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!"

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!

Playdates are great!

Especially when pretty girls are involved ;)

Yesterday, my friend Lindsay headed over my way, and we let A and B play around, while we chatted it up and ate some pizza. Seriously, is was a great way to spend a Thursday!

It was so fun watching the little ones interact. They are only 1 month apart, so they are mostly of the same level. A is a little better at eating (JK Lindsay) clapping and waving, but B has her beat in the motor skills department.

At first B tried to eat A's bow, and A tried to lick his head, but after that... they were having a great time. Playing the piano together, climbing on the gate to get the dog's attention, and just crawl around.

It was so fun! Thanks for a great day Lindsay!

Hope everyone has an awesome Friday!!

A perfect way to spend a Wednesday evening!

A pedicure and dinner with the girls!

Our beautiful toes!

I had such a great time last night with my girls. My friend L had the amazing idea to all meet for a pedicure and end with a mexican dinner. Score!

Thanks ladies for a brilliant evening!

Mommy Mode

My best techy friend sent me these awesome websites.

If you are a mom, these are great additions to your favorite sites!

http://www.handmedowns.com/ - this website is like Craigslist for baby gear. It has stuff you can buy, sell or donate. It is so awesome. Just look around and you will be amazed. It is like a consignment store right in the comfort of your living room. Score!!

http://www.keepaboo.com/ - this one is too cute for words. It is a place where you can jot down everything your child says, does and experiences. It is a website for the mom, but also for the child. You can mark their growth, their first tooth, or even a cute expression. Not to mention, when they get a little older, you can take all the pages and print them into a book. How adorable is that??? I totally love this one!

Thanks E for sending me such adorable ideas.

Can you spoil a 6 month old?

Because with the way B is acting, I feel like we are headed in that direction.

I can't put Mr Man down without him crying. Then, when he sees me going somewhere, he screams even louder to get my attention. Being the new mom that I am, I come rushing to his side.

I have tried to ignore him, but he just seems so pittiful.

We still have the cold - this thing is a bitch and a half - but I am not sure it is that.

When I ignore him and let him cry for 1 minute or so, he distracts himself and is fine.

I am going to make a doc's apt for me today, to see if I can take anything, so we are not giving it right back to each other.

I just don't know what to do. I am running on empty with 7 days of not sleeping and no help from Hubs.

Any Mommy advice?

I Marvel

I marvel at the thought of where my life is and where it used to be...

We wake at 5 AM (oh yeah, you read that right - people without kids, LOVE that 7 AM alarm clock :D) we eat at 7:30, we take a nap, we get out of the house, do some dishes, do some laundry, finally hit the sack and yes... wake up and do it all again the next day.

The thing is, I just love it. It is an indescribable love. It is not like I love doing stuff around the house, but it is the fact that this IS my job.

Sometimes, I look around and get a little jealous that I can't re-decorate my house b/c we no longer have 2 incomes, but really, who needs that stuff. I have a roof, a tivo and great friends and family. Pretty much I'm good.

I saw this book the other day that said, Nap Time is the New Happy Hour, and I just burst out laughing. Then I looked at myself in the mirror. Flat shoes, hair a wreck, spit-up on my shoulder, and glasses askew. Then I looked at my little man and Poof! I didn't care.

I look back at myself and I used to be so vain, so "involved" with my image. Now, I could give a rats ass. My priority is clean diapers, a clean house, a happy hubs and good nights rest.

It is just so bizarre how in mere seconds your life can go from "what can I do for myself today" to "how can I help that little person today."

I remember lying in the hospital bed, pale as a ghost, shaking uncontrollably, and only worrying about feeding my little man. It is like God switches a flip in your head and says, YOU no longer count (as much), that little thing you just spent 9 hours (or 2o minutes in my case) popping out, is your new world.

Now I know how mothers get so wrapped up in their children it takes over their lives. I used to think that about people. But, truthfully, maybe they have so much love, so much bursting-at-the-seams-love, that they just want to talk about it with everyone they come in contact with?

Sometimes, I just have to sit back and marvel at where I was and where I am.

Hmmm....

Mr Fussy Pants...

Well, I am settling in back here at home. Doing dishes, mopping floors, making curtains, enjoying the weather and just enjoying being home.

However; today, Mr Man has been so fussy. I can't tell if he is teething or what? For 2 months now he has been chomping on his finger, but it seems he just isn't his happy self.

I am worried he had so much stimulation at the baby sitters that he is bored with me? I am just so confused! He is not sleeping well, and won't stay asleep long either? He isn't sleeping his usual 7 hours at night and he wakes up fussy.

I just hope we can get into a routine and eveything can go back to normal.

What do all you mommy's think?? Teething or something else?

In the Jungle...

The mighty jungle... the Lion sleeps tonight!!!

