Is it just me or is it really hard to wear leggings in public? I think maybe it's just me... I always feel like I'm missing my pants.
Is that weird? I think I'll try to get over that, cause they're soooo comfortable!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Welcoming MOPS
Today we ventured out to join one of our local chapters of MOPS. My mother in law has been telling me to join since before B was born, but I was always a little skeptical, mostly because of the name = Mothers of PreSchoolers. It always made me stop and wonder if my kid was actually supposed to be in preschool. But when I heard that two of my dear friends were in this particular group and it didn't interfere with my pilates schedule, I immediately wanted to sign up.
We came, we participated. We conquered.
I'm so happy with how well B did. It's two hours and fifteen minutes of him in a playroom with other two year olds, without me! Last year, 20 minutes at the Y was impossible. Two years ago, an hour and half of bible study was hell. But this year? Pure golden. I really, truly enjoyed the small break to interact with other moms and I really liked the moms in my small group. B was so happy when I went to his room- he'd been playing with trains, snacking on goldfish, and coloring- what more could he (or I) want?!
I'm so thankful for my group of mom friends that I have here and I'm always happy to find more to get involved with. To find out more about your local MOPS- check out MOPS International... it's awesome, trust me!
We came, we participated. We conquered.
I'm so happy with how well B did. It's two hours and fifteen minutes of him in a playroom with other two year olds, without me! Last year, 20 minutes at the Y was impossible. Two years ago, an hour and half of bible study was hell. But this year? Pure golden. I really, truly enjoyed the small break to interact with other moms and I really liked the moms in my small group. B was so happy when I went to his room- he'd been playing with trains, snacking on goldfish, and coloring- what more could he (or I) want?!
I'm so thankful for my group of mom friends that I have here and I'm always happy to find more to get involved with. To find out more about your local MOPS- check out MOPS International... it's awesome, trust me!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
It's been awhile...
Well blogger land, it's been awhile. Months, actually. A lot of things have changed, as they do in life and in the lifetime of a child... To begin with, updates on Mr. B-man...
He is fully potty-trained... well maybe not fully. I gave in and got pull-ups for night time. He's been dry though for the past three mornings, so we're definitely getting there. He doesn't wear them at naptime or any other time, so I'm pretty pleased with the success. It took about a week, back in May and then there was an accident here and there, but mostly just success.
We are slowly getting into TotSchool at our house. Sloooowly... I'll get better about planning in advance and getting real themes down. So far it's mostly painting and stuff, but we're at least working on something a few times a week!
His favorite thing to ask is "what's her/his name?" All the time. In line at Target, at the library, everywhere. And then when that person says "My name is Bob (or whatever), what's yours?" he buries his face in my shoulder and won't say anything. Some would say that's the smartest thing he could do!
B has had his hair actually cut twice. It's all boy and super cute.
He's SO obsessed with trains. Any and all trains, it's a little out of control. They're totally taking over our house and this Saturday we're going to actually ride on Thomas. He doesn't even know, but I know he's going to be SO excited.
... I could go on and on, but then honestly, I'd probably never finish and post this. So in order to get back on the blogging wagon, I'll post now and be done. This way I'll keep things for the next post :) I really will be back soon! with pictures!
He is fully potty-trained... well maybe not fully. I gave in and got pull-ups for night time. He's been dry though for the past three mornings, so we're definitely getting there. He doesn't wear them at naptime or any other time, so I'm pretty pleased with the success. It took about a week, back in May and then there was an accident here and there, but mostly just success.
We are slowly getting into TotSchool at our house. Sloooowly... I'll get better about planning in advance and getting real themes down. So far it's mostly painting and stuff, but we're at least working on something a few times a week!
His favorite thing to ask is "what's her/his name?" All the time. In line at Target, at the library, everywhere. And then when that person says "My name is Bob (or whatever), what's yours?" he buries his face in my shoulder and won't say anything. Some would say that's the smartest thing he could do!
B has had his hair actually cut twice. It's all boy and super cute.
He's SO obsessed with trains. Any and all trains, it's a little out of control. They're totally taking over our house and this Saturday we're going to actually ride on Thomas. He doesn't even know, but I know he's going to be SO excited.
... I could go on and on, but then honestly, I'd probably never finish and post this. So in order to get back on the blogging wagon, I'll post now and be done. This way I'll keep things for the next post :) I really will be back soon! with pictures!
Monday, May 16, 2011
We love to Potty
... So, I have promised friends of mine that I'm not going to be that mom that makes my facebook status "So proud of my big boy for pooping on the potty!" or something similar. And I'm totally not. I am not that mom.
I am, however, the mom that will blog about it. At least to say this... B started potty training last week, basically of his own accord, and he's doing fabulously. As I wrote in a review post, we have the Baby Bjorn potty and have had it for months. B wasn't interested really at all, but a couple weeks ago we picked up some Thomas and Friends big boy underwear, as well as some "same as daddy's" fruit of the loom kind of underwear (same colors for those who are really curious). Last week, he said he wanted to use the potty and ever since, he's been all over it. He hasn't worn diapers in days and he only wears pull-ups at nap time, overnight and occasionally for longer car trips. He even uses the restroom at stores and uses his potty in the back of the Jeep or Grandpa's truck (baseball games have proven to be much easier than I had imagined).
I'm not pushing him, but am asking him regularly if he needs to use the bathroom. He isn't afraid of it and I'm so happy that he's so successful at it!
Also, in reference to weaning... B did fabulously with that as well. After about a week, he never mentioned it again. He points and laughs anytime he catches me changing my shirt ... apparently now that there's no more milk, boobs are hilarious.
I know I've been absent... hoping to come back to blogging more regularly one of these days.
