Life is great here in the MacDonald House! We are enjoying a Sunday morning of egg and ham sandwiches, diaper stuffing, music playing, and a skype session with Uncle Willie! We are blessed and loving every moment of it today.
A Little Resolution Love:
Sprint we did - bootcamp last Wednesday almost made us hurl. (SOoooooooooooooo great) :)
Thursday's Resolution: Have dinner with friends.
Every Thursday, our community hosts a cookout by the marina. There's live music, adult beverages, food, and fun people. Of course though this Thursday was cancelled due to possible bad weather. We thought about inviting friends over for dinner, but I had JUST spent the day scrubbing the house clean. I was not ready to have to pick up again after the kids left. We watched the weather radar and decided that the bad weather wouldn't be that threatening. We headed out to the marina with two other families, hot dogs, toys, and beer. We ended up staying out there for hours, as the cool threatening breeze from the clouds kept the bugs away!
Friday's Resolution: Daddy/Daughter Date
John pushed this til Saturday and took Scarlett to the Earth Day events at Forsyth Park! She came home with a dolphin tattoo :)
Saturday's Resolution: Break a World Record at the Great Cloth Diaper Change!
Emmett and I attended the Great Cloth Diaper Change in Savannah, GA! We had a great day and met a lot of wonderful parents. We sported a HoneyBums diaper (along with a SweetRedBird Diaper). I couldn't stop smiling at all the cute fluff in the building! Not only that, but knowing that we were all doing our part to help the earth. The event was a great success, with 62 babies at our location alone.
Sunday's Resolution: Wash cars.
The clouds are a little low, but we are going to tackle those cars as John mows the lawn this afternoon. My car is still caked with mud from our mud run a few weeks ago! It needs a bath bad!!!
Monday's Resolution: Plan a vacation
I think I'm going to call John's mom and invite her to help me a Disney for a weekend! :)
We got a little "resolution happy" and pulled an extra... so Tuesday's Resolution: Remember that "A drop of honey attracts more flies than a gallon of vinegar."
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Guest Blog -- Body by Vi
Christine Rushing
Independent Promoter
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Wednesday, April 18, 2012
SuperMom Certification
I feel as though, somewhere along the line, I signed up for a "SuperMom Certification Test." I don't know when or where the sign-up occurred, but I must have done it on one of my I-can-do-this-mom-thing-with-one-baby-nursing-the-other-finger-painting-and-have-the-entire-house-perfect-all-the-time days. I will admit that I did have those days quite often when I was only one child in - and even so with Emmett when he was still in that "Sleep all day" stage. Then I started teaching my bootcamps 3 days a week, Emmett became mobile, Scarlett dipped out on naps, deep-cleaning became a joke, and (for selfish reasons) the pool calls to us daily.
So of course, it would be a day like today when I am thrown a practice test for the "SuperMom Certification" - at least I hope damn well that it was just practice, because if that was the real deal, then I failed miserably.
After a night of no sleep due to Scarlett hacking up a wet lung, I was well prepared for the day. It was a jam packed morning that needed to go off without a hitch (problem #1 in hindsight) so that we could get everywhere on time (problem #2 -- what the H@#% was wrong with me trying to schedule things at certain TIMES). We were up by 7:45ish and both babes pee'd on the potty (Emmett loves this so much that he pees once, plays with himself and then has to pee again - then just laughs..... oh to be 8 months old). Here's the first true downfall (with exception to the no sleep): I didn't put a diaper on Emmett. He had JUST pee'd and the clean diapers were in his room. I made the bed and threw on my workout clothes. During this time frame, Emmett sprays down my floor mirror with a good little shower. I laugh at this minor test - and clean it up with a smile saying, "Silly Mommy, when will I learn that boys like to pee all the time?"
Ready for this?? I STILL didn't put a diaper on him. We headed to the living room and set the kids down to play while I picked up the towel I cleaned pee up with. I made Scarlett some oatmeal and was on my way to grab a new diaper, when Scarlett laughs and says, "MOMMY! Emmett spraying da window!" Lord help me.... I still don't lose my cool though. Scarlett laughs, Emmett giggles, and I am down to a slight chuckle.
You would think a diaper would magically appear and be placed on Emmett's butt. NOPE. I told you, this was some sort of practice test today.... I head to the laundry room to throw pee towels in the wash. I stir oatmeal and add almond milk; I start the walk to Emmett's room for a new diaper. As I am walking I catch something from the corner of my eye. Emmett is playing with a toy, but something is off. My stomach is approaching my throat as I get closer. I almost lose my breakfast. There is poop EVERYWHERE. I mean: back, front, arms, legs, hair, face, toys, CARPET... Breastmilk poop... EVERYWHERE. At this point, we need to leave in 15 minutes. Scarlett is still in PJ's with snot running down her face. She does have on a winter hat and gloves though. I think for a brief moment - eh she can wear it. Then I snap back to reality. Curse words are flying. I don't know what to do ... Matilda starts EATING the poop. I almost hurl again. I throw the dog outside, grab naked Emmett and head to the kitchen sink. I start spraying him down and send Scarlett for a towel... because a 2.5 year old will be so helpful in this situation. In the process of spraying Emmett down, I knock a stemless (nice) wine glass to the floor, shattering it. Lovely. No worries, here comes Scarlett with her play broom to "help." ***I'm freaking scoring points all over this exam aren't I?*** I have a wet poopy baby in my hands, no shoes on, no towel, and a toddler with a broom near glass. Hmmmmm.... I scream for Scarlett to freeze, jump over the glass, drop naked baby on carpet, because come on he can't pee or poop again, grab Scarlett from danger, and then re-evaluate. Holy Sh*t, what just happened. The clock is ticking, snot is flying, and I smell like poop.
