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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

PYHO - I can't believe he's still...

You know the saying – opinions are like assholes? Everyone has one.

 

That becomes startlingly true once you have children.

 

Everyone thinks they know how you should be raising your child. Family, friends, random strangers. All of them are right and knew someone who knew someone that did this or that and now their child is scarred for life.

 

Given that I have made some crunchy decisions when it comes to childrearing – I’ve definitely gotten told what I’m doing wrong more than once!

 

When we chose to cosleep – in order to preserve my sanity and ability to function during the day since Jellybean was reverse cycling and would be up all night eating – It was – “Oh – you’ll never get him out of your bed now! He’s going to be sleeping with you until he’s 10!”

 

We set up Jellybean’s toddler bed in our room a few months ago. He kept rolling off so we stuck a twin mattress on the floor beside it. Where he’s been comfortable sleeping through the night. Alone for the past few weeks. After the craziness of the holidays we’ll move it into his room and he will officially be transitioned into a big boy.

 

When I made the decision to let Jellybean self wean rather than cutting him off from breastfeeding I heard all about the neighbor who had a neighbor who had a 5 year old that would pull her shirt down in the middle of the street and latch on.

 

Jellybean has been down to mornings and nights for a few months now. The WHO recommends breastfeeding until at least 2 and that has been my goal. Now that my pregnancy with Jujube is progressing and my milk supply is dwindling Jellybean has almost weaned. On his own at 23 months. Without tears, tantrums or any trauma.

 

Instead of feeding a ton of purees we mainly did babyled weaning. Mostly because Jellybean didn’t want to be spoon fed. He had a mean pincer grasp by 6 months. Now at almost 2 he uses a regular, adult size fork like a pro along with a spoon and can drink out of a regular cup. To which my mom comments – but he barely eats and you don’t know how much he’s eating!

 

This is the child that usually eats two breakfasts and two lunches. He can down an entire can of ravioli by himself in a single sitting. He snacks on peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes.

 

He eats until he’s full and then he stops. It’s simple and healthy.

 

When it came to discipline we decided that neither of us remembered spanking being a very effective form of punishment for us. So we chose to go with time out and losing privileges. Which of course means we are going to have a wild and unruly child. He is in fact so wild and unruly that when I placed him in time out at my mom’s he stayed there until I said he could leave and then apologized after getting out.

 

Potty training is another area where we are letting him take the lead. Some weeks he’s really into it and wants to go all the time. Others he could care less about it. Since we aren’t forcing him to potty train he will of course still be in diapers when we get to college. Mind you this is a 23 month old that asks to go potty already.

 

I’ve never felt the need to apologize for my parenting choices. I occasionally felt bullied, especially by family, but I always stood my ground. I’m proud of the child we’ve raised so far and now with Jujube on the way I am even more confident in choosing those same things again this time. I have a child who is fiercely independent and has chosen each time how long he is going to do something and he stopped when he was ready. It made the transition easy on all of us. We may not fall under the status quo but luckily they aren’t the ones raising these kids.

 

We are.

 

Linking up with Shell for Pour Your Heart Out!

 

Monday, November 26, 2012

The Scoop on Jujube -15 weeks

How far along? 15 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain:  Still about 6 lbs

Maternity clothes? Not yet but wearing leggings more often. Joey also had to peel a pair of jeans off of me on Saturday. I got them on realized I couldn't button them, then realized I couldn't get them off!

Stretch marks? Nope

Sleep: Ok - I have to pee a few times a night

Best moment this week: All the excitement I got from everyone about Jujube

Have you told everyone yet: Yes!

Miss Anything?  Coffee- gives me heartburn now

Movement: Occasionally - baby likes hot tea with lemon alot!

Food cravings: Sweets lately

Anything making you queasy or sick: The reflux

Have you started to show yet: Sure have!

Gender prediction: Everyone thinks girl

Labor Signs: nope

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Most thankful for: My family and this miracle on the way

Looking forward to: Our gender ultrasound next Saturday

Dreading: The increasing back pain with this pregnancy. I need to get into the chiropractor!