I am, however, the mom that will blog about it. At least to say this... B started potty training last week, basically of his own accord, and he's doing fabulously. As I wrote in a review post, we have the Baby Bjorn potty and have had it for months. B wasn't interested really at all, but a couple weeks ago we picked up some Thomas and Friends big boy underwear, as well as some "same as daddy's" fruit of the loom kind of underwear (same colors for those who are really curious). Last week, he said he wanted to use the potty and ever since, he's been all over it. He hasn't worn diapers in days and he only wears pull-ups at nap time, overnight and occasionally for longer car trips. He even uses the restroom at stores and uses his potty in the back of the Jeep or Grandpa's truck (baseball games have proven to be much easier than I had imagined).
I'm not pushing him, but am asking him regularly if he needs to use the bathroom. He isn't afraid of it and I'm so happy that he's so successful at it!
Also, in reference to weaning... B did fabulously with that as well. After about a week, he never mentioned it again. He points and laughs anytime he catches me changing my shirt ... apparently now that there's no more milk, boobs are hilarious.
I know I've been absent... hoping to come back to blogging more regularly one of these days.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Weaning... The journey begins...
Last night we began the process of weaning B. We were down to only bedtime nursing sessions & it had been this way for quite awhile. Originally I had been planning to allow B to self-wean, but honestly, it just doesn't seem like that's ever going to happen. He is perfectly fine when I'm not around - he doesn't even ask for "mama milk". He goes to sleep perfectly fine without anything & he sleeps in, almost always. At our house, he won't sleep past 7:30, & rarely does he sleep longer than 7am.
So, because he was away from me each night this weekend (although Saturday night, I kissed him goodnight & left him with his GG right as he was getting ready to take a bath & go to sleep) & he will be again this next weekend (Hubs & I are heading to Chicago for a couple days), I thought this might be a good week to go for it. Last night, we tried a couple different things. First, I helped get him ready for bed, just like normal. I then kissed & hugged him good night & left the room. He did okay until Hubs laid him down & he really realized that he wasn't getting mama milk. We let him cry for a few minutes, but then Hubs took him another of his lovies (we call them ghost puppy). He then asked me to come up & give B another kiss good night. I talked to B about it & explained that he was a big boy now & that mama won't be able to have milk for much longer... He laid down & cried for a minute or two & went to sleep. He slept til 6:50am.
Tonight, we did the same bedtime routine, but read a couple extra books. He only asked for mama milk once & we explained to him again. I kissed & hugged him & then left the room. Hubs laid him down. B cried for a minute & has been asleep ever since. So far, success (knock on wood!)
I know this is a controversial subject... on one hand, people will ask why in the world I'd still be nursing a 26 month old. Well, to that I say, the WHO recommends 2 years. (And also, screw you. Harsh? Maybe, but don't judge breastfeeding (or formula feeding for that matter) mothers.) Then of course, there's the mamas who will disagree with my choice of weaning B before he self-weans. Well, to that I say this... It's sort of gotten to the point where I don't like breastfeeding anymore. I don't want to continue until I hate it. I would never want to look back on this (wonderful) experience & remember that I hated it in the end. Also, when B nurses, he is constantly asking to switch sides- my assumption is that he's not getting milk out, so he tries the other side. And, since I know how well he sleeps when I'm not there, I know it's just a comfort thing, rather than a need. Obviously, I will be comforting him for the rest of his life, so I'm not concerned that he will feel uncomforted by the lack of breast milk.
I will update as the week continues, but so far, so good. For this, I'm extremely happy... but I'll say that once it's all done, I know I will be sad. Breastfeeding is an amazing experience, completely worth the time, energy & pain. I am so proud to have made it this far & I hope, with any future children we may have, I'll be able to do it again...
So, because he was away from me each night this weekend (although Saturday night, I kissed him goodnight & left him with his GG right as he was getting ready to take a bath & go to sleep) & he will be again this next weekend (Hubs & I are heading to Chicago for a couple days), I thought this might be a good week to go for it. Last night, we tried a couple different things. First, I helped get him ready for bed, just like normal. I then kissed & hugged him good night & left the room. He did okay until Hubs laid him down & he really realized that he wasn't getting mama milk. We let him cry for a few minutes, but then Hubs took him another of his lovies (we call them ghost puppy). He then asked me to come up & give B another kiss good night. I talked to B about it & explained that he was a big boy now & that mama won't be able to have milk for much longer... He laid down & cried for a minute or two & went to sleep. He slept til 6:50am.
Tonight, we did the same bedtime routine, but read a couple extra books. He only asked for mama milk once & we explained to him again. I kissed & hugged him & then left the room. Hubs laid him down. B cried for a minute & has been asleep ever since. So far, success (knock on wood!)
I know this is a controversial subject... on one hand, people will ask why in the world I'd still be nursing a 26 month old. Well, to that I say, the WHO recommends 2 years. (And also, screw you. Harsh? Maybe, but don't judge breastfeeding (or formula feeding for that matter) mothers.) Then of course, there's the mamas who will disagree with my choice of weaning B before he self-weans. Well, to that I say this... It's sort of gotten to the point where I don't like breastfeeding anymore. I don't want to continue until I hate it. I would never want to look back on this (wonderful) experience & remember that I hated it in the end. Also, when B nurses, he is constantly asking to switch sides- my assumption is that he's not getting milk out, so he tries the other side. And, since I know how well he sleeps when I'm not there, I know it's just a comfort thing, rather than a need. Obviously, I will be comforting him for the rest of his life, so I'm not concerned that he will feel uncomforted by the lack of breast milk.