I clean the glass, diaper the baby, throw on what it is that Scarlett was begging to wear (Yes the scarf, gloves and hat accessorized the cherry sundress), pack a lunch (you can imagine what made it in that lunchbox), wipe down my hands and legs of poop, clean the sink, scrub the toys, scrub the carpet (Well - still trying to work on that one), grab the diaper bag and head out the door.
It's 9:15. I breathe. I call a girlfriend to vent. I smell poop. Oh awesome... my left leg is stained breastmilk poop-color. I'm trying to drop off a package of goodies for The Great Cloth Diaper Change that should have been dealt with weeks ago, but it's managed to take home in my trunk. I hit the address into the GPS - oh wait - no I don't because the damn thing isn't working! It died, broke, has no life left. Worked just fine last week! arrrrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhhh..... I do love the iphone though. I typed in the address and we were off. I was heading to what I thought was a house to drop this package off... NOPE. the address was to a freaking Starbucks. So now I'm not able to drop this off. A few choice words are said in reference to some unnamed folks who are horrible at communication and leadership.
It's 9:40am.
I failed. I failed horribly.
After bootcamp, I had to take the car in to the dealer to order a new little part for the bug screen on the sunroof. I find out the sunroof is not original to the "new-to-us" car. Therefore the piece can't be replaced. No biggie, the sunroof has a built in bug screen that I didn't know about, and I like the car better without the plastic bug thing. (And I didn't have to drop any money there) However, my car key beeper thingy died recently and I wanted a new battery. Well that will be $50 and an appointment with the service people because the key would need to be reprogrammed afterward.
I walked out. Eh - another day. I can't handle any more today.
Scarlett was asleep in the car by 1:00. --- maybe that's a positive in my corner? Car naps are still naps. Diapers are in the wash (yes Emmett has one on right now). We have enough baked ziti from last night for leftovers. We also have a bottle of wine calling my name. I'm about to clock out for the day .... but it's only 2:00pm. So I will power through. It has been the epitome of a hump day.
I'm hoping that the Certification SumperMom's have done one of two things:
1. Realized I have a lot of work ahead of me and am no where near ready to be tested yet.
or
2. Removed my name from the class.
I'm fine either way.
So of course, it would be a day like today when I am thrown a practice test for the "SuperMom Certification" - at least I hope damn well that it was just practice, because if that was the real deal, then I failed miserably.
After a night of no sleep due to Scarlett hacking up a wet lung, I was well prepared for the day. It was a jam packed morning that needed to go off without a hitch (problem #1 in hindsight) so that we could get everywhere on time (problem #2 -- what the H@#% was wrong with me trying to schedule things at certain TIMES). We were up by 7:45ish and both babes pee'd on the potty (Emmett loves this so much that he pees once, plays with himself and then has to pee again - then just laughs..... oh to be 8 months old). Here's the first true downfall (with exception to the no sleep): I didn't put a diaper on Emmett. He had JUST pee'd and the clean diapers were in his room. I made the bed and threw on my workout clothes. During this time frame, Emmett sprays down my floor mirror with a good little shower. I laugh at this minor test - and clean it up with a smile saying, "Silly Mommy, when will I learn that boys like to pee all the time?"
Ready for this?? I STILL didn't put a diaper on him. We headed to the living room and set the kids down to play while I picked up the towel I cleaned pee up with. I made Scarlett some oatmeal and was on my way to grab a new diaper, when Scarlett laughs and says, "MOMMY! Emmett spraying da window!" Lord help me.... I still don't lose my cool though. Scarlett laughs, Emmett giggles, and I am down to a slight chuckle.
You would think a diaper would magically appear and be placed on Emmett's butt. NOPE. I told you, this was some sort of practice test today.... I head to the laundry room to throw pee towels in the wash. I stir oatmeal and add almond milk; I start the walk to Emmett's room for a new diaper. As I am walking I catch something from the corner of my eye. Emmett is playing with a toy, but something is off. My stomach is approaching my throat as I get closer. I almost lose my breakfast. There is poop EVERYWHERE. I mean: back, front, arms, legs, hair, face, toys, CARPET... Breastmilk poop... EVERYWHERE. At this point, we need to leave in 15 minutes. Scarlett is still in PJ's with snot running down her face. She does have on a winter hat and gloves though. I think for a brief moment - eh she can wear it. Then I snap back to reality. Curse words are flying. I don't know what to do ... Matilda starts EATING the poop. I almost hurl again. I throw the dog outside, grab naked Emmett and head to the kitchen sink. I start spraying him down and send Scarlett for a towel... because a 2.5 year old will be so helpful in this situation. In the process of spraying Emmett down, I knock a stemless (nice) wine glass to the floor, shattering it. Lovely. No worries, here comes Scarlett with her play broom to "help." ***I'm freaking scoring points all over this exam aren't I?*** I have a wet poopy baby in my hands, no shoes on, no towel, and a toddler with a broom near glass. Hmmmmm.... I scream for Scarlett to freeze, jump over the glass, drop naked baby on carpet, because come on he can't pee or poop again, grab Scarlett from danger, and then re-evaluate. Holy Sh*t, what just happened. The clock is ticking, snot is flying, and I smell like poop.