OH yes, my dear freaders, Mr Man decided last night was THE night. I am talking THE night here. The BIG night of...

Sleeping all the way through the night!! Yeah buddy!

He went to sleep at 9 pm and slept until 6 am.

I cannot believe we didn't have to get up 2 or 3 times!!! Hubs and I kept checking out the monitor (I think every hour - we have a video monitor (a MUST have)) but nothing was happening. Mr Man was sound asleep in his big crib.

I'm such a proud Momma!

Everyone told me to let him cry and don't feed him, but I ignored them. I was hell bent on letting HIM decide when he was ready, and I guess, last night was the night.

Scary times ahead...

Tonight, I am a little scared. Hubs and I are going to try and drop a nighttime feeding. Lately, Mr Man has not been taking good naps and he has been waking every 3 hours.

I thought, by 4 months, Mr Man would be a little better in the sleep department. But, unfortunately not :(

So... after speaking with doctors, friends, and elders, we are going to try and not feed him tonight. I am not sure how long I will let him cry (if he even cry's - yes people, Mom's can have dreams too) but I am going to try my damndest.

We are sleeping in our guest bedroom, next to his bedroom and his real crib, so that I can be just a step away.

I guess we will see how it goes, but I have to say, I am terrified.

Hopefully, moving in his own room, in his own crib will help a little.

Eeek. I am so scared!

I have joined the ranks!

Today, I realized, I have joined the ranks of the stroller toting, SUV driving, Super Target shopping moms!

As I pulled into the parking spot, hopped out, grabbed Mr Man and set about with diaper bag and stroller in tow, I looked around. Folks, the ENTIRE parking lot was filled with SUV's and strollers alike.

As I proceeded in the store, I heard kids crying "mom", little footsteps scurrying about, and mom's yelling childrens names to "slow down" or "don't touch that!"

That, my freaders, is when I realized... I have joined the ranks with these moms. With mother's day approaching, I scanned the super target and realized... this is it! This is where I belong! Althought I almost died (again!) I will never be the same. It was WELL worth teh 9 month and 26 year wait! I couldn't be happier to have a constant partner and I couldn't be happier to look into the eyes of my little guy!

Never again will I pop into a target to scan the latest in swimsuit attire. Never will I only care about the newest dishware or pie tin. Now I will be among them... among the mom's that tote the strollers, fill the diaper bags, and always stop by to see what diapers are on sale.

I guess it is what I thought it would be, but there is so much more. Your perspecitve changes. Your drivng changes. Your music taste changes. I mean, it is like being morphed into a calmer, more reserved, happier self.

Who knew Mr Man could do all that! Maybe it is those baby blue eyes, or the way he looks at me when he wakes up in the morning? Maybe it is because he recognizes when I sing his lullabye, or maybe it is just because we share a bond that can never be re-created!

Chocolate, some wine and a 20 min nap!

Last week was a little hectic. Hubs was out of town for most of it so it went a little something like this.

Wed: Mom came over, around noon, went shopping and got some clothes that fit (thanks mom!) then came home, had some chinese take out and tried to get some sleep. Brady slept pretty well that night, but finally (really) fell asleep at 6:45am, only for my mom to leave the house and (accidentally) wake me up at 7am, to tell me she was leaving :)

Thurs: Had the AC guy come and finally fix our upststairs AC, then had lunch with my BF Missy (for about 20 min - don't you wish lunches could be longer with an 8 month old and a 2 week old) then headed to the doc for Mr Man's 2 week checkup. He got his foot pricked and it was painful watching him cry. Only to head home, feed the man, and pass out for a good hour and a half

Fri: Woke up, chatted with mom over coffee, got dressed, headed to the church (to make sure all paperwork was in order for his Christening) and came home, only to feed him, pass out again for another hour, and wait for the in-laws to bring me dinner. The in-laws came, we took some pictures (for the birth announcement) and they left at 8pm. Finally, we got some real shut eye. I think I managed about 4 hours (in between feedings and checking of the breath wakings).

Sat: Hubs FINALLY came home! He arrived at about 2pm, only to take a quick nap, feed again and jump in the shower for a birthday dinner. At this point (around 7pm) I was in dyer need of a glass of vino. We had a lovely dinner with the fam and it was back to the house for some more sleep. (Are you noticing a trend? Feed... sleep... change... feed... sleep and repeat)

Sun: Woke up to coffee brewing, my man a little fussy, but sleeping, and got to eat a hot breakfast, drink warm coffee and shopping. We finally bought our patio furniture cushions, only to realize (when getting home of course) that they didn't fit. Ain't that a bitch! Last night, however, hubs let me have a glass of wine, snack on some chocolate, and have a 14 min HOT shower. Really, that was the highlight of my week.