I will update as the week continues, but so far, so good. For this, I'm extremely happy... but I'll say that once it's all done, I know I will be sad. Breastfeeding is an amazing experience, completely worth the time, energy & pain. I am so proud to have made it this far & I hope, with any future children we may have, I'll be able to do it again...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Competition Thrives
It's March!!! YAY! For some reason I'm convinced that now that it's March, the sun will shine each day & it will be at least 39 degrees- what I call vest weather. I hate winter coats. It honestly doesn't matter what they look like, how trim they are, or anything - I hate wearing them. So March = vest. (Yes, I realized this a very hopeful outlook & in fact, I'll be freezing if I refuse to wear a winter coat, because here in Iowa, it is still winter, but I like to be hopeful so let's go with it, shall we?)
Wanna know something? I'm an extremely competitive person. Just ask my husband how I like to lose - at anything. Board games, arguments... doesn't matter - I like to win & I like to be right. So right now, Hubs & I have this weird competitive thing going on with this silly Facebook game- College Town (I actually had to look it up, because I didn't even know the name. But does that matter? Nope, I still want to win!). Anyway, my competitiveness with Facebook games started with Sorority Life. My real-life sorority sister was always sending me crap & kicking my butt. She was on something like, level 157, while I was on level 4. So I decided to go for it & for a few short weeks I was constantly trying to update my Life. Now, Hubs got me started on this College Town thing & we are each constantly trying to update. It's so ridiculous. But as long as I know that, it's still healthy right? Plus, it makes me care less about what's actually being posted on Facebook. And truthfully, I sort of despise the book (as that same sorority sister just referred to it as the other day in a text). Plus, competing with my husband is kind of fun, especially when I win!
If you're interested... here's my latest column: Women's Edition March
Wanna know something? I'm an extremely competitive person. Just ask my husband how I like to lose - at anything. Board games, arguments... doesn't matter - I like to win & I like to be right. So right now, Hubs & I have this weird competitive thing going on with this silly Facebook game- College Town (I actually had to look it up, because I didn't even know the name. But does that matter? Nope, I still want to win!). Anyway, my competitiveness with Facebook games started with Sorority Life. My real-life sorority sister was always sending me crap & kicking my butt. She was on something like, level 157, while I was on level 4. So I decided to go for it & for a few short weeks I was constantly trying to update my Life. Now, Hubs got me started on this College Town thing & we are each constantly trying to update. It's so ridiculous. But as long as I know that, it's still healthy right? Plus, it makes me care less about what's actually being posted on Facebook. And truthfully, I sort of despise the book (as that same sorority sister just referred to it as the other day in a text). Plus, competing with my husband is kind of fun, especially when I win!
If you're interested... here's my latest column: Women's Edition March
Monday, February 28, 2011
28 days of blogging finale
Well, the 28 days of blogging adventure is over. It has come to a close. I didn't succeed at blogging everyday, but I did pretty well. I learned how to mobile blog, I blogged when I didn't want to, I blogged when I had nothing to write about.
As for my March personal challenge... I think I'm putting it on hold. I want to participate in the summer edition, I believe. And for March, I'd like to just challenge myself to wear more of my clothes. It's so easy to just throw on yoga pants & a t-shirt/sweatshirt, or to just keep them on after pilates, rather than actually get dressed... I have so many tops that I love & yet, I never wear them, because I feel that they'll be wasted on a normal day. What I'm realizing is that they're actually wasted just hanging in my closet. So I'm challenging myself to expanding my daily wardrobe & then, perhaps, when summer rolls around, I won't be as terrified of the 30 for 30 challenge (seriously, I'm a little terrified).
So will I blog tomorrow? Maybe... probably. It's a habit now, even if I didn't do it everyday- I knew when I wasn't getting it done & it was simply because I couldn't get to the computer & I didn't want to just post a picture from my phone.
Also, I'm very proud of my friends who tried & completed the challenge... Alisha, KC, Abby, Janelle... Did I miss anyone? I'm so glad that you joined me & all kicked my butt. Way to go! Thanks for being amazing friends for the past, what, 4 years? And joining me on blogger & everything. You are all awesome women & I love keeping in touch through our blogs.
...
until tomorrow... (and Happy March! Does this mean Spring is just around the corner?)
As for my March personal challenge... I think I'm putting it on hold. I want to participate in the summer edition, I believe. And for March, I'd like to just challenge myself to wear more of my clothes. It's so easy to just throw on yoga pants & a t-shirt/sweatshirt, or to just keep them on after pilates, rather than actually get dressed... I have so many tops that I love & yet, I never wear them, because I feel that they'll be wasted on a normal day. What I'm realizing is that they're actually wasted just hanging in my closet. So I'm challenging myself to expanding my daily wardrobe & then, perhaps, when summer rolls around, I won't be as terrified of the 30 for 30 challenge (seriously, I'm a little terrified).
So will I blog tomorrow? Maybe... probably. It's a habit now, even if I didn't do it everyday- I knew when I wasn't getting it done & it was simply because I couldn't get to the computer & I didn't want to just post a picture from my phone.
Also, I'm very proud of my friends who tried & completed the challenge... Alisha, KC, Abby, Janelle... Did I miss anyone? I'm so glad that you joined me & all kicked my butt. Way to go! Thanks for being amazing friends for the past, what, 4 years? And joining me on blogger & everything. You are all awesome women & I love keeping in touch through our blogs.
...
until tomorrow... (and Happy March! Does this mean Spring is just around the corner?)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A whole lotta nothing...
Just a myriad of random knowledge about our weekend:
B is still sickly. Ugh. Turns out sick two year old, especially after a week and a half, is not fun. Not one bit.
I went to Sam's Club for, something like the second time ever in my life, today. With the Hubs. And my mother in law. And it was awesome. We got, like 25 pounds of m&ms today. Who doesn't need 25 pounds of m&ms? And also 4 bottles of wine.
Parenthood rocks. I mean, the show (not that I don't love parenthood). It rocks. And I love Minka Kelly, even if she cheated on Jason Street with Tim Riggins (any idea what show that's from?) and now helped Crosby cheat on Jasmine. I still love her.
