Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Expressions...

So I've been worried about M's hair lately because it isn't growing. No matter what I do it breaks off and falls out. Everything I read about says it's lack of a good diet, but she eats better than almost any toddler I know and gets plenty of protein and takes vitamins...so it's not that. It prompted me to look at some old pics of myself...So- I guess the main difference is I HAD HAIR! Look at some of these expressions....look familiar?

(hopefully Justin doesn't see this one...)

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Reflecting

So up until now my married life has been a whirlwind...Suddenly at our three year anniversary in October we'll have already had two kids! AH! I was looking back at M's life and what I was thinking when she was G's age....VASTLY different...

This was the weekend we decided I should stop taking the pill. And though I can't remember the exact date I took the test (other than it was a weekend I had to work) I know that by THIS time I already knew I was pregnant.

All I can say is....wow.

I know a lot of you said wow then, but really...I was ready for it. I look back at those pictures and posts now and think what a baby she was! I can't believe it. I feel like G was just born and I can't imagine thinking of having another child! I know some of it had to do with her. B and I were talking- though G is VERY active- at least as active as M was or even more, he'll still cuddle. He likes to be held close, he'll still fall asleep in the stroller or when you're holding him, and he'll still let you rock him to sleep. M wouldn't let us do any of those things EVER. She was and still is SO independent. It made me sad. I'm glad she can function well without me, but I love that G sometimes just wants to be close to me. So needless to say I'm not ANYWHERE near wanting another child at this point.

Lana and David moved here this last weekend. So far it's fantastic! I love having them so close- it doesn't quite feel real yet. We went over there for a walk and then stayed for dinner tonight. So nice! They are working on getting things organized. The house is feeling really comfortable and the kids are making themselves at home!

If you're wondering about the lack of pictures- I have to wait until September...Why, you ask? Because I downloaded August pics to Snapfish last night and guess how many there were for August (JUST August)? THREE HUNDRED AND THREE! Excessive. So we'll have to wait.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

You've got to be kidding me....

Seriously....I am NOT ready for this...he just started rocking today.

When he figures out how to move his arms we're in BIG trouble. Look at his cute little tush. I love it!!M got a doctor's kit this week. It's pretty cute.

He makes me melt...

I don't remember being quite this in love with M. Sure- I think she's the best thing ever, the cutest, the smartest, and the most fun kid around and I'm not discounting my love for her. Something about her being my first I think. I wanted her to do new things and advance. It was so easy just to focus on every little thing she did.
This time is so different. I hate it when he does new things. I just want to make him be little longer! Every minute I am away from him I am hating it. I never want to leave him. I'm sure it has something to do with breastfeeding him, but man...there's something about a little boy and his mama. He was playing in the living room and I kept waiting for him to get fussy so I could put him down for his nap....here's what I found: In pursuit. He's such an army crawler just like M was. Here's another bag I made- this one was a baby gift for my friend Ryanne. I LOVE it. The fabric was awesome. My machine is currently screwed because I've been pressing it too much and using the wrong needles...woops. I need to go get some heavy duty needles later on and see if that helps...

Monday, August 18, 2008

10 more weeks...

Time for a new Menu!!! This has worked fantastically for our family. It doesn't give us a ton of variety, but knowing what is for dinner takes a ton of stress of me and makes B happy. I know what groceries we need for the week and am able to plan ahead. If it's something complicated I know I'll have to use nap time to get everything together. I've made some adjustments such as: It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to eat soup in the middle of the summer. Duh. I have found that I LOVE breakfast for dinner and it's really easy so I made that every week instead of every other. I switched easy night to wed for B since I have to work every other wed.