I clean the glass, diaper the baby, throw on what it is that Scarlett was begging to wear (Yes the scarf, gloves and hat accessorized the cherry sundress), pack a lunch (you can imagine what made it in that lunchbox), wipe down my hands and legs of poop, clean the sink, scrub the toys, scrub the carpet (Well - still trying to work on that one), grab the diaper bag and head out the door.
It's 9:15. I breathe. I call a girlfriend to vent. I smell poop. Oh awesome... my left leg is stained breastmilk poop-color. I'm trying to drop off a package of goodies for The Great Cloth Diaper Change that should have been dealt with weeks ago, but it's managed to take home in my trunk. I hit the address into the GPS - oh wait - no I don't because the damn thing isn't working! It died, broke, has no life left. Worked just fine last week! arrrrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhhh..... I do love the iphone though. I typed in the address and we were off. I was heading to what I thought was a house to drop this package off... NOPE. the address was to a freaking Starbucks. So now I'm not able to drop this off. A few choice words are said in reference to some unnamed folks who are horrible at communication and leadership.
It's 9:40am.
I failed. I failed horribly.
After bootcamp, I had to take the car in to the dealer to order a new little part for the bug screen on the sunroof. I find out the sunroof is not original to the "new-to-us" car. Therefore the piece can't be replaced. No biggie, the sunroof has a built in bug screen that I didn't know about, and I like the car better without the plastic bug thing. (And I didn't have to drop any money there) However, my car key beeper thingy died recently and I wanted a new battery. Well that will be $50 and an appointment with the service people because the key would need to be reprogrammed afterward.
I walked out. Eh - another day. I can't handle any more today.
Scarlett was asleep in the car by 1:00. --- maybe that's a positive in my corner? Car naps are still naps. Diapers are in the wash (yes Emmett has one on right now). We have enough baked ziti from last night for leftovers. We also have a bottle of wine calling my name. I'm about to clock out for the day .... but it's only 2:00pm. So I will power through. It has been the epitome of a hump day.
I'm hoping that the Certification SumperMom's have done one of two things:
1. Realized I have a lot of work ahead of me and am no where near ready to be tested yet.
or
2. Removed my name from the class.
I'm fine either way.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Back to the Resolutions...
As you just read, we managed to get plenty muddy on Saturday! (And we have signed up for another run!)
Sunday's Resolution: Laugh together.
This one was easy - John and I were so sore that poking each other in our sore muscle spots made us bust out laughing :)
Monday's Resolution: Try a new fruit. We selected a mango. Surprising enough, none of us have tried a mango before. Consensus? EH. Won't be taking up space in our fridge any time soon.
Tuesday's Resolution: Cook something Italian..... Chicken Baked Ziti and garlic bread with a side of fresh green beans in baking away!
Wednesday's Resolution: Do a few sprints.
uh-oh bootcampers. This resolution includes you all!!! BWAAAAHAHAHAHA..... be ready to get sweaty!
Sunday's Resolution: Laugh together.
This one was easy - John and I were so sore that poking each other in our sore muscle spots made us bust out laughing :)
Monday's Resolution: Try a new fruit. We selected a mango. Surprising enough, none of us have tried a mango before. Consensus? EH. Won't be taking up space in our fridge any time soon.
Tuesday's Resolution: Cook something Italian..... Chicken Baked Ziti and garlic bread with a side of fresh green beans in baking away!
Wednesday's Resolution: Do a few sprints.
uh-oh bootcampers. This resolution includes you all!!! BWAAAAHAHAHAHA..... be ready to get sweaty!
How to Run in the Mud - Adventure Dating.
After almost 5 years of marriage, moving four houses, having two babies, and learning to live on a ridiculously strict budget - John and I don't really have much of a dating life, but our life in general is an adventure. (A damn good one in fact)
However, recently, I have taken up the sport of adventure racing. Completing a 6.3 mile adventure run last month, John watched on enviously. I knew he'd get the itch to start running again. I found an obstacle run (The Big Nasty Mud Run) that was 4.3 miles and claimed only 10 dirty, crazy obstacles. I signed us up. We two weeks to prepare. I laughed thinking that it would be a walk on the beach compared to the Mukkas Run I had previously run. Joke was on me. Not only did John keep up with me (I did have to motivate him a few times), but he actually helped me with some of the obstacles. Scaling walls doesn't seem to be my biggest strength - however, carrying a tire 1/4 mile is! Oh the things you learn running in the mud.
Getting Muddy :
1. Make it a date. A girlfriend date. A date with the hubby. Or even a first date.... hell - you'd have no where to go but up from there. He'd see you covered in mud, sweat, and blood. You'd learn if you work as a team well, if you can pass the minutes with conversation, motivate one another... and what an awesome first kiss that would lead to!!
Just make sure whoever you run with is in the same (or similar) physical condition as you. You want the race to be fun - you aren't paying $50+ to walk and chat while puddle jumping.
2. Duct tape your shoes. No joke. Mud is sticky. I would not want to run the woods with one shoe, no shoes, or just in socks. (Although - I know that is the new craze right now)
3. Instead of sneakers - maybe try those fiver finger shoes. I'll let you know more about those later - as we are going to invest in some for the next run. Our running shoes were cement blocks throughout the race as the mud dried.
4. Do not look up the obstacles beforehand. Just show up in good condition with a smile on your face. Know you will get filthy.
5. If you need to pee - there is bound to be a lake on the course - just do it.
6. Sometimes the best route is directly through the mud, as the runners ahead of you have tried to shortcut the sides and have caused a slippery trap. Step lightly and thing "high knees."