My mom was here this weekend, which resulted in a little shopping. Yay! Look at these lovelies:
(I love me some scarves)
The month is almost over and I haven't picked out anything for my 30 for 30. I'm almost positive I'm already failing this challenge, before it's begun.
I applied for an additional freelance writing job. It could be amazing so fingers crossed that I get it.
B is still sickly. Ugh. Turns out sick two year old, especially after a week and a half, is not fun. Not one bit.
I went to Sam's Club for, something like the second time ever in my life, today. With the Hubs. And my mother in law. And it was awesome. We got, like 25 pounds of m&ms today. Who doesn't need 25 pounds of m&ms? And also 4 bottles of wine.
Parenthood rocks. I mean, the show (not that I don't love parenthood). It rocks. And I love Minka Kelly, even if she cheated on Jason Street with Tim Riggins (any idea what show that's from?) and now helped Crosby cheat on Jasmine. I still love her.
My mom was here this weekend, which resulted in a little shopping. Yay! Look at these lovelies:
(I love me some scarves)The month is almost over and I haven't picked out anything for my 30 for 30. I'm almost positive I'm already failing this challenge, before it's begun.
I applied for an additional freelance writing job. It could be amazing so fingers crossed that I get it.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
CSN Stores Winner!!!
Random.org has spoken! Comment #52, who is Lisa, is the winner!!
Lisa, I'll send you an email. Please respond within 24 hours for the information. Thanks for participating everyone!
Lisa, I'll send you an email. Please respond within 24 hours for the information. Thanks for participating everyone!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe
I had this soup at a friend's house a month or so ago & then tried it at home a couple days ago- delicious!
ITALIAN TORTELLINI SOUP
IN OLIVE OIL SAUTE:
1 C. DICED CELERY
1 1/2 C. ONION DICED
3 CLOVES OF GARLIC
ADD THE FOLLOWING & SIMMER FOR 45 MIN. :
1 1/2 LBS OF ITALIAN SAUSAGE *(COOKED)
6 C. CHICKEN BROTH
3 T. SUGAR2 BAY LEAVES
1/2 t. THYME
1/2 t. OREGANO
1/2 t. PARSLEY
1 CAN TOMATO SAUCE OR TOMATO PUREE
2 CANS DICED ITALIAN TOMATOES
(I tried the sausage two different ways- with 1/2 of it I squeezed it out of the packing & broke it up. With the other half, I cooked it first & then cut it up. Make sense? It obviously didn't affect the taste in any way, but it looked prettier (if that's possible) cooked & then cut.)
AT THE END ADD 1 PKG (FROZEN) CHEESE TORTELLINI. HEAT TIL SOFT.
*YOU CAN ALSO USE 1/2 HAMBURGER INSTEAD OF ALL SAUSAGE...THE MORE SAUSAGE YOU USE THE SPICIER IT IS :) (I actually did this, simply because I had extra hamburger in the fridge & needed to use it. It could've been a bit spicier, but was still delicious!)
Serve with cornbread to make it extra yummy!
and also... don't forget to enter for the CSN Stores giveaway- you can literally buy anything!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Mama/Baby Style vol. 1
I'm so excited to start this portion of my blog. Fashion is something I've always loved, even if I'm not the first to run out & buy the trendiest thing the day it's out. I've let myself get into the 'mom funk' - I wear pretty much the same thing everyday- a fitted tshirt, sweater & jeans. I often scour fashion magazines & live vicariously through the pages... I generally use accessories to dress up more, but I'm ready to 'get back to my roots' of experimenting & having fun. I'm definitely one of those people who feels better when I'm dressed & have at least attempted to do something to my hair (even if it's just a brushed ponytail!) And if you can't enjoy the way you dress, what can you do?
Mama - shirt: H&M, sweater: Target, jeans: D9 via Von Maur, boots: Target (clearance!), jewels: Cookie Lee
Baby - sweater: The Children's Place, shirt: Target (clearance!), jeans: Carters, shoes: Converse All-Stars, hat: BabyGap
No shots together... We ran a couple errands this morning & came back for lunch, when B seemed to get hit by the bug. He's got a low fever & super rosy cheeks... poor little man asked me to put 'football jammies' on for naptime & didn't want to take them back off...
I'm just impressed with myself for keeping jeans on all day!
Monday, February 21, 2011
30 for 30 Remix Challenge
I recently found a new blog to follow & I'm obsessed. Like, check it 3 times a day even though she only posts once a day- kind of obsessed. And inspired. I took pictures for my very own 'Mama- Baby Style' post (check back tomorrow, since I have to upload pictures). I've wanted to start for awhile, but either A) am wearing yoga pants or B) don't have a camera and/or mirror while I look reasonably cute.
Anyway, I'm also gearing up for my next self-challenge. I know, I know, I already failed February's, but you know what? I'm still going for it. So the next challenge- 30 for 30 remix! Check out Kendi's bog for more details, or stay tuned. I'll be selecting my items this week & (gulp) not shopping for clothing at all in March. (maybe this would've been better with 28 days in February!)
At least now I'm excited to shake up the monotony of March!
Anyway, I'm also gearing up for my next self-challenge. I know, I know, I already failed February's, but you know what? I'm still going for it. So the next challenge- 30 for 30 remix! Check out Kendi's bog for more details, or stay tuned. I'll be selecting my items this week & (gulp) not shopping for clothing at all in March. (maybe this would've been better with 28 days in February!)
At least now I'm excited to shake up the monotony of March!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Under the weather
Lucky for me, I feel fine, but there's something about a sick husband & a lazy day that makes me start to feel sick, even if I know I'm not. Cross your fingers that B stays healthy! And hopefully, Hubs is on the mend...
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Cookies 101
Stirring with both hands is more sufficient....