Monday- Chicken Night/Grill
Tuesday- Mexican Night
Wednesday- Something Easy
Thursday- Italian Night
Friday- Breakfast Night
Saturday- Pizza Night

Week 1
M- Grilled Hot dogs/ hamburgers, Mac and Cheese
T- Tacos
W- Grilled Cheese and Fries
Th- Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad
F- Waffles, Blueberries and Strawberries, Whipped Cream
S- Chef Boyardee

Week 2
M- Grilled Chicken, baked beans, Sweet Potatoes
T- Fajitas
W- Hamburger Helper, peas, bread and butter
Th- Ravioli, peas, garlic bread
F- Omlets and biscuits
S- Grilled Pizzas

Week 3
M- Grilled Kabobs, Potatoes, Zuchinni
T- Tacos
W- Hot dogs and crescent rolls, green beans
Th- lasagne, garlic bread, salad
F- Breakfast Burritos
S- Chef Boyardee

Week 4
M- Breaded Ranch Chicken, Pasta Side Dish, Green Beans
T- Enchiladas
W- Mac and Cheese, Peas, Hot Dogs
Th- Tortellini, garlic bread, asparagus
F- Sausage Casserole, blueberry muffins
S- Frozen Pizza

Week 5
M- Grilled Chicken, Baked Beans, Carrots
T- Tacos
W- Grilled Cheese and Fries
Th- Spaghetti, garlic bread, green beans
F- Egg Sandwiches
S- Chef Boyardee

Week 6
M- Brats, Pasta Side, Corn on the Cob
T- Fajitas
W- Tater Tot Casserole, Peas, bread and butter
Th- Ravioli, green beans, garlic bread
F- Pancakes and Fruit
S- Frozen Pizza

Week 7
M- Grilled Pork Chops/Steak, baked beans, potatoes
T- Quesadillas
W- Hamburger Helper, Peas, Bread and butter
Th- Italian Meatloaf with pasta, bread, geen beans
F- Omlets and Biscuits
S- Frozen Pizza

Week 8
M- Breaded Ranch Chicken, Potatoes, Green Beans
T- Tacos
W- Hot Dogs, Mac ad Cheese, Peas
Th- Manicotti, salad, bread
F- Breakfast Burritos
S- Pita Tomato Pizzas

Week 9
M- Brats, Zuchinni, Sweet Potatoes
T- Fajitas
W- Grilled Cheese and Fries
Th- Spaghetti, green beans, bread
F- Sausage Casserole, Blueberry Muffins
S- Chef boyardee

Week 10
M- Grilled Hot dogs, carrots, potatoes
T- Tacos
W- Hamburger Helper, Peas, Bread and butter
Th- Lasagne, salad, garlic bread
F-Waffles with Fruit and whipped cream
S- Frozen Pizza

Not much else going on here. It was a good weekend at work and I think my mom survived the kids. I think B is a little exhausted from all his fun, but I haven't asked too much about the happenings. The house is pretty clean so that's all I can ask. I have a lot of unpacking and laundry to get done....we'll see how many days it takes me.
G goes to the doctor for shots this afternoon. Tomorrow M has her first day of Fall Kindermusik. Wed I have to work :( and then Thursday and Friday we are taking it easy! Luckily Casey called this morning and asked if she could have M today- that leaves me lots of free time to waste on line and also some time to get caught up with the laundry and unpacking. Whew. I better get going.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Butterfly Festival

We went to the Butterfly Festival at Powell Gardens today with Pepper, her mom, and the kids. It was a good time, but we won't be going back for a few years. There wasn't a ton to do and it was a very long drive! Let me just say that I am extremely blessed to have found Pepper (and I'm not sucking up because she doesn't even read our blog!). I couldn't take M nearly as many neat places without Pepper's help. Here are a couple of the butterflies we saw.
And another...
PepPep and the kids.
There was a "parade" of kids- Sawyer had M's hand the whole time and it was so so cute. They got sidetracked at the fountain.
The fountain was small and then periodically it would get bigger and bigger. M thought it was amazing.
After the parade we went inside to make butterfly wings and antennae. I was able to nurse G while Pep helped M get started.M was quickly bored so back out we went for a photo shoot.Checking out the caterpillars with Pep. Not too sure about them. Pics of me and the kids are hardly ever worth keeping...Some pretty water lilies.Hibiscus.Both the kids were really good. M didn't fall asleep in the car which was great. We got back and did the walk-through on David and Lana (my in-law's)'s house. I am really really excited about them moving back. I know that sounds crazy to some people that I am excited about being a couple of miles from my in laws but it's true. I'm excited for M to get to spend more time with them. I also love showing off my kids to people who actually care!