7. Laugh - throughout the ENTIRE thing.
8. Have someone take a before and after picture.
Ready - Set - RACE!!!!!!!!!!
However, recently, I have taken up the sport of adventure racing. Completing a 6.3 mile adventure run last month, John watched on enviously. I knew he'd get the itch to start running again. I found an obstacle run (The Big Nasty Mud Run) that was 4.3 miles and claimed only 10 dirty, crazy obstacles. I signed us up. We two weeks to prepare. I laughed thinking that it would be a walk on the beach compared to the Mukkas Run I had previously run. Joke was on me. Not only did John keep up with me (I did have to motivate him a few times), but he actually helped me with some of the obstacles. Scaling walls doesn't seem to be my biggest strength - however, carrying a tire 1/4 mile is! Oh the things you learn running in the mud.
Anywho -- After getting completely filthy together and loving every
single, freezing cold, knee bleeding, shoes as heavy as cement moment of
it - we have decided to run another one in the beginning of June. Because of this new found love to adventure race, I've decided to spread the love.... Below you will find my advice (and humor) with running muddy. Enjoy!
Getting Muddy :
1. Make it a date. A girlfriend date. A date with the hubby. Or even a first date.... hell - you'd have no where to go but up from there. He'd see you covered in mud, sweat, and blood. You'd learn if you work as a team well, if you can pass the minutes with conversation, motivate one another... and what an awesome first kiss that would lead to!!
Just make sure whoever you run with is in the same (or similar) physical condition as you. You want the race to be fun - you aren't paying $50+ to walk and chat while puddle jumping.
2. Duct tape your shoes. No joke. Mud is sticky. I would not want to run the woods with one shoe, no shoes, or just in socks. (Although - I know that is the new craze right now)
3. Instead of sneakers - maybe try those fiver finger shoes. I'll let you know more about those later - as we are going to invest in some for the next run. Our running shoes were cement blocks throughout the race as the mud dried.
4. Do not look up the obstacles beforehand. Just show up in good condition with a smile on your face. Know you will get filthy.
5. If you need to pee - there is bound to be a lake on the course - just do it.
6. Sometimes the best route is directly through the mud, as the runners ahead of you have tried to shortcut the sides and have caused a slippery trap. Step lightly and thing "high knees."
7. Laugh - throughout the ENTIRE thing.
8. Have someone take a before and after picture.
Ready - Set - RACE!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Finding a Family Photographer.
A month or so ago, I entered a picture of John and I into a "Kissing" photo contest. Well, we won! We won a free photo session with the Savannah photographer (http://www.facebook.com/dustilynnphotography?ref=ts) Dusti Lynn Photography. Her work looks gorgeous, and she is letting me create an entire board on pinterest to help find creative picture ideas! She is coming out to the marshes on the island we live on and walking around with me to find the "perfect spot" for sunset family pictures. We are going to take them in July to celebrate Emmett's first birthday and Scarlett's third birthday.
Thus far, Dusti has been a pleasure to work with, and I am having so much fun looking through her photos and picturing my family in them!
Do you have any great ideas for us? Perfect color combos for us to wear? not too cheesy - no khaki and white or everyone matching deals.... nothing too posed either. I was thinking a picnic blanket and wine with the kids running around. maybe with a little cake for each of them? or cupcakes on a stand?? nothing too ridiculous... any thoughts or ideas... or even better - pinterest "pins" to help me find the perfect picture setting! Throw them at me folks!
Thus far, Dusti has been a pleasure to work with, and I am having so much fun looking through her photos and picturing my family in them!
Do you have any great ideas for us? Perfect color combos for us to wear? not too cheesy - no khaki and white or everyone matching deals.... nothing too posed either. I was thinking a picnic blanket and wine with the kids running around. maybe with a little cake for each of them? or cupcakes on a stand?? nothing too ridiculous... any thoughts or ideas... or even better - pinterest "pins" to help me find the perfect picture setting! Throw them at me folks!
Boba - the next "Little Black Dress" in babywearing.
I wear my babies. I wear them because it keeps them from crying. It lets them nap. It keeps them close to me. (Not to mention that it increases their sense of security, future independence, etc etc...) With Scarlett, I loved my ring slings and Serena & Lily Market slings. With the hugeness that is Emmett I have found a love for the ErgoSport. It sat in the closet and was used only on family outings when John would wear Scarlett. But now that sucker is used throughout the day EVERY day. Not only with Emmett, but with Scarlett now. She loves to be "carried" around whenever Emmett is out of the Ergo.
I teach my Mommy-n-Me Bootcamp on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays... with 6-10 mamas (or more somedays) in attendance at each class, I was sure that the Ergo would make up the majority of the carriers. I was WRONG. I mean, there are still a bunch of us with ergos (even the newer style); however, the new "black dress" of the baby carrier world seems to be the Boba! I have several mamas sporting them to class. They are built similar to the ergo, but with foot straps for older kids, and a BUILT IN snap to convert the carrier to newborn size! (NO INSERT!) I am in love! John would kill me if I cam home with another baby item at them moment, but let's just say that my paypal money is being saved for "something" in the near future. :)
I teach my Mommy-n-Me Bootcamp on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays... with 6-10 mamas (or more somedays) in attendance at each class, I was sure that the Ergo would make up the majority of the carriers. I was WRONG. I mean, there are still a bunch of us with ergos (even the newer style); however, the new "black dress" of the baby carrier world seems to be the Boba! I have several mamas sporting them to class. They are built similar to the ergo, but with foot straps for older kids, and a BUILT IN snap to convert the carrier to newborn size! (NO INSERT!) I am in love! John would kill me if I cam home with another baby item at them moment, but let's just say that my paypal money is being saved for "something" in the near future. :)
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Great Cloth Diaper Change 2012
As you know, I am a cloth diapering (OBSESSED) mama. I love my stash. I love fluff on my babies' butts. I love washing my fluff. I love line drying it. I love taking pictures of it on my babe's butt. I love repeating this cycle again and again. I am slightly obsessed with the cuteness of the fluff.
