick and didn't make it for the last week of class. Lil C did great but couldn't figure out how to move his arms consistently. He was a great kicker and really enjoyed swimming down the lane to the other side and back. He wasn't too keen on blowing bubbles but did it every once in a while. He also didn't want to listen to directions and without the positive peer pressure from other kids it often turned into a battle with mom. Can't wait for next summer when he is really ready to swim.

Bieber stayed home with the neighbors, both mom and daughter did shifts for us to help us make it to the pool. That was nice and gave him lots of one on one holding even if it wasn't me doing it.

Back to school time has already begun with my first official visit yesterday and more to come in the weeks ahead.

Auntie E's wedding is next Friday and we have been bus trying to get all our stuff together for this exciting event.

Please poop on the potty and not your pants

In an attempt to speed this potty training train wreck up I purchased 9 pairs of underoos with cars, toy story and thomas the train on them. We have had 3 pees in various places around the house and one out to dinner at a hot dog stand near the beach. Luckily this last one was at an outdoor joint on decking like material. Too bad I only had a new pull-up to put on him and no extra shorts so we ended up finishing up our dinner of "pronto pups" and fried pickles in the car. Somehow when your child pees on the floor it is much more tolerable than when the damn dog does it. We've also had several poops in the new underwear even though this will make thomas very sad- and mom too who is exclusively dealing with these poops and the clean up. Really, he may not have been ready for all this. He can do it, but the desire isn't there. Makes me think this is going to drag on and on. I don't want to keep switching back to pull-ups, but we may have to for trips in the car and other events that don't lend themselves to pee or poop all over at them. Hopefully the yucky wet feeling will help him get more into telling us before he starts peeing all over the floor.

Blueberry Boy

This past weekend a visit from Grandma and Poppa allowed the three of us to leave warrior at home and finally visit the blueberry farm to pick blueberries. Daddy kept little man occupied while mama picked berries as fast as she possibly could. We weren't there more than 20 minutes but I managed to get a little over 3 pounds. Now the funny part is that since he is such a blueberry fanatic that we will easily eat them up and and I won't have any to freeze as was the plan. But they are so much better than what we can buy in the store so we are all going at them like crazy.
No daycare for two weeks is draining to say the least and even with swim lessons each day this week and next I think we are getting on each other's nerves. I was told that he was "too busy" the other day when I asked him to do something- hmm wonder where he picked up that phrase. Other doozies, just a minute, in a second and later. Love the vocab, but I miss the helpful little buddy that he was when he was one.

Potty Training

So we began potty training by default. Daycare and I had been discussing it, how to, recommendations etc. So then the next time he went she just started it. So that afternoon upon arriving home we continued it. We are doing pull-ups for daytime and night dipes at night until the nighttime is mostly dry, then we will begin with the nighttime pullup pants. We made a big deal about getting the pull-ups as a present along with cool sponge-bob soap dispenser and special wipes for after a poop in the potty only. The flushable kind. Luckily, I already had this stash of stuff, just waiting for the perfect moment to start. For his birthday he also got some books about going to the potty and to survive this summer of new baby attention, I also got him the Elmo Potty DVD which he loves to watch b/c Elmo's daddy is in it and he is so cool to lil C.

I like the Target Brand pull-ups and the Huggies brand the best. The Pampers ones are too much like diapers and very fragrant. The Target ones are not that much cheaper, so I'll definitely do huggies if they are on sale or i have coupons. I have also found that upsizing was needed in all 3 brands as C is right on the edge of the weight requirements and is long- otherwise plumber crack was in affect and poop came right out the back. Yuck!

Really there has been poop on our new carpet numerous times b/c he just won't go on the potty and often avoids adults after he has pooped in his pants. Sometimes you just don't know until you smell it, sometimes on the floor, sometime still safely in his pants.

We have yet to tackle peeing on a public potty, but luckily has been in there often enough with us that I don't think the noises will trip him out. I did get a folding potty seat for the diaper bag too so he won't have to worry about falling in. For a kid who has never actually seen a Diego show, he sure has a lot of Diego shit to help him shit ;)

Kindermusik Tuesdays

So we have been leaving warrior home on Tuesdays and going to kindermusik together. The first class little man was all shy and wouldn't stray far from my side, the second class on the other hand had him running around like a mad man when it was time to sit and listen to Ms. Ruthie's story.