The Difference between Men and Women

Yesterday, the difference between men and women became glaringly obvious to me.

 

Jellybean fell asleep in the car on the way back from grocery shopping. We decided to let him sleep and I asked the hubby to bring the groceries in.

 

Which he did.

 

Then he sat down on the couch to watch some TV.

 

I was going to put groceries away but decided I needed to wash some dishes first.

 

Which meant I needed to put dishes away.

 

Then I washed the dishes.

 

I went to put groceries away but realized the fridge needed to be cleaned out.

 

Which meant I also repackaged all the leftovers into clear containers hoping that if we can see the food that’s in there we’ll actually eat it.

 

Then I had to wash the previous containers.

 

And wipe down the fridge.

 

Finally I could put some groceries away.

 

Somewhere in there Jellybean woke up.

 

Handed him a cheesestick and started heating up his lunch.

 

Sent Joey into Jellybean’s room to play with Choo Choo Trains.

 

Cut up a ridiculous amount of fruit to keep the fruitaholic happy for the week.

 

Washed those dishes.

 

Sat Jellybean down to his Spaghettio’s.

 

Started making sweet tea.

 

Prepping more meals for the week.

 

Joey is back on the couch.

 

Watch Jellybean feed the dog Spaghettio’s.

 

Hear Joey start the bath.

 

Look over and see Jellybean is covered from head to toe in Spaghettio’s.

 

Eat my salad.

 

Start prepping dinner. And fix lunches for today.

 

While Jellybean takes a bath.

 

Ask Joey if he will just sweep and mop once Jellybean falls asleep for the night.

 

Wake up this morning.

 

No sweeping, no mopping.

 

But I did get a recap of The Walking Dead.

 

Sigh…

 

 

Monday, November 19, 2012

It's Not You, It's Me

It's Not You, It's Me

That I blog for that is.

When I first started blogging I had dreams of having a big following, getting asked to test al sorts of products and being an internet celebrity.

Then life happened.

Not in a bad way though.

My life just got really full. Between work, the Jellybean, now Jujube on the way, hubby, family and friends - this is no longer about attracting everyone else to it.

Now this place - its about me! That's why I don't feel bad when I don't blog for a week at a time. I was probably busy racing trucks around the house or baking chocolate chip cookies. Not glamorous but part of what makes me smile.

Tonight I found time for all of you. As i sit by the fire relaxing after a very long day. Tomorrow - I'm making time for my sister and her family by heading over there fr dinner after work.

Its a balancing act and I'm finally at a point where I don't feel guilty for picking me over you. :)

Now go bake some cookies, play with your kiddos and ignore me for awhile - I'll still be here when you get back!

Take it Easy, Girlfriend!

There is such a thing as too much.

 

On Sunday – I met too much and it put me in my place.

 

Had my 14 week appointment with Jujube on Friday. All is well. My weight gain is still minimal, my bp is great and Jujube was all over the place. He/she wouldn’t stay still long enough for the nurse to get a heartbeat.  All over the place! No wonder I’ve already felt him or her. Got my flu shot and the doctor found Jujube’s heartbeat right away!

 

Joey was working all weekend and our house was a wreck.

 

So I of course go the bright idea to clean the whole house. I had Jellybean’s room cleaned and straightened up before he even woke up Saturday. Then I just kept going. I swept, I mopped. I vacuumed. Changed sheets. 4 loads of laundry washed. Meals cooked. Some dishes washed. I wiped. Finally Saturday night I slowed it down and settled on the couch to watch Cars 2 with Jellybean.

 

Only to start again Sunday morning. By 6:50am I’d folded a basket of laundry and baked Cinnamon rolls. By 11am all baskets of laundry were folded and put away, we’d played outside AND we’d been to the park. I got Jellybean down for a nap without too much fuss, ate lunch myself and then it hit me like a ton of bricks.

 

TOO MUCH.

 

I’d overdone it. Couldn’t even think about another chore. Instead I laid down with Jellybean and caught a nap myself. Fed him lunch and then we headed to the thrift store and Dollar Tree for a little break. Joey called me during that time to tell me he was now working a double. The idea of having to go back home and finish washing dishes then cook a meal made we want to cry.