And finally... today: The maids came at 10:30am (again, thank you MOM - you rock!) so I had to wake up early and clean up (funny how that is). Mr Man and I got a little sleep. From 10-12 was pretty good, but from then on, it is a blur. Right now, for some reason, I can't sleep, even though my man is sound asleep next to me. The maids are still cleaning and I am starving but in the mood for nothing. What a great day so far :D

Hopefully tomorrow will be better... it is hubs 3o (SOMETHING) birthday. I promise I won't tell you the age, because he will probably read this and pass out. HEe hee! I wonder what we can do for him?

8.8 and Impeccable Timing!

So, the doc's apt went awesome! My little man is perfectly average (scoring in the 50% of everything, i.e. weight and length) and at 2 weeks he is supposed to be back at his birth weight, but oh no.. my little man is 8 pounds, 8 ounces! Woot! As the pediatrician says "he is a very good eater!"

Also, can I just say... what is it about newborns? They must have some baby timer that goes off, anytime mom wants to pee, eat or drink something. I swear! I have shoved more cold food in my mouth and drank more cold coffee than I care to admit.

And folks... it never fails, when I am mid pee stream, there always seems to be a scream from the basket, that makes me want to stop the flow, jump up (with pants around my ankles) and run to my little man, only to realize the pacifier has lept from his lips, and he is laying there smiling. Oi Vey!

I am so exhausted, I think my boobs are sagging from being so tired. I think they look at him and look at me and say... "again?? Really?"

In his first 2 weeks of life:

~ I have clapped and been genuinly happy when he farts.
~ Talked about more poopy diapees
~Woken up every 30 minutes just to make sure he is pink in color and baby is still breathing
~ Taken a bath with my man, only to realize, it is damn hard to dry your baby, while you freeze, dripping on carpet, only to be able to dry yourself 20 minutes later
~ Had his fall asleep in my arms, then to put him down, only for him to wake up and cry

And the top thing I think and talk about

~ Poop-splosions! They come and I change him, then they come some more, and I change him once again, only to be sitting with him, finally getting him to fall asleep, when another occurs and we both wake up, startled!

So... my advice to you kidless freaders, I say:

Love your long dinners and lunches. Drink wine and actually enjoy the person your sitting across from. Look and your boobs and say, yes - they are perky and no one in the near future needs to be sucking on them. Eat warm food. Drink hot tea and take a hot bath. And folks... ENJOY your shower! Look at it, love it, clean it, and relish in the warmth and time you have with it. For in short 9 months... while growing a baby... that will all change.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with my man, if only... we could take a few more naps!

Ciao Bellas!

Witty Thoughts

You know what's weird? All throughout my life I have had too much to say, however, these past couple of days, I've gone blank.

Is it bloggers block? Too tired from the baby? I have no earthly idea!! I feel like so much is going on but I just can't seem to form the words. So weird! I used to be so witty. Hopefully the witt will return and I can regain my blogging voice.

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Today, Mr Man is 2 weeks old, and he is changing everyday! I just can't tell you. It is quite funny though, because the other day he found his voice, and then yesterday, he and I took a bath together, and when we came out, he had this rock and roll hair do. Maybe my man will be the next American Idol (spoken in the best Seacrest voice!)

Also, last night Mr Mochachino met Mr Brady. It was a very gently meeting (thank GOD!) and nothing seemed to be arry (sp?). Mocha licked B's head twice and then went on with his business. I guess he gets it?

Hope you all have an eventful Thursday and I will be back once the blogging bug bites again!

A Neurotic Mother!

Well folks, I am officially a neurotic mother.

Last night, after a long nap, Brady woke up and had a little cream colored mucus on his eyelid. He tried to open his eye but it seemed it had crusted over and it was too hard to open. I was so freaked out, I started screaming to hubs to call the pediatrician.

After a short conversation we were informed our baby had a blocked tear duct. All we had to do was massage the tear duct for 5-10 seconds and he should be better.

PHEW! I was so nervous. Then, last night, his dried umbilical thing came off. I am so glad, because I always felt nervous when changing a diaper around it.

I sure hope this neurosis goes away, otherwise I may have to lock Brady in the house ;-)

On a different note... we took a couple photo's of Brady today for his birth announcement.

Tell me which one you like best!

Gettin Kinda Antzy!

Today, for some reason, I want to go explore the outside. It seems I have been in the house forever - almost a month (while in my 9th month of pregnancy) and now for 1 week with my bundle.

Don't get me wrong... I LOVE being home with my man, but I want to get him to explore the world with me. I want to be one of those cute moms that goes shopping with strollers and fun stuff.

It is quite difficult to get out of the house, I must say though, because of the boob thing. Not to mention diapers and such. But I am ready to try it!

Hopefully tomorrow I will get to do some shopping! I am getting new patio cushions (to pump up my backyard!) from World Market. Tell me what you think!