Our theme is Zoo Train, so each week we are pretending to be different animals that are also showcased in the nice hard cover book we got to bring home. We got a book, a CD with all our songs, plus an online code to download them to your ipod- which I don't own- and a giraffe shaped shaker, like a maraca. It seems most of the moms know each other from other classes. There's a snack at the end for the kids and the mommies all talk to each other, but at the end I just want to get us home without little man falling asleep on the way and messing with our schedule. The nap schedule is like the ten commandments as far as I am concerned and not to be broken unless absolutely necessary. Dr. Weisbluth helped me train little man to be an excellent sleeper and will be used again to help train warrior once we are ready to do so. Warrior is an awesome sleeper as it is, so I'm wondering how much sleep training we will really need to do with him. Not so great for the breastfeeding, but he practically sleeps through the night and I am beginning to wonder if I should be waking him to eat. So as I type this I am swigging an MGD and praying that the old wives tale about beer increasing milk supply is true.

The B&N review of the sleep book I swear by!
Marc Weissbluth, a pediatrician and father of four, offers his groundbreaking program to ensure the best sleep for your child. In Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, he explains with authority and reassurance his step-by-step regimen for instituting beneficial habits within the framework of your child's natural sleep cycles.

This valuable sourcebook contains new research that: pinpoints the way daytime sleep differs from night sleep and why both are important to your child; helps you cope with and stop the crybaby syndrome, nightmares, bed-wetting, and more; analyzes ways to get your baby to fall asleep according to his internal clock — naturally; reveals the common mistakes parents make to get their children to sleep — including the inclination to excessively rock and feed; explores the different sleep cycle needs for different temperments — from quiet babies to hyperactive toddlers; emphasizes the significance of a nap schedule; advises parents on how to deal with teenagers and their unique sleep problems.

Rest is vital to your child's growth and development. This book outlines proven strategies that ensure good, healthy sleep for every age.

From the Publisher

One of the country's leading researchers updates his revolutionary approach to solving--and preventing--your children's sleep problems

Here Dr. Marc Weissbluth, a distinguished pediatrician and father of four, offers his groundbreaking program to ensure the best sleep for your child. In Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, he explains with authority and reassurance his step-by-step regime for instituting beneficial habits within the framework of your child's natural sleep cycles. This valuable sourcebook contains brand new research that

- Pinpoints the way daytime sleep differs from night sleep and why both are important to your child
- Helps you cope with and stop the crybaby syndrome, nightmares, bedwetting, and more
- Analyzes ways to get your baby to fall asleep according to his internal clock--naturally
- Reveals the common mistakes parents make to get their children to sleep--including the inclination to rock and feed
- Explores the different sleep cycle needs for different temperaments--from quiet babies to hyperactive toddlers
- Emphasizes the significance of a nap schedule
-

Rest is vital to your child's health growth and development. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child outlines proven strategies that ensure good, healthy sleep for every age. Advises parents dealing with teenagers and their unique sleep problems

Shopping disaster

So last Wednesday with little man safely at daycare and warrior sleeping in his car seat, I braved the first post-baby clothes shopping trip. It's desperately hot and I needed a pair of shorts. Also need a swim suit for our swimming lessons coming up soon. Not very fun discovering that the size you are looking for is considered "womens" as opposed to "misses". I know this is all temporary but it still sucked. I tried to channel Clinton and Stacy and not think about sizes and jut go by fit and cut, blah, blah blah. In the midst of the depressing trying on phase warrior awoke and demanded to be fed so I did my best to quickly and quietly feed him in the dressing room. Ended up with milk all over my pants and spit up all over the bench in the dressing room. Luckily I had some wipes in my purse, but I felt like a criminal and wondered if the other ladies in the dressing room would think something weird was going on.

Deanna- the new woman in our lives

In Holland there is this great indoor playground aimed at kids 0-8 that is staffed/run by a local community agency. It's called Deanna's Playhouse and for 5 bucks per person (usually can get coupons or they only charge for the first adult) the kids can run, play, explore, etc. There are crafts, music, big ride on toys, a boat, a stage, dress up clothes, a road, bball hoops, a grocery store, bank and house, you name it, they have it. Totally kid and parent friendly. Changing tables in both bathrooms, low toilets for those that are trained, a 'cafe' for eating your snacks, just about everything you could need and you can view the whole place from just about any spot there.
We went today for some out of the house energy burning action and it made for a great day. We've been once with daddy on a Saturday and dubbed it the inside playground as opposed to the outside playground that we go to at the local elementary school. Under construction by the way, so we won't be able to go visit for a while. Both times we have been there have only been a few other families there so it is like having the place to your self. Deanna might be my favorite new friend this summer. What a find.