Who doesn't love Valentine's cookies 5 days later?
They're pretty in their own way :)
One really cute kid ... and chef. Love him.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Fill in the Blank Friday
Once again, it's a good day to steal ideas from Alisha :)
1. I am a wife, a mama, a daughter, sister, aunt. Grand-daughter, cousin, niece & friend. Of course I am also a hilarious, trendy, wine drinking, former fashion major who wears yoga pants daily.
2. The bravest thing I've ever done was give birth with no drugs? Question mark because women do it every day so how brave is it? Your call.
6. The way to my heart is through a Coach bag. Okay, not really, but it'll get you close. You got jokes, you're in. As long as they're nice & not tacky. Then you get a swift kick in the butt.
1. I am a wife, a mama, a daughter, sister, aunt. Grand-daughter, cousin, niece & friend. Of course I am also a hilarious, trendy, wine drinking, former fashion major who wears yoga pants daily.
2. The bravest thing I've ever done was give birth with no drugs? Question mark because women do it every day so how brave is it? Your call.
3. I feel prettiest when my hair is down & done. Straight or curly- doesn't matter, as long as it's done. And when my face is clear. Preferably with a tan.
4. Something that keeps me awake at night is my horrific bed. ask again after tomorrow night & it'll be a new answer (happy face for a new bed!)
5. My favorite meal in the entire world is crab legs.
6. The way to my heart is through a Coach bag. Okay, not really, but it'll get you close. You got jokes, you're in. As long as they're nice & not tacky. Then you get a swift kick in the butt.
7. I would like to learn to knit. learn to crochet. give birth again. buy a new house. redecorate said house. get a hobby that doesn't involve the computer. blog more. write more. wow, this list is endless.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Night time shadows
Enough about that. Enjoy the picture!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
picture happy
just a few pictures from the other day ... one of the best things about the iPhone 4 is that you can change the view on the camera, so you can very easily take pictures of yourself (or in this case, a little on your back). This, of course, does not translate to amazing quality, but I think B's cuteness shines through!
Gosh, he makes me laugh.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Family Dinner
(this post is sponsored by SocialMoms & Kraft Foods)
While growing up, dinner as a family at the table was absolutely mandatory in my house. This is something I think is really important to pass on with my own family. At the moment, we have a two year old, which can make family dinner somewhat of a challenge, however, now is the time to set the habits in both B & the Hubs.
I've always been a somewhat picky eater. If I had a nickel for every time my parents said something to the point of 'if you only knew about those starving children in Africa...' I got around that statement & ate a lot of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. Because of my personal preferences, I don't believe in forcing a child to clean his plate, nor do I think children should be forced to eat things they don't like. I do, however, think that you should try what's on your plate- two bites because B is two years old & so on. We try to keep B included in most aspects of dinner- preparation, some setting of the table, cleaning up afterwards.
Some of our other rules for dinner include no tv shows (although music is allowed), no cell phones (somedays we are still working on this with Hubz). Most recently, we've started requesting that B ask to be excused from the dinner table. Again, as he is only two years old, everything is a work in progress, but I believe that it's all important for the future. We take our time at dinner, discussing our days- making sure to include B & gently reminding him of things throughout the day so he can share his day with his daddy. After dinner we clean up together & then take some time to play trains or race around the house- whichever one B is favoring that day. Obviously as time goes on, we will enforce other rules & dos & don'ts that will apply as he grows up- things like a napkin on your lap, no feeding the dog (we're working on this one though), mouth closed when chewing, & more.
All in all,family dinners are really important to me because it is & always will be a chance for us to regroup, relax & spend some quality time together. Also, it keeps us healthy. I know, when we're eating a home cooked meal, exactly what the ingredients are, exactly how it was prepared & exactly how it will affect our bodies. Those are incredibly important things to me & to my family & the most important thing I believe I can do for my family is relax & enjoy the time we have together. Our family dinners help to instill some of the values I want my child(ren) to grow up with & that's something to be proud of.
disclosure*: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Kraft Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
*I do, on occasion, blog about topics that are given to me through different programs, such as SocialMoms. While I am participating on the chance that I could receive some kind of monetary payment, i personally see it as worthwhile in honing my writing skills. Please don't view this as a sponsored post, but more as a writing practice for me. I love my readers & love having new topics to blog about, so I am hopeful that this is a win-win, when I choose to participate.
While growing up, dinner as a family at the table was absolutely mandatory in my house. This is something I think is really important to pass on with my own family. At the moment, we have a two year old, which can make family dinner somewhat of a challenge, however, now is the time to set the habits in both B & the Hubs.
I've always been a somewhat picky eater. If I had a nickel for every time my parents said something to the point of 'if you only knew about those starving children in Africa...' I got around that statement & ate a lot of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. Because of my personal preferences, I don't believe in forcing a child to clean his plate, nor do I think children should be forced to eat things they don't like. I do, however, think that you should try what's on your plate- two bites because B is two years old & so on. We try to keep B included in most aspects of dinner- preparation, some setting of the table, cleaning up afterwards.
Some of our other rules for dinner include no tv shows (although music is allowed), no cell phones (somedays we are still working on this with Hubz). Most recently, we've started requesting that B ask to be excused from the dinner table. Again, as he is only two years old, everything is a work in progress, but I believe that it's all important for the future. We take our time at dinner, discussing our days- making sure to include B & gently reminding him of things throughout the day so he can share his day with his daddy. After dinner we clean up together & then take some time to play trains or race around the house- whichever one B is favoring that day. Obviously as time goes on, we will enforce other rules & dos & don'ts that will apply as he grows up- things like a napkin on your lap, no feeding the dog (we're working on this one though), mouth closed when chewing, & more.