I also love that so many other mamas (and dads!) are in the same boat ;)
I am calling on all other cloth diapering families to look up their local Great Cloth Diaper Change 2012 location. It takes place on Earth Day (of course) :) The goal is to break the world record and change as many cloth diapers as possible at the same moment. I participated last year with Scarlett and am helping out with the Savannah location this year!
You may see a few "shout outs" on my blog over the next week. These are in honor of those sponsoring our location for the Great Cloth Diaper Change 2012. Show them some love and visit their sites :)
I also love that so many other mamas (and dads!) are in the same boat ;)
I am calling on all other cloth diapering families to look up their local Great Cloth Diaper Change 2012 location. It takes place on Earth Day (of course) :) The goal is to break the world record and change as many cloth diapers as possible at the same moment. I participated last year with Scarlett and am helping out with the Savannah location this year!
You may see a few "shout outs" on my blog over the next week. These are in honor of those sponsoring our location for the Great Cloth Diaper Change 2012. Show them some love and visit their sites :)
Welcome to the world of having a boy! We were blessed with our first busted lip last night. Emmett is just 8 months old, and he is already trying to give us a run for our money. He may be a cuddle bug, calm and patient, but he is also attempting to stand, walk on furniture and then let go as if he can continue to walk. Have you seen the size of my son's legs? There is no way that this chunk is walking anywhere yet! He was walking alongside of the golf cart last night while John was fishing and was enjoying a beer and a book... Scarlett was running around and Emmett thought he could join her. He turned, let go, and tried to get his sster, but instead he fell face first. His tooth ht his lip and it was an instant blood bath. I yelled for John and was throwing things into the cart for us to head home and really look at the cut.
After a bath, John and I decided that a trip to the ER was not necessary. And I must say that I am beyond proud of myself for not freaking out at all. I actually cannot believe how calm I was.
I guess we can say that we have 'broken our son in' now. I'm sure there will be many more bumps, bruises, cuts, and blood in the future...
Back to the resolutions:
Monday we swam... and swam and swam... for 6 hours. Yes 6 hours. Scarlett was in the water for 5 of these hours. Talk about a wrinkled raisin! We spent the whole day with friends at the pool. Emmett napped twice in the stroller while we were there. We ate lunch, applied sunscreen, swam and lounged around. It was a glorious day.
Tuesday's Resolution was to color together:
Scarlett decided to build a crayon fence instead :)
Wednesday's Resolution was to go fishing! As you read above, we had an extreme ending to our fishing trip last night. But before we were running around "saving the day!" as Scarlett said, we had a blast fishing.
Thursday's Resolution (today) is to run a mile. That's perfect seeing as how the mud run is on Saturday!
Friday's Resolution (Tomorrow) is to eat ice-cream. NO complaints about this one.
Saturday's Resolution is to get muddy on a date with my husband!! (In other words - run a mud race with him!)
After a bath, John and I decided that a trip to the ER was not necessary. And I must say that I am beyond proud of myself for not freaking out at all. I actually cannot believe how calm I was.
I guess we can say that we have 'broken our son in' now. I'm sure there will be many more bumps, bruises, cuts, and blood in the future...
Back to the resolutions:
Monday we swam... and swam and swam... for 6 hours. Yes 6 hours. Scarlett was in the water for 5 of these hours. Talk about a wrinkled raisin! We spent the whole day with friends at the pool. Emmett napped twice in the stroller while we were there. We ate lunch, applied sunscreen, swam and lounged around. It was a glorious day.
Tuesday's Resolution was to color together:
Wednesday's Resolution was to go fishing! As you read above, we had an extreme ending to our fishing trip last night. But before we were running around "saving the day!" as Scarlett said, we had a blast fishing.
Thursday's Resolution (today) is to run a mile. That's perfect seeing as how the mud run is on Saturday!
Friday's Resolution (Tomorrow) is to eat ice-cream. NO complaints about this one.
Saturday's Resolution is to get muddy on a date with my husband!! (In other words - run a mud race with him!)
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Ecover - I may place an order!
http://www.ecover.com
The above is the link to their international website. I am slightly embarrassed to say that as a cloth diapering, semi-crunchy mama, I have not yet tried this product. I have been told (over and over and OVER again) how amazing this laundry soap is. The soap is said to not only keep diapers clean, but will keep them soft and prolong the lifespan of the actual diaper. I will soon have my chance to indulge in a little ecover love! They are the main sponsor for Savannah's Great Cloth Diaper Change event this year. They have donated 100 bags with samples (and so many other wonderful gifts to raffle away). I cannot wait to try my sample. I have a feeling that I will be converting!
oh - the soap is not just for cloth diapers either. It is for any and all laundry needs :) Can you tell I'm excited to try it out?!
