My little Montessori Man

Mr Man is exploding with knowledge at this Montessori, I am just so proud of him!

Last night after dinner, he turned to me and said, "ok mom... bath?"

I think I sat there a little stunned before I said yes. He is growing up right before my eyes *weep*

Then this morning, while watching Imagination Movers, we were about to have to go and I said, ok bud, lets get your shoes and socks. And he walks in his room, grabs some socks, and brings them to me and says "socks!" He is such a doll.

I knew when we started sending him to the school he would get smarter, but this quickly, and this many words, is just unbelievable.

Not to mention Mr Man has started singing. As you all know, I sang to him as a baby, and have continued that in all of his 17 months... but when he started singing back to me, I couldn't help but cry.

Both the ex and I are singers, so I guess he just hears us all the time, and he gets to sing at his school. It is just so incredible to have these walking, talking, little people staring at you and singing to you.

Even after 17 months I am utterly shocked at how much the little guy teaches me!

The New Pad

Is coming along nicely :)

Hey... its no Taj Mahal... but its home, and B and I are lovin' it!!!

Here is the best part... the view!!!

The fireplace... which B has found he loves to eat... yummy!

Mr Man's new (Giants themed) room! WOOT!

My bedroom

Dining

Living

And Kitchen... fabulous job on the cabinets L!

There are some things that I still haven't gotten used to like:

A) climbing 8,003 stairs to get to my apartment, all while carrying a diaper bag, a filled purse and a 23lb small man - but hey, look on the bright side - in 2 months my ass is gonna be smokin'! Feel the burn baby, feel the burn!!!

B) I have yet to figure out how to carry 2 loads of garbage and said man and diaper bag and purse DOWN the stairs - that one still has to be figured out? Suggestions?

C) I am loving cleaning this place. Um... hello vacuuming 5 min. Walking all of 3 minutes to the washer and dryer and dishes for one (sometimes throw a bottle in there) can I get a hell yeah!

D) I just got TV last night, and to be honest, it was kind of nice not having the option to hear the depressing news. I have no DVR (gasp!) and no cable to speak of. I have bunny ears (the newest model) but still. Humble pie for one. Thanks!

Overall, B and I are adjusting well. It has been a struggle, and I have fiigured out I royally SUCK at being alone, but over time I am sure things will be alright! The first few months are always an adjustment period. I am just trying to look on the bright side of every situation, including this one.

Ciao Darlings!

11 Months!!!

Well, since today is St Patricks Day, I find it very fitting that Mr Man is feeling quite green :(

He is doing so many things at 11 months, it saddens me his big day is spent feeling so crappy. The think he has the flu, so we are just going to have to wait it out.

Some things he is doing.

• He mimics everything you do, like says no, no, no, or laughs when you laugh or kisses you when you give him kisses.
• He runs around everywhere, he finds he can get places much faster this way
• He squats, picks up something, then walks off with it
• He LOVES Mochachino. He goes up to him, so he can kiss his face, and he will just laugh and smile!
• He has 4 teeth - top 2, bottom 2
• He does art projects at school
• He knows what a cow says
• And he gives the BEST high 5's around!!!

Overall he is just a joy. I just wish he felt a little better to celebrate with me.

One day, love bug, you and I will share a green beer :)

Art Work!!

Since B went to daycare school this week, he came home Thursday with his very frist art projects.

A-DOR-ABLE!!

Hand Butterfly!!

Finger Catapiller :)

The first day...

Well, the first half day of daycare... went surprisingly well.

Mr Man has had a stuffy nose (from teething) since Friday, and I was worried it was more or a cold this weekend, but the drainage is clear (sorry... TMI) so I proceeded with the plans and dropped him off this morning at his daycare.

He went right to the nice lady and was playing around. I don't even think he looked up at me.

I gave him a kiss and walked right out the door. The tears welled up in my eyes a little, but I peeked in one last time before I left, and he was just happy as a lark. Playing on the ground with the other kids, like it was no big thing. Oh Mr Man, you are such a big boy! Where did time go??

I picked him up at 1pm and he was asleep in his crib (adorable!) and the ladies were so nice, they had his bag packed and everything was being cleaned. It was so sweet.

Tomorrow he will stay for a little longer than half the day, and I know he is going to do great! My mind is truly at ease with this daycare and this process, I know when I start work Wednesday, I will be able to concentrate and not worry about my love bug.

We're In the Money!!

WOOT!

Well, not really... but I did GET THE JOB!

Score!

I start next Wednesday and we already registered Mr Man for daycare. It was so cute today, when he went into the classroom (while we were registering) he freaked out at first, then just went right to the teacher and gave her a big smile.

As soon as we walked out the door (and peeked back in) he was happily playing on the ground with the other babies, waving bye bye.

He starts Monday and we are going to do 2 half days and on Wednesday he is going to be full on.

I am really excited about this new position. I think there will be challenges, as in anything, but I think it will be good for B to get out there and meet new people and for Mommy to have some "mommy time!"