All in all,family dinners are really important to me because it is & always will be a chance for us to regroup, relax & spend some quality time together. Also, it keeps us healthy. I know, when we're eating a home cooked meal, exactly what the ingredients are, exactly how it was prepared & exactly how it will affect our bodies. Those are incredibly important things to me & to my family & the most important thing I believe I can do for my family is relax & enjoy the time we have together. Our family dinners help to instill some of the values I want my child(ren) to grow up with & that's something to be proud of.
disclosure*: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Kraft Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
*I do, on occasion, blog about topics that are given to me through different programs, such as SocialMoms. While I am participating on the chance that I could receive some kind of monetary payment, i personally see it as worthwhile in honing my writing skills. Please don't view this as a sponsored post, but more as a writing practice for me. I love my readers & love having new topics to blog about, so I am hopeful that this is a win-win, when I choose to participate.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
the passion of the mama
today at the y, i was talking with a couple other mamas (or rather they were talking & i was listening, but not in that creeper* way). they were talking about getting their passion back. one pointed out how she'd heard that michelle obama speaks to her childhood obesity platform at all times - when people come over to the white house for dinner (yeah, like that happens, just casually? really?) or when she's out meeting people, she always manages to slip in some information about her platform, because she's truly passionate about it. that's when friend #1 said, "i wish i was that passionate about something. i need to find something to be that passionate about." (or something similar to that).
there's something about being a mother that takes you passions away from you. sure, you find new ones in that luscious little baby, who smells so sweet... the one who takes your sleep away from you too... & parts of your brain that you'll never recover... but when he says 'mama' for the first time, or 'love you!', you don't mind. you never really mind that you've lost your zest for that other life- that pre-baby life. i mean, yes, you miss the quality time you spent lying on the couch for hours at a time during a snow storm with your partner. yes, you'll miss those mornings of sleeping in... but really? there's a ton of things better than sleeping in & being lazy all day.
so without further ado (& because i just got an email that distracted me away from this)...
a few things that spark my passion:
- pilates. this one is old & new. i hadn't done pilates in about 8 years, but i picked it back up in january. i love it. it took me two full years, but i finally started doing something for myself, by myself, for 45 minutes twice a week.
- writing. really. i like it a lot. especially when i have time to do it, preferably in the morning, with a cup of coffee. that never happens anymore though as that is when i am sans computer the most.
- valentine's day. it's the holiday that requires a fair amount of pink. need i say more?
- vacationing with my husband. preferably for just a couple of days. i miss B too much to go longer, but it's so nice to have a couple of days with just the mr.
-obviously my child. parenting. being privileged enough to stay home with him each day. cloth diapering, breastfeeding, baby-wearing, etc., etc.
It's possible that I still haven't found that thing that I want to share with my dinner guests yet, but I'm glad that do have a few things that keep me interested for now.
*creeper, as in the SNL skit. Hi-larious, for real.
there's something about being a mother that takes you passions away from you. sure, you find new ones in that luscious little baby, who smells so sweet... the one who takes your sleep away from you too... & parts of your brain that you'll never recover... but when he says 'mama' for the first time, or 'love you!', you don't mind. you never really mind that you've lost your zest for that other life- that pre-baby life. i mean, yes, you miss the quality time you spent lying on the couch for hours at a time during a snow storm with your partner. yes, you'll miss those mornings of sleeping in... but really? there's a ton of things better than sleeping in & being lazy all day.
so without further ado (& because i just got an email that distracted me away from this)...
a few things that spark my passion:
- pilates. this one is old & new. i hadn't done pilates in about 8 years, but i picked it back up in january. i love it. it took me two full years, but i finally started doing something for myself, by myself, for 45 minutes twice a week.
- writing. really. i like it a lot. especially when i have time to do it, preferably in the morning, with a cup of coffee. that never happens anymore though as that is when i am sans computer the most.
- valentine's day. it's the holiday that requires a fair amount of pink. need i say more?
- vacationing with my husband. preferably for just a couple of days. i miss B too much to go longer, but it's so nice to have a couple of days with just the mr.
-obviously my child. parenting. being privileged enough to stay home with him each day. cloth diapering, breastfeeding, baby-wearing, etc., etc.
It's possible that I still haven't found that thing that I want to share with my dinner guests yet, but I'm glad that do have a few things that keep me interested for now.
*creeper, as in the SNL skit. Hi-larious, for real.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
CSN giveaway!
You all know how much I love my dear friends at CSN Stores. They always have everything you could possibly need & want. I recently got a potty chair for B from there & have gotten some other baby & household products from them as well. Our family will continue to purchase from them as well...
One of the things we're most excited to purchase for B is a great swing set. We can't wait to get a big wooden swing set to put in the backyard with swings, a sandbox, & a slide. I know we'll certainly be checking out all that CSN Stores has to offer & I know CSN Stores will be a great place to purchase from.
CSN Stores has offered up a $35 gift certificate for one of my lucky readers.
One of the things we're most excited to purchase for B is a great swing set. We can't wait to get a big wooden swing set to put in the backyard with swings, a sandbox, & a slide. I know we'll certainly be checking out all that CSN Stores has to offer & I know CSN Stores will be a great place to purchase from.
CSN Stores has offered up a $35 gift certificate for one of my lucky readers.
Since it's so easy to order from CSN Stores, I've decided to make this giveaway just as easy. To enter, you just have to follow my blog & let me know that you do (please remember to leave your email address in the comment, so I can let you know if you win).
Here's just a few extra entry opportunities (leave a comment for each one, including your contact email address):
1. Subscribe to my blog.
2. Follow me on twitter (@mandyw526) as well as @CSNStores & tweet this once daily: @CSNStores $35 gift certificate #giveaway from @mandyw526: http://bit.ly/ftW300 Ends 2/24
Here's just a few extra entry opportunities (leave a comment for each one, including your contact email address):
1. Subscribe to my blog.
2. Follow me on twitter (@mandyw526) as well as @CSNStores & tweet this once daily: @CSNStores $35 gift certificate #giveaway from @mandyw526: http://bit.ly/ftW300 Ends 2/24
3. Follow CSN Stores on Facebook
4. Sign up for Swagbucks, using this link. Swagbucks is a google powered search engine that rewards you for searching the internet! Easy Peasy! You can get giftcards and more. Let me know that you signed up, with that link, and this is worth 5 extra entries!