The above is the link to their international website. I am slightly embarrassed to say that as a cloth diapering, semi-crunchy mama, I have not yet tried this product. I have been told (over and over and OVER again) how amazing this laundry soap is. The soap is said to not only keep diapers clean, but will keep them soft and prolong the lifespan of the actual diaper. I will soon have my chance to indulge in a little ecover love! They are the main sponsor for Savannah's Great Cloth Diaper Change event this year. They have donated 100 bags with samples (and so many other wonderful gifts to raffle away). I cannot wait to try my sample. I have a feeling that I will be converting!
oh - the soap is not just for cloth diapers either. It is for any and all laundry needs :) Can you tell I'm excited to try it out?!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
A Fun Week of Resolutions.
Wednesday's Resolution: Host a Play Date
I called up a new friend we met at the oyster roast last weekend and invited her over. She has a little boy Scarlett's age (who is definitely in love with my daughter - teehee) We shared some wine, got to know one another, and ended up spending almost 4 hours hanging out! I'm pretty sure we will be getting together again soon.
Thursday's Resolution: Emmett gets a new diaper
I let John help me pick the fabric for Emmett. He decided on a teal and lime green "groovy guitar" print! I cannot wait for the fluffy mail to arrive!
Friday's Resolution: Mix two recipes.
Since we were hosting a large cookout on Saturday, this resolution came in handy! I decided to play it safe and mix my vanilla and chocolate cake batters together to make a marble cake for the party! Let's just say that there are no leftovers sitting around today (Sunday).
Saturday's Resolution: Make Sangria
Again - a great resolution to pull when there's a party starting! Of course the party started at 3pm and the resolution was pulled around 1:45. So we went running to the liquor store! :) No worries though... we pulled it off without a hitch. And we had margaritas (compliments of Ms. Emily) to ensure that fun would be had at the cookout!
Sunday's Resolution: Yard Work
Booooooooooo..... After an entire afternoon and evening of sangria and margaritas, the last thing we anted to do was yard work. :( Oh well. You win some, you lose some!
Monday's (Tomorrow) Resolution: Swim.
I called up a new friend we met at the oyster roast last weekend and invited her over. She has a little boy Scarlett's age (who is definitely in love with my daughter - teehee) We shared some wine, got to know one another, and ended up spending almost 4 hours hanging out! I'm pretty sure we will be getting together again soon.
Thursday's Resolution: Emmett gets a new diaper
I let John help me pick the fabric for Emmett. He decided on a teal and lime green "groovy guitar" print! I cannot wait for the fluffy mail to arrive!
Friday's Resolution: Mix two recipes.
Since we were hosting a large cookout on Saturday, this resolution came in handy! I decided to play it safe and mix my vanilla and chocolate cake batters together to make a marble cake for the party! Let's just say that there are no leftovers sitting around today (Sunday).
Saturday's Resolution: Make Sangria
Again - a great resolution to pull when there's a party starting! Of course the party started at 3pm and the resolution was pulled around 1:45. So we went running to the liquor store! :) No worries though... we pulled it off without a hitch. And we had margaritas (compliments of Ms. Emily) to ensure that fun would be had at the cookout!
Sunday's Resolution: Yard Work
Booooooooooo..... After an entire afternoon and evening of sangria and margaritas, the last thing we anted to do was yard work. :( Oh well. You win some, you lose some!
Monday's (Tomorrow) Resolution: Swim.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Back on the resolution bandwagon.
I've been lacking in my posts recently -- but, if you read my last "sleep" post, you understand why. I'm a tired mama.
We had a cheaper version of happy hour at our house on Saturday! And on Sunday, we celebrated Emmett really crawling. Scarlett crawled on April fool's day two years ago... and here Emmett is following in her footsteps! What a great thing to celebrate. He has been moving for 2 weeks or so, but he actually can get to where he wants now. So I count that celebration as a resolution. But the resolution jar is back out and in full swing!
Monday's Resolution was to "plan a gathering." And plan we did. We are having 10-12 adults and 8-10 kids over on Saturday for smoked lamb and brisket. (insert delicious scent here). Yes we are still broke... but because we have amazing in-laws, who also love a good bbq, we are able to celebrate with everyone. (THANK YOU GUYS!!!) I can't wait to post pictures of the fun that will be had here on Saturday.
Today's resolution: "Always kiss goodnight"
We had a cheaper version of happy hour at our house on Saturday! And on Sunday, we celebrated Emmett really crawling. Scarlett crawled on April fool's day two years ago... and here Emmett is following in her footsteps! What a great thing to celebrate. He has been moving for 2 weeks or so, but he actually can get to where he wants now. So I count that celebration as a resolution. But the resolution jar is back out and in full swing!
Monday's Resolution was to "plan a gathering." And plan we did. We are having 10-12 adults and 8-10 kids over on Saturday for smoked lamb and brisket. (insert delicious scent here). Yes we are still broke... but because we have amazing in-laws, who also love a good bbq, we are able to celebrate with everyone. (THANK YOU GUYS!!!) I can't wait to post pictures of the fun that will be had here on Saturday.
Today's resolution: "Always kiss goodnight"
Finding what works for us - A bedtime story.
Every family has different beliefs when it comes to bedtime. Different rituals (or non-rituals) work for different families. I am not here to judge your bedtime routine (or lack there of in our case) - unless of course you are letting your child cry-it-out, putting them to bed in a scary unsafe environment, or not trusting in your child's sleep needs. Those are the areas in which, as a parent, YOU should not be number one - your child should be.