Friday Fun!!!

Here's B's new trick ;-) Enjoy!!

Have a fabulous Friday!!

10 MONTHS!

Today, my love bug, you are 10 months old. Only 2 more months and you will turn the big 1!!

B, you have changed my outlook on life! You have a personality that is un-rivaled. You find the good in everyone you meet, and you absolutely light my world!

At 10 Months you are doing so many new things:

• You are walking everywhere!
• You are pushing trucks and books and remotes around the floor
• You find it extremely amusing to pull the blankets, pillows and anything you can get your hands on, off of the couch
• You love to eat Macaroni (see above picture)
• You talk to me all day, however, you refuse to use the word Momma?!?
• You push the limits. If you are not supposed to go somewhere or eat something, you do it... all the time!
• You LOVE music. All music!
• You sing and dance
• You give kisses when asked
• And you always smile, then speed crawl to Mommy or Daddy when we walk in the room

B, I never knew how amazingly tired you could make me, I never knew how much energy your little body could give me, and I never pictured love embodied like this.

Love you Mr Man!!! Happy 10 Month birthday!!

Walking....

Awww yeeeeahhh, we got that down!

So... I know I said B was taking steps, but this is like... full. on. walking!

There is not stopping the little monster now :)

9 Month Check Up!

Well, Mr Man is a very healthy baby boy! He is quite advanced in the mobile department and is right on track with everything else. Mommy and Daddy are doing a good job.

Right now his weight is 20 lbs. He is in the 75% of height (he had a growth spurt) and he is only in the 12% of head circumfrence.

He is trying to cut 3 teeth right now, the 2 front and one right inscisor.

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One the Mocha front... we are currently in 4th place. Boooo! Apparently, people like dogs who wear hangers or hoodies?

If you haven't voted, please head on over there and vote! Thanks!

http://kdfw.4wmt.com/packages/templates/anonymous/vote.aspx?pageid=aee642ea-25f0-4b7e-b924-013fea20331a

9 Months! and a 1st Haircut!

9 Months already... OMG! Where is time going? I feel like I may blink and he may be a year. Geesh!

In your short 9 nine months I feel like you have accomplished so many things, all while changing my life.

Some things you are doing:

• You have taken 3 steps, without holding on
• You pull up on everything, and cruise around it, like it is nothing
• You have figured out how to chew. Like really. You actually eat a whole puff.
• You love to dance and rock around
• You LOVE your new rocking horse (thanks Uncle L!)
• You stand, dance and sing to every song that comes on
• And best of all... you got your VERY FIRST HAIRCUT!

Mik (the stylist) and B.

Sitting in Daddy's lap...


Smock on... check!

B: Um? Why the heck is this guy spraying me with water?

B: Daddy... why do I have to sit here?

B: Hey... what is going on... let me see!

Future rocker!

B: I could get used to this star treatment!

My stylist, Kim, and B - eating a hair clip

B: Tadddaa! Check me out, I am stylin' and profilin'
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Today was an exciting day and a sad day for Mommy. It was thrilling that Mr Man is old enough to get a hair cut, but it saddens me that he is growing so quickly. Sometimes I still feel like it is week 1 and my boobs are leaking and I am getting no sleep. Others, it is as if, he has been here all along.

Mr Man, there are no words to describe the love, excitement, enjoyment and passion for life you give your Mommy. There is never a day you don't make me smile or laugh, and there is never a moment I would change my life. B, mommy loves you, and I hope your life is as full of love as you have given me.

Mwuuaah!

I'm Going to Cry...

Yesterday, while at the rents house for my mom's b-day, Mr Man took his Very First Step!!!

Oh Mr Man, how you are growing up right before our eyes!

Let me set the sceen:

My dad was cooking this amazing crab cake recipe in the kitchen. My mom was in the other room, checking out my awesome fabric for my new drapes. My baby bro was changing. And Mr Man and I were in the living room playing with their dog.

Mr Man had one hand on my knee (on my right), the dog was on the left. Well... that is all it took for him to take the leap.

He let go of my knee, took one step towards the dog, and grabbed my knee again.

It only lasted 5 seconds, and hubs wasn't even there *le sigh* but it was so unbelievable.

Mr Man did it! I know he is going to be walking any second.

A Post in Pictures

B: Mom... let me eat this on my own... I got this!

Me: Ok buddy, but don't make too big of a mess...

B: Look, I can eat it, nicely

B: Look, I'll keep it in the bowl and everything :)

B: I can even use a spoon!

B: Um... I dumped the bowl? I'll just use my hands!

B: Tadddaaa! Look what I did :D

8 MONTHS!!!

I know I say this every month, but seriously... where has the time gone?

I marvell at how much Mr Man learns and does every day.