 

So I did what any pregnant, headachy, tired 30 year old mom of an energetic toddler would do.

 

I headed to MY mom and dad’s so they could take care of us instead. I lounged in the living room while Jellybean ordered my parents around. I snacked, he snacked. They fed us dinner and then we both headed home. Happy and taken care of.

 

Sometimes – TOO MUCH has to remind me to meet my other good friend –

 

TAKE IT EASY!

 

Amazingly – the dishes and laundry are still there. I’ll tackle them tonight while Joey plays with Jellybean and the house resumes its normal chaos and mess!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Breastfeeding and Dad

Can I gloat about how far my hubby has come in the breastfeeding journey?

 

He’s from Mississippi. Where pretty much no one breastfeeds. Its formula out of a bottle. That’s the norm. He had no experience with breastfeeding prior to Jellybean and a huge learning curve. He’d occasionally get jealous or frustrated when Jellybean only wanted me. Slowly though he grew to love it.

 

He didn’t have to wake up during the night! He started to understand all the benefits. He was proud of the fact that I was doing what was best for our child. He became my biggest supporter. He started letting his friends wives and girlfriends who were expecting know that I could offer them advice if needed.

 

What really made me realize how far he has come though was this morning. The man who use to think extended breastfeeding was a little weird brought our almost two year old into bed at 5:30 saying here have some milkies and snuggle with Mommy. Daddy has to go to work.

 

Now, let’s see what he thinks about tandem nursing if we get there come May! J

 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Sometimes, I wonder - PYHO

I had one of those nights last night that left me wondering all sorts of things.

 

Here let me share with you 10 minutes inside my brain –

 

How is it possible to be gassy, nauseous and have heartburn simultaneously?

(Answer – pregnancy)

 

What does a husband consider to be cleaning the kitchen up?

(Answer – piling all of the dirty dishes by the sink for you to wash, then making piles of various other stuff for you to go through and wiping down the surfaces. Thanks, babe, thanks!)

 

What’s the biggest mistake you can make when putting your toddler to sleep?

(Answer – Assuming they are asleep since they haven’t said anything in 10 minutes. So you try out your stealth ninja moves you’ve perfected over the past 22 months to extricate your arm and shoulder from under their body. Only to have them say “ Hey , Momma! Choo Choo Train?” Insert another 30 minutes to get them asleep!)

 

Is there actually a sippy cup out there that is spill proof?

(Answer – Nope, that is why you’re sitting in this wet spot on the couch.  Which is going to leave a water spot.)

 

What is the purpose of a booster seat?

(Answer – to contain my child for the 3 months he would sit in in. Now he climbs in my seat at the dinner table and eats off my plate. A little big for his britches me thinks!)

 

Where does the other sock go?

(Answer - …crickets…)

 

How is it when I actually get some extra money in my account it dissapears quicker then a regular paycheck?

(Answer – My husband.)

 

When is the last time I dusted up there?

(Answer – I’m too short to see it so technically there is no dust.)

 

Why won’t the fricken dog stop peeing and pooping in the house?

(Answer – Because the fricken hubby can’t handle his ONE responsibility in the mornings. You know while I get two people, dressed ready, fed and out the door.)

 

I should get up and get the meat for dinner tomorrow out of the freezer and into the fridge. And cut up the veggies.

(Answer – Hungry Howies has $5 pizza’s on Wednesdays.)

 

Why am I still awake?

(Answer – Apparently I enjoy torturing myself.)

 

What are 10 minutes inside your brain like?

 

Linking up with Shell for Pour Your Heart Out!

 

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Motivation Station

I thought the second trimester was supposed to bring more energy and in a way it has. I’m 13 weeks and I no longer feel like I’m dragging ass all day long. I can actually stay awake past 8 pm now, which is nice.

 

Sadly though, my motivation is still nowhere to be found. It takes me all week to do chores I would usually get out of the way in a few hours. Granted some of that is due to the not quite 3 foot tall terror who manages to undo my chores while they are being done.