Here is our journey to a bedtime story (or lack there of a 'bedtime')
We own an Arm's Reach Co-sleeper and love it. Well, we think it's beautiful, and it fits so well next to the bed. We brought home baby #1 (Scarlett) and decided that even the co-sleeper was too far away from us. Our instincts said she needed to be closer. So close, in fact, she slept on top of my chest the first 4 months of her life. Hindsight is saying that this may have been the start to our sleep issues right here. But, I wouldn't have changed it. That's where she felt the safest, so that's where she slept. She started growing... and growing... eventually, I rolled her off of me into the middle of our bed, where she slept until 14-15 months old. At that point, she was tossing and turning so much that we thought she would like her own space. We hit the nail on the head, as she slept through the night for the very first time ever when he was 15 months old.
If you have been following my blog, by now you know we are kind of "crunchy" as people call it... Part of me says "WAHOO we are crunchy" and the other part says "WAHOOO we are LAZY." I love extended nursing for all of the health benefits, but let's not lie - it's flat out easier than bringing food with you (not to mention an excellent calorie burner for mom). We love cloth diapering - and yes there is washing involved, but we never have to run out and buy diapers. I wear my babies everywhere - Hell, that's a no brainer - it's way easier to wear a baby than to carry a carseat or a wiggling baby/toddler... Of course research plays a huge part into all of our decisions, and we are very aware of the things we do as a family to maintain the "crunchy" lifestyle. (This ties into the blog post, I promise)
Co-sleeping and bed-sharing is EASY. It is easier than getting up and going to another room when baby is crying. It is easier to just lay down as a family and all fall asleep together. However, it is not just easy. It benefits the child in ways you would never imagine. Waiting until a child is truly ready to sleep independently can lead to a more well-rounded child/teen/and adult. Feeling safe, secure, and comfortable in a sleep setting raises self-esteem and self-confidence. Stop reading right now if you saying, "My 6 day old, 6 week old, or 6 month old was ready to be on his own!" - PLEASE.... just research infant sleep studies, brain development, and such. You'll have enough facts to make you change your mind with the next baby. And don't you dare bring any of the "Ferber method, cry-it-out sleep training" crap my way. I'll throw you facts until I'm blue in the face and you have a foot in your mouth. --- ok off the soap box. --- Not only did we love co-sleeping with Scarlett, but we loved the benefits she was receiving.
Now Scarlett is a VERY emotional child. (Seriously, the world is ending if she drops her fork on the floor.) We were not surprised when she wanted back into our bed most nights. We welcomed her with open arms. We also were not surprised that with the birth of Emmett, she wanted back in our bed full-time. Again, we welcomed her. How horrible for her to be in a bed (and room) all alone while the three of us slept together. (Think about it, we spend our grown lives searching for a soulmate to share our lonely bed with each night - we never have liked sleeping alone. There's a certain comfort in knowing someone you love is sleeping next to you.) Needless to say, almost 8 months later, we have no sleep schedule, four in a bed, tossing, turning, and crawling everywhere. We seem to go through phases where everyone sleeps fine and other times where no one is sleeping well. This is a "SLEEPING SUCKS" phase right now. We resorted to playing videos for Scarlett around 9/10pm in her room in hopes she would fall asleep for a few hours before coming into our rooms. That way we would have some adult time. Well, that worked for about 3 weeks. Then she just watched her movie and came out just as awake as ever. She still flips, turns, kicks, and talks in her sleep; and Emmett is now rolling and crawling in his sleep. If only we could record one night in our bed to playback to the world. Emmett has also cut 4 teeth in two weeks. He is nursing every hour at night. Between Scarlett waking him up, Emmett nursing, not getting comfortable, I a NOT sleeping.
So why not put her to bed earlier you ask? Well, Scarlett goes until she crashes. Her nap (if there is a nap) consists of playing until she falls asleep in her dollhouse, on the floor, in the car, on a table, etc... You cannot get her to lay down any other way. I have tried. (Literally just tried yesterday - it took 1.5 hours and all three of us the bed before we all fell asleep together) And when there is a nap, she stays up until midnight! The Sleep God has been laughing at us lately.
I refuse to EVER make a child of mine sleep alone, or in a setting in which he/she is not comfortable, until that setting becomes comfortable and the child is ready to be alone. John and I are hoping that once Emmett hits a year old, we can set up a big mattress on the floor in one of their rooms, and they will sleep together. ("Hope" being the key word there.) I am not ready to be done co-sleeping with Emmett at all, as he nurses throughout the whole night still. (And his snuggles just melt my heart.) And there is still a small part of me that loves Scarlett in our bed. The mama bear in me says, "ALL babies must be with me so that I can KILL someone if they walk into this room in the middle of the night."
We have tried 2 nights with the mattress on our floor for Scarlett, but the problem lies in the act of bringing the mattress in and out. She will start in her room and then come in to ours. But the mattress buys us a few more hours before she crawls into our bed. However, I still do not sleep.
I know that this to shall pass. I know that it is just a phase and we will adapt and grow from it. I also know that according to all of the research out there, that it is NOT easy at times to stay true to the parenting style you have developed and made your own. I guess I'm just throwing it out there so that others with a child (or children) in their bed can relate, laugh, make fun of us, or just vent with me. I love having my babies (and my husband) so close at night. I would however like a little sleep tonight. :)
There's our bedtime story... or lack there of one. As John says, "We need to move at least one baby out of the bed (at least to the floor) before we can have another."
Do I have any advice for those becoming a family soon? Yes. Follow your gut. Listen to your heart. Read the research. And then co-sleep safely. I still wouldn't change a thing we have done so far.