That's just my babies' daddy

For father's day we went to check out the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. It was a relatively cheap event, the kids 2 and under are free so we just had to pay for the grown ups. We got there early enough to park right in the front lot by the park pond. While mommy got the new kick ass double stroller ready, little man and daddy went to check out the ducks and geese at the pond. Some one was nice enough to give them a handful of pretzels and they got to feed the ducks.
Little man is really into animals and knows lots of their names so it seemed like a great way to do something out and about with him that would be fun for daddy too. Storm Warrior slept the whole time except for waking up long enough for mom to give him a bottle. So far, no nursing in public, but we were prepared in the event that it seemed like a feasible option. Unfortunately, after a short catnap on the way home, little man did not take an afternoon nap- lay in his crib and talked for 45 minutes before mom finally relented and rescued him from his bed. We got to bed late too after multiple melt downs and clumsy boo-boos that never needed to happen.

Finally here...

I am officially a mom of 2 under 2, but only until Saturday when Little Man turns 2. We are working hard to get him geared up for his special birthday party this weekend. We keep talking about everyone who is coming, that we say thank you when someone gives you a present, and that he will be two.
6 days late Storm Warrior finally made his entrance into the world after one false start that involved a trip to the hospital only to be sent home. 24 hours later we were back. We did it totally natural, no medical intervention at all not even an IV. They did have to break my water but other than that it was just the 2 of us working it out. It was great. (Easy to say now that it is over) Luckily he is an awesome baby and is still spending a lot of time sleeping.

tick tock

that's about all I can say...it is so hard to go to sleep at night thinking it could happen at any moment and everyone needed is 3 hours away. Last day of work today and it is only a 1/2 so I am excited about that. It will fly by. I hope.

Waiting game

Since Thursday's visit to the dr. I have been waiting and hoping that this baby would come this weekend as my dr. was actually on call, but it isn't looking too good for us. We just finished up some Su Casa and I purposely ate lots of spicy pico de gallo and chile on my tacos. I'll probably just end up with killer heart burn.

For a little while last night we thought maybe we were in labor, but the feelings eventually passed. Officially due on the 23rd so I shouldn't be too surprised that he isn't here yet, but I really am ready for him to come.

We finally agree on a name, the room is done, the clothes all washed and the "tree" has been purchased set to be delivered this week. The spring little man was born we planted a maple tree for him. Storm Warrior gets a Japanese white lilac tree.

Any time...

Best day ever

Such a nice mother's day. Little man slept in which means mama slept in. Daddy also went to get him once he was awake and the two of them brought me mother's day cards in bed. Though we had negotiated for a massage and pedi spa day as my gift I was also treated to three hanging baskets for the front porch which was an unexpected surprise. Spa day has already been booked after Storm Warrior arrives. I wonder how hard it will be to leave 2 boys at home for a few hours that day. Also got a very sweet gift made at daycare that included a painted tissue paper flower being held by paper cutouts/tracings of Little Man's hands. I got a little teary when I thought about how fast it is all going and how years from now I will be sad that his hands are no longer this small and wonder what happened to my little boy.

Auntie E was visiting this weekend so we had the added bonus of time away to run errands together, even had lunch while we were out. She and I took little man downtown late this afternoon to go into tip toes new location, wanted to get some licorice from the peanut store but they were closed, so we went to coldstone for some "sweet treats." It was a little chilly, but the sun was out and it felt good to walk around a little bit.

Decisions, decisions. I have wavered back and forth on double strollers for well...about 9 months. Finally pulled the trigger on the sit and stand rather than the maclaren twin techno after learning from maclaren that their twin buggies are not considered car seat compatible. I was told by two different employees at tip toes that they were. Thank god we didn't shell out that kind of cash after all. Daddy doesn't see much need for this, but when I am alone with both kids this summer, I am going to need a safe secure spot to have big brother contained and not running wild through the streets, farmer's market etc. Hope I am not disappointed once it arrives.