 

Oh, wow, you just folded all those clothes and towels? You know what’s REALLY fun? Grabbing those off the put away pile and dragging them all over this floor! That hasn’t been mopped yet! Then let’s pull all the clothes off the hangers too! Man- I have the best ideas!

 

Then there are nights like last night. Where both Joey and I got sucked onto the couch and somehow ended up watching 2 hours of mindless renovation shows on HGTV. I could have done chores while I sat there but I didn’t.

 

I may actually be hoping the nesting bug hits me because there is so much that needs to get done and I’m sadly lacking in the want to get it done department.

 

My biggest accomplishment for yesterday was getting a 4D ultrasound package for $28. Then convincing my sister to buy one for us as a gift. So December 1st we’re going to know if Jujube is pink or blue and then in March we’ll go again and get some cute chubby shots.

 

Until then, I’ll be on the couch. Eating Oreos and getting ideas on how to finish a basement. Since I don’t even have a basement.

 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

PYHO - 30 is Grand

Today is my 30th birthday.

I'm not freaking out about it or even the slightest bit upset.

Actually, I'm thrilled. I am so excited for my 30's.

My twenties - they were awesome. I accomplished so much.

Graduated college. Got an apartment with a great roommate. Found a good job (at the time).

Met Joey. Bought a car (by myself for once!). Got married. Bought Joey a car.

Bought a house.

Watched my dad fight through an ICU stay and eventually get a life saving surgery - by the miracles of God!

Fought infertitlity.

Got pregnant.

Had a baby.

Saw my husband through rehab.

Got pregnant again - naturally!

My thirties?

They are going to rock! I'm going to be a mom to two wonderful kids (Maybe more?). I'm married to a great guy, sometimes moody, always loveable. He respects that I'm going to keep him in line and knows that if he messes up there are no second chances this time.

I'm strong, I'm independent. I'm a woman I can be proud of.

I know what I want out of life and I have a plan in place to get there. Methodically, rationally but in the end successfully.

I have an awesome family who is the best support system a girl could ever ask for. I'm just blessed in so many ways I couldn't imagine not being thankful for what the twenties were and what my thirties are going to bring.

Watch out, 30! I've got big plans for you!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Conversations with Jellybean - Looking for Adventure

The plan was for Jellybean to be a punk rocker for Halloween.

A noble plan. He had the ripped jeans. I made him a Ramones shirt. And he had a leather jacket.

Unfortunately, his hair was our downfall. It would not hold a fauxhawk. No amount of gel, hairspray or hair wax would keep it up.

So – we ended up with a greaser from The Outsiders. Just setting you up to be an outcast before you hit two, there Ponyboy. It’ll be alright!

Hey Jellybean! You want to go trick or treating and get some candy?
Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App

No not really, Mom. I just want to ride. Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App

Besides, you already have a whole bowl full of candy here. Why do I need to go anywhere? Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App

Well buddy, the neighbors wanted to see you all dressed up. Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App

They can see me, I’m right here in the front yard! Uploaded from the Photobucket Android App
Looking for adventure and whatever comes our way!

Friday, November 2, 2012

The Scoop on Jujube - 12 Weeks

How far along? 12 weeks - The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder.
Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce.

Total weight gain/loss? I'm up around 5 lbs right now

Upcoming Appointments? Had my NT Scan today. OB appointment in 2 weeks.

Are you in Maternity clothes? Nah - I still fit in mine!

How are you sleeping? Awesome actually! Counting my blessings on that one

Pregnancy symptoms? Still a little nausea here and there. Starting to get some aches and pains and heartburn. The fatigue thank goodness has finally lifted! Oh and I'm bitchy!

Weekly BOOO HOOOO? My raise at work wasn't nearly what I thought it would be. At least I got a raise though - right?

Weekly WHOO HOOO? This -



Jujube is measuring 12 weeks exactly. Jellybean and Joey were both there for the scan. Heartbeat was 166 bpm. Jujube had the hiccups during the scan - so cute! Also my profit sharing check from work will cover a huge chunk of my deductible. Usually use that for Christmas presents but oh well!

2 weeks til the second trimester. 26 weeks to my c-section. It seems to be flying and crawling by all at once!

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