Here is our journey to a bedtime story (or lack there of a 'bedtime')
We own an Arm's Reach Co-sleeper and love it. Well, we think it's beautiful, and it fits so well next to the bed. We brought home baby #1 (Scarlett) and decided that even the co-sleeper was too far away from us. Our instincts said she needed to be closer. So close, in fact, she slept on top of my chest the first 4 months of her life. Hindsight is saying that this may have been the start to our sleep issues right here. But, I wouldn't have changed it. That's where she felt the safest, so that's where she slept. She started growing... and growing... eventually, I rolled her off of me into the middle of our bed, where she slept until 14-15 months old. At that point, she was tossing and turning so much that we thought she would like her own space. We hit the nail on the head, as she slept through the night for the very first time ever when he was 15 months old.
If you have been following my blog, by now you know we are kind of "crunchy" as people call it... Part of me says "WAHOO we are crunchy" and the other part says "WAHOOO we are LAZY." I love extended nursing for all of the health benefits, but let's not lie - it's flat out easier than bringing food with you (not to mention an excellent calorie burner for mom). We love cloth diapering - and yes there is washing involved, but we never have to run out and buy diapers. I wear my babies everywhere - Hell, that's a no brainer - it's way easier to wear a baby than to carry a carseat or a wiggling baby/toddler... Of course research plays a huge part into all of our decisions, and we are very aware of the things we do as a family to maintain the "crunchy" lifestyle. (This ties into the blog post, I promise)
Co-sleeping and bed-sharing is EASY. It is easier than getting up and going to another room when baby is crying. It is easier to just lay down as a family and all fall asleep together. However, it is not just easy. It benefits the child in ways you would never imagine. Waiting until a child is truly ready to sleep independently can lead to a more well-rounded child/teen/and adult. Feeling safe, secure, and comfortable in a sleep setting raises self-esteem and self-confidence. Stop reading right now if you saying, "My 6 day old, 6 week old, or 6 month old was ready to be on his own!" - PLEASE.... just research infant sleep studies, brain development, and such. You'll have enough facts to make you change your mind with the next baby. And don't you dare bring any of the "Ferber method, cry-it-out sleep training" crap my way. I'll throw you facts until I'm blue in the face and you have a foot in your mouth. --- ok off the soap box. --- Not only did we love co-sleeping with Scarlett, but we loved the benefits she was receiving.
Now Scarlett is a VERY emotional child. (Seriously, the world is ending if she drops her fork on the floor.) We were not surprised when she wanted back into our bed most nights. We welcomed her with open arms. We also were not surprised that with the birth of Emmett, she wanted back in our bed full-time. Again, we welcomed her. How horrible for her to be in a bed (and room) all alone while the three of us slept together. (Think about it, we spend our grown lives searching for a soulmate to share our lonely bed with each night - we never have liked sleeping alone. There's a certain comfort in knowing someone you love is sleeping next to you.) Needless to say, almost 8 months later, we have no sleep schedule, four in a bed, tossing, turning, and crawling everywhere. We seem to go through phases where everyone sleeps fine and other times where no one is sleeping well. This is a "SLEEPING SUCKS" phase right now. We resorted to playing videos for Scarlett around 9/10pm in her room in hopes she would fall asleep for a few hours before coming into our rooms. That way we would have some adult time. Well, that worked for about 3 weeks. Then she just watched her movie and came out just as awake as ever. She still flips, turns, kicks, and talks in her sleep; and Emmett is now rolling and crawling in his sleep. If only we could record one night in our bed to playback to the world. Emmett has also cut 4 teeth in two weeks. He is nursing every hour at night. Between Scarlett waking him up, Emmett nursing, not getting comfortable, I a NOT sleeping.
So why not put her to bed earlier you ask? Well, Scarlett goes until she crashes. Her nap (if there is a nap) consists of playing until she falls asleep in her dollhouse, on the floor, in the car, on a table, etc... You cannot get her to lay down any other way. I have tried. (Literally just tried yesterday - it took 1.5 hours and all three of us the bed before we all fell asleep together) And when there is a nap, she stays up until midnight! The Sleep God has been laughing at us lately.
I refuse to EVER make a child of mine sleep alone, or in a setting in which he/she is not comfortable, until that setting becomes comfortable and the child is ready to be alone. John and I are hoping that once Emmett hits a year old, we can set up a big mattress on the floor in one of their rooms, and they will sleep together. ("Hope" being the key word there.) I am not ready to be done co-sleeping with Emmett at all, as he nurses throughout the whole night still. (And his snuggles just melt my heart.) And there is still a small part of me that loves Scarlett in our bed. The mama bear in me says, "ALL babies must be with me so that I can KILL someone if they walk into this room in the middle of the night."
We have tried 2 nights with the mattress on our floor for Scarlett, but the problem lies in the act of bringing the mattress in and out. She will start in her room and then come in to ours. But the mattress buys us a few more hours before she crawls into our bed. However, I still do not sleep.
I know that this to shall pass. I know that it is just a phase and we will adapt and grow from it. I also know that according to all of the research out there, that it is NOT easy at times to stay true to the parenting style you have developed and made your own. I guess I'm just throwing it out there so that others with a child (or children) in their bed can relate, laugh, make fun of us, or just vent with me. I love having my babies (and my husband) so close at night. I would however like a little sleep tonight. :)
There's our bedtime story... or lack there of one. As John says, "We need to move at least one baby out of the bed (at least to the floor) before we can have another."
Do I have any advice for those becoming a family soon? Yes. Follow your gut. Listen to your heart. Read the research. And then co-sleep safely. I still wouldn't change a thing we have done so far.
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