Then I took M over to Casey's to nap while I cleaned some more around here. B is having fantasy football draft here this weekend. The kids and I will pack up and spend the weekend at my mom's. Should be interesting. I think the house is nearly as clean as when we moved in. It's not about impressing the men, it's about if it starts out spotless it won't be quite as bad on Monday!

As a side note my friend Karen is adopting in September. They have just had a heartbreaking experience with an adoption falling through at the very last minute. They really need good wishes or prayers (whichever you prefer). It would mean a lot to me if you could spend a minute or two thinking of them. I know they are terrified right now and we can only pray that things go well this time around. Their daughter will be so lucky to have them. If you can help- please do.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Branching out

Made this yesterday...yeah, I was up until after midnight working on it...but purely out of stupidity. I made a couple of additions to the pattern- I double lined the pockets on the inside with two layers of fabric. I wanted them to look finished even on the inside (OCD much?). I also added a layer of fabric between the two layers to give the bag shape. I chose to use cottons which have no shape of their own, so I sewed the backing on the outer layer before I put it together. It was a good choice I think.

I made a few mistakes, of course. I cut a hole in the liner and had to patch it, I sewed the straps on the wrong side and then didn't realize it until I had the bag finished and the straps were inside the layers instead of outside! I had to rip the ENTIRE seam and start over....but at that point I couldn't quit. I figure I learned something from that, right?? Like read the pattern REALLY carefully? Isn't it excellent?I even added one of M's iron-on labels to the inside! I'm having such fun sewing, the problem is I feel like my back is broken. I think I need to take a break for a few days. Good thing I have some drugs in my cabinet left over from delivery! This morning I took two tylenol and two ibuprofen at the same time! AH! I think B is pleased that I'm using his expensive gift!! Next up I need to find a pattern for a cute dress for M.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

John Deere

Uploading videos to blogger takes about a year. That would be why you don't get very many. Espeically when everyone is screaming, M is practicing "jumping" on top of G, and you don't really have 20 minutes...

The kids were cute and funny this morning...so here ya go. G is wearing his new John Deere pants I made for him while he was napping this morning! I'm getting pretty good at it! Every pair is just a little bit better...M got two new pair yesterday during nap and another soaker (which are also markedly better than my first). I made G a soaker out of this material last night and it wouldn't even go up his legs!!! Guess I need to size up.
Yes: this is G's life...

Monday, August 11, 2008

Jammie Pants

So there is a tutorial on diaperswappers on how to make your own fleece pants. So I drafted the pattern today:And got to work. This was the only color fleece I had, but I did get some more after dinner. They turned out really well! I have tweaked the pattern a bit and made another pair of green ones. You can see how the waist band is too big- I put some elastic in it and the fit is much better. I also made the legs and hips wider in the new pattern, pulled the rise down in front and up some more in back. I can't wait to try them on her when she wakes up tomorrow. I've decided to make all of her pajamas this winter- fleece pants and then I'll just buy some little gerber or children's place shirts to go with. They're so cozy and now that she stays covered up at night I don't worry about her feet getting so cold so footed jammies aren't a must anymore.And just a funny pic of G getting ready for his bath!

Sunday, August 10, 2008

sticker fun

This is a really dark video, but I think you can still see it. You can hear her say love you daddy love you mama and love you gg at the end. Cute.
Here are some pics from Friday and the weekend. Friday Sloan and Sawyer (Pepper's kids) came over to swim late in the afternoon. It was really nice. The kids had a good time. G was obsessed with his paci that afternoon- strange. He's NEVER wanted a paci, but he was all over it Friday.Saturday B took the kids to Paradise Park which is an indoor play place- M got hurt and bled everywhere. You can sortof see her injury here.Tonight M was way into the stickers. They were everywhere!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Cheap...

There are two things bad about this picture...I wanted to pay less for a haircut and highlight...well LESS is what I got :( Being cheap doesn't pay apparently...and I have found that though I wasn't aware of it, I no longer identify myself as a blonde. Hm. It'll have to do for a month or so when I can get in and get it expensively fixed.There are two things good about this picture- I don't look as old as I have been feeling I look lately. So that is good I guess. The other- the make up I'm wearing cost me zero dollars and zero cents at CVS. WOOHOO! It doesn't look half bad!