Heartburn like a mother, feels almost like I need to throw up. This kid is definitely coming out rocking a full head of hair, just wait and see :)

No progress

Very disappointing appt. today. No real signs of progress. Dr. thought he might have turned breech but a quick ultrasound verified he is still head down. I could have cried when I heard both- first out of frustration then pure joy. Breech isn't something I have ever thought about and we are too close now for news like that.

Little man got a potty seat in the mail on Monday and totally wanted to use it right away with daddy. So he did. I have no idea how to go about this, but at bath time we have been letting him try since he wants to and pretty much each time he has been able to go. He also started climbing out of his crib this past weekend causing us to question where we go from here. Both of these milestones we were planning on working on after Storm Warrior makes his appearance not now. OMG

Foods to induce labor are a dud. Pineapples, italian and mexican have all been tried with no effects. Oh well, at least they are yummy.

Final count down

The weekly appts. began today. No pre-labor signs to note. So bummed, hoping to be at least a little bit dilated. I've been soliciting the advice of colleagues on labor inducing foods and activities

• pineapple- have some in the house, may eat some when done here
  
• raspberry tea- tried this with Charlie, no dice
  
• black cohosh tea-read this is not a good idea
• sex- maybe
  
• walking- big building at work
  
• bouncing on an exercise ball- damn, threw my cheap one out 2 years ago since I didn't use it
  
• spicy food- might need to order out from Su Casa this weekend
  

all good

Construction complete and basement/house has been cleaned! Nursery set up has begun and the playroom is officially downstairs. This is the bedding line we went with this time. Pop Monkey by Kidsline. Similar to Little Man's Pop Star,but we didn't go as crazy with the matchy-matchy. In fact we bought just a few of the pieces and other coordinating items.

Little Warrior can come anytime now and we would be okay-well except for not having a name picked out. Maybe once we see him we will know what it should be.

end of break

Well, its the final weekend of spring break. We didn't do much this week as the weather didn't turn out nice at all- we had rain, hail and yes even some snow. We did get outside today for a wagon ride and some bubbles. Little man threw his first serious tantrum when we came in. Cried so hard he was coughing like he might puke. It was not cool and I could not get him to calm down. He is becoming very demanding lately and I am beginning to feel a little apprehensive about his adjustment to the new baby in 6 weeks.

On the local shopping tip- tip toes has relocated and is open for business right next store to New Holland Brewery! This is excellent news for me as we love to eat and drink there and usually take any guests we have for at least a brew or 2. Also exciting news we are finally getting a BW3 here. This was so exciting that I actually had to call my husband to tell him about it as soon as I saw the sign. We both love wings and rarely are near a BWs.

if you dare wear short shorts

Well, not really but it has been so unseasonably warm here that I actually bought a pair of maternity shorts today. Umm hello, my legs are fat, not phat. Hiding in pants all winter kept me from noticing how chubby the legs are looking from the foot up. Ironically I was told today at my 32 week appt. that I am measuring small and now have an ultrasound scheduled for Monday morning. I am so excited to see little Warrior again. He seems so strong in there. His feet let me know as soon as he is awake or my morning coffee kicks in.
Today was the first day of spring break and I celebrated by sending little man to daycare and getting my toes did at the salon. Tomorrow we are meeting the grandparents at meijer garden to check out the butterflies and childrens' garden. Should be fun.

Basement remodel underway

Finally after who knows how many years of dreaming and planning the basement remodel is underway. When done the playroom will officially be downstairs as will the main living room once Storm Warrior arrives. We have upgraded to a majorly efficient and super quiet furnace as well as a new efficient, but not tankless water heater. The whole basement will also be recarpeted once the work is finished. It's exciting but dirty but is giving me a great excuse to not wash the kitchen floor. The house is a mess and all the stuff that used to be in the storage room is stashed in alternate locations. The guest room is full to the brim and sadly the office is covered in dust from the duct work and wall demo. Can't wait for it to be finished as my nesting urges are in full force. A few weeks ago while home for sis's shower spent mucho deneiro at BBRUS on all the essentials for the new nursery. Now if only I could wash it all and get the crib put together. Hoping to see the project finished by the end of spring break. We'll see. By my estimates we are already at least a week behind schedule.

keep forgetting to mention pacis aren't forever

So we ditched the paci back in January. We started out by not allowing it at nap at daycare (on Monday) and I stopped giving one for the ride home from daycare, but allowing it at bedtime at home. He did fine with this so then it just became a question of when to pull the night plug. We were headed out of town for the day on that Saturday so we allowed it Friday night, but didn't take one in the car for the road trip. That night once we were back home when we went through our bedtime routine and we just kind of rushed past the part where we normally would have asked where the paci was, etc. In the days that followed he only asked for it once or twice and we kind of ignored it and got him busy with other things. I also made sure to throw them all out so he wouldn't find one and I wouldn't cave in and give him one. So it's been a full month of no paci and he doesn't ask for it at all. It's kind of good, he is such an easy going little guy, but it makes me sad too b/c he is definitely not a baby anymore either.