Winner will be drawn via random.org on February 24, 2011 at 9pm cst. Winner will be contacted & will have 24 hours to respond before a second winner is drawn. Thank you for participating & thanks to CSN stores for sponsoring!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Game ... Super Bowl
As much as I hate to say it ...
Go Packers!!
The Bears played a crappy game & the Packers didn't, so now they're in the Super Bowl. Today, we root for the Packers. Today, the Packers better win.
Go Packers!!
The Bears played a crappy game & the Packers didn't, so now they're in the Super Bowl. Today, we root for the Packers. Today, the Packers better win.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Just a checking in
Totally slacking. Haven't been home all day, so here's a 'check-in' post... Thoughtful thought from today:
Funny how we grow up & no longer care about Abercrombie & Fitch, but instead prefer Burberry & Ralph Lauren... When did we get so adult?
Funny how we grow up & no longer care about Abercrombie & Fitch, but instead prefer Burberry & Ralph Lauren... When did we get so adult?
Friday, February 4, 2011
Day 4 ... Fill in the Blank Friday
Disclaimer: I jacked this survey from my dear friend, Alisha in Cinci, because at this point in the evening and the week, I have nothing left in my brain to give, except some answers, especially on this subject. The Hubz and I quite literally get at least 12 magazines a month... I love my periodical reading!
Fill in the Blank Friday!
1. If I could only read one magazine publication for the rest of eternity, I would choose In Style ... It's like my monthly bible (minus the real Bible). I adore every page of it. I have a system in reading - I go through every page, without reading anything... simply looking at ads and pictures, and then I wade back in, slowly, deliberately... reading every single word on every single page. I get annoyed when they leave out the bookmark- seriously, one of the best ideas evah, and I base any subsequent shopping I do on the pages ... I always consult it before knowlingly shopping.
2. If I were to run my own magazine it would be about like Alisha, I would say it'd have to be about something I could talk about. Certainly fashion would be one of those topics... parenting though would probably be the easiest. Perhaps fashionista mamas? Hmm... that might be a great idea, actually!
3. I buy my magazines (at the grocery check stand or via subscription) As I said, we seriously get a ton every month. However, today I bought one while standing in line at the HyV.
4. I prefer my magazines (in print or online) I love them in print. The glossy pages, the smell of fragrance samples ... the bookmark! In fact, I don't even acknowledge People magazine on the iPad, who cares that we can get it a day earlier there? I want the real thing, baby.
5. The number of magazines I buy each month is Again, seriously... 12 or so. Not all are mine - Sports Illustrated? No thank you, but it's all the same moola.
6. My favorite magazine genre is (lifestyle, gossip, home, etc...) Fashion it is. Followed closely by Lifestyle and Celebrity Gossip (although really, only People. I believe very little until I read it in People).
7. The magazines I read regularly are InStyle, Harpers Bazaar, O Magazine, Self, Parenting, People... the list goes on and on.
What are your favorite magazines?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
CSN Review aka ... Baby Bjorn Potty Time!
My apologies to my fabulous sponsor, CSN Stores, for taking so long to get this posted. I've been waiting to get a good photo & it's just not happening... I promise he does sit on the potty without his diaper on, but for public pictures sake, I'm okay with the pj's.
I'm not in a rush to start potty training (or learning, if you prefer - I haven't decided, but potty training is what rolls off the tongue). I am not ready to chain myself to the house only to ask B if he needs to pee every 15 minutes. However, B asked for a potty. I mean, literally. We were at Target looking at them & he pointed to a red Baby Bjorn potty chair & said "cart". As in, put it in my cart. So I did, & he proceeded to sit on it for about 20 minutes (coincidentally, the longest he's ever stayed put in a cart!).
I didn't actually purchase it on that trip, but I did come up & do some online research. I checked some reviews & then headed to CSN Stores. Awesomely enough, CSN had it listed for a little bit less than Target & I had a gift certificate to use. CSN Stores never lets us down - they always have whatever it is that we need!
B was so excited to get an enormous box in the mail & he almost loved it as much as the actual potty ... for a few minutes anyway.
We got the potty & are just casually using it. B will (mostly) willingly sit on it as long as someone else is sitting on a toilet. He never chooses to go on his own though and rarely does he answer 'yes' when I ask him to go. His favorite activity in the bathroom is flushing the toilet, but one of these days, we'll get there, we have to, right?
I'm not in a rush to start potty training (or learning, if you prefer - I haven't decided, but potty training is what rolls off the tongue). I am not ready to chain myself to the house only to ask B if he needs to pee every 15 minutes. However, B asked for a potty. I mean, literally. We were at Target looking at them & he pointed to a red Baby Bjorn potty chair & said "cart". As in, put it in my cart. So I did, & he proceeded to sit on it for about 20 minutes (coincidentally, the longest he's ever stayed put in a cart!).
I didn't actually purchase it on that trip, but I did come up & do some online research. I checked some reviews & then headed to CSN Stores. Awesomely enough, CSN had it listed for a little bit less than Target & I had a gift certificate to use. CSN Stores never lets us down - they always have whatever it is that we need!
B was so excited to get an enormous box in the mail & he almost loved it as much as the actual potty ... for a few minutes anyway.