He is doing so many things, I don't even know if I can recall all of it, but I will try. So here we go:

• He is eating all sorts of things, like cheese puffs, bitter biscuits, zwyback toast, all sorts of vegi's and fruits

• He is crawling, pulling up and almost walking

• He will stand for about 3 seconds (un-assisted) until he plops to his butt

• He says "Hi" and "dadda" very well and has said "I got that" and "love you" every now and again. He really just mimics the sounds of the last two, but it is cute none the less

• He dances by moving his little body, every time Handy Manny sings a song

• He will kiss you and hug you if you ask him to!

• And he gets really pissed when you take away something from him.

Every day I just look at my little man and thank God for the blessings he has bestowed on us.

Happy "Birthday" baby! Mommy and Daddy love you so much, and we are so proud of all your progress!

Say Cheese!

Today is a bitter sweet day. In my family, we have always celebrated today with a birthday, but unfortunately my Poppy is no longer with us, so I have to quietly celebrate. You can read more here.

It was a happy day though. B and I got to spend time with my mom and...

Santa!!

This was his first Santa picture. Santa wasn't very photogenic, but B was smiling proudly.

He went right to Santa and tried his hardest to eat his beard. He wasn't scared in the least.

Oh Mr Man, you are really growing up!

The White Flag is Waving!

Photograph taken by Simple Treasures Photography

I have admitted defeat against NaBloPoMo! I gave it all I had, but in between a very active 7 month old, spending quality time with hubs and family, I have to give up :(

I am kind of scatterbrained today, so I thought my post should express that, here are some things:

• Mr Man is so active I can't even keep track. He crawls and pulls up on everything. Not to mention he is talking and putting everything in his mouth. He is just so fun, but exhausting. Last night I had picked him up so many times (he does weigh 19 lbs) my muscles were burning.
  
  

• Friday we had a great dinner with hubs family. It was his dad's birthday, and we had great conversation, cheap wine, a great dinner and plenty of laughs. So fun!

• Saturday was another packed day, with my mom getting up to shop at 5:30 AM, then getting breakfast, getting my hair done (it looks totallly FAB!) and having dinner with Hubs parents to end the evening.
  

• Sunday was a lazy day of watching football and cleaning.

• Today, I hope to accomplish more cleaning and baking my pumpkin bread for Thanksgiving gifts for my neighbors.
  

We also got a bit of a scare on Saturday, when we headed to Babies R Us to grab some odds and ends, when we took a look at the carseats. See, I have been doing research on all the carseats and everyone (I have spoken with) said the Britax was over-rated, and there were always recalls. So I opted to check out the Evenflo's. My hairdresser swares by hers! (and she has 3 kids that have used them - one currently still in it). However, when I started asking the employees about the carseats, they told me the Britax was the best way to go (and of couse they are $329.00 and the Evenflo was only $186.00), so I opted to do a little more research. THEN... the guy tells me that the Chicco carseat I currently have only goes to 20lbs. UM... Mr Mobile is already 19 lbs. So I don't know what to do. I obviously don't have the money for a $329 carseat, not to mention, I don't even know if I want that one.

Then... I realized I have to get a new car to get a new carseat (no I am not kidding.) See, we have a Honda Element that I have been driving. Yes, it fits a lot of stuff, however, the drawback is that it has suicide doors - yes you have to open the front in order for the back to open. Yeah... flipping great for throwing a frisbee through (like they show in the commercial) but really shitty for taking a baby seat (that weighs 25 lbs) in and out of while parked next to a car. Not to mention, the back has stadium seating, which is another great quality when you are all of 5 feet tall. Score! My solution is to park in BFE, next to no cars, all the while praying no one parks next to me, and hoisting my entire body weight to help me move my little man's infant carrier OVER the seat. Phew - my muscles hurt just thinking about it!

Just one more thing to add to my already long list.

Please know that when I say I wouldn't change my life for anything, I truly mean it. But let me tell you, when you have a baby.... GET READY to change everything :D

Anyway, sorry to ramble. Hope you all have a fab Monday! And a thrilling Thanksgiving should I not write again!!

Ciao, Ciao!

7 Months!!!

Yesterday Mr Man turned a whopping 7 Months old! Every day he is more precious and more boisterous than the day before!

Some things he is doing now:

• He is crawling, non stop (see below for a video of that!)


• He is pulling up on the Ottoman (thankfully it is a soft leather)


• He has 2 TEETH!


• He is talking all the time (well, screaming is more like it)


• He cries when you take something away from him


• He is more and more feisty (just like his momma!)


• He is scooching around the Ottoman - while holding on


• And he gives the BEST Hugs!

Dada?

Had to share B saying Dada. Momma seems to be a little more difficult, but at least we are trying!

Hope you guys have a great Monday!!

A Momentous Occasion!!

Not only are we pretty much crawling, and yesterday we had to move the crib down, because Mr Man is so mobile he wants to pull up on the railings but...

WE HAVE A TOOTH!

It is the bottom left (when looking at him) and it is barely poking through!

A very first tooth! Yipppeee!

Flashback Friday!

6 weeks

6 months

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We are pretty much crawling at this point. If he wants something, he goes and gets it! Once I can get it on camera I will upload.

Have a happy Friday!!