Me time

Finally got some long overdue me time (as in never before done this) when daddy took little man to see the in-laws this weekend. Actually wavered on whether or not to go and canceled my Saturday morning cut and color, but then decided I needed the time at home- alone- more.

So after a long morning of therapeutic cleaning accompanied by the smooth sounds of Dave Matthews' solo album I trekked outdoors to deal with the snow drifted driveway. Although we haven't gotten any new snow, Friday was freakishly windy and dumped the snow from our lawn into our driveway. So Storm Warrior and I attempted to snow blow the driveway- a task I have not done since the mail man got stuck in our driveway in '08. Just when I was ready to give up our favorite landscaper/snow plow driver came by and offered to take care of the rest. Again I say, thank god for small towns! After a long shower, blow dry and full make-up application including foundation! I headed into town to shop. I am in that stage where things are getting too small and since I didn't borrow clothes this time around I don't have any back up clothes ready and waiting for me. As I have mentioned before the maternity selection in Holland is pretty shitty, but I managed to find a couple of ts and a sweater at kohls, went to B&N for some baby name books, tried TJs with no luck and then had a late lunch at my favorite local restaurant Crazy Horse. Love the campfire chicken salad. Could drink the dressing! Came home took a nap and then headed to Grandville for some serious shopping. I managed to hit every store there that carries maternity and stay away from the Annie's pretzels both of which are hard to do. I was yawning up a storm by the time I left. Motherhood had some really cute blouses for work and I managed to get a new purse and scarf that will be around long after the maternity clothes have been passed on.

Sadly, I awoke at 4:00am so sleeping in didn't happen, but since June of 2008 I can literally count on 2 fingers the times I have slept with no baby monitor next to my pillow or baby in a pack and play in the same room, so the silence must have been odd to my inner clock.

Don't know what time they will arrive home today, hope to get all the evidence of my decadent day put away by then. Luckily for my roots, was able to reschedule the hair appt. for Monday night.

Dipes update

So the Target dipes are okay after all. I don't think I will ever completely transfer over but they work and they are ridiculously cheaper. I think I will still want pampers for long car rides or extended trips. We sent them to daycare since she is very structured with the diaper changes. We've really only had one nasty blowout, but he was sitting for a while before we noticed the smell so technically it was our fault not the dipes. Now the challenge is to catch him for a diaper change after he warns you that there's poop. His favorite get away spot is into his car he got for Christmas.

Who doesn't like free stuff?

Since I subscribe to a lot of parenting enewsletters, online parenting mags, etc I got this great offer for a completely free- shipping too- designer burp cloth from www.moonbeambaby.com Since we don't know this little one's name yet, I had it personalized with baby boy since that was included free too. I don't think I would spend this kind of money for my own baby items, but for a shower gift, or welcome new baby gift I would definitely consider ordering from this site. The online coupon code I had wouldn't work so I emailed them and they took my order right from my email no questions asked.

So proud

Little man can lift up his shirt, point to his belly and say fart or poop. If he farts, he will say fart. And if someone else in the room should happen to fart he will also smile and say fart. As the soon to be mother of 2 boys, I think I will have to get used to this potty humor, just didn't expect it to start so soon.

And it begins

The sleeplessness. Can't get comfortable, baby's moving and distracting me from working so hard to fall back asleep. Husband snoring, dog snuffling and cat wanting to sleep with me and refusing to take no for an answer. So let's get on the internet. Yeah, that'll help.

Diaper Snob

So I am breaking down and trying the Target brand dipes. They are ridiculously cheaper and with 2 in dipes (soon) I think we better give it a shot. They aren't as soft, but they are cute with blue and green polka dots. So far so good, but I am being vigilant about changes. I don't feel I have to be with the Pampers Cruisers. They weren't overly perfumey either which I feared as the LUVS were sick and I ended up giving them away. We'll see.