We got the potty & are just casually using it. B will (mostly) willingly sit on it as long as someone else is sitting on a toilet. He never chooses to go on his own though and rarely does he answer 'yes' when I ask him to go. His favorite activity in the bathroom is flushing the toilet, but one of these days, we'll get there, we have to, right?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow-pocolyspe
It's not an uncommon post today. Go anywhere on Blogger, Wordpress or LiveJournal and I'm sure you'll see post after post regarding this crazy blizzardy business. Facebook is filled with pictures and status updates and complaints mixed in with joy - snow days are pretty exciting for college kids, since they rarely happen, you know.
Well, I'm not going to let you down, so here's another one of those posts! We got up early-ish and the Hubz headed out to get a start on the snow. What a perfect day for the snow-blower to malfunction! After spending two and a half hours in the snow, we managed to get everything cleaned up, as well as our neighbors'.
It's pretty amazing how many places were closed down today because of these blizzard conditions, but we managed to have fun today anyway! Enjoy the pictures!
Well, I'm not going to let you down, so here's another one of those posts! We got up early-ish and the Hubz headed out to get a start on the snow. What a perfect day for the snow-blower to malfunction! After spending two and a half hours in the snow, we managed to get everything cleaned up, as well as our neighbors'.
It's pretty amazing how many places were closed down today because of these blizzard conditions, but we managed to have fun today anyway! Enjoy the pictures!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
28 Days of Blogging - Take off!
Today's the beginning & here I am, already on blogger, before 8am. That in itself is something.
Once again, I'd like to invite anyone & everyone to join me in this. So far, there's 5-6 other bloggers challenging themselves & that's really exciting. I'm adding a Linky Tools, so we can link up & see who else is doing it too! (Of course, if you know anything about Linky Tools, you know that they are starting to charge as of February 7th, so this is sort of a trial decision maker for me - regardless the link for your first few posts will be up for now!)
Anyway, get on your blog, get inspired & embrace the challenge!
If you're on twitter, feel free to post with #28daysofblogging
Once again, I'd like to invite anyone & everyone to join me in this. So far, there's 5-6 other bloggers challenging themselves & that's really exciting. I'm adding a Linky Tools, so we can link up & see who else is doing it too! (Of course, if you know anything about Linky Tools, you know that they are starting to charge as of February 7th, so this is sort of a trial decision maker for me - regardless the link for your first few posts will be up for now!)
Anyway, get on your blog, get inspired & embrace the challenge!
If you're on twitter, feel free to post with #28daysofblogging
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Should be can Shove it.
What I should be doing -
taking a shower to clean the chlorine from swim lessons off of me
cleaning the kitchen - putting the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, etc
washing the wet swim clothes, towels from swim lessons
folding the clean laundry that's surrounding me right now & then, of course, putting it away
kicking my dog off of the bed since he's technically not allowed on it
packing for our mini- vaca tomorrow
cleaning the bath toys, because b decided poo'ing in the tub would be more fun than not
eating something, since b ate my dinner tonight (at least he wanted to eat, right?)
working on interview questions for my next assignment
blogging about something important- world peace perhaps?
What I am doing-
lying (laying? i never know) on my bed, snuggled next to my sleeping dog, reeking of chlorine while the clean laundry stares me down (there's eyes in there somewhere, i just know it) & the dirty dishes taunt me from all the way downstairs. & recording it here, on this blog, for posterity.
What ... a winner.
taking a shower to clean the chlorine from swim lessons off of me
cleaning the kitchen - putting the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, etc
washing the wet swim clothes, towels from swim lessons
folding the clean laundry that's surrounding me right now & then, of course, putting it away
kicking my dog off of the bed since he's technically not allowed on it
packing for our mini- vaca tomorrow
cleaning the bath toys, because b decided poo'ing in the tub would be more fun than not
eating something, since b ate my dinner tonight (at least he wanted to eat, right?)
working on interview questions for my next assignment
blogging about something important- world peace perhaps?
What I am doing-
lying (laying? i never know) on my bed, snuggled next to my sleeping dog, reeking of chlorine while the clean laundry stares me down (there's eyes in there somewhere, i just know it) & the dirty dishes taunt me from all the way downstairs. & recording it here, on this blog, for posterity.
What ... a winner.
Published Writer
I'm a published writer... I was recently hired on as a freelance writer for a local women's magazine, Women's Edition - Quad Cities & my first column has been published & is out in local stores & offices. It's about a local wedding floral & rental business.
Check out the link to read it!
Women's Edition Article
Check out the link to read it!
Women's Edition Article
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
28 Days of Blogging
Lately I've been thinking about how to get into my writing a little bit more. I really do enjoy writing, but most of it takes place with pen & paper. There's definitely something about the crispy white pages of a new notebook & the smooth ink of a great pen. There's also definitely something about a full notebook, scribbled on pages, filled with a rainbow of colored pens ... something just feels right about it. But, as someone who has 3 blogs & is a contributor to a 4th, I realize that pen & paper is just not the wave of the future. Because of this, I'm setting a goal for myself ... & for you, if you'd like to join in.
introducing ... 28 Days of Blogging!
This is perfect timing, since February is the shortest month of the year. I'm setting the goal to blog every single day of the next month, even if it's just a simple sentence or two... or even a picture. As long as I'm spending a few moments minimum on my own blog, I'll be proud.
Well, what do you think? Who's in? Let me know!
introducing ... 28 Days of Blogging!
This is perfect timing, since February is the shortest month of the year. I'm setting the goal to blog every single day of the next month, even if it's just a simple sentence or two... or even a picture. As long as I'm spending a few moments minimum on my own blog, I'll be proud.
Well, what do you think? Who's in? Let me know!
(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - 2 is Crazy FUN!
Mickey Mouse Birthday Cake
All the party kids!
B & the older girls :)
Yum! Cake!
Here Grandpa, Have some!
Loving on the puppy
Finally! The long-awaited photos from B's